[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 child-star turned fashion designer, Ashley Olsen) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.]

After disappearing for a hot second post-High School Musical, Ashley Tisdale reappeared this fall on the (completely underrated, totes hysterical) CW show Hellcats. Of course, she fills the role of a catty, ferocious, ambitious performer with ease (would you expect anything different the girl who brought Sharpay to life so perfectly?) Her personal style, however, is a lot more laidback, playful, and reflects a bubbly, adventurous personality.

And after seeing her don this look that is what I like to call hobo-chic, I wasted no time finding a cheaper alternative for myself.

Product Info: Sweater – Victoria’s Secret, $29; Slip Dress - Ebay, $19.50; Tights – DSW, $9.95; Boots – DSW, $39.99; Necklace – Forever 21, $5.80; Cross-body Bag – Charlotte Russe, $18.50.

I love all shades of red, and this deep raspberry sweater is so rich and luscious with a loose, laidback shape. Paired with a frilly white slip dress, the oversized sweater hits the dress right at the lovely ruffled skirt, creating a fun silhouette. Lace tights are one of the hottest winter trends (need I explain why? Have you ever seen a pair that was less than orgasmic? Didn’t think so). Ashley chose an animal print bag to accompany her ensemble, and I decided to take it a step further and find a sequined bag, because a little sparkle never hurt anyone. A thin, multi-strand beaded necklace is a delicate, but still funky addition. Then to balance out the super girliness of the rest of the outfit are some toughened up motorcycle boots.

Rock a look like this when you’re out and about in your hometown during winter break and make all those girls who hated you in high school seethe at how effortlessly fashionable you are (and maybe catch that pre-calc cutie’s eye in the process).

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

I realized something once I got to high school, though: that for the most part, the stereotypes about cheerleaders that are presented in movies and TV shows aren’t really fair.  Sure, girls (and guys!) who cheer are expected to act super perky while performing, but that doesn’t mean any of them are stupid.  In fact, a lot of the girls who cheered at my school went on to attend great colleges.  Walking through the halls of my high school, no one would have ever been able to pick out the cheerleaders from the masses.  They didn’t parade the hallways in their uniforms or spew cheers between classes.  They didn’t congregate by the captain’s locker – in fact, they really weren’t all friends, at least not in the clique-y way that we’ve come to associate with cheerleading squads.  And they certainly weren’t mean girls who loved to prey on non-cheerleaders.

Bring It On isn’t the only reason for the negative stereotypes of cheerleaders that seem to float all around America.  Ordinarily I’d hate to say anything bad about Glee, but the fact is, the show caters to the simple-minded view of cheerleaders.  By placing the fictional Cheerios in their flouncy pleated skirts episode after episode, Ryan Murphy strips these characters of their own identities.  I know this decision was intentional, meant to add to the satirical nature of the show, but I think some of the younger, more impressionable viewers could still take these messages to heart.  I mean, who could forget the story line about former loner Mercedes Jones soaring to popularity after joining the cheerleading squad?   How many young girls think they’ll achieve that kind of cheap it-girl status if they don a little skirt?

Last night I watched the premiere of the new CW show Hellcats, expecting to see the same ideas of cheerleaders resurface.  Of course, there was the requisite girl fight twenty minutes into the premiere, a hilariously physical confrontation between uber-cheerleader Savannah (Ashley Tisdale) and Missy…err, I mean Marti (Aly Michalka.)  There was also plenty of bitchiness and backstabbing,  (could we really expect anything else from The CW?) but the most enlightening part of the show came when the squeaky-clean, hyper-ambitious Savannah and her polar opposite Marty engaged in a good old-fashioned heart-to-heart.  Ultimately, I think the unlikely friendship between these two girls will become the heart of the show, and I only hope the creators continue to flesh this out, even amid all the cattiness that is sure to surround them.

I wonder if placing these cheerleaders in a college setting (as opposed to high school) might be the very thing that makes these characters more multi-dimensional.  High school is often shown as a place where only the elite can thrive, but the character of Marti, who is antithetical to the generalizations of most cheerleaders (an intelligent, intellectually ambitious girl who grew up in an unstable environment and favors a black over pink) is entirely believable as a well-adjusted college student.   If the show really allows us to see the cheer squad through her eyes, I think we’ll gradually see the stereotypes (which are still in place during the pilot episode, both in her eyes and ours) start to fall away.    Ashley Tisdale does a great job of rounding out her character – she gives genuine heart to a role that could have come off seeming like a cardboard cutout of a head cheerleader.   I hope the CW does with this show what it did for One Tree Hill so many years ago: show that a team is all about the underlying friendships it breeds, not constant competition or typical American perceptions of “jock culture.”

