Wardrobe Wish List: American Eagle Cropped Military Cardigan

I admit it: I’m a slave to trends. As much as I’d rather be a trendsetter (like Nicole Richie, not Lady Gaga), I’m regretfully a complete lemming. It’s not that I’m not a risk taker, more so that I’ve been completely brainwashed by the fashion industry (like when professors insist you need to read the text to pass) to like what’s available. And what do they have me head over heels for this fall?

Military style.

Honestly, I never would have liked this style if it wasn’t in every. single. fashion magazine this season. But, alas, it is (perhaps this is the fashion world’s way of tipping their hats to the troops?), so I’ve been on the hunt for a military piece that I feel I can pull off without looking as if I’m waging guerrilla warfare (although I might be if I catch someone wearing it at the same time as me). After all, if I’ve learned one thing about fashion, it’s that I need to wear the trend, NOT let the trend wear me.

And what will I be wearing this season? This awesome piece from American Eagle. I call it a piece because it’s neither sweater nor jacket; it’s more like their lovechild, or as AE calls it, the “Cropped Military Cardigan.”

I love this offspring of jacket and sweater because it’s different than the other military styles that you will never touch again come the last day of fall. It’s inexpensive (at $39.50!) and it’s not deep enough army green to look like pea soup. It’s no military shirtdress, or some trend from last fall dyed green in a desperate attempt to make it cool again. Read More »


Candy Dish: Do You Believe in Soul Mates?

Everyone else seems to….

Britney is freakier than we thought.

Get a better education than your college can offer.

Wow, Paris Hilton’s BF seems to be a real winner.

Does a sexy attitude trump everything else?

Who needs to spend $5,000 on a(n adorable military) coat?!


8 Under $20: Paint the Town Red

Good news, peeps: red is IN this season. What? Is that cheering I hear? I KNOW! I’m so excited too!

I love red. It’s bold, it’s classy and it’s totally sexy. And if you wear it right (which is pretty easy unless you opt for some sort of pleather body suit) you can really stick out…in a good way. There are so many different ways to work this hue into your wardrobe, whether you want to totally stand out or just spice up a neutral ensemble. And there are many different shades, meaning it can look good on everyone.

So get out there, find the shade of red that matches you and paint the town in it. For under 20 buckeroos. Read More »


Budget Stylista: Cargo Cute Cute

Military inspiration is everywhere this season. I mean, anyone who reads this website can see that. From t-shirts to jackets, bags to boots, everyone’s getting in on the camo fun. So, of course that means cargo pants are back. The good news is that unlike their original counterpart, cargs (as I like to call them – yeah, we’re tight) aren’t big and baggy and look like you could actually carry cargo in them. This time, they are not at all focused on the function but solely on the fashion. The cuts are a lot skinnier, making them super cute with booties and pumps, and perfect for pairing with some feminine flair (think a silky or sequined tank).

And for all that I say thank you, fashion designer gods. The less bagginess going on in the leg area, the better. Read More »


Shop Your Closet: Military Jackets

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 »


Fashion Porn: Do It In a Fall Jacket

One mom approved must-have for both fall and college is a chic fall jacket.

The perfect fall jacket is neutral, goes with all your favorite clothes and fits just right.  Not to mention, it “keeps you warm on those walks to class. You don’t want to catch a cold!” (Thanks, ma.)

This year there are lots of options out there regardless of your style: denim, military, leather, oh my! With so much variety at so many price points, why choose a favorite?

A fall jacket will take you to the field to watch football, on a walk home from an evening class when the air starts to feel crisp, and even out at night.  Though if you’re going to a party, and don’t want to lose your coat, see if you can find a hot yet chivalrous boy to lend you his oversized jacket. If you’re wearing a feminine outfit underneath you’ll instantly achieve the “Cardellini effect” and have an excuse to find Mr. Hottie another day! Read More »


Fashion Porn: Gettin’ It On in the Military

If you’ve grown a bit sea sick from all the nautical-inspired clothes you’ve been sporting this summer, why not return to dry land and go more utilitarian with the military-inspired pieces dominating stores?  These pieces have a harder look, with cargo pockets, neutral colors and grommet detailing.  Though many of these pieces are quite masculine, the neutral coloring means they can easily be softened with feminine pieces such as floral dresses.  Think combat boots with tights, a floral mini dress and cardigan.  So cute!

The best thing about this style? While military inspired pieces have been pretty trendy for a few seasons now, the utilitarian coats are a classic investment piece that can stay in your wardrobe for years to come. And they’ll come in handy if, you know, you ever need to go on an incognito stalking mission. What, just me? Read More »


Candy Dish: RPatz May Have a New Lady Friend

Wait, who is Robert Pattinson dating now!?

Elin’s meeting with divorce attorneys.

Could it be? An Ugly Betty movie?!

Sex educators chastised for TMI!

We’re loving these military inspired jackets.

Jizz….on your nails???


From StyleBakery: Enlist In The Military Jacket This Fall

Military jackets are trendy for fall and will keep you warm as the temperature cools. Here are two ideas on how to wear this piece:

Street chic
Wear a military jacket with skinny jeans and ankle boots for an edgy vibe. Layer over a tank with jewelry that matches the jacket’s buttons or embellishments.

military chic

Read More »


Fashion Porn: Outerwear Orgy

outwear orgy

[Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.]

Sometimes it’s just too cold to go jacketless on a summer night – but that doesn’t mean you have to ruin your perfect summer outfit with a heavy coat, or warm sweater.  While you could chance it, and pray you meet a hot (and chivalrous) man that will keep you warm on those chilly nights, sometimes a girl has to take care of herself.

Fortunately for you take-action girls, there are plenty of cute and cozy coverups that will complete and not clash with your ensemble.  With so many sweaters and jackets, there is a perfect match (or several matches) for every outfit, regardless of your style or budget.  So you don’t have to wait for Prince Charming (because he probably isn’t all that reliable) to keep you warm, because not only can you do it yourself, but you can also look fabulous in the process! Read More »