Budget Stylista: Chunky Sweaters

It’s a great year to kick your sweatpants addiction.

One of my greatest pet peeves about college students is the sloppiness often associated with going to class. True, sweatpants are comfortable, you’ll never be able to wear them during the day in the “real world” and it takes less effort than putting together an actual outfit. But sweatpants give off the appearance of not carrying, as you couldn’t even be bothered to do up a zipper and button in the morning. They are also dangerous when it comes to the freshman 15. If you’re constantly wearing things with elastic waistbands, you’re less likely to realize that you’re adding inches to your frame. Now that we have my rant out of the way, I’m going to assure you that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. Read More »


Surprisingly Cute: New York and Company [GALLERY]

We all have our go-to stores that we, uh, go to when we need to stock up on some new wardrobe essentials (or when we have an hour to kill and the mall reaches out and wraps us in its warm embrace). But what about all those other stores? The ones that you walk past on your way to Auntie Anne’s without a second glance? The “mom” stores, the old department stores, the stores that don’t start with “Forever” and end with “21″? Surprise! Many of those stores are filled with major cuteness that you’re missing out on! (Except Chico’s – keep walking, little lady.) We know you’re not one to pass up a cute cami, so we scoured these under-the-radar shops (Walmart, what?!) and pulled out all the goodness you never realized existed.

To me, New York and Co. was always the store I passed as I walked from Macys to The Gap. Yeah, some of the stuff in the window looked cute, but most of it looked like the stuff librarians wear to work. But one day I decided to pop in and after digging through those Mom jeans and ugly sweaters, I actually found good stuff. No, GREAT stuff.

They have everything from basics, like t-shirts and tank tops, to outfit makers, like sequined dresses and cute cardigans. They have workwear and loungewear, outfits you can wear to class, and outfits you most certainly can’t wear to class. But mostly they’ve just got some really stylish stuff. New York and Co. prides themselves on bringing women New York fashion at a fraction of the price, and speaking as a New Yorker myself, I’d say they’re doing a damn good job. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Getting Sweaty in Sweaters

While it might seem tempting to stay curled up in bed and hibernate as the temperature starts to drop, it’s getting to that time of year when you probably can’t afford to be skipping class. Yes, you might of realized this and reluctantly headed to class in what you consider your comfiest outfit ever (read: sweats and Uggs).

Big mistake.
Huge.

Look, I can’t change the weather for you, but I can introduce you to one of my wardrobe favs that will keep you feeling cozy, without looking like a slob.

Meet my best friend during cold Canadian winters: the sweater! (OK, so you probably already know about sweaters, but sometimes – like when it’s 9am and we’re staring at a pile of sweats – we all need a little reminder.) We’ve been through a lot of cold winter days when all I want to do is curl up under the covers and sleep until spring. Somehow even in the -40 degrees Celsius weather I occasionally encounter in my hometown, my good friends get me through the brutal cold. If you don’t have a warm, cozy sweater, you should run – not walk – to your nearest clothing store. Any one will do, because cute knitwear is everywhere this year.

There are cardigans and pullovers, nordic prints and solid colors, light knits and chunky knits – really something for everyone and every climate. And on those cold, dreary days, sweaters are the easiest way to dress; just toss one on over a tee or tank, pair with jeans and a pair of boots and – voila! – instant outfit. Every college girl should have at least one (if not ten!) in her wardrobe. I’ve got 15 beauties to introduce you to – and maybe you’ll meet your new, best, winter friend. Read More »


Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Blake Lively is Lovely and Low Key

[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 (even for comfy, everyday outfits!) 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.]

I’m convinced Blake Lively is one of those women who was genetically engineered to make 90 percent of the female population feel woefully inferior in one way or another. Her hair, her figure, her relationship with Anna Wintour, her relationship with Penn Badgley, her thriving acting career, her work wardrobe, her beautiful personal style… there’s something for everyone to hate on.

