Recently, a style distressed CollegeCandy reader sent us an SOS for a little style assistance:

I have been wearing my 2-year-old ripped Sperrys all winter because I don’t want to dirty up my new, clean ones and can’t wear my Vans with skinny jeans without looking alternative. What I am wondering is, what are some good everyday shoes to wear around campus that aren’t Uggs, rainboots, or make me look like a stereotype?

Being the sweet, generous, fashionable girls that we are, we knew we had to help her out. So we put our style hat on (it’s a knit beanie, BTW) and got to work. And here is our fashion advice for both this college girl in need, and anyone else who’s sick of wearing the same damn Uggs every single day.

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Shoes can be tricky. They can make or break an outfit. They’re not always cheap, though, and cheap shoes won’t last long in the wear and tear of college life. It’s a great idea to invest in a couple of pairs of “staple” shoes that will go with anything.

I’m not sure where this particular lady is emailing from, but by the sounds of it she might be somewhere like me in Minnesota where lots of snow really messes with my footwear choices. However, there are dozens of options that you can wear that don’t involve the cankles caused by UGGs or the sweaty calves that come with a day in rainboots.

If you still have a couple of weeks (or months!) of cold weather left, a great pair of boots would be a perfect, versatile addition to your wardrobe. Ankle boots or knee-high hoots look great with skinny jeans and also look fantastic with dresses and skirts. If you don’t want UGGs or rainboots, there are hundreds of different colors and styles you could go for. If you want a style that will go with everything, a simple black or brown ankle boot is a great choice.

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There are lots of styles you can go for. You can opt for a heel (like the ones above), or stick to something more comfortable. A studded boot can give an edgy look, or you could try the military trend with a lace-up ankle boot. Here are my favorites for under $50…

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If you fancy something a little more feminine, you can always go for the standard girly ballet flat. Again, they look great with skinny jeans in the warmer months, or with tights and a skirt or dress in the winter. They come in all kinds of styles and colors, but as with boots, a neutral color would definitely be a good idea.

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As you can see here, black is really versatile for ballet flats as they’ll go with anything, but you can also try some pretty, feminine styles or vibrant colors to brighten up your outfit. Here are my favourites…

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Finally, if you want something a little more edgy without being too casual, try a menswear inspired oxford shoe. They look edgy and cool with skirts and dresses, but perfect with skinny jeans. They’re definitely a shoe for standing out from the crowd!

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Oxfords can come in a number of different colors, but blacks and browns are most popular. Pair with skinny jeans and a tailored blazer for a masculine look, or something super-girly for a constrast.

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You having a fashion emergency? Email us and we’ll get our team of fashionistas on it ASAP!

[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities (like, duh, Nicole Richie) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.]

Jessica Szohr totally gets the short end of the Gossip Girl stick. Her character, Vanessa Abrams, is one of thee most obnoxious, insufferable, thoroughly unpleasant characters on the show. Considering how none of those characters are people anyone would want to know in real life, that is quite a feat.

But just because Jessica’s character completely sucks doesn’t mean that Jessica deserves to be as D-list as she is. I mean, she’s dating Ed Westwick, so she’s probably a pretty cool chick. Not only that, but her sense of style is amazeballs. (No joke, are all of the GG actresses must be contractually obligated to be as fierce off set as they are on?) Jessica combines edgy, feminine, and trendy pieces to create a banging, fun, fresh aesthetic that is to die for. Or, you know, to scour discount racks for…

Shopping Info: Trench, Cardigan, Shorts, Tights, Boots.

Black and white will never not be a totally great look. Black trench coats are a wardrobe must. They are so versatile and you can throw one on over pretty much anything and look totally put-together. A white sweater underneath adds a striking contrast, and the oversized, boyfriend style makes it look casual and cool. Throwing that on over short black shorts adds a splash of unexpected sass.

I am as big a glitter slut as Ke$ha, so the glittery tights are absolutely my favorite part of this look – they are sparkly, glam, chic, fun, and sexy. What more could you possibly ask for from a pair of tights? Finally, a pair of basic black ankle boots ties the whole outfit together into one edgy, trendy, fabulous-for-winter look.

