What does style mean to you?

Style is often thrown out into the world of fashion and trends. You hear phrases like, “You have great style,” or “I love the way you styled your outfit.” However, What does this mean? Is style simply a way of putting clothing together or could it be something much more. Merriam-Webster defines style as, “a distinctive manner of expression.” So all this talk about what is “in” and what is not, could actually be going against the intentions and purpose of the word itself.

Over this past semester, Cal State Long Beach students have embraced style by defining it for themselves. It is not what someone told them to wear but what they felt suited them best.

Rumi Neely's wardrobe for January 2011. Photo Credit: fashiontoast

Diana Alcivar, 20, a Journalism major had this to say on the topic, “I think style is the way that you go about doing something. It can be in the way you talk, write or in this case dress.”

“It’s something personal that only you can truly pull off because it’s specific to everyone’s own taste.”

This way of being in essence controls how you present yourself to you and everyone else around you, but it needs to be natural and embody your true identity. Christina Almaraz, 21, an English major reflected on this mentality, “You cant take someone else’s style and expect it to work on you…figure out what looks great on you, what flatters your figure and best represents your personality.” Style is the opportunity to express the uniqueness you possess, “its certainly the ability to outwardly show your inner confidence!” Almaraz said.

Furthermore when deciding what to wear or what to buy, pick things that represent who you are and not what society deems is suitable.

“At the end of the day you answer to yourself” –Justine David

Written by: Alexis Sparks

Recycled Fashion

Red Light Off: My final interviewee is a fellow classmate who I had yet to talk to, after our 12:30 sociology lecture I approached him and luckily he said yes. We found our way to a bench outside the PE building and began our quick chat…


Jeans from United Boardshop $40, Vans shoes, Triple A shirt, Vest from father, Kangol hat online, Glasses from Lenscrafters (had them tinted)

Red Light On: Preston Gruettner, a double major in Film and Philosophy, keeps it simple with his laid-back fashion-sense. The Music minor describes his style as being a mixture of many things. Noticeably by his tinted eyewear, it is no doubt that Gruettner, is influenced by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas author, Hunter S. Thompson. “He doesn’t care about what he wears at all…he’s sophisticated and smart but yet he kinda sees that you don’t need to portray yourself like that,” he says. “Its all kind of arbitrary, like what makes a tie so special, why can’t you just wear a Hawaiian shirt and white converse.”

Hunter S. Thompson in 1977. Photo Credit: Corbis

Although you won’t catch Gruettner hitting the pavement with his skateboard anymore, due to a previous injury involving steel plates; He is still influenced by skater style and clothing. When looking for pieces, Gruettner goes the inexpensive route. He has shopped at various thrift stores including Buffalo Exchange (Off 2nd Street in Long Beach) and the Salvation Army. However, he obtains most of his wardrobe from friends, neighbors and his Dad. Embracing a way to recycle old looks into updated outfits.

His favorite item in his closet is his Kangol hat, which he purchased online (photographed above). He believes it’s the perfect combo with his retro prescription shades, “the only way I can make these glasses kind of work I guess would be if I had this hat,” he says jokingly. “So maybe if I get new glasses I can lose the hat.”

Ultimately style comes down to dressing for yourself, “do whatever you want, and don’t listen to anybody.” Gruettner suggests that if you like something you should go ahead and buy it no matter what people say, “I don’t think you should worry about anything else, but if you like it why not.”


Photos/Written by: Alexis Sparks

Doctor KA

Red Light Off: The dealine is looming! …On a gloomy Wednesday I decided to walk towards west campus to find an interesting new interviewee. I was feeling a bit under the weather but pushed through it, as I searched through the many students passing by. I was lacking a bit of faith, until I noticed a stylish man chatting with his friends. So there I went towards the large group resting on the grass and proposed a chat…


Jacket with gold buttons from la bamba (from friend), Bell bottom jeans $4 from St. Vincent de Paul, Button up polyester shirt $1, Boots from friend, Ring from friend, 70’s hat from dad

--“Almost everything is a gift”--

Red Light On: Julian Marcelin, an English Creative writing major, is no ordinary CSULB student. The Carson native exudes originality with his 70’s style and musical persona. Marcelin’s mother initiated his love for this era, known for its laid-back hippie culture and disco grooving artists. “She gave me the 70’s and music, I give her the 70’s when I leave the house.” Some of his favorite musicians include James Brown, Roy Ayers, and Sly Stone.

