I’m in one of those (very sad) stages where I don’t actually need anything. I know it’s hard to believe. But with months of winter buying under my belt, I have leggings and cashmere cardigans and sweater dresses everywhere (no seriously, I sleep with at least three articles of clothing every night).

And with spring yet to have shown us a glimmer of hope that it’s on its way, it’s just depressing to purchase anything floral and skimpy, catching a glimpse of it as you trudge out of the house in snow boots and a down filled jacket.

But then that amazing little thing creeps into my agenda pages, the one thing none of us college girls can resist shopping for, and which totally warrants the purchasing of, at minimum, a new bathing suit and a super sexy party dress. Spring Break, baby!

This being the last of my Spring break’s ever (I know, I am most definitely in mourning right now), I am going all out, spending 7 glorious booze-and-sun-filled days in Cancun, the spring break capital of the universe.

Which means I am now in need of something again (whew!).

Of course, I’ve already found the perfect dress. And it’s sitting in the display window of Express. Their Escalating Ruffle Strapless Dress is pure sex. The perfect combo of spicy vixen and flirty girlishness.

This mini-dress screams tropical (I’m talkin’ mojito in hand, waves lapping at the sand), exactly the vibe we’re all dying for after months of frigid cold.

Plus, this mini is the one thing that happens in Cancun that doesn’t have to stay there. I can see myself rockin’ it to a party or a bar while waiting for spring with a pair of boots and a leather jacket. The strawberry color is sweet enough that it can even be toned down for the office with a belted cardigan, tights and flats.

It’s the spring break gift that keeps on giving. And it’s going to look amazing with my sun kissed tan.

Ruffles are my latest obsession and they should be yours, too!  They are not only a soft detail that instantly feminizes a piece, but they are also ultra forgiving when worn in the right place (there’s nothing like a tiered-ruffle top to camouflage your over-indulgence at the end of ‘09). And they can be worn just about EVERYWHERE – on your tops, cardigans, dresses, and even bags and shoes! Meaning that there are many, many ways to incorporate ruffles into your everyday outfits.

And why wouldn’t you want to? Soft ruffled details add a romantic feel to the most basic of pieces, while the sculptural ruffles on skirts and dresses make a bold statement. As ruffles have been popular in seasons past, you probably have a few pieces you can bust out again this season. But with all that holiday money burning a hole in your pocket (not to mention the holiday sales that are still going on right now), how could you not afford to pick up a few new ruffles for your winter wardrobe?

We all have our own personal style. That’s a fact.  However, no matter what your style is, there is one staple that every college girl (and boy for that matter) should have in their closet – a cardigan.

While the cardigan can be associated with our favorite childhood neighbor, Mr. Rogers, the cardigan is no longer just for old men.  A cardigan is easily the most versatile piece of clothing you can own.  Chicer than a hoody, the cardigan goes with everything, be it with jeans or over a dress.  This year is the perfect time to purchase a cardigan (or 20), as stores have pulled out all the stops.  Name a trend this year, and you can find a cardigan that incorporates it. Of course, there’s also basic cardigans in every color imaginable if that’s more your thing.

So whether you’re looking for sequins, plaid or ruffles, there’s a cardigan out there for you. If only there were room in my closet for all 16 of these…

I’m pretty sure there is nothing better in life than a really fantastic sale section. Especially at a store stocked with things you already love. Take home some awesome finds on the cheap? Yes please!

Much like Urban Outfitters and Express, Tilly’s is chock full of really cute stuff at a somewhat “affordable” price. But it is in their fabulous sale section where you really hit the fashion jackpot. They’ve got everything from basics to statement pieces to stock your closet, and all of it is ch-ch-cheap. Here are a few items I found to be totally darling and will fulfill your inner frugalista.

Who says thermals have to be unattractive?  This thermal comes in a variety of colors and will not only keep you cozy for those long hours spent in the library, but you’ll look good to boot.

Bereanies (beret beanies) are the perfect solution to keeping your head warm while maintaining your style. And, trust me, these things can work on everybody, so give it a shot.

