Unlike cupcakes and shoulder pads, there are two things that will never go out of style: the color black and denim. Although once seen as casual pants (and before that, as durable pants for men workin’ in the fields), jeans have become a staple in today’s fashion world. Because of this, women today can no longer survive with just two or three pairs of jeans. Oh no, we need a special pair of jeans for every (and I mean every) occasion.

1. Fat jeans
These jeans are great for a lazy day, but they’re even better for throwing on after a king-sized feast (i.e. Thanksgiving). Usually a size too big and made with “stretchy” material, you can always count on these jeans to fit you, even when nothing else does.

2. Comfy jeans
No, not Pajama Jeans (even though I am considering snagging a few pairs of those), but close. This pair manages to be just as (if not, more) comfortable than your sweatpants. Maybe it’s because they’re worn down or maybe it’s because they’re labeled as “relaxed fit”; either way, you feel great in ‘em and probably wear them a little too often. Read More »

[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.]

I’m being incredibly optimistic about the weather. After several weeks of gray skies, rain, snow, sleet and at times a strange hybrid of precipitation, the weather network is telling me it’s going to be sunny next week(!!!) And after months of only wearing things that can be stuffed into boots that make my feet sweat, all I want to do is show a little ankle (even if it means shaving my legs).

Which is why I’ve been dreaming about pulling my boyfriend jeans out from the bottom of my dresser drawer. Those little guys haven’t seen the light of day since September and I miss them dearly. Lucky for them and for all of us who have a pair (or 3), boyfriend jeans are going to stay strong this season, meaning now is the perfect time to figure out how you’ll add them back into your outfits as it starts to (fingers-crossed) warm up.

[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 are spending $5,000 on an ensemble (like a sweater and skinny jeans) you don’t have to. All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire look. For cheap. Yes, we know - there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Rachel Bilson has lived a charmed life. She made out with Adam Brody as part of her job (sniffle, I still miss The O.C.). She made out with Adam Brody for pleasure. She had a whirlwind engagement to Hayden Christensen. She is going to be starring in an NBC show that was created with her in mind. She has cultivated a reputation for being one of the most consistently stylish and adorable celebrities, she writes a column for one of fashion’s holiest publications (InStyle), and her most recent job title is Eyewear Ambassador for the Sunglass Hut. (I don’t know what that means, but I’m jealous.)

If that’s not enough to make you want to be her, she’s also got some serious personal style.

Rachel’s signature style is a combination of trendy and classic. She constructs awesome outfits by mixing textures, sticking with flattering silhouettes, and choosing eye-catching accessories. And putting them all together flawlessly.

While I may never be able to wake up in Adam Brody’s overly slender arms have her life, I find comfort in knowing I can have Rachel’s style. Even with my meager budget: Read More »

[Got something awesome everyone needs to know about? A really rad singer? A wicked new book? A new way to discover music? 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!]

So I barely look at my mail. Save for my magazines and some choice catalogs (J. Crew, Banana, Bloomies, to name a few), I hardly give my mail a second glance before tossing it in the growing pile on my desk. (What’s the point? Most f it is earth-killing junk mail from Bank of America anyway.) But the other day, staring at me like a beacon of light was a NEW catalog. Something I had never seen before.

The cover called to me.
The clothes looked cute.
And the models looked like they were having so much damn fun in those cute clothes.

What was this stranger lurking in my mailbox? I searched the cover, fully expecting it to be some super special fall lookbook from J.Crew.  And then I saw it:

“Introducing Canvas 1963, by Lands End.” Read More »

Every year it boggles my mind when boots and wool sweaters start showing up in stores in mid July.
I mean honestly, people! Sweat is dripping down my back and I’m supposed to be shelling out dough on the over-the-knee leather boots and colorful wrap scarves? I think not.

But all these early fall shenanigans in the stores means one thing: they need to clear room.

Enter: the summer sale (!!!). Read More »

American Pride Doesn't Have to Look Like This

Fourth of July is here! Commence drinking, hot dogs, drinking, and singing “Bye Bye Miss American Pie” and maybe burning your hand on sparklers (which I don’t care how old I get, they will always be so freakin’ cool).

I’ve already given you recipes for the bbq you’ll be hitting, and now we have one more thing to tackle: the Fourth of July ‘fit.

You need to look somewhat festive (i.e. I don’t suggest your skull tank or vintage “I love Canada” tee) but you don’t want to look like a walking advertisement for the US of A. I’ve got you covered: from red, white and blue festive to festive without being decked in the colors of our homeland, you will look like those American Girls that all those foreign boys (and the Counting Crows) talk about. And you will be ready to pull a Miley and Party in the USA. Woot woot. Read More »

The following post is courtesy of our uber fashionable friends at CollegeFashion.net!

If you’ve read some of my previous posts, you probably already know about my not-so-secret denim addiction. I l o v e the fabric, and always wear it year-round!

Of course, come spring and summer, I tend to ditch my skinny jeans in favor of cooler, girlier styles like the ones featured below. The following four pieces are my spring and summer denim staples. An added bonus? Most of the pieces can be worn year-round with the right combination of layers, and they’re perfect for the awkward pre-season transition phases. Fellow denim lovers, this is for you! Read More »

If you haven’t heard about TOMS shoes yet you are really missing out. Not just because the shoes are cute. And not just because the shoes are so comfy it feels like you are walking around campus in slippers. Or on clouds. Or marshmallows. (Hm. I could totally go for a s’more right now… but I digress). But because the premise on which TOMS shoes exists is pretty remarkable.

For every pair you buy, TOMS will donate a pair of shoes to a child in a developing country who is in need. And since beginning in 2006, TOMS has given over 600,000 shoes to children in need. Talk about your purchase going to a greater good (and I’m not just talking about the greater good that is you looking totally cute, although TOMS shoes do that too).

So here are four of my favorite ways to rock the TOMS, wherever you may be going. And four pairs for you means four for kids who REALLY need the shoes. Fashion has never felt so good. Read More »

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. Read More »

Polka dots were all over the runways for spring, and really, how can you not feel more peppy when you’re rockin’ the dots? There’s just something about polka dots that are fun, flirty and innocent. And there are plenty of options out there to let you have your fun without looking like Minnie Mouse at a house party.

Here are some pieces that are perfect for the warmer months.

Read More »