It’s almost time for you to show off the summer body you’ve worked hard to get

or keep this winter. We know you can’t wait to have lots of fun in the sun but don’t

make swimsuit shopping a chore. Check out these sizzling styles and splash into

summer the right way.

Cut out swimsuits

Bare your curves with cut outs.

One shoulder swimsuits

Demand attention with this subtly sexy look.

Printed swimsuits

Flaunt your wild side with playful patterns and prints.

Sequined swimsuits

Shine when showing off some skin.

-Shanice Maxwell

As the semester comes to a close, daydreaming about the beach, island vacations, and impromptu road trips with friends has probably become the norm. It’s never too early to think about what summer has in store, but don’t get caught without super hot shorts to keep you looking and feeling cool when it arrives. Remember, summer is yours for the taking.

Sassy styles:

1. Leather shorts 

(image courtesy of instyle.com)

Amplify a simple T-shirt or everyday cardigan with edgy leather shorts.

2. Neon shorts

(image courtesy of theybf.com)

Electrify your outfit with modest jewelry when adding some neon flare.

3. Sequined shorts

(image courtesy of teenvogue.com)

Journey from plain to poppin’ with these shimmery embellishments.

Go on, show some leg!

-Shanice Maxwell

You don’t have to be a diva to know that shoe trends are a playful mix of prints, platforms, and crazy color combos this season. You may have seen a wide variety of flirty footwear around campus or in your favorite fashion magazines and blogs. Before you and your girls splurge on a shopping spree for shoes, find out the best places to flaunt ‘em.

(hapersbazaar.com)

Popping Prints

Shoes covered in patterns, animal print, or hinted with a tribal touch will add the right amount of sass ‘n spunk to your everyday look. Perfect places: parties, picnics, and hot dates

(feather-magazine.com)

Sorbet Splashes

With every step, pretty pastels will make your simplest of outfits exude quiet confidence, class, and chic comfort. Perfect places: walks in the park, work, family functions

(nastygal.com)

Color Collisons

Floral prints and odd color constructs are necessary novelties this time of year. Whether you’re going for narcisstic or nice, let your shoes decide! Perfect places: campus, the beach, Friday night fun with friends

(harpersbazaar.com)

Wild Wedges

Everyone can’t pull off unique shoe styles but that’s one thing that can easily separate you from the crowd. Perfect places: concerts, clubs, special occasions

-Shanice Maxwell

(Photo of loafers from trashness.com)

Guys, it’s okay to trade in that faded t-shirt of yours for a fitted or graphic top. It also won’t hurt to give those comfy pair of old baggy jeans or wrinkled khakis a rest either. Before the long days of sizzling summer arrive, check out these five trends that’ll have you looking your hottest.


(Photo from leeclassic.blogspot.com)

1. Colored pants/khakis: The brighter the better. Whether they’re skinny jeans or straight legged, colored pants are a must-have this spring. Throw on a white v-neck and put a slight cuff in the bottom. The next thing you know you’re looking like runway material.


(Photo from fashionbeans.com)

2. Craft bracelets: They can be beaded, double braided, leather, or something your little sister made in art class. Bracelets opposite a gold watch (another key accessory) will spruce up your outfit in no time.  You can even stack a couple on one wrist or both – the more the merrier.


(Photo from theshoebuff.com)

3. Suede shoes with colored soles: Splash some subtle but smooth color into your everyday look as soon as you tie a knot in your shoes. These bad boys will stand out on their own so don’t try to match your outfit to the color of your sole.

4. Tassel Shoes & Loafers: Leave those ankles bare this season as you slip into your shoes. Whether you’re headed to class, work, or the beach – these will keep you feeling as cool as you look.

5. R.O.N: Red, orange, and navy are the colors of craze this season.  Sport one of these shades and become that piece of eye candy you’ve always dreamed you’d be.

We asked SU’s young fashion guru Mohammad Diallo, junior fashion design student and former intern at Self, Lucky, and Nylon Magazines, for his take on what’s up and coming for men’s fashion.

To help get you started on your new wardrobe additions he suggested places like Gap for finding “a new selection of colorful khakis, Ralph Lauren for the essentials, and Band of Outsiders.” Avoid fashion fails by leaving sagging, square-toed shoes and ill-fitting clothes in the past, he says.

—Shanice Maxwell

This deal is so good, we had to make a second deal of the day post! This BAD ASS Cotton (yes, cotton) Eyelet Lace Moto Jacket by Free people is on gilt.com right now for $72!

Hidden in gilt’s “best gifts under $100” section I almost missed it!

Light enough to take you from this weird winter relapse into the spring, this jacket is a total steal!

Here’s our access code in case you still are not a member! (But seriously, why wouldn’t you be!)

http://www.gilt.com/invite/alisak19

 Enjoy!

 - Alisa Kurtz

Fingernails say a lot about you whether they’re unpolished, manicured, covered in outrageous designs and artwork, or shaped like claws. Wherever you find yourself on the wide-ranging nail spectrum, one trend on the rise to be hip to is stiletto nails.

