Campus Couture: Casually Cool Jessica

jess[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 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.]

She’s a senior and while she may be dealing with a bad case of Senioritis, her style certainly isn’t. No matter what time she wakes up in the morning – sometimes ten minutes before class…and sometimes ten minutes after it’s started – Jessica always stays fly and manages to pull on something cute. Even if its her simple staple look – one of her many v-necks, a scarf, and a pair of comfy jeans. She just makes everything look good. What got me to notice her in a sea of students wearing jeans and v-necks, though?

Her hot pink Longchamp bag and a fantastically contrasting bright scarf. This girl just knows how to stand out.

Name: Jessica
Year: 2010
Major: Political Science, Global Health Certificate
Jessica in 3 words: tongue-in-cheek, spontaneous, eclectic

1) Describe your personal style.

I’ve never really defined my personal style; it’s pretty eclectic and definitely varies with my mood. I’m from San Francisco and people sometimes tell me I have that easy-going West Coast vibe: skinny jeans, colorful Chucks, v-neck tee, and scarf. I love v-neck tees and have them in every color. Sometimes I’ll feel more girly and wear a pretty sundress with sandals or flip-flops (never heels, just too uncomfortable for me). I don’t know, I go through phases! I’ve been through a punk phase, a boho phase, a hipster phase…I don’t have much time to get ready in the morning, though, so I definitely go for something comfortable and easy to wear. Read More »

Day-to-Night Styler: Spring is in the Air

So spring has (finally!) sprung and I don’t know about you, but for me that means pulling out all those cute sundresses, sandals and the rest of my spring/summer wardrobe that I love so much (and, hey, adding a few pieces to the mix as well).   So in honor of spring, I figured I’d focus this week’s day-to-night styler on a basic sundress that can be easily converted into a stylish and sassy outfit for the evening.

This dress from Forever 21 is totally cute and flattering for a number of different body types. It’s long enough to sport to class or while running around town with mom, but sexy enough to dress up for later. And, better yet, at $11.50 a pop, you can buy it in more than one color.  I love the pink, blue and purple for spring.

blue-dress purple-dress Read More »

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: If I Were a Boy, I’d Look This Cute Too.

beyonce[Every week 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, you don’t have to. All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

It is this picture right here that really makes me hate lady B. We all know she can sing, she can dance hella good, she has a mom who can make her clothes on command and lady love looks daaaamn good in a leotard.

So it’s not fair that she can pull off both the leotard AND the boyish look. Can’t you share some – a smidgen of – that posh, fierce, damn-I-look-and-sound-good with the rest of us mere mortals? She takes a ‘fit that most of us woudldn’t know how to make look like we didn’t grab from our 80 year old grandpa’s closet (or 30 year old brother’s wardrobe from high school) and turns it into something worth pining for.

Not to mention the suspenders are probabaly the BEST way to keep from giving the paparazzi (or in my case, my boss) from seeing some crackage.

So here is this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: If I Were a Boy, I’d Look This Cute Too Read More »

Going Green: Cute Clothes for Saint Patrick’s Day

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St. Patty’s Day is just around the corner, people! What does that mean? Well, green teeth, for one. But it also means it’s time to break out all that green wear so you don’t get pinched by a bunch of drunk Irish people. But getting festive doesn’t mean you have to give up looking cute.

Au contraire! I’ve scouted the web to find some mighty cute St. Patty’s day options. So cute, in fact, that you can wear them all year round. Leave the Leprechan hat at home this year. Whether you are up for Kegs and Eggs at 4am, or playing (green) beer pong long into the night, this St. Pat’s day you are going to do it in style. Read More »

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Miley Cyrus Has a Fashion Theory

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I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t like some of Miley Cyrus’ songs, or even guiltily thinking (to myself) last weekend that the preview for her movie looked cute and that maaaybe I would have to find a 9 year old girl to babysit so that I wouldn’t look like such a tool going to see it. (Hey, I know you all saw and loved the Lizzie McGuire Movie! No? Just Me? Okay then…)

But what I can proudly admit to you, dear readers, is my love affiar with this Theory dress that our gal pal is wearing. It’s simple, it’s flattering and it’s a dress-up or down type of frock.

