On-Field Fashion: 3 Football Inspired Trends

Today, we’re turning our fashion inspiration to the field. Believe it or not, college football uniforms have gotten a bit of a makeover lately. We’re giving props to the men this time, and translating trends from the field to the bleachers. Whether it’s Oregon’s splashes of neon or some color blocking and ombre touches, here’s some fashion hits from the field.

University of Michigan: Color blocking and Stripes
During a recent match up against Notre Dame, Michigan sported a “throw back uniform” that had some very modern touches to it. Firstly, those are stripes on the sleeve, and we sense some distinct colorblocking happening. The helmet is awesome (does the front resemble a mustache a bit?), and the classic Michigan “M” has some detailing that’s pretty noteworthy. Michiganites (if that’s what you call yourselves), here’s how we’d translate the look.

Carven Color-Block Merino Sweater, $560, net-a-porter.com

Pattern Scarf, $189, farfetch.com

Gola Jersey Messenger Bag, surfdome.com

Jeggings Cords, $168, piperlime.gap.com

Boise State University: Ombre

Some have dubbed this the “power ranger” look, but our discerning fashion eye spots a familiar trend: ombre. Ombre, which in french means “shaded,” and is denoted by the graduating of color from light to dark, is obvious on the sleeves and shoes of this number. Most recently, you saw this trend on Kristen Wiig of SNL at the Emmy’s, and today we’re showing you how to wear it on gameday.

Stormy sweater, $80, modcloth.com

Hudson quilted crossbody purse, $198, simplysoles.com

Sparkle and fade chiffon mini skirt, $49, urbanoutfitters.com

University of Oregon: Neon

You knew they’d be on here. The Ducks + Nike are football’s equivalent to Alexander McQueen. Shocking. Bold. Always making a statement, you either love or hate the Ducks uniforms. Anyway you look at it, they’re sporting one of our most coveted trends for Spring: neon. We love you, Ducks. Bring on the drama. (A SH side note: Oregon fans, look for School House in your bookstore beginning in October!)

Neon green striped top, $24, windsorstore.com

Moto black skinny jeans, $80, topshop.com

School House Varsity Cardigan, $70, shopschoolhouse.com

Vans lace up sneakers, $45, hottopic.com

Monday Social Spotlight: People Tree

Fair trade fashion is a cause near and dear to School House, and we’re always excited to see other retailers (and celebrities!) take the cause to heart. This Monday’s Social Spotlight is on People Tree, a fashion retailer operating under the principles of fair trade.

At School House’s origin lies a commitment to fair trade fashion, which began in Sri Lanka and has now been brought back to the US. What does this mean? For us, that means paying workers a fair and liveable wage, spending time with them on the factory floor, and treating them with integrity and respect. In People Tree, we see a lot of positive similarities.

Initially launched in the UK in 2001, People Tree now has products in stores around the UK and Europe. The company’s goal is essentially that of ‘fair traders’, what People Tree describe on its website as “voluntary representatives who help transform the lives of people we work with in developing countries by raising awareness and selling People Tree products.” As an added bonus, they focus on not only the social, but also the environmental impact of fashion.

Fair trade fashion is an ethical business practice that is becoming more in demand. It’s a positively reinforcing cycle between consumers who demand ethical fashion and producers like People Tree who provide and advocate it. And now, Emma Watson is furthering the cause with her endorsement of fair trade fashion. Back in January, she said, “Swallows [People Tree's garment facility] is special and I need to believe for my own peace of mind that there will be more places like this in the developing countries in the world.”

We at School House couldn’t agree more. Hats off to you, People Tree and Emma Watson! We hope to see you continue doing what you do, and hopefully other retailers will join the cause. And Emma, now that you’re done with HP, maybe you have some free time to come rep School House?

Office Thursdays: Opportunity Threads + School House

Meet Opportunity Threads, School House’s new cut and sew partner. Opportunity Threads is a worker-owned, cut and sew cooperative based in nearby Morganton, NC. Theirs is a company with an emphasis on both fair labor and sustainable environmental practices, buzzwords that here at School House are enough to fill our hearts with joy.

In the not-too-distant past, North Carolina was a powerhouse in the textile and apparel industry. Unfortunately, trends toward outsourcing and a service-based U.S. economy have contributed to an overall decline in North Carolina’s textile and apparel industry, which has traditionally played a fundamental role in providing jobs and revenue for the state.

Enter Opportunity Threads. Founder Molly Hemstreet recognized the need for a new model of labor organizing in the South. Her idea was to take the pieces of this declining infrastructure that has long been a part of North Carolina history and to put the pieces back together in a more sustainable way.

Molly got in touch with worker-ownership pioneer Frank Adams and Maggie’s Functional Organics, a worker-owned sewing cooperative in Nicaragua, to work on the idea of bringing the model of worker-ownership back to the U.S., specifically to an area that has been hit by job loss in the apparel industry. The connection was then made to workers in Morganton, NC, a rural county with high unemployment but two critical resources: manufacturing mills and talented ex-apparel workers.

