In between mega data entry today, I found myself browsing the beautiful pages of Anthropologie’s website. It is truly the most gorgeous and visually-pleasing store I’ve ever been in. Anthropologie pays careful attention to details that really make a difference in one’s shopping experience. Not only that, they also carry a wonderful selection of clothing and accessories, including this week’s feature, the Bold Strokes Satchel!

This satchel is made of 100% leather and is a bargain at $198! Seriously, I couldn’t believe that this is the full price of this gorgeous bag. It measures 11.5′ L x 9.5′ H x 4.5′ D, so it’s a medium-sized bag and normal for a satchel. This means that there is enough space for your necessities (wallet, cell, makeup, etc), but you can also fit in some extras, like textbooks or a DSLR camera for street style shooting. The two carrying straps are attached with silver-toned rings and feature faux-buckle detail. There is also a cute little keyring that clips on one of the rings. These rings are awesome for attaching your own accessories, whether it’s a cute and functional change purse or faux-fur tail that’s very “in” this Fall.

The interior is fully lined and has two slip pockets and one zip pocket. The outside also features two slip pockets on either end of the bag, the perfect hiding place for your cell phone or a lipgloss. It all closes with a heavy-duty zipper. And as if it couldn’t get any better, the Bold Strokes Satchel also comes in yellow! I prefer the green, as I believe it can carry you through the winter, but you sunny types may jump for joy over the yellow shade.

If you’re looking for a bright, leather bag to punch up your purse collection, look no further than the Bold Strokes Satchel. Green is definitely the more year-round option, but yellow is fun too! Like I said, it comes in at under $200, which is a steal!

[Every girl needs a good purse (or 12). Whether you’re going for groceries or running from class to class, they are simply essential for holding all your, uh, essentials. Each week, I’m going to show you a fashionable, yet functional purse for the college crowd and let you know why you absolutely need it! I apologize ahead of time to your bank account.]

I’m going to be honest with you — my first thought after watching that Shopaholic film was ‘so this means if I got a credit card, I could have amazing clothes like that too?’

Definitely not the point, as every person I shared my revelation with was quick to point out. But what’s a shopaholic on a limited budget to do? Figure out how to do it on the cheap!  I’ve rounded up some less expensive alternatives to those pricey stores we all love in hopes that we can look super trendy, without being super broke.

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Any more suggestions?

So here a few ideas to make those 24 hours blissful and entertaining!

1. Go on a reality TV binges
There’s really so much to choose from. Jersey Shore, My Life As Liz, or my personal favorite, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, or any other offshoot of that show that has to do with the Kardashians. (I simply love that family. They’re just too entertaining. It should be illegal…but I’m really glad it’s not.) There’s really nothing better than watching impossibly raunchy boys, a strong-willed indie redhead, or amazingly chic girls while lazing about on the couch with a bag of chips and a blanket. Nothing.

2. Check out a buy one, get one free at H&M
“Buy one get one,” “free,” and “sale” are three of my favorite phrases. They’re even better when they’re applied to stores I actually like shopping at! Like H&M, for example. Have you seen their spring line?! Gorgeous. Plus, they’re always having sales and discounts (and I’m sure they’re running an Easter sale today), so it’s hard not to feed into the shopping frenzy that leaves your wallet lighter and your hands heavier (bags don’t carry themselves, you know). Clothing is a necessity, after all!

3. Run to the jewelry sale at Anthropologie
Anthropologie, for a poor student like myself, is such a tease. Thankfully, their jewelry is always being updated with new shipments so their old jewelry that didn’t sell goes on SALE. For instance, I am now the proud (and fabulous) owner of the most beautiful necklace ever and I couldn’t be happier. It’s finally affordable! I strongly suggest you put on some pants, brush your teeth and find the nearest store. You will not be disappointed!

4. Plan a movie marathon
Remember the oldies? They’re the best. Mean Girls, Never Been Kissed, John Tucker Must Die… All fantastic options for Good Friday. (Here are some more great line ups to put a smile on your face.) Add in chocolate popcorn, friends, and a huge TV and you’ve got yourself the perfect scene to do absolutely nothing and still have a great time. (Plus, I’ve tried that chocolate popcorn recipe with DELICIOUS success!)

5. Bake something delicious
What can be more comforting, relaxing, and endorphin-inducing than freshly baked brownies, cookies, or cupcakes? Plus, it just makes the air around these baked goods smell so heavenly. Need some inspiration? Check out all our super easy college-dorm-friendly recipes!

6. Watch the Entire Season of Pretty Little Liars
If you’re like me, you’ve already seen the entire season of Pretty Little Liars… and probably re-watched a bunch of episodes. But if you’re also like me,  you never saw all the episodes at once. (College is not very conducive to my TV-watching habits.) So here’s your chance! One day to just watch the entire season at once with no interruptions! And if you haven’t seen this show yet, you must. It’s the best of drama, fashion, and life lessons about family, friends, and love that you’ll ever find.

