One of the biggest fashion trends for the 2010-2011 fall/winter season is velvet.  The ultra-soft fabric looks and feels luxurious, so it’s great for holiday parties.  It’s also warm, making it perfect for cold weather.

Just because velvet seems luxe doesn’t mean it has to be pricey, however.  For under $20, you can add any one of these great velvet pieces to your wardrobe this holiday season!

Here at CollegeCandy, we’ve sort of been obsessed with sequins lately.  And why shouldn’t we be?  Sequins are fun, glam, and, depending on what you style them with, you can rock them day or night.  And while designer sequined clothing can get pretty expensive, these pieces are all under $20!

This mini dress looks super comfortable, but  jewel-toned color and sequined stripes make it dressy and stylish.  You’ll wear it all year long–with tights and a coat in the colder months, and bare-legged with sandals in the summer!  And the best part?  It’s only $15.99!

Shoes can make or break any outfit–so make sure you have cute ones!  These silver sparklers will go with practically everything in your closet, making them more than worth the $12.99 you’ll spend on them!

Pulling on a sequined mini skirt instead of your go-to jeans is a great way to shake up your usual going-out look.  And this one is super cheap–only $13.98!

Another alternative to jeans for a nighttime look, these shorts are definitely attention-grabbing!  They’d look especially hot paired with a sexy white top (see this cover of Glamour for proof).

Basic black?  Not this top!  At just under $20, this tank top will look great under a blazer for day or with your favorite jeans at night!

This sequined scarf is a great statement piece for nearly any outfit: with a t-shirt or sweater for a casual look, with a tank under a blazer for work, or with a mini dress at night!  It comes in gold, silver, and black, and it’s just $19.90.

This sparkly vest is on sale for only $13.99, but it’s glam enough to to dress up even the most boring t-shirt and jeans look, with virtually zero effort!

So you’re going out tonight, but just the thought of wearing your favorite halter top in the cold nighttime temperatures make you shiver.  Easy solution: a sequined cardigan like this one.  You still have enough sparkle to look dressed up, but you’ll be warm and comfy all night long!

I just love purple clothing and accessories for fall.  The deeper and jewel-toned shade you see in stores this time of year are flattering on everyone, and you feel instantly more sophisticated when you wear it (it is the color of royalty, after all).

And not to mention it looks amazing with gray, my other favorite color for fall.  Here are some great purple items to add to your wardrobe this season for $20 or less each!

I don’t even know where to begin with how amazing this cami is.  Its gorgeous color and ruffles drew me to it at first, but what I really love about it is how versatile it is–you can layer it under a long cardigan for a casual look, or dress it up by wearing it under a blazer or tucked into a skirt.

There are a few reasons that camp shirts like this one have been popular for several seasons: the roll-up sleeves make mean you can wear them in different temperatures,  and they’re versatile enough to dress up or down.  Snag this grape-soda colored one for only $17.99.

This sweater tunic looks so comfortable!  It’s the perfect thing to just throw on the days you don’t know what to wear–just add some leggings or skinny jeans and your favorite boots.  And at $13.80, you can afford to buy a few!

This is the perfect party/going out skirt!  The color will draw enough attention by itself, so keep the rest of your outfit simple by wearing it with a plain black or white top and booties.  You’ll look hot, and no one will be able to guess you only spent $19.80!

Another going out option, this dress will definitely get you noticed!  The faux-wrap style is flattering on pretty much everyone, and the belt both defines your waist and gives you a little bit of an edgy rocker vibe.

This shawl-style cardigan can be worn many different ways to create a number of different looks–and at only $14.99, it’s a steal!

No time to wash your hair before class? This adorable hat will cover up your greasy roots, make your outfit instantly cuter, and keep your head nice and warm.

This boyfriend cardigan is the ultimate casual essential for any college girl.  It’s perfect to wear around your dorm, to class, or even over your dress when you go out at night.  The deep purple shade is just about perfect, and the stripes give it a subtle sporty vibe.  And it’s on sale for only $15!

