[The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. They're like the college Rachel Zoe (sans baby bump). Have you checked them out yet?!]

At CollegeFashion, we work to bring you affordable, fashion-forward looks each and every day – but the easiest way to save money on clothing is to take care of the clothes you already own!

After three years in college, I’ve lost countless coat buttons, ripped multiple belt loops and bought (a few) new pairs of pants rather than hemming a pair I already owned. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to accept that I can’t always afford to buy new clothing – but I can afford a $5 sewing kit.

Now, I don’t claim to be an expert on sewing, but below, I’ll share a few sewing tricks that will help you get the most out of your wardrobe favorites. (Okay, one tip doesn’t involve sewing – but it’s totally invaluable, I swear!)

Sewing on a Button
As the weather gets colder, everyone starts to layer on sweaters and cardigans. The problem is that with all that wear comes some tear. Most pieces purchased from typical retailers will come with an extra button or two attached, to preempt the future missing button problem. For cardigans from discount retailers, like T.J. Maxx, you may be on your own if a button goes rogue.

Luckily, most small sewing kits come with basic black and white buttons. These will get you through a few weeks until you can get to a craft store and get a matching button. No matter what option you have, taking a few minutes to replace a missing button will get you a lot more use out of your favorite outerwear. These directions assume you’re using a button with the basic two holes. Read More »

Got room for some condoms in there?

OK, so you have your bedding, your towels, and your laptop; you think you’re ready to move off for your freshman year of college. Before you go, though, there are a couple of things that a freshman might not think to bring that will make dorm life a million times easier.

Take it from me, after 2 years in the dorms, I have this down to a science. Make room in those duffels, people; there are ten more things you’re going to have to squeeze in there.

#1 Tool Box
Yes, seriously, a tool box. My freshman year roommate had a brilliant aunt who bought her a mini tool kit as a high school graduation present (it was pink and girly). We used that thing more than anything else in the room. Yes, even our TV. Your bike break? A nail fall out of that little nightstand you bought from Ikea? Your ex leave something valuable at your place and you want to smash it? (JK….sorta.) You’ll have everything you need in that little box. Guys down the hall even borrowed our tools, so it’s even a social item!

#2 Condoms
This should just be common sense. Even if you don’t plan on having sex in college, you seriously never know what will happen, so be smart and prepare! The best part is that this one you don’t really even need to buy; most schools give them away for free at the student health center, so hop on over there and stock up.

#3 Duct Tape
This one is along the same lines as #1; it pretty much fixes anything. But beyond that, there’s some awesome stuff you can do with duct tape for really cheap room decor! I’ve seen everything from duct tape vases to closet doorway “beads.” Read More »

Now that it’s summertime, I find I have much more time to dedicate to my crafty pursuits. I’ve dusted off my trusted sewing machine and once again busted out my knitting needles. I love that I have the time to be creative – instead of slaving over a biology project whose destiny is the recycling dumpster, I can spend my days creating beautiful crafts. If you’re a veteran crafter or just diving into the wonderful world of DIY, everyone can enjoy these books and the projects they offer! I’ve taken these 4 for a road test and rest assured, they are all you need for a summer full of creating!

1. Stitch n Bitch, by Debbie Stoller

I consider myself a pretty crafty lady, so when the whole knitting craze hit a couple years ago (remember – Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson started and it just took off?), I had to get in on it too! I tried watching videos online and I bought several knitting magazines, but I just couldn’t master the whole casting-on thing. I was down in the dumps about my inability to master this new craft, when along came a little gem called “Stitch n Bitch.” Now, I figured that any knitting book that had the word “bitch” in the title had to be good (and sassy!), so I picked myself up a copy. And guess what? The genius that is Debbie Stoller finally taught me to cast-on! Debbie is so down to earth and makes knitting so fun and hip! This book is great for beginners, but also has pattens that keep seasoned knitters intrigued and on their toes. Read More »

Everywhere you look this season there are boyfriend blazers. This simple wardrobe staple can elevate any casual outfit and give it that extra touch of class.

Whether worn over a cute spring dress or paired with skinny jeans, the basic boyfriend blazer is a must-have for every woman’s closet. Now don’t get me wrong, I obviously love me a basic black boyfriend blazer (say that five times fast… I dare you), but it can also look pretty boring and plain.

So if you want to add a little punch or color to your traditional blazer, here is an easy and fun way to update your boyfriend blazer with a patterned cuff.

What You’ll Need:

A boyfriend blazer: Use one you already own or pick one up that’s cheap and chic at Marshalls, Target, or TJ-Maxx. To really get into the season, try a white blazer.

Fabric: Pick any color or pattern that strikes your fancy. You can go bold with something bright and solid; channel Lily Pulitzer with some bright florals; or go for a classic Burberry style with a red, black and beige plaid. Really, the opportunities are endless, so find something that’s you. You’ll need about 3 feet of fabric, so just get a yard (as most craft stores cut by the yard). Joann’s Fabric has a huge and fun selection.

Sewing materials: Needle and thread in black or a color that matches your fabric pattern. A sewing machine if you feel so inclined. A seam ripper if you’ll be recycling an old BF blazer. Read More »

A few pairs of old jeans are probably taking up some of your precious closet space right now. They don’t fit, they’re out of style, and you haven’t worn them in years. But don’t be so quick to throw them out! And stop spending all that extra money on overpriced new ones! Jeans are the easiest clothing items to update. Here are some ideas: Read More »

Last time, I looked up some great websites for ideas on how to help me de-clutter and reorganize my fairly cluttered and unorganized home. Since then, I’ve been using my internet resources and going room by room to identify problem areas and reorganize things to make more efficient use of space and less complicated day by day living.

I started in the room that gave me the most problems, the office. But, as I realized when I started to go to work in this room, doing anything drastic here would be fairly fruitless. It serves a very practical purpose of housing all the things that we have no place for elsewhere and serves as my boyfriend’s dressing room for work. What I’m saying is, most of the stuff in here is his to do with as he pleases.

I’m concentrating on the computer area, where I am going to create a more efficient filing system, a better bill paying system, a better storage system for desk supplies and for old school work.

My bedroom is small as it is, made more so by the volume of things we have in it. My main objective in this room is to create more space, organize my shoes and accessories, create a tidier laundry system, and find a way to store my pants in my ridiculously small closet. Read More »