Eva Longoria is consistently on-point when it comes to taking fashion risks. She never fails to incorporate the latest trends into her wardrobe, while never looking tacky or try-hard. Whether she’s at an event or running errands, you won’t catch her looking anything other than polished, vibrant, and totally in vogue.

white shirt – JC Penney, $18//orange jeans – Express, $48.93//brown tote – Kohl’s, $32.40//sandals – Zappos, $40.00

It doesn’t look like colored denim is on the way out any time soon, so if you’ve been waffling on whether or not to indulge, I would encourage you to go for it. This orange pair is gorgeous – bold without being gaudy, and would complement a variety of colors (greys, blues, purples/dark reds), but if all else fails, a crisp white button down is always a great choice. A warm bright tote provides a lovely contrast to the orange, and silver shoes are neutral without being dull. This would be a fab outfit for brunch or casual Friday if you work in an office.

[lead image via: DFree / Shutterstock.com]

I am not a fan of Glee. By association, I can’t stand Lea Michele (especially after she took a Beyonce song and drained the meaning, angst, and soul out of it, but I digress). However, she is undoubtedly a high-profile starlet, and she has great style– simple, sophisticated and unabashedly girly.

dress – Nordstrom, $48.00//sandals – Endless, $38.49//ring – ASOS, $20.87

I gravitated towards this ensemble, because I recently tried on a dress similar to the one Lea wore, but ultimately didn’t buy it, because I wasn’t sure how to accessorize it without looking tacky or utterly dull. Turns out, I was totally overthinking it. A little white dress doesn’t need a lot of decoration, especially if it flatters your silhouette. Metallic shoes are my summer go-to, and these strappy sandals are fierce. To add a little more flair, Lea went with a statement ring (here’s a closeup), which is ostentatious without being too gaudy. These three pieces combine to make an effortless aesthetic and an adorable summer ensemble.

[lead image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]

I’ve always had a soft spot for Solange. As Queen Beyonce’s little sister, the world was never going to give her the opportunity to shine in her own right, so she’s had to carve out her own professional niche that was different enough from Beyonce’s, but not so different that it was blatantly obvious she was trying to be different (ugh, reason #94748383 I’m so grateful I’m an only child). Solange is a talented singer and writer, but for the last couple of years, she has been a professional party attendee, with the occasional high-profile DJ gig thrown in. She has an excellent sense of style – a really cool mix of quirky, trendy, haute couture boho-chic that is always visually captivating.

v-neck – Victoria’s Secret, $24.50//skirt – Macy’s, $24.99//necklace – NY & Co, $22.95//clutch – Ebags, $23.99//heels – Endless, $43.99

A plain white tee is a necessity. The neckline on this one from VS is subtly sexy and flirty. It provides a great contrast to this awesome asymmetrical skirt. These skirts are totally in this season. Some of them skew really ugly, but this black chiffon one is simple, lightweight and elegant. A pair of sleek pointy-toed stilettos elongate the legs.. Because the ensemble is so simple, Solange went more dramatic with the accessories. A green clutch is an unexpected addition, but it totally works, and a big statement necklace adds the perfect amount of flair to this simple yet stylish ensemble

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2012/05/09/solange-is-sexy-and-sleek-celebrity-chic-on-the-cheap/feed/ 1 Jasmine - Northern Arizona University solange solange http://collegecandy.com/2012/05/02/kim-kardashian-is-kute-in-kontrasting-kolors-celebrity-chic-on-the-cheap/ http://collegecandy.com/2012/05/02/kim-kardashian-is-kute-in-kontrasting-kolors-celebrity-chic-on-the-cheap/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 16:00:19 +0000 Jasmine - Northern Arizona University http://collegecandy.com/?p=161028 ]]>

There are plenty of reasons to mock Kim Kardashian – her sham wedding, her seemingly bratty personality, her lack of discernible talent – but she is, without a doubt, one of my favorite celebrity fashionistas. She is sleek, feminine, on trend and fabulous. Also, we have a shared love of wearing black all year round, so she’s pretty much my fashion role model.

skirt – American Apparel, $42.00//tank – Forever 21, $9.50//cowl neck blazer – 6pm, $38.40//pumps – 6pm, $36.99//bag – Mango, $34.99

Everyone needs a wide array of flattering basic tank tops, and this one definitely fits the bill. Combined with a non-traditional blazer, you have an elegant and classic base for any outfit. A flouncy pink skirt is an adorable piece for summer. It’s light, feminine and totally versatile. Paired with hot black pumps, this is an excellent look for either night (or day, if you’re expecting to be followed around by the paparazzi). You could easily make this a little more casual by ditching the blazer and substituting it for a cardigan, and rocking some metallic flats instead of sky-high pumps. Either way, this is a simple, but sophisticated look.

For me, spring and summer fashion equals simplicity. I don’t want to walk around in scorching (ie, anything over 77 degrees) heat, bogged down in layers or accessories, but I don’t want to look plain or uninspired either. Liv Tyler is excellent at putting together ensembles that are minimalist while still being stylish and interesting.

t-shirt – Kohl’s, $24.99//skirt - Charlotte Russe, $16.99//sandals – 6pm, $44.99

This floral t-shirt is totally cute and seasonal, and I love the idea of pairing it with a simple black pencil skirt. Combining casual pieces with formal pieces is one of my favorite aesthetics. It propels any outfit into being visually dynamic, eye-catching, and fun. Choosing some fierce, strappy sandals gives you a relaxed but sassy look. If you want to add structure, a lightweight blazer would do the trick. A metallic headband would also be a great addition. Even as is, Liv’s outfit is a fabulous and an easy-breezy spring/summer look.

