[The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. They're like college Rachel Zoe (with a little extra meat on their bones). Have you checked them out yet?!]

One of the best ways to battle the cold and look perfectly seasonal during winter is to wear a cozy, cold weather vest. Before you say anything, hear me out: There are ways to do so without a) looking like you’re about to go skiing, b) evoking images of the Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters, or c) having people ask why you’re wearing a life preserver, like Marty McFly in Back to the Future. All it takes is a little creative styling.

So next time you’re having the dreaded “sweatpant” battle (my roommate keeps the house at 68 degrees, so I grapple with this decision on a daily basis) reach instead for a fuzzy pair of socks, the softest thermal top you own, and a warm winter vest. They come in tons of styles and materials, so you’re bound to find one you like.

Tips and Tricks for Pulling off a Winter Vest

Pull out your down vest! These can be worn places other than the slopes, as long as you keep other things in your outfit cute, simple, and girly. Go for the belted variety if you’re worried about too much bulk.

Try out a fleece or Sherpa version. They’ll go with any long sleeved shirt and pair of jeans you have in your closet. Here in Oklahoma, the boys LOVE pairing their fleece Columbia vests with a button-down Polo dress shirt (oh, frat boys) but for a girl, they’re most often paired with a v-neck or circle neck shirt or turtleneck.

Don’t be afraid of getting creative. The right vest could look great with a dress or skirt – try out different combos and experiment!

Add style with accessories. Throw on a necklace, headband, ring, or hat with your vest for added flair.

Wear them on fickle weather days. Vests are the perfect way to balance out sunny-yet-windy days. They’ll block your chest from the chill (and keep you from getting cold) but allow your arms to breathe so you can avoid awkward sweat stains.

The Knit Sweater Debate. Unless you’re going for a Rachel Berry look (or attending a tacky Christmas sweater party) it’s generally best to avoid vests with appliques or pictures knit into them. (Obviously, if you have great style and want to rock one of these for a challenge, more power to you!) On the other hand, a chunky knit vest can look chic if it’s simple and styled just right.

Alrighty then. You’ve got all the rules, now it’s time for some winter vest style inspiration. Click here for some great outfit ideas!

[The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. They're like college Rachel Zoe (with a little extra meat on their bones). Have you checked them out yet?!]

I know that there are a lot of mixed feelings on fur — personally, I’m an advocate of faux fur. Not only is is cheaper and animal-friendly, but there are incredible plush pieces available that keep you warm and look great. That said, my mom gave me her vintage white rabbit fur coat a couple years ago; I haven’t had the nerve to wear it in public, but it’s a shame that it has just been hanging out in my closet for so long. Although I would never buy a real fur item, I can understand keeping a vintage piece that holds sentimental value.

The other great thing about faux fur is that it is SO warm. There is nothing cozier to wrap around yourself on a windy night than a fuzzy coat. It also carries an air of sophistication and class — pair a coat with a string of pearls and red lipstick for some old Hollywood glamour.

There are many ways to rock faux fur without channeling stuffy old ladies who lunch or looking tacky. Curious to know how?

Tips and Tricks for Working Faux Fur into an Outfit:

Try a faux fur vest. I got mine on sale for $20 at American Eagle last season, so this piece does not have to be a huge splurge. Fur vests look awesome with jeans and a long sleeved shirt, or a simple dress, leggings and boots.

Try small accents. If you’re hesitant about this look, try a faux fur scarf or purse for a hint of the trend. I also love corduroy and wool jackets with fur trimming on the collars and sleeves.

Keep it simple if you’re unsure. I love faux fur with florals and stripes, but my style is all about contrast. For a more conservative approach, try it out with solid colors.

Rock a faux fur jacket or coat. We all loved Carrie Bradshaw’s coat on SATC, and coats like hers are amazingly warm and stylish. Just be careful about wearing one in precipitation — water can make faux fur clump together awkwardly.

Experiment with animal print. I absolutely LOVE my leopard print faux fur jacket, and I’ve seen other great animal prints as well in stores this season. But to avoid looking like Cruella DeVille, seek out subtle, blended prints.

