I’m making the official declaration: Flats are THE shoe of April.

It’s still too cold for sandals and wedges (especially this April where Detroit witnessed a 4-inch snow storm on April 18th! WTF, Mother Nature?!), but we shudder at the thought of having to tuck our calves into our boots for the 1,478th day in a row. Flats are the perfect in-betweener. They keep things polished but still keep your toes warm.

And this spring, there is so much fun to be had with the official shoe of the month. So many bright colors, fun prints, bold sparkles; there is no reason to stick to a basic black. As far as flats go this season, even if your head screams, “wow that is one loud shoe,” you can wear it as a neutral. (Same goes for bags!)

You can mix bold colors in a cute way by pairing a bold yellow flat with jeans and a bright orangey-red sweater. Prints that seem to go with nothing (leopard print, anyone?) suddenly go with everything. I never thought I’d say this, but leopard is the new black!

Nervous? Don’t be! Shoes are also the best baby step to take when you’re trying to get outside your comfort zone. Are you the type of chick who usually wears all black and would never dare to buy a bright sweater? Try a bright flat to lean into it! Are you loving the sequins but feel like you couldn’t pull off a sequined dress? Try the sequined flat instead.

So until the weather lets you really play with your wardrobe, use these next few weeks to play with your flat footwear. Here are 9 killer pairs, perfect for all occasions, to get you started.

Top Row: Scrunched ballet flats – Forever 21, $16.80; Striped flower flat – Delia’s, $44.50; Sequin flat – Steve Madden, $49.95.
Middle Row: Linen bow flat – Urban Outfitters, $39; Open-toed flats – Old Navy, $19.99; Woven Flat – Delia’s, $49.50.
Bottom Row: Yellow bow flat – Target, $17.99; Leopard Flats – Gap, $49.95; Blue wrap flat – Charlotte Russe, $19.50.

Let’s face it, ladies: while high heels are sexy and a definite must-have for every wardrobe, the bottom line is they hurt. A lot.  Even if you deal with the pain of heels most of the time, sometimes your poor, little, ailing feet just need a break.

Thankfully, there are lots of cute options for flats these days.  You can find a pair in virtually any color, pattern or style to match every outfit and mood.  All of these fabulous flats will take you anywhere from class to a party (and everywhere in between)–for less than $20 a pair!

[Click on any of the fabulous flats to view the slideshow!]

Animal prints have been hot for the last few seasons, but leopard prints are especially huge this season.  However, this trend can be tricky to pull off–too much and you’ll just end up looking trashy. Or like Snooki. Or worse, Angelina.

The important thing to remember about rocking the leopard print trend is that less is more.  Wear just one piece at a time, and you’ll look classy and trendy.  If you’re still unsure about wearing animal prints, a great way to start is with accessories.  They’re a great way to introduce yourself to the trend by working it in a subtle way.

Here are some great leopard accessories to get you started–and they’re all less than $20!

These flats are not only adorable, but versatile, too!  Wear them in the daytime to spice up your usual skinny-jeans-and-cardigan combination, or at night with a solid colored dress and some black tights.

Patterned nail wraps are a huge celebrity trend, but getting them done in a salon can cost upwards of $40-50!  But you can get the trend for a lot cheaper ($10.95) by doing your own leopard mani at home with these fierce nail wraps. Hotness.

A scarf is essential for the cooler months, so why don’t you switch out your old boring black fleece one for this leopard one instead?  You’ll instantly look more fashionable, and at only $5, how could you pass it up?

I know this time of year isn’t the usual time people think about buying sunglasses, but it’s important to protect your peepers year-round. (And, no joke, when the cold wind is blowing, sunglasses really do help keep your face warm!)  I’m obsessed with these ones–retro cat-eye shape, leopard print, and only $5.80?  I imagine this is what love feels like.

The skinny belt–another classic wardrobe staple taken up a notch with leopard print.  This will look chic buckled around a cardigan, a simple dress, or with your favorite jeans.

