[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

I’m being incredibly optimistic about the weather. After several weeks of gray skies, rain, snow, sleet and at times a strange hybrid of precipitation, the weather network is telling me it’s going to be sunny next week(!!!) And after months of only wearing things that can be stuffed into boots that make my feet sweat, all I want to do is show a little ankle (even if it means shaving my legs).

Which is why I’ve been dreaming about pulling my boyfriend jeans out from the bottom of my dresser drawer. Those little guys haven’t seen the light of day since September and I miss them dearly. Lucky for them and for all of us who have a pair (or 3), boyfriend jeans are going to stay strong this season, meaning now is the perfect time to figure out how you’ll add them back into your outfits as it starts to (fingers-crossed) warm up.

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

If you made a New Year’s Resolution to wear sweatpants less, it’s time to start finding alternatives that are just as easy to wear and comfortable. Not possible, you say? Well listen up, woman! That cozy, warm, comfy feeling you get with sweats can be mimicked with a warm sweater, such as a shawl-collared pullover. It’s versatile, soft, warm, but still looks cute. And if you know how to make it work in advance, putting together a cute look with a sweater and various other wardrobe staples can be even easier than throwing on a pair of oversized sweats. Yes, it’s true.

Outfit 1:

Deets: Sweater, Jeans, Boots, Hat, Jacket.

A simple alternative to wearing sloppy sweats is skinny jeans and a shawl-collar sweater. Adding your go-to boots (I’m talking leather boots, NOT sloppy winter boots) keeps the look warm and toasty for winter, while still looking sleek. (And if it’s extra cold you can always add super-thick socks underneath!) If you’re trekking in the snow, a jacket and a hat are the finishing touches to brave the cold in a “I can keep this stuff on and still look cute” sorta way… and maybe live up to New Year’s Resolution 2: Go to class.

Outfit 2:

Deets: Sweater, Skirt, Tights, Boots, Ring.

True story: putting on sweats is just. so. easy. Truer story: so is slipping on a casual skirt with some tights. And we all know that looks wayyyy cuter. A shawl-collared sweater (or any pullover sweater, for that matter) goes nicely with this cord mini-skirt – though if you only own a denim skirt or pencil skirt, those will work as well. Depending on how much room remains in your skirt after your holiday overindulgence, you might be able to tuck your sweater in. Add tights and boots (keeping them in the same family makes your legs look ultra long, as opposed to the unflattering shape of a sweatpant) and a simple ring to accessorize this outfit, then out you go lookin’ all warm and fabulous.

Outfit 3:

Deets: Sweater, Skirt, Tights, Scarf, Booties.

If you are looking for a way to extend the wear of a summer floral skirt – or if you’ve already started scoping out next spring’s items – you can winterize the skirt with tights and a sweater. A pair of boots ground the look, while a colourful scarf adds another burst of colour to the look. If your toes get cold easily, you can also add a thick pair of socks into this style of boot – it looks cute even if they poke out the top just enough.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got stuffed in that closet of yours.

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

It’s the week after Christmas, you’ve spent the weekend enjoying holiday treats and all you want to do is bum around the house. It’s cold outside. You’re cringing at the thought of stumbling out into the treacherous terrain, but you made plans to meet up with a friend. Standing in front of your closet, you stare at the few things you’ve got and wonder how you can possibly stay warm.

Well, grab your trusty pullover sweatershirt, and I’ll show you how to wear it without looking like a slob! Read More »

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

For many of us, right now it’s all about planning that hot NYE outfit. Sure, we can go out and buy something new (we can even do it on a budget), but if you’re like me, you’ve spent every last dollar stocking up on gifts for everyone and their mother, meaning you’ve got nothing left for that special New Year’s dress. And that’s OK, because you’ve probably already got everything you could ever need to plan the perfect outfit for the big night.

Forget battling the crowds at the mall or spending oodles of money on something you’ll most likely only wear once (either because it’s too fancy for any other occasion or ruined when your friend spills her vodka cran down the front); all you need for the perfect New Year’s look is a little creativity and all those basics you’ve got stuffed into drawers. Read More »

Boyfriend blazers have been around for several seasons, meaning you probably have one in your closet by now. Like another wardrobe staple, the white oxford shirt, a boyfriend blazer can be worn with anything for any occasion – they can even be worn together! When the temperature starts dropping and you start bracing yourself for a season of thick sweaters and thicker sweatpants, the boyfriend blazer will be your new BFF, allowing you to wear all your favorite things in new and warmer ways.

