There was a recent article that I wrote for the Collegian about the come back of thermochromatic fashion, like the new line of sportswear from American Apparel.

This color changing fashion came out in the late 1980's, and is activated by body heat. It was big within the club scene, where you could grope your dance partner and leave your thermochromatic handprint on their body, making this fashion a promotion for intimate interaction.

Nowadays, the military has picked up on this technology, and they have tweaked it to work to their advantage. There have been advances in garments that eliminate the presence of body heat for soldiers to reduce their infrared presence. Also, there has been a fabric developed by the Department of Material Science at MIT that can reflect any light that hits it with a mixture of plastic and glass that can be woven into the fabric.

There is also talk of other versions of this thread having a commercial appeal. Imagine being able to change the color of your purse or sweater with the touch of a button. Well, this is where technology in fashion today is leading us. You can read more about these advances in this article (pdf) below.

So, watch out cotton. You may not remain "the fabric of our lives" forever.

-- Beth Ann Downey

Covering the fashion beat for the Collegian has introduced me to an array of new designers to admire. However, there is one who sticks out in my mind who has created the most beautiful fall ready-to-wear collection for this year, hands down.

Erin Fetherston, with her quirky blonde bob, looks unimposing on the runway, but her designs and concepts pack a powerful punch.

Her Fall 2008 collection features an array of cute prints, classic touches, and unprecedented cocktail dresses that would flatter any figure. Of all the collections I have purused this season, Fetherston's would be my top pick for young people today.

Wouldn't you love to trade in your North Face jacket for a preppy, sophisticated cold weather look like this?

Wouldn't you rather skip scouring the racks of downtown stores for a formal dress, and instead rock one of these precious cocktail looks.

I know I would, but unfortunately I fall into the college kid demographic that can't afford such designer fashions. Although I will never wear them, I will still revere these designs created by a young, fresh new stylist who has managed to light up the runway this season.

-- Beth Ann Downey

Although there was a chance this year our nation would see the first ever First Husband, Michelle Obama will be the next First Lady, and she's already dressing the part. Narciso Rodriguez, Maria Pinto, J.Crew and other designs are just a few seemingly effortless fashion choices she has made thus far. Let's take a look at some other White House trend setters.

Purple dress by Maria Pinto

Black and red dress by Narciso Rodriguez

Mary Todd Lincoln
Barney's on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan recently had a display with portraits of all the First Ladies. Curious enough, Laurie Munn, the artist who completed the works, said that Mary Todd was a big spender, and it was usually on fashion merchandise, including a pair of $3,000 lace gloves that she hid in the White House. Mary Todd deserved a few luxuries after enduring the pressures of First Lady in a time of war. You go, Mary Todd!

Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis
In her own right, "Jackie O" is one of the most influential fashion icons of our time. She set the style for the early '60s with clean suits, A-line dresses and on occassion, a pillbox hat. But it was during her post-White House days when this former First Lady really began to shine. Large sunglasses, wide-leg trousers and Hermes head scarves are just a few of the crazes that she helped catch on and still remain today.

Laura Bush
Definitely one of the more conservative First Wives, I thought it was rather daring of Laura Bush to pose for this September's issue of Harper's Bazaar. I think she looks gorgeous in this luxurious Oscar de la Renta gown with her Scottish terriers.

Whether you are a freshmen who us Ugg-less or a senior whose Ugg boots are torn and tattered from years of wear, this winter is a good one to replentish your stock of these State College staples. It is well known by many fashion-forward persons that Ugg boots, though immensely comfortable, are not the most stylish form of footwear.

Although they are so unflattering, it is necessary to sport these shoes with the blistering winter weather that starts hitting State College around this time. So, if you plan to rock your Uggs on a daily bases, take a look at these new styles that will leave you feeling truly unique in the sea of suede and sheepskin.

The Sandra boot below is the perfect dressy alternative to the classic flat Ugg boot with its wedged heel and more elegant fit. With this sleek style, the comfort and warmth that comes with wearing Uggs can be easily camoflagued.

Your browser may not support display of this image. Another casual ugg alternative are the Classic Cardy boots with the knit design and button detailing. The slouchy fit is comfortable, but the material does leave your feet less impervious to elements such as rain and snow which frequent Happy Valley in the winter. Still, these boots are fun, different, and just as versatile as the originals.

You can also opt to renew the look of the classic tall boots with a funky pattern. The Classic Tall Patent Paisley boots will give a bit more character with a pattern that is still subtle enough to be worn with anything.

Don't always let the student trends influence you. If ugly Uggs are not your thing, there are countless other alternatives you can choose from countless other options of footwear to save your feet from the snow storms that may even last until April.

If these sheepskin staples do tickle your fancy, don't be afraid to let your creativity show with the new styles, prints, and designs offered by this Australian company that started the craze that sweeped this cold weather region.

-- Beth Ann Downey