"It's a classic..."
Whether considered a cliché phrase or used to describe what people cannot put into words about treasured items in their lives, this phrase certainly rings true about style in Happy Valley. Between shopping in downtown State College, stalking people's pictures on Facebook or simply sitting with friends on the HUB-Robeson Center lawn, certain clothes and accessories once deemed fads declared they were here to stay. Thus, this article is for them -- the "oldies, but the goodies."
1. The North Face Fleece, "The Denali," $165, www.northface.com
As these past weeks have demonstrated, the weather turns chilly fast in Happy Valley. And every year, when that first chilly breeze whirls around, the campus becomes a rainbow of fleece.
"I think [the North Face] has an outdoorsy edge," Jill Winton (senior-civil engineering) said.
Winton, who works at Appalachian Ski & Outdoors, 123 S. Allen St., said the fleece has developed into more of a fashion than a function. The fleece is just something that looks cool, she said.
Penn State Alumnus and co-worker Justin Penfield said The North Face Company has been around for the longest in the outdoor industry.
"The North Face was the first company to hit the main market. Everybody bought into the name," Penfield said.
Penfield also suggested the environmentally friendly brand Patagonia as an alternative fleece for anyone looking to stay warm but stand out from the crowd.
2. The Tote Bag
Days of the beloved JanSport backpack for girls have come and gone. It's rare to see a girl on campus actually carrying a backpack.
Liz Kinker (junior-mathematics) works at Crushed Ice, 358 E. College Ave. She said the versatility of the tote bag is good.
"You can use it to put your books in and also go to the mall," she said. "It's kind of prettier than a backpack. You can express yourself a little bit more."
She said the store does carry some varieties of the bag. People can tell if the store has what they're looking for, she said.
Penn State Alumnus Courtney Goldberg, who works at Metro, 320 E. College Ave., said the store carries tote bags in all different colors with French sayings.
"Backpacks have a boy stigma to them," she said.
Although the bags may not help a girl's back, they still wear it, Goldberg said. Girls want many tote bags to match to their clothes rather than just having one backpack.
3. UGG Boots, www.uggs.com
Love 'em, hate 'em or leave them, the once-deemed trendy UGG boots have stepped in Happy Valley to stay for as many winters as their fur will last.
Rachael Seitz (senior-integrative arts) who works at Barefoot, 130 E. College Ave., said even though UGGs are not her preferred style, the boots are good for winter.
"They're really warm, comfortable and last long," Seitz said.
Black ones especially, she said, are in demand this year.
Amy Bozylinsky, manager of Barefoot, said the boots are not as pointed out now as compared to previous seasons.
"It's not as big of a fad, its something basic now," Bozylinsky said.
Another reason they're still going strong is because they compliment the trends going on right now; they look good with leggings and skinny jeans, Bozylinsky said.
"They've been around long enough that people trust them," Bozylinsky said.
4. Penn State Apparel
Ultimately, when classic pieces or trendy items could leave a college student's wallet dry and possibly in plastic debt, the reasonably priced but always in style Penn State attire -- T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, tanks and more -- saves the day. The pieces all blend into one Penn State blur on campus.
Michael Woytowich, director of advertising and promotions at the Student Book Store, 330 E. College Ave, said he thinks students wear the clothes to show pride in the university. Recently, he said the hooded sweatshirts, the football jerseys and all articles of clothing with a university seal have been popular sellers.
Employee Gizem Unlu (senior-international politics) of The Clothesline Factory Outlet, 138 E. College Ave., said football stuff, T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts sell very quickly.
"Everyday you see people wearing Penn State stuff," Unlu said. "I would like to think it's because they're into it and not just because they go to this school."
Whitney Cleland (senior-German), who works at the same store, said the football team's winning streak last semester definitely contributed to students buying Penn State gear.
Pretty much anything that's Penn State sells, she said.
"There's always something new Penn State you could buy," she said.
So whether or not you're looking to revamp your wardrobe, or you're just looking to do a little shopping, remember to keep some staple items in mind.
Not only is it economical, because these items will last season through season and not just fade like certain trends, but it's also practical.
Staple items can be accessorized and spruced up to change with the times, but they can always find a permanent place in your closet.
