1. Tangerine

Pantone's Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango, made waves this season on the runways. | Photo by Sharon Weissburg

It’s official: Pantone has named “Tangerine Tango,” a juicy orange with a splash of red, the Color of the Year for 2012. Tangerine is a sunny color, ripe with juice and optimism, and, as a bonus, looks incredible on virtually everyone. Wear it alone in the form of a dress, lipstick or a statement-making accessory; mix it up with neutrals; or pair it with—gasp—more color! Tangerine looks gorgeous set off against khaki and grey, especially when paired with gold accessories. For the more daring fashionista, pairing tangerine with hot pink or cobalt blue makes an arresting mix. Avoid pairing this hue with white or silver, however—this would bring a not-so-great construction-worker feel to the ensemble.

2. Pepto Pink

Pepto isn't just for your bellyache anymore. Try it in your outfit! | Photo by Sharon Weissburg

Girly girls, rejoice! Pink is having an enormous moment right now. This season’s pink is at once chalky and saturated, and it really lights up the skin. While the idea of the color may conjure up visions of Barbies and crinolines, this supremely girlish color is not being applied to similarly feminine silhouettes; instead, designers are lending the color either to sharp, modern, minimalist pieces like a beautifully cut buttonless blazer, or badass staples like a studded leather jacket. Try out the hue in this understated way, always pairing it with something to offset its Barbie reputation—a spiky cuff, black accessories, a simple, menswear-ish white top. This way, it’ll look fresh, interesting, and au courant.

3. Minty Fresh

Freshen up your palette with a dose of this cool, minty hue. | Photo by Sharon Weissburg

Lady Gaga had it right in her “Marry the Night” video when she dolled her nurses up in Calvin Klein and spearmint-green hairnets—mint is huge for 2012. This is not the preppy sort of mint green that reigned over sweaters and polos in ages past. This mint is bold in its creamy pastel brightness; it is assertive, loud and never washed out. It looks incredible set off against any neutral (or a mix of a few; mint is to die for with a striped breton top) and downright revolutionary when mixed up with more brights. Start with accessories, which will prove much more versatile than they seem, and then move on to skirts, dresses, tops—the sky is the limit! Freshen up!

4. Laser-beam blue

This blue is not afraid of anything. It’s bright, it’s saturated, and it won’t take no for an answer. Cobalt blue seems to resurface often on fashion’s radar in the form of makeup, clothes, or accessories. As of right now, cobalt is enjoying a moment in the spotlight in the form of smart, snappy pieces that work for both day and night. This strong color is unbelievably stunning on its own, but when paired with camel or white, it takes on a subtlety and grace unexpected from so bold a color. Inject a jolt of energy into almost any ensemble with a shot of this hue; it’s so shockingly bright that it almost achieves the status of a neutral.

There’s much to love about those easy, chic, neutrals like black, grey, camel, denim and white—of course, one should never forsake them. Why not inject a little whimsy into them this winter with some of the most fun, happiness-inducing colors? Be bold and brash in the application of these juicy hues, and enjoy the thrill of the unexpected and the spontaneous when getting dressed.

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Winter Style Icons: 3 Muses To Emulate This February by Sharon Weissburg

1. Leandra Medine, a.k.a The Man Repeller

Leandra Medine (left) is a certified mix-master--try her more-is-more layering philosophy to stay stylish and warm this February. | Photo courtesy of rachel.photo via Flickr Commons.

This girl can layer like nobody’s business. Her hilarious blog manrepeller.com began as a tribute to the fashions that women love and men love to hate, but it has evolved in the past few years into a full-fledged fashion monolith. Medine has risen in the ranks from simple blogger to fashion icon. Medine often gives tutorials on layering that take simple outfits to new heights. Her mille-feuilles approach to dressing is especially great for winter blues; Medine cheerily advocates piling multiple skirts, tops, vests, coats, and accessories on top of one another for an effect that not only screams “fashion!” but also keeps one quite toasty in the Comm Ave wind tunnel. Essential pieces include a furry piece of outerwear (especially Mongolian lamb, although there are many faux fur substitutes which are kinder and less pricey), turbans and other fashionable headgear (bonus: they keep your head warm!), and bright, bright shoes.

