It’s always a treat to find some hidden treasure in the back of your mom’s closet. What’s (arguably) better is finding old photos that make you stop and ask, “you seriously wore that?!” Believe it or not, your daughter will one day be asking you the same thing. Here’s what I think she’ll be pointing to…

initiating the gallery...

[This post comes hot off the Internet presses from our friends at CollegeFashion!]

Denim is the arguably the one wardrobe essential that can be found in every college student’s closet. The right pair of jeans can easily take you from the classroom to date night, making them the ultimate wardrobe must-have. Jeans are comfortable and flattering, and with so many different washes and cuts out there, the choices are endless.

Because we all love our jeans so much, we’ve decided to put together the ultimate back-to-school denim guide for fall 2011. Keep reading to discover the hottest jeans, most popular trends and over 50 cute and affordable denim picks for fall.

Click here to keep reading!

Unlike cupcakes and shoulder pads, there are two things that will never go out of style: the color black and denim. Although once seen as casual pants (and before that, as durable pants for men workin’ in the fields), jeans have become a staple in today’s fashion world. Because of this, women today can no longer survive with just two or three pairs of jeans. Oh no, we need a special pair of jeans for every (and I mean every) occasion.

1. Fat jeans
These jeans are great for a lazy day, but they’re even better for throwing on after a king-sized feast (i.e. Thanksgiving). Usually a size too big and made with “stretchy” material, you can always count on these jeans to fit you, even when nothing else does.

2. Comfy jeans
No, not Pajama Jeans (even though I am considering snagging a few pairs of those), but close. This pair manages to be just as (if not, more) comfortable than your sweatpants. Maybe it’s because they’re worn down or maybe it’s because they’re labeled as “relaxed fit”; either way, you feel great in ‘em and probably wear them a little too often.

3. Old jeans
Saggy knees, a few holes in a variety of places (like where your thighs rub together), torn to shreds on the bottom from dragging them along the street over the years, these jeans have definitely seen better days. That doesn’t stop you from wearing them, though, and try as you might, you just can’t bear to part with them.

4. Skinny jeans
The last thing a girl needs is for her bootcuts to get all bunched in her boots. Enter: the skinny jean.

5. Skinny jeans
Remember that time you gave up everything besides lettuce and water for Lent? Yeah, you also bought these jeans to celebrate your little weight loss achievement. Unfortunately, they’re so tiny that you only fit into them for a few days (if that) per year. Keeping them on the first hanger in your closet provides some good workout motivation, though.

6. Going-out jeans
You look hot in these jeans and you know you do. They fit snug as a bug in a rug and, damn, your butt looks good. They may not be the most comfortable things on earth (as in, you have to lay down on your bed to zip ‘em up), but that’s the price you pay for lookin’ hot.

7. Jeans for heels
Because god forbid the tops of your feet show in those new 4inch platform pumps.

8. Jeans for flats
Because god forbid your jeans drag on the ground in those new sparkle Toms.

9. Casual jeans
Too light to wear out to the bar but too fitted to lounge around in, these are your go-to jeans for those in-between days. And while you’re most likely wearing them with flats, they should not be confused with your jeans for flats.

10. Trendy jeans
High waisted, wide legged, bright skinnies, trouser, boyfriend, distressed, jeggings, cropped…. The trends are always changing and you gotta keep up.

Gosh, jean shopping is exhausting!

How many pairs of jeans do you have and which are your favorites?

Happy 4th of July ladies!

I hope you enjoy this holiday and appreciate the day off. Whether you’re spending it at the beach, watching fireworks, or firing up that grill, July 4th is a day to celebrate. It’s a day to reflect on how we got here and remember the people that made this country so great. It’s a day to appreciate our country and everything it has to offer us, whether it be the big things or the little things.

Today though, today I’m going to focus on the little things…

10.  Driving. On the right side of the road that is. I don’t have much experience abroad, and I have absolutely no experience driving abroad but I can tell you this much: I don’t think it would work out to well for me. So yes, I’m thankful to have my Jeep, and my license, and my ability to drive on the right side.

9. Red, White, and Blue. Primary colors often get a bad rep. But there’s something  great about red, white and blue- when the three are thrown together, whether that be on the American flag, or an Uncle Sam outfit.

8. BBQs. Nothing says America quite like a good old hot dog or hamburger right off the grill. (The fact that neither hot dogs nor hamburgers were invented here is completely irrelevant.)

7. Football. I know other countries have football as well, but their football is actually our soccer. Which makes sense because in soccer you actually use your feet. I don’t know why we call it football, but I love the sport all the same. And I appreciate the irony.

