Wardrobe Wish List: Steve Madden’s Roady Boot

So I’ve hit that point in the summer (which usually comes after a couple hot-as-death-weeks) where I start craving my leather boots. I’m not going to lie if you walked into my apartment unannounced I may or may not be wearing them around with the AC cranked up pretending that, if for just ten minutes, it is finally fall.

Other than my crazy “pretend” sessions, I obviously satisfy this yearning to zip up my motorcycle knee-highs and run through some leaves by heading to the mall and dropping some major cash (if not all my cash) on a brand new pair…which then just leads to more torture as I stare at them for an entire month before it’s socially acceptable to put them on…outside of my apartment.

But that’s beside the point.

The actually point of my ranting is that I have found my new fall love. Which is no easy feat (or feet…ha!) considering that there a million different styles of boots of which I own about 20, so finding one worth my entire paycheck for a week is a hefty task.

This fall, Steve Madden’s Roady boot in brown will be my go-to shoe for any and every occasion. I am so excited about these that I can barely contain it. I can’t really begin anywhere other than the color, which in a sea of black leather boots stands out like a sore thumb- in an amazing way of course.

The distressed brown leather is so unexpected – rugged and feminine at the same time – making them a girly addition to rocker-inspired dark wash skinnys and a motorcycle jacket for night, while also being able to toughen up a floral print dress and tights for day. Read More »


From CollegeFashion: A Quick Guide to Eco-Friendly Shopping

The following post is courtesy of our gal pals over at CollegeFashion.net. Check them out for all your fashion and beauty needs!

It’s undeniable: the eco-friendly fashion movement is growing stronger every day. From Harry Potter’s resident fashionista Emma Watson designing her own collection of magical duds for British brand People Tree to Seattle’s hosting of the first ever Eco-Chic Expo in April, sustainable style is spreading like wildfire. (Oops–bad metaphor for an eco-friendly fashion post?)

Whether you’re new to eco-fashion or just want some tips on greening your wardrobe, never fear: I’ve boiled down the basic lingo & facts you need to know into a quick, easy-to-understand guide. Read this, and you’ll be ready to embark on your first green shopping trip in no time!

Green Fashion Terms to Know Before You Shop:

Sustainable: A sustainable product has the ability to be produced (over & over & over again) without doing much harm to the environment.
Renew-ability: Renewable resources are derived from something living (plant, animal, ecosystem) that can regenerate.
Cruelty-free: Cruelty-free companies do not test on or use animals in their products.
Carbon Footprint: A carbon footprint is a measurement of the impact human activities have on the environment. In terms of fashion, a clothing’s carbon or ecological footprint is the impact the piece of clothing has had on the environment from start to finish. Read More »


Budget Stylista: Fashion ‘Now & Laters’

In the world of shopping right now, it is a very in between time. It’s still so humid that your hair is poofy and your face is dripping with sweat, so the thought of wearing anything warmer than a cotton camisole is non-existent. But at the same time, you know it’s silly to buy said cotton camisole-esque ensembles (or other summery ‘fits) because before you know it, leather jackets, wool sweaters, knit caps and boots will be your daily staples.

But thanks to major sales (and a deep and unwavering love for summer clothes) you still want to buy those fun, summery dresses! They’re so cute and frilly and light and cute! AND ON SALE. And you do have a few more bonfires/summer parties to attend before the heat lifts and you’re back at school, running to class in a pair of jeans and a cardigan.

Well, I’m here to tell you that you can! And you don’t even need to feel guilty about it. Here are 7 great options that can be worn with open toed wedges, flip flops and gladiator sandals now, then paired with opaque tights, leggings, boots or close-toed pumps later. Throw a leather jacket over them for some edge, add texture with a scarf and even a fabulous white dress can be made to look fall ready (paired with thick black tights, patent toe pumps and a leather jacket or black velvet blazer- so crisp, so fall).

So even though you don’t want to even THINK about fall (unless you’re thinking about how you’re going to decorate your new digs) you can wear these fab dresses for Welcome Week and know full well you can rock them into November!

Clockwise: Forever 21, $15,80; Forever 21, $29.80; Delia’s, $34.50;  Mod Cloth, $44.99; Victoria’s Secret, $49; Nordstrom, $48; Old Navy, $29.50


Fashion Porn: Doin’ it in Plaid

Ladies, it’s time to embrace the plaid.

OK, before you former uniform-wearing girls get all “I spent the last 12 years of my life in plaid, why on Earth would I wear it once I can finally pick my own clothes each day?!” let me explain. Plaid is so. much. more. than the pattern of choice for schoolgirl kilts; it’s classic, it’s versatile and it’s probably one of the easiest ways to incorporate a multicolored pattern into your wardrobe.