2. Karl Lagerfeld

Perhaps not all at once, but admit it--you'd wear some of the swag Lagerfeld's sporting here. | Photo courtesy of filthyglam via Flickr Commons

Yep, this one’s a guy! While Karl Lagerfeld has made some interesting decisions over the years both on and off the runways, there is no denying that the man has a signature look and a killer eye for detail. No matter the season, Lagerfeld is always seen wearing sunglasses, rosaries, a buttoned-up coat, a starched collar and fingerless gloves. All in all, a pretty chic little winter look that, with some adjustments, can work on anyone, no matter their gender. Try one or all of his signature elements to inject a little of the designer’s flair, and in the meantime, check out the incredible showing from Chanel’s India-inspired Pre-Fall 2012 show–it’s an unbelievably sumptuous selection. Before you know it, you’ll be channeling the immortal French fashion house like a pro (without the Chanel price tag).

Edie Sedgwick, Andy Warhol's fabulous muse, was a master of the statement coat. Photo courtesy of uber alles via Flickr Commons

3. Edie Sedgwick

The girl had a vast set of issues, but no one can deny that she could rock a pair of tights. In the hours that she spent with Andy Warhol at The Factory, Edie donned a wide range of eccentric ensembles, but her signature elements included little dresses, dark tights, heavy eyeliner, and enormous, shoulder-dusting earrings. This look, while it does include mini dresses, is certainly suited for winter! After donning a pair of tights or two, wearing a little dress feels stylish and smart, not to mention warm. Throw on a big, flashy coat over it all and embrace your inner artist’s muse.

Remember when dressing for the cold outside that inspiration is everywhere. Get creative with staying warm–it’s so worth it to have fun with what you wear year-round.

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This young Swede beauty plays with color. | Photo by HiStyley via The Flickr Commons

After the “Anglomania” craze of years past celebrating the work of daring Brits like Christopher Kane, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, fashion is beginning to shift its gaze towards the cold northern land of Sweden where a burgeoning fashion scene has existed for many years and is having a major moment in the global fashion consciousness. With the late success of the American film adaptation of Swedish scribe Stieg Larsson’s The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (called Män som hatar kvinnor in Sweden or Men Who Hate Women) and its striking heroine, Lisbeth Salander, Swedish fashion is being celebrated everywhere – not only on the runway and on the glossy pages of magazines but also on the street. Swedish style represents a rare mix of trendy and practical, minimal and maximal, which comes off as impossibly fresh.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’s Salander, played by Noomi Rapace in the 2009 Swedish film adaptation of the book and by Rooney Mara in the recent American version, is every inch the bad-ass punk rocker. She is a delicate, miniscule and yet indestructible package of black leather and spikes, with pale skin and a dark, laser-focus gaze. Mara has been making waves in the media–both with her performance in this latest adaptation and with her striking style–on and off-screen. She is distinctive and raw in her style but always practical. While Lisbeth Salander’s particular hard-edged brand of style is not a universal representation of Swedish style by any means, it is certainly a glimpse into the incredibly passionate and irreverent way of dressing that many Swedes emulate.

Rooney Mara embodies tough Swedish style in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. | Photo by belligerenttv via The Flickr Commons

Swedish fashion on a street level is a truly remarkable thing; renowned blog stockholmstreetstyle.com has, for years, chronicled the vibrant and intensely creative fashions of the stylish in Stockholm. What is striking about Stockholm style that separates it from the American, French and Italian methods of dressing seen on such blogs as The Sartorialist  and Jak&Jill (as well as gigantic online style forums like lookbook.nu) is the sheer irreverence and sense of fun in getting dressed displayed. Swedes both young and old have fun with fashion, donning ultra-bright and often-clashing ensembles, mixing hard and soft, playing with proportion, accessorizing wildly and smiling boldly. These outfits, while they are often quite trendy, always carry a touch of practicality to them; in the cold Swedish winters, furs and layers are deployed cheerfully and so creatively that they inspire outbursts of “why didn’t I think of that?” Swedish megastore H&M has become an international fashion staple, providing hip, trendy options for low prices, but H&M is not the only Swedish fashion import to hit American stores.

