mad about plaid and more

tote bags are all over the shoulders of girls at uga this fall. the flowery patterns of vera bradley still reign supreme on sorority row even though girls are toting a variety of styles. they are stylish and they can double as a backpack and a purse. however, they may be cuter than backpacks. try carrying too many books in them and i think the straps could cut off all circulation to your arms (and then how are you going to text your friends in class???). either way, there is pretty convincing evidence that they are a hit on campus.


living in an urban city means you have to walk. but the choice of reebok or nike is far more complicated than it used to be. fashion forward footware for day tripping or running errands is stepping up in Boston. from affordable Keds to posh desinger burberry, everyone is offering unique designs for your feet. and as these bostonians are proving, sneakers don't have to be dirty and dull. funky colors, sleek patterns and creative shoe lacing can turn any cross walk into a run way of sorts. these new kicks are trendy, comfy, durable and unisex. who knew high fashion could be so functional


whether you are weathering the weather, rocking a bad hair day or just trying to look cool, the newsboy hat is always a hit. revist the 1920s with the classic black, flat-top lid, or the disco days of the 1970s and sport the bulky cotton crochted cap. retro and chic the newsboy hat will keep your hair hidden and your head warm in new england's winter. chunky knit or smooth cotton, this trend is versatile for men and women, pop stars and Emerson students.


leggings. this trend hasn't quite caught on with the crowd yet, but it's working its way up there. already a trend in hollywood, leggings are a stylish accessory to make your outfit funkier. usually worn in dark earth-tone colors such as black or brown, this up and coming trend can be paired with a skirt or a semi-short dress. if you are hesitant about this new trend, take a chance. Leggings are super cute and you can take credit for being ahead of the crow


laundry day, term paper due dates, that pesky mold in the dorm refrigerator: some things just don't go away. in this spirit, plaid is likewise here to stay. what is it about this perennial fashion favorite that gives it such staying power? it's true versatility. on both guys and gals, it's a classic pattern with endless variations. or at least so it would seem, since scores are making plaid a definite priority, no matter what their style. while hip rockers can accessorize dark, traditional-looking plaid pants with screenprinted bags, converse low-tops and studded belts, the preppy element can toss on comfy sneakers and their favorite bright polo shirt to accent more modern, colorful plaid patterns. not to mention plaid pants, shorts or skirts can all be dressed either up or down, making plaid pieces a great basic wardrobe staple.


layering is one of the most popular fashion trends of the season. whether it's t-shirts, tanks or jackets on a chilly day, everyone loves to pile on the clothes. many girls are making their ensembles more feminine by layering with a cute shrug. with so many different styles of shrugs, a girl can never go wrong wearing one, no matter what the occasion. sequined or beaded, satin or cotton, there is a shrug to fit any girl's taste.


apparently, gadgets need accessories, too. or, expensive gadgets at least need to be protected - and for trendy students, protective covers are, increasingly, a fashion statement. whether wrapping up a sleek powerbook or encasing a new iPod, gadgets around campus are well-dressed lately - and their ensembles aren't limited to black leather and canvas. protective covers in new materials - corduroy, tweed, rubber and cotton - are taking over the gadget-accessory scene, and making the already-pretty iPods look even better. and really, why not? as iPods and laptops become study-staples, there's no reason for protective coverings to be