When I first looked at the Fall 2011 runway collections, I was torn about the abundance of velvet. Growing up in the ’90s means I remember the last time velvet was really popular and I shudder at the thought. But thanks to the genius of our favorite designers this fabric has been given new life.

Velvet is luxurious. It’s rich. It’s generally heavier, making it the perfect winter fabric. It’s also extremely soft to the touch, meaning a velvet dress could be the perfect way to get your crush to come a little closer (though hopefully it doesn’t encourage him to rub you inappropriately).  If velvet dresses have you feeling like yourself as a five-year-old (when your mom made you pair it with crochet knee socks), there are a lot of tops or jackets (like the motorcycle one!) that are a fresh, updated take on the fabric. And if you’re not convinced a major velvet piece is for you, there are plenty of accessories to add some luxury to your outfits.

Below are 15 rich, velvety pieces I’m loving. Click on the image for all the shopping info! Read More »

Labor Day weekend has come and gone, and what’s left of your tan is probably beginning to fade. Add that to the fact that the first week of classes (When you don’t actually have to do anything but collect syllabuses and catch up with friends.)  has been replaced by actual classes, and you’re probably pulling a Danny Zuko and wishing longingly for summer nights.

But autumn isn’t all bad, and here’s why.

1. The Weather. Here on the east coast, we broke records with the sweltering summer heat. And I’m not going to lie; I took full advantage of that warm weather. But sitting in class in weather that’s meant for the beach? Like I’d ever be able to pay attention. I’m eternally grateful that the temperatures dropped just as I’m forced to hit the books. Plus, it gives you an excuse to buy that cute fall jacket you’ve been eying since July.

2. The Pumpkin Spice Lattes. They’re back. Yesterday’s trip to my friendly neighborhood Starbucks confirmed as much. Starbucks has also introduced the Toffee Mocha, along with the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and the Pumpkin Scone. Its fall food at its best. But if you’re not quite as caffeine crazed  as I am, you could always try an old standby. Caramel Corn. Pumpkin Pie. Apple Pie. Caramel Apples. Apple Cider. Take your pick.

3. The New TV. I love a good reality TV meltdown as much as the next girl, but by the time August rolls around I’m ready for some good old fashion scripted drama. From Glee to Gossip Girl, your old favorites are returning. Don’t you want to watch the new cast of Dancing with the Stars make complete and total fools of themselves? Or find out if Derek actually recovers from the Seattle Grace shooting? Your wait is almost over. Read More »

There are plenty of things I’ll miss about the summer. But the bad TV won’t be one of them. I don’t know about you ladies, but I don’t think I’d be able to survive another week of badly written summer dramas, or so-good-it’s-bad-but-it’s-really-really-bad reality TV. Thankfully, the television gods must have heard our prayers (and our curses when we saw Wipeout was on AGAIN) and have brought back all our favorite shows.

So set your DVRs and mentally prepare yourself for all the excitement (!!!), because here’s a list of what to watch, and when.

The Show You Won’t Admit You’re Watching: Vampire Diaries
Premieres: Thursday, September 9, 8:00 p.m. on The CW

Where We Left Off: Stefan, Damon, Elena, and Bonnie manage to save the town from angry vampires and walk away unscathed, just in time for Damon to show Elena his softer side, and sneak in a quick kiss too. The only problem? It wasn’t Elena. In what was easily one of the most shocking season finales, Katherine, Elena’s doppelganger, and the Salvatore brothers’ first love, returns to kill Uncle John Gilbert. While John lies in a pool of his own blood, Elena’s brother Jeremy attempts to turn himself into a vampire. Elsewhere, Caroline has been rushed to surgery after a potentially fatal car accident and Tyler attempts to figure out what made him crash the car in the first place. Catch a glimpse of the new season here.

Read More »

Amidst your old favorites, there are always some new faces. It’s true for the first day of classes and it’s true for the Fall television schedule. With so many new faces this season, though, it’s not easy to decide which shows deserve that coveted slot on your DVR and which ones aren’t even worth a line on your TV guide.

CollegeCandy is here to help you sort them out. We’ve picked five new shows you won’t want to miss this year. Get your popcorn (or cookie dough – we don’t judge) ready, because Fall TV starts NOW. Read More »

Seeing as the Olympics are being held on my home soil, I should be paying closer attention. But last week I was distracted by my real love: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Though I’m craving spring clothes more than anything else right now, NYFW kept me on the edge of my seat as I excitedly began planning next fall’s outfits.

As always, there were a lot of amazing collections during Fashion Week, but there were five designer gold medalists that really blew the rest away. Their designs were sexy, sleek and wearable…. and assuming I somehow make $1 million between now and September, I will be grabbing every last one of their pieces. Read More »

Punk rock influences abound this season with studs, zippers, skinny black pants, leggings, leather jackets and more. Whether you go head-to-toe rocker or wear a single piece to toughen up your look, this trend is singing our song. Here are some of our favorite pieces at every price: Read More »