The Craze: Polka Dot It!

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

Just because we have crazy weather, doesn’t mean our winter clothing has to look drab. Let’s remind ourselves of the warm summer days that we experience at the beginning and end of the school year by incorporating polka dots into our winter wardrobe. For their Fall 2010 collection, Dolce & Gabbana showcased sheer polka dot dresses on the runway. It’s currently too cold for sheer clothing at Syracuse, but there are other options: polka dotted shirts for layering, scarves to keep us warm and stylish, and even headbands. So stop sticking to solid colors this winter and add a pattern to your next outfit.

Betsey Johnson

Dolce and Gabbana

Forever 21

Marc Jacobs

Style & Co.

-Lauren Dulay

The Craze: Tattoo Me Couture

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

Fashion and tattoos aren’t two things you would normally associate together. Fashion is always changing and let’s face it…a tattoo is forever. Luckily, some designers have read our minds and created temporary fashion tattoos. Earlier this year, Chanel first showcased temporary tattoos on their models for their Spring 2010 show. Lately many labels such as Betsey Johnson and Deréon have been following suit. These designer tattoos come in bulk, so don’t worry about running out of these babies! There are plenty of styles out there, so don’t be afraid to mix and match these tattoos with various pieces within your wardrobe. Finally, these new accessories give us a chance to own designer pieces that won’t break our bank account.

Want to wear jewelry but hate wearing heavy chains? Try Chanel’s Limited Edition Les Trompe-L’oeil de Chanel Holiday 2010 Collection. 55 tattoos for $75.

Link: http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Accessories-LES-TROMPE-L%27OEIL-DE-CHANEL-89753

Betsey Johnson’s pack includes 96 tattoos for only $25. What a steal!

Link: http://www.betseyjohnson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4484299

Deréon is collaborating with Temptu for their collection. 24 for $34.

Link: http://temptu.com/adorn-temporary-tattoos/beyonce-temporary-tatoos-deluxe.html

-Lauren Dulay

The Craze: Go Nude!

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

Valentino spring 2010

Nude tones are a perfect way to spring into warmer weather. From beige to blush, to peach and eggshell, neutral apparel adds some serious appeal to your wardrobe. During spring 2010 fashion week, nude tones were everywhere on the runways. Bruno Pieters, Burberry Prorsum, Marc Jacobs and Valentino incorporated neutral tones into their collection. At first glance, neutral tones may be a little intimidating, but when paired the right way, this trend will command attention.

First, choose the right color that will compliment your skin, not wash you out. Paler skin tones should try darker neutrals like a soft copper, while darker complexions look great in light nude colors. Mixing and matching is key! Pair up nude tones with different neutral shades for a great spring/summer look.

For an off-white nude tone, Forever21 offers a zip front chiffon top that’s perfect for those summery nights.

Don’t just incorporate nudes into your clothing; try it with your shoes as well. Betsey Johnson has great nude-colored, open-toe pumps.

If you’re feeling fun and flirty, try this strapless dress by Camilla & Marc.

- Ivie Igbeare

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