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

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)

OBSESSION: Hanky Panky

If you had asked me what Hanky Pankys were a few months ago, I would have probably given you a dirty look and walked away. Little did I realize that those two little words would turn my underwear world upside down and transform me into a true believer in the notion that thongs and comfort really can co-exist.

I embrace lingerie just as much as the next girl, but I never understood the difference between my $6.99 pair from GapBody and my friend’s $18 lacey contraption from Nordstrom. Why spend a fortune on underwear when it looks the same, serves the same purpose, and tends to ride up in all the same places?

Then I received a three-piece thong set of Hanky Panky underwear for my birthday. The lingerie company Hanky Panky offers one-size-fits-all, low-rise thongs, which The Wall Street Journal called “lace butter.” These underwear wonders come in every color imaginable (teaberry, waterfall grape, and coco for example) and offer girls a comfortable choice without entering granny-panty territory.

Magazines from Baazar to Vanity Fair and Modern Bride featured the life-changing undergarment, which boasts a celebrity following that includes Jennifer Aniston, Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz, Katherine Heigl Kate Hudson… and now me.

SNAPS: Winter Wonder

Senior Public Relations major Katie Green puts a summer sundress to good use for a snowy night out on Marshall Street by pairing it with brown tights and knee-high leather boots.

LANDMARK LOOKS: Stylish Soiree

Holiday Dinner Party
Syracuse University
December 5

CRUSH: Magic Wand

Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother transformed her from a lowly maid into the picture-perfect princess with the help of mice, pumpkins, and a little magic. Everything from the gossamer ball gown to the flowing ringlets and delicate glass slippers became classic fairytale style. Unfortunately, this day and age seems a little short on Fairy Godmothers and pixie dust. While ball gowns and glass slippers fell out of fashion, Cinderella’s romantic ringlet curls still possess stylish charm.

Without a Fairy Godmother’s help, however, we need our own magic wand: Hot Tools Professional Spring Curling Iron, the number one selling brand of styling tools in the professional industry according to the company’s website is the secret weapon behind many celebrity hair styles such as Sienna Miller’s tousled waves. The iron ($35) packs 85 watts of power and offers 10 different heat settings. The 24K gold plated barrel’s patented pulse technology heats the iron up in 60 seconds, and it maintains an even heat. Four times more powerful than a standard curling iron, this tool reaches 428 degrees Fahrenheit and ranges in barrel sizes from 3/8 inch to 2 inches.

Now if only finding a prince were this easy.

SNAPS: Standing Ovation

SU alumna Munyiva Munguti flaunts her personal style with bright pops of color and bold accessories at the Creations Dance Company's Annual Show.

TRIPLE THREAT: Logo Lust

Varsity Pizza on Marshall Street isn’t the only place on campus that serves up genuine Americana and iconic school spirit these days. The Syracuse University Bookstore now sells vintage inspired collegiate fashions through T.Dalton’s Varsity Club clothing line. With The Express in theaters immortalizing Ernie Davis’ time at Syracuse and his quest to become the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, consider sporting a piece of clothing that captures a time when SU had a winning football team. Everything from cozy knit sweaters and scarves in ‘Cuse colors, to rugby tees, and hoodies feature the historic block S logo that Davis proudly wore while charging down the field to glory. Sure, the sweaters cost some coin, but that’s the beauty of a bookstore SUpercard account.

1. Zip Up #44 Knit Hoodie ($52.99)




2. Vintage Rugby ($54.99)



3. Ripped Block S Thermal ($39.99)

EXPERIENCE: Wigging Out

One rainy Friday afternoon, a constant stream of curious shoppers buzzed in and out of a bustling boutique inside Carousel Mall in Syracuse, New York.

“A wig shop?” on passerby, a middle-aged soccer mom with a graying pixie cut, asked her portly husband. “You don’t usually see a store like that in here.”

She stopped to admire the collection of the wigs in the front display case. Wigs featuring braids, day-glo Mohawks, sparkly hats, and mullets sat on a row of mannequin heads. “What do you think they’re made with?” her husband asked. “Probably gerbil or hamster hair I bet.”

Undeterred, the woman stepped inside the store. She passed by a rainbow Flock of Seagulls wig, and a Katie Holmes bob. Her husband parked himself on the bench outside. The saleswoman rushed to the soccer mom’s side. “Hi hon, how are you today? What are you in for? Would you like to try something new?”

“I’d love to try really long hair,” laughed the woman, eying a long strawberry-blonde wig. “How about something red?”

“You can try something long, but I think brown is more your color. Try it on, you’ll love it,” the saleswoman cooed as she led the woman to the makeshift salon in the back of the store.

