You don't have to look like this all winter long!

Winter is here.

Blah.

Sure with winter comes snow angels and holidays (and holiday presents!) and hot chocolate by the fireplace and winter break…

But with the snow comes slush, boots, puffy jackets and that ridiculously long walk to class where your fingers freeze and your nose runs and your eyes tear and then the tears freeze. And it’s a wonder how you become such a hot mess given how damn cold it is.

But on the upside, at least for fashion-lovin’ ladies like myself, winter brings a whole new crop of accessories. And cute accessories to boot! Scarves, pom-pon hats, earmuffs, mittens, berets and the like. So if you have to freeze your ass off… you might as well look damn good doing it!

Here are my favorite chic and cheap winter accessories. Scarves, hats and gloves are a great way to bring some color to the dreary snow ridden streets of your campus and an affordable way to play with trends.

Headwear.

Clockwise from top: Sparkly Beret – Gap, $24.50; Oversized Flower Earwarmer - Urban Outfitters, $28; Knitted Rose Earmuffs – Forever 21, $5.80; Bow Beret – Top Shop, $16; Faux Fur Trapper Hat – Forever 21, $12.80; Fair Isle Pom Pom Knitted Trapper Hat – Top Shop, $32.

Handwear.

Clockwise from top: Charcoal Lace Embellished Knitted Gloves – $36; Olive Green Gloves – Lulus, $27; Popcorn Knit Gloves – Target, $10.99; Pins and Needles Starburst Crochet Convertible Gloves – Urban Outfitters, $14,99; Studded Motorcycle Gloves - Express, $29.92; Jojo Skull Glove – Delia’s, $12.50.

Neckwear.

Clockwise from top: Leopard Print Caterpillar Scarf - KMart, $12.60; Soft Frilled Circle Scarf – Forever 21, $6.80; Cozy Plaid Scarf – Gap, $29.50; Blue Infinity Scarf – Lulus, $21; Chunky Knit Pom Pom Scarf – Old Navy, $7; Colorful Knitted Scarf - Forever 21, $14.80.

Want more fashion on a college budget? Jill’s got your back.

While I have this problem of critiquing outfits, I also am the first one to admit when I have judged too quickly. I’ve definitely made my share of decisions on how I feel about a piece of clothing or an accessory only to realize once I’ve considered it for a while that I actually feel much differently.

And, I have come to one of those realizations. My mistake? Ruling out earmuffs as horrible Princess Lea looking side buns that would only be appropriate if you found yourself in a tundra of some sort, completely unnecessary for the rest of us, walking to class or running around doing errands.

Of course, like any accessory, there are definitely some earmuffs that should never be taken out of the closet, but to rule them all out is a mistake. This change of heart partially came because it’s been about 20 degrees outside and the wind-chill mixed with the snow had my ears feeling like solid ice cubes about to drop off the side of my head.

The second reason was a woman I saw hopping off the subway, dressed in a plaid pea coat and knee-high leather boots. She was totally put together, and, to my surprise, the puffy faux-fur ear muffs she was wearing looked totally chic and added a dose of sophistication to her already classy winter outfit.

I immediately went scouring the internet for a similar pair and found what I was looking for at J.Crew. Their Toscana Shearling Earmuffs come in a rich chocolate brown, and the suede band is super soft and doesn’t leave your hair tangled and static-y.

The fact that these earmuffs are super cute (reminiscent of an old vintage pair I see my great grandmother wearing in pictures), and give me the ability to walk down the street without the wind-chill sending piercing pains down my ear canals is enough to change my vote.

The hats with the bunny ears flopping on top, however, still have some major convincing to do.

This fall weather is quickly beginning to feel a lot like winter. Sweaters and tights are being traded in for winter fleeces and long-johns. You may think you’re good to go with your new crochet Uggs and long, puffy North Face jacket, but there’s a lot more out there this winter when it comes to accessories. Things that will not only make that walk to class a little more cozy and a little less frozen-snotsicles-dangling-over-your-upper-lip, but accessories that will make your life a whole lot easier.

