Don’t knock the knock offs A high-end outfit, for a low price By Allie Davison and I’ve been craving a pair ever since I saw them in the window of Guess, for $108.1 s a full time student, I often have trouble justifying spending anything A= myself buying the cheapest over $50 for jeans, so I was ecstatic when toothpaste or shampoo that Walmart _I found these red and blue jeans from has to offer, all in a desperate attempt to stretch every last dollar of my student loans. When I do (occasionally), lash out and go clothes shopping, I have to shy away from the high-end clothing stores with their hip- happening fashions. All is not lost, however. I have found, in my recent monetary struggles, that I can have those high-end styles for a much more manageable cost: American Eagle Outfitters for $45.50. Lace-backed Top Lace tops are super popular lately. I think they’re good casual day wear say with an open sweater over top, or (for a little more sex appeal), without the sweater at night. Bebe has one of these bad boys for $45 in T-shirt form, but Urban Planet has a tank top knock-offs are my new best friend. for only $7.99. Open Sweater This sweater is originally from Aritzia for Booties $85. It’s cozy, warm and great for wearing all the time, anytime. I bought my knock-off from Sirens for $25 and as far as I can tell, Winter is coming. And with winter, comes boots, or booties to be exact. Booties will look great with your brand new colourful price is the only difference. skinny jeans, but these black ones from Nine West were a little much: $165. I found Colourful Jeans these similar ones from Stitches for $30. That’s more like it! rc These jeans will brighten up any wardrobe Swimmer style: Get goggly eyed! Recreational swimming as a great way to stay in shape during rainy months By Stephanie Trembath, Life & Style Editor am a fair-weathered runner; I will only go for a run when it’s nice out, which is restricted to roughly four months of our Vancouver weather. I cannot stand working out in gyms or running on treadmills—I need to feel as if I have accomplished something, or am at least going somewhere, hip problems, swimming is the perfect way to ease into an activity to keep your body fit and toned. Especially if you haven’t been exercising, swimming is a great way to ease back into physical activities. Because of the variety of strokes, swimming works many different muscle groups instead of focusing on one specific area; improving overall muscle tone of the shoulders, back, and abdominals, in addition to all leg muscle “Unlike cycling and running, swimming has less impact and is therefore much easier on your joints, so if you have back, knee, or hip problems, swimming is the perfect way to ease into an activity to keep your body fit and toned.” and running on a treadmill doesn’t quite do the job. Still, during the late fall and winter months when it’s too cold for my liking to exercise outdoors, I find I need to move more to balance all the sitting I do while writing essays and taking notes in class, which is why swimming is one of my favourite activities. Unlike cycling and running, swimming has less impact and is therefore much easier on your joints, so if you have back, knee, or groups. Another great aspect of swimming is the improvement to your respiratory system; because of the resistance and water, swimming really helps to develop controlled breathing skills, and therefore aids in supplying oxygen to all parts of the body equally. Those who swim are usually able to hold their breath for longer periods of time, and have better endurance as a result of the learned breathing techniques practised through swimming. One of my own favourite aspects about this indoor activity is the complete silence and relaxation while in the water. Yes, it may be incredibly cold, and you may feel uncomfortable in your skimpy swimsuit, but swimming offers a silent exercise arena that gymnasiums do not. Once you get into a routine, it feels like you are the only one in the water because you can’t hear anything, and the world is slightly tainted by your goggles. It’s nice to be able to zone out and do a couple of lengths before warming up in the hot tub and towelling off. If you are new to swimming, it’s a relatively cheap sport to get into. Goggles range from $20-$29 depending on the brand and style. When you're looking for a good pair of goggles do not buy a pair with a foam seal around the eyes; the seal will eventually erode in the chlorinated water and become useless, so spend the extra few bucks to get a better pair made of silicon. I recommend Speedo Vanquisher goggles because they have a silicon seal around the eyes to help keep water out, and are the comfiest and most form-fitting design I’ve ever had. Likewise, if you are looking to buy a swim- cap to protect your tresses, buy a silicon- made cap instead of a latex cap as they rip really easily. When buying a bathing suit, it’s best to go for brands such as Speedo and Nike because both brands use more polyester in the material; the suits last longer and don’t go see-through or baggy as fast.