7. Give yourself a spa day
I don’t know about you privileged people, but when I get stressed, like right about now since the semester is ending, I get really terrible skin. It’s gross. That’s why Good Friday is perfect for a spa day! It’ll get you all refreshed for the weekend and erase all the work and stress you had to endure earlier that week. Between masks and hot stone massages and calming music, you’ll have no choice but to unwind and enjoy life. Even if it’s just for a few minutes! And it doesn’t have to break the bank because we have great DIY dorm room spa ideas.

8. Play boardgames in your PJ’s
I know what you’re thinking: lame. But recapturing your childhood and lazing about is the BEST way to forget about present troubles, like school and friends and family and whatever else is causing stress in your life. (Read: boys.) Plus, who doesn’t have fond memories of Scrabble, Taboo, and Monopoly?

9. Go on an Online Shopping Bonanza
One of my vices, besides pizza and lipstick, is online shopping. I. Love. Online. Shopping. Love it. Between Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Nasty Gal, and Topshop, I can easily kill 5-8 hours of time. There’s just so much to look at! And of course there’s the ease of shopping from the comfort of your Hello Kitty shorts and plush pillows. Instant happiness!

10. Read Lolita
I know, I know. Reading doesn’t sound like the best way to spend 24 hours of stress-less freedom. But trust me, it is! Lolita, if you haven’t read it, is a scintillating tale an European intellectual struggling with memories of a lost adolescent love. Scandalous, right? Not only is it erotic, romantic, lyrical, and funny, it’s also one of the books a lot of professors and colleges suggest you should read! So not only is it entertaining, it’s educational! And who doesn’t like a little scandalous romance…?

And if none of that works, there’s always this.

Happy sigh. Just listing all these things is already putting me in a better mood. What will you be doing to make this a GREAT Friday?

Enter the Gams Games Tights form Anthropologie. A very detailed floral pattern makes the flowers in the thigh area look like they were meant to be that large, not like they’re stretched out by the unfortunate truth that thighs are bigger than calves (especially after a few too many late-night pizza binges). The detail is also so becoming and shadowy enough that you won’t look like you wallpapered your legs, an unfortunate byproduct of some other floral tights.

There aren’t a lot of pieces out there that you can wear on any given occasion that can be considered wearable art – unless you’re Lady Gaga. These not only look like an artist sketched them onto your legs with the grey colors and shading details, but they’re the simplest way to add a wow factor to a plain, tailored dress or a tired plain skirt.

With frigid cruelty around the corner in December, these tights offer some warmth before you need your snow pants to dig your car out of campus parking. They’re great for pairing with your Uggs that never look right with your jeans tucked in when headed to class or with a pair of solid brightly colored heels (closed toed, always closed toed!) for a dressier occasion.

Added bonus? Patterned tights make it much more difficult to see a snag than their trendy cousin the opaque black tights. Just keep in mind that the ripped up look Taylor Momsen tried really hard to make cool is never going to happen, so two snags and its time to toss, ladies.

No amount of clear nail polish can save the look at that point.

Tweed might make you think of a stereotypical professor - the old man (who doesn’t know how to use email) with elbow patches on the tweed blazer he wears every single day, the one that looks like he’s wearing since he started teaching 30 odd years ago. Well throw this image out the window, because tweed is a gorgeous fabric that should be in every college girl’s (and guy’s for that matter) wardrobe.

This gorgeous textured fabric is perfect for fall, especially for the college girls. It’s a thicker fabric that will keep you warm. It comes in several neutral shades, making it the perfect compliment to your rich colored tops. And while the tweed blazer is always a classic, if you feel too stuffy in one, there are many alternatives to work it into your wardrobe. Think winter shorts, dresses, bags, and even the knee-high socks that are so popular this season.

So forget about Professor Boring McTweed and embrace the new tweed of 2010.

[Click the image for all the shopping info!]

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!]

Of course there’s always the military-style pea coat option, but I’m looking to update my actual outfits with some trendy new pieces for fall. Which is why the D’armee Dress from Anthropologie is absolutely perfect.

I have yet to come across another piece that is able to totally channel the military trend while still being utterly feminine with adorable detailing a flirty shape.

The army green keeps with the army-fatigues theme, as does the tough zipper hardware that runs down the front of the dress and the double-breasted pockets with brushed gold buttons. These strong elements are balanced out with endearingly feminine details. I am in love with the ruched sleeves, tabbed shoulders, the pleated skirt, and the cinched waist which perfectly accents an hourglass figure.

Plus, layering cami’s underneath can totally change up the vibe of the dress. Adding a floral print tank will play up the feminine details of the dress and create a perfect day ensemble with tights and flats. For night, adding a black lace cami and lowering the zipper will make it sexy enough for bar-attire. And belting the dress with a brown leather belt, adding a neutral cami underneath and slipping on some worn-in leather boots will have you totally rocking the rugged, military trend that is so hot for fall.

