For some reason lately, I’ve been on a real retro kick when it comes to my iPod. Looking back at my most ‘recently played’ list, every song comes from 1985 and before….and I wasn’t even born then. What can I say? I guess the combo of my recent break up and finals season makes me nostalgic.

Which brings us to this week’s pick….which may be a bit, uh, obvious? I mean, who doesn’t love The Beatles? Or, now that they’re on iTunes, not already have their entire catalog on their iPod?

Whatever. I figured this could be my opportunity to not only share my favorite Beatles album with you all, but also my favorite album of all time: Rubber Soul

About the Band: This category just seems silly for this band, so instead of giving you the usual rundown on John, Paul, George and Ringo, I thought I’d share some fun trivia. Did you know that while Paul was known as the lefty of the group, Ringo was left handed as well? When he joined the band, though, they only had a right handed set, so he just adapted.

Top 3 Tracks:

Norwegian Wood

Michelle

In My Life

Why You Should Listen to It:
There’s a reason the Beatles are known as the greatest band ever, and it’s because they were musical geniuses. Like all of their albums, Rubber Soul has a song for every mood, but mainly, this is my go-to album whenever I want to just chill out and relax. The best thing about it, though: you can sing along to every song on here, which is what we all need after a long day of studying, after a killer exam or when we’re packing up our things to go home at the end of another long and memorable school year.

Want more awesome iPod suggestions?

I want to be Olivia Palermo.

To be fair, I don’t want her attitude. Or her brains (or lack thereof). Or her annoying, drunk cousin who is always loafing on her couch. I don’t even really want to be on The City. I really just want her wardrobe, namely those adorable men’s inspired flats she started rockin’ around town last season.

It was love at first sight, really. Shiny, chic flats that didn’t make you miss the 4 inch heel with the red sole Olivia typically donned. They were different, they were tres chic, they were (at least they looked) comfortable, and they were way, way out of my price range. But then, on a late night shopping spree at Kohl’s with my mom last week, I found these: a cheaper ($19, baby!) version of Olivia’s shoes that are still just as hot, classy and comfy as the designer originals. They were everything I wanted and more, perfect for this weird in-between-seasons business when it’s too hot for Uggs and too cold for Havianas.

So I snatched ‘em and before I even got home, I had an entire list of things I could wear with them. These shoes add that extra bit of couture and glamour that a normal flat could not and I believe every girl needs a pair. Don’t believe me? Just look what they can do for these three basic outfits:

Hot and Sassy
This dress is sexy and seemingly vintage all at once, which goes perfectly with these old school shoes. Layer on the tights for a more streamlined leg, then pull your hair back into a messy pony and add this gorgeous, retro headband. If it’s cold where you are, I feel bad for you you can always toss on an oversized black sweater to complete the look.

Dress: Lulus, $29
Shoes: Candies for Kohl’s, $29.99
Tights: Hue, 2 for $20
Headband: Forever 21, $3.80

Sexy & Stylin’
Like most flats, these tuxedo shoes look best with skinny jeans that can show ‘em off. My favorite skinny jeans right now are these from the Gap (my butt has never looked better), and I absolutely L-O-V-E this top. A built-in necklace? Genius! Just add a few statement pieces – like a bright, classic bag – and you’ll be the (nicer, smarter) Olivia Palermo of your next bash.

Skinny Jeans: Gap, $69.50
Top: Lulu’s, $30
Shoes: Candies for Kohl’s, $29.99
Bangle: Forever 21, $5.80
Purse: Forever 21, $16.80

Professional/Casual Chic
Got a big interview? Work at an office? Major presentation that is worth 65% of your Econ grade? You don’t have to get all dowdy; these adorable shoes work for all that, too. (Yes, they may just be the most versatile footwear since the gladiator sandal.) Go for a dressier black skinny jean, top off with a flowy camisole and a boyfriend blazer and a fun, bright bag. You’ll look professional yet chic, and your feet won’t blistered and hurting by the end of the day.

