Budget Stylista: Reduce, Reuse, Rewear!

one dress 3 ways

We all have that friend who can wear the same dress over and over and over again, but each time it somehow looks new. Or different. Or cooler. “I wish I could do that,” you think as you stare at your dress and think that by wearing different shoes you will somehow achieve a whole new look.

FAIL FAIL FAIL, my friends.

Fact is, in order to make a dress look new and different you must change all components surrounding it. If you wore tights and heels last time, wear leggings and flats this time around. If you rocked red lipstick before, do a smokey eye and a muted lip. Add accessories, switch out the belt that came with it for a new chunky detailed belt, throw on a blazer…

Think about that piece in your wardrobe like your favorite fro yo place with an add-your-own-toppings bar: Oreo makes everything better the options are endless! Read More »

Fashion Porn: Boot Orgy

boot introOne of the must-have items this fall (and the fashion item that has taken the lead role in my dreams) is a pair of boots. Not only are they super functional, but boots are also one of the easiest, most-stylish ways to pull together an outfit.

There are many styles of boots in fashion this season, from shooties (shoe booties) all the way on up to the hottest style of ‘09, the over-the-knee boot. It’s super sexy and a great way to add some va-va-va voom to your basic jeans and t-shirt combo. Yes, without looking trashy.

Boots aren’t cheap, but they’re a versatile addition to any college girl’s wardrobe. The perfect riding boot can be worn with jeans tucked in, or even with leggings or a dress – meaning they can dress up or dress down any outfit.

Boots are so popular right now that even the ugly Sorels of our childhood days are getting in on the action.  These super-functional boots have gotten a makeover so they will not only keep your feet dry in snowbanks, but they’ll look pretty damn adorable in the process.

You want to be warm, dry and totally hot? It’s time to get thee some boots. Tall, short, ankle or knee-high – there is literally something for everyone. Here are a few to drool over inspire you. Read More »

From StyleBakery: Cute Fall Boots Under $100

There are so many must-have styles of boots this fall: over-the-knee, mid-calf, ankle, heeled, flat, etc. In order to snag all the looks you want, you need to shop smart. We found cute boots that will flatter every type for under $100!

1. A pair of Knee-high boots is a classic wardrobe staple. They look cute with skinny jeans, leggings, or skirts and they’ll keep you warm and comfortable in crisp fall weather.

knee boots

2. Mid-calf boots look best with leggings or the skinniest of skinny jeans (otherwise the denim will bunch up in an unflattering way).

calf boots Read More »

Slip Into Fall’s Hottest Shoe Trends

So, it’s fall and besides the ho-hum return to class, this lovely season means nothing but greatness. And by greatness I mean new shoes!! There’s no better excuse than the approaching cold weather to stock up on the season’s hottest boots, heels and flats. So, for those of you with less time on your hands than I have, here’s a list of fall 09’s must-have kicks. Just click on those beauties to buy ‘em up.

OVER-THE-KNEE-BOOTS:
This show-stopping style is EVERYWHERE and comes in as many varieties as its shorter counterparts, appearing in every incarnation from leather to suede to exotic skins, and with heels ranging from sky-high to nonexistent.

sam edelman boot stevemadden boot

Read More »

I’m Torn: Ankle Boots

ankle_boots400×400.jpgSo maybe I’m a little behind on the trend, but I’ve found myself fascinated by ankle boots lately. At first I wasn’t so sure – in fact, I was pretty damn sure I hated those things – but I’ve been watching girls prance around in them for a year now and they’re totes growing on me.

Only problem? I’m not sure I can pull them off. Dear gods of fashion, help me – I’m torn!

Love it:
I’m super short, so the idea of little boots with big heels makes me really happy. There are so many cute and reasonably priced options out there, I’m surprised I still don’t own a pair. I don’t know about you, but those over-the-knee boots that are so popular this fall sort of terrify me. How the heck can a short girl pull them off? And won’t “over the knee” on most people just mean “up to my crotch” on me!? That’s why I’m thinking ankle boots for fall.  Sliding into a pair can immediately update an otherwise drab outfit. They look great with tucked in skinnies, or even with a dress. They immediately make you look more stylish, even if the rest of your outfit is less than exciting. Plus, you can wear them in slightly warmer weather, which is more than I can say about Uggs.

Loathe it:
For some reason, when I think ankle boots, I immediately think of Barbie. Or runway models. Though I like the idea of ankle boots, I think they may be just too trendy for me to pull off. Also, when I’m in the market for a new pair of shoes, I like them to be both stylish and practical. Though these boots satisfy the first requirement, I don’t see them surviving my heavy partying schedule. Or real life, for that matter; those babies will not be able to survive a Boston winter.

So, what do you ladies think? Do you own a pair? Should I grab one for myself?
Help!

Duke It Out: Over-The-Knee Boots

over the knee

[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. We love a strong woman, 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 dating a coworker!) 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!]

The August mags are out and in the course of my monthly fashion binge I noticed one item cropping up over and over on the Fall “must have” lists: over-the-knee boots (aka thigh-highs).

I have to admit, I actually own a pair of these from last year and have never been brave enough to go outdoors in them, despite my many fantasies of walking around looking like a high-fashion sexpot. My worry, of course, is that people are going to think I’m slutty (and yeah, I shouldn’t care what people think, but if I didn’t, I probably wouldn’t have bought the things in the first place). So, do we now accept over-the-knee boots as a viable fashion choice or are they one of those things that only work on hookers and superheros? Read More »