SNAPS: Going All Out

Eyore and Tigger

Juno

Masquerade

Showgirl

CRUSH: Rings of Fire

With his signature cable look, David Yurman created a name for himself as an artistic designer of fine, classic, and contemporary jewelry. Yurman works in silver or a combination of silver and gold. From the New Albino Collection, this 14mm ring with a split sterling silver shank is faceted with a blue-topaz and pave-diamond bezel that weighs in at a 0.49 total carat. It costs $1,400 and makes the perfect 21st birthday present. Just in case the jewelry wasn't beautiful enough on its own, Yurman hired Kate Moss, Natalia Vodianova, and Daria Werbowy as the faces of his line.

OBESSION: Style To Boot

That rainy, slushy season before the torrent of snow arrives reaches Salt City residents at their most vulnerable. In the absence of good rainwear, we often revert to tennis shoes and sweatshirts and return home in a soggy, chilly mess. One day at J.Michaels on Marshall Street, I tried on Hunter rain boots, watertight rubber boots with a traction-gripping sole. They offer an adjustable buckle at the side and a one-inch heel that gives just the right amount of added lift. But don’t stop there. Hunter also makes fleece socks, which stand higher than the boot to show off the company’s logo. These socks deliver almost as much dry snuggleness as the boots.

SNAPS: Daffy Loves Her

And since she’s that cute, here is the outfit sans the beak...















Sarah Johnson, Madison Ave.

SNAPS: Trés chic

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

SNAPS: Halloweekend

Ali Torel

D.I.Y. : Pillow Talk

It’s Saturday evening and your closet looks sparse. When time or money constraints nix a quick trip to Marshall Street, look to your bedroom to find the perfect outfit. That old pillowcase transforms into a sexy shift dress. Gather these items: scissors, a marker, pins, needle, and thread. Follow these instructions:

1. Lay the pillowcase on a flat surface. Iron out any wrinkles. You need to make a head opening at the top of the pillow. The width of my pillow was 18 inches so I drew a neck opening that was 10 inches wide and one inch in height in the center. If you lack drawing-straight skills, use a French curve (A drawing stencil you can pick up at the book store), to help you get the exact shape you want. For the armholes, cut openings that are one inch into the pillow and seven inches down. Make the armhole and neck holes in whatever shape you desire.

2. After the holes, fold back the raw edges one-half inch into the wrong side of the fabric. Ironing this helps, but if you’re heat-averse, place pins to hold them in place. Thread your needle and sew the arm and neck holes to create a clean finished edge.

3. To create some wiggle room for your legs, use your scissors and split open the side seams. Then sew the two seams to create a clean “v.”

4. The fun part: Ornamentation. I sewed a long piece of vintage tapestry to center front to give my dress a retro feel. To belt the dress, I used a salmon-pink cumber bund I bought at Cluttered Closet for $3. Or, consider fabric markers, dye, buttons, or studs to assist you in achieving desired Saltiness.

EXPERIENCE: Some Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

What Syracuse lacks in tropical climates it makes up for in shopping options: The Carousel Center boasts more than 150 clothing stores. But despite that abundance of consumerist options, some of us crave more rarified style and personal attention. For those in need of something new, look no further than Some Girls Boutique (145 Marshall Street). Some Girls Boutique, aptly named after the Rolling Stones album, offers edgy contemporary wear.
Walk into the boutique and a strawberry-shortcake yellow and pink interior greets you. Style symbols such as Twiggy, Grace Kelly, and Bridgette Bardot cover the walls along with velvet embossed picture frames that hold precious gold earrings. The clothes hang like a rainbow made up of chiffon, taffeta, nylon, and cotton. Sifting through the racks, you find lacy Bohemian tops by Free People, Mod bomber jackets by BB Dakota, and the classic bold colored V-necks of American Apparel. A Look Book highlights this season trends so that customers can shop accordingly.



Beyond hard-to-find-in-Syracuse fashions, Some Girls also offers great customer service that creates a friendly atmosphere. While cheerfully helping girls in the store, Emily Mackay, a buyer and sales assistant, works the phones to secure the perfect black leotard for a customer on the other line. Some customers return two or three times a week to check out the new selection and chat with the sales assistants. Check out Some Girls Boutique website (www.somegirlsboutique.com) for member discounts and invitations to special promotional parties. Stop by Some Girls Boutique and mention Salty Style Blogspot to receive 15 percent off your next purchase. Some girls just know the best place to shop.

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.

PROFILE: The 12-Year-Old “It” Girl

Anna Wintour annoys her, she’s got a thing for Curt Cobain, and the French icon Madeline helps get her through the night. But the latest fashion blogger in cyberspace possesses a more notable trait: She’s a 12-year-old. Her name is Tavi Gevinson of Chicago, and her blog “Style Rookie” (tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com)delivers a captivating collection of writing and pictures that take readers into her pre-teen world of explore her definition of “fashion.” From the latest trends, thrifting, the eighties, Japanese Street style, a stark obsession with Karl Lagerfeld and Vivienne Westwood, to DIY fashion, the mature content and opinions Tavi possesses enable her to spark interest in readers from all ends of the age spectrum.

