Hot or Hot Mess: Nicole Scherzinger Does Thigh-High Boots at the Capital FM Summer Ball

[Like it or not, we all judge people every day. Especially when it comes to their fashion choices. From the girl with the too-short skirt for class to the old guy who insists on wearing short shorts and doing butterfly stretches at the gym (yeah, try to get that visual out of your head), it's impossible not to form an opinion. And now we're gonna share those opinions with the world. Every week, I'll be highlighting a celebrity look that I may love/hate/not understand and see what you, my college fashionistas, think about it. So put on your Joan Rivers fashion cap (which is undoubtedly made out of all the skin she's had nipped and tucked over the years) and let it all out.]

Thigh high boots can be tricky. Let’s face it, as much as we all love Pretty Woman, we don’t watch it for Vivienne’s sartorial choices (or at least I don’t). However, it seems that she was Nicole Scherzinger style inspiration for her outfit at the Capital FM Summer Ball. The strange thing with this outfit, whether it’s the black, the leather or the kinky-theme throughout, is that it weirdly…works. She isn’t trying to make the boots look non-trashy by pairing it with something demure or girly, she has kept the outfit consistent from head to toe. And let’s be honest, if anyone can pull this off, it’s Nicole. She’s been the figure-head of trashy-chic (yes, I just made that up) for years now and she does it well.

So, what do you make of her ensemble? Would you let her shop in your Rodeo Drive boutique, or would you hand her back to Richard Gere?


An Open Letter to Sex & The City

Dear SATC gods:

We city dwellers and big-city hopefuls would greatly appreciate it if you didn’t create another Sex & The City movie. Ever heard the term “three’s a crowd?” Yeah, well, however cliché it may sound, it’s incredibly appropriate for your dreams of a potentially disastrous third movie. So, since we’ve been hearing rumors that it’s a possibility, we thought it was a good time to sit down and talk.

Let me begin by saying: I am a huge SATC fan. I am Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda all balled into one and my obsession with their extravagant vacays, condo-sized closets and flagrantly glam’d up lifestyles is downright dangerous. Yet I think I speak for many SATC fans when I say that you have fulfilled your duty — let the six seasons and two movies live on. Where else could you possibly go with the storyline?

Carrie & Mr. Big are finally married, and no, we don’t see any kids in the future. Imagine Carrie Bradshaw with kids! Oh that’s right, you can’t.

Miranda & Steve have finally settled their differences and they are happy together. A third installment to the SATC series would only take us on another Stiranda (that’s when Steve and Miranda’s relationship gets all stirred up. It makes sense, just go with it. ) rollercoaster that we’re not willing to ride.

Read More »


The 7 Must Read Fashion & Beauty Blogs

How to make your eyes look bigger.  How to make your lips look fuller.  How to make your nose look slimmer.

With all the beauty advice out there, who needs plastic surgery? (Heidi, I’m talking to you.)  And then there’s blazers. Vests.  Sweaters. Shrugs. Peacoats…how am I supposed to pick one?!?!   The beauty and fashion markets are definitely overwhelming.

Both worlds are ever-changing.  Between the skinny jean/wide leg pant debacle and the ongoing tug-of-war between smoky eyes and bold lips, we could all use a little  guidance when it comes to crafting a look.  Most of our readers have sick style to begin with, but everyone could use a little inspiration sometimes.

Luckily for you (and me!) our friends have some serious style savvy.  Check some of favorite style guides to add that extra oomph to your look. Read More »


Holiday Gift Guide: For the Fashionista [GALLERY]

The holiday seasons are all about eating too many dips, spending way too much money on frenemy gifts, and watching Elf on repeat. This year we’re prepared to take the stress and the frustration out of holiday gift giving by giving you the ultimate gift guides to buying the perfect presents for your favorite people (and we’re splitting into 3 different price ranges so you can choose the gift based on how much you actually like the person!). So set this series as your favorite because all week we’re bringing you the best.

