Red Raider Runway: fashion

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OOTW: Thanksgiving Vegas Trip

by A. Monday, November 27, 2017

If there's one thing I can say about my family, it's that we are not very traditional. My mom loves to travel as much as she can and one of her favorite places to visit regularly is Las Vegas. We've been there for a lot of major celebrations: New Year's, my 21st birthday, weddings, etc. but we also go often for no reason at all. It's pretty much our second home and on our bucket list to stay at a different hotel on the strip each time we go. So this year my mom felt we were overdue for an LV trip and decided to go during Thanksgiving break. This meant that I got to pack for a fun, exciting Thanksgiving weekend and I documented my outfits of the week like I did last Thanksgiving!

I'll admit, at first I was hesitant about going. I'm a college student in my last year of school - my course load is busier than ever and I'm poorer than ever so all I wanted to do was come home, ignore all my responsibilities and eat lots of home cooked meals. As appealing as partying in Vegas was, I had been looking forward to Thanksgiving food and did not want to deprive myself of that comfort!! But thankfully, my mom found a restaurant (Margaritaville) that was offering Thanksgiving food on Thursday (that actually tasted legit!!) so I was able to have the best of both worlds.

Since it was technically Thanksgiving, I wanted to dress up a little so I curled my hair and wore a grey sweater dress from Forever 21 with a choker, and booties that I stole from my mom's closet years ago.

Thanksgiving

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My mom plan's a full itinerary for every trip we take, so the next day was packed with things to do. One of the highlights of the day was getting on the High Roller, a ferris wheel that overlooks the entire Las Vegas strip (and has an open bar). We went at the perfect time right before sunset, so we got to see the transition from day to night and watch all the building's bright lights turn on.

Since I knew we'd be going to a lot of places, I wanted to turn heads everywhere I went. I wore a sheer graphic tee with cut-off shorts and paired them with my trusty thigh high boots and a maroon bomber jacket my boyfriend gave me that will most definitely become a new staple of mine!

Friday

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Friday's itinerary included surprise tickets to the Beatles' LOVE Cirque Du Soleil show. I absolutely adore the Beatles so I was so excited for this and I knew I wanted to dress a little fancier for this event. However, at this point I was beginning to feel the pain and regret of walking in heels for the past two days, but I hadn't packed any flats to go with my dress! So I ended up wearing my sister's black sandals which might've looked a little weird given the fact that I was dressed so "warmly" up top, but at this point I was willing to sacrifice fashion for comfort.

After the show my mom, sister, and I went out for a few drinks and I felt a little ill-dressed since I was wearing a long-sleeved black dress from Old Navy and a sparkly maroon scarf, while they were dressed more appropriately to go out to bars. But by my second drink I was having so much fun I didn't even care and surprisingly ended up getting some compliments for my outfit, which made me feel less out of place and more like I stood out for the right reasons.

Friday night

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I'll admit, the weekend's festivities were catching up to me, so Saturday I planned to be as comfortable as possible while still trying to be stylish. I mentioned before that a denim shirt is one of those staples everyone should have in their closet and I have still been figuring out new ways to mix and match it, so this look was one of the more casual ways I dressed this denim shirt up.

I paired my denim button down from Target with regular black leggings, some denim pointed-toe sneakers by Wendy Williams, and a choker and black baseball cap. Baseball caps are a new thing I've been slowing introducing into my wardrobe and I find that they look best when I pair them with a choker so it's not too lazy of a look but still effortlessly casual. Since we did a lot of walking around and a lot of eating this day, this outfit was perfect to end the weekend.

Saturday

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Overall, it's not the traditional Thanksgiving weekend I had anticipated, but it was still tons of fun nonetheless. It gave me an excuse to try out some outfits in a flashier place like Las Vegas as opposed to in my hometown and I got to spend every minute with my family whom I missed very much. The best part about traveling with my mom and sister is that we can all share and swap shoes, clothes, and makeup tips!

