I’ll take it. And it’s about time. With graduation looming, college students are taking in the beautiful weather (around a beer pong table) and ending the final semester with an outdoor celebration.  I love this time of year – half of the student body is playing ultimate frisbee in the quad (please note: guys. shirtless), while the other half is tossing bags in their front yards.  And let me tell you: it’s a rough life but someone’s gotta live it.

So before we all escape the library to bask in the sun (and catch up on this week’s Glee), let’s look at a week that was:

- If there was a reward for ‘Biggest Douche Bag,’ this frat boy and his crazy rating system would win. We don’t even think Kanye would stand up to argue.

- Speaking of douchiness, we looked at the douchiest ways to dump someone.

- We worried about all the change, change, change coming for college seniors.

- We listed the reasons why Abercrombie & Fitch is the worst place on earth.

- We were lucky enough to speak with the ever talented and down to earth, Jason Castro, about his new album and American Idol.

- We got a behind-the-scenes look at TextsFromLastNight with co-creator, Ben Bator.

- We learned the difference between texting our friends (“What up, biznatch?!”) and emailing our profs.

- We questioned the meaning of virginity.

And now we’re dunzo. Time to toss the books aside, fill that Nalgene bottle full of sangria and hit the quad. If only we had this handy-dandy swimsuit…

When I was 16, I needed an easy job that could fund my many expenses (like the two beers that got me drunk on the weekends and movie tickets for 7pm on Fridays). The mall was an obvious choice, since I’d always have someone to hang with on breaks (the place employed my entire high school) and I’d have a sweet employee discount.

This was a bad, bad decision. Little did I know when I started at Abercrombie & Fitch that I would come home every night nursing sore legs and an achy jaw from a 5-hour shift standing at the entrance asking shoppers to “try our new sexy fleece.” (WHAT IS A SEXY FLEECE!?) Then, it took me 4 days to wash the smell of boy’s cologne out of my clothes, and don’t even get me started on the hits my self-esteem took when I was banished to the stock room on bad hair days. The place was a hell-hole and to this day I can’t walk past the shirtless girls modeling the newest bikinis the storefront without shuddering (and it has nothing to do with the overwhelming scent of cologne). So it makes me beyond joyful to find out that I’m not the only one who thinks so.

Corporate Responsibility magazine (don’t worry – I don’t have a subscription either) is in the works to publish a corporate “black list” of the worst companies in America. Not surprisingly, Abercrombie and Fitch is on the top of the list. While Corporate Responsibility’s reasons for blacklisting Abercrombie are a bit more…er…corporate than mine, I’ve got a pretty good idea of why A&F is the Taco Bell meat of retail stores.

1. They’re grossly overpriced
$200 for a pair of ripped jeans and $89 for a simple sweater? And my personal favorite – $30 for a pair of plain flip-flops. Why should I shell out big bucks just for a moose logo? It’s a moose! In this tough economy I’d much rather go next door to American Eagle or Forever21 and find the same exact things for a third of the price.

2. They’re oversexed
Okay, so the giant walls of guys with 6-packs might be nice, but Abercrombie degrades their employees and over-emphasizes physical appearance. Did you know that everyone gets hired as either a “Model” (meaning you get to work the floor, cash register, and greet), and an “Impact Team Member” (meaning you’re in the back stocking shelves and pinning clothes)? Yep, since they can’t legally discriminate in hiring, they just stick the uggos in the back. And the tan shirtless guys in the front, taking Polaroids with customers.

3. The atmosphere sucks
The place REEKS of cologne (we were required to spray “Fierce” around the store every 40 minutes!), it’s too dark to even see what you’re trying on, and you can hear the techno bumpin’ from the Food Court. Seriously, is this a respectable shopping establishment or the freakin’ Jersey Shore!? Not to mention that you often get stuck in fake trees while sifting through the racks. Seriously?

