There’s a new plague making its way across college campuses from coast to coast. Take one step into your local incorporated coffee shop, vegan restaurant, Urban Outfitters or American Apparel store and you will be afflicted. (Or blinded by all the neon spandex and overwhelming scent of cigarettes.)

I’m talking, of course, about hipsters.

Don’t know what I’m talking about? Don’t worry’ they’ve even got a Wikipedia page.

I don’t truly despise these people. In fact, some are my dear friends. However, the ones that aren’t my friends are becoming an issue – a taking-all-the-tables-at-my-favorite-coffee-shop issue – and here’s my top 10 reasons that they piss me off. Obviously, not all apply. And obviously there are many, many more.

1. OHMYGOD just because I don’t wear weird clothes doesn’t mean I don’t like good music, too.
Hipsters pride themselves on liking the most unique, underground indie music. And if they like something outside that realm? Well, they like it “ironically.” In fact, I’m pretty sure their entire subculture is based on irony. (Editor’s Note: Maybe Alanis Morisette started the hipster movement?!) They automatically assume if someone is in a polo shirt that their music taste only expands as far as Dave Matthews and OAR. WRONG. Not everyone wears their music taste on their American Apparel sleeves. Get. Real. Check my last.fm; I listen to just as much Arcade Fire as you do and my mom was at Pavement concerts when you were in diapers.

2. The corporations you support are just as bad as the ones you hate.
So, you enjoy taking over Urban Outfitters? Well guess what – UO supported Proposition 8, the recently passed proposition that banned same sex marriage. Urban is owned by the most anti-gay bigot ever. Maybe you should think twice before you go heading over there for your next ironic tee and skinny jeans.

3. Life’s tough. Get a helmet.
Adorn the helmet with Bon Iver stickers. Do what you must, just stop bitching and moaning and sucking down Parliament Lights and PBR cans like it’s your job. You’ve got a trust fund, you unitard-wearing complainer.

4. Hypocritical much?
So, you spend your time hating on people for being judgmental a-holes? While you sit there and judge them based on the fact that they’re wearing mainstream clothing and maybe enjoy rap music? I don’t think that frat boy gives a crap about your life, so why do you care how he lives his?

5. Sports are not the anti-christ.
I like basketball. It’s fun to cheer for things (I know. Enthusiasm. Scary.) and maybe you should try watching it. Just because a lot of people love it doesn’t mean it sucks.

6. People eat animals. They taste real good.
Don’t tell me how my burger came to be. Veganism is your choice, not mine. Do I tell you how your lungs are turning black when you smoke? No. Do I not-so-politely inform you that your skinny jeans are permanently damaging your nerves? Nopers. Don’t remind me that my sandwich was once a living thing.

7.  It’s okay to like things without being ironic.
I’d love to meet a hipster that can openly admit that they un-ironically enjoy Britney Spears or Fall Out Boy. Even just a couple songs. Come on! It’s catchy! I’m not judging you!

8. Starbucks is tasty. Organic coffee tastes funky.
Enough said. Maybe it’s overpriced, but oh my god, I have never had a decent frappucino at an indie coffee shop. Side note: your indie coffee shop is most likely a franchise, too!

9. PBR is gross.
Enough. Said.

10. Smile.
Sunshine, I don’t care what you’re wearing, but for the love of spandex and Ray-Bans, can you please brighten someone’s day and smile? Scowling is super unbecoming.

Melanie currently interning in NYC, taking full advantage of all margarita specials and those blonde summer boys. Stalk her on Twitter: @tinkermellie

[lead image via CREATISTA/ Shutterstock]

I’m going to give you a clue for anyone who’s ever wondered what my secret identity really is: I’m not Josh Hartnett. I’m not even a fan of his, but I am a fan of 40 Days/40 Nights and since Ash Wednesday was oh, so, recent, I felt inspired to re-watch that rom-com romp. In case you’ve never seen it, it’s about a heartbroken Hartnett who is socially and emotionally crippled from being dumped by his long-term girlfriend that he takes a vow: no sexual gratification for Lent and thus freeing himself from her…influence? I don’t know, the logic takes some selling, I’m sure Sarah Palin could make sense of it. Being as this is the season of Lent, when good Catholic boys and girls are sacrificing one of their favorite luxuries for 40 days, I started to wonder, how productive an idea is this for the 21st century? I’m all for penance, don’t get me wrong, love me some BDSM, but while you can give up certain things, are their ones that you shouldn’t give up? I mean, Josh Hartnett becomes unable to work, have friendships, or eat pancakes. Is that healthy? Isn’t that going a bit too far? So, after some extensive research, I’ve come up with a list of 11 things that women should not give up for Lent, for the good of mankind.

initiating the gallery...

