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 like negative 500 outside, which is making me so jealous of:

A. all the spring clothes that are starting to make their way into the stores – even in places like the North Pole, and

B. all the celebs who are in L.A. wearing cute, warm, summery tops.

Like this one by our gal pal Amy Adams. Even though it is not the most original, or trendy, or hard to put together, it’s cute, it’s breezy…and it’s NOT made of wool.

So instead of brushing it off, I am featuring it to make our winter days feel a littttle warmer. Either save it for spring, wear it under an oversized sweater, or move to California.

Here is this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: All About Amy Adams’ Floral Frock.

Floral Blouse

There is no way this number won’t make you feel a little bit better about the ice falling from your window. Wear it out like Amy, or tuck it in to a pair of those high waisted jeans you love so much.

Jeans

Gap jeans are seriously underrated: they are flattering, fit well and don’t cost half of your monthly salary. These are great because you can wear them out or tuck them into boots.

Sunglasses

These are big enough to keep you incognito and cute, but not so big that they take over your entire face.

Bag

Just one more reason to love Target. As if you needed another reason.

We also know our feet are one of the quickest body parts to feel that freeze and having popsicles for toes, well that can just ruin your whole day. However, you don’t have to give up style in order to keep those footsies warm; there are plenty of boot options out there that can help us escape the oversized, ugly appearance of so many snow boots and, yes, Uggs. (I’m sorry. Contrary to popular belief, I think these are far from fashionable and guys agree.) You can find them in all sorts of prices ranges, but I have found tons of adorable options that are all $150 or less.

Trudging around in snow up to your ankles can be a real pain, but there are some darling snow boot options out there. They may not be day-to-night kinda shoes, but at least they’ll keep you warm (and cute) on your way to class.

I found all three of these styles at Target for extremely reasonable prices. Click on the boot for more info.

I love these boots, and at $36.99, how can you say no?

These boots, are a bit pricier ($79.99), but Sorel makes a very sturdy and warm boot, and the houndstooth print is so perfect for this season.

These are a really basic pair, but they’re the perfect price ($34.99), and you can easily tuck skinny jeans into them.

If you’re absolutely hooked on the look and feel of Uggs, but want to go for something a little more sleek and stylish, try one of these options out…

These are available at Payless and are on sale for $26.99!!

I am absolutely DROOOLING over these: they’re waterproof, have microfur lining, and a thermolite footbed, so they’re bound to keep your feet warm while looking incredibly chic at the same time. They also come in 2 colors (cement gray and black) and 2 materials (suede and patent).

These Michael Kors boots are shearling (like Uggs), but have a much sleeker design. Plus, the added shearling details are just super cute over a pair of jeans.

If you’re going for a more rugged look, these two styles should appease you…

These riding boots are adorable and functional. In addition to being super cute, they have rugged soles for good traction and fur lining to insure warmth.

This boot has the look of a motorcycle boot, but it happens to be waterproof so it won’t leak slushy snow onto your socks. It also comes in three colors. The downside is this boot doesn’t have a lining, so be sure to put on a thick pair of warm socks.

And if you need a look that can translate from day-to-night and can be worn into a nice restaurant or bar, check these babies out…

These Michael Kors booties will look adorable under a pair of bootcut jeans, and you’ve got a rubber wedge heel so you get some height, but you’re less likely to fall on your ass in slippery conditions. They come in 4 colors, are shearling lined, and are on sale for a $59.95, SCORE!!

Here is a pair of gorgeous leather knee high boots that also happen to be water proof! Ward off those wintry conditions and still look trendy…who knew it was possible?!?

Try these out for a fun take on the riding boot. Patent leather, waterproof and lined to keep your feet warm, they’ll look fantastic with a cute sweater and a pair of skinny jeans.

[Every week our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.

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.]

With this Indian Summer we’ve got going on- it’s not warm enough to wear the sundresses or cute jean shorts, but it’s not cold enough to wear all those fabulous jackets and oversized sweaters – we are left with three options:

1) Giant armpit stains in our sweaters

2) 24/7 goose bumps in our tanks

3) Resort to a nice balance: the Boho Chic.

Obvi, number 3 is the way to go. Boho Chic is just perfection for those warm fall days that we all love so much. And the way Tween-Queen Miley is rocking it I just want to snag her style (even if she is, like, 12).

She looks cute and chic without being cheesey, and is one celebrity that actually know hows to dress. her. age.

