OBSESSION: Futurism

With 2008 officially at the back of the closet, it is time to look forward in fashion. Spring 2009 swings in with a futurist’s perspective. Ready-to-wear giants such as Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga’s Nichols Ghesiquiere see the world in glided shades of shimmery platinum. McQueen’s dynamic collection features an exaggerated hourglass dress dipped in black crystals. The space aged silhouettes and fractured crystal patterns give off a Barbarella-meets-Jane-Jetson feel.

Selma Hayek describes Balenciaga’s spring 2009 collection as: “A new race of humans, a Balenciaga race.” Ghesiquiere let iridescent pale hues of fabric overflow onto the standard Cristobel Balenciaga corset. Mod, anthropoid platform heels dissolved into stocking, giving the models futuristic appendages. Ghesiquiere also introduced metallic, color-block jackets with armadillo-like sleeves.

Newcomer Gareth Pugh joins the ranks by evoking sci-fi style in his stark, black-and-white collection. Pugh contrasts classic Victorian collars with sleek armored shoulder pads. His architectural skirts feature sharp arcs that jut out like the folds of the Sydney opera house. Pugh creates an army of couture space age fantasy.

LOOK BOOK: Peace Out

The year of 2008 was one for the record books. Gas prices peaked, stock markets plunged, Beijing offered a taste of global unity, and our nation elected Barack Obama as the 44th President of The United States of America. Another important symbol for change clocked in a banner year: the peace sign celebrated its 50th birthday.

In honor of the symbol’s golden anniversary, Earth Pledge, the not-for-profit organization that created the FutureFashion initiative, which helps the fashion industry make the transition to sustainable materials, teamed up with the Barneys New York flagship store on Madison Avenue to offer peace inspired fashions.

Designers such as Diane von Furstenberg, Proenza Schouler, Rag and Bone and Michael Kors created one-of-a-kind eco-friendly fashions and accessories that incorporate the peace sign or embody the ‘60s spirit, and use sustainable materials such as organic cotton, linen, recycled fabric, merino wool or tilapia sea leather.

With January 1st just around the corner, ring in the New Year with a blast from the past that still represents a symbol of hope 50 years later.

Peace, love, and all things Salty.

1. Hand Dyed Scarf, Sunshine and Shadow, $135

2. Peace Sign Umbrella, Barneys New York, $135

3. Hippie Cuff, Fallon, $285

4. Peace Sign Necklace, Julie Wolfe, $2,750

TRIPLE THREAT: Liquid Fashion

When I bought my first pair of liquid leggings in May of this year the ridicules rolled in as easily as I slipped off chairs when wearing them. But starlets Lindsay Lohan, Kate Beckinsale, and MK&A starting donning these slippery slacks and fashionistas followed. Pretty much every fashion item can be bought in liquid form these days. Donning liquid attire takes guts, but if you’re risky enough check out our three faves.


American Apparel’s Liquid backpack:
Whoever says backpacks are nerdy has clearly never laid her eyes on these stylish school bags. Not only is this backpack a fashionable way to carry books, pencils and lunches, but its double straps make carrying important items a lot easier. The days of walking on a slant from carrying heavy one-shoulder bags are over.



American Apparel’s Liquid Skirt:
These shiny minis come in 3 colors: purple, black and gold. It’s a sassed-up version of the 1990s denim mini-skirt. They look great paired with black opaque tights and high flat boots and a plain beater or T. For a little extra sex-appeal add some heels and a tube.



Members Only Black Liquid Leggings – The Mother of All things Liquid:
Liquid leggings are to regular leggings as glitter glue is to normal, old-fashioned, glue. They perform the same function but do so with pizzazz.
The pants add a little somethin’ somethin’ to the regular tank or T, and they can be dressed up with a great pair of booties or heels, or toned down with flats. After all, why be matt when you can shine?

CRUSH: The World at Your Fingertips

Jewelry designer Matina Amanita uses architectural influences and wanderlust to take individuality to a whole new level with the launch of a new collection of cocktail rings named ‘Globetrotter.’ Inspired by her world travels to fashioned landmarks such as the Shibuya Triangle in Tokyo, each ring reflects a different, city, country, or landmark and features vertical stacks of gold, silver, and precious gemstones. My favorite pick: the ring reminiscent of New York’s Chrysler Building ($660). These statement pieces define elegance and convey a world savvy sense of style. Visit Matinaamanita.com.

LOOK BOOK: Grown-Up Dakota?

We all remember the little Lucy Dawson from the I am Sam (2001). My how much little Dakota Fanning has grown up in front of our eyes. But looking at her newest movie trailers for Push it’s hard to believe that she’s only 14 years old!

