[America has more name brands than Law and Order reruns and while you may want to go unload your entire check at GAP or Abercrombie, you don’t want to buy something that you thought was cute and unique and later have buyer’s remorse when you see something identical for less.

I’m not encouraging you to start buying knock off Jimmy Choos from Payless and wanna-be BCBG dresses at Walmart (although, just throwing it out there, you may find some very GOOD knock offs). All I’m saying is you should know that EVERY store is competing with another store and when you shop competitively, you save money. Money that you can use to stimulate the economy…or your wardrobe.

So I thought I’d help you sift through the proverbial mall and figure out which stores are best for your budget. Each week I’ll be comparing apples to apples (or undies to undies) to give you the real deal and arm you with the knowledge you need to make the wisest wardrobe choices. Ready. Set. SHOP.]

New York & Co. and Express both sell clothes that most would consider “Business Casual/Professional Wear” and “Evening Wear.” And while you may not by your ridiculously sexy homecoming dress there, if you want to look sophisticated, sexy and like a grown up, these two stores are contending for your money.  Going to an interview? Don’t know what to wear to your job’s “Grab Bag/Potluck” Soirée? Still haven’t quite decided what you’re packing for thanksgiving dinner? Read on and win. Read More »

What happened to the cutest couple in Hollywood?

Are you a frugal shopper? You could win a $500 shopping spree!

Protect yourself from bank fees!

Guess who’s using drugs again? I’ll give you a hint: LiLo.

Will there be a Gossip Girl threesome?!

Get that boy to love you.

While there is nothing better than hanging some brand new clothes into your over-stuffed closet, we’re in a recession– and spending your money on another pair of jeans is just a waste. You’ve got plenty to work with already, and we’re here to show you how to do so in a fun, new and fashionable way.

Last week we showed you how to re-think an oversized sweater and this week I’m going to show you just how perfect a cardigan can be for any girl and any occasion.

Even though the word “cardigan” conjures up images of grandmothers, the 1950s/1960s, librarians, and overly-preppy girls, this piece does not get enough credit for being able to completely change the vibe of your outfit, no matter your sense of style.

Since fall is just around the corner (I know–summer passes by faster every year, an unfortunate truth for my overly-pale skin), the weather will be cooler and the cardigan will be a great staple piece for any occasion. I have compiled six general ways in which you can totally rock that cardigan your mom bought you that has been hanging in the back of your closet so you look stylish and put-together for class, or even for a night out: Read More »

While hoodies don’t exactly have a rep for being fashionable, every girl has a few in her closet. They are pretty much THE staple in every college wardrobe since they are comfy, warm, and easily slip on over whatever you wore to bed last night. Even hardcore fashionistas have lazy days!

Since you most definitely have one (or 6) zip-ups in your closet, I’ll give you a few different ways to wear them so you look more casual cute and less “Holy sh*t I just woke up in my boyfriend’s room and I’m 20 minutes late for class so I’ll just borrow his clothes and run out of the door.”

Contrary to popular belief, that is not cute. Read More »

Do guys hate her, too?!

We hate you, Tiffani Thiessen.

Blue M&Ms could save your life.

Jessica Simpson gets (skinny) revenge!

Is your workout killing the environment?

Cute neon. For cheap.

It’s easy to transition your entire summer wardrobe into fall with a few pairs of tights. Yes, that’s all you really need.

Throwing some tights in the mix is insanely cheaper than buying a new wardrobe (the Hue tights, above retail for only $12.50 or 2 for $20) and you can really create tons of new outfits with just a few pairs. Tights can function merely to keep your legs warm when it gets chilly while also adding style with bright colors and patterns.

And you can do it all with everything you’ve already got cluttering your closet. Here are some looks to try: Read More »

There really is no faster way to look both put together and able to go from day to night than a romper. (Unless it’s this one….WTF?) Think about it – you don’t have to pick a top to match your bottom, which seems like a minimal task right now, but is actually difficult when you hit snooze for too long on all four alarms. And added bonus: you don’t have to do the bend and snap (or other variation) to make sure that your booty isn’t hanging out or that the paparazzi (AKA, your professor) doesn’t have access to see your Britney.

You can pair them with flip-flops in the day and throw on wedges for night and – boom- insta-transformation. They comes in so many styles that you are sure to find one that flatters your figure. Yes, even you! While they took awhile for me to get used to (sort of like tequila), the more you see them (or more you drink them), they (or those boys) have become so freaking cute to me!

Here are a bunch of options, from retro to casual.  The romper is a must-have summer item and seeing as we are already halfway through, you need one NOW. Just click on the photo to snag one of these hotties. Many are from Lulus, which makes them romper-perfection since you can get ‘em for 15% off! Read More »

Chances are you’ll be spending many days at the beach this summer. And chances are good that a day of sun time can often be topped off by a night of fun time out at the bars.  Heading out for some drinkies with the girls doesn’t mean you have to rush home to get ready; you can rock out the same outfit all day with a few quick fixes (and hey, tousled beach hair is damn sexy). Read More »

I love shopping. Period. I love the exhilarating feeling of finding something that looks great and feels great at the same time, and makes people turn their heads in the street and let their eyes linger over my fabulous outfit for a second longer. I love picking up new things and pairing them with the stuff I’ve already got to make a beautiful outfit even better. And sales? Don’t even get me started on the high of sale shopping.

Let’s just put it this way: if shopping were a sport, I would be a Michael-Phelps-style Olympic gold medalist. Thus in my vast experience of “competing,” whether it be at D&G or at Target, I’ve definitely run into some vintage stores every now and then and I’m not sure how I feel.

I’m Torn. Read More »

A few pairs of old jeans are probably taking up some of your precious closet space right now. They don’t fit, they’re out of style, and you haven’t worn them in years. But don’t be so quick to throw them out! And stop spending all that extra money on overpriced new ones! Jeans are the easiest clothing items to update. Here are some ideas: Read More »