Hallelujah. March 20^th marked the first official day of spring! I’m sure winter didn’t put a damper on the partying habits of weekend warriors or college girls that go hard; however, I will admit my style took the backseat when venturing out on the weekends this winter (what, this parka & pair of UGGS aren’t “clubby” enough?). Sure, some black jeans and a cute blazer did the trick, but I’d pick a bonfire pregame and a dry walk to the bars over getting slush in my stilettos any day. To officially welcome warmer weather, dress up your wardrobe with some affordable fresh party threads via Forever21.

Floral Print Dress $11.50

I’ve never been into floral pattern, but this gorgeous, simple dress stole my heart. Short sleeve, popping print, and thin enough to be worn in the sun without breaking a sweat. I went out and bought the blue & pink version (best option for blonde hair) and absolutely love it. At $11.50, you can’t afford not to buy this beauty.

Short Curve Stitch Dress $13.80

How adorable is this shape? This dress is one of those go-to super dresses; completely versatile with this incredible ability to go from day to night, be dressed up or down, and paired with basically any blazer, boot, or accessory.

Fitted Stripe Dress $11.50

Are you that girl? The one that shows up to a 9:30am lecture rocking this incredible yet simple outfit, grabbing the attention of everyone and forcing me to sit there and re-evaluate my XL t-shirt, old softball shorts combo? If so, props. If not, become her by check out this little number, perfect for color blocking and soaking up rays on your way to class.

Mesh Trim Mock Halter Dress $22.80

Of all ensembles, club-wear walks a fine line between sexy and skanky. Enough with the plain black tank dresses, and PLEASE ditch the sequined one shoulder; Stay chic with this mock halter dress, made with mesh, class and elegant detail.

Pleated Shirtdress $15.80

Perfect for any job interviewing, fashion show attending, date night Friday going fashionista. If you’re going out in early spring, awkward weather, than the light fabric but longer sleeves make for a perfect solution. This shirtdress is just begging for suede, auburn, lace-up ankle boots and an envelope clutch.

Enjoy the sun and look fabulous in your new array of spring styles!

[Lead image via coka /Shutterstock]

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.]

I knew I wanted to feature Amalia for my fashionista-of-the-week from the moment I saw her walking to Psych class, leggings tucked into her buckled riding boots and a funky bright-blue American Apparel zip-up on top. Her clothing choices draw attention, probably because she takes her fashion inspiration from all over the world,  including Portugal and Brazil, which she’s visited many times (…not for the sun or the beach or anything).

And when it comes to jewelry, I really think she started the statement jewelry trend; I have yet to see her without a glam bracelet or a pair of adorable dangly earrings that somehow totally make her outfit. She’s got spunk and is not afraid to be big and bold in her fashion choices, and that’s just the way the boys like her. Well, that and her booty, but that’s a whole different post.

Name: Amalia S
Year: 2011
Major: Psychology and Latin American Studies
Amalia in 3 words: bootylicious, empathetic, fun

1) Describe your personal style.
Really eclectic and always changing. Two weeks ago I hated animal print, now I can’t get enough of it. I also really love bright colors, no matter what time of year it is.

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.
Jewelry; I feel naked without my necklaces and rings. Also, during the winter I am never seen without a scarf on, usually one from H&M.

3) What is your favorite store to shop at?
Forever 21, BP at Nordstroms, and American Apparel.

4) Ok, well that was three, but I’ll take it. What/who is the biggest influence on your style?
Right now, Betsey Johnson. She’s just so much fun, lots of pink bows, animal print, and pearls. She’s the definition of eclectic.

5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?
I’m really into these leggings that look like jeans. I’m all about fashion, but being comfortable is also super important to me. The jean leggings look great with boots and can be dressed up, but are just as comfortable as regular leggings.

In the photo:
Dress: Urban Outfitters
Necklace: Vines and Roses
Bag: Coach
Bracelets: flea market in Brazil

[Is there a fashionista on your campus whose style should be celebrated? Someone who is always pushing the style envelope and lookin' damn good doing it? Someone who always seems to put together the coolest outfits, no matter the occasion? Send us a picture and she (or he!) could be featured in a future Campus Couture!]

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.

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.

Bright pink Longchamp bag! I carry it every day whether I’m going to class or just going out to dinner with friends. I can fit everything in it, including my laptop! I also love how it’s so bright and goes with basically any outfit.

3) Name your favorite store.

I absolutely love this online boutique called 80′s purple; it’s an eclectic mix of basics and bolder, more “out-there” looks. I also love shopping in boutiques in Hong Kong (you can get designer clothes at much cheaper prices), and you can never go wrong with Forever21!

4) What/who is the biggest influence on your style?

I can’t really pinpoint one influence. I guess I just absorb what I see in the media, magazines, and on my friends – and then choose my own style from there!

5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?

Scarves. I LOVE scarves – all types! I have at least twenty from all over the world. Whenever I travel, I always pick up a few from whichever country I’m in at the time.

Clothes in the picture:
Top: BCBG, Max Azria
Jeans: Hollister
Necklace: Forever21
Kanye shades: thrift store in Berkeley, CA

[Is there a fashionista on your campus whose style should be celebrated? Someone who is always pushing the style envelope and lookin' damn good doing it? Someone who always seems to put together the coolest outfits, no matter the occasion? Send us a picture and she (or he!) could be featured in a future Campus Couture!]

