Yeah, it might not look like much but this little guy will transform your wardrobe.

The quintessential waist belt was not created to hold anything up. It doesn’t fit into loops, it offers no form of support, it’s not durable and it doesn’t save the world from your plumber’s crack. So what does this basic wardrobe staple do for you?

It works harder for you that you did for your A in Intro to Painting; it creates the illusion of a smokin’ waist.

Your closet (aka the storage bin under your bed) and your body are incomplete without this wardrobe essential.  Nothing gives you that perfect hourglass shape quite like a cinch at the waist. No matter if you have curves or none to claim, a braided belt like this one from American Eagle will not only create them, but let your wallet keep a fat curve of it’s own.

This belt is what saved the shirt-dress trend by mercifully adding some shape to an otherwise baggy and unflattering outfit. There are so many shirts and dresses in my own wardrobe that I won’t dare to wear unless I can find a suitable waist belt or I’m left feeling boxy and paunchy. Even if you don’t have a lot of this type of shirt, this belt is so versatile when worn right.

I love this belt because the braided detailing makes it a lot more interesting than any other belt I’ve got. And if I’m going to invest in a nice leather belt, it’s going to be black, so I appreciate that this cheapie option allows for some new color to enter my wardrobe that I don’t have to make above a twenty dollar commitment to.

The key to getting the most out of this belt is twofold, mainly because it will literally fold on top of itself since waists do not come equipped with belt loops. Hint number one: buy it large. It may sound contradictory, but if you can buy this belt large enough to fit your hips as a regular old belt, it will not only double its wearability, but a skinny belt on tailored pants or well fitting jeans also looks so chic. Essential and surprising hint number two you can find in your bookstore – yes, I said your bookstore: double-sided tape.

I’m serious. Since your waist is most likely a lot smaller than your hips, that belt is going to have a very saggy tail outside the buckle that has no loop to be tucked into, which can be a plus or could ruin your outfit. If you’re going for a casual look on your way to class with a baggy shirt or dress that you’re looking to bring some hobo fashion to, then by all means let the tail wag free. But if you’re looking for an added element to a tucked in fitted white blouse or button-up for a meeting with a professor (you need that extension) or a job interview (you need that horribly low-paying campus job), you’re going to need that double-sided tape to make the look professional and polished.

Just beware of a serious fashion don’t: I don’t care how loose your pants are after you join the crew team, if you’re wearing this fabulous waist belt, you will not be wearing another one on your hips. Not even if you convince yourself it’s hidden by that long shirt your wearing. No double belting!

Every morning when I get off the subway to go to school, I have to walk right past Forever 21. And it’s torture.  School been in session for three weeks now, and there has been this super hot navy lace dress (I think it’s a dress, but you never know with that store…) every time I walk by.  Seeing as I don’t REALLY need another dress (remember how I bought 3 in the spring?) I’ve been trying really hard not to go in and buy it in all its gorgeous, lacy glory.  So far I’ve been successful, thanks to the fact that my classes start before the store opens (which might be the only redeeming thing about 9am class).

The good news for me and every other girl out there with a closet full of frocks: dresses aren’t the only way to incorporate lace this season. This dainty, feminine fabric is on everything right now (both in and out of the bedroom), even showing up in some new and unexpected ways. Our girls over at CollegeFashion have even put it on their Back to School shopping list; do you even need another reason to stock up?

Oh you do? Well here are 15.

(And if you do happen to find and purchase that little navy lace dress, let me know so I can live vicariously through your closet.)

[Click on the pics to shop!]

Military style.

Honestly, I never would have liked this style if it wasn’t in every. single. fashion magazine this season. But, alas, it is (perhaps this is the fashion world’s way of tipping their hats to the troops?), so I’ve been on the hunt for a military piece that I feel I can pull off without looking as if I’m waging guerrilla warfare (although I might be if I catch someone wearing it at the same time as me). After all, if I’ve learned one thing about fashion, it’s that I need to wear the trend, NOT let the trend wear me.

And what will I be wearing this season? This awesome piece from American Eagle. I call it a piece because it’s neither sweater nor jacket; it’s more like their lovechild, or as AE calls it, the “Cropped Military Cardigan.”

