[Every girl needs a good purse (or 12). Whether you’re going for groceries or running from class to class, they are simply essential for holding all your, uh, essentials. Each week, I’m going to show you a fashionable, yet functional purse for the college crowd and let you know why you absolutely need it! I apologize ahead of time to your bank account.]

As summer is approaching its end, I’ve been finding myself going for drinks quite a bit. Drinks to say farewell to hometown friends, drinks to welcome back friends from vacation, drinks because it’s hot out, etc. I have two crossbody bags that I like to bring to these affairs, but realized that I probably need a few more. On my quest for something a bit fancier, I found the Nine West Turn the Corner purse and fell in love!

The Turn the Corner purse is made of beige and tan PU, featuring gorgeous details. The dark brown piping and gold corner highlights make the purse look super classy and expensive. The brown flap is fashionable and functional, because you can secure your trinkets but still have quick access, even when the purse is slung on your shoulder. The gold-tone turnlock (which is actually magnetic) and chain handle also up the glam ante, but feature a soft shoulder pad so you can carry it all night without a chain digging into your skin. You have to think of these things when purchasing bags, people!

The Turn the Corner bag flap opens to a leopard-print interior (so fierce!), a zip pocket and a slip pocket – lots of room! It’s also surprisingly spacious at 10′ L x 7.5′ H x 3.5′ D. You can also see that the chain strap runs through grommets in the front and back of the bag, so it’s going to be very secure.

This purse is going to prove to be super versatile. It will work with nicer, going-out outfits and also the everyday tank top and shorts staple look. It’s a decent-size for running errands and will fit your wallet, along with some makeup, your phone and a couple other goodies. The picture below really illustrates the size AND shows off that unique corner detailing well!

If you’re interested in the Turn the Corner bag by Nine West, it’s available at Piperlime!

Check out Alex’s other must-have-bags (because you can never have too many must-have bags).

There are a million different stilettos, combining every trend imaginable.  For the trend-shy gal with impeccable balance, wearing a stiletto with instantly add flair to an outfit.  And for everyone else, stilettos are the easiest way to spice up an otherwise ho-hum ‘fit, as well as experiment with different trends.  And though they are not practical for everyday wear (unless you’re Posh Spice), they are always little pieces of art. Seriously, when I’m not wearing them, my shoes double as beautiful bookends. Now that’s what I call multipurpose!

With so many gorgeous possibilities there truly is a pair of stilettos for everyone (or every outfit). Here are a few pairs that have recently left me drooling. I want, I want, I want!

[Note: I'm Canadian and therefore it's spelled grey, not gray.]

As we head back to school, the transition back to independence from mom’s home cooking, added to the cold weather and lack of sunshine can lead to a gloomy, grey day. One way to embrace that blue mood is by dressing how you feel, made easy with the rising popularity of the color grey.

Why is grey suddenly the color to wear?

1. Grey is a neutral and goes with EVERYTHING.
2. Only 1 in 5 women look good in black, making grey a softer alternative to our safety color.

So next time you’re out shopping for the perfect LBD, take a chance and try on a Little Grey Dress; if you’re not the lone one out of five, chances are you’ll look better in grey. If you think that grey is a little drab, being a neutral, it’s the perfect supporting star to a bold, bright, colored piece. And with so many options in grey this year there is no reason not to try it on. So put back the black and embrace its softer sibling.

Yes, it’s holiday season, which means it’s time to print out that list of wants you’ve been keeping all year and hand it over to mama so she can make all your dreams come true. We all know this time of year should be all about the giving, but we can admit that getting feels really freaking awesome, too. And with all the giving you’ll be doing, you deserve to get some great stuff in return!

Since I’ve been working my ass off and totally neglecting my every shopping desire to save some serious cash this year, there are about a billion things I want for the holidays. Like this dress from Alloy (wouldn’t it be adorbs for NYE??), or any of Ashley Watson’s brilliant recycled leather handbags, or even a lame gift card to iTunes! (I’m so cheap I’ve been listening to Miley on YouTube all year…) Yeah, I want it all. And I know I’m not the only one…

This week I asked the CollegeCandy writers to share their #1 wish this year. Perhaps this will inspire any friends/boyfriends out there still looking for gifts for the special people in your life. Or maybe the writers can just send this along to their parents as a little nudge in the right direction.

