Layering is a fine art. It needs to do two things – keep you warm and make you look good. Around August I start flicking through magazines, excited and inspired by the layered looks on the fashion pages. Although in reality, size 2 models look great with some extra bulk. I do not.

The best way to layer- both for warmth and for style – is by using thin layers. I’ve chosen to use the same thin jersey dress for each of these outfits, which can be layered both over and under for extra warmth. Even colder where you are? Add thick socks, boots and a warm winter coat.

Outfit One.

Shopping Deets: Dress – Forever 21, $17.80; Sweater – YesStyle, $15; Over-the-knee socks – Miss Selfridge, $5; Oxfords – Target, $19.99; Belt - Miss Selfridge, $12.

Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, grey colors. I chose to layer a thick, yellow cardigan over this navy blue dress. Belting a cardigan over the top is a great way to highlight your shape while keeping warm and stylish- it’s a style blogger favorite. I chose oxfords and knee socks, but this would look just as good with tights or leggings. And before you get all hot and bothered…YES! You can wear black and navy together.

Outfit Two.

Shopping Deets: Dress – Forever 21, $17.80; Blazer – Target, $24.99; White Tee – Debenham’s, $9; Booties - Forever 21, $24.80; Tights – Metropark, $13.30; Scarf - Bows and Bandits, $14.

Thin, soft blazers are a great way to layer up and keep stylish. Choose a light one that you can easy fit under a winter coat. I’ve also added a long sleeved top here than can be layered underneath the dress and a cute little scarf for extra warmth. This is a bit more of a classy look – it would be great for work but is also a really fun, trendy way to dress up for class.

Outfit Three.

Shopping Deets: Dress – Forever 21, $17.80; Skirt - Miss Selfridge, $22; Sweater – Urban Outfitters, $19.99; Flats – Charlotte Russe, $19.50.

A dress doesn’t always have to be just a dress. Get more mileage out of your wardrobe by wearing your dresses as either tops or skirts. Add a sweater over the top, or like here, wear a high-waisted skirt for a completely different look. This striped cardigan brightens up a simple outfit and you can opt for flats and tights or a hot pair of riding boots to round this look out.

You don't have to look like this all winter long!

Winter is here.

Blah.

Sure with winter comes snow angels and holidays (and holiday presents!) and hot chocolate by the fireplace and winter break…

But with the snow comes slush, boots, puffy jackets and that ridiculously long walk to class where your fingers freeze and your nose runs and your eyes tear and then the tears freeze. And it’s a wonder how you become such a hot mess given how damn cold it is.

But on the upside, at least for fashion-lovin’ ladies like myself, winter brings a whole new crop of accessories. And cute accessories to boot! Scarves, pom-pon hats, earmuffs, mittens, berets and the like. So if you have to freeze your ass off… you might as well look damn good doing it!

Here are my favorite chic and cheap winter accessories. Scarves, hats and gloves are a great way to bring some color to the dreary snow ridden streets of your campus and an affordable way to play with trends.

Headwear.

Clockwise from top: Sparkly Beret – Gap, $24.50; Oversized Flower Earwarmer - Urban Outfitters, $28; Knitted Rose Earmuffs – Forever 21, $5.80; Bow Beret – Top Shop, $16; Faux Fur Trapper Hat – Forever 21, $12.80; Fair Isle Pom Pom Knitted Trapper Hat – Top Shop, $32.

Handwear.

Clockwise from top: Charcoal Lace Embellished Knitted Gloves – $36; Olive Green Gloves – Lulus, $27; Popcorn Knit Gloves – Target, $10.99; Pins and Needles Starburst Crochet Convertible Gloves – Urban Outfitters, $14,99; Studded Motorcycle Gloves - Express, $29.92; Jojo Skull Glove – Delia’s, $12.50.

Neckwear.