But, as we all know, Theory’s prices don’t exactly fit in our college chic budgets. (Let’s be real for a moment: any extra money we have is going to Vodka Tonics/late night eats.) Thank god you guys have me, then. I found the perfect pieces to build this look without having to worry about your DVR services being cancelled (lest you miss an episode of Real Housewives).

So here is this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Miley Cyrus Has a Fashion Theory.

Read More »

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: London Wears Short-Shorts.

katie_holmes.jpg[Every week 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, you don’t have to.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

I don’t know much about Lily Allen except that she’s from London, Perez likes to slam her and she has really cute bangs. Oh, and she uses hypnosis to lose weight? Weird.

But I don’t need to know what she does (she sings? Good to know). What I do know is that she thinks outside the box with her fashion choices and pulls together looks that we wouldn’t normally think of. Some are not so cute, but this shorts over tights/leopard print combo? Very cute. And a nice change of pace to wear out than that usual cleavage-y top or back-bearing dress.

We all ran far, far away from cut-offs after 1989 Britney’s love affair with them, but Lily Allen proves that they’re back. So, yank those badboys out of the closet and show some legs for a change. Yes, even in the winter!

Here is this week’s celebrity chic on the cheap: London Wears Short-Shorts. Read More »

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: All About Amy Adams’ Floral Frock.

amy_adams.jpg[Every week 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, you don’t have to.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

So it’s like negative 500 outside, which is making me so jealous of:

A. all the spring clothes that are starting to make their way into the stores – even in places like the North Pole, and

B. all the celebs who are in L.A. wearing cute, warm, summery tops.

Like this one by our gal pal Amy Adams. Even though it is not the most original, or trendy, or hard to put together, it’s cute, it’s breezy…and it’s NOT made of wool.

So instead of brushing it off, I am featuring it to make our winter days feel a littttle warmer. Either save it for spring, wear it under an oversized sweater, or move to California.

Here is this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: All About Amy Adams’ Floral Frock. Read More »

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Tonight We’re Going to Party like it’s 1999…er…2009

Gwyneth[Every week 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, you don’t have to.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

So it’s almost NYE and you still have nothing to wear. Between the snowy weather and the malls being currrazy with holiday sales and returns, the last thing you want to do is spend countless hours in line to try on dresses for a night that is already overrated and, more likely than not, won’t even be remembered.

The thought of countless dirty dressing rooms just sends shivers down my spine. Instead, go for a look that you know will work. Like this one from our pal Gwyneth. Not only did she make it on our list of favorite Jews this Hanukkah, but this chic looks HOT in this outfit.

So now, thanks to me and Gwynnie, you can look smokin’ on NYE and spend the weekend at home with your cup of joe reading this, instead of behind a mom and daughter fighting in the long line at Forever 21.

So sit back and relax, because here is this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Tonight We’re Going to Party like it’s 1999…er…2009 Read More »

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Cameron Makes the Cold look Cute!

Cameron Diaz- grey coat[Every week 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, you don’t have to.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Sure sure– it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Blah Blah Blah.

Because it’s also the most freezing time of year. You know when your eyes water, then that water freezes and before you know it you are picking iciciles off your eyelashes?

It’s no wonder Santa Clause’s belly is full of jelly – fat keeps you warmer. And with the cold weather, usually all things cute fall by the wayside along with dietary discretion (I mean seriously- hot cocoa and hot cookies all. winter. long. First stop: my thighs! Woot Woot!)

But thankfully, Cameron Diaz gives us another option to stay warm. Not only does it not require us to gain 50 pounds, it’s adorable. Just look at her. Her grey on gery ensemble makes me want to go walk five miles in the cold right now… or hail a cab… or just stand outside and take a cute photo in this outfit.

So with that I bring you this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Cameron Makes the Cold Look Cute!

Read More »

Night Styler: Party Like It’s 1929

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[In early adulthood there is an activity that plays a large role in most of our lives; nights out on the town. And with those nights out always comes the question: “What am I gonna wear?!?”

Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just consider me your own (free) personal Rachel Zoe.]

It’s the holiday/party season and with the economy in bad shape, it is the perfect time to honor another time of financial woe and give your party outfit some of that old style, 1920’s glamour. I read an article a few months ago when the financial meltdown had just begun that was reflecting on how times of national financial hardship tend to lead to more excessive glamour and glitz for the sake of lifting spirits, so why not take advantage of the currently bleak economy by having fun, going a bit overboard, and puttin’ on the ritz? Read More »