Polka dots had a big come back this season. Modern takes on polka-dots have been shown all over the runway by designers who were inspired by the vintage print. Polka dots manage to make a dress look chic without being too busy. They can also make a classic purse look up-to-season. This trend ranges from bold to understated, and is far from just black and white. Seen on the models of Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg, and now here on CC. Three looks with pieces for just under $35!

In Class Chic

Blouse: H&M, $24.95 Leggings: Forever 21, $5.50 Flats: Forever 21, $17.80

Weekend Casual

Skirt: Forever 21, $15.99 T-Shirt: Forever 21, $5.99 Earrings: Forever 21, $6.80

Meeting His Parents For The First Time

Dress: Forever 21, $27.80 Flats: Top Shop, $32.00 Earrings: H&M, $5.95

As it’s creeping closer and closer to December, I’ve started dreaming of holiday parties. I just love gathering with friends and family over Christmas, especially when there are some drinks and dancing involved. Something about this season makes garish things totally acceptable: giant headbands, adorned sweaters and loads of sequins. I don’t have any sequined pieces in my wardrobe, but may soon because I’ve found the Jack Wills Hadlow Vest!

Jack Wills is a company from the UK, with a style similar to Abercrombie and Fitch. It’s preppy, but a bit quirky. This sequin vest would be a divine addition to any party-girl’s wardrobe. The micro sequins shimmer but aren’t harsh and glaring, while the cut is flattering and not too body-conscious. I wanted to show you that a flashy piece like this can be toned down and worn day-to-day and this is the perfect piece to experiment on!

Let’s start with a party look.

I went with a monochromatic holiday party look in this outfit. The vest is loud on it’s own, and I didn’t want colors to compete with it. Choose a plain black tank and black jeans as your base. Black, studded booties are tough and unique, but a pair of black pumps would fair just as well! A silvery headband matches the studs and adds a girlyness to the outfit. The clutch is a metallic bronze that I thought suited the shimmery vest. It’s muted, but gives a small pop of color. Lastly, pewter and silver bangles amp up the glam factor!

And now onto day.

Tone down the sequins on this vest with a muted-colored, longsleeve dress. The dusty rose shade of this one is perfect! Throw a pair of plain, black leggings on underneath to keep you warm. The wedge booties are simple but not as casual as a pair of shearling boots. Lastly, add a preppy satchel and a gothic pendant (like this detailed cross) and you’re ready for class or a day of browsing the mall.

I hope you’re inspired to bust out your holiday pieces and make them work for everyday. If you love this vest, you can pick it up from Jack Wills for $129.

Everyone loves stripes. If you don’t, you’re a psycho or you just haven’t seen the light yet. Fret not friends because I am here to show you said light. Stripes are fabulous in a sweater a la Les Francais, or to spice up a favorite body-con skirt. As stripes are a classic, these three outfits will show you how to mix up this must have trend for under $35!

Outfit #1: The Striped Sweater Updated

Sweater, H&M: $17.95; Jeans, Forever 21: $10.50; Boots, Forever 21: $32.80

Outfit #2: Stripes For Your Night Out

Skirt, Forever 21: $13.80; Shirt, Forever 21: 19.90; Heels, Mitzu 02: $14.97

Outfit #3: Everyday Stripes

Dress, Loveapella: $19.97; Tights, Forever 21: $3.50; Sweater, Dex: $34.97

Feminine, chic and featured in both seasons every year; lace is is a stylista’s must have. Lace can be the staple to any outfit or the contrasting piece to an edgy look. Lace is traditionally feminine but it’s lack of elasticity make its a very structured look which provides the perfect amount of contrast. Whether you sport it on a skirt for a night out or on a blouse for job interview, you can never go wrong in lace. These three outfits will show you essential ways to wear lace, with pieces all under $30.

Outfit #1: A Night Out

Dress, Forever 21: $19.80 Necklace, Lulu’s: $17.00 Ring, Lulu’s: $12.00 

Outfit #2: Just Right For Class

Shirt, Forever 21: $8.99 Maxi Skirt, Lulu’s: $21.00 Flats, Urban Outfitters: $19.99

Outfit #3: Date Night

Skirt, Forever 21: $11.50 Shirt, Lulu’s: $15.00  Heels, Forever 21: $25.80

When I’m getting ready to go out during the fall, I find myself having to choose between wearing the cute dress I’ve been dying to wear but being freezing with bare legs…or choosing a “tights appropriate” dress. It seems like that supercuteIcannotwaittowear dress never quite works with tights. It’s either too stretchy and shows tight lines on my stomach, turns frumpy when I throw tights on, or just isn’t the right color. And, to make matters worse, I’m perpetually cold. All the time.

Frankly, I’m over freezing my ass off when it starts getting chilly. My leather jacket can only do so much for the body temp. You know?

