LANDMARK LOOKS: West(cott) Side

The Westcott Theater played host to some creative glow-in-the-dark garb last Thursday, November 13, 2008. The Westcott Theater (524 Westcott Street) threw a neon toga dance party, where local DJ’s the Smash Brothers and DJ AFAR spun beats. These haute tunes inspired some great DIY creations. Many bedazzled themselves in hi-lighter colored bed sheet. Even those without togas looked rather salty in flirty frocks or sweet graphic tees. These bold styles raise the question: Is Westcott the new Marshal? You be the judge.

EXPERIENCE: Camden Club Kidzz

“Morning Crescent, mind the gap,” Chimes the dainty British voice, that has come to narrate my daily commute around London. As the doors open, all the girls with shaggy bangs and dapper lads pile out and into the tube station. My friends and I follow the young masses up the stairs and into the night. Outside I catch the reflection of a bright neon sign in one of the many puddles that line Camden High Street. I see a couple sharing pints outside a pub; boys, in Goth make-up, excitedly chat about what club they want to go to next.

Welcome to Camden: epicenter of all that is gritty, raw, fun, and fashionable. By day it serves as London’s funkiest open-air market and the inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Diaganon Alley in the Harry Potter books. By night it shifts to the glam and swill that gave birth to Amy Winehouse (known as the legend of Camden).

On this night we cross the busy street to club Koko. A long line winds around the side of theater-turn-dance-club. My friends complain, but I see this as the perfect opportunity to soak in some of London’s street fashion. To my right, I see a girl with bleach-blonde hair. She sports bright heliotrope tights with lots of runs. Between puffs on her cigarette, she discusses music festivals with her eyeliner-laden friend who wears a high waisted, salmon-and-navy skirt. While the girls deliver smashing outfits, the boys sport totally mental looks. One guy wears a see-through garbage bag that drapes around his chest. He and his mate dress hospital chic (scrubs, red lipstick and fake blood).

After 20 minutes of waiting and 12 pounds for the cover charge, we move into the club, which features soaring balconies and black lights. Between the bustling bodies, I spy Victoria Beckham inspired coifs, nerdy black Buddy Holly glasses, and raccoon styled eye shadow.

While dancing to the techno beats, I admire the ease these London kids feel in their garish get-ups. What happens here travels fast: Cool hunters watch and copy these looks, until kooky glasses and chartreuse tights crowd the shelves at Topshop. I know the looks I see tonight will soon appear in magazines such as Vice and Nylon. But these boys and girls aren’t thinking about that. They live, dance and dress for the moment. So I follow suit. I grab a sudsy Strongbow, begin to move my body to the beat, and watch as an Edwardian styled prince snogs his Gothic Lolita princess.

STREET STYLE: Men's Vogue

First-year performing arts major Nick Deyo strikes a pose and captures the essence of men’s high fashion while enjoying lunch on the Quad. A resident of London, England, Nick knows rainy days. He appreciates the rarity of sun in Salt City, making a point to dress to impress. His ensemble reflects taste and luxury through his tail coat and collared dress shirt. Nick incorporates his own quirks with red socks. Note: the faux-hawk.

Favorite item he's wearing: His Dior dress shoes. “I got them in Paris with my mom,” he reminisces, adding “the leather is fantastic!”

Fashion Icon: AJ Ellis

Trend he loves to hate: “This whole bitch craze—Oh, you mean fashion? I could do without leggings” he declares.

SNAPS: Jet Black Fashion Show

Model and Designer Olga Furmanova Poses on the Runway
Designer Jackie Potter with Model
Model Sarah Trad for Designer Narina Torozyan



Designer Sara Armet with her mother



Model Annie Boardman for Designer Courtney Zapor with Stitch Society contributer Adam



Prof. Jeff Mayer and Program Coordinator Prof. Karen Bakke




Model Kelly with Designer Ashley Harrington Haydock




Fashion Communications Learning Community RA Laura Vientos with fellow RA and model

STREET STYLE: My Fair Lady

Jetting off to a meeting, junior engineering major Lauren Vesty looks classic and weather-appropriate in a Kenneth Cole trench coat layered over a Free People knit sweater. Her boots, she says, are Italian vintage from the 1970's--she found them in her basement while rummaging through her aunt's and mother's old clothing.

Favorite item she's wearing: Jeans, J Brand- because they're very long and well-fitted and she can wear them for both casual and dressier occasions

Fashion Icons: Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn

Trend she loves to hate: White-rimmed sunglasses

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.

