So, I live in the Midwest and that means the onset of October is practically winter. I have only about two hoodies and sweaters that are anywhere near stylish, and I really want to do a complete fall wardrobe overhaul, but there’s just one tiny problem—I have about enough spare cash to buy a box of mints from the Old Navy checkout aisle, and that’s it.

Not even the Budget Stylista can help me out.

I can’t be the only one in this situation, right? Yeah, I thought not. Luckily, I came up with a solution that has seemed to triple my wardrobe and even saved me that extra money for some emergency Old Navy mints. Ready for it?

I reorganized my closet.

That’s right! I know it sounds like the opposite of groundbreaking, but roll with me here for a minute. It took me almost a whole day, but once I rearranged everything—and got rid of a bunch of old clothes along the way—it was like I had completely new stuff. My method was Color Organization, and it’s about what it sounds like—I took everything in my closet and sorted it by color. (Think Forever 21.) So if I had a purple formal dress and purple cut-off denim shorts, I put them next to each other. Yes, really.

You might think that all this created was a disorganized closet, but you’d be amazed by how many killer outfits I’ve put together since arranging things that way. Not only did I reassess everything I owned (most of which I had completely forgotten about!), but I was able to think of what I owned in a completely new way. I tend think in terms of color and what colors might look good together, so this has been revolutionary for me. It makes getting dressed in the morning soooo much easier (and more fun!); I just look at the colors and grab a few things that look good together. No thought, no fuss, no crawling under my bed to find that box of sweaters I put there last summer.

If you’re a color gal, too, give it a try. And if not, try one of these other organization systems on for size: Read More »

While switching my wardrobe from my summer sundresses to my winter wools, I realized one very depressing thing: my winter wardrobe is more drab and depressing than those dreary January days. If I don’t want to slip into a winter funk (fixed only by large bowls of mac-and-cheese), I need to do something fast.

And that something comes in the form of color. The color purple to be exact.

Every girl needs a little color in her wardrobe and what better way to liven things up than with something beautiful, luxurious and violet?  Historically, purple is associated with nobility, but we don’t need to be canoodling with Prince Harry to enjoy the benefits of this year’s hottest color. (Although, that would definitely help with the winter blues…) We can all look regal and faboosh, even on our student budgets.

You can work purple into your look in a big way – like a silky sheath dress – or just add little splashes here and there. Either way, you won’t have to look far to find the perfect purple pieces to lift your winter spirits. In fact, I found 16 hot ones right here. Read More »

This recession totally sucks. But, if you ignore the unemployment rate and rising cost of beer, some good is definitely coming from it. And one of those positives is the fact that the plummeting sales of retail chains has caused them to re-evaluate their brand and reinvent themselves for fall. Suddenly stores that used to make me feel nauseous (boasting window displays stuffed with mom jeans and fugly tablecloth patterns), actually have some adorable stuff that us college girls would actually consider wearing.

For the closets of fashionistas, this is great news. Now there are a dozen more stores that we can peruse online during class and drool over on our weekly treks to the mall. (Plus now when my mom calls and tells me she’s going to Ann Taylor to pick up a suit jacket, I can ask her to pick me up a cute skirt to add to my care package!)

Check out my favorite extreme makeovers (that don’t involve sexy Ty Pennington) below: Read More »

I had an aversion to plaid for a really long time. Seeing it gave me hives as I remembered the days I was forced to wear it every day in the form of a pleated skirt paired with an ill-fitting polo and some tall navy socks.

Shudder.

But that’s all changed thanks in part to my (Gossip) girls doin’ their thing on the UES of New York City. Well, that and the fact that designers have embraced the classic pattern this season. Plaid is everywhere right now and it’s so cute I can’t even think of a good enough word to describe my newfound love for the stuff. Yes, I’ve gotten over my plaid-allergy and I want it all. There has never been a better or easier time to reclaim this fabulous fabric. Just leave your old plaid skirt in the closet (unless it’s Halloween… or you’re into role playing) and embrace a more sophisticated and updated plaid piece instead.

There are many ways to wear plaid, despite your shape, style or budget.  Every type of clothing and accessory imaginable can be found in plaid this season.  Whether you want to make a statement with a plaid coat, or embrace this trend secretly (via Victoria), there’s the perfect piece (or pieces!) out there for you. Read More »

If there is one thing I hate this time of year, it’s the realization that pretty soon my iced coffee and flip flops will be replaced with puffy jackets, steaming hot tea and the phrase “I can’t feel my fingers – get me to Florida.”

But there is one thing I love this time of year: fall coats.

You can’t have any ill feelings toward a fall coat. It’s not too cold when you wear them, the trees are pretty, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are in season and they are always so irresistibly cute.

