If there’s one thing a sorority woman knows (besides the names of all her founding sisters/the words to every rush song/the rules to scoring the best room in the house) it’s a theme party. I don’t know if it’s in the official rules of Greek Life but sororities/fraternities and theme parties go together like cheating spouses and Hollywood. Only there’s way less drama. And magazine covers. And Barbara Walters interviews.

That being said, this week we asked our panel of sorority women to weigh in on the infamous theme party and share the best and worst they’ve ever been to.

Looking to throw a great party of your own? You might want to avoid a graffiti bash.

Kit: Alpha Chi Omega, Ohio State University
My favorite theme party so far has been Food Mascots. Everyone thought it was a strange idea at first, but I saw some of the greatest costume ideas that night. Some of the best costumes were the Chic-fil-a Cow, and the Orbit Gum Girl. My least favorite theme has been Guys in Ties, Girls in Pearls. Everyone always looks great, but we don’t get the chance to brainstorm any fun, creative costumes.

Lisa: UCLA
God, I love theme parties! I will use any excuse to dress up. I think the best one I ever went to was “Under $10.” Everyone had to go to the local thrift store and pick up an entire outfit that cost, you guessed it, under $10. It was hilarious. People were wearing the most atrocious stuff and it definitely made for great pictures (and endless hours looking through them on Facebook the next day). If I had to choose a worst, I’d probably have to go with Pimps and Hos. Yeah, real original. Snooooore. Come on, people! GET CREATIVE.

Gabby: Phi Theta Chi, Winona State University
My favorite theme party is Office Hoes & CEO’s, mostly because it gives me an excuse to dress up.  Also, girls at these parties aren’t as slutty as they usually are (except for the people who think Britney’s Hit Me Baby Catholic school girl outfit constitutes as office attire…), and that’s really refreshing.  Classy + Hot.  The worst would have to be graffiti parties.  If you’ve seen one profanity and/or body part chicken-scratched in highlighter, you’ve seen ‘em all, and I’m not a fan of having to go out and buy a brand new white shirt that I’m going to throw away the next day. Pass!

Kellyn: University of Michigan
My favorite themes are always the progressives, especially if they are themed “Around the World” or “Holidays” with matching refreshments and decorations. My least favorite are beach theme.  No one wants to dress in a shorts and flip flops when it’s, like, 30 degrees out.

Rachel: Chi Omega, Indiana University
The best themed party I’ve ever been to was definitely Rumble in the Jungle.  The decorations were so easy to make, and everyone went all out with animal prints and animal costumes and such.  The worst themed
party (I guess you can call it a theme..) I’ve ever gone to is when frats try to recreate bars in their basements.  It always ends up being really awkward, empty, and even kind of creepy.

Megan Watson, Purdue: Chi Omega
The worst party by far is a highlighter party. I don’t know a single person whose most flattering outfit consists of a head to toe white jump suit covered with bright profanity. Correct me if I’m wrong… But the BEST themed party? One word: Jerseys! Purdue Greeks, where you at!?

What do you think? What’s the best/worst theme party you’ve been to?

[Got a question for these women? Send it on over to submissions [at] collegecandy [dot] com. In the meantime, get the DL on Greek Life from the women who are living it right here.]

Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use celebrities (like Willa Holland)

I saw Scarface once.  Yes, one time and I was barely paying attention.  Typically movies about Cuban drug lords and mafia crime in Miami don’t exactly thrill a Midwestern girl like me.  It’s a little difficult to relate to Tony Montana’s lifestyle choices, but Elvria, on the other hand, well that’s a whole other story.

Before everything went to total sh*t, Tony and Elvira lived the South Beach fantasy of money and power. Money was no object, so whatever Elvira wanted she got. And what she wanted was clothes. Gorgeous, expensive clothes. (I think that’s something we can all understand, no?) So yeah, maybe she snorted more nose-candy than an elementary schooler’s filled pillow case on Halloween, and perhaps she was involved in more murders than I’d normally support, but her style was impeccable and I just couldn’t look away.

