Just when you thought spring-like weather was finally about to peak and unfreeze campus grounds, designers are cranking out fall/winter 2012 collections like it’s going out of style. Collection after collection, trends take on new life and begin their journey to boutiques and department stores. Keeping up with the industry is like running a marathon; as exhausting as it can be, the effort pays off with results of glamorous ensembles and an appreciation for the art of fashion. As the budget stylista, I can tell you first hand that running the fashion marathon is no walk in the park. College budget babes need to put in extra effort to not only duplicate the trend, but to find prices that allow us to look chic and afford rent. Though trends come and go, shoes are forever fabulous. Less strict rules apply to the footwear, and thankfully you can pull them off whenever you’d like. Though I can only dream of one day acquiring a real pair of red bottoms, I’ve hunted down some Louboutin look-a-likes for all the dreamers out there!

(NOTICE: Due to the incredibly high prices of Christian Louboutin’s, prices are not mentioned to ensure that all college budget restrained viewers do not pass out due to shock or astonishment)

Real Deal: Sleek and fabulous. Appropriate for an elegant date night or a wild night out with your girls. Best matched with a solid color, preferably a slimming LBD.

Louboutin Look-a-like: A bit toned down, but still the sexy center of attention. Definitely enough bling for your buck! Aldo Shoes $80

Real Deal: Look but don’t touch. This season, studs and spikes are the mullet-dress of footwear. Seen everywhere, but happiest when attached to a nude pair of red bottoms.

Louboutin Look-a-like: Nude tone to elongate and flatter the calf muscles. These are the edgy hybrid babies of the asymmetrical and sharp stud trends. Vile Broccoli Fur (Etsy) $115

Real Deal: Give your feet a night off from those killer stilettos. These are not only perfect for that lace mini dress you’ve been dying to wear, but pair them with your favorite skinnies and leather jacket to accent a girly touch.

Louboutin Look-a-like: #Twinning! These are the CL flat’s cousin. Just as good looking with a bit of a different hue. If you’re desperate, spray paint the bottom a cherry color– it’ll be our little secret. DSW $44.95

Real Deal: Embrace spring, embrace a pop of color. Pay a little homage to Malibu Barbie with a classic pink pump.

Louboutin Look-a-like : Pink pumps with a RED bottom!? Sign me up. The shape is a bit less vertical, but a bit more practical. Your arches will thank you. Macy’s $79.99

Real Deal:  I’ve always thought wedges were the spring season of shoes. Sleek, chic, and look incredible when paired with any high-waisted maxi skirt, button up blouse, and  blazer finished ensemble!

Louboutin Look-a-like: Same style, different fabric, full wallet. Target $29.99

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Apparently Blake Lively just sends pictures of her outfits to Christian Louboutin for approval. Totes jealous

Fashion and life inspiration: Margaret Thatcher

We live in a social media obsessed world. There’s Facebook, Myspace, (although I wonder if anyone actually still uses it), Twitter, and many blogging platforms such as Tumblr, WordPress, and Blogger. Although we upload our pictures to Flickr and Facebook all the time or write about our weekend experiences in personal blogs, there could be a possible downside to all of this internet exposure: According to the Wall Street Journal, 85% of hiring managers Google a candidate before or after an interview. This fact, which is becoming more and more well-known, brings up the question: To blog or not to blog?

While I’m not saying that anyone who publicly posts pictures of themselves puking into a fraternity bathroom shouldn’t be a cause for concern, I am posing the question of boundaries and what and when a company should base their decision on hiring someone because of what comes up when they use Google. For example, take all the CollegeCandy contributors. Should our future bosses decline an interview with us, even though our resumes may be well qualified, simply because we once wrote an article that mentions sex or highlights the importance of birth control?

Personally, I think keeping a blog of any kind is a worthwhile venture. As a writer, I like to post things I’m interested in, things that drive me crazy, and of course, continuously write about things that matter to me (this includes everything from literary theory criticisms to the correct usage of the Real Housewives of New Jersey’s infamous phrase “prostitution whore”). However, I often worry that if I post liberal-sided articles or a picture of me enjoying a glass of wine that someone may use those things against me and blow them out of proportion one day. Despite more and more social media outlets being introduced to society on a regular basis, it seems like the idea of censorship or hiding oneself (at least the internet brand of oneself) is becoming a constant battle. Read More »

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I get weak in the knees every time I see a celebrity sporting a pair of red soled shoes. And it’s not the infamous red bottoms that do it for me, it’s the fact that all Louboutins are beautiful, sexy, and so sophisticated that I literally dream about them. (And in my dreams, they are super comfy, too!) But in my dreams is where they are going to stay, unless some very rich person (Oprah, you listening!?) sends over a few pairs. At over $700 a pair, that’s my only chance.

But maybe not. While mindlessly perusing the interwebs last night I found this: a how-to for making your own version of the chic and beautiful Christian Louboutin Petal Sandal. All you need is an old pair of strappy black sandals (which we all have lying around) and a little delicate fabric and you are minutes away from your very own Louboutins. Read More »

[Normally I devote this blog to helping you take a super trendy item and make it your own. But not this week. It's holiday season, people, and it is all about the gift lists. So, instead of showing you how to add a headband to your not-so-preppy wardrobe seamlessly, I am going to show you what everyone should beg, plead and assault Santa for this holiday season.]

Most girls can claim a love for fashion, and I am one of those girls. But my love runs deep. I live and breathe the stuff. Fashion Week is the best week of my year (yes, better than Welcome Week!), the fashion magazines are my bibles and I spend my days finding new and interesting ways to incorporate runway fashions into my college wardrobe.

It is no wonder, then, that my holiday wish-list is filled with high fashion items seen only on runways…and 5th Avenue. While I probably (ok, definitely) won’t be seeing any of the following items under my Christmas Tree this year, I do want them. Really, really badly. Read More »

Historically, women have always been shoved into a little feminine box. We have always had to be proper – pinky out when drinking tea, crossing our legs at the ankle when sitting on the couch, letting the man make all the first moves. That trend has made its exit in the past 10 or so years, but for some reason, it still stuck around in the fashion world. Frilly dresses, delicate fabrics and beautifully crafted footwear are the staple of many women’s wardrobes.

But that custom’s days are also fleeting.

There is a new look making its way on runways from Paris to New York that is pairing the daintiness of yesteryear with the attitude of the modern day woman. And it is easy to do: the trick is to pump up the hardware on your feet and temper the volume of your dress so you look fresh and strong – not like Avril Lavigne. Read More »