Hello CollegeCandy viewers! My name is Meg, and I’ll be taking over the “Budget Stylista” column. I’m a freshman at the best school in Ohio, so adjusting to the “college budget” has been a tough transition, especially with my passion for style. Though shopping on a budget takes a little more effort, it can keep your closet full and your wallet fuller. With spring approaching new trends have been gracing the malls, outlets, runways and celebrities ensembles.

A few major trends, including color blocking and blazers, have been seen just about everywhere. Designers like Jason Wu, Donatella Versace and Balenciaga have welcomed the trend with open arms. With fresh looks and a refreshing pallet of colors, spring 2012 is looking to be an innovatively stylish season! (Click all the photos for shopping deets!)

Versace Spring 2012: Though neutral frocks ruled the runway, dainty pastels and brights like this little number stole the show. Finally, after months of dreary winter earth tones, it’s time to freshen your look with a burst of color. For those of you cautious stylistas, bold amounts of brights is the first step in your color blocking mission. The recreated ensemble features a coral mini with cream accents and simple jewelry. Total cost: $108

Jason Wu spring 2012: I honestly believe Jason Wu is my spirit animal. Jason has an incredible talent of taking a cup of couture, a quart of quality and a teaspoon of street chic to create gorgeous collections fit for fashionistas and minimalists alike. Take a high waist pair of shorts and pair them a fitted blazer to create a trendy NYC inspired look. Pair with an edgy pair of H&M kicks (did I mention they’re priced at $16?!)  and some funky shades. Total costs: $119

Balenciaga Runway 2012: Balenciaga is never one to disappoint, or fear taking risks. In B’s runway collection, clashing printed ensembles and lace ups were rocked in many different ways. With a Kelly Ewig marbled skirt and an H&M fitted leopard top, the patterns are so wrong they work together perfectly. If there is one thing to learn from the geniuses behind Balenciaga, it’s that opposites do attract; so much so that they go on to create a beautiful love child. Total cost: $140

There you have it fellow budget stylistas, the must-have spring trends recreated to become affordable and adorable. May the frugal force be with you!

Flares are a big trend this fall/winter, which is surprising as they’ve typically been a spring hit. This denim cut can add length to any height and looks good on any body type. Now that skinny jeans have become so common — they are a staple in almost everyone’s wardrobe — Stylistas are seeking a less skintight alternative. Also, 1970s fashion is enjoying a revamp this year and flares are a staple to that era of style. Below are three ways to incorporate flared denim into your winter wardrobe, including other trends such as colored denim and sequins. All below $30! Read More »

Red has it’s heyday during the holiday season (and Valentine’s Day!), but that doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous in this feisty color any time of year. Stand out in a crowded bar in a lust-red bodycon dress, or look sophisticated in a berry-red blouse for your in-class presentation. Red is perfect for a first date or just to spice up your look for everything from work to class to Saturday night. Below are three outfits for under $30! Read More »

Polka dots had a big come back this season. Modern takes on polka-dots have been shown all over the runway by designers who were inspired by the vintage print. Polka dots manage to make a dress look chic without being too busy. They can also make a classic purse look up-to-season. This trend ranges from bold to understated, and is far from just black and white. Seen on the models of Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg, and now here on CC. Three looks with pieces for just under $35!

In Class Chic

Blouse: H&M, $24.95 Leggings: Forever 21, $5.50 Flats: Forever 21, $17.80

Weekend Casual

Skirt: Forever 21, $15.99 T-Shirt: Forever 21, $5.99 Earrings: Forever 21, $6.80

Meeting His Parents For The First Time

Dress: Forever 21, $27.80 Flats: Top Shop, $32.00 Earrings: H&M, $5.95

Aztec prints are all over every celebrity fashionista and runway model this season. From geometric inspired to floral-esq, the Aztec print is constantly revamped and always fabulous. But with this chic print comes some rules: don’t overload, do try in bright colors, and do wear into spring!

Below are three outfits to exemplify the greatness of Aztec print, all for under $35!

Outfit #1: Maximum Aztec

Scarf: Forever 21, $8.00 Dress: Asos, $29.09 Boots: Forever 21, $32.80

Outfit #2: Aztec Accessories

Necklace: Forever 21, $5.80 Dress: Forever 21, $9.80 Earrings: Forever 21, $5.80

Outfit #3: Everyday Aztec

Top: Forever 21, $14.40  Flats: Old Navy: $19.99 Leggings: H&M, $9.95

Maddie is an LA girl in Boston studying  journalism at Suffolk University. An aspiring-journalist & fashion lover, she likes going through people’s purses and considers herself a cupcake aficionado. She doesn’t believe in physical exercise. Follow her on Twitter @ColemanMaddie!

