Have you met our new BFFs over at What’s Haute? We love popping over there to do some “window shopping” of all the designer bags and accessories that we would have to work for life and beyond to afford. Still, we can’t stop. Well, our friends know how we feel and now they are bringing us some cheaper (yet still beautiful) alternatives, right here on CollegeCandy. To see more couture goodness, visit What’s Haute.

Leona Lewis may be a rising star but that doesn’t mean she’s let her fame go to her head. Or to her wallet. The British pop singer was spotted on multiple occassions with a girly, ruffled handbag in pink and black. Was it a Valentino? Nope. A Be & D? Guess again. Leona actually prefers Deux Lux, in particular, the Deux Lux Ruffle Bucket Bag.

This polyurethane purse features a cascading row of ditsy floral-backed ruffle trim and matching floral lining, a zippered main compartment, and is finished with padded handles. And what does a bag like this cost?

A mere $68.

Looks like Leona is talented, stylish and financially savvy.

We all live busy lives; we go to school or work (or sometimes both), we try to keep our lives in order and, on top of everything else, we try to maintain a social life.

It can all be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when you’re running here, there and everywhere, and in the process of it all, still trying to look cute.  On a weekly basis, I will be posting a guide for an outfit that looks super cute and casual during the day, but you can easily rock out at night with a few accessory additions and/or a change of shoes.  And maybe, just maybe, it’ll help ease the stress of life a little bit because, hey, when we look good, we feel good, right? Read More »

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

If you’re looking for an alternative to European-based companies such as Topshop, H&M, and ASOS, consider taking a peek at what Lipsy has to offer. Among the many fabulous pieces on its website was this classy tulip skirt with a bow sash. And I want it.

It comes in two great colors, so you can stand out in the crowd, yet still look sophisticated. The tulip skirt accentuates the hips and then narrows to show off your curves while the abundant bow adds that extra bit of oomph to an otherwise simple piece. Read More »

[Celebrities get paid to look good and serve as a style guide to all us common folk, and part of looking good is flaunting their totally awesome fashion sense. Each week, I will be highlighting my Style Idol of the week: a celebrity who consistently shows keen fashion sense and whose closet I would raid in a heartbeat.

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

Charlize Theron is a not only a gifted actress and a natural stunner, she’s a fashion icon who is consistently placed on best-dressed lists for her ability to put together jaw-dropping ensembles that highlight her gorgeous face and body. She does a great job of wearing everything from vintage/classic to avante garde styles, and even when donning a casual look, she looks chic, put together and beautiful.

Dior is one of her favorite designers and I can’t imagine him having anyone better to show off his duds. Charlize accessorizes with very natural make-up and a shimmery bronzer to add a light glow to her lovely complexion. She’s worn her hair long, short, brown and blonde, and looked gorgeous with every different look.

Charlize has an essence about her that makes her look seem effortless and her statuesque presence is only highlighted by her beautiful fashion choices. The girl’s got a style that many women try to emulate, but few can pull off and that in itself makes her my Style Idol of the week. Read More »

[Every week 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, you don’t have to.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

The holidays are upon us, which means lots of fun excuses to get dressed up (and get drunk). But if you are going to make one pre-new years resolution this year it should be this (say it out loud with me): “I will NOT wear a little black dress to this years’ holiday parties.

There – don’t you feel better now?

What is with the black dress every year? There are so many options, especially this year! Options in ’so bright you may need sunglasses to talk to me but I sure do stand out in a crowd’ colors. And the best part is? Unlike the celebs above, you don’t need to spend your life savings on a dress. We all know they get hot cider spilled on them at the party, anyways.

Need another reason to give up on black this year? How about the fact that you will finally be able to distinguish this year’s holiday photos from every other year you spent in the same drab dresses?! I knew you’d see the (bright) light.

And I am here to help. This week I bring you: Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Not Your Average Black Party Dress.

