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.

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.

LOOKS FOR LESS: Runway New Years

New Years glitz and glam always calls for a new outfit. Something about champagne and a midnight kiss that demand you look your best. But fashion splurges are about as common these days as finding true love at a New Years party. That doesn’t mean you can’t look like you stepped off the runway as you waltz into 2009. Here are three lusts and musts for the special evening:

Dolce and Gabbana Stretch Sateen Bustier Dress: (Saks Fifth Avenue $525)



Jenny McCarthy looked sophisticated sexy (a crazy tan) in a D&G black corset dress. This sleek number is a perfect go-to dress for any evening event. But at $525, this look is too steep for anyone without a hired stylist and a Hollywood income.

Bebe Shirred Corset Dress: (Sale: $69)



Instead, try Bebe’s version of the same style. With a show-stopping piece like this, magic is bound to happen. The stretchy front adds room for all the bubbly your heart desires. And because it’s so simple, you won’t mind recycling this dress from party to party. Just change up the accessories.

Burberry Nova Plate Platform ($410)



Shoe lovers beware: these Burberry prorsum collection platforms are fierce. The five-inch heel makes any fashionista drool. Made of silver patent leather and nova plates down the front strap, these personify decadent spending (and wearing).

Steve Madden Rufles (Sale: $69.95)



Mimic the look with Steve Madden’s Rufles style, with a similar five-inch heel and platform design. Ruffles replace the silver plating, but the payoff is a more affordable price (sale!).

Kors by Michael Kors Fur-Trim Wool Coat ($750)



Cover up from the cold with a winter pea coat that features a fur trim. This chic wool jacket ties at the waist, and the collar is made with coyote fur. Fit for any non-PETA celeb.

Forever 21 Dora Faux Fur Coat ($54.80)



Animal activists and smart shoppers prefer this gray pea coat with a faux-fur-collar embellishment. This coat makes you look polished, poised, and ready to party, all without breaking the bank. Save that money for the Moët and Chandon.

A-LIST: Skin Musts for Men

Caring for men’s skin and caring for women’s skin goes beyond opting for darker colors on packages if you possess more testosterone. For starters, most men shave, and most women wear makeup. Although both genders need sun protection and benefit from anti-aging formulations, picking products that address the composition and daily rituals of your gender, help you get the most of your product. Here are four to consider:


1. Clinique: Skin Supplies for Men “Shave Aloe Gel” (Clinique.com; $13.50)
Though a little scruff gives a man the sexy edge (think Justin Timberlake and George Clooney), some occasions require a smooth shave. To avoid razor burn and dry skin, try Clinique’s men’s line. The facial cleanser preps your skin for shaving and the aloe gel prevents bumps. Men who use the products say it’s worth the extra splurge because it hydrates and leaves skin feeling smooth.


2. Anthony: Logistics for Men “A Clean Start Kit” (Sephora; $40).
This is a starter travel kit for any man who needs direction for his morning routine. This brand attracts a cult following and this kit offers a great way to test-drive the products without making a full-size commitment. For additional exfoliation, interchange the facial cleanser with the scrub a few times per week. Both prep the skin for shaving. A man can’t forget about his lips either. This lip balm is unscented, perfect for any man’s man.


3. L’Oreal Men’s Expert “Vita Lift Anti-Wrinkle And Firming Moisturizer SPF 15” (CVS; $11)
Men and women share at least one thing: their skin reveals much about their age. But it’s rare to overhear a conversation between men about the best way to get rid of crow’s feet This firming face moisturizer targets men beyond 45, but don’t let that scare you away if you still get carded on Marshall Street. That extra diligence now spares face years later. It goes on thick because of the sunscreen, but the SPF protection is worth it.



4. Zirh: Men’s Skincare “Scrub” (Sephora; $17)
Most men don’t need any frills to get the job done. Same goes for face wash; fragrances and fancy packaging is totally irrelevant. Zirh understands the “less is more” attitude, and it doesn’t get simpler than “scrub” or “clean” to name two. Users like this product’s fragrance-free status and its soft consistency, which avoids skin that feels abused after use.

D.I.Y.: Scarf Shirt

I caught scarf fever this summer. Every time I walked into a store, I bought one — plaid, floral, animal print, bold colors. It provides an effortless accent to any outfit, allowing you to change it up, without spending too much. But when searching through my closet one night, I found that this swatch of fabric offers even more versatility. It can double as a neck adornment and as a flashy fun party top. Follow these steps to craft your scarf into a halter top .

Here’s what you’ll need:
- One stylish square shaped scarf.
- One friend with nimble fingers.
- Two safety pins that match the scarf (optional).

Here’s how to do it:
1. Hold the scarf at the two top corners and roll about ¼ of the way up.
2. Wrapping the two ends around your neck, without tying, have a friend take the two bottom corners and tie a knot or safety pin them in the back.


