Stinger Style | ESU Bulletin

Category: Stinger Style

It all started when nail art pens, stickers and Pinterest were invented. Wearing an electric bright pink shade is no longer enough to stand out and be different. With these creations, the world of nail polish has become quite abstract and almost verging on the brink of an art form. Nail polish trends are coming and going quickly, just like fashion, and girls enjoy trying out the next big thing from the comfort of their homes (or dorm rooms)!

We are going to highlight two nail trends for you to try. Hopefully, it can help put the “shatter” polish and ring finger alternative color trends to rest.

The first trend is known as “marbling.” This offers a one-of-a-kind design for every nail that can’t be recreated. At first, you may be a bit unsure of how to get a cool design, but if you keep at it, many girls figure out how to make their polish do exactly what they want.

You will need white nail polish, a small cup or plastic bowl, filtered water, a toothpick or sharp pointed object you would be okay with getting messy (we used a bobby pin), nail polish remover and three shades of solid-colored nail polish.

First, you want to paint your nails white. Having white as a base coat makes the colors show up much better than on a plain nail. Next, fill the small container with the filtered water. Take one of the nail polishes and put a drip of it on the water. You will be able to see it start to spread out across the surface of the water. Drip another color into the middle of the color already on the water. This will spread as well. Repeat with the third color.

Take the toothpick (or bobby pin) and gently make any design you want in the colors. Be careful not to break up the colors too much and keep the layers of color at the top of the water.

Dip one or two of your nails on top of the colors, being sure not to wiggle your fingers too much, as it will disrupt the polish and could possibly create bubbles. Be careful when pulling your finger out of the cup as to not smear or run the colors together.

You will definitely have excess color show up on your skin surrounding your nail. Carefully remove it with nail polish remover when you are done with the process. Put a clear top coat on your nails to seal them and make them shiny.

Our nails didn’t turn out exactly how we thought they would, but that’s half the fun of the process. It’s always a surprise.

However, if you want complete control over your manicure, the next trend is perfect for you. This is called “newspaper nails,” and it is exactly what it sounds like. This is a perfect mani to do right before you recycle your last issue of The Bulletin.

You will need an old issue of The Bulletin (or any newspaper), nail polish remover, alcohol solution, cotton buds, a clear bowl, a base and top coat and a very pale-colored nail polish. You could always try a brighter color, but the louder the color underneath the print, the less you will be able to see the design.

First, you will need to apply your base coat and your nail polish color of choice. We used a very pale (almost sheer) pink. While you are waiting for your nails to dry, you can rip up small bits of the newspaper.

After your nails are completely dry, pour a small amount of the alcohol solution into a clear bowl. We recommend a clear Tupperware-like container because it is easy to make sure your entire nail is covered in the alcohol solution when you dip your finger in.

As soon as you take your finger out of the alcohol solution, place one of the strips of newspaper on top of your nail, making sure to apply even pressure to all parts of the surface. If you only press down on the center of the paper that is the only place that the ink will transfer. Repeat this for all of your nails.

We found that too much alcohol solution and too little alcohol solution made the transfer process difficult, so be sure to play around with how much you dry off your finger before applying the newspaper. Be sure to seal your design with a top coat.

We hope that these tips give you some inspiration for unique nail art personalized for you!

Glam Gala Looks

Emporia State will celebrate 150 years of “changing lives” tomorrow, and, despite her “old age,” the university is looking just as fabulous as ever. Students, faculty, alumni and community members will enjoy a full day of festivities, and at night, they will mix and mingle at the Sesquicentennial Gala Celebration.

Student will play a big role at this black tie affair – greeting, directing, entertaining and informing guests. For those who unsure of what to wear, we’ve compiled some possible looks.

First, makeup. A simple base with some sweet blush is key. Keep the minimal look going. The eyes require only three products: a shimmery champagne eye shadow, black (slightly winged) liner and your favorite mascara. Feel free to change this look with any products you have lying around!

To begin, apply Revlon ColorStay Foundation and Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch concealer, topped with a Physician’s Formula Happy Booster rose blush. Jordan then groomed her brows and set them in place with a brow gel. Her eye-shadow is Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick in bulletproof beige, and her eyeliner is Master Precise by Maybelline in black. Her eyes are completed with CoverGirl’s Clump Crusher Mascara.

