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.

Shopping Info: Shorts, Shirt, Vest, Tights, Pumps.

Okay, upon first glance, you might look at this outfit and then give me major side-eye through your computer. It is one of those outfits that only someone who walks a red carpet regularly should be wearing, but I mean, college is basically Hollywood, and the quad/bar/classroom is your red carpet. This is the only time we can can get away with wearing anything we want before we eventually (economic climate permitting) acquire real jobs with enforceable dress codes. So why not take the opportunity to wear slightly crazy ish?

I completely love this whole “9000 ’80s trends threw up on me but I make it look hot anyway” aesthetic Nicole is rocking in this outfit. Adding pizazz to an oversized button down with a shiny black vest. Without a vest, this would still be a hot daytime look, but with this cute sequined one from Forever 21, now you’re ready for a chill night out. And I know I’m not the only one aching to rock some summer clothes, so why not throw on a pair of shorts (distressed or not) and winterize them with a pair of tights. This look is best with short-shorts, and luckily, every single store only seems to carry the hoochiest of shorts (or do I just have freakishly long legs? bah). Then, to add some major pizazz, throw on some suede stilettos, the highest ones you can teeter strut comfortably in, and bam, you’ve got yourself a super trendy, fun, fabulous outfit that Rachel Zoe would literally die over without her so-high-you’ll-die budget.

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

[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.

Product Info: Skirt – Forever 21, $19.80; White Shirt – Old Navy, $10; Blazer – Target, $19.99; Scarf – Scarf World, $5.56; Tights – Figleaves, $7.50; Shoes – Steve Madden, $69.95.

I completely adore this outfit for so many reasons. First of all, this amazing skirt. Maybe I’ve been watching too much Gossip Girl, but I am a firm supporter in miniskirts year round, and I am absolutely in love with the silver studding of this one from Forever 21, which has a similar biker-inspired aesthetic to Jessica’s bangin’ skirt. I have already expressed my undying love for animal print, so you know I’m swooning over the cheetah print scarf, which livens up the plain white top.

I chose a boyfriend blazer (the best/most versatile thing in my wardrobe) to throw on top, but a heavy pea coat would look just as cute. Those sheer tights are perfect for you lucky ladies who don’t have to walk around with a scorching hot caramel macchiato at all times to keep you warm. But for my fellow shivering chickadees, throw on some uber thick tights and you’re good to go. Finally, these uber cute black tuxedo shoes finish off the look by adding a slightly boyish flair to an otherwise very feminine outfit.

Jessica Alba’s look is effortlessly sexy and edgy, and with enough sass, totally appropriate for a variety of occasions, from a Saturday shopping sesh to a night at the bar. Here’s hoping I can look this hot after popping a kid out…

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

[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.

T-shirt, Jeggings, Sunglasses, Hat, Heels

What I love most about this look is that its perfectly casual for your daily activities, but – thanks to the funky fedora and oversize sunglasses – still totally chic. (Plus, the fedora provides ample coverage for that “I woke up late and didn’t have time to wash my greasy hair” issue we often encounter.) The outfit is perfectly balanced with the loose-fitting tee over a pair of ultra-skinny jeans, and the fire red heels add an extra touch of rock star. Of course, if sporting heels to 6 hours of class isn’t your idea of fun, you can replace the heels with a more comfortable patent leather flat and still maintain a look that is fresh, fun and the antithesis of college sloppy. The best part of this look? Layering on a loose cardigan for those frigid campus buildings only makes it better.

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.

For the Day:
Just throw on some cute red flats and you’ll be set. The dress has so much detail, you don’t need much else! I love the peep toe on this shoe – it’s obviously dressier than a flip flop, but the buckle and open toe make it perfectly acceptable for daytime fun. Just make sure your toes are peep worthy.

For the Night:
Now it’s time to hit the bars or go on a date with your summer hottie and you wanna put a little more za za zoo into your look. Just add some teardrop earrings, dainty bracelets, and a pair of red wedges and you’ve got an equally stylish nighttime look. (And if you’re really turning up the heat, a push up bra wouldn’t hurt….)

With this look, there’s no doubt your style will be in full bloom.

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.)

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.

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.

Gilt Group: This site is different than the first two…they don’t just have overstocked items that you can pick from whenever you want. They have specific sales on certain brands on a day-to-day basis. The site originators send out an e-mail every day as to who’s on sale. You must be a member to join (it’s free), and I believe you must be invited to become a member. You are now invited.

Haute Look: Very similar to Gilt Group, they have exclusive sales with phenomenal deals. Check on their site daily for the current and upcoming lines they will be selling.

eBags: If you’re a bag horse, this is a great site. I got my bf an amazing $250 Kenneth Cole leather messenger bag for $70, and they gave me a free leather business card case with it!

eLuxury: Again, still not exactly in a college student’s budget, but the prices are slashed by 30-70%

One other tip I have is to check the websites of the high end stores themselves: Barneys, Nieman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Macy’s. With the recession, one of the arenas getting hit the hardest is luxury goods, so these stores are just hoping to get merchandise off their shelves and out of their storage, which means they’re all having kick-butt sales (usually in the 50-90% off range). These sales are sure to pop up over the next few months as the economy worsens. So if you have the chance (and the bucks), take advantage of the benefits of a global economic collapse – you may get a fabulous pair of shoes out of it.