[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

For many of us, right now it’s all about planning that hot NYE outfit. Sure, we can go out and buy something new (we can even do it on a budget), but if you’re like me, you’ve spent every last dollar stocking up on gifts for everyone and their mother, meaning you’ve got nothing left for that special New Year’s dress. And that’s OK, because you’ve probably already got everything you could ever need to plan the perfect outfit for the big night.

Forget battling the crowds at the mall or spending oodles of money on something you’ll most likely only wear once (either because it’s too fancy for any other occasion or ruined when your friend spills her vodka cran down the front); all you need for the perfect New Year’s look is a little creativity and all those basics you’ve got stuffed into drawers.

Outfit 1:

Product Information: Skirt, Shirt, Belt, Bangle, Heels.

Hike up a basic black skirt, put on your standard black tank, add a belt and voila! You’ve got yourself a little black dress and the illusion of an hourglass shape. Toss on a bangle, a necklace or a cocktail ring for sparkle and a pair of shoes and you’re all set to hit the town. Bonus if you no longer need training wheels (aka a date) to wear the super-high heels you bought for a high school semi; now’s the time to break them out. Depending on how much cold you can tolerate, you can bare your legs, or add tights to this look!

Outfit 2:

Product Information: Tank, Blazer, Shorts, Flats, Headband, Tights.

Everyone’s got a pair of shorts in their closet and they can easily be dressed up for NYE. The key is statement tights. (Note: If it’s too cold for something this holey, add a pair of nude tights underneath for extra layers!) Then add your go-to blazer and a tank to finish the look off. If you plan on dancing through the new year, leave those uncomfortable pumps at home and opt for a flat instead. And if you’re looking for New Years sparkle, add a big sequined headband or any of those sparkly accessories (bib necklace, anyone?) you’ve been stocking up on all year.

Outfit 3:

Product Information: Leggings, Tunic, Boots, Necklace, Ring.

You don’t have to show a ton of skin on New Year’s Eve; wearing a tunic and leggings can be just as sexy. (Plus, the extra stretch leaves some give if you’ve overindulged this holiday.) To step up this outfit and make it bigger/badder/blingier for the big night, add a big statement necklace and sparkly cocktail ring. You can even add a wide, funky belt to the mix if you’ve got one. If you own a pair of over the knee boots, they work well with this outfit, but really, any boots or shoes will do.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got stuffed in that closet of yours.

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

One thing I’m sure you everyone owns is a black cardigan. It’s definitely an essential item for the college girl – it goes with anything, is easy to wear, is perfect for layering when going from a cold classroom to a steamy library, and doesn’t show the dirt that’s accumulated since your last laundry day….3 weeks ago.

As it gets closer to Thanksgiving you might be putting off laundry, in hopes that your parents will help you with the garbage bag full of dirty clothes you bring home. The longer you put off that trip to the laundry room, though, the harder it is to get dressed. Luckily, your black cardigan will help fill in the gaps between now and hooray-mom’s-doing-my-laundry day (or even now and next spring!), and I’ve got three outfits to help you get up, get dressed and get out of your room in style.

Thank you, god of black cardigans!

Outfit 1: With Basics

Cardigan, Tee, Jeans, Boots, Scarf

No matter how high the laundry pile gets, you can probably find at least one t-shirt that is clean (enter: smell test). Toss on a t-shirt, a pair of jeans and your everyday boots with your cardigan and you’re all ready to head out. Add personality to this casual look by adding a scarf or statement necklace into the mix.

Outfit 2: Belted With a Dress

Cardigan, Dress, Belt, Flats, Socks

Dig back in your closet and unearth your favorite floral, summer dress. Belt your cardigan over top to transition your dress to fall, and add a pair of over-the-knee socks or tights to keep your legs warm. A pair of flats with the socks, or boots with your tights, are the final touch to this outfit.

