8 Under $20: Valentine’s Day Fashion

This Sunday is February 14th, that equally loved and dreaded holiday all about looooove.  While you may be worrying about whether you have a date or not, there’s no need to worry about what you’re gonna wear. There are tons of affordable and adorable options out there for any of those V-Day plans: hot date, night out with the girls or staying in on the couch watching sappy movies and eating cartons of ice cream.

Valentine’s Day is all about red, pink, and hearts so whether you choose to vamp it up in a sexy red dress, add a burst of festive color with tights or shoes, or show your heart with accessories, you can easily incorporate the day’s theme into a cute look that isn’t over-the-top.

Here are a few of my favorite options… Read More »

Bad Advice Women Get: Grocery Store Glamour

Is this chic enough for the cereal aisle?

Okay, I’ll admit it: I spend a decent chunk of my time gawking at the heinous outfits documented on Go Fug Yourself, a site where two hilarious writers analyze the wacky get-ups worn by the rich and supposedly stylish. There’s something so satisfying about seeing how even gorgeous celebrities, who are endowed with personal stylists, makeup artists, and assistants upon assistants, can somehow leave their mansions thinking that things like this (or this! And don’t forget this!) actually look good.

But even though the Fug Girls can get a little vicious from time to time—any celeb wearing leggings instead of pants better be prepared to get seriously ripped apart by these ladies—I really admire the fact that their site generally only critiques the crazy things stars wear to high-profile events, like movie premieres and awards shows. Even these bitchy bloggers try to stay away from criticizing boldface names for throwing on ratty jeans and sweatshirts while they’re walking their dogs, or pumping gas, or doing any of the other menial chores that gossip rags love to say make stars seem Just Like Us. That’s because everyone knows that sometimes, it’s nice to forget fashion and wear whatever’s comfortable—especially if you’re just out running errands.

Well, everyone but Suze Yalof Schwartz of Glamour Magazine. In January, Schwartz took a trip to a Whole Foods store in search of women whose choice of garb left something to be desired. Her quest to take unsuspecting shoppers from “eek to chic” was documented for a Glamour Don’ts to Dos segment on the Today Show. Read More »

Wardrobe Wish List: Jewelera’s Cotton Field Sweater Guard From Etsy

Every fashionista knows Etsy.com is an online goldmine. Not only is everything one-of-a-kind unique, handcrafted by independent designers, but it is my personal go-to website for cutting edge accessories and unexpected finds.

Sure, I love the pearl and flower detailed necklaces from JCrew, but when wearing them I can almost guarantee that at least one other girl in the office or in class will be sporting the same one. They are just so expected. That’s why I’m always scouring Etsy for a hidden gem. Some little accessory that will add a spritz of unexpected glamour to any outfit.

My latest obsession? The Cotton Field Sweater Guard (with vintage brooches ) by designer Jewelera.

The sweater guard has been on my radar for awhile now. Cardigans are a staple in my wardrobe, and I’m always looking for a way to spruce them up a bit. Necklaces could do the trick, but it’s just so charmingly romantic to have a draping chain linking either side of your sweater. And this one from Jewelera is the perfect blend of edgy and earthy vintage, with two gold leaf brooches connected by swinging chain accented with white gold etched acrylic beads.

This accessory is gorgeously reminiscent of renaissance days, with the detailed accents of a hippie flower child. I can already see this sweater guard adding instant glamour to a conservative cardigan, or as a uniquely feminine touch to the extremely trendy blazer. Read More »

Show Yourself Some Love This Valentine’s Day

For us single girls, Valentine’s Day can seriously suck. Even if you love being single, all the PDA (puke), listening to what your coupled friend’s boyfriend did or (more likely) didn’t buy them, and the concerned phone call from your mom checking up on you, gets real old, real fast. And, for the love of god, if one more coupled friend tells me I’ll “find someone soon,” I’m going to scream.

But you can make Valentine’s Day better. Why should you miss out on the gift-giving and indulgence V-Day has to offer just because you’re single? Yes it might just be another day of the year, but it’s also the perfect excuse to buy you yourself a fabulous gift. Read More »

From CollegeFashion: 5 Undies Every College Girl Should Own

At the beginning of the previous semester, I dedicated a post to the top 5 bras every college girl should own. These bras, I noted, were essentials that could totally make or break your look.

In order to create the perfect foundation for your outfit, the panties you choose are equally important! If your lingerie drawer is in need of an upgrade, if you’re unsure of what to wear under that new dress, or if you simply consider yourself a lingerie junkie like I do, read on! These five styles should be staples in every college girl’s wardrobe. Read More »

Budget Stylista: Liven Up That Winter ‘Drobe

I get it. With winter carrying on for another 6 weeks (thank you, Mr. Groundhog) your life really does feel like Groundhog Day since you wear the same thing day after day…after day: jeans and a black top, or sometimes, if you’re feeling a bit crazy, jeans and white one. After the novelty of a cute winter ‘drobe wore off (like the 2nd week of negative temps and slushy snow), it’s hard to put any effort into looking presentable and unique.

