Recently, a style distressed CollegeCandy reader sent us an SOS for a little style assistance:

I have been wearing my 2-year-old ripped Sperrys all winter because I don’t want to dirty up my new, clean ones and can’t wear my Vans with skinny jeans without looking alternative. What I am wondering is, what are some good everyday shoes to wear around campus that aren’t Uggs, rainboots, or make me look like a stereotype?

Being the sweet, generous, fashionable girls that we are, we knew we had to help her out. So we put our style hat on (it’s a knit beanie, BTW) and got to work. And here is our fashion advice for both this college girl in need, and anyone else who’s sick of wearing the same damn Uggs every single day. Read More »

Ladies, fashion can be complicated. With magazines, catalogs and store displays making it look effortless, you think, “I can rock that style; that can be ME!!” So you go in, flip through the racks, and see the price for the military look is way beyond your price range. You buy just the jacket.

Then you see a perfect retro outfit in this month’s Nordstrom catalog, but again, can only afford one piece. This keeps goin’ on and before you know it, you’ve got one piece from a bunch of different looks but NO idea how to put them together.

Until now. Because, my friends, my job is to take this complicated (and often pricey) thing called fashion and make it a little bit easier for you. So here is a little guide to making that one sequined piece you just had to have (because everyone knows it’s important to add some sparkle to your fall and winter wardrobe) work. And better yet: it’s going day and night. For a price that IS right.

Brace yourselves, ladies: Read More »

When we saw combat-inspired boots on the runways last year none of us thought that trend would ever take hold. (Doc Martens coming back? Pshaw.) But just like gaucho pants, maternity-style tops and moccasins, boy were we wrong. These toughened up boots are in every store, from designer to discount, and they’re taking over the streets.

It’s like fashion’s nod to our troops.

Much like every other big trend to trickle down, most people aren’t quite sure how to wear combat boots. And while I applaud those people for their earnest attempts and being fashion savvy, the sad reality is that they end up looking more like their rebellious teenager stage has come a few years too late.

The key to making these boots cute is to mix them with both feminine and more boyish pieces. A flirty necklace or lacey top with some ripped jeans and boots makes all the difference so you look more like sweet lady Jane (with some kick ass boots on) than GI Jane.

Here’s one bangin’ boot (for a bargain!) worn two ways: Read More »

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 »

There are a lot of reasons to look forward to autumn: pumpkin spice lattes, the leaves changing color, good television, and – oh yeah – Fall fashion. September is the January of the fashion world, with designers battling it out to set this year’s trends, and magazines battling it out to report them.

The September Issues are back for another year, and bigger than ever. This month’s Vogue was over 700 pages. Glamour released its largest issue in 20 years.  And don’t forget about InStyle, Elle, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar. That’s a lot of reading material, even for a seasoned fashionista. So consider this your fashion cheat sheet. I’ve drooled over slaved over pages and pages of bags, boots, coats, and colors to bring you this seasons it items (without 497 pages of ads). Enjoy! Read More »

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 »

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 »

Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use cultural icons (like Frida Kahlo) or models (like Daisy Lowe) as style inspiration even though, most of the time, they are being dressed from head to toe by the best stylists.Which we don’t have. And sometimes it’s damn near impossible to work their Hollywood looks into our not-so-Hollywood lives. I’ve made it my mission to tap into the mind of a fashion stylist and show you how to take your style inspiration – whatever it may be – and make it more you!

Before school starts in a week and a half, I’ve decided to give myself some much needed chill time (cuz I’m a bro, apparently).  A.K.A. sleeping until around 2 p.m., catching up on T.V. I didn’t get a chance to watch over the summer and then showering after that stressful day before night time boozin.  What can I say, it’s a great Welcome Week and it’s even better when I can revisit some of my favorite shows from my childhood.  One of those shows I’ve been religiously watching is the ’90s cult-classic, Daria.

First of all, Daria Morgendorffer isn’t even real, but instead a monotone misanthropic animated character that represents the apathetic attitude of so many of her fans.  Including me. As much as Daria doesn’t want her style to “say anything,” it does.  It says, “What I’m wearing really doesn’t have any physical representation of my opinions or feelings about life because, at the end of the day, they’re just clothes.”

When looking at Daria’s style, her lack of makeup and those seriously sh*t-kicking boots, it has an almost feminist approach. At the same time, though, it is perfectly aligned with the biggest styles coming our way this fall: flirty skirts, military jackets and adorned boots. Read More »

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 »

This season, the G.I. Joe military inspired style is marching onto runways and blowing up clothing racks everywhere.  At first (it’s hard to believe now) I was frustrated with the new bold style (totally in for fall).  I have broad shoulders and let’s just say the manly military explosion does not get friendly with my curves.

However lately, with this style popping up everywhere, I’ve discovered you can easily make the military look extremely flattering!  All you have to do is add a belt here or there to showcase your curves.  OR throw some charms on your neck to girly-up the bold bombshell brigade sparked in your wardrobe.

I’m liking it more and more.  It’s time to take a moment to be inspired by military fashions under $20. Read More »