This Stockholm couple experiments with voluminous bottoms. | Photo by HiStyley via The Flickr Commons

Many Swedish fashion houses have been in operation for years and are beginning to make waves in America, as well. Several Swedish denim companies, like Acne and Cheap Monday, have become cult favorites of the well-dressed, and brands like Bjorn Borg, House of Dagmar and Whyred have also become popular for their simultaneously trendy and minimal designs. Indeed, Stockholm Fashion Week has grown to rival the likes of New York and Paris, and it attracts editors and bloggers from around the world.

To emulate Swedish style exuberance, play around with proportion and color. Try things that might not work in a more conventional sense—these ensembles are less about looking put-together and polished and more about self-expression and fun. Aim for a look that doesn’t look premeditated or stodgy; it should be unpretentious, interesting and comfortable. Eschew moderation entirely and go for crazy-ornate or super-stark minimal! Finally, have fun with clothes, don’t worry about what others think and don’t hesitate to experiment!

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Crowds flood stores on Black Friday in search of deals. | Photo by Catherine M G via the Flickr Commons

It happens every year. In Facebook statuses and Twitter updates, hundreds of thousands of Americans proclaim their readiness. The myriad lines up, hunkers down and girds its loins for the big day. When the clock strikes midnight, multitudes of people storm the front doors of Best Buys, Targets and WalMarts, stopping at nothing to get savings on diverse items. Yes, that time of year has come again: Black Friday.

This notorious day of shopping has become something of a cultural phenomenon, with record numbers of 226 million shoppers heading to stores this past Friday in comparison to the 212 million last year, as well as record expenditures of 52.4 billion dollars, up from 45 billion dollars last year. In light of the country’s late economic downturn, however, the successes of sale days such as Black Friday and its internet cousin Cyber Monday only throw into sharper focus the continuing slump in retail shopping in America. What this portends for the future is clear; it is not certain whether one should expect to see a continuing upward trend from this isolated peak or just more of the same recessionary tendencies.

It’s believed that shoppers typically do about 10% of their holiday shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but this year’s massive group of shoppers suggests that many are getting as much of their gift shopping done during that weekend and then laying low for the next five weeks leading up to the holidays. Around the country, lines (or, more accurately, crowds) formed as early as 9 p.m. the previous evening as some stores, in an effort to woo more customers to attack their wares, moved their opening times to 12:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving night. Some prospective shoppers camped out in their cars and tailgated in preparation for the surge. Many opportunistic food vendors even set up shop in the wide parking lots, supplying treats to hardcore shoppers.

The promise of great deals yields a sudden enthusiasm for shopping unseen on other days of the year. This deal-hunting does not only extend to superstores like Target, Wal Mart and Best Buy, but also to clothing retailers such as Urban Outfitters. This location in Thousand Oaks, California was frantically swarmed by eager shoppers as soon as doors opened.

Cyber Monday, the online version of Black Friday, yielded a quiet (if powerful) storm of shopping, with spending totals ringing in at over a billion dollars as online stores flat-lined prices and sent out hundreds of alert emails notifying customers of various sales. Large retailers like Amazon as well as high-end sites like Net-a-Porter made huge price cutbacks, leading to a flurry of shopping activity.

On the surface, this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday were huge successes, with record average spending of about $393 per shopper and more purchases of items like jewelry and small technology. While some say that this bodes well for the future, it’s not clear whether these behaviors will continue once the rush of sales is over. It’s quite possible that consumers were simply taking advantage of these sales for that one day and plan to spend very little else until the next big sale. The retail market has largely stagnated in recent years, with fewer shopping trips and lower spending per trip all around. On Black Friday, shoppers flood the stores, but what happens after that hectic day is another story altogether. While the billions of dollars entering the market are nothing to sneeze at, this momentary peak in American spending will quickly return to the economic doldrums with which we have become so familiar these past few years.

So, what is a frugal college student to do for his or her holiday shopping in this difficult economy? For those who missed the sales of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there are still plenty of ways to stock up on gifts for friends, family, loved ones, and even one’s self. Try a smaller, more local approach to holiday shopping that will not only boost the local economy but yield more unique gifts. Try scouring local antique stores, small boutiques and local eateries as gift locations. These types of locales may require a bit of extra work, but that provides a personal touch to your gifts that a department store might lack.

