Keep an eye out for posts from my home town of Pasadena and from anywhere else I might venture to this summer.

With love,

Alex Zamora

SlugLife goes prom-style in the Press Center. Pictured from left: Alex Zamora, fashion photojournalist and Valerie Luu, SlugLife editor.

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: Farewell for Summer

I am always intrigued by clothes that either have multi-purposes, hidden textures or secret colors that pop out at you when you least expect them. These little gems are the hidden “Waldos” of the heavily populated fashion world.

This post focuses on some great looks that required me to look a little harder to really notice all of the detail in each outfit. These extra little touches can range from an especially detailed, unexpected design on the front of an otherwise common dress to a delightfully textured print that appeals to multiple senses. Enjoy!

Note: I had the pleasure of getting pictures of these following two fashionistas, but not much more then that. I apologize for the lack of an interview but I thought I’d write about why I took their pictures.

Downtown Fashionista

Though I didn’t quite catch this girl’s name, her outfit definitely caught me off guard. Even as I write this I forget if her dress was actually textured or just a really intriguing print. She matched it perfectly with a contrasting leopard purse, big sun hat and boots to make a great, light outfit that’s perfect for the approaching warm summer days.

Rocky Davis, visiting student

At first Rocky’s look was quite common to my eye, but after a second glance I was totally caught up in her rolled up sleeves that had yellow print on them. That combined with her green zebra sunglasses and fedora really make for an interesting look that takes a few seconds to digest and really appreciate.

Anya Kvitka, Stevenson ’09

CHP: You have a very specific look. How did you develop your style?

I think it mostly comes from glam movies from the 40′s and 50′s; Ginger Rogers, Fred Estaire kind of movies. Also, I love pin-up girls from that era. They are definitely an inspiration.

CHP: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

I love to shop at thrift stores because you can find something no one else has around you and I definitely do a fair amount online. You can find some really good stuff online – there are way more choices!

CHP: What are you must-have clothing items for spring?

My must-have clothing item for spring is definitely a long, solid-colored halter dress and some amazing flat sandals.

CHP: Are you from NorCal or SoCal, and do you feel that that affects your style?

I definitely think that being from NorCal gives me a chance to dress pretty differently from season to season. Also being from the Bay, exposed to such a multitude of styles and cultures and the underground hip-hop scene has an effect on the things I chose to wear.

Jasmine Fernandez, Porter ’11

CHP: How would you describe your style?

It ranges depending on the mood and the day. Just like where I shop I wear anything and everything, I really don’t have a defined style, just as long as I feel good wearing it.

CHP: What/who inspires your style?

I get inspired by different decades, and I really love movies, so I also get inspired by characters with really definitive styles.

CHP: Where do you like to shop?

I really like Forever 21 for cheap basics and cute dresses.

eBay is really good for finding really outrageous things you just can’t find in stores. But really, I shop anywhere and everywhere. I don’t discriminate!

CHP: What is your must-have item for spring?

Dresses, dresses, dresses! Oh and skirts too, preferably yellow. I’m really into yellow right now.

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: Double Take

In southern California, there’s a Walgreens-esque store called Thrifty’s where I used to get a big scoop of ice cream for a dollar. Not only was it inexpensive, but they used an ice-cream scooper that produced square-shaped ice cream. You can imagine how exciting this is.

It was my first, square, rainbow sherbert ice cream cone that made me realize being thrifty was sweet. This week’s fashion-forward students take a step backwards in time with vintage threads and talk about how shopping at thrift stores and revamping your old clothes can produce smart, modern looks.

Rod Guadalupe, Porter ’11

CHP: Your outfit looks fly and expensive; What makes it thrifty?

My stuff looks expensive but it’s not. This shirt I’m wearing was originally $200, but I got it for $20. My jeans were custom made by my friend who’s an artist.

CHP: How do you pick the clothes you buy?

I just get inspired by weird stuff, like things I see at flea markets.

CHP: How would you describe your style and is it hard to match colors so well?