Got all that? Good, it’s time to get some faux fur outfit inspiration, courtesy of the ladies at CollegeFashion.net.

Enter the Gams Games Tights form Anthropologie. A very detailed floral pattern makes the flowers in the thigh area look like they were meant to be that large, not like they’re stretched out by the unfortunate truth that thighs are bigger than calves (especially after a few too many late-night pizza binges). The detail is also so becoming and shadowy enough that you won’t look like you wallpapered your legs, an unfortunate byproduct of some other floral tights.

There aren’t a lot of pieces out there that you can wear on any given occasion that can be considered wearable art – unless you’re Lady Gaga. These not only look like an artist sketched them onto your legs with the grey colors and shading details, but they’re the simplest way to add a wow factor to a plain, tailored dress or a tired plain skirt.

With frigid cruelty around the corner in December, these tights offer some warmth before you need your snow pants to dig your car out of campus parking. They’re great for pairing with your Uggs that never look right with your jeans tucked in when headed to class or with a pair of solid brightly colored heels (closed toed, always closed toed!) for a dressier occasion.

Added bonus? Patterned tights make it much more difficult to see a snag than their trendy cousin the opaque black tights. Just keep in mind that the ripped up look Taylor Momsen tried really hard to make cool is never going to happen, so two snags and its time to toss, ladies.

No amount of clear nail polish can save the look at that point.

[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). 2. A major lack of storage space.

For these two reasons alone, maximizing what you do 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.]

Fashion is all about recycling trends (which is why I kick myself when I think about all those leggings I got rid of in the ’90s ). One decade that made a strong reappearance during the Fall/Winter 2010 runway shows was the 1950s.  With the overwhelming popularity of Man Med, this really comes as no surprise; I mean, Banana Republic has a line to accompany the show! The re-emergence of the ’50s style means it’s time to break out the full skirt! But rather than looking like you’re an extra on Mad Men or a month early for Halloween, it’s important to know how to wear it right.

With Socks:

Skirt, Top, Sweater, Socks, Booties.

This is the season to focus on socks and the full skirt is the perfect way to do it. Grab a cute pair of knee-high socks (which are both adorable AND functional as they will keep your legs warm on cool, fall days) and start layering. Just grab a button-up shirt and tuck it into the skirt, top it off with your favorite cardigan, then slip on the ankle booties you nabbed last fall. And if you don’t feel like rocking heels, you can swap them out for your knee-high boots and let the socks peek over the top instead.

With Lace:

Skirt, Top, Flats, Bag.

Did you know the full skirt can work for night as well? The key to pulling this off is balancing it out with something a bit more sexy. Like lace or a silky cami.  Add some sparkly flats (or even patent pumps) for added pizazz and a bright colored bag and you’re all set to hit the town.

With Class:

Skirt, Top, Blazer, Shoes.

I l-o-v-e mixing and matching different shapes, textures and styles. It just makes things more interesting and, when working with a full skirt, more modern. For this look, I added a bow-tied top under a cropped blazer and oxford-heels for a more scholarly look. But work with what you’ve got. Try a t-shirt under a cardigan with some funky necklace. Or a tank under a blazer and some flat boots. This skirt is incredibly versatile so play around in your closet and you’ll find hundreds of ways to wear it.

This post is courtesy of our fashionable friends at CollegeFashion.net. Have you checked them out yet?

Have you ever seen a girl in a really cute outfit and thought she looked great, but that something was missing? Maybe you’ve stood in front of the mirror in your dorm or apartment in a great dress and a pair of boots and still felt blah? We’ve all been there–the basics of an outfit look totally stylish, but there’s a certain something that’s off.

In cases like these, there’s an often-overlooked wardrobe essential that can make all the difference: accessories! We’re talking shoes, bags, and jewelry, all of the key players! And the best part? These additions are super easy to grab or put on and still make a huge impact on your style.

Below, I’ve listed the 5 types of accessories that every girl should own, plus tips on how to use them to make any outfit runway-worthy! Interested? Read on.