I love Elvira’s style because it’s always glamorous and sexy, no matter the occasion. (And I’m definitely not the only one who idolizes it; Gucci even based the Spring/Summer 2006 ad campaign on the Scarface look!) You and I probably feel our most comfortable in sweatpants, or go out in jeans and “the cute top” combo. Not Elvira, who sleeps in slinky silk and whose “hangin’ around the house clothes” are something we’d probably wear to prom. She just always finds an excuse to dress up and make heads turn, and that’s both sexy and inspiring.

Now, I won’t be heading to the grocery store in a bejeweled maxi-dress anytime soon (or helping my boyfriend smuggle drugs across international borders), but I do think it’s totally possible to bring a little Elvira style into my daily life. And yes, it’s possible on a non-drug-lord’s-GF budget.

Heels, Dress, Bangles, Sunglasses, Earrings

I’m all over this look because you don’t have to live in Miami to make it work.  The short, white, body-hugging dress is sexy, chic, and very luxe, meaning you can channel Elvira without putting in much effort. Just slip it on and you’re halfway there.

The subtle silver bangles and silver hoops add a little richness to the look (you don’t want to go too bold and flashy, or else it will look totally fake), and the white, bejeweled heels with the animal-print sole embody the lavish, South Beach lifestyle.  Add the designer-looking shades to pull it all together for an outfit that will stop everyone, even Elvira herself, in their tracks.

It’s really easy to be “comfortable” when it comes to getting dressed, but don’t be! Adding a little glamour to your daily style is simple; this outfit only had 4 elements, all of which you can pair with other things in your wardrobe! As Elivra has taught us all, there’s always an excuse to dress up. So do it.

Is this chic enough for the cereal aisle?

Okay, I’ll admit it: I spend a decent chunk of my time gawking at the heinous outfits documented on Go Fug Yourself, a site where two hilarious writers analyze the wacky get-ups worn by the rich and supposedly stylish. There’s something so satisfying about seeing how even gorgeous celebrities, who are endowed with personal stylists, makeup artists, and assistants upon assistants, can somehow leave their mansions thinking that things like this (or this! And don’t forget this!) actually look good.

But even though the Fug Girls can get a little vicious from time to time—any celeb wearing leggings instead of pants better be prepared to get seriously ripped apart by these ladies—I really admire the fact that their site generally only critiques the crazy things stars wear to high-profile events, like movie premieres and awards shows. Even these bitchy bloggers try to stay away from criticizing boldface names for throwing on ratty jeans and sweatshirts while they’re walking their dogs, or pumping gas, or doing any of the other menial chores that gossip rags love to say make stars seem Just Like Us. That’s because everyone knows that sometimes, it’s nice to forget fashion and wear whatever’s comfortable—especially if you’re just out running errands.

Well, everyone but Suze Yalof Schwartz of Glamour Magazine. In January, Schwartz took a trip to a Whole Foods store in search of women whose choice of garb left something to be desired. Her quest to take unsuspecting shoppers from “eek to chic” was documented for a Glamour Don’ts to Dos segment on the Today Show.

After checking out some produce, the video shows Schwartz ragging on a girl whose skirt is longer than her jacket. (Guess her victim must not have been a big Cake fan.) Then she praises another girl for dressing in “Whole Foods chic,” whatever that means. After saying snarky things about a few more shoppers, she finally zeroes in on Claire, a college student who says, “I don’t have a style. I wear lots of, like, sweatshirts and zip-up hoodies.” Good for you, Claire! I know plenty of college students who dress like this most of the time, and they seem to lead perfectly happy, normal lives despite their style deficiencies.

But to Schwartz, fashion suicide is the worst crime of all. As she explains to Claire, “You don’t want to get caught out looking like that.” They go shopping, and at the end of the segment, Claire debuts her new look.

