New York Fashion Week (and every other fashion week, for that matter) always unveils new fashion innovations. And this year is no different. As industy “pros” weigh in on what premiering styles they’re excited for, I say, “Guess what, fashion weeks? We don’t need these crazy, new high-fashion designs!” We have the old ones.

These past innovations are taken for granted now, but they still remain a college girl’s best friends. I can’t even remember how I lived before…

initiating the gallery...

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!

Oh yes, the most tried and true wardrobe staple known to man (and woman): jeans.

Jeans are an amazingly versatile little thing: you can dress them up or dress them down; wear them in winter or summer: and find them in a seemingly unlimited variety of cuts, colors and styles.  Denim is ALWAYS in in some form or another, and this season is no exception.

Be on the lookout for denim in all forms: jackets, vests, dresses, and even shoes. Not that you should wear them all together. In fact, please don’t. But throwing in the perfect piece – whether it’s some adorable boyfriend jeans, a sexy mini or a pair of  ballet flats – is always welcome and always works. Especially when you’re dealing with cuteness like this.

Jean jackets were IT in the ’80s and ’90s and they’re makin’ a major comeback in the ’10s. They’re perfect for spring because they fall between a heavy coat and a cardi, so they’ll keep you warm without making you sweat.

It’s hard to go wrong with a shirt dress and a shirt dress in denim?  You’re all set for that first picnic in the park.  Add your own belt for a pop of color or wear it as is with a cute pair of flats or some wedges.

Jean shorts are an American classic and a pair for under 10 bucks?  You can’t really beat that.

A denim mini is a must and this one works because it’s casual enough to wear to the beach, but can also be dressed up for a night out with the chicas.

Denim shirts are huge this season and this one will look adorable worn open over a tank with a great necklace or loads of bangles. Pair it with shorts and some Chuck Taylors or flats for the perfect spring look.

So I’m slightly in love with these darling ballet flats and think they’d be ridiculously cute with a flowy white or pastel sundress.

Denim leggings (or jeggings if you prefer) are back this season and these capri style are perfect for the spring/summer months.

Boyfriend jeans are also here to stay (for this season, at least), and these mix in more than one trend. The light, distressed denim with the railroad stripe print gives them an added little oomph. Perfect for day with a basic tee or rock ‘em at night with a cami and some killer heels.

There isn’t much else to say except, perhaps, “hooray for jeans!”  Really, could we live without ‘em?  I don’t think so. And at prices like these, we definitely don’t have to.

Until the sun is shining and the temperature rises enough to expose the tops of my feet, I’m left admiring the plethora of flats retailers have to offer this year.  With most shops carrying inexpensive options, it’s easy to stock up on styles that fit with (and add some style to) all your favorite outfits.  Flats are one of those items that can be worn to subtly incorporate a season’s hottest trends, and there’s so much goodness out there you don’t have to kill your feet in 5 inch heels to look good.

With flats in everyone’s price range, it’s hard to resist these adorable shoes, making it easy to buy one (or ten) pairs to add to your wardrobe.  And hey, if you’re from a colder region like myself, they may even be on sale by the time you can FINALLY wear them.

Before temperatures get too low, wear a cute pair of flats with jeans or a skirt to school. If your flats give you blisters on the back of your heel, try inserting Foot Petals Heavenly Heelz, which keep your feet from slipping in and out of shoes. A single pack costs $6.95. Here are some fashionable flats that will get you out of that UGG rut this school year:

Another option is boots. Leather boots are stylish and comfortable for fall, but when it starts to rain or snow, you’ll need something waterproof (UGGs are not waterproof!). You can buy a leather protecting spray for your leather boots, or you could buy some cute snow boots!

For more style expertise, visit the ladies of StyleBakery!

So as I write this, I’m sitting on my lanai (balcony) overlooking the beautiful, blue Maui ocean (yes, I’m on my first “real” vacay in years), which means I’m not particularly keen on scouring the internet for under $20 deals for long periods of time (not to mention, they’re only giving me an hour of free wifi). So where did I head?

The mother of all cheap & trendy spots: Forever 21.

And no, she did not disappoint. Checking out the website or a store near you is a necessity before you head back to school, as there are loads of insanely awesome deals on ridiculously cute clothes.  What are you waiting for?  Read, set, GO!

Here are a few things I know I’ll be grabbing up. You know, when I get back to the mainland.

Denim leggings have been spotted on the likes of Whitney Port and Fergie, and are a big for fall. I know it’s a difficult trend to wrap your mind around (or shove your legs into), but we were all resistant to normal leggings at first, weren’t we? Just give these a shot. I love that they are black (more slimming), will look great with a cute pair of sandals or some sexy booties, and are only $16.90.

Cardigans are definitely a fall necessity and this one is perfection with it’s darling lace details and cropped sleeves. It’ll look great with jeans, a pencil skirt or, if you wanna totally prep it out, a pleated mini.  SO CUTE!

Ballet flats are a wardrobe staple and these ones will liven up any look with their bold color and reptile print.  Tack on the $8.50 price tag and who can say no?

