Student Survival Guide Part 2: Chic and Cheerful

Hot Press style guru Roe McDermott delivers a lesson in penny-pinching style.

Hear ye, hear ye, it is by Roe-yal decree (yeah, I went there!) that the dark era hereby known as “The Long Pyjama War” will come to an end. No more shall students roll into lectures in pyjama bottoms and oh-so-casual “bed-head” that actually took you twenty minutes to artfully tousle. No more shall flip-flops or Uggs take the place of actual footwear, and yes – all clothes must be washed occasionally. It’s a tough challenge I set ye, but I have faith. Faith that you will rediscover the joy of looking intentionally presentable; faith that ye shall reap the rewards both in self-respect and similarly respectable-looking suitors; and faith that in later life, you shall appreciate not having spent years looking like an extra from a Ross O’Carroll Kelly scene. And fear not, ye humble slaves to fashion, for true style can be achieved on even the most meagre of peasant wages...

FIND YOUR ONLINE FASHION PORN
Not that we’ll ever abandon our faithful high street, but for up-to-date fashion, bargains and unique pieces that no-one else will be wearing, you’re going to have to get online – just not during lectures, obviously (that time’s for Facebook. D’uh.) By signing up as a member to the online version of your favourite shops, you’ll receive information about special offers, secret sales and upcoming designer collections way before the crowd. Asos.com is a must for budding and budgeting fashionistas alike, as it houses not only Asos’ own line, but high-street brands and gorgeous designer pieces – and they’re seriously generous when it comes to free delivery offers, sales and discounts. Another must is eBay. Though it can be daunting for newbies, the site is filled with gorgeous designer products at knock-down prices, and it’s not uncommon to find the latest River Island heels or dresses for twenty quid. Plus, if you’re strapped for cash you can always try your hand at selling some of your own old fashions. Just, not the pyjamas. Hygiene, lads.

BARGAINS AND DISCOUNTS AND RENTALS, OH MY!
It’s not just online stores that are offering discounts. You students are like the youngest child of the fashionista family – so spoiled for choice that all us old fogies hate you (and have clung onto our old student cards, reasoning that many a shop assistant won’t notice either the expiry date or our haggard faces, lined by old age and bitterness. Score.) Most high-street shops offer a student discount, so be sure to bring your card with you on every spree. Also take a minute to fill out those annoying membership forms shops keep at the tills, as stores like BT2 offer advance sales and special fashion nights for members that could save you loads on more expensive pieces. When it comes to hair and beauty, many hairdressers have student schools, where they offer haircuts, colour and make-up sessions for seriously low prices, because they’re done by trainees. I know, I know, it sounds terrifying, but the trainees are not only all supervised by senior stylists; they are so intent on keeping both you and their boss happy that you get far more attention than you would in a busy salon. Finally, for big events like student balls, dress rental stores are a godsend, allowing you to rent gorgeous designer frocks for a few nights at a fraction of the price it would cost to buy one. But be sure to take a trip into the shop instead of ordering online – some places rent out their outfits a lot, so you need to check that hems are clean and zippers work.

INVEST IN STAPLES
Now, I will defend your right to buy flimsy tops in Penneys and ten euro summer dresses til the day I die (or until the day your cheap crappy strap breaks and you flash everyone at a festival, not that this has ever happened to me, I promise), but there are some things you just shouldn’t scrimp on. There are amazing, gorgeous looking heels everywhere for cut-throat prices, including great knock-offs of the latest Louboutins and YSL heels, but stay away! There’s a reason these shoes are so cheap, and it’s all in the structure. Sure, you’ll get the cute patterns and glittery heels, but your feet will pay a price for it, and be crippled an hour into your girly night out. Trust us – no-one likes the girl who’s constantly moaning about her feet hurting! Brands like Kurt Geiger and Aldo are known for their well-made designs that are fashionable, moderately priced and most importantly, don’t feel like Chinese foot binding. Another must-splurge item is your college bag. From all the college books to sneaky drinks to extra outfits you’ll need to bring in case you get lucky and don’t want to do the walk of shame the morning after, your bag is going to see a lot of action, so it needs to hold up under pressure. No cheap rucksacks with handles that will break or flimsy totes that won’t support the weight of your laptop. Invest in a nice, strong bag that will see you through the year. When your crappy handbag breaks and your make-up falls down a drain, your phone smashes and your condoms and extra tampons roll to the front of a lecture hall, you’ll wish you had just coughed up the extra cash.

I’M NOT OLD, I’M VINTAGE
Thanks to the recession, the stigma surrounding charity and vintage shops has thankfully passed, and the local second hand store has become a necessary part of your hipster credibility. “Oh, this old thing? Yeah, sixty cents at a vintage shop, apparently was worn by a model in the ‘60s, essentially inspired all of Andy Warhol’s greatest work. But you know, whatevs.” Now, admittedly, charity shops have yet to grace us with any perfect condition 1920s haute couture or lasts season’s Miu Miu, but they are great for DIY projects. 80’s-style blazers can be given a new lease of life by taking out the shoulder pads and wearing over skinnies for a cool boyish look, or can be nipped in at the waist with a belt. Flowing 60’s hippie dresses or old cut-offs also make for great festival gear, while bowler hats and old dickie bows are great for adding some quirk to your ensemble – just be aware of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl fetishists you’re likely to attract (there tends to be a lot of them floating around the Arts Block). Genuine vintage stores are where the real designer stuff can be found. Good quality and good condition pieces can be expensive, but even accessories like box hats, cameo brooches, kid gloves and vintage satchels will add gorgeously unique highlights to your everyday wardrobe.

TEACH ME YOUR WAYS, STUDENT FASHION YODA
Finally, look around you! Colleges are filled with crazy creative types just looking for muses, and the next Vivienne Westwood or Tom Ford could be sitting next to you! (Though sadly the next John Galliano could be sitting next to you too, of course. Look out for anyone in your psychology lecture who asks why the Milgram experiments didn’t just actually electrocute people.) Student fashion shows usually feature the work of student designers and are a great way to get to know budding artists who may well be up for personal commissions if you play your cards right. Also, keep yourself up to date with showcases from fashion students from places like NCAD or the Limerick School of Art and Design. Their work is always innovative and inspiring and many of them sell their wares online and are open to making one-off designs. Also, when the lucky and talented ones get picked up by stores such as Brown Thomas, their first collection could well become worth loads in the future – plus, you’ll earn serious bragging rights, and that’s always a winner. Of course, seeing as you’re a student, you’ll probably want the cheat-sheet version, so why not just check out Hot Press’ Irish Fashion Designer Spotlight in every issue, where we showcase the best of established and up-and-coming designer talent? See how good we are to you? That’s the only cheat we’re offering you though. That Beowulf essay is all on you.