So, here we go:

Celebrity Chic on the Chic: Miley Cyrus Sports the Boho Chic

Jeans

Miley’s are from the brand Rich and Skinny (of which I am neither), in the Belissma Style. They are SUPER cute and come in a bunch of colors…but they are also $154 dollars.

“I didn’t make millions starring on the Disney Channel, you idiot,” you say?

Well, that’s why I’ve provided a much more realistic and totally cute alternative. Let’s call them “Poor and Average Sized” jeans. Miley’s are a wide leg, but these skinnies are perfect to tuck in should you choose to rock this look with boots instead of sandals (I prefer it with the boots), because, let’s face it, it’s October and not everyone lives in Hollywood.

Boho-Inspired Top

There are tons of options for this top since its loose and flowy – Throw a tank underneath, or layer it with a long sleeve ribbed t-shirt once it gets colder. Or you could throw a long cardigan over it, or simply leave it by itself for a night out.

Shoes

I covet these boots. So cute. A GREAT fall staple, but also cute for this look.

But if you live in some climate where it is still warm enough for sandals (I hate you.), these platforms fit perfectly with this bohemian vibe.

Patent Leather Tote

Big enough to hold all your crap, but small enough to go out if you’re too lazy to switch it up. Miley has a black bag, but if I was Miley’s stylist, I would have told her to go for the honey brown. (So, Miley, if you are reading this…call me!)

So whenever a new season comes around, I know I look forward to seeing what the bag trends for that season are gonna be. While there is always a seasonal “it” bag (or 2 or 3) that generally costs more than your monthly rent, you don’t have to break the bank each season to have a trendy bag on your arm. It may be hard to believe, but there are plenty of budget options out there!

As is true with most seasons, this season brings us some new shapes, styles and textures, but there is also a lot of recycling going on. A key with bags is that you don’t need to go matchy matchy, so don’t be afraid to add a pop of color, or if you go with a neutral like grey or brown, you needn’t match all your accessories.

Bags are meant to be a statement piece, so don’t fear going bold and adding some zest to your look with your handbag – be it a clutch, tote, or, this season’s most popular shape, the satchel.

Satchel It To Me

As I said, the most popular shape for this season is the satchel. While totes and hobos are still popular shapes, the satchel has been seen on the arms of celebrities and trend-setters everywhere. The beauty of this shape is that you can incorporate any number of the trends listed below into the satchel, so pick your favorite and go with it.

What A Croc!

This season is all about different materials: reptile skins, lace, patent leather, or, the material du jour for the season, crocodile skin (or for those of us who are environmentally friendly, budget-conscious or both, faux croc). You can find croc in all the different shapes, sizes and colors of the season, from Prada bags down to Target clutches. Croc rocks because it adds a classic and classy touch to any ensemble.

Fringe Benefits

The hottest trend for this season is the bohemian-inspired fringe bag. Again, many designers are going with this trend, but you can find some great fringe bags on a budget at places like Nine West and Forever 21. My personal favorite is this bag from Melie Bianco, which is only $80 and can be found in some of this season’s hottest colors: taupe/grey, brown, burgundy and, of course, black.

Top of the World

A new and popular shape this season is the top-handle bag, which, again, can be found on many of the different shapes, sizes and trends of the season. Yes, all bags have handles on the top, but this trend focuses on a more structurd look and shorter handles. Definitely an updated look on your typical bag.

Treasure Hunt

As we have mentioned a million times before, jewel tones are huge this season, and this trend extends from clothes all the way to bags. Greens, pinks and teals are making an appearance, but the real winners this season are blues and berries. Everyone from Coach to Old Navy is making bags in these luscious colors and they’re a great way to give the neutral colors of fall/winter (black, greys, etc.) a festive pop.

Gift Wrapped Elegance

Giving way to a nostalgic and classic look, clutches with bows are a flirty and feminine touch to an evening look, especially in satin or patent leather. For inexpensive versions of this look, try Target and Payless; they’ve got adorable ones for under $40.

Brown Baggin’ It

As is always the case with fall, brown bags are all the rage; whether a deep chocolate color or a lighter tan, you can’t go wrong with pairing a brown bag with a hot pair of boots and skinny jeans.

I know when I was 17, I spruced up my Kipling backpack by wearing a strand of Chanel Pearls… and by Chanel Pearls I obviously mean the totally real ones that I bought in China Town.

Don’t get me wrong; I do admire their fashion forwardness, but I totally resent that it’s not reality. However, this look on Ms. Blake Lively is totally attainable and totally cute.