A-LIST: Say My Name

Shakespeare may be the first to question, “What’s in a name?,” but in the fashion world of celebrity supermodels, design houses, and haute-couture clothing labels, last names reign supreme. Tracking the star players requires skills, and as the fashion scene becomes increasingly international even the most up-to-date fashionista can get tongue tied. Thanks to a helpful audio guide on about.com, you can listen to the proper pronunciation of more than 40 designer names such as Hervé Léger, Trussardi, and Loewe. Start with these five designer names avoid butchering the best of the world’s designers:

1. Givenchy (zhee-von-shee)

(Hubert James Taffin de Givenchy, Designer)

2. Bulgari (Ball-gah-ree)

(Sotirio Bulgari, Founder)

3. Jean Paul Gaultier (Go-tee-ay)

(Jean Paul Gaultier, Designer)

4. Christian Louboutin (Loo-boo-tin)

(Christian Louboutin, Designer)

5. Hermés (Heir-mez)

(Thierry Hermés, Founder)

SNAPS: Like Mother, Like Daughter

Sophomore broadcast journalism major, Corbin LaJeunesse, takes fashion tips from her mother, who handed down this Saks Fifth Avenue maroon pea coat from her wardrobe circa 1980.

TRIPLE THREAT: Fur for Winter

With the winter weather in full force, it seems the best way to tackle the Syracuse weather in style is with fur this year. The furry hunter hat is making as big a comeback as plaid, and it doesn’t stop there. Snow bunny earmuffs are keeping heads toasty as well. These add flair to any winter coat and are super soft- you won’t want to take it off once you’re inside!


This Kaldi Arctic hat from 66° North Iceland comes in two sizes to fit snugly to your head. They come in four colors, black, maroon, brown and off-white like this one. ($85 66north.com)


If you’re looking for a luxurious splurge, this Ashley Trapper Hat by Helen Kaminski cap will certainly make a statement. Made of velour fur felt and dyed shearling from Sri Lanka, its sure to keep the chill out and look fabulous. Comes in black or coffee. ($450 Neimanmarcus.com)


This intarsia bomber hat by Urban Outfitters is a similar version of the Kaldi, with a looser fit and longer flaps. The knit pattern adds a winter garnish to the hat good for style, cross country skiing or a good old fashioned snowball fight. With a price more within reach, this is a must-have. ($34.00 Urbanoutfitters.com)

A-LIST: Scented Secrets for the Season

Finding the right fragrance for the holidays requires a strong constitution. One foot in a department store, and a salesperson hovers over your shoulder trying to sell you the most expensive item on the counter. Or, worse yet, spritzing you in an nasal ambush. If you attempt to test a few on your search, you create a concoction that obliterates your ability to sniff a clear winner. You leave smelling like you took a bath in perfume and with a headache to boot. Let these picks make your search for the perfect holiday scent short and sweet.


1. Miss Dior Cherie ($68 for 1.7 oz lordandtaylor.com): This scent reminds me of being wrapped up in a cashmere sweater by the fire or laughing at a holiday party. The floral and musky scent, which makes it flirty sexy. Though it runs the risk of being overpowering, one spray is enough to last the evening.


2. DKNY Delicious Night ($58 for 1.7 oz macys.com): Less sweet and more spice, this scent is an ideal garnish for your New Years Eve. It includes blackberry and ginger, which create a tangy scent. Perfect for a woman in platforms or pumps, a slinky dress with an attitude to match.


3. Maybe Baby ($48 3.4 oz benefitcosmetics.com): This floral scent is subtle, as if you just put on lotion or clean laundry. It smells light like rose water, with hints of water blossoms and apricot. Perfect for a date or a just an evening with drinks, this scent does the flirting for you.


4. Pure Vanilla from Lavanila Laboratories ($56 for 1.7 oz lavanila.com): Remember as a kid making cookies when it came to measure the vanilla, and it smelled so delicious that you took a taste (only to find it bitter). This perfume delivers the same experience, capturing the scent of gingerbread houses and holiday baking (minus the bitter finish).


5. Thierry Mugler Angel ($72 0.8 oz nordstrom.com): This perfume offers a woodsy scent with a hint of honey and chocolate, which gives it a feminine profile. This playful perfume makes a great everyday scent. One user from Sephora.com commented, “It gives you confidence when you enter a room and people want to know what you are wearing.”

LOOK BOOK: Celluloid Chanteuse

Britney Spears has been making headlines since she asked us to hit her one more time 10 years ago. Since then, the pop princess has made a number of bold statements and unforgettable risks with creative costumes in her music videos and performances. Some outfits launched trends. Others just made jaws drop. With Brit on the rise again, we pay tribute to the star with her fashion risks over the decade.


