The Orange Carpet: Stylish & Sleep Deprived

The Orange Carpet scours SU to roll out the best of campus style (die, hoodies, die!).

Name: Risa

Year: Junior

Major: Women & Gender Studies

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Fashion Icon: Frida Kahlo & Nicole Richie

Trend that needs to die: Ugg Boots with short skirts

It is hard to believe that this is what Risa looks like when she is deprived of two nights of sleep. As took a break from cramming for her midterms in Food.com, her Persian blue tunic caught my eye. She had a vintage- bohemian laidback vibe about her, so it was no surprise when she named both Nicole Richie and Frida Kahlo as her style inspirations. (Risa dresses up as Kahlo every year for Día de Los Muertos.) Mixing elements of boho, traditional Mexican culture, androgyny, and military influences, Risa chooses pieces that are both stylish and ethical. Majoring in Women & Gender Studies with a minor in Sociology has allowed her to learn about sweatshop practices and encouraged her to buy fair trade and vintage whenever possible. This Mexican beauty polished off her ensemble with a pair of slouchy boots and a knit scarf. If only we could all look this fabulous around midterms!

Copy Risa’s Style

Frida Earrings $24

Handmade at Tamar on Etsy

Belle Star Boots, $195 at Anthropologie

Apple of My Eye Tunic $128 at Free People

-Hannah Simon

Jewel Juice: Think outside the chain (stores)

Jewel Juice is your main squeeze for all things accessories.

Roses are red, violets are blue, shoot down the cliché — with cupids’s arrow — and find something new. It’s that time again when we watch men young and old scramble to find overpriced, unoriginal, diamond-clad baubles to prove their love. Wretch. 

This year, if your man is still hoping to fill that little box, direct him toward something out of the ordinary. A personal piece is always more appreciated...and often less expensive. Here are a few of our favorites:

Fetty of Brooklyn

Fetty of Brooklyn's "garage-glam"

 

Rising rocker and lead singer of Semi Precious Weapons, Justin Tranter’s name is also breaking molds in the jewelry biz. Labeled “garage-glam,” Fetty's work is, ironically enough, home to a variety of heart-based jewels at three price points: urban, boutique and royalty. 

However, with names like “Shot Through the Heart,” “Butcher’s Wife” and “Love Bites,” these pieces require your significant other has more than good taste (a sense of humor) before you buy this edgy V-day present (available in necklaces and earrings). 

 

Skeleton Keys

Erica Weiner and Tiffany and Co. skeleton keys

Skeleton keys are all the rage right now, and what better time to give away “the key to your heart” than Valentine’s Day? Since these vintage-inspired jewels are everywhere from Tiffany and Co. to the local flea market, we suggest taking two things into account before you purchase: price and personality.  

Original works

Reiterating an original idea, look to local and emerging designers to fuel your love fire? Etsy.com, for example, offers an array of uncommon handcrafted jewels at prices you can’t beat.

Steampunk ring

The Steampunk vintage ring combines an eye-catching industrial aesthetic with an uncommon locket-like functionality.

hand-cut and hammered copper

Similarly, this hammered copper bangle set is a simple wrist reminder of your love. It comes in a trio, and is hand cut, formed, soldered and hammered.

A warm touch of amber

Last, but not least, offer up some ear candy with a pair of danglers such the Warm My Heart earrings. Made of Czech glass, the amber glow radiates a natural warmth all its own.

- by Sarah Zimmerman