Signing off with some fashion-forward advice

The Hoot Couture columnists sum up their last thoughts of the semester in fashion.

Dear Temple,

When we weren’t judging each others’ horrible fashion decisions of the past – or yours for that matter – we tried to give some tough love about fashion.  Over the semester, we have learned a lot, as we’re sure you have, too.

Lex said, “I learned I don’t have to be a size zero to dress well, but if you’re not a size zero, there are some things you shouldn’t be caught dead in.”

Mark said, “I learned haters gonna hate. No matter what you do, someone will always have a criticism, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so rock that beauty you behold.”

On that note, Lex wanted to leave with a couple friendly reminders:

I started off the column discussing body art. A tattoo shouldn’t be a late-night drunken decision, but rather, a piece of art – much like fashion – that should be cherished forever. The most permanent accessory should represent you, your morals and your beliefs.

In regards to your personality, it’s just as important to be as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. If you didn’t get the message in one of my previous columns, “you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still just a pig.”

Before we left for winter break, we left you with a list of 25 deadly sins and some winter-style tips. While we were a little harsh and didn’t account for different sets of style, our intentions were good. But there are some things that still apply – (cough) muffin tops and whale tails (cough).

On Valentine’s Day, we learned another important lesson – dressing for yourself and not changing yourself or your convictions is more important than dressing to appeal to the apple of your eye.

For you mothers-to-be, don’t let your soon-to-be baby compromise your style.  It’s easier than ever to find fashionable maternity wear and shoes, so leave the Crocs where they belong – in the trash.

Yet, for any shape or size, it’s important to love yourself as you were made. Spanx and other shape wear prevent you from doing so. Take a cue from Miss Gaga and remember – “baby, you were born this way.”

Mark had a couple things to mention, as well:

Nothing improves your image faster than etiquette. Show your special someone you can be classy in any setting with your manners.  Whether you’re dining at the Student Center or Le Bec Fin, keep your napkin in your lap and your mouth closed.

While loving your body, we gave suggestions on how to accentuate your features and downplay problem areas.  Again, don’t feel bad about imperfections – we all have them – and that’s what makes us special.

We also showed ways to save the environment without compromising fashion.  Natural fabrics, concentrated detergents and corporate environment reports all help you keep your wardrobe as cool as the arctic.

Finally, we gave some suggestions on how to salvage that favorite article of clothing that was marked by an unknown substance with some simple household cleaners.  Don’t let being a hot mess keep you down – we don’t.

Overall, we wanted to show that fashion isn’t just the clothing on your back, but rather, the whole package.  What’s inside of you, the image you project to others and of course your clothing makes you stylish in your own way.  Keep this in mind because most know not to judge a book by its cover.

Keep it classy – we know we won’t.

Mark Longacre and Alexis Sachdev can be reached at artsandentertainment@temple.edu.