[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.]

I love most things about fall – anything made with pumpkin, cozy sweaters and my TV shows starting back up – but the one thing I’ve never been a fan of is the dampness and rain that comes with all these wonderful things. At least until I invested in a pair of good quality rain boots. Now on those damp days my toes can stay warm and dry, even when I decide to go puddle-jumping (or am forced to when I try to cross a street and find myself ankle-deep in water).

If you have to walk any distance to school, you should own a pair of rain boots. Period. They are functional (keeping those tootsies dry), yes, but super fashionable as well. There are so many colors and styles out there and they’re just plain cute. And when the temperature starts to drop, many styles even offer fleece liners to keep your toes extra dry and toasty all through the winter, making them a very good investment piece!

For this week’s Shop Your Closet, I chose a pair of black boots that go with everything, but a lot of these looks could be adjusted for patterned or colored rain boots as well! 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.]

One of the most versatile items you can have in your wardrobe is a blazer. When you’re operating with limited closet space or a limited budget, you want to make sure you have items (especially outerwear) that go with pretty much anything, and a cropped blazer is one of the go-to pieces you should own. First off, this item goes with pretty much everything! Jeans, skirts, dresses, leggings, shorts…. all of them can be paired with a cropped blazer. By adding a tailored piece over your wardrobe staples, you’re streamlining your look, instantly making everything look more pulled together and tres chic.

This blazer (or any blazer you’ve got hanging in your closet) can go with you pretty much anywhere: over a dress to cover your arms on a brisk autumn night, over a flirty tank when you’re out on the town with the girls, or over a blouse for a more professional look. Simply throw it on over anything you already own and you’ve got a totally fresh, new look. 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.]

This week I’ve decided to choose a fall trend that you may not already own but totally, totally should: the leather skirt. Stay with me, K?

The leather skirt is super versatile and can be worn with a wide variety of items for many different occasions. Though this item may seem tricky to incorporate into your wardrobe, it’s a challenge everyone should take on. Especially because it’s possible to build outfits around a leather skirt with stuff you’ve already got lying around (because lord knows you haven’t had time to hang anything up since midterms started….). And since the leather skirt is so popular right now, everyone from uber expensive Michael Kors to budget friendly Forever 21 has a version to try.

So try it! And then try one of these looks: 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). 2. A major lack of storage space.

For these two reasons alone, maximizing what you do 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.]

As the temperatures stop, drop, and roll (or just drop), we must say goodbye to our favorite summer styles in favor of warmer options. And it’s depressing. Not because we don’t love fall (because, DUH, we do), but because it’s hard to part with best friends and that perfectly worn-in tank, that’s been with you through everything, is the best friend of all.

But what if I told you that you didn’t have to shove your summer staples in a Tupperware box under your bed until next April? What if there was a way to work them into this new, chillier season?

Prepare yourselves, because it’s not only possible, it’s adorable! If you loaded up on  striped shirts this summer and aren’t sure how to wear them into the fall, never fear. I’ve found three ways to extend the life of your summer favorite, without looking out of season. 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). 2. A major lack of storage space.

For these two reasons alone, maximizing what you do 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.]

Fashion is all about recycling trends (which is why I kick myself when I think about all those leggings I got rid of in the ’90s ). One decade that made a strong reappearance during the Fall/Winter 2010 runway shows was the 1950s.  With the overwhelming popularity of Man Med, this really comes as no surprise; I mean, Banana Republic has a line to accompany the show! The re-emergence of the ’50s style means it’s time to break out the full skirt! But rather than looking like you’re an extra on Mad Men or a month early for Halloween, it’s important to know how to wear it right. 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).
2. A major lack of storage space.

For these two reasons alone, maximizing what you do own becomes essential.  And that’s why I’m bringing back the Shop Your Closet series. 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.  With the growing popularity of 6 Items or Less it can’t be that difficult to remix one item, right?

My favorite clothing item this fall is the utilitarian military jacket.  Originally popular in the grunge era known as the ’90s, a utilitarian jacket in your closet is not only on-trend, but necessary. The military jacket – thanks to its neutral color and shape – is incredibly practical and versatile.  There are very few things that can’t be worn with one and its the easiest way to completely re-style the staples that are already in your closet. Check out Who What Wear to see how the celebs are embracing the army jacket. Read More »

A sexy camisole is a definite fashion staple for any woman’s closet. And I’m pretty sure we all have a few lying around that we can’t quite figure out how to wear. But bring those lacy numbers out, ladies, because they’re easy to wear for nearly every occasion. (Pretty much everything besides the gym. That would be weird.)

Camisoles can give a feminine, alluring style to any outfit. You can wear a sexy camisole in any season (provided you have the right layering) and for most any occasion. You just need the right tools to wear this tricky number correctly, and I bet you’ve got those on hand, too. Just follow some of these guidelines then head to your closet to “shop” for some new outfits. For free. Read More »

Graphic tees are a fun, comfortable way to express your individuality and style (sorry, your “I LOVE BEER” shirt doesn’t count…), without breaking the bank. Every one of us has at least one that we enjoy wearing on a regular basis, but most likely we are wearing it simply with a pair of jeans or some sweatpants for the sake of comfort. While Jon Gosselin ruined graphic tees for the world, if done right (Read: not over-the-top and obnoxious), they are a simple and fun way to add some serious cool to any outfit.

Here are some ideas to re-work the graphic tee with some other items you’ve already got lying around. Read More »

[I used to show you how to pull off runway trends in the series "Rock the Look." In this new series, I'll be taking a different item you probably already have in your closet each week and showing you three new ways to wear it. After all, the best shopping tip anyone will give you is to only buy pieces that work with something you already own. Last week we built looks around the classic white shirt and this week we're going glam with the mini dress.]

A mini dress is one of the most versatile pieces in your closet since it can be worn as a dress or a top. Therefore buying one is like a double investment, right? (Right?? because I just bought six.)

The mini dress can be worn dressed up or casual, and can easily go from day to night. And if you never made it home last night? Well, go you! And lucky for you, it’s pretty simple to transition back to day as well, so no one has to know about your late night tryst.

This Sky mini dress is available at Fashion Chateau for $123, but you can get one of these puppies in any style, color or budget.  Here are three ways to wear this one (or yours!). Read More »