Once school’s back in session and that hottie from O-Chem asks you out, you’ll want a sexy top to wow him and this does the trick, fo sho.  Bustiers always work wonders for the girls and have a great way of slimming the waist as well.  Pair it with a pair of dark jeans and some sassy stilettos and soon you’ll be makin’ your own chemistry.

Simple shirts are so important, especially for those days you overslept and are already 25 minutes late to your review sesh, and there’s something so tomboyish yet sexy about a basic raglan tee. I can’t explain it, but at $5.50 you can grab a few and figure it out for yourself.

I’ve always had a thing for big ass earrings and I love the gold/turquoise combo and the Indian vibe of these.  Just be sure not to go overboard with other accessories or crazy bold prints; these can be a centerpiece on their own.

Belts are such a fantastic accessory: they’re cute, they add some flair, and they give nice definition to your waist.  And this one does all that with an 80′s elastic band and the gorgeous lotus flower deet on the front. Sigh. I’m in lust.

A skirt for under $7, seriously?!?  This is such a versatile piece that can be used to create so many different looks from casual day to girls’ night out. And it comes in 3 great colors (this awesomely bold royal blue, and 2 neutrals; black & grey)! This might be all you’d ever need for a complete wardrobe overhaul.

Seriously now, Forever 21, have I told you lately that I love you? And this isn’t the distance talking; this is real.

Unfortunately, when you’re getting ready to leave the second bar you realize that you no longer have the ability to walk. Your balance is already a little thrown off by the amount of heavy drinking you’ve been doing, and now you have to walk in 6-inch stilettos? No thanks. That stool you’re perched on will be just fine for the rest of the night, thankyouverymuch.

You continue ordering drinks until the wee hours when you’re friends are finally ready to head home. You carefully step onto the sidewalk and within 5 minutes decide there is NO way you are walking home in those shoes. Fueled by all the alcohol you have consumed, you decide that you’re going to take off your shoes and walk home barefoot through the city. Classy.

Does this sound like a typical night to you? Are you sick of waking up in the morning with black feet/someone else’s chewed up gum between your toes? (True story…) Perhaps you should invest in a pair of Fit In Clouds fold-up flats.

The “Clouds” are portable flats that fold up and fit inside your purse. Since they are only slightly larger than an iPhone, these ballet flats will even fit in a clutch. Unlike flip flops, these shoes are actually cute. Seriously, they look like real flats. And the best part is, they only cost $18.95! So bring them out next time you plan on wearing those sky high heels, and the next morning you’ll wake up blister-free (or, you know, you won’t have to walk-of-shame it home in a pair of super obvious heels).

Fit In Clouds flats come in black, gold, and metallic pink. You can buy them online at fitinclouds.com.
To the women who created these: we salute you! There’s got to be a Nobel Prize for this, right?

Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.

This season it seems like anything goes for shoes. There’s a multitude of colors, styles, and, most importantly, details. But one thing is for sure: boring shoes are definitely out. This season’s shoes are often gorgeous, always interesting, and many are pieces of art that look almost too good (and painful) to put on your feet.  There are some that are inexpensive (one pair is on sale for $4.99!!!) and others that we college gals will admire in the shop windows, praying the recession is over (and that we’re millionaires) by the time we get our diploma so we can “invest” in them.

Click on each image to find out where to buy (or get an up close and personal look at) these beautiful shoes.

Spring is almost here. Although you wouldn’t know it anywhere in the country given the frigid temps. I’m in Chi town and one day its 60 the next its 25 and snowy. Seriously, the weather is more BiPo than our pal Brit Brit and I for one am ready to shed my puffy jacket and grab myself a cute spring dress (and a bottle of self tanner).

So since spring technically starts next week, I though I’d gear us for those springy days with my five loves of spring. Who knows? Maybe some positive thinking coupled with some cute spring staples will convince Mother Nature to bring us sunny skies and warmer weather.

Come on, woman! Help a sister out.

1) The Spring Rain Jacket - There are so many cute jackets for spring, but this one is my fave for one reason. The hood. Wait, there is another reason. It’s really effing cute, but I digress. We know that while we wish everything was coming up roses, Spring brings a lot of rain leaving your hair looking like it is straight out of 1981. Sporting the hood is a must… and some Frizz-Ease in your tote wouldn’t hurt either.

2) The Spring Flat – Usually by February I am so sick of wearing boots every day that I pull out a pair of my flats, dream longingly of skipping in the street, iced coffee in tow. Then I put them out walk out the door and almost lose my feet to frost bite. I can’t help it though; there are so many great options for springtime flats and I just want to buy them all up and wear them out of the store. I am in love with these. I always wanted to be a ballerina on Pointe but my pirouettes were never good enough. So, I’m happily settling for these – perfect for sasayhing down the sidewalk.

