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Student, fashion lover… Jewelry designer. {Annabel Massey}

Posted by SchuylerMack on March 6, 2014 | No Comments »

Not-your-typical-southern-belle Annabel Massey is stepping outside the norm to express her creative ability in a worldly manner.

~~~

Any generalizations you might make about the typical preppy SMU student would not be applicable to Annabel Massey. Even at first glance, her unique style separates her from the rest of the pack. Often adorned in multiple layers of jewelry and scarves, Annabel sets her own style.

“Traveling and collecting memories has been my passion since a young age,” Massey remarked with regards to the source of inspiration for her eclectic jewelry line. On some of her favorite destinations, “Africa and India,” she declares, “I love these two places above all because their culture is so adorned and beautiful.” She feels lucky to have been able to experience so many cultures around the world concluding that her travels have provided her with “really all the inspiration one needs.” Her line of jewelry consists of stackable bracelets and beaded necklaces, all unique and one of a kind.

Massey originally had no intentions of selling her pieces or even starting a line. She began beading at a young age where she was drawn to channeling her creative energy into art. “Instead of watching TV shows or movies, I was always wanting to be more creative and construct art,” she explains. After years of collecting beads, and dedicating countless hours into transforming them into wearable pieces, Annabel finally built a sizable collection.

It wasn’t long before Massey’s stepmother offered to sell pieces of her collection in her award winning Houston based boutique, Laboratoria. Without a second doubt, Massey debuted her line at the boutique the summer before her arrival at SMU. With the help of her stepmother, she settled on the name ACJewels to represent her brand as well as her middle name, Jewel. Unsurprisingly, the line began selling rapidly and requests for the popular styles became more and more numerous. Annabel now works off of commission for her unique jewels.

Get Annabel’s key fashion pieces listed below:

1) Gold Necklaces

2) Combat boots

3) Black spandex

4) Sequin bras

XO, Sky

Men

Profiled

Spotted

Top Ten Most Stylish

It Boy {John Pennington}

Posted by ShannonLindee on March 5, 2014 | No Comments »

Whenever I see John Pennington, whether that be around campus on his way to class or out at night, he is always dressed up like the classy gentleman that he truly is. This SMU senior and president of Sigma Chi never fails to bring his true style to campus, so of course I had to catch up with him and figure out some of his style secrets on how he brings his own bad-ass twist to the typical preppy SMU uniform.
glasses / shirt / watch / jeans / shoes

How would you describe your style?

I would say my style is a very WASPy-British-gentlemen-influenced-overly-hyphenated-classic-prep look with a lot of elements like tailoring, patterns, colors, and fabrics reminiscent of styles from the 1950s and 1960s country club looks. In short, modern gentlemen. Recently I’ve been focused on adding more basics in timeless cuts and neutral colors with really subtle, yet unique details in them. I like to look well put together with an original style – I like finding things that I won’t see anyone else in Dallas wearing mixed with staple pieces. But I think the most important thing about what I wear is that it’s comfortable and that it makes me feel good.

What’s your must-have without item?

Prorsum tailored navy suit or Tom Ford black velvet tuxedo slippers (the basics, right?)

Who is your favorite designer?

Burberry Prorsum

Who is your style icon?

Fictional characters: James Bond, Jay Gatsby, and Bill Cosby (great sweater collection)

Real people: Daniel Craig, Leonardo DiCaprio, Justin Timberlake and Eddie Redmayne

Where is your favorite place to shop?

As a Dallas native, the first store I go to is always Neiman Marcus. I also consistently check out the new shipments whenever they come in at Burberry Northpark (Mary Lou is the best stylist) and the Seven for All Mankind store.

Why did you get interested in fashion?

In high school I worked retail at Northpark and was constantly around sophisticated and picky shoppers and high-end clothes. Growing up in Dallas, you have access to tons of great designers and so many boutiques and luxury retailers – Neiman Marcus, stores of Highland Park Village, Northpark boutiques, etc. – that are known for their customer service and personal client care. Now I work at J. Crew at Northpark and am constantly looking at new trends, styles, and designers from stores in Northpark and around Dallas and enjoy setting myself apart with a unique and defined style that is more refined than most 22 year olds.

