Wardrobe Wish List: AE Skinny Braided Waist Belt

Yeah, it might not look like much but this little guy will transform your wardrobe.

The quintessential waist belt was not created to hold anything up. It doesn’t fit into loops, it offers no form of support, it’s not durable and it doesn’t save the world from your plumber’s crack. So what does this basic wardrobe staple do for you?

It works harder for you that you did for your A in Intro to Painting; it creates the illusion of a smokin’ waist.

Your closet (aka the storage bin under your bed) and your body are incomplete without this wardrobe essential.  Nothing gives you that perfect hourglass shape quite like a cinch at the waist. No matter if you have curves or none to claim, a braided belt like this one from American Eagle will not only create them, but let your wallet keep a fat curve of it’s own.

This belt is what saved the shirt-dress trend by mercifully adding some shape to an otherwise baggy and unflattering outfit. There are so many shirts and dresses in my own wardrobe that I won’t dare to wear unless I can find a suitable waist belt or I’m left feeling boxy and paunchy. Even if you don’t have a lot of this type of shirt, this belt is so versatile when worn right.

I love this belt because the braided detailing makes it a lot more interesting than any other belt I’ve got. And if I’m going to invest in a nice leather belt, it’s going to be black, so I appreciate that this cheapie option allows for some new color to enter my wardrobe that I don’t have to make above a twenty dollar commitment to. Read More »


8 Under $20: Purple Perfection

I just love purple clothing and accessories for fall.  The deeper and jewel-toned shade you see in stores this time of year are flattering on everyone, and you feel instantly more sophisticated when you wear it (it is the color of royalty, after all).

And not to mention it looks amazing with gray, my other favorite color for fall.  Here are some great purple items to add to your wardrobe this season for $20 or less each! Read More »


Shop Your Closet: Cropped Blazer

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space. For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

One of the most versatile items you can have in your wardrobe is a blazer. When you’re operating with limited closet space or a limited budget, you want to make sure you have items (especially outerwear) that go with pretty much anything, and a cropped blazer is one of the go-to pieces you should own. First off, this item goes with pretty much everything! Jeans, skirts, dresses, leggings, shorts…. all of them can be paired with a cropped blazer. By adding a tailored piece over your wardrobe staples, you’re streamlining your look, instantly making everything look more pulled together and tres chic.

This blazer (or any blazer you’ve got hanging in your closet) can go with you pretty much anywhere: over a dress to cover your arms on a brisk autumn night, over a flirty tank when you’re out on the town with the girls, or over a blouse for a more professional look. Simply throw it on over anything you already own and you’ve got a totally fresh, new look. Read More »


Candy Dish: Fashion & Beauty

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Awesome fall trends you can find in thrift stores.

How to wear leopard print.

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Face mask obsession.

Shoe giveaway!

Nars Bento Box is all the rage.

Do we like the Croc rain boot?

Rolled chinos are so in right now.


Fashion Porn: Hats & Scarves Get Down and Dirty

As temperatures start to drop, and you get to that pesky stage between needing a sweater and needing a jacket, the scarf becomes a key item to fill in. Wrap it around your neck over your favorite cardigan and you’re all set to face the fall chill. And if it gets too warm, you can always use it instead of your sweater, or tie it to your bag for a chic look! A scarf will instantly dress up your otherwise basic outfit – so even if you’ve woken up, picked up your jeans, a tee and a cardigan off the floor, a scarf will make it look like you put some thought in.

Sigh, aren’t scarves wonderful?

The other essential (and almost magical) item for the girl in a morning rush: a hat! If you’re having an off hair day (or you haven’t washed your hair all week. I get it – midterms are rough) toss on a cap over top, cover up that mess and look super chic. There are lots of styles to choose from this year and that means there’s one for you, no matter what your face shape! And while hats always scare people who think they are so hard to pull off (not literally, of course), but don’t be afraid to take the plunge.

If nothing else, at least you can hit snooze five more times and still end up in class in style.