And more fun.
And festive.
Basically, winter might be somewhat bearable this time around.

iPod-Capable Earmuffs:

If you need a little Miley Cyrus “Party in the USA” to amp yourself up before class, this one’s for you. With these iPod earmuffs, you don’t have to sacrifice your sphere of musical privacy on your morning trek in order to keep your ears from freezing and falling off. And you won’t get the hat hair/annoying fly-aways that come with winter hats when you eventually make it to lecture. Score!

Mittenberry Mittens: Anyone with an iPhone or any touchscreen phone knows the hell that is using it during the winter. It doesn’t work with gloves on so you are forced to risk losing your fingers to frostbite just to text the girls to tell them how effing cold it is outside. Not anymore! Vivien and Edward Weng have come together and created adorable, warm (100% wool so they’re not bulky) mittens with removable thumbs (they can be buttoned back for ease) so you can keep your hands warm and still answer the phone when your mom calls for the 4th time on your walk to the library. Genius, I tell you. Absolutely genius.

Fur-lined flats: For those of us who don’t like Uggs (slash would rather die than spend $160 on a truly atrocious pair of cankle-causing boots), there are limited options in the winter months to look cute and keep our tootsies toasty. Yeah, we could invest in a pair of fleece-lined Crocs, but, wait a minute, those aren’t cute. At all. Not even on a 3-year-old. Well, Target to the rescue, because they now offer up a basic pair of flats….lined with warm and cozy faux fur. Now you don’t have to choose cute skinny jeans or warmth this winter; you can have it all.

Heated Scarves and Vests: These are perfect for athletic events. Now there’s no excuse to stay in on a cold day instead of cheering on your school’s team. Battery-powered electric heated vests and air-activated heated scarves are perfect for any outdoor activities you may want to take on. Or perhaps just a romp in the snow with a loved one.

Collegiate Snuggie: The ever-popular Snuggie has now become a little more school spirited, making them more acceptable to be worn around the dorm. Who can deny a college-themed blanket with arm mobility?

Heck, here in Canada, it’s not odd to see students sporting Sorel boots (yeah, the boots mountain people wear).

And don’t even get me started on headwear. People at my school who aren’t dressed warmly enough opt for a homemade-turban look, using an extra sweater they have in their bag! Atrocious!

What is even more upsetting is that with a little research and planning (um, like checking the weather before leaving the house!), you can keep the blood circulating in your skull and still look cute!

CollegeCandy has done the leg work for you and presents you with a list of super chic, and more importantly, WARM, options for your noggin. Yes, it is possible to stay warm and keep the hair intact.

1. A Beret or Beanie

Since berets popped on the scene, they have been unstoppable! They are a much better option than a baseball cap in the summer and now, like this one on the left, come in a variety of thick, warm knits for winter. With it’s chunky cables and generous size, it will most certainly keep your ears from freezing on a cold winter’s day. Plus, this one from Urban Outfitters comes in eight different colors, so go ahead and stock up! You can look fresh and cute all season long.

The Beanie. An undeniable classic. Popular among jocks, skaters and gang-members alike, it serves its function perfectly; to keep your head warm! This year Volcom has released an updated version that I find irresistible! With its quirky mix of colors and loose fit, the Blizzard Beanie is sure to fit into an eclectic wardrobe. Bonus: The loose fit also ensures that your hair with stay bouncy and perfect, instead of getting flattened like the typical winter hat.

2. A Ski Cap

Apres ski is always a go-to look for celebrities. Rosy cheeks, windblown hair, fashionable outerwear and – to top it all off – the perfect ski hat, just like this one (left) by Mischa Lambert. Featuring super chunky yarn, crocheted tight to ensure heat retention, ear flaps AND cute pom-poms! It comes in black and white, so it is guaranteed to match your favorite jacket, not matter the color.

