Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Kourtney Kardashian is Floral and Fabulous

[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 are spending $5,000 on an ensemble (for basics!!) you don’t have to. All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire look. For cheap. Yes, we know - there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Kourtney Kardashian is totally my favorite Kardashian sister (no, I’m not ashamed that I even have a fave). Did you know that she’s the only one who went to college? Not that I don’t respect a career path that includes being Paris Hilton’s bestie/leaking a sex tape/capitalizing on having a booty that is basically a work of art or…what is it that Khloe does?

But I appreciate that Kourtney at least didn’t expect to make “shameless fame seeker” her bread and butter, and if the 85736837349 hours of Kardashian footage on E! is to be believed, she is actually interested in being a successful businesswoman.

So basically, I like her/mildly pay attention to her because she’s kind of normal. But moreso because, while her taste in men isn’t top notch (more like bottom of the douchey barrel), her taste in fashion totally is. And this particular outfit’s got me jonesing for a shopping spree. Read More »


8 Under $20: Floral Galore

Flowers are pretty in the garden so why wouldn’t they be extremely smashing printed all over your dresses, shorts, skirts and closet?  At least then they wouldn’t shrivel up and die after 3 days when you forget to water them. Yes, that is my ultimate philosophy with floral and I’m stickin’ to it. I will trip over children, bump into old women and elbow wandering husbands/boyfriends to find my way to get to that perfect, floral sale item.

Lucky for all you beautiful CollegeCandy readers, you don’t have to worry about injuring anybody in your quest to find the perfect, floral piece, because I’ve already given someone a black eye doing it for you. And here are eight, all under $20, floral beauties. Read More »


I Love Your Style: Lux Lisbon

Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use actresses (like Sanoe Lake or Lisa Bonet) 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!

If you haven’t seen The Virgin Suicides, go see it! RIGHT NOW!  Directed by Sofia Coppola, another style icon, you can see how the 5 Lisbon sisters’ lives unfold in this dreamy and mysterious story (so mysterious, it almost seems true).  Originally based on the book by Jeffery Eugenides, the story is set in the 1970s in a town about 15 minutes away from where I live.

All of the sisters live in the kind of home where it’s a huge deal if they can actually be allowed to go to their Homecoming dance.  If these girls are late for curfew, they’re pulled out of school and under house arrest (unlike me where when I’m late for curfew my parents just…go back to sleep). Yeah, it’s not easy being a Lisbon sister. But despite  the strict dictators watching their back, the sisters manage to create their own distinct identities and styles, Lux especially. Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: Anthropologie Baby’s Breath Dress

So I just got back from a glorious seven days lounging on the beach with no worries other then which wine cooler to pop open next and which bathing suit to wear. And of course the second I arrived back at my doorstep I had a major reality check greeting me with open arms. I instantly went from beach bunny to recent-college-grad-desperate to-make-a-dime.

I can accept the fact that instead of enjoying my morning coffee on the patio overlooking the ocean I will be fighting rush hour traffic in the muggy subway; but what I can’t so easily throw away is the easy style of a beach getaway. I refuse to put on anything other than breezy dresses and floaty tanks while I am away and while I love my skinny jeans to death, my legs got some much appreciated breathing room.

I know I can’t skip into the office wearing a linen mini dress and some flip flops but I also refuse to stuff myself back into my snug pencil skirts and flats. Which is why Anthropologie’s Baby’s Breath Dress is really exciting me right now (seriously, I can barely keep myself from putting it in my shopping cart and paying  for it to be overnighted).

The moss-green silk fabric with white flower bud detail is so delicately feminine and the shape only plays up the girlish vibe. The faux-wrap plays up our womanly curves, accentuating the ladies and our waists, and flows seamlessly over the nether regions (hitting none of the bumps or dimples along the way). And we can’t forget the best part: it is elegantly comfortable. A perfect combination of that beach-easy comfort while demure details like the flutter sleeves and longer hemline make it totally office appropriate. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Prints and Patterns Get It On

There is no shortage of prints in the world of fashion this season and it’s easy to see why.