But after this article you will see that even if you keep your winter uniform intact, you can make it look like you really cared and make a ordinarily boring ‘fit ready for any occasion just by adding a few fun accessories.  And you can do it all for cheap. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: accessories are the BEST way to revamp an outfit, create a look, change it up, or try out a trend without spending that booze money breaking the bank. Read More »

Fashion Porn: Nautical Orgy

I'm on a bleepin' bleepin' boat

According to reliable sources – namely, Punxsatawney Phil – there are still six weeks left of winter. That’s six more weeks of singing the winter blues as we trek to class in our layers upon layers trying to avoid frostbite while still looking cute. Worst of all, that’s six weeks of craving cute spring clothes that retailers are dangling in front of us while we lug our winter coats around the mall.

The tail end of winter sure does suck.

But, it doesn’t have to! Looking to the Resort 2010 collections (also known as Pre-Spring), there are many trends that can be incorporated into our winter looks while still channeling the feeling of warm months to come. What better way to kick those winter blues (covered in icicles) than with nautical clothes? Who wouldn’t rather be on a boat (bustin’ 5 knots, wind whippin’ out my coat) than braving the winter weather?

OK, so putting on some madras and a pair of Rainbows isn’t exactly possible right now, but it’s really easy to incorporate some nautical looks into your winter wardrobe with a little creative layering. Tights, long sleeve shirts and cardigans makes it possible to enjoy nautical clothes now, and then you can strip that stuff off when the snow (finally) melts in the spring. Need a little fashion warm-up? Let’s hit the high seas! Read More »

Campus Couture: Kayla, Lakehead

[While everyone is fabulous in their own right, we thought we should celebrate the campus fashionistas of the world for their continued excellence in not looking like a hot mess for class. So, we started stalking those girls on campus (like Taylor at Ryerson!) to get a few pics and get some tips on their personal style.

And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in.]

I actually met Kayla when we were about 8 years old in ballet class. We became fast friends and continued to be so through high school and now university. Kayla and I also happen to work together on campus, share an office and work side-by-side for 35 hours every week in the summer months. We see A LOT of each other, which is great, because I love her. It also means I am constantly a witness of her wicked style.

I consider myself to be somewhat of a fashionista (as voted in my high school yearbook – fist pump!), and let me tell you, Kayla is one of the most fashion-conscious girls on Lakehead’s campus. My favorite thing about her style is her willingness to take risks:

White jeans in the winter? Yup, Kayla does it.
Super high, super bright heels to work? Mmmmhmmm, she works it.

Kayla wears clothing and accessories that I could never dream of and she pulls them off with confidence! She also has a knack for pulling random things together, like active wear and casual wear. Somehow Kayla manages to pull off pairing Lululemon athletic tops with designer accessories. It is truly mind-blowing.

I totally admire her style and have to admit, it’s nice to have such a stylish co-worker and friend. I can say that, without a doubt, the Orientation Office is the most stylish on campus. Read More »

I Love Your Style: Edie Sedgwick

Who inspires your style? Or better question, WHAT inspires your style? Many of us use movie characters (like Penny Lane) or celebrities (like Leigh Lezark) as style inspiration, even though, most of the time, they are being dressed from head to toe by the best stylists. Which we don’t have. And sometimes it’s damn near impossible to work their Hollywood looks into our not-so-Hollywood lives. I’ve made it my mission to tap into the mind of a fashion stylist and show you how to take your style inspiration – whatever it may be – and make it more you!

Edie Sedgwick, best known for being one of Andy Warhol’s muses, is my muse for this week. In addition to being a quadruple threat (actress, model, heiress and socialite), she was also known to be a major style icon.  Although she is no longer with us today, her style still continues to appear as fashion inspiration from runways to sidewalks.

We are all shaped and fashioned by what we love to do and Edie exhibited that in her style.  Many hours of her day would be spent practicing ballet and other types of dance, which would require tights and a leotard.  Instead of changing after dance into a more typical outfit her time, Edie was known (and infamous) for throwing on a large (most likely fur) coat and going about her business. And thus it became her signature style. Read More »

8 Under $20: Tights

I love tights. They not only keep me warm during the winter, but they’re also a fun way to express my personal style and give my outfit a little extra pizzazz.

Tights have been pretty popular for a few seasons now (thank god – no one wants to wear their annoying sister, hose, during the cold months) and there are tons of different styles out there ranging from funky to sexy to feminine. The surprising news is, tights can get really pricey. I’m not sure how something that rips so easily can cost so much, but I am not the one making the rules. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options that don’t skimp on the style, and here are a few choices that will look fab without hurting your wallet. Read More »