[The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. They're like the college Rachel Zoe (sans baby bump). Have you checked them out yet?!]

On any given day here at OU, I’d bet at least 60% of students are rocking The North Face, Columbia or Patagonia (“Fratagonia”, as some might say) outerwear. Perhaps it’s a southern or midwestern cliche, but literally EVERYONE I know owns a zippered or pull-over fleece jacket. And I’m betting many of you probably own one, too. (Admit it!)

As popular as they are, jackets like these are often negatively associated with “the uniform”, as I like to call it. You know, the Uggs/leggings/oversized V-neck/fleece jacket combo that is popular at countless colleges across the nation. While I’m not saying it’s “wrong” to dress this way, why not challenge yourself to think outside the box and rock a more unique outfit?

There’s a way to rock these babies and still stand out in a crowd. Just because you’re in a situation that requires a warm, tough, and no-frills jacket, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up looking stylish. I hope you find this styling challenge as practical and fun as I did.

Tips and Trick for Making a Fleece Jacket More Stylish

Add a funky scarf. This is the easiest way to dress up a fleece coat. A colorful scarf will catch the eye of people around you. Others will pay attention to the texture, or the unique way it’s tied around your neck.

Wear one with a hat. A slouchy beanie adds a laid-back vibe to any outfit, including one with a plain fleece jacket. Plus, you’ll stay super warm!

If you have to buy a fleece, look for unique styles. I love the plush and fur-lined versions I’ve seen.

Pair one with chic shoes. Fleece jackets go great with riding or motorcycle boots, or those cute lace up ankle boot wedges that are getting popular. They also look fine with oxfords, ballet flats, loafers, and anything casual. Read More »

Now is probably one of the best times of the year to think about buying a winter coat. It’s before the first I’m-so-freaking-cold-why-haven’t-I-bought-a-new-coat day, but after stores have brought out loads of coats – and even marked some down! If you’re in need of a new coat this year (or just want something that doesn’t say North Face on the shoulder), Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pick one up. If you’ve moved to a slightly different climate for school, by now you can probably anticipate what you’re going to need to get your butt to class every day; you’ll be home with your parentals’ moolah; and what better time to buy a coat then when you can get one for cheap (Black Friday, anyone!?)?

There are so many styles of coats (and capes!) to suit your personal style and work with your lifestyle. Whether you only go outside when necessary or you need something to watch Quidditch from the sidelines, there’s a coat out there for you. And, damn girl, they are cute! Read More »

[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities are spending $5,000 on an ensemble (like a sweater and skinny jeans) you don’t have to. All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire look. For cheap. Yes, we know - there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Rachel Bilson has lived a charmed life. She made out with Adam Brody as part of her job (sniffle, I still miss The O.C.). She made out with Adam Brody for pleasure. She had a whirlwind engagement to Hayden Christensen. She is going to be starring in an NBC show that was created with her in mind. She has cultivated a reputation for being one of the most consistently stylish and adorable celebrities, she writes a column for one of fashion’s holiest publications (InStyle), and her most recent job title is Eyewear Ambassador for the Sunglass Hut. (I don’t know what that means, but I’m jealous.)

If that’s not enough to make you want to be her, she’s also got some serious personal style.

Rachel’s signature style is a combination of trendy and classic. She constructs awesome outfits by mixing textures, sticking with flattering silhouettes, and choosing eye-catching accessories. And putting them all together flawlessly.

While I may never be able to wake up in Adam Brody’s overly slender arms have her life, I find comfort in knowing I can have Rachel’s style. Even with my meager budget: 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 (like Brittany from Northwestern) 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.]

At a school where most girls’ wardrobes are dominated by T-shirts and going-out tops, I always find it refreshing to spot a girl who takes her style seriously. So after seeing Brooklyn roaming around campus on multiple occasions, I just had to stop her. She has the uncanny ability to look effortlessly cool in every situation. Whether she’s heading to class or dressing up for a formal event, she manages to achieve that difficult balance of looking polished but still 100 percent original.

