Cuse Closet: Neutrals With a Twist

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

December made a grand entrance into Syracuse complete with pouring rain, pelting hail and a faint dusting of snow (all in one day, impressive). The sea of black jackets and dark, mundane hues to complement the weather begin to emerge as a scene of gray envelops the city. However, Rachel Laber, our blogger for The Orange Carpet, knows how to incorporate a burst of color to liven up the atmosphere.

By layering a floral top under her sweater, she instantly added color to her outfit. Since the floral pattern is a darker hue, it does not look like a top fit for spring. By wearing a neutral, black sweater on top Rachel not only stayed warm but also toned down the busy pattern of her top. In order for her outfit to avoid looking too busy, she wore simple, yet chic milk-chocolate brown boots, which also acted as a nice contrast to her black sweater. She was also able to balance out the free flowing fabric of her top with jeggings. Her accessories however are the final touches that complete her outfit. The black skinny belt not only puts emphasis on her wait but also ties her entire outfit together. Around her neck, she layered a strand of pearls instantly adding a sense of elegance. Her soft curls were the ideal hairstyle to compliment her overall look.

Although mostly comprised of neutral basics, there is nothing mundane about her outfit. She was able to successfully layer this winter’s staple items to create a look that will bring a sense of liveliness to the season ahead. Who says winter fashion has to be boring?

Shirt- Express

Sweater- Loft

Jeggings- Express

Boots- Target

Belt- came with a shirt from Express

Necklace- Walmart

-Brittany Fowler

The Orange Carpet: Military Inspiration

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

Do you ever find yourself wondering how to take the runway’s hottest trends and apply them to your own wardrobe? Leah Zukowsky, a freshman Broadcast Journalism major, demonstrates this season’s hottest trend that’s suitable for every day. Zukowsky’s olive green anorak jacket is the perfect portrayal of the military trend. This look doesn’t have to include utility boots and camouflage to rock it, as she shows us.

Anorak jackets have popped up in designer collections such as Balmain, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Burberry Prorsum as we see on celebrities. Here, Zukowsky’s choice of anorak is the perfect piece of outerwear for the crazy Syracuse weather.

Zukowsky’s favorite piece of clothing is a pair of skinny jeans. She loves how she can dress her skinnies up or down depending on her choice of shoes and top.

Zukowsky describes her style as trendy. Based on her ultra-chic outfit, that comes as no surprise!

Have you embraced the military trend?

Leah is wearing:

Coat: H&M

Jeans: H&M

Shirt: Forever 21

Boots: Marshall’s

Looking to add a military inspired jacket to your closet? Check out these options!

ASOS Jacket: $117.95

Express Cargo Jacket: $69.90

-Rachel Laber

The Craze: Lace It Black

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

Black lace hits the runways as models bare their skin. Designers Antonio Berardi, Emilio Pucci and Julien MacDonald, among others, use black lace throughout their Fall and Winter 2010 collections.

Without exposing too much skin, black lace is showing up in everything from dresses, tops, jackets, and even shoes. Stay warm as the temperature drops by pairing it with the right layers. Black lace can look polished and add texture to any outfit. To add a pop of color, pair black lace with colored camis and tanks or tights.

Are you ready to bare?

THE RUNWAY

Antonio Berardi

Emilio Pucci

Julien MacDonald

FAB FINDS

Express

Lace Overlay Long Top

asos.com

Lisa Jayne Dann Frill Neck Lace Shirt

kohls.com
LC Lauren Conrad Lace Jacket

piperlime.com

Sam Edelman Caper lace flats

- Kate Ahrendtsen

Cuse Closet: Because ears can be stylish too

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: Kelly Dishner

Earmuff day! Photo: Petra Borhani-Bakker

Today the fresh snow called for nothing other than earmuffs. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m often caught sporting a cozy hood too. But today I remembered how great a quality pair of earmuffs can be. They keep your ears warm in the Syracuse wind and look classier than a hood. How can you go wrong?

Next, I chose my favorite pair of skinny jeans and a black camisole. I tried on a few blazers, but settled on a purple plaid jacket. It’s shorter length will be hard to wear once it gets really cold, so I figured I should wear it one last time.

The only downside of earmuffs is that they are difficult to wear over earrings. For an accessory, I chose a silver crystal necklace. Lastly, I put on flats that matched the navy of the earmuffs and the sparkle of the necklace.

Shoes, Jeans, Jacket: Forever 21

Earmuffs: J. Crew

Camisole: Express

Necklace: Swarovski

- by Kelly Dishner

The Craze: Learn to knit (or just buy one)

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

With winter fast approaching, there is one thing on our mind: figuring out how to stay warm on the way to class while still managing to look good. 

It would be easy to roll out of bed and rock your grey ‘Cuse sweatshirt every day, but let’s be honest — some of us want glances from the cuties we’re going to class for in the first place. 

Luckily, we have a great variety of alternatives to bulky sweatshirts or the ever-trusty Northface fleece. You can find knits in the form of wraps, pullovers, dresses, and cardigans in nearly every price range. 

Pink Rose Turtleneck Sweater Dress from Macy’s $28.50

byCORPUS Popcorn Sweater from Urban Outfitters $68 

Tip: The pockets are perfect for keeping your cell nearby and your hands warm. 

The great thing about these knits is that they can also be dressed up or down. For a simpler look, add some leggings and a basic long-sleeved tee or thermal. To turn it up a level, belt it to get a more defined shape or pair it with some flashy accessories, such as shiny bangles or metallic leggings. 

Shaker Stitch Cowl-Neck Sweater from Express $39.50 

So, friends, don’t fall into the sweatshirt pattern this winter season. Invest in some lush knits and heads will surely turn.

- by Carine Umuhumunuza