Boston is host to innumerable gift spots. Try a gift certificate to the Trident Café and Booksellers, a small piece of art from Simon Pearce or a really great accessory from Stel’s for a stylish friend. All these little shops are located on Newbury Street, a short walk or T-ride away from campus, and these stores represent just a miniscule slice of what Boston has to offer. If online shopping is more your speed, try your luck on sites like GiltCity and RueLaLa, which can also point out fun new discounts on prime spots in the city.

The country’s economy might be struggling, but that’s no reason for anyone to miss out on the fun of holiday gifting. Explore, stay local and get creative, and even if you missed Black Friday savings, you won’t break the bank this season.

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Denim shorts prove to be incredibly versatile through the seasons. Photo by Marissa Siegel ? the Flickr Commons

To take home: 

1. Sandals, for obvious reasons. Layering a pair of open-toed shoes with tights or socks is one thing (although still a little dicey in the snow), but those gladiator sandals? It’s time for them to go away. Keep a pair of flip flops here for showering purposes, but toss your other sandals in your suitcase. We know they’re cute, but look on the bright side–now you don’t have to paint your toenails!

2. Light jackets. Denim jackets, thin anoraks, lightweight army coats, flimsy trenches. These lightweight summer and fall jackets can be layered with warmer things, but you’ll wear them far less in the winter. They’ll just end up taking up space. Take these puppies home and save room for your massive puffer jacket (see below).

3. That bikini. We fully understand your keeping a bathing suit around if you spend time doing laps at FitRec (good for you!), but will you really use that zebra-print monokini when January rolls around? We didn’t think so. The days of lying out on the Beach and tanning are over. Keep your sensible suit for perfecting your elementary backstroke, but bring the flashy or impractical suits back home.

To bring back: 

1. The big coat. You know the coat we’re talking about. The one that looks like a mattress. The one that keeps you toasty warm in subzero weather. The one that might save your life one day. Bring it back here; don’t wait for Christmas break. You won’t regret it. Don’t have one of these magical things? Refer to this article.

2. Sweaters! Sweaters sweaters sweaters! We at the Quad love us some sweaters. Bring your favorites, bring ‘em all–you can never have too many sweaters when it gets cold outside. Make sure you have an assortment: cardigans, pull-overs, big fluffy ones, wrap-arounds, hoodies, turtlenecks if you like. Never underestimate their value! Care for your delicate wools by putting them in a separate, breathable container (try a zippered multiple-compartment storage tool that fits under your bed) and never put them in the dryer, ever.

3. Boots. They can get heavy, but be sure to bring back a great pair of winter boots. You might think you’re safe waiting until winter break to get them, but you’re sorely mistaken. You’re going to want those now–if not for the traction against ice and snow, then at least for warmth. You’d be surprised how much of a difference in warmth a pair of boots makes.

To keep here:

1. Little dresses. Despite their ethereal appearance, most of those dresses you pranced through fields in and threw over your bikini last summer will work fabulously in the late fall and early winter when layered with tights and sweaters galore. You don’t have to keep them all here (nor should you–if it doesn’t look awesome with tights and boots, bring it home), but consider letting one or two stay.

2. Denim shorts. Again, these little wonders are the very picture of summer, but have sort of become a winter staple when layered. They’re a little bit punk rock, a little bit California, and very au courant when you throw on a pair of combat boots and thick black tights with them. Pluses: they’re comfortable, cute, and a fun alternative to pants or skirts when you grow weary of the two.

3. The versatiles. We’re talking jeans, t-shirts, sneaks, a classic pair of pumps. These are things that should always be in your closet no matter what time of year. You know they look good, they go with everything, and they will always be in style.

Finally, consider taking home (or purging altogether) any item of clothing you haven’t worn yet. We know, it’s harsh, but you won’t regret it. If you haven’t used it yet, it’s probably not as useful or essential as you thought. Just think about it. You have limited space here–make the most of it!

And with that, the Quad wishes you a very happy Thanksgiving! Have a great, relaxing break!

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The Lita boot by Jeffrey Campbell has achieved cult status among the hip crowd. | Photo by OutsaPop Trashion DIY Fashion via Flickr Commons.

