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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.”

Yes, Lands End. The land of mom jeans, grandma sweaters and not-so-trendy outerwear. Home of those infamous canvas totes. The store between Gap and Aldo that I never once stepped foot in.

But all that’s changed.

It’s like that nerdy boy in high school who you never really noticed unless he was picking his nose and eating it and then when you came home for your first Thanksgiving break he had somehow turned into a bonafide hunk.  In the realm of clothes, Canvas 1963 is that bonafide hunk.

The new Lands End line is brimming with adorable pants (like perfectly relaxed boyfriend chinos), hats (houndstooth pageboy caps that are to die for), and oversized sweaters (with toggles!) that I want to cuddle up in while sipping a Pumpkin Spice Latte. And their knee-high suede boots? Want, want, want. The line is a bit pricier than the standard Lands End staples, but well worth it for the major lack of mom butt. Plus, this stuff looks just like the casual styles at J. Crew, without the majorly inflated prices.

Boyfriend jeans have replaced mom jeans at Lands End and I’m about to be all up on Canvas 1963.
And now that you know, you will be too.

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!

Be practical in your bag selection. But don’t think you need to give up style for function.  Look for something like this bag from Banana Republic.  It’s big enough for books and the leather bottom prevents pens and pencils from poking holes.

Don’t forget to sparkle! Keep all eyes on your with a little bling.  Find some great drop earrings, a studded cuff, or try American Eagle’s antique rhinestone necklace.  The perfect statement accessories will jazz up any ensemble, especially when you’re tempted (and so lazy you don’t even care) to keep it simple with jeans and a long sleeve tee come winter.

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!

George Lopez hearts Conan O’Brien.

Britney shows us what she really looks like.

Should you pay for college with a credit card?

50 Cent’s got a secret…and Rufus Wainwright knows it?

What’s with all the scary arms, Hollywood?

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.

I immediately went scouring the internet for a similar pair and found what I was looking for at J.Crew. Their Toscana Shearling Earmuffs come in a rich chocolate brown, and the suede band is super soft and doesn’t leave your hair tangled and static-y.

The fact that these earmuffs are super cute (reminiscent of an old vintage pair I see my great grandmother wearing in pictures), and give me the ability to walk down the street without the wind-chill sending piercing pains down my ear canals is enough to change my vote.

The hats with the bunny ears flopping on top, however, still have some major convincing to do.

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?!).

It’s made of merino wool, which is heaven to my skin’s ears since it is dreading itchy winter sweater season. It’s a longer silhouette hitting below the hip, meaning you don’t have to worry about the tank underneath riding up all night, revealing your inner plumber. And the embellished pockets are fresh and unexpected…and just totally fabulous.

It’s not quite in my price bracket, but since wonderful JCrew gives a 15% student discount it’s definitely on its way to being there. Plus, while I’m there I can get a complimentary personal shopping appointment, where some magical JCrew employee will style me in all the latest fashions. That’s a deal too good to pass up, even for a cocktail-poor, 99-cent-Ramen-dinner-eating college girl.

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.

And when the colder weather gives way to Spring once again, I can simply peel off my layers of opaque tights and belted cardi’s for a simple shorts and t-shirt deal that will scream glamorous while feeling relaxed.

Working five hours to afford it seems only a minor speed bump in my race to being the chicest girl at every occasion this month…and next.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/09/21/wardrobe-wish-list-jcrews-slub-cotton-crystal-necklace-tee/feed/ 3 Brianna-Fordham University jcrew 1 http://collegecandy.com/2009/07/02/fashion-porn-short-orgy/ http://collegecandy.com/2009/07/02/fashion-porn-short-orgy/#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:00:07 +0000 Leah - Ryerson University http://collegecandy.com/?p=33922 ]]>

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.

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.

Umbrella(ella ella)s:
First and foremost, umbrellas are a necessity in the rain. They may seem like a hassle to carry around, but with different styles ranging from purse size to Mary-Poppin’s-sized umbrellas, there is no need to get wet.

Looking for something standard? Try Raindrops for all your practical umbrella needs – this website even has umbrella’s for animals! Need something compact? Try Fred Flare’s adorable Rain Parade Mini Umbrellas. Into something a little more sophisticated and sleek? Umbrella’s & Beyond has an assortment of “Leighton” style umbrellas featuring classic colors such as Tiffany blue and a beautiful green Kyoto, as seen below.