Yes, she does look pretty cute in her post-makeover outfit—I’m a sucker for stripes. Even so, I have issues with the message of this video. Schwartz disses Claire for looking “more like she was headed to pick vegetables than buy them.” But honestly, why is that such a BFD in the first place? When a girl’s out grocery shopping, she’s probably thinking about whether she should splurge on organic apples or how much Psych reading she has to do that afternoon—not whether her ensemble is sufficiently stylish.

Telling women that they have to be hyper-aware of how they look at all times, even when they’re doing nothing more than running out to buy a quart of milk, reinforces the old stereotype that if you’re female, appearance always has to be your number one priority. What’s next, telling girls that they should spend half an hour on their hair and makeup even when they’re just hanging out at home? Oh wait…

And then there’s the mean-spirited tone of this video, which also irks me. Making fun of the ugly thousand-dollar dresses that public figures wear to gala events is one thing. Bitching that some girl you don’t even know should feel ashamed for wearing legwarmers is quite another. This video is tacitly telling girls that it’s okay to be mean, as long as it’s in the name of Fashion. But what’s the point of judging people because of what they wear, especially at the freaking grocery store? That’s just petty.

I’m sorry, Glamour, but as far as I’m concerned Schwartz’s conduct is a definite Don’t.

We’re all guilty of retail therapy. I know nothing makes me feel better when I’m down than a warm new cardigan, or a brand new party dress to boost my self-esteem. However, retail therapy can also go VERY wrong. When emotions are high, it’s all too easy to make impulse buys that will leave your closet full of regretful purchases and your wallet empty.

Retail therapy doesn’t have to turn into compulsive shopping! With a little rational thinking and some brainstorming, I’m here to show you how you can turn your frown upside down for under $50!

My Retail Therapy Recommendations:

1. Restyle your room!

When I’m really frustrated, sometimes the best way for me to let off some steam is to change up the atmosphere! Not only does moving furniture burn calories, but it is also therapeutic to declutter and maybe add some new accents to your room! Here are some really cute and inexpensive items that you can add to your room to help kick your retail therapy craving, as well as help you recreate your room! Even one new piece can really make a difference.

For the walls:

Product Information: Loop de Loop Lace Shelf- Urban Outfitters, Chalkboard- IKEA, Chloe Gauze Curtain – Urban Outfitters, Mirrored Leaves Wall Art- Bed, Bath, & Beyond, White Wash Clock- Bed, Bath, & Beyond

For Your Bed:

Product Information: Canyon Chenille Throw- Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Red Throw Pillows (set of two)- Target, Floating Poppy Pillow Shams- Urban Outfitters, Animal Print Throws- Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Asian-Inspired Pillows- Bed, Bath, & Beyond

Want the rest of the ideas? Finish this article at CollegeFashion.net!

I love clothes. I have a closet full of them. And 2 dressers. And an under-bed storage thingy. Yet, when it comes to getting dressed I tend to go for the same things every time. I don’t know if it’s laziness or just a lack of creativity, but I always find myself in the same outfit: a black shirt and jeans.

It’s boring, I know, but I just never feel the desire to try a bunch of things on or mix and match what I’ve got to create a new and more exciting look. I tend to spruce my outfits up with a fun bracelet or a cute clutch; basically, the easiest things I can find.

And I’m 100% confident there is no better way to add some cool to my boring looks than with these Belted and Buckled Booties from Anne Michelle. Buckles are huge this season and I know why. Just adding them to this basic black bootie takes it from just another black shoe to a total fashion statement.

These boots scream “I’m cool and, damn, I look good!” They’ll turn up the volume on my weekend uniform and they’ve even inspired me to bust out those cute skirts and tights I’ve got crammed into my drawers somewhere. (I mean, for real, look how hot they look with lace tights!)  I can pair them with skinny jeans for Thanksgiving dinner with the family or I can toughen up that sparkly little dress I picked up for New Year’s Eve. Whatever the outfit or occasion, it is impossible to look boring or blend in with the crowd with these booties on.

Looks like I’ll have to find some room in my closet because I’m going to make these mine. Watch out, black flats; you’ve been replaced.

