The Craze: Spring into Break AND the Sun

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

One day it’s 60 degrees in Syracuse, N.Y. and the next it’s a windy blizzard. What’s a girl to wear to battle this unpredictable weather? How about prepare and pack your suitcase for spring break! I know it’s three weeks away but you’ll need to get you’re shopping and ordering in before then.

So, what’s hot for the beach this season? Pack bold patterns and neutral colors when it comes to your bikinis and you can mix and match them when you get tired of wearing the same suit each day.

How about protecting your skin from the sun? Get some great beach cover-ups in light fabrics and muted tones for a fresh look.

Don’t forget to protect your feet from the scorching sand with some stylish kicks. Choose from simple flip-flops to embellished flat sandals.

-Kate Ahrendtsen

Cuse Closet: Perfectly Polished

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

The Craze writer, Kate Ahrendtsen, knows how to dress to impress. For her interview, she layered on the garments and accessories to create a lasting look. Instead of going for a strict black and white ensemble, Kate chose to add a bit of color. She wore a high-waist free flowing black skirt over a pair of textured white tights, creating a chic and professional look. She incorporated color with her soft lilac top adorned with intricate beading. The bold black beads picked up the black in her shirt, helping tie them together.

She then chose to layer a neutral tan blazer overtop for a polished and professional look. Her caramel brown boots contrast with the blazer giving the outfit a relaxed feel.

As a final touch, Kate layered on bracelets and a watch and wore simple diamond earrings to complete her look. The stacked bracelets act as the perfect accessories because they pick up the glimmer from her top. Kate’s outfit is perfectly polished and sure to making a lasting impression.

Dress: purchased at a boutique in Pennsylvania

Blazer: Asos

Boots: Anthropologie

Stockings: H&M

Watch: J.Crew

Wrap Bracelet: Chanluu

Silver Cuffs: Tiffany&Co.

-Brittany Fowler

Cuse Closet: Bundled Up and Ready to Go

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

The cold weather, complete with wind and cloud coverage, was no match for our Biz Buzz writer Elizabeth Lafontaine. Her jacket, embellished with pockets and zippers, looks both warm and fashionable. By cinching in at the waist, it flatters her figure instead of fitting like a bag.

Her tights, however, are what make her outfit unique. Instead of wearing plain black leggings or any other solid color, she chose tights with a bold print. Since the rest of her outfit is neutral, the tights don’t look busy, but rather give a new sense of life to her outfit (and the mundane grey day).

The hues are dark, making these tights perfect for autumn and winter. She then paired brown boots and a snood scarf (one of those scarves that is a ring of material that can be worn around the neck, head, or both at the same time depending on the size) to complete her look.

As a final touch, she wore a headband for a sleek and polished look, instantly adding a hint of gold in her hair. Elizabeth didn’t have to worry about the chilly weather as she walked to classes. She layered her clothing, added a scarf, and walked into the brisk air looking warm and fashionable. Bring on the snow Syracuse.

Coat: Andrew Marc

Tights: Anthropologie

Snood Scarf: J. Crew

Boots: Nine West

Headband: J. Crew

-Brittany Fowler

The Craze: Never Too Short for Winter

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

Shorts are a great alternative to a mini skirt throughout the winter and add diversity to any outfit. For winter, stick with black, gray, and brown tones. Some shorts offer a tailored look while others are more of a bloomer or baggier style. The shorts can be worn with tights, or if the weather allows, wear them without tights. Pair the shorts with great pair of heels and feel free to incorporate metallics or bright colors.

Madewell

J. Crew

Forever 21

-Kate Ahrendtsen

Cuse Closet: Bundled Up and Ready to Go

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

The cold weather, complete with wind and cloud coverage, was no match for our Biz Buzz writer Elizabeth Lafontaine. Her jacket, embellished with pockets and zippers, looks both warm and fashionable. By cinching in at the waist, it flatters her figure instead of fitting like a bag.

Her tights, however, are what make her outfit unique. Instead of wearing plain black leggings or any other solid color, she chose tights with a bold print. Since the rest of her outfit is neutral, the tights don’t look busy, but rather give a new sense of life to her outfit (and the mundane grey day). The hues are dark, making these tights perfect for autumn and winter.

She then paired brown boots and a snood scarf (one of those scarves that is a ring of material that can be worn around the neck, head, or both at the same time depending on the size) to complete her look.