Do you have any family traditions for your Thanksgiving break? How do you normally pack when you travel? My biggest flaw is packing shoes!! I either pack too many so I can have options (which compromises how much luggage I tug along) or I don't pack enough/efficiently and I end up walking around everywhere in heels!! Let me know some travel tips down below or share what you did this Thanksgiving break!

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fashion featured ootw

OOTW: Second Week of School

by A. Monday, September 11, 2017

The first week of school is usually the time that most people usually dress up because it's a new year, so it's the perfect time to wear that new clothes you got over the summer. But by the second week, it's back to your usual wear and the same old routine. That's why I prefer to use the second week of school as my opportunity to dress up! It also keeps the illusion of the new school year going longer which makes my hope for a fresh start last longer too! Though I technically didn't wear anything new this year around, check out my Outfits of the Week for the second week of school!

Tuesday

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Blazer from Target, The Beatles' band tee from KMart, Skinny jeans from Old Navy, and boots from Charlotte Russe.

Last week was Labor Day weekend so there was no school on Monday but on Tuesday I had a lot of stuff to do. Usually when I have long days, I will bring a change of clothes to avoid having to go home and change, but the meeting I had that day was business casual, so I decided to just bring a blazer along to throw on over my outfit when I needed it. I love this look even if I didn't have a meeting to go to. Throwing a blazer on over a graphic tee (especially a band tee) is such a stylish way to dress up the tee. The dark skinny jeans and the boots kept the look sleek and professional enough (closed toed!) while still being casual without the blazer.

Wednesday

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Denim button down shirt from Target, White capri pants from Charlotte Russe, necklace and ring from Walmart, and sandals are unknown because I stole them from my mom's closet.

Wednesday was actually a surprisingly cooler day here in Lubbock, it stayed nice and cloudy all day without rain, perfect weather for walking across campus. This look was surprisingly light and breezy despite being long sleeved. I normally wouldn't have ever bought white pants but my mom demanded that I wear white pants for her wedding a few years ago, and they've been a surprisingly great investment. A denim shirt was actually one of those basic staples I didn't own until recently, so I'm having fun figuring out different ways in which I can wear it!

Thursday

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Sorority shirt from a sister ;), patterned shorts from Kohl's, and really well worn sandals from my mom's closet.

On Thursday I was feeling pretty lazy and I only have one class so I didn't feel the need to dress up. I went very casual in one of my many sorority shirts (I actually own several in this shade even if that is not anywhere near our official colors) and some colorful shorts I like to wear in the dog days of summer while I still can. These sandals are obviously very well worn as they're my go-to's when I'm in a rush or feeling lazy.

Friday

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Shirt from Forever 21, shorts from Charlotte Russe, necklace from Walmart, and shoes from a store at our mall called Traffik.

What I love about this outfit are the small details that tie it all together. Any time I wear this shirt I pair it with these shoes and this necklace because it dresses the whole outfit up instantly without even trying. This shirt is made of a warmer material that can be worn in the winter, but is also breezy enough to be worn now while it's still hot. In the winter I wear this shirt with black leggings and boots, but for now I can wear my favorite pair of distressed shorts with it.

There is nothing wrong with wearing the typical Tech outfit: an oversized shirt and Nike shorts + tennis shoes (you'll never catch me in Chacos as long as I live!), but I do like to make an effort for school sometimes, especially when I know I'll be there for a long time (I'm in a lot of extra curricular activities so I have a lot of meetings to go to).

As much as I love wearing shorts all day every day, I'm not much of a summer person so I personally cannot wait for fall and winter because that is the best time for new outfits! However, I'm going to try and wear all the new pairs of shorts I recently got while I still can! Maybe I'll do a post on how to style the shorts because they are all so cute, but we'll see as fall is fast approaching! What other type of posts would you like to see from me? Let me know! Leave a comment below, the website also allows Facebook comments!!

