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So I barely look at my mail. Save for my magazines and some choice catalogs (J. Crew, Banana, Bloomies, to name a few), I hardly give my mail a second glance before tossing it in the growing pile on my desk. (What’s the point? Most f it is earth-killing junk mail from Bank of America anyway.) But the other day, staring at me like a beacon of light was a NEW catalog. Something I had never seen before.

The cover called to me.
The clothes looked cute.
And the models looked like they were having so much damn fun in those cute clothes.

What was this stranger lurking in my mailbox? I searched the cover, fully expecting it to be some super special fall lookbook from J.Crew.  And then I saw it:

“Introducing Canvas 1963, by Lands End.” Read More »

I do believe it is officially mid-August, which means most of you will be headed back to campus in the next few weeks.  It also means Back to School shopping is well underway, an occasion that might as well be deemed a national holiday.  As a B2S pro, I’ve been asked by my adoring fans girls I used to babysit what items they should snag for a foolproof freshman wardrobe.

Trying to piece together outfits that go from classroom to frat house basement is indeed a daunting task, but it can be done.  Here’s how to look ten times better than missy in the denim skort trying to steal your place in the keg line:

Get a go-to top. Make it frilly, make it fun. This will be the one top you can always rely on when you think you’ve got nothing else to wear.  Snag it in a color other than black so you’re sure to stand out, but also be sure it’s machine washable.  Finding a dry cleaner near campus is so not worth the cost or effort.

Take it into autumn with the perfect fitted jacket. This season is all about military inspired details, and outerwear is the perfect place to show off your fashion know-how.  Go for an army jacket with a slim, feminine fit to keep you warm when summer evenings turn into crisp nights.  Throw this one from J.Crew over your favorite sleeveless top and a pair of skinny jeans for the walk to class or the stumble home from the bar.

Add a scarf. No, not the chunky kind Mom knits you for Christmas.  I’m talking about the ones thin enough to twist, tie, knot, and drape around your neck.  Anthropologie hit a homerun with their Stonybreck Scarf.  The funky print boasts a color palate that will match with just about anything and the price is on the lower end of the splurge scale.  Don’t let the roommate borrow this one because you’ll never see it again! Read More »

I’m a firm supporter of the whole “quality over quantity” argument when it comes to stocking my closet.  I believe in having a handful of basic pieces that transcend the trends- a slow accumulation of great handbags, well-made shoes, and basic shirts and pants.  The problem with my little rule is that once in a while I see something so absolutely to die for that I just want to hand over my hard earned cash and make an impulsive splurge purchase.

Ladies, this stripe confetti ruffle shirt from J.Crew is the current #1 on my lust list.  It’s a departure from the standard white or blue button-down oxford we’re all used to wearing when we want to look polished and profesh.

A great addition to your Fall shopping list, it’s a straightforward button down with a cheeky side.  Just look at that ruffled collar!  Check those stripes!  Appropriate for class presentations, job interviews, and looking generally collegiate while posing with the school mascot next to a stack of newly purchased textbooks (wait, does that situation only occur in catalogues?).

Don’t think you need to banish the ruffled goodness to pencil skirts and formal occasions.  J.Crew has hit a home run and created the shirt dreams are made of with this one.  Half-tuck it into a pair of white short-shorts and throw on some cute sandals.  Roll the sleeves, don some aviator sunglasses and you’re stylin’ your way to the football game.

Want to snazz it up for date night?  Add a pair of killer sparkly earrings and stack up a few bracelets when you wear the shirt with a mini-skirt and ballet flats.  But be sure to unbutton the first three buttons so you don’t look like a nun…you do want another date after all.

Get the JCrew look for under $25!

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As much as I try to curb it, I am a bit of a style snob. On a daily basis I find myself thinking “Where’s ‘What Not To Wear’ when you need them?” When winter comes, and the accessories get piled on, my judgment only finds more outlets to put in its two cents. A hat with bunny ears? Is that woman serious? And, whoa lady, that Russian hat looks like you wrapped some road kill around your head.

While I have this problem of critiquing outfits, I also am the first one to admit when I have judged too quickly. I’ve definitely made my share of decisions on how I feel about a piece of clothing or an accessory only to realize once I’ve considered it for a while that I actually feel much differently.