The song “Bossy” by Kelis blasted over the sound system. In the back room a hodge-podge of beauty products, bandannas, and rhinestone clips lay scattered among the racks of mannequin heads, wigs, and sequined trucker hats. Kanekalon-braid hair lined the walls. Glass shelves strained under neutralizers, relaxers, and setting jam. Clear plastic tubs held brushes, combs, and curlers like candy. “I Heart Jesus” scarves hung near the door.

The saleswoman produced the brunette wig with a flourish as the woman perched high in the salon chair. She pulled a nylon skullcap on the woman’s head, and eased the wig on top. In a flurry of bobby pins, the saleswoman poked and prodded before wheeling the chair around to face the mirror.

The woman smiled, moved forward in the chair, and then reached up and gathered her into a ponytail. Five minutes and $30 later, the woman left the store and joined her husband giggling and flipping her hair. The saleswoman greeted the next customer, standing in the doorway.

HOT COCOA’S HAIR AND BEAUTY SUPPLY
CAROUSEL MALL, SYRACUSE, NY
(315) 422-6262
www.hotcocoashair.com

REVIEW: Dior or Die

Every makeup junkie knows the first rule of mascara: thou shalt not clump. I may have memorized the Ten Commandments of Makeup years ago, but unfortunately the beauty gods forgot to grace me with long luscious lashes. For years I tried everything from heated eye lash curlers and falsies, to tiny wands and “lengthening” mascara. Nothing worked. Frustrated and desperately seeking a way to play up my natural assets, I scoured the shelves of drugstores, beauty counters, and makeup mega shops. I researched, read reviews, and tried countless samples. I did my homework. My reward: I found the perfect mascara that meets my every need (and lifts my every lash) — Diorshow.

To say that this mascara attracts a cult-like following is an understatement. More than 1,800 fanatics posted their reviews of the product on Sephora.com. Christian Dior’s Diorshow serves as the company’s original mascara ($24 and available in black, chestnut, plum, and azure blue). The formula lengthens even the shortest lashes by adding volume at the root. While some people complain that the mascara is too dry and flaky, I think that Diorshow’s twin mascara, Blackout (also $24), gives an extra ounce of drama. Use Diorshow the original during the day to keep things airy and light, and swipe on an extra coat of Blackout before heading out to knock ‘em dead.

D.I.Y.: Hoop (Design) Dreams

The SU men’s basketball team just jump-started their season with a 77-56 win over Cal State-Los Angeles Monday night. Like all good Orangefolk, you remain a true fan win or lose. But just because you love the roar of the Carrier Dome and a slam dunk from Paul Harris, doesn’t mean you must express your fandom in mass-produced college garb or bad burnt-orange accessories. Leave the chest painting to the front-row crazies, and try this simple process that turns a typical tee into a stylish exercise in school spirit.

1. Purchase a Syracuse shirt at the SU Bookstore or one of the many stores on Marshall Street. In a pinch, a plain white tee serves as a great substitute.

2. Get creative with your design, but know your limits. If you’ve never cut a shirt before, keep your design simple. Sometimes the best idea involves only scissors. Just sketch a few ideas and find the perfect fit. Maybe even practice on an old tee.

3. If you’re a seasoned veteran, the sky’s the limit. Incorporate cutting and sewing into your design. Never underestimate the power of the needle and thread and gather inspiration from your favorite designers. Need ideas? Try ohmystars.net or the book 99 Ways to Cut, Trim and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special ($14)

4. For a simple yet effective statement of varsity fashion try an off-the-shoulder top. First, cut the collar out of the T-shirt. Try the shirt on, and see where the new extended neckline reaches on your shoulders. Keep cutting the neckline wider and wider to achieve the desired look. (Think ‘80s aerobics instructor.) Pair your new top with an orange or blue tank and put your school spirit and your sexy self on view.

5. Break out your BeDazzler, glitter glue or rhinestones and glam up your shirt. No one said that only the basketball stars on the court shinned on game night.

STREET STYLE: Autumn Beauty

Senior Devon Williams took color cues from the fall foliage, and incorporated them into her layered ensemble. She kept her cozy, rustic look clean and simple by pairing it with black leggings and a slick silver purse. She may have just been headed off to class, but this outfit is perfect for snuggling up fireside with that special someone once snow finally hits the Salt City.


Her Favorite Piece: Vest, Forever21, $35

Fashion Icon: Victoria Beckham

Trend she Loves to Hate: Thong-strap stilettos

SNAPS: Trés chic

Sophomore Advertising major Sarah Glaser brings a touch of Parisian sophistication to a Syracuse Halloween party.

