We’re almost in October, and that means that fall fashion is officially here. For most of us college students, shopping has turned into a luxury…not so much a necessity (Don’t you miss your parents paying for everything? I know I do). But this season has recycled and revamped fall classics, and introduced some new goodies for everyone’s wardrobe, and since there isn’t anything I love more than fall fashion (maybe cupcakes), I have found some great ways to wear this fall’s trends on the frugal side.

Now, picking a favorite trend is impossible: much like a parent picking a favorite child. But since I hate kids and don’t know what that decision would be like, I’ve narrowed down 10 must-have fall trends for under $25 that you must have! Read More »

[This post comes hot off the Internet presses from our friends at CollegeFashion !]

When multiple designers (namely Tory Burch, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander Wang & Roberto Cavalli), paired tailored jackets and coats with furry arms in their F/W 11 collections, the pieces were received with raised eyebrows. One can’t be expected to immediately fall in love with the trend dubbed “Gorilla Arms,” but might it be an acquired taste?

Curious as to what Gorilla Arms look like? Check it out here!

So maybe I’ve spent too much time catching up on the season of Mad Men, but I’m currently obsessed with the sixties. Lucky for me, my fav fashion designers are swinging to the same tune, with lots of sixty-inspired pieces flooding down the runway. Perfect for channeling my inner Peggy Olson.

I’m sure, like me, you have no desire to look like an extra on the set of Mad Men. While Banana Republic has introduced an inspired collection to do just that, the price tags associated with it are not meant for college girls on a budget. While you could wait until there’s a good sale at BR, there are lots of 60s-inspired pieces at more reasonable prices.

The Swinging Sixties are a fun decade to draw fashion inspiration from, partially because there were two distinct styles present during the time. Though the time period marks the birth of the mini-skirt, there was also a large focus on lady-like attire, inspired by Jackie O. Some of my favorite sixty-inspired pieces are peter pan collars, shift dresses and swing coats. Read More »

[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. Read More »

[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? Read More »

When we saw combat-inspired boots on the runways last year none of us thought that trend would ever take hold. (Doc Martens coming back? Pshaw.) But just like gaucho pants, maternity-style tops and moccasins, boy were we wrong. These toughened up boots are in every store, from designer to discount, and they’re taking over the streets.

It’s like fashion’s nod to our troops.

Much like every other big trend to trickle down, most people aren’t quite sure how to wear combat boots. And while I applaud those people for their earnest attempts and being fashion savvy, the sad reality is that they end up looking more like their rebellious teenager stage has come a few years too late.

The key to making these boots cute is to mix them with both feminine and more boyish pieces. A flirty necklace or lacey top with some ripped jeans and boots makes all the difference so you look more like sweet lady Jane (with some kick ass boots on) than GI Jane.

Here’s one bangin’ boot (for a bargain!) worn two ways: Read More »

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 »

Would you wear combat boots?

Want curls? Try this ceramic iron!

Awesome fall trends you can find in thrift stores.

How to wear leopard print.

Make a sweater dress work.

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.

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 »

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 »