Somehow I think Chinese delivery was a contributing factor here.

This week I’ve been inspired by ThisIsWhyYou’reFat.com… or my own personal struggle with winter weight. Between the Christmas cookies, Starbucks peppermint mochas and, oh yeah, lifting my drinking ban, these have all caused me to pack on the weight over the past three months. I could not be more annoyed with the term “winter weight,” or having to rationalize that I’m not getting fat, just fluffy.

Which is why the only thing I’m asking Santa for this year is a gym membership.

Here are some of the things that might be unfavorably tipping the scales, particularly in this binge-y time of the year.

10. Brunch
My favorite unnecessary meal of the day. At which almost all items on the menu are dripping with syrup. Not good.

9. Driving
Not exactly caloric, but how many times do you hop in the driver’s seat to a destination that’s walking distance? Or for that matter, pile into a cab when you’re only heading ten blocks away. Bad for the bod and the environment.

8. Late night snacking
Those munchies add up, and if you believe the hype, eating after 8 PM is one of the worst things you can do to your body. Read More »

So if you’re like me, part of the fun of being a girl is getting all beautified and purtied up. I mean, beyond the fun that is playing with makeup, what’s the point of putting together a cute outfit if your skin looks dry, your hair looks flat and you smell like a thrift store?

Obviously, my all-time favorite one-stop-shop for all my beauty needs is Sephora. That place has it all… not to mention you can pop in there while you’re shopping and freshen up with their variety of samples. (Confession: sometimes I’ll make Sephora my last stop so I can use all their expensive makeup to get ready for the night!) The sad fact is, beauty products are muy expensive-o and can quickly add up.

Good thing Sephora has a nice stock of too-good-to-be-true goodies for under $20. Let the beautification begin! Read More »

It’s the holidays – a time for family, good food and, most of all, great parties. But what is all of this without a great outfit? And I mean, sure – the sexy dress, the hot boots, the plush sweater, the perfect jeans; they all make a lasting impression, but it’s nothing if you don’t have the right accessories. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hats, rings and even belts all make an outfit pop. And so, in honor of what I think could possibly be the most important component of an outfit, I give you:

It’s On: The Accessories Edition.

And yes, it’s a triple play! Read More »

So Hanukkah begins on Friday and Christmas is 17 days away, which means it’s time for holiday parties, dinners, and gatherings of family and friends. And that means you’ll need some super cute looks to show off.  Of course after buying gifts, paying travel expenses to go home, and all the other stuff you’ll be spending on this holiday season, spending money on yourself probably isn’t the most reasonable idea. But you don’t have to ruin your budget (or your reputation by re-gifting…) to look fantastic.

Here are 8 items under $20 that you can add to your wardrobe to make it extra festive. Read More »

I’ll be honest: I always thought Alloy was for the 12-17 age group, but then I started flipping through their merchandise and realized that they have a ton of cute stuff for us more sophisticated ladies. I mean, how could you not love this dress!?

Their regularly priced stuff is already reasonably priced, but they have a huge sale/clearance section that is even better. Another bonus: they have a wide range of sizes from petites up to plus-size so it’s a great option for you skinny minnies and us curvier gals.  Here are a few of my favorite things (besides raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, of course)… Read More »

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.

Got something awesome everyone needs to know about? Email your “The Know” ideas to Jill@collegecandy.com and I’ll pass them along to everyone right here, right now.

This time of year brings two things to mind:

1. Gifts you need to get for everyone on your list (and, uh gifts you found for yourself while shopping for said gifts)
2. Show-stopping outfits to wear to holiday parties, high school reunions, or your cousin’s bar-mitzvah, which his parents just happened to plan on January 2nd. In another state. And your parents are making you miss NYE to go.

Well luckily for you, this week’s The Know hits both of those must-gets on your to-get list. Read More »

It’s really no secret that Payless carries a bevy of cute, stylish and affordable shoes these days, especially with designers like Lela Rose, Alice + Olivia and Christian Siriano designing for them.

But did you know they also carry a slew of frugalista-friendly accessories?  No? Well now you do, and with their current BOGO (buy one, get the 2nd one 1/2 off) sale you can’t go wrong. Shoes, bags and accessories all under $20? Payless, you are my new BFF. Read More »

I’m pretty sure there is nothing better in life than a really fantastic sale section. Especially at a store stocked with things you already love. Take home some awesome finds on the cheap? Yes please!

Much like Urban Outfitters and Express, Tilly’s is chock full of really cute stuff at a somewhat “affordable” price. But it is in their fabulous sale section where you really hit the fashion jackpot. They’ve got everything from basics to statement pieces to stock your closet, and all of it is ch-ch-cheap. Here are a few items I found to be totally darling and will fulfill your inner frugalista. Read More »