Now you tell us – what’s #1 on your list?

Norah – Drake University: Season 2 of The Tudors on DVD. I watched the entire first season on Netflix over Thanksgiving break, and now I’m obsessed. It’s one of those guilty pleasure shows that I could watch again and again – but hey, it’s history, so it’s not a complete waste of time…right?

Erica – Kent State University:  I am obsessing over sequins.  I just hope this skirt looks as good in person as it does online.  Looking like I just stepped off a Cirque du Soleil stage is not the idea.

Leah – Ryerson University: I’ve already received all my presents, but I just gifted myself a pair of Cole Haan boots.  Merry Christmas to me.

Brithny – Duke: A glow-in-the-dark toilet seat cover. Because you know it’s hard to find at night. Don’t lie.

Ricki – University of Michigan: For the holidays, I want the Nine West Tina Crossbody Bag in PURPLE!

Katie – Michigan State University:  A new computer! After almost five years, my poor laptop is five mp3′s away from committing suicide.

Samantha -  UCSB: Lululemon’s “Wear With All” jacket. I think I’ll do just that!

Elizabeth – UC Berkeley:  I’m not much of  Juicy girl, but this year I am fiendin’ for the Juicy Couture Perfume. It smells toooo good!

Lauren – University of Michigan: The Perfect Brownie Pan. Who doesn’t want those hard, chewy edges every time? I’m drooling just thinking about it.

Noa – CU Boulder: I want a boyfriend. But if I can’t get that then I guess I’ll settle for this gorg Botkier bag in burgundy.

Elise – Stanford: I want this huge block of Himalayan Salt to cook on.  Sounds weird, but it may be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.

Charlsie – Hollins Univesity: Making a donation to the South African organization These Numbers Have Faces is the number one gift on my list this year — I’m doing it for my sister, and I think the cause is great. It sends poor South African students to college!

Emmy – Loyola University Chicago: Currently my number one on my wish list is sleep. It is priceless and sadly not sold online. But I mean, I wouldn’t say no to a manicure, pedicure, and massage. Almost as good as some sleep during finals week.

Nina – Michigan State University: It’d be fun to get the Victoria’s Secret Miraculous Pushup Bra. TWO cup sizes? That’s just ridiculous.

Hillary – Columbia: I’m crossing my fingers for an iPhone 3GS. Whenever I try to list all of the awesome features it has, I lose count almost right away: voice control commands, a built-in compass, a video camera… if you’re going to dream about presents, dream big, right?

Sara C-Fordham: The holidays are always a feast for the senses, with the scent of pine needles and gingerbread and peppermint lingering just about everywhere. But for the eleven other months out of the year, I’d like to smell just as pretty, which is why I hope to find a little bottle of Marc Jacobs’ Rain with my name on it!

Zahra – Northwestern University: Nothing’s sexier in the winter than a trench coat.

Carrie – Duke: Furniture for my new off-campus apartment! Hellooo, IKEA.

Mechelle – Florida State: A boy to impress my mother. Must be Jewish, a med student, and obscenely wealthy. Any takers?

Alex K – Lakehead University: Number 1 on my wish list is the Dawson’s Creek complete series! My guilty pleasure, all in one convenient package!

Note: if you feel like fulfilling any of my gift desires, hit me up for my address! I write really nice thank-you notes!

I’m really sad to see summer go (waaaah, goodbye beach days!), but I am kinda, sorta (ok, REALLY) excited to break out my new wardrobe for fall. I’m getting sick of my flip flops and summer dresses and really just want to wear some light sweaters and <drool> boots!

But we’re not quite there yet. Even though the nights are getting chillier, it’s still too warm to break out the biggest trends for fall without looking a tad out of place. Thank god for Nine West! To help all of us transition from summer to oh-so-delicious fall, they have given us the Skipper boot.

It’s nice and boot-y (that’s an adjective, not a noun) on the bottom with great detail like durable leather, straps and buckles over the ankle. But what makes this the best. boot. ever is the perforated shaft. Not only does this detail make the boot unique and different (and you know me, I like different), but those holes lighten everything up a bit so  you can now rock your precious boots without feeling as though you’ve dressed too warmly for the weather. Tuck a pair of skinnies into the Skipper and you’ve got the perfect look for this in-between-seasons kinda time.

