Hats can be an expression of individualism or humor
By Crystal McWhirt Special to the Kansan
From baseball hats to stocking caps to flyfishing hats, KU students are wearing hats that reflect their moods, personalities or favorite sports teams.
"I wear hats because they are an expression of individualism," said Chris Humphrey, Wichita senior. "For example, if you wear a funny hat, it shows people you don't care what they think. Basically you can only do so much with hair, and heads are boring things. You have to do something."
Humphrey collects hats. His collection includes two crew (rowing) hats that he received at a national competition when he was on the KU Crew team, two fly-fishing hats, a hat that belonged to his grandfather, a hat that belonged to his father, an "Australian-looking" hat and a snowboarding hat.
Shane Legleiter, Sterling freshman, began collecting hats three or four years ago because of an avid interest in the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I just started collecting hats because I was a Steelers fan," Legleiter said. "I only collect caps."
Anne Garvey, employee at Jock's Nitch, 840 Massachusetts St., said that baseball caps were popular with both college and high school students. Both the Jock's Nitch and the Kansas Sports Club, 837 Massachusetts St., carry a large assortment of professional and college sports team hats.
"This year the Cowboys were popular because of the Superbowl, and the Chiefs are sold all the time." Garvey said.
Prices on baseball hats can range from $13 to $20 for an adjustable cap and from $18 to $22 for a fitted cap, Garvey said.
However, if baseball hats are not quite what students are looking for, The Phil Zone, 1405 Massachusetts St., offers a variety of different hat types.
Corey Sievers, manager at The Phil Zone,
said the store's hat styles included jester
hats, Guatelmalan Apple hats, Guatelmalan
pointy hats, long snow caps, velvet
'70s caps, African beanie caps, various
Venetian Paradise hats, reggae hats and
leaf hats — hats with the insignia of the
marijuana leaf.
"A lot of the crazy hats we sell to snow boarders and skiers who want to show them off when they're on the slopes," Sievers said. The hats range in price from $8 to $30.
Sunflower Outdoor Clothing, 804 Massachusetts St., also carries more than just baseball hats. The store's collection includes ski hats, surplus hats and men's dress hats. Fleece hats cost from $15 to $30; wool and cotton hats cost from $9 to $15 and other hats range in price from $8 to $35.
"We carry a pretty big selection, probably equally divided between fleece and wool hats in about 20 different styles," said Jodie Patterson, employee at Sunflower Outdoor Clothing. "This year the most popular hats were the long-tail hats, 'rooster hats,' and jester hats. A lot of people buy them for skiing and for general wear on campus."
Sandals and boots are styles for all seasons
By Brian Wilson Special to the Kansan
The doctor is in.
Doc Martens shoes are one of the hottest brands on the market, said Tim Arensberg, owner of Arensberg's shoes. 825 Massachusetts St.
Doc Martens were developed by a German, Dr. Klaus Maertens in 1945, for comfort, but they're now worn for style as well.
Hiking boots including Doc Martens, Havana Joe and Nike Hiker boots also remain popular this year.
"Look to see people wearing Doc Martens and other kinds of boots with shorts during the summer," Arensberg said.
Birkenstocks and Teva sandals are popular again this year. People are wearing their sandals year-round with wool socks during the winter, said Veronica Valdivia, employee at Footprints, 1339 Massachusetts St.
"Teva sales are heaviest in the spring and summer since they are more inclined for outdoors, while Birkenstock sales are steady year-round," Valdivia said.
"I think people are finding the shoes that they like best and are wearing them all year-round," said Barry Allen, Overland Park freshman.
Platform shoes and clogs are popular
in women's shoes this year, Arensberg said. An elevated heel is more common among all types of women's shoes on the market.
Rachel Simon, Chicago sophomore said she wore clogs even before they were fashionable.
"I have worn clogs for a while now, and people have hassled me about it." Simon said. "But now that they are in style, I'm glad to see other people get enjoyment wearing them."
Men's and women's dress shoes have stayed conservative, while the trends this year have been in casual wear. Arensberg said.
Athletic shoes are not in style unless you are working out, Arensberg said.
"In the past, athletic shoes were worn for any informal occasion,but their popularity is declining rapidly,"Arensberg said.
"The only time I wear tennis shoes is while working out," said Brandon Haag, Wichita junior. "I never wear tennis shoes to bars or on dates. I think it looks tacky."
Black remains the most popular color of shoes. From basketball shoes to formal dress shoes, black outsells any other color, Arensberg said.
He said other colors that have gained popularity this year included browns, yellows and more natural colors.
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
That's what you'll make when you buy your spring fashions at the boutique that has today's styles at yesterday's prices.
Whether you're looking for dress clothes or casual clothes, you'll have a wide variety to choose from.
And have you thought about making a profit on those clothes that you no longer wear? Bring them in and place them on consignment with us.
LASTING IMPRESSIONS
Consignment Boutique
LOCATED IN THE MALLS SHOPPING CENTER
711 W. 23rd • 749-5122
HOURS: 10-6 M-Sat. Thursday until 8
CONSIGNMENT HOURS: M-Sat 10-3
If You Think You Can't Afford to Eat Out.. THINK AGAIN
Buffet Specials Everyday
Daily Lunch Buffet
Monday - Saturday Sunday
11:30 - 2:30
11:30 - 3:00
$4.95
$5.95
Daily Dinner Buffet
7 Days a week
5:30-9:00
$6.95
25 items including... Soups, salads, appetizers, fruit,ontrees,and dessert!
16
2907 W.6th Street 841-1688 (across from Dillons)
SPRING FASHION THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN April 6,1994