As a final touch, she wore a headband for a sleek and polished look, instantly adding a hint of gold in her hair. Elizabeth didn’t have to worry about the chilly weather as she walked to classes. She layered her clothing, added a scarf, and walked into the brisk air looking warm and fashionable. Bring on the snow Syracuse.

Coat: Andrew Marc

Tights: Anthropologie

Snood Scarf: J. Crew

Boots: Nine West

Headband: J. Crew

-Brittany Fowler

The Craze: Walking in a Winter Wonderland

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

Winter catalogs have arrived and holiday decorations are going up left and right in retail stores. That means it’s time to fill our closets with this season’s hottest winter wear and accessories! While piecing together a winter outfit may result in compromising fashion for warmth, these great finds will help us look decked out for the holiday season.

We all own Ugg boots, probably more than one pair, but now it’s time to try something different. Ladies please put your Uggs away! Check out the Sperry Top-Sider shearwater boots available in a variety of colors and styles.

The classic pea coat and popular puffer jackets are still hitting the racks for the winter. But if you’re shopping for color, any camel-colored coat will keep you warm without compromising fashion. Camel-colored outwear graced the Chloé runway in its Fall 2010 collection.

Gap

Chloé

Ornament your outwear with another hot runway color by picking up some great red-colored accessories to compliment any winter outfit.

Madewell

J. Crew

-Kate Ahrendtsen

Cuse Closet: Cool, Calm, and Neutral

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

Friday’s dreary November weather did not cast a shade of grey over our Bizz Buzz writer Diana Pearl’s wardrobe. Her outfit, composed of neutral basics, was ideal for a laid-back Friday trip to the mall. She wore a soft pink tank under a white button-down blouse, which she kept unbuttoned. This was then paired with black leggings to balance out the free flowing fabrics. The accessories chosen brought this look together and took it from comfortable to fashionable. For an international flair, Diana decided to wear her boots she bought in San Remo, Italy (I don’t know about you, but I’m slightly green with envy!). She also added a skinny belt to accentuate her waist and give her outfit shape. For a final touch, a string of pearls was draped over her neck instantly adding a feminine feel to the entire outfit. Altogether, Diana looks like she could be lounging at an Italian café sipping a cappuccino (which sounds heavenly right about now). The dull and rainy weather wasn’t able to put a damper on this outfit. Now, who is ready to shop?

Button Down: H&M

Tank Top: James Perse

Belt: J. Crew

Necklace: Kate Spade

Leggings: Gap

Boots: Bought at a shop in San Remo, Italy

-Brittany Fowler

Cuse Closet: Shorts + tights, would you do it?

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

 

Allison Mariotti. Photo: Kaytie Wilson  

Today I tried a controversial trend: shorts with tights. While some debate that this should never be worn, I decided to do it anyway. My inspiration was a J.Crew display window that showed this combination. I paired my cuffed destroyed denim shorts with patterned tights.

Because I am only 5’3”, I decided to add my black studded ankle boots give the illusion of longer legs. For the top of my outfit, I chose a layered look, with a navy tank and a long plum cardigan with oversized buttons. For accessories, I wore my old-fashioned cameo ring and my Coach watch.

Tank: Old Navy

Cardigan: Anthropologie

Shorts: American Eagle 

Tights: Free People

Boots: Seychelles

Ring: Nordstrom

Watch: Coach

- by Allison Mariotti

Cuse Closet: Wishing it was spring!

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

 

Media Editor Allison Mariotti's winter-to-spring look

As I got ready for my graphics class, I combined winter trends with transitional spring style. The core of my outfit was my menswear-inspired blazer from Anthropologie. For some color and femininity, I added a coral tank underneath the blazer. The bright color brought a spring feel to my look.

Over-the-knee-boots are a big trend this season. They are extremely versatile and can be worn with dresses, skirts (but not too short), or with skinny jeans, like I did today. I prefer flat over-the-knee boots versus ones with heels, to keep them from looking too over the top. I pulled the color from the tank and added coral and gold bangles. 

Finally, I put on my favorite pink and gold J.Crew ring for extra pop.

Blazer: Anthropologie

Tank: J.Crew

Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch

Boots: Urban Outfitters 

Bangles: Forever 21

Ring: J.Crew

- by Allison Mariotti

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

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