4. Seasonal confusion
Sometimes it’s winter, sometimes it’s summer, but at Abercrombie seasons don’t matter. Puffy vests with booty shorts and legwarmers? Winter jackets paired with flip flops? Flowy, flowery miniskirts with boots and hoodies!? As long as it’s got the brand name on it, it seems like anything goes. Until you step outside in the snow with your flip flops and soak the bottoms of your $200 skinnies, that is…

Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean you have to mourn. With the start of fall comes new opportunities – including new clothes (!!!). And what’s one piece you just gotta get this season? The skirt. It’s chic and fun and more versatile than a pair of jeans.

Yes, really!

Skirts can be worn dressed up or dressed down. You can wear them over bare legs to show off that tan, or layered over a fun pair of tights when the weather gets cool. You can rock them to class with a tank and flats, or pull ‘em up a little higher with a tucked in cami and some heels for a night on the town. There is so much fashion opportunity with a skirt, you’d be a fool not to get at least one. Or, you know, all sixteen of these.

[Click on the image to get more info.]

Denim (not sweatpants) should be the staple go-to in any college girl’s wardrobe. They are the perfect thing to pick up off the floor and pull on when you’re running late for class, you can wait months between washing them (don’t judge – you know you do it, too) and, obvi, they are a much better evening option if you wanna avoid the crotch shots.

With all the fits and washes of jeans out there this year, there’s bound to be at least one pair perfect for your lifestyle, figure and budget. The key to the perfect pair of jeans is to try on pair, after pair, after pair, after… well you get the picture. Each pair – even if it’s the exact same size and style – will fit differently, so patience is most definitely a virtue when it comes to shopping for denim. It’s also important to realize that not every fit will look good on you, so keep trying ’til you find that perfect pair that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Oh, and it’s OK if that pair also costs a million bucks. If there’s one thing worth splurging on, it’s a high quality pair of denim. Just trust me on this one. (Click on the jeans to get all the shopping info.)

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.

The t-shirt is arguably the most versatile item of clothing in a college girl’s closet. Though they originated as undershirts, the tee has come along way. Now it’s the perfect item for any occasion, whether you are picking up boys at the bar or rolling out of bed 5 minutes before class. T-shirts are no fuss, they don’t require ironing, and go with jeans, skirts and sweats!

Whether you are trying to make a statement, stand out from the crowd, or blend in to a lecture hall, there is a t-shirt out there for you. Want to hit the bar without looking like you tried too hard? Jeans and a t-shirt. Want to go casual cool when meeting up with the girls? Add a blazer and some choice accessories. Want to look uber chic for a martini party? Tuck a tee into a high waisted skirt and hit the town in those gladiator heels. You can also show off your love for 80s pop stars or subtly declare your love for College Candy without ever saying a word.

So no matter what look you’re going for, there is a tee (or multiples in multitudes of colors) our there for you. I love ‘em all, and here are some of my favorites:

Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.

Who wears short shorts? We do! (Even if it means having to shave our legs.)

With such limited opportunities in your life to wear short shorts, you might as well take advantage before the cellulite sets in winter returns.  You’ve been working on those legs for a reason; show ‘em off! But, have no fear if short shorts are not your cup of skin baring tea – shorts come in a multitude of lengths this year, meaning there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for shorts for the beach or shorts for the office, there is something appropriate for every occasion.  So no matter what your price range, style or the occasion, there is a pair (or many pairs) for everyone.

[Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.]

Sometimes it’s just too cold to go jacketless on a summer night – but that doesn’t mean you have to ruin your perfect summer outfit with a heavy coat, or warm sweater.  While you could chance it, and pray you meet a hot (and chivalrous) man that will keep you warm on those chilly nights, sometimes a girl has to take care of herself.

Fortunately for you take-action girls, there are plenty of cute and cozy coverups that will complete and not clash with your ensemble.  With so many sweaters and jackets, there is a perfect match (or several matches) for every outfit, regardless of your style or budget.  So you don’t have to wait for Prince Charming (because he probably isn’t all that reliable) to keep you warm, because not only can you do it yourself, but you can also look fabulous in the process!

