One of the must-have items this fall (and the fashion item that has taken the lead role in my dreams) is a pair of boots. Not only are they super functional, but boots are also one of the easiest, most-stylish ways to pull together an outfit.

There are many styles of boots in fashion this season, from shooties (shoe booties) all the way on up to the hottest style of ‘09, the over-the-knee boot. It’s super sexy and a great way to add some va-va-va voom to your basic jeans and t-shirt combo. Yes, without looking trashy.

Boots aren’t cheap, but they’re a versatile addition to any college girl’s wardrobe. The perfect riding boot can be worn with jeans tucked in, or even with leggings or a dress – meaning they can dress up or dress down any outfit.

Boots are so popular right now that even the ugly Sorels of our childhood days are getting in on the action.  These super-functional boots have gotten a makeover so they will not only keep your feet dry in snowbanks, but they’ll look pretty damn adorable in the process.

You want to be warm, dry and totally hot? It’s time to get thee some boots. Tall, short, ankle or knee-high – there is literally something for everyone. Here are a few to drool over inspire you. Read More »

One of the best things about fall (besides Halloween, candy corn, pumpkin everything, Honeycrisp apples, etc.) is switching up your wardrobe. If you live in a colder climate (read: hell. frozen. over) like me, each October you yank your tanks and dresses from your closet (shed a few tears) and swap ‘em out for the sweaters and boots stuffed under your bed. And then you hit the mall to add a few new fun pieces to your already warm and snuggly fall/winter wardrobe.

But what should you add? With so many trends happening right now, you don’t have the space (or, more realistically, the money) to load up on everything this season. You need the best of the best – the items that are cute and functional and will get you through until the snow melts…in June.

Perhaps we can help. This week I asked the CollegeCandy writers to share their fall/winter fashion must-haves. See what they’re lovin’ this season and stock up on a bit of it for yourself. Sure, they may not have the best taste in men, but when it comes to fashion, they know their ish. Read More »

Military jackets are trendy for fall and will keep you warm as the temperature cools. Here are two ideas on how to wear this piece:

Street chic
Wear a military jacket with skinny jeans and ankle boots for an edgy vibe. Layer over a tank with jewelry that matches the jacket’s buttons or embellishments.

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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 »

Once upon a time, women sat around on Sunday nights sipping cocktails and tuning in to their favorite fashion friends on Sex and the City. But whether you were more of a Samantha or a Carrie type doesn’t matter anymore because there’s a whole new gang of girls in town.

The new fashionistas to watch are the girls of the hit series Mad Men.

The buxom Joan Holloway, the poised Betty Draper, and the spunky Peggy Olsen don’t just entertain us but allow us to feast our eyes on the fabulous designs of yesteryear, coordinated by the show’s talented costume designer, Janie Bryant. Pair the dresses walking down the halls of Sterling Cooper with period pumps and handbags and you’ll look a bit dated, but it’s easy to glam them up 2009-style with tights, belted cardigans or ankle boots.

Check out the StyleHive slide show for some vintage delights for Mad Men fans. Now you’re one step closer to becoming Joan Holloway.

So maybe I’m a little behind on the trend, but I’ve found myself fascinated by ankle boots lately. At first I wasn’t so sure – in fact, I was pretty damn sure I hated those things – but I’ve been watching girls prance around in them for a year now and they’re totes growing on me.

Only problem? I’m not sure I can pull them off. Dear gods of fashion, help me – I’m torn!

Love it:
I’m super short, so the idea of little boots with big heels makes me really happy. There are so many cute and reasonably priced options out there, I’m surprised I still don’t own a pair. I don’t know about you, but those over-the-knee boots that are so popular this fall sort of terrify me. How the heck can a short girl pull them off? And won’t “over the knee” on most people just mean “up to my crotch” on me!? That’s why I’m thinking ankle boots for fall.  Sliding into a pair can immediately update an otherwise drab outfit. They look great with tucked in skinnies, or even with a dress. They immediately make you look more stylish, even if the rest of your outfit is less than exciting. Plus, you can wear them in slightly warmer weather, which is more than I can say about Uggs.

Loathe it:
For some reason, when I think ankle boots, I immediately think of Barbie. Or runway models. Though I like the idea of ankle boots, I think they may be just too trendy for me to pull off. Also, when I’m in the market for a new pair of shoes, I like them to be both stylish and practical. Though these boots satisfy the first requirement, I don’t see them surviving my heavy partying schedule. Or real life, for that matter; those babies will not be able to survive a Boston winter.

So, what do you ladies think? Do you own a pair? Should I grab one for myself?
Help!

While I’m enjoying summer’s warm weather, there is one thing I’m really excited about for fall: cozy, oversized sweaters. I know, I shouldn’t wish away the summer months, but seeing all those fall clothes out on the racks is getting me super pumped for sipping a hot coffee in my fall wardrobe on the way to class.

Sigh.

Luckily, I don’t have to spend all my money on a new wardrobe to enjoy the latest fall trends; I have a few leftover sweaters from last winter that will work perfectly for this one. Here are a few ideas of how to rock those old looks and turn them into hot, chic new ones. Read More »

[In early adulthood there is an activity that plays a large role in most of our lives; nights out on the town. And with those nights out always comes the question: “What am I gonna wear?!?”

Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just consider me your own (free) personal Rachel Zoe.]

So the holiday buzz has warn off, it’s time to get back to the real world, and on top of all that, it’s frickin’ freezin’ out there! Things may seem bleak right now (the economy sucks, the weather sucks, school sucks; I know how it goes) and there may be nothing you want to do more than climb into bed, pull the covers over your head and attempt to fight off those winter blues by daydreaming of sun-drenched days on the beach, but your chin up, girlfriend!

Get out of bed, pull on a cute outfit and get out there. Just because we’re officially in the dead of winter doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fun to be had… Read More »

Alright, ladies…Black Friday is right around the corner. Are you ready?

They call it Black Friday for a reason…it’s not pretty. It’s a jungle. It’s women (and some men) at combat. It’s war. Savings like these are not to be taken lightly.

Sure, we could give you tips on how to survive the shopping nightmare like, map out a game plan, shop online, or just don’t go. But let’s be real, if you really want to survive Black Friday…you got to B-E A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E: be aggressive! BE BE AGGRESSIVE!

Here’s how…

Read More »

Fall and winter fashion is all about boots, and I don’t mean Uggs. Boots can update any outfit, from that cute dress for the bar to those skinny jeans you wear to class. Luckily, there are tons of different looks to choose from for every style…and every budget.

Check out my boot picks for fall below; from the low end to the highest end, I got somethin’ for everyone.

(Click on the pics for more info/to add em to your already overstocked shoe collection!):

Over-the-knee boots

This thigh-grazing style has been seen on fashionable celebs like Mischa Barton. The look is very fashion-forward and a bit hard to pull off, but when done right can look amazing. They look best with pants tucked in, not with short skirts or dresses with a short hem, which leave you lookin’ like a hooker.

If you are looking to splurge, check out the Joie boots on the left ($475), or, for the rest of us, the Newport News boot on the right is only $49. Bonus: they have a cool fold-over top so they can be worn two ways. Read More »