Jeans: Macy’s, $19.99
Blazer: Target, $29.99
Shoes: Candies for Kohl’s, $29.99
Cami: Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s, $19.99
Bag: Lulus, $44

The new fashionistas to watch are the girls of the hit series Mad Men.

The buxom Joan Holloway, the poised Betty Draper, and the spunky Peggy Olsen don’t just entertain us but allow us to feast our eyes on the fabulous designs of yesteryear, coordinated by the show’s talented costume designer, Janie Bryant. Pair the dresses walking down the halls of Sterling Cooper with period pumps and handbags and you’ll look a bit dated, but it’s easy to glam them up 2009-style with tights, belted cardigans or ankle boots.

Check out the StyleHive slide show for some vintage delights for Mad Men fans. Now you’re one step closer to becoming Joan Holloway.

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 may be one of the few who truly loves Private Practice. Come on, people; don’t tell me you don’t dream of a doctor’s office filled with smokin’ docs! I also love Kate Walsh’s Bob. It’s chic and fresh, but still long and girly (unlike our pal Posh). And it looks so easy to deal with (unlike my unruly fro).

And now, not only am I jealous of Kate Walsh’s job and hair, but I’m jealous of her ‘fit. Cause it is just so cute. She looks totally fashion-forward for a day about town, which makes me believe that we can do it too!

But it’s a recession and we can’t afford to buy a $200 skirt! So leave it to me (your trusty budget fashionista) to break it down and find it for us all on the cheap:

Black Mini Skirt

This thing is the poster child for versatile. It’s cute to wear out with a hot pair of heels, or cute to wear cas(ual) with sandals or flats. And it spans all seasons: tights now, bare legs later!

If you want something a little more mini, this option works as well. Though I don’t reccomend dinner with grandma in this skirt.

V-neck

W all know how much I looove this shirt and that’s because it’s versatile: great for sweats yet sexy enough for this outfit. And this color – mmmm – it just adds some punch for spring

Leather Jacket

PETA may not like it, but everyone needs a leather jacket. And if you are all “I don’t eat or wear meat,” get a fake one. Or this totally cute retro number (right). Just get something.

Sunglasses

Now this is what I call Celebrity Chic on the CHEAP. Helloooo, Forever 21.

Black Tights

If you don’t already have them, HUE is definitely the best brand around. They are totally durable, cheap, and they sell em just about everywhere.

Necklace

I love this necklace. It’s equal parts fierce and whimsy, new and vintage, and it totally ups the intrigue on this outfit. If you’re not into this one, feel free to use a piece you’ve already got – any sort of statement pendant will do.

Purse

Cream, cute and also very cheap. Or, for something that won’t show all those stains from setting your bag down in a puddle of beer, try this grey option.

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If I could do prom over again, I’d wear this dress.

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Well that’s bulls**t.

Bathing suits are supposed to be fun, flirty and cute. We wear them when we’re supposed to be having fun, not stressing because we’re not as surgically enhanced as the girl next to us or investing in last minute sarongs. With Spring Break steadfastly approaching, it’s time to check out the best bathing suits out there and re-vamp our ideas about swimsuit shopping.

So grab a trusted and honest friend, remove the necessary body hair and spray tan yourself silly (it seriously helps in dressing room fluorescents) and let’s shop.

Best Budget (And no one will know it!)

Old Navy’s Smocked Paisley Bikini

Remember those days when you wouldn’t be caught dead without your neon Old Navy Fleece jacket and every time you walked into Old Navy you had to buy 5 pairs of flip flops? Remember those really cheery Old navy commercials with everyone dancing? Well Old navy is awesome again (even though I was still shopping there when it wasn’t…those flip flops kick ass!) and all the proof you need is in their swimwear collection. This cobalt blue string bikini looks like you plucked it straight out of a Mediterranean boutique instead of your local Old Navy, and no one will be the wiser that you spent less than 50 bucks on the whole thing. You can shop by pattern, cut or mix and match, and every.single.piece. is under $20.