Two of the biggest trends this season are purple and ruffles and this sweet and flirty top lets you kill two trends with one shirt for under $8. Just pair it with some black skinny jeans and a pair of heels and you’ve got the perfect party look for the season.

If you’re not daring enough for a liquid legging but bored with the basic black, these could be your legging soul mates. The lace running down the side of these not-so-basic black leggings adds a hint of freshness and sex appeal to a typically standard look.

Tired of wearing the same old jeans?  Why not pull on a pair of sailor pants? They’re basic enough to wear every day, but cute enough to add a much-needed change to your same-jeans-all-the-time “rotation.”

I love BF cardis as much as I love me some BF jeans (and my actual BF) and I adore the stripes on this one.  Not only that, there are several colors to choose from and with their $19.99 price tag, you can afford at least a couple of ‘em.

The cut of this tunic will give some va-va-voom to a gal’s curves and the red plaid is perfect for the holiday season.

You can’t go wrong with girlie ruffles. Ever. And a belt to cinch your waist? Everyone needs one. This is the perfect skirt for all those holiday parties you are sure to be attending this season. It’s versatile – you can dress it up or dress it down, and it will look cute with flats, booties or some sexy stilettos.

It’s about that time when I start looking around for my holiday go-to outfit. It may seem a little early given that we just entered November, but the second Halloween ended I saw Christmas decorations shoot up in every Manhattan storefront, so I’ll take that as my cue.

Now, it isn’t easy to compile the perfect ensemble. Holiday parties, dinners and dates pop up in short notice and with any extra cash sent directly to the Christmas gifts fund we can’t run out and buy a new outfit for each one (well, we could, but let’s try to remember it’s the season of giving…to other people). So you have to have the perfect outfit to get you through the season, and all the events it brings about.

And I ladies, have found the one item that will instantly make anything in your closet party appropriate.

It’s a pair of amazing satin Charles By Charles David pumps. And the heel wasn’t named “spicy” for nothing. They are incredibly sexy, with sheer, textured ruffles winding down the top, contrasting the sleek satin base. And the peep toe gives a hint of sex appeal, while still keeping it classy enough for family functions.

The shoe has the perfect balance of risqué and feminine, which will totally add just the right amount of flare to a pencil skirt and a blouse for Christmas dinner at Grandma’s, a LBD for New Years, or a pair of jeans and a dressy top for a pre-holiday dinner with the girls.

Basically, I’m in love.

Added bonus? While I am all for the wow factor of the bright red, the shoe also comes in a toned down gray or black for the more conservative.

The recession is bad news for anyone looking to get a job, save some money or sell a house. But it’s great news for fashionistas! Stores that were once dowdy and just screamed “crazy cat lady” are bringing in new designers to create chic lines at lower prices.

Take JC Penney. When was the last time you stopped in there (not counting those post-Starbucks bathroom emergencies)? I know: never. Because their clothes were cheap, outdated and just not cute. Well, that’s not the case anymore! JCP now sells several lines by popular designers (Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller, and Allen B. Schwartz, to name a few) and they not only have stuff that is totes cute, it’s totes affordable as well.  I can’t wait to add some of these pieces to my closet…

It’s no secret I am lovin’ all the plaid that’s out right now, and I think this shirt is particularly cute.  Reminiscent of a  lumberjack, with just the right amount of girliness to look feminine and fab.

This skirt is a great addition to your fall wardrobe, as it can be worn bare-legged or with a pair of tights.  Because of the simplicity of the skirt, you can have some fun by amping things up with a funky printed shirt, bold accessories or textured, printed or bold colored tights.

I love the print and details (belted waistline and ruffles) of this dress and, again, it’ll transfer over to colder weather with tights and a cardi or sweater coat.  It’ll look great with flats, boots or a pair of menswear inspired oxfords.