Be sure to follow the site on all social media accounts at @RedRaiderRunway for updates and use the hashtag #RedRaiderRunway for a chance to be seen and featured!

fashion featured student features

Student Features: First Week Back

by A. Monday, September 04, 2017

It's a new year at Texas Tech and that means Red Raider Runway is back from hiatus! It's only been a week and there have already been so many fashionable students spotted on campus. Here are some highlights:

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Grayson Pursley is an Electronic Media and Communications major and is from Comstock, Texas. He puts his best foot forward with electric blue pants and a grey blazer which is sure to make a good, lasting first impression on the first day of school.

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Reenie Regi is a freshman Biology major from Grand Prairie, Texas and is already making a statement in her first year on campus. She would describe her style as very feminine and girly.

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Esmeralda Garza is a sophomore Kinesiology major from Austin, Texas. Bold prints are a good way to stand out on the first day of school, such as the bright, colorful floral shirt she wears.

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Heather Harris is a junior/senior Theatre major from Dallas, Texas. She likes to dress in clothes that are comfortable and not too constricting, and easy to transition with her job by throwing a cardigan on afterward. Things like colorful yoga pants are perfect for her since she is a dancer and it keeps her cool in the heat.

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Natalie Sharp is a junior RHIM (Restaurant Management) major from Fortworth, Texas. She keeps things casual and cute with a full patterned skirt and a long cardigan with hem detail and sandals. Her look is very feminine and modestly flirty.

It's only been a week into the new school year and there were already so many more students dressed up on campus than there usually are. There were some students I couldn't stop otherwise they'd be late to class (or I would be) but this year looks promising for new features! If you or anyone you know who like to be featured on Red Raider Runway, don't hesitate to contact the site at redraiderrunway@gmail.com or use the hashtag #RedRaiderRunway on social media to be noticed and have your post shared!

fashion menswear student features

Special Edition Feature: Michael Rivarde

by A. Tuesday, May 23, 2017

This month's spotlight is an extra special one, not just because this is one of my good friends, or because he isn't a Red Raider ("He doesn't even go here!"), but because it's the first male I feature! Michael and I met on twitter because my sorority and his fraternity are very close, and from there our friendship blossomed. He is from New Orleans and is a double major in English and Communication at the University of Nevada- Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Michael has since made several trips to Lubbock just to hang out with his fraternity brothers and meet other friends he's made through twitter (or to be my date to my banquet), so he's practically a Lubbock local! When he's not visiting the motherland (both our respective Greek organizations were founded here in Lubbock), he likes to travel as much as he can. You'd think living in Las Vegas would be fun enough already, but he likes to visit places like Dallas, Portland, Denver, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Boston, and New York - just to name a few!

I dress for fashion. If I know I'm going to go somewhere that has a lot of people, I'm trying to turn heads.

Since Michael is an experienced traveller, I asked how he packs when going on a trip and he said an itinerary of the events with his friends is essential so he knows what to bring such as suits for formal events, a tie and dress shoes for graduations or ceremonies, or his letters if there's a Greek event.

"I'm still evolving so my style changes a lot. My style depends on the season. If it's summer you'll see me in tank tops and tattoos but if it's winter I'll be in cardigans, boots, and a scarf. I'll be the freshest on the block," he says.

Michael's favorite things to wear are tank tops because they show off his tattoos which are a huge form of expression for him. His tattoos are part of his personality and he wants people to see that.

The less I'm wearing, the more of me you see.

After a few visits to Lubbock under his belt, Michael has caught on to how unpredictable the weather can be here and how it's important to take into account when dressing. When I asked him why he didn't bring any tank tops on his most recent trip to Lubbock if he claims they're his favorite article of clothing, he said it was because the Lubbock weather is crazy! "Here, you have to adjust to the weather. When I'm out here, it's more about being comfortable in the weather."

