Candy Dish: Manic Pixie Dream Girl

Let’s sort out female stereotypes using a flowchart.

Snooki just wants you to know she’s not pregnant.

The secret to beautiful skin.

Things I didn’t need to know about Daniel Radcliffe: this.

Check out the Vanity Fair 2012 Hollywood issue. Gorgeous!

The 10 worst things you can say in bed.

So, do men really prefer big boobs?

The Free People February catalogue is amazing.

All the signs you need to know whether he loves you or not.


If You Like This Expensive Store, You’ll Love This Cheap Store

I’m going to be honest with you — my first thought after watching that Shopaholic film was ‘so this means if I got a credit card, I could have amazing clothes like that too?’

Definitely not the point, as every person I shared my revelation with was quick to point out. But what’s a shopaholic on a limited budget to do? Figure out how to do it on the cheap!  I’ve rounded up some less expensive alternatives to those pricey stores we all love in hopes that we can look super trendy, without being super broke.

Click on the photo to see the next slide

initiating the gallery...

Any more suggestions?


Wardrobe Wish List: Free People All Pucker Lace Camisole

I know the whole lingerie as clothing trend has been going on for awhile now, but it’s taken me some major getting used to. I mean really? Lingerie? It’s nerve-racking enough to strip down to a corset bra in front of my booty call let alone catwalk through the streets and walk into clubs practically naked.

Until now, I’ve avoided the trend altogether. But as I flipped through a Free People catalog last night a gorgeous outfit caught my eye, and much to my surprise what was so gorgeous about it was the stunning lace tank. So I headed to the website and, you guessed it, the shirt looked like something straight out of the Victoria Secret’s lingerie section.

I think I may have found the compromise between wearing full-out sexy-time attire and avoiding the trend altogether in the Free People All Pucker Lace Camisole.   It definitely has the sex appeal of a piece of lingerie with the see-through lace overlay and the corset-inspired vertical ribbing. But the delicately feminine lace, the demure scalloped neckline and the mesh lining make it conservative enough to wear out without feeling overexposed.

The more I think of the possible ways to incorporate this piece into my wardrobe, the more excited I’m getting. There’s no doubt that this would be fabulous for a night out with the girls paired with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and heels. The rounded bottom hem would let just enough skin peek out at the hips without showing too much. I think I would probably rock it out a little by wearing edgy heels with metal detail and a chunky, mixed-chain necklace. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Black and White Get it On!

With so many summer colors and patterns to choose from this year, it’s hard to know what to pair them with. While you could pair the bright yellows, pretty pastels or the super popular turquoise with denim, khaki or another solid neutral, the bold black and white prints available this season are a more interesting way to go.

There are many interesting black and white items to choose from, on everything from shoes to headbands to rompers.  This year they can be found on black and white prints in the form of stripes, florals, an abstract print and many, many more interesting patterns.  Additionally, white items with black accents, or black items with white accents are a super cute way to wear this combination.  With so many black and white items to choose from, who needs to live in Technicolor? Read More »


Fashion Porn: Spring Dress Orgy

With the end (fingers crossed) of the rain and the new May flowers that follow, what better way to celebrate it finally feeling like spring than with a dress! This year, there are so many adorable spring dresses to choose from that’s it’s hard to pick! (I just bought three…I have a problem.) But really, why should you have to choose just one? With retailers slashing their prices, you’re sure to find a good deal on one or two (or three) to satisfy your every dress need.

Or desire. Because that’s what it really comes down to, yes?

There are so many styles of dress to choose from, meaning there is the perfect dress out there for everyone, as well as every occasion.  More modest dresses worn with blazers or cardigans are perfect for the summer job, while the fun, flirty, floral mini dresses are sure to be a hit for a girls night out on the town.  With a large range of patterns and colors available, it’s easy to choose the statement you want to make with your dress, or find one that suits shoes and sweaters you already own. Read More »


One Month Challenge: Shopping Ban, Week Three

Everyone’s got a vice, a bad habit, something they know they need to change. Unfortunately, everyone also has a million excuses why they just can’t do it. Not anymore. Every month we will be following a different CollegeCandy writer as she takes on a personal challenge. This month we’re following Kelly as she proves to her mom, and her wallet, that she can go one month sans shopping.

I GOT MY TAX RETURN! WOO! Thank goodness I have until May to figure out what I want to do with it.