Raincoats:
Want to stay extra dry? Get a raincoat. Trench coats are the usual go-to coat when it comes to rain, but they can look dowdy. Good news! Newer styles are getting rid of the length while keeping the coverage.

Check out Nordstrom’s Short Trench Coat for this less bulky look. If you don’t mind a little extra length to help protect from the rain, go for the Michael Kors Notched Collar Trench, which comes in four colors: black, British khaki, palm (a green), and red. Nothing says spring and summer like this palm colored coat:

Want something a little cheaper for the season? The Gap currently has spring appropriate pastel colored trenches on sale, which can be tied off with the jacket’s own belt or a ribbon for some added fabulosity.

Rain boots:
My favorite rainy day accessory always ends up being my rain boots. Whether they come from Target (who can beat Target’s $24 rain boots that come in a slew of colors, patterns, and types?) or JCrew, these boots serve the purpose of keeping your pants away from the water and your feet dry. These rain boots, also known as Wellies, can change any drab rainy day into something fun. Especially considering all those puddles you can jump into without getting soggy socks.

Want a unique pair of Wellies to reflect your personal styyyyle? Definitely check out Wellie Art; they have boots ranging from pink polka dots to white stars, giving your rainy day an immediate boost.

All this rainy day style finally makes me want to go singin’ in the rain.
And staying try, to boot.

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.

Basics. But only ones that you will use and use and use. This includes: a little black dress, a spring jacket, a few pairs of jeans (see above), a pair of STURDY flip flops–Reef, Teva, JCrew (watch out for water on those last ones–very durable, but zero traction)–etc. You be the judge of what’s a necessity…but don’t go overboard. Those Prada shoes are NOT basics.

What’s not:

Heels: While our feet are precious, you can pamper them without spending hundreds of dollars. There are great shoes out there that are well made, and bargains. I don’t know about you, but when I wear heels out to party, they are usually covered in dirt, sweat, and other people’s footprints by the time I get home. Point being, I’m not about to go throw my savings on a pair of Jimmy Choo’s. Instead, I love to shoe-shop at victoriassecret.com, shiekhshoes and DSW. To get your fix of strappy goodness, check out these (cheap!) beauties.

Manicures: Unless you’re extremely uncoordinated, DIY manicures can yield results just as pretty as those from a salon. Even better than do-it-yourself? Grab a friend and paint each other’s nails. One tip: After clipping, filing, and moisturizing your hands, buff each nail’s surface with a very rough buffer—this will help the polish stick and stay put for weeks. For summer, I adore bright shades. Try Essie, a cheap polish brand that has everything from neon yellows (great with tan/dark skin) to bright reds (beautiful on the fair).

Toiletries: Taking care of your body and face is important, no doubt, but people really underestimate the effectiveness that cheaper products can have. My $7 face cream has quenched my skin’s thirst just as well as my friend’s $50 bottle has quenched hers. And my Maybeline mascara has plumped my lashes just as well as that Dior Show I mistakenly purchased once. Until your skin is ridden with wrinkles and you need some serious skin care products, stick to affordable options.

Underwear: My opinion on undergarments? If they’re not visible, they shouldn’t be blasting your budget. And as for the claim that guys like when girls wear expensive, intricate lingerie? It’s false. I can assure you that the guy you’re sleeping with won’t care whether you’re wearing a bra from gap or La Perla–he’ll just wanna get that thing off! That said, it’s fun to feel comfy and sexy, even if you’re alone in the comfort of your own dorm room. Victoria’s Secret’s 5/25 undies deals are awesome, and they come in tons of cute styles, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice feeling sexy for staying on a budget.

Sunglasses: While designer shades can look pretty sleek, $15 ones can too. And since I lose my sunglasses about every 5 minutes, spending hundreds on them seems pretty dumb. Urban has a lot of funky choices that will fit a tight budget.

Gym Membership: Most universities and colleges offer on-campus gyms, but if you’re a graduate, or your school is lacking facilities, take the opportunity to get outside. Spending hundreds on a gym membership is not worth it when you have the great outdoors! Run, walk, hike, or do some at-home workouts—for free! Whatever floats your boat.