And I’m not just talking snapping at people on the subway because my skin hasn’t seen the light of day in months and the lack of Vitamin D has sent me into a permanent state of PMS. Not only my overall disposition, but my entire style changes during the winter. It’s part brooding downtown rocker-chick, part sleek uptown-chic. And while it is many things (bad-ass included), one thing it definitely isn’t is colorful.

Which is why when summer comes around I fully embrace the rainbow.

Catch me out at a club now and there will be no trace of the head-to-toe black ensemble complete with chunky rings and metal-chained necklaces. In its place will be a vibrant fuchsia ruffled mini-dress or a white linen pencil skirt and a floral top.

And if you catch me out next week, I just might be rocking the Tie Die One Shoulder Ruffle Tunic from Arden B.

For me, summer outfits are all about fresh silhouettes, fun colors and patterns and comfortable fabrics, and this dress hits all of the criteria on the head. I am obsessed with the one-shoulder trend, it perfectly channels chic, sexy and modern all at once –not an easy feat. This dress kicks the trend up a notch by adding a cascading ruffle detail down one side; adding a dose of flirty movement to an otherwise form-fitting and sexy shape.

The vibrant aqua base is accented by deeper navy and cobalt blues, and it reminds me of a watercolor painting of ocean waves. And finally, the rayon material is a stretch fabric making it move along with you, perfect for a night out busting some moves on the dance floor.

What I might love more than anything is the versatility of this dress. If I happen to pull out some of my darker-winter accessories, the dress will go from whimsical to vixen (I’m thinking sky-high black heels, a cropped leather jacket and some gold chains). But with some mismatched bangles, strap sandals and messy beach hair, the dress becomes uber-feminine and girly.

Ditch the heels for some flip flops and a white cardigan and you’ve got yourself a perfect outfit for brunch with the girls or grandma’s 80^th birthday party. Any dress that won’t send granny into a seizure but can still have all eyes turned your way when you strut into a bar is a keeper in my book.

I had one response to that: “Yeah freakin’ right.”

Of course your stick skinny models look amazing wrapped in a skin tight mini dress or skirt; they’d look hot in a paper bag. And while I am usually one to give a trend a try before labeling it unwearable, I just couldn’t see how stuffing every lump and bump into a super tight micro-mini would result in a flattering look.

And then I walked by the BCBGMaxAzria near my apartment and cried inside every time I passed the adorable bandage skirts in all colors of the rainbow. Don’t get me wrong, I was still 95% sure that I would put one on, let out a yelp of horror and hide inside the dressing room, but they looked so damn cute on the mannequins that I just had to give it a shot.

And I did leave the store screaming…but not because of how big my ass looked. I didn’t even get that far; instead I took one look at the price tag and ran as far away from that place as possible.

After this I spent months ignoring the trend, even though I’d see girls out at bars sporting the look and never once had bitchy thoughts about how she must have no mirrors in her dorm room. It seemed the editors may have been right…this look did seem to fit every body type.

So I went on a mad search for my own bandage piece; more specifically, one that wouldn’t leave me starving for months (hey, no need to drop pounds if the skirt will look amazing with my extra junk in the trunk, right?). And alas, I have finally found what I was so desperately searching for, the Bandage Mini Skirt by Arden B…and it was totally worth the manhunt.

Let me clear some things up for those of you girls who have already begun speed clicking to the site to get one of your own. The skirt is only $39 in store (versus the $44 online), and while I like the ombre version, the five solid colors they have in store really up the chic factor. I recommend getting your butt there immediately. I bought it in a rich eggplant color and have already paired it with a loose chiffon top, some strappy heels and a cropped leather jacket.

And I am definitely headed back to pick one up in white, perfect for brunch with the girls with a tucked in v-neck tee and some flip flops, and in cobalt blue, which will make the perfect bar getup paired with flat motorcycle boots, sheer patterned tights and a racerback tank.

Not only is this skirt one of the most comfortable socially acceptable things to wear in public I have ever put on, but the minute you slip into it, every bump, dimple and jiggle magically disappears. No joke. Go buy one now, thank me later.

And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in.]

Ashley lives in the room next door to mine so I see her a lot. Yet somehow, every time I spot her in the hall (or lounging on her bed) she’s wearing something different that looks amazing on her. Ashley’s got serious style. She not only knows what looks good, but she knows how to put things together that other people wouldn’t think of. And it always works.

The thing I probably love most about her fashion sense is that she always looks unique. She takes trendy pieces and makes them all her own, something I think we all wish we knew how to do. Plus, she’s not afraid to mix colors, patterns or styles and she always makes it look so right. If you see her around campus and you’re a fashionista, take notice; you’ll probably get some awesome ideas for how to spice up your wardrobe.

