No matter who are or where you’re from, the first days of fall in Ithaca always take you by surprise. When it comes to seasonal transitions, you must say goodbye to the summer florals and sandals, and say hello to your trench and riding boots. Thanks to the rain, the tote bags often times need to transform into backpacks and the necklaces into scarves. Here are some fashionable accessory solutions to staying warm, from your head to your toes!

Burberry Cashmere Check Earmuffs

Ray Ban Classic Aviator Sunglasses

Urban Outfitters: Cooperative Waffle Knit Eternity Scarf

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon BackPack

Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Natasha Crossbody

J Crew Excursion Quilted Vest

Burberry Brit Fitted Quilted Single Breasted Coat

Urban Outfitters Sweater Crochet Over-the-Knee Sock

Tory Burch 'Blaire' Riding Boots

Stay Warm Cornell,

Zoé Otedola

Fashion week had a rough start in New York this past week. The contrast between the spring collections last Fall and those shown this past week was startling. While last year the runways were inundated with an overwhelming series of new trends, this season, designers stuck to regurgitating and remodeling those previous designs that did so well. While many reputable fashion news sources discuss the economic climate as a reason for this safe spring season, many in the fashion world are disappointed at the lack of anything new. Last year revitalized the fashion economy with the complete distinction between new trends and older ones – the resurgence of 70’s style fashion and the vibrant color palette spurred fashion lovers to once again indulge in their wardrobe. Fiscally, the decision on the part of many designers to not stray far from their previous collections was practical, it made for an unusually predictable fashion week. There are no notable alterations to trends, rather trends that were emerging at the end of last season are more emphasized. Pieces skew towards color rather than neutrals – bright colors (Derek Lam) as well as pastels at that (Preen, DVF). The staple dress silhouette is now longer (the Row) and often sheer. Asymmetrical cuts were everywhere and present in every possible permutation – whether attractive or not. Skinny pants have essentially disappeared and been replaced with a 70’s style wide, yet fluid legged pant (Narcisco Rodriguez). Alexander Wang’s luxury sportswear influence is spreading throughout fashion as anorak’s and sports-influenced pieces found themselves on multiple runways (Phillip Lim, Rag & Bone). Head-to-toe prints everywhere and in every style imaginable. Overwhelming florals (Peter Som) and tribal prints (Thakoon). The color blocking fad that has been around for the past few seasons was adopted by designers who usually stray away from this style (J. Mendel). Denim’s going nowhere (Charlotte Ronson, Marc by Marc Jacobs) and neither are peplums (Vera Wang) or crop tops (Proenza Schouler). With grim reviews flying in from WWD and Style.com, some shows were stunning despite their rigid adherence to previous trends. The style of the Mulleavy sisters behind Rodarte is utterly unique – making Rodarte one of the few shows that rang completely original. They used artist Vincent Van Gogh as inspiration for one of the happiest, most engaging collections that I have seen in awhile. The sunflowers, the artistic quality to the strokes in the stripes, the clusters of stars…each piece could be easily connected to the painting it was inspired by. One of the best up and coming collections was Band of Outsiders. They put a really unusual spin on some of the current trends such as a denim look that has leather suspenders incorporated into it and seamlessly merges the denim on denim look. For a relatively new company, they have made a very strong presence during this fashion week. With the lookbook starring Rupert Grint and Tom Felton that circulated advertising their men’s fall fashion collection and their strong performance in this Spring show, they have definitely gathered a following and are making a name for themselves. While this “playing it safe” mentality that the majority of designers followed in New York this past week is fiscally the right move, it disappointed many of the of fashion’s avid followers. While last season there was Marc Jacobs with his complete revamp of the futuristic theme that utterly changed the direction of fall fashion, so far this season rings repetitive and unimpressive with many gorgeous and unusual pieces but no new ideas. The general takeaway from New York Fashion Week was: the most attention grabbing outfit you can piece together  (the most glitter, the most color, the weirder the cut ) the more on trend you will be.

Lizzie Brooks It’s raining, what a surprise. However, I am usually a little too optimistic about the weather- and wind up wet. Umbrellas, boots, and rain coats can help anyone avoid soaked jeans. But when it comes to function and fashion, not all rain gear is equal. I personally have no objection to the giant umbrella- the kind that looks as if it was made for a small family, or could be turned into a pool. I saw someone walking with one today that made my umbrella seem laughable. My shoulders, backpack, and discussion section could probably fit under there and enjoy one of the only preferable experience of dehydration. However, function and fashion can work together. I prefer classic black umbrellas like this: because the match anything, while simultaneously adding a classic elegance to any look. I am also a fan of the dome umbrella which covers more of its subjects and has an intriguing form. Classic trench coats, or macintoshes are ideal for the rain. Something that goes with everything, looks good a shade darker, and is tight enough to keep splashes out but flexibility                                                                                                              unrestrained, works perfectly. These Burberry jackets below perform beautifully.