Clockwise from top: Leopard Print Caterpillar Scarf - KMart, $12.60; Soft Frilled Circle Scarf – Forever 21, $6.80; Cozy Plaid Scarf – Gap, $29.50; Blue Infinity Scarf – Lulus, $21; Chunky Knit Pom Pom Scarf – Old Navy, $7; Colorful Knitted Scarf - Forever 21, $14.80.

Want more fashion on a college budget? Jill’s got your back.

Here are some great ways to hop on those deals just in time to enhance that great summer wardrobe you’ve got (or will have soon thanks to some of these ideas!) Stretch, put on those shopping-flats and stick in the pump-up CD in the car – you’ve got a big day ahead of you. On your mark, get set…

Research
Spending a little extra time and doing some research on where you’re shopping and what you’re shopping for is better than spending a little extra money. Make sure you know what you’re supposed to be looking for. I’m not saying you have to sit down, read the Sunday paper and clip coupons religiously like your Aunt Carol, but be smart about it. For example, I have a separate email account I specifically set up for all of those “final sale!” emails I recieve at 4:28 am every morning. When it comes time to do some post-breakup, post-exam or even just post-lunch shopping, I know who’s got sales, when and where.

Ask Questions!
So… I’m a little bit of a J.Crew whore (and by a “little bit” I mean 95% of my wardrobe comes from that heavenly place…). However, I never knew some key info about my favorite place until I asked. Did you know all college students receive 15% off of every full price item? Or that their tortoise shell hair-clips are a life-time guarantee? (Yes… I have had to replace my clips a few too many times.) Or that they load up their new stock/put their old stuff on sale on Wednesdays? Don’t be afraid to ask sales associates questions, and don’t worry, there will always be a customer more asking more obnoxious questions than “when does this collection go on sale?”

Shop Around
I’m an impulse buyer. I buy things when I see them. That is until I went on Zappos.com one day and found my newly purchased pair of killer over-the-knee boots for 40 bucks less than I paid. I was so angry with myself, especially when I realized I was a mere 2 days past my return date! Zappos.com has 365 return policy, another punch in the stomach. Just knowing some basic policies and shopping around could’ve saved me, like, 12 coffees worth of money! That’s, like, three whole days of coffee and I’d have those same hot boots.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Sale Rack
I used to be the brat who always thought “there must be something wrong with it if it’s on sale.” Whether it was the color, the fit or the offender itself, I never gave those sale-rack-hidden-gems a second glance. With a little research and a three-year-long stint in retail I soon learned sale items oftentimes have nothing to do with their popularity or awesomeness. Sometimes it’s because you’re the lucky one who wears the obscure size shoe or sometimes it’s because the company has an incompetent buyer in that department who overstocked the dashing aqua backless top. Either way, don’t be afraid. Try it on. Buy it. Love it.

Do it With a Friend
Sounds a little risque right? Well don’t be afraid. Shopping with friends (well, the right ones) can be better than anything. Sometimes there’s that fantastic 4 for $25 sale and you only want two… buuuut your BFF wants two too! And – bam! – you guys both save. Not only can shopping with a friend be more exciting, but it can be more rewarding as well. Just make sure one of you keeps track of who has what receipts.

Long story short, spending a little more time while you shop in order to find those must-have sales can really save you some big ones in the long term. So get out there and save, my friends. Save away.

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How to look fancy without going broke.

Every year, as the snow melts and we are once again able to break out the flippy floppies, we begin to see flowers popping up everywhere. And I’m not just talking about in planters and vases. Florals are consistently a huge spring trend, and this year is no exception.

But there is one difference for Spring, 2010; this year’s florals are taking us back to a simpler time. A time before the Jersey Shore when Blossom, Saved By The Bell and (the original) 90210 were dominating the TV lineup. Yes, the ’90s are knockin’, so open up that closet and let them in.

These 2 pairs of shorts scream early ’90s and will look perfect for spring with a solid top and a cute pair of flat sandals.

Dress this skirt up easily with a black tank and a pair of heels, or work it for day with a white top and some gladiator sandals.