3. Take the two top corners, criss-cross, and tie behind your neck, making a loop.
4. Adjust for comfort.

SNAPS: Bedrock Beauties

This duo brought back the stone-age dressed in hand crafted costumes as Betty Rubble and Pebbles this halloween.

HOW TO: Smokey Eye

Nothing says sexy like the dark, smokey eye. With winter around the corner, this look adds a little bit of daring to your nighttime look. Done right, this drama demands attention, but too much black leaves you with panda eyes. Take these steps to make it perfect:

1. Start with a base that matches your skin tone. This helps smooth the surface of your eye so shadow stays put. Use either your regular liquid foundation or try MAC cosmetics “Paint.” This product goes on creamy and leaves a powdery finish, the perfect base coat.

2. Use a dark shadow (either black or dark brown) and apply to crease first. For black, try NARS “Night Clubbing.” For brown, try Bare Essentials Liner Shadow in “Bark." Use a brush like Sephora’s All Over Shadow Small Brush. Leave your eye open and place the brush in your crease and move in a half-moon motion, back and forth until the area is covered. Then fill in lid.

3. Using a contouring brush, like Sonia Kashuk’s for Target “Blending Brush,” blend the shadow above your crease, giving a faded look near the top of the eye.

4. For an extra kick, make cat eyes by extending the shadow in your crease to the outside of your eye at an angle. Fill in as you did your crease.

5. Finally, apply liner to the top and bottom of your lids. On the bottom, make sure to apply to the inner eye as well to keep the dark color balanced. Smudge with a brush sponge or Q-tip, and apply mascara. With that, you are ready to prowl the town.

CRUSH: A Tan Fan’s Friend

When I arrived to school freshman year, loaded with graduation money, I decided to splurge on a $250 tanning package from Garbo’s that gave me 30 tanning sessions for the year. Throughout two semesters, I never ran out, and I cherished the warm bed to defrost from the Syracuse cold. But after reading story after story in Glamour, Self, and Cosmo, of young girls getting cancer from these heavenly beds, I decided to quit.

Since then, I have tried every product known to woman to make my skin look tan without the benefit of UV rays. Spray tanning: I turned orange. Gradual self tanners: smelled totally weird. Regular self tanners: left streaks on my legs and left my hands three times as bronzed as the rest of me. For a while I stuck to just bronzer, but caking too much on creates an oh-so-obvious appearance.

My roommate introduced me to Clarin’s instant tanning gel, and I found a way to conjure a faux tan without streaks or stink. This gel formula goes on clear and though it says it works within two hours, I found that it really works its magic overnight. After two applications on my face, I was noticeably tanner, but orange-free and without one streak. At $30, it was a cheap alternative to my previous habit. A few words of advice: Use an exfoliator to slough off dead skin so the product looks natural and stays on longer, and strive for even application.

LOOKS FOR LESS: Mad for Plaid

Not since grunge rockers buried hair bands have we seen so much plaid on display. While we drool over that Dolce and Gabbana stretch wool dress, we don’t salivate over that $695 price tag. Fortunately, our favorite economy-conscious stores seized on the trend. Consider these three must-buys:




1. This button down, cotton blouse from the Gap ($48) features a deep-v and ruffled front that adds a sexy, feminine touch. The black on ivory, large check print delivers boldness.


2. The four-pocket plaid dress from Forever 21 is flirty and functional ($19.95). A perfect daytime dress to match with boots, it is made from 100-percent cotton with a removable, elastic belt for an extra cinch at the waist.


3. With a pair of black tights, the Silence & Noise Embroidered Buffalo Plaid Frock from Urban Outfitters rocks it day or night. White, patterned embroidery accentuates the red picnic-table print. The cap sleeves add a girlish twist to the scoop-neck dress.

PROFILE: The Picasso of Uggs

The salt city wears on sheep skin, leaving winter staples like Uggs stained and grimey. But senior painting major Kristin Lubsen found a way to celebrate fashion without surrendering practicality. Lubsen put her major to use, covering up her dirty Uggs with a colorful design and creating one-of-a-kind footwear in the process.

She began transforming her own Uggs two years ago, but now charges $35 to make others’ boots stand out in a sea of boring brown. On each boot, Lubsen paints a whimsical line design, varying in color from purple, green, blue, and yellow to earth tones to subtle gold. Instead of being inspired by shapes or objects, Lubsen gets her inspiration from color.

Lubsen grew up with her artist mother in Bethlehem, Pa. and always had an art room at her disposal. She wears a short, blonde cut and a pair of square, brown glasses and ends her sentences with the exuberance of spoken exclamation point. Her creativity extends beyond Uggs transformations, recently upgrading an “old lady floral shirt” to nighttime loungewear.
Lubsen paints each pair of Ugg boots per customer specifications. Customers choose their own color scheme and any specific detail they want. What better way to stand out in the snow this winter.