Cuse Closet: Casual Coffee Dates

Cuse Closet peeks inside the staff's wardrobes to find out where we're going and how good we look getting there.

Syracuse weather determines every outfit. When the weather is snowy and miserable, I pile on the layers and pull on the fuzzy snow boots. However, when the weather is only moderately cold, I can wear fewer layers and break out the flats.

Since the sun was shining, I decided to wear flats as opposed to my usually boots. I then chose my favorite pair of jeans with decorative stitching. My jeans determined what I would wear on top because I did not want to cover the decorative pockets.

I wore a cropped button-up sweatshirt and layered a plain white camisole underneath. The sweatshirt resembles a peacoat with the double-breasted buttons and therefore is dressy enough to avoid looking as though I just rolled out of bed. I then chose to carry an oversized black purse to hold all of my essentials.

My outfit is coffee date appropriate but still just as comfortable as yoga pants and a sweatshirt. I felt ready to take on my day filled with classes and of course, coffee (or in my case, tea).

Sweatshirt: Abercrombie & Fitch

Cami: American Eagle

Jeans: Miss Me

Flats: Born

-Brittany Fowler

Cuse Closet: Boyish Charm

Cuse Closet peeks inside the staff's wardrobes to find out where we're going and how good we look getting there.

When I woke up and saw a blanket of snow covering every inch of the ground, my motivation to get out of bed dropped. I instantly knew I needed a comfortable and cozy outfit to mimic my mood. That’s why I chose to wear a flannel. It wasn’t just any flannel however; it was a guy’s flannel. Women have been stealing different articles of clothing from men for quite some time (boyfriend jeans anyone?). When my brother decided he didn’t want his flannel anymore, I took it without hesitation. The colors are vibrant but do not look out of place during the winter season.

Since it is a guy’s flannel, I needed to wear a belt to give it shape. I chose a wide black belt to pick up on the black in the flannel. Not only did this create an instant hourglass figure, but also added a feminine touch. To contrast with the black, I wore a white cami that peeked out. Since the flannel is free flowing, I chose to wear black leggings for a sleek look. As for my accessories, I rolled up the sleeves and wore a chunky bangle along with my watch. After pulling on my warm and fuzzy snow boots, I walked out the door and into what felt like a snow globe.

Flannel: Element

Cami: American Eagle

Leggings: American Eagle

Boots: Ugg

Bracelet: Brighton

Watch: Brighton

-Brittany Fowler

Cuse Closet: Casual, Cozy, Winter Sweater

Cuse Closet peeks inside the staff's wardrobes to find out where we're going and how good we look getting there.

Winter is my favorite season not only because hot chocolate seems to be an appropriate drink any time of day, but also because of the fashion. I love all of the boots, scarves, mittens, hats, coats, earmuffs, and any other winter accessory. However, what I love most are sweaters. Whether it is a chunky knit or a simple cropped sweater, I love them all. No matter the occasion, there is a sweater to match.

That is why I chose a simple blue sweater to base my outfit around when I was getting dressed for a day of errands. Since I wanted to wear my black boots (actually, my mom’s black boots. It pays to have the same shoe size as her), I decided to wear my jeggings. To bring out the white in the sweater, I layered a basic white cami under the sweater, which I ended up tucking in. I then wrapped a belt around my bare hips to dress up the outfit and bring it all together. Since it wasn’t bitterly cold out, I chose to wear a simple, silver heart necklace around my neck as opposed to a chunky scarf. One final check in the mirror and I was out the door to start the day (and maybe grab a cup of hot chocolate on the way).

Sweater: Abercrombie&Fitch

Cami: American Eagle

Jeggings: Abercrombie&Fitch

Belt: Brighton

Necklace: a gift

Boots: purchased from a store in Italy

-Brittany Fowler

Cuse Closet: Getting Better all the Time!

Cuse Closet peeks inside the staff's wardrobes to find out where we're going and how good we look getting there.

Last Thursday I got sick. It wasn’t too surprising, after working through too many long nights and watching everyone around me fall victim to the sinus plague, but this year I wanted to be prepared. As soon as I felt that tell-tale tickle in the back of my throat, I headed to CVS to restock my supply of cold season staples- Tylenol Day Time, Mucinex, and Halls cough drops. After popping all these cold medicines, I felt like a zombie (or perhaps a meth-head) and I don’t think they really aided in my recovery. What did help, though, was rest and the best cure of all—fashion.

When I'm feeling rundown, sick, or slogging my way through day two of an all-nighter, one of the things that always makes me feel better (along with drinking as many cups of vanilla roast as possible) is to take a few extra minutes getting ready in the morning and picking out something I really love. Usually during these groggy moments I reach for the most classic clothing in my closet however I never want to feel as done as a post-makeover contestant on TLC’s What Not to Wear (pre-makeover contestant goes without saying). I try to strike the balance between power dressing and personal dressing by combining my staples with patterned and colored pieces as much as possible, to give me a little more moxie. While layering my most tasteful trench and a wool sweater dress over a floral frock from last season, I was well on the path to a speedy recovery.