I love this offspring of jacket and sweater because it’s different than the other military styles that you will never touch again come the last day of fall. It’s inexpensive (at $39.50!) and it’s not deep enough army green to look like pea soup. It’s no military shirtdress, or some trend from last fall dyed green in a desperate attempt to make it cool again.

It’s also so versatile – it can be either shirt or jacket. Wear it over your skimpy shirt (that your friends wouldn’t dare tell you makes you look like a stripper) on the way to a party when it’s so cold even “I won’t feel it after a few!” doesn’t hold true, or as a shirt on a chilly fall morning when you roll out of bed for class and need something quick and cute to pair with the jeans you found at the foot of your bed.

But the absolute BEST THING about this bad boy (and the military style in general)? You know there’s always going to be an Army theme party every semester, and while the ’80s will never come back and the orange self-tanner you used for your Jersey Shore party still hasn’t come off, this jacket will allow you to dress for the occasion without having to spend precious alchs money on something that makes you feel the need to throw another Army party just to justify the purchase.

Make sure not to leave this one behind, though, ladies. It’s so cute and warm and perfect, I can guarantee someone else will nab it and wear it (with the jeans they found at the foot of their bed) in your Monday lecture, praying the chick who left it at the party doesn’t recognize it.

Leather is one of the biggest fabrics for fall 2010.  It is also one of the easiest to embrace because EVERYTHING can be made in leather: bags, shoes, leggings, shorts, jackets, skirts…the list goes on.  And I love it all. Leather is sexy. It’s edgy. And it makes everything look cool.

Leather items are almost magical in their ability to transform an outfit. Just add one leather piece and you’ve got an entirely new look. Pair your favorite floral dress with a structured leather belt or a moto-jacket and you’ve got a totally different style. Or add some edgy, buckled boots to a pair of skinny jeans and your favorite camisol from last season and – bam! – your look in updated. (That being said, make sure not to go overboard; you want to look edgy, not like a member of Hell’s Angels.)

Even those opposed to wearing leather (or meat dresses….) can get in on the trend, as many designers and chains are offering up a variety of faux (and fabulous) leather pieces. Seriously, there is something for everyone, and you should definitely get out there and take advantage. Not sure where to start? Here are 15 awesome options to choose from.

[Click on each image to get all the info.]

When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges:

1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it).
2. A major lack of storage space.

For these two reasons alone, maximizing what you do own becomes essential.  And that’s why I’m bringing back the Shop Your Closet series. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.  With the growing popularity of 6 Items or Less it can’t be that difficult to remix one item, right?

My favorite clothing item this fall is the utilitarian military jacket.  Originally popular in the grunge era known as the ’90s, a utilitarian jacket in your closet is not only on-trend, but necessary. The military jacket – thanks to its neutral color and shape – is incredibly practical and versatile.  There are very few things that can’t be worn with one and its the easiest way to completely re-style the staples that are already in your closet. Check out Who What Wear to see how the celebs are embracing the army jacket.

Look 1:

Jacket, Dress, Shoes, Bag.

Add edge to a sweet dress with a military jacket.  The toughness of the jacket juxtaposed with the femininity of the dress are the perfect contrast.  As this dress is fairly simple, the studded detail on the shoes add some visual interest along with the pop of color.  This is an easy everyday look, as the jacket makes the overall feel of the outfit more casual.  Add a contrasting shoulder bag to incorporate even more color (and fun!) into your look.

Look 2:

Jacket, Top, Jeans, Sandals.

Instead of throwing a cardigan or boyfriend blazer over a feminine top and jeans, try the utilitarian jacket for a completely different feel.  If you’re heading to a bonfire party or football game, the base of this look is very cute and feminine (and similar components are already hanging in your closet), while the jacket adds an hint of ease and a masculine spin.

Look 3:

Jacket, Top, Cardigan, Belt, Leggings, Boots.

After spotting Oliva Palermo’s military-inspired look, I just had to recreate it. Belting an army jacket tones done the masculine feel as it draws attention to your feminine figure. A ruffled top (or even just a graphic tee) under a longer cardigan is a cute and comfy way to layer under the jacket and make the look a little more personal.  Leggings that mimic leather (standard leggings work too!) worn with over-the-knee boots is a perfect and chic way to finish this outfit.

