Yeah, I know this is blurry. It's hard to capture such fabulosity.

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 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.

And if there’s one girl who’s got some fashion courage it’s Lauren. I spotted her on campus because, well, it’s impossible not to spot her. She’s always decked out in bright colors, bold accessories and some serious confidence. Oh, and her perfect hair helps, too.

We started talking fashion and before I knew it, we were back at her dorm. Where she showed me her closet. Sigh. It was a wonderful place.

Name: Lauren
Year: 2012
Major: Spanish and Religion
Lauren in 3 words: Chill, fly, gansta

1) Describe your personal style.

I have a very eclectic style; I definitely go for bright colors and fun animal prints, something really crazy. You can tell by my hair. Fierce.

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.

Ipod. For sure. Read More »

I have a love/hate relationship with Urban Outfitters. I fall madly in love with everything on the racks, but hate how much they charge for shirts, skirts and dresses that usually fall apart after a few go-rounds in the washing machine. But then I fall in love again when those trendy little Urban employees stock the sale racks with all that gorgeous goodness.

The Urban sale section might be one of the only ones I’m willing to elbow, shove and push my way through. They have some of the best deals around on some serious cuteness, much of it $19.99 or less! Here are some of my favorite pieces that are all under $20. The best part: you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your couch or tempt yourself with the rest of the overpriced items en route to the sale section. Read More »

With fall here, it’s time to start adding new outerwear to your closet, and while many people argue that everyone needs a boyfriend blazer, I think everyone should be picking up this military jacket from Banana Republic. This sharp, dapper blazer can pull together any combination of a T-shirt and broken-in jeans (you know, the super comfy ones you wear every other day) when a decent outfit takes too much effort, or make you look even smarter when paired with a crisp, collared shirt.

It features pockets at the chest and waist, a standing collar, shoulder epaulets (for that extra touch of cool), a concealed button placket and cinching at the waist that creates the perfect hourglass shape. Roll up the sleeves for a more laid back look or add a necklace or two for some glam. Available in black and gray, it practically goes with everything, so, like your jeans, you can wear it every other day as well.

Planning my next trip to Banana Republic as we speak. See you there?

There are so many must-have styles of boots this fall: over-the-knee, mid-calf, ankle, heeled, flat, etc. In order to snag all the looks you want, you need to shop smart. We found cute boots that will flatter every type for under $100!

1. A pair of Knee-high boots is a classic wardrobe staple. They look cute with skinny jeans, leggings, or skirts and they’ll keep you warm and comfortable in crisp fall weather.

2. Mid-calf boots look best with leggings or the skinniest of skinny jeans (otherwise the denim will bunch up in an unflattering way).

Read More »

We all know the benefits of using a facial scrub: it sloughs off dead skin cells letting your beautiful fresh face show through; and also gets really deep into your pores to get rid of oil, makeup and other gross build-up. I love all the good that a facial scrub can do, but I’m tired of rubbing my face with a sandy, painful scrub!

I have been looking high and low for a facial scrub that doesn’t feel like i just rubbed sandpaper all over my face. And I finally found it.

This is another Mario Badescu product (what can I say? Mario knows what he’s doing!) that works, smells great, and is affordable! Now we can all get the perfect skin without feeling like we’re scratching off our faces in the process.

This recession totally sucks. But, if you ignore the unemployment rate and rising cost of beer, some good is definitely coming from it. And one of those positives is the fact that the plummeting sales of retail chains has caused them to re-evaluate their brand and reinvent themselves for fall. Suddenly stores that used to make me feel nauseous (boasting window displays stuffed with mom jeans and fugly tablecloth patterns), actually have some adorable stuff that us college girls would actually consider wearing.

For the closets of fashionistas, this is great news. Now there are a dozen more stores that we can peruse online during class and drool over on our weekly treks to the mall. (Plus now when my mom calls and tells me she’s going to Ann Taylor to pick up a suit jacket, I can ask her to pick me up a cute skirt to add to my care package!)

Check out my favorite extreme makeovers (that don’t involve sexy Ty Pennington) below: Read More »

I had an aversion to plaid for a really long time. Seeing it gave me hives as I remembered the days I was forced to wear it every day in the form of a pleated skirt paired with an ill-fitting polo and some tall navy socks.

Shudder.

But that’s all changed thanks in part to my (Gossip) girls doin’ their thing on the UES of New York City. Well, that and the fact that designers have embraced the classic pattern this season. Plaid is everywhere right now and it’s so cute I can’t even think of a good enough word to describe my newfound love for the stuff. Yes, I’ve gotten over my plaid-allergy and I want it all. There has never been a better or easier time to reclaim this fabulous fabric. Just leave your old plaid skirt in the closet (unless it’s Halloween… or you’re into role playing) and embrace a more sophisticated and updated plaid piece instead.

There are many ways to wear plaid, despite your shape, style or budget.  Every type of clothing and accessory imaginable can be found in plaid this season.  Whether you want to make a statement with a plaid coat, or embrace this trend secretly (via Victoria), there’s the perfect piece (or pieces!) out there for you. Read More »

One of my favorite things about fall is not the return of pumpkin everything, but the chance to start fresh with my look: new clothes, new boots and a complete overhaul on my makeup drawer. I love how it feels to have a completely fresh wardrobe and to be excited about getting dressed every day. I love the challenge of incorporating new trends into my look. And I just love any excuse to play with my makeup for a few hours.

One of the trends I’m most excited for this fall is the return of the bright, bold, purple eye. I know it sounds scary and overwhelming, but you you can wear violet hues without looking like Barney. Just look at all the models doin’ their thang during Fashion Week!

Like with all bold makeup, the key to pulling off this look is to keep the rest of your face simple so the purple on your eyes will really pop.  Try out some of the products and techniques below and I promise to get you looking like a chic starlet walking the red carpet… not like a big, scary Purple People Eater. Read More »

There are some people who always come to school looking like they just picked up whatever piece of clothing was in their line of sight, that may or may not be clean (determined by the ever scientific “Sniff Test”). Then there are others who are always dressed so fashionably that you wonder if they live in a clothing store. Or how freaking early they wake up to pull an entire outfit together before making the trek to class.

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 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.

Enter Sarah.

Even though she isn’t in college anymore, Sarah still exudes the typical college girl enthusiasm for new clothes and the word “sale.” When I approached her and begged to take a picture of her look, she agreed… but only if I took a picture of the back of her skirt. She wanted to show off the best parts of her look: the pretty metallic details and ruffles next to the rich color of her scarf.  She’s also got this very Nicole Richie, I-didn’t-try-too-hard twisted pin-up braid going on that’s super cute and complements the entire look perfectly.

As a recent college grad, Sarah is always busy running to and from interviews and meetings. She doesn’t have a lot of time to spend on makeup and hair, which she doesn’t mind. Her style philosophy: a cute outfit to match her bag and long, flirty eyelashes. Sweet and simple. I love it. Read More »

Ok, so Delia*s may not seem like the best place to find some threads once you’re out of high school, but if you look in the right places, it’s a wardrobe gold mine. They have some great basics, even better accessories, and a lot of their stuff is trendy on the cheap (especially if you check out their seasonal clearance/sale). There really is a lot to choose from, but here are some of my absolute faves, all for under $20! Read More »