I love the cross-body bag trend–since they keep your arms free, they’re perfect for anything from shopping to carrying around campus.  This one is only $12.50, and it’s big enough to hold a few books and notebooks, and even a smaller laptop!

This leopard headband is the perfect addition to any outfit.  The band is thin, so it’s a subtle touch, and the sweetness of the bow balances out the flashy-ness of the leopard print.  Oh, and did I mention it’s less than $4?

The weather is getting colder, and winter will be here before we know it.  Which means lots of rainy and snowy days.  Get a leopard print umbrella like this one ($12) to instantly cheer you up on all those gloomy winter days.

This post is courtesy of our fashionable friends at CollegeFashion.net. Have you checked them out yet?

Have you ever seen a girl in a really cute outfit and thought she looked great, but that something was missing? Maybe you’ve stood in front of the mirror in your dorm or apartment in a great dress and a pair of boots and still felt blah? We’ve all been there–the basics of an outfit look totally stylish, but there’s a certain something that’s off.

In cases like these, there’s an often-overlooked wardrobe essential that can make all the difference: accessories! We’re talking shoes, bags, and jewelry, all of the key players! And the best part? These additions are super easy to grab or put on and still make a huge impact on your style.

Below, I’ve listed the 5 types of accessories that every girl should own, plus tips on how to use them to make any outfit runway-worthy! Interested? Read on.

Belts:

A few great, well-fitting belts in varying widths are definite wardrobe staples. Here are three different styles you might want to consider, plus tips on how to wear them:

* Skinny belts in bright colors or shimmery metallics look super cute over a romper or fitted dress.
* Medium-width belts that feature interesting details like braiding or a fun buckle are perfect with jeans and a tucked-in shirt, to create a tailored, more formal look.
* Large, wide belts are ideal for cinching and defining your waist and look lovely over anything voluminous or oversized.

Belts – Hot Picks:

Product Information: Skinny Contrast Studded Belt, Gap. Leopard Skinny Belt, Ann Taylor. Military Braid Waist Belt, Monsoon Accessorize. Gold Leaf Belt, Mod Cloth. Hook Punch Out Belt, House of Fraser.

Shoes:

For those of you who are shoe-obsessed, this staple probably seems painfully obvious! If you’re not a shoe lover, however, making an investment in a fun pair of flats, classic heels, sexy sandals, and/or chic boots will really update (and finish off!) your look.

Wearing cute shoes instead of ugly-but-functional ones is much like wearing jeans instead of sweatpants: minimal effort, big style payoff! Just think of how much more fashionable an outfit would look with leather riding boots instead of Uggs!

Shoes – Hot Picks:

Product Information: Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals, Lori’s Shoes. Trouser Oxfords, Steve Madden. Let’s Take A Ride Knee High Boots, Ruche. Steve Madden Midnight Blue Pumps, Amazon. Gabriella Rocha Neve Ankle Strap Ballet Flats, Amazon.

Read the rest and see some simple and chic outfit transformations right here.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/09/11/from-collegefashion-using-accessories-to-turn-an-outfit-into-a-look/feed/ 7 ccandystaff accessories belts CF shoes http://collegecandy.com/2010/04/14/i-love-your-style-sofia-coppola/ http://collegecandy.com/2010/04/14/i-love-your-style-sofia-coppola/#comments Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:00:22 +0000 Cristina-Michigan State University http://collegecandy.com/?p=58559 ]]> Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use celebrities (like Alexa Chung) or TV characters (like Joan Holloway from Mad Men) as style inspiration, even though, most of the time, they are being dressed from head to toe by the best stylists. Which we don’t have. And sometimes it’s damn near impossible to work their Hollywood looks into our not-so-Hollywood lives. I’ve made it my mission to tap into the mind of a fashion stylist and show you how to take your style inspiration – whatever it may be – and make it more you

Not gonna lie, I could literally write an entire book of how I think everything Sofia Coppola does is the coolest shizz ever.