Here’s an excerpt:
I know it sounds corny, but to me, fashion is a form of art. I've said that on here before, but that's strictly what I find it: it's not necessarily about simply looking "good" or "chic". The designers that inspire me don't focus on designing clothes just to be clothes; the looks they design are art! WEARABLE art, which is more fun than pretty paintings in a museum that you can't touch. My ignorance aside, it really bothers me when silly ideas like "Fashion Do's and Don't's" and "Fashion Police" are established, because that takes all the fun out of putting together an outfit. In my opinion, the most interesting fashion is the Anti-Fashion. No rules, no restrictions, no normalcy, no pleasing anyone.

What’s remarkable about this outspoken fashionista — besides her age — is the amount of national attention she garners. Other high-profile fashion bloggers such as “Nova Style” and “Fashion Pirate” gush about Tavi. “Nova Style” writes: I am not exactly sure how old this girl is, but she has so much style it's ridiculous. I honestly think she's one of the most fashionable people I have ever seen. “Fashion Pirate” put “Style Rookie” on its list of top seven brilliant blogs: If we weren't already married I'd move to Chicago and adopt her as my little sister. True story. Is my rabid fangirlism bothering you yet?

In other publicity nods, the New York Times’ T Style Magazine featured Tavi in the August 17th, and she recently earned Teen Vogues “blogger of-the moment.” Move over Anna.

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.

SNAP: best couple - Paulie & Juno

Kirsten Lopez-Palm and Samantha Simon are America's favorite part time lovers and full time friends.

SNAP: Amy Winehouse

This Halloween junior Kelly Mehler struts her stuff as the unpredictable Amy Winehouse.

REVIEW: Global Chanel

A life-sized bear stands chained to the white quilted wall that surrounds an S&M-inspired scene. A gathered pool of water on a sidewalk reflects an image of the Rue Cambon in France. A giant handbag lies on its side to reveal a makeup compact that plays video footage of a woman destructing a smaller version of her shoulder accessory. Drawing a connection between these three moments might seem lofty, but all are features of installations in the Chanel Mobile Art Pavillion, and all are inspired by the world’s most emblematic handbag: the quilted Chanel 2.55.

The exhibition, which resides at its third destination in Central Park, NYC is a collaboration between the design worlds of fashion, art, and architecture. Commissioned by Chanel creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, and designed by contemporary architect, Zaha Hadid, the white, pod-like mobile museum features 18 art installations from contemporary artists across the globe. Artists such as Loris Cecchini, Yoko Ono and David Levinthal were given creative freedom except in one area: the iconic chain-strap handbag once designed by Coco Chanel in 1955 must serve as inspiration for their work.

High profile guests such as Kate Bosworth and Agyness Deyn donned space-age styles at the opening in homage to the gallery’s futuristic design aesthetic. Bosworth, in a structural silver number, wore her hair in an appropriate slicked-back pony-tail for the occasion. Lagerfeld wore, well, what he always wears—black and white, and of course, his infamous shades. While fashionistas and art snobs adore the gallery, free admission encourages everyday New Yorkers to experience the exhibit.

The Chanel Mobile Art Pavillion remains at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park until November 9. After that, it jets off to its final three destinations: London, Moscow, and Paris. Although tickets are free for the public, they are sold out online. For those willing to take a road trip, tickets must be obtained on-site. For a sneak peek of the gallery, visit New York Magazine’s video tour on their fashion blog, The Cut.

LANDMARK LOOKS: Beauties of the Ball

The big screen serves as the backdrop for most masquerades, appearing in period films such as Romeo & Juliet or Pride and Prejudice. Syracuse is no Hollywood, but on Halloween weekend, people--and places--transform themselves. Attendees at the Delta Kappa Epsilon Undertaker's Ball Thursday night did just that as party-goers donned extravagant masks that mimicked the upper-crust of society of past centuries. Feathers, glitter, and glam provided the night's most memorable accessories. 

TRIPLE THREAT: Fringe Benefits

Pocahontas inspired tasseled trims sashayed the runways this fall from high-end chic designers like Gucci to low-end bargain buys like Mossimo (available at Target). They adorn everything from a one-shoulder dress to a pair of strapy sandals, and designers are using fringe in ways we’ve never seen before — especially with accessories. This season, bags, shoes, and dresses all receive flapper reinventions. Check out three fall-fringe favorites below:

For an upscale, high-end bag, turn to Prada’s Napa Fringe Hobo ($2,190; neimanmarcus.com). Made with the softest Italian leather, this bag in ivory (shown) or black swings perfectly from every shoulder with the cash to land it.



Take the town by storm in Steven by Steve Maddens Bijoux heels ($129.95; stevemadden.com). Available in three colors (black, brown and pewter), this sassy open-toe sandal boasts a 3.5-inch heel and an adjustable ankle strap.