The showstopper in this look is definitely the lips. A pop of color makes this easy look seem like it took a lot of effort. We chose three different lip products based on personal preferences. The first is a gloss, the second is a matte lipstick and the last is balm stain. All of these products are available at Walmart, and all of them have a sort of staining quality so you don’t have to worry about touching up your lips throughout the day or night!

From top to bottom: Maybelline Super Stay 10 Stain Gloss in 120 Berry Heavenly, Flower Lipstick in LS3 and Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 005 Crush.

Since you can’t go in your birthday suit, students are encouraged to wear black slacks or skirt with a dressy top. In this look, we have a black business skirt with a cheetah tank top tucked in, and we tied it all together with a black blazer. If you choose to wear a skirt, try to tough it out and wear heels to elongate your legs!

Rachel’s whole outfit can be found at New York & Company, and her heels are from Target.

If you can, try to show some ESU school spirit by incorporating a black and gold top. This top adds sparkle and more personality to the formal look. If you’re wearing slacks, finishing off the outfit with dressy flats is more than okay, and definitely more comfortable!

Rachel is wearing a blazer and slacks from New York & Company, and her top is from Macy’s.

To go more glam than business, wear a knee length semi-formal dress. Try to avoid being too flashy. This is a gala, not a school dance!

Rachel’s silver gala-appropriate dress is from Maurice’s.

We hope you enjoy the Founder’s Day festivities and rock whatever look you choose. We wish ESU another 150 years of changing lives.

It’s time

It’s time to start setting our alarms again – time to go to classes, meetings, events, work, the library, the gym, parties, and everything in between. The life of a college student is busy and a lot of us are constantly on the go, so it can get challenging to look fabulous all the time. Here are our top 10 essential items for being successful and stylish for the spring semester.

1. Wristlets

These are great for girls on the go that don’t want to carry a purse everywhere they go. Wristlets are great for a day on campus or a night out with friends because they hold the basics (including some we’ll mention)! We’ve shown two here. One is a simple pink wallet with a wrist strap from Fossil, and the other is covered in glitter from New York & Company, to get a little sparkle into any outfit.

2. Lip gloss or Chap Stick

Keep your lips from getting too dry in the cold weather! It is increasingly important to hydrate your sensitive lips as the weather continues to get colder. We suggest always having some sort of lip product on hand at all times, just in case. While heavy-duty balms are best, lip gloss will do the job and add a bit of life to your face! This one is from Bath & Body Works, but there are plenty of alternatives at Walmart or Graves Drugs.

3. Nail polish

There is a new kind of nail polish out that will probably be the next big trend since “shatter” and magnetic polish. It’s called “liquid sand,” and it is from the Mariah Carey collection by OPI that includes colors in the formula. It is advised to apply two coats and to not use a top coat. It dries and actually feels like sand! The two colors shown here are called “Get Your Number” and “The Impossible.”

4. Lotion

With the cold weather our skin (just like our lips) dries out more often. Bath & Body Works has mini lotions that can fit in your book bag or purse easily for when you’re not home. You could also buy a miniature travel bottle to put your favorite full-size lotion into for on the go. We’ve shown two different scents from the OPI Avojuice lotion line.

5. ESU Shirt

Every Emporia State student should have an ESU shirt to wear to class and sporting events to show their school spirit! If you’re going to be wearing yoga pants to class, pairing them with an Emporia shirt is an easy and quick outfit to go to.

6. Yoga pants

Yoga pants have become a popular trend for girls to wear for comfort instead of actual yoga. While they aren’t the most polished look, they will do the job when you’re feeling stressed. They come in different lengths and styles. Wear them to class, to work out, or a night at the library to feel comfortable! These yoga pants are from the Victoria’s Secret PINK line.

7. Perfume

Spray some perfume on to start your day or a night out! Celebrities are always launching new scents that are usually available at many places here in Emporia, including Walmart. Beyonce, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez all have multiple scents. Taylor Swift just came out with her second perfume to go along with her original Wonderstruck scent (shown in the photo), and Lady Gaga created the first perfume to use black liquid – but don’t worry, it sprays out clear! If you are going to Walmart for your perfume, try out the smaller sizes and get a few to change it up!