6. Thanksgiving. A holiday dedicated to, amongst other less materialistic things, eating so much food that we bust the buttons on our jeans? Dedicated to turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie? Yes, please.

5. Our Youth. Not so much American teenagers on their own, but rather our collective youth. As a country. 235 years old may not seem too young but in comparison to most well-established countries, we’re spring chickens. Yes. I  did just say “spring chickens.”

4. Apple Pie. Why apple pie is such an American tradition I’m not so sure. I just know that it is. And I appreciate that. In fact, I appreciate it even more when it’s pipping hot and topped with vanilla ice cream.

3. Jeans. When I went to London in my junior year I was shocked and appalled by the lack of denim. I know America invented blue jeans and because of that we embrace it wholeheartedly, but it wasn’t until then that I realized other countries had not. I’d never survive.

2. American Authors. I know that when most people think of the classics they think of British Literature, but  America has some pretty amazing author as well. Fitzgerald. Twain. O’Connors. McCullers. Hemingway. Dickinson. Whitman. Just to name a few…

1. The Melting Pot. Yes, there’s an overlying “American” culture but part of what defines that culture is the diversity of our country. There is no one way to be an American, and that’s all sorts of freeing.

Time to turn this into a  love fest. What are the reasons you love the U.S. of A? 

Citizens of Humanity is a denim cult-favorite. Celebs and fashionistas are constantly spotted in their styles and they are conscious of trends while staying with classic shapes. My favorite thing about this particularl style is that it comes in several washes, so you can really customize. If you’re going to be wearing these more as a business-casual pair, then go darker, but a lighter pair will be great for transitioning from day to night. Either way, make sure to get the wash that you feel looks best on you!

They feature two round-stitched front pockets and back patch pockets and a 9″ rise, which means they aren’t super low. These will sit comfortably on your hips, but you won’t have to worry about exposing the dreaded plumber’s crack! And, you have the option of going REALLY 70′s and tucking your shirt into your waistband. The flare is a generous 26′, which I think is just perfect. It’s very clearly a flare-leg, but not in the realm of ridiculous.

Let’s start off with my daytime look:

Click on the image for all the shopping deets!

Because the jeans are so very 70′s, I went with that vibe for the daytime look. The muscle top with the ethnic print gives the outfit a focal point and then I pulled colors from that for the braided sandals and scarf. The fringe purse was an absolute must, of course in a natural leather or suede (or faux!) material and a neutral color. For jewelery, a simple leather cuff and layered necklace added to the boho-chic vibe. I could definitely see a starlet sporting this look at a music festival or while meeting a friend for lunch.

And now night:

Click on the image for all the shopping deets!

Nighttime demands a lot of classiness and since jeans are naturally so casual, I needed a fancy top. The lace fabric was just the thing, and with a swing bottom it feels really formal. I adore the summery yellow shade, but a deep purple or even a black would be equally appropriate. I had to stick with the decade and pair this with a platform sandal with leather and stud details. A sequin wristlet adds to the formality again, and a neutral color such as this will prove to be very useful in your wardrobe. I couldn’t resist adding the headband – I always look for an excuse to wear one and these jeans are just too perfect! Just one standout piece of jewelery, like this cocktail ring, will ensure you don’t look like you’re trying too hard. A nude lip just screams summer and finishes this off nicely.

Citizens of Humanity jeans are available all over the place and I’m sure you can find a store near you that stocks them! Be daring and try a Super Flare this summer.

Dear Mr. Thong Inventor,

I would like to preface this letter by saying that your work has made a large yet incredibly skimpy contribution to my adolescent years. And while I do believe in the nobleness of your cause, I am rather puzzled by the method to the madness of such an invention. As I hold up the tiny piece of fabric that is my underwear, several questions come to mind, such as:

Which came first: The thong, or “The Thong Song”?
The first time I heard The Thong Song, I was 11-years-old. Try explaining to a sixth grader, still under-clad with flower-print Hanes granny panties, the concept of a thong. Watching a leprechaun of a man do cartwheels on the beach doesn’t really do that good of a job of explaining the exact science behind the thong. In fact, I’m pretty sure I thought he was singing about summertime footwear up until 2001, when I realized I needed to wear this contraption to be socially acceptable.

Where the devil did you get this genius idea?
Was it a public service project? Did you see one too many VPLs (Visible Panty Lines, for you not-in-the-knows) and proclaim “I’ve had it! I’m inventing buttless underwear!” To you, Mr. Thong Inventor, going commando just wasn’t an option. Now that point I can understand, as I probably have not washed my jeans since the opening night of “Sex and the City.” And who really likes walking around with that, “I’m wearing the pant equivalent of dirty underwear” feeling all day? Yeah, neither do I. So really, Mr. T.I, you were the answer to my laundry-lazy, VPL-phobic prayers.

