As the icy months of winter roll in, Buffalo natives and visitors struggle to stay both warm and fashionable. For anyone, this might prove to be a daunting feat. But for students on a budget, this can be even more difficult.
The first thing a snowbound fashionista needs to purchase is a versatile and warm coat. According to Vogue Magazine, the latest trend sweeping the runways is oversized trench coats with fur or leather accents on the collar. As gorgeous as the Hermes butter-soft, leather-accented trench coat is, most students won't be able to afford it.
Suitable alternatives might be found in stores with prices that fit a college student's budget. According to sales clerks, the key is to know just what to look for.
"You need a neutral colored coat that goes with plenty of outfits and keeps you from freezing," said Leigh Ashley, a sales associate at the Gap in the Boulevard Mall. Mike Baco, a Gap store manager, said he has seen a rise the popularity of faux fur trends.
"Faux fur is definitely in, we have a faux fur shawl or scarf, faux fur earmuffs that are under the $20 price range, " he said. "We have a faux fur vest that could typically run for $100 or $200 in department stores for $68."
Another fashionable piece of outerwear is the classic pea coat. According to Baco, the pea coat has never really gone out of style.
"The pea coat trend has been pretty consistent for the last couple of years. Pink was a big color this year and we also have a few holiday reds," he said. "Right now (pea coats) are on promotion for $68 down from $98 or $88."
After getting fashionably warm, the stylish student-on-a-budget might next set their sights on adorning themselves in the latest clothing trends.
According to Cosmopolitan Magazine, the key to differentiating a plain outfit from a fashionable one is by the accessories. As far as outerwear is concerned, this can be accomplished easily by adding a dazzling scarf or a rhinestone-studded pin.
The Gap has showcased its sequin scarf that can be acquired for an affordable $39.50.
"We have a lot of things that are like glitter-glam," said Baco. "The type of things that you would typically see in a high-fashion boutique." All that glitters is the most applicable term for accessories this season.
"Glittery accessories really dress up classic outfits, they make them look elegant," said Ashley.
According to Cosmopolitan Magazine, this season, everything used to accessorize wardrobes should be jewel-encrusted, from earrings to handbags. But this doesn't have to mean sacrificing next semester's tuition on a diamond brooch from Tiffany's.
It might behoove the budget-compelled shopper to scour department stores' massive jewelry selections for costume pieces that are inexpensive, and classy. Peering into costume jewelry selections in inexpensive stores like Forever 21 or specialty stores like Claire's might also produce a few glittery finds.
Yvonne, a district manager at Forever 21 in the Galleria Mall who preferred to withhold her last name, said Forever 21 carries all the latest trends in accessories with price ranges that wouldn't put too big a dent in the average student's pocket.
"Everything is jewel encrust. One of our most popular brooches is the butterfly with faux gems," she said. "They range anywhere from $3 to $8. Brooches have been very popular this fall."
While accessories can add sparkle and flare, the thing that makes the outfit, the pi?(c)ce de r?(c)sistance, according to Vogue and just about every woman in the world, is the pair of shoes with which it is worn.
Those frumpy, chunky Ugg boots had their five minutes of fame last winter. The boots that style critics have lauded for this season are pointy-toed boots with a kitten or stiletto heel. These boots look best when worn with dark denim skinny jeans or pinstriped trousers, according to InStyle Magazine. Also a pencil skirt worn with knee-high boots or pumps is always a timeless classic.
Those students trying to keep their bank accounts stable should head to a large shoe retail warehouse, such as DSW Shoes.
Jason Krupka, team leader at DSW in the Galleria Mall, said DSW Shoes sells better branded, name-brand merchandise with prices anywhere between 20 to 50 percent less than department store prices.
"A lot of tweeds and twills are in style," said Krupka of the current shoe trends carried at DSW Shoes. "You'll see them in a lot of colors, as winter goes on there's going to be a lot of the deepening in berry colors. Prices range anywhere from $34.90 and for boots up to like $74. 90.
With the coats, shoes and accessories covered, shoppers can choose from a variety of trendy clothing this season.
Colorful prints and bold patterns of argyle sweaters have made a tremendous comeback. Worn over solid or striped button-down oxford shirts, these sweaters turn nerds into fashion divas, according to Ashley. Also, a lamb's wool turtleneck sweater is never out of style.
Instead of heading straight for the mall, bargain shoppers would benefit from stopping into a store like Target for basic items, such as an oxford shirt, because the shirt's quality is just as good as the ones one might find in the mall, but can be had at a much lower price. Fashion gurus encourage shoppers to save the splurging for a great pair of boots or an essential coat.
This season's trend leans toward a cleaner, classier look that has even made its way to men's wardrobes'.
"More and more guys are turning in their torn Abercrombie jeans for spun-wool trousers," said Bridget Calloway, a sales associate at Express Men, "and they're swapping their worn-out tee shirts for turtleneck sweaters."
A popular men's coat this season is the parka with a fur-lined hood, according to GQ Fashion. The Gap sells a men's parka for a little over $100, making this coat practical as well as fashionable, according to Calloway.
As the seasons come and go taking their trends and fashions with them, most people's, especially students living on limited means, view on fashion and what they are willing to spend for "the look" remains constant.
"If it's a basic essential price doesn't really matter - within reason," said Erica Myrtil, a freshman political science major. "I have some boots that were a little expensive but they're boots, a basic essential. But if it's something like a trendy shirt then I wouldn't spend a lot of money."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