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.

Pair it with a pair of comfy, yet totally stylish silver sandals for those jaunts to class. I love these sandals because they are extremely comfortable and cheap, but much hotter than your average pair of Old Navy flips.

When it comes to daytime accessories, you obvi don’t want to go over-the-top-I’m-trying-too-hard. Plus, keeping it simple means getting a few more minutes of snooze time. Just go light with the extras and you will look perfectly put together for class.

I am loving this dainty and stylish hummingbird necklace and it’s the perfect way to accessorize without overpowering the neckline of the dress. And hey, at less than $5, it’s a great and inexpensive piece that’ll go well with all sorts of summer wear. I’m also a huge advocate for the simplicity and versatility of hoop earrings for all occasions and this pair brings a new twist onto this classic.

Now when it’s time to head out for the evening, all you need is a quick shoe change and the addition of a cocoon top cardigan and you’re set.

Gray is a great neutral color that looks fantastic with the brights and pastels of spring/summer. It will instantly glam up that cotton dress, taking it from “boring lecture” to “bumpin’ beer garden.”

These wedges will not only be more comfy than a pair of stilettos, but the detail in the fringe and grommets gives this shoe the perfect amount of sexiness to really punch up the outfit.  And since Payless is having one of their BOGO (buy one, get one 1/2 off) sales, you can get both pairs of shoes (see above!)  for under $50. Not sure there is any better news.

This outfit is an easy way to look fabulous for any occasion, and hey, who knows, maybe you’ll even find your spring fling while you’re in it.

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

Plaid top

Lightweight enough so it’s perfect for spring, snap closes so its easy for – uh – opening. Wear in in an open V like Beyonce to make it a bit more femme.

Bracelets

Stock up in different colors, or layer in a solid color like our gal pal, B.

$30 platform pumps

I knew that there would always be another reason to add to my Reasons I Love Target list, and I just found them right here for $30

HOLLER.

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.

If you’re gonna do the Irish pub or bar crawl thing, you can go casual with a simple cotton top or feminine cardigan and a cute pair of jeans…

If you’re hittin’ up the club for a night out, you’ll need a sassy and sexy top, like any of these…

For you lucky ducks who live in warmer weather climates and will be celebrating the day in some nice spring sunshine, here are some lighter options…

And if you’re just lookin’ for a hint of green, accessories and shoes are the way to do it. I mean, come on, how cute is this stuff?!

Now it’s time to get out there and see if the luck o’ the Irish really works.

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.

Dress:

Here are two options that look pretty similar Miley’s! Pair them with leggings and flats for the day, or a hot pair of pumps for night.

Accessorize

Feel free to try some necklaces like Miley, or a belt like Kelly Osbourne (Yes, that is her in the picture. I didn’t believe it either!):

Clutch:

You need a bag to carry all your essentials, but choose something simple that won’t detract from the perfect fabulosity of the look.

Shoes:

Retro heels for a new twist on the black pump, or comfy flats for a night of dancing. Either would look great with the dress.

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.

Leopard Print Turtle Neck Top

I know, I know, we all wore leopard in 7th grade and had matching purses, but this animal print is all over the place this year and doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. Even Blair Waldorf was rocking it this week. Tuck this little guy into the shorts or, if the daisy duke thing isn’t your look, high waisted jeans or a black high waisted skirt should do the trick.

Shorts

How economical now that you can wear them all winter long! And you don’t even need to shave your legs. Sa-weeet!

Black Blazer

Throw it on and leave it open. It will keep you warm while tying the whole classy-chic look together.

Tights

The more opaque the better (to cover the cellulite that keeps you from wearing short shorts in the first place).

Pumps

It’s normal to feel stumpy in shorts, but with pumps, those legs will go on forever and ever and ever.

 Quilted Bag

Looks vintage. Looks designer. But with the price of Forever 21. I’d argue you can totally buy love, and it’s right here.

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.

Floral Blouse

There is no way this number won’t make you feel a little bit better about the ice falling from your window. Wear it out like Amy, or tuck it in to a pair of those high waisted jeans you love so much.

Jeans

Gap jeans are seriously underrated: they are flattering, fit well and don’t cost half of your monthly salary. These are great because you can wear them out or tuck them into boots.

Sunglasses

These are big enough to keep you incognito and cute, but not so big that they take over your entire face.

Bag

Just one more reason to love Target. As if you needed another reason.

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

Black Sequin Dress

There are tons of options out there, but here is a cute, basic, and cheap option from Forever 21. The scoop neck is super flattering (and sexy), and the shine makes it a perfect party dress.

Black Tuxedo Blazer

Looks better over a nice dress than a cardigan, and gives it that cute boyish touch. Also makes the cold winter air a little more bearable. Yes, just a little.

Cocktail ring

We’ve shown this ring before, but that is because it’s cute and versatile. And the black bling will look awesome with an all black ensemble.

Patent pumps

High enough to accentuate those legs of yours, and shiny enough to make for easy clean up after a little one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FLOOR.

You can throw on some tights if you so desire, but Gwyneth’s leggy look is hot. And I highly recomend it.