LOOKS FOR LESS: America’s Best Dress Crew

When Michelle Obama appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, she demonstrated her anti-Palin, non-Neiman Marcus approach to fashion by wearing a yellow sweater, skirt, and blouse she ordered online from J.Crew. For the rest of us, J.Crew exists as a label of financial aspiration — not what we order when we want to signal “everywoman.” So until your run for the White House, consider these three near-Crew pieces.

1. Double Take:The J.Crew Double-cloth Greta coat in black ($365) vs. Forever 21’s Pleated Knit Coat ($33)

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing, and this little black coat offers it all for the fall. Save hundreds of dollars by taking style cues from the J.Crew design like the double breasted buttons, color, scoop neck and cut.

2. Prima Ballerina: The J.Crew Jane crackle-metallic ballet flats in pewter ($150) vs. AE’s Bounce elastic ballet flats in silver ($20)

These colorful J.Crew flats graced the holiday catalog cover, sparkling like unwrapped presents. But $150 makes for a pretty poor holiday. The American Eagle flats maintain the sparkle and shine of the J.Crew beauties for a portion of the price.

3. Cashmere Mafia: The J.Crew Cashmere hoodie in snow ($188) vs. Old Navy’s Cashmere hoodie in white ($80)

Cuddle up in time for the first snowfall with Old Navy’s cashmere hoodie. It offers all the warmth and appeal of its J.Crew counterpart for $100 less. Besides, the cold weather is setting in, and Gossip Girl’s steamy scenes are the only things keeping us warm.

HOW-TO: Coming Clean

Going green for beauty is as easy as one, two, three…

1. Covet Cruelty Free Choices

Animal testing for the sake of beauty is a definite no-no, so look for labels that advertise animal-friendly products. David Babaii’s new line for WildAid holds your style and your torch for a better world with pet-free tested products and exotic renewable ingredients. We love the Bohemian Beach Spray, a non-aerosol mist that mixes everything from Israeli sea salt to South Pacific volcanic ash. It adds texture and volume to dull winter strands, creating the perfect sun-kissed waves months before you even have to think about squeezing into a tiny bikini.

2. Skip the Trash Talk

Make an impact on the environment by collecting old makeup cases and returning them to companies that offer incentive programs. Each year more beauty companies are jump-starting programs to recycle used cases to cut down on crowded landfills. Try MAC’s bronzing powder in "golden" for a sheer coverage that highlights your features and maintains your long-lost summer glow. Once you collect six primary packaging containers, return them to your nearest MAC counter or pop them in the mail to get a free lipstick in exchange for your good deed.

3. Go Au Natural

Before you put anything on your face, consider the possible dangerous ingredients lurking in your beauty favorites. Makeup and body products can contain anything from mercury and plastic to sodium chloride and egg whites. Physician’s Formula Organic Wear is the first natural-origin makeup line in the U.S. and offers an entire line of eco-friendly choices ranging from eyeliner to tinted moisturizer. Each product is 100-percent free of synthetic preservatives and harsh chemicals, and the packaging contains 93 percent less plastic than a standard compact.

HOW-TO: Pretty in Pinks

Mark the end of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with limited edition beauty products whose proceeds help find a cure. Now, thanks to generous donations from several beauty companies, you can fuel important research and your love for all things pink with a few purchases that give back in a big way.

1. Paint it On. Polish-junkies covet OPI, and its exclusive nail lacquer for October lives up to that lust. In addition to donating $25,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, OPI created a limited edition 2008 Pink of Hearts nail lacquer ($9) that offers the perfect transition pick from fall to winter. The cotton-candy colored polish boasts a light pink sheen, contains no dangerous chemicals such as DBP, or Formaldehyde, and is available at national salons and beauty stores such as Dillards, JCPenney, Regis, Trade Secret and Ulta.

2. Spritz to Save. Striving for a cure has never smelled so sweet than with Lacoste’s Touch of Pink fragrance ($52). The enticing blend of jasmine, violet, blood orange, sandalwood and vanilla offers a fresh take on feminine floral in an elegant pink bottle. This perfume is perfect fit for a flirty female on-the-go, and a portion of the proceeds from each 1.6 oz Eau de Toilette supports the Young Survivors Coalition.

3. Pamper your Pout. C.O. Bigelow the oldest apothecary in America is known for its old-school beauty product approach. The celebrity-shopping hotspot in the West Village donated $250,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and teamed up with cartoonist and author Marisa Acocella Marchetto to create the Cancer Vixen Mentha Lip Tint in Pink Mint ($8) available at Bath and Body Works. The gloss is part of a limited edition collection benefiting breast cancer research, and delivers with an extra pop of color and peppermint oil to sooth those chapped lips.