If you live in coat-wearing climates, a great coat is worth spending a little more on because you wear it day in and day out. It’s what most people see you in (i.e. that cute boy walking right next to you on your way to class!) and it’s the best way to cover up a hot-mess-schlumpy outfit. Throw it over sweats and a baggy T-shirt, or the outfit you wore last night and are forced to walk clear across campus in this morning, and everyone will be none the wiser.

Here are 10 great fall coats, from cropped to trench, military to leather, that will make the iced to hot coffee transition a little more bearable. Oh and did I mention they are all under $150?! Booya. Read More »

Remember back in your pre-college days when the start of school always meant new outfits and school supplies? Even though you’ve probably swapped your notebooks with netbooks, there’s no reason to end the tradition of new clothes for the start of a new year and what wardrobe would be complete without a new pair of jeans? (Or 12.)

Denim (not sweatpants) should be the staple go-to in any college girl’s wardrobe. They are the perfect thing to pick up off the floor and pull on when you’re running late for class, you can wait months between washing them (don’t judge – you know you do it, too) and, obvi, they are a much better evening option if you wanna avoid the crotch shots.

With all the fits and washes of jeans out there this year, there’s bound to be at least one pair perfect for your lifestyle, figure and budget. The key to the perfect pair of jeans is to try on pair, after pair, after pair, after… well you get the picture. Each pair – even if it’s the exact same size and style – will fit differently, so patience is most definitely a virtue when it comes to shopping for denim. It’s also important to realize that not every fit will look good on you, so keep trying ’til you find that perfect pair that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Oh, and it’s OK if that pair also costs a million bucks. If there’s one thing worth splurging on, it’s a high quality pair of denim. Just trust me on this one. (Click on the jeans to get all the shopping info.) Read More »

For many of you, school has already begun or will shortly, which means new additions to the wardrobe are necessary. Woohoo! But you don’t have to spend a lot to update that 2008 fall wardrobe.  Old Navy is a great place to get cute basics at super reasonable prices. Just pair these items (many of which are on sale!)  with the trendier items/accessories in your closet for a brand new look.

Here are a few pieces I found that’ll be great for the upcoming months… Read More »

If it’s one thing I love for fall, it’s the boyfriend blazer. (Note: not the boyfriend…cuz I don’t got one.) Sure, cardigans are great, but sometimes you don’t want to look like your MOM. This season’s boyfriend blazer is a great option for those August-October months when it’s chilly out at night, but you don’t want to be schvitzing in a heavier sweater or coat. And with it being such a huge trend, there is NO need to shell out the big bucks for an awesome looking one. I’ve seen them everywhere from Saks to Delia’s and everywhere in between.

The BB (which, should be worn open in most cases) looks effortlessly cool, pulls together almost any outfit, and, might I add, gives a perfect balance to your ‘fit when you’re sporting mini-dresses and skirts. I.E. the BB makes the outfit and – duh – you look sexy and not like a hooch.

There are so many ways to rock this badboy – great for class with a pair of jeans and motorcycle boots, paired with a cute dress, a skirt, boyfriend jeans and heels, shorts and a tucked in tank- the options are endless! I think I might even love the boyfriend blazer more than any boyfriend I’ll ever have.

Here are 3 ways to wear the trend… and to wear the trend for cheap! Read More »

No matter how hard you fight it, it’s almost time to go back to school.  As you’re checking off your to-do list, make sure you factor in the college student’s favorite pastime: sleeping.  Whether you live in a res hall or are off-campus with roommates, it’s important to have some cute and comfy PJs to toss on. Why?

1. Lots of people are going to be seeing these things (and I’m not talking about the people you bring home…), so it’s time to toss out the ratty high school t-shirts and invest in something cute.
2. Lots of people are going to see you, so if you tend to sleep in the buff I’m pretty sure your roomie would much prefer to see you in some jammies than, well, see your naked butt. Factor in the unexpected fire alarms/friends barging in at all hours of the night, and you’re going to want to have something to toss on even if you have a room to yourself.

Lucky for all of us, there are tons of options when it comes to cute and cozy PJs. No matter how much or how little you’ve slept in in the past, there’s something (or lots of somethings for those 6 week runs between laundry days) super adorable for you.  And if you feel like channeling your inner Holly Golightly while your roommate studies 10-feet from your face, there’s a mask for you, too. Read More »

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.

One pattern that has been hot this season is the floral print. Florals are no longer just for your grandmother’s couch.  Or housecoat.  Or drapes. You get the point… There are many, many ways to embrace this trend.  While you can go big with a loud, fabulous floral dress, if that’s not your thing, you can go subtle with a floral accessory.

It’s that easy. And I’m totally smitten with flowers, flowers everywhere.

Florals are fun! Florals just scream summer! And florals are even versatile enough to work when the snow starts to fall. How can you not love them?! There are plenty of options out there for working florals into your wardrobe (and not your furnishings), so you will definitely find something to love. Here is just a delicious taste of what is out there. Enjoy. Read More »