These soulful musicians have inspired his way of dress and encouraged his light spending. Economy friendly thrift and vintage shops are where Marcelin collects most of his hip threads (along with generous retail working friends who hook him up with freebees). La Bomba (off 4th Street), Rewind, and St. Vincent de Paul (off PCH), top the list of preferred second-hand stores. Where not only affordable but give an opportunity to find authentic attire.

Although more of an 80’s trend than the 70’s, Marcelin’s can’t live without item in his closet is a light blue Adidas speed suit. “I call it the Doctor KA-stume,” he says. In case you were wondering who this character Doctor Kemet KA is, Marcelin broke down his creative counterpart to deliver to you. “It’s actually a revelation of sorts,” he says. Each name has a special meaning; Doctor refers to someone who is educated in the ways of the mind. Kemet is an ancient Egyptian word meaning soil and the word for the people, or “things of the earth,” and Ka is what he informed as the ancient Egyptian concept of destiny or “things of spirituality.”

As a man who delivers individuality, he believes that people should dress as they see themselves. “Whatever you’re doing, try to look like what you think you look like,” Marcelin says, “Don’t just let yourself become some fashion anomaly, choose to be the fashion anomaly.” Be yourself in all aspects no matter how simple or complex that might be. His tips for finding clothing are easy to follow, “Keep it cheap, why spend money on something that you’re gonna spill things on, if you’re having a good time.” This is definitely relevant to those party-going college students, so keep up the good times and shop smart!



Photos/Written by: Alexis Sparks

Keep It Classy

Red Light Off: After class had finished, my classmate and I stopped at several destinations before beginning our interview. As we walked she brought up her recent weekend…She informed me that she attended the music festival Paid Dues, where she herself interviewed musical artist Asher Roth. I was very interested as she described the process of getting a press release to write a story for school. She had heavy equipment in her hands to return to College Beat so I attempted at making our talk short and sweet, here it is…


Lace up wedges from Bakers $80, Vintage gold chain belt $10, Vintage jean jacket $15, Red sweater from forever 21, Jeans from Forever 21, Bracelets, Ring from The Crack Gallery in LA $15

Red Light On: Brittany “Bella” Graham, a Communication Studies and Journalism major, is inspired by classical style and beauty. The SoCal native idolizes actress Bette Davis as well as icons Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Graham says being sexy does not mean showing too much skin, “…the lure of a woman is leaving something to the imagination.” She tries to maintain a balance between her sex appeal and classy style of dress.

Graham switches her outfits up daily and can go from being casual to getting dolled up and throwing on a pair of heels. She has no difficulty strutting around in them due to years of practice, “My mom made me start wearing heels in the 10th grade, I was forced,” she says.

Vintage shopping is key to her well-styled looks, her favorite thrift store is Jetrag in Hollywood. However, she also enjoys well-known and reasonably priced shops Forever 21, H&M, Steve Madden, and online site Bershka. Graham’s favorite item in her jewelry collection are her gold bamboo hoop earrings, “I feel like those earrings will never go out of style.”

Graham believes that knowing your body when deciding on clothing is more important than any particular style, “Be comfortable and be yourself, especially for girls, I thinks its important to know your body shape, not style your shape,” and ladies always make sure to show off your assets, “Accentuate the best parts of your body.”

Being a student at CSULB, Graham has noticed a lot of great style from fellow classmates, “I like coming to school because I get inspired by a lot of the students,” she says. “Everyday I get impressed by somebody else, like I see a girl walking around campus, and I’m like oh that’s cute what she has on.” Graham suggests that perhaps a student’s major might reflect their own fashion sense, “I don’t know if its just cause we’re in journalism and a lot of the girls are like into fashion…maybe it might be different if I were a biology major.” She may be on to something!