Sexy School Girl: The Catholic school girl uniform from Britney’s “Hit Me Baby One More Time” video with its innocent grey cardigan and sexy staple white-button-down tied to show a little more skin made Britney Spears a hot commodity. Guys drooled over her. Girls wanted to be her. Not to mention the pink puff ponytail accessories that became a must accessory for months.


You Drive Me Crazy: Before she did go crazy, Brit looked great as a club waitress. After her video came out, hair crimpers replaced curlers and bed-head braids became a norm.


The Red Jumpsuit: A perfect example of a Britney, jaw-dropping move. This pleather jumpsuit stuck to every curve in the “Oops I Did It Again” video started jaws jabbing. Blame it on the millennium hype, but not even the Spice Girls could take a risk like this and get away with it.


I’m A Slave 4 U: While the video didn’t necessarily turn any heads, Britney’s 2001 VMA performance of her sultry song included an albino snake the size of the pop star. She looked fierce in her green bustier top, pixie-like embellishments, and rock-hard abs. This costume was unforgettable.


Futuristic Flight Attendant: This costume has been beat to death, but Britney’s take from “Toxic” is a reinvention. The halter neck with a front keyhole reveals enough skin to leave something to the imagination. The shoulder wings change up the look a bit, garnished with a tilted hat makes a Halloween costume to die for.


Bedazzled: With Britney in her prime, no one could forget her nude bedazzled body, also from the “Toxic” video. Another stunning move from bombshell Britney.


The Ringleader: In her newest video and album title song, “Circus” Britney brought back trends from the 1920s with platinum finger curls, gaudy pendant jewelry and a feathered top hat. Fishnets and a whip added a touch of naughty to her tailored ringleader suit. Once again, Brit is stealing the show.

REVIEW: A Definite Do!

Whether you’re a die-hard vice-ite or just in need of some comic relief from trend report overload, Vice Dos and Don'ts: 10 Years of VICE Magazine's Street Fashion Critiques, serves up the perfect cocktail of clever humor and catty commentary. Authors Gavin McInnes, Shane Smith, and Suroosh Alvi travel the world over to bring you some of the greatest fashion faux pas. Vice chronicles everything from lizard-body-tattoo man to disco grannies, and a few other groups of people you never knew existed (Glam Jocks?). Caustic, pee-your-pants-funny commentary punctuates each farcical photo with obscure pop-culture references (Terry Shivo?). While taking the Do column seriously may be a fashion offense, this paperback packs a punch leaving you with a feeling of superior style. When shopping for the fashionista with killer wit and a (very) open mind, Vice Dos and Don’t’s is a definite do!

EXPERIANCE: Haircut Confessions

If you met me three years ago, you would remember me by my hair. It was big, bushy, and brassy: a curly auburn mane that fell just below my shoulder blades. My hair earned compliments followed by caresses of my tresses, but I felt that I needed a hair change. Rather than go for a cute, angled shoulder cut, I decided to cut it all off. I envisioned a pixie cut similar to that of Michelle Williams or Audrey Hepburn.
While my decision remained firm, my hairdresser took some convincing. She called it “drastic” and pleaded with me to keep my mane. She almost swayed me, but I knew I needed a change. While I loved my hair, I felt it was all people saw when they looked at me. I also had sparkling hazel eyes, a milky complexion and oh yeah, a great personality. My hairdresser, Ji, pulled herself together and delivered a spectacular coif.

It felt odd to run my hand through my hair in one quick stroke. But it also felt liberating. My cut shouted: “I am still beautiful even without all my long locks.” It gave me confidence, made me more adventurous with my fashion and beauty, and prompted a domino of other changes. Blush became my new best friend because a shelf of hair no longer covered my cheeks. I indulged in frilly lace dress, a fashion statement that seemed like overkill with my former fairytale Rapunzel hair. Many girlfriends commented on how bold I was to cut off my hair, and some were so inspired they shed their hair too.
For anyone considering a new ‘do for this holiday season, I say go for it. Remember: Life is short, and hair grows. So why not try something new: A short pixie cut, an asymmetrical Rhianna bob, or even just a new hue. You’ll be surprised at what you find when you step out of your comfort zone.

OBSESSION: The BeneFit of Glamour

As a mature 12-year-old, I skipped over CoverGirl and went straight to BeneFit. The San Francisco based company was my favorite babysitting-money splurge, and it’s stuck with me throughout the years. Not only did I buy the sparkly eye shadows and lip gloss, I frequently bought products for fixing under-eye circles I didn’t have, lip plumper I didn’t need, and cake eyeliner that I never wore. Those years of research paid off, and I consider myself the unofficial, number-one tester for BeneFit products. Here are my favorites, some new and some old:


1. Dr. Feelgood ($28 Benefitcosmetics.com): This product has a lemony zing and goes on clear. It’s meant to give you a smooth palate to work with when putting on foundation or bronzer and the rest of your makeup. Think airbrush in a tin. Of course, in middle school I didn’t need to worry about fine lines or large pores, but today I use it under my bronzer every time.