Outfit 3: Over Your Summer Staples

Cardigan, Shorts, Tights, Sneakers, Leafy Tank, Charcoal Tank

Another item that’s probably still clean? Your denim shorts. Add tights underneath for warmth, and your favorite sneakers or flats. Lastly, layer tanks for visual interest under your cardigan. Summer pieces layered with tights and a cardigan over top are a perfect way to use everything in your wardrobe before you finally cave in and do laundry.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got stuffed in that closet of yours.

With all of these trends milling around in fashion spreads and tabloid magazines, I can barely keep my head on straight.  What do I buy? The fringe purse or the fur vest!?!? Jeggings or slouchy pants?! [Deep breathing.]

But let’s get real: in one month fur vests will totally be out and you’ll be looking down at your werewolf vest and clogs wondering what the hell you were thinking.

That is why we need to get smart and go ‘back to basics’ with simple tees, cardigans, and timeless colors and styles.  The best place to conquer a closet full of clothes that always last and go with everything? A little three letter word we know and love: Gap. And the best part? You can stock up on these timeless pieces for under $20.  Boo-yah.

This slouchy, over-sized tee with stand-out stripes is perfect for a fall day. How great would this top look with jeggings and knee high chestnut boots? Or under a boyfriend blazer with a pair of dark wash jeans? Put a basic with a trend and you’ve got yourself a keeper!

Fit to perfection, this top can freshen up your jeans (just add a cool necklace) and turn a messy hangover into a crisp and put-together ensemble. It comes in red, gray, white, purple and blue. For only $15.00 a pop, buy a few!

This delicate floral print would look great paired with a jean jacket.  It’s sweet, floral attitude mixes innocently with the classic button up style.  It’s very Reese Witherspoon meets Kate Hudson.  Loving it!

These pleated crop pants are great for a day in the office (with some pumps that show nada toe) and great for a switch-over to happy hour with the lasting rays of the summer sun. Always love a chic enough for the office, hip and slouchy enough for after hours deal at the Gap!

The pleats in this fitted skirt are giving it enough personality to look great chic or casual.  Paired with tights, it can transform itself into a winter business outfit. Pair with a cute skinny belt for a put-together look for cheap.

Everybody can always use a versatile zip-up, but sometimes they are so hard to find in the cheap. (I’m looking at you, American Apparel!) This classic hoodie (with a fitted silhouette style) is an ideal $19.99 find. Pair with your favorite premium jeans for a casual stroll through the quad. Also comes in cream.

LOVE these paired with a casual sweatshirt and track shoes.  You can wear them for a brisk run or to your study hall (well, hopefully after you wash them…).  They look comfortable without being sloppy, are far more friendly on the wallet than a pair of Lululemons, and may or may not be your new BFF.

Finally, I’m going to sound off with a simple yet unique tee.  I always find myself wanting that perfect tee to wear on the fly with some leggings.  And I found myself the perfect pocket dream.  And for only $12.99? Gimme, gimme.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/09/14/8-under-20-gap-back-to-basics/feed/ 3 Brittany - University of Saint Thomas 8under600x360 stripe shirt fitted tee floral button down slouchy pants pleated skirt fitted hoodie yoga pant pocket tee http://collegecandy.com/2010/04/01/fashion-porn-work-wear-basics/ http://collegecandy.com/2010/04/01/fashion-porn-work-wear-basics/#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:00:13 +0000 Leah - Ryerson University http://collegecandy.com/?p=57666 ]]> It’s that time of year again – the time to start hunting for summer jobs or internships (if you haven’t already), or start hunting for job or internship wardrobes (if you’ve already secured the gig). If you’re working in an office or a professional environment chances are you’re going to need to pick up a few pieces. Contrary to what some people think, Uggs and flip flops are not acceptable at most office jobs.

But don’t worry – you don’t have to pre-spend all that money you’re about to earn on a new work wardrobe. There are a few basics that can help make getting dressed for interviews or a work day simple. Just mix-and-match these with your everyday stuff and you’ll have plenty of options all summer long.