Belts:

A few great, well-fitting belts in varying widths are definite wardrobe staples. Here are three different styles you might want to consider, plus tips on how to wear them:

* Skinny belts in bright colors or shimmery metallics look super cute over a romper or fitted dress.
* Medium-width belts that feature interesting details like braiding or a fun buckle are perfect with jeans and a tucked-in shirt, to create a tailored, more formal look.
* Large, wide belts are ideal for cinching and defining your waist and look lovely over anything voluminous or oversized.

Belts – Hot Picks:

Product Information: Skinny Contrast Studded Belt, Gap. Leopard Skinny Belt, Ann Taylor. Military Braid Waist Belt, Monsoon Accessorize. Gold Leaf Belt, Mod Cloth. Hook Punch Out Belt, House of Fraser.

Shoes:

For those of you who are shoe-obsessed, this staple probably seems painfully obvious! If you’re not a shoe lover, however, making an investment in a fun pair of flats, classic heels, sexy sandals, and/or chic boots will really update (and finish off!) your look.

Wearing cute shoes instead of ugly-but-functional ones is much like wearing jeans instead of sweatpants: minimal effort, big style payoff! Just think of how much more fashionable an outfit would look with leather riding boots instead of Uggs!

Shoes – Hot Picks:

Product Information: Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals, Lori’s Shoes. Trouser Oxfords, Steve Madden. Let’s Take A Ride Knee High Boots, Ruche. Steve Madden Midnight Blue Pumps, Amazon. Gabriella Rocha Neve Ankle Strap Ballet Flats, Amazon.

Read the rest and see some simple and chic outfit transformations right here.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/09/11/from-collegefashion-using-accessories-to-turn-an-outfit-into-a-look/feed/ 7 ccandystaff accessories belts CF shoes http://collegecandy.com/2010/09/01/celebrity-chic-on-the-cheap-christina-aguilera-goes-casual/ http://collegecandy.com/2010/09/01/celebrity-chic-on-the-cheap-christina-aguilera-goes-casual/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:00:07 +0000 Jasmine - Northern Arizona University http://collegecandy.com/?p=71309 dirty to the vintage to the futuristic.]]>

[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap in which our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to. All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know - there is a spot for her in heaven.]

I’m an unabashed Xtina lover. She snagged me with “Reflections” (yes, I took it all the way back to Mulan), and I’ve stuck with her through her various musical and aesthetic reinventions, from the dirty to the vintage to the futuristic.

What I’ve always admired about Christina, besides her stellar voice and her ability to redefine catty and alienate her peers is her personal style. She is not one of those celebs we’re likely to catch bumming around in slouchy sweats and stained shirts (I still love you, Britney!). Even when she’s strolling around L.A., she’ll elevate a casual tank top + leggings look with interesting accessories and sky-high heels.

T-shirt, Jeggings, Sunglasses, Hat, Heels

What I love most about this look is that its perfectly casual for your daily activities, but – thanks to the funky fedora and oversize sunglasses – still totally chic. (Plus, the fedora provides ample coverage for that “I woke up late and didn’t have time to wash my greasy hair” issue we often encounter.) The outfit is perfectly balanced with the loose-fitting tee over a pair of ultra-skinny jeans, and the fire red heels add an extra touch of rock star. Of course, if sporting heels to 6 hours of class isn’t your idea of fun, you can replace the heels with a more comfortable patent leather flat and still maintain a look that is fresh, fun and the antithesis of college sloppy. The best part of this look? Layering on a loose cardigan for those frigid campus buildings only makes it better.

Before school starts in a week and a half, I’ve decided to give myself some much needed chill time (cuz I’m a bro, apparently).  A.K.A. sleeping until around 2 p.m., catching up on T.V. I didn’t get a chance to watch over the summer and then showering after that stressful day before night time boozin.  What can I say, it’s a great Welcome Week and it’s even better when I can revisit some of my favorite shows from my childhood.  One of those shows I’ve been religiously watching is the ’90s cult-classic, Daria.

