[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 everyone's favorite not-so-reality star, Lauren Conrad) are spending $5,000 and more on an ensemble, you an spend way less...and save the rest for Margarita Mondays.]

Lucy Hale is steadily climbing her way up the Hollywood ladder, propelled by the awesomeness that is Pretty Little Liars. It has everything that Gossip Girl used to have – suspense, dark humor, compelling story lines, and high schoolers who are way too attractive. Yes, I am obsessed (and still bitter over the demise of GG, but that’s a whole separate rant).

In addition to killer acting skills, Lucy has a totally banging sense of style. She can rock trendy and sexy looks just as easily as elegant, classic, preppy looks. Since it’s finally, finally, spring, I am totally excited to gush over a hot summer look.

Top, Skirt, Belt, Booties

I never thought I would put “boho-chic” and “sexy” in the same sentence, but this white v-neck is totally both. The plunging neckline ramps up the “ow ow!” factor, but the flowiness steers it away from being a little much for a typical college girl. If you’re a little uncomfortable with showing this much cleavage, you could easily throw on a lightweight cami underneath. Combining this top with a patterned mini-skirt is another nod to the boho-chic trend that continues to persist (I feel like it’s been around for at least five years now – is it still considered a trend?) The black woven belt is a great minimalist accessory, and the open toed booties add a little edginess to this overall very feminine outfit.

So stand out from the rest of the ladies wearing distressed denim minis and grungy tank tops and go for a more polished, but still casual, summer night time look.

Need a little fashion pick-me-up? Get more celebrity style for the poor college fashionista here.

[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 (or trying-to-come-back celebrities, like J-Lo) are spending $5,000 and more on an ensemble, you an spend way less...and save the rest for Margarita Mondays.]

Lake Bell isn’t exactly an A-list actress, although she has been working steadily for almost a decade (most recently, you may have seen her being hilarious in No Strings Attached). However, she is definitely A-list in the fashion world, as her red carpet style has been garnering her tons of accolades for the past few years. She has a reputation for having a quirky style that is different from a lot of other starlets around her age. And I like quirky.

I also like cheap, which works out well for me, because Lake’s uniquely gorgeous outfit is easy to create on my meager college budget.

Product Information: Top – Forever 21, $19.80; Skirt – Forever 21, $10.50; Booties – Target, $39.99; Bag – Target, $34.99; Necklace – ASOS, $23.31.

Crop tops are totally in this season, and there are two versions – the more revealing, midriff baring kind and the more conservative version that hits slightly above the waist. The latter is a lot more versatile, and a basic white one is definitely a great way to ease into the crop top world, as you can pair it with almost anything and it would look great. Lake paired hers with a gorgeous deep red skirt. One thing you must be super conscious of when you rock a crop top is proportion. Generally, the top and bottom should be similar in how they fit you to create a streamlined, not-sloppy silhouette. It looks like Lake’s skirt has an elastic waistband, so she pulled it up under her skirt so her shirt and skirt would seamlessly flow.

Shiny black tights paired with deep brown booties add rich tones to this ouftit, and the brown tassel necklace is a whimsical, boho-chic addition. Finally, the brown satchel is light and easy, and complements the other earthy tones in this outfit. It’s no wonder Lake is beloved in the fashion world. She is able to integrate the latest trends into her wardrobe while still staying true to herself – the mark of a true fashionista.

Get more celebrity style for the poor college girl here.

[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 (or faux-lebrities, like Kimmy K) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you an spend way less...and save the rest for Margarita Mondays.]

After the longest winter ever, it is finally March. Spring starts in three weeks (!!!), and I am beyond ready to put my winter clothes into hibernation. I love tights and scarves and boots as much as the next girl, but I’m too stoked for vibrant colors, sundresses, and open toes…

So when I saw an outfit Rachel Bilson went for a stroll in, I pretty much spontaneously combusted from glee/envy. We all know Rachel is one of Hollywood’s most consistently stunning fashionistas, and once again, she does not disappoint.

Dress, Jacket, Necklace, Booties.

Coral is one of the hottest colors of the season, and this blazer is amazing. Bright, bold, fun, and full of energy, it is the perfect staple for this season. (Well, once you cut off that horrible flower…) Rachel pairs hers with a cream drop-waist dress, creating a casually sophisticated, slightly boho look. An edgy black necklace adds an interesting element of contrast to this bright aesthetic. Open toed boots are one of those trends that never quite catch on, because really, it makes no sense. And yet, they’re an interesting alternative to sandals or pumps if you’re feeling adventurous.