Shoe fanatics rejoice! These days there’s been an influx of fun new footwear options in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and heights. There has been, however, an interesting polarization of styles. The middle ground is no longer most prevalent; shoe extremes have taken precedence, whether they be massive, chunky, borderline stripper-esque creations or sweet, low-key, little vintage-style pumps. Both are fun and fabulous, and both are readily available. But how does one choose between them?

There’s something undeniably fabulous about the 8-pound, lace-up, zippered-all-over bear traps that have become ubiquitous among the hip set. These are the monster trucks of the shoe world, and they stomp all over the pavement with loud, satisfying clacks. One exceedingly popular example of this is the Lita boot by Jeffrey Campbell, which has achieved cult status (there are entire blogs dedicated to them) and comes in every color and finish under the sun. They pair well, surprisingly, with almost everything–especially cigarette-leg jeans and short dresses showing lots of leg. They provide a stunningly solid anchor to even the most ethereal getups (like an awesome Clydesdale pony) and are comfortable to boot. Though not for the faint of heart, boots like these really do mix seamlessly into almost any wardrobe. Such shoes may inspire a few snide comments (“How do you even walk in those?” “Please don’t kill me!” “Workin’ real hard to pay off those student loans, eh?”). Just toss your hair, smile, and remember that you are fabulous and you can kick aside anything in your way while wearing those shoes.

On the other side of the spectrum are a bevy of lovely little low-heeled pumps that harken back to the days of matching sweater-sets, pegged trousers, and full skirts. Cap toes, bows, quilting, kitten heels–these are all features of the latest crop of sweet treats. They pair well with anything sweet (try polishing off a cinched-waist dress with a full skirt with a pair of these babies) but also suit almost any outfit you could put together. Try them with jeans and a blazer, or with a cable-knit sweater and miniskirt. Just because they’re sweet doesn’t mean they have to be saccharine! Look for a pair in rich jewel tones to avoid an Easter-egg vibe, or go full-on sweet in pastel tones.

Dainty heels, cap toes, and bows are great touches for a ladylike heel. | Photo by Fly on da Wall via Flickr Commons.

Remember, your choice of footwear is not a life sentence to commit to whatever style you wear on your toes. Feel free to embrace the vibe and dress according to your shoes, but also think about mixing it up! Don your adorable court pumps with a leather jacket and eyeliner, or pair some six-inch-high biker boots with a lacy midi skirt. You can embrace the full vibe or dive into a world of sartorial contrasts! Just have fun, experiment, and revel in your stylishness!

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This dialogue from The Devil Wears Prada perfectly sums up fashion. For some people, fashion is their raison d’être. For others, clothes are just, well, clothes. On Saturday night the Fashion and Retail Association put on its semi-annual fashion show at the Photonics Center, where three BU designers showcased their work. Connecting students to the fashion industry through a variety of events and networking opportunities, the Fashion and Retail Association organizes three types of events: fashion shows, guest speakers, and New York trips. Their first fashion show of the year, titled La Nuit, was a chance for BU students to dress up and mingle.

The runway: menacing and pink .| Photo by Briana Seftel.

While not as glamorous as New York Fashion Week and less competitive than Project Runway, La Nuit was a refreshing event that showed true talent among the designers and brought out some of BU’s most trendiest students.

One of Anna Shen's glamorous looks. | Photo by Briana Seftel.

Beginning the show was junior Ava Hashemi from Dubai. In keeping with the night’s theme, Ava’s dresses were formal wear with whimsy. Her designs were frothy concoctions, kind of like a strawberry frappuccino—sweet but not overwhelmingly so. Accompanying her clothes were beautiful leather clutches adorned with feathers, studs and vintage brooches. She definitely has an eye for sparkle and very romantic clothes.

A proud moment for Ava Hashemi. | Photo by Briana Seftel.

Next up to walk the plank (literally) was freshman Alex Hough from Johannesburg, South Africa. Despite being the youngest of the three designers, her clothes were the most conservative. Her designs, all in black and white, seemed suitable for special events but also perfect for a younger crowd.

To close the brief but exciting show was Anna Shen from Ridgewood, New Jersey. Her collection of black attire, titled Variations on the Little Black Dress, was the most glamorous of the night. At once simple and stunning, her dresses were anything but boring black. I could see these dresses worn by celebrities–keep an eye on this one.