[Ever see something you want but don’t have the money to buy? Ever get sick of studying/watching TV and have the urge to get crafty and make things on your own? We know! Us too! We just don’t know where to start, which is why we got some of CollegeCandy’s craftiest writers to share their favorite DIY projects with everyone. So get to your nearest craft store for the essentials and let’s make some fun sh*t.]

In the past few years, ripped jeans have taken over the Abercrombie/American Eagle world and have now moved to high fashion, being featured on recent Alexander Wang and Martin Margiela runways. Since even the biggest fashionistas are now embracing the trend, I figure I might as well jump on the bandwagon.

Imagine my surprise when I went shopping for a pair of ripped jeans only to find that they were priced about $20 more than their unripped counterparts! Now this just seemed wrong to me; I’m getting holey jeans that are bound to fall apart faster, but I’m paying more? It’s a bit backwards if you ask me.

So being a frugal fashionista, I decided to try my hand at making my own ripped jeans! I have a pile of jeans I never wear sitting around from the 5 buck sale at Old Navy or 50% off day at Value Village; I might as well turn them into something useful. Inspired by these grey shorts by Alexander Wang, I began my adventure.

Ingredients:

- One pair of jeans

- A pencil

- A seam-ripper

- Sandpaper (optional)

DIY Recipe:

1. Make sure your jeans are pre-washed or else your rips will be misplaced and may end up exposing more skin than you intended.

2. Try the jeans on and mark where you want the rips with your pencil.

3. Lay the jeans on a flat surface, get your seam-ripper and make a rip over your pencil mark. I find a seam-ripper to work much better than scissors because it encourages fraying (WHICH IS WHAT YOU WANT).

4. Pull out some of the threads around the rip to encourage fraying

5. To make the tears look more “real” you may want to distress around them with sandpaper (thins out the fabric and makes the rip look like a wear hole). You can also distress other parts of the jeans or rip around the pockets and belt loops with the seam ripper to add to the overall distressed look.

6. Toss your pants in the wash. The more you wash ‘em, the more fraying and distressing you will see. You may need to put them through a few cycles before the fraying looks the way you want it to.

And here is my finished product:

So trendy. So chic. And so much cheaper than what those fools at True Religion are charging!

Good luck!

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Is anyone else getting tired of skinny jeans? I mean they look great on people like Kate Moss and Nicole Richie, but for those of us without personal trainers rocking skinny jeans can make one feel a little self-conscious. If you feel more comfortable with a wider pant (something a little more forgiving of that 3 a.m. Chinese food feast), then I suggest my current favorite style: wide leg jeans.

Wide leg jeans are just as trendy as skinny jeans right now, but they flatter a wider variety of body shapes. The difference between a wide leg pant and a pant that is wide at the bottom (i.e. flared denim), is that they fall from the hips instead of the knee break. To me, this makes them seem a bit more dressed up than other pant styles because most dress pants are constructed similarly. However, wide leg jeans are definitely still appropriate for class or a night out.

If you are just purchasing your first pair of trouser or wide leg jeans, you are probably wondering what to wear with them. There are two keys to rocking wide leg denim:

1)Wear a fitted top. Too often I see people make the mistake of wearing a baby doll or other wide top with their wide leg denim and the result is: WIDE. This does not necessarily mean that you have to wear something skin tight, but you should put on a slimmer top to help balance out the wideness of your jeans. The tank on the left, from Abercrombie ,is an example of a shirt you should not wear with wide leg jeans, while the Arden B top on the right would be perfect.

2) Watch your hemlines. Perfect tailoring will make any pair of jeans look amazing, but it is especially important for wide leg pants. The hem of your jeans should just skim the floor to create a long and lean look. This means that you won’t be able to wear the same pair of wide leg jeans with your heels and ballet flats – you have to commit to one (PLEASE – no cuffing!).

My favorite brand for wide leg jeans is 7 For All Mankind. Both pairs are super comfortable and stretchy. For a high waist, try the Ginger style (left). If you prefer a lower waistline try the Dojo style (right). Both are available at Nordstrom.