3) Spring Sunglasses – When you hear the words Paul Frank you think: the must-have shirt with a monkey….from 7th grade. Being that I was ultra awkward back then, I try to stay as far away from Paul Frank anything that I can. I don’t need to take that trip down memory lane. But then I found these CUTE must-have sunglasses! They are the perfect in-between of overly expensive and so cheap that they will probably break. Still an investment – but an oh-so-cute one. And if these bright seafoams aren’t your thing, he makes them in more muted colors as well. I think I may love Pauly Frank more now than I did in 7th grade. And that is a sentence I never thought I would type.

4) Iced beverages. Iced tea, Iced Coffee, Iced Margaritas (not that I’ve ever had a hot one), Arnold Palmers… Iced is just better. Love, love, love, love, LOVE.

5) The Spring brings all the best out of hibernation. I swear I heard a bird chirp yesterday for the first time in MONTHS and it was music to my ears. Spring brings outside tables to cafes, fun outside ways to spend the day, and must we not forget– lots of men in spring style. Call me a sucker for boys in great jeans and a springy hoodie and I won’t argue. I won’t argue at all.

I can’t stop buying them.

I love all kinds of shoes, from flip flops to stilettos to my trusty Chuck Taylors. I love my tried and true (black pumps, ballet flats, etc.) and I love finding fun and funky shoes to add a lil’ oomph to an outfit. I have shoes ranging from Payless and Target to Steve Madden and even a few beloved pairs of designer shoes (that were all purchased in outlets or amazing clearance sales, I must add).

The best thing about shoes is that trends come in cycles so you can save your favorite pairs and use them for more than one season.

This season there are six major shoe trends emerging, although a couple of them are old trends re-surging, so I’m here to let you know what you’ll be seeing on footsies in the next few months.

Trend #1: Spectators (AKA Oxfords)

To go with the trend of menswear inspired clothing that is so hot this season, this throwback to the 1940’s is back in full swing and you can find all kinds of fun styles and colors for your own take on the trend. For those of you who aren’t on a student or recent-grad budget, Alexander McQueen has a gorgeous peep-toe version, but for the rest of us there are darling versions at Nine West, Aldo and Target. I just got an adorable pair of black peep-toes with a chunky heel for under $30 at Target and saw several different styles and colors. I also found a great black & white pair at Aldo on sale for $64.98 and another fun pair at Payless for $24.99! These look great with skirts and stockings/tights or with wide-legged trousers.

Trend #2: Black Patent T-Strap Heels with Platform

This trend continues and is a great way for you petite girls to add some height while also a showing off those gams. You can pair this style with jeans and a cute top or with a delicate cocktail dress. YSL’s Tribute Sandal is back with new colors and new heights, but again, for the budget-conscious, I found an adorable pair at Delia’s on sale for $19.99!!! I may just have to buy them myself.

Trend #3: Classic Stiletto Heel-Sans Platform

This trend never seems to go out of style and this season is no different. You can do all kinds of things with this shoe: different colors, round-toe or pointy-toe, different materials and even patterns (the watercolor look is a “must-have” trend of the season, according to Vogue). This style can be found EVERYWHERE – you don’t have to look far at all – and the key is to have fun with it. Go with a bold color like bright blues or greens, have a suede or a patent leather pump, rock ‘em out with skinny jeans, or with a hot mini-skirt. The key, though, is to make sure you have at least one pair of the classic black stiletto on hand. Aldo is a great place to find adorable stilettos for a reasonable price, and I oftentimes end up finding great sales and getting pairs for under $50. In fact I just got a pair of grey patent leather stilettos for $24!!!

Trend #4: Animal Prints

Animal prints are back, but to get the right look for this season, pair it with a very neutral outfit (greys, khakis, beiges). It’ll make your shoes pop and give a more modern take on animal prints. And this time around it’s not just about leopard; zebra, giraffe and python are a great take on this trend as well. It is a bit harder to find nice looking animal print shoes at a reasonable price, though I did spot a pair of zebra print at Target. Shoes.com also has a vast array of animal print shoes between $75 and $300.

Trend #5: Booties

It’s all about finding a good bootie call and, for the third straight season, booties are all the rage for fall. They’re a great in-between of having more coverage than regular heels without the commitment to a full boot, and they look absolutely adorable with a flirty party dress or a skirt (pencil or bubble-hemmed are my personal faves) and tights. There are numerous variations on this trend from lacey styles to gladiator-inspired, so look around for a style that fits you personally. Again, for budget-friendly versions check Nine West, Aldo, Target, and even Payless (who is currently having their BOGO/Buy one, get one ½ off sale).

Trend #6: Monster Platform Wood Soles

Crazy high wood platforms are huge (literally and figuratively) for fall. Well, at least for the runways. Stella McCartney and Marni are among the designers who adore this look, but it seems the design is so fashion forward (and impractical?) that I had a hard time finding inexpensive versions of this style. If you love the look, start scouring the internet; you are bound to find something to fit your college budget.

No matter which trend(s) you choose to go with, fashion is all about having fun and making yourself feel great, so pick out something you love, pair it with a fab outfit, and watch heads turn (or rather, look down).