Name: Ashley Gates
Year: Sophomore
Major: Journalism

1) Describe your personal style:
I would say I really enjoy mixing and matching. Things don’t have to match, they have to go. I’d call myself Urban boho chic.

2) You can’t leave your house without your…
Boots or a necklace.

3) What is your favorite store to shop at?
It changes frequently. Right now I’d say Arden B or H&M.

4) What/who is the biggest influence on your style?
Kim Kardashian or a toned down Rihanna.

5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?
I love fringey boots from last year. Right now I love over-the-knee boots with studs.

On Ashley:
Jacket: Delia’s
Dress: Armani Exchange
Tights: Urban Outfitters
Boots: Zara
Necklace- Forever 21
Belt: Thrifted

Fall merchandise will be arriving in stores over the next few weeks, and while it may be tempting to run out and get a whole new back to school wardrobe, don’t! Wait for sales to begin, and shop in your closet instead.

One item that the majority of college girls have in their closets are leggings. The great thing about leggings, like this pair by Plan B from Bloomingdale’s, is that they can be worn with practically anything. Here are three outfit ideas that use leggings to take your summer outfits into fall:

1. Pair a summery tank top with leggings and a cropped jacket for a a chic yet simple fall look. The tank will keep the look from getting too severe, but the jacket is there to warm those shoulders (seeing as the temps will drop into cold territory quite fast). For shoes, pick flats, ankle boots, or knee-high boots.

Jacket: Corey Lynn Calter, $86.40 at Chickdowntown.com; top: Charlotte Russe, $18.99; leggings: Merona by Target, $9.99; boots: BCBGirls, $76.24 at Endless.com.

2. Layer a cozy sweater over a summer dress with leggings. Cinch your waist with a belt to give it some shape.

Sweater: Spiegel, $39; belt: Arden B, $19.50; dress: Forever 21, $17.50; leggings: Arden B, $18; boots: Aldo, $110.

3. Wear summer’s flowing tunics throughout the fall with leggings and boots.

Green tunic: Forever 21, $17.80; Blue tunic: Forever 21, $22.80; leggings: Arden B, $18; boots: Steve Madden, $99 at Lord and Taylor.

So cute, so easy, and so cheap. Save that money for something more useful… like a pair of these.

For more fashion tips, follow me on Twitter!

Along with the spring fashion trends, it’s (almost) time to break out the new shoe styles and this spring shoe styles are all about fun, fun, fun. Here’s what to be on the look out for…

Details:

This season it’s all about details: embellishments, beads, fringe, ruffles, flowers, buckles, zippers, snaps, studs…Think of your shoes as a piece of art and go with something new and interesting.

Gladiators:

Gladiators are back and this season with a twist. We’re seeing more heeled gladiators and fun & interesting takes on this popular style: metallics, bright colors, and wedges.

Reptile Skins:

Reptile skins (especially snakeskin), real or faux, are being seen on shoes all over the place. Flats, stilettos and wedges; you name it, you can find it. The most important part of this trend is to go for quality – you don’t want faux skins that look cheap. Payless is not the place to go for these shoes.

Cut-Out Booties:

This spin on the popular bootie of fall and winter will make them translate to warm weather and will give you a more fun and updated look.

Ties, Laces and Straps:

Ties, laces and straps were all over the runways for this season in all different forms, from hippie-tree hugger to glamazon.  They’re not only a fun and new trend, they’re functional as well (you will never lose a shoe!).

Unique Heels:

With interesting details being such a focus this year, heels did not get overlooked. Keep your eye open for brightly colored, uniquely shaped or architectural heels.

Color:

Just like this season’s clothes, bright colors are all the rage for shoes, especially pinks and oranges.

And of course, keep your eyes open for all the styles we’ve seen season after season; wedges, slingbacks, peep toes, sky-high heels and platforms.

Cutouts are a sexy trend seen on both the spring and fall 2009 runways, so if you feel comfortable showing some skin, then rocking this look is definitely a must this year.

Just make sure you’re not showing off too much. If you’re wearing a cutout top, pair it with jeans. If you’re wearing a dress, make sure it’s not super short and/or pair it with tights to offset the bare skin already visible on your upper half. There’s a fine line between sexy and slutty, so tread carefully.

Hitting the town? Below are two great outfit ideas. The first is more casual, so wear it out with the girlfriends. The second just screams sex appeal, making it the perfect look for shakin’ your groove thang at the club.

Top and jeans, Arden B; shoes, Lauren by Ralph Lauren at Zappos; earrings, Forever 21.