Oh, Jessica Szohr, this outfit almost makes me forgive you for bringing Vanessa Abrams to life…almost.

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

Whether you’re buying yourself a post-exam present or looking to put something on your list for Santa (with exact color, size and style….you don’t want him to get it wrong, do you?) boots should be high on your list. Temperatures are dropping, the snow is starting to fall and your toes are starting to get cold. Really, boots are a present for your feet, and after a semester of torturing them in communal showers and dancing the night away in high heels, it’s really the least you can do.

If you don’t already have a pair of boots – or yours are long overdue for a replacement – you should look at investing in a pair this season. And yes, I said investing. These babies aren’t always cheap, but can you really put a price on having 10 fully functional toes? Well, as functional as toes really are….

There are boots for all purposes and whether you’re trekking through snow to get to class, looking for something a little warmer than flats for a night out, or some combination of the two, there’s a pair out there for you. They’re great to slip on with a pair of jeans for class (duh), they’re great with a pair of leg warmers for a little extra toastiness on a busy day, and they look HOT with everything from the skinniest jeans to the miniest of skirts (yes, even rain boots!).

Here are 15 pairs I’m totally digging right now to get you started on your shopping.

I hate to admit it but fall is almost here. Major tear.

But while I’m not excited for midterms, wool coats, shivering on my walk to class and being too cold to drink iced coffee, I am excited for boots (and really excited for Pumpkin Spice Lattes). I know, its not easy to think about knee-high boots when you’ve got sweat building up in the crook of your arm (just me?), but right now- while you’re still in summer mode – is really the best time to stock up on boots for the season:

1) Because you can find good deals.
2) You can find whatever you want in your size.
3) You’re so sick of dirty flip flop feet, you just want something soft and buttery covering up those toes.

Those three reasons were good enough for me to go on an Internet shopping spree from my bed last night. And I found some major gems.

This season, embellished boots and more masculine lace-up boots are totally in my closet. Doesn’t seem like you? Wrong. You can wear these little guys with anything. Pair them with leggings and a long button down for the day, or pair with a flirty feminine look for a nice juxtaposition of girly and boyish.

Here are a bunch of boots that I’m loving right now. There are different heights (from over-the-knee to ankle booties), colors (grey, olive, and tan are nice alternatives if you already have black and brown but want something new) and styles. So go ahead, stock up! You’ll look bootiful (did I just say bootfiul? Ohhh no. That was so a joke my 7th grade geography teacher would have made…) and kick off the new semester in style.

Top Row (L to R): Lulus, $48; Gap, $79.50; Target, $39.99; Madden Girl, $69.95
Middle Row: Forever 21, $27.80;  Charlotte Russe, $40; Forever 21, $34.50; Madden Girl, $49.95
Bottom Row: Delia’s, $59.50;  Lulus, $49; Rocket Dog, $69.95

Who inspires your style? Or better question, WHAT inspires your style? Many of us use T.V characters (like Joan Holloway) or celebrities (like Chloe Sevigny) 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!

Although today she is synonymous with drugs, alcohol, plastic surgery and being an all around hot mess, let’s rewind about 18 years back to the days when Courtney Love was in her prime.  In the ’90s, Courtney Love was one of the few women who represented the grunge music genre. As is usually the case, with different genres of music come different ways of dressing (or in her case, throwing on whatever was on the floor – clean or dirty – and peacin’ out,) and hers rocked. Pun intended.

Although there is much controversy over Courtney Love as a person – like whether she “killed Kurt Cobain,” or that time she crashed Kurt Loder and Madonna’s interview flashing all her drunken bits on national television – I couldn’t care less, because, well, sometimes the crazy people have the best style. And there’s something about Courtney’s mix of innocence and rock star, sweet and edgy, angel and devil, that makes me forget about all the crazy sh*t she says and does.

So, if you want to channel Ms. Love with your wardrobe and not with the booze/smudged red lipstick/tiara/stringy bleached hair/tattered-on-purpose dresses, all it takes is a pinch of sweet and handful of edge.