Best Bust Creators

Victoria’s Secret MiracleBra Swimsuits

Any of the tops offered by the MiracleBra line are bound to enhance whatever you’ve got up top. The suits all come in a ton of different cuts, colors and patterns, so the possibilities are endless when you’re creating your ideal bikini. (Bonus: seriously smaller chance that anyone on the beach will be wearing the same suit as you). Even if you want to be seriously sexy up top, you can keep it conservative on the bottom thanks to VS’s separates. This top is my favorite, mostly because it’s wireless, and if my PC doesn’t have wires, I personally believe my boobs shouldn’t either. Because it’s all cloth, the top is way more comfortable and definitely won’t get bent out of shape after some intense volleyball.

Bikini (F)or (large)Bust!

BECCA’s Expedition Halter

If you are well endowed when it comes to mammary issues, then you know how hard it is to find a decent fitting AND cute swimsuit. Enter BECCA by Rebecca Virtue. In almost every single pattern or style, the brand offers a D and/or DD cup size. Join in now: hallelujah! I love this geometric pattern because it is a) very cool and b) draws the eye in a diagonal direction, therefore (visually) cutting your boob in half (I said visually, ladies.) The cool coral, black and teal enameled brooch in the middle ties the funky pattern perfectly together, and the thick halter straps provide maximum support without underwire. Perfection.

Best One Piece

Venus’s South Beach Monokini

For the ultimate combo of chic and sexy, cut-out one pieces are the way to go. The cut-outs shave inches off of your waist by drawing your eye inward, and I love that the halter top isn’t so skimpy that the fabric will fall out of place if you move. In black, this suit begs you to wear it with heels, a floppy hat and huge sunglasses while you call everyone “dahling,” but all the other colors and patterns are so much fun that you might just want to buy two (and at $34 a pop, why the hell shouldn’t you?).

Best Itty-Bitty Bikini

Victoria’s Secret VerySexy Jeweled Orchid

All yellow polka dots aside, if you’ve been busting your butt at the gym since before SB09 was just a twinkle in your eye, show off your hard work in one of these. The maroon color is gorgeous on just about any skintone and the orchid accents are beautiful. They also allow you to look hot and fashionable on the beach without adding accessories that will probably end up broken, lost, or in the pocket of someone with a metal detector. The tiny triangle top gives you free reign over just how much cleavage you want to show and the low rise/high cut bottoms will leave very little to the imagination. If you’ve got the body to rock this bikini then work it!

Best splurge

Betsey Johnson’s Unforgettable Bikini with Swim Skirt

Not going anywhere for Spring Break? Then reward yourself for not blowing 6 months salary in one week (those margaritas add up!) and splurge on this. When I first saw this suit, my mind went into cuteness overload. Baby yellow? Yes, please. Floral detail on a classically feminine cut? OMG bikini heaven. This design also comes in a triangle or halter top , and tie or Brazilian bottoms (and yes, they all have the adorable rose detailing). Leave it to Betsey Johnson to create a perfect blend of retro glam, soft colors and hardcore sexiness…and turn it into a swimsuit.

Best Body Makeover

Miraclesuit’s Barcelona Bandeau

Ok, so I know the idea of a Miraclesuit sounds like something your Mom bought recently, but trust me when I say it truly is a MIRACLE. The extreme amount of spandex in this suit allows it to suck in, flatten, push up and shape pretty much any area on your body that makes you uncomfortable. The retro-bandeau style reminds me so much of pin-up girl suits, and they make the most of curves instead of trying to squeeze them into an ill-fitting suit.

Best All Around

BECCA by Rebecca Virtue.

Whenever I go to buy a new swimsuit, Becca’s collection is always the first one I check out. Her styles are always fabulous and fun, and there’s a cut for however–ahem—confident I’m feeling about strutting around in glorified underwear. And she never disappoints. A native Californian, Rebecca Virtue knows her beachwear. She believes in working with the natural shape of our bodies to create beautiful swimwear for everyone. All of her suits are designed with pretty detailing, gorgeous colors, cool combinations of fabrics (including soy!) and are meant to fit you flawlessly. And the best part? These suits last. I bought my first Becca suit when I was 15 and still wear it to this day without any saggy fabric or stretched out elastic—definitely worth it. You can check out her whole 2009 collection at her official website.