[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities are spending $5,000 on an ensemble (for basics!!) you don’t have to. All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire look. For cheap. Yes, we know - there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Kourtney Kardashian is totally my favorite Kardashian sister (no, I’m not ashamed that I even have a fave). Did you know that she’s the only one who went to college? Not that I don’t respect a career path that includes being Paris Hilton’s bestie/leaking a sex tape/capitalizing on having a booty that is basically a work of art or…what is it that Khloe does?

But I appreciate that Kourtney at least didn’t expect to make “shameless fame seeker” her bread and butter, and if the 85736837349 hours of Kardashian footage on E! is to be believed, she is actually interested in being a successful businesswoman.

So basically, I like her/mildly pay attention to her because she’s kind of normal. But moreso because, while her taste in men isn’t top notch (more like bottom of the douchey barrel), her taste in fashion totally is. And this particular outfit’s got me jonesing for a shopping spree.

Skirt, Shirt, Belt, Shoes.

What I love most about this outfit is how totally simple it is, without being dull or boring. The floral skirt is so fun and bold, and all of the other pieces are subdued, so it’s a totally low-maintenance ensemble. I also love that Kourtney is rocking a bright belt that brings out the colors of her skirt – it’s so playful and sassy, without being too gaudy. And her nude strappy sandals are interesting and sexy to add a little somethin’ somethin’ to the look while not taking the attention away from the skirt.

For the ladies who live in climates that actually resemble fall and can’t really strut in strappy sandals year round, this outfit is easy to transition. Just throw on a neutral (for this outfit, I’d go with black) cardigan, some tights and a pair of knee-high boots, and you’re good to go, day or night!

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.

Obviously this has me tearing apart my closet, sifting through piles of jeans and tanks and blazers, letting them all duke it out for a place in my tiny suitcase.

After packing my must-have PMS sweats, I moved on to “work attire,” because, sadly, instead of lounging around the house all day eating leftovers, I will actually have to wake up early and go to an internship when I get back to school.

After my pair of black dress pants and a modest sweater dress made the cut, I was extremely bored. Am I really going to go from partying with friends in my leather jacket and sequined mini to a stuffy button up? I felt my fashionista heart breaking into a million pieces.

That is until I stumbled upon Express during a daily web-surfing session and found the High Waist Cotton Pencil Skirt in Geometric. Suddenly a light bulb went off: Just because I have to wake up early and go to an office like an adult doesn’t mean that I have to leave my fashion-forward college self behind.

When it comes to a work wardrobe, it’s about compromise. The fact that this skirt from Express is professional and trendy at the same time makes it the perfect staple for an appropriate work outfit, while saving me from becoming a drone in black pants and flats. The cotton/spandex fabric allows me to move around comfortably, and the knee length keeps the sexy hip-hugging fit toned down enough for the office. And pairing it with a black blazer will ensure that it is work appropriate.

What I love the most is the geometric pattern. It’s totally unexpected, but surprisingly classy. The horizontal block colors are totally modern and ridiculously slimming (and I’ll take any help I can get; Lord knows my love handles aren’t looking their best after stuffing my face for three weeks straight).

What makes this skirt an even better buy? Trade the button-down for a sequined black tank and layered metal necklaces and you’re ready for happy hour with your friends or a dinner date with the sexy guy from last week’s toga party.

At $49.50, even the price tag is tempting for something I will get so much wear out of. What else could you possibly want out of a pencil skirt?

I’m sold.

When we finally finish up finals and return home for the holidays, of course we must run to the mall and soak up the holiday cheer: hum along to the cheesy department store music, watch some kiddies take a picture with Santa and sip on a to-die-for Starbucks Peppermint Mocha (seriously if you haven’t tried it, go get one immediately). And then, after an hour of battling the crowds, we realize we can’t afford anything and walk back to our cars with nothing but a caffeine buzz and an empty red Starbucks cup.

And that, my friends, is when you should head to Target. Not only can you get a gift for everyone on your entire list there, but you can also pick up stuff for yourself without feeling guilty. Seriously, they’ve got a ton (and I mean a TON) of really great stuff under $20 lining those racks. I just want it all. And at these prices, I may just get it all.

