From StyleBakery: Punk Rock It Out This Fall

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Punk rock influences abound this season with studs, zippers, skinny black pants, leggings, leather jackets and more. Whether you go head-to-toe rocker or wear a single piece to toughen up your look, this trend is singing our song. Here are some of our favorite pieces at every price: Read More »

From Stylehive: Rick Owens and Eastpack Collaborate It Up

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Long ago, I resigned myself to the fact that I’d never own anything by Rick Owens. Leather jackets priced in the area of my rent just aren’t going to happen, even if they’re supposedly comfortable enough to live in. Not buying it, literally. So back when news broke of an upcoming Rick Owens/Eastpak collaboration, I was definitely curious, even though 1) I was more of a Jansport kid and 2) I have no use for a backpack.

Fast forward to now, where the much anticipated bags are available on Oki-Ni. Consisting of sleek backpacks, computer sleeves, and duffels, the collection is pure minimalism, which is what you’d expect from bags designed by a label known for its high-end essentials. It’s all in the details- instead of traditional seams, the bags are produced with a revolutionary welding technology that gives them a luxurious, uninterrupted look and feel.

Basically, we’re saying don’t drag these on the pavement or leave your lunch leftovers in them overnight…

Shopping Your Closet: Toughen Up A Sundress

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The best outfits happen when you mix two contrasting styles to create something totally new. Recently, the feminine yet edgy trend has been spotted on many celebs, including Demi Lovato and Lindsay Lohan. The leather jacket adds a tough element to a floral dress, making a new and totally unique look.

Utilize this mix and match trend in your own wardrobe to create new outfits! The key is mixing dark materials like leather or python with soft, flowing pastel cottons or chiffons. Here are some ideas for toughening up a feminine sundress with stuff you might already own: Read More »

Do It Yourself Tuesdays: Leather Huaraches

greenleatherfootbedBThe summer season is here, and that means the season of sandals! But are you tired of wearing the same Old Navy flip-flops that everyone else has, or are your Rainbows almost worn out to the point of nonexistence? If you have a shoe addiction like I do, these homemade sandals will add a whole new dimension to your shoe closet. And with these homemade kicks, you will never have a shoe twin again.

Huaraches are traditional Mexican sandals or flip-flops made with woven leather straps and rubber soles. They became extremely popular due to their reputation as being long-lasting, comfortable, and inexpensive to make. Oh, and someone in the fashion world decided they’d be cool again. Either way, you don’t have to spend money on a shoe that everyone else will inevitably have – you can make a pair of the originals yourself!

Materials:
Rubber sole material, about 5mm thick
Very long strips of leather (as thick or thin as you want them).
Scissors
A hole puncher Read More »

Wardrobe Wish List: Steve Madden Intyce Boots

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll Steven by Steve Madden boots are just too cute to pass up simply because of the changing climate.

I love tall boots (Read: boots that hit just below the knee) but, because of my height, do not like high heels. Even if I do decide to wear heels, I usually end up regretting it because, well, let’s be honest–after wearing them for a whole day, your feet frickin’ hurt! For this reason, it can be difficult for me to find a suitably cute pair of boots.

But I found some!

The ‘Intyce’ boots, created by Steven by Steve Madden, are basically perfect. They feature a tiny wedge heel and come in both black, and a rich brown that Steven refers to as “cognac leather.” They have a cute, adjustable buckle detail at the top that you can show off when you tuck your skinnies or leggings into them. And if you’re missing your Uggs, you can still wear these boots this summer with a dress and not look completely ridiculous. In fact, you can wear them every season! What an investment.

Did I mention that these boots are on sale if you order directly from Steve Madden? Mhmm, they are. You also get a free subscription to Teen Vogue with your purchase! So order them now before they sell out! …I just did!

Spring is in the Bag: Spring 2009 Handbag Trends

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So it’s a new season and that means new trends on all fronts, including one of my personal faves: handbags!

This season keep your eyes open for some of the usual suspects (oversized bags, clutches and pops of color), some rollover from the fall (fringe) and some new looks (well, not necessarily new, but trends we haven’t seen in a while).

Here are some of the biggest bag trends of spring/summer 2009… Read More »

Tuffy Luv Saves Some Aminals

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Got a question for Tuffarella? Email her at tuffyluv@collegecandy.com to be featured in her weekly column!

Dear Tuffy Luv,

After watching a super scary PETA video, I can’t look in my closet anymore without picturing dead animal carcasses. I need places to buy vegan clothes. And shoes if you can. And fast. I can’t handle getting nauseous when I get dressed anymore.

Colleen Read More »

Is It Worth It?

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It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. And in the game of Bad Habits, you will always come out a loser. As I laid in a tanning bed, I thought about how this bad habit was going to affect me in the long run. Even though I love the immediate benefits of this vice (golden, sun-kissed skin!), I can’t help but worry about my future as a leather-skinned freak. Is the bronze skin of today worth the skin cancer of tomorrow? Let’s examine the dangerous games we play and weigh whether the consequences are worth the benefits:

Tanning

Why We Do It: I am addicted to the healthy glow I get from taking a 20 minute nap in my favorite tanning bed! I feel more relaxed, have less acne, and generally feel less self-conscious. When I’m feeling confident, I can stand up straighter, smile bigger, and show off my legs without feeling embarrassed. I feel like confidence enhances my life and I don’t want to go through my heyday without it. Read More »

Rock The Look: Fall Fashion Trends Courtesy of New York Fashion Week

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Even the glamorous world of fashion has been hit hard by the recession. In a time where most people are cutting back, spending money on designer outfits just doesn’t seem reasonable. At this year’s New York Fashion Week, many designers have cut costs by hosting smaller runway shows or gallery presentations.

But more than how, designers have changed what they are showing. Their goal is to show women looks that they must have; looks that will get them reaching for their wallets. So what can you expect to be snatching up for fall? A little of this, a little of that and a whole lot of 80s… Read More »

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ (and Dancing, and Partying…)

Fall and winter fashion is all about boots, and I don’t mean Uggs. Boots can update any outfit, from that cute dress for the bar to those skinny jeans you wear to class. Luckily, there are tons of different looks to choose from for every style…and every budget.

Check out my boot picks for fall below; from the low end to the highest end, I got somethin’ for everyone.

(Click on the pics for more info/to add em to your already overstocked shoe collection!):

Over-the-knee boots

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This thigh-grazing style has been seen on fashionable celebs like Mischa Barton. The look is very fashion-forward and a bit hard to pull off, but when done right can look amazing. They look best with pants tucked in, not with short skirts or dresses with a short hem, which leave you lookin’ like a hooker.

If you are looking to splurge, check out the Joie boots on the left ($475), or, for the rest of us, the Newport News boot on the right is only $49. Bonus: they have a cool fold-over top so they can be worn two ways. Read More »