As the holidays approach so do the sometimes-dreaded holiday parties and we all know what that means: holiday sweaters.

Okay, maybe that only happened to Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy, but the holiday season can bring some pretty awful trends but also some chic ones. Enter sequins! Worn correctly, sequins can be tasteful, glamorous and stylish! Revamp the sequin holiday dress, find a sequin daytime look, and even a take on stripes all for under $35.

The Holiday Dress

Dress:  Tinely Road, $19.97 Blazer: Forever 21, $27.80 Heels: DSW, $34.94

By revamping the traditional sequin dress with sequin detail vs. entire sequins, you’re look is extremely chic for any holiday party! A simple black blazer is a great addition for chilly temperatures and some gunmetal platform wedges add height and pizazz.

For Daytime

Sweater: Forever 21, $32.80 Leggings: H&M $9.95 Tank Top: H&M $5.95 Flats: Pierre Dumas, $29.99

By wearing sequins in a single piece, the detail is more concentrated and not overwhelming. Keep the rest of your outfit basic with pieces like these simple black leggins, tank and ballet flats.

Stripes: Sequin Update

Blouse: Forever 21, $19.80 Skirt: Forever 21, $6.80 Cuff: Forever 21, $14.80

By taking a feminine sheer chiffon blouse and tucking it into a more structured skirt you create a great contrasted look and rework stripes in a holiday-chic way! Add a chunky cuff to complete the look.

Everyone loves stripes. If you don’t, you’re a psycho or you just haven’t seen the light yet. Fret not friends because I am here to show you said light. Stripes are fabulous in a sweater a la Les Francais, or to spice up a favorite body-con skirt. As stripes are a classic, these three outfits will show you how to mix up this must have trend for under $35!

Outfit #1: The Striped Sweater Updated

Sweater, H&M: $17.95; Jeans, Forever 21: $10.50; Boots, Forever 21: $32.80

Outfit #2: Stripes For Your Night Out

Skirt, Forever 21: $13.80; Shirt, Forever 21: 19.90; Heels, Mitzu 02: $14.97

Outfit #3: Everyday Stripes

Dress, Loveapella: $19.97; Tights, Forever 21: $3.50; Sweater, Dex: $34.97

Feminine, chic and featured in both seasons every year; lace is is a stylista’s must have. Lace can be the staple to any outfit or the contrasting piece to an edgy look. Lace is traditionally feminine but it’s lack of elasticity make its a very structured look which provides the perfect amount of contrast. Whether you sport it on a skirt for a night out or on a blouse for job interview, you can never go wrong in lace. These three outfits will show you essential ways to wear lace, with pieces all under $30.

Outfit #1: A Night Out

Dress, Forever 21: $19.80 Necklace, Lulu’s: $17.00 Ring, Lulu’s: $12.00 

Outfit #2: Just Right For Class

Shirt, Forever 21: $8.99 Maxi Skirt, Lulu’s: $21.00 Flats, Urban Outfitters: $19.99

Outfit #3: Date Night

Skirt, Forever 21: $11.50 Shirt, Lulu’s: $15.00  Heels, Forever 21: $25.80

The LBD is essential to any wardrobe, even if fashion isn’t your favorite pastime. Slimming, chic and eternally in style — the little black dress is perfect for every body type. Wear a LBD to turn heads, to look chic or just polished in class. This must have can come cheap, in fact for under $30! Read More »

This fall jade green is the color to wear. Whether you sport it in a darker shade on your nails, lighter in a blouse or on a bold suede pair of pumps. Jade has been spotted all over the place, from Lauren Conrad’s fierce nails to Freida Pinto’s Juan Carlos Obando Resort 2012 collection gown at the Planet Of The Apes premier.

These three looks below will show you how to work jade into your wardrobe this fall, all for less than $40!

Jade Blouse

Blouse: Forever 21, $16.50 Jeans: Forever 21, $27.80 Sweater: Hive And Honey, $19.99 

By pairing the jade with brown and cream, the green is highlighted by it’s neutral tones. These neutral tones lets the trend pop!

Jade Dress

Dress: Tinely Road, $19.97 Blazer: Forever 21, $27.80, Heels: Lulu’s $38.00

Spruce up a night out look by incorporating jade! Complementing the playfulness of the jade color with a structured blazer and chunky heels adds even more chic!

Jade Skirt

Skirt: Lulu’s, $22.00 Blouse: Rory Beca for Forever 21 $24.80 Clutch: Forever 21, $16.80

By dressing this skirt up with a flowy blouse, sophistication is created with the contrast of flowy and fitted!