Brooklyn is great at pulling together pieces that fit together without being overly matchy. Her style is all her own, a mix of timeless pieces and funky accessories. It’s a look that’s often imitated but never quite duplicated–because the thing about effortless style is that trying to pull it off just doesn’t work. It has to come naturally. And for Brooklyn, it just does. Read More »

Oh yes, the most tried and true wardrobe staple known to man (and woman): jeans.

Jeans are an amazingly versatile little thing: you can dress them up or dress them down; wear them in winter or summer: and find them in a seemingly unlimited variety of cuts, colors and styles.  Denim is ALWAYS in in some form or another, and this season is no exception.

Be on the lookout for denim in all forms: jackets, vests, dresses, and even shoes. Not that you should wear them all together. In fact, please don’t. But throwing in the perfect piece – whether it’s some adorable boyfriend jeans, a sexy mini or a pair of  ballet flats – is always welcome and always works. Especially when you’re dealing with cuteness like this. 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 »

Exposed zippers are hot. As in, “if you unzipped this my outfit would fall off” hot (in theory – most items are actually double-layered so no need to worry about someone unzipping you!). They also make a piece more interesting.

This trend, already embraced by celebrities like Kate Bosworth, is a must-have for your wardrobe as it will be going strong well into spring and summer, according to Joyce Chang, features editor of People StyleWatch.

“Whether you’re going more refined or tougher, there’s a zippered look for every one and every budget,” Chang said. Here are a few ideas: Read More »

[Every week our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Sure sure– it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Blah Blah Blah.

Because it’s also the most freezing time of year. You know when your eyes water, then that water freezes and before you know it you are picking iciciles off your eyelashes?

It’s no wonder Santa Clause’s belly is full of jelly – fat keeps you warmer. And with the cold weather, usually all things cute fall by the wayside along with dietary discretion (I mean seriously- hot cocoa and hot cookies all. winter. long. First stop: my thighs! Woot Woot!)

But thankfully, Cameron Diaz gives us another option to stay warm. Not only does it not require us to gain 50 pounds, it’s adorable. Just look at her. Her grey on gery ensemble makes me want to go walk five miles in the cold right now… or hail a cab… or just stand outside and take a cute photo in this outfit.

So with that I bring you this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Cameron Makes the Cold Look Cute!

Read More »

Put down the North Face. Seriously.

That overly priced piece of fleece has been cramping styles of college chicks nationwide for way too long. Not only is it boring and blah (and yes getting it in bumble-bee yellow still makes it blah) – but its making you that girl. You know who I’m talking about: The one who walks around campus in her big sunglasses, tight stretch pants, boots and… NORTH FACE FLEECE.

I’m not saying it’s horrible to be one of those girls – in fact I think these girls get a bad rap for being bitchy and spoiled when that isn’t the case (note: I was one of them). What I am saying is that if you’re going to spend the money on a piece of outerwear there are so many, MANY cuter, warmer, more original, not fleecy things to buy!

Trust me, I understand the “I’m hungover and want to wear sweats to class” line of thinking, I really do. But at least fool the outside world that you care…even a little… and switch up your NFF for an actual jacket or coat. This fall there are just so many cute styles that it’s simply a waste to not wear one of them!

Here are some options to consider when trading in your beloved North Face Fleece: Read More »

Jackets already? No thanks.

(Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters)

It’s hot today in New York. Really. Hot. Even in the air conditioning, I am sweating (ew). Last week, in preparation for some 4th of July swimming, I set off on a mission to find myself a swimsuit. I was looking for a kind of cute, retro one-piece, so I headed to my old standby: Urban Outfitters. When I entered the store, however, I was in shock. Everywhere I looked there were sweaters, long-sleeve plaid shirts and…is that a coat with a wool collar?!

WTF Urban Outfitters?! It’s JULY. I decided to try another store down the street, but was struck with the same thing. Again and again as I made my way down Broadway, I saw Fall clothing up in every window. Yesterday the latest issue of Lucky magazine arrived in my mailbox, chock full of…you guessed it…Fall fashions. I leafed through it while sitting on my bed half-naked trying to cool down in front of my fan. The pages and pages of models in tights and sweaters were not helping. Read More »