Ladies, it’s time to embrace the plaid.

OK, before you former uniform-wearing girls get all “I spent the last 12 years of my life in plaid, why on Earth would I wear it once I can finally pick my own clothes each day?!” let me explain. Plaid is so. much. more. than the pattern of choice for schoolgirl kilts; it’s classic, it’s versatile and it’s probably one of the easiest ways to incorporate a multicolored pattern into your wardrobe.

Plaid is one of the 10 Modern Pieces Every Girl Should Own and the plaid shirt has become a uniform for both male and female college students.  It’s easy to wear with jeans, super comfy, and looks good even when it’s been balled up on your floor and you only have 10 minutes to make it to class.  It’s also been super popular for a few years, and appears to have major staying power.  If the plaid shirt isn’t your thing, or you want other ways to incorporate your new favorite pattern into your wardrobe, there are lots of coats, bottoms and accessories out there for you! And each one is cuter than the other.

Another bonus about plaid?  If you’re ever in a bind about what to wear to an ‘I love the ’90s’ party, a plaid shirt is your best bet… Take that, solids! Read More »

What’s the one thing you should have in your closet before moving to school?  It’s definitely not a pair of sweats or an oversized tee. But, if you do it right, this very special wardrobe essential can feel just as good.

I’m talking about the cotton dress. The kind of dress you can put on no matter how many pints of Ben & Jerry’s you ate last night and still look like a million bucks, without sacrificing comfort.  This dress is ESSENTIAL for college life.  It can be dressed up with your hottest pair of heels, or dressed down with a pair of flip flops or flats.  Really, it should be called the Endless Opportunities Dress.

If I haven’t sold it enough already, think about this:  Maybe you start to put on some frosh 15 and the band of your kind-of-tight-pre-college skinny jeans are cutting into your flesh.  While you could look like a schlump in a pair of sweatpants with your school team stamped across your tush, you could INSTEAD slip on this dress, a pair of leggings and some cute boots, and look and feel super hot.  Yes, this dress is that amazing.  And the absolute best part? The cotton or jersey material making up these frocks makes them super comfy AND easy to wash.  Which, once you’re doing your own laundry, is a definite MUST.

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One of my favorite Spring 2010 fashion shows this year was D&G with their western wear inspired collection.  Being from Calgary, Alberta, home to the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” I see a lot of western wear during the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede.  And most of it is tacky, ugly and ill fitting. D&G, on the contrary, incorporated chambray, ruffles, fringe, florals and much, much more, making me a western wear believer.

I even kinda, sorta wanna hop on a horse right now….

The thing everyone needs to know about goin’ western is that it’s not as scary or costumey as you think. You can do it up (like those gorgeous women in the above D&G ad) and go all out, or you can pair one western-inspired piece with more classic pieces to embrace the style without looking country.  For example, cowgirl up in a denim dress with cowboy boots and a brown leather belt, or hit city streets paired with sandals and a cute cardigan.  These pieces are super cute while being versatile! What more could you ask for?

Well, besides for a smokin’ hot cowboy on your arm. Yeehaw! Read More »

I feel like all I’ve been seeing are American flags plastered to every store window and bumper. Which is fine by me. Who’s going to complain about a whole day off from work to down 30 beers and stuff your face with hamburgers? (…And celebrate our country, of course!)

But where July 4th does get my panties in a knot is when it starts bleeding over into fashion. The amount of horrendous American flag pants, t-shirts, scrunchies (yes, scrunchies) and even themed nail art that has passed me by on the street is ridiculous. And although red, white and blue really isn’t a color palate I dress in often, seeing all of these proud Americans struggling to express their love for America in an outfit that is just plain wrong, is just plain wrong. So this year I vowed that I could find something just as appropriate for the day (and the entire season) without sacrificing my dignity or style.

The winner? The Madison Marcus Infinite Striped Jacket. It was included in a July 4th inspired slideshow on Shopbop but when I saw it all concept of a holiday celebration outfit flew out the door. Instead I had flashes of all the places I would walk into looking incredibly chic in my white cotton blazer with the criss-crossed navy stripes.

The jacket is so smart that it’s almost unbelievable. It’s channeling the nautical theme which gives it a crisp, preppy feel, but the detailing is so modern that other nautical inspired wear comes nowhere close to being as wearably chic. The combination of the laid-back rolled cuffs and the sophisticated tuxedo color give the jacket this uniquely casual “oh this thing? I just threw it on” vibe, while the one-sided pocket and asymmetrical stripes and buttons make a huge fashion statement. Read More »

It might be my inner journalist talking, but I’ve always been obsessed with trench coats.

This obsession only grew when Burberry put my girl crush, Emma Watson, into their summer ad campaign – looking as lovely as always in some gorgeous trench coats.

Trench coats are classic. Buy one now and you can wear it forever; regardless of trends they will always be chic and sophisticated. There are many options this year, meaning you could splurge on a classic, neutral trench or save on a fun, bright colored coat for spring. Either way, a trench is a must-have in your wardrobe. Not only are they a nice touch over an interview outfit, but trenches are also perfect for over skirts and dresses, meaning you don’t have to freeze (or rely on male chivalry) while wearing your hot little dress.

Long or short, classic or bright, solid or funky, there is a trench coat for everyone. And if, like me, you can’t afford one of Emma’s gorge Burberry coats, there are a million other beautiful options out there that won’t break the bank.  Although, it doesn’t cost a thing to sit back in your bed and drool over the rich and Burberry-clad on the Art of the Trench. Read More »

After a long, cold, gray winter, I think it’s safe to say that everyone is looking forward to spring. And by spring, I mean SPRING BREAK, baby. And while we all need a little warm breeze in our lives, what I’m looking forward to most is ditching the chunky sweaters and embracing spring clothes!

It’s time to bare those forearms and ankles, show a little skin, and soak up the sun! And what goes best with that bright, glowing orb in the sky? Bright colors, of course. Lucky for all of us, stores are overflowing with the brightest of brights that will be perfect for that beachside cocktail in Mexico or that late-spring study sesh when you (unfortunately) have to return to campus. From dresses to shoes, solids to patterns, bags to bangles, the brights are here and it’s time we turn up the volume in our closets.

So run, don’t walk, to the nearest store and stock up some color to kick those winter blues (and greys).  Not only will you feel more energized, but a bright color might make it easier for your friends (or cute males!) to spot you on that crowded Spring Break beach. 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.

If there’s any supermodel whose style is worth imitating, it’s Kate Moss. The former Calvin Klein model turned supermodel has such a laid-back carefree casual uniform, usually consisting of distressed skinny jeans, a top and leather blazer, or a barely there minidress and ballet flats. And of course there’s her enviable collection of Mulberry handbags.

She was recently spotted out and about with her black Mulberry Bayswater Tote, that retails for $995 at NET-A-PORTER and ShopBop. The tote has a signature turn-lock closure, double rolled handles and gunmetal hardware with padlock and keys included. Measuring at 10″H x 14″L x 6″D with a 6″ strap drop, it features an interior zip pocket and buckled strap detail. The Bayswater is a must-have, but if you don’t really have $995 to spare, the ASOS Patent Twist Lock Bag is a great alternative at around $32.00.