Product Info: Dress – Urban Outfitters, $58.00; Mary Janes – Target, $22.99; White Eyelet Dress – ASOS, $60; Ankle Boots – Forever 21, $32.80;  Lip stain-Benefit, $28.00; Lipstick – Cover Girl, $1.99.

The key to Courtney’s signature look is taking something frilly and girly and mixing it with the unexpected edgy pieces. I love the way black booties can totally change a feminine eyelet dress, and how the brightest red lipstick makes it that much harder. And how, somehow, putting those three things together works and works well. The best part: you probably already have all the pieces to make this work. Just grab your girliest summer dress, a hot pair of shoes, some black tights, muss up your hair a bit, stain those lips red (stain provides a more intense hue) and you’ve got the Courtney Love look without the Courtney Love, you know, everything else.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/02/24/i-love-your-style-courtney-love/feed/ 7 Cristina-Michigan State University Courtney Love courtney love look http://collegecandy.com/2009/12/14/wardrobe-wish-list-michael-kors-frannie-boot/ http://collegecandy.com/2009/12/14/wardrobe-wish-list-michael-kors-frannie-boot/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:34 +0000 Brianna-Fordham University http://collegecandy.com/?p=48589 ]]>

Style can be really stressful, especially for someone that is so obsessed with fashion that I can’t walk a street without being drawn in by some supernatural force to pretty much every store I see. No matter how full my closet is, there is always a new trend coming out that makes it feel incomplete (and keeps my wish list a mile long).

So anything that takes a little stress out of fashion, I’m all about it.

Which is why I am in love with the new Frannie boot by Michael Kors.

Why, you ask?

Well it’s leather, it’s chic, it has an adorable fold over top. And, oh yeah, did I mention it’s four trends in one?

That’s right. This boot has three zippers, which allow you to instantly transform your boot from above the knee, to below-the-knee, to mid-calf, to ankle booties. Tell me that’s not the most genius thing you’ve heard in a while.

I can wear them as-is over skinny jeans, fold down the cuff for a more conservative right-below-the-knee look, zip off the top layer for a mid-caf boot that will fit nicely under a boot cut pant (because how annoying is it to have that bulkiness that makes it look like you have gigantour calves?), and then zip off the top two layers for a trendy ankle bootie that looks adorable with a mini dress and opaque tights.

It’s so perfect it makes my head hurt!

These boots are the answer to my fashion stress. Owning these means an end to my drooling/crying when I pass a shoe store with a window display full of ankle boots and I’m stuck wearing my knee-highs. I can simply zip off the top and instantly be on trend once again!

Too bad genius comes with a very steep price tag. As in, a month’s rent. Here’s hoping Target or my pal Steve Madden will get on board and bring me a little Michael Kors knock-off that is both fashion and wallet friendly.

Q. What is the best way to wear booties?

A. Not only are ankle boots a huge trend, but they’re also extremely versatile. You can wear them with jeans or leggings or in place of a pump with dresses and skirts. Since booties range from super low (sometimes called shooties) to heights that are well above your ankle bone, how you wear your boots depends on the style of boot.

Shooties or shoe booties look best with skirts, dresses and long skinny jeans or leggings. These are the most flattering style to wear since they come down low on the leg, making them look longer than with other styles of boots. Booties that come up a bit higher on the ankle can also be worn with skirts and dresses but look best on women with slim calves. Another option for ankle boots is to wear them with skinny or boot cut jeans or leggings. Here are some celebrity photos for inspiration:

Katy Perry, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart and Rihanna all wear booties with bare legs and dresses or skirts, though tights would also be a great addition to any of these looks. Note that all of the hemlines hit well above the knee for a flattering leg look.

Rihanna, Nicky Hilton and Leighton Meester wear booties of various heights with skinny jeans and leggings, while Keri Russell shows how to wear them with boyfriend jeans.

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.

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.