OK, so this blazer looks super “grandma’s going to play bridge,” but take away all that pink and you’ve got the perfect Spring accessory. Throw it on over a white tee and some leggings, add an oversized bag and you’ve got an eye-catching ensemble for a casual day.

Only want a touch of floral? Go for these sunglasses.

I love how vintage these earrings look and how something so small can really add some glam to a basic white-top-and-jeans ensemble.

This tank will work fantastically with everything from jeans to shorts to a tiered skirt. A totally versatile piece that can be casual or dressy.

Just looking at this cami makes me drool for iced coffees and a good book on a blanket behind the dorms. Pair it with some boyfriend jeans for the day, or put it under a blazer with some black skinnies (and a hot pair of strappy heels) for night.

If you’re anything like me, you’re a sucker for a name brand. Despite wanting to be above it, I die when I see the new Marc Jacobs handbags or Prada runway show at Fashion Week. Also, if you’re anything like me, your bag costs more than what’s in your bank account and realistically you shouldn’t be buying that Chanel watch that costs more than your rent.

And that’s where consignment shops come in. Once you get past the fact that you’re not going to have a Saks-esque experience, these stores are a goldmine of high-end fashion for a college budget. However, rooting through said stores can be a lot of work and not exactly the most pleasant experience. So you turn to Ebay; it’s great for designer labels, but you soon learn (often the hard way) that you never know what you’re exactly getting.

Enter, online consignment! The way of the shopping future is here, and it’s named WWW and wearing Gucci loafers.

Consignment is just like picking through a closet that isn’t yours. The closet of that girl on campus who always looks super pulled together and fabulous. The one you want to hate because she always looks so damn perfect, but you can’t hate because she’s just so darn nice. She’s got a smile that matches her flawless wardrobe and handbags, and you would just kill to raid her closet for just one night.

Well, now you can! Christabelle is that girl and she’s opened her closet to you! OK, so maybe she’s not actually letting you rifle through her personal closet, but Christabelle’s Closet, an online consignment shop, is every college girl’s dream. This online shop has new or nearly new designer clothes that would make any savvy college girl gasp. From Gucci Flats to Rebecca Minkoff bags, Christabelle’s got it all, including a fully stocked designer label $10 section chock full of Michael Star tees and Intermix dresses. Yeah, ten freaking dollars.

And Christabelle is as sweet as she is fashion savvy, offering a very haute deal for CollegeCandy readers:

She’s giving you (and me!) 15% OFF ANYTHING in her closet for the entire month of March just by entering the code COLLEGECANDY when you check out.

I know I’ll be using it when I finally snag those Dolce & Gabbana heels that I’ve had my eye on for-ev-er. And probably a few other gorgeous things she’s got hanging in that virtual closet of hers.

With a deal like this, soon you’ll be that girl on campus that everyone wants to hate because you’re always looking so good. And they’ll want to hate you even more when they know how little it cost you to do it.

We all have that friend who can wear the same dress over and over and over again, but each time it somehow looks new. Or different. Or cooler. “I wish I could do that,” you think as you stare at your dress and think that by wearing different shoes you will somehow achieve a whole new look.

FAIL FAIL FAIL, my friends.

Fact is, in order to make a dress look new and different you must change all components surrounding it. If you wore tights and heels last time, wear leggings and flats this time around. If you rocked red lipstick before, do a smokey eye and a muted lip. Add accessories, switch out the belt that came with it for a new chunky detailed belt, throw on a blazer…

Think about that piece in your wardrobe like your favorite fro yo place with an add-your-own-toppings bar: Oreo makes everything better the options are endless!

I know it can be a bit overwhelming (lord knows you can’t pile everything on top of a cotton tee like I pile on every. single. topping at Yogurtland), so let me help. As an example I took one simple gray conservative-ish looking dress and broke it down into 3 totally different, totally awesome Budget Stylista ensembles.

