As I flipped through Allure magazine this week, I came across an article that made me have a horrible flashback to a ridiculous song: "Barbie Girl," by Aqua. After recalling the tunes that used to play on the radio every other song, I read an article about the actual Barbie doll and how she's aged (gracefully?) over the years.

The article titled "A Barbie World" discusses Barbie's many fashions and makeovers over the past 50 years.

Allure said between 1959 and now, Barbie has had more than 50,000 makeovers, or 1,000 makeovers in one year, or 2.7 makeovers a day.

Well, lets round those makeovers up to three a day--this chick has worn thousands of different hair-dos and has accommodated each generation and their trends. Barbie must be tired.

I am well aware of the fact that Barbie is just plastic ("life in plastic, it's fantastic!"), but it annoys me that she can have on average three different outfits, hair-dos (even different hair colors), jewelry, and makeup a day and some REAL LIVE girls get made fun of when they accessorize just a little, or even if they over accessorize or are a semi-shopaholic. And as we [college students] approach the "real world," we have to learn to dress appropriately for the work-world--sweats in the office is not going to work out too well--so why not experiment with fashion trends now.

Besides shopping sprees and accessorizing I began to think--Barbie is 50-years-old and she looks fabulous! If I were 6-years-old and still playing with the plastic doll it would never cross my mind that maybe Barbie--the plastic woman--is a great example of how someone looks after plastic surgery. I went online to allure.com and pulled up some old popular Barbie pictures. As I went from the slides of the 1959 doll, through the '60's, '70's, ''80's, and '90's, I saw how her makeup went from simple to over-the-top. I also noticed the different nose jobs and also the different shape of Barbie's eyebrows. Is the shape of Barbie's new eyebrows the result of a major facelift? And her cute plump lips--Botox?

Maybe I am reading into it far too much. Maybe thinking that Barbie has had plastic surgery and Botox is extreme. But what isn't silly is how the doll is changing with each generation and how her style is even being picked up on the runway! Way to go Barbie! Good luck with future Fashion Weeks!

-Cayla

This weekend, for about 46 hours, high-cut socks, brightly colored T-shirts, mesh shorts, sweatbands, sneakers from Rapid Transit, and drawstring bags are IN.

Sure, these looks may not have been revealed on the runway during this spring's Fashion Week, but State College is reassuring the fashion world that sporty and comfortable is in.

Different groups will choose different colors, with yellow, purple, red, blue, black, green and white, but all colors will join at the BJC this weekend.

A huge fashion statement will be made: Dream Forward!

Happy THON 2009! Good luck to all the dancers!

- Ashley

I love the new skinny belt over the sweater. It defines the waist while adding texture to a classic look. Check out J. Crew for preppy ideas on this trend, or Urban Outfitters for a trendy spin on it. Whether you're going out on a Friday night or headed to class, this look is simple to pull off.

-Christine

So what's up with plaid? It's completely IN right now, and I'm not going to lie, I'm diggin' it, but where the heck did it come from? Plaid just popped up onto the scene in the form of tunics, tank tops, and dresses, and I'm happy about it - but baffled. All of a sudden, it's hip to wear a button down flannel with skinny jeans. Congratulations, farmers! Plaid can be rocked in a variety of ways.

This chick is sporting a lovely Kimchi Blue Buffalo Pintuck Tunic from Urban Outfitters. Somehow, it looks good paired with leggings, and I'd suggest, cowboy boots or some other type of flat boots. I wore a tank with this similar print the other day, and my guy friend told me I looked like I was going out a picnic - "in a cute way". So ladies, do guys like the farmer plaid trend? Not entirely sure yet.

This plaid Taylor Gingham shirt is from Forever 21 is cute too - it has the plaid looks without being overly flannel-like or man-shaped. I bet it'd look great with jeans and flats. Browsing the Forever 21 website, there are literally about twenty different types of plaid shirts to choose from - take your pick, farm-lovin' ladies.