This week has been 127 times better than last, shopping wise. I’ve been so busy that there hasn’t been much time to dig through F21′s new daily arrivals. Not shopping wise though, stress has been killing me. Exams, term papers, projects… I don’t even see my boyfriend anymore. And I live with him!

Not to mention that for the next five nights I’ll only be reachable at my place of employment, filling patrons with fajitas and margaritas on our newly opened outdoor patio. While I plan on making $$$ (and not spending any of it until next Monday), I can’t help but sighhh when I deliver sangria after sangria, and queso dip after queso dip, to groups of girls in the middle of the afternoon. That should be me! What this means is that when this challenge is over, I’ll need a big reward in the form of new sandals. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Blazer Orgy

There are a few basic items that every girl should have in her closet. A pair of Alexander McQueen alien shoes is not one of them, but the blazer most definitely is. Being a super versatile item, the blazer can transition for almost every facet of your life. If you’re applying for a job or internship, the blazer instantly adds a professional flair to an outfit. On the other hand, if you wear a blazer over a t-shirt or with jeans, it dresses up (and cool-ifies) an otherwise casual outfit.

Maybe that explains why blazers are so very popular right now, especially the boyfriend variety. It’s like the jacket your boyfriend (or another male in your life) might hang over your shoulders if you get cold, only much more feminine and much more chic.  The popularity of this style proves while we can’t count on boys to be chivalrous, we can count on their styles to make us look hot.

While most people tend to gravitate towards the basic black blazer, there really is a huge variety out there. From cuts to colors to patterns, everyone can (and should!) find the perfect blazer to add to their clothing collection: Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: Free People Lace Bandeau

For people like me (a girl with a huge vision for her wardrobe and a very tiny bank account to work with), little-somethings to update an outfit are crucial.

It’s all about a low cost addition that has the ability to make a big impact. Maybe it’s a chain link necklace from a street vendor, a cheap but oh-so-modern neck scarf from Forever 21, or a hand-me-down that adds a new flavor to a tired outfit. When I stumble across one of these little gems, let’s just say I jump on it faster than I would Brad Pitt if we were given five minutes alone.

And alas I have stumble (and jumped on) Free people’s Lace Bandeau. It could fit inside my pocket, but packs some major punch.

The bandeau is seamlessly adorable. From the ruching at the bust to the eyelet floral lace overlay, it’s equal parts girlish ingénue and flirty femme fatale.  There’s just something so sweetly sinister about the lace peeking out from underneath a loose tank or layered under a zipped up hoodie and a distressed jean jacket.

Beyond its endearing nature, the bandeau is just plain practical. How many times have we all put on a shirt only to realize that you could totally see our bra right through it? We’re going to class, not to hang out the corner and turn some tricks. So, we add a tank top underneath and then spend the rest of the day pulling it down as it rides up and silently pouting that we are adding 5 pounds to our stomachs with the bulkiness of the double layer. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Grey Orgy

[Note: I'm Canadian and therefore it's spelled grey, not gray.]

As we head back to school, the transition back to independence from mom’s home cooking, added to the cold weather and lack of sunshine can lead to a gloomy, grey day. One way to embrace that blue mood is by dressing how you feel, made easy with the rising popularity of the color grey.

Why is grey suddenly the color to wear?

1. Grey is a neutral and goes with EVERYTHING.
2. Only 1 in 5 women look good in black, making grey a softer alternative to our safety color.

So next time you’re out shopping for the perfect LBD, take a chance and try on a Little Grey Dress; if you’re not the lone one out of five, chances are you’ll look better in grey. If you think that grey is a little drab, being a neutral, it’s the perfect supporting star to a bold, bright, colored piece. And with so many options in grey this year there is no reason not to try it on. So put back the black and embrace its softer sibling. Read More »


It’s On: Heritage 1981 vs. Urban Outfitters

When you think Vintage Fashion, what comes to mind? Soft v-neck tees, your favorite jeans, flashy mini-skirts, and something that sparkles, all with a retro feel?

The thought makes you drool, doesn’t it?

Everyone loves vintage fashion. Those unique items are like the one-of-a-kind antiques of fashion, and with trends circulating as they do, it makes sense to covet the old and fabulous. But short of raiding grandma’s closet or spending hundreds at some small over-priced vintage boutique, where can you load up on the retro?

Allow me to recommend a few good places. Their goods may not be on-of-a-kind, but they are certainly a retro and cool kind all their own. Read More »