Well-fitted basics are the groundwork for a put together, streamlined outfit.  Dressing these up with accessories, or fun extras – tops, cardigans, or shoes – add personality to simple pieces and keep you lookin’ like you (and not some dowdy old lady).  If you want to hold onto these pieces for the future, it’s always good to spend a bit more and invest in pieces that fit well and are good quality. However, if you have a limited budget, many discount stores offer cheaper alternatives that will get you through your summer gig.

For many of you, school has already begun or will shortly, which means new additions to the wardrobe are necessary. Woohoo! But you don’t have to spend a lot to update that 2008 fall wardrobe.  Old Navy is a great place to get cute basics at super reasonable prices. Just pair these items (many of which are on sale!)  with the trendier items/accessories in your closet for a brand new look.

Here are a few pieces I found that’ll be great for the upcoming months…

Jeans are obviously a wardrobe staple in every college girl’s closet, but sometimes we need a little variety. I say that every gal needs a cute pair of khakis. You can wear them with a polo, a basic button down or a tee. I totally love the green of these ones. It’s a little different, but still totally neutral so you can wear these with just about anything!

I’m really digging the cut and print of this shirt (though they also have it in solid colors if print’s not your thang). But what I really heart about this tank is that you can wear it on it’s own before it gets too cool and also rock it under a boyfriend blazer for those chillier days.

Comfort is key for those long hours spent studying in the library, and these henleys are not only comfy & cute, the long sleeves are perfect for fall and even for layering come winter.

You can never go wrong with a pair of skinny jeans, especially for tucking into boots or pairing with a hot pair of pumps. But in case you’re a fan of other cuts of denim, most of ON’s jeans are on sale for $19 currently.

This may look like a basic skirt, but it might be the best deal of the year. You can rock this feminine and flirty skirt low on the waist for a more casual look, or pull it up high (to show off those legs) with a tight white tank for a more evening-appropriate look. And the teal? Hot.

It’s almost sweater weather and I love the way v-necks flatter the figure.  Plus, the argyle print is oh-so-preppy and cute for back-to-school. (Not an argyle fan?  They carry several solid colors that are adorable.)

Polo shirts are a wardrobe staple and this orange will translate right over from summer to fall with a little cardigan or white thermal underneath.

We’ve still got a few months left to wear open-toed shoes and these boho-inspired wedges are great with jeans, shorts or a cute mini.  They’re also a great way to get a little leg-lengthening height on a girls’ night out without those aching feet on the walk home.

When it comes to basics, Old Navy is definitely the way to go if you’re wanting both style and affordibility.

Upon walking into H&M, where I was looking for some basics, I was visually assaulted by something so outrageous, I didn’t know what to say. While my friend was sifting through a pile of spring sweaters (read: throwing all the sizes she didn’t want on the floor), I was frozen in my place, staring at what couldn’t-possibly-but-so-totally-was a zebra jumpsuit.

Yes, you read that right. Zebra. Jumpsuit.

If you have been to an H&M in the last few months, you have probably seen this before. The saleslady, who came over to assist me in my state of shock, explained that the jumpsuit had recently become H&M’s biggest seller. “I don’t get it, but the minute they come in they are sold out.”

I had so many questions:

“Why?”

“What?”

“Are girls getting too lazy to pick out a shirt and a pair of pants?”

“Isn’t it more difficult to pee with that thing on?”

Too bad I couldn’t get any words out. I was so offended by this item that I had to leave the store immediately; I never even got the chance to try on the skirt I had come for. But, if the saleswoman was correct, I am alone in my total disgust and misunderstanding of the zebra jumpsuit, or jumpsuits in general. People really like ‘em (and I don’t mean Katy Perry cuz that girl wears some weird shiz).

What do you think, College Candies?  Do you love or hate the zebra jumpsuit?

The Setting: an American Apparel store in Brooklyn

The Characters: 2 girls, about 13 years old, and me

And, scene:

I am waiting to try on some cropped cotton pants, which will be perfect for the new gym I joined.

