After the judges decided to boot Ra’mon (the most talented designer on the show) last week, I really wanted to boycott Project Runway. There is so much other great TV on Thursday nights (Ace of Cakes, The Office, Community) that I didn’t feel the need to watch the same show that had turned its back on me the week before.

Also, I was invited out to the bar for some tasty drink specials. Clearly $1 beers would trump anything, even if Ra’Mon was still around.

So I went out for some drinks…and then came home to see what shenanigans the Project Runway designers would get involved in this week. And let me say – watching the show buzzed is truly the only way to go. I was wearing beer goggles and everything was just so much better!

The challenge was to design a look for I.N.C., a Macy’s brand. The designs had to be in blue and the designers had to work in teams.

As usual, the designers had to send their models to the Garnier hair studio and the L’Oreal Paris makeup room, and to use accessories from the Macy’s accessory wall which had been stocked with I.N.C. shoes.

I don’t know about you, but it seems like maybe these companies are paying to have their brands on the show. Could it be??

Anyways, the designers worked and sewed and bitched about their teammates. Epperson and Chris had a designer love affair in the back (which clearly blinded them to what the h-e-double hockey sticks they were doing), Nikolas whined about ruffles in the front, and Irena talked. A lot. Homegirl might be a good designer, but her voice is like nails on a mother effing chalkboard. She just needs to stop. Read More »

So I know you’re thinking: “How can you get anything for under $20 at a department store like Macy’s?”

I get it – sometimes I feel like I can’t even afford to breathe the air in that store and I am doomed to spend my life lusting for everything on the over-stuffed racks. But I’m here to tell you it’s not impossible.  Macy’s is all about the discounts and they always have a giant selection in the clearance racks. Most of the stuff is under $50 and a giant chunk of that is under $20! You just need to know where to look for ‘em.

Here are a few of my personal favorites right now. And, yes, a lot of this stuff can take you right into fall: Read More »

Everywhere you look stores are having sales. And I for one am taking full advantage. Find me something (legal) that can make you feel better than getting a Calvin Klein dress for 75% off and I will eat my hat. Ok, maybe not my hat, but I will eat this Reeces Whip that is sitting next to me.

But the internet just took the whole “getting a deal” high and went one step further. Yup, now you can go shopping for free! Hello, FreeNapkin.com! Don’t let the name mislead you – they’re giving away more than just free napkins! This site is filled with stuff that people want to get rid of. For free.

Need a boat? What about a shelving unit for your new summer sublet? Why deal with actually paying for something when you can just hop on over to someone’s house and get it for free? Save your money for more important things in life like cable TV, shoes (because you never want to get those used), or a nice cushion in your bank account for when you can’t get a job after college.

Why would someone ever just want to give something away? Who cares?! They do, so stop asking questions and take advantage before someone else nabs that sweet free couch you’ve been eyeing!

Designer duds – for fashionistas around the world, they are a must-have. But with the economy in the crapper and most of us on a college student or recent graduate budget, finding the cash flow for those lovely labels is a lot harder than drooling over them. However, it is possible to find designer apparel and accessories at very discounted prices without having to elbow some other fashionista in the aisle at TJ Maxx, Loehmann’s or Filene’s Basement.

Just hit the internet.

While the prices are oftentimes still much higher than those pieces you love grabbing at Target, Old Navy, Forever 21 or H&M, many of these items are much higher in quality and can be wardrobe staples for many years to come.

I am personally obsessed with designer denim, shoes and handbags. I don’t have the salary to allow me to buy whatever I want at their normal price and I don’t own a credit card (for good reason – it would’ve been maxed out ages ago), so I have to look for deals. Enter my saviors for retail therapy on a budget:

Overstock.com: This site is a gem! You may not always find exactly what you want, but you can find some great stuff here at even better prices. I got my bf 2 sweaters and a button down shirt that were each originally $75/piece, for $15 each! You can also find great home goods here for awesomely affordable prices.

Bluefly: While things here are oftentimes still pretty pricey, they do give a good percentage off, and I check here often because when they have sales, you can find phenomenal deals. Read More »

A big, comfy sweater is definitely a must-have this winter. It will keep you warm and looking chic, unlike a baggy hoodie. Kim Kardashian and Kate Hudson, above, look cute but casual, the perfect look for heading to class or shopping. Jessica Alba dresses the look up a little by adding a belt and tights.

In order to pull off this look, however, make sure that the sweater isn’t TOO enormous. You don’t want to look like you stole it from your grandpa’s closet. Buy a sweater that is meant to be oversized or go one size up from what you would normally buy.