So, in honor of my miserable/rainy/frigid walk home from the bar last night, I wanted to find a look of the week that works with (or without) tights. I’m digging this sparkly and most crucially, fall friendly, Parker dress from RTR.

I really love the bold lip with this dress. It’s the perfect last touch. Click here to create a Rent the Runway account and rent the dress!

[We're teaming up with our friends at Rent the Runway to bring you an awesome, new look every week. If you like what you see, you can go right to the site and rent it yourself. Need some outfit inspiration? Leave a comment below and we'll work hard to find an RTR outfit that works for your needs.]

[We're teaming up with our friends at Rent the Runway to bring you an awesome, new look every week. If you like what you see, you can go right to the site and rent it yourself. Need some outfit inspiration? Leave a comment below and we'll work hard to find an RTR outfit that works for your needs.]

Call me old fashioned, but I’m all for date night. I still prefer dinner with face to face conversations over texting, I don’t think a three game winning streak with a cute guy at the beer pong table qualifies as getting to know each other, I and believe there’s no better combination since PB&J than dinner and a movie. And since dating seems to be a dying thing on college campuses, when date nights do come around, I feel all sorts of pressure to look extra good. We need to keep dating alive, people. Please take me back to the good old days when your parents picked up your 6^th boyfriend, drove you both to Chili’s and sat a table or two away to enjoy their meal.

When your knight in shining armor — or at least your ticket to a free meal — picks you up, you’re going to want to look perfect, no? If you don’t need to worry about a flawless outfit, you can focus on more important things… like coming up with backup conversations fillers ahead of time to avoid those awkward silences. Phew.

With this Parker Shoulder Peep Dress I was striving for flirty but casual. No need to overwhelm your date with heels and some glamorous up-do. Instead, throw on some flats, grab a boho bag and frolic to your romantic meal.

No date in sight? Snag this dress for a girls’ night out instead. It’s more important to impress your girlfriends anyway.

Click here to create a Rent the Runway account and rent the dress!

Everyone has a closet full of logo tees. Tees from concerts, beach-side festivals, and the like. I’m always puzzled as to what to do with these shirts. Sure, they make great bedtime tees and workout gear, but what if you really like your Death Cab for Cutie concert tee and want to wear it on a normal day, just in a super fashionable way? I decided to challenge myself this week by using a piece with a loud graphic and seeing what I could come up with! Enter, Lyric Culture.

Lyric Culture puts a fantastic spin on the logo tee by incorporating classic lyrics into the mix. Their “Radar Love” tee intrigued me, with it’s 1/2 sleeve and in-your-face graphics. I knew that with the right accessory pieces, I could easily sport it any hour of the day!

I’m going to keep it simple and start with daytime.

Click on the set for all the shopping deets!

Since the “Radar Love” tee is so bright, I instantly wanted to bring in some muted shades. The boyfriend jeans are super casual, with a light wash and subtle tears. Converse Chuck Taylors are practically uniform for rock stars, and since the tee has lyrics on it, I thought totally appropriate! The pale salmon shade is soft and girly. A canvas bucket bag, featuring a fun print, compliments the shoes and also works to tone down the tee. Top it off with a loose, grey cardi and simple jewelry and you’re ready for a day shopping or a casual lunch with besties.

And now nighttime.

Click on the set for all the shopping deets!

Ta da! I’m pretty proud of this one! I think using super glam pieces really makes the graphic tee fine for night. Start with a classic pencil skirt – the one I chose has fun, pleat details that make it different. The super glam, sparkly shoes were a no-brainer and really up the ante. Match your jewels to the shoes, wearing only silver-tones. The earrings actually have pointed studs on them, giving them a slightly rock-n-roll vibe. Subtle details like this really make an outfit! Lastly, go for a chain-link strap evening bag; it’s very dressy and formal!

I hope you have some inspiration and are chomping at the bit to dig out your favourite graphic tees. Lyric Culture makes some really great ones, especially if you’re a fan of vintage rock! Enjoy and have fun!

After months of sweltering heat and humidity in New York City, I am officially ready for fall—bring on the pumpkin lattes, cozy sweaters and crisp air. And the best part about the changing seasons? An excuse to go stock up on back to school fall essentials. And I’m not talking about school supplies (though I do miss the thrill of purchasing fresh erasers and binders). I’m talking about some rockin’ new outfits to help start the semester right!

Accessories are the easiest way to keep your rotating pieces looking bold an on-trend. When they’re from Payless, you don’t need to drain your piggy bank for cool new looks. You can mix up your go-to looks with bags, cute new shoes and awesomely glitz and glam jewelry. After a few purchases, you’ll swear you have a whole new wardrobe.

All of the fall finishing-touch accessories in the following looks are available at Payless and brashgirl.com and are from the retailer’s new edgy brand — Brash!

 So you’re off to class and want to add a little something something to your outfit…here’s what you should wear!