Free People’s Norway Love Earflap Hat puts a totally different spin on this shape. Playful and colorful, this hat alone can be the centerpiece of your outfit. Perfect for braving the slopes or the walk to class.

3. Earmuffs

An often overlooked headwear option, earmuffs are not just for little girls anymore. Earmuffs are the perfect winter option because they keep you warm without messing up that perfectly coiffed ‘do. Two of our favorite earmuff makers are Juicy Couture and UGG Australia. The Juicy ones (left) are cute and fluffy; perfect for the fashionista. The UGG earmuffs (right) are made of their signature shearling, giving them a sportier (and totally toasty) look.

4. A Hood or Hooded Scarf

Now here is something different! If you consider yourself fashion forward or like to stand out in the crowd, how about opting for a hood? They keep your whole head warm and manage to set you apart from the rest of your peers who are all wearing hats. This Eugenia Kim hood (left) is super chic and it’s thick yarn and giant ribbing are sure to keep frost-bite at bay!

Another option along these lines is a hooded scarf. Somewhat of a hat/scarf hybrid, hooded scarves are popping up everywhere! Urban Outfitters is carrying several styles this season, and depending on the style you choose you can totally change your look. The navy and grey rugby stripes give off a slightly masculine edge while the fluffy white loops are ultra-feminine!

[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!]

It’s really starting to get cold out there now, but you can stay warm by adding a few furry touches to your wardrobe. Models on the fall runways sported real fur, but faux fur is a more wallet- and animal – friendly option. While it may be a little unrealistic and over the top for a college girl to sport a big fur coat, here are some ways you can subtly slip this trend into your wardrobe:

1) On the hood of your coat/sweatshirt (bonus warmth if it lines the coat too!). This is a really simple way to add some faux fur to your look. Wear it with jeans and your warmest boots.

Coat, Abercrombie & Fitch $200. Jeans, Seven For All Mankind $165. Boots, EMU Australia $90. Bag, Forever 21 $26.80.

Here are some more furry hood options. Click to learn more:

2) On your collar. This look was huge this fall and looks very chic and sophisticated.

Coat, Juicy Couture $385. Jeans, Charlotte Russe $30. Bag, Old Navy $16.50. Boots, Steve Madden $100.

Some more faux fur collared coats:

3) On your legs. Boots with the fur are always cute and stylish for winter. Tuck your jeans in, or wear them with leggings to keep your feet cozy.

All I can ask is that, no matter how cold it is at your school, PLEASE don’t succumb to this trend and wear these ugly things (I’m not even telling you where they’re from!):

4. On your head. Winter accessories are another great way to add some fur without looking crazy. Here are a few great faux-fur options.

“Kids don’t get to be kids anymore!” is what everyone seems to be saying, “They’re becoming inexperienced adults!“

I don’t usually buy all our hyper-sexualized tween hysteria (I’m pretty sure most of this stuff has been going on for decades—just without YouTube), but after coming across this story, I can’t help but wonder what the hell is going on.

According to sources, a 6-year-old boy was recently caught running a ‘sex club’ out of his elementary school in Melbourne, Australia.

The boy has recently been placed in counseling for allegedly urging another 6-year-old to “perform a sex act” and “expos[ing] himself in front of other students.”

It’s hard to tell if parents and school officials are blowing an innocent act of kindergarten rebellion out of proportion (as we are want to do these days), or if our culture has really and truly gone off the deep end in terms of sexual exposure.

Have flashes of Britney’s vajayjay and MTV’s explicit videos (and Puffy’s awful, awful commercials) saturated our society so much that children who don’t even know what they’re saying repeat what they hear from the media? Are we slowly brainwashing our kids to see sex as no big deal?

Or is it our minds that really have the issue? Could we as adults be so preoccupied with what we claim disgusts us, that we label a confused little boy’s conversation as a ‘sex club’?

…In any case, when I have kids (in 50 years or so), I’m teaching them the earmuff rule as soon as they’re born.