We all have that friend, you know, the one who has the perfect outfit for every occasion. The one whose wardrobe makes your mouth water. The one whose every outfit looks like it stepped out of the pages of Vogue. She spends hours studying fashion magazines and style blogs and would rather be shopping than anywhere else. She knows exactly what she wants and exactly how to make it happen. Style is her sixth sense. So how do you even attempt to go about buying a present for someone with that type of shopping experience?

You get her something else to add to her fabulous wardrobe.

I’ve done some fashion magazine studying myself these last few days and found you ladies the perfect gifts for your fashion forward friends. Not only are all of these items absolutely on trend, but they’re also absolutely affordable, and any one of them would be a welcome addition to a fashionista’s wardrobe. Read More »


Campus Couture: Laura, Saint Thomas

[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 our Parisian pal, Mary) 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.]

The University of Saint Thomas is one of the only campuses in Minnesota where students actually dress up to go to class. Yep, you’ve got it; if you don’t look like you spent at least 30 minutes getting ready people may not move over for you on the sidewalk. People from other colleges hear about this and think it is absolutely bananas that students wouldn’t dare sit in class with an over-sized sweatshirt (especially with these frigid winters!) and opt for a cute mini, tights, and vintage tank instead.  And now that I think about it a bit more (I’m a senior – I’ve gotten so used to it by now) it is kind of ridiculous here; it’s like a personal fashion show every time you walk through the quad.

But that’s how it is, and most students learn to love the pressure to look good.

Now, Laura is only one of the fashion-forward girls on the St.Thomas campus, and she also happens to be one of my favorites. She’s blond, lean and is often mistaken for a Cameron Diaz body double.  After spending four years at St.Thomas, Laura has perfected the casual, clean-cut and vintage street style many girls love.  She nails the most AMAZING finds at thrift markets and often spends entire Saturdays stuck in a Urban Outfitters rack.  I just love how her style is simple, structured, and one-of-a-kind. She found her chestnut leather bag at a thrift market in New York, her amazing leather booties at a Saks 5th Avenue sale and can’t go anywhere without her staple rosary necklace and thick gold wrist-wear, all things that make Laura’s style 100% Laura. Read More »


Campus Couture: Kelsey, Lakehead

[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 (remember how chic Brooklyn from Drake was??) 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.]

In Northern Ontario, our spring climate is slightly unpredictable. A few weeks ago it seriously went from beautiful sun to snow on the ground in 3 days. So the college girls up here have to be prepared and equipped; fun, warm-weather outfits must be on call! When my friend Kelsey was sporting this chic, summery look, I knew I had to feature her on Campus Couture.

Now, you can tell from the picture that Kelsey could be a model. She’s tall, skinny and gorgeous and is constantly turning heads. With her figure, she can also pull off pretty much anything (JEALOUS). Every single time a new trend comes out, I see Kelsey sporting it, looking like she just came off the runway. I mean, the girl has been wearing jeggings (jean leggings) since December and I only just picked up a pair! In this look she’s rocking some fabulous English florals, in the form of shorts no less, and her ankle-cuff flats are so hot for summer. Even her headband and earrings match, both featuring tiny white flowers. Kelsey looks like a Coachella-bound supermodel, instead of a student on her way to class. And if that’s not something to celebrate, I don’t know what is. Read More »


Campus Couture: Brittany, Northwestern

[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 Scaachi and her gorge coat) 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.]

It’s warming up at Northwestern, finally! Everywhere I go I see girls trying to figure out how to dress for the finicky weather; some in tiny shorts and flip flops, some in suede boots and dresses with tights, and everything in between. And then I saw Brittany, the perfect example of how to dress for warmish weather and still look absolutely adorable.

I love how Brittany’s look is mostly neutral, but not at all boring. From the ruffled skirt to the patterned jacket, she’s got all the right details. Then she throws in that big pop of color with that fantastic scarf! It’s gorgeous. And, true to her word, the girl knows her trends. The studded bows on her shoes are perfection. With or without the coat, this outfit is perfect for class with a cute guy, a meeting with a professor, or just walking around campus and enjoying the weather. Read More »


Campus Couture: Ashley from Lakehead

[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 »


Campus Couture: Renee, Northwestern

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 »


Campus Couture: Kimberly, Thompson Rivers University

[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 »