With all of these trends milling around in fashion spreads and tabloid magazines, I can barely keep my head on straight.  What do I buy? The fringe purse or the fur vest!?!? Jeggings or slouchy pants?! [Deep breathing.]

But let’s get real: in one month fur vests will totally be out and you’ll be looking down at your werewolf vest and clogs wondering what the hell you were thinking.

That is why we need to get smart and go ‘back to basics’ with simple tees, cardigans, and timeless colors and styles.  The best place to conquer a closet full of clothes that always last and go with everything? A little three letter word we know and love: Gap. And the best part? You can stock up on these timeless pieces for under $20.  Boo-yah.

This slouchy, over-sized tee with stand-out stripes is perfect for a fall day. How great would this top look with jeggings and knee high chestnut boots? Or under a boyfriend blazer with a pair of dark wash jeans? Put a basic with a trend and you’ve got yourself a keeper!

Fit to perfection, this top can freshen up your jeans (just add a cool necklace) and turn a messy hangover into a crisp and put-together ensemble. It comes in red, gray, white, purple and blue. For only $15.00 a pop, buy a few!

This delicate floral print would look great paired with a jean jacket.  It’s sweet, floral attitude mixes innocently with the classic button up style.  It’s very Reese Witherspoon meets Kate Hudson.  Loving it!

These pleated crop pants are great for a day in the office (with some pumps that show nada toe) and great for a switch-over to happy hour with the lasting rays of the summer sun. Always love a chic enough for the office, hip and slouchy enough for after hours deal at the Gap!

The pleats in this fitted skirt are giving it enough personality to look great chic or casual.  Paired with tights, it can transform itself into a winter business outfit. Pair with a cute skinny belt for a put-together look for cheap.

Everybody can always use a versatile zip-up, but sometimes they are so hard to find in the cheap. (I’m looking at you, American Apparel!) This classic hoodie (with a fitted silhouette style) is an ideal $19.99 find. Pair with your favorite premium jeans for a casual stroll through the quad. Also comes in cream.

LOVE these paired with a casual sweatshirt and track shoes.  You can wear them for a brisk run or to your study hall (well, hopefully after you wash them…).  They look comfortable without being sloppy, are far more friendly on the wallet than a pair of Lululemons, and may or may not be your new BFF.

Finally, I’m going to sound off with a simple yet unique tee.  I always find myself wanting that perfect tee to wear on the fly with some leggings.  And I found myself the perfect pocket dream.  And for only $12.99? Gimme, gimme.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/09/14/8-under-20-gap-back-to-basics/feed/ 3 Brittany - University of Saint Thomas 8under600x360 stripe shirt fitted tee floral button down slouchy pants pleated skirt fitted hoodie yoga pant pocket tee http://collegecandy.com/2010/07/26/wardrobe-wish-list-victorias-secret-lacy-hoodie/ http://collegecandy.com/2010/07/26/wardrobe-wish-list-victorias-secret-lacy-hoodie/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:00:41 +0000 Brianna-Fordham University http://collegecandy.com/?p=67873 thinking about Back To School! The time when the dorm assignments flow in and you start mentally decorating your new room. When you start packing and having late-night Gchats with your friends about your first Welcome Week party. When you start searching Amazon for the cheapest books you can find and, more importantly, your go-to comfort pieces for the season. ]]> It’s that time of year again: time to start thinking about Back To School! The time when the dorm assignments flow in and you start mentally decorating your new room. When you start packing and having late-night Gchats with your friends about your first Welcome Week party. When you start searching Amazon for the cheapest books you can find and, more importantly, your go-to comfort pieces for the season.

This wish list is partly out of courtesy to all my fellow hoodie lovers and partly out of denial about my current life-after-college situation (while you lucky college kids can rock hoodies and sweats all day, every day, it is unfortunately no longer socially as acceptable for me to do so). But regardless if it’s acceptable or not, the Lacy Hoodie from Victoria’s Secret will most definitely remain at the top of my wish list.

No one can deny that the purpose of a hoodie is 100 percent comfort, but when it also boasts edgy fabric and modern details it is for sure a must-have, college schedule or not. Sharing the mullet’s motto, the sweatshirt is all business in the front (with a simple black zip-up) and party in the back (with hot pink satin and a lace overlay).

There is no question how a student will add this into their wardrobe – thrown over a white tank and yoga pants for early morning classes 0 but how a recent grad can slip this item in is a little less obvious.

