[The following post is courtesy of our most fashionable friends over at CollegeFashion.net.]

Fashion is commonly considered glamorous and carefree. The phrase “a day of shopping” instantly triggers images of lazy Sundays, shopping bags in one hand and an iced latte in the other. Well, I’ll admit to the occasional lazy Sunday, but just as often as I’m strolling around like Holly Golightly at Tiffany’s, I’m also frowning with the stress of tactical financial decisions à la Barack Obama regarding healthcare.

The financial side of fashion is tricky – and every girl, with her individual budget, figures out her own strategy to deal with it. A common move is to choose a cheaper alternative over the expensive, upscale original. There are a myriad of reasons for doing this. Maybe in a particular situation, it’s very, very important to save money, but simultaneously very, very important to own those boots. Or the boots are nice but not nice enough to buy as an investment, since they’re trendy and will be gone with the season. Or maybe you love a pair of expensive leather boots but want to save animals, and money, by buying the faux version.

Whatever your motivation, going for a cheaper alternative instead of a high-end item can be very effective when done right. Here are five tips on shopping for substitutes: Read More »

So, what I’m about to tell you is not going to make me look good. Don’t judge me. Don’t send hate mail. OK? OK.

I want to be Olivia Palermo.

To be fair, I don’t want her attitude. Or her brains (or lack thereof). Or her annoying, drunk cousin who is always loafing on her couch. I don’t even really want to be on The City. I really just want her wardrobe, namely those adorable men’s inspired flats she started rockin’ around town last season.

It was love at first sight, really. Shiny, chic flats that didn’t make you miss the 4 inch heel with the red sole Olivia typically donned. They were different, they were tres chic, they were (at least they looked) comfortable, and they were way, way out of my price range. But then, on a late night shopping spree at Kohl’s with my mom last week, I found these: a cheaper ($19, baby!) version of Olivia’s shoes that are still just as hot, classy and comfy as the designer originals. They were everything I wanted and more, perfect for this weird in-between-seasons business when it’s too hot for Uggs and too cold for Havianas.

So I snatched ‘em and before I even got home, I had an entire list of things I could wear with them. These shoes add that extra bit of couture and glamour that a normal flat could not and I believe every girl needs a pair. Don’t believe me? Just look what they can do for these three basic outfits: Read More »

[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 (yeah, we hunted down Renee at Northwestern !) 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. You think you've got some major style? Know someone else who's always looking ferosh? Think the world needs to see what she can do?  Send us an email with some photos and she could be the next fashionista celebrated right here.]

I’ve known Ashley since she introduced herself to me in grade 10 science class. She was always bold, not only in personality, but also in style. Ashley plays by her own rules and has one of the most unique senses of fashion I have ever seen. She loves sports and all things athletic, so the majority of her wardrobe consists of items from Lululemon and Under Armour. But Ashley somehow pulls those pieces into something uber-stylish by adding high-fashion accessories and making unexpected combinations.

She absolutely epitomizes “Sporty Chic,” which is HUGE this season, and always reminds me of Stella McCartney’s fabulous and sporty line for Adidas. Because who says you can’t mix high fashion with function? Not Ashley, that’s for sure. Read More »

Move over Rodarte sisters, Jean Paul Gaultier is taking over everyone’s favorite store and the wait is finally over. On Sunday, March 7^th, Gaultier’s collaboration with Target will be available in 250 stores nationwide.

But with rumors of the line not being confirmed until October of 2009, the buzz may have been bigger than the line itself.  Consisting of 20 looks, the line will only be available in a fraction of Target stores for about 5 weeks (until April 11^th).  If you don’t happen to live near a chosen location, don’t fret; thank God for the World Wide Web.

Gaultier is following in the footsteps of several designers including the late Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui.  The series of designer collaborations has inspired a cheap-chic movement, allowing the average American woman to feel of a higher status without breaking the bank.  Each designer has been inspired by a certain fashion icon or muse to distinguish their lines from the rest. Read More »

[The following post is courtesy of our most fashionable friends over at CollegeFashion.net.]

Usually I feature items that I consider timeless; things that you can wear again and again no matter the season. For the very last edition of the Fashion Essentials series, I’ve decided to highlight something that a lot of people either skip entirely or go overboard on: seasonal trends.

