Coming Home

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Everyone’s favorite homecoming season is finally here, along with the sight of changing leaves, the aroma of Pumpkin Spice lattes and the sounds of football practice. Whether you’re going to your school’s homecoming formal or just cheering on the boys, the celebration of coming back to your roots is enough to feel like dancing.

The history of the homecoming celebration dates back to 1910 and included all of the same aspects as it does today. Baylor University, University of Illinois and University of Missouri contend for the first homecoming extravaganzas! Each of these schools desired the same outcome– to unite their alumni and increase school pride.

Depending on the type of school you attend, or once attended, differs in the sorts of events that occur. The sport of football usually always takes center stage, however at many schools, a “spirit week” is also held where students may dress up in their school colors or in themed attire during the week of homecoming. If you attend a college homecoming, many times tailgating is the way to welcome the crowds.

Whether you’re tailgating, participating in “spirit week” or attending the homecoming dance, your attire is crucial in really enjoying the excitement of homecoming.

Tailgating/Spirit Week

The weather during a tailgate is important to consider when determining the best outfit choices, but make sure you represent your school well! Incorporate your school colors or mascot into your attire. Wearing your school colors in a fun sundress for warmer days or a comfy scarf during crisp fall evenings will really highlight your school pride! If you attend a Spirit Week, there are so many theme possibilities so go all out and have fun with it. Whether you’re representing an organization you are involved with or simply rocking your school charm from AmRhein’s Fine Jewelry, the memories you make will guarantee the excitement that only comes once a year!

Homecoming Dance

The homecoming dance is unlike many others. The intended purpose is to celebrate your institution through dressing up and dancing the night way. Depending on your town, this type of dance is usually less-prom and more semi-formal or dressy casual. Girls typically wear shorter-mid length dresses and boys sport an array of khakis and button ups to the traditional tux. Whether you’re a heel or flats girl, either works here! Ballet flats or pointy skimmers can be just as fashionable as a wedge or stiletto. Homecoming should be a stress free event, so flash a statement ring or bold necklace to freshen up a more casual dress code or pull out that dress you’ve been meaning to wear. For the girls, try a sequined Scala dress and a flashy Johnathan Kayne heel paired with fashion jewelry from Anne Vaughan Designs, an embellished purse or hair accessory. Boys, you can also pick out a suit or tux to match your lovely date! All available at AmRhein’s Brides & Formals, these options and tons more would perfect your homecoming look from head to toe!

 

The ‘Man’gagment

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The tradition of an engagement has been centuries’ standing – or rather bending – on its knees. I have always been fond of tradition – particularly when it comes to relationships and marriage. As a hopeless romantic, I cannot help to swoon at the traditional engagement and wedding details. Typically, the man plans to get down on one knee with ring in hand, asking his significant other to marry him. In planning to propose, he has so many options with the ring, the setting, and ambiance. Even now, more couples are picking out the ring together; girlfriends are more feeling putting in their input into the ring.

After the proposal, the woman is wearing the ring and the man’s left ring finger is bare. At the wedding ceremony, it is tradition for the man to receive and wear his ring. Throughout the entire engagement there is nothing on his left ring finger signaling that he is taken for good, completely off the market to all the ladies out there.

However, the symbol of a man wearing a ring on his left ring finger is beginning to change. Do not be fooled by that ring, because it is possible now that the man may not have been to the altar yet. It is a trend that is sweeping around modern couples – the “man”gagement.

To some skeptics it may sound like there is a catch to this romantic thought. Some criticize that it is the jewelry industry’s way to make more money off of the engagement process. Others criticize that a woman may be more apt to go after what she cannot have and the idea of branding the man as taken is lost.

However, some lovers are not fooled. The romantics of the bunch argue that it is about the equality of the relationship. In the past, the engagement has always seemed to focus on the woman. This change allows for the focus to remain on the couple and the love they share. The woman is allowed to the show an equal love and commitment level towards her boyfriend as her boyfriend is traditionally allowed to show her. Couples are more open to the idea of the man also receiving a ring at the time of engagement.

For me, the verdict is still out. However, I think that it is a great idea for the modern couple. There is nothing wrong with wanting to show your love to your significant other! The “man”gagement is all about showing equality in the engagement celebration.