Tweed might make you think of a stereotypical professor - the old man (who doesn’t know how to use email) with elbow patches on the tweed blazer he wears every single day, the one that looks like he’s wearing since he started teaching 30 odd years ago. Well throw this image out the window, because tweed is a gorgeous fabric that should be in every college girl’s (and guy’s for that matter) wardrobe.

This gorgeous textured fabric is perfect for fall, especially for the college girls. It’s a thicker fabric that will keep you warm. It comes in several neutral shades, making it the perfect compliment to your rich colored tops. And while the tweed blazer is always a classic, if you feel too stuffy in one, there are many alternatives to work it into your wardrobe. Think winter shorts, dresses, bags, and even the knee-high socks that are so popular this season.

So forget about Professor Boring McTweed and embrace the new tweed of 2010.

[Click the image for all the shopping info!] Read More »

Every morning when I get off the subway to go to school, I have to walk right past Forever 21. And it’s torture.  School been in session for three weeks now, and there has been this super hot navy lace dress (I think it’s a dress, but you never know with that store…) every time I walk by.  Seeing as I don’t REALLY need another dress (remember how I bought 3 in the spring?) I’ve been trying really hard not to go in and buy it in all its gorgeous, lacy glory.  So far I’ve been successful, thanks to the fact that my classes start before the store opens (which might be the only redeeming thing about 9am class).

The good news for me and every other girl out there with a closet full of frocks: dresses aren’t the only way to incorporate lace this season. This dainty, feminine fabric is on everything right now (both in and out of the bedroom), even showing up in some new and unexpected ways. Our girls over at CollegeFashion have even put it on their Back to School shopping list; do you even need another reason to stock up?

Oh you do? Well here are 15.

(And if you do happen to find and purchase that little navy lace dress, let me know so I can live vicariously through your closet.)

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When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges:

1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it).
2. A major lack of storage space.

For these two reasons alone, maximizing what you do own becomes essential.  And that’s why I’m bringing back the Shop Your Closet series. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.  With the growing popularity of 6 Items or Less it can’t be that difficult to remix one item, right?

My favorite clothing item this fall is the utilitarian military jacket.  Originally popular in the grunge era known as the ’90s, a utilitarian jacket in your closet is not only on-trend, but necessary. The military jacket – thanks to its neutral color and shape – is incredibly practical and versatile.  There are very few things that can’t be worn with one and its the easiest way to completely re-style the staples that are already in your closet. Check out Who What Wear to see how the celebs are embracing the army jacket. Read More »

You’ve got your mattress cover, your mini-fridge, your XL twin sheets, and lots of garbage bags, but there is a whole category of dorm room essentials you are skipping out on.  DORMWEAR.  Because, if you’re like me, no matter how hard you try and fight the stereotypical college student walking round in pajamas and sweats thang, there are times you will break down.

I by no means encourage you to wear your sweats and pajamas out in public EVER, but a dorm is a whole other realm of the world.  Having cozy loungewear comes in handy when you want to fist-pump with the rest of your floor while catching the newest Jersey Shore episode.  It’s also handy when you need to do the L in GTL – because everything else you own is stuffed inside that hamper.

But don’t be fooled. Just because you’re lounging doesn’t mean you need to look like a slob. There are so many cute and cozy items out there for you to lounge around in.

And they’re perfect for sleepy time, too. If you’re sharing a bedroom, the person 10-feet away from you will appreciate you wearing pajamas to bed.  And if you’re a sleep-in-a-shirt and underwear kind of girl, try keeping a few of these pieces near your bed in case someone pulls the fire alarm in the middle of the night.  You’ll thank me for this advice later.  Trust me. Read More »

Ladies, it’s time to embrace the plaid.

OK, before you former uniform-wearing girls get all “I spent the last 12 years of my life in plaid, why on Earth would I wear it once I can finally pick my own clothes each day?!” let me explain. Plaid is so. much. more. than the pattern of choice for schoolgirl kilts; it’s classic, it’s versatile and it’s probably one of the easiest ways to incorporate a multicolored pattern into your wardrobe.

Plaid is one of the 10 Modern Pieces Every Girl Should Own and the plaid shirt has become a uniform for both male and female college students.  It’s easy to wear with jeans, super comfy, and looks good even when it’s been balled up on your floor and you only have 10 minutes to make it to class.  It’s also been super popular for a few years, and appears to have major staying power.  If the plaid shirt isn’t your thing, or you want other ways to incorporate your new favorite pattern into your wardrobe, there are lots of coats, bottoms and accessories out there for you! And each one is cuter than the other.