Stiletto nails are all the rave this spring. You may have seen one of your favorite celebrities rockin’ them. They’re literally nails, false or real, that have been filed to a point.

(Clockwise from top left: Lady Gaga, Fergi, Beyoncé and Rihanna. Photo from 6lyrics.com)

Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Amber Rose, Katy Perry, Adele, and Fergie are a few celebs that have flaunted stiletto nails. Rihanna, though many have worn them before her, is being credited with helping this fashion trend make a kick ass comeback.

Aside from celebs It’s not everyday you see someone walking around with pointed nails decorated in intricate designs but that’s the norm for Kimberley Parris. Kim, SU graduate student in Pan African studies, loves getting crazy creative each time she goes in for a fill. Glitter, sequins, and a mix of at least 5 colors are not only the norm for her - they’re expected. 

(One of Kim Parris’ many stiletto nail styles. Photo provided by Shanice Maxwell)

“My nails make me feel mysterious and quite intriguing,” she says. “They make me fierce and add character to my already humongous personality.”

Kim made the transition from dull to daring two years ago after seeing Beyoncé’s nails in a video. She adores the stiletto trend so much that she travels to Charlotte just to get them redone. Talk about making a fashion statement.

Now nail art may not be your taste or style but if you’re looking for a fun and flirty way to be fashionably forward this spring, stiletto nails are the way to go. If that’s too big of a step try sassy polish colors like teal, mint green, white, fuschia, or anything neon. Go ahead and radiate your personality with your nails girl!

—Shanice Maxwell

Vintage styles and costume jewelry have been making their way back onto the fashion scene without apology.

For the fashionista trying to switch up her swag or the girl struggling to make her look more trendy, brooches can be the quick and inexpensive answer she’s been looking for. They’re the ideal accessory for adding a splash of color, pattern, or spice to an otherwise ordinary outfit. 

Javetta Clemmons, a Howard University grad, says, “They add individuality…and make your outfit yours.”

      (Eight of Angie Mejia’s 76 brooches)

Angie Mejia, SU doctoral student and owner of 76 brooches, agrees that they bring life to dull looks but cautions wearers: “Don’t wear a lot of other jewelry or your outfit will look too busy.”

No one right way to wear them

Just ask Tiffany Bender, SU graduate television, radio, and film student who loves styling them in unique ways.

 
(Tiffany Bender, with one of her many brooches)

“You can put one on the front of a blazer, use them instead of buttons, or as a little hip jewel on the side of one of your dresses,” Bender says. The options are endless! 

Whether you want to cinch a dress or throw one on a pashmina, the look will totally be yours. Brooches succeed in bringing personality in your outfit. No matter the size, these little (or big) guys will give the stylish, timeless appeal you always wanted.

Look for the best brooch

Bonafide trendsetter Tamara James, a Virginia State University grad who majored in textile and apparel management says, “This is one that’s very sturdy and strong, not too heavy, and can be worn with any type of garment and look different.”

  (Tamara James’ brooches)

There’s just one final rule you can’t forget when rocking brooches: “You have to be confident in wearing them. Be comfortable and know you’re fly,” Javetta says.

—Shanice Maxwell

Get your wallet out, because Rebecca Minkoff bags are on Gilt.com.

This adorable Mini Mac Convertible Clutch, usually $325 is available for $189. That offers savings of $136.

Not a Gilt.com member? Now you are, with a click of the mouse through our invite code!

Happy spring!

- Rebecca Toback

I must admit that for some strange reason, I tune in to Jersey Shore every Thursday night at 10 p.m. Call me crazy, but Snooki’s drunken escapades and Pauly D’s pranks somehow still crack me up.

As a native of New Jersey, I would love to deny that people seriously act like that, and worse, dress like that, but unfortunately I would be lying. Jersey fashion has not, and perhaps will never change. Here are three trends I couldn’t exactly say that I would be sorry to see go, but they’re still here anyway.

1) Bad dye jobs: Visible extension clip-ins and chunky blonde highlights are now things of the past. The hottest new hair trend is color - adding as many different colors to your hair as possible, that is. The trick is to make it look as colorful and unnatural as possible, so as to catch everyone’s eye when you’re walking down the street. Inspiration for this look: Skittles - see the rainbow?

(image courtesy of http://rescuemusicentertainment.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/ten-fashion-fads-i-hope-never-come-back/)

2) Uggs and shorts: Fashion loves contradictions, and this look epitomizes that. By pairing Uggs with shorts, you can combine looks from two different seasons, all at once. Think winter on the bottom, summer on top. This look is best worn in the springtime or fall, that way you won’t be too hot in your fur-lined boots, or too cold in your short shorts. 

(image courtesy of http://editorial.modnique.com/editorial/trends-to-keeptrends-to-toss/attachment/exclusivejennifer-love-hewitt-attends-an-hour-long-pole-dancing-class)

3) Leggings worn as pants: Many feared the shrinking of hemlines in fashion, but leggings worn as pants eliminate this fear altogether. Choose a tight-fitting cropped top instead of a long, flowing one that actually covers your assets. Also, be sure stick to leggings made of a diaphanous material because let’s face it, everyone wants to see which underwear you chose to wear today.