If Hellcats goes in the right direction, I could see it really changing people’s perceptions of cheerleaders.   And wouldn’t that be “Awesome! Oh, wow!  Like totally freak me out, I mean right on?”

This week might be the most random mix of reviews ever. Seriously, ever. I even surprised myself a bit.

I was ready to love who I already loved and hate who I wanted to hate, but that’s not at all what happened. The one album I was most excited for fell flat. And the one I barely even wanted to listen to (and would rather throw out my window) I kinda liked. A little too much. To the point where I had to force myself to turn it off.

I’m going to warn you right now: don’t listen to Ashley Tisdale if you aren’t into Disney pop music. Because you’ll probably end up enjoying it. And then feeling pretty embarrassed. Especially when you can’t get enough and want to blast it from your car and the people who pull up next to you can hear it…and judge you.

Modest Mouse- No One’s First and You’re Next

If there was an award for best album title’s ever (is there??), modest Mouse would win by a long-shot. With album names like Good News for People Who Love Bad News, This is a Long Drive for Someone With Nothing to Think About, and Building Something Out of Nothing, Modest Mouse’s new album certainly fits in with their trend of awesome names. It’s called No One’s First and You’re Next and I’ve already played it about 50 million times. I always refer to Modest Mouse as an acquired taste; a band you might hate the first time you hear them. I know I tried to like them at first, but just couldn’t. And then one day I heard “Float On” and I sort of fell in love. And now, the first time I heard this new album, I loved it, solidifying in my mind that I am now a true Modest Mouse fan.

The album is actually a collection of previously released B-side and A-side tracks, but since I’m not a crazy obsessed Modest Mouse fan (yet), I haven’t heard any of them. It’s kind of a big jumble of music and you can tell it’s an EP, rather than being a full album. But I kind of like that. I can’t even pick a favorite song, but I have to say I absolutely love the build up that “The Whale Song” brings and can’t help but wonder if the lyrics are referencing Modest Mouse’s launch into fame and desire to go back to the way it was. Other definite listen-tos? “Satellite Skin” and “Autumn Beds,” but I really do enjoy the whole album. And I sincerely wish it was much longer than 8 tracks.

Howling Bells- Radio Wars

Howling Bells was completely new to me this week. I thought I would like them more than I actually do, mostly because I heard they’ve played along with bands that I adore, like The Killers, Coldplay, and Snow Patrol. And I’m not saying I don’t like them, – I’m just saying  they were a little too “whiney girls singing” for my tastes.

I do kind of like “It Ain’t You” because it seemed to be pretty happy and upbeat. Maybe the only the only happy and upbeat sound on the whole album. I also enjoyed “Nightingale,” because I love the clapping in the background, making it probably the most interesting song of all. I found “Let’s Be Kids Again” to be a bit blah, but I did kinda, sorta love the lyrics: “Let’s be kids again/Life was so simple then/Let’s be kids again…We don’t wanna know about this currency/We don’t wanna know about this 9-5/Just a simple life/Can you picture this/We don’t wanna hear about your policies/We don’t wanna live up to these expectations/A childlike dreal/Yeah you know what I mean.” Ok, so they totally get what I’m feelin’ right now…but I’m just not sure I want them to sing to me about it.

Ashley Tisdale- Guilty Pleasure

Let me first be clear about one thing: I am not a fan of High School Musical. In fact, I haven’t seen a single one of the movies. I do think Zac Efron is kind of cute, but that’s beside the point. And he’s much too young for me, anyway.

Like most people over the age of 9, I think it’s pretty ridiculous that so many of the High School Musical stars are coming out with their own albums. Really? Because I want to listen to Disney music, right? Then I saw a few interviews with Ashley Tisdale and I started to kind of like her. So, sue me. She’s a cute girl with a nice personality. And much more adult than I thought she was. Then I saw her perform “It’s Alright, It’s OK” and I really kind of enjoyed it. So I gave her a listen. And you know what? Her album is called Guilty Pleasure, and I can totally see why.

I think she’s kind of my new guilty pleasure. And I think the girl can totally move beyond the whole Disney stigma one day. I mean, her music is a bit racey. Maybe I’m totally out of line of here, but doesn’t “Masquerade” totally sound like it’s about role-playing? Yup. I’m in love with the song “Hot Mess,” and its totally PG-13 lyrics: “I’m such a hot mess/With you/I never knew/Never knew it could be so fun/It’s true/I was such a good girl before you came along/But you’re so racy/You’re my new favorite guy/So unruly/So uncivilized.” Doesn’t really sound like lyrics coming from a Disney star does it? And “Delete You” is the perfect song for 2009! We all have guys we need to delete. Not to mention there’s a song called “Hair.” That’s all about a guy running his fingers through her hair so she feels like “a sexy superstar.” It’s the most ridiculous song ever: “I like what you do to my hair. Who knew that looking a mess could feel so good?” OK, honestly, I’m stopping now. I have to stop. I am now Ashley Tisdale’s biggest fan. What happened to me?