1. Bold graphic patterns instantly add visual interest to any outfit, even if you’re just wearing jeans and a tank top.
2. Patterns are also a cinch to wear; they can either be paired with neutral fabrics, or by drawing colors from the large assortment found in the print itself.
3. For the daring fashionistas out there, you can add even more fabulosity to an outfit by mixing patterns. Pair a large pattern with a small pattern or match up prints with similar colors. And for those of us not looking for make a big statement, there are also smaller, more delicate prints such as flirty floral fabrics available this season.

Yes, there really is a pattern and a print for everyone. The only problem is, with so many options this season, how do you choose?

Don’t! Stock up on a wide variety of patterns and prints for a bright and fun spring/summer wardrobe. Don’t worry – you can dress ‘em down and mute ‘em with a blazer or a sweater come fall. Read More »


Spring 2010 Fashion Week All-Stars

fashion_week_runway_show

This week our usual Fashion Porn was placed on the back burner to make room for the fashion lover’s Christmas: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

As fashion week wraps up, I already have a long shopping list of what I must find once Spring clothes hit the shelves.  While I’m aware that this is months away, the collections this year were so beautiful that I’m going to have to start saving up in order to stock my closet with the affordable versions of the designs I saw this week.

And although it’s hard to play favorites with the many diverse collections that walked the runways, there are five fabulous designers that really stood out amongst the prints, sky high heels, and oversized accessories at this year’s NY Fashion Week. Fashion Week MVPs, if you will

The Fashion Week All-Stars. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Floral Orgy

floral orgy

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.

One pattern that has been hot this season is the floral print. Florals are no longer just for your grandmother’s couch.  Or housecoat.  Or drapes. You get the point… There are many, many ways to embrace this trend.  While you can go big with a loud, fabulous floral dress, if that’s not your thing, you can go subtle with a floral accessory.

It’s that easy. And I’m totally smitten with flowers, flowers everywhere.

Florals are fun! Florals just scream summer! And florals are even versatile enough to work when the snow starts to fall. How can you not love them?! There are plenty of options out there for working florals into your wardrobe (and not your furnishings), so you will definitely find something to love. Here is just a delicious taste of what is out there. Enjoy. Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: Zinc Embroidered Tunic

zinc

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

If you’ve been looking for something a little different to spice up your everyday wardrobe, this unique piece by Zinc may just be the answer. This sheer top is super easy, super cute and super duper flattering on everyone. It features feminine, multicolored embroidery on the front and back as beautiful lace runs along the top at the neckline. The black and lace provides a more mature look while the colorful floral embroidery gives it a girly feel. A cinched waist shows off your curves as the lower half flows over nicely over your hips.

This wonderful tunic is definitely a better alternative to pair with your jeans than any one of those twenty t-shirts you have hanging in your closet (or crumpled up on your floor…). It is more stylish and chic without looking too much like a “night outfit.” When you’re not sure what to wear, put on this elaborate top, some jeans, maybe a few bangles, and you’ll have a great outfit that looks totally put together without looking as though you put in a lot of effort… because you didn’t.


Fashion Porn: Dress Orgy

dress orgy

[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.]

Dresses are to me as naked ladies are to boys: irresistible. And sexy. And the pictures I look at most on the internet. Though they are often associated with special occasions – probably due to the puffy versions with crinoline underskirts young girls were forced into – they don’t have to be.  In fact, dresses are pretty much the easiest piece of fashion around: just slip it on and go.  They have been quite popular for a few seasons now, which means there is something out there for everyone…or a million different somethings out there for each of us. Get your drool on below: Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: Floral Mini Skirt

blue red

Anything mini is cute. Mini cupcakes, mini poodles, mini lip balms… The list goes on and on, and this mini skirt is no exception. This simple piece features a chiffon layer with an adorable floral print over a layer of black and an elastic waistband.

That’s it.

Lean toward the tomboyish look with a v-neck shirt and sneakers or go girly with sandals and a tank top. Either way, you’ll look incredibly fun and flirty! The skirt comes in two awesome color combinations, each with a slightly different floral print. But each also incredibly perfect.

This delightful skirt is an absolute must-have for those beautiful, warm days. Easy and light, delicate and vibrant, you’ll surely get plenty of compliments as you strut your stuff and show off your gams. Add it to your closet today! (Both would be even better!)