One of my favorite places to shop before school is J.Crew.  Everything about it is sophisticated, fresh and fabulous.  But my only issue with the store is that all that sophistication doesn’t come cheap. Sometimes I’ll walk in, pick up a cute skinny belt for my new pencil skirt (from Marshalls…), look at the price tag and try not to strangle myself with it.  $89 dollars for a string of leather???

As I repeat to myself, There are people starving in Africa, there are people starving in Africa, I promptly leave the store empty handed, looking wistfully back at the perfectly put together outfits in the window.

But thanks to store turnover and a whole new crop of Fall fashion pouring into J. Crew stock rooms nationwide, I can finally fulfill my J. Crew dreams. Yes, it’s time for their end-of-summer sale they’ve got some really great goodies to offer, all under $20!  I even spotted a leather skinny belt! Let the celebration commence. Read More »

Now doesn't that just look refreshing?

Maybe it’s just the 90 degree heat that‘s making me dizzy has me thinking summer, but June 21st is just around the corner and I’m already starting to load up on sundresses and break out the plaid shorts. In honor of the simply fantastic weather that the northeast graced me with this weekend, I’m counting down the 10 summer must-haves.

Don’t worry, you have a whole month and a half to get everything on the list! Read More »

[While everyone is fabulous in their own right, we thought we should celebrate the campus fashionistas of the world for their continued excellence in not looking like a hot mess for class. So, we started stalking those girls on campus (can we just talk about Jessica's romper?) to get a few pics and get some tips on their personal style.

And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in. You think you’ve got some major style? Know someone else who’s always looking ferosh? Think the world needs to see what she can do?  Send us an email with some photos and she could be the next fashionista celebrated right here.]

Victoria is one of the most creative people I know. She’s an art and marketing major who can make anything look perfect, whether it’s her website, her dorm room or herself.

There’s really no way to classify Victoria’s style. She knows how to mix casual and extravagant pieces, creatively combines west- and east-coast style, and always has the perfect accessory to top it off. She’s definitely one of the best-dressed girls at Simmons. Read More »

Hot daaaamn or hot mess?

[It's pretty obvious that the average CollegeCandy reader has some very strong opinions. Opinions that she likes to share with everyone on the site. We love a strong woman (unless she happens to be charging at us with her fists raised), so we thought we'd give her a real forum to discuss her thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Every Friday I'll be featuring a hot topic (like grad school!) and leaving it up to you, the readers, to duke it out. So, read it and get your debate on in the comments section below!]

Ok, I noticed this one floating around out there early this fall and the time has come for somebody to say something – what’s the deal with wearing socks with our summer heels? At first I thought it was just J Crew trying to make socks sexy or cute or something that will make us want to buy them, but I just finished reading the new issue of Glamour and they had a photo spread where nearly half the pics showed the model with thick strappy sandals or peep-toes + socks.

Admittedly, these were nice, colorful socks – not your gym variety – but still, I’m torn about whether this is OK.

On the one hand, anything that gives me a chance to wear my pretty summer shoe collection more than just a measly 3 months out of the year is a good thing in my book (hey, those things cost money!). And I have to admit, I’ve been a sock fan for a while now but rarely have a chance to wear anything more exciting than the white tennis-shoe variety. So it seems like two rights should make a right, right? (OK, that was confusing.) Plus, on the models, I can’t help but find the look kind of cute in a funky sort of way, so why not give it a try? Warm toes plus cute shoes is a total win! Read More »

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 »