In case you haven’t heard, it’s New York Fashion Week! Sadly, we’re not all celebs and fashion VIPs, so most of us won’t be making it into the runway shows. But that doesn’t mean we can’t ogle the designs from afar once the pictures come out! The designers that are showing their work this week cover a wide range of styles and looks. There’s a little something for everyone. Click through the gallery to find out whose clothes would be perfect for you…if you had a few thousand extra dollars to spend.

initiating the gallery...

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. She is “that person” who starts dancing at a party when everyone else is standing around, and if there were a Facebook stalking Olympics, she would be a gold medalist. She also loves cheesy 90s music, and almost died of happiness when Vanilla Ice retweeted her. Once. Follow her on Twitter @garnethenderson.

[Lead image via NataliaYeromina/Shutterstock]

Facebook. Twitter. Urban Outfitters.

These three websites are, hands down, the most clicked bookmarks on my Safari page. Like most people, I have my allotted time throughout the day where I routinely check my Facebook News Feed and update my Twitter. It is almost automatic that I then click to Urban and check out what’s new on sale. And then buy it all. Woops?

Online shopping has become almost a hobby as it is almost too convenient to scroll through an entire store, easily click the size you want for a cute shirt and have it shipped in a few days. Yet in a world where there’s an unlimited amount of online stores to shop at, how do you know which ones to skip over and which ones are worth looking at? Leave it to me to tell you the websites with the best sales, free shipping, and cutest clothes!

Behold: the holy grail of online shopping.

If you’re a committed shopper like myself, these websites will change the way you shop forever. You won’t regret reading this…or signing up for those annoying mailing lists (which WON’T be annoying with all those sales you’ll hear about.)

Happy shopping!

We all have our own personal style. That’s a fact.  However, no matter what your style is, there is one staple that every college girl (and boy for that matter) should have in their closet – a cardigan.

While the cardigan can be associated with our favorite childhood neighbor, Mr. Rogers, the cardigan is no longer just for old men.  A cardigan is easily the most versatile piece of clothing you can own.  Chicer than a hoody, the cardigan goes with everything, be it with jeans or over a dress.  This year is the perfect time to purchase a cardigan (or 20), as stores have pulled out all the stops.  Name a trend this year, and you can find a cardigan that incorporates it. Of course, there’s also basic cardigans in every color imaginable if that’s more your thing.

So whether you’re looking for sequins, plaid or ruffles, there’s a cardigan out there for you. If only there were room in my closet for all 16 of these…

Yeah, I enjoy a good deal as much as the next guy (I’m Jewish – isn’t that part of my heritage?), and purchasing all those Hanukkah gifts for less money is muy appealing, but I’m beginning to think all these sales will have me spending a lot more money instead of a lot less.

When it comes to holiday sales, I’m torn.

Love It:
Duh, putting things on sale means getting really great stuff for a lot less money. Especially things for myself. OK, so I know that this time of year is all about the giving, but how can you not shop for yourself when everything is so damn cheap!? A brand new TV for only $500? A new laptop for $400? 25% off everything at my favorite clothing store? Sign me up!

And what could be better than waking up every day to find emails advertising your favorite stores’ great deals? You don’t even have to leave the house to indulge in a sale; you just need to point and click your way to a seriously discounted BCBG dress. Heaven.

Loathe It:
A brand new TV for $500 that I got for $800 only two months ago? It’s like Best Buy has a personal vendetta against me and those little guys in the blue shirts want to see me cry. Even more, now that the prices of such large items have dropped, I am now convincing myself that I need them. Yeah, my laptop works perfectly but what if it dies next month? I should totally get another one now. And I’ve always wanted a blender, right? I mean, how many times have I craved a margarita but couldn’t make one because I didn’t have a blender. It’s only $30 so I should totally get it! Same goes for the shower radio (because, yeah, I love jamming in the shower) and those really uncomfortable Steve Madden pumps that I’ll probably only wear once, but they are 30% off so it just makes sense to throw ‘em in the bag.