Here are some stylish oversized sweaters. Click the picture to visit the store’s website. Read More »

I can’t handle Black Friday and that whole getting-run-over-by- psycho-women- to-get-a-pair-of-shoes bit, which is why I dig Cyber Monday. There are deals up the wazoo all over the internet and I don’t have to worry about getting killed by a crazy mob (RIP WalMart worker: people are so sick).

Cybermonday.com has a whole plethora of online hotspots offering amazing sales for whatever Christmas shopping you have left… or if you just want to by yourself something pretty. I’ve already added 30 things to my shopping cart at the whitehouseblackmarket.com’s sale. How could I not? They have 25% off everything…even sale items! Hells yes!

If you’re lookin’ to get the man in your life (be it boyfriend, brother, father, etc.) a new Xbox or some cool electronic toy thingy they would love, here’s a site that gives you a list of who’s offering what. CircuitCity.com is offering 10% off your purchase, as well as some other amazing savings!

For all you Macy’s lovers, like me, instead of making that dreaded trip to the mall, stay cozy in bed and let them come to you! Macys.com is offering free shipping!

And for the rest of your Cyber Monday needs, Shop.org is the place to go! It’s got everything from savings to strategy!

Why leave the house when you can get everything you need from the comfort of your cozy bed? I mean, shopping in your PJ’s is the point of the internet, isn’t it?

We all look to magazines for our fashion sense and know-how, but what if we can’t afford all those styles in Elle and on the runway? College Candy understands your pain (because we also like to split our budget between cocktails and clothes) and we want to help you get the fabulous looks at a fraction of the price.

This winter jeweled clutches are all the rage. After Sex and the City, Fendi has become way more popular, but who can REALLY afford a small clutch for more than a grand? Here is cheaper version…on the left is the Fendi, on the right is a La Regale from Macy’s for a mere $39.00. Read More »

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Previously worn only by tattooed biker chicks, leather jackets have become a must-have item for fall. Stylish and comfortable, the leather jacket is the perfect substitute for that tired North Face fleece.

Although they are a little bit pricey, leather jackets are a worthwhile investment since there are so many different ways to rock them. The above crop leather motorcycle jacket from Victoria’s Secret is $198, but it works with so many outfits that it will be a splurge you won’t regret.

Here are four ways to rock the leather jacket: Read More »

When I was a plus sized beauty my biggest gripe was that there was never anywhere to go shopping. I was a size 18-20W and I felt horrible in just about everything I owned. It seemed the only stuff I could find in my limited price range made me look like a sack of potatoes. Nothing was ever flattering. Nothing ever quite right.

I don’t want anyone else to have to live like that. Looking fabulous is everyone’s right no matter what size! So here are some shops (online and at the mall) to visit to find that inner-whatever-your-personal-style diva.

Remember ladies: Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Just because you can’t find a top to those jeans at that store doesn’t mean there’s not one for you at the next. And if it doesn’t make you feel fabulous, it’s not worth buying.

1) Lane Brynt

Yeah, this is a no brainer. I didn’t start this list off with Lane Bryant because it’s the most fab place, but because it does have something that every girl needs. A good bra. Vicky’s (Victoria Secret) can get kind of pricy for us larger busted ladies and I found that LB had a good quality product for an excellent price. But don’t discount them too quickly. They have some cute separates and are a good place to get old standbys (i.e., black pants, solid colored tees, dresses) to outfit your wardrobe. The prices are a little more on the high end but the clothes are well made and well worth it. Read More »

So, you’re at the newly refurbished mall with your friends. Some out-of-town architects have tried to give your childhood mall major face lift. It kinda worked, but you still remember when you hung out there and it looked more like a scene from Mall Rats – not exactly the most glamorous image, right?

Anyways, you and your buddies have decided to cruise the new boutiques, while also trying to avoid all the people you hated in high school (thankfully, you were smart and went OUT OF STATE for your college degree). Regardless of how maxed out your credit cards are, or the fact that your bank account is close to being in the negative, you find yourself tempted, enticed, and nearly seduced by the merchandise. That’s when you realize that those architects didn’t do such a bad job after all.

You’re eyeing the new display cases, admiring the artificial, yet calming ambiance, wanting to give into temptation, and, well, just buy a bunch of really nice “stuff.” But resist that temptation, girl! It’s fine to admire things. Hell, go ahead and drool if you like, but spending your money, say, at a place like Nordstrom or Macy’s is just foolish. Read More »