So, I live in the Midwest and that means the onset of October is practically winter. I have only about two hoodies and sweaters that are anywhere near stylish, and I really want to do a complete fall wardrobe overhaul, but there’s just one tiny problem—I have about enough spare cash to buy a box of mints from the Old Navy checkout aisle, and that’s it.

Not even the Budget Stylista can help me out.

I can’t be the only one in this situation, right? Yeah, I thought not. Luckily, I came up with a solution that has seemed to triple my wardrobe and even saved me that extra money for some emergency Old Navy mints. Ready for it?

I reorganized my closet.

That’s right! I know it sounds like the opposite of groundbreaking, but roll with me here for a minute. It took me almost a whole day, but once I rearranged everything—and got rid of a bunch of old clothes along the way—it was like I had completely new stuff. My method was Color Organization, and it’s about what it sounds like—I took everything in my closet and sorted it by color. (Think Forever 21.) So if I had a purple formal dress and purple cut-off denim shorts, I put them next to each other. Yes, really.

You might think that all this created was a disorganized closet, but you’d be amazed by how many killer outfits I’ve put together since arranging things that way. Not only did I reassess everything I owned (most of which I had completely forgotten about!), but I was able to think of what I owned in a completely new way. I tend think in terms of color and what colors might look good together, so this has been revolutionary for me. It makes getting dressed in the morning soooo much easier (and more fun!); I just look at the colors and grab a few things that look good together. No thought, no fuss, no crawling under my bed to find that box of sweaters I put there last summer.

If you’re a color gal, too, give it a try. And if not, try one of these other organization systems on for size: Read More »

I recently went to Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), a massive electronic music festival/rave, and saw some wicked cool costumes. While I didn’t go all out with leather and lace like some party-goers, I did enjoy stepping away from my usually more conservative outfits and wearing neon bright clothes. I liked it enough, in fact, that I figured I could try to work them into my daily summer wardrobe.

And why not? When paired with the right articles of clothing, bright pieces are a super easy way to add color and fun to your look.

The easiest way to incorporate color is with a bright pair of shorts. Sure, you have your reliable blue or black jean shorts that practically go with everything (so you can grab the nearest clean – or not – top), but colored shorts would make the outfit more vibrant and exciting. I picked up these shorts featuring destroyed cuffs from Wet Seal, and at $12.50, they won’t make you feel too guilty about dipping into your account for a “novelty” item. They come in a couple of other colors, and  if the cutoff look isn’t your thing, other styles are offered in even more colors.

I’ve been pairing these with a basic top (white or gray v-neck, anyone?), some key accessories and flip flops and my summer look has been instantly amped up. I’m even considering heading back to Wet Seal and getting every color they got.

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.

If we had to choose two things to take to a deserted island, it would be all of our shoes and all of our bags. That’s only two things, right? We know it’s ridiculous to love inanimate objects so much (especially inanimate objects whose sole purpose is to carry things), but we can’t help it if we’re addicted to bags. Even just looking at them. And how can you not love ‘em? There are so many different shapes, styles, details and sizes.  Whether you need a bag to prepare for the walk of shame,  a cute clutch for going out, or a bag for the beach, there’s something for everyone. Or a lot of somethings just for you.

Regardless of what you’re carrying this season, purses are the only type of arm candy that will never let you down. So stop hunting for a man and enjoy a little purse orgy. Read More »

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.

This season it seems like anything goes for shoes. There’s a multitude of colors, styles, and, most importantly, details. But one thing is for sure: boring shoes are definitely out. This season’s shoes are often gorgeous, always interesting, and many are pieces of art that look almost too good (and painful) to put on your feet.  There are some that are inexpensive (one pair is on sale for $4.99!!!) and others that we college gals will admire in the shop windows, praying the recession is over (and that we’re millionaires) by the time we get our diploma so we can “invest” in them.

Click on each image to find out where to buy (or get an up close and personal look at) these beautiful shoes. Read More »

[Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!]

A few months ago, we shared our picks for adding more color to your beauty bags. Now the season is in full swing, and we can’t help but feel inspired by all of the colors blooming outdoors, being displayed in store windows and taking center stage at our local beauty counters. This is the perfect time of year to add more punches of color to your beauty routine, no matter how subtle. Find these colorful picks in stores right now.

MAC “Just A Pinch” Gel Blush is a seriously bold red color in its pot, but goes on smooth and sheer when applied to our cheeks and lips. This color looks great on all skintones and can be worn as light or amped up as you like. $18.50, nordstrom.com

Read More »

Robin Williams hit the nail on the head when he said “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” With less than four weeks left of school, you’re probably finding it difficult to do homework, go to class, and study. All you want to do is sit outside in the sunny, 75 degree weather and bask in all of nature’s glory.

If there is one thing I know it is that Spring is distracting. It’s torture to be held inside a dismal classroom while you could be outside drinking fruity cocktails to quench your thirst, enjoying the sunshine, and watching sweaty frat boys play frisbee on the freshly cut green grass. (Editor’s Note: Deeeelish.)

Oh Spring, why are you so wonderfully distracting? Read More »

I don’t know about you, but after what seemed to be the most grueling. winter. ever. I am excited and eager to dust off my spring wardrobe… and add some new pieces to it. As is always the case with the new season, we have some new trends (along with a few piggy-back trends of season’s past) to spice up our wardrobes.

Here are some of Spring 2009’s hottest trends: Read More »

If it’s there is one thing I love more about spring than trading in my hot drink for it’s iced sibling, it’s trading in my winter makeup for springy hues. Namely bright pink lips, bright fresh faced blush and shimmery gold shadows that give even the palest of pale (ahem, me) that sunkissed glow.

So here are my 5 spring makeup l-o-v-e-s.

1) Every season Bobbi Brown comes out with amazing limited edition lines and this Blushed Pink collection takes the cake. The shimmery shadows are a must-have. Seem pricey? Well, Bobbi’s shadows last so long that its totally worth the splurge. Hell, sometimes (when I pass out before I can wash that stuff off!) it even lasts through brunch…the next day. (What? I also love sleep!)

2) I l.o.v.e. Loreal’s HiP line. And color is not just a trend in clothes this season; it’s also a trend for your cute little punim (that’s Yiddish for face). The good news is you can add a pop of color without looking like you are wearing your old school Wet and Wild shadows circa 1998. I love the Kohl liners, especially in gold, for that spring time look. Read More »

It’s been a long, cold winter and not only have we been forced to bundle up, chances are we’ve all been sporting dark and drab wear, as is typical in the winter months. While we still have a few weeks left of cold before we can start rockin’ those cute spring clothes, we can start adding a little pazazz to our boring winter wardrobes with little pops of color.

As is always the case in the spring, brights will be back this season, and the most popular hues this spring are hot pink/fuschia, yellows & oranges, and bright blues. Here are some great (and affordable) options to brighten up any wardrobe. Read More »

Awards season is in full swing, which has got me drooling over all those leading ladies’ gorgeous gowns and dresses. Of course, I don’t have a few thousand spare bucks lying around to buy their specific pieces, but for a mere fraction of the price I, too, can look stunning and glamorous for that upcoming Oscar party, hot Valentine’s date, or ladies’ night out. I found this entire ensemble at Forever 21 for under $75. Read More »