[Lead image via wallpapers.com]

Minka Kelly is such a regulation hottie. And she will forever have a place in my heart, not only for being in Friday Night Lights (the only time  I will ever care even a little about football), but for the delightfully, absurdly cheesy cinematic masterpiece The Roommate. She has a pretty unassuming style that is fun, cute, and totally appropriate for the average college girlie.

jacket – Forever 21, $18.99//tank – Old Navy, $8.50//skirt – NY&Co, $39.95//pumps – 6pm, $20.70//clutch – ASOS, $32.23

Even though I love spring and summer, it’s hard for me to let go of some of my favorite elements of fall/winter fashion, particularly the color black. It is, without a doubt, my favorite color to wear, and I love incorporating it into pretty much every outfit that I put on. So I’m loving this combination of a black tank, little black jacket, and adorable floral maxi skirt. Blue peeptoes add an extra splash of color, and the yellow clutch is absolutely adorable. This is such a perfect, casual look. Easily customizable, super versatile, and effortlessly chic.

[Lead image via fanpop.com]

Thandie Newton is one of those actresses who steadily works, and even occasionally snags some high-profile gigs (Mission Impossible II, ER, Crash), and yet, she never really crosses the threshold into A-list territory. Totally unfortunate, since she’s a great actress and, I mean, hello, she’s utterly gorgeous. Alas. She’s on the promo circuit as the star of Tyler Perry’s latest flick, embracing a simple, elegant and sexy aesthetic.

blazer – Forever 21, $29.80//t-shirt – Forever 21, $4.80//shorts – Delia’s, $34.50//sandals - DSW, $49.95

I personally have a love/hate relationship with shorts, but I love them as a part of this ensemble. Shorts can be really chic while still maintaining a generally casual aura, and I definitely think black shorts should be a spring/summer wardrobe staple. They are so versatile. Paired with a hot pink top and a blazer, you now have a playful but sophisticated look. Add some sleek leather sandals and you have an outfit that is cute and fun for either day or night.

Confession: I kind of hate Mad Men. I know, the clothes are so pretty and Jon Hamm is cute and it’s allegedly one of the more “intellectual” shows on air right now. But when I watched it, I found it to be a completely and utterly snoozeworthy soap opera. Oops. I guess I’m just completely lacking in taste. That said, I love January Jones. Her portrayal of Betty Draper was one of the few highlights of Mad Men for me, and on a more superficial note, I think she is completely and utterly stunning. As she’s been on a whirlwind promo tour as of late, and her style has been killer.

lace tank - Macy’s, $44.99//leggings – Victoria’s Secret, $29.99//blazer – Charlotte Russe, $34.99//pumps – 6pm, $50.99

This lace tank both sexy and modest, and I especially love the flattering length and cut. A blazer with a bit of shoulder padding is always an excellent layering choice. January chose a pair of olive leggings, in an interesting contrast to the black.  It’s jarring, but I appreciate the risk. It’s definitely an unexpected choice, but I think it totally works. One of the reasons black is such a classic color is because it is so ridiculously versatile, and it’s fun to take advantage of that. Black suede pumps complete the ensemble.  This look as it is would be great for night, but you could easily swap the pumps for some ballet flats, and add a bright bag, to transition it into day.

[Lead image via Joe Seer/Shutterstock]

I have never seen Jessica Alba look less than stunningly radiant. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Even though she has a two kids and is one of the mommy celebrities who actually appears hands-on with her children, she always looks relaxed and freshly pampered. I need her secrets, even though I’m sure they’re way out of my 99 percenter budget. Oh, well. Luckily, her style is definitely one that can be constantly recreated on the cheap.

shirt - Macy’s, $9.98//jacket – Forever 21, $29.86//jeans – Charlotte Russe, $29.99//bag - Forever 21, $16.80//pumps – Endless, $49.95

I love the vibrant color palette of this ensemble. Throwing together several colors always runs the risk of looking haphazardly sloppy, but it’s important to incorporate balance. A teal shirt is fairly neutral, as is this black leatherette jacket. Red denim adds a huge bold burst of color, creating a visually captivating look. A mustard colored bag is unexpected, but it adds to the overall vibrant, whimsical aesthetic. Color blocked shoes complete the look, and voila, you have a casual, interesting, dynamic outfit.

[Lead image via Featureflash/Shutterstock]

Angelina is so great at many things – doing a 180 from wild child to our generation’s Mother Theresa, adopting more children than you, snagging Brad Pitt, showing off her right leg, and generally being perfect. It must be so hard being better than everyone, but she makes it seem so easy. Turns out, she’s the queen of sleek and sexy monochromatic fashion too. Black and white are her preferred colors, and while those are not necessarily the most exciting or bold choices, they’re classic and versatile.

tank – Macy’s, $26.00//trousers – ASOS, $44.76//blazer – Charlotte Russe, $39.99//pumps – Endless, $37.50

Love white blazers. They always look so elegant and effortless. One with black accoutrements works well with a pair of skinny black trousers. Trousers have become a trendy item as of late. Of course, corporate women have been rocking them for ages, but they’ve now become omnipresent on female celebrities walking red carpets. They’re a great option for when you want the comfort of pants, but something less casual than denim. Angelina layered a white tank under her blazer, which is hot, but you could really substitute any kind of top you want and still look great. Black peep-toes complete the ensemble, and voila, you’ve got a sophisticated but easy to assemble look that you could transition from the office to happy hour.