If you still haven’t found a dress for Christmas dinner, layer this one under a red cardigan and you’re good to go. Need a party dress for New Year’s? Splurge on some killer heels (since the dress is so cheap), add some sparkly accessories and ring in the new year in (budget) style.

How cute is that little thing happening up on the shoulder? This shirt would look great over a pair of dark skinny jeans and some boots, or even tucked into a high-waisted skirt with black tights and pumps. Best part: the shoulder ruffles are a built-in accessory, so you don’t need to waste your time (or money) looking for a necklace.

Every girl needs a black skirt, so why not a mini that’s cute, flattering and super cheap?

So you just rolled out of bed and you wanna be warm and cozy for class. You could wear some sweats…or you could put on an adorable flannel shirt that will keep you toasty and cute. I don’t know about you, but I’m going with the plaid.

This dress is just perfect for the winter. The warm colors, the longer sleeves, the super luxe gold detailing on the skirt. And you can wear it just about anywhere. It’s conservative enough for dinner with the family but cute (and short!) enough for a night on the town.

You’ve probably got a few pairs of leggings hanging in your closet, but maybe it’s time to add a little something extra to that collection. Like exposed zippers. They give an extra dose of cool to your typical look. Plus, they look damn hot with a pair of pumps.

Snakeskin flats for $12.99? Looks like Christmas came a bit early this year. They’re comfortable, they’re chic, and they’re the quickest way to take that black-shirt-and-jeans combo to a whole new level of fabulous.

I can’t get over this clutch. I love how it’s feminine yet classic all at once. And it’s $8.49. Yes, you read that right. A fabulous clutch for less than that double vodka soda you’ll spill on it later.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/12/22/8-under-20-target/feed/ 2 ccandystaff 8under600x360 dress purple target pleated skirt target plaid gold dress zipper leggings snakeskin flats target clutch http://collegecandy.com/2009/12/18/budget-stylista-glitz-and-glammer-on-nye/ http://collegecandy.com/2009/12/18/budget-stylista-glitz-and-glammer-on-nye/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:00:22 +0000 Jill - University of Wisconsin http://collegecandy.com/?p=48866 ]]>

So maybe I’m a little late in the game, but 2010 is, like, soon. It feels like only yesterday that I was sitting on my daybed thinking, “this is the last time we can sing ‘Tonight We’re Gonna Party Like it’s 1999′” as I placed 5 too many butterfly clips into my hair and rocked out in my platform gym shoes.

God I feel old.

But I digress. New Year’s Eve is hands down the best excuse to dress up. But that doesn’t mean you gotta splurge on some hot frock that will look great in pictures, but not so great sitting in the back of your closet for the next 2 years because you have nowhere to wear it again. There are plenty of ways to spice up your look for the big night by adding some fun pieces to the stuff you already own. Here are just a few not-a-dress options to ring in the big 20-10.

Skirt:
You gotta rock something shiny on NYE, and this skirt is just perfect. I love red and gold together, which is why I paired this shimmery skirt with a basic red tank. But if red is only your color when your monthly friend comes to visit, throw on a basic black scoop tank or tee, black tights and pumps and this look is good to go.

Skirt, Lulus.com
Red Tank, Forever 21
Cuff, Forever 21
Cheap and fabulous pumps, Forever 21

Romper
There’s something about a romper that just screams, “I’m totally chic.” And this one has just the right amount of sparkle for the special night. You canpair with tights if you’re not in Miami…and shave your legs if you are. Feel free to play with textures, like sequined shoes, chunky tights and a bold cuff. Or keep it simple and throw on a colored bag or bangle for a pop.

Romper, Lulus
Shoes, Forever 21
Tights, Forever 21
Cuff, Forever 21

Leggings
You already own some leggings, obviously, so dress them up with a bold (and long!) sequin top. You’ll dazzle into the new year and be super comfortable to boot. Just make sure to keep everything else pretty neutral so you don’t look like you just fell out of a Prince music video.

Top, Forever 21
Leggings, Forever 21
Pumps, Nordstrom

Jeans
I love, love, love this body suit. Yes, it’s a body suit. Yes, body suits remind me of jazzercise videos from the 90s. But tucked into jeans (or a skirt) it’s fashion genius: it’s sexy, fitted, and you don’t have to worry about it bunching. And can we talk about how hot the back is?