“Ugh, this is SO tight, I look SO fat!” says one 13 year old girl. She and her friend are occupying the only dressing rooms.

She emerges, in a backless leotard and a skin-tight mini skirt.

Her friend emerges as well, in gold lame hot pants.

“No, you look cute! I like it!”

“But like, you can see my back.”

“Yeah but it’s so cute! My ass looks huge in these,” she says, as they stand in the open dressing room, preening and posing in front of the harshly lit mirror. I am still waiting, but they don’t seem to notice, instead gazing like Narcissus at the river. How inappropriate, I think, that 13-year-old girls are trying on gold lame hot pants. Then I look around and see the life-sized photographs of underage models staring down at me. They look drugged out. They are overly sexualized. Suddenly I don’t want the pants anymore. I throw them down and leave.

The Setting: an American Apparel store in Manhattan

The Characters: Me and a friend

And, scene:

It is Friday night and my friend and I are tipsy. We have just finished a mostly-liquid dinner, and the night air is much colder than we thought it would be.

“I need more layers!” I exclaim.

“I need a hat”, says my friend.

Luckily for us, the American Apparel store on the Lower East Side is open until 11pm. For fun, I try on some ridiculous faux-denim skin-tight almost-up-to-my-boobs leggings. They, as expected, look hilarious. I end up buying a blue long sleeve shirt, which will go perfectly under the dress I’m wearing. As I peruse the store, I notice something besides the models this time: I have that shirt, in 2 colors. “I like that dress”, my friend says. Oh, I have that too. I also have 2 pairs of these leggings with the buttons on the side, and 3 ribbed tank tops. Don’t forget 1 pair of shorts and 1 pair of leg warmers, 1 over-sized long-sleeve shirt and a halter dress.

Whoa. Do I have an addiction to American Apparel? The store whose billboards make me want to vom? How can this be!? I’m so embarrassed…

I discovered this a common sentiment among my friends. “Yeah, Dov Charney is so creepy, but their shirts come in so many colors!”

“I know, those models are gross, but I can’t live without AA tights…”

“They make a dress, that’s also a sweatshirt!”

So I’m torn. Girls, help me out. How do you feel about shopping at a store whose labor practices/advertising/environmental policy you don’t agree with? Do you boycott stores you’d otherwise shop at because of something they do? Is it even possible to avoid those evil corporate practices?

My family gave up shopping at WalMart ages ago, but we can still get our cheap box store fix at Target. If I boycott American Apparel but shop at say, H&M or Forever 21, am I just trading one evil for another?

Oh the brightly colored, many layered dilemma…

I made it my fashion mission to buy a few of those essentials every time I went shopping, and now I’m proud to say I have a pair of jeans I love (two pairs if it’s not a fat day), some adorable flats, and a few casual tops. I still prefer to dress up rather than down, but when I’m running on 73 minutes of sleep and am getting dressed with a cup of coffee in one hand, having a wardrobe of basic pieces that I can mix and match is a lifesaver.

Between my casual clothes and my dressy clothes, I feel like I have almost all the essentials (though I can use a few more pairs of jeans!). But chances are, especially if you’re loyal to a particular style of dressing like I am, you’re missing a few things. Take a look at my must-have list and see if you need to do some shopping ASAP:

A little black dress: I finally found the perfect one, and I love it so much that I bought a little gray dress in the same style. Pair it with high heels and a clutch for a night out, or flats and a casual bag to dress it down. If your little black dress is made from something like cotton, it’s a lot more versatile.

Cute flats: I don’t know how I lived without my Mia black flats all these years. Well actually, I do know—-with black heels that my feet will never forgive me for. Let a little toe cleavage peek out and be cute and comfy.

Plain t-shirts: Not the big baggy kind and not the belly-baring kind that was last popular circa Britney’s underwear-wearing days. Grab a few that hit at the hip to guarantee that they’ll look good with almost anything, and that your spare tire is covered up. Go as basic as possible—if you get one great v-neck black t-shirt, you can pair it with jeans for the dive bar, a pencil skirt for work, or a mini skirt for going out.