I consider trendy items essentials in a college girl’s wardrobe. Adding a trendy item to an outfit full of classics is a fun way to experiment with fashion, and proves you know “what’s in”. However, having a closet full of last season’s hottest trends isn’t realistic or smart: trendy items should be simply for fun, and not investment pieces or long-lasting essentials. Because no one wants to spend big money on short-term items, I’m going to focus on spring trend essentials for under $50. Read More »

I love this drapey cardigan. It's the little details like that set Renee's style apart.

[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 (like Meredith at Simmons!) 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. You think you've got some major style? Know someone else who's always looking ferosh? Think the world needs to see what she can do?  Send us an email with some photos and she could be the next fashionista celebrated right here.]

I work with Renee and whenever we work together, I always catch myself stealing glances at her fantastic outfits. I love how Renee makes fashion look so easy, like she didn’t even try but somehow always looks totally chic and put together.

I’m also inspired by how Renee takes really basic pieces and adds little details here and there to really set her look apart from the other thousands of girls roaming our campus. Whether it’s a fun ring, a pop of color/print under an otherwise all-black ensemble, or a perfectly worn-in pair of boots, Renee knows just how to put things together so she fits in and stands out all at once.

But the best thing about Renee’s style is that it works for the no muss, no fuss college lifestyle. Renee proves that with just a little bit of planning and a few fun details, you can be casual, comfortable and still undeniably cute.  Read More »

Neutral blazer: worth the splurge

It’s really easy to get swept away by trends and brand names when you’re shopping. The stuff is just so pretty! Not pretty, though, is a closet full of overpriced clothes that are torn, tattered or out of style six months later. Before you hit the mall and load up on all that Spring cuteness, take a moment to assess the difference between an investment and an indulgence.

Which is which?

Let’s break it all down.

Worth it: Black pencil skirt
Not Worth it: Sequin mini-skirt
Why: While sequins are a hot trend this season, they are just that – a trend – and who knows if they will still be popular next season? On the other hand, a black pencil skirt is a classic; it works for multiple occasions, will last you for years, and will never go out of style.

Worth it: Good pair of comfortable pumps
Not Worth it: Flats
Why: No matter what flats cost, they are still very…flat. That means they wear out easily, so it doesn’t pay to fork over $100 for a pair; they’re still going to be beat up by the end of the year. Read More »

Hoodies and zip-ups are foolproof garments when it comes to warmth and comfort. However, sometimes it’s all too easy to look like you’re wearing sweats or gym clothes when you’re rocking a hoodie. Fortunately, there are lots of stylish ways to make hoodies work as part of a fashionable wardrobe – you just have to get a little creative.

Option 1: Layer, Layer, Layer

Layering is an easy way to make your hoodie look less athletic and more chic. If your sweatshirt is thin enough, it’s easy to layer it under a fabulous jacket to add just a hint of sporty chic to your ensemble. Read More »

Got something awesome everyone needs to know about? A really great local band? An awesome website? A product that truly changed your life? Personalized snacks? Email your “The Know” ideas to Jill@collegecandy.com and I’ll pass them along to everyone right here, every week. Make your kindergarten teacher proud and share!

This might be the most important “The Know” you will ever read.

Really, this piece of information is life changing.

I know on this website time and again we talk about how we should put in a little more effort for class, not roll out of bed in baggy sweats and at least put on jeans. But we all know that in the winter months even jeans seem like a lot of effort. Not to mention the uncomfortable factor of your jeans digging into you after weeks of late night pizza fests. Face it: there is nothing cute, comfortable OR put together about a muffin top.

It’s a mind boggling situation – how does one look put together yet still achieve maximum comfort?

Read More »

[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 (like Meredith at Simmons!) 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. You think you've got some major style? Know someone else who's always looking ferosh? Think the world needs to see what she can do?  Send us an email with some photos and she could be the next fashionista celebrated right here.]

What is Thompson Rivers University?
Where is Thompson Rivers University?

To tell you the truth, I have no idea. (Without some Wikipedia, of course.) All I know is that a very creative and fashionable girl named Kimberly works that campus like a runway. She recently sent us an email asking that we “expand our [Campus Couture] idea and take a look at a student from Canada!” (So that’s where TRU is!) Little did Kimberly know, we’ve been featuring same Canucks all along, but after looking at her pictures I figured we could add another to the list; those Canadians have some great style.

Kimberly “takes great pride in her clothes” and while I don’t know her from some other hockey lovin’ Canadian, that is obvious in the unique mix of textures, colors and styles she has pulled together here. Way to go, Kimberly. You represent Canada well, girlfriend! Read More »