Letter to the editor

I’m writing in response to the April 14 “Campus Chic” article in The Tartan. I take issue with a number of statements made in the article.

First, regarding the statement Wang makes about “accessories making a comeback”: Accessories never went anywhere to begin with. Since the turn of the century, thick cuff bracelets, bangles, and chunky necklaces have been the thing. Oversized bauble necklaces are not unique to Marc Jacobs; necklaces like his were featured in the spring 2008 Ana Lucia De Teresa, John Galliano, Lanvin, and Luigi Scialanga collections as well.

Moreover, Wang notes that Calvin Klein did a collection based entirely on simple, minimalist neutrals. Really? Wow, newsworthy. Calvin Klein has been called the “Master of Minimalism” throughout his entire career; this clean, minimalist aesthetic is what the brand has been known for since the late ’60s when it first launched.

Now, I would say something about “postmodern sandals,” but I have no idea what that could possibly mean.

Finally, Wang discusses chemical engineering student Ester Barbuto’s wedge sandals. Wedge sandals have been around for a while, but it’s time to put them away. Espadrille wedges were “in” in spring 2005, but were pretty flash-in-the-pan as far as trends go. The wedge heel without an espadrille upper portion have stuck around longer. Case in point: For spring 2006, the Chloe brand featured a brown T-strap wedge sandal with a wood heel. In the spring of 2007, I bought a pair that looks extremely similar to those at the Old Navy store where I work in Winchester, Va. Now it’s 2008, and it’s time to retire wedges for spring.

Wedges are making a return this fall on boots, however — tall ones from Salvatore Ferragamo or ankle-high ones from Cornejo — which the article fails to mention. This spring, shoppers should go with a colorful, chunky, strappy sandal or a modified saddle shoe — both with a stack heel. Chanel, Dior, Manolo Blahnik, Nina Ricci, and Oscar De La Renta all have great examples of these in their spring 2008 collections.

It’s all well and good that everyone has his or her own unique style, but even the best looking or most put-together person isn’t necessarily “trendy.” A person could look fabulous in shoulder pads or overalls, though no one should go as far as to call that person fashionable.

Kendra Lee
School of Drama, 2011