[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where 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 (like chic gone crazy Kate Moss) are spending $5,000 and more on an ensemble, you an spend way less...and save the rest for Margarita Mondays.]

Lauren Conrad is completely and utterly brilliant. She has somehow managed to parlay getting paid to turn her teenage/college-aged angst into an empire. She has a clothing line, a series of books (that I am unabashedly addicted to, btdubs), a lifestyle website (how very Gwyneth), and is a staple on best dressed lists. And to think, it all started because she was willing to put her dramz on a platter for all of us to devour on a weekly basis.

She’s basically our generation’s Einstein, with far better hair. Lauren’s style is amazing in its simplicity. It’s classic without being dull and trendy without being cliche. She has created an effortlessly unique blend of aesthetics, from preppy to boho to beach chic.  Her night looks are among some of my favorites because they’re always very simple and demure, which can be a nice change of pace. Read More »

[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where 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 (or faux-lebrities, like Kimmy K) are spending $5,000 and more on an ensemble, you an spend way less...and save the rest for Margarita Mondays.]

Jennifer Lopez has been one of my style icons for over a decade. As a supremely awkward adolescent girl, I used to watch her music videos and drool over her sexy, trendy, totally stunning outfits that she wore with the kind of confidence that I continue to marvel at to this day. After marriage, two kids, and a few colossally embarrassing career moves (Bennifer, anyone?), J Lo still oozes pure, unadulterated diva swagger. And I absolutely love her for it.

Recently, she showed up to an American Idol party dressed in a schoolgirl inspired outfit, abs bared and all. Had anyone else done this, everyone (myself included), would have written it off as another tacky crime against all things fashionable and chic. Yet somehow, when I saw this 41-year-old mother in this pretty blatantly ridiculous ensemble, I saw a regulation hottie wearing a really cool, funky, edgy outfit. Read More »

One of the biggest fashion trends for the 2010-2011 fall/winter season is velvet.  The ultra-soft fabric looks and feels luxurious, so it’s great for holiday parties.  It’s also warm, making it perfect for cold weather.

Just because velvet seems luxe doesn’t mean it has to be pricey, however.  For under $20, you can add any one of these great velvet pieces to your wardrobe this holiday season! Read More »

[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where 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 (for basics!!) you don’t have to. All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire look. For cheap. Yes, we know - there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Kourtney Kardashian is totally my favorite Kardashian sister (no, I’m not ashamed that I even have a fave). Did you know that she’s the only one who went to college? Not that I don’t respect a career path that includes being Paris Hilton’s bestie/leaking a sex tape/capitalizing on having a booty that is basically a work of art or…what is it that Khloe does?

But I appreciate that Kourtney at least didn’t expect to make “shameless fame seeker” her bread and butter, and if the 85736837349 hours of Kardashian footage on E! is to be believed, she is actually interested in being a successful businesswoman.

So basically, I like her/mildly pay attention to her because she’s kind of normal. But moreso because, while her taste in men isn’t top notch (more like bottom of the douchey barrel), her taste in fashion totally is. And this particular outfit’s got me jonesing for a shopping spree. Read More »

According to University of North Carolina professor Kevin Caneiro, there’s a new disease lurking on college campuses nationwide. Dubbed  “Laptop-itis,” it is the result of excessive use of laptops and cell phones with symptoms ranging from worsened posture to pain in the backs, necks, and wrists of students everywhere.

Caneiro’s concern regarding this ailment is understandable – we don’t need an entire generation of hunchbacks, after all – but in the grand scheme of things, Laptop-itis is the least of our problems. Really, there are plenty of larger issues we college students should be worrying about. Like Athlete’s Foot from the showers. Or Mono from all those frat party makeouts.

Or any of these:

Laundr-phobia:  Often striking halfway through the semester, students present with an unhealthy, all-consuming fear of the laundry room (usually stemming from an uncertainty of how to use the machines).  Symptoms include a lack of underwear, crusty stains and a less than desirable smell of mildew permeating from their overflowing hamper.  In extreme cases, Laundr-phobia’s effects can be disastrous (and foul), often leading to ridicule and friend loss.  While there is no known cure, temporary reprieve is available during long weekends at home with mom. Read More »

My Blackberry is flooded with so many email messages from stores that I usually mass delete them. But when “Trend Alert: Neutrals” appeared in the subject line dozens of times I figured I better check out what all the hype is about.

And of course I fell in love…as always. There really is something so elegant and timeless about a white cardigan or a pair of khaki cargo shorts.

My own style, however, is a little more edgy and my closet is filled with tons of printed dresses and patterned tanks. But just because I love me some major color when it comes to my wardrobe doesn’t mean that there’s no room to employ this totally-fab neutral trend.

Which is where Steve Madden’s Toppazz Heel comes in.

It’s suede texture and ruffle are adorably sweet, while the 4-inch heel gives it that extra kick of edge to keep the heel from feeling too demure.

I can see them paired with a flowy A-line skirt for a sweetly-sexy, feminine ensemble, but I can also see them working just as well with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and a leather jacket for a night out. Read More »

Neutral blazer: worth the splurge

It’s really easy to get swept away by trends and brand names when you’re shopping. The stuff is just so pretty! Not pretty, though, is a closet full of overpriced clothes that are torn, tattered or out of style six months later. Before you hit the mall and load up on all that Spring cuteness, take a moment to assess the difference between an investment and an indulgence.

Which is which?

Let’s break it all down.

Worth it: Black pencil skirt
Not Worth it: Sequin mini-skirt
Why: While sequins are a hot trend this season, they are just that – a trend – and who knows if they will still be popular next season? On the other hand, a black pencil skirt is a classic; it works for multiple occasions, will last you for years, and will never go out of style.

Worth it: Good pair of comfortable pumps
Not Worth it: Flats
Why: No matter what flats cost, they are still very…flat. That means they wear out easily, so it doesn’t pay to fork over $100 for a pair; they’re still going to be beat up by the end of the year. Read More »

So maybe I’m a little late in the game, but 2010 is, like, soon. It feels like only yesterday that I was sitting on my daybed thinking, “this is the last time we can sing ‘Tonight We’re Gonna Party Like it’s 1999′” as I placed 5 too many butterfly clips into my hair and rocked out in my platform gym shoes.

God I feel old.

But I digress. New Year’s Eve is hands down the best excuse to dress up. But that doesn’t mean you gotta splurge on some hot frock that will look great in pictures, but not so great sitting in the back of your closet for the next 2 years because you have nowhere to wear it again. There are plenty of ways to spice up your look for the big night by adding some fun pieces to the stuff you already own. Here are just a few not-a-dress options to ring in the big 20-10. Read More »

I think diffusion lines might be the best thing to ever happen to us college girls, after happy hour and delivery food, of course. We can only do so much drooling as we click through the Bloomingdale’s website until we need something tangible to hang in our closets. It is this online window shopping and my empty wallet that had me anxiously awaiting Jimmy Choo’s new line for H&M.

What could be better? The red carpet looks I have been ogling on my favorite celebs at a price that even I can afford. So I raced down there to see it, the entire time trying to contain the excitement that I may leave the store with a brand new outfit for Friday night’s party that will have everyone asking, “where’d you get that dress?” To which I could reply with five words I never thought I would be able to say, “Oh, it’s by Jimmy Choo.” Read More »

Lace tights can break up the monotony of a solid-colored outfit and add a feminine touch to your look. They look chic with dresses, shorts, skirts, and boots. Here are three things to keep in mind when styling lace tights:

1. Mix delicate lace tights with tougher fabrics like tweed and menswear-inspired pieces.

Read More »