And, I have come to one of those realizations. My mistake? Ruling out earmuffs as horrible Princess Lea looking side buns that would only be appropriate if you found yourself in a tundra of some sort, completely unnecessary for the rest of us, walking to class or running around doing errands.

Of course, like any accessory, there are definitely some earmuffs that should never be taken out of the closet, but to rule them all out is a mistake. This change of heart partially came because it’s been about 20 degrees outside and the wind-chill mixed with the snow had my ears feeling like solid ice cubes about to drop off the side of my head.

The second reason was a woman I saw hopping off the subway, dressed in a plaid pea coat and knee-high leather boots. She was totally put together, and, to my surprise, the puffy faux-fur ear muffs she was wearing looked totally chic and added a dose of sophistication to her already classy winter outfit. Read More »

I have officially decided my heaven will be the inside of a JCrew store…. with a scantily clad, Abercrombie model serving me mojitos.

I’ll be surrounded by ruffled necklines, belted cashmere pullovers, and embellished tees. And of course I will be wearing the Glitter Pocket Cardigan….which has been on my mind since I saw it online while I was shopping during class.

This sweater has quickly pushed itself to the top of my wish list, and for good reason. We all love cardigans – what else can be worn with literally everything and instantly pull an outfit together? (You know it’s good when I can throw it over my walk-the-dog-flannel-pants-and-UGGS-combo and not look like a hobo).

But cardigans are pretty much all the same, which knocks the urgency with which we need a new one down a couple notches. That was until JCrew came out with the Glitter Pocket Cardigan. It’s stunningly chic while still being effortlessly casual, which is pretty much perfection for college students with not a lot of time, but a lot of need to look good (dinners, parties, hot men?!). 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 »

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.

Who wears short shorts? We do! (Even if it means having to shave our legs.)

With such limited opportunities in your life to wear short shorts, you might as well take advantage before the cellulite sets in winter returns.  You’ve been working on those legs for a reason; show ‘em off! But, have no fear if short shorts are not your cup of skin baring tea – shorts come in a multitude of lengths this year, meaning there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for shorts for the beach or shorts for the office, there is something appropriate for every occasion.  So no matter what your price range, style or the occasion, there is a pair (or many pairs) for everyone. Read More »

They say April showers bring May flowers – so while we’re waiting for those flowers to bloom and for summer to mosey its long lazy days our way, why not have some rainy springtime fun? I know it sucks when it rains and you have to trek across campus with fingers crossed that your hair won’t frizz, but with these latest styles, at least you can put a little spring in your step. Read More »

When shopping, I often find my wallet trying to convince my mind that the skirt, the moisturizer, or the heels in front of me are worth the outrageous price tag. But after I make the costly purchase, I wonder—was it worth it?

To help answer this question, I’ve compiled a list of things that I feel are, and aren’t, worth the splurge during our sad and painful recession. My basic rule of thumb? Things that last are worth the cash.

What’s worth it:

Jeans. I always used to laugh at the fact that my friends paid $200+ for jeans…until I tried on my first pair of J-Brands. While you can find cheaper options, the fact of the matter is, most designer jeans are better quality. Invest in a few pairs. They feel softer, they fit better, and they last longer. Your wallet might not thank you but your tush sure will! J-Brand, Hudson, and True Religions are my top picks.

The Iphone–If you can get your fam to join in. Individual plans are pricey, but with a family plan, the monthly rates are much more affordable. The iPhone beats all other cellular choices, plain and simple; it’s genius combo of visual voicemail, thousands of apps (including Shazam, which can detect any song playing nearby and tell you what it is), iPod, internet, and more makes it the clear choice. So worth it.

Haircuts/Hair dying. If you’re looking to change your hairstyle or color dramatically, please go to a salon. Now I’m not saying you should spend $200 to get a trim, but good haircutters/colorists can really make a difference on your do (mom, I hope you’re reading this—put that herbal essences hair-dye DOWN!). So when should you indulge? When you want layers, highlights, or to alter your color dramatically. Or you can get your friend to “work her magic,” just don’t come crying to me when you’re locks are purple and lopsided. Read More »