I love clothes. I have a closet full of them. And 2 dressers. And an under-bed storage thingy. Yet, when it comes to getting dressed I tend to go for the same things every time. I don’t know if it’s laziness or just a lack of creativity, but I always find myself in the same outfit: a black shirt and jeans.

It’s boring, I know, but I just never feel the desire to try a bunch of things on or mix and match what I’ve got to create a new and more exciting look. I tend to spruce my outfits up with a fun bracelet or a cute clutch; basically, the easiest things I can find.

And I’m 100% confident there is no better way to add some cool to my boring looks than with these Belted and Buckled Booties from Anne Michelle. Buckles are huge this season and I know why. Just adding them to this basic black bootie takes it from just another black shoe to a total fashion statement. Read More »

One of the must-have items this fall (and the fashion item that has taken the lead role in my dreams) is a pair of boots. Not only are they super functional, but boots are also one of the easiest, most-stylish ways to pull together an outfit.

There are many styles of boots in fashion this season, from shooties (shoe booties) all the way on up to the hottest style of ‘09, the over-the-knee boot. It’s super sexy and a great way to add some va-va-va voom to your basic jeans and t-shirt combo. Yes, without looking trashy.

Boots aren’t cheap, but they’re a versatile addition to any college girl’s wardrobe. The perfect riding boot can be worn with jeans tucked in, or even with leggings or a dress – meaning they can dress up or dress down any outfit.

Boots are so popular right now that even the ugly Sorels of our childhood days are getting in on the action.  These super-functional boots have gotten a makeover so they will not only keep your feet dry in snowbanks, but they’ll look pretty damn adorable in the process.

You want to be warm, dry and totally hot? It’s time to get thee some boots. Tall, short, ankle or knee-high – there is literally something for everyone. Here are a few to drool over inspire you. Read More »

[It's pretty obvious that the average CollegeCandy reader has some very strong opinions. Opinions that she likes to share with everyone on the site. We love a strong woman, so we thought we'd give her a real forum to discuss her thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Every Friday I'll be featuring a hot topic (like moving in to save money!) and leaving it up to you, the readers, to duke it out. So, read it and get your debate on in the comments section below!]

Ok, it’s no secret that we’re loving the skinny jean (even if it’s not always good for us) and leggings have been a fall go-to for the past several years, but now that the two have combined it’s time to decide how we really feel about this leg-covering love child – jeggings.

Jeans+leggings seems like it would be great idea, what with the era of the super-skinny jean everywhere, and in many ways they are. To start with, the hours of trying on required to find the perfect skinny jean? Gone, thanks to the jegging. They stretch, so you know they’ll fit you – even if you’re a weird in-between size (like me) or you have a “non-typical” body type, like thin but with muscular thighs.

That whole pocket problem (too far apart? too big? too small? too embellished?) is out the window too, since these babies don’t have pockets. And jeggings let you get away with things you probably couldn’t with regular leggings, like shorter tops, because the denim aspect makes them more “pants lite” than “hosiery.” Read More »

This past weekend, I went on a bit of a shopping spree with my friend (yes, I realize that I should be saving my money for more important things like, I don’t know, college and my future, but the mall was calling me!). We get there and what do I see?

H&M, which was still under construction the last time I had been at the mall, had finally opened! We did a little jig. Then we ran in and started loading up on everything we needed to try.

I was rifling through a pile of shirts when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a pair of glimmering black sneakers. I dropped everything in my hand and went to them.

They weren’t really low-tops or high-tops, settling on a height in between. What made them gleam was that they were made of black velvet. They came with black shoelaces, a black rubber sole, and a small loop at the back. Now, usually I would say that this was too much of one color on a sneaker, but the rich, deep velvet stood out from the other components of the shoe for a subtle contrast. I also really dug the zippers on the sides, and at only 15 bucks, I couldn’t resist. Read More »

Worn correctly, accessories can take an ordinary, plain outfit and transform it into an extraordinary one. Personally, I’m in amore with accessories, especially jewelry.

This season, the fashion world is all about neon and bright colors. Yes, even during the winter. Bright tights under dark skirts, bright purses to add a splash of color to any outfit… I like to think designers like Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg and Christian Siriano are doing their part to put an end to seasonal depression. And I applaud that.

Especially when it’s happening with fun and cheery bracelets that will brighten any dark and dreary winter day.  Like Ettika’s braided neon bracelets that celebrities love. They are so simple, adorable and fun. And I want a million of them.

Problem is, they’re expensive for being a simple (yet fabulous!) piece of jewelry. $24 for one bracelet? I don’t think so!

Good thing they’re incredibly easy to DIY on the C-H-E-A-P. Add a little neon-cheer to your winter and make these bracelet on your own.