OK, so it may be a problem when your New Year’s Kiss wants to get busy…or when you drink too much champagne and have to go to the bathroom every 3 minutes, but it’s probably the most versatile piece you could pick up for the big night. Just think of all the other places you could work this thing. And, really, you can sparkle it up as much or as little as you want. Add a big, bold necklace. Throw on some bangles. Slip into a bright colored shoe. And roll into the new year without looking like you tried too hard.

Body Suit, Urban Outfitters
Jeans, Nordstrom
Pumps, Nordstrom
Necklace, Lulus

With Thanksgiving around the corner (I say this with giddiness…pumpkin pie, football, sleeping all day anyone?) the Holiday Season is about to hit full force. Which means my search for the perfect holiday outfit is officially on. The fact that I spend way too much time shopping online means that, of course, I have already found the perfect piece to jump-start this outfit: Free People’s Summer in the City Sequin Skirt.

But unlike the shimmering strapless red dress that I invested in last year, this year’s statement piece has something that the Christmas-ball-colored-bubble-skirt did not: versatility.

Not only is this skirt perfect for Christmas dinner with my family, but it will look awesome with some sky high heels on New Years with my friends, with some flat black knee-high boots for a date with my boyfriend, and with some opaque tights, flats and a cardigan for work or class. Honestly, this skirt is a fashionista’s dream come true.

The skirt is super flirty and feminine with a chiffon overlay and beaded embellishments, but it’s short length and contrasting hemline make it endearingly edgy at the same time. This contrast means I can play up the feminine for work or family holidays, and indulge my inner rocker chick with a leather jacket and some chain jewelry for girls’ night out.

And the fact that it’s lightweight means I can bring it into the spring and summer too with a cardigan and a pair of embellished sandals. This skirt is really going to get around.

I don’t feel as guilty forking over the $100 knowing I am going to get so much wear out of it, unlike the red dress which still sits sparkling in the back of my closet, longing to go to class but knowing it can never have the dressed down versatility of my new Free people skirt.

I’m pretty sure there is nothing better in life than a really fantastic sale section. Especially at a store stocked with things you already love. Take home some awesome finds on the cheap? Yes please!

Much like Urban Outfitters and Express, Tilly’s is chock full of really cute stuff at a somewhat “affordable” price. But it is in their fabulous sale section where you really hit the fashion jackpot. They’ve got everything from basics to statement pieces to stock your closet, and all of it is ch-ch-cheap. Here are a few items I found to be totally darling and will fulfill your inner frugalista.

Who says thermals have to be unattractive?  This thermal comes in a variety of colors and will not only keep you cozy for those long hours spent in the library, but you’ll look good to boot.

Bereanies (beret beanies) are the perfect solution to keeping your head warm while maintaining your style. And, trust me, these things can work on everybody, so give it a shot.

Two of the biggest trends this season are purple and ruffles and this sweet and flirty top lets you kill two trends with one shirt for under $8. Just pair it with some black skinny jeans and a pair of heels and you’ve got the perfect party look for the season.

If you’re not daring enough for a liquid legging but bored with the basic black, these could be your legging soul mates. The lace running down the side of these not-so-basic black leggings adds a hint of freshness and sex appeal to a typically standard look.

Tired of wearing the same old jeans?  Why not pull on a pair of sailor pants? They’re basic enough to wear every day, but cute enough to add a much-needed change to your same-jeans-all-the-time “rotation.”

I love BF cardis as much as I love me some BF jeans (and my actual BF) and I adore the stripes on this one.  Not only that, there are several colors to choose from and with their $19.99 price tag, you can afford at least a couple of ‘em.

The cut of this tunic will give some va-va-voom to a gal’s curves and the red plaid is perfect for the holiday season.

You can’t go wrong with girlie ruffles. Ever. And a belt to cinch your waist? Everyone needs one. This is the perfect skirt for all those holiday parties you are sure to be attending this season. It’s versatile – you can dress it up or dress it down, and it will look cute with flats, booties or some sexy stilettos.