[It's pretty obvious that the average CollegeCandy reader has some very strong opinions. Opinions that she likes to share with everyone on the site. Sometimes with mean words. We love a strong woman (unless she happens to be charging at us with her fists raised), so we thought we'd give her a real forum to discuss her thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Every Friday I'll be featuring a hot topic (like flat rate tuition!) and leaving it up to you, the readers, to duke it out. So, read it and get your debate on in the comments section below!]

Last week, the Senate voted not to repeal the military’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy – a policy that’s essentially a band-aid for the absence of gay rights in the military. The policy, which was introduced in 1993, has essentially stood all of this time as a way of saying ‘you can be gay in the military, as long as nobody knows about it’. It looked close for a while there, but ultimately the policy stands – even though Obama actually campaigned on changing the policy and his administration is openly opposed to it – and I think it’s time we had OUR say.

As I’ve said before, I’m not unbiased on this issue, but regardless of my own personal moral compass being pro-gay rights, there are also some compelling reasons why the policy should be repealed. For starters, under this policy anyone who comes out or is outed in the military is given a dishonorable discharge, no matter how well they were actually doing their job. That means that we’re actively spending military budget on getting rid of military personnel regardless of the quality of their work or the necessity of their position, which, considering how much trouble there already is with military budgeting, seems like a massive waste. There’s also the very obvious fact that this is the AMERICAN military and if it were any other position, say, at an American business perhaps, a person could sue for being fired over their sexuality – because it’s freakin’ illegal! Read More »

Military-inspired clothing is one of the biggest trends for fall, and while I’m not opposed to the idea, I am having a hard time picturing it fitting into my wardrobe. The trend is so tough and structured that it’s hard to imagine it outside of an army barrack, let alone meshing well with my girly floral dresses or my rocker-chick leather boots (which have enough tough all on their own).

Of course there’s always the military-style pea coat option, but I’m looking to update my actual outfits with some trendy new pieces for fall. Which is why the D’armee Dress from Anthropologie is absolutely perfect.

I have yet to come across another piece that is able to totally channel the military trend while still being utterly feminine with adorable detailing a flirty shape.

The army green keeps with the army-fatigues theme, as does the tough zipper hardware that runs down the front of the dress and the double-breasted pockets with brushed gold buttons. These strong elements are balanced out with endearingly feminine details. I am in love with the ruched sleeves, tabbed shoulders, the pleated skirt, and the cinched waist which perfectly accents an hourglass figure.

Plus, layering cami’s underneath can totally change up the vibe of the dress. Adding a floral print tank will play up the feminine details of the dress and create a perfect day ensemble with tights and flats. For night, adding a black lace cami and lowering the zipper will make it sexy enough for bar-attire. And belting the dress with a brown leather belt, adding a neutral cami underneath and slipping on some worn-in leather boots will have you totally rocking the rugged, military trend that is so hot for fall.

Thank you Anthropologie…I can always count on you to put a romantic, feminine twist on the newest trends. Now I just need you to have a massive sale so that I can bring home this dress without sacrificing my happy hour (hey, once I buy this dress I need to be able to show it off….).

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 »

It’s Veteran’s Day and everybody is finding their own way to honor the men and women who have and are currently serving in the armed forces. This morning, Bon Jovi performed at Rockefeller Center in NYC and invited all local military personnel, their families and civilian volunteers to come be a part of the festivities.

While we aren’t all Bon Jovi and can’t show our support through a rock concert (unless they want to watch me play RockBand), there are plenty of things we can do to show our appreciation for the troops.

1. Have a veteran in your family? Call or sit down with them and ask them about their service. Chances are they’ll have a lot of stories to share, and your interest in their life is probably the greatest gift you could give them on this day.

And then take them for a meal at Applebee’s. Veterans and active duty military eat free today! I’m sure if you ask nicely they will share their Triple Chocolate Meltdown with you. Read More »

With fall here, it’s time to start adding new outerwear to your closet, and while many people argue that everyone needs a boyfriend blazer, I think everyone should be picking up this military jacket from Banana Republic. This sharp, dapper blazer can pull together any combination of a T-shirt and broken-in jeans (you know, the super comfy ones you wear every other day) when a decent outfit takes too much effort, or make you look even smarter when paired with a crisp, collared shirt.