The perfect jeans: Notice I didn’t say “bootcut jeans” or “skinny jeans.” Shop according to your body type, not the 5’10 model that designers have in mind when they create their latest denim look. I have muscular legs; skinny jeans look like leggings on me and have no place in my closet. If you need help finding jeans that’ll fit your specific measurements, try truejeans.com—you’ll put in your measurements and body type, and they’ll give you a list of specific brands and styles to shop for.

Black heels: “But they’re not comfortable…!” Blah blah, I don’t care. I am so over perfectly attractive girls fugging it up with Crocs and running sneakers unless they’re at the gym or gardening. Flats certainly have their place, but to never wear heels is just fashion blasphemy. Heels can transform the way a woman looks in her clothes—ass and chest go out, stomach goes in, and legs automatically look toned and lean. So suck it up and practice your Top Model walk.

A fabulous hat: Maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow, but at some point soon, you will have a bad hair day to end all bad hair days. You will brush your hair in various directions to try and salvage it before giving up and screaming at your hair in the mirror, wishing you had a fantastic hat to cover up the mess on your head. There is no one hat style that you must have; just have one that complements your personal style. Go for a fedora if you dress kind of funky and offbeat, and a newsboy cap if you live in jeans and t-shirts. If you keep in mind what you actually wear on a daily basis when buying a hat, you guarantee you won’t have the problem I had the other day—trying to pair a slouchy knit newsboy cap with a dress.

A great jacket or coat: The style is up to you, as long as you’re not wearing the neon yellow bubble jacket you wore in 8th grade. When cold weather sneaks up you, your jacket or coat is often the first, and sometimes only, thing that people see on you. So if it’s the tattered jacket with holes that makes you look borderline-homeless, the impression you’re giving off won’t be a good one, even if you’re fantastically dressed underneath it.

A colorful shoe: A cute shoe in a non-neutral color can spice up an otherwise basic outfit, especially if black dominates your wardrobe. You don’t need flats and heels if you can’t afford it—just pick the heel height you wear most often. I have a pair of dark red stilettos that I’ve paired with jeans and a black t-shirt as well as my little black dress, and it’s a great way stand out and be a little creative.

A pencil skirt: Heels or flats, a pencil skirt looks fantastic with everything. Pair it with a t-shirt or a blouse, add a nice leather bag, and you automatically look put-together, even if you threw this outfit on 5 minutes before running out the door.

Your “I am monumentally hot” outfit: This can be anything, from jeans and blouse to a dress and heels. Every girl needs that one outfit that she feels absolutely amazing in, even when she’s PMSing, just broke up with her boyfriend, and failed her stats midterm. This is the outfit you break out when you’d rather set your closet on fire than wear anything in it.

And now I have another option to add into the mix: Bop Basics. Sure, we all need those trendy colorful pieces (even if we only will wear them for one season) but let’s get real for a second. We aren’t rolling out the door to class in our platform wedges and patterned smocked dresses are we? (I hope for your sake you aren’t one of those girls).

We need the essentials– the casual, comfy yet oh-so-cute pieces for our day to day lives of class and coffee runs. The clothes that make us look cute without looking like we are trying (even though we so are).

Well we’re in luck because from now until may 11th shopbop.com is offering 20% off their new exclusive Bop Basics line in honor of Mothers Day. Shop for super comfy yoga pants, t-shirts, leggings and tanks for your “mom” (ahem, yourself) without breaking the bank. Now is the time to stock up on the must-have staples for summer.

Cause while we all like to pretend we are going to get glammed up in this season’s hottest on a daily basis (you know, just in case the paparazzi decides to snap us at the grocery store instead of Paris Hilton) the reality is we will be lounging around in our “regular” people clothes (but I’ll still be pulling out the rock star shades…obviously).

So click here to stock up and enter BOPMOM2007 to get your 20% off.

Happy Shopping, err..I mean… Mothers Day.