First of all, Daria Morgendorffer isn’t even real, but instead a monotone misanthropic animated character that represents the apathetic attitude of so many of her fans.  Including me. As much as Daria doesn’t want her style to “say anything,” it does.  It says, “What I’m wearing really doesn’t have any physical representation of my opinions or feelings about life because, at the end of the day, they’re just clothes.”

When looking at Daria’s style, her lack of makeup and those seriously sh*t-kicking boots, it has an almost feminist approach. At the same time, though, it is perfectly aligned with the biggest styles coming our way this fall: flirty skirts, military jackets and adorned boots.

Glasses, Boots, Booties, Skirt, Tank, Jacket

The best part about Daria’s look is that it can be worn at work, during class or for a night out.  Maybe that’s what the creators had in mind when they “dressed” her.  Daria has no choice but to wear this outfit constantly, and with the right pieces, you can too.

Instead of the mustard yellow and Kelly green color combination favored by Daria (that would probably look flattering on .00001% of us) go for brighter yellow paired with a military green jacket. Throw on the flowy mini-skirt and you’ve got an outfit that can work for all occasions. If you want to dress it up, opt for high heeled boots with buckles for a little “I don’t give a sh*t” attitude. And if you want to go more casual, a flat buckled boot will do the trick.

The glasses can be purley for novelty and aren’t necessary to make the look complete, but if you’re really trying to channel Daria (or just incorporate a fun, new accessory into your fashion arsenal), slip ‘em on.

Who ever thought Daria would be a fashion icon? Not her sister Quinn, that’s for sure. In fact, if Daria herself knew how trendy she’d one day become, I have a feeling she wouldn’t be too happy about it.

Although the end of summer means the end of many good things in life (i.e. slip n’ slides, lemonade stands, dunk tanks, debating the possibility of frying an egg on your driveway…), the end of summer also means the beginning of something brand new.  Something fresh and exciting.  Something every style-hungry college girl craves out there…

End-of-summer sale racks.

Overflowing with those highly coveted summer items, now super duper cheap, they are a fashionista’s dream come true. And just in time for Labor Day! Can you handle it?? I barely can.  In fact, I’m itching to toss this computer aside and haul ass to the mall, frizzy hair be damned.  Oh, but wait.  We have the sales right at here at our manicured fingertips. And it’s all under $20? Who says dreams don’t come true?

These shoes are the perfect transition piece to get you ready for fall fashion. I’m loving the gray suede and the detailed, strappy style. Especially the zipper on the back which makes for easy on (when you’re running late to class in the morning) and easy off (when you’re running into your bed with your honey).

For some reason, I LOVE these. They are flirty and bright and remind me a little of my childhood.  However, if you’re a little nervous about they color, they also come in coal-gray and black. At only $11.50, this makes Forever 21′s list of Fabulous Finds. And with a crisp, simple white tee and a pair of flippy floppies, I would have to agree.

Anndddd another adorbz romper.  I’m starting my own collection in my closet and this one is quickly making its way to the top of the pile. (Yes, pile. Don’t judge.)  The budding rose print and sweetheart neckline is so bubble gum sweet, and rompers are a great tool to begin creating layered fall outfits.  At $12.80, this Gwen Stefani inspired romper wishes to be mine.

Urban Outfitters has an insane end-of-summer sale going on right now.  But even with the loads of great deals, this particular struck my fancy because it is innocent, flirty and the soft lilac color is a perfect way to say TTFN to summer.  I can see this frock already with cute white tights and fabulous ankle booties. Hi fall, I like you!

I’ll be frank: could this get any cuter?  And it looks so cozy!  Imagine it for a moment with a cute straw hat, skinny jeans, a braid and a beautiful brown bag. Hmmm, yummay.   Oh and I’m not done. This keeper is only $7.50.  You do realize that price is equal to a hungover trip to Starbucks? Beautiful.

OK, sans the weird see-through black thingy going on in this picture, the vest, I love.  It would look so fun with pastel colored anything. Its dainty and pleated ruffles are so feminine, so in this season, and could so easily dress up any outfit. Well, maybe not sweats, but still.  P.S. It also comes in dark grey.