A key to Michael's wardrobe is being able to mix and match his pieces. He has a few staples that go good with anything such as a good pair of shoes or a jean jacket. Having a staple like a jean jacket is great for layering which can spice up a basic outfit and work in favor of unpredictable weather because it can easily be added for warmth or removed if it's too hot.

Small details like rolled up jean cuffs or an unbuttoned shirt also give his look a personal touch. Michael also does not shy away from prints or color to mix up his style. He likes to take risks and push boundaries with his look even if people give him a hard time for wearing something like colored jeans.

He stresses that you have to be yourself and not conform to the opinions of others. He likes to shop at thrift stores to find clothes and not just places like Forever 21 or Express. "I just don't like being the same, wearing the same boring Supreme, Obey style," he said. The key is not to be afraid to get out there, out of your comfort zone, and do things for yourself. If you only think of other's opinions then you won't be happy with yourself. Above all else, you've got to be comfortable in your own skin.

It doesn't matter what you put on if you're not comfortable in your own skin.

So with Michael claiming to be bold with his fashion choices - would he rock a male romper? "I definitely see male rompers being a thing, but I don't think I'm going to wear them though. Maybe if they have a zipper I would in the future," he says. (I'm going to hold him to that!)

Michael says he gets his inspiration and is influenced by his heritage, his culture, and even his music taste. He is always conscious of his look no matter where he is going and is always trying to spark interest, even through his hair. "Not a lot of people have natural dreads so it sparks some sort of conversation," he says.

No matter what they think, at least it gets people talking.

Michael's street style is casually dressy and he has become a pro at packing various different versatile looks into carry ons while traveling, especially on a budget! I look forward to hopefully seeing him in a male romper in the future and see how his style continues to evolve!

Want to be featured on Red Raider Runway? Contact that site at redraiderrunway@gmail.com or use the hashtag #RedRaiderRunway on social media for a chance to be seen and have your posts featured!

fashion three different ways

Three Different Ways to Wear: A Hat

by A. Tuesday, May 02, 2017

One of my biggest obstacles when it comes to dressing up is accessorizing. I acknowledge that is the area where I am weakest, so I make the effort to go out of my ways to try harder at times. One night I bought this black hat on a whim; it's not a sun hat, and it's not a cowboy hat, but it's something in between.
It cost me $20 which I think was extremely expensive just for a hat ($20 could've bought me another outfit!), so I make sure to get the most use out of it as I can. Over time I've developed three specific ways in which I like to wear it. I will technically be showing 5 different outfits, but I consider 2 of them to be extremely similar styles, so there are only 3 looks.
With summer coming up, I figured getting inspired by these looks may encourage you to go out and experiment different ways to stay stylish and shady under a hat.

A Dress

Pictured: A black long sleeve dress from Old Navy, shoes from Traffic, necklace from Walmart, rings unknown, and hat from Charlotte Russe.

This first look is simple - you can never go wrong with a little black dress. The key to this look is all in the other accessories; I have on gold rings and a black and gold necklace to match the black and gold sandals I'm wearing. Simple and effective! This is my go to look for graduations because the sun stays out of my eyes so I'm not squinting in pics, but I still look classy next to my graduating friends.

Pictured: Print dress from Forever 21, purse from Target, sunglasses from Big Lots (yup), shoes unknown, and hat from Charlotte Russe.

The print and neckline on this dress is very busy so I keep the accessories minimal for this look. A bag and some chunky bootie heels go a long way. With the wind and sunny weather coming up, sunglasses and a hat are a perfect match to keep cool and collected in the summer.

Black Jeans

Pictured: Grey shirt from Forever 21, black jeans from Old Navy, necklace from Charlotte Russe, sunglasses from Forever 21, shoes unknown, and hat from Charlotte Russe.

This is probably my favorite look of them all because it's so casual and simple. I can pair this look with so many different types of graphic tees, but this grey draped one seems to be my go-to and the shoes add a bit of dressiness to the look without being too over the top.