There you have it, ladies. 11 things you shouldn’t sacrifice for Lent. Some of these might be shocking. Some of these might be bewildering. But that’s the way it goes sometimes. What did I miss? What couldn’t you live without for 40 days and 40 nights? Before you even ask in the comments, don’t worry, this is just part one. Next time, we’re going to tackle the boys…figuratively speaking.

Fire in the hole!

The Dude

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.

Fall is My New Years
I know January 1st is when most people set a resolution, sign up for gym memberships and dump their dud of a boyfriend in hopes of upgrading to a new hottie. But my personal New Years is September 22nd (….the first day of fall if you haven’t caught on yet). This is when I find my surge of motivation. I crack open my new books (with the help of a yummy caffeinated beverage, obviously), get my ass back on an elliptical (with the new fall line-up to distract me from the burning tingles running through my calves) and reconnect with people who I may not have seen over the summer months (if this reconnection happens to occur over, let’s just say, a Pumpkin Spice Latte, then so be it. I’m just sayin’). Just like New Year’s Eve, fall instills in me that ambitious hope that come Christmas I will be a smarter-happier-8-pound-lighter version of my current self.

Fall is My Fashion Show
I have my share of designer sandals and flirty Forever 21 dresses, and by mid-March I take any peek of sun as my go-ahead to slip into a tank top and pretend I’m not freezing my ass off. But come September I am so sick of the skin baring clothes I could throw them all out the window (and then run outside and pick them all up again). This fall couldn’t come any sooner. I’m ready to break out my flannel shirt-dress, my patterned tights, the suede chunky heeled boots that are going to look amazing pulled over a pair of skinnies… I’ve already accepted I will not be able to control myself; I am well aware I will be over dressed for every and any occasion on my agenda.

Fall is My Buffet Table
I pretty much celebrate Thanksgiving for the entire season (which may explain why I have to ask for a new pair of skinny jeans, one size bigger, for Christmas). But how can you stop yourself from enjoying the Apple pie? The mashed potatoes, the creamy soups, the whipped-cream-mocha-caramel-latte-twists? Seriously, it’s only around for a few short months and I am going to enjoy every last bite/slurp/lick and munch of it.

Fall is My Amusment Park
How many awesome activities emerge during the season? (Which I take as a testament to the fact that deep down fall is everyone’s favorite season.) There are all sorts of festivals, movie outings and big group dinners. And did I mention football? Now, I’m not one of those girls that grabs a beer and talks witty banter with the men of the house (the extent of my participation is: “Why’d he throw that flag? What a jerk!”), but that doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate the sound of a football game lingering through the house, or all the jocks crowded around the TV in the student lounge.

[This story was originally posted by Brianna - Fordham University.]

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.

3. Old jeans
Saggy knees, a few holes in a variety of places (like where your thighs rub together), torn to shreds on the bottom from dragging them along the street over the years, these jeans have definitely seen better days. That doesn’t stop you from wearing them, though, and try as you might, you just can’t bear to part with them.

4. Skinny jeans
The last thing a girl needs is for her bootcuts to get all bunched in her boots. Enter: the skinny jean.

5. Skinny jeans
Remember that time you gave up everything besides lettuce and water for Lent? Yeah, you also bought these jeans to celebrate your little weight loss achievement. Unfortunately, they’re so tiny that you only fit into them for a few days (if that) per year. Keeping them on the first hanger in your closet provides some good workout motivation, though.

6. Going-out jeans
You look hot in these jeans and you know you do. They fit snug as a bug in a rug and, damn, your butt looks good. They may not be the most comfortable things on earth (as in, you have to lay down on your bed to zip ‘em up), but that’s the price you pay for lookin’ hot.

7. Jeans for heels
Because god forbid the tops of your feet show in those new 4inch platform pumps.

8. Jeans for flats
Because god forbid your jeans drag on the ground in those new sparkle Toms.

9. Casual jeans
Too light to wear out to the bar but too fitted to lounge around in, these are your go-to jeans for those in-between days. And while you’re most likely wearing them with flats, they should not be confused with your jeans for flats.

10. Trendy jeans
High waisted, wide legged, bright skinnies, trouser, boyfriend, distressed, jeggings, cropped…. The trends are always changing and you gotta keep up.

Gosh, jean shopping is exhausting!

How many pairs of jeans do you have and which are your favorites?

[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.

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.