Plaid comes through yet again in the form of this Lillyan Cropped Jacket from Forever 21, also. This would look incredibly chic (not like you're heading out to milk the cow) with a tight tank underneath, skinny jeans and boots or flats. Definitely a great piece for the winter.

Go, plaid!

-Ashley

Inauguration day. Many tune their television sets to listen to the words from influential speakers, to witness a moment in history when the new President is sworn into office, watch in awe some of the most talented musicians and to scrutinize the style choices made by the new First Lady.
But today's inauguration brought a plethora of interesting style choices to the screen, including Aretha Franklyn's hat sporting a giant studded bow on the side of her head.
The politicians were a bit more subtle, wearing the classic power suits. Although Biden's bright blue tie was a pleasing surprise - popping on the screen as he was sworn in to Vice-Presidency.
The classic suit represented itself well on this historic day, Mrs. Obama's included, but the President's daughters didn't disappoint, wearing vibrant colors as they bundled up in the cold.
The sun shone bright on today's ceremony, representing not only a bright future of our country, but a bright future for fashion choices in the White House.

-Amanda

With the change of every year, people make resolutions that they may or may not be able to keep: lose weight, eat healthy, call my grandmother more. While these ideas are great, I think that Penn State students should consider adopting a few fashion resolutions for 2009.

1) Stray from "the uniform." Don't be afraid to wear something other than Ugg boots and a North Face jacket. Put on something that shows your own personality a little better, not something that makes you look like a clone.

2) While we're on the topic of "the uniform..." give your legs a break from leggings and put on different pants once in a while. They are a cute look certain tops that give a little more coverage, but showing off everything with nothing more than a t-shirt is a look that needs to be left in 2008.

3) Invest in a scarf. They are not only functional, but cute, and they are the accessory to have, not only for winter but into the spring and summer as well.

- Clare

Celebrities at the 2009 Golden Globe Awards strutted down the carpet in an array of couture, some big hits and many others, sadly, missing the target completely. I understand the whole "trying new trends" thing and the desire to look avant-garde and unique, but this year's Golden Globes proved that sometimes it's better to stick to the classics. Ill-fitting garments, strange protrusions and material reminiscent of crushed velvet are never in style.

The Best

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet won three times last night -- for style once and performance twice. This floor-length, simple black gown by Yves Saint Laurent fits perfectly, and the rhinestone-detailed belt adds just the right amount of excitement to its black, silky bodice.

Kate Beckinsale

Don't you wish you could have looked this classy and stylish at your last formal? Kate Beckinsale pulls off this figure-hugging, floor-length gown with gorgeous hair and accessories and flattering makeup. Tight and white doesn't work on everyone, but it does for Beckinsale here.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek shows off her amazing cleavage in the classiest way possible, as usual. This hue works on her constantly-bronzed skin and the fit is a dream - big bust, little waist and hips are all highlighted. Not everyone can pull off this kind of shape, but Hayek does it effortlessly.

The Worst

Renee Zellweger

Flesh colored bra, sheer top, and huge, billowy skirt people could trip on - this ingredients all add up to a fashion disaster. I just don't get it, Renee -- why didn't you show off your small waistline with something more flattering? This was a fashion plunge definitely not worth taking.

Sally Hawkins

This just depresses me. Sally Hawkins here reminds me of a chaperone at a high school dance or maybe a witch dressed up for some sort of occasion. The hair is too much, and the dress's combination of billow and mesh is not functional.

Jennifer Lopez

I'm sure not sure how to take this. We all know J.Lo is into deep, deep cuts in the front of her frocks - who can forget the green Versace bathing-suit coverup she donned at the Grammys years ago? Her hair and makeup is stunning as usual, but the gold hue, shiny material, and strange, confusing cut of this dress shows that Jenny just didn't pick the right dress off of the couture block.

