Trends For The Week of September 11th, 2009

Well, its been an interesting week out there trend hunting around campus. Since I've started this assignment I have begun to notice many trends catching on with all different groups of people here at CU. Here are my four observations for this week.

Sigg Water Bottles

Introducing the Sigg water bottle; taking the place of plastic Nalgene bottles everywhere. Aluminum, sleek, and customizable, the Sigg bottle is gaining popularity among students here at CU. Although it is over a hundred years, I believe the Sigg has made a comeback due to the large population of mountain climbers here at CU flaunting their Siggs. The bottles are popular amongst their crowd due to the fact that they are virtually indestructible. They can fall from incredible heights and dent and bend but never bust. Also, over the past couple of years news has spread that the hard-plastic material that composes a Nalgene may be hazardous to one's health. The ultimate undercurrent to this trend, however, is people's ever growing aggressiveness to become healthy. And the first step to getting healthy (besides getting off your couch) is to drink water! With over 100 bottle designs available and the option to customize your own, I don't think the Sigg bottle will be overcome by competitors any time soon.

Ear Gauges

I've spotted ear gauges opening up all over campus this year in nearly all my classes and while walking around campus. I know what you're thinking; no way, I hardly ever see those. But you have. Many people have gauge earrings that are so small they are just a couple of millimeters larger than a regular earring. Thus, they blend in. It is only the extreme who continue to step up their gauge size and stretch their ears beyond the point of ever returning to normal size again. Interestingly these earrings seem more popular amongst the male crowd at CU, but the girls certainly rock 'em, too. I believe the undercurrent pushing this trend is simply students wanting to be rebellious and fashionable at the same time. Some people may wear them to be fashionable within their crowd, but others enjoy the piercing and watching it grow to its fullest potential and size. And freaking people out of course.

Funky Shoelaces

Forget plain white sneaks these days. People are spicing up their kicks with funky shoelaces varying from any color, metallic to neon, and everything in between. And not just solid colors either. People have actual designs on their shoelaces, including the Playboy Bunny, hearts, or famous (and infamous) band logos. The sudden uprise in designer shoe laces may be occurring due to the undercurrent neon theme that is booming around campus. The shoe lace is just another accessory to flaunt in neon. Also, the laces often match the neon on the shoes that they are complementing. Another possibility is that people just want more attention to be drawn towards their shoes. After all, people spend hundreds of dollars on shoes and many people hardly recognize them. By spending another $2.50 for a pair of exotic laces one can get the sought after attention that they desire towards their shoes.

Messenger Bags

Two straps are out, one is in. Messenger bags have been appearing all over campus since my freshman year in 2007. However, this year they are all over the place. Everywhere I look I see someone with a bag over their shoulder resting on their hip instead of on their back. The bags are popular among both genders at CU, and are worn by an incredibly diverse crowd. Anyone from businessmen to punk rockers sport a messenger bag these days. In my opinion the undercurrent behind these bags is the retro look sought after by the people who use them. Also, for businessmen, there is just something about talking to your boss with a kiddy looking backpack on that is not professional. The messenger bag is versatile in its appearance and can be taken to the office or to class all the while looking quite average, however fashionable. I would not be shocked if the old postman messenger bag continues to gain popularity here at CU among the student body.