Product Info: Tee: American Eagle, $15.50; Jeans: American Eagle, $29.99; Earrings: Payless, $7.99;  Ring: Payless, $9.99;  Bag: Payless, $29.99; Trench: Banana Republic, $198; Shoes: Payless, $17.99

It’s that magical night when a knight in shining armor that kid who lives down the hall changes out of mesh shorts and take you on a date…here’s what you should wear!

Product Info: Cami: J.Crew, $65; Ring: Payless, $12.99; Jeans: Gap, $69.50; Necklace: Payless, $12.99; Bag: Payless, $22.99; Pumps: Payless, $29.99

It’s Sunday night and that means it’s time to crack open the books and head to your study group…here’s what you should wear!

Product Info: Necklace: Payless, $9.99; Top: J.Crew, $45; Shorts: Hollister, $39.50; Earrings: Payless, $7.99; Shoes: Payless, $29.99

[http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/collegecandy.amm/tracker;camp=payless_brash_458296_collegecandycustomeditorial;sz=1x1]

As it is now August, I’m starting my hunt for transition pieces. That means summer shapes that are going to carry me through until the time when I’m busting out my sweaters and packing away my shorts. I’ve really built up my tank top collection this summer, focusing on pieces that I can wear in a variety of settings and, hopefully, once school beings again. Earthy prints have been on my radar and I think I’ve found a great piece in the fluXuS Sundance Top in Ikat.

fluXuS is a celeb-fav brand with a California cool vibe and standout basics. The brand’s name was taken from the Latin “to flow”. fluXuS believes in artistic expression through personal fashion and that is definitely apparent! The Sundance Top is made of a soft-to-the-touch blend fabric and features a stunning ikat print in brown, tan, grey and blue (it’s hard to see from the photos, but it’s definitely there!).

Let’s start with daytime:

A tank top is a great base for a summertime outfit. I envisioned this outfit for a day out with your friends or your guy – enjoying the downtown or beachfront area of your city, taking in the local sights and sounds. Throw on a comfy pair of ripped jeans (tucking in the Sundance Top is optional!) and a casual pair of shoes in a bright color, like these ones from TOMS. A fringed shoulder bag adds to the beach bum vibe. If you’re going to be outside, a hat serves fashion and functional purposes by shielding you from harmful UV rays in a stylish way. Top it off with a neutral pashmina and a menswear-inspired watch for a funky look.

And now evening:

Since the print of this top is masculine, I wanted to try and create a very feminine outfit. This philosophy and method can be applied to all masculine pieces in your wardrobe, FYI.

And as a bonus, here’s my version of the nighttime look!

If you want to purchase the Sundance Top from fluXuS, it’s available at their website!

My summer thus far has been filled with backyard BBQs, nights out with girls, day-trips and weekends on the lake. Although shorts and tank tops cut it for all these events, sometimes I just want to be girly and wear a casual, summery dress. Cue the Gentle Fawn Wilderness Dress!

This gorgeous dress comes to just about mid-thigh, making it sexy and sassy, without showing off too much. It’s 100% cotton, so it’s super lightweight, but the detailing is what really steals the show. A beautiful eyelet design decorates the upper part of the dress and the unexpected cut of the top make it super unique! You definitely don’t have something like the Wilderness Dress is your wardrobe.

Let’s start with daytime:

Click on the image to get all the shopping info!

The picnic vibe of this dress is echoed in the woven platform of the wedges I’ve chosen. I love the multi-colored straps; so fun and quirky but really wearable. The coral-toned strap is also complimented by the coral tassel earrings, which are very “in” this summer. Everyone has a black, quilted bag in their wardrobe, so pull it out and add some glam to this outfit with it! Top off with lots of bangles but no necklaces – you need to let the eyelet detailing take centre-stage!

And now onto night…

Click on the image to get all the shopping info!

The lightweight cotton material of this dress makes it REALLY daytime friendly, so you have to step it up to make it work for night. Start by changing out your delicate daytime belt for a hugely embellished one. Lots of sparkles add glam! The blue shoes are unexpected but really fun and make you stand out in a crowd of nude pumps. A blingy clutch matches the belt and and pulling out gold tones in the jewelery keeps your look cohesive but still very sparkly and “nighttime.” A bright lipstick (especially one housed in such a glam tube) finishes everything off!

And here’s a bonus: my version of the “daytime” look!

As you can see, my Wilderness Dress is black! It’s nice that the dress is made in 2 shades, so you can choose which is best for you! I added a plain belt to break the dress up a bit, along with funky leopard wedges. I busted out a black, quilted bag that I find myself wearing all too often. It’s subtle, but the gold-tone hardware of the purse matches the gold-tone buckle of the belt. Little mismatches like that can make your outfit totally off!

If you’re looking for the Gentle Fawn Wilderness Dress, check out Swell and 80′s Purple!