TRIPLE THREAT: Crushing on Crochet

Beware: This is not your grandmother’s knitting. Designers from John Galliano to Valentino are incorporating traditional techniques to give your outfit a bit of boho-chic flavor. Oscar De La Renta’s Crochet Sweater ($1,690; Bergdorfgoodman.com) gradates from green to yellow, providing a stylish optical illusion that transfixes onlookers. Milly’s Crochet-Trim Cashmere Cardigan, ($375; Bergdorfgoodman.com) gives decided flare to the traditional schoolteacher’s look. And, Giuliana’s Teso Mink Knit Crochet Scarf ($350; Bergdorf Goodman.com) radiates with textural drama.

REVIEW: Double Teamed

Watch out world: The Miller sisters are here and there’s no way to stop them. After conquering the realm of film, Sienna Miller teams up with her sister Savannah, who earned her fashion cred working with Alexander McQueen, to create the clothing line Twenty8Twelve, named in honor of Sienna’s birthday. Reflecting London Chic with a punk-meets-boho edge, the sisters offer everything from jeans to outerwear, dresses, and bags. The duo based their accessories collection, including gloves, totes, belts, etc., on the 1980s movie "This Is England." Rocking lustrous black, blue, and red leathers with gold facets, the line adds flare to even the blandest ensemble. Go for a sleek, tailored look with edge in the Clyde Jacket in Mink ($590; REVOLVEclothing.com). Channel your inner rock star in the Brittany Tunic in Raven ($125; REVOLVEclothing.com). Wear the Cordella Tank in Oxblood clubbing and never second-guess your fabulosity ($100; REVOLVEclothing.com). Or look sophisticated, stunning, and stylish in the Prudent Blouse in Enamel ($210; REVOLVEclothing.com). If you crave instant chic, you found it (Twenty8twelve.com).

OBSESSION: Fortunate One

Working retail always includes folding numerous amounts of denim. I spent everyday wishing for an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and tedious hours making sure that the left pockets faced up, the tags tucked, and that the stacks of jeans sat in size order, ruler straight.

After a long Friday at one internship (where I was paid in vegan food at lunchtime), I stared at the new denim shipment. Christie, my bubbly employer ran over to run her hands down the denim. “Everyone loves these jeans,” she said. It was true. From May until August, everyone — rich tourists, trophy wives, motorcycle-gang lesbians — wanted these jeans despite their $295 price tag (my clothing allowance for a year). I ran my hands down the jeans. They felt like cashmere woven into a denim twill. Christie took pity on me and offered to charge me the wholesale price, a mere $110.

I stared at them the whole summer. Size 27. Low-rise. "Karen" fit. Chinese coin button surrounded by 24 perfect Swavorski crystals. Chinese Tang dynasty satin pockets. Satin waistband. (According to the sales representative the Tang dynasty symbol was just recently made legal to wear for those not related to the emperor's family.) And a satin fortune sewn into the back of the waistband read: "Tropical vacation is in your future." But the best was they really made my butt looked phenomenal. August arrived, and the $110 sat in my pocket from working at my other jobs. Roughly, these jeans cost 14 hours of work, and my parents could never know that I spent a dime on anything other than a loan payment. I picked up the jeans and held them for a second. Overwhelmed with guilt, I put them back. At the end of the day, Christie handed me the jeans. "I have money in my bag for them," I said. Christie shook her head, "No, please, you deserve them."

HOW TO: Tie One One

We know. A scarf’s job reads: keep the neck warm. We also know that long stretches of fabulous fabric deliver more than heat and utility. They possess the power to make a tee look rich and a cashmere sweater look Trump rich (in pre-recession dollars). Learn these knots, expand your looks, and earn a Ph.D. in scarfery.




The Italian Loop: Consider this the scarf with training wheels. Fold the scarf in half and put it around your neck. Pull the ends through the loop and pull it tight. Wear it snug to your throat or lose. Both ways convey simple elegance. It also works over or under your coat.



The Square Knot: Wrap the scarf around your neck making sure that one end is longer than the other. Wrap the longer end all around your neck, around the shorter end, and then pull it up and trough. The tighter the fit, the warmer the neck. It also works as a coat topper.



Easier Square Knot: Wrap the scarf all the way around your neck then tie one end through the other pull your coat over to keep you warm.