2. Some Kind-A Gorgeous ($28 Benefitcosmetics.com): My roommate introduced this newer product to me last Christmas. I’ve never been one for heavy makeup so this silky, smooth faux foundation offers just a bit of coverage. It comes in two shades, but it is so translucent that it matches just about any skin tone. It’s also great to cover a red blemish or for under-eye circles.


3. That Gal ($28 Benefitcosmetics.com): During my internship this summer, I got a peek at the Allure magazine beauty closet and got to keep this product. It became an instant favorite, especially in summertime when I wear less makeup. The bottom half clicks, and the pink shimmer product comes out the top. Swipe on places where the sun hits your face i.e. cheek bones, forehead, chin. Rub in for a simple glow.


4. Brow Zings ($30 benefitcosmetics.com): I never listened to my mother when she talked to me about my eyebrows. She always said they were too thin. Now I realize that the ‘80s Madonna unibrow may be better than underwhelming wisps. This product fills in brows to make them look as full and as fleshed out as your heart desires. It comes with a little set of tweezers to help you achieve the perfect arch.


5.Kitten ($26 benefitcosmetics.com): I literally was obsessed with this glitter-lovers product. I originally bought it because it reminded me of something you’d find on a movie star’s vanity, but ended up loving it. The classic kitten contains champaign glitter dust inside the pink poof. There are two other editions: Kitten goes to Paris and Kitten Shops NYC with silver and copper glitter respectively. It offers a subtle glow to chest, shoulders or back for a night on the town.

STREET STYLE: Playful Vintage

If senior PR major Katie Spoletti would switch closets with me, I’d gladly do so. She can spot a jewel in a sea of sand. She’s also the type that can get away with wearing practically anything. Put her in a vintage shop and it’s like a kid in a candy shop. Here’s a look that works for her:

Favorite piece: My sweater. I got it at a vintage shop in San Diego. I like it because it’s one of a kind.
Fashion icon: Sienna Miller
Trend you love to hate: The Syracuse trend of the plastic claw clip holding your pony tail. It looks tacky and cheap.

OBSESSION: Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick

In my bag you will find four things: my wallet, my house keys, my cell phone, and my swivel stick. Yes, it looks like a glue stick. And yes, it’s not very pretty. No matter. I cannot leave the house without this. I’m not one to carry makeup around in my bag for touch ups, and lip gloss drives me crazy when the wind blows and my hair gets stuck in the mess. Palmer’s is creamier than a normal chapstick and double the size (so you get more moisture for your money). It has a slightly sweet scent but without the taste so it works for both men and women. If you’re a girl who likes her color, this works as a moisturizing base for lipstick.

Cocoa butter is an extract from cocoa-tree beans and acts as a universal smoothing product. According to Palmer’s website, it remains solid at room temperature and melts at body temperature. One hint: perhaps because of its lackluster packaging, all of Palmer’s products reside on the bottom shelf at drugstores. ($3.29)

SNAPS: Happening in Houndstooth

Junior communications design major Kelsey Liss takes some time to work on final projects in Bird Library donning her red and white houndstooth coat.

TRIPLE THREAT: Wings of Desire

Runway designers fancied feathers this fall season, but it looks like we’re in for a winged spring as well. Designers like Louis Vuitton, Sonia Rykiel, and Roberto Cavalli showcased more feathered fun on the spring 2009 runways. Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs created plumage sprouting from structural heels and feathered tassels accessorizing bags and belts. At Sonia Rykiel, Vegas-style feathered headdresses livened up the collection, and Roberto Cavalli used feathered fringe as a flapper-esque accent to the bottom of lacey dresses.

If the thought of feathers sounds a bit frightening, stick to feather details on accessories like headbands or necklaces to spice up your outfit without looking overdone. Consider these starter options to help your feather fancy:

As headgear:
Headband, $18, available at Some Girls Boutique
(Urban Outfitters also offers a great selection of feather headbands.)


As an accent for jewelry:

Earrings, $5.80, Forever 21
(For an easy DIY project, pick up some plumage and wire earring hooks from your local craft store and simply attached the feather to the bottom of the ear piece for a dangly effect.)


As a full ensemble:
Feather dress, $528, Sue Wong
(For a more understated look, try Juicy Couture’s feather accented LBD.