Take off those sweats and put a little effort in! You never know who you're going to meet.

No matter how many times I lecture my friends about how we, as single girls, need to look cute wherever we go, I can’t seem to follow my own advice.

I was sitting on the stationary bike at the gym yesterday, sweating out my scholastic stress to some Drake, when a cute boy sits on the bike next to me. A very cute boy, whom I happened to see around a lot last year, but never talked to that much. Apparently, I should have biked next to him months ago, because we enjoyed a long long, drawn out, get-to-know-you conversation as we pedaled our little hearts out.

I was so excited and in luuuurve, but instead of focusing on engaging in witty banter, batting my eyelashes, and basically just knocking the socks off this kid, I was wondering if my eye makeup from the day had made its way down my face yet, and if sweat could ever be remotely flattering. I was also questioning my decision to wear bright, floral shorts that rep my school (I thought they were so tacky that they were cute…my friends later informed me that sadly, they were just  tacky) with a shirt that completely clashed with them. I was all, “Hell, it’s just the gym, I can go looking crappy and no one will ever be the wiser.”

THAT right there, that sentence, is my problem. Dannia, honey, I feel your pain. I’m here to keep you from having to learn it the hard way: it’s a smart to look adorable no matter where you go.

I’m not saying you need to be completely decked out in your sexiest outfit on the way to class, or vamp it up by using your best smokey eye technique for 9 a.m. lecture. It’s just that when you feel like you look good, that confidence really does come across. People say this all the time, but it can’t be stressed enough: confidence is such an attractive quality! If you’re too lazy or rushed to make yourself feel pretty or good about how you look, people are going to think you’re too lazy to care about anything else. Also, when you don’t have to worry about how you look when you unexpectedly run into someone you want to impress, you can completely focus on the conversation. You don’t want to be asking yourself why you wore ratty sweatpants when he’s asking you if you want to go out on Friday night!

I completely understand wanting to be comfortable. I am the queen of being laid back. I swipe some mascara on for parties or special occasions, but my day-to-day routine revolves around face moisturizer and Chapstick. This isn’t about being someone you’re not, it’s just making sure you present your best self because you never know what will happen. I know that we, as single girls, hear it all the time: “It’ll happen when you least expect it! Don’t go looking for love, let it find you!” But I doubt it’s going to find me when I’m still dirty from last night’s gym sesh and my sweats have a hole in the crotch.

Since we’re unattached, it’s easiest to make a guy’s heart go pitter-patter with our looks first, so it just makes sense to make an effort even though, at times, it can be annoying. So wake up 15 minutes early so you can actually think about what you’re going to wear when you leave your dorm room! You’ll look good, you’ll feel good and you’ll focus on more important things, like school wooing the kid in your Art History lecture.

And now it’s time for me to invest in some new gym clothes…

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/10/02/single-and-looking-good-if-i-do-say-so-myself/feed/ 7 Zahra- Northwestern University dress up http://collegecandy.com/2009/09/21/wardrobe-wish-list-jcrews-slub-cotton-crystal-necklace-tee/ http://collegecandy.com/2009/09/21/wardrobe-wish-list-jcrews-slub-cotton-crystal-necklace-tee/#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:00:34 +0000 Brianna-Fordham University http://collegecandy.com/?p=41431 ]]> Okay, I, like most girls, love to dress up. I love zipping up a sexy dress, painting on some dramatic cat eyes, and slipping into some sky-high heels.

But I also have those weekends when I am so burnt out, running from class to work to the gym, that I rather curl up in my pajamas and hide under the covers all weekend then spend an hour putting together an outfit.

That’s why I couldn’t be more ecstatic that t-shirts are formal this fall. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius and my new favorite person. There are so many options (these tees are literally everywhere, which means you can find them in any price range), but my favorite is the Slub Cotton Crystal Necklace Tee from J Crew. It’s is ultra classy and chic, while still being unbelievably comfortable and wearable at the same time.

