While she’s had a substantial presence in the fashion world for some time, Rachel Zoe has recently gone very mainstream. With a Rolodex Crackberry of celebrity clients, a best-selling book, and a successful reality TV show, Rachel Zoe has hit the big time. Now, she offers us another glimpse into her stylish world with The Zoe Report–a daily e-mail newsletter featuring Rachel’s “favorite obsessions in the ever-evolving worlds of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.” Sounds good! But do we like it? Read on.

Love It:
Sound Style Advice from a Pro: In late 2005, Rachel Zoe provided a complete style overhaul for newly-skinny Nicole Richie. Today, Rachel is responsible for putting together some of the hottest red carpet outfits for our favorite celebs. This is also the woman who started the big, bug-eyed sunglasses trend… Clearly, Zoe knows what she’s doing. R.Zoe picks out unique apparel and accessories and give suggestions on how to wear each and every piece. Who knows, maybe if you read the Zoe report, you’ll be the first girl on your floor who doesn’t look totally ridiculous rocking your studded jewelry, “shooties” or “jeggings!”

Parallel Universe: I’ll be honest–99% of the swag featured in the Zoe Report is crazy expensive, which could be depressing. I say could, however, because happily, Rachel has provided all of us un-blessed with a celebrity bank account with cheaper options to achieve the same style. And they’re cute! Even better, the “parallel universe” items seem to be just as expertly picked as Rachel’s pricier features–they actually look alike. There’s nothing more annoying than a “celebrity look for less” that showcases adorable clothing of the stars and then offers totally ugly cheapy alternatives, so I’ve gotta give Ms. Zoe some props in this area.

Daily Dose of ‘I Die’: It’s not just Rach’s style of fashion that’s unique – her vocabulary is too. So much so, in fact, that a Funny or Die video parodying her speech patterns recently went viral. Not gonna lie, after watching The Rachel Zoe Project, I’ve started using the phrase “I die,” pretty regularly. Don’t even get me started on her use of “shutting it down” or “bananas.” Rachel is both ridiculous and hilarious, so getting my fix of her lexicon before breakfast pretty much ensures a good day. Mostly.

Loathe It:
Items featured: Although Rachel is a style maven, some of the pieces she offers are not exceptionally wearable, or exceptionally cute. Sequined leggings? Hot pink fedora? Really Rachel? Probs not. And while, for the most part, I love her take on accessories and apparel, when Rachel decides to talk “beauty” or “lifestyle” products, I’m inclined to look elsewhere for advice.

Advertise-y: I already get promotional e-mails from department stores and those pesky designer sample sale sites and truth be told, Rachel’s newsletters are not much different than those advert-emails: they all showcase new styles, and many times they are deleted, especially when Zoe is clearly just pimping Brian Atwood pumps. I want advice, Rachel! How-to’s! Not just another advertisement.

Incredibly Short: Part of the Zoe Report’s advertorial feel comes because of it’s length: it’s really. freakin’. short. There’s typically a few sentences introducing Rachel’s piece du jour, then a few more explaining exactly why she likes that style, then availability information, then “xoRZ,” which just looks awkward. I want more! I guess I’ll have to settle for reading Style A To Zoe or watching marathons of The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo, both of which are way better than these e-mails!

Do any of you receive the Rachel Zoe Report? Are you liking it? Let me know your feelings in the comments!

I’m kind of in love with personalization. Whenever I spot a monogram, I’m instantly taken back to memories of elementary school–naps, milk and cookies, frilly dresses and labeled everything. Backpack, clothing, and blanket included. Not only was this trend adorable, it was also insanely helpful when you left your beach bag at the pool or your mittens on the bus. If it had your initials on it, you could get it back.

Obviously, this is the perfect feature to apply to a college-friendly accessory.

This is where The Little Letter steps in. The company provides “unique personalized gifts” for babies, children, and adults. For a monogram lover, the adult offerings are to die for. Chic jewelry, cozy robes, and cute clutches can all be personalized with your initials. My favorite offering from the site, however, happens to be their Emma Cosmetic Case.