Black Trench Coat- Michael Kors

Black Wool Sweater Dress- Madewell

Black shoulder bag - Vintage Coach (found at Value Village for $15)

Charm Necklace - Handmade

Brown Corset Belt- Madewell

Floral Strapless Dress worn underneath - American Eagle

Tights- Hue

Black Patent Pumps - Steve Madden

-Emily Montgomery

The Orange Carpet: Beyond the Basic Boyfriend Blazer

The Orange Carpet scours SU to roll out the best of campus style (die, hoodies, die!).

From her necklace down to her boots, every part of Kylie Haymaker’s outfit is a fall fashion DO! Haymaker, a sophomore Communication and Rhetorical studies major, was spotted on campus wearing this awesome outfit. Haymaker’s fashion forward boyfriend blazer stands out from the SU crowd. The slight texture in the pattern of the blazer is much more exciting than the basic black or grey (although we do still love our basic blazers!). Haymaker keeps the rest of her outfit simple with her black leggings and white tee. The balance of the outfit allows Haymaker’s fabulous necklace stand out.

Here’s a bit more about Haymaker:

Her Style: Haymaker describes her style as trendy with a classical spin.

Favorite trend of the moment: the military look.
Trend she is ready to see go: It’s time for dirty and worn out Uggs to be taken off the streets and back into the depths of your closet.

What do you think of Haymaker’s look? Our opinion- Fabulous!

Haymaker is wearing:

Blazer- BB Dakota

V Neck Tee- Gap

Leggings- Forever 21

Boots- Steve Madden

Necklace- Urban Outfitters

Copy Haymaker’s classic but trendy style with these Blazer options:

BB Dakota “Douglas Blazer”- $95.00

Forever 21- $29.80

American Eagle- $69.50

-Rachel Laber

Rag Report: All-American

Rag Report dives under the covers of fashion publications to rant or rave about all the glossy goodness.

While Gucci, Prada, and Chanel are well known brands around the country, the average American is unable to afford such luxuries. When brand names such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister Co., and American Eagle Outfitters come into play, most Americans think about high school students spending ridiculous amounts of money on these brands. But, when Gap comes to mind most people think of an American brand that’s well rounded, in which most adults as well as young adults can wear. In Vogue.com’s editorial section, for spring 2011, Gap’s creative director, Patrick Robinson raises the bar once again. In the article, “Gap’s Spring Global Positioning” writer Sarah Mower talks to Mr. Robinson about his creative decisions for the company— high waisted denim pants as well as dyed denim in soft pastels . These ideas are just the beginning of what Robinson envisions for the future.

According to the article pants are making a comeback and representing America. Lately, women are choosing to wear high waisted skirts and dresses over pants whether it be business or casual. But seventies flare and skinny crops are making a comeback and will be appearing in Gap’s new line. Fashion is envisioned as simplistic but joyful—the essence of this line can be found within the Gap photo shoot during the spring 2011 Gap fashion show. The photographer, Robert Fairer really captured the essence of this up and coming line.

The models are sporting Gap’s newest styled pants and shorts. These specific items are lightly colored and paired with darker jackets on top. Underneath their jackets are classic nautical long sleeved tee shirts that add just enough pop to these already bubbly outfits.
Fairer captures this model standing with confidence and poise and she wears a white on white outfit. Her white skinny jeans matched with cream-colored Mary Janes and matching belt adds a classic color to this outfit. The model’s make up is light and she dons a tousled ponytail, adding to the straightforward signature style of Gap.

Fairer also gives the audience another peak at the Gap line, as this photo is a little more colorful and fun. The models all have ponytails and casual make up—a key factor in this photo shoot. Each model has a different colored pair of pants as well as top. The tops are light colored and fit each model well, not too tight but not swallowing them whole.

The final photo has three models looking casual and comfy. While Gap’s main idea is to stick to pants, the model on the right is sporting a white colored dress with grey Mary Jane heels (another comeback according to Gap). The model in the middle is wearing a pair of pants that are a bit out of the ordinary compared to the other pieces, it is much less form fitting and flowly—something not all companies dare to make. The final model, to the left, is wearing an all neutral brown ensemble with a white top underneath and a lighter colored brown belt. Fairer is able to photograph Gap’s all-American image. .

-Stephanie Smith

Cuse Closet: Balancing the Basics

Cuse Closet peeks inside the staff's wardrobes to find out where we're going and how good we look getting there.

Today I was able to take one of my chunky sweaters out of the closet and into the welcoming autumn air. Since it’s still bearable out, I opted for a sweater with ¾ length sleeves and an off-the-shoulder neckline. Underneath, I wore a lacy white tank that peeked out of the bottom of the sweater to add a feminine feel to my outfit (plus, lace is in according to Cosmo). I paired this with dark blue jeggings in order to balance out the non-formfitting sweater. Instead of flats, I decided to wear Uggs to ensure my feet would stay warm. To complete my look, I draped a long pendant necklace around my neck and added a bold silver bangle on my wrist and was ready for a full day of classes.

Sweater: Free People

Tank and Jeggings: Abercrombie & Fitch

Boots: Uggs

Necklace: American Eagle

Bangle: Brighton

-Brittany Fowler

The Craze: Denim on denim...yes, you can

The Craze is a trend report bringing you the latest (and, duh, the greatest) in beauty and style.