No big deal, she was only the director of some of my favorite movies, like The Virgin Suicides and Marie Antoinette. She’s just the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, the director of The Godfather, besides being related to some of the coolest people in Hollywood (like Jason Schwartzman, heyo!).

Besides those minor details, she quietly pursues another interest (that she is, unsurprisingly, awesome at) and that is fashion.  She created her own fashion line called Milkfed, unfortunately for me, sold only in Japan. She and Marc Jacobs are pretty much best friendz forever, considering she is also his muse for his ENTIRE BRAND.  Also, the woman interned at Chanel when she was 15-years-old for Christ’s sake.  Wanna know what I was doing when I was 15?  Taking MySpace mirror pictures in my bathroom wearing a “sweet new top*~!”  Therefore, Sofia: 1 million, Cristina: 0.

The things she creates and inspires are godly to me, including her style.  The confusing yet awesome part of Sofia’s style is that she sticks many times to classic feminine pieces but has still been known to have a sort-of androgynous style as well.  Sofia will rock anything from jeans and a t-shirt to a Marc Jacobs original and make it all look like it was made for her specifically.  She has been quoted as not liking anything too loud and flashy, but sticks to a style that represents her calm disposition.  Plus she made it socially acceptable to wear flats to red-carpet events.  Yep, she definitely knows how to get the ball rollin’.

So, yeah, who wouldn’t want to take a little inspiration from this fashion icon? And here’s how we can all channel Sofia through our own wardrobes.

Bag, Skirt, Shoes, Shirt, Sunglasses

Sofia is all about the classics and it doesn’t get more classic than a crisp white shirt. Add a little girly flair by tucking it in to the polka dot skirt and mix things up a little with the masculine styling on these ballet flats. It’s a combo that totally works and just oozes Sofia’s personal style.

The wayfarer sunglasses add a hint of laid-back cool that is so very Sofia, and the overly structured (and somewhat masculine) bag is just another way to make this look a little androgynous and a lot more interesting. It also happens to be a similar style to the bag that she helped Louis Vuitton create in honor of her personal style, for about an eighth of the price.

Yes, LV made a bag just for her.

Stop being cooler than me, Sofia.

Something from Anthropologie is always on my wish list (okay, maybe more like five or six things), but I decided a long time ago that a column based solely on their merchandise would be a tad boring, especially for those of you that aren’t obsessed with their girly-vintage-hippie chic vibe.

So in order for an Anthropologie item to make it to the top of the wish list for the week, it has to be something special. And that is exactly what the Splatter Sneakers are.

Amazingly special…and to-die-for.

I love my Converse. I could wear them every day with every outfit. Hell, they’re so worn in I could sleep in them.

But obviously a plain sneaker gets old, and I often sigh a huff of sadness knowing that I have to leave them in my closet for the jeweled flats that will only leave me with multiple blisters.

This is why I am so excited that these sneaks from Anthropologie are a step up in chic factor from your typical sneaker. The pattern is totally artsy, a dark grey background splattered with bleach specks that sort of remind me of blazing suns (perfect way to pay homage to this lovely weather I think). Plus, the rubber sole and breathable canvas material makes them super comfortable, and you can’t get any easier with the unlaced top.

I can see them adding a douse of street-cool to some skinny jeans and a blousy top, or grounding a flirty summer dress with a hint of laid-back surfer girl.

And the best part? Wait for it…they are only $40.00. No, this is not an April Fool’s joke. You can actually walk into Anthropologie and walk out with something adorable while still being able to afford lunch that week.

And that, my friends, is why these sneaks are at the top of my wish list this week. Tell me you’re not in love.