Once in a while it’s fun to dress up. La Nuit provided the perfect opportunity for the fashion-minded students and designers of BU to put down the books and feel all grown up. All three designers showed great promise and talent, and Boston is one step closer to knocking New York from the top of the fashion food chain.

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This is not the way to go!!! Step away from the Snuggie!! | Photo by Sam Howzit c/o Flickr Commons

Here at Boston University, studying takes up a lot of time (since, of course, every Terrier is a wonderful student). Great studying habits, however, can have devastating effects on your fashion report card. As homework, midterms, papers, presentations and finals build up before your eyes, it’s quite easy to settle into a comfy–albeit tragic–daily outfit consisting of sweatpants, hoodies, and Uggs as you scribble notes down vigorously in class and pore over readings in the library.

It doesn’t have to be this way! Fret not, Terriers! You can dress in a way that is just as comfortable as your favorite sweats while still looking stylish and put together. It’s all about layering, luxurious fabrics, and awareness of shape. It’ll be as easy to sprawl out and cram for an exam in these duds as it would be in those tattered sweats.

1. Put down the sweatpants. We mean it. We know they’re your favorites, and yes, it’s great that you have school spirit, but we really don’t need to see Rhett’s adorable face on your legs when you’re out and about. And of course, we know that they’re sooooo comfy. But when you’re dashing to and fro, we’d like to see you wearing something a little more polished. Try a stylish alternative–there’s a plethora of really great stretchy pants out there. Try jeggings, which, when you find a good pair, look exactly like jeans, or if you’re adventurous, a great pair of harem pants (they’ve proven to be a trend with extraordinary tenacity). Go for a pair of stretchy pants in a deep neutral, like gray, navy, or black. That way, they’ll go with anything, and you won’t have to spare any of that marvelous mental ability for getting dressed!

2. Make everything you wear soft, warm, and deliciously comfortable. Jersey, cashmere, silk, cotton. Make these soft and supple fabrics your friends! Step away from fleece and drape yourself in touchable textiles. Luxuriate in their comfort. It’ll be like sweatshirts never happened. And with such a lovely array of styles in these fabrics, you won’t ever have a lack of choices. Try a loose and perfect t-shirt with a little flair (sequins, stripes, a great print, a beautiful color, a giant tiger… the possibilities are endless) over a pair of pants like those mentioned above, or a generously cut dress in a great jersey.

3. Layering will be enormously helpful when you go from the frigid outdoors into the toasty library for a nice long date with your Sociology book. Throw on whatever you’ve got; a slim stretchy tank works wonderfully under a loose long-sleeved tee, a button-down blouse, and a big grandpa sweater. You can take off and put on layers as you please without sacrificing style or function. If you want a sleek look, keep your layers diaphanous and thin; you’ll still be plenty warm. A great big sweater on top is also impeccably chic (just sport a slim silhouette on the bottom to balance out your frame).

4. Your options for bottoms are not just limited to stretchy pants! Skirts are a wonderfully comfortable option, depending on what type of skirt you select. Maxi and midi skirts are a godsend for stylish studiers. Try a longer length in a soft, fluid, stretchy fabric so that you have all the range of movement and bend-down-ability of pants…in a skirt! No worries about flashing your lady bits as you contort yourself into different studying positions. For warmth, throw on a pair of sweater tights and chunky boots. You won’t regret it.

5. Now, we know that you love your Uggs. We acknowledge that putting your foot in one is like dipping it in a cloud.  But please, stylish ladies of BU–learn to embrace other, chicer footwear that is just as comfortable. There are so many great flats out there–it’s like a whole other fabulous universe. As the frigid winter approaches, lots of companies are coming out with amazing flat or low heel boot options that will keep your feet warm and dry as well as snappily clad on long walks to the library. There’s absolutely no need to wear heels while you study, but why not explore other options? As you shop, keep an eye out for cozy interiors and ease of removal–you should be able to discreetly slide them off as you read up.

6. Opt for minimal and non-distracting extras. While we at the Quad love an armful of bangles, a hand with kickass rings on every finger, shoulder-dusting earrings, and a pile of chains that would make Mr. T blush, we know that they can be uncomfortable and distracting during a long study session. You can go the super-minimal route and wear no accessories at all, or choose small but adorable things like a great pair of studs or a delicate chain and pendant. Thoughtful, well-chosen accessories speak volumes whether they’re huge and splashy or small and chic.