When we think of wearing denim on denim, the disturbing image of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the American Music Awards in 2001 may come to mind. But, if worn correctly, it can become a very chic ensemble. 

The first rule is to wear different washes; pair a lighter denim shirt with a jean in a darker wash. Second, break up the look with accessories, like a tan belt as shown at D&G.

 

D&G denim

J.Crew offers a chambray top paired with sparkly extras to balance out the tough denim material of the shirt.

 

J.Crew's denim look

American Eagle’s cowboy-inspired western shirt features pearl snaps and studs, which are another big trend for spring.

 

An option from American Eagle

So, with that said, denim on denim is no longer taboo. In order to be truly fashionable, one has to learn how to break the traditional rules.

- by Allison Mariotti

The Orange Carpet: Back to basic layers

The Orange Carpet scours SU to roll out the best of campus style (die, hoodies, die!).

There’s a certain pressure to look put together during the week. But on a Sunday afternoon, all bets are off! However, that is never an excuse to look sloppy.

 

Sophomore Anabel Simental's layered look

Sophomore Anabel Simental brings the term “casually cool” to life through her clothing.  She keeps things simple by pairing basic items with minimal accessories. The striped vest/tunic adds visual texture to the plain palette even though it’s in neutral colors. Our favorite piece is her gold elephant necklace. Too bad she doesn’t know where it’s from. Guess we’ll have to keep scouring…

 

The mysterious elephant necklace...

Outfit Details

Black tank & Turquoise shirt: Old Navy

Striped Vest: Forever 21

Jeans: American Eagle

Shoes: Converse

- by Lauren Dulay

Fierce+Foreign: The French are mad for plaid

Fierce+Foreign draws on the fashion experiences of SU students studying abroad.

At this time of year in France, colors and patterns usually go into hibernation. On the rare occasion that you do spot a pattern, chances are, it's plaid. 

Plaid flannel shirts will always be timeless, but ever given thought to purchasing a plaid coat? It's a nice change from the usual solid colors. 

Why camouflage with the snow, when you can be so distinctive with a plaid coat? The key is that it's distinctive, but not flashy.
 
Here you see couture princess Blair Waldorf, from Gossip Girl, looking fierce in a black and white Betsey Johnson (who's a SU alumna!) plaid coat.

 

We're all about some plaid coats, just like Blair. XOXO  

Yours truly is always on the look out for fresh plaid patterns, and fell in love with this yellow Victoria's Secret plaid wool coat for $129. The military style buttons add even more structure to the crisscrossing lines.

Vicky's secret? A great plaid look.

I'm also lovin' this plaid jacket from Mama Stone Vintage, an online store that sells vintage clothes on eBay. One key thing about wearing plaid: don't pair it with other patterns or a bright color. Let the plaid take center stage by wearing dark leggings or pants to match the coat.

Mama Stone Vintage's retro plaid style.

American Eagle also has a snug green and blue plaid wool coat for $119.95. Again, French style is very conservative with colors, so when picking a plaid pattern, don't steer too far from cool, dark colors. 

Save the tutti frutti palette for a warmer season.

- by Jenny Cheng 

Cuse Closet: The preps are going PUNK

Cuse Closet peeks inside the staff's wardrobes to find out where we're going and how good we look getting there. 

Today's Closet: Maria Sonico

When the weather sucks, like yesterday, my Docs are my saviors. These classic boots once worn by British punks and later co-opted by 90s hipsters are back again. They're comfortable and warm, and they don't clash with my clothes the way bulky rain boots tend to.

Break out those Docs again, preppy-punk is in. Photo: Maria Sonico

I wore the boots with my favorite skinny jeans and topped the look off with a denim button-up and wool cardigan. Denim on denim can work, as long as they're different washes. 

I tucked the shirt in, but rolled up the sleeves to keep it casual. I love the preppy-punk combo, and the crest on my cardigan paired with my Docs creates the perfect balance. 

This is my go-to style for class because it's polished while still being edgy.   

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters  

Shirt: American Eagle 

Jeans: Forever21

Boots: Dr. Martens 

- by Maria Sonico

Cuse Closet: Pain is gain

Cuse Closet peeks inside the staff's wardrobes to find out where we're going and how good we look getting there. 

Today’s closet: Allison Mariotti

I was feeling a little rebellious today before my 8 a.m. communications class, so I created an outfit that was feminine and pretty, but edgy at the same time.

Allison rocking hard-edged femininity. Photo: Kaytie Wilson

The core of my outfit was a tiered pale pink camisole. It added a delicate touch to an otherwise tough ensemble. I paired the cami with my black skinny jeans to balance the fuller top.

I tried finishing off the look with a cropped black cardigan, but the proportions looked off with the tiers of the camisole. So, I replaced it with a long black cardigan. 

Finally, I added my studded, black ankle boots to add an edge...which, about halfway through the day, were killing my feet. 

But, hey, sometimes beauty is pain.

Camisole: H&M
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Jeans: American Eagle
Boots: Seychelles
Necklace: American Eagle