Look #1: Rocker Chic
Throw some lace, patterned or colored tights into the mix with a leather jacket. Add some rocker chain earrings and a pair of sky high platform pumps and this dress just laughed in the face of Hilary Clinton’s conservative pantsuits.

Dress: American Apparel
Lace tights: Apostrophe by Sears
Black leather jacket: Urban Outfitters
Black heels: Forever 21
Chain Earrings: Stella & Dot

Look #2: Casual With a Twist
Take that gray dress and work it for daytime with a pair of leggings and some adorable flat booties. Add a little touch of sparkle with a fun headband and make it more Fall-appropriate with a cozy scarf. If you wanna add more layers, slip on a long cardigan and you’ll be comfy and put-together.

American Apparel Dress
Black leggings: Forever 21
Headband: Forever 21
Flat booties: Yup, you guessed it, Forever 21
Scarf: Urban Outfitters

Look #3: Day or Night Glam
I love the option of this over the knee boot because you can rock it high or fold it down! Hide the tie that comes with the dress under this sequined belt (or put the belt on over the sweater in place of the cardigan tie), throw on black opaque tights and the beret and you are good to go! You can wear this for day (especially those days when your hair is dirty but you don’t want anyone to know) or trade the cardigan for a vodka soda and hit the town at night.

American Apparel Dress
Detailed Belt: Urban Outfitters
Chunky Cardigan: Old Navy
Black Tights: Hue (the best tights in the business, fo sho)
Over the Knee Boot: Forever 21 (these bad boys are a steal compared to the hundreds you’d pay elsewhere!)
Black beret/beanie: Forever 21

1) Back-to-school supplies.  Seriously. Walking down the aisles of Office Max the year I got a brand new set of scratch and sniff markers has earned this yearly event a very, very special place in my heart.

2) Back-to-school jeans. As a kid, it was because your jeans didn’t fit you come back-to-school time; you were growing. As a college student… well, same story but with one minor difference: we’re growing out instead of up. Details schmetails.

Credit it to the bad economy or credit it to the fashion gods wanting everyone to look GOOD in their denim (please no muffin tops thankyouvermuch), but right now the hottest trends in jeans are on sale sale sale sale SALE! 20% off here, $19.00 jeans there — and they’re cute! My two favorite C words! Cute and Cheap! (Oh, and Chanel. The day I can fit all 3 words into that sentence, I will be one very, very happy chick.)

There are deals to be had, people! Now is the time to snag the latest styles (think skinny jeans for tucking into boots and the boyfriend jean for comfortabe chic-titude) and  the wardrobe staples (throw on for class and go go gadget).  Right now is the time to reassess your denim wardrobe and start shopping for those denim discount deals!

The skinny (with a twist)

The boyfriend
(The key to these is to keep the top fitted since the bottom is loosey goosey. No need to look like a hobo or a pregnant homemaker.)

Yes, you can still wear white. It’s such a unique (and cheap!) twist on the BF jean that everyone else will be sporting.

The flare throw-on-and-go jean
(Great for flats, sandals OR heels)

I have a shopping problem: I cannot go to the mall and leave empty handed. So, I stopped going to the mall. Too bad I have the internet and don’t even need to leave the house to wipe out my bank account on shoes and bags. No matter how hard I try, I constantly find myself searching for new websites to shop on.And go broke on.

And then I found CutesyGirl.com. This site is a completely unique shopping experience, mostly due to the fact that everthing is really, really cheap! They have everything from shoes to dresses, and all if it is super cute, super trendy, and won’t leave you eating Easy Mac for the next 6 months.

The site also allows you to search in ways not possible in the mall: by size, by style, by price. Obviously that wasn’t an option when I was strolling through Nordstrom, passing the $1,000 bags along my way. On CutesyGirl I only have to type in what I want to spend and not be tempted by pricier items (which are impossible to find on this site, anyway).

This site is a definite must-have for every college fashionista on a budget, which is all of us.