[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 "damn, she always looks so cute," Ashley Tisdale are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.]

Confession: I miss hot-mess Nicole Richie. You know, 2003, fresh out of rehab, best friends with Paris Hilton, multi-colored, slightly raggedy extensions rocking, flashing boobies at fashion shows Nicole. I mean, sure, the babies are cute, her hair always looks silky and glorious, and the same antics that a 22-year-old engages in are a lot less cute in a 30-year-old. But still. I’m always a little bummed when not-Lindsay-tragic hot messes start domesticating themselves, because their uninhibited messiness is kind of admirable.

But it’s no big, because now I can admire Nicole for her banging sense of style. She’s the reason we all know who Rachel Zoe is, because Ms. Zoe is the one who gave Nicole a makeover even Cher Horowitz would be impressed by. And after Nicole became a style icon, suddenly every Hollywood starlet under the age of 30 was in Rachel’s care, but while they all looked like clones, Nicole always stood out. She has a strong sense of self that comes through in the outfits she wears, so while she may be uber trendy, she never looks dull or uninspired. 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 (like everyone's favorite style icon, Gwen Stefani) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble you don’t have to.]

Jessica Alba has been taking a break from the big screen lately, choosing to focus on raising her daughter and tweet about feeling fly like a G6. Yet, she is still a solid fixture in all the tabloids, because for some reason, everyone is still obsessed with the fact that celebrities procreate (and look fabulous while doing so).

Jessica is definitely one of the most stylish mommies running around Hollywood. She has a fresh, hip, not excessively trendy style and she loves to include unexpected accessories or pieces with eye-catching detailing. Weird, because I also like to be fresh, hip and not excessively trendy with a touch of the unexpected. Thankfully, I don’t have to have Jessica’s movie star salary to achieve my style dreams. Read More »

[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap in which 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.]

I’m an unabashed Xtina lover. She snagged me with “Reflections” (yes, I took it all the way back to Mulan), and I’ve stuck with her through her various musical and aesthetic reinventions, from the dirty to the vintage to the futuristic.

What I’ve always admired about Christina, besides her stellar voice and her ability to redefine catty and alienate her peers is her personal style. She is not one of those celebs we’re likely to catch bumming around in slouchy sweats and stained shirts (I still love you, Britney!). Even when she’s strolling around L.A., she’ll elevate a casual tank top + leggings look with interesting accessories and sky-high heels. Read More »

Coach launches cheaper Poppy line.

What should your brow shape be?

Heath Ledger on Vanity Fair.

OMG! A caffeinated Wendy’s Frosty?!

Which was more tragic: MJ’s life or death?

Women are even better at manual labor!?

Floral prints are flirty, feminine and perfect for spring/summer.  Have no fear! Finding floral prints that don’t resemble your grandmother’s couch is easy these days, as the oh-so-classic rose print got some modern touches this season.

You can find an assortment of styles & prints in a vast price range, but for those of us on a recessionista budget, this dress on sale for 60% off (!) at Nordstrom is a great bet. It’s light & casual enough for running errands, going to summer school or just chillin’ with friends, but can be easily vamped up for night time with a switch of the bra and a few extra accessories. Read More »

The Maxi dress is a summer must-have essential. You can roll out of bed and throw it on with flip flops for an outside brunch. You can throw on a pair of wedges or heels and dress it up for a night out. You can dress it up for a night out, then roll out of (a cute man’s) bed and throw it on for brunch with said cute man without it being SO blatantly obvious that you were wearing the same exact thing last night.  The walk of shame is practically eliminated in this dazzling dress.

Like I said- summer must-have. Essential.

And with so many out there, there is no way to not find one to flatter your body. Thicker straps for those of us who must wear a bra for fear that our boobs will drag on the floor without one; a loud print for those of us who want to give ourselves a bit more shape.  No matter your height, weight or proportions, there is a Maxi dress out there for you. Sort of like how Maxi pads come in different styles, only cuter and less like a diaper.

And lucky for you, huge summer trend means huge possibility of finding a dress that doesn’t make a dent in your budget, but still leaves everyone asking you where on earth you found that super cute piece. (Click on the dresses to get all the deets.) Read More »

Have you met our new BFFs over at What’s Haute? We love popping over there to do some “window shopping” of all the designer bags and accessories that we would have to work for life and beyond to afford. Still, we can’t stop. Well, our friends know how we feel and now they are bringing us some cheaper (yet still beautiful) alternatives, right here on CollegeCandy. To see more couture goodness, visit What’s Haute.

With the economy flip-flopping more than John Kerry, it’s difficult to justify spending lots of cash on a bag. So the $95 Glam Noir Leather Zip Clutch in Black is priced just right for a recessionista’s budget!

And you don’t have to skimp on style. This little black clutch incorporates one of this season’s hottest trends – exposed zipper detail – with asymmetric lines. The glossy black leather exterior paired with the bright, violet bengaline lining makes it look a lot ‘richer’ than $95 bucks! It has a snap flap closure and measures at 11″w x 6″h x 1″d, so it can easily fit your wallet, keys, cell phone, lipgloss and more. It’s the perfect date clutch! And you’re left with money to spare.

Get it at Luna Boston.

Designer duds – for fashionistas around the world, they are a must-have. But with the economy in the crapper and most of us on a college student or recent graduate budget, finding the cash flow for those lovely labels is a lot harder than drooling over them. However, it is possible to find designer apparel and accessories at very discounted prices without having to elbow some other fashionista in the aisle at TJ Maxx, Loehmann’s or Filene’s Basement.

Just hit the internet.

While the prices are oftentimes still much higher than those pieces you love grabbing at Target, Old Navy, Forever 21 or H&M, many of these items are much higher in quality and can be wardrobe staples for many years to come.

I am personally obsessed with designer denim, shoes and handbags. I don’t have the salary to allow me to buy whatever I want at their normal price and I don’t own a credit card (for good reason – it would’ve been maxed out ages ago), so I have to look for deals. Enter my saviors for retail therapy on a budget:

Overstock.com: This site is a gem! You may not always find exactly what you want, but you can find some great stuff here at even better prices. I got my bf 2 sweaters and a button down shirt that were each originally $75/piece, for $15 each! You can also find great home goods here for awesomely affordable prices.

Bluefly: While things here are oftentimes still pretty pricey, they do give a good percentage off, and I check here often because when they have sales, you can find phenomenal deals. Read More »