- Ashley

So, its pretty darn cold. Students can be seen all around campus bundled up to the point where nothing but their eyes peak out underneath turtlenecks, hats, and scarves. Most of these people who set out to brave the winter cold are wearing Ugg boots on their feet, to ensure that each toe is enveloped in leather and sheepskin heaven, keeping them warm and dry. Well what if I told all of you that your traditional Uggs aren't the made of the best quality materials they could be. Would you believe me?

If not, be sure to check out to see what I am talking about. If Jesus were to wear Uggs, this is the brand he would wear. These boots look exactly like Uggs, even down to the color and text of the little label on the back of each shoe. They come in every style and color you could ever desire. However, there are many differences between Whoogas and Uggs, the most noticable being in the grade of the sheepskin lining.

Whooga manufacturers use a higher grade of Australian sheepskin than Ugg, called "merino grade." This difference makes the lining softer and springier, not scratchy like Uggs. The dense material will keep you're feet warmer, and take less time to wear away from overuse.

Whoogas are also meant to be worn barefoot. This can be possible without a major odor problem because the thicker fleece actually allows more air to circulate and prevent moisture build-up. If the thought of going sock-less scares you, be sure to order your Whoogas at least a half size up to allow a little extra room.

You can't even imagine all of this getting any better, right? Well consider the fact that Whooga's Classic Tall style boot is a full $45 less than Ugg's same style.

Your browser may not support display of this image.So, if you are in need of new boots this Christmas, take a chance on Whoogas and you will not be disappointed.

-- Beth Ann Downey

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2008, which aired last night on CBS, put the glamour back into this annual event that is known more for the half-naked models that walk the runway than for the fashions.

Although the Angels did adorn their signature scant attire, the VS lingerie was transformed into fabulous fashions that anyone could admire.

The show started off introducing the angels in all of their sexy splendor accompanied by a performance from guest star, Usher. He interacted playfully with the girls on the runway while showing off his perfected moonwalk moves.

The camera panned a crowd of recognizable celebrities as they watched the angels in their ensembles clad with leather straps, buckles, sequins, and sparkle.

The second section of the show featured an ethnic performer who provided the Angels with a steady beat on the bongo drums. The girls turned the runway into a sea off mesh, lace, and patent leather, with some models encompassed by feathers or full skirts.

The PINK section was the time for the models to have a little fun and dance to a techno-pop song as they walked in comfortable bras, boy shorts, flannel boxers, and playful accessories.

The finale of the show took an artistic turn with an Angel clamoring down the runway garnished with a trellis skirt entwined with leaves and roses over top of radiant red lingerie.

Your browser may not support display of this image.Heidi Klum then stole the show in a diamond encrusted ensemble said to be the "million dollar bra" and huge red sequined wings shaped as bows. She will definitely on every guy's holiday wish list this year.

The fireworks outside the Fontainebleau Hotel signaled an end to the event that showcased Victoria's Secrets dedication to undergarment fashion, giving men nationwide something to talk about until the Next Sports Ilustrated Swim Suit issue comes out.

-- Beth Ann Downey

There was a recent article that I wrote for the Collegian about the come back of thermochromatic fashion, like the new line of sportswear from American Apparel.

This color changing fashion came out in the late 1980's, and is activated by body heat. It was big within the club scene, where you could grope your dance partner and leave your thermochromatic handprint on their body, making this fashion a promotion for intimate interaction.

Nowadays, the military has picked up on this technology, and they have tweaked it to work to their advantage. There have been advances in garments that eliminate the presence of body heat for soldiers to reduce their infrared presence. Also, there has been a fabric developed by the Department of Material Science at MIT that can reflect any light that hits it with a mixture of plastic and glass that can be woven into the fabric.

There is also talk of other versions of this thread having a commercial appeal. Imagine being able to change the color of your purse or sweater with the touch of a button. Well, this is where technology in fashion today is leading us. You can read more about these advances in this article (pdf) below.

So, watch out cotton. You may not remain "the fabric of our lives" forever.

-- Beth Ann Downey