Hiphuggers and V-necks

Fashion trends have changed drastically over the years, along with the way people judge the wearer. A specific clique of people that wear a distinct style of clothing are the Metrosexuals. Urban dictionary defines Metrosexual as, "straight guys who are mistaken for being gay because of their fashion sense and hygiene habits."  Men who fall under the Metrosexual category often wear tight fit clothing and are very conscious about high fashion. The main objective of wearing this clothing is to exploit a slender body type and a feminine look. In Europe, the fashion for men is almost identical to the Metrosexual style seen in America with more fitted clothing.  The style does not transfer over, however. A friend from Russia was deemed "gay" by girls he met here for wearing these clothes that are considered high fashion in Russia. What could this say about America's youth? That they judge by looks alone or that style says a great deal about someone through the judger’s eyes. 

In Andy Warhol's factory, the style seems to be high fashion of the time. Even seen here, that high fashion includes tight pants in the wardrobe. Flipping through the pages of an InStyle magazine; the European companies such as Moschino Boutique or Valentino Vienna show off their perfectly sculpted male models bodies in form fitting clothes. Although one might argue that other styles such as the skater or the emo scene both also wear skinny pants, but it is not equivalent. These styles also include the tousled hair and a look that may seem as one just rolled out of bed. The Metrosexual style involves a male to spend time in the bathroom to be sure his hair is just perfect. A male who is not Metrosexual would find it outrageous that a man would go to a spa for manicures, pedicures, and to be waxed. As for the Metrosexual, this is not only a style but a complete lifestyle that they will tend to.

Word Count: 331

American Ideal

Fashion statements have changed drastically over the years, along with the way people judge the wearer. Years ago it was common for men to wear shorts so short that now today would cause snickers from elders seeing teenage girls wearing. The pants worn in the 1960s by UMBC college students then were tighter than what men wear today in the United States. In Europe however, fashion for men includes clothing being more fitting. The style does not transfer over, however. A friend from Slovakia was deemed "gay" by girls he met here for wearing these clothes that are considered high fashion in Slovakia. What could this say about America's youth? That they judge by looks alone or that style says a great deal about someone through the judger’s eyes. The “American Ideal” for clothing is in the eye of each American during each generation.

In Andy Warhol's factory, the style seems to be high fashion of the time. Even seen here, that high fashion includes tight pants in the wardrobe. Flipping through the pages of a magazine; the European companies such as Moschino Boutique or Valentino Vienna show off their perfectly sculpted male models bodies in form fitting clothes. Although one might argue that other styles such as the skater or the emo scene both also wear skinny pants, but it is not equivalent. These styles also include the tousled hair and a look that may seem as one just rolled out of bed. The European style involves a male to spend time in the bathroom to be sure his hair is just perfect.

Metro sexual: A word that urban dictionary defines as, "straight guys who are mistaken for being gay because of their fashion sense and hygiene habits." This word wouldn't be used to describe college students in the 1960s, but if they were to time travel forward they could be considered for it.

Word Count: 315

Then

...and now

Criss-Cross-Applesauce

From Beezus and Ramona  to Ramona Quimby, Age 8, we were hooked on Beverly Cleary's witty stories. Before hearing the last bell ring, Ms. Chrest would call the class to sit around her rocking chair to listen to her read these scary chapter books that none of us had the confidence or wherewithal to read. Sitting criss-cross-applesauce and having my back scratched by a friend sitting behind me, I would listen to the outrageous stories, laughing at appropriate times. The carpet smelled of a janitorial cleaner mixed with years of first grade sneakers, boogers and paste. After only having a one chapter dose per day, I wanted more, I needed more. I made my mom drive me to the library so I could get my very own Beverly Cleary chapter book to read. Most of the next week was spent reading this "third grader" book, trying my hardest to interpret what the chapters were about and piecing everything together. I may not have fully understood the first few books but for some reason it captivated me. Reading a book from cover to cover and along the way looking at the pages I had already read thinking, "I read all of this!" A simple gratification that still carries with me to this day.

Word Count: 211

The Journey that Led Me Here Today

Varsity game at the Verizon Center in DC

Most call me Chrissy, short from my full name Christina Marie Schappell. I was born in Baltimore and raised thirty minutes away in Howard County. My life up until this point has consisted of ice hockey and school with a few confetti streamers adding a little spice and variety in the mix. Having had chances of playing D1 and D3 hockey, I decided to attend UMBC for academic reasons. My major is Biochemistry and having worked under Dr. Summers here for the past two summers largely influenced my decision. Something random about myself, I achieved the Girl Scout Gold Award with my project of bringing ice hockey to the underprivileged youth of Baltimore City. One of my favorite outings is going to Washington Capitals games with my boyfriend Zach who is also a goaltender in ice hockey. The rest of my journey awaits me.


Word Count: 144