And so Opportunity Threads was born. Its principles? Dignity for workers, fair wages and worker-ownership, quality and sustainable production. The goal? Not only to recreate textile work in Southern Appalachia in order to change the lives of many workers, but also to build upon this industry by emphasizing fair trade and sustainability.

We at School House are proud to be partnering with Opportunity Threads. We appreciate a company that puts workers at the heart of its business. In this way, their goals align well with our own: to support the sustainable industry at the local level. As Molly says, it’s “not just an idealistic thing, but a way to do good business.”

Homecoming Fashion: Varsity Jackets

As homecoming season approaches, you may already be planning your game day attire. A classic staple of the homecoming fashion repertoire is the varsity jacket. Many people will go the classic route and wear a t-shirt and chucks, but we think you can do so much more.

Three Ways to Wear a Varsity Jacket

	Obey:The Keep A Breast Slouchy Raglan Top  $34 - karmaloop.com
	Varsity Vogue Jacket in Livermore High $50-$25 - modcloth.com
	BDG Twill Grazer Cigarette Pant $49 - urbanoutfitters.com
	Asos Mex Leather Woven Flat Shoe $37 - asos.com
	Wooden Ships Isadora Spring Turban $19 - urbanoutfitters.com

	Native American symbol shredded cutoff’s $41 - ustrendy.com
	varsity sweater top $24 - janenorman.co.uk
	Dolce Vita Pura Lace Up Wedge $110 - needsupply.com
	Headband $8.05 - hm.com
	College of William and Mary School House Fitted T-shirt $33 - bncollege.com

	Staring at Stars Shirt Romper $40 - urbanoutfitters.com
	Wingtip Shoes $40 - hm.com
	Pointelle Circle Scarf $13 - forever21.com
	Franklin & Marshall Grey Baseball Varsity Bomber Jacket $148 - repertoirefashion.co.uk

Trend Tuesday: High Waisted Skirts

Skirts are a great way to break up your routine of sweat pants, jeans, and sweat pants. Don’t get us wrong, we know that sweat pants and jeans are the comfortable option, but when you want to class it up for class, try adding a skirt to your style mix.

We love that high waisted skirts are trending, and whether you’re a casual dresser or trendsetter, here’s two very different ways to sport the high waisted skirt in style.

	Illustrated People Love Sleeveless Hooded Top $45 $24 - bankfashion.co.uk
	Unisex Tennis Shoe $45 - americanapparel.net
	Mini Messenger Bag $50 - zara.com
	Monsoon Lucky Cuff Bracelet Pack $16 - monsoon.co.uk
	School House Womens Circle Skirt umcp.bncollege.com

	Viscose Breton Stripe Long Sleeve Top $40 - topshop.com
	Kimchi Blue Paperbag Skirt $49 - urbanoutfitters.com
	Miss KG Lychee $81 $40 - kurtgeiger.com
	Kimchi Blue Printed Backpack $49 - urbanoutfitters.com
	Mustard silk knot headband $12 - dorothyperkins.com

New York Fashion Week: Recap

The week of fashion has wrapped up, and we at School House have been following it every step of the way. So here we are to provide you with our own recap of New York Fashion Week!

For eight days, attention turned to New York City as the fashion capitol of the world. A line-up of 99 designers showcased their spring 2012 collections and, in so doing, dictated what to wear for spring. Models for designers like BCBGMaxazria, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, Betsey Johnson, Tory Burch, J. Crew, and Michael Kors strut their stuff down the catwalk. Many designers channeled some really interesting eras and artists as the inspiration for their lines. Here are a few of our favorites from the week!

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

From the shores of the Iberian peninsula came this designer’s line. There is a special place in my heart for that part of the globe thanks to a study abroad term spent in Madrid, so it is unsurprising that I find the Spanish, almost flamenco styles incredibly beautiful. It’s enough to get my castanets clacking over the collection ranging from demure suits to dramatic evening gowns that stole the show.

RODARTE

I’m not sure I can express how much I loved this collection. This brand, founded by Kate and Laura Mulleavy, took a Van Gogh inspiration and ran with it. These designers transformed Van Gogh’s post-Impressionist bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors into a beautiful and dreamy commercial line. Now, who says fashion isn’t art? I’d wear any of these dresses on a starry night.

MARC JACOBS

“‘Can’t repeat the past?’ he cried incredulously. ‘Why of course you can!’” [Gatsby to Nick in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby] You can almost imagine Marc Jacobs exclaiming this as he presented his Spring 2012 collection with strong Roaring ’20s-inspired looks. Though several pieces were clearly revivalist, the collection also managed a modern interpretation in the way it played with odd synthetics like poly-gingham, silicone, cellophane, and all that jazz. The show itself was also particularly enjoyable with its nod to Bob Fosse in the staging. See video here.