This is a great sophisticated day look that combines the structured edginess of the best winter fashion we fall in love with every year, and the vivacious femininity that makes spring fashion so awesome to wear. Cheers to Rachel for making it happen.

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

[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 (I'm talkin' bout you, Olivia Wilde) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.]

I am completely in awe of Vanessa Hudgens. If my four-year long relationship with Zac Efron had ended, I would have fallen off the face of the earth. I would have gone on a bender that would make even Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen stop and side-eye me. My only mission in life would have been to redefine trainwreck. There’s no way I would have stepped out in public on a regular basis looking even more gorgeous and stunning than ever. And yet, that is exactly what Miss V did.

I bow down to her post-breakup prowess.

Vanessa has always had a shabby chic aesthetic that I love. She’s all about pieces that flow with her body, nothing too overwhelming or overly constricting. (Guess she’ll fit in well next Fall?) Her look is flattering and easy to put together, while still being visually intriguing and fresh. Layers and great accessories are staple elements of a Vanessa-inspired outfit and with a little savvy online shopping, I’ve layered and greatly accessorized one for myself.

Shopping Info: Jeans – Macy’s, $17.99; Ruffle Tank – Old Navy, $1950; Boyfriend Cardigan – Forever 21, $24.90; Bag - Urban Outfitters, $29.99; Boots – Delia’s, $39.99; Necklace - Forever 21, $4.80.

Who doesn’t love cardigans these days? I’m definitely more partial to the long, flowy, “boyfriend” style cardis. They add casual sophistication to any outfit, and this cream one is definitely a great addition to any closet. I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned my deep adulation for ruffles before, so I’m totally obsessed with this black ruffled tank. It could be worn in approximately a zillion different ways, never losing any ounce of its cuteness. Combined with skinnies and suede boots, it’s totally contemporary chic.

Of course, no boho chic look is complete without accessories. This bag from Urban Outfitters is amazing for everyday use, as either a crossbody or a handbag. And the Forever 21 necklace is so cute, in that “my 8-year-old sister made this at summer camp” way, similar to Vanessa’s necklace.

Sigh. Now if only her perfect hair was as easy to emulate as her style.

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

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.]

Ashley lives in the room next door to mine so I see her a lot. Yet somehow, every time I spot her in the hall (or lounging on her bed) she’s wearing something different that looks amazing on her. Ashley’s got serious style. She not only knows what looks good, but she knows how to put things together that other people wouldn’t think of. And it always works.

The thing I probably love most about her fashion sense is that she always looks unique. She takes trendy pieces and makes them all her own, something I think we all wish we knew how to do. Plus, she’s not afraid to mix colors, patterns or styles and she always makes it look so right. If you see her around campus and you’re a fashionista, take notice; you’ll probably get some awesome ideas for how to spice up your wardrobe.

Name: Ashley Gates
Year: Sophomore
Major: Journalism

1) Describe your personal style:
I would say I really enjoy mixing and matching. Things don’t have to match, they have to go. I’d call myself Urban boho chic.

2) You can’t leave your house without your…
Boots or a necklace.

3) What is your favorite store to shop at?
It changes frequently. Right now I’d say Arden B or H&M.

4) What/who is the biggest influence on your style?
Kim Kardashian or a toned down Rihanna.

5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?
I love fringey boots from last year. Right now I love over-the-knee boots with studs.

On Ashley:
Jacket: Delia’s
Dress: Armani Exchange
Tights: Urban Outfitters
Boots: Zara
Necklace- Forever 21
Belt: Thrifted

Who inspires your style? Or better question, WHAT inspires your style? Many of us use celebrities (like Khloe Kardashian) as style inspiration, even though, most of the time, they are being dressed from head to toe by the best stylists. Which we don’t have. And sometimes it’s damn near impossible to work their Hollywood looks into our not-so-Hollywood lives. I’ve made it my mission to tap into the mind of a fashion stylist and show you how to take your style inspiration – whatever it may be – and make it more, well, you!

I’ve seen a lot of movies in my 19 and a half years on this Earth, and no character has ever inspired me like Kate Hudson’s in Almost Famous.  (If you haven’t seen it, you must. Right now!) This movie is based off of the rock and roll music scene of the early 1970s and Penny Lane, the leading lady/groupie, represents this era with her free-spirited, eclectic-yet-chic bohemian wardrobe.

We’ve come a long way since Penny Lane’s time, but the bohemian look has stuck around, cycling in and out of fashion every year. And I can’t help but love it.

