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: 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: Holly Jolly Fashion

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

The holiday season, which is composed of the aroma of baked goods and spices, Christmas music and friends and family, is my favorite time of year. Outside the air is crisp and chilled, while inside the fire crackles as it lets out warmth. The holiday season gives everyone the chance to pair red and white together, which is exactly what I did for Christmas Eve.

I chose a deep red hue sweater with ruffles and layered it over a white lace tank. The lace runs vertically down the tank instantly covering up its simplicity. I decided to wear a necklace rather than a long pendant to avoid making my top too busy (lace, ruffles and a bold necklace would be a lot to take in all at once).

For a sleek look I wore black jeggings tucked into my favorite ankle boots. As a final touch, I put on silver hoop earrings to dress up the outfit and complement my silver snowflake necklace. After I straightened my hair I was ready to go and celebrate the evening with my family. This truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Sweater: Abercrombie&Fitch

Tank top: Abercrombie&Fitch

Jeggings: Lucky Brand Jeans

Boots: Kelly and Katie

-Brittany Fowler

Biz Buzz: The “Juicy” Details

Biz Buzz keeps its fabulously accessorized ear to the ground to provide breaking fashion news coverage.

Remember those days in middle school when the Juicy Couture tracksuit reigned supreme? Every girl had the matching velour tops and bottoms in the winter and the terry cloth version in the summer. But, as we grew out of the drama of the 7^th grade, and spending time at the mall while being driven around by our parents, Juicy Couture faded out of our minds as well.

It is because of the lack of interest by our generation as we’ve matured that has lead to a demise of the perception of the brand. No longer do we appreciate the magic of Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor and their fantasy world of fashion.

Skaist-Levy and Nash-Taylor sold the brand in 2008 to Liz Claiborne Inc., and since then the brand, in my opinion, has become stagnate. Juicy Couture seemed to be a part of my fashion past much like the days of Abercrombie and Limited Too, until recently.

For its Holiday 2010 collection, Claiborne, Inc. brought in designer Erin Fetherston. Fetherston, a CFDA winner, Target collaborator, and guest on the Rachel Zoe Project, has a design aesthetic that is both whimsical and girly. The collection, Juicy Loves Glamour Girls, features luxurious velvet dresses and quirky shapes, perfect for any holiday get-together in the coming months. It includes party ensembles, shoes, party purses, jewelry, and hair accessories; no matter what the party calls for, Juicy’s holiday collection has got it handled.

The dresses effortlessly blend Fetherston’s airy designs with the fun and youthful branding of Juicy. An unlikely duo, but Claiborne, Inc. may be onto something with the pairing. If this collection succeeds like I predict it will, Juicy Couture may have the opportunity to regain a generation of customers, and move forward from the tracksuits and Scotty dogs of the past!

Visit Juicycouture.com for more details about the Erin Fetherston collection

-Elizabeth Lafontaine

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 Orange Carpet: Birthday (snow)suit

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

 

Ivory Hecker at Newhouse

Newhouse student Ivory Hecker braves the snowy weather with some killer studded booties from J. Michael’s. And since it is her birthday, it’s only natural for her to flaunt her style!

Hecker pairs her Abercrombie + Fitch blazer with a fur hoodie that’s sold only in the Mid-West.  We love the color palette she chose — green and brown is an excellent combo! Hecker describes her style as “casual and classy.”

 

Studded booties from J.Michael's

“I started with my jeans and everything just fell together,” she says, and it shows. Hecker really knows how to stand out from crowd with a fashionable yet weather appropriate outfit.

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Abercrombie and Fitch
Shoes: J. Michael's
Jeans: Forever21
Hoodie: Glik's

- by Ivie Igbeare

Cuse Closet: Shopper Chic

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: Alli Duncan

I’m back home in Chicago for the weekend, and the weather is beautiful (yay!). So, I wanted to look cute and comfortable (yes, it’s possible) for a little shopping.

Alli Duncan, ready for a day of shopping. Photo: Alli Duncan.

My Rock & Republic jeans are my go-to’s: straight leg goes with anything! I added a maroon long-sleeve thermal underneath to keep with the gorgeous fall colors, but also to keep me warm...it's the Windy City, after all. 

I wanted “sensible shoes” (I know, I know, I sound like a mom), and I couldn’t resist the gold hue of my “sensible” and stylish J. Crew flats. To pull the look together, I added my beige leather jacket, which I absolutely adore, and threw on a pair of ray bans. 

Then it was shopping time!

Jeans: Rock & Republic

Jacket: Intermix

Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch

Shoes: J. Crew

Sunglasses: Ray Ban