Rag Report: Opposites Attract

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

The title explains it all, “Impossible to Resist” a photo shoot featured in the November issue of Cosmopolitan with steamy ‘Vampire Diaries’ star, Ian Somerhalder. Photographer Marc Baptiste captures this sexy vamp in everyday clothes and we must say he looks quite delicious. Photos were taken in the Soho area of New York City. The first photo has is Ian sitting on a motorcycle with his femme fatale. Both of these models are looking off to the distance and look extremely focused. Somerhalder is wearing a dark wash pair of jeans with a black leather jacket, paired with a grey t-shirt and black boots. While Ian’s outfit is dark based, the background of this photo is very colorful—reds, purple and silver—Ian really pops. His feminine opposite is also wearing dark colors. The model shows her edgy yet girly side as she is dressed in a black leather jacket, a shiny purple dress and some killer heels.

Next Somerhalder is captured in a close up with his face turned slightly to the left. His arm is around his feminine opposite as he poses in a casual way. The model is wearing a dark blue dress that has a unique criss-cross design. She is also has on a loose fitted grey jacket that counter acts her dress. Somerhalder wears dark based colors again but, this time he is a little brighter. The light grey pair of slacks paired with a dark/light grey striped t-shirt blends well under his grey/white pin striped blazer. The focus is on Somerhalder and his girl as the background appears to be a bit blurry and insignificant.

The final photo, though somewhat similar, does give a different vibe to the audience. While both Somerhalder and his girly opposite are both posed on their sides and facing to the right of the camera. The colors in these photos are a little brighter from the typical all dark clothing. Ian is wearing a navy blue jacket with a red plaid shirt underneath; he is also wearing a lighter wash pair of jeans—allowing some color to be brought into the photo. His leading lady dons a black leather jacket, but there is a pop of white that helps blend more color into the photo. She is also wearing a lighter greens dress and has a black and gold cross over purse, the final add of color is added by her silver strappy heels.

-Stephanie Smith

Rag Report: Put a Spin on Winter Attire

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

For anyone who has spent at least one “spring” semester here at Syracuse University, you know that spring really means chunky sweaters, warm boots, and long sleeved tops. The winter months can get dull pretty easily since outfits are easily repeated. In order to avoid the same old sweater and jeans combination, Cosmopolitan captured some great ideas for the upcoming winter weeks in its November issue. Photographed in lower Manhattan, Marc Baptiste captures model Eva in her best poses around town.

Eva is posed slightly to her right side with her shoulders back, wind is blowing through her hair and she is staring straight on at the camera. Her makeup compliments the fall weather with light bronzed eye shadow and a deep red lipstick. Baptiste photographs Eva in a sexy yet elegant pose. Eva is wearing a black short cut pea coat, while her outfit may not seem to be winter ready, it does add some versatility to regular winter gear. Most winter coats are a dull, solid color, however, adding a belt this jacket looks much more fashion forward.

The next photo has Eva posing in front of an entryway. The background creates an interesting atmosphere, but since Eva is so close to the camera the focus is on her. Eva is still sporting a deep red lipstick and bronzed eye shadow. She stares directly into the camera. Eva is wearing a chunky cable knit sweater with a classic navy polo popped underneath. Her grey trouser paired with a black belt finishes off the classic look of warm winter.

In her final photo, Eva is in a classroom setting. The background has shades of brown including the purse that is carefully placed next to our model. Baptiste decided to switch up the shoot as Eva is facing her right instead of straight at the camera. She is also sitting down which allows her to have a more casual pose. Eva’s outfit is perfect for those chilly winter days. She is wearing a long sleeved blouse with a pair of pinstriped pants. Her outfit has a hint of sexiness but is still appropriate for those winter days.

Baptiste not only creates a show stopping editorial but readers get a few great ideas for their winter gear.

-Stephanie Smith

Rag Report: Red Zone

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

Red is a powerful color. It’s bold and expressive. Red lips are attention grabbing; on clothes, the color is downright sexy. "Cosmopolitan" celebrates the crimson hue in this month’s issue with photographer Todd Marshard in the spread “In the Red.” The wood scenery and cool earth tones allows the crimson clothing items to shine.

Even with the tall, imposing tree in the first shot, the reader’s eye is immediately drawn to the model’s bright red trench coat from Mango. The camerawork here is visually striking and the tree seems to be the perfect juxtaposition with the fire engine red trench.

Marshard makes the model look larger than life in this shot. Her figure is long and lean just like the trees in the background. Her face and body language are seductive which compliment her equally seductive clothing. The contrast between the red fur jacket and the surrounding colors commands attention.

The model is the main focus of this picture. Her vivid blue eyes immediately capture the readers. Her hair almost blends in with the woodsy atmosphere of the photo, as does the brown cuff bracelet. Even her skin is a shade of brown, though much lighter than the trees. The twist dress from Dsquared is distinctive because of its blood-like color.

Marshard showcases the clothing in this spread in a unique and interesting way. Photographing crimson hues amongst a forest filled with greens and browns, Marshard makes the clothes the most important part of this spread.

-Jessica Dysart

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

Rag Report: Unexpected Deilight

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

Enter: The Hills, a place of glitz, glamour, and Lauren Conrad. During the 6 years we’ve seen this girl on TV she’s been nothing but girly and simplistic, and owns nothing out of the color spectrum of black and white. So, when coming across an image of Lauren in September 2010’s issue of Cosmopolitan, readers couldn’t help but be surprised by her colorful, textured outfit. This outfit is so flattering on Lauren; she is able to show her signature girly and chic look while still being sexy. Lauren’s dress looks so well put together because it has pieces that one wouldn’t normally pair with each other. Along with her dress, Lauren keeps her accessories simple by just wearing a pair of earrings. By not having a necklace Lauren is able to show off her v-neck and is able to draw more attention to her out of the ordinary top. Overall her outfit is unique with unexpected colors that are completely flattering on her.

In the next photo for Lauren’s Cosmopolitan photo shoot she is shown wearing a white ruffled dress with a discrete floral print. Although this dress is very flattering on Lauren, it is simple and dull. The colors used for the floral print do not pop out or bring any excitement to the dress itself. Although the dress does have ruffles, the overall shape of the dress is basic and unoriginal. If a belt or a piece of jewelry were to the added to the outfit it would pop and be a little more attention grabbing. While Lauren’s hair and make up do add a counterpoint to this outfit--bold, flirty, and attention grabbing--the first outfit choice is the best pick from this photo shoot.

-Stephanie Smith