Now that Spring is officially here and I’ve busted out my flip flops, I can’t wipe this loopy grin off my face. It just makes me so happy, especially after the winter we had in New York. I swear, if I had to step in one more brown, slushy puddle I was going to kick someone. But now that all those nasty puddles are gone and the restaurants are setting up their outside tables, all I can think about is iced coffee, al fresco cocktails, the joy that comes from going out without having to lug a giant coat along, and SUNDRESSES!

Summer sundresses are awesome for so many reasons:  they’re comfy, they’re cute and they’re totally versatile.  You can pair ‘em with all kinds of shoes (flats, sandals, heels, wedges, boots; you name it, it can work), and you can wear ‘em over a bikini, for those last warm days on campus, or for a night out.

Go for any of these babies that are all under $20 and really, you can’t go wrong.

The colors, the light fabric and the water color flowers on this halter dress just scream summer. Wear it for some daytime errands with a pair of white wedges, or go man hunting at night with a pair of sexy nude pumps.

Think there’s no such thing as a black sundress? This adorable frock from Target proves otherwise. Add some bright bangles for a summery pop of color.

I have no words for the perfection that is this denim dress. The neckline is perfect, the rouching is perfect, the length is perfect, and the price is beyond perfect.

This floral number will not only look perfect with some gladiator sandals all summer long, but come fall you can pull on an oversized cardi, some tights, and black ankle booties and keep on lovin’ it.

Coral looks great against some summer sun kissed skin. Accessorize with lots of gold or some bright pops of turquoise.

You don’t need to have a yacht to embrace nautical style. But if you do have a yacht and want to invite me, I’ll definitely come in this adorable dress.

I love the combination of black and bright pinks in this dress. It can easily go from day to night, class to dinner, or beach to bar.

If I didn’t already have a boyfriend, I’d marry this dress. The cut is flattering, the buttons are adorable and you can easily jazz it up with some funky bracelets.

Polka dots were all over the runways for spring, and really, how can you not feel more peppy when you’re rockin’ the dots? There’s just something about polka dots that are fun, flirty and innocent. And there are plenty of options out there to let you have your fun without looking like Minnie Mouse at a house party.

Here are some pieces that are perfect for the warmer months.

This skirt may be mini, but it’s huge on style: it rocks the dots, it reeks of ’90s style (which is huge right now), and it is amazingly cute for all spring and summer occasions.

Going out for the evening and don’t want to bring a coat? Brighten up those nippy nights with this adorable dotted cardi. It will look just right over a long white tank and a dark pair of skinnies.

This dress is dainty, darling and perfect for spring BBQs.

The cut of this top is flattering for all body types (we love cinched waists around here and you can always add a belt for more flair), and the gray and coral combo is a big y-e-s for spring.

If you want to add just a touch of dotted fun to your spring/summer wardrobe, these shoes are a must-have. They’ll be tres cute with shorts, sundresses, skirts or boyfriend jeans.

Quilted purses are timeless and this one is particularly cute. The navy/red combo just screams spring and would look completely fresh and fabulous with everything from a white sundress to a tank and jeans.

April showers won’t be nearly as bleak with this bright and fun umbrella. Bring on those May flowers!

It takes a while for the nights to warm up, but have no fear! Bust out one of those sexy mini dresses with these tights and you’ll be set.

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:

Hot and Sassy
This dress is sexy and seemingly vintage all at once, which goes perfectly with these old school shoes. Layer on the tights for a more streamlined leg, then pull your hair back into a messy pony and add this gorgeous, retro headband. If it’s cold where you are, I feel bad for you you can always toss on an oversized black sweater to complete the look.

Dress: Lulus, $29
Shoes: Candies for Kohl’s, $29.99
Tights: Hue, 2 for $20
Headband: Forever 21, $3.80

Sexy & Stylin’
Like most flats, these tuxedo shoes look best with skinny jeans that can show ‘em off. My favorite skinny jeans right now are these from the Gap (my butt has never looked better), and I absolutely L-O-V-E this top. A built-in necklace? Genius! Just add a few statement pieces – like a bright, classic bag – and you’ll be the (nicer, smarter) Olivia Palermo of your next bash.