Perhaps I should start watching?

Leather is huge this fall (along with purple, yellow, scarves, and everything else I’ve blogged about in this series) and it’s a great way to dress down a sexy black dress while also staying warm in all those super long bar lines.

So I bring you: Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Gossip Girl’s ‘Too Legit to Quit’ Style.

The Black Dress: You can get a great dress from Forever 21, obvi. This dress is HOT and better than HOT – it’s CHEAP. INEXPENSIVE. MUY INEXPENSIVO. Yes, I am still single.

The Leather Jacket- While still pricey at $128.00, it’s still a bargain for a cute leather jacket. If you aren’t feeling this one Urban has tons of other cute options. And a leather jacket is a GREAT fall piece; wear it out with this ensemble, or throw it on with skinny jeans and flats, or even a cute hoodie and sweats to class (you know, instead of that awful North Face Fleece that neeeeeds to be retired. Please. I am begging you).

The Purse: Different than the one Blake has above, but more suitable for a night out at the bar, this Croc Patent purse is Hot (with a capital “H”). And the best thing about patent leather? Spills… or vomit (ew) wipe off easy breezy instead of leaving a messy stain.

The Shoe: These shoes will make this look a bit more transitional for fall rather than the wrap sandals shown above. I would go with the Pewter or the black; they both go with everything.

Multi Chain Necklace: This final touch paired with the booties and motorcycle jacket will make that ‘fit “Too Legit To Quit” (Hey heeeeey).

I can’t stop buying them.

I love all kinds of shoes, from flip flops to stilettos to my trusty Chuck Taylors. I love my tried and true (black pumps, ballet flats, etc.) and I love finding fun and funky shoes to add a lil’ oomph to an outfit. I have shoes ranging from Payless and Target to Steve Madden and even a few beloved pairs of designer shoes (that were all purchased in outlets or amazing clearance sales, I must add).

The best thing about shoes is that trends come in cycles so you can save your favorite pairs and use them for more than one season.

This season there are six major shoe trends emerging, although a couple of them are old trends re-surging, so I’m here to let you know what you’ll be seeing on footsies in the next few months.

Trend #1: Spectators (AKA Oxfords)

To go with the trend of menswear inspired clothing that is so hot this season, this throwback to the 1940’s is back in full swing and you can find all kinds of fun styles and colors for your own take on the trend. For those of you who aren’t on a student or recent-grad budget, Alexander McQueen has a gorgeous peep-toe version, but for the rest of us there are darling versions at Nine West, Aldo and Target. I just got an adorable pair of black peep-toes with a chunky heel for under $30 at Target and saw several different styles and colors. I also found a great black & white pair at Aldo on sale for $64.98 and another fun pair at Payless for $24.99! These look great with skirts and stockings/tights or with wide-legged trousers.

Trend #2: Black Patent T-Strap Heels with Platform

This trend continues and is a great way for you petite girls to add some height while also a showing off those gams. You can pair this style with jeans and a cute top or with a delicate cocktail dress. YSL’s Tribute Sandal is back with new colors and new heights, but again, for the budget-conscious, I found an adorable pair at Delia’s on sale for $19.99!!! I may just have to buy them myself.

Trend #3: Classic Stiletto Heel-Sans Platform

This trend never seems to go out of style and this season is no different. You can do all kinds of things with this shoe: different colors, round-toe or pointy-toe, different materials and even patterns (the watercolor look is a “must-have” trend of the season, according to Vogue). This style can be found EVERYWHERE – you don’t have to look far at all – and the key is to have fun with it. Go with a bold color like bright blues or greens, have a suede or a patent leather pump, rock ‘em out with skinny jeans, or with a hot mini-skirt. The key, though, is to make sure you have at least one pair of the classic black stiletto on hand. Aldo is a great place to find adorable stilettos for a reasonable price, and I oftentimes end up finding great sales and getting pairs for under $50. In fact I just got a pair of grey patent leather stilettos for $24!!!

Trend #4: Animal Prints

Animal prints are back, but to get the right look for this season, pair it with a very neutral outfit (greys, khakis, beiges). It’ll make your shoes pop and give a more modern take on animal prints. And this time around it’s not just about leopard; zebra, giraffe and python are a great take on this trend as well. It is a bit harder to find nice looking animal print shoes at a reasonable price, though I did spot a pair of zebra print at Target. Shoes.com also has a vast array of animal print shoes between $75 and $300.