—Tina Ferraro

Spring break is here. Whether you plan on spending your vacation at an exotic resort, or hanging outside by your backyard pool, choosing the right bathing suit is key in looking cute.

Check out Equal Time’s spring break bathing suit guide, and you’re guaranteed to turn heads, no matter your location.

1. Every March, Victoria’s Secret doles out its swimsuit catalog, pages brimming with the hottest new swimwear for summer. Check out this VS bathing suit in particular. The white floral bandeau top compliments every skin tone. The top is a push up, so it works well with girls who wish to accentuate their bust while on the beach. The bright colors will have you wishing for summer. Overall, this bathing suit evokes confidence and beauty in its wearer.

Top- $32

2. Many are unaware that Asos, a popular women’s clothing retailer, also carries bathing suits. This Asos fuller bust 50s underwire leopard print bikini top is mainly made for women with a fuller bust as the name suggests, but the style can be worn by anyone. The top flatters all body shapes, and the leopard print adds a sexy touch. The bottom is very simple, and doesn’t distract from the top. This bathing suit is a classic, with a print that makes it pop.

Top- $32.23

3. For those who believe a one-piece bathing suit cannot be sexy, be prepared to be proven wrong! This matelasse halter monokini from Forever 21 is classy and bold. With a sweetheart neckline, it puts a twist on the typical one-piece bathing suit. This monokini is made of knit material, and has a back strap to hold it all together. If you want to try something new and stand out from the crowd, try out this bathing suit. Sometimes showing less goes a long way.

Monokini- $19.80

4. I own this bathing suit top and I absolutely love it. This nylon tricot criss-cross bikini top from American Apparel does the body wonders. The top can be worn two different ways. The first way is depicted in the photo, with a cool criss-cross shape with the strings tied in the back. The other way to wear this suit is as a simple triangle top. It comes in a variety of beautiful colors, and each shade emphasizes a girl’s unique skin tone. This suit can be sexy and flirtatious, but it can also be transformed to a more basic, causal look. It’s like getting two suits for the price of one!

Top- $25



5. Juicy Couture’s sailor girl bikini is perfect for those who want a more playful, laidback look. This suit doesn’t exude sexiness as some of the other choices do, but it does give off a fun and flirty vibe. The colors work with any skin tone. Turn heads in this frilly sailor skirt and matching nautical top.

Top- $94
Bottom-$98

So there you go ladies! The important thing about purchasing a bathing suit is finding the perfect match for you. By thinking about what compliments your body, you’ll be sure to find the right fit.

—Mariann Yip

Ya know how sometimes you walk into a store, look around for a little, check out a few price tags, and then leave with nothing but a feeling of being broke? Oh, is that just me?

That’s how I feel nearly every time I step into Intermix. So imagine my excitement reading an email subject line from myhabit.com, Amazon.com’s new fashion sale site, that included Intermix. 

The Intermix sale is certainly a good deal. This Ponte Knit Blazer, originally $298 is on MyHabit for just $60! With everything selling for less than $100 this is a sale not to be missed!

If you have an Amazon account, you have a MyHabit account. Unfortunately, they don’t allow for URL invitations, but if you would like one email the ET account at equaltimemag@gmail.com

Get shopping!

- Rebecca Toback

Woo! It’s finally Friday! Start off your weekend right by treating yourself to the

American Apparel super sale happening now on Hautelook.com!

All access code:  http://www.hautelook.com/short/3C7KX

Check out this adorable mini dress in nude for only $17. If this doesn’t scream deal of the day, I don’t know what does.

But hurry, everything is going fast. As always, happy shopping!

- Alisa Kurtz

The time for frequent mall trips and tons of online shopping has arrived – all so you can have the hottest spring accessories. No matter your style or swag, the right accessories can turn a casual outfit into something straight from NYC’s Fashion Week runway.

Don’t get a headache trying to decide if you can pull off a tribal printed clutch or sport sherbet colored shades. Here’s a list of 4 must-haves that’ll get you noticed first day of spring.

1. Flirty Fedoras
A fedora will keep you covered and cute during those crazy spring showers.

Hat: Urban Outfitters ($29.00)

Hat: Urban Outfitters ($24.00)

2. Haute Handbags
Who says you can’t be trendy while on the go? All you need is a chic hobo or accented clutch, preferably tribal printed or striped.

Purse: Urban Outfitters ($59.00)

Messenger bag: Urban Outfitters ($165.00)

3. Jazzy Jewelry
Anything floral, feathered, or futuristic patterned will do the trick. Try bold-colored wrist candy or a chunky ring to really brighten up your look.

Earrings: H&M ($19.95)

Bracelet: H&M ($19.95)

Bracelet: Urban Outfitters ($29.00)

Ring: Urban Outfitters ($24.00)

Necklace: H&M ($17.95)

4. Sexy Sunnies
Whether dodging the sun or your own paparazzi, these will keep you shaded and stylish no matter the shape.

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters ($14.00)

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters ($16.00)

Sunglasses: ()

Images courtesy of Urban Outfitters, H&M and Forever21

—Shanice Maxwell