No matter the decade, this style is very wearable, whether to a theme party or to a long day of classes. The key to not looking too costume-y is taking some of the quintessential 70s items and mixing them with a few modern pieces. It’s easy to incorporate the elements of the early 70s rock era to your look with vintage flowers, classic flared jeans, sunglasses (Aviator or Elton John-style,) a furry jacket, and many different styles of boots. All of which are seen everywhere right now. Corduroy, velvet, and suede were also very popular back in Penny Lane’s days (or when our parents were our age, drinking Coors and listening to some Led Zeppelin) and can easily be picked up and incorporated into your own Boho-chic look as well.

If, like me, you’ve got a love for 70s style and want to work it in 2010, here is a more modern version of Penny Lane’s iconic look:

Product Info- Floral top- Forever 21, $17.80, Skinny Jeans- DeLiA*s, $49.50, Vintage 70s jacket- Etsy, $60.00, Round polarized sunglasses- Bleudame.com, $3.50, Freewayy boots-Steve Madden, $124.98

The sunglasses, shirt and jacket are quite obviously very 70s, but the jeans and boots modernize the whole look, giving you the bohemian vibe you want with a much more modern twist. You could also switch the jeans out for something with a flare and go with a more basic shirt. The point is to mix things up so you look more modern-boho and less I-got-stoned-when-I-woke-up-this-morning.

Sigh. I think I’m drooling.

How many times have I tried their look but always walked out the door looking like a clown? (Actually, on second thought, let’s not talk about the amount of times I’ve done that.) The truth is, no matter how hard I try, I never look like Mary-Kate or Ashley. It’s such a letdown. And while some people think their style is beyond bizarre-o, I happen to think they know more about fashion than half the “fashion designers” out there (are you reading, Lauren Conrad?).

This is why I was super excited when I found out they were creating a line for JCPenney. After all, clothing from The Row and Elizabeth and James are way too much weight on the wallet. Plus, did you hear about their genius marketing strategy for the new line, which they call Olsenboye? The twins traveled through New York City on a hot pink bus, showing off their line and handing out cupcakes! I repeat, a hot pink truck with cupcakes! I. Want. Their. Lives. But seriously, though.

So since I couldn’t be in the Big Apple for the trucks, I decided to bake a dozen cupcakes and look at Olsenboye online.

The cupcakes were great, but the line for JCP? Well…not so much. I hate to say anything negative about my terrific two-some (who once coined my favorite catch-phrase: “You got it, dude!”),  but this line does not do their brilliance justice! Sure, the line has a couple of cute over-sized tees, stylish flannel shirts and blazers, but it pretty much ends there. And “there” still looks cheap and watered down.

Am I missing something? Where are the grandpa-styled cardigans that we see the twins prancing around in? What about some trendy leggings or vintage necklaces that we just need to add to our collection?

I know that this line will never be as luxe as their others or even close to anything they wear, but I also know it’s possible to create something a lot better than this on a small budget. Even the Mossimo line at Target has more options! This just seems like an insult; like MK and Ashley just signed their names away without giving those of us on a budget a second thought. We may not be able to afford a $300 shirt, but that doesn’t mean we want to look like wanna-be trend-setters.

I was pumped to be able to dress like Mary-Kate and Ashley for a good price, but now I’m just even more broken up than when I (majorly) fail at putting my own pieces together in an attempt to pull of their boho-chic look. I hate to say it, really I do, but this line is no better than Lauren Conrad’s attempt at designing for Kohls.

In fact, I’m not sure it’s much better than her attempt at writing a novel, either.

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!]

It’s (finally) June, which means shorts weather is fast approaching! I personally find it hard to spend a lot of money on shorts. I mean, they’re like 1/3 of a pair of pants for a similar price. Scam? I think so. Plus, they can only be worn for a few months a year. I’d rather invest in jeans or tops I can layer that work year-round.

This year, instead of hitting the mall in search of the latest trendy pair of shorts, stick with the pairs you already own and update them with other items that won’t spend 9 months of the year in storage.

1. Over-accessorize. Shorts give off a casual vibe, so adding a lot of bling will glam them up for a night out. Think stacks of metallic bangles, embellished sandals, long necklaces, etc.

Splendid Light Jersey Uneven Hem Tank – $49
Kohl’s Lee One True Fit Annabelle Shorts – $16.99
Express Metal Disc Pendant - $19.50
Liz Claiborne Logo Bangle Bracelet Set – $19.99
Pierre Dumas Viviana Sandals – $40

2. Dress up. Wear a collared shirt, a belt and heels. You will look fabulously summery yet professional for work (don’t wear short shorts to the office though!), or dressed-up casual for a weekend brunch with the roomies.