Zahra – Northwestern University: I’m crazy about skirts right now. I’m trying to not constantly rely on jeans and there are so many adorable skirts that you can dress up or down, but more importantly, throw over leggings or tights when it starts to get cold. Cute, but still practical!

Norah – Drake University: I’m absolutely obsessed with this dress from Urban Outfitters. I love the silhouette and the green color on top is perfect for fall and winter. If only I something to wear it to…

Lauren H – The New School: I’m loving that it’s OK to indulge my Pretty Woman moments this season. All hail the over-the-knee boot! Bonus: they’re really warm for winter and these from Chinese Laundry are great for those of us with skinny legs (and wallets).

Caitlin – University of Alabama: My must-have for this fashion season is a loose cardigan like this one from Forever21. It’s a great way to add some volume to your look so you’re chic and comfy at the same time.

Leah – Ryerson University: The boyfriend blazer from Club Monaco. It’s an investment piece that would be multifunctional.  Too bad I suffer from sticker shock every time I visit it. 

Anna R – Northeastern University: My must-have is the BB Dakota Zoe Vest at Lulus.com. Faux fur is a big trend this fall, and this vest will keep me warm and look chic with jeans, a dress, anything! It instantly updates jeans and a long sleeved tee (aka: my go-to outfit for class).

Lauren – University of Michigan: I am OBSESSED with these boots from Target. They are perfect for fall with a pair of jeans. And they’re only $29.99! I tried on an identical pair at Bloomingdales for $160. Hell to the no, Bloomies.

Brithny- Duke: Steve Madden booties! They’re so much cheaper than the ones on the runway but still super cute. Especially the Seryna that I just bought.

Brianna- Fordham: I am totally loving the bib necklaces this season. They are so chic and instantly dress up a plain shirt or dress.

Charlsie – Hollins: Glimmer Tights from J Crew. Not only will they keep me warm, they will add a little sparkle to the upcoming cold winter nights. And to top it off, the shades of these tights go with just about anything!

Erica – Kent State University:  This American Apparel circle scarf. It comes in 14 different colors, an assortment of fabrics AND you can wear it as a dress?!  What will those AA people come up with next?

Kendra – University of Pittsburg: This isn’t your typical Ugg boot; it’s more like a sweater for your feet. The Classic Cardy Boot is versatile; you can adjust how you wear it with the buttons on the side. Perfect for dry fall weather!

Sarabeth – University of Texas: This season I’m all about classics with a modern twist. I just ordered this skirt in teal.

Cristina – Michigan State University: These shoes would make me feel like I’m about to pop off like a mobster boss, angel hair with the lobstah sawce.  Don’t ask me what that means, because I don’t even know…they’re that cool.

Alex – Lakehead University: My must-have this season is a fur vest! Funky and functional in the cold Canadian winter! My fav is this DIY version.

Elizabeth – UC Berkeley: The “Twister” LBD. It’s perfect for New Year’s without the usual overdose of sequins.

Sara C – Fordham: I just bought this electric blue HeatTech turtleneck from Uniqlo and I adore it! It is as lightweight as your favorite tank top but retains heat to keep you warm without layering. The HeatTech line also has scoop-neck tees and tank tops which come in so many delicious colors. For just $10-$15 each I might go back and get them all!

Carly – Grinnell: I’d have to say it’s these basic leggings from Express. I was amazed how comfortable they were when I tried them on, and they go with EVERYTHING! I love, love, love to wear skirts, but I get cold so easily, and these leggings make it possible for me to keep wearing skirts all through the fall.

Elizabeth-University of Missouri: My Marc by Marc Jacobs high-waisted skirt is basically all I’ve been wearing recently. I pair it with a Mizzou tee-shirt and flats for football games or class, and I add heels and a cute top and wear it to parties. It’s versatile, cute and comfy… what more could you ask for?

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.

Military meets girly
Pair a tough military-style jacket with a feminine piece, like a chiffon dress or tulle ballerina-esque skirt.

Here are some other cute military jackets. Work one into your style now for a chic look that’ll keep you toasty.

Check out more style tips and advice at StyleBakery.com!