Thank you Anthropologie…I can always count on you to put a romantic, feminine twist on the newest trends. Now I just need you to have a massive sale so that I can bring home this dress without sacrificing my happy hour (hey, once I buy this dress I need to be able to show it off….).

Trying to piece together outfits that go from classroom to frat house basement is indeed a daunting task, but it can be done.  Here’s how to look ten times better than missy in the denim skort trying to steal your place in the keg line:

Get a go-to top. Make it frilly, make it fun. This will be the one top you can always rely on when you think you’ve got nothing else to wear.  Snag it in a color other than black so you’re sure to stand out, but also be sure it’s machine washable.  Finding a dry cleaner near campus is so not worth the cost or effort.

Take it into autumn with the perfect fitted jacket. This season is all about military inspired details, and outerwear is the perfect place to show off your fashion know-how.  Go for an army jacket with a slim, feminine fit to keep you warm when summer evenings turn into crisp nights.  Throw this one from J.Crew over your favorite sleeveless top and a pair of skinny jeans for the walk to class or the stumble home from the bar.

Add a scarf. No, not the chunky kind Mom knits you for Christmas.  I’m talking about the ones thin enough to twist, tie, knot, and drape around your neck.  Anthropologie hit a homerun with their Stonybreck Scarf.  The funky print boasts a color palate that will match with just about anything and the price is on the lower end of the splurge scale.  Don’t let the roommate borrow this one because you’ll never see it again!

Be practical in your bag selection. But don’t think you need to give up style for function.  Look for something like this bag from Banana Republic.  It’s big enough for books and the leather bottom prevents pens and pencils from poking holes.

Don’t forget to sparkle! Keep all eyes on your with a little bling.  Find some great drop earrings, a studded cuff, or try American Eagle’s antique rhinestone necklace.  The perfect statement accessories will jazz up any ensemble, especially when you’re tempted (and so lazy you don’t even care) to keep it simple with jeans and a long sleeve tee come winter.

Fun fact about color – any color in the spectrum that is a mixture of blue/green can be referred to as a cyan. Under this broad term is the ever popular turquoise and many similar shades of fabulous.

This year, Pantone named turquoise the color of the year, and items in this hue have turned up in pretty much every store this season.  Turquoise is a a color that people respond to positively. Wearing it will give off good vibes, which is perfect for summer! The color is universally flattering, meaning everyone can find a piece perfect for their wardrobe.  And, a popular choice for jewelry and accessories, turquoise can add a pop of color to make your LBD stand out, while a bold dress or skirt in the color can take those neutrals to another level.

As people associate turquoise and other similar shades with water, cyan allows those ladies landlocked like myself to channel the ocean vibe even if they’re hundreds (or thousands) of kilometers away. Oh, and it looks great with a tan. Yeah, turquoise rocks.

First it was the skinny jeans that seemed like a good idea in my cool apartment, but instantly made the back of my knees sticky when exposed to the 90 degree sauna outside. The next morning I vowed to never make the mistake again and I slipped on a mini skirt. An hour later the hip hugging stretch fabric was making me claustrophobic, not to mention that it kept riding up making me look like the office hooker.

As I felt sweat stains spreading down the back of my white tank the next day I cursed myself and then hit the web in search of some scorching-temperature outfits that could get me through the summer of hell that this is turning out to be.

I stumbled across the Flowers in the Fountain Dress from Modcloth (which is always my go-to site for girly frocks with a vintage vibe) and wished I could have it delivered to me right at my desk.

The strapless top is just what I need, with no uncomfortable straps or restricting high necklines, and the sweetheart shape couldn’t be any more adorable – sexy in a way demure enough for the office. We get the comfort and airiness of a mumu without committing a massive fashion faux pas. Much to the contrary, this dress couldn’t get any cuter. The baby doll shape accents the waistline without feeling too binding as the fabric flows away from the body (giving my legs some much needed breathing room).

Even the pattern makes me feel lighter, with posies channeling a watercolor effect in the cool color palette of blue, grey and white. I’m already thinking of ways to rock this dress to work, without pit stains, flushed cheeks and beads of foundation colored sweat as accessories.

My office is freezing (thank god) so I’ll carry a light grey cardigan or a sheer, white silk scarf to cover my shoulders. Playing up the girliness of the dress’ floral pattern with white flats and a simple, single-strand necklace will make for a perfect summer work outfit. And throwing on a wide black belt, strappy heels and mismatched stacks of bracelets makes it edgy enough to transition to a night out.

What makes me even happier is that this dress totally emulates the Anthropologie vibe at half the cost. The garden party-chic style of my all time favorite store, a price tag I can manage to justify and no sticky-thigh syndrome? I’m totally sold.