Fashionable First Ladies: The Muses of DC

Let's be honest with ourselves, guys. When someone brings up fashion havens around the country, D.C. isn't usually thought of as being on par with places like Los Angeles or New York. The "business conservative" look that runs rampant all over the capital usually overshadows the fun and eclectic tastes that make D.C. fashion so unique. And while the leaders of our nation made significant contributions to foreign policy, our economy, and social issues, it's the First Ladies that made strides in expressing themselves through their choice in clothing. The National Museum of American History even has an entire exhibit dedicated to their bold sense of style. As the years pass, they continue to serve as inspiration. Who knows, maybe the boys on Capitol Hill will even take a few hints.

Dolley Madison

Thought of as very risqué for her day, Dolley Madison favored low-cut gowns made out of delicate fabrics that allowed her to show off her figure. She kept up-to-date with all the new European trends, and earned a few whispers behind her back when she started wearing rouge on her cheeks, as was practiced in France. She wore a gold satin turban to her husbands inauguration ball, proving that she valued her self-expression and sense of style much more than others' perceptions of her.

Frances Cleveland

Frances Cleveland became the youngest First Lady in history when she married Grover Cleveland at 21. She was unafraid to flaunt her youth through her daring fashion choices. Her fondness for low-cut and shoulder-bearing dresses even resulted in a petition issued by the Women's Christian Temperance Movement to urge her to wear more modest clothing. She was such an influential force behind fashion in the United States that bustle sales plummeted right after her decision to stop wearing them.

Grace Coolidge

While most of the country was still voicing its distaste over flapper fashion of the 1920s, Grace openly embraced it and displayed her courageous fashion sense at every opportunity, as seen above in the dress she wore to her President Coolidge's inauguration. Her sunny disposition and charm, paired with her love of bold and vibrant garments, made her infamously popular among everyone she met, even her gruff and controlling husband.

Jacqueline Kennedy

Women of the 50s and 60s tried so hard to achieve the grace and elegance that Jackie Kennedy pulled of effortlessly. Her high-waisted dresses and long silk gloves were a product of the times, but she added poise to outfits that on anyone else seemed common. She took inspiration from ancient Egyptian and Greek friezes. Her love of accessories is well-known, even today. Her pearls were sophisticated yet fashionable, and who could forget those glamorous sunglasses. Celebrities are still trying to embody Jackie's look, but they'll never come close to her classic style.

Nancy Reagan

Nancy Reagan's career in Hollywood before entering the political sphere definitely influenced her choices in fashion. She has a deep-rooted love for designers like Oscar de la Renta and Chanel, but her attachment got her into a bit of trouble. Unaware that the First Family could not accept gifts without first paying taxes on them, Nancy accepted free gifts from designers worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, which eventually got her into trouble with the IRS. She faced a lot of criticism for continuing to purchase pricey clothing while the country was in a recession, but she refused to sacrifice her personal style.

Michelle Obama

Michelle has already been credited with bringing fashion back into the White House. Often seen baring her enviably toned arms in bright colored garments, she exudes confidence and vivacity in her wardrobe choices. In case her bold sense of style wasn't enough to impress you, there are Michelle Obama action figures with replicas of her best outfits. Take that, Batman.

Making the Most Out of Your Wardrobe

Since college students have a lot of trouble sticking to a budget for clothes and accessories, learning how to spread your wardrobe out is an important concern.

Even if you feel like you have nothing new to wear, you can play around with different combinations to create a limitless number of outfits.

Here's how to take one item (a shirt dress) and make 5 different ensembles:

Day 1: Wear it as a one-piece dress with tights.

Day 2: Wear it open like a cardigan, with a skirt and boots.

Day 3: Tuck it into a full skirt and pair it with a high-waisted belt.

Day 4: Wear it as a dress with a high-waisted belt and bold footwear.

Day 5: Leave it unbuttoned over a band tee and Converse.

By picking a few basic pieces that you already have in your closet and using some creativity, you can really expand your collection of clothes without spending a cent.

Real Guys Dressing For Less

So we got B, a 21 year old college senior, to show us 2 looks he would wear on a normal night out on the town, and where he got his clothes. He loves to shop (shhh, don't tell!) and makes a beeline for the sales. He's a huge fan of outlets and finding great clothes at affordable prices. Here's our first look:

Blazers are in this season, and in some shops, actually affordable. B said his jacket was bought earlier in the year at American Eagle for $39.99, but you can still get a classy blazer like the one shown at Urban Outfitters, on sale for $59.99. Check out the Urban in Georgetown on M street or in Chinatown right off the Metro!

His jeans are from Hollister, and the ones shown are a dark, classic, straight legged jean for only $39.90. Check out the Hollister nearby in Bethesda, MD, only one Metro stop away from AU!

B got his white oxford from American Eagle for $39.99. Check out the AE in Georgetown, right near the intersection of M street and Wisconsin ave!

His shoes are from Steve Madden, where there is a great sale going on, for only $47.70!

Here's the second going out look he pulled off:

The button-down is a very typical DC look. Get B's shirt at Urban Outfitters for $29.99!

His shoes are from Payless, at a mere $34.99!

His Levi's are from Urban again, for $29.99.

His belt is from American Eagle, on sale for $19.99.

A day-time look for guys:

Be trendy but affordable with the choices below. Deep V-Neck cardigans are huge this season, along with lots of plaid and flannel shirts.

Thanks for the help B!

College Staples For Winter

If you already go to American University or have been there for the winter, chances are you already own these winter staples. But if you haven't had a winter here yet, better head out and grab these and make them your own for the cold months!