Learning how to layer under your boyfriend blazer is an important skill for the winter but one that will pay off until the snow starts to thaw in May. I’ve got three fabulous options that require nothing more than some creativity and all the clothes you’ve already got in your closet. With this, there’s no excuse for that shapeless winter wear, ladies!

(Note: Almost any style of blazer will substitute in for these outfits- I just happen to be a huge fan of the boyfriend style as it has a looser fit.) Read More »

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

Skinny jeans have been popular for a long time now. You’ve probably got quite a few pairs in your closet and you’ve been wearing them for years. But that’s the problem. There’s only so many ways you can style a pair of skinnies and your everyday look is starting to get boring.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little creativity and the loads of basics you’ve got in your closet, you can work your skinnies in a variety of new ways. Especially for the winter season. So bust out the boots and rethink those going-out tops because I’ve got some fun, new looks for you and your jeans. Read More »

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

I’m a huge fan of dresses. They’re feminine, comfortable and instantly make you dressed up, even if you just rolled out of bed. But despite my dress devotion, the colder it gets outside, the less inclined I am to actually wear one. Or at least, that’s how it used to be. Since I learned the art of layering, suddenly almost everything (chunky sweaters are the exception – there’s no way those can be worn in the middle of summer) in my wardrobe can be worn through all four seasons.

Especially the strapless dress.

It’s one of the easiest, most versatile dress styles to layer. Because you don’t have to worry about the awkward layering of different necklines, it’s easy to toss a shirt underneath. And like every other dress in your closet, throwing a cardigan or blazer over top is quick and chic. The other thing I like is that a lot of strapless dresses have more structure to them (in order to hold them up!) which means you can still show off your figure despite being completely covered up and cozy. Read More »

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

Whether or not you ever wear it, you probably have a white button-up shirt in your closet. If your mom bought it for you, thinking it would be a good wardrobe foundation (she was right!) or it’s one of your go-tos for job interviews, it’s a pretty common piece to own. I know, a white oxford seems like the blandest thing in your closet that you’d only wear for something more profesh, but it’s a really classic piece that is easy to wear and easily adaptable.

Yes, you can wear one of these shirts pretty much ANYWHERE. It can be dressed up, dressed down, worn conservatively or given a little life to make it more fun. Still with me? Here are three ways to make that button-up shirt work with your wardrobe. Read More »

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space. For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

There’s a pile of clothes on the floor beside your closet, and you’re still standing in your undies undecided about what to wear. The transitional season wardrobe slump has hit you. Whether key pieces of clothing are sitting in your hamper (two wears over what is considered hygienic) or you just can’t make up your mind, you have nothing to wear. On the verge of running late for your class, your job or meeting up with friends, you know you have to ”Make it work!”

The catchphrase of style guru Tim Gunn can be applied to the battle with your closet. His Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials may seem targeted at career women, but having some of these items can help you on days when you have nothing to wear. Meet the “every occasion” top – a shirt that can be layered under a jacket (or cardigan) but can be worn alone for a night out. For this week’s Shop Your Closet I chose a cute, affordable ruffled keyhole top from Old Navy that will work with the goodies you’ve already got in your closet. Read More »

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space. For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

Got a case of the Mondays? Having trouble getting dressed after your weekend of Halloween celebrations? Before you roll out of bed and instinctively go for your comfiest sweats and slide your feet into a pair of Uggs, please stop and consider the following:

Do you really have to look sloppy to be comfortable?
The answer: hell-to-the-no.

Chunky knits, Nordic prints and fair isle are all readily available this year. And for good reason. What better way to hit the cold weather and still look cute than in a cozy sweater? For this week’s ‘Shop Your Closet’ I picked a belted short-sleeve fair isle cardigan because it’s perfect for layering, and we all know layering is the college girl’s BFF. But all of these looks could just as easily be worn with a long-sleeve version, another print or any plain, chunky sweater you might already have stored in that Tupperware under your bed.

Say no to the sweats and head to class in style without sacrificing comfort. Read More »