I have zero control around sale items and sale items are everywhere I look! By the time holiday season is over I’ll have a room full of crap I never really needed and a near-empty bank account. I may have gotten my mom those iPod speakers she wanted for half-off, but was it really worth it when I dropped all that other money on things just because they were “cheap”?

What do you think? Do you fall into the sale trap, or have you mastered the art of sale self control?

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.]

She’s a senior and while she may be dealing with a bad case of Senioritis, her style certainly isn’t. No matter what time she wakes up in the morning – sometimes ten minutes before class…and sometimes ten minutes after it’s started – Jessica always stays fly and manages to pull on something cute. Even if its her simple staple look – one of her many v-necks, a scarf, and a pair of comfy jeans. She just makes everything look good. What got me to notice her in a sea of students wearing jeans and v-necks, though?

Her hot pink Longchamp bag and a fantastically contrasting bright scarf. This girl just knows how to stand out.

Name: Jessica
Year: 2010
Major: Political Science, Global Health Certificate
Jessica in 3 words: tongue-in-cheek, spontaneous, eclectic

1) Describe your personal style.

I’ve never really defined my personal style; it’s pretty eclectic and definitely varies with my mood. I’m from San Francisco and people sometimes tell me I have that easy-going West Coast vibe: skinny jeans, colorful Chucks, v-neck tee, and scarf. I love v-neck tees and have them in every color. Sometimes I’ll feel more girly and wear a pretty sundress with sandals or flip-flops (never heels, just too uncomfortable for me). I don’t know, I go through phases! I’ve been through a punk phase, a boho phase, a hipster phase…I don’t have much time to get ready in the morning, though, so I definitely go for something comfortable and easy to wear.

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.

Bright pink Longchamp bag! I carry it every day whether I’m going to class or just going out to dinner with friends. I can fit everything in it, including my laptop! I also love how it’s so bright and goes with basically any outfit.

3) Name your favorite store.

I absolutely love this online boutique called 80′s purple; it’s an eclectic mix of basics and bolder, more “out-there” looks. I also love shopping in boutiques in Hong Kong (you can get designer clothes at much cheaper prices), and you can never go wrong with Forever21!

4) What/who is the biggest influence on your style?

I can’t really pinpoint one influence. I guess I just absorb what I see in the media, magazines, and on my friends – and then choose my own style from there!

5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?

Scarves. I LOVE scarves – all types! I have at least twenty from all over the world. Whenever I travel, I always pick up a few from whichever country I’m in at the time.

Clothes in the picture:
Top: BCBG, Max Azria
Jeans: Hollister
Necklace: Forever21
Kanye shades: thrift store in Berkeley, CA

[Is there a fashionista on your campus whose style should be celebrated? Someone who is always pushing the style envelope and lookin' damn good doing it? Someone who always seems to put together the coolest outfits, no matter the occasion? Send us a picture and she (or he!) could be featured in a future Campus Couture!]

And that something comes in the form of color. The color purple to be exact.

Every girl needs a little color in her wardrobe and what better way to liven things up than with something beautiful, luxurious and violet?  Historically, purple is associated with nobility, but we don’t need to be canoodling with Prince Harry to enjoy the benefits of this year’s hottest color. (Although, that would definitely help with the winter blues…) We can all look regal and faboosh, even on our student budgets.

You can work purple into your look in a big way – like a silky sheath dress – or just add little splashes here and there. Either way, you won’t have to look far to find the perfect purple pieces to lift your winter spirits. In fact, I found 16 hot ones right here.

In attempts to save money, I swore off any sort of shopping for the month of June. I don’t need another dress or another pair of shoes for at least 12 years, but I could definitely use some extra moolah in my bank account. Knowing that I’d cave the moment I stepped foot in a clothing store, I haven’t gotten near one since May. Unfortunately, though, my personal pact did not stop my daily shopping emails from arriving in my inbox.

And that is where I saw this beauty, which makes me super happy that July 1 is just around the corner.