The Emma ranges in price from $30-62, depending on your style choices, and girl, you get to pick everything. We’re talking the size of the bag, fabric, monogram fabric and color, and monogram format. There are over 100 different fabrics to choose from! Personalization to the max! Plus, the bag is coated with clear vinyl so it’s easy to clean and won’t stain. No one will have anything like it, and because your initials are on it, your roommate can’t take it and claim it as her own when everyone tells her how cute it is (like she did with your favorite tube top, your American Apparel deep V tee, and that brownie your mom sent you…)

Personally, (hee hee) I’m going to be adding some lower-school nostalgia to my back-to-campus shopping list with help from The Little Letter!

I’ve heard of them all: Gilt Group, Hautelook, Rue La La, Ideeli… The exclusive, invite only “sample sale” sites that promise hot labels to a select group of shoppers at a reduced cost. Once you snag an invite, they seem like a win-win, right? Chi-chi clothes at recession prices! But like many things that seem too good to be true, the cons might outweigh the pros.

Love ‘em:
Obviously, there’s the appeal of getting cheap, cute, designer clothes without having to get out of your pajamas. Or bed. A few weeks ago, Hautelook had a Primp boutique and I flipped out. $88 thermal leggings for $20? Perfection. I figure I can wear them for future online shopping, um, trips. I also probably wouldn’t just waltz into Neiman Marcus or Bloomies sans makeup (and chic outfit) just to check out the Chloe dresses or Gucci purses without any intention of making a purchase…but doing so online is totally acceptable!

The sites also feature a large variety of designers. Sure, these sites feature well-known, crave-worthy brands like Marc by Marc, Seven For All Mankind and Oscar De La Renta, but they also have some surprising finds. Rue La La has offered Birkenstock and Lululemon boutiques, Gilt features Rachel Leigh jewelry, and Hautelook highlighted Ecoskin. It really can’t get better than old favorites and new finds.

Last but not least, it brings out your competitive side. Because merchandise supplies are usually pretty low on these sites, when you see something you like you have to snatch it up. Or add it to your shopping cart. Either way, you have to do it and check out before whatever it is you want is sold out. Usually when numbers of certain items are getting particularly low, the stock photo is labeled with a warning: ITEM IN MEMBER’S CART! When you see that, it’s go time. Find your size, select, and buy. I would never grab a top out of someone else’s hands in real life, but online? Okay.

Loathe ‘em:
Like all online shopping, you can’t try stuff on before you buy and there’s usually pretty pricy shipping charges. This isn’t Zappos, chicas! Obviously it helps if you know the brand you’re buying, but that’s not always the case and returns are not easy. And don’t even think about exchanging the same item for a different size. Not going to happen.

Although the sites feature hot brands, styles can be hit or miss. It’s great if you can get a hot pair of jeans or an investment piece, but I don’t get very excited about a designer poncho from 2005. Depending on the boutique, some of the items can be pretty dated or just plain out of style. Plus, there’s a reason that some of these items are on these sites–there was a huge surplus. Case in point: Jon Gosselin Ed Hardy was on Rue La La this spring…

And the emails! So. Many. Freaking. E-mails. These websites send out e-mails not only weekly, but daily. And honestly,  I just do not care about many of the sales some of these sites feature. I’d probably like it if the e-mails highlighted some of the items that would be available in each boutique, but… they don’t. And don’t even try to get me to unsubscribe. I know I could, theoretically, but then I would no doubt miss the reminder that the Vix Swimwear boutique opens at 10AM EST!

So, hate it or love it? I’ve definitely gotten lucky on more than one occasion with these sites, but the majority of the time their e-mails go straight to my trash! What do you think about sample sale sites?

I don’t know about you, but wearing cute exercise clothes definitely motivates me to work out and that’s where the sweet new Lululemon Speed Shorts come in.

Yes, you read that right, ladies. Lululemon, creator of the most amazing pants in the universe, is introducing a new line specifically for runners/people who get out of the yoga studio!  Now we can reserve our one pair of Groove pants for Saturday nights (what? They make your butt look amazing) and hit the gym in something a little more refreshing Sunday morning.