Last year’s layered trend is still totally in for fall, and I’m in love with the thrown-on-casual look of a tee-hoodie-jean jacket combo. Who isn’t? But swapping out your old college hoodie for the Lacy Hoodie adds an extra ounce of rocker-chic and awesome to an otherwise laid-back weekend look. I’m thinking Saturday afternoon errands in a loose boyfriend tee, the edgy hoodie and a pair of distressed jean shorts. To take the hoodie into night, I’ll transition it by trading the shorts for some dark wash skinny jeans, motorcycle boots and some layered, metal-chained jewelry, creating a bar look that’s the perfect mix of comfort and style. And when I’m sitting in Starbucks in my comfiest sweatpants for hours, scouring the internet for a job, this hoodie will be the perfect transition piece from my lazy college days to my more refined early-twenties life.

I may no longer be able to wake up five minutes before class, slip on sweats and throw my hair in a bun, but still being able to justify hoodies in my wardrobe will make this whole adult life a little easier.

[The following post is courtesy of our most fashionable friends over at CollegeFashion.net.]

Last weekend, we had a bout of unexpectedly amazing weather in Philly that got everyone way too excited for spring. It’s like, once the sun comes out, suddenly nobody needs to do their homework. Practically the entire campus spent the day outdoors, camping out on every grassy spot available in shorts and flip flops — it was great.

On Monday, of course, it then proceeded to rain for an entire day.

Nevertheless, spring has arrived, and the season of puffer jackets and peacoats is officially behind us. That means it’s time for spring jackets. Below are four of my favorite styles, along with outfit ideas for how I would wear them.

1. Cropped Trench

Jacket – Urban Outfitters, Floral Top – Miss Selfridge, Jeans – American Eagle, Necklace – Hannah Zakari, Shoes – Hot Topic

The trench coat is a great classic piece for fall and winter, and now you can get a cropped, casual edition for spring as well! I love the turned-up sleeves and boxy fit on this one — it’s like your classic trench, but for a model-off-duty. Pair it with white denim and a romantic blouse to keep things light-hearted, and finish off with neutral flats to balance out the bolder colors.

Find out how to rock the updated hoodie, safari inspired jacket and denim jackets right here!

Hoodies and zip-ups are foolproof garments when it comes to warmth and comfort. However, sometimes it’s all too easy to look like you’re wearing sweats or gym clothes when you’re rocking a hoodie. Fortunately, there are lots of stylish ways to make hoodies work as part of a fashionable wardrobe – you just have to get a little creative.

Option 1: Layer, Layer, Layer

Layering is an easy way to make your hoodie look less athletic and more chic. If your sweatshirt is thin enough, it’s easy to layer it under a fabulous jacket to add just a hint of sporty chic to your ensemble.

Tips for layering with style:

Make sure your hoodie is not too thick. While warm, heavyweight hoodies are practical, they’re difficult to layer because of the bulk factor. Thinner or worn-in hoodies are best for layering under your cute jackets.

Be creative! Try out lots of different combinations for maximum layering success. A hoodie under a jacket works well, but what about a pullover hoodie under a zip hoodie? Or a hoodie under a blazer? The options are endless – you just have to try things out to find out what looks best.

Product Information: Hoodie- Uniqlo, Faux Leather Jacket – TopShop, Tee- American Eagle, Skirt- French Connection, Necklace- Fossil, Tights- Gap, Purse- Piperlime, Wedges- TopShop

Find out how to work a hoodie with a dress (yes you can!) and other stylish ways to rock your softest and comfiest wardrobe staple here.

Don't know what to get this girl? We'll help you out!

We all have that friend. You know the one who’s all “thanks but no thanks on the holiday cookies – I’m totally cool eating this yummy air.” The one with so much self-discipline she woke up the morning after Halloween, threw her slutty bumble bee costume aside and went for a 7 mile run. The one who is always telling you about the latest workout she is into, health book she is reading or cleanse she is trying.  And, of course, the one who makes you think, “I wish I could be a bit more like her,” as you delve into your giant cookie while watching this week’s episode of the Real Housewives for the FOURTH time.

Yes, we all have that friend and while sometimes you wish you could just give her a big box of cookies for the holidays, there are just a few things she’d appreciate a whole lot more. But what can you get her that will make her happy without packing on the pounds? Try a few of these on for size:

A Blueprint Cleanse: This 1-5 day cleanse comes in 3 different levels so it’s great for the friend who always talks about wanting to try one or the health freak who cleanses 3 times a year. I tried this and LOVED how it made me feel. A great gift to give to your health-freak friends who would totally love the idea of a post holiday cleanse. (It’s not cheap, so consider getting a group of friends together for this one.)

Master Your Metabolism: From our pal Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser, this book breaks down what we are doing wrong and how to fix it so we can stay fit, healthy and feeling great. Jillian knows it all so even health freaks can learn something new from this jam-packed book of information.

Daily Food Diary: This unique little black book will help her keep track of all the grabs here, handfuls there and healthy meals so she can stay on track with that healthy eating.