Trend #5: Booties

It’s all about finding a good bootie call and, for the third straight season, booties are all the rage for fall. They’re a great in-between of having more coverage than regular heels without the commitment to a full boot, and they look absolutely adorable with a flirty party dress or a skirt (pencil or bubble-hemmed are my personal faves) and tights. There are numerous variations on this trend from lacey styles to gladiator-inspired, so look around for a style that fits you personally. Again, for budget-friendly versions check Nine West, Aldo, Target, and even Payless (who is currently having their BOGO/Buy one, get one ½ off sale).

Trend #6: Monster Platform Wood Soles

Crazy high wood platforms are huge (literally and figuratively) for fall. Well, at least for the runways. Stella McCartney and Marni are among the designers who adore this look, but it seems the design is so fashion forward (and impractical?) that I had a hard time finding inexpensive versions of this style. If you love the look, start scouring the internet; you are bound to find something to fit your college budget.

No matter which trend(s) you choose to go with, fashion is all about having fun and making yourself feel great, so pick out something you love, pair it with a fab outfit, and watch heads turn (or rather, look down).

If I had to choose what I love most about this season’s fashions (and choosing one is no easy feat) it’s that purple is THE color to wear. From shoes to bags to dresses and jackets – shades of purple are popping up EVERYWHERE.

You can’t go wrong: neon, plum, eggplant. Deep shades of purple are h.o.t.

“But I will look more like a vegetable and less like a cute trendy person,” you say aloud as you hold up an amazing purple frock. To which I say: NOT SO! Add some black patent accessories, or a fun accent color and you are good to go!

Here are three chicks rockin the neon purple ensemble, but, as usual, the prices of these fabu garments are well out of our reach.

That’s where I come in! Your fashion researcher. Your best friend, the coolest person you “know” to bring you celebrity chic on the cheap: Purple Paradise.

Body hugging purple dress: Welcome week is coming up ladies! And nothing makes an entrance like a sexy, BRIGHT purple dress. These dresses are PERFECT for the “Bend and Snap.”

Black Patent Belt: Forever 21 has the greatest belts for the greatest prices. And for only $8.80, you too can have a defined waist line!

Black clutch from Target. Completes the look and is so freakin cute without being too “cutsey.” Added bonus: It may be small but its shape guarantees enough room for all your stuff!

Black patent peep-toe pumps- while I am a bit concerned at the comfort level of these $20 bad boys, they are just oh-so-adorable. Not to mention how much it sucks to have a good pair of shoes ruined at the bar. So, even if they aren’t as comfy as those slippers, no cat fight will breakout when your roommate drops her late night pizza on them…

Now go rock those purples, Ladies!

The colorful shoes.

The exotic prints.

The dresses.

The bags. Oh boy, those bags.

I would have loved to give my credit card a workout and my wardrobe a much needed pick-me-up – as I have found myself wearing only grays and blacks these past few weeks – but the price tags at Nordstrom, etc. were just way bigger than anything I could afford. I pitied myself and my dwindling bank account for a moment, but instead of throwing in the proverbial towel and heading home to sulk in a pile of black sweats, I went in search of equally fabulous, yet far more affordable, Spring pieces.

It was a cinch. Spring trends are all about bright colors, patent leather, and new shapes. Luckily for me and any other lady on a budget, these elements are all very easy to find at any price point. I scoped out my I Have to Have Them But In No Way Can I Afford Them pieces, admired and drooled over them, and then snapped back into reality and went in search of their less expensive brothers.

What I Lusted: Marc by Marc Jacobs “Posh Turnlock” Convertible Clutch

Price: $298 (Ouch.)

This bag adds much needed drama and excitement to the bar-standard black dress or shirt.

The leather is soft, the colors (I prefer yellow) are bright without being too much and the bag is perfect for going out – both in the fact that it will hold everything and can be worn as either a clutch or on your shoulder.

What I Got: Xhilaration (For Target) Envelope Clutch

Price: $17.99

This bag has so much in common with the one by Marc – the perfect size for going out, the perfect color to pop a typical ensemble, the ability to be worn both as a clutch or shoulder bag – for a fraction of the price. Just think about how much better you will feel about spilling beer on an $18 bag versus one for $300.

What I Lusted: Hudson Wide Leg Stretch Jeans

Price: $185

Skinny pants are by no means out, but denim is taking on a whole new shape this season with the wide leg coming back. This cut is extremely flattering on a variety of body types and can easily be worn casual or dressed up.