12:00pm: I arrive at Barton Hall for some last minute adjustments. Closures need to be added to my dress so it doesn’t fall off in front of a few hundred people. That would be a fashion faux pas. There are people everywhere backstage. Models, designers, reporters, all rushing around even though the show doesn’t start till 7.  Its kind of crazy how people  can be transformed into models. Some look as though they’ve just stepped off the runway at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, dressed in everything from beautiful floral dresses to structured suits.

12:30: Now, for the moment of truth. I hold my breath as the dress slides over my shoulders, hoping I haven’t gained any weight in the past two weeks. The designer would kill me. A sigh of relief. It fits perfectly.

2:00: After some final tweaking, the rehearsal starts. Backstage we all wait in line for our turn to step foot on the runway. Some are veterans, some newbies. I’m one of the new girls. I’ve never done anything like this before, so I’m really nervous. I’m doing it mostly because my roommate asked me to be her model. And being a model is pretty badass. But I do have a history of passing out when I am in front of large crowds. I haven’t told the designer that. I’m hoping she won’t need to know.

2:45: I walk the runway successfully without passing out or tripping on the shoes that are one size too big and held on with ribbons. I don’t want to be that girl that falls. There’s always THAT girl. The one that has been put in shoes that are humanly impossible to walk in and falls halfway through her walk accompanied by a collective gasp from the crowd and an applause after she manages to get up. Well luckily that doesn’t happen to me during rehearsal and hopefully it won’t when the show actually starts.

4:45: Every line has walked and the dress rehearsal is over. The designers tell us to go get some food and be back a.s.a.p. for the real deal. Wait, food? I thought we weren’t supposed to eat. I like the world of Cornell modeling.

6:00: I run over to the designer and sit down to have my hair and makeup done. My face is covered in white face paint and baby powder and an arrow put through a bun on top of my head. Very Black Swan-esque.

7:00: The crowd has been filling in Barton on the other side of the stage. The sound is now up to a steady loud murmur of the audience, signaling that it’s almost time. Then the lights dim. Showtime.

8:00: The first few lines have walked the runway now and backstage we’ve been able to watch the action on a television screen. It’s really amazing seeing how much work has gone into the event and to see how incredible it has turned out. I feel like I’m at a fashion show in Milan or something.

8:15: The first line I’m in is up. I’m really nervous. Suddenly I feel really hot and shaky. Shit, I’m gonna pass out. Or maybe it’s just the bright lights or the fact that I’m in a turtleneck covered in feathers. “I’ll signal you when to go” says a girl with a large headset. My adrenaline is pumping so hard I can feel my pulse in my sweaty hands. I start to climb the stairs as the girl ahead of me steps out on the runway. This is it. Don’t screw it up Rachel. “Ok, go now!” says the girl with the headset, and I walk out onto the runway to be partially blinded by the bright lights and see the sea of people around me. Somehow I manage to walk the runway and end up back where I started. It must have been the adrenaline because I don’t really remember walking. And I didn’t pass out! Walk #1 is a success. Now for walk #2

9:30: After quickly washing off my face paint and baby powder and getting into my next outfit, a beautiful black and white frock with cutout pieces that look like delicate coffee filters, I run over to the stage and wait to walk again. The next line I’m in is starting any minute. Okay, last one. All I have to do is survive this and I’m golden. I walk again without any mishaps and step off of the stairs at the back of the stage. Phew, I made it.

10:00: All of the girls in the line get together for a quick photo and I carefully get undressed, trying not to rip the delicate frock. After all of that preparation, it’s over. All of the work, sweat, tears, and hours at the sewing machine put in by the designers the show went off without a hitch. All of the designers had amazing pieces and the models wore them beautifully, or for the men, handsomely. Now I’m exhausted. Modeling is a pretty tough job. All that walking and turning and wearing beautiful outfits. But I guess I could get used to it.

Spring has finally arrived, and while in Ithaca trees reain barren and students’ reverie is interrupted by occasional snow, the little markers of a new season—a ray of sunlight through the classroom window, a few green leaves on the trees—are starting to appear. What better way to usher (or maybe hurry) in the fairest season with some springtime florals? For those not necessarily drawn toward ladylike frills and blooms, no cause for alarm: this eternal warm-weather trend has recently been cropping up in unexpected ways that are far from prim and proper. In even the smallest doses, this spring’s floral pieces bring a classic freshness and femininity to every outfit. Enjoy!