Read More »

Bangs have certainly made a comeback. A year ago the word conjured up images of out-of-date eighties hairstyles – the kind you expected to see on women who were also still wearing shoulder pads. Big, curly hair was always topped off with the perfect pair of teased bangs.

But not anymore!

Now the hippest women in Hollywood are sporting the fringe. And as with every Hollywood trend, the general public (fabulous us) is always tempted to follow suit, despite the reprecussions. So for all of you toying with the idea of bangs, read the pros and cons before taking the plunge!

PROS:

1. Instant Chic – As we are college students, ponytails are our hairstyle of choice. But with bangs, a ponytail can suddenly become stylish! If you only have a few moments in the morning for you hair, leave down your bangs and sweep back the rest of your hair for a quick, but classy style. I guarantee that you’ll always look polished unlike the rest of those hungover girls in your lecture hall.

2. Edginess – Even though bangs are quite popular now, they still give your look a sense of mysteriousness. (Yes, that is a word…now.) People tend to associate bangs with European models and super fashionable women (Daisy Lowe, Charlotte Gainsbourg, etc), so you are automatically clumped into that category too! Read More »

[Every week 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, you don't have to.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

While I may be the only person on this site who is so not up to date on The Hills – I just feel like I lose 50 million brain cells everytime I watch that show – I have to admit I do like this look.

It’s great for class – casual, yet pulled together- and screams “I’m a regular person- but not that regular- I stand out. I should be on TV for doing absolutely NOTHING!” (And really – who doesn’t want to have a look that screams that?!)

The hat makes this look a little different, adorable, and covers up your dirty hair that you didn’t have time to wash after you hit snooze 6 times… Read More »

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Previously worn only by tattooed biker chicks, leather jackets have become a must-have item for fall. Stylish and comfortable, the leather jacket is the perfect substitute for that tired North Face fleece.

Although they are a little bit pricey, leather jackets are a worthwhile investment since there are so many different ways to rock them. The above crop leather motorcycle jacket from Victoria’s Secret is $198, but it works with so many outfits that it will be a splurge you won’t regret.

Here are four ways to rock the leather jacket: Read More »

Every week I scour the net for celebrity looks I adore. Then I scour the net for cheaper versions of said celeb styles. Usually, I go for something trendy or chic, or something for a night out.

But then I saw this picture of Kylie Minogue. And my world changed. (JK- how pathetic would that be! But it did scream Perfect Balance!)

And so I thought, why not copy this look for you and maybe, just maybe, YOUR world would change too!

Because now dear readers, you can finally achieve that look we all strive for: the one that is that perfect blend of looking put together yet disheveled at the same time. A harmonious ensemble that clearly says “I care about your class, Professor Stein… but not that much, cute boy who sits behind me in lecture.”

So this week, I bring you: Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Fashion POLICE This!

Read More »

(Note: This pic is from a very old Alloy catalog. One I probably owned and worshiped. Please know that all current catalogs have much cuter clothes.)

I’ll never forget my first Delia’s and Alloy catalog spotting.

My then BFF Shanae pulled them out during our 6th grade Social Studies class as our teacher rambled on about the meaning of Thanksgiving. I was immediately drawn to the glossy catalog of teens wearing bell bottoms and midriff baring tops that my friends and I were dying to get into.

Since that day I’ve a been faithful catalog subscriber to both and will probably remain one until I have kids and start to rethink my hatred against these.

As an avid Delia’s and Alloy shopper, I’m shocked by the large number of college girls that don’t buy from them. Where most of the college girls I know either shop at Bloomingdales or Plato’s Closet, Delia’s and Alloy serve as a happy medium. They both sell quality clothing and each host an awesome online clearance bin (I just bought a $100 dollar fire red peacoat from Delia’s for 40 bucks!).

With so many chic, sexy and comfy options, I don’t understand how college girls aren’t causing mayhem at their local Delia’s store, instead letting all the high schoolers get more bang for their buck. Here I’ve compiled some favorites of mine that are perfect for the college coed. Read More »