Plaid is one of the 10 Modern Pieces Every Girl Should Own and the plaid shirt has become a uniform for both male and female college students.  It’s easy to wear with jeans, super comfy, and looks good even when it’s been balled up on your floor and you only have 10 minutes to make it to class.  It’s also been super popular for a few years, and appears to have major staying power.  If the plaid shirt isn’t your thing, or you want other ways to incorporate your new favorite pattern into your wardrobe, there are lots of coats, bottoms and accessories out there for you! And each one is cuter than the other.

Another bonus about plaid?  If you’re ever in a bind about what to wear to an ‘I love the ’90s’ party, a plaid shirt is your best bet… Take that, solids! Read More »


5 College Wardrobe Essentials

I do believe it is officially mid-August, which means most of you will be headed back to campus in the next few weeks.  It also means Back to School shopping is well underway, an occasion that might as well be deemed a national holiday.  As a B2S pro, I’ve been asked by my adoring fans girls I used to babysit what items they should snag for a foolproof freshman wardrobe.

Trying to piece together outfits that go from classroom to frat house basement is indeed a daunting task, but it can be done.  Here’s how to look ten times better than missy in the denim skort trying to steal your place in the keg line:

Get a go-to top. Make it frilly, make it fun. This will be the one top you can always rely on when you think you’ve got nothing else to wear.  Snag it in a color other than black so you’re sure to stand out, but also be sure it’s machine washable.  Finding a dry cleaner near campus is so not worth the cost or effort.

Take it into autumn with the perfect fitted jacket. This season is all about military inspired details, and outerwear is the perfect place to show off your fashion know-how.  Go for an army jacket with a slim, feminine fit to keep you warm when summer evenings turn into crisp nights.  Throw this one from J.Crew over your favorite sleeveless top and a pair of skinny jeans for the walk to class or the stumble home from the bar.

Add a scarf. No, not the chunky kind Mom knits you for Christmas.  I’m talking about the ones thin enough to twist, tie, knot, and drape around your neck.  Anthropologie hit a homerun with their Stonybreck Scarf.  The funky print boasts a color palate that will match with just about anything and the price is on the lower end of the splurge scale.  Don’t let the roommate borrow this one because you’ll never see it again! Read More »


8 Under $20: Lovin’ The Lace

Ok, here’s the deal. While many people might disagree, I stand firm in my belief that lace should not be confined to the contents of your underwear drawer.  Although it looks to die for on a pair of panties, it also looks beloved with just about any outfit.  It’s romantic. It’s Grace Kelly. It’s classy. It’s classic.

And it’s under $20 dollars (at least on this URL).

So let’s get shopping, shall we? Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: JCrew Stripe Confetti Ruffle Shirt

I’m a firm supporter of the whole “quality over quantity” argument when it comes to stocking my closet.  I believe in having a handful of basic pieces that transcend the trends- a slow accumulation of great handbags, well-made shoes, and basic shirts and pants.  The problem with my little rule is that once in a while I see something so absolutely to die for that I just want to hand over my hard earned cash and make an impulsive splurge purchase.

Ladies, this stripe confetti ruffle shirt from J.Crew is the current #1 on my lust list.  It’s a departure from the standard white or blue button-down oxford we’re all used to wearing when we want to look polished and profesh.

A great addition to your Fall shopping list, it’s a straightforward button down with a cheeky side.  Just look at that ruffled collar!  Check those stripes!  Appropriate for class presentations, job interviews, and looking generally collegiate while posing with the school mascot next to a stack of newly purchased textbooks (wait, does that situation only occur in catalogues?).

Don’t think you need to banish the ruffled goodness to pencil skirts and formal occasions.  J.Crew has hit a home run and created the shirt dreams are made of with this one.  Half-tuck it into a pair of white short-shorts and throw on some cute sandals.  Roll the sleeves, don some aviator sunglasses and you’re stylin’ your way to the football game.

Want to snazz it up for date night?  Add a pair of killer sparkly earrings and stack up a few bracelets when you wear the shirt with a mini-skirt and ballet flats.  But be sure to unbutton the first three buttons so you don’t look like a nun…you do want another date after all.


Love Em or Hate Em: Bright Jeans

purple.jpgred-jeans.jpgblue.jpg

I opened my closet today to grab a pair of jeans and noticed something: all of my jeans look exactly the same. Ok, maybe not exactly – different lengths, different pockets, slightly different legs – but for the most part, my jeans are all the freaking same.

14 pairs of dark blue denim.

I love all 14 pairs differently (some are for class, some are for weekends, some are to make my ass look so good guys can’t resist me), but I think I need somethin’ a little different. A little color, perhaps?

Colored denim is all over the place these days, but is it cute or totally lame? And if it is cute, can real people (not a size zero) really pull it off?

What do you think? Would you rock some bright red pantalones?