Men

Shop Savvy

Spring Break Forever

Posted by shelly knutson on March 2, 2014 | No Comments »

I think we can all agree on the fact that just about everyone is counting down the days until spring break. I’m outta here and back to Cali Thursday AM and couldn’t be more ready. Surely I’ll be hitting up the beach and soaking up some sun but what about those of you headed to the snow? Your friends at SMUstyle certainly have not forgotten you! Whether you’re headed to London to visit family like Jenna or off to Aspen to hit the slopes like Schuyler, we’ve got you covered.

women: Ray Ban Sunglasses | Ski Pants | EOS Chapstick | Gucci Fur Beanie | Snowboard Travel Bag

Art Smart

Spring Break Playlist

Posted by Natalia Bru on February 28, 2014 | No Comments »

Happy Friday Readers!!

I am beyond honored to be a part of SMUStyle’s first playlist. I would love to start by saying that music is a huge asset to one’s style. The way we walk, talk, dance, and dress is so similar to what we listen to whether we notice it or not. I’m not saying that if you listen to indie music you are a hipster or if you listen to rap you are super ghetto; but, artists we enjoy listening to often dress the way we like to dress or sing the tunes we love to let loose to! Music is not only one of my biggest passions, but is definitely an ongoing, growing lifestyle I hope to continue pursuing throughout my life and journalistic career. It is so important that we listen to what we love and discover new tracks that are similar to our diverse tastes. I thought it was only fair for our spring break playlist to reflect all genres that may appeal to our readers (even if I don’t listen to them myself hehe). So without further ado, I bring to you SMUStyle’s Spring Break Playlist!

pop from left to right: 1/2/3/4/5

dance from left to right: 1/2/3/4/5

indie from left to right: 1/2/3/4/5

alternative from left to right: 1/2/3/4/5

country from left to right: 1/2/3/4/5

rap from left to right: 1/2/3/4/5

classic jams from left to right: 1/2/3/4/5

remixes from left to right: 1/2/3/4/5

I hope everyone enjoys their spring breaks and has safe travels!!!

-n_bru

P.S. Happy listening!!!

Fashion Insider

Shop Savvy

Layer Up

Posted by Chelsea Parker on February 27, 2014 | No Comments »

Winter weather isn’t taking the hint – we’re over it, but it just keeps coming back for more. The best way to prepare for the unpredictable Dallas weather? Layers. Layers. Layers. Put on one extra piece, or five. The layered look is the smart girl’s way to look fab while beating the chilly wind that is present one minute, and enjoying the Dallas sunshine the next.

As much as I’d love nothing more than consistent spring weather, we can’t expect that kind of luck in the big D.

So layer up (and pray to get the chance to lose one or two)

whether it’s on your way to class, out with the girls, on the clock, or off to dinner and cocktails with your main squeeze.

Where To Shop Her Look: Leather Jacket, Striped Shirt, Chambray Shirt, Tank, Silk Scarf, Pants, Loafers

goin' out
Where To Shop Her Look: Cropped Top, Leopard Scarf, Leggings, Wedges

the working girl
Where To Shop Her Look: Hat, Blazer, Over-the-Shoulders Sweater, Vintage Skirt (look alike here), Socks, Loafers

date night
Where To Shop Her Look: Hat, Dress, Vest, Booties

Fashion Insider

Shop Savvy

Mix + Match {Bikini Edition}

Posted by Adriana Bremer on February 27, 2014 | No Comments »

Spring Break is just around the corner, and there is no better way to get ready than to online shop for some bikini’s for Cabo- or whatever destination it is you are hitting (if it involves the beach, of course)! Play it smart and do the mix + match. You can get one cute bottom and find three tops that could match it. Not only will you save money, but you will also take advantage of your purchases.

Look at some of my favorite picks! From black, to green, to salmon, to neon, I chose a little bit of everything- colors and styles- and mixed them up to create unique combinations!

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12

xo,

Adriana

Dallas Hot Spots

Devouring Dallas

Events

Victor Tangos Revamped

Posted by ShannonLindee on February 26, 2014 | No Comments »

Victor Tangos, a favorite Dallas hotspot on Henderson, has received a little facelift. Owner Tristan Simon has brought on a new crew to revamp the restaurant. Kirstyn Brewer, a rising star at just 28 years old, is the new Executive Chef, and Alex Fletcher, most recently at People’s Last Stand, is the new Bar Manager. Along with the fresh team, Victor Tangos is getting sleek menus along with new booths and signage.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a small intimate dinner to check out the recent additions and the Victor Tangos family sure knew how to wine and dine us! Dinner started off with two HUGE punch bowls, which are new to the menu along with salty marble potatoes and chilled mussels, followed by two different flatbreads. Next, they brought out burrata, fried oysters, and scallops; and for the main course, the grilled hanger steak and the whole market fish. This extravagant meal was topped out with their three amazingly delicious desserts, our favorites being the apple bacon upside down cake and the salted caramel peanut butter pretzel chocolate tart with an oreo crust… talk about yum!