[Every week 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 are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to. All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Tie Dye was cool when my mom was my age. Then it was cool again in 7th grade. And let me tell you I tore that trend up. I was just yay shy of deciding that my bat-mitzvah give away should be a tie dyed t-shirt. I LIVED for the days at camp when we would make our own tie-dye. And even though my color palette never turned out quite right (more like murkey brown poo) I still thought I was destined to be a hippie. I rocked tie dye so bright that my eyes hurt just thinking about it.

So when I saw that tie dye was making its 19th comeback, I cringed, I avoided, and I said to myself I wouldn’t wear it.

But then I saw the dresses like the ones on our friends over here, and I saw some really cute ones at Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom and Forever 21 and Urban and, oy, the list goes on. As much as I wanted to fight – kicking and screaming – against the return of tie dye (what’s next? Hypercolor?!) I couldn’t deny the fact that they would look so cute with some woven sandals or high wedges.

The whole tie dye look gives off that “I look cute without even trying” vibe that we all want to convey. And the more I see it, the more I can’t look away. Just like those pictures of Britney’s Britney. (You know what I’m talkin’ about.)

So here is this weeks Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Color Me Tie Dye

The Dress:
Short, long, bright or muted – they all work.

The Shoes:
Flats for a more casual look and wedges for upping the glam factor. I love the look of gold sandals, but any color could work.

The Accessories:
The beauty of this look is that the dress is really the only accessory you need. But, if you wanna add a little more pizazz, a forehead headband, sunglasses and bangles should do the trick.

Cosmo, not one to miss out on a trend, also felt the need in their April edition to give the new prez some props—in their own special way. Hence, we were treated to a wonderful dissection by the great Dr. Ian Kerner, whose recent box office success apparently qualifies him to comment on the First Relationship…and its sex life.

Yes, my loves, Cosmo says this month: “Why the Obama’s Love is So Sexy”!

On Physicality
Cosmo says: “Seeing them hold hands and kiss reminds me of how important touch is outside the bedroom. Hugs can take you where words can’t.”

Kari says: I’m either going to needlepoint that hugs quote onto a pillow or make it my Facebook status. I guess I can see why people touching each other is sexy, but this headline led me to believe that there would be more witticisms like “let’s just say they danced together at the inaugural balls in a way that implied the real fun would begin later.” Quite frankly I’m disappointed that more justice was not done to the phrase “inaugural balls,” so bring on the juicy stuff, Cosmo.

On Mystery
Cosmo says: That in order for a long-term relationship to stay strong, we need to “balance the two poles of knowingness and mystery.” Also, becoming “more known and dependent on your partner” poses a serious threat to this “magical unknowingness.”

Kari says: I wonder if Stephenie Meyer has started writing for Cosmo (really? “Magical unknowingness”? Does Obama sparkle in the bedroom?). Besides quoting Obama from a 1996 interview in which he gushes over Michelle’s awesome-ness, Cosmo gives very little insight into how B and M walk this fine line. I suppose it’s probably classified, but if the kind of mystery they’re talking about is Barack poring over Area 51 files for bedtime reading then I don’t think that this couple is a necessarily good model for the general readership of Cosmo…

On Individuation
Cosmo Says: By preserving separate identities, Michelle hasn’t gotten “caught up in [her] relationship and live[ed] through it.” And even though she put her career on hold, she’s totes still her own person.

Kari says: Uh, Cosmo, IDK if you noticed, but being the First Lady in and of itself could possibly be considered a job. I mean, I know that I wouldn’t consider it work to travel all over the country for 21 months making public appearances, trying to raise two young daughters, having my entire life and relationship picked apart by the media and looking f**king fabulous doing it, but some people might. And it’s probably easy to “individuate” yourself from your husband when you have to share him with the rest of the free world, just sayin’.

On Adventure
Cosmo says: “They get out a lot.”

Kari says: Yes, I too try to keep “a strong circle of friends” and “look for new experiences” with my boyfriend, but sadly we are limited by our financial situation and the fact that we’re not, you know, the leader of our country. Possibly if Obama could lend me use of Airforce One for a week or two, my relationship can be “as sexy and compelling” as…my president’s.

The wise Dr. Kerner concludes with his declaration that the Obama’s have a great sex life—“and [he] doesn’t know when he’s been able to say that about a presidential couple—ever.” I guess Kerner’s sexpertism was predated by the Kennedy’s (and Marilyn Monroe). Anywho, I’m down with Cosmo’s tips for keeping the love alive…I’m just not so sure that using one of the most powerful couples in the free world as a model was quite the right decision for a mag that would usually run this story on someone like Heidi Klum and Seal.