Skinny Jeans: Gap, $69.50
Top: Lulu’s, $30
Shoes: Candies for Kohl’s, $29.99
Bangle: Forever 21, $5.80
Purse: Forever 21, $16.80

Professional/Casual Chic
Got a big interview? Work at an office? Major presentation that is worth 65% of your Econ grade? You don’t have to get all dowdy; these adorable shoes work for all that, too. (Yes, they may just be the most versatile footwear since the gladiator sandal.) Go for a dressier black skinny jean, top off with a flowy camisole and a boyfriend blazer and a fun, bright bag. You’ll look professional yet chic, and your feet won’t blistered and hurting by the end of the day.

Jeans: Macy’s, $19.99
Blazer: Target, $29.99
Shoes: Candies for Kohl’s, $29.99
Cami: Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s, $19.99
Bag: Lulus, $44

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.

Worth it: A versatile purse
Not Worth it: A clutch that you take to the bar
Why: Fact – The more you drink, the higher your chances of losing things. If you splurge on a clutch and you lose it, it will be heartbreaking, not to mention a HUGE waste of money. On the other hand, a versatile purse that you can use as a school bag, for everyday use or for job interviews is well worth the investment.

Worth it: A bra in the right size
Not Worth it: Underwear
Why: Though not often considered, your bra is one of the most important things you put on everyday. A quality bra (that fits right!) not only keeps your girls in place, but it makes your clothing fit and look better. Underwear, on the other hand, is all the same. It doesn’t matter if you spend $10 for a thong at VS or $2 for a thong at Target, it all looks the same under those pants… and it’s all going to wear down quickly in those dorm dryers.

Worth it: Pair of well-fitting jeans
Not Worth it: Leggings
Why: Why anyone would spend more than $20 on a pair of leggings I’ll never understand. Especially when there are so many cheap options out there! They are leggings! They will wear out quickly no matter where you buy them. If you want to make a sound investment, save up some cash and buy a quality pair of jeans. They will last you forever (even if you wear them every day!) and, unlike leggings, there is a distinct difference between the look, feel and fit, of premium denim and the cheap stuff.

Worth it: An LBD or LGD (little grey dress!)
Not Worth it: A trendy mini dress
Why: A classic LBD or LGD is versatile – its appearance can be changed with different shoes or accessories. It also happens to be completely timeless. A trendy mini, however, is likely a one-look outfit that you’ll wear once or twice before retiring to the back of your closet with those other overpriced trendy pieces you wasted money on.

Worth it: A classic, neutral blazer
Not Worth it: A sequined blazer
Why: Same as the pencil skirt/sequin mini, you don’t want to spend the big bucks on something that is clearly a trend. Put that money towards a neutral blazer that works for everything: over jeans for the day, over a mini for the bar, or over a pencil skirt for an interview.

Worth it: A black cardigan
Not Worth it: A C&C California cotton cardigan
Why: If there is one thing I can say it’s this: stop spending money on low quality products just because they have a fancy brand name. $80 for a cotton cardigan that will be torn up and pilling in three months is not worth it. Even if they sell it at Bloomingdales.

Worth it: A warm winter coat
Not Worth it: A cute raincoat
Why: Clearly you need to stay warm in the winter.  A versatile, neutral colored winter coat won’t go out of style, and if you buy a good quality one, it also will last you for years.  A cute raincoat is something you’re likely to get sick of after a season or two, so if you save your money on it you don’t have to love it forever.

Worth it: Dress pants for interviews
Not Worth it: Sweats for lounging around
Why: This one is pretty obvious. Dress pants for interviews should drape well, and be hemmed to wear with your nice, interview appropriate shoes.  If you’re just wearing your sweats around the house (and you should just wear them around the house) it doesn’t really matter what they look like or what brand name is plastered across the butt.