Sure, the price tag is a little steep ($49.50 to be exact), but considering the amount of times I’m going to wear this thing (when I finally get my paws on it), it will be totally worth it.

What makes it even better is that with this one addition to my wardrobe I have enough new outfit combos to get me through every weekend in fall. I can pair it with a skirt and a cardigan for a family function, with some skinny jeans and flats for a dinner with the girls, and with some leather boots and a tailored blazer for an instantly put together/ as-comfortable-as-my-PINK-sweats Friday night bar hopping get-up.

And when the colder weather gives way to Spring once again, I can simply peel off my layers of opaque tights and belted cardi’s for a simple shorts and t-shirt deal that will scream glamorous while feeling relaxed.

Working five hours to afford it seems only a minor speed bump in my race to being the chicest girl at every occasion this month…and next.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/09/21/wardrobe-wish-list-jcrews-slub-cotton-crystal-necklace-tee/feed/ 3 Brianna-Fordham University jcrew 1 http://collegecandy.com/2009/05/28/fashion-porn-dress-orgy/ http://collegecandy.com/2009/05/28/fashion-porn-dress-orgy/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 20:00:43 +0000 Leah - Ryerson University http://collegecandy.com/?p=30608 ]]>

[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.]

Dresses are to me as naked ladies are to boys: irresistible. And sexy. And the pictures I look at most on the internet. Though they are often associated with special occasions – probably due to the puffy versions with crinoline underskirts young girls were forced into – they don’t have to be.  In fact, dresses are pretty much the easiest piece of fashion around: just slip it on and go.  They have been quite popular for a few seasons now, which means there is something out there for everyone…or a million different somethings out there for each of us. Get your drool on below:

Happy Halloween! What are you wearing?!

Mary Kate and Ashley play pin up.

Kevin Smith decides to lose weight…after breaking a toilet.

Jamie Foxx is makin’ an album.

Chunky is in...for sweaters.

The Barack Obama and John McCain talking dolls.

Is Colin Farrell dressed up as a Newsie?

Stressed (about school, money, your lack of costume for tonight’s party? Try these 5 things.

Sarah Jessica Parker does her part for the election.

Pink just totally threw John Mayer under the bus.

Are we getting old MTV back?

So the weather’s colder and we’ve said good-bye to the sexy tanks and sandals of summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look sexy & flirty, while still keeping cozy. A perfect fall solution is to pair up those sassy summer dresses with a funky pair of tights and a cute and flirty jacket. You won’t be miserable freezing your bootie off as you bar hop, and I can bet you’ll still be turnin’ heads.

I love this dress from Forever 21 and it’s only $22.80. It’s basic enough that you can wear it multiple times in a plethora of ways. Add a belt, wear different kinds of tights and/or shoes, put on a blazer; all of these things will mix it up and give you a new outfit. Of course, you can find basic cocktail dresses all over the place, so find what suits you and go with that, just make it as basic as possible so you can dress it up with accessories without going overboard.

I recommend that if you go with the basic black, pair it with funky colored tights. If you choose the dark purple dress (which looks blue online), go with a black textured tight. You can find inexpensive tights at Forever 21 or Target, and this website, welovecolors.com, sells a wide array of tights, including 45 different color choices. Their solid colored tights are only $8 each!

A sassy pair of heeled mary janes is the way to go when it comes to shoes, and you can find adorable and affordable styles at Target. Like these two. Love em.

Jewelry-wise, you don’t want to go overboard, but you can keep with the vintage-feel of the ensemble by going with a fun pair of oversized studs and a feminine bracelet or cocktail ring. (Again, Forever 21 is THE place to get adorable jewelry on the cheap). The black accessories are sophisticated, classy and perfect for this look.

And to top it all off, find an adorable swing jacket. You can go with a basic black, but grays, purples and materials such as tweed, houndstooth and herringbone are big this year. They will add a little extra twist to your going-out-fit, and are versatile enough to go with any ensemble you choose to wear them with.