With Thanksgiving around the corner (I say this with giddiness…pumpkin pie, football, sleeping all day anyone?) the Holiday Season is about to hit full force. Which means my search for the perfect holiday outfit is officially on. The fact that I spend way too much time shopping online means that, of course, I have already found the perfect piece to jump-start this outfit: Free People’s Summer in the City Sequin Skirt.

But unlike the shimmering strapless red dress that I invested in last year, this year’s statement piece has something that the Christmas-ball-colored-bubble-skirt did not: versatility.

Not only is this skirt perfect for Christmas dinner with my family, but it will look awesome with some sky high heels on New Years with my friends, with some flat black knee-high boots for a date with my boyfriend, and with some opaque tights, flats and a cardigan for work or class. Honestly, this skirt is a fashionista’s dream come true.

The skirt is super flirty and feminine with a chiffon overlay and beaded embellishments, but it’s short length and contrasting hemline make it endearingly edgy at the same time. This contrast means I can play up the feminine for work or family holidays, and indulge my inner rocker chick with a leather jacket and some chain jewelry for girls’ night out.

And the fact that it’s lightweight means I can bring it into the spring and summer too with a cardigan and a pair of embellished sandals. This skirt is really going to get around.

I don’t feel as guilty forking over the $100 knowing I am going to get so much wear out of it, unlike the red dress which still sits sparkling in the back of my closet, longing to go to class but knowing it can never have the dressed down versatility of my new Free people skirt.

Lace is easily one of the most popular fabrics this season. No longer just for your undies (though there are many, many pretty lace-y underthings available), Lady Gaga’s VMA outfits, or your Grandma’s doilies, lace has found it’s way onto every type of clothing and accessory imaginable this season.

Whether you wear lace tights or a lace trimmed top, there is a way to add a little lace to your everyday look.  In stores, lace is appearing in unexpected places adding an unexpected touch of sex appeal to your basic t-shirts, tanks and jewelry (!).  But lace is doing more than turning up the sexy;  lace patterns found on fabrics this season add texture and visual interest. And simply adding lace – at the neckline, for example – adds a touch of playfulness, covering you up but still letting a little skin peek through.

No matter how you want to wear lace this season, there is the perfect piece (or many, many pieces) out there for you. I’m lace-obsessed and here are a few of my favorite things. [Click on each photo for shopping info.] Read More »

Now that Halloween has come and gone, it means it’s only going to start getting colder.  Bundling up in a warm coat is not the only way to stay warm on a chilly autumn day – gloves or mittens are essential. Well, if you want to feel your hands upon arriving at your destination. Have you ever tried to grip a pen to take notes with numb hands? It ain’t pretty.

But gloves are. Designers have really pulled out all the stops on gloves/mittens this year. They’ve incorporated all the latest trends (studs, ruffles, animal print, color) and made them fully functional for women of the 21st century. Meaning, fingerless/thumbless options so you don’t have to risk frostbite to check your News Feed.

And the best part: you can get them for cheap. You don’t need to spend $30 on something that you know you’re gonna lose (because you will and you know it).  Just stock up on the cheapies or, even better, grab a pair with strings. It worked in pre-school, so why not now? While your friends may mock you, you’ll be the one laughing when they tear off a mitten to return a text and lose it somewhere between here and that lecture hall across campus.

Here are some of the best of the best in hand and wrist warmers. Click on them for more info. Stay warm out there!

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With the world premiere of This is It and recent trips to costume shops, I’ve got Michael Jackson on the brain.  And when it comes to the King of Pop’s style, one thing stands out: that single, sparkly glove.  While donning a sequined glove is a very literal way to pay tribute to MJ (not to mention impractical – won’t your other hand get cold?), sequins are EVERYWHERE this year, and there are much more creative ways to show your love for the moonwalk master.

Or, you know, just for fun, fabulous style.

Thanks to those innovative designers lining 5th avenue in NY, sequins have taken on a totally new look in 2009 and  have become suitable for both day and night.  A cute, sequined cardigan could add sparkle to your morning lecture, or add a dose or personality when you’re heading to work.  On the other hand, a pair of made-for-a-rockstar sequined leggings are the perfect party pants.  Or, if you are more interested in adding a subtle dose of shine to your everyday outfit, you could opt for sequin shoes or the perfect sparkly accessory.  No matter how you want to wear them, there is a sequined item (or many, many fun shiny things) out there for you!

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As that hint of crisp air creeps into the weekly forecast every couple of days, all of us are looking towards winter, packing away a few more tanks each week and investing in a new winter coat for the season.

But while many girls consider winter wear to be a pair of Uggs and some cashmere sweaters, I go about the fall/winter wardrobe a tad differently. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love both of these things, but my fall shopping is fueled by an unhealthy obsession with the mini-dress-tights-boots combo.

