As you may have gathered from my previous articles, I am a shopaholic.  Even if I have no money, I can’t help but scour the internet for deals at the online sample sales (seriously, check out Ideeli, it’s amazing).  And even though I can’t always buy sustainable products, I still try to buy in sustainable ways.

Here are my favorite shopping tips to don’t just save the environment, but they can also save you money.

Read on, my fellow “Frugalista” (thank you, Target.)

Shop in stores.  Preferably ones you can walk or carpool to.  Retailers get their shipments in bulk, which decreases the amount of packaging material used to deliver the products.  When you shop online, shipping costs (and all that wasted paper and cardboard) can add up quickly, so spare yourself and hit the local mall (with your reusable tote!). Be sure to try on before you buy so you can avoid the extra gas needed to return something to the store.

Look for local labels.  Try to buy from companies that are based in the your state to cut down on energy needed for transportation.  If that’s not possible, look for brands that produce their products within the United States.  American Apparel, C&C Cailfornia, Splendid, J.Crew, Lucky Jeans, Joe’s Jeans, True Religion, Juicy Couture, 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and Rock and Republic (just to name a few) all manufacture their clothing in the U.S. Read More »

Okay, I, like most girls, love to dress up. I love zipping up a sexy dress, painting on some dramatic cat eyes, and slipping into some sky-high heels.

But I also have those weekends when I am so burnt out, running from class to work to the gym, that I rather curl up in my pajamas and hide under the covers all weekend then spend an hour putting together an outfit.

That’s why I couldn’t be more ecstatic that t-shirts are formal this fall. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius and my new favorite person. There are so many options (these tees are literally everywhere, which means you can find them in any price range), but my favorite is the Slub Cotton Crystal Necklace Tee from J Crew. It’s is ultra classy and chic, while still being unbelievably comfortable and wearable at the same time.

Sure, the price tag is a little steep ($49.50 to be exact), but considering the amount of times I’m going to wear this thing (when I finally get my paws on it), it will be totally worth it.

What makes it even better is that with this one addition to my wardrobe I have enough new outfit combos to get me through every weekend in fall. I can pair it with a skirt and a cardigan for a family function, with some skinny jeans and flats for a dinner with the girls, and with some leather boots and a tailored blazer for an instantly put together/ as-comfortable-as-my-PINK-sweats Friday night bar hopping get-up. Read More »

If there’s one thing I love most about summer, it’s the freedom to flounce around every day in cute sundresses. They’re my go-to look – breezy, easy to wear, and feminine.

Naturally, when I saw this J.Crew Garden Dress I needed to have it.

This is the kind of dress that works in almost every situation: date night, summer cookout, girls brunch, beach-front. With the right accessories, you can even take it edgy.

The Garden Dress is short and flirty, featuring an ultra-flattering fitted bust, and straight cut sillouhuette. The charm of the dress, however, comes from the raw-edged petals that adorn the bust line. If you’re a sucker for ruffles, then this dress is most definitely for you. Just pick your color – navy, papaya, shell, or white – and you have the perfect dress for what remains of summer ‘09. Or, you know, get ‘em all for a little variety.

And, duh, you totally can!  J.Crew offers a 15% discount to college students when you bring in your student ID and shop in-store. Now that you know, run to your nearest J.Crew and grab this beauty and other preppy staples! 15% off means 15% more chinos with flamingos on them!

[Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.]

Once upon a time, khaki was used strictly for military uniforms.  That time has come and gone, and while the word khaki is derived from a word meaning ‘dusty’, it doesn’t have to look drab.  Gap has revolutionized this fabric with their latest CFDA Design Collection that hits stores this week.  Hot designers, such as Alexander Wang and Vena Cava, made this drab fabric fab-u-lous.

While you should run (not walk) to the Gap to pick up these amazing pieces, if you miss out, don’t fear — many other retailers are also offering fashion-forward khaki pieces this spring.  And there is a khaki item for everyone – whether you need shoes, skirts, shorts or a new dress.  You can fill your closet with many perfect khaki items this season, no matter what your price range. Read More »

[Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.]

Sometimes it’s just too cold to go jacketless on a summer night – but that doesn’t mean you have to ruin your perfect summer outfit with a heavy coat, or warm sweater.  While you could chance it, and pray you meet a hot (and chivalrous) man that will keep you warm on those chilly nights, sometimes a girl has to take care of herself.

Fortunately for you take-action girls, there are plenty of cute and cozy coverups that will complete and not clash with your ensemble.  With so many sweaters and jackets, there is a perfect match (or several matches) for every outfit, regardless of your style or budget.  So you don’t have to wait for Prince Charming (because he probably isn’t all that reliable) to keep you warm, because not only can you do it yourself, but you can also look fabulous in the process! Read More »

[Life isn’t black and white. As much as we wish we simply loved or hated things, there is often that whole annoying gray area in the middle. Like, we hate snow in April, but we love the extra layers covering our winter pudge. Or we love late night pizza delivery, but hate when we fall asleep before it arrives... Damn you, gray area; you make decision-making that much more complicated!]

