I freakin’ love fall. I actually don’t think I can communicate in coherent sentences how I feel about the season. It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach just thinking of the crisp air, the cozy sweaters, whip cream melting into mug of hot chocolate….I think I might have just wet myself.

It is impossible for me to pick just one fall thing as my favorite. And, believe me, I have tried on more than one occasion to pinpoint what it is that has forged this intense love affair.

So perhaps I can’t make a neat little list, but I can rant about it for a while. If you love fall too, you might want to prepare yourself. This little listicle may send you running towards your nearest Starbucks in leather boots and all the scarves you own in search of a latte and a scrumptious baked good.

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Unlike cupcakes and shoulder pads, there are two things that will never go out of style: the color black and denim. Although once seen as casual pants (and before that, as durable pants for men workin’ in the fields), jeans have become a staple in today’s fashion world. Because of this, women today can no longer survive with just two or three pairs of jeans. Oh no, we need a special pair of jeans for every (and I mean every) occasion.

1. Fat jeans
These jeans are great for a lazy day, but they’re even better for throwing on after a king-sized feast (i.e. Thanksgiving). Usually a size too big and made with “stretchy” material, you can always count on these jeans to fit you, even when nothing else does.

2. Comfy jeans
No, not Pajama Jeans (even though I am considering snagging a few pairs of those), but close. This pair manages to be just as (if not, more) comfortable than your sweatpants. Maybe it’s because they’re worn down or maybe it’s because they’re labeled as “relaxed fit”; either way, you feel great in ‘em and probably wear them a little too often. Read More »

[After four years of writing in our undies, we've accumulated a lot of great content on CollegeCandy. I realized this when I was reading the site the other night....also in my undies. So many awesome posts get forgotten, so we decided it was time to bring 'em back. So kick off your pants, kick up your feet and enjoy.]

I love dudes. Straight up, dudes are amazing with their tallness and deep voices and facial hair and whatnot. I even like their ability to eat astounding amounts of food and their random, dorky humor. There are so many awesome things about guys that girls in general just don’t have.

However, there are some things that girls have that guys should just stay away from. These things mostly exist in the realm of fashion (and make-up, but we won’t go there because dudes should not wear make-up, period. We’re talking to you, Adam Lambert). Here is the list of the most heinous fashion crimes committed by the male population.

Get it? Got it? Good. Want some more? Don’t worry, there are plenty more faves where this came from.

We all have our go-to stores that we, uh, go to when we need to stock up on some new wardrobe essentials (or when we have an hour to kill and the mall reaches out and wraps us in its warm embrace). But what about all those other stores? The ones that you walk past on your way to Auntie Anne’s without a second glance? The “mom” stores, the old department stores, the stores that don’t start with “Forever” and end with “21″? Surprise! Many of those stores are filled with major cuteness that you’re missing out on! (Except Chico’s – keep walking, little lady.) We know you’re not one to pass up a cute cami, so we scoured these under-the-radar shops (Walmart, what?!) and pulled out all the goodness you never realized existed.

To me, New York and Co. was always the store I passed as I walked from Macys to The Gap. Yeah, some of the stuff in the window looked cute, but most of it looked like the stuff librarians wear to work. But one day I decided to pop in and after digging through those Mom jeans and ugly sweaters, I actually found good stuff. No, GREAT stuff.

They have everything from basics, like t-shirts and tank tops, to outfit makers, like sequined dresses and cute cardigans. They have workwear and loungewear, outfits you can wear to class, and outfits you most certainly can’t wear to class. But mostly they’ve just got some really stylish stuff. New York and Co. prides themselves on bringing women New York fashion at a fraction of the price, and speaking as a New Yorker myself, I’d say they’re doing a damn good job. Read More »

I love skinny jeans just as much as the next person.

They are great to tuck into boots.
Great with long tunics.
Great for so many things in my ‘drobe.

But when I feel anything but? Skinny jeans… not such a fan.

Not to mention that a girl can only have so many pairs of skinny jeans but still wants an excuse to expand her denim wardrobe. Which presents a big challenge when practically everywhere you turn are more skinny jeans that seem to be even skinnier than the last. But now, dear friends, it looks like the antidote of skinny jeans is on the horizon.

The Wide Leg Trouser Jean.

Don’t be intimidated by it’s mountains of fabric. These jeans can actually be both concealing (as in hiding that muffin top that your skinny jeans just won’t) and flattering. Most are higher waisted and skim your thighs. Paired with a platform or high heel, these give your legs an nice, elongated look. 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 »

Whether you’re buying yourself a post-exam present or looking to put something on your list for Santa (with exact color, size and style….you don’t want him to get it wrong, do you?) boots should be high on your list. Temperatures are dropping, the snow is starting to fall and your toes are starting to get cold. Really, boots are a present for your feet, and after a semester of torturing them in communal showers and dancing the night away in high heels, it’s really the least you can do.

If you don’t already have a pair of boots – or yours are long overdue for a replacement – you should look at investing in a pair this season. And yes, I said investing. These babies aren’t always cheap, but can you really put a price on having 10 fully functional toes? Well, as functional as toes really are….

There are boots for all purposes and whether you’re trekking through snow to get to class, looking for something a little warmer than flats for a night out, or some combination of the two, there’s a pair out there for you. They’re great to slip on with a pair of jeans for class (duh), they’re great with a pair of leg warmers for a little extra toastiness on a busy day, and they look HOT with everything from the skinniest jeans to the miniest of skirts (yes, even rain boots!).

Here are 15 pairs I’m totally digging right now to get you started on your shopping. 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 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.]

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 »