What You’ll Need:

1. Neon Satin Cord: You can pick this up at most fabric/trimming/art stores. You can even get it at the Container Store. You’ll need about 1.5-2 feet each of 3 different neon colors of satin/silk thread. This will be enough for one bracelet (with a little extra depending on wrist size). If you want to save some money and get the most for your buck, buy a yard of each color so you can make way more bracelets!

P.S. If you live in NYC, you’re in luck because the Fashion District has about a million fabric/trimming stores. Try M&J Trimming (they are the bestest).

2. Superglue: Since the satin or silk thread is very slick, the superglue will help keep the ends of the thread in the clasps. Use the type with a brush – it makes the application easier (and prevents it from getting on your hands/getting your fingers stuck together). Also, whenever using superglue on your bracelet, only use a little! Read More »

Yeah, I know this is blurry. It's hard to capture such fabulosity.

While everyone is fabulous in their own right, we thought we should celebrate the campus fashionistas of the world for their continued excellence in not looking like a hot mess for class. So, we started stalking those girls on campus to get a few pics and get some tips on their personal style.

And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in.

And if there’s one girl who’s got some fashion courage it’s Lauren. I spotted her on campus because, well, it’s impossible not to spot her. She’s always decked out in bright colors, bold accessories and some serious confidence. Oh, and her perfect hair helps, too.

We started talking fashion and before I knew it, we were back at her dorm. Where she showed me her closet. Sigh. It was a wonderful place.

Name: Lauren
Year: 2012
Major: Spanish and Religion
Lauren in 3 words: Chill, fly, gansta

1) Describe your personal style.

I have a very eclectic style; I definitely go for bright colors and fun animal prints, something really crazy. You can tell by my hair. Fierce.

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.

Ipod. For sure. Read More »

So it’s Friday night. You need to get ready and you spent far too long watching GLEE on your DVR and chatting with your roommate about the best mode of communicating with your crush tonight. Text? G-chat? BBM? You just don’t know! And now you have – uh – 20 minutes to get I-look-damn-good ready.

Enter from stage left, MAJOR problem: you are oh-so-sick of wearing a black dress with black tights and black shoes and a black bag. “Wouldn’t it be so nice if I had a style genie that could just pop in and show me ways to rock my plain black dress with, like, 3 different looks and 8 different trends for the season?” you think to yourself while sighing in front of your drab looking frock. Life is so hard sometimes.

Well call me a mind reader, call me a genie, call me amazing – I will answer to all. Because I have done just that for you (I know, I’m great).

From lace to leopard there are TONS of options to spruce up that ordinarily dark, boring ensemble of yours. Not to mention it’s a much better way than falling all over yourself while dancing on the tabletops to stick out a bit from the other 9,999 chicks dressed in solid black as well.

So here we go: One Dress, 3 looks, 8 different trends to rock with it. Read More »

Fall is rapidly approaching and with it comes the excitement of Welcome Week, the thrill of meeting new people, and the resurgence of long denim. Normally, I’d welcome the chance to trade up my daisy dukes for a comfy pair of jeans, but this year something’s come up that’s made me reconsider.

While scouring the internet for upcoming trends, I found that I kept coming across… acid washed and bleached denim? Hmm. Didn’t know what to make of that. So of course I turned to my trusty (?) funny panel to get their take on it all. Read More »

Post courtesy of StyleBakery.com. These ladies know their fashion, so check em out.

Leggings are already a wardrobe staple, but this fall they will make a statement with metallic hues, embellishments, cut-outs, and bright prints. Leather leggings were everywhere during fall fashion shows, and ripped and printed looks are quickly becoming a popular trend. Think you can’t pull this look off? Here are some ideas on how to rock eye-catching leggings.

Pair printed leggings with a basic, long tank or tee for an effortlessly chic look. Black, grey and white tend to work with most prints, but try and match the tank’s color to a color in the print. For example, a yellow or pink tank could also work with the Rachel Pally leggings (bottom right) because those colors appear in the print. Finish off the look with a sweater or cropped jacket and ankle boots. Read More »

Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.

The perfect accessories can entirely make an outfit.  They can spice up a basic t-shirt and jean combo, or put the finishing touch on your hot going-out dress.  One of the most basic ways to accessorize an outfit (even that stuff that’s already in your closet!) is with a necklace.  A quirky necklace, worn with the simplest of outfits can be a conversation starter; a more glamorous necklace, can work to complete an otherwise unfinished look.

There are a bazillion options out there for necklaces, no matter how much moolah you have to shell out.  You could splurge and find the perfect signature piece to wear everyday, buy multiples to go with your multitude of outfits, or find that unique, one-of-a-kind necklace from Etsy.  Whatever you choose to do, there is a necklace (or many!) out there for everyone. Read More »