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Designer iPod belts?

Shanna Israel has designed belts worn by Madonna, Halle Barry and Paris Hilton. Her products have been featured in magazines like InStyle and People and are available at the trendiest boutiques and, most recently…the Duke Computer Store? That's right, the newest product in Israel's trendy “Genre Collection” is a funky iPod case / wallet attached to her trademark belt, and designed specially for Duke Stores.

Israel first started designing iPod cases under the label HipTunes to market in boutiques to her usual upscale crowd, but she became inspired when she heard that Duke was giving iPods to its freshman class. “They were the first major university to say now [this technology] is for education,” Israel said, “and that was something I really wanted to be a part of.” Israel approached Duke Stores manager Jim Rigney and proposed a line of iPod cases and belts specifically for Duke students. “She sent me a sample of her product which I thought had potential,” said Rigney. “But it was way overpriced, because she was marketing to high end boutiques. We worked together and we have a product that's in the store.”

The plain black and Duke Blue belts and cases that are currently available in the Duke Computer Store are a far cry from the shimmering green and candy pink models sold through the Genre Collection website. Israel and Rigney agreed, however, after spending some time in Alpine Atrium observing the clothing styles of Duke students, that it would be better to start with neutral colors and add on. Said Israel: “We'll revisit the color situation once this gets off the ground.”

So far launch efforts have included several ads in The Chronicle, to lukewarm response. “Right now I don't think many folks know they're there,” explained Rigney. “I'm not sure how many we've sold, it hasn't been that many,” said Clarence Morgan, a manager of the Duke Computer store. “But I think it's a pretty unique product.” Israel concurred, emphasizing the belt's multiple functions. “The belt offers a hands-free way to hold all of your accessories and be fashionable,” she said.

— Corinne Low

Guys in Uggs?

And fashion aside, for those of you spending your nights on freezing K-ville concrete, a pair of undeniably warm Uggs might be a practical addition to your winter wardrobe.

— Sarah Ball

White in winter?

Remember when you were first schooled in the annual expiration date of white clothing? In first grade, we traded in our all-white Keds for dark-brown boots. In fifth grade, the white spandex got tossed into the back of the drawer. In ninth grade, that adorable white pleated miniskirt was done and done in early September. Even the most fashion-challenged seem to know and respect the rule.

Recently, though, recess has spotted more and more trendsters bucking the no-white-after-labor-day code and wearing shoes, sweaters, accessories, and even pants the color of snow. Ever since the Calvin Klein’s winter white collections in the mid-‘90s and Sarah Jessica Parker’s famed white pumps, this one-time fashion taboo has been slowly shedding its summer-only stigma.

Junior Lizzie Fortunato points out, “What better to snap us out of dreary winter weather than a piece of clothing or jewelry in shocking white?”

So if it makes you feel good, forget the rules. Why not go white this winter?

— Madeline Andrews