Go full-frontal fringe in Urban Outfitters Lace Shawl ($34; urbanoutfitters.com). Throw on the floral rose patterned shawl over any solid tee and take an outfit from boring to bold.

OBESSSION: Nuclear Arm Candy

Both political candidates Barack Obama and John McCain say “it’s time for a change.” I agree — especially when it comes in the form of techni-color arm candy. While pursuing new watch options, I came across the ToyWatch and fell in love. ToyWatch, designed in Italy, and first introduced to the masses in 2006, proved so popular, the manufacturers opened a flagship store a year later in Milan. As seen on the wrists of high-profile celebrities like talk show queen Oprah, pop-princess Madonna and even the likes of the notorious Li-Lo, the trend continues in 2008, creating a new type of anti-luxury statement. These oversized, plastic, watches inspired by designer timepieces, are sure to hold their own against any superluxe heavy weight. A precision quartz fuels the movement, and the water-resistant case and tritium-laden hands and markers offer protection and nighttime visibility. The Neon Plasteramic Collection, ToyWatch’s newest line of light-weight, fluorescent watches, brighten any look ($195 from Nordstrom.com). Inspired, perhaps, by nuclear-fallout, the collection colors include: Kryptonite Green, Plutonium Pink, Ultra Violet, Cobalt Blue, Yellow Submarine and Atomic Orange. "Hollywood is obsessed with this Italian-made chronograph wristwatch" shouted Life & Style Weekly. Consider it your chance to Hollywood even without that movie deal.

LOOK FOR LESS: RocknRolla Runway

Balmain rocked the Fall 2008 runway in Paris with an eclectic mix of slick ‘80s references and punk inspired animal prints. From snake graphics, loose white tees and tanks, lace dresses, blazers, drop-crotch trousers, and lace-up fringe moccasin ankle boots, Christophe Decarnin’s collection possessed an edgy, downtown, cool vibe — not often associated with the French house. While Fall 2008 is almost a thing of the past, Balmain’s eclectic style remains au currant. Unfortunately, the complete collection is not available in the U.S. (You can buy some pieces, but expect to pay $1,025 for the fringed leather boots and $1,535 for the cheetah crop jeans at Netaporter.com).

Opt to try this look for less:



Step into fringe detailing. Exaggerated fringe proves the perfect accent for this flat suede ankle boot (also available in taupe). Sam Edelman Ursula Fringe Ankle Boot; $158, Nordstrom.com



Fall prey to the animal-print phenomena. These statement-making leopard print skinnys come in purple and grey. Grab yours before they become extinct. Leopard Skinny Jean; $80, Topshop.com



A classic black blazer anchors a Balmain-inspired look. It also tops any fall wardrobe (with or without the rockandrolla attitude). Allora LS Pinstripe Blazer; $27.80, Forever21.com.



A minimalist accessory compliments any outfit. This simple, faux-leather option captures effortless chic. Mix and match with multiple looks to ensure the highest return on your investment. Studded Skinny Black Belt; $7.80, Forever21.com



Just as Decarnin chose to pair much of his standout collection with simple white or black tees, temper your bolder Balmain-inspired pieces with an understated top like this basic LNA tank. Basic White Rib Tank; $57, Nationaljeancompany.com

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.

EXPERIENCE: Fierce Fundraising

Paris went up in flames on October twentieth, at the Syracuse Stage Guild Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser at the Delavan Center. The night celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fashion fundraiser for Syracuse Stage. The bare warehouse gave the gritty feel of a Chelsea gallery opening minus the over priced drinks. The fundraiser featured an array of boutique designers such as the bold Michelle Darin (www.michelledarinjewelry.com), whose chunky, nature inspired jewels sparkled in the dwindling factory lights. Before the show I grabbed a quick word in with Giovanna McCarthy, chair of the fundraiser. She epitomized style with a spunky blonde bob and midriff-baring black dress, something not every 42-year-old could pull off. Giovanna described herself as a go-getter and shared how she hoped to create a fashionable environment with the fundraiser. She scanned the packed gallery and smiled. “We need a collective group of creative individuals to revitalize down town,” she said. We took our seats as young models began their slinks down the runway. The show featured Syracuse staples such as Eva’s boutique, Rhoda Dendron, Show off, and Headlines. While Some Girls Boutique rocked the runway with striking neon jersey dresses, Hats by Priscilla stopped the show. Madonna’s Vogue boomed for the display of elaborate church hats. As a metallic cap sauntered by, my neighbor turned to me and said: "Now that’s a Jiffy pop hat." Hat’s by Priscilla ended with a dazzling gold Cleopatra beaded bonnet. Project Runway contestant and Syracuse native Jennifer Diedrich’s Spring/Summer collection delivered a grand show of pastel-infused art deco constructions. A sassy gold chain purse caught my eye. A strip woven dress forced me to crane my neck as it sashayed away. The show ended with cupcake confections and a warm thank you from Giavanna.