Thumbhole half-zip hoodie: She’s gonna need something warm to wear post-workout or on that 3-mile run. This adorable hoodie will keep her hands warm but fingers accessible (for finding more Miley on her iPod). And it’s just plain cute. She could wear it anywhere.

Exhale Core Fusion DVDs: Core Fusion is my most favorite workout ever. I don’t know how it works, but my butt burns for days (yes, DAYS) after. The classes get pretty pricey, but now everyone can do it from the comfort of their own dorm room. Awesome. You can get the total pack, but if that’s out of your price rage you can get each DVD for $15 a pop. (And if you’re only getting one, I’d go with body sculpt.)

Fitted Low-rise Yoga Pant: Everyone needs a pair of yoga pants. This particular pair is adorable at an even more adorable price.

Nike Weighted Jump Rope: The best way to get a cardio workout in without having to walk to the gym when its -20 degrees (I’m talking to you, University of Wisconsin).

Nike Running Arm Wallet/Phone Case:  The perfect arm accessory (armcessory?) for any girl who is addicted to both running and her Blackberry.

Yoga mat bag and gym bag: Whether she’s into yoga or the gym these two bags are ADORABLE and fuctional. And let’s be real:  I’ve never met a girl who doesn’t love Lululemon!

Lululemon Slipless Headband: It’s The best workout head band EVER.

Ok, so Delia*s may not seem like the best place to find some threads once you’re out of high school, but if you look in the right places, it’s a wardrobe gold mine. They have some great basics, even better accessories, and a lot of their stuff is trendy on the cheap (especially if you check out their seasonal clearance/sale). There really is a lot to choose from, but here are some of my absolute faves, all for under $20!

Love the feminine lace on this cardi and the ivory means it’ll go with any color.  It can be paired with a cami and jeans, or a simple dress for two totally different looks.

This sweatshirt’s boatneck, stripes and color combo make it a lot more stylin’ than your everyday hoodie and is a great option for those morning-afters when you have no energy to put effort into your look.

Show that you’re down with 2 turntables and a microphone with this tee; it’s one of several under $10 at Delia’s site right now.

The loose fitting v-neck is my wardrobe. It can be thrown on for just about any look. Pair it with a cami underneath for class, leave your chest bare and accessorize with a bib necklace for going out, wear it with sweats, wear it with a high waisted skirt. Sigh. It’s the perfect wardrobe addition.

This dress is perf for a night on the town, but can also be dressed down with a cropped blazer/jacket, a pair of tights and flats.

These mittens are not only adorable, they’re a great way to keep your hands warm in these upcoming colder months, while still maintaining use of your fingers when absolutely necessary (like when you run into an ex and need to text your girls ASAP).

Cords are another great option for keeping warm this winter and the bootcut and low-rise of these makes ‘em modern enough that you won’t feel like you stepped back into the 70′s for the day.

Scarves not only do a body good in the warmth department, they do a wardrobe good as a simple statement piece.  Delia’s has lots of options for all different styles, so pick one out that fits your personal look and rock it with anything from a deep v t-shirt (see, another way to work it!) to a simple black skirt/white shirt combo.

A warm fashionista is a happy fashionista!

There’s a few positions my boytoy and I absolutely looove that guarantee to keep our body heat blazing during those cold fall nights.

One great position that’ll get your temperatures rising is the spoon. This is perfect for when the two of you are just cuddling away under the blankets but still feel like getting frisky. While Cosmo recommends the dude half-kneel behind you, my guy and I like to just stay side by side with one of his hands on my waist to keep the rhythm. The guy lifting your top leg is optional too. If you don’t feel like having your leg dangling in the air, keep your legs down but knees slightly apart for a tighter fit. Instant warmth, no hot chocolate needed.

Still chilly? Time to heat things up with some shower sex! Sex in the shower is fun but a little tricky since there’s always the chance of one somebody slipping. The right position for this small space is debatable, but I found the best way is for the girl to be bent over with her hands on the walls for support while the guy stands behind her. You can also try with the girl’s back against the wall and one of her legs wrapped around the guy’s waist, but its harder for her to keep her balance. Any way you want to try, shower sex makes for a steaming hot time. With this combo of hot water and sweet lovin’, anyone can forget that fall is rolling on in.

When a cold night strikes, a little body heat can go a long way. Trying girl-on-top, with a twist, creates the perfect friction to keep you two toasty all night long. Instead of the girl sitting straight up, she can move so she is horizontally laying over the guy. Adding a blanket over the top creates a nice warm cave for the two of you, but with the heat of your bodies you might not even need it. Another variation is to have the man do most of the work by slightly raising his knees while the girl on top leans over him. No matter how your rubbing, you two will be creating your own fire in no time.