And for the portion of your life in college you spend bumpin’ it at the clubs, here is the ideal embroidered shirt for you (which also comes in black).  This top is light and perfect for a night dedicated to dancing and drinking.  It’s versatile (could go with jeans or a high wasted skirt) and would look flattering on everyone.  Another plus: it has a built-in bra. Let freedom ring!

Last but NOT least, for your business-y endeavors, try this gorgeous Express top. It can be transformed into a such a professional dream, it will be tough to pass up.  Ruffles are perfect for fall and the slimming stretch material will keep you gorgeous all season long.

I hate to admit it but fall is almost here. Major tear.

But while I’m not excited for midterms, wool coats, shivering on my walk to class and being too cold to drink iced coffee, I am excited for boots (and really excited for Pumpkin Spice Lattes). I know, its not easy to think about knee-high boots when you’ve got sweat building up in the crook of your arm (just me?), but right now- while you’re still in summer mode – is really the best time to stock up on boots for the season:

1) Because you can find good deals.
2) You can find whatever you want in your size.
3) You’re so sick of dirty flip flop feet, you just want something soft and buttery covering up those toes.

Those three reasons were good enough for me to go on an Internet shopping spree from my bed last night. And I found some major gems.

This season, embellished boots and more masculine lace-up boots are totally in my closet. Doesn’t seem like you? Wrong. You can wear these little guys with anything. Pair them with leggings and a long button down for the day, or pair with a flirty feminine look for a nice juxtaposition of girly and boyish.

Here are a bunch of boots that I’m loving right now. There are different heights (from over-the-knee to ankle booties), colors (grey, olive, and tan are nice alternatives if you already have black and brown but want something new) and styles. So go ahead, stock up! You’ll look bootiful (did I just say bootfiul? Ohhh no. That was so a joke my 7th grade geography teacher would have made…) and kick off the new semester in style.

Top Row (L to R): Lulus, $48; Gap, $79.50; Target, $39.99; Madden Girl, $69.95
Middle Row: Forever 21, $27.80;  Charlotte Russe, $40; Forever 21, $34.50; Madden Girl, $49.95
Bottom Row: Delia’s, $59.50;  Lulus, $49; Rocket Dog, $69.95

This wish list is partly out of courtesy to all my fellow hoodie lovers and partly out of denial about my current life-after-college situation (while you lucky college kids can rock hoodies and sweats all day, every day, it is unfortunately no longer socially as acceptable for me to do so). But regardless if it’s acceptable or not, the Lacy Hoodie from Victoria’s Secret will most definitely remain at the top of my wish list.

No one can deny that the purpose of a hoodie is 100 percent comfort, but when it also boasts edgy fabric and modern details it is for sure a must-have, college schedule or not. Sharing the mullet’s motto, the sweatshirt is all business in the front (with a simple black zip-up) and party in the back (with hot pink satin and a lace overlay).

There is no question how a student will add this into their wardrobe – thrown over a white tank and yoga pants for early morning classes 0 but how a recent grad can slip this item in is a little less obvious.

Last year’s layered trend is still totally in for fall, and I’m in love with the thrown-on-casual look of a tee-hoodie-jean jacket combo. Who isn’t? But swapping out your old college hoodie for the Lacy Hoodie adds an extra ounce of rocker-chic and awesome to an otherwise laid-back weekend look. I’m thinking Saturday afternoon errands in a loose boyfriend tee, the edgy hoodie and a pair of distressed jean shorts. To take the hoodie into night, I’ll transition it by trading the shorts for some dark wash skinny jeans, motorcycle boots and some layered, metal-chained jewelry, creating a bar look that’s the perfect mix of comfort and style. And when I’m sitting in Starbucks in my comfiest sweatpants for hours, scouring the internet for a job, this hoodie will be the perfect transition piece from my lazy college days to my more refined early-twenties life.

I may no longer be able to wake up five minutes before class, slip on sweats and throw my hair in a bun, but still being able to justify hoodies in my wardrobe will make this whole adult life a little easier.