Express Silk Shirt – $19.99
Kohl’s Elle Cuffed Shorts – 26.99
Arden B Braided Pull Through Belt – $24
Michael Antonio Fonsilla Platform Sandals – $49.95

3. For a boho casual-chic vibe, wear a loose, billowy top with shorts. This offsets short hemlines for a classy and stylish look.

Guess Beaded Dora Top – $49
G by Guess Rhode Island Shorts – $39.50
Lifestride Maximus Sandal – $42.95

For more fashion tips, follow me on Twitter or read my blog!

Fact is we connect to others by learning about them. And everyone has something to share (even if it a story about a particularly embarassing fall…in a dress). So to give you yet another reason to procrastinate, we started ‘The Five Questions We Ask Everyone’ (and five just for that one person) because we know whether we’re schmoozing with an A- list celeb or your local bartender, you’ll be equally entertained.

Style expert and entrepreneur Ashley Thompson, 29, enjoys a life immersed in the international fashion scene as both a forecasting fashionista as well as the owner of New York City’s well-known shopping hotspot, Owl’s Lab.  Some of those sporting her goods include industry icons such as Mary-Kate Olsen, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey, Maggie Gyllenhaal and more.

Owl’s Lab has been featured on TLC’s “What Not To Wear” and in publications such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, Lucky, US Weekly, In Touch Weekly, New York Post, New York Daily News, E! Online and Daily Candy.  It also holds the title of one of the Top 100 Boutiques in New York City (Lucky Magazine, August 2007) and is listed as one of NYC’s five “Best Bets” boutiques alongside Phillip Lim and other notable women’s fashion destinations.

Ashley knows fashion, so we wanted to get to know Ashley.

5 Questions We Ask Everyone:

1.    Most hysterical/ridiculous college memory/most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

I went to UCLA and was in a sorority, so there were plenty of funny memories! I was always harnessing my obsession with fashion by dressing up in ridiculous costumes for all our theme parties. We’d go out to restaurants for dinner before the events dressed like the most outrageous things: football players, Disney characters, animals, you name it.

2.    Five things you can’t live without

La Mer cream

My Blackberry!

My Mac laptop

A bag of jewelry with me at all times

A big handbag with plenty of room

3.    What’s your motto/advice you live by?

Plan your work and work your plan. That’s my motto! You can’t go wrong if you have a solid plan. Also, I always tell people to stay positive and know they are in charge.  Don’t let anyone get into your head and tell you that you can’t do something.

4.    Your favorite song to belt out at the bar/in the car/for karaoke?

I just went to Bette Midler show in Vegas and she sang “When a Man Loves a Woman.” It’s such a classic, I could sing it over and over again in the car! “Sweet Home Alabama” is my pick for best karaoke song.

5.    Ten years from now you will be….

I will have more clothing stores, a clothing line and kids!

5 Questions just for Ashley:

1.    What are some tips you have for girls who want to update their wardrobes without buying all new clothes?

The best way to update your wardrobe without going overboard with your budget is to buy cute and in-trend accessories.  You can always take a really cool new belt and a couple simple pieces and create a whole new look. Long necklaces and scarves are great for creating a fresh look.  When I want to get stylish without working too hard at it, I usually pair a tunic with leggings and combine some fantastic accessories to get my outfit just right.

2.    How did you get into the fashion business?

According to my mother (and what I can remember from my childhood), I’ve been dressing up since I could walk. I used to have a “costume closet” near our stairs where I’d store things I’d find at vintage boutiques and from my Mom’s closet. My mom bought me a sewing machine at one point because I was so into fashion. I think it has always been who I am, and I am extremely thankful that I have always had a passion that I have been able to chase.

3.    What is your go-to outfit?

In the Fall/Winter, Skinnies, a tunic, a layered knit and jacket with lots of accessories. In the summer I prefer, a long skirt with a boho style tank or a maxi dress with gladiator scandals. I have always been a bit of a hippie at heart. I like my outfits to be easy, so I usually add layers.

4.    What advice do you have for girls who want to get into the fashion business?

Follow your heart and your dreams. Get an internship and go to a school where you can learn your trade. Also, just never stop talking, writing and thinking about what you want. It’s ok to be really passionate about something to where you sometimes drive your family and friends crazy; later they will realize that it was that drive that made you successful. Don’t let anything get in your way!

5.    Which celebrity style do you covet most?

When I’m having one of those days where I can’t get dressed and I’m throwing clothing around my room, I think about what Rachel Zoe or Jennifer Aniston would wear. Rachel Zoe is uber trendy and Jennifer Aniston is overly classic, so if I harness a mix of both fashionistas, I can get a good mix.