How the hell did you get it to catch on?
No seriously. It takes pure skill to get a woman to try on a permanent wedgie, let alone make it a long lasting trend in the sexy lingerie industry. Think about it: it’s a tiny scrap of cotton, satin, silk, or pearls (hey, I dunno what kinda stuff you’re into…) that is designed to chill between your butt cheeks all day. But women still go crazy for them! They even tease other women that don’t wear their underwear up their ass.

I remember my friend Emilie was the first of our 8th grade “group” to wear a thong. She finally caved in after much ridicule from her older sister regarding a tragically obvious VPL in a tacky polyester skirt (honestly, can you blame the older sis?). The day of her thong debut, she literally screamed in agony every time she bent down to open her locker. Even after witnessing her shriek six times before the end of third period, I still thought “Man, I gotta get me one of those!”

Even now, as a “mature” college girl, I will not be caught dead touching a pair of grannies, let alone wearing them during a hook up. You didn’t just sell them to the women of the world, you fooled guys into thinking they were the sexiest form of underwear. Yeah, I get the whole “more is better” thing when it comes to women’s asses, but that still doesn’t really explain to me why butt floss is an attractive option. You must have had to have some pretty solid endorsements to sell this baby to the masses. In this case, I think this product would even be a toughie for the OxyClean man (and that’s saying something – that guy could get me to buy anything). Was Sisqo dancing around a few lubed up beach babes really all it took?

Please find time in your busy pants-dropping schedule to get back to me as soon as possible. Seriously, we need to talk. I have a great idea for an invisible lingerie line that could really use a boost…

Yours truly,
Miss Thong Investor

[This story was originally posted by Elizabeth - UC Berkeley]

Likey? Don’t worry, there are plenty more faves where this came from.

It’s the week after Christmas, you’ve spent the weekend enjoying holiday treats and all you want to do is bum around the house. It’s cold outside. You’re cringing at the thought of stumbling out into the treacherous terrain, but you made plans to meet up with a friend. Standing in front of your closet, you stare at the few things you’ve got and wonder how you can possibly stay warm.

Well, grab your trusty pullover sweatershirt, and I’ll show you how to wear it without looking like a slob!

Outfit 1:

Product Info: Sweatshirt, Plaid Shirt, Jeans, Boots, Liners, Hat.

Layer a collared shirt under your sweatshirt to give it a more refined look. If you have a plaid flannel shirt, this look will be super cozy, and yet you’ll still look cute! If it’s slushy outside, put a pair of fleece liners inside your rain boots so your toes will be toasty warm! Top it off with a cute beanie and you’re ready to brave the cold… in style.

Outfit 2:

Product Info: Sweatshirt, Skirt, Tights, Boots, Necklace.

A skirt and thick ribbed tights take your sweatshirt from sloppy to super feminine.  If you want to add a little sparkle to your outfit, a bib necklace is the perfect touch, and it’s an unexpected contrast to the more athletic feel of the sweatshirt. A pair of boots are the finishing touch for this outfit that make this overall look comfortably chic. That means you can go meet your friend for coffee in comfort, and still look cute if you run into your high school crush.

Outfit 3:

Product Info: Sweatshirt, Cords, Blazer, Shoes, Scarf.

If you bought a pair of cords this fall, they’re a cozy alternative to jeans during the winter. (Of course, this outfit does work with jeans as well, if you don’t own cords.) I tossed a blazer over the sweater, and then a cute scarf over top. (Seriously, a blazer and a scarf make everything look better!) Chic and warm, the perfect outfit for winter.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got stuffed in that closet of yours.

Boyfriend blazers have been around for several seasons, meaning you probably have one in your closet by now. Like another wardrobe staple, the white oxford shirt, a boyfriend blazer can be worn with anything for any occasion – they can even be worn together! When the temperature starts dropping and you start bracing yourself for a season of thick sweaters and thicker sweatpants, the boyfriend blazer will be your new BFF, allowing you to wear all your favorite things in new and warmer ways.

Learning how to layer under your boyfriend blazer is an important skill for the winter but one that will pay off until the snow starts to thaw in May. I’ve got three fabulous options that require nothing more than some creativity and all the clothes you’ve already got in your closet. With this, there’s no excuse for that shapeless winter wear, ladies!

(Note: Almost any style of blazer will substitute in for these outfits- I just happen to be a huge fan of the boyfriend style as it has a looser fit.)