8. Fashion boots

Fashion boots have taken over while the “Ugg” style boots have taken the back seat (something that makes Jordan very happy). Boots that come to the knee or mid-shin in neutral colors that include some sort of buckle can be seen a lot on campus this semester. They can really dress up an outfit and call attention to your legs! These are from Windsor.

9. Watch

Since college students are busy and have to be at a lot of different places throughout the day, a watch can play a huge roll in making sure you are on time and on track! We’ve shown a Betsey Johnson watch, which are sold for $75 and up. If you want a quick fix without too much investment, there are plenty of options at most clothing stores that won’t break the bank so much that you’ll be eating Ramen for a month.

10. Hand sanitizer

Flu season is at a high this year and it is a good idea to carry hand sanitizer with you to avoid germs. You can get cute cases decorated in rhinestones to hook onto your book bag or purse from Bath & Body works to put a little bottle in. They also sell the most delicious smelling hand sanitizer on earth (in our humble opinions), so make sure to get a good whiff of them all.

With these must haves you will be able to be on the go, on time, smelling good, and looking great! Good luck with the new semester, and stay beautiful!

Thankful for Fashion

Thanksgiving is one of the few times a year you might visit select relatives. These situations are almost always full of photo-ops. Looking good and being comfortable, especially because of that large meal, should be a priority during the holidays. We’ve compiled three different looks from the purely comfortable to casual to more dressy. These outfits are sure to please, even if you happen to gorge yourself on food.

The first look we put together is super comfortable and works great if your family is hosting Thanksgiving in your own home. This outfit won’t make you feel too under- or over-dressed. We recommend leggings that can be found at many different stores. These are somewhat more structured than your run-of-the-mill black leggings because they have some seaming down the sides to add a little something extra.

They’re stretchy, so they’re ideal after eating a lot of food – no need to unbutton jeans! We used a simple V-neck shirt and tucked it in for a polished look with comfy boots perfect for lounging around. We topped it off with a fun scarf to add a pop of color.

What Rachel is wearing: Grey V-Neck is from PacSun, Scarf from Charming Charlie, Leggings from Target and Boots by Bearpaw. Jordan Storrer/The Bulletin

In the second look, we used the same V-neck, switched out the scarf and used skinny jeans instead of leggings. The different scarf and the addition of a belt really make this outfit look more polished. This is still casual, but a little dressier.

What Rachel is wearing: Grey V-Neck is from PacSun, Scarf from Charming Charlie, Jeans from Delia’s, Belt from Fossil and Boots by Bearpaw. Jordan Storrer/The Bulletin

Last, to go dressy but still within a certain comfort zone, we used a slouchy top over a light pink tank top. A top like the one pictured is great for bigger meals, compared to form fitting tops that enhance the figure. You may not feel as self-conscious with a full stomach in a top like this!

What Rachel is wearing: Pink Striped top is from PacSun and Jeans are from Delia’s. Jordan Storrer/The Bulletin

We also included some nail polish ideas for the holiday season. For a more neutral look, you can try a light pink or brown like “My Address Is Hollywood” or “Over the Taupe” by OPI. You can also use a dark red to make your nails pop, such as “Sealed With A Kris” from the Kardashian Kolors by Nicole by OPI, which can be found at Walmart, or to add some sparkle for the holiday, try “Pirouette My Whistle” from the New York Ballet collection by OPI.

From top, clockwise, My Address Is Hollywood by OPI, Pirouette My Whistle by OPI, Sealed With A Kris by Nicole by OPI, and Over the Taupe by OPI. Jordan Storrer/The Bulletin

However you spend your holiday season, being inspired by these three looks will get you through any situation.

by Rachel Marshall and Jordan Storrer

We Need Scarves!

It’s time to get those fashion scarves out of the back of your closet, and it doesn’t hurt to get new ones this season! Fashion scarves are fun for fall and winter to add a little pizazz to your outfit while keeping you cozy and warm. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, patterns and materials. Plus, it’s an easy way to stand out and show your personality.

Scarves aren’t can be found at most clothing stores and at reasonable prices ranging from $9 to $13, they are a relatively simple addition you make to your wardrobe without breaking the bank!

We wanted to capture different styles to show all of the options and ways to wear your scarf as we plunge head first into colder weather. If you already have some of your own, we encourage you to change it up and get a different kind. Maybe we will even show you a new way to wear your old scarves!