I think this tunic is totally adorable with its cut and flowy chiffon. Or perhaps because I have an affinity for owls thanks to Harry Potter…

Flowy tanks are not only trendy, they’re versatile and they’re great for these transitional months because you can easily layer with ‘em.  This’ll look especially cute with a boyfriend blazer and the bonus is that you can slip it off when you’re in a warm place and still look totally stylin’.

Fall/Winter is all about neutrals, which means grey jeans are a great way to wear denim with a bit of a twist. You can rock grey with black or the popular jewel tones of the season.  And hey, who doesn’t love jeans that are under $15?

Winter is fast-approaching and soon it’ll be time to bust out the scarves, mittens and hats soon.  Houndstooth is a timeless print that translates over for every season and is a great way to add a bit of oomph to your cold weather ensemble without going overboard. And you can get it in four different colors, which makes it that much cooler.

I’m all for wearing an all-black ensemble out to the bar, but only if there is something fun and fabulous to spice it up. Like this bag. Snakeskin, a metal handle, and a hot mixture of gold and black is the perfect combo to add some va-va-voom to your otherwise neutral look.

Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!

While edgy, “boyfriend,” and boho-chic looks may be super trendy at the moment, sometimes a girl just wants to look girly! There’s no better way to accomplish this than with ruffles.

Ruffles can be super flattering when placed correctly. If you’re flat chested, a ruffled top will add some extra oomph. A ruffled skirt or dress can also emphasize or give the appearance of curves on your bottom half. Ruffled shoulders can also make arms appear slimmer. Here are some ultra feminine yet chic summer looks that incorporate ruffles:

Wear It To Work or a Job Interview:

1. BR Monogram Ruffle Skirt, $120 at Banana Republic
2. ABS by Allen Schwartz Ruffled Dress, $179 at Dillard’s
3. Kenneth Cole New York Ruffle Sleeve Silk Blouse, $45.90 at Nordstrom

For a Night Out:

1. Ruffle Shine Top, $59 at Bebe
2. Karina Grimaldi Antonella Ruffle Front Halter Top, $144 at Singer22
3. Young, Fabulous & Broke Scarlet Ruffle Front Dress, $118 at Revolve Clothing

For a Day of Shopping:

1. Metallic Ruffled Tank Dress, $129 at Bebe
2. BCBGMAXAZRIA Ruffle Collar Top, $79 at Nordstrom
3. Pour La Victoire Ella Ruffle Gladiator Sandals, $219 at Bloomingdale’s

Hanging By The Pool:

1. Shay Todd Neilhead Ruffled Bikini, $200 at Net-A-Porter
2. Hmotif Tan Paris Sandals, $39.95 at Steve Madden
3. Shoshanna Fan Cover-Up Dress, $285 at ShopBop

One More Tip: Don’t overdo it! Wear one or maybe two ruffled pieces at a time.

Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!

There are some trends that last season after season: leggings, floral prints, gladiator sandals, etc. Then there are those that fade away: baby doll tops, harem pants. How are you supposed to know which trends to trash and which to invest in? Luckily, fashion is already way ahead of you. Fall 2009 and Resort 2010 collections have already been released, and Spring/Summer 2010 is in the works. For most designers, Resort is a preview of what’s coming next. Therefore, the collections provide great insight into what will be hot and what will be not for summer 2010.

We scoured the Resort looks of all the top designers – from Stella McCartney to Brian Reyes to Prada – and compiled a list of summer fashion trends that aren’t going anywhere:

One shoulder tops and dresses are chic without being too revealing. Don’t wear too much jewelry with this look as it makes a statement on its own.

(Ella Moss “Odessa” Top, $87 at Nordstrom; Leila Teired Dress, $237 at Bluefly; Juicy Couture Print Ruffle Dress, $180.60 at ShopBop).

Exposed zippers are edgy, but a favorite of designers such as Phillip Lim and Brian Reyes. This trend definitely has a future.

(Mink Pink Kansas Dress, $93 at Chickdowntown; Brian Reyes Sleeveless Dress, $510 at ShopBop; Charlotte Russe Zipper Ruffle Top, $19.99).