Either way, more than likely, you’ll start looking at the art classes.  It’s a coast class right?  Draw some pictures, get a little paint under your nails, maybe make a charcoal drawing of fruit.  Simple.  Relaxing

Until you meet… The Art Major.

She will show up on the first day of class with a portfolio already in hand.  It doesn’t matter if she’s a freshman or not; her portfolio will be as big as Barbie’s dream house and contain every sketch, scribble, and doodle she ever made.  Be careful about this one.  There’s a great possibility that you’ll get whacked with that thing before the semester is over (she doesn’t always care/is too high to notice where she’s  swinging it).

Just like any other stereotypical person on campus, the Art Major one has a uniform.  This person is going to be wearing a black hoodie zipped up.  The hoodie will have <insert “artistic” band name here> on it.  They wear jeans or cargo pants.  Their shoes will be flats with something like stars on them, oftentimes doodles on by the wearer.  Sometimes the uniform will vary so, when in doubt, look at the face.

No, it’s not like art majors are horribly disfigured or anything.  It’s more like they all have the same “I’m artsy” vibe goin’ on. The girls will usually have cat-eye shaped glasses (whether they need them or not), over eyes lined in any crazy shade of liner.  Red, blue, or green, it doesn’t matter.  They will use the whole color palette on their face if they can.  Only the complementary colors, of course.  They are art majors, after all.

When not in art class, the art major will be sitting in front of blank walls/buildings on campus/plates of food and sketching. Or painting. Or making you feel uncomfortable as you get the feeling they are doing some sort of art project with you as the centerpiece. They will be with a fellow art major discussing topics such as how much deeper they are than everyone else, the cost of oil paints these days, and some hippie Indie film that just came out.

And when they are in class? Well, their natural talent is just going to make you feel like crap.  They can make your bowl of fruit (that you spent hours on) look like a 3-year-old’s doodle. And then look at you with a mixture of pity and resentment over those cat-eyed glasses and make you wish you’d taken a music class instead.

The Sex and the City Movi

Rather, the SATC movie left me depressed for admittedly superficial reasons. Forget Freuds Penis Envy — the SATC Movie left me with major, MAJOR bag, clothes, and shoe envy. I felt like having a tantrum circa 1983 (But mom I waaaaant it!!!!!).

I am not exaggerating when I say that I was salivating at the sight of Miranda’s Norma Kamali Swim-suit and Carrie’s 5,000 pairs of Manolo’s and Louboutins. Suddenly my flip flops and white terry zip-up made me feel like a hot-mess.

Maybe I should have dressed up for the movie (I say this now with extreme sarcasm, because I still think movies go hand in hand with sweatpants and popcorn; not patent leather pumps and thigh highs). But when the movie was over, I had an itch to go home, freshen up and put on my best Carrie Bradshaw imitation.

But when I got home, nothing in my closet seemed to inspire me. Everything paled in comparison to my girls on the big screen. Sure, I have some stellar pieces from flea markets, boutiques and department stores; surly I could find some sort of SATC fashion inspiration for my night out on the town. But nothing came of it.

So, lucky for you ladies, I decided to do what I do best, scour the internet for SATC fashion looks that won’t leave me eating ramen and living out of a cardboard box for the next 20 years.

Carrie’s Extreme Dior Gladiator platforms ($770!) left me with extreme shoe envy, until I saw that my man Steve (as in Madden) made a very close knock off for $109.95! Pair the brown ones with a flirty ivory dress for trendy stark contrast. Then look in the mirror and call yourself Carrie (I won’t tell!).

This season is all about the Retro one-pieces. While last years maternity trend made me want to scream (and cry- which I did when someone asked me if I was expecting) this year’s hot trend of the one piece leaves me squirming with affection for the fashion gods. The Norma Kamali Mio suit that Miranda wears may just be the cutest thing I have ever seen. However, its hefty price tag counterpart of $350? Not so cute.