Outfit 1:

The DL: Blazer, Shirt, Skirt, Tights, Flats.

One of the best things about a blazer is that it can easily make just about anything look more polished. For a versatile look that works day or night, weekday or weekend, fall or winter (or spring and summer if you take out the tights!), take a pretty mini-skirt and a long sleeve button up top (patterned or solid will work). Cute on its own? You betcha, but even cuter when you put the blazer on top and layer on some opaque tights for extra warmth. A pair of flats or boots are the last piece for this simple look that you’ve built out of items you’ve already paid for. Boom.

Outfit 2:

The DL: Blazer, Tee, Long Sleeve, Jeans, Boots, Hat.

Want to wear your favorite graphic tee but don’t want to get all sloppy with that generic tee/hoodie combo? Enter: the blazer. Making that simple swap takes your layered look from “meh” to “magnefique” in two seconds flat. If you need even more toastiness, put a long sleeve shirt underneath your graphic tee and add a cute hat over top. If hats aren’t your thing, a scarf is another cold weather accessory that will do double duty keeping you warm and looking cute.

Outfit 3:

The DL: Blazer, Dress, Tights, Pumps, Ring.

Short party dress + tights + blazer = win. You’ll look hot and get to wear all your favorite sexy dresses without freezing your buns off. Just throw on your favorite black pumps and accessories (I went for a statement ring, but a stack of sparkly bangles with the sleeves on your blazer rolled up will also look HOT) and hit the town in high style.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got stuffed in that closet of yours.

[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 (like hot mama, Jessica Alba) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.]

Emma Watson has come a long way from being that little girl in Harry Potter with the big frizzy mane. She has survived the leap from child star to adult actress relatively gracefully, as the wildest moves she has made recently involve going to an Ivy and chopping her hair into a killer pixie cut.

I want her life.

Emma’s style tends to be spunky, but tailored and obviously well-thought out. She loves glam accessories, and a mix of vintage, classic, and trendy pieces. She has a knack for looking incredibly classy and chic, while also totally age appropriate. And seeing as this leading lady is the same age as many of us, we too can achieve such fashion perfection. Even better, we can do it on our we’re-in-college-but-don’t-have-millions-of-dollars-from-our-wildly-successful-movie-career budgets.

Shopping Info: Trench – Forever 21, $32.80; Jeans - Delias, $9.99; Cowlneck Top – Gap, $14.99; Studded Bag – Target, $19.98; Flats – Zappos, $39.99; Flower Pin – Uniquely Dodie’s, $9.95.

Who doesn’t love trench coats? A well-fitted one makes every girl look chic and sleek. I love that Emma added a splash of red via an adorable red flower to liven up and modernize the coat a bit (but you can use any fun, funky pin you’ve got and get the same look!). Combining the coat with jeans creates a casually elegant effect. We can’t see what Emma was rocking underneath the coat, but to me, a boat neck striped t-shirt fits the motif of this outfit so well. Topped off with some adorably edgy lace up flats and an amazing studded bag, this outfit is feminine, flirty, and funky.

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

[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 (like rockstar Rihanna) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble you don’t have to.]

It’s been awhile since Gwen Stefani reigned pop music (yet I know I’m not the only one who still gets “this shiz is bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s” stuck in her head), but she definitely hasn’t been slacking on being a fashion icon. Despite the fact that she has two kids, she never seems to leave the house looking anything less than perfectly coiffed and styled. Gwen’s look is so visually inspiring and fun, with tons of vibrant colors and ’80s-inspired festivity.

We’re getting deeper into the doldrums of winter, but our wardrobes definitely don’t need to be as dreary as the weather, right? Let’s all take a hint from Ms. Stefani and turn up the heat for the long, cold winter ahead.

Shopping Deets: Leopard Pants – ASOS, $24.14; Tunic – Forever 21, $10.50; Jacket – PacSun, $24.99; Boots – Target, $49.99; Bag – Target, $24.99.

Who doesn’t love a great cowl neck sweater? So dramatic, but so simple. Combined with this great contrasting pea coat, the top half of this outfit is so refined and conservative. Then, hello, leopard print! Animal print always makes a comeback in the winter, but instead of going for shoes/tops/scarves, try these amazing skinnies. They’re eye-catching, spunky, and totally awesome. Paired with neutral colors on top, they’re toned down enough to wear to class without looking like you tripped and fell out of a terrible music video from 1983.

Finishing off the look is a pair of badass knee-high black boots and a black crossbody purse that don’t compete with the crazy print of the jeans. This look is the perfect mix of feminine, quirky, and risk-taking, just like Gwen Stefani.

Get more celebrity looks for less here.