Another bonus about plaid?  If you’re ever in a bind about what to wear to an ‘I love the ’90s’ party, a plaid shirt is your best bet… Take that, solids! Read More »

It’s starting to get hot, hot, hot outside! While I’m stuck in landlocked Alberta, where no one has pools, I’m sure many of you out there are gearing up to start hitting the beach, or hang out poolside on a weekly (if not daily) basis.

Whether you choose to wear a bikini or a one-piece, you’re going to need a cover-up for going to the beach, or even just covering up a bit to avoid extreme sun exposure.  Lucky for you there are some really cute options this year that will easily transition from the beach to the boardwalk (assuming you dry yourself up enough to avoid those pesky wet marks around your boobs…). Seriously, toss a pair of wedges and a few bangles into your beach bag and you can take these things all over town.

So put on your sunscreen, grab your shades and don a cute cover-up as you get ready to hang out by the water!

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A few weeks ago Sarah Jessica Parker inspired Fashion Porn. This week, it’s inspired by someone completely different.  While doing my usual online browsing, I discovered Forever 21′s “Inspired by La Roux” page.  I’ve been drooling over pictures of Elly Jackson of La Roux’s style.  And while I won’t be donning her angular, statement hair anytime soon, I am coveting some of the rock ‘n roll elements of her style.

Very few things scream rock ‘n’ roll like studs and chains.  The metallic hardware adds edge to items, and adds an instant accessory to any piece of clothing.  With studs appearing on everything from shoes to skirts this year, and chains gracing the shoulders and front of dresses, these are two elements easy to incorporate into your wardrobe.   Just remember: while you can find studs or chains on absolutely EVERYTHING this year, be careful not to go overboard. You wanna look chic, not like some reject from an ’80s heavy metal band.

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Oh the joys of summer – sunshine, beaches, the end of school, sandals… and of course, rising hemlines!

As the temperature starts to rise, it’s time to bare those legs, soak up a little vitamin D (just make sure to wear sunscreen!), and enjoy the lovely weather. Sure, you could wear shorts, but then you gotta deal with that whole “thighs rub together and shorts ride up” situation. Plus, skirts are way more fun, and a cuter, flirtier way to show off those gams.

So enjoy the start of summer with a skirt. Here are 16 perfectly adorable options to choose from. Just remember, knees together when you’re getting out of the car.  No one needs to see you pull a Britney! Read More »

My inspiration for Fashion Porn can come from anywhere. (OK, anywhere except actual porn. Have you seen what those people wear?!) Last week, for example, it came from kicking off my third summer in a row by donning a cowboy hat for a week. And this week I’m feeling inspired by none other than Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker and that gorgeous yellow Valentino dress she wore for the Sex And The City 2 premiere.

SJP looked stunning and vibrant in this bright yellow gown, a color that is often difficult to pull off.  But with the weather warming up, why shouldn’t everyone embrace the color of summer? It brightens up your look and echoes the color of sunlight.  It’s the perfect pop of color to add personality whether you’re soaking up rays on the beach or stuck at a desk in your cubicle.

Sure, not everyone can work (or afford) a dress like SJP, but you don’t have to go yellow from head to toe to get its beautiful effect. If you’re feeling a little uneasy there are many yellow shoes and accessories to help you incorporate the color into your wardrobe. Yellow nail polish is another easy and cheap way to add a splash of color to your look. From bikinis to tanks to statement necklaces, there are so many ways to bring a little yellow into your life and wardrobe this summer. So take a hint from America’s biggest fashion icon and slip into some yellow.

[Click on the images below to get the shopping info.] Read More »

Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend, obviously never tried to walk in 4-inch heels – if they had, they’d know that a woman’s real best friend is a hot pair of wedges.

Love how your legs look in stilettos but hate hobbling home at the end of the night? This year, wedges are the answer.  No longer will you have to opt for flats, shove another pair of shoes into your bag, or take a cab 5 blocks to get home at the end of the night.  Wedges give you height and elongate those legs, but have more material pounding the pavement, meaning you don’t have to balance your weight on that super fragile ball of your food anymore. Hot legs + hot shoes + comfort? Be still my heart.

Even better (as if that were possible!), wedges come in all shapes, sizes, colors and styles. You can find some for day (hello, espadrilles!) or night. You can go basic to let your outfit do the taking, or incorporate this season’s hottest trends (animal print, bright colors, nautical??). Wedges really are the shoe for everyone, and I’d like to offer up a big “Thank You!!” to whatever fashion gods decided to bring ‘em back. Read More »