May I introduce you to the perfect summer dress? It’s light and feminine and the cut would be flattering on almost anyone. The flowers are bright and summery, yet delicate. They let you take part in the floral trend of the summer without screaming “I’M TAKING PART IN THE FLORAL TREND OF THE SUMMER!” And those ruffles? Sophisticated and somehow totally girly.

The dress also happens to be half-off, meaning it is summer (and recession) perfectionion. I just hope there is one left in my size when Thursday rolls around. I’d be more than happy to break my shopping fast on this gorgeous frock.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/06/29/wardrobe-wish-list-bcbg-printed-flutter-sleeve-dress/feed/ 1 Lauren - University of Michigan bcbg 1 bcbg2 http://collegecandy.com/2008/09/13/ccs-favorite-looks-from-fashion-week-2008/ http://collegecandy.com/2008/09/13/ccs-favorite-looks-from-fashion-week-2008/#comments Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:11:08 +0000 CC Staff http://www.collegecandy.com/style/12109

Next to Welcome Week, NY Fashion Week is our favorite week of the year. We may actually like it more, but only because we can remember what happened/don’t feel like total hell at the end of it.What could be better than watching our favorite designers send their newest duds down the runway? And what better way to spend our days than by taking all those delectable looks and figuring out ways to make them our own?

Ooo wee! We get …

Next to Welcome Week, NY Fashion Week is our favorite week of the year. We may actually like it more, but only because we can remember what happened/don’t feel like total hell at the end of it.What could be better than watching our favorite designers send their newest duds down the runway? And what better way to spend our days than by taking all those delectable looks and figuring out ways to make them our own?

Ooo wee! We get so excited just thinking about it.

This year’s fashion week did not dissapoint. Everyone from Nanette Lepore to The Gap pulled out all the stops and sent some brilliant looks through the tents at Bryant Park. We sifted through every last collection (yes, our lives are sad and horribly difficult) to bring you our favorites of Fashion Week 2008. Sure, actually being at the shows next to Anna Wintour and Rachel Zoe would have been glamorous and awesome, but we got to do this in our PJs.

Which is how we roll.

And wouldn’t want it any other way.

Click on any picture below to get the full size image and the reasoning behind our difficult choice.

]]>

Instead I saw Seven For All Mankind, Paige, Primp, BCBG, Free People, Steve Madden, etc. etc. etc: What distinguishes these particular brands from Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or those created by T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s? After questioning several of my designer brand sporting friends and trying to justify several of my own purchases, I came up with the following list:

SIX REASONS TO GO DESIGNER

1. Product Quality – Many people who don’t believe in buying designer brands say that you are only paying for the brand name and that the product is no better than any other. While you are paying in part for the “privilege” to wear the brand’s name, you are also probably purchasing a product that is high quality. For example, I buy designer denim because it fits better and lasts longer than the jeans I buy for $25.00 at Bob’s. Designer clothes are usually made from finer fabrics and have superior stitching compared to those of bargain stores.

2. Consistency – Most people who wear designer clothes swear by a few designers. For example, someone might own thirty pairs of Paige jeans but refuse to even look at Joe’s Jeans. Both are expensive, high quality brands, so what’s the difference? Paige jeans consistently fit, last, and look great, where Joe’s Jeans aren’t as flattering (this isn’t my personal opinion, it’s just an example). People keep going back to the same brands because they consistently perform well for them.

3. Self Identity – Certain brands represent certain things (according to the advertising class I took last semester). For example, Ralph Lauren represents classic preppy. Club Monaco is worn most often by young stylish professionals. Abercrombie reminds you of a skinny and popular thirteen year old girl. People buy certain brands because what you wear represents who you are.

4. Social Status – Wearing designer clothing aligns you with an elite group: those who can afford it. People who wear designer clothing recognize designer clothing. They can also usually recognize cheap clothing. When you are wearing a Juicy Couture dress, you appear wealthier and of higher social status than others. And who doesn’t want others to be insanely jealous of your clothes?