7. Though we hope you endeavor for style as well as comfort while you study, we by no means expect you to be high maintenance! Go for low-key hair and make up. Leave it down, throw it up in a topknot, braid it loosely–keep it simple, forget heat-styling, and save your various sprays, gels, and mousses for days when you don’t have a midterm the next morning! As far as makeup goes, try a no-brainer tinted moisturizer and a multi-tasking lip and cheek stain to brighten your face off, and call it a day. Easy as pie.

Finally, relax! We know it’s stressful this time of year. The tips and tricks above won’t erase the mountain of work you have, but they will certainly keep you looking great and feeling comfy. Take a deep breath, recite a mantra, and smile… Because nothing is more chic than a great attitude.

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Transitional dressing can be tough, especially when winter hits you in the face. | Photo by "Anwaar courtesy of Flickr Commons.

Yeah. So that happened. Boston University, along with much of the Northeast, was pummeled by snow this Halloweekend, surprising all of us and leaving many Halloween party plans in the cold, cold dust. While even lifelong New Englanders were surprised by the premature blizzard, it was those hailing from warmer climes who suffered the most. This is far from pleasant shorts weather; this is winter, and it came quite early this year (I mean, really, world? This is pumpkin spice latte time, not need-to-shovel-the-drive time). But fret not, you Californians, you Floridians, you lucky, lucky Hawaiians! Just follow these tips while you frolic perplexedly in the snow and you’ll be sure to survive the winter… even though technically it should still be fall.

Stay toasty in a fantastic coat! | Photo by ARS Photography courtesy of Flickr Commons.

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Try out Nuclear Wintour this Halloween! | Photo by {andrew} via flickr commons

Halloweekend is nearly upon us, heralding excited discussion of parties, pranks, and, of course, costumes! There will be Snookis, GaGas and “Sexy ____”‘s (Librarian, Bunny, Sigmund Freud, etc.) aplenty running around. Why not bring your passion for fashion into the world of Halloween? Make the Trick r’ Treat beat your runway. These fashion-friendly costumes will give you the stylish edge you crave while maintaining the sense of fun and tomfoolery that Halloween is all about!

1. “Nuclear” Anna Wintour

To emulate Vogue’s notoriously icy editor-in-chief, a few elements are a must: a golden-brown pageboy, something made of fur (faux or otherwise) and the most irritated expression you can possibly muster. Other fun add-ons include massive sunglasses, jewels aplenty and maybe even a harried assistant tagging along! Take it a step further and behave coldly to everyone around you. Pro’s: you are fabulous and own everyone and everything. Con’s: you might not be the most popular gal at the party.

2. Karl Lagerfeld

Whether you are a lady or man, this is a fun costume to try on Halloween! If you have long hair already, powder it white and tie it back in a ponytail, or find a white wig if your hair is short. Bronze yourself into oblivion and paint forehead wrinkles and frown lines onto your face using eyeliner. Wear all black all the time, multiple rings, a rosary, fingerless gloves and giant glasses (try making an interlocking C’s Chanel logo out of metallic paper and taping them to your favorite cheapies). For a fun twist, be Karl before his famed weight loss–stuff that fabulously chic outfit with an outrageously false gut!

Emulate manrepeller.com's Leandra Medine in a festive and fashionable ensemble that repulses menfolk! | Photo by rachel.photo via flickr commons

3. A Man Repeller

Embody the philosophy of manrepeller.com’s Leandra Medine and wear all those trends that women love and men love to hate–ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Red lipstick, skirts over pants, giant platform booties, super-high collars, as many layers as you can stand, spiky accessories, peplums, neon and feathers, oh my! Pile it all on, and don’t forget the obligatory arm-party. Slink around the party being goofy and hilarious, striking a pigeon-toed blogger pose when you’re not in motion.

4. Daphne Guiness

This endlessly beguiling artist is perfect for an ambitious makeup artist! Rim your eyes in iridescent darkness, powder your face white, contour your cheekbones until they look like they could cut glass and give yourself a skunk-y hairstyle that would put both Cruella deVille and Pepe LePew to shame! Wear the most complicated and outlandish ensemble you can get together. Bonus points for haute couture elements, touches of armor or a British accent!