They come in 11 different colors, plus patterns like stripes and plaid. Just like everyone’s favorite Nike Tempo shorts that are frequently seen in the gym and around campus, Lululemon’s Speed Shorts feature built in undies. But obviously it’s their other features that make them worth the extra $20 (cuz Lulu stuff is never cheap). They’re chafe-resistant, flat seamed, and have a secure pocket on the lower back to stash your key and ID whether you’re in the gym or on the road. Plus they’re shorter (and just plain cuter) than many other running shorts.

I’m not going to say that you can take your Speed Shorts from gym to party, but you can definitely get away with rocking Lulu outside of the club. Just think how adorable the plaid would be with a flowy tank top, flip flops, and an arm full of bangles for a casual summer bonfire… It would totally work.

The best part of all? Lululemon is finally offering online shopping, so even if there isn’t a store near you, you can still get your fix of this Canadian super-brand! I’m definitely on the market for some new shorts. And tops. And pants. And much-needed motivation to get my ass to the gym….

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/07/20/wardrobe-wish-list-lululemon-speed-shorts/feed/ 6 Liza - University of Minnesota lulu shorts1 lulu shorts 2 http://collegecandy.com/2009/07/06/wardrobe-wish-list-j-crew-garden-dress/ http://collegecandy.com/2009/07/06/wardrobe-wish-list-j-crew-garden-dress/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:00:39 +0000 Liza - University of Minnesota http://collegecandy.com/?p=34266 ]]> If there’s one thing I love most about summer, it’s the freedom to flounce around every day in cute sundresses. They’re my go-to look – breezy, easy to wear, and feminine.

Naturally, when I saw this J.Crew Garden Dress I needed to have it.

This is the kind of dress that works in almost every situation: date night, summer cookout, girls brunch, beach-front. With the right accessories, you can even take it edgy.

The Garden Dress is short and flirty, featuring an ultra-flattering fitted bust, and straight cut sillouhuette. The charm of the dress, however, comes from the raw-edged petals that adorn the bust line. If you’re a sucker for ruffles, then this dress is most definitely for you. Just pick your color – navy, papaya, shell, or white – and you have the perfect dress for what remains of summer ’09. Or, you know, get ‘em all for a little variety.

And, duh, you totally can!  J.Crew offers a 15% discount to college students when you bring in your student ID and shop in-store. Now that you know, run to your nearest J.Crew and grab this beauty and other preppy staples! 15% off means 15% more chinos with flamingos on them!

I love Gossip Girl. Ever since I heard Kristin Bell’s first “xoxo” back in 2007, I’ve been hooked. GG’s got it all: drama, scandal, hot men, and adorable outfits. The thing about those outfits, however amazing they may be, is that they can be super expensive. So, when I heard that Anna Sui was designing a Gossip Girl inspired collection for Target, I had high hopes and was immediately excited. I even contemplated camping out at my neighborhood Target American-Idol-style the night before the line was released. But after spotting the collection online, I’m torn.

Love it:

Variety – I love that Anna decided to make a collection that showcases the style of all four Gossip Girl ladies: Blair, Serena, Jenny, and Vanessa. With the GG line, you have the opportunity to mix and match with different pieces inspired by each character, or just pick your favorite. I don’t know about you, but some days I’m a Blair and the next I’m Vanessa, so I like a collection that takes this change in style into account.

Price – Though specific prices for Anna’s collection haven’t been announced yet, it’s making it’s debut at Target, so it will definitely be budget-friendly. I might have loved the Marc Jacobs Joelle dress that Blair wore to the white party, but I most definitely do not like the price tag, or the fact that it is now sold out.

Wearability – Although I would love to be able to prance around campus in 5 inch stilettos and shirts dresses everyday a la Ms. Van Der Woodsen, it just is not practical for me. Short hemlines + tall shoes = disaster waiting to happen. Luckily though, Anna Sui found a way to emulate S’s (and B, Little J, and V’s) style in a more everyday fashion. It would be so easy to pull on any of these dresses over tights, leggings or a hot pair of socks and make them your own.

