[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where 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 (like hot mama, Jessica Alba) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.]

I don’t think much about Ashley Olsen these days (with the exception of when I catch Full House reruns and roll my eyes at how obnoxious Michelle Tanner is). She is the CEO of two fashion lines (one that I am way too old to wear, and one that I am way too broke to wear), while Mary-Kate is the one who still occasionally graces us with her acting presence, and I hold her entirely responsible for the dirty hipster hobo-chic trend that has been around for far too long.

But when Ashley Olsen appeared at the Google Boutique launch party (because it’s not like Google has infiltrated enough of our everyday lives…) in an outfit that was not only fitted but actually adorable, I was shocked. Like, I had no words. Well, except for gimme, gimme, gimme. Read More »

Have you met our new BFFs over at What’s Haute? We love popping over there to do some “window shopping” of all the designer bags and accessories that we would have to work for life and beyond to afford. Still, we can’t stop. To see more couture goodness, visit What’s Haute.

Apparently the name of one of the new favorite ‘It bag’ brands of the stars doesn’t begin with an F, G or LV. And it’s not plastered with logos either. What it is covered in is fringe, this year’s throwback trend made current and oh-so-haute! And the brand is J.J. Winters!

Celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Haylie Duff, Paris Hilton and Ashley Tisdale have been flocking to the brand’s bohemian-style bags. In particular they love the J.J Winters Suede Fringe Bag in shades of Camel, Grey and Purple. But if the $400+ price tag isn’t your thing, shop these just-as-cute but way less-expensive fringed options: Read More »

Have you met our new BFFs over at What’s Haute? We love popping over there to do some “window shopping” of all the designer bags and accessories that we would have to work for life and beyond to afford. Still, we can’t stop. Well, our friends know how we feel and now they are bringing us some cheaper (yet still beautiful) alternatives, right here on CollegeCandy. To see more couture goodness, visit What’s Haute.

The new Gucci Large Jockey Python Hobo Bag is sure to be a hit amongst fashionistas. Celebs love Gucci, python, and typically anything expensive and exclusive! The hobo is made of genuine python in a cool black color. Sturdy leather trim and signature brass Gucci horsebit studs complete the sleek look. Sure it’s an amazing bag but don’t we all have a better way to spend $3,295? So what’s a recessionista to do?

Shop just-as-haute alternatives. Read More »

[Celebrities get paid to look good and serve as a style guide to all us common folk, and part of looking good is flaunting their totally awesome fashion sense. Each week, I will be highlighting my Style Idol of the week: a celebrity who consistently shows keen fashion sense and whose closet I would raid in a heartbeat.

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

She is known for her teeny frame, perfect pout, oversized sunglasses and some of the hottest arm-candy on the planet: David Beckham. Victoria Beckham, AKA Posh Spice, is definitely a style icon of our era. Her style causes a stir everywhere she goes and women around the world try to mimic her look, from her towering heels to her ultra-short hems. Even her ever-changing hairstyle makes front page news, leading women to rush to their hairstylists to get the latest “Posh.”

Her style varies often and Posh does everything from putting her own touch on classic styles to wearing innovative pieces that other people wouldn’t dare to try off the runway. She breaks fashion rules (like matchy-matchy accessories), sets new trends, and even has her own denim line (DVB: Denim by Victoria Beckham). Whether strutting her stuff in mini skirts and Christian Louboutins or jeans, military jackets, and boots, Victoria looks nothing short of fierce and she’s certainly an inspiration to all fashionistas out there. Read More »

Shoe worshippers can rejoice once again and give thanks to the gods of Tarjay (also known as Target to the common folk) who are bringing in another limited-edition collection from uber-hot and fab shoe design duo, Sigerson Morrison.

Any fashionista knows that these sleek and highly sought-after designs by CFDA award winning duo Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison run in the $400-$1000 range, but now you can own your own pair (or two or three) of Sigerson Morrison shoes for just $30-40.

HALLELUJAH!!!

The collection features an array of shoes that not only highlight some of the latest trends – like studded and textured booties, metallic, jeweled flats and pumps, and delicious suede – but the designers wanted to put some oomph in their designs with “lots of glamour and glitz!” says Morrison.

While these designs are perfect for a chic night out on the town, they can also add a little shock value to an every day ensemble. As Sigerson says, “A little studding goes a long way! By day it’s best to mix jeans and a white T-shirt with dazzling shoes.” These designs are in stores and on Target.com already and will only be around until December 26th, so get ‘em as quick as you can! Read More »

You remember the drama. Would Jeffery be able to compete in the finale? Did he really get help on his clothes? Did he tattoo “Detroit” on his neck because of the fact that he’s from Detroit, or was he just proud that he named his son after a city that Eminem made so famous? Was Uli’s accent fake? Could she design anything that didn’t belong on a Caribbean vacation?!While I may have been nervous about crappy reality TV because of the recent writers strike, Bravo couldn’t have planned more perfect timing for my favorite reality show ever. It’s BOMB of a show, Top Design (talk about over-hyped and under delivered) left me begging for another season of Heidi and Tim.

And now, it’s back for a 4th season! Read More »

Being green ain’t easy. Recycling, environmentally friendly beauty products, eco clothing, you have to think about this shit. And in college when most of your brain cells are still trying to compensate from last nights drinking binge, thinking comes just about as easily as being eco conscience.

Even before the whole green movement, I discovered one of the easiest ways to help out the environment: reusable bags. The good news ladies, is that they are totally in right now! Not only can you help the earth while going on a beer run, you can be considered as chic and as green as they come.

Surely, even in the college towns, you didn’t miss Anya Hindmarch “Not a Plastic Bag” craze/controversy. Fashionistas were lining up for the $7 dollar version of the canvas tote, while they were being sold on EBay for upwards of $600 dollars. Now, international launches of the bags have been canceled in Southeast Asia because of their “concern for their customers safety.” Cuh-razy fashion folk, they’ll do anything to be in!

Despite the fact that Hindmarch’s website denies the accusations, a London paper reported that the bags were made in China using cheap labor laws and were neither fair-trade nor organic. Huh?

Personally, I like this one a lot better. Read More »