The Trendy Trouser Jean

Product Information: Jeans – Gap,$79.50; T-shirt – American Apparel, $13; Shoes – Forever 21, $24.80; Bag - Old Navy, $9.50; Necklace – Express.

These are a lighter wash and a lot higher-waisted but with the pintuck down the center of the legs, they are SUPER flattering, literally slicing your leg in half. These jeans look best with a simple shirt. I love this red deep-v (and, score, it’s only $13!) tucked in (a must with these jeans!) paired with a bold necklace. The cute nautical tote keeps the look fun and playful, or you can swap it out for a gold clutch for night. To finish it all off, I paired opted for brown clogged mary janes. The red and brown combo (or red and gray) is a GREAT, less harsh, super on-trend alternative to the oh-so-not-surprising red and black combination.

The Classic Trouser Jean

Product Information: Jeans – Old Navy, $39.50; Top – Forever 21, $13.80; Bag – Lulus.com, $39.50; Peep-toe pumps – Charlotte Russe, $25.50; Bangles – Lulus.com, $18.50.

Darker wash, a bit lower rise than the jeans from the first look but still equally adorable. Again, I paired with a simple shirt and played up the accessories. A nude pump, some fun bangles (earrings, a statement ring or delicate long necklace could all work, too!) and a fun bag help pull this look together, making it kick ass for any occasion!

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.)

Outfit 1:

The DL: Blazer, Shirt, Skirt, Tights, Flats.

One of the best things about a blazer is that it can easily make just about anything look more polished. For a versatile look that works day or night, weekday or weekend, fall or winter (or spring and summer if you take out the tights!), take a pretty mini-skirt and a long sleeve button up top (patterned or solid will work). Cute on its own? You betcha, but even cuter when you put the blazer on top and layer on some opaque tights for extra warmth. A pair of flats or boots are the last piece for this simple look that you’ve built out of items you’ve already paid for. Boom.

Outfit 2:

The DL: Blazer, Tee, Long Sleeve, Jeans, Boots, Hat.

Want to wear your favorite graphic tee but don’t want to get all sloppy with that generic tee/hoodie combo? Enter: the blazer. Making that simple swap takes your layered look from “meh” to “magnefique” in two seconds flat. If you need even more toastiness, put a long sleeve shirt underneath your graphic tee and add a cute hat over top. If hats aren’t your thing, a scarf is another cold weather accessory that will do double duty keeping you warm and looking cute.

Outfit 3:

The DL: Blazer, Dress, Tights, Pumps, Ring.

Short party dress + tights + blazer = win. You’ll look hot and get to wear all your favorite sexy dresses without freezing your buns off. Just throw on your favorite black pumps and accessories (I went for a statement ring, but a stack of sparkly bangles with the sleeves on your blazer rolled up will also look HOT) and hit the town in high style.

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

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.

[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.

Winter Wonderwoman:

Shopping Deets: Jeans, Vest, Henley, Hoodie, Boots, Hat, Mittens.

As it starts to get colder, sometimes you just want a cozy outfit to keep warm while you trek around in the slush outside but you don’t want to look bulky. Luckily for you, skinny jeans hug those curves (no matter how many layers you’re wearing) look great with boots of any sort. If there’s a lot of snow where you are, toss on your winter boots (Sorel makes cute ones if Dad thinks you need some practical shoes for Christmas), or if it’s just slushy get some fleece liners for your rain boots. Henley under hoodie under vest – layers are the key to keeping warm in winter (and keeping cool once you get inside). If it’s not cold enough for all those layers, just pairing the henley and hoodie or the henley and the vest works well and looks cute too.

Cool in the Cold:

Shopping Deets: Jeans, Tank, Cardigan, Scarf, Flats.

Feeling the wardrobe blahs? Add sparkle to an everyday look by layering a sequin tank under a cardigan and top with a scarf. Pair with your basic black flats or those riding boots you’ve been itching to wear since last April. Though you’re wearing a glitzy top, the basic cardigan and skinny jean subdue the look and the scarf makes it all casual and toasty warm.

Winter Basics:

Shopping Deets: Jeans, Plaid Shirt, Cardigan, Boots, Hat.

Pretty much everyone has a plaid shirt and black cardigan in their closet. Pair these together with your skinny jeans and boots for an easy to put together look. Then add something with sparkle to make the look fun, new and unexpected. For the winter, I chose a beanie with a touch of personality, but you could also leave the plaid shirt open with a graphic tee under, or add some sparkly bracelets, a cocktail ring, a bedazzled belt, or a fun, layered necklace. It’s a small touch, but it makes a huge difference.

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