Comfortable but ugly fashion trends are easy to feel torn about. We’ve already covered Uggs and gigantic handbags, both of which can be hit or miss. This season, however, one of the hottest (or ugliest?) trends in denim from all designers happen to be the boyfriend jean.

Love it: Obviously, boyfriend jeans are comfortable and relaxed. They may not be the most sexy pair of jeans in your closet, but they’re great for going to class or lounging in the dorms. Boyfriend jeans give off an effortlessly cool vibe no matter what you’re doing. Plus, they give you ample breathing and eating room–their baggy fit promises to never ever create a muffin top.

For the most part, boyfriend jeans look pretty cute when paired with flats and flat sandals, AND, when worn with the right top, they can look almost chic with heels. Hard to believe, I know. Finally, since boyfriend jeans are the newest “it” item, they can be found at any price range and in tons of stores from Old Navy to J.Crew to Nordstrom. Read More »

We’re halfway (kind of) through winter, which means that we’re closer to spring, closer to summer, and thus totally consumed with job and internship stress. If you’re anything like me, the prospect of sitting across from a scary Human Resources employee while interviewing for your dream job seems almost as bad as not getting Spring Break this year. What if your resume has a typo? What if you forget your cover or letter or your hangover manifests itself during the Q and A period? And, the worst possibility of all, what if you aren’t dressed right??

I have heard my fair share of interview outfit horror stories. A friend of a friend was stopped in the middle of describing her extracurricular activities and told that, in the future, she should try and wear a more “modest” top. My brother wore blue corduroys to an interview unaware of the fact that the company had a shirt and tie dress code. And I can only imagine the looks that some girls must get when they forget that American Apparel spandex do not – I repeat DOES NOT – qualify as pants. Read More »

I’m willing to bet that the vast majority of CC readers enjoy flip flop season more than winter. Any excuse for a pedicure makes me a happier camper than usual, but a good pair of flip flops are liberating. They’re as laid back and easy as your summer evening or weekend at the beach, and they go with everything. What’s not to love?

In my years of flip-flop perusal, I’ve noticed three big brands that dominate the flip flop contingent. I’ll start with my personal favorite and work my way through the other two recommendations accordingly:

Havaianas, available anywhere from Urban Outfitters to your local surf shop. These are your basic rubber flop, but they mold just so to your foot and are extra comfy. I own at least 4 pair of these, the brown are my favorite as they literally match everything. Sometimes Urban has 2-for or buy-one-get-one deals that inspire a backup pair. They work fantastically for just about everything, from shower shoes to the beach, or to just make a cute little summer dress more casual. They’re genius, and if you have bigger feet (like yours truly), the solid ones are often unisex or available in men’s sizes. No one knows the difference. Read More »

Retail is an interesting business to work in. Though there may be some snotty kids your age trying on the entire store and buying nothing, making you hate your life and your job more than ever, you learn that there are certain things you will always miss about that career path, no matter how hellish it may seem. One of these is the employee discount.

After spending more than a year of my college life in retail, I couldn’t bring myself to purchase clothing that wasn’t on sale. I still can’t. I was used to my standard thirty-plus percent discount. And so, walking back into that same chain which shall remain nameless, I am shocked and appalled to see that the brand’s prices have only inflated, and now there’s a handbag line that costs on average more than a Coach.

Perhaps it’s just me, but chain stores striving to be high-end is a huge pet peeve. Take J. Crew as an example, which has never exactly geared toward the sale shopper, but has always had great basics that last forever. Now this prepster Mecca is home to a pair of sunglasses that sells for $275.00. Do they say anything? Do they have an exclusively J. Crew look? No! They’re AVIATORS that every frat boy on the planet bought for no more than $12 at CVS on their way to the bar last weekend. Read More »

Madras, seersucker, Topsiders, oh my! Resort wear has hit the co-ed set in full force. While undergraduates are known as the best of the label whores, sometimes the goal of carefully planning an outfit is more than flattering your figure. It implies, of course, that you’re en route to the country club your parents can afford.

The perk of resort wear is that it’s classy and respectable until it reaches Frat Row. You can be adorable without dressing like a desperate-to-impress freshman, all it takes is a little dedication to the cause.

Collecting argyle sweaters and linen trousers can help you transition into a non-party persona for the workplace with no trouble. Here are some tips for dressing to the yuppie role without coming off as a complete douchebag:

1) Collars down. At all times. Ladies, if you’re going for the cleavage factor and rocking a Lacoste to the bar, pair it with pumps, ass-flattering denim, and go crazy. Unbutton as low as you dare, but find a cute contrasting cami to toss under that pique polo.

2) Set a limit to the number of pastels you go with. Your boyfriend can wear as much pink as he likes, and so can you, but just remember that the phrase “too much of a good thing” came about for a reason. Read More »