Below, just a sampling of my favorite scarves and hats of the season. Click each pic for more info! Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: Fumblin’ Foe Sequin Bustier Cami

I survived most of my years in college by borrowing clothes. Most weekends I had another girl’s shirt on my back because I never had any “going out clothes” or the pocket change to spare on them. But some girls had closets and dressers and hampers full of amazing shirts that, after a few drinks, they were always willing to share. And to keep up the barter, I always returned them (sooner or later) back in their original state (after cleaning the spilled beer and cheese sauce).

It wasn’t until I graduated in May that I realized what few pieces of clothing I have. So in honor of populating my closet, I’m sharing this find that will also help you populate yours. Among the many adorable choices on fumblinfoe.net (discovered in the newest Marie Claire) is this going out top that’s weekend perfection.

It’s not just that the sparkles won’t rub off. It’s not just the v-neck or the skinny straps. It’s not just the exposed zipper on the back. And it’s not just that it’s black and slimming while reflective and hot. Read More »


Candy Dish: David Arquette Talks Separation

And maybe says a little too much….

Get out of the gym and get in shape the FUN WAY.

Check out JWoww in her natural habitat.

7 chic blazers for under $70!

Not everyone wants to be on Glee…

Rushing into a relationship? Don’t.

Wanna win some Havaianas?

Justin Bieber TOTES has a gf.


8 Under $20: Leopard Accessories

Animal prints have been hot for the last few seasons, but leopard prints are especially huge this season.  However, this trend can be tricky to pull off–too much and you’ll just end up looking trashy. Or like Snooki. Or worse, Angelina.

The important thing to remember about rocking the leopard print trend is that less is more.  Wear just one piece at a time, and you’ll look classy and trendy.  If you’re still unsure about wearing animal prints, a great way to start is with accessories.  They’re a great way to introduce yourself to the trend by working it in a subtle way.

Here are some great leopard accessories to get you started–and they’re all less than $20! Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: VS Liquid Leggings

Victoria’s Secret knows sexy – there’s no doubting that. But they also know that you don’t need to be in nothing but your $50 bra to feel sexy; all you need is this pair of leggings.

I know that off the bat leggings don’t sound like the sexiest garment in the world. You’ve seen all the girls on campus that wear them the wrong way with the too-short shirts, Uggs and panty lines galore.  There are other ways to wear leggings, ladies! Trust me, after the freshmen 15, even though your jeans may no longer fit (it’s not your fault all you can afford is ramen!) and you can’t afford new ones, leggings like these – when worn correctly – can be fabulously slimming.

The number one rule to wearing leggings is to always, always, always wear a top long enough to cover your bum! Leggings truly are not a substitute for pants. (Editor’s Note: Just ask my friend Erica who always screams “leggings aren’t pants” at girls who just don’t get it.) The material tends to thin out around the largest parts of you (read: your butt) and your underwear will not be safe!

The best thing about these leggings from VS is that they’re different. They’re not your momma’s leggings from the ’80s. They have a chic sheen that isn’t overdone and makes them a tad more dressy – perfect to pair with a hot going-out top and a pair of heels or tucked into my favorite wish list wedges from last week!

But the thing I love most about these liquid leggings is what they’re not: pleather. Although I love the look, I just don’t see how it’s feasible. Pleather leggings are too shiny for throwing on for class, and they’re too pleathery for anything else. Hello! Imagine trying to sit on a vinyl chair in a pair of those bad boys? And wouldn’t your thighs get stuck together?? These liquid leggings, however, achieve the hot idea behind the look without sticking you in a fake leather bind. Read More »


Candy Dish: Snooki’s Gonna Be an Author

Snooki’s writing a book, but who is going to read it?

8 essential vitamins for us ladies.

Maaajor cuteness at TJ Maxx/Marshall’s right now!

When your mom wants to be cool….. (AKA, Dina Lohan Syndrome)

Shia Labeouf’s got beef with who?!

5 steps to being a sexier new you!

Kanye kicked ASS on SNL this weekend!

Are you a working student? Here’s some motivation to keep on keepin’ on.