5. Anna Dello Russo

Note: this costume is not for the faint of heart! This famously outrageous editor of Vogue Nippon is known for taking enormous fashion risks in only the most irreverent of ways. ADR is all about being goofy and colorful–so pretty much anything goes. Try a hat made of fruit or a stuffed bird, don an ensemble using every single color known to man in its brightest form, strap on some sky-high shoes, and wear an enormous pair of sunglasses, and you’re good to go! The only musts are long, flowing light brown waves and lots of leg.

Try one of these costumes out this Halloweekend and blow everyone away with your style! We promise it’ll be a fabulous night.

Step Away From the Sweatpants: A Guide to Comfortable Fashion While You Study by Sharon Weissburg

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Halloween How To: Boston Edition by Nee-Sa Lossing

Creepers, creepin' | Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

No, creepers are not on the shelves of every shoe store possible. But, the shoe can be found at stores known and loved by all, such as Urban Outfitters and the best online fashion super store, ASOS. They’ve been seen gracing the feet of fashionistas (and the not so fashionistas) on LookBook.nu as well as on countless random models seen on Tumblr. It’s fair to say that creepers are creeping their way on up.

I know you’re asking yourself – how should I feel about this? Is this okay? Am I uncomfortable? Well, the few times that I’ve seen them on the streets of Boston, my reaction has just been “eh.” That’s right – “eh.” The fashion world has brought back a shoe I am completely indifferent toward. I guess I don’t really like the way they look; I mean, they are a pretty strange (and ugly) shoe… but I couldn’t care less if others choose to worship them. If that’s something someone wants to do, I say GO FOR IT. Wear those creepers. Be bold. It seems as if they are on their way to be the next big thing, or at least, the next “biggish” thing.

All in all, creepers are creepy. It’s in their name – it’s inevitable, but do I hate them? No. Do I love them? No. Maybe in a few months or so I’ll be dying to get my hands on a pair, but for now, they’re just “eh.”

Why I Hate Congress (And You Should Too) by Annie White

Blazers are an easy way to dress up any outfit. | Photo courtesy of Flickr Commons

1. Blazers. Seriously. Nothing makes a guy or gal look more put together than throwing a well-fitted blazer over whatever random and disparate items of clothing you blindly reach for in those early hours. Something about a tailored, go-with-everything piece like a blazer makes everything else you’re wearing more angular and dressed up. Invest in a great blazer in a neutral color (black, navy, camel and white are all lovely options) or a fun bright for daring dressers. Roll the sleeves up for a touch of nonchalance!

2. Ladies: A dress is a powerful thing. Throw one on (maybe with the above mentioned blazer, hint hint) and–bam! Instant outfit. For many ladies, this may sound like too much effort… But open your mind! It’s actually way less effort. A word of caution, however–not all dresses are created equal. Don’t buy it unless it fits well, you feel comfortable and there’s no chance of accidentally showing your lady parts to anyone (that’s not chic).

3. Fit, fit, fit. This one’s pretty simple, and it works for ladies and gents. Just make sure that whatever you’ve got stashed in that chest of drawers/closet of yours is something that fits your body and makes you feel like a love machine. That way you can never go wrong.

4. Go comfy, but wear things that make you aware of your body. These could be a belt, a cute pair of shoes, a tailored piece… anything that reminds you that you’re in real-world clothes, not pajamas. Of course it’s too early to suggest forcing your feet into a pair of heels or shimmying into sausage-casing jeans (after all, you’d like to nap after the torture session is over), but a simple and subtle reminder via a waist-cinching belt or a watch will give you a kind of subliminal awareness of yourself that will–we promise–make you look rested and improve your posture. And everyone looks good when they sit up straight.

5. Hair. Do something with it. Give it a quick brush, haphazardly run some gel through it, or throw it up. Just do something. By all means, don’t spend more than 30 seconds on it, but just the slightest bit of attention to this one aspect of your appearance will make an enormous difference. You can work the bedhead look, too–just rub your hands through it a bit to really commit to the look.

Think about these little guidelines when you grudgingly rise from the depths of sleep for your next early class, and you’ll look great within five minutes and hardly any effort at all. Easy, stylish, and well-rested… Could you ever ask for more?