The Skipper comes in three colors: dark green, dark gray, and black, and range in price from $77.90 to $88.90. As always, Endless.com provides free overnight shipping, so you can start wearing your boots tomorrow! I know I’m ready to retire my gladiator sandals. You with me?

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.

If we had to choose two things to take to a deserted island, it would be all of our shoes and all of our bags. That’s only two things, right? We know it’s ridiculous to love inanimate objects so much (especially inanimate objects whose sole purpose is to carry things), but we can’t help it if we’re addicted to bags. Even just looking at them. And how can you not love ‘em? There are so many different shapes, styles, details and sizes.  Whether you need a bag to prepare for the walk of shame,  a cute clutch for going out, or a bag for the beach, there’s something for everyone. Or a lot of somethings just for you.

Regardless of what you’re carrying this season, purses are the only type of arm candy that will never let you down. So stop hunting for a man and enjoy a little purse orgy.

13 celebs who swore to remain virgins.

Sneak peek at Nine West’s fall collection.

No more babies for Octomom.

What are the most popular baby names?

11 things you never knew you needed in college.

This spring, fashion is all about variety in your wardrobe. Although bright colors are a must-have trend this year, mixing in some neutrals is also a fashion “do.” Instead of donning black, like you have been all winter, rock a nude garment instead. It is a lot fresher for the warm weather months, plus painfully chic and sexy. Showing a little skin without really showing any skin? H-O-T.

Afraid your skin will look washed out? Pair something nude with bright accessories, like the hot pink shoes and bag in the outfit below. And pass up things that are super tight for clothes that drape loosely – you don’t want to look like you’re actually nude.

Trench dress – Banana Republic; shoes – Nine West; bag – Guess.

If you’re not ready to go au naturale just yet, incorporate the trend with your accessories. Nude-colored heels and bags are also a popular trend this spring. Not only do they match practically everything, but a nude pump will elongate your legs giving you some Heidi Klum gams.

Dress – Old Navy; Shoes – Victoria’s Secret; Bag – Guess.

Here’s another tip for wearing nude: slather an illuminating moisturizing lotion, like Nivea Silky Shimmer, all over your arms and legs. This will keep your clothes from blending in with your skin completely.

Lily Allen attacks!

Not sure I believe Brad would choose the nanny over Angie.

Michael Phelps opens up about pot picture.

John Stewart vs. Jim Cramer. Go.

Is Mandy Moore preggers?

If You Seek Amy video.

Get ready for some more affordable birth control!

Is Chanel for real with this?!

A little behind the “scenes” gossip from The Hills!

New Balance for Nine West. So cute!

Jessica Biel wants to marry JT. Um, who doesn’t?!

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

So it’s (almost) March. I can’t believe it. Namely because I can’t believe I am actually this pasty and I don’t know if two months is enough time to rectify the albino-ness that is my skin.

But everywhere I turn it’s cute, short, tight, high waisted skirts. Ones that scream, “You have to have me!”And after seeing this look on Amanda Bynes, I know that I need to invest in some quality self tanner so that I too can rock this look without looking like I spent all winter soaking in a vat of White-Out.

So while I go grab some self tanner that won’t make me orange here is this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Amanda Bynes is High (Waisted)

Skirt:

So bright, so cute, so perfect for getting your groove on during spring break…or any spring night. Oh, and so much cheaper than the Herve Leger option that Bynes is rocking. And if you want a darker option (because you can’t wait until the warm weather hits to rock this look):

White tank:

You can go simple with the top like Amanda, or spruce it up a bit for a little more va va voom.  You probably already have a bajillion white tanks in your closet, but in case you want one more (because the rest have arm pit issues….what, just me?):

Jewlery

You can do just about anything with this look: earrings, necklace, bracelet… or all of them. I happen to LOOOVE this flower earring; turquoise and pink is a great combo. And this necklace adds some pizazz to the basic tank. Bonus: word necklaces are great conversation starters with the lads….  

Black Bag

Not too big, not too small. Plus the ruffles are tres chic.

Shoes:

Basic black, only switched up a bit