Cover up & Shorts

Pictured: Leopard print cardigan from Crazy Train, white tank unknown, shorts from Charlotte Russe, shoes unknown, and hat from Charlotte Russe.

What I like about this style option is that it's not as monochromatic as the first three looks. I've said it before but I'm a sucker for leopard print (always!) and I think it styles up something as basic as a white tank and shorts. I used to have a large oversized pair of sunglasses that were perfect with this outfit and it made me feel like I was going to Coachella so even if they're not pictured here, they'd make the perfect add-on accessory.

Pictured: Flannel from American Eagle, t-shirt from Rue 21, shorts from Charlotte Russe, knock-off shoes from Rue 21, glasses from Zenni, and hat from Charlotte Russe.
All photos by Samantha Martinez

With the 90's back in style, this look actually inspired me to buy this hat in the first place. It's the perfect hipster accessory that made me stand out at the 90's party I was going to in this outfit. With this look it's obvious that any type of graphic tee or a pop of color would work well with this hat and you don't have to stick to one color palette exactly.

So there you have it - even though I gave 5 different outfit options, I really only consider this 3 different styles. I never thought I'd be the type to own a hat, but it made me try out some new outfit ideas and that's my favorite part of fashion. Let me know what else I should style three different ways to inspire more outfit ideas!

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fashion student features

Student Feature: Ciara Rocha

by A. Tuesday, April 25, 2017

With the hiatus over, Red Raider Runway's student features are back! It is now spring, but in Lubbock that does not always mean warm weather and sunny days every day of the week! For this month's feature I was actually going to spotlight several different students on campus, but this person happened to stand out every day I saw her, so this feature goes exclusively to Ciara Rocha! Ciara Rocha is a junior Retail Management major and she is from Lubbock, Texas.

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Ciara works at Franchesca's boutique. While at work they are allowed to wear jewelry pieces from the store which she really likes to do to spice up her outfits.

Because Ciara was born and raised in Lubbock, she is well accustomed to the unpredictable Lubbock weather changes and she said the weather doesn't phase her anymore.

"Unless the weather is freezing I don't check the weather because I'll wear whatever I want and bear the rain, heat, wind, dust, etc. as the day goes on," Ciara said.

Ciara said she is not a fan of long sleeves so she usually keeps jackets or cardigans in her car in case the weather decides to drop.

"The best way for me to deal with the crazy weather is to still go along with the season trends and just embrace the weather as it comes along."

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Ciara really loves wearing floral prints even though she didn't want to admit it to herself at first. She also says if she could wear shorts everyday, she would.

As a working college student, Ciara does not always have money to shop frequently, so it wasn't until recently that she started buying new clothes. That is how she discovered she has a rather simple style. She gravitates towards prints (especially floral), and she loves rompers and sandals!

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Ciara is wearing a "duster" and she loves it. She said her mom used to wear dusters all the time when she was younger and she didn't realize it was an old trend, so she likes that fun fact about the article of clothing.

The biggest obstacle to getting ready for school is waking up earlier to get dressed. But that is not a problem for Ciara, who describes herself as a morning person.

"I don't see it as a drag to get ready for school, I think it's quite fun! I love listening to my music while applying my makeup and finding clothes to wear," she said.

Anyone who knows Ciara, knows she is a working girl and will always be on the go. She usually heads to work straight after class so she needs to already be presentable to work so she keeps that in mind when she's getting ready in the morning.

Although Ciara describes her style as very simple, she somehow always manages to look very cute and put together. She knows how to make the most out of the pieces she has and how to mix and match them and find new ways to wear them and make new outfits! That type of mentality is exactly what Red Raider Runway tries to promote so Ciara was the perfect student feature for this month!

Want to be featured on Red Raider Runway? Contact the site at redraiderrunway@gmail.com or use the hashtag #RedRaiderRunway on social media for a chance to have your posts featured!