When it comes to being trendy, anything computer-controlled seems to get overlooked. Usually seen as too geeky to be truly chic, when it comes to fashion, science need not apply.Until I came across Skintiles.

To be quite honest, it took me a few times reading through the write-up on these things to really get what the hell they are, so let me give you a simplified run-down:

It’s like a mood ring that you can stick on your body, much like jewelry, except instead of whatever mystery substance is in those rings, Skintiles are completely electronic!

Get it? Read More »

Getting fashion inspiration from TV and movies is nothing new. I can remember riding my bike around my neighborhood during the summer after fourth grade, dressed just like the girls from Now and Then singing “Knock Three Times.”

Of course, there wasn’t a boy who looked like Devon Sawa and no mystery to solve, but if there had been… well, I totally looked the part.

Emulating a star’s style is easier than ever and with Starbrand and the CW Style Shop, all your favorite TV looks are only a click away. And what better time to try out someone else’s look than in college, when you haven’t quite figured out who the hell you are?

With these online TV looks categorized by brand, episode and character, your favorite pieces are easy to find. And best of all, no arduous searching through website after website looking for a really awesome pair of jeans. All the denim in these shops is to the minute.

They have also made it easy to shop for cute basics and affordable outerwear. It’s like having a whole rack of awesome clothes pulled from every different virtual store.

They’ve already done all the work, and for a lazy college girl, these websites are ideal. Work is a word we tend to avoid at all costs. I mean who hasn’t worn their pj’s to class at least once?

Check out the fall fashion gallery after the jump! Read More »

Cocktail rings: equal parts ridiculous, amazing, and WASP. I remember my Great Aunt Mimi’s honking rings nearly gouging my eyes out when she tried to pinch my cheeks at the Thanksgiving dinners of my youth.

I should have been more receptive to her affection — I could have inherited a few of her ruby stunners. I want them now because cocktail rings are decidedly back in style.

While these rings aren’t necessarily the most sensible of accoutrement, nothing says party like a huge, obtrusive rock on your finger.

Because of their glittery largesse, cocktail rings aren’t too hard to find — but New York Magazine already did some work for you here, and if you’re looking to spend a little less, head to that reliable old favorite Claire’s. Read More »

With my 21st birthday coming up, I want to celebrate in style. The only problem? Style costs money, and I’m in no position to splurge on a new going-out outfit. But I’ve got a secret that gets me compliments on my outfit even from the friends that have seen me in it a dozen times—jewelry.

When I’m having one of those days where everything in my closet is simply unwearable, I go with a basic black outfit—pumps, pencil skirt, and v-neck top—and make a statement with a pair of unique earrings or a bold necklace. That’s why lately, I’ve been lusting after Salonika jewelry.

Each Salonika piece, inspired by the designer’s Mediterranean heritage, makes a statement without being gaudy. If you’re bored with your basic silver and gold jewelry, check out the City necklace—a howlite stone that hangs on a suede chain. And as a bonus, howlite, which looks like turquoise, is said to have healing properties and relieve the wearer of angry energy.

The jewelry in the 2007 Salonika line will run you anywhere from $75-$280, and owner and designer Bryce Gruber says her pieces are made to last. “The quality of Salonika pieces means you’ll still be wearing them in 5, 10, or 20 years at least,” she told me.

Gruber’s pointers on wearing jewelry: Read More »

I’ve always been a sucker for unique jewelry. And, to say the least, Bittersweets NY is about as unique as you get.

The company was created in 2002 by a girl who used to work at a foundry in Brooklyn, welding and finishing art for famous people. Strapped for cash, she moved to a warehouse in Long Island City where rent was cheap and she could still bike to work.

However, the ground floor of her new digs was home to a nudie club. After two years of bouncing fake boobies, she got sick of the silicon, moved to Manhattan, and starting making jewelry in her new bite-sized apartment. Read More »

Cocktail rings are a daytime or nighttime spring staple. So make sure your gobstopper-size finger accessory is bold, bright, and not too matchy-matchy to your outfit.

According to Harper’s Bazaar magazine, “this season it’s not just about the big single stone. More intricate designs with a boho bend are exactly the thing to give our flirty dresses a down-to-earth feel.” You definitely don’t need to pay Harper’s Bazaar prices; I’ve found some great steals from Forever21 and Urban Outfitters that will give you the high-fashion look at a low price.

$4.80, forever21.com $4.80, forever21.com $16.00, urbanoutfitters.com