And the worst part is, she has the audacity to seem really sweet and fun, so you can’t even really hate her. In short, she is perfect.

And so is this outfit. Read More »


Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Kourtney Kardashian is Floral and Fabulous

[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 (for basics!!) 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.]

Kourtney Kardashian is totally my favorite Kardashian sister (no, I’m not ashamed that I even have a fave). Did you know that she’s the only one who went to college? Not that I don’t respect a career path that includes being Paris Hilton’s bestie/leaking a sex tape/capitalizing on having a booty that is basically a work of art or…what is it that Khloe does?

But I appreciate that Kourtney at least didn’t expect to make “shameless fame seeker” her bread and butter, and if the 85736837349 hours of Kardashian footage on E! is to be believed, she is actually interested in being a successful businesswoman.

So basically, I like her/mildly pay attention to her because she’s kind of normal. But moreso because, while her taste in men isn’t top notch (more like bottom of the douchey barrel), her taste in fashion totally is. And this particular outfit’s got me jonesing for a shopping spree. Read More »


Candy Dish: Let’s Reflect on Massachusetts

What is everyone saying about the Massachusetts election?

Which Hollywood hottie will guest star on Glee?

We heart cardigans. Especially these.

Are you ready for Zac Posen’s line for Target?!

Tiger Woods spotted…and not lookin’ so hot.

Download music to donate to Haiti!


From StyleBakery: The Fall Fashion Survival Kit

If your fall look is a little under the weather, check out my remedy for an effortless and chic way to survive the season without having to shop for a whole new look. Simply buy an item from the following six categories and you’ll be ready to face the fall in style. And the best part is, you don’t need to blow your budget; most pieces are under a $100.

1. Special Black Sweater
A noir knit number will be one of your best layering pieces for fall that instantly boosts your outfit’s excitement level. Instead of going for the basic black, take a risk and opt for a pull over sweater or cardigan with special details like bows, statement sleeves or sweet rockstar influenced studs.

Read More »


8 Under $20: Forever 21

eight under twenty intro

So as I write this, I’m sitting on my lanai (balcony) overlooking the beautiful, blue Maui ocean (yes, I’m on my first “real” vacay in years), which means I’m not particularly keen on scouring the internet for under $20 deals for long periods of time (not to mention, they’re only giving me an hour of free wifi). So where did I head?

The mother of all cheap & trendy spots: Forever 21.

And no, she did not disappoint. Checking out the website or a store near you is a necessity before you head back to school, as there are loads of insanely awesome deals on ridiculously cute clothes.  What are you waiting for?  Read, set, GO!

Here are a few things I know I’ll be grabbing up. You know, when I get back to the mainland. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Outerwear Orgy

outwear orgy

[Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.]

Sometimes it’s just too cold to go jacketless on a summer night – but that doesn’t mean you have to ruin your perfect summer outfit with a heavy coat, or warm sweater.  While you could chance it, and pray you meet a hot (and chivalrous) man that will keep you warm on those chilly nights, sometimes a girl has to take care of herself.

Fortunately for you take-action girls, there are plenty of cute and cozy coverups that will complete and not clash with your ensemble.  With so many sweaters and jackets, there is a perfect match (or several matches) for every outfit, regardless of your style or budget.  So you don’t have to wait for Prince Charming (because he probably isn’t all that reliable) to keep you warm, because not only can you do it yourself, but you can also look fabulous in the process! Read More »


Shopping Your Closet: Just Add a Belt

Valentino+Belted+Dresses

Adding a belt is one of the easiest ways to update an outfit. Instead of going out and spending your money on an entire new ensemble, pick up a fun, stylish belt that works with something you already own! In the warmer part of the year, a belt can give a new silhouette and add a splash of personal style to dresses. When it cools off, belts are great for emphasizing your curves which are hiding under all those warm layers.

Here are some belt trends to try for under $25: Read More »