This pair of jeans from American Eagle is also really cute (for only $50!). The best part is that it comes in Long, Regular, Short, and X-Long styles so you might be able to skip the tailor!

Want to know more? Get all your fashion-on-a-college-budget updates by joining CollegeCandy’s Facebook group. 

Instead I saw Seven For All Mankind, Paige, Primp, BCBG, Free People, Steve Madden, etc. etc. etc: What distinguishes these particular brands from Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or those created by T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s? After questioning several of my designer brand sporting friends and trying to justify several of my own purchases, I came up with the following list:

SIX REASONS TO GO DESIGNER

1. Product Quality – Many people who don’t believe in buying designer brands say that you are only paying for the brand name and that the product is no better than any other. While you are paying in part for the “privilege” to wear the brand’s name, you are also probably purchasing a product that is high quality. For example, I buy designer denim because it fits better and lasts longer than the jeans I buy for $25.00 at Bob’s. Designer clothes are usually made from finer fabrics and have superior stitching compared to those of bargain stores.

2. Consistency – Most people who wear designer clothes swear by a few designers. For example, someone might own thirty pairs of Paige jeans but refuse to even look at Joe’s Jeans. Both are expensive, high quality brands, so what’s the difference? Paige jeans consistently fit, last, and look great, where Joe’s Jeans aren’t as flattering (this isn’t my personal opinion, it’s just an example). People keep going back to the same brands because they consistently perform well for them.

3. Self Identity – Certain brands represent certain things (according to the advertising class I took last semester). For example, Ralph Lauren represents classic preppy. Club Monaco is worn most often by young stylish professionals. Abercrombie reminds you of a skinny and popular thirteen year old girl. People buy certain brands because what you wear represents who you are.

4. Social Status – Wearing designer clothing aligns you with an elite group: those who can afford it. People who wear designer clothing recognize designer clothing. They can also usually recognize cheap clothing. When you are wearing a Juicy Couture dress, you appear wealthier and of higher social status than others. And who doesn’t want others to be insanely jealous of your clothes?

5. Uniqueness and Rarity – Ok, so this one is pretty similar to #3 and 4, but I have another point I need to make. Why is a Monet painting so expensive? Because it’s rare. Why are designer clothes so expensive? Bingo, you got it. If you pay $45.00 for an (overpriced) Abercrombie tank top, I guarantee you that during its shelf life in your wardrobe, you will run into at least 3 people who own the exact same tank and at least 20 people who own a tank very similar. If you pay $500.00 for a pair of Balenciaga shoes, I can almost guarantee you that no one else will be wearing them at the same time as you. You’re never going to experience that awkward moment where you bump into someone wearing the same outfit as you, which you probably handle by smiling and saying “Nice outfit!”

6. Celebrities Wear Designer Clothes – Yes, it’s stupid to buy something just because Nicole Richie wears it. Have I done it? Yup. I own three Primp tops even though the only reason Primp became trendy is because Paris Hilton and Britney Spears both wear it. Celebrities started the big sunglasses trend (or Rachel Zoe started making celebrities wear big sunglasses). Now I own a pair of huge sunglasses (which my boyfriend doesn’t hesitant to call hideous). People copy celebrities, and no matter how shallow or sheep-in-a-flock syndromish (yea it’s not a word) that is, it’s always going to be that way. Celebrities are like living bulletin boards for designers.

So there you have it – the 6 main reasons people wear designer clothes. I’m not saying that you should wear designer clothes, but I’m also not advising you against it. My wardrobe consists of a mix of American Eagle, H&M, and random deals I got on designer items (courtesy of Filene’s Basement and the demise of Jasmine Sola). Do I think it’s a little ridiculous to spend $2,500 on a dress you’re going to wear once? Yes. Would I do it if I could afford it? Of course!

It’s important to remember that fashion is an art, and clothes designed by Dior or Emilio Pucci are works of art. They are meant to be looked at, admired, and copied. And worn by rich people and famous style icons (who want to be looked at, admired, and copied). And finally to be discovered and treasured by you and when you get your hands on them for half the price!