1) The black Northface. Wear it to class before it gets too cold, or choose it as a lightweight jacket to wear over your going out clothes. Get it at:

3333 M St, Washington - (202) 298-5510

or order online at www.thenorthface.com

2.) Leggings. At least one pair of black leggings is necessary. Useful for going to the gym, hanging around at home, going to class, or wear them out with a classy top for a sexy going out outfit.

Get a pair at American Apparel:

3025 M Street NW

Washington, DC

(202) 572-016

3) Fringe Scarf. They come in a million different colors, are long, soft and comfy and a very normal thing to see girls wearing on and off campus.

Get one at Nordstrom's Junior Department

7111 Democracy Boulevard

Bethesda, MD - (301) 365-4111

4) Ugg Boots. Wait, not any Ugg boots. The short or tall classic sand colored boot.

Get them at Nordstrom or www.uggaustralia.com

5.) A classy pair of skinny jeans. Seven for all mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Rock and Republic, True Religion, Hudson.. any of these will do. And although they might be a bit of an investment, if you buy them at Nordstrom they will tailor them for free! And these jeans will last years. Dress them up or wear them with Uggs and a northface jacket.

Get them at Nordstrom

or Neiman Marcus

5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington - (202) 966-9700

But if you can't afford these designer brands, check out these cheaper versions below. You'll save a ton of money, and will still look fashionable!

Sam's Club: Yes, this wholesale warehouse where your mom used to buy large quantities of ice pops every summer also stocks women and men's clothing! Several friends have tipped me off that this is where they got their almost identical Northface lookalike jackets.

2365 Crain Hwy

Waldorf, MD 20601301-932-9408


Target: This store has everything fashionable for unbelievably cheap prices- like these black leggings, only $6!
3100 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20010-2415
(202) 777-3773(only 12 minutes from AU!)

Urban Outfitters: This store can be pricey, but they always have great sales. They currently have a wide variety of scarves, including this fringe one- for $13!

737 7th St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 737-0259‎

(Located right next to the Gallery Place / Chinatown metro station exit)

Payless: Located right in Tenleytown, you can't get much more convenient than this! Find Ugg lookalikes that will keep you warm and fashionable for a fraction of the price. Look for Airwalk boots (below) for $34.99 (Uggs can cost up to $160!)

Forever 21: For dark skinny jeans that are a staple in every wardrobe, this store has what you need! These jeans are only $26!

6500 Springfield Mall,Springfield, VA‎ -(703) 313-6200

(only a half hour from AU)

Featured Celeb of the Day: Rachel Bilson

Satchel bag- Urban Outfitters, $39.00

3111 M St NW,Washington,DC

(202) 342-1012

Knit Jacket - Forever 21, $15.50

1100 S. Hayes St.

Arlington VA 22202

(703) 415-4121

T-Shirt - American Apparel, $22.00

3025 M Street NW

Washington, DC

(202) 572-0166

Slim boot cut jeans - American Eagle, $39.50

1220 Wisconsin Ave NW

Washington, DC 20007-3220

(202) 965-5472

Mason Button Boots - Payless Shoes, $34.99

4505 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20016

(202) 537-7034

Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters, $10.00

3111 M St NW,Washington,DC

(202) 342-1012

City Style For the Guys

Don't worry, men- we haven't forgotten you! A popular look for guys, especially in urban areas like DC, is the 'hipster look'. While hipsters ideally spend all their money on MGMT concert tickets, cigarettes, and Pabst Blue Ribbon, stores that cater to their style- American Apparel, Urban Outfitters- can be quite pricey. Here are some fashion ideas that will keep you looking like you belong in a Greenwich Village record store- And still have some money left over for Girl Talk tickets!

Hipster Essentials for Dudes

The hat: Every stylin' hipster loves a good hat! Beanies are always a good choice.

Green beanie, Urban Outfitters

$14.00

The Shades: It goes without saying that you must own at least one pair of shades to be a hipster. You can't go wrong with black wayfarers- they go with everything and will never be out of style.

Black Wayfarers: Similar styles at Eastern Market, $10

The blazer: A plain blazer is a great staple to any hip outfit. You can wear it for formal outfits or to dress up a concert tee and jeans. H&M carries a great assortment of blazers, around $40 to $50.

Jimmy Choo for H&M black blazer: $50

The tee shirt: What better shirt for a DC hipster than this?

Obama Teeshirt, MoveOn.org : $25

Jeans: The skinnier, the better!

Levis Skinny Jeans: $49.99, Amazon.com

The Shoes: A classic hipster fave is the Vans lace up, but these can cost up to $50! Since you splurged (for a college student) on the blazer and jeans, find a bargain with Urban Outfitters' knockoff version for $9.99!

Urban Outfitters Blue Plimsoll Lace Up, $9.99

Don't have Kid Cudi or Zac Effron's budget? You can still have their style!

Featured Celeb of the Day: Jessica Szohr

Continuing the trend-watch of the cast of Gossip Girl, our featured celeb of the day is Jessica Szohr. Here's where some previously mentioned items come into play; hopefully you picked up Rachel Bilson's jacket and Blake Lively's booties in previous posts! Here's Jessica's look.

Affordable Version!!

And heres where to get it!

Boots: Aldo, $75.00

Turquoise Satchel: $19.98

3237 M Street NW

Washington, DC 20007

(202) 337-1515

Knit Jacket: Forever 21, $15.50

Linked Chain Earrings: $4.80

Translucent Long beaded necklace: $5.80

Dual Chain Necklace: $6.80

Groovy Chiffon Bubble Dress: $12.50

1100 S. Hayes St.

Arlington VA 22202

(703) 415-4121

Grey Opaque Tights: Urban Outfitters, $12.00

3111 M St NW,Washington,DC

(202) 342-1012