Loathe it:

Translation – Although the collection has some great looks, many of the pieces seem to have been lost in translation, or don’t fit the character’s they were inspired by. Whether this was an attempt to keep costs down, or if the design team only watched a few episodes of Gossip Girl, I’m not sure. Whatever the case though, some of these outfits are just plain weird. Serena’s outfit with the fitted bermuda shorts with bows and a vest, Vanessa’s puffy vest, Jenny’s textured tights and tie-up shirt, and pretty much all of Blair’s looks just don’t get it right; something’s off. (Perhaps the designers?)

Lack of pants – Gossip Girl by Anna Sui (or whatever they’re officially calling this line) undeniably offers some great skirts and dresses, but that’s pretty much it.  What about the skinny jeans? Shorts? Leggings? I realize that most of the outfits on the show are feminine and formal, but Serena, Vanessa, and our favorite bad girl Georgina most definitely rock pants from time to time.

Vanessa’s Looks – Why oh why are all of V’s outfits the same shades of brown, orange, and yellow?! Though she doesn’t have an Upper East Side sense of style, Vanessa’s outfits on the show are still colorful and generally pretty cute. Or at least different! Liquid leggings, a denim mini, and hot pink patent Doc Marten’s? That’s Vanessa. 70′s print orange and brown? Not so much. This girl loves neon!

So, Anna’s line is definitely slightly flawed, but it’s also the closest I’m ever going to get to an UES wardrobe. I’m so torn. What do you think??

XOXO,
CollegeCandy Girl

If you’re a Sex And The City fan (and who isn’t!?), you probably recognize this famous look from the opening credits of the show when SJP is flouncing around New York, splashes in a puddle, and sees herself on the side of a bus. Carrie’s three-tiered cream-colored tutu dress was such an iconic fashion statement that it even made a cameo in the SATC movie.

Naturally, we had to wait a few years for this sweet design to hit mainstream markets, but with the appropriately titled “Bradshaw Dress” from Lulus.com, the wait is finally over. The Bradshaw dress features a ribbed charcoal racerback top, two inch wide elastic waistband, and a two-tiered white skirt.

Tank dresses have been big this season as they are both comfortable and perfect for summer weather, but I think the tutu on this dress, as Elle Woods would say, gives it a little something extra. At the price of only $32, this dress is completely irresistible.

So whether you’re playing ballerina or Bradshaw, head over to Lulus.com and order this dress! I’m waiting for UPS to deliver mine as you read this.

There have been so many times that I’ve said, “Oh, I can skip going to the gym today – I’m going to go on a run! And then go swimming!” But what really happens is…. I go to the air-conditioned mall. And eat Panda Express.

So, when one of my girls suggested we take a Bikram yoga class together, I was super excited. Having each other to go with make things fun, and we’d have to pay for the classes, so we’d stay accountable. Sounds like exactly what I’m looking for. Or it did before I actually took a class. Now, I’m just torn.

Love it:

- Weight loss. After a class, you’ve already sweated off some inches. A lot of inches. If those few dehydration-induced losses aren’t enough, the body supposedly burns fat more effectively when it’s warm. The extreme heat increases your metabolic rate, helps to detoxify, and supposedly helps you to stretch more than you would be able to in a normal climate.

- Easy to learn. There are only 26 easy-to-learn asanas. In my class, each pose was done twice and held for 30 seconds each, which was especially nice for me, because I’d never done yoga before with the exception of “Yoga Booty Ballet.” It was easy to follow and I didn’t get lost, but I have a feeling that since it was so easy and monotonous, it could get boring after awhile.

- Hot bod. Since Bikram is more oriented toward weight loss and muscle toning than meditation and mental health, it may be a faster way to get that hot yoga body, which, after looking around the room, is officially my life goal. Everyone in the class was long, lean and totally toned. Clearly, this exercise works… or the heat is making me hallucinate.

- The post yoga high. The best part about Bikram has to be the endorphins and rejuvenation at the conclusion of the session. After this workout, you feel fantastic. It’s amazing to step out of the hot room and let your body readjust to normal temperatures as you mentally absorb what you were just able to do. Your head is clear, your body is restored, and you feel energized, yet calm.

Loathe it:

Obviously Bikram yoga is hot. Extreme heat leads to dehydration. And dehydration leads to death.