I’d describe my style as urban fashion with a twist. It’s hard sometimes to match colors if there’s a few random colors. People think I have an infinite amount of clothing because I always have a different outfit on, but the secret is that you just have to mix and match your shirts and hats. Just doing that will make a new outfit every time.

Hannah Gullixson, Porter ’09

CHP: I hear that you wrote a Sociology resarch paper on fashion blogs. What are some of your favorite blogs and what did you focus on in your paper?

Some of my favorite blogs are seaofshoes.com, garbagedress.blogspot.com, and fashionologie.com. Basically my thesis was on how blogs were a source for developing new fashion trends. I also found it amazing how influential they are to magazines!

CHP: What are you wearing and where did you get it?

This top is actually a t-shirt that my roommate cut up, so I wore it. I had to wear my scarf because it got cold! And I love these shoes – I could wear them everyday!

CHP: Do you shop at thrift stores often?

Yes, I love anything vintage. If it’s long I’ll cut it short and make it my own. One of my favorite stores to shop at in Santa Cruz is Front Street Vintage because they always have 50% off everything.

Corinne P. Enni, Kresge ’10

CHP: What inspires your style?

Well today it was hot so I wanted to wear something comfortable and bright. I hardly wear darks, it’s usually bright colors and dresses.

CHP: Where do you like to shop?

I like shopping the thrift center downtown and I really love Salvation Army! I got my shoes on etsy.com and the dress was given to me by my sister.

CHP: Who’s your fashion icon?

My biggest fashion icon is Katy Humphreys. I met her a couple of years ago. She wears ripped tights a lot so I thought it’d be okay to wear them too.

She looks at her leg as she flashes a smile.

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: A Study In Thrift

It seems like the weather is playing bully with us lately; one day there’s beautiful blue skies and overwhelming hot sunshine and the next it’s wafting, whirling grey clouds and frosty winds.

It’s almost as if the weather is saying, “Go ahead and try to pick the right outfit, I guarantee it’s going to be wrong!”

Still, my search for the best-dressed and most interesting fashionistas on campus continues. This week I decided to focus on the classic look of high-waisted skirts with tucked-in shirts. Simple and great for all occasions, perfect for sticking it to the weather.

Angela Yonker, Merrill ’12

CHP: What is your style modeled after?

Lately I’ve been on a cowboy kick, but I kinda just wear whatever I like and looks good.

CHP: Where did you get your lofty skirt?

Forever 21. I sometimes buy things hideously huge or weird-fitting and then go in and fix it myself. Like this skirt!

She follows the bottom of her skirt with her hand, showing me a handful of pins and needles holding up the hem.

I like tailoring my own clothes, but lately I haven’t had enough time to finish them!

CHP: One of the things that made me come over and talk to you is your hair, it’s great! what inspired you?

Thanks! I really like asymmetrical cuts. I was once reading an art textbook and it said that humans go for symmetry because it’s “beautiful.” So I try to be as unsymmetrical as possible.

Kelly Walker, Merrill ’11

CHP: What inspires your lofty look?

I like to wear things that I feel comfortable in and I like to wear a lot of colors. I try to dress sophisticated with a classic touch.

CHP: Do you have any outfits you’re excited to wear for spring?

Actually, I like winter better! I try to use my winter clothes in spring as much as possible.

CHP: Does the music you listen to influence your style?

Not at all!

A friend chimes in as they both laugh at the idea.

But I listen to classical music and I said I like to dress classy, so maybe it does.

Julie Arenz, College 8 ’12

CHP: You have a very charming outfit on, how did you come by these clothes?

I pretty much get all my clothes from thrift stores or on the side of the road! I made a pact to myself to never buy anything new again. It gets hard with underwear.

CHP: What thrift stores do you go to most?

I go to the Bargain Barn and I always check the free box at the Kresge Co-op.

She’s quick to point out the modest converted bookshelf outside of the small store, which constantly has clothes and miscellaneous things that students can leave and take at their leisure.

There’s also a free clothes store back home and I used to make a lot of my clothes, but it’s harder now in college.

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: Lofty Skirts and Tucked-In Shirts

Among many new delights that come with spring, our lovely website has become lovelier as well. Unfortunately this article got lost during the website redesign, but sure enough, we shall persevere and move forward. Here’s a re-cap of what the post was like. Enjoy!

James Farmer, Porter ’12

CHP: What inspires your colorful style?

A lot of it is inspired by the music I listen to like electronic, some metal, some hip-hop, just a lot of different types. I like to try to dress differently from everyone else.

CHP: Where did you get that belt?

I don’t remember but probably some random, little, trendy shop like Hot Topic!

Amanda Jackson, Cowell “11

CHP: What inspires your sunny disposition?

Children! When I get dressed in the morning I try to pick out what I’d wear as a 5-year-old. If I like it, I wear it.

Sally He, College 8 ’12

CHP: What makes your style spring to life?

Colors! I always try to add a little something of color to all of my outfits.

CHP: Where do you shop to get the best colors?

I got this skirt at American Apparel, but I mostly shop at Forever 21, Urban Outfitters and online.

Nastassia Godoy, Oakes ’12

CHP: What do you like about spring styles?

I’m from SoCal, so I’m where it’s always really warm. I usually wear flip-flops and dresses. I don’t like tight stuff. I always try to dress comfortable, cute and colorful!

CHP: Where did you get that shirt?

This shirt is from Crossroads. I generally only shop at thrift stores so I get a lot of cheap, nice clothes. The only non-thrift store I shop at is Forever 21.

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: Brighter Than Sunshine

If you asked someone to define UC Santa Cruz in one word, I have no doubt that this word would be “weed.”

Obviously, we have earned such a reputation with our annual “celebration” on April 20. What’s important is not whether our activities are illegal or not, but rather, whether we look stylish doing them. Or not doing them. Depends on who you ask.

Below are some looks from the 4/20 celebration at Porter Meadow.

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: The Grass Is Greener, Still

I have a favorite pair of electric blue jeans that I wear every time I get a chance. If I had to choose one piece of clothing to deem my calling card, the one piece that everyone recognizes immediately, I would have to say that those jeans take the gold. The people in this week’s post each have a very unique piece of clothing on that they consider the calling cards of their looks.

Courtney Montellano, Porter second-year

CHP: Are you from SoCal or NorCal? Does that influence your style?

I’m from NorCal, but I don’t think that influences my style. It was sunny so I wanted to wear a dress! I can’t tell when some one’s from Nor or SoCal just from their clothes. Some people can look and tell, but I’m bad at judging by fashion.

CHP: Where’d you get that vest?

I got it from an estate sale thrift store, so basically I buy clothes from dead people!

Kristina Heimstaedt, Cowell second-year

CHP: Are you NorCal or SoCal, and does that affect the way you dress?

I’m from SoCal and it definitely affects the way I dress because I’m somewhere in between both sides. I’m not a stereotypical Southern California girl, but I also don’t pull out my North Face backpack and run around with it every day. I try to study style by reading Vogue, Vanity Fair and magazines like that. My wall is covered in the pictures I like most.

CHP: How do you go about picking out your outfits and what’s your trademark?

I usually look at what I have and expand on it by seeing how I can use one piece to change the effect of an outfit. This zebra sweater defines me! My friends can see it in the distance and know it’s me. I bought it in a little boutique in Newport Beach.

Emily Kingsbury, Porter second-year

CHP: You have a very one-of-a-kind look working for you. When did you start dressing like this and what was your inspiration?

It started in seventh grade when I first discovered Evanescence, which was my style icon and it’s been evolving since then. I’m also inspired by other bands and my family’s English, so Victorian England is a big influence too.

CHP: Where are you from and how does that affect your look?

I’m from Santa Barbara, so that doesn’t affect my look at all! They’re mostly all surfers there. In Santa Cruz I’m a little more comfortable dressing like this because I’m always with other students and it’s not a big deal. My roommates don’t dress like me, but we’re still really good friends!

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: Calling Card

Anna Chang, Porter ’10

Leo Gomon, College 8 ’11

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: Cut/Copy

I spent Valentine’s Day weekend in the city that doesn’t sleep: New York. While there I saw some wonderfully dressed people and the kind of outfits that one would expect from such a high-class city. It seems like we should all watch out for plaid and mixed patterns — they’re the new plain.

An official New Yorker

Back in our lovely little city, in honor of my New York trip, I’ve decided to focus on people who know exactly what they want out of their outfits. These fashionistas would definitely make the Big Apple proud.

Berlin Burkhart, first-year Kresge student

CHP: Your look feels familiar. Who was your inspiration and why do you choose to dress this way?

I’ve been really into Audrey Hepburn movies lately, so she definitely inspired this beige-trenchcoat, small-heels outfit. I like getting dressed up because it lets me feel confident in myself. You can show who you are through your clothes and not have to hide behind a false persona.

Danielle Portney, first-year Porter student

CHP: What inspires your look?

Stereotypes! I like to mix it up some days and dress goth, emo, etc. I like to keep my style bright, in the spiritual sense, but not so much with colors. I don’t think that there are any styles that haven’t been done before, unless I made my own clothes!

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tuned to the "T"

New creations are often borrowed, updated ideas, which is by no means a bad thing. Using what someone else has laid the ground work for and building something new and exciting out of it is what we do best, and this week’s post documents fashions using recycled materials and ideas. 

Lauren Burth, fourth-year Kresge student

CHP: In what ways does your style express your personality? 

I love to copy many styles from history, particularly the 20th century trends. I also like to express myself through my jewelry, I enjoy making my own necklaces.

Jane Parton, first-year Porter student

CHP: What inspires your style? 

The weather inspires my style, and I like to play with texture and volume. If I wear something tight on bottom, I like to wear something baggy on top to balance it all out. 

Do you take styling cues from other people and adapt them to your own style? 

Absolutely! I always take ideas from other people I’ve seen on fashion blogs or just around and totally copy them. 

Brooke Andersen, first-year Porter student

CHP: What influences your style? 

I’m from So Cal so that’s a big influence because down there you tend to get a lot of judgmental looks when you’re walking down the street. In Santa Cruz, you can be a lot more experimental with your clothes. I also like to buy things I like even if I don’t think I can wear them with anything, because one day I’m gonna want them and I’m gonna miss it. I’m a firm believer in the saying “Too much is just enough!” 

Do you pick up styling cues from other people and adapt them to your own style? 

I like to take a piece from a lot of different looks and put them to together to make something new. I think that’s a lot more fun then dressing up like a mannequin.

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: Something Borrowed

CHP: Who inspires what you wear? 

I just wear what my older brother hands down to me. I don’t really think about making a statement or anything like that, I just dress to fit the weather.

Daniel Belarmino, fourth-year Porter student

CHP: Do you imitate anyone with the way you wear your hair? 

No, I am only who I want to be. I am inspired only by the lack of necessity to wash my hair. 

Allie Pezone, fourth-year Kresge student

CHP: What inspires your outfits?

Just personal taste, I feel it’s important to just be yourself. I guess my friends influence my clothes a little bit. Just never let your mother tell you how to dress. 

Tailor Made is a regular column documenting different looks at UC Santa Cruz by Alex Zamora, a second-year art major and aspiring fashion photographer.

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: Leisurely Pace

CHP: What inspires your look?

I like Betsey Johnson a lot and this is kind of weird, but I’m actually inspired by Katy Perry. I wouldn’t  actually wear what she wears because it’s a little crazy for me, but I really like her ideas. She can be feminine without being submissive with her classic style.

Karolin Palmer, second-year Merrill student

CHP: What inspires your style?

My style is inspired a lot by my French and Swedish heritage. I know that in Europe you can’t just walk outside in your PJs. Dressing this way also helps me feel like an individual. That sounds cliché , but I just feel more ready for the world when I take the time to get ready in the morning.

Photos by Alex Zamora | City on a Hill Press

---- (C) 2011 City on a Hill Press. All Rights Reserved. View online at Tailor Made: Classic Lines