Ralph Lauren also had a lovely 20′s vibe going on, as did NYFW newbie Tory Burch, so dare we say it is a trend? And for one final, unabashed Gatsby quote (besides that in the image below…) I’d like for us to pretend that Daisy Buchanan’s comment on Gatsby’s clothing – “It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such – such beautiful shirts before” – was directed at this Fashion Week.

J. CREW

Fashion Week welcomed newbie J. Crew to the lineup! As a collegiate retailer, we at School House were so pleased to see this collection presented, as it portrays a ‘ready to wear’ look that is far more campus friendly. We especially loved the embracing of the neon trend!

ORGANIC BY JOHN PATRICK

Finally, we just wanted to make a shout out to Organic by John Patrick, whose collection is admirable in its proof that sustainability doesn’t negate creativity in a fashion line. We approve!

With Fashion Week wrapped up (and now this NYFW recap too!), we want to hear which looks you’re excited about for spring! How are you going to take these runway looks and translate them to campus?

Dressing Up the Dressed-down Look

As we settle back into the school year, let’s be real–sometimes we just want to comfortable.  But comfortable never has to mean unfashionable.

Throw a boyfriend blazer over one of our touchdown tees and a great pair of skinny sweats, and pair it with chic, understated heels and some accent jewelry for a comfy yet totally together vibe, like this:

silence & noise boyfriend blazer, urbanoutfiters.com, $50; ecu touchdown tee, school house; thakoon addition cuffed angora sweatpant, lagarconne.com, $171; asymmetrical court shoe, zara.com, $20; women’s tote bag, longchamp.com, $105; 10-pack bracelet, h&m.com, $11; michael kors leather beaded bracelet, bloomingdales.com, $45; feathered owl ring, urbanoutfitters.com, $18; double-fingered ring, urbanoutfitters.com, $2.99

Or, go even comfier and pair sweats with a cardigan that’s both library-friendly and cute enough to turn heads.

buffalo state cardigan, school house; thakoon addition draped sweatpant, lagarconne.com, $225; bb dakota roto tank top, urbanoutfitters.com, $59; proenza schouler cognac extra large satchel, jades24.com, $2745; fishtail braid chain necklace, urbanoutfitters.com, $24; half bangle bracelet, urbanoutfitters.com, $15; metal feather cuff bracelet, urbanoutfitters.com, $20; marc jacobs oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses, asos.com, $157; acne dystopia heels, acnestudios.com

Or, substitute a pair of yoga pants for sweatpants!  Pair it with a loose sweater, like this one:

staring at stars shadow stripe tunic, urbanoutfitters.com, $69; elon yoga pants, elon.bncollege.com; white converse chuck taylor all star low sneakers, johnlewis.com, $58; peace sign pendant necklace, urbanoutfitters.com, $19; tiered geometric necklace, urbanoutfitters.com, $29

After all, there’s nothing wrong with ace-ing school in style.

What do you get when you mix leather and

What do you get when you mix leather and a white pleated midi? #perfection @topshop via @voguemagazine http://ow.ly/i/gRmS

Inspiration

Every now and then, an event, person, photo or experience can inspire new trends. Particularly in the fashion world, where ripoffs and knockoffs are part of the fashion “game,” inspiration and the vision to try something new can be really exciting. At School House, we’re inspired by not only what’s happening on the runway, but by celebrating what makes your campus unique.

For most college companies, the design process is fairly simple. You submit a request to one of the major collegiate licensing companies to release the logos and marks approved for use by each school. You take those marks, photoshop them on a t-shirt, sweat pant, etc., re-submit your artwork for approval and voila: you’ve got yourself a $15 college shirt.

That’s not how things work at School House. Sure, we go through the same process, but we do so much more than repurpose your school logo.

We create marks, like the one we did for Berklee’s College of Music.

We research university archives and use old photos like we did for our upcoming Wisconsin collection.

And we pay nod to your school’s nicknames, like we did at Smith college, and school fight songs, like we did with Rutgers “Ru Rah Rah” chant.

We’re inspired by you and what makes your college so unique. So if you’re as equally inspired by your college’s traditions and identity, share it with us; you just may inspire an entire new trend!

We’ve Won a SCORE Award (!)

Not to brag or self promote here, but we simply cannot resist telling you about our recent SCORE win. Here’s why: Because of YOU (our faithful clients, customers, supporters) we were nominated and won Outstanding Woman-Owned Small Business Award of the year. Our CEO/Founder, Rachel Weeks, will be receiving the prestigious award at a ceremony on Sept. 15th in Washington, DC.

Here’s what SCORE CEO Ken Yancey had to say about the award:

“The SCORE Awards celebrates and honors successful and innovative entrepreneurs who inspire us all and the small business advocates who support entrepreneurship in America.” Yancey adds, “As the economy works to recover from recession, these small business successes represent America’s success through innovation and job growth.”

You can read the full press release here: School House, Outstanding Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year

Thanks for your support – this means so much to us!