Light, delicate sundresses: The sundress—always a spring staple—transforms any girl into a lady when decked out with floral prints. New silhouettes, both flowy and fitted, promise to flatter every body type, although a cinched waist and an above-the-knee hemline are key elements in keeping this look young and modern. Available in close to every color in the sun, a floral sundress looks great with leather wedges and flat sandals during the day and classic pumps at night. Choose a light palette with small detailing in the day to show off the beginning of a tan, swapping pastels for darker-based, bolder blooms in rich colors to make an outfit for night sizzle. Below, selections from Modcloth illustrate the true versatility of a sweet spring floral. Exquisitely patterned shades: This season, florals can comfortably find their way into the closets of even those most modest and understated dressers: add just the smallest hint of spring to an outfit with this new spin on patterned sunglasses that go perfectly with all colors. Sprinkled with unexpected florals, these shades will certainly get a second look. Look for a wayfarer shape to amp up the retro factor of these shades, but as with regular sunglasses, choose a base color that will contrast your complexions. A white base pops against deeper skin tones, while black bases offset fairer skin tones. Not your average sneaker: Can’t get enough florals after a cold winter? Enter uncharted style territory with the newest floral accessory: the oxford. To showcase a girly shoe, pair it with a neutral base: floral oxfords look great with a monochromatic sundress, shorts, or black pants and add a touch of fancy and romance to any plain ensemble. For an edgier accent, don a once-preppy floral sneaker with jeans for a shot of urban glamour!

April 1, 2011 A lot more green is around the corner as we wait impatiently for the snow to melt for good. “Green” fashion is already out there. An environmentally conscious wardrobe is easy to compile. When it comes to saving resources, nothing can compete with second-hand clothing. From high-end vintage stores to the Salvation Army, used clothing is available in ranges of styles, qualities, and conditions. The Commons is home to a Salvation Army store as well as a vintage shop called Petrune. On 125 State Street, Petrune hosts a great selection of styles at a reasonable range of prices.  Ebay and Etsy are also great places to find used clothing online. Many vintage stores have items for sale on Etsy. If used clothing is a little too uncertain for you, there are lots of environmentally friendly fabrics and clothing manufacturers to choose from. Eco Fashion World.com provides a directory of environmentally friendly designers and online retailers. Lots of designers make clothing and accessories out of recycled materials, ranging from tires to tablecloths. Even shoes can be eco friendly.

It’s finally spring break. For some, that may translate to sleeping, but others venture to places warmer than grayscale Ithaca. Those travelers will also have to change their wardrobes a bit. A swimsuit, cover up, and party dress may all be necessary. Instead of rushing out and buying the first three travel essentials you come across why not make them fit your style? This first selection of pieces fits a wardrobe that is edgy as well as free-spirited. These looks could be played up with colorful accessories during a tropical vacation, or grounded with denim and cotton tanks for a trip to a lake house. For those who have a more classic style, try a glamorous one-piece swimsuit in a bold color. Throw on a sarong with an art deco pattern, or maybe with bright colors as well. A little black dress always works for a night out, and this one with a modern twist could also be worn during the day. A truly tropical vibe mixes classic style with hippie chic. These looks have pops of color along with clean lines. Vibrant and modish, they fit any holiday in the sun.

Style on the Slope Ithaca weather is bipolar. Should you dress for spring or for blizzards? What if it starts snowing in the middle of a formerly spotless day? Even if it is sunny and mild outside, what about all of the slush on the ground? When it comes to shoes, flats are a definite no. However, that does not mean you have to wear mukluks to class. Anything that at least covers your ankles with a semi-waterproof material should be sufficient. Some examples are shown below. Sweaters are a must in this dynamic climate. Yes, layering overall is good, but a cardigan is probably the least awkward layer to pull off in the middle of a class. Just make sure that whatever you wear fits reasonably under your jacket. The following options have light sleeves that will make their addition a breeze.

To avoid getting caught in the snow, try wearing a wide scarf that you can wrap around your head if need be. The snood is a great option (the circular scarf that can also be a hood). A scarf can also be a great way to add some color to your look.

Each day gets a little warmer here in Ithaca, and slowly but surely this campus of grey layers is showing a few more hues of style. One student wore bird-cage earrings, complete with dangling parrots. She made me realize that it’s time for Cornellians to put a little more life into their wardrobes, after all some grass is visible. Why not do so with some of these animal inspired accessories?

Ready for spring but not ready to let go of fall fashion? The fashion shows for the fall 2011 season are occurring now. While the looks might not be on sale anytime soon, let them provide you with fresh ideas for the last weeks of winter dressing. Trade in skinny jeans for wide-leg trousers, sparkles, or both, as the Alice and Olivia clothing line has. Try mixing lace with sweats like Jason Wu did, but pass on whatever happened to this poor model’s eyebrows (see image below). Get a little crazy and mix bold layers of colors and prints as shown by Rag & Bone.

With warmer days and chillier nights, this time of year makes it difficult for Cornellians to dress in style. Light cardigans or sweaters might be worth throwing into a backpack to avoid a frosty walk back from central campus. Tired of wearing a hat and a scarf? Bring one large scarf and wrap it around your head if it is cold. Hopefully the balance of comfort and style won’t be too hard to find.