So unhealthy, in fact, that my closet has at least 40 dresses in it. I always find a reason to pick up another one. So it’s no surprise that what I am craving right now is – you guessed it – a mini dress. Read More »

No matter how hard you fight it, it’s almost time to go back to school.  As you’re checking off your to-do list, make sure you factor in the college student’s favorite pastime: sleeping.  Whether you live in a res hall or are off-campus with roommates, it’s important to have some cute and comfy PJs to toss on. Why?

1. Lots of people are going to be seeing these things (and I’m not talking about the people you bring home…), so it’s time to toss out the ratty high school t-shirts and invest in something cute.
2. Lots of people are going to see you, so if you tend to sleep in the buff I’m pretty sure your roomie would much prefer to see you in some jammies than, well, see your naked butt. Factor in the unexpected fire alarms/friends barging in at all hours of the night, and you’re going to want to have something to toss on even if you have a room to yourself.

Lucky for all of us, there are tons of options when it comes to cute and cozy PJs. No matter how much or how little you’ve slept in in the past, there’s something (or lots of somethings for those 6 week runs between laundry days) super adorable for you.  And if you feel like channeling your inner Holly Golightly while your roommate studies 10-feet from your face, there’s a mask for you, too. Read More »

[Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!]

What do Mischa Barton, Mary Kate Olsen and Nicole Richie all have in common? They’re all embracing their inner hippie by sporting the forehead headband.

Now, we have to admit, we weren’t on board with this trend at first. Seriously, why not just push the headband back off your forehead? But after much consideration, and a few times actually sporting the trend ourselves, we’re convinced … once in awhile, it’s fun to feel like a flower child! And tons of fabulous fashion and accessory designers are getting in on the trend by creating headbands specifically for the purpose of being worn around the forehead, not pushed back up onto the crown. Check out our new faves. Read More »

For those of us attending school in the north, fashion is often abandoned in order to stay, well, warm. I whole-heartedly admit to dragging myself to class in my warmest sweatpants, topped off with my very unfashionable, but EXTREMELY cold-resistant ski jacket.

Heck, here in Canada, it’s not odd to see students sporting Sorel boots (yeah, the boots mountain people wear).

And don’t even get me started on headwear. People at my school who aren’t dressed warmly enough opt for a homemade-turban look, using an extra sweater they have in their bag! Atrocious!

What is even more upsetting is that with a little research and planning (um, like checking the weather before leaving the house!), you can keep the blood circulating in your skull and still look cute!

CollegeCandy has done the leg work for you and presents you with a list of super chic, and more importantly, WARM, options for your noggin. Yes, it is possible to stay warm and keep the hair intact. Read More »

During my freshman year of college I was amazed at how many girls wore designer denim to class and toted their books around in enormous Coach bags every day. How do they afford it? Why would they waste such a cute, expensive outfit on 8 AM class? It wasn’t the parade of sweats and pajamas I had been prepared for by older friends.

Instead I saw Seven For All Mankind, Paige, Primp, BCBG, Free People, Steve Madden, etc. etc. etc: What distinguishes these particular brands from Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or those created by T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s? After questioning several of my designer brand sporting friends and trying to justify several of my own purchases, I came up with the following list:

SIX REASONS TO GO DESIGNER

1. Product Quality – Many people who don’t believe in buying designer brands say that you are only paying for the brand name and that the product is no better than any other. While you are paying in part for the “privilege” to wear the brand’s name, you are also probably purchasing a product that is high quality. For example, I buy designer denim because it fits better and lasts longer than the jeans I buy for $25.00 at Bob’s. Designer clothes are usually made from finer fabrics and have superior stitching compared to those of bargain stores.

2. Consistency – Most people who wear designer clothes swear by a few designers. For example, someone might own thirty pairs of Paige jeans but refuse to even look at Joe’s Jeans. Both are expensive, high quality brands, so what’s the difference? Paige jeans consistently fit, last, and look great, where Joe’s Jeans aren’t as flattering (this isn’t my personal opinion, it’s just an example). People keep going back to the same brands because they consistently perform well for them. Read More »

I have a hard time finding good clothes.

Mostly because I’m short—5’2”—but also because my style tends to fluctuate. I enjoy stylish, easygoing, “hippie” clothes, but looking like a bag lady or pregnant isn’t on my agenda. I also want to seem my age, but office attire isn’t something I can bare.

What’s a finicky, normal-sized girl to do? Become Free People’s biggest fan.

I discovered this line a few years ago, and although I wouldn’t call myself a fashion maven, each season I await their newest catalogue with the sort of anticipation Michael Lohan reserves for trashy talk shows.

If you enjoy comfortable, super-stylish clothes that won’t completely ruin your budget, look no further than this catalogue of cute, layerable tops and long, lean pants.

Everything they sell is deliciously feminine; flattering for different body types, and steers clear of cheap, hoochie cuts and fits.

I would literally wear everything from this brand if my wallet was thick enough, and own tons of pieces I put on year after year. My only gripe with FP? Sometimes the pants they carry have no love for short girls, and I have to get them heavily tailored. Read More »