Just because its getting colder out doesn’t mean you have to stop the heat from your sex life! Go grab your boy and start warming up.

“Is that your phone?”

“Yeah.”

“You have a pink phone?”

“Mmhm.”

“Is it, like, your girlfriend’s phone?”"

“Nope.”

“Seriously?”

“Yup.”

Found in a dining hall, on a piece of paper shoved into a napkin dispenser:

“Students! Rise up! Class riot today, 3:00 in the courtyard. Refreshments will be served.”

Two in the morning – a pair of legs is poking out of a broken window. Two guys in striped hipster hoodies are standing nearby, craning their necks to look in.

“No, no,” say the legs. “This isn’t going to work. I’ll still be locked out, I’ll just be locked out inside.”

Ten or so sweaty people in t-shirts and tank tops are clustered around a cooler. One guy lifts the top off the cooler and dumps some colored powder in.

“What was that?” asks one, confused.

“Nothing,” says the dumper. “Just drink the Kool-aid.”

There’s a commotion outside, in the hallway. I poke my head out. A man is sprinting down the hallway with his sweater unzipped, a rhinestone necklace bouncing on his exposed chest hair, and his mouth wrapped tightly around a beer bottle.

Men sit around a crowded table, eating lunch. One of them reaches for a newspaper.

“Dude,” asks the guy next to him. “Why you frontin’ like you can read?”

Nobody laughs.

On my way to work, feeling dejected. I am stopped by a man.

“Excuse me, sir, do you have the time?”

“Uh, um,” I stutter, looking for my cell phone.

“You see,” he says, smiling conspiratorily, “My watch stopped.”

He rolls up his sleeve, and there’s a watch tattooed on his wrist. I grin.

“Thanks for the smile,” he says, and leaves.

Two polo-shirted bros are eating together.

“Wait, dude, hold up. You got an eyelash.”

He leans forward and plucks something from the other’s face. He holds it up.

“Hey,” he says. “Make a wish.”

[photo from www.roadfood.com]

From the first time that I saw you, I knew I had to have you. It was a cold afternoon in winter when my roommate came in from a shopping trip downtown and announced that she had found a new favorite dress. She went into her bedroom, and emerged shortly thereafter wearing beautiful, classic you. I remember how lovely you looked, so artfully simple with your long cylindrical shape and your sexy little ruched detailing, drawing attention to the tatas. I remember us discussing your versatility, how you so easily went from below the knee to just under the ladyparts with just a bit of bunching. I remember admiring the way you wrapped yourself around my roommate’s body so tightly in your spandexy embrace. It was amour at first sight.

Months went by, but I still didn’t make my move. Then, last weekend, the weather became warm and balmy and my roommates and I decided to have some friends over for a barbecue. Instantly I had a vision of you and I, lounging together in the sun, enjoying a margarita. I knew it was time.

The day of the barbecue, I went on a mission to find you. You turned up on 3rd Avenue, hiding shyly in the back corner on the wall. With trembling hands, I reached up and plucked you from the rail. I marveled at your simplicity, your lightness. Together, we entered the dressing room, and after a brief congress, proceeded to the checkout line.

Since that day, we’ve been inseparable. Every morning, as soon as I wake up, I just want to put you on. You’re so easy to wear and comfortable, and yet, so outrageously sexy. Every time we go out together, strangers on the street stop to tell us how good we look. And no matter what I pair you with – heels, a belt, sneakers, a pearl necklace, silver fringe earrings, a hoodie – you always roll with it. Glorious isn’t a strong enough word to describe your perfection.

American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Strapless Ruched Dress, I just wanted to tell you you’re unlike any other dress I’ve ever had, and you’re worth every penny of the $36 plus tax I spent on you. I will eat salads every day for the rest of my life and hand-wash you in cold water because I want to be with you forever and ever until the end of time.

With love from the bottom of my heart,

Lyndsey

P.S. Ladies, buy this frickin’ dress.

It’s unconditional love!

So, in addition to bones, treats, and snacks for your little pup, you could always splurge on an outfit for your mutt! Perfect, right?

In theory, sure. Maybe you have a little dog who needs the extra layers when it’s January and -25 degrees outside. Maybe you throw doggie boots on him when it’s icy (or you live in a city where the sidewalks may tear up your puppy’s feet).

But you know what I do have a problem with?

Hipster dog outfits.

Since when does a dog need clothing from American Apparel?

I mean, if it’s necessary, fine. But I’d like to remind all those girls out there that dogs aren’t dolls. You can’t forget that dog’s are creatures. They’re alive. And unless they’re literally freezing their tails off, probably don’t like wearing clothes.

Before you subject your pet to hopeless trends, remember that dogs hold all the power in the relationship.

If you’re prone to making your dog wear a hoodie everyday, I’d watch where I step for awhile.