It features pockets at the chest and waist, a standing collar, shoulder epaulets (for that extra touch of cool), a concealed button placket and cinching at the waist that creates the perfect hourglass shape. Roll up the sleeves for a more laid back look or add a necklace or two for some glam. Available in black and gray, it practically goes with everything, so, like your jeans, you can wear it every other day as well.

Planning my next trip to Banana Republic as we speak. See you there?

When I tell people that my boyfriend is in the Army, I usually am met with the same response:

“Oooh really? I don’t know how you do it. I couldn’t be with someone in the military.”

I can understand why they feel that way. Being apart from the one you love for long periods of time gets really tough. Being in a military relationship is an emotional and patriotic combination of sacrifice and reward.

For all the time spent apart, the mind-racing anxieties, the minimal access to communication and the constant countdown to reunion, there are still the corresponding rewards that make it all worthwhile. After spending five months apart, with half the country’s states between us, we now get to finally live together. After worrying what it meant when I didn’t hear his voice for almost 12 days, I’ve learned how to be a stronger, independent individual. I know that in the Army, no news is good news. I have learned the importance of communication and how to maintain a strong connection through hand-written letters. Read More »

Israel has been under attack since its creation in 1948. Due to many people’s hatred of the Jewish community, the religious history of the region, and an argument over who the land should really belong to, the people of Israel have been defending their small plot of land for over 60 years.

Not only have they had to deal with wars and bombs from surrounding countries, but the citizens of Israel live in constant fear of suicide bombers getting on their busses, coming into their schools and destroying their daily lives.

Today, Israel is at war with Hamas. Every day, the Israeli Army sends bombs into the Gaza strip in attempts to stop the terrorist organization from bombing their country.

“The goal of this operation is to stop the launching of rockets upon Israeli civilians and to make sure that the Hamas organization, which is a terrorist organization, will not be able to get any more rockets… And also to make sure that they will not have the will to act against Israeli civilians.”

As with any military operation, there has been severe collateral damage. Innocent people – including U.N. aid workers – have been injured and killed, there is a shortage of food and water, and hundreds of buildings have been destroyed. Yet, Hamas will not stop.

My question is this:

In your opinion, is Israel the monster, or is Hamas – knowing what they can do to stop the war in Gaza – turning its back on the well-being of its very own people? This sitution is not one that has a simple answer, but one that could be resolved with some thought, understanding, and conversation.

Women are making strides, actually not strides, leaps and bounds. It would seem that since women won the right to vote in 1920 there wouldn’t be anything left for us to conquer. I mean, that was almost 90 years ago. By now, women should have done everything and have a presence everywhere.

Read More »

Whether she was talking about this nation’s plethora of hot guys, or everyone’s favorite group of drinks, at 9:10PM this evening, Sarah Palin inadvertently gave CC a new descriptive phrase to throw around the office at every possible moment.

We knew something good would come out of tonight’s debate.

Put down the North Face. Seriously.

That overly priced piece of fleece has been cramping styles of college chicks nationwide for way too long. Not only is it boring and blah (and yes getting it in bumble-bee yellow still makes it blah) – but its making you that girl. You know who I’m talking about: The one who walks around campus in her big sunglasses, tight stretch pants, boots and… NORTH FACE FLEECE.

I’m not saying it’s horrible to be one of those girls – in fact I think these girls get a bad rap for being bitchy and spoiled when that isn’t the case (note: I was one of them). What I am saying is that if you’re going to spend the money on a piece of outerwear there are so many, MANY cuter, warmer, more original, not fleecy things to buy!

Trust me, I understand the “I’m hungover and want to wear sweats to class” line of thinking, I really do. But at least fool the outside world that you care…even a little… and switch up your NFF for an actual jacket or coat. This fall there are just so many cute styles that it’s simply a waste to not wear one of them!

Here are some options to consider when trading in your beloved North Face Fleece: Read More »