Dress, Arden B; necklace, Forever 21; shoes, Unlisted by Kenneth Cole at Piperlime.

Be tasteful when choosing where to rock this look. Hitting a night club for dancing and drinks with friends? Perfect. Dinner with your boyfriend and his parents? Not so much. And keep in mind you’re trying to show off some skin, not your bra straps. To avoid this fashion faux pas, invest in some of the products made by Hollywood Fashion Tape, a girl’s best friend.

Have you met our new BFFs over at What’s Haute? We love popping over there to do some “window shopping” of all the designer bags and accessories that we would have to work for life and beyond to afford. Still, we can’t stop. To see more couture goodness, visit What’s Haute.

Apparently the name of one of the new favorite ‘It bag’ brands of the stars doesn’t begin with an F, G or LV. And it’s not plastered with logos either. What it is covered in is fringe, this year’s throwback trend made current and oh-so-haute! And the brand is J.J. Winters!

Celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Haylie Duff, Paris Hilton and Ashley Tisdale have been flocking to the brand’s bohemian-style bags. In particular they love the J.J Winters Suede Fringe Bag in shades of Camel, Grey and Purple. But if the $400+ price tag isn’t your thing, shop these just-as-cute but way less-expensive fringed options:

A big, comfy sweater is definitely a must-have this winter. It will keep you warm and looking chic, unlike a baggy hoodie. Kim Kardashian and Kate Hudson, above, look cute but casual, the perfect look for heading to class or shopping. Jessica Alba dresses the look up a little by adding a belt and tights.

In order to pull off this look, however, make sure that the sweater isn’t TOO enormous. You don’t want to look like you stole it from your grandpa’s closet. Buy a sweater that is meant to be oversized or go one size up from what you would normally buy.

Here are some stylish oversized sweaters. Click the picture to visit the store’s website.

Put one of these cozy sweaters on over jeans/leggings and leather boots and you’re good to go! Throw on a belt for a little extra pizazz (and to show that you have a waist), or layer up the bracelets to make this look ultra feminine. Cute and warm has never been easier.

(Left to right, Fall 2008 RTW, from style.com: Jill Stuart, Fendi, Fendi, 3.1 Philip Lim)

[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!]

Belts are your most useful accessories; they can hold up your pants, make your waist look small (even in the bulkiest of sweaters), and (literally) pull your outfit together.

Belts are a worthwhile investment because they are so versatile. Neutral colors like brown or black will work with most items in your wardrobe, and brighter colors can make a boring outfit unique. Read on for different ways to cinch your waist this winter. (Warning: anything that applies pressure to the stomach is probably not something you’re going to want to try out at Thanksgiving dinner.)

All dressed up:

Blake Lively looks amazing in this purple Tadashi Shoji dress and black belt at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards in August. This is a great look for any more formal event, like a New Years Eve party. Just wear some tights if you’re going to be outside! Put this look together yourself below: (Click the picture for more info.)

A Casual Look:

Dress up your drab daytime look by adding a belt. Try wearing one over a cardigan, like Sophia Bush in this picture. It is an unexpected twist that really highlights your waist and adds a little ooomph to your ensemble. Here’s where you can get this look (click pictures):

More good ideas for wearing belts:

1. Tie a long skinny belt instead of buckling it – it looks messy but in a good way.

2. Tuck your scarf in. It makes the whole look a little more chic.

Also, make sure you try both wide and skinny belts – both are very in and very cute right now.

[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!]

Bubble shaped skirts are a big trend this fall from the runways of designer brands like (see above) Dior, Armani, and Erin Fetherston. Like the ruffles we’ve seen all season, this silhouette is really flattering; the volume of the skirt makes your legs and waist appear tiny in comparison. It’s also a fresh look for any holiday parties you will be attending this season (you social butterfly, you).

Before you zip into a bubble skirt, there are a few tips you must remember.

First, this type of skirt is definitely OK to go mini with, but if you think you’re showing a little too much leg put on a pair of opaque black tights. You don’t wanna look trampy! Also, when shopping for a bubble skirt, you must try it on! This is not the type of thing that will always fit you the same, so head to the nearest dressing room and make sure that the fabric stays upright and bubbly and doesn’t droop into a saggy mess. Finally, to maximize the slimming effect make sure you wear a tight fitted top (so as not to appear voluminous all over!) and heels to lengthen your legs.

Here are some cute options for skirts. Just click the picture to learn more:

If you a skirt isn’t your think, you can achieve the bubbly silhouette with a dress! There are a ton of cute options for party/semi-formal bubble dresses out there to choose from. Here are just a few to get you started: