Trend Spotting Week 3

The Learning Channel

Who actually watches The Hills anymore? TLC has taken over the reality show market on CU's campus. Watched primarily by female students (and sometimes their reluctant boyfriends), TLC's major shows are focusing on weddings, parties, and families with multiple children. While this may not obviously seem to resonate with college girls 20-25, TLC's "real reality" is very popular. This trend has emerged because the 

scripted "help me find love" shows are old, and "I'm a hollywood 

socialite reality shows" have run their course. The attraction is that, through edited, TLC shows are real. Shows like "Say Yes to The Dress", "Masters of Reception", "John and Kate Plus 8", and "18 Kids and 

Counting" are still outrageous, but in a more realistic way. 

Studs

Studs are everywhere on the runways for the Fall 

of 2009. Seen mainly on heels in the high fashion world, studs are also appearing on all types of clothing and accessories on CU's campus. Around CU you can see girls sporting purses with studs, black jeans with studs across the back pockets, and also on classic Converse shoes. Inspired by designers, college girls have sought out other fashionable ways to carry on this trend, much like the satchel has adapted on campus to be more practical. What's interesting is that the "studs" trend is inspiring an overall industrial and almost punk rock look. Girls may not sport the look during the day, but out at night liquid leggings and layered tulle skirts add to the "studs" trend. 

DIY Fashion

No, people on campus are not sewing all their clothes. But they are embellshing and turning old things into new. The most common DIY trend that has been around for years is altering CU T-Shirts for football games. This year, college girls ages 18-23 have taken DIY to another level. 

For example, a classic shoe, Converse, has begun to embellish their shoes with st

uds and sequins. (Yes, more studs!) Girls are finding that they can do this themselves to their old Converse shoes. Not only that, but sites like Etsy.com which is essentially an EBay for only home made goods, is now a staple shopping resource for college women. The rise in this trend may be tied to the economy, but moreover is tied to the fact that cheap clothing brands are everywhere. With the new Forever 21 at Flatiron Crossing, every girl is shopping at the same, low priced, stores. If you want something different you have to spend the cash or DIY. This trend will always exsist with DIY enthusiasits, but as for the mainstream female college population this trend will fade fairly shortly. Still, kudos to those who are into making their own stuff. 

Video Postings on Facebook 

Our communication methods have undoubtedly evolved in the past few years. Instant messenger has evolved into iChat and Skype, the way and how much we communicate through social media has grown. Though the usage of both these programs has gone up, more generally college students are interested in video postings on Facebook. Unlike iChat of Skype, video messages are permanently displayed on the recipients Facebook wall and are a form of self expression instead of just a way to communicate. Though mainly a female trend, some males do participate. Girls like the idea of "jazzing" up a normal text Facebok post. Most popular video posting are girls lipsyncing and dancing to a favorite song. Hmm does this relate to Face In Hole and the obsession with ourselves?