Why would we willingly put ourselves in a room specifically heated to a high temperature (usually around 100°) and then exercise? Doesn’t that seem kind of counter intuitive to you? Even the founder of hot yoga, Choduhury Bikram himself, refers to his studio as the “torture chamber.” Excellent…

Not only is the room hot, it’s also humid. 15 minutes into the class I’m wondering why I’m wearing Under Armour outfit instead of a bikini. Or just one giant super absorbent towel. I was dripping so much my hands and feet kept slipping on my mat. Pair that with my dizziness from being so hot and in downward dog for so long and I swear I almost broke my nose and face at least 4 times over the course of this class.

But my biggest Bikram issue was the lack of sincerity involved. Since this type of yoga is more fitness oriented and lacks a focus on mantras and breathing, it felt a little empty. For me, this isn’t a huge problem as it helps to think of the class as more of a physical fitness experience rather than something with a mind-body connection. But if you’re already used to a different style of yoga such as Vinyassa, Bikram might feel almost wrong.

So, now that I’m home, showered and cooled off (thanks to a trip to Jamba Juice), I’m torn on this one. I’ve already paid for 6 more classes, so I’ll definitely be going, but I don’t know if I’m going to be liking! Maybe a little present from Lululemon or Lucy would help…

Have any of you tried Bikram or any other forms of yoga? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

I have a shocking confession to make: the dress before you is a maternity dress. And while I fully realize that this is a maternity dress and that’s kind of weird, there is no denying that it is adorable. A super-fit, super-skinny blonde that I know showed up to work wearing this dress and I swear I thought she bought it at Nordstrom. You can imagine my surprise then, while perusing the Target aisles for toothpaste, shampoo, and fake Hanky Pankys, I saw this dress in the Liz Lange Maternity section. Total WTF moment. Skinny girl from work is definitely not pregnant, but was also, definitely wearing this dress. So that got me thinking–if she can do it and look adorable, why can’t we? Who’s going to know?

Let’s be honest–the majority of the stuff Liz Lange makes for target is way cuter than the Converse One Star stuff that they’re selling to people our age. I want cute, cheap clothes too, Target! And I don’t mean the hit-or-miss Go International collection.

Seriously though, if it fits and it’s cute, who’s going to know (or care) that it’s maternity if you’re not pregnant? I never would have expected that this dress was pregnancy-wear, until I saw it with my very own eyes in that section, along with other adorable outfits that almost made me wish I was knocked up. Almost. The Liz Lange maxi-dress features an adorable grey V-neck with braided straps, and an ombre turquoize/teal bottom. The dress is super flattering, as it was created to skim over a baby bump, and the maxi trend is still hot for summer. Plus, you can buy an XS instead of an M! What? Just me? I promise it looks a lot cuter on someone who isn’t pregnant.

I don’t know about you girls, but I’d go maternity for this dress. I’m gonna swing by Targét Boutique and pick one up. It can be our little secret!

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

Sexy pumps: every girl’s necessity for a fabulous night out. Yes, they will probably definitely kill your feet and you’ll be walking back from the party in flip flops (or barefoot!), but they’re hard to resist because they look so.frickin.good. Sick of typical stilettos but want to add some height? Look no further than the Sarkia Pump by Calvin Klein.

While the Sarika pumps are classically attractive, they’re far from boring. They feature a 4.5 inch semi-chunky stacked platform heel and a stacked wooden platform of 3/4 of an inch. They also feature an adorable rounded toe. What really makes these shoes different from all of the other black pumps in your closet, however, is their texture: they’re covered in a fish scale pattern! Of course, the Sarkias also come in nude–a hot trend for summer.

You can pick up your own pumps in store at Macy’s on sale for $68, (which, realistically, will probably cost less since Macy’s always has in-store promotions and deals!) but don’t fret if they don’t have your size–the Calvin Klein shoes can also be found online at Lori’s Shoes or Piperlime, where they just happen to be a Rachel Zoe pick.

Personally, I’m going to pick up a pair of the black ones. Here’s hoping that a chunkier heel will mean less stumbling and spills post-party!