As an alternative, try this red retro style by Carmen Marc Valvo for $117 or this Pinup Retro Scoopneck one-piece for only $51.99

Charlotte’s Jackie O inspired shades were classy and big without making her look bug-eyed and over-stated. Everyone needs a perfect pair of shades to wear on the beach (in that new suit of yours) or with a sundress and an iced coffee (deeeelightful!). Swap out the movie originals (Natali Sunglasses from Salt for $313) and go for a pair at Forever 21 for $5.80.

In just about every scene, Samantha or one of other ladies had something fabulously belted. Thrown over a duster, a chunky sweater, a blazer, a sundress, a slightly miss-matched belt can not only complete an outfit, but also cinch in your waist giving you that perfect hour-glass figure. Try this white patent belt from Forever 21 for $7.80.

A Tip: Since belting is such a huge trend right now (read: the slap bracelets of yester-year) many jackets, dresses, etc. are coming

with belts already attached. To really punch up the outfit and make you a standout, swap out the belt that it comes with for a different one that contrasts/compliments in color. Or take it one step fabulous-er and look for a different texture (think patent, woven, or croc).

[Photos courtesy of Steve Madden, Forever 21, Victoria's Secret and shinystyle.tv]

Oversized Frames: This look has been around for a few years now and was taken mainstream by the likes of Nicole Richie and the Olsen Twins. While it’ll eventually go out of fashion, don’t expect that to happen for the next couple of years. This look doesn’t work for every face shape, but if you can rock it, it can be a blast. You can go for many different shapes; square, round, oval. We’re even seeing octagonal and heart shapes! And the color combos are endless. Classic black gives an Audrey Hepburn look, while going for a fun, funky color and shape allows a whole new feeling. The best advice is to try these glasses on and make sure they don’t take over your face, then have fun with it!

Ray-Ban Wayfarers: This vintage style reemerged in 2007 and is still being seen on celebs such as Kate Moss and Paris Hilton. Of course the classic black frame is in, as are the brightly colored frames. New this year, though, are the two-toned frames to add a little spice.

70′s Inspired Thick, Plastic Frames: The 80′s trend is leaving us, but the 70′s trend remains popular and that means thick, plastic frames in all shapes and colors are popular once again. My best advice: when choosing a style of retro sunglasses, make sure you pick a decade that is currently in trend and don’t go overboard on the color or print of the frames; with the thickness of the 70′s frame, you don’t need too much.

Round, “John Lennon” Glasses: An offspring of the thick 70′s frame trend, the round frames trend has been seen all over the runways from Betsey Johnson to Moschino and everyone from Target to Ralph Lauren are taking the cue and running with it. Again, these frames won’t work for all face shapes, so try ‘em on before jumping on this bandwagon.

Tortoise Shell: While you won’t be finding real tortoise shell out there (we’re much more animal and eco-friendly these days), faux tortoise shell will help fulfill the desire for an exotic look this season.

Aviators: Another continuing trend, the look and style of one of 2007′s biggest trends has barely changed, which means recycling last year’s aviators is completely acceptable and will help out with the budget in this declining economy.

Gradient Lens: Looking ahead to late Summer/Fall, gradient lens (where color changes from black to clear) will be extremely popular, though hard to deal with in the middle of Summer due to the intensity of the sun. They’re a fun way to add a twist on your favorite style and are a fresh look for 2008, so keep them in mind.

The fun of all of these trends is that they can be mixed together to create your own special look; oversize aviators, round tortoise shell frames, 70′s inspired frames with gradient lenses, you can put ‘em all together to add a personal punch to your summer look.

For those of us on a budget (or who wanna indulge in all of this summer’s trends), there are plenty of options out there. Urban Outfitters and Target have a vast array of glasses in the $18-$20 range, which can be found in their stores or on their websites. Forever 21 is an even better option with tons of glasses that fit all of these trends for under $10!

If you really want some designer specs, but don’t have a couple Benjamins to drop, my suggestion is to head over to your local discount store (Filene’s Basement, Loehmann’s, etc.); with all of the style recycling this year, you can usually get some adorable glasses at a discounted price, and no one has to know they are “so last season”.