Check out Brittany's blog! http://beautyispoison.blogspot.com/
(Thanks for teaching me how to screen capture Brittany!)



Photos/Written by: Alexis Sparks

Hey Pachuco!

Red Light Off: After doing this blog for a few weeks I started noticing that I was missing something… Yes folks, I have yet to interview a guy! My mission for the week was to find a man who had his own unique spark. So here I sat between the LA-5 building and the PH buildings waiting to find some snazzy dressed male. I waited for a bit until finally, there he was, walking in my direction. I felt like a stalker but I quickly stood up and walked towards him. He informed me he had time before his next class, so off we went to the nearest bench to have a chat about his style.


Fedora from eBay $20, Leather blazer online $30, Pants from Urban Outfitters $30, Shoes online $40, Shirt from Second hand store $1-2, Scarf was a gift, Sun glasses from the allies of LA, Rings from a head shop in Northern California


Red Light On: Dusty Tailor, a Santa Maria native, embraces styles from the past with his love for “gangster fashion.” The Fine Arts major is greatly influenced by mid-20th century art, fashion and film. He is inspired by female icons from the 50s and 60s; including such actresses as Audrey Hepburn, Jane Birkin and Anna Karina. Among his favorite leading actors include Hollywood hot shots James Dean and Marlon Brando.

Although mid-century style made him excited about dressing up, Tailor credits growing up in a Hispanic neighborhood as a top reason for igniting his interest. He says that his community was filled with gangsters that were modern day Pachucos, dressing in 40s inspired Zoot Suits. Furthermore he enjoys watching gangster and mob films, “I’m big with Robert De Niro, I love him to death,” Tailor says.

Tailor is a saver when it comes to shopping, “I don’t like to spend too much money on clothes, they are just gonna get worn out eventually,” he says. He finds most of his pieces at thrift stores, however, when it comes to pants and shoes he rather purchase them new. “My wardrobe consists of Levi’s pants, those are like the most durable, and really good quality pants.”

Although thrifting is a great way to find good quality items at low cost, Tailor informs that Southern California is a lot more expensive and has less of a selection than up north. He likes to go to outlets and has ventured to "Retro Row" and Melrose for finds. However, he is also an avid eBay shopper and goes through the trials and tribulations of beating out the competition. “It bugs a lot…sometimes its like you can’t control the bidding wars,” Tailor says. He notes that some people constantly bid and that at times it’s not even worth buying the item anymore, “you have to spend a lot of time on eBay.”

Tailor has a huge collection of hats, “I always gotta have my hats.” Among his favorite style is the Kangol hat, which originated in Britain. He dresses up for the fun of it and believes people should wear whatever they feel most comfortable in, “I just enjoy dressing up, I’m more of like the fine artist rather than the designer.”

Lastly when it comes to style on campus, shoes on men are the first thing that catches his eye. “I’ve seen many guys in Uggs, yea it’s horrible,” Along with other fashion no no’s include men wearing sandals, TOMS, and Crocs. However ladies he is not a stickler to what you wear, and does not mind Uggs on you, so go for it!


Photos/Written by: Alexis Sparks

Be Unique

Red Light Off: Hoping to get another interview before spring break, I “people watched” before my 2 pm class. As students were funneling out of lecture halls, I took notice in all aspects of style, from hair to shoes. Only about 15 or 10 minutes were left until I would have to give up and walk into Soc100. However, fortunately enough, I spotted a sweet and spunky student. After racing to her to ask if she had time for an interview she kindly agreed and we walked over to the nearest place to have a seat…


Shoes & Sweater/Zipper dress (from mom), Leggings from new store on 4th (next to Imonni), Cabi Jacket (Carol Anderson By Invitation), Belt


Red Light On: From her short pixie cut to her colorful ensemble, Chelsea Knights, a Fashion Merchandizing major, exudes the essence of individuality. Knights loves jewelry, and gets creative designing her own ceramic pieces. She is inspired by animals and nature when using hand formed clay to make one-of-a-kind necklaces. Although they take a great amount of time to complete, she enjoys the detail work she puts into them.

