“I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” -Coco Chanel

During one of my roommate’s class discussion last semester, a professor asked a girl from New York what her impression of Midwestern-ers was before she came to University of Michigan.  Her immediate answer was “know nothing about fashion”.  This statement is more or less true.

Having attended a respected public high school in an affluent neighborhood, the majority of fashion, whether dressed up or dressed down, was relatively done with taste.  Which marks my surprise when I started college, and the daily fashion was scrubs.  For someone that doesn’t even own sweats, this was appalling to me.  When I wear heels, people stare.  I don’t dare bring out stilettos.  When I wear a dress, people ask where I am going out.  When the over-the-knee boots trend started, even my fashion editor admitted she hated the fact that people looked at her funny as she wore hers around campus.

At SHEI magazine, we aim to revolutionize this Midwestern stereotype.  Our street style blog is inspired by The Sartoralist, capturing the unique and diverse style Ann Arbor has to offer.

I’ve only seen a few fashionable suspender outfits in the past few years, and I always thought they were cute although I’ve never actually met anyone in real life who could pull them off.  However, the second to last episode of ANTM had Analeigh with cute little suspenders holding up her pants and she was applauded by the judges.  I haven’t stopped thinking about this fashion trend since.

They don’t seem too popular.  Like I said, I live on a large college campus and have yet to see a girl where them.  So far, I’ve really only seen suspenders being sold at American Apparel.

I also really love this little dress with suspenders:

I’ve also been looking at some Spring 2009 RTW collections

Jean Paul Gaultier

Limi Feu (this could be cute and wearable…I mean without the hhoop of course)

Costello Tagliapietra

I also like this one from Dior Spring 2008…

Some on a denim short/skirt/pants would be GORGEOUS…I am loving the suspenders with a skirt though, even a pencil skirt would do!

…in every way, seriously.  It started snowing in Michigan this past weekend.  Winter is coming fast..I am not a winter gal at all.  It makes my skin dry and I get nose bleeds 😦  Also I cannot see the appeal in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.  People swear it is fun, but it is just so cold!  And you don’t exactly look your finest in puffy winter coats.  However, Victoria Beckham is a skier and she never fails to look amazing…

I love this sexy Chanel leather ski suit she wore last winter…I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone look so chic while skiing.  Makes a girl wanna step outside and try winter sports!

For those of us who can’t afford a leather ski suit, Posh also plays up other jackets:

AND she manages to show a bit of stomach!  Sexxyyy 🙂