[Got something awesome everyone needs to know about? A really rad singer? A wicked new book? A new clothing line that is pretty and comfy and cheap? Email your “The Know” ideas to Jill@collegecandy.com or tweet me and I’ll pass them along to everyone right here, every week. Make your kindergarten teacher proud and share!]

It’s that time of year again. And I’m not talking about football season. Or Pumpkin Spice Latte Season. I’m talking about that time of year when homework, sleeping in and, dare I say, football AND Pumpkin Spice Lattes, don’t even matter. All that matters are these five short words:

Bloomingdales Friends and Family Sale.

The one Saturday during football season where us girls will forgo our usual pomp and circumstance rituals (i.e. kegstands by 11 a.m., nap by 4) for discounts on leather jackets, boots, and other ‘drobe staples.

But what if I told you that it is in fact possible to have your cake and eat it too? Or in this case, shop till you drop and still make it for all weekend festivities?

Get ready to have your mind blown. Read More »

Got something awesome everyone needs to know about? A really rad singer? A wicked new book? Places where peeps can get a deal, yo?? Email your “The Know” ideas to Jill@collegecandy.com or tweet me and I’ll pass them along to everyone right here, every week. Make your kindergarten teacher proud and share!

Here’s the cold hard truth: as cute as summer sandals are, the reality is that in most parts of the country, we wear them for a very short time. Even LA, land of the sunny with a chance of Heidi Montag, seems to rock boots more than sandals.

So why waste money that could be put towards margaritas by the pool when you can get shoes that are not only totally adorbs, but look expensive and are made by a hot designer (who normally charges around $200 a pair) all for less than the cost of a nice dinner? Read More »

Need a dress to go with that headband?

We all know that NYE is the most over-hyped, overpriced, overdressed night of the year. While we are stressed figuring out what slutty halloween costume to wear, we also have to stress over where to go 2 months later. I swear every year two things happen: Christmas music and New Year’s Eve plans come earlier and earlier. And frankly I’m not a fan of either. My drunkcapades are exciting enough without having to pay upwards of $100 to go to a crowded club just to dance to Lady Gaga. I do that in my underwear for free in my apartment…

What I do love, however, is the excuse to wear a fun party dress. It almost makes the expensive price tag of the night worth it. And this year, there are so many great options. Lace, sequins, low cut, conservative-yet-sexy, bright colors, flapper inspired, the list goes on. And the best part is that it’s easier than Heidi Montag to find it for under $100. There are even some killer options for under $50.

So throw back some shots and put on some tights apparel because, hate this overpriced night or love it, you know you will look damn good when those pics are posted on Facebook come January 1.

All you need to do is find the style that screams “that’s SO me” click, purchase and rock that bad boy! Here are just a few of my absolute faves. Read More »

High-end fashion brands like Brian Reyes and Louis Vuitton showcased several looks featuring big shoulders on the spring 2009 runways. While I’m not advocating stealing some eighties-style shoulder pads from (hopefully deep inside) your mom’s closet, you can still rock the big shoulder trend.

And why would you want to? Well, for one, it’s everywhere. And it’s chic, unlike the shoulder pads of the 80s. Still not convinced? How about the fact that wearing a top or dress with ruffled or puffed up shoulders can balance out wide hips and make arms appear slimmer? Yeah, I thought so.

Here are some of my favorite picks at every price point: Read More »

Growing up on the East Coast, my friends and I were always unbelievably anxious to shed our winter puffies and throw on the denim shorts that were always too short for school (and for walking around, and going out at night, and everything, really…). We believed that once the temperature hit 45 degrees, it was time to swap boots for flip-flops and turtlenecks for tanks. Unfortunately, we ended up looking a bit foolish walking through the halls as if we were leaving that day for Spring Break.

When I moved to New England for college, and endured winters ten times more horrific than those in New Jersey (yes, that’s where I’m from, no laughs please), I began to learn how to transition from winter to spring more tactfully. Keep these things in mind and you’ll never look like beach Barbie when the flowers are still blooming. Read More »

[Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!]

One of the hottest trends right now? Delicate chains with disc pendants. Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Richie and so many more gals have been spotted wearing them. So of course we need to get in on the trend! We’ve found tons of chic, affordable options so we — and, of course, you! — can be right on point. Read More »

Designer duds – for fashionistas around the world, they are a must-have. But with the economy in the crapper and most of us on a college student or recent graduate budget, finding the cash flow for those lovely labels is a lot harder than drooling over them. However, it is possible to find designer apparel and accessories at very discounted prices without having to elbow some other fashionista in the aisle at TJ Maxx, Loehmann’s or Filene’s Basement.

Just hit the internet.

While the prices are oftentimes still much higher than those pieces you love grabbing at Target, Old Navy, Forever 21 or H&M, many of these items are much higher in quality and can be wardrobe staples for many years to come.

I am personally obsessed with designer denim, shoes and handbags. I don’t have the salary to allow me to buy whatever I want at their normal price and I don’t own a credit card (for good reason – it would’ve been maxed out ages ago), so I have to look for deals. Enter my saviors for retail therapy on a budget:

Overstock.com: This site is a gem! You may not always find exactly what you want, but you can find some great stuff here at even better prices. I got my bf 2 sweaters and a button down shirt that were each originally $75/piece, for $15 each! You can also find great home goods here for awesomely affordable prices.

Bluefly: While things here are oftentimes still pretty pricey, they do give a good percentage off, and I check here often because when they have sales, you can find phenomenal deals. Read More »

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with roses?

At Chanel’s spring 2009 couture show, models walked the runway adorned with paper roses in their hair. At Valentino and Moschino, dresses and accessories featured oversized origami-like roses. Looks like Carrie Bradshaw’s flower obsession is back…and bigger than ever.

If you don’t have a real bouquet to flaunt this weekend, throw on a rose embellished headband or pair of heels. Or pick up some rose-inspired fashion; you can add a little Spring to your wardrobe and stay one fashionable step ahead of your friends who are still trying to pull off the whole bow trend. Read More »

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. Read More »

[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).

Read More »