What I Got: Calvin Klein Flare Stretch Trouser Jeans

Price: $79.50

It is one thing to spend a lot of money on a standard pair of jeans, but definitely not worth it for an interesting cut that will probably be out of style by next season. And you really don’t need to. This pair is wide (without being too wide) and a great wash for going out at night.

What I Lusted: Nine West V-Neck Button Front Dress

Price: $134

I am so excited that dresses are still oh-so-in this Spring. Especially the button-front variety. These things are truly flattering on everyone. The deep V paired with the cap sleeve is cute and chic all at the same time. What I would give to rock this dress with a hot pair of black patent pumps. Well, if I had enough money for it all…

What I Got: Merona (for Target) Embroidered Dress

Price: $19.99

And this, my friends, is why I am obsessed with Target. Twenty bucks for a dress. A cute dress. A dress that would look awesome with my new yellow bag.

I know, it’s funny to be campy and over the top. But didn’t we all make fun of the eighties the first time around? Now it seems the spandex are unstoppable, patent leather is everywhere, and even the fanny pack has re-invented itself as a bit of “so old it’s new.”

I will say that the leggings, short dress, and boot combo is functional and sort of sexy. I’ll admit it I’ve rocked it.

But every time I walk into a shoe store and see the patent leather shoe, I think to myself, really? I think that was over circa 1990. If I see shoulder pads I might slap somebody. I know that Europeans have been heading towards the eighties trend for some time now.

The last time I was in France (about a year ago) I would see the skinny jeans, with heels and be brought back to the iconic image of Brooke Shields in her Calvins.

As a not-so-skinny girl, (size 12 perfectly normal) the flared jean has done wonders for me. Then suddenly out of nowhere it seemed the skinny jean and/or the spandex was everywhere. Me and my above average ass were not ok with this.

Check out the awesomely bad 80′s fashion gallery after the jump!

So, perhaps my desire to stop the eighties comeback is simply just a selfish desire to not feel completely ridiculous in clothes that just don’t work on me. But I do want us all to take a moment and reflect on those photos from the eighties, and note how ridiculous everyone looks.

Then look down at what you might be wearing at the moment and note that you might look ridiculous as well.

[album=36]

Before I get to the trend (sigh, big bags are out). I’m going to tell you a story. And then I’m going to tell you how to remedy our little situation.

In October of 2005, I saw a Calvin Klein ad where the model was wearing FLAT BOOTS. And not just flat boots, but black patent leather pointy toe snakeskin flat boots. And at that point, not only did I want a pair of boots sans their heel, I wanted them right THEN before they became über popular.

Now you can find a pair anywhere. Forever 21, H&M, Payless: they all jumped on the flat boot bandwagon, but a year and a half after I wanted a pair. That year, I spent my fall break in New York and decided that I would find a decently priced (i.e. around 200 dollars) pair of boots. I knew I couldn’t find them for less, if I could even find them at all.

I dragged my then boyfriend to every shoe store in Manhattan looking for a pair of flat boots. Poor guy. That was a rough shopping day.

I knew what I wanted but could not find them for less than 500 bucks. And my college budget sure wasn’t able to afford a pair of shoes THAT expensive.

Eventually, at the end of the day, I found them. My beautiful flat boots were just sitting there on the shelf in a tiny unassuming shoe store on 14th street. And when I went back to school, everyone made fun of my shoes and I was like whatever, bitches! Just you wait!

So now for the new fall trend that can’t be found: small shoulder bags or saddle bags. Whatever you want to call them. Big bags are out for those in the know. As much as I love my big bag, I am a bit tired of lugging so much crap around and having so much accumulate within its cavernous interior. So I am going to embrace this new trend before it becomes too trendy. Problem is, every little bag comes with a big price.

But now for the solution:

Consignment and Thrift Stores—Back in the day, shoulder bags were totally popular. (I found one in my grandmother’s closet, actually). So check with Grams or check the local thrift stores. They are bound to be MUCH less expensive than the label versions that cost as much as a semester’s tuition.

DIY—Maybe you found a great clutch or small bag sans the strap. Well, release your inner girl scout and make your own! It isn’t hard to punch a few holes in a leather clutch and add a chain that you bought at Home Depot or get a skinny leather belt and use that as a strap. It just takes a bit of craftiness.

Or if you’re just too lazy, keep your eyes peeled. I found this bag (and only this one) at Urban Outfitters for $28.00.

Happy Hunting!