The Safety: Wrap the scarf all the way around your neck as many times as you like.

CRUSH: Canadian Juicy

Lululemon is to Canadian girls what Juicy Couture is to Americans: wonderfully comfortable, incredibly flattering, and painfully overpriced sweatwear designed for girls who want to be chic even when they’re lounging around. One of Lululemon’s best sellers is the company’s Remix Hoodie ($93):

Despite the prohibitive cost, this humble-looking sweatshirt earned cult status among our fashionable neighbors to the north for a few reasons.

Consider the construction:

The Remix is a great example of a simple product with perfect design. The hoodie features a long torso, perfect for preventing that dreaded patch of skin from being exposed to the elements. Extra-long sleeves and a high chin create added warmth. Every seam is sewn flat, which means that chafing will never be an issue. The hoodie features thick, soft preshrunk cotton, which ensures endless washing minus the wear.

TRIPLE THREAT: Winter Skin Wunderkinds

The icy chill of winter wreaks havoc on even the most flawless complexions. The one-two punch of nose-diving temperatures and dry blasts of indoor heat create chapped, flaky skin that begs to be moisturized. But those blessed with more than nature’s natural allotment of oil sometimes suffer from extra moisturizing. Fortunately, several skincare lines have developed products designed to moisturize and protect skin without aggravating acne-prone complexions.

New Yorkers in the know love Kiehl’s Centella Skin Calming Facial Cleanser ($28.50) and Recovery Skin Salve ($42).

The face wash incorporates aloe vera and chamomile into a calming yet effective soap-free formula. The Kiehl’s team developed this wash to treat skin types prone to redness, dryness, and acne. An added bonus: the product’s convenient pump packaging ensures that you’ll never use too much, and the hefty 8.5 ounce size of product lasts until the grass begins to green.

The skin salve relieves the irritation caused by waxing and microdermabrasion, but it’s just as suitable for use as a daily moisturizer. The salve feels lotion-like, making its name somewhat deceiving, and offers an un-greasy consistency that sinks into the skin almost instantaneously, leaving it incredibly soft.

If the idea of a skincare line that soothes, moisturizes, and doesn’t anger oily skin intrigues you, but you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, check out Eucerin’s Redness Relief line. The line, which include a cleanser ($9), night crème ($15), and perfecting lotion ($15), is affordable and effective in fighting against the winter flakies.

We saved the worst winter ailment for last — chapped, cracked lips. Forget slick lipgloss. For dryness this severe, break out the heavy artillery. We recommend Aquaphor (around $6), a petroleum-based drugstore find that does a great job of healing weather-ravaged lips while protecting against further damage.

LOOK FOR LESS: Fashionable Foundations

The best fashion bets ground a look in signature pieces that work with a range of other outfits. Consider these three pieces: They create the perfect ensemble for a night on the town, and they play well with others in your closet.


1) The silk vest with tie at neck could be perfectly combined over a sexy black dress or a tank and skinnies. (Myne – Audrey Vest; $72.90; Shopbop).

2) Pair the vest with American Apparels Sheer Jersey Chemise in black. Wear as a mini-dress or a long tank over jeans. (Sheer Jersey Chemise; $24;American Apparel )

3) Add Shiekhs platform heels for a high volt of staggering glamour (hopefully not literally, of course). (Shiekh DS-SW7653; $44.97; Shiekshoes)

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.

PROFILE: Pretty, Pretty Playthings

As young girl running around in her dad’s jewelry warehouse in Rhode Island, Keryn Tommasiello considered jewelry her playground. The senior fashion design major at Syracuse University still does. She creates one-of-a-kind statement pieces. “I love eye-catching, colorful things,” she says. “I want someone to see it, and look at it again.”

She juxtaposes the goddess of fertility next to skulls and guns. She experiments with charms, braided leather, colorful bangles, rubber bracelets, and playful ornaments that make her jewelry standout. Prices range from $20 (the least expensive being the single charm with a leather braid) to $35 (the most expensive being the stackables – more than 5 charms stacked on 15 bangles per set). She also creates anything her customers crave.



She started designing her customizable jewelry collection called KeryAnne’s Designs, about a year ago and has hosted several parties to sell her pieces within the last six months. Her items sell at boutique stores in her hometown in Rhode Island, but her designs are readily accessible to the Syracuse consumer. For more information on her collection or to arrange a time to privately view her collection, please e-mail katommas@syr.edu.