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.

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.

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Any more suggestions?

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.

But the tank is also demure enough that I can tone it down by pairing it with a boyfriend blazer, loose high-waisted shorts and flats for an office appropriate look.

The hidden bonus in this purchase? If you meet a man at either of the above locales you can strip off your lower half and instantly be ready for a little romp in the supply closet.

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?

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.

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.

I won’t post my janky Microsoft Excel “budget sheet” this week because many readers (sorry to call you out, but not really) claim to have no sympathy for my “petty problem.” I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t need to blow money on clothes when I’m in debt with out-of-state student loans (yes, I pay myself for school, my apartment, everything), but it is not becoming a problem where I am $16,000 in debt a la Rebecca Bloomwood. Alcoholism is a problem. Peeping Toms are a problem. Wanting to look nice and have a good time in college is not a problem. I get my bills paid on time, I’ve been able to put a good amount of money into savings, and how I spend the rest of my money should be of no concern to anyone. Hell, my credit limit is $500, not $10,000! And most of it goes towards school books every semester. I know that being a writer for this website leaves me open to criticism, but I would not tell someone whose challenge is to cut out junk food, “There are starving children in _____! You shouldn’t been eating Cheetos to begin with, fatty!” (Fun fact: Cheetos are my guilty pleasure)

That being said, I’ve managed to pay another $50 on my credit card, bringing the balance down the lowest it’s been in months! And even though I made a brief pause at the window, I passed up the new Free People window display in a store on my way to Spanish class. I’m actually feeling really good about this month so far and although I can’t wait to spend my tax return, I don’t think I could ever go back to the hour long debates I have with the “submit order” button like I did last week. Saving money feels good and I’m starting to realize that I don’t need another scarf, another tank, another pair of jeans.

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:

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.

The bandeau is the solution to all of our problems! Unlike our bras, it is socially acceptable to see the sweet lace peeking out from our button down cardigan or t-shirt, but we don’t have to worry about it moving all over the place or adding unneeded bulk down below. Plus, if you happen to have a last minute booty call arise (lucky you), you have instant sexy lingerie. (Note: the cute lacy underwear that ride up your butt are a nice addition. Yeah, I’m going for sexy not comfortable).

Plus it comes in eight colors, from the subdued black and taupe that are totally work appropriate to some punchy additions like neon pink, neon yellow and turquoise that will have anyone dreaming of lounging on the beach, frozen cocktail in hand.

[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.

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.

Urban Outfitters
Since 1970, Urban Outfitters has been the leader in “vintage” apparel. Selling everything from hats to wall hangings, UO is what some consider to be one of the most successful retail chains in the world. And let’s not forget that Richard Hayne, President of Urban Outfitters (and Free People, for those of you that shop there as well), made Forbes 400 list in 2008. So, yeah, it’s safe to say the UO is profitable, not to mention personable and attentive to their customers.

What can you expect to find in UO Stores? Well, in their over 140 locations, you’ll find unique clothes in a very similar setting. Urban Outfitters aims to keep its stores very simplistic and edgy. They’re made to feel earthy, like warehouses, with not too much frilly, goo-goo crap. They leave the focus where the focus should be: on the goods.

Here are the numbers.
Dresses: $ 38.00 – $398.00
Camisoles: $24.00 – $32.00
Jeans: $54.00 – $68.00
Cardigans/Sweaters: $42.00 – $98.00
Shirts: $48.00 – $58.00
Graphic Tees: $15.00 – $48.00
Accessories: $12.00 – $48.00

Then there’s Heritage 1981.
While there’s not much history of the individual store, what we do know is that the company is a product of the Forever 21 giant, which owns and operates over 50 stores across the country. And with a HUGE consumer base, they can expect to keep expanding.

With the introduction of Heritage 1981 (no, it was not created in 1981, contrary to the misleading name), the Forever 21 corporation was able to attract a whole new market.  Featuring cute tops, tight dresses and sexy shoes, Heritage definitely has the goods. So while not as popular as Urban Outfitters, nor as wealthy, Heritage brings strong competition with vintage, retro, colorful and, well, you tell me what you think of the prices.

Here are their numbers.
Dresses: $22.90-$29.90
Camisoles: $5.90 – $16.90
Jeans: $19.90 – $26.90
Cardigans/Sweaters: $24.90 – $39.90
Shirts: $18.90 – $24.90
Graphic Tees: $10.90 – $18.90
Accessories: $3.80 – $22.80

If you’ve been shopping exclusively at Urban and haven’t yet checked out Heritage, I recommend you do. You might just find the same super soft cotton tees and fun fedoras at a more wallet-friendly price. And if there isn’t a Heritage 1981 or an Urban Outfitters nearby, they both have online stores chock full of their cuteness (and they also happen to look almost identical… weird.)

So tell me, ladies: which store do you prefer and why?