Ladies, it’s time to embrace the plaid.

OK, before you former uniform-wearing girls get all “I spent the last 12 years of my life in plaid, why on Earth would I wear it once I can finally pick my own clothes each day?!” let me explain. Plaid is so. much. more. than the pattern of choice for schoolgirl kilts; it’s classic, it’s versatile and it’s probably one of the easiest ways to incorporate a multicolored pattern into your wardrobe.

Plaid is one of the 10 Modern Pieces Every Girl Should Own and the plaid shirt has become a uniform for both male and female college students.  It’s easy to wear with jeans, super comfy, and looks good even when it’s been balled up on your floor and you only have 10 minutes to make it to class.  It’s also been super popular for a few years, and appears to have major staying power.  If the plaid shirt isn’t your thing, or you want other ways to incorporate your new favorite pattern into your wardrobe, there are lots of coats, bottoms and accessories out there for you! And each one is cuter than the other.

Another bonus about plaid?  If you’re ever in a bind about what to wear to an ‘I love the ’90s’ party, a plaid shirt is your best bet… Take that, solids!

One of my favorite Spring 2010 fashion shows this year was D&G with their western wear inspired collection.  Being from Calgary, Alberta, home to the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” I see a lot of western wear during the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede.  And most of it is tacky, ugly and ill fitting. D&G, on the contrary, incorporated chambray, ruffles, fringe, florals and much, much more, making me a western wear believer.

I even kinda, sorta wanna hop on a horse right now….

The thing everyone needs to know about goin’ western is that it’s not as scary or costumey as you think. You can do it up (like those gorgeous women in the above D&G ad) and go all out, or you can pair one western-inspired piece with more classic pieces to embrace the style without looking country.  For example, cowgirl up in a denim dress with cowboy boots and a brown leather belt, or hit city streets paired with sandals and a cute cardigan.  These pieces are super cute while being versatile! What more could you ask for?

Well, besides for a smokin’ hot cowboy on your arm. Yeehaw!

It’s starting to get hot, hot, hot outside! While I’m stuck in landlocked Alberta, where no one has pools, I’m sure many of you out there are gearing up to start hitting the beach, or hang out poolside on a weekly (if not daily) basis.

Whether you choose to wear a bikini or a one-piece, you’re going to need a cover-up for going to the beach, or even just covering up a bit to avoid extreme sun exposure.  Lucky for you there are some really cute options this year that will easily transition from the beach to the boardwalk (assuming you dry yourself up enough to avoid those pesky wet marks around your boobs…). Seriously, toss a pair of wedges and a few bangles into your beach bag and you can take these things all over town.

So put on your sunscreen, grab your shades and don a cute cover-up as you get ready to hang out by the water!

A few weeks ago Sarah Jessica Parker inspired Fashion Porn. This week, it’s inspired by someone completely different.  While doing my usual online browsing, I discovered Forever 21′s “Inspired by La Roux” page.  I’ve been drooling over pictures of Elly Jackson of La Roux’s style.  And while I won’t be donning her angular, statement hair anytime soon, I am coveting some of the rock ‘n roll elements of her style.

Very few things scream rock ‘n’ roll like studs and chains.  The metallic hardware adds edge to items, and adds an instant accessory to any piece of clothing.  With studs appearing on everything from shoes to skirts this year, and chains gracing the shoulders and front of dresses, these are two elements easy to incorporate into your wardrobe.   Just remember: while you can find studs or chains on absolutely EVERYTHING this year, be careful not to go overboard. You wanna look chic, not like some reject from an ’80s heavy metal band.

Oh the joys of summer – sunshine, beaches, the end of school, sandals… and of course, rising hemlines!

As the temperature starts to rise, it’s time to bare those legs, soak up a little vitamin D (just make sure to wear sunscreen!), and enjoy the lovely weather. Sure, you could wear shorts, but then you gotta deal with that whole “thighs rub together and shorts ride up” situation. Plus, skirts are way more fun, and a cuter, flirtier way to show off those gams.

So enjoy the start of summer with a skirt. Here are 16 perfectly adorable options to choose from. Just remember, knees together when you’re getting out of the car.  No one needs to see you pull a Britney!