5. Uniqueness and Rarity – Ok, so this one is pretty similar to #3 and 4, but I have another point I need to make. Why is a Monet painting so expensive? Because it’s rare. Why are designer clothes so expensive? Bingo, you got it. If you pay $45.00 for an (overpriced) Abercrombie tank top, I guarantee you that during its shelf life in your wardrobe, you will run into at least 3 people who own the exact same tank and at least 20 people who own a tank very similar. If you pay $500.00 for a pair of Balenciaga shoes, I can almost guarantee you that no one else will be wearing them at the same time as you. You’re never going to experience that awkward moment where you bump into someone wearing the same outfit as you, which you probably handle by smiling and saying “Nice outfit!”

6. Celebrities Wear Designer Clothes – Yes, it’s stupid to buy something just because Nicole Richie wears it. Have I done it? Yup. I own three Primp tops even though the only reason Primp became trendy is because Paris Hilton and Britney Spears both wear it. Celebrities started the big sunglasses trend (or Rachel Zoe started making celebrities wear big sunglasses). Now I own a pair of huge sunglasses (which my boyfriend doesn’t hesitant to call hideous). People copy celebrities, and no matter how shallow or sheep-in-a-flock syndromish (yea it’s not a word) that is, it’s always going to be that way. Celebrities are like living bulletin boards for designers.

So there you have it – the 6 main reasons people wear designer clothes. I’m not saying that you should wear designer clothes, but I’m also not advising you against it. My wardrobe consists of a mix of American Eagle, H&M, and random deals I got on designer items (courtesy of Filene’s Basement and the demise of Jasmine Sola). Do I think it’s a little ridiculous to spend $2,500 on a dress you’re going to wear once? Yes. Would I do it if I could afford it? Of course!

It’s important to remember that fashion is an art, and clothes designed by Dior or Emilio Pucci are works of art. They are meant to be looked at, admired, and copied. And worn by rich people and famous style icons (who want to be looked at, admired, and copied). And finally to be discovered and treasured by you and when you get your hands on them for half the price!

Awesome! I can advertise the truth at last!

There’s no shame in being le broke, whether you’re in college or just out of it. The trick is to live it up without blowing through your checking account. Truthfully, the percentage of recent college grads making bank isn’t that high, we just have a lovely little tendency to live beyond our means and lack patience.

Label whores, I address you first. I’m one of you. The trick here is to get the look without going broke. Sales are where it’s at.

Instead of shopping consistently, go less often and go for classic pieces. Hit up outlet malls (there are some fantastic ones out there. In the tri-state area, I fully endorse Woodbury Commons, where I snagged a pair of Dior shades for $60 this summer and have seen BCBG at 75% off), wait until end-of-season, whatever. If it must be designer, you can tough it out until you can afford it. Trendpieces are best left to Forever21 and H&M.

Foodies. After moving to New York I can only aspire to join your ranks. If wining and dining is what you love, you don’t have to give it up entirely; just do it in moderation. Maybe instead of trying all the fancy new restaurants, limit to one a month. Go places where you can share plates with friends or try everyone else’s (tapas is huge right now).

Seriously, you learn to appreciate food if you’ve got to prepare it, and cooking can actually be pretty fun. Plus it ups your value as a roommate. Just try it. You may surprise yourself!

Social butterflies? Leave the top shelf alone. You do not make the kind of money that pays for Grey Goose. Unless it’s a gift, stick to mid-range or even well drinks. Also, I fully endorse pregaming. You can make your drinks as stiff as you like at home and then minimize how many you buy, and how much you tip, at the bar.

Split a cab with friends or make sure there is a sober driver. And by sober I mean SOBER, not “okay after 3 or 4-ish”. If it’s a true college-town, walk it out.

Movie whores? Wait til it comes out on DVD and rent. Actually, only in NY is this truly expensive, so I suggest a movie night out in lieu of a bar night if you want to save cash and relax. Also, make like a little kid and sneak in your own gummy bears to avoid any astronomical concession costs (I must say, though, movie theater popcorn is my personal weakness and worth every penny in my opinion).

Other ideas for saving those dollas and having fun? Tell us what you got!