The first option is a circle scarf.

Rachel wears this circle scarf from Rue 21 for $10 at the Flinthills Mall, 1632 Industrial Road. This is a great option for those on the go.
Jordan Storrer/The Bulletin

The scarf is already sewn shut to form a circle, making it easy to wear and style because all you need to do is put it around your neck and then wrap it around one more time – kind of like making a pony tail.

This next scarf is more of a general style from Maurices’s.

You can tuck the ends of a scarf under so they aren’t in the way of your arms.
Jordan Storrer/The Bulletin

We styled it two different ways. The first is by tying it into a knot arranging it to lie around your chest, right above your stomach.

Another option is to wrap it around your neck and let the ends flow at the sides.

The third style is the square look. We used two different square scarves that were different weights.

Rachel got this scarf from Charlotte Russe for $9.50.
Jordan Storrer/The Bulletin

This scarf with the skulls is fairly lightweight, so it’s perfect for warmer days when a thicker, heavier material might be too much.

In comparison, this next black and white scarf is a heavier material and is more suitable for a colder day.

The first step to folding a square scarf is to fold it in half to make a triangle. Then tie it behind your neck, tuck the ends in and voila!
Jordan Storrer/The Bulletin

You might not be quite sure how to fold a square scarf, but don’t worry! We do! First, fold your scarf in half to make a triangle.

Then take the ends and tie it once behind your neck, like tying shoes. But do not make a knot!

Tuck in the ends to produce a clean and stylish look!

While scarves are great accessories for the colder months, don’t forget that your smile is the best addition you can wear year round!

- Rachel Marshall and Jordan Storrer

Homecoming Weekend Attire

Homecoming is full of opportunities to have fun, whether you are visiting with alumni, riding in the annual tricycle races, going to the bonfire, the parade, the football game or the musical. We view these as opportunities to dress up, and we’ve got some ideas for what to wear as you cheer on our 6-0 football team, or if you’re attending the Homecoming musical, “Guys and Dolls.”

Fall has officially started, and we are at that time of year when how warmly we dress changes day-to-day. For a cool autumn afternoon at the game, we recommend a casual-cute look by keeping it simple with black flats, skinny jeans, an ESU T-shirt and a comfy new sweatshirt from the bookstore!

These sweatshirts came out this week and can be dressed up for a game, but also dressed down as a quick outfit to put on before class. They are heavy duty and run big for that classic slouchy sweatshirt look.

They are priced at $50, but it’s a worthy investment because these durable sweatshirts can last you years. You can also get them for a bargain during the bookstore’s Champion Sale in early November. Go light on the makeup with a little eyeliner, mascara, face powder and blush. We advise to put your hair up to avoid it getting in your face in the event that it’s a windy day. You don’t want to miss a touchdown because your hair got in your eyes, right?

Show school spirit with your nail polish, too! You can purchase the “I’m Not Lion” color by China Glaze for $8. It is a fun gold glitter that stands out and goes great with the “We’re All In” casino theme. If the glitter is too much for you, pick a shade of black or gold.

Go dressy for the Homecoming musical. You can wear a simple, non-expensive dress that can be worn in different ways to fit your own style with accessories and shoes. As for makeup, you can go a bit heavier than normal, but just make sure you aren’t wearing more than the performers.

We styled this dress three different ways so that anyone would feel comfortable and still look their best. The first way is definitely the most casual.

We paired the dress with a simple belt, cardigan, and flats to stay comfy and cute.

If you’re interested in a more casual style, we have two more options. The first is very classy and simple. We took off the cardigan and belt, then added a necklace and nude pumps.

The musical can be a great excuse to wear heels. Why not? You are sitting down most of the time!

The last look for the musical is still very put-together and classic, but we added a bit of a twist.

Pairing a similar necklace as the one in the last look with these simple black heels really pulls everything together.

Make sure to take your essentials along with you in a sparkly clutch bag to finish off your look!

Have fun with your Homecoming attire and make sure to incorporate some black and gold to show your school spirit, and never forget – your smile is your best accessory!

Meet the Authors

Jordan (pictured above) is a freshmen undecided major who usually shoots news photos for The Bulletin, but she’s also got a keen eye for style etiquette.Rachel is a junior communication major who has a passion for fashion and all things style. She served as the model for this blog, as well as providing the commentary.