However I suppose I can rest assured knowing that my president has a passionate relationship and not concern myself with how he plans to end the 7 year war my country is entangled in, or how he plans to correct the dismal state of our economy, or ponder how he has time to fill out presidential brackets on ESPN. A little less March Madness might have prevented this…

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:

[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!]

Headbands of all kinds are really in right now, thanks to Leighton Meester’s character Blair Waldorf on “Gossip Girl.” Headbands are simple accessories which can make you look instantly 10x cuter. Plus, they can hide those greasy roots you have from living in the library this week sans showers.

Headbands with bows are really girly and youthful. While they can look a little childish, worn with the right things they can make your outfit look polished. Blair Waldorf (above), for example, pairs her headband with a sophisticated blazer and collared shirt. This is definitely not something a little girl would wear. Usually something simple, like a sweater or solid color dress, would also work well.

When rocking the headband, make sure not to go too matchy-matchy, or too over the top. Yes, Blair can pull it all off, but she is not real. You are.

Here are some great bow headband options. Click to learn more:

Headbands with a little glam are a great way to add something extra to your look. And there are so many ways to do it: you can pair them with something simple, like a black dress, or add even more glitz to an already awesome ensemble. You can wear one with your hair down, or throw it on over a messy-chic bun.

There are bedazzled headbands all over the place with everything from rhinestones to pearls to sparkles and so much more. These are some of my favorites:

For more cute headbands, check out Head Games Online – they have a ton of them, plus other super cute hair accessories.

It’s always Halloween at Michael Jackson’s house.

Cheating could kill you. Really.

False eyelashes are fabulous (and not as difficult as you think!).

Gwen Stefani and baby Zuma. So. cute.

The Humane Society should have something to say about this, right?

Linda Hogan is creepy.

How to use Wikipedia intelligently.

Learn what you are really craving.

Croc bags that even you can afford.

Budget friendly (dorm) decorating!

Bill Clinton supports Barack Obama.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

So it’s getting to be cold. Which sucks because there is nothing worse than freezing on your walk to class only to start horribly sweating once you get inside. But at the same time, cute boots, hats and comfy cardigans woo me every season.

And even though Ashley Tisdale lives in Hollywood (and is Jewish so never mind her sitting in Santa’s Chair), she’s clearly a fan of the winter look too.

So this week, in the spirit of High School Musical 3 (I know you are probably reading this on your Google phone/iPhone/Blackberry as you’ve been in line since midnight last night), I thought, why not bring you this perfect look which is great for class, for brunch, and, let us not forget, the perfect look to meet Santa in.

Celebrity Chic on The Cheap: High School Musical Moves to the North Pole.

Grey Oversized Cardigan

This is a great staple piece and color because you can wear it all season long – over a vintage tee, over a nice top, over a shirt from the night before on your walk of shame home – it works just the same. And if grey washes you out, Target’s $24.99 version (on the left) comes in plenty of colors.

The Gap version (on the right) is a little more expensive, but also more bang (or material) for your buck. Probably the warmer option for those of us who aren’t singing in hallways with Zac Effron in warm climates.

CHEAP Black Leggings

$5.99 to be exact. And a staple for every wardrobe. Even if you are not rocking this particular look, black leggings are a must-have for everything from working out to warmth to lookin’ like a chic celebrity.

The Knit Cap

These types of hats are everywhere, but the buttons on this one are adorable. Finally, a winter hat that can keep you warm without runing your hair/making you look totally ridiculous.

Layering Red/Orangey T-shirt

I love this option from the Gap: super cute, a great color and totally warm. But feel free to throw any shirt underneath this look.

The High Boot

I LOVE these Steve Madden boots (left). So much so that they just might make this week’s Love List. And although they are $150, they will last you a couple of seasons if you take care of them, and also happen to look great with everything.

But, if you are looking for a more affordable option (I get it, the economy is making the dollar store look pricey) these boots from Target (right) should do the trick.

No matter how much money or pink bunny costumes Hef gave her, Holly Madison wants to be with a baby-makin’ machine.

What former A-list rockstar is going blind?

The little boy and the lobster – cuteness that cannot be exaggerated.

Think twice before you post those drunk photos of yourself on Facebook.

Target is making it possible for us to dress like Michelle Obama.

This is possibly the most disgusting-looking cocktail on the planet.

This site makes us want to spend the day watching football on the couch.  Sports are cool!

9 shameless celebrity election videos

Uhhh, these people might have taken their Halloween decorations a little too far.

Ben Kweller has seen dead people.

We love Ashley Tisdale’s new dark hairdo!

Play nice boys! Mark Wahlberg wants to knock out Andy Samberg.