Knights likes to work her outfits around her jewelry, and usually wears vintage or stylish finds from her mom’s closet. Maybe fashion is in her genes, she mentions that her mother was a fashion designer in the 80’s and gets most of her unique clothing from her. When it comes to shopping, Knights ventures to “Retro Row” in Long Beach off 4th and Cherry Street. Where she explores various vintage shops, including such stores as Meow and Imonni. Although vintage is primarily her style she also finds great staples at Anthropologie and Free People. “I like to get quality pieces that I can wear different ways…it’s worth it,” Knights says. The value of clothing outweighs it’s price, she believes spending good money on a lasting item is more important than getting a one time use for something low cost.

Her favorite fashion designers include the colorful flare of Betsey Johnson and the high end style of Alexander McQueen, “Theirs no one that can design like him, its like so different, it was a unique vision,” Knights says. She cannot live without her jewelry, and deems her crocodile necklace her favorite self made creation. The necklace contains two overlapping crocodiles with tails that curl around the neck.

She believes people should stand out rather than blend in when it comes to style. Knights advice to you is to make your outfit different, not getting mixed up in the same old t-shirt and jeans. “Try to be unique, and look for pieces that aren’t what everybody else is wearing.”

Photos/written by: Alexis Sparks

Fierce Fashion

Red Light Off: Unfortunately due to conflicting schedules I was unable to directly record my next fashionista. However with the use of technology we were able to link up via email and share my style questions along with her descriptive and witty responses.


Floral leggings from Forever21 (20$), Boots, Sweater, & Top from Urban Outfitters, Socks from Free People, Hat from Goodwill (5$), Scarf (gift from a friend) from H&M, Favorite Michael Kors watch



Danielle Janowicz, a journalism major and fashion merchandising minor, delivers great style with her well-polished looks. Although the San Diego native says her style changes everyday, she is greatly influenced by hippie and vintage looks. “I love looking at what other people wear for inspiration. I am one of those people that check other people out…” she says. She dresses according to her mood and will throw on leggings and an oversized sweater, if feeling a little out of sorts that day.

Janowicz considers herself a “newbie” to thrift shopping but is enamored with the hidden gems she discovers, “I am like a kid in a candy store.” She enjoys venturing off into Goodwill, and recently picked up eight items she calls amazing (including the hat she is photographed in above). She says she loves when people ask her what she is wearing and replies with Goodwill “…their faces are always in shock.” Although she adores the great quality and low cost of thrifting, she also likes to shop at pricier clothing stores such as Urban Outfitters and Free People. Luckily enough, she is an employee for Free People and benefits from her discount.

Her recent purchase of Jeffrey Campbell platforms has her gleaming, Janowicz goes into detail about the 70’s inspired crème tee straps, “I look like a tall monster in them but I am obsessed. If I could wear them everyday, I would!” Her fashion icons include actress Chloe Sevigny and fashion blogger Rumi Neely (Fashiontoast). “I look at her blog at least twice a day,” Janowicz says. On to her Fashion don’ts, Janowicz adds to the list of people who despise the daily strut of Ugg boots. “In my eyes, Uggs are lounging footwear and are meant to be worn with pajamas or just around the house, or maybe if you are in the snow, but we are in California and it does not snow here haha” she says jokingly. She also hates when guys wear running shoes or flip flops with jeans, “it just bugs me.”

Janowicz believes people should dress for comfort, and should not be afraid to mix and match. “Make fashion statements, if your clothing is boring, add some accessories, socks, jewelry, it all goes a long way.” Her best style tip is to make sure you feel “fierce” in whatever you are wearing, and make sure to “rock it.”


Photos/Written by: Alexis Sparks