This dinner has definitely made me excited for what’s more to come at Victor Tangos!

xxSL

Barbados Punch Bowl

Duck, Goat Cheese, Dried Balsamic Figs & Basil Flatbread

Grilled Hanger Steak, Sage Creamed Greens & Fried Egg

Burrata, Marinated Eggplant & Bagna Cuada

Victor Tango

Whole Market Fish, Crushed Lemony Potatoes, Crispy Capers & Pimenton Aioli
Scallops, Mole, White Beans & Shishitos

Apple Bacon Upside Down Cake with Caramel Popcorn and Bourbon Ice Cream

Holiday Inspiration

Holiday Style

Shop Savvy

Essentials for the Beach Babe

Posted by Daniela Hernendez on February 26, 2014 | No Comments »

Spring Break plans usually include the likes of Cabo, the Bahamas, and maybe even Miami. With only two weeks left until a much needed vacation, it’s time to start picking up the essentials…

1. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray – for that absolutely crucial tousled salt-in-your-hair beach look all day and all night

2. Clarins After Sun Gel – I swear by this little yellow bottle! It not only smells good but feels good when you put it on and will take away sunburns overnight. A definite must for anyone who burns easily

3. Khiel’s Skin Care Complexion Perfecter, SPF 50 – a great sunscreen for your face that vows to even out your tan. It even comes in four different shades to fit different skin tones

4. Zara Neoprene Printed Dress – less is more on these beach vacations! So show off your newly tanned legs with this fun neoprene number

5. ‘Drama’ Floppy Hat – the best trend in time for a spring break getaway to keep the harsh hangover sunlight out of your eyes that also looks great in your Instas

6. Beach Riot // Stone Cold Fox Bikinis – more important than your hawt bikini bod, is how fabulous your actual bikini is

7. Wildfox Adventure List Cami – keep your frat and sorority tanks at home! Please! If you’re not a linen cover-up kind of girl, then opt for these fun Wildfox camis to throw on as you head out

8. Illesteva Leonard Acetate Sunglasses – the ultimate essential!!! These Illesteva’s bright blue lenses are an awesome alternative to everyone’s mirrored Ray Ban’s

SMUstyle hopes this made packing just a little bit easier!

xx, D

Events

Shop Savvy

So you are going to Mardi Gras?

Posted by Justine McGregor on February 25, 2014 | No Comments »

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

If you are an ambitious one, and heading to Mardi Gras this weekend, I applaud you. If you are not, for whatever reason, I feel you, as I went last year and think that once was all I could handle, at least in 2 years time. But, for those of you going, above are items that could potentially make the party that can so easily break in good ol’ NOLA. From my experience, you can never be too prepared when attending the craziest weekend of your year. So, with that said, pack for rain and for stepping in all sorts of unidentified “stuff”with cute rubber boots and a jacket. Pack for pickpocketers with a festive close-to-your-body crossover bag and keyring wallet. Pack for defense against colds and much worse with a cute sweatshirt and pepper spray. But most of all pack for FUN with sparkles and jewels galore! Whip out the glitter polish and bring your own beads to start off your collection. Have a blast and keep yo eyes peeled for creepers.

xo Justine

P.S. Don’t forget the Advil and Gatorade ( ;

Shop Savvy

Accessories Fit to Hit the Beach

Posted by Sara Mullally on February 25, 2014 | No Comments »

I am definitely what one would call an “accessories girl”. I don’t exactly live by that rule your mother always tells you about taking one thing off before you leave the house. More is more!

When packing for Spring Break this year, rather than splurging on new bathing suits, spend your money on these accoutrements that will take your basic bikini to another level. Throw on a silk headscarf, glam shades, a trendy hand piece, and you are good to go! My go-to for lounging by the pool are statement necklaces and obnoxiously large sun hats (like I said, more is more right?!).

I’ve also included some more practical accessories: cute travel bags for beach gear, a great read on one of the most fascinating women in fashion, and a waterproof phone case…because at least one person with you is guaranteed to drop their phone in a body of water.