Statement necklaces can glam up any basic outfit, from jeans and a tee to a silk dress.

(Kenneth Jay Lane Flat Zebra Pendant, $99 at My-Wardrobe; Banana Republic Party Bib Necklace, $79; Lauren by Ralph Lauren Multi Bead Bib Necklace, $58 at Nordstrom).

Even though Jenny’s first order of business as queen on the TV series Gossip Girl was to nix her clique’s signature headbands, their influence remains. Bow details will still be in for summer 2010.

(French Connection Flash Bow Dress, $89.99; Newport News Bow Necklace, $29; Felix Rey “Emma” Wristlet, $156 at Bluefly; Forever 21 Pamela Satin Bow Headband, $4.80).

Other looks to shop for include both skinny and wide leg pants, cardigans, high-waisted pants and skirts, fitted blazers, belted waists, ruffles, tribal prints, sheer fabrics, and long tunics.

Which short-lived trends should you buy at cheap-chic retailers? There’s no way to be sure, but it doesn’t look like neon brights, fringe details, studs, or harem pants will be hanging around much longer.

Naturally, when I saw this J.Crew Garden Dress I needed to have it.

This is the kind of dress that works in almost every situation: date night, summer cookout, girls brunch, beach-front. With the right accessories, you can even take it edgy.

The Garden Dress is short and flirty, featuring an ultra-flattering fitted bust, and straight cut sillouhuette. The charm of the dress, however, comes from the raw-edged petals that adorn the bust line. If you’re a sucker for ruffles, then this dress is most definitely for you. Just pick your color – navy, papaya, shell, or white – and you have the perfect dress for what remains of summer ‘09. Or, you know, get ‘em all for a little variety.

And, duh, you totally can!  J.Crew offers a 15% discount to college students when you bring in your student ID and shop in-store. Now that you know, run to your nearest J.Crew and grab this beauty and other preppy staples! 15% off means 15% more chinos with flamingos on them!

[We all live busy lives: we go to school or work (or sometimes both), we try to keep our lives in order and, on top of everything else, we try to maintain a social life.

It can all be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when you’re running here, there and everywhere, and in the process of it all, still trying to look cute.  On a weekly basis, I will be posting a guide for an outfit that looks super cute and casual during the day, but you can easily rock out at night with a few accessory additions and/or a change of shoes.  And maybe, just maybe, it’ll help ease the stress of life a little bit because, hey, when we look good, we feel good, right?]

One shoulder cuts were all over the runways for spring and summer and while you can find some super sexy night time looks with this style, you can also find some more casual styles that can totally go from day to night with a couple of quick switcheroos.

This darling dress (that happens to be a trendsetting double whammy: one shoulder and feminine ruffles) is from American Eagle, comes in three colors (gray, berry and black) and is on clearance for only $14.95. Cute, cheap and versatile? Yeah, everyone needs one (or all three!).

For The Day:
Flip flops are an inherently casual footwear option, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be totally cute. The trick is choosing a non-rubber style. This pair, from Charlotte Russe, is the perfect daytime sandal: comfy, casual, stylish and only $6.99!

These chandelier earrings have a casual enough flair that they can be worn in the day, but are sassy enough to carry over into your evening adventures.

For The Night:
As the day ends and the nighttime fun begins, you’re sure to wanna sex it up a bit. Just throw the following accessories into your trusty black tote and swap ‘em out when you’re ready to head out. This black bag is perfect for the on-the-go gal, because it’s big enough to fit all that shiz, but also a great style to rock at night.

There is nothing sexier than a high heeled strappy sandal. Well, maybe David Beckham, but you can’t really wear him with this dress (though you might be able to lure him with it…). This shoe is almost all you need to dress things up for night, as it adds instant sex-appeal and makes your legs look smokin’.

Make the entire look a little fancier with this satiny rosette belt. Not only does it take the look from running-errands to party-hopping, but it will cinch the dress at the waist, giving you some fiercly sexy curves.