Animal print is one of the hardest prints to incorporate into your wardrobe. And it doesn’t matter which you choose: leopard print, zebra print, faux-fur (because, for the love of PETA, please go faux) or snakeskin. But, as with most things in life, the harder the challenge, the bigger the reward. And in the case of animal print, that reward is instant sex appeal.

This fall, take a walk on the wild-side and add a little jungle-fever to your outfits.  There are tons of accessories to choose from if you’re going for subtlety, or entire pieces if you’re looking to make a statement. And for all you shy ladies, you can even channel your inner sex kitten with leopard-print lingerie.

But be forewarned: what you’re picking is extremely important when it comes to animal print.  While there are many prints to choose from, sometimes they just look cheap.  Seriously – zoom in on this sweater dress if you don’t believe me. Just remember to keep both fit and texture in mind when you’re shopping to ensure a look that is tres chic, not uber trashy.

And if you don’t know where to start, I’ve got 15 great options right here. Read More »

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. Read More »

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

Sexy pumps: every girl’s necessity for a fabulous night out. Yes, they will probably definitely kill your feet and you’ll be walking back from the party in flip flops (or barefoot!), but they’re hard to resist because they look so.frickin.good. Sick of typical stilettos but want to add some height? Look no further than the Sarkia Pump by Calvin Klein.

While the Sarika pumps are classically attractive, they’re far from boring. They feature a 4.5 inch semi-chunky stacked platform heel and a stacked wooden platform of 3/4 of an inch. They also feature an adorable rounded toe. What really makes these shoes different from all of the other black pumps in your closet, however, is their texture: they’re covered in a fish scale pattern! Of course, the Sarkias also come in nude–a hot trend for summer.

You can pick up your own pumps in store at Macy’s on sale for $68, (which, realistically, will probably cost less since Macy’s always has in-store promotions and deals!) but don’t fret if they don’t have your size–the Calvin Klein shoes can also be found online at Lori’s Shoes or Piperlime, where they just happen to be a Rachel Zoe pick.

Personally, I’m going to pick up a pair of the black ones. Here’s hoping that a chunkier heel will mean less stumbling and spills post-party!

Along with the spring fashion trends, it’s (almost) time to break out the new shoe styles and this spring shoe styles are all about fun, fun, fun. Here’s what to be on the look out for… Read More »

Have you met our new BFFs over at What’s Haute? We love popping over there to do some “window shopping” of all the designer bags and accessories that we would have to work for life and beyond to afford. Still, we can’t stop. Well, our friends know how we feel and now they are bringing us some cheaper (yet still beautiful) alternatives, right here on CollegeCandy. To see more couture goodness, visit What’s Haute.

The new Gucci Large Jockey Python Hobo Bag is sure to be a hit amongst fashionistas. Celebs love Gucci, python, and typically anything expensive and exclusive! The hobo is made of genuine python in a cool black color. Sturdy leather trim and signature brass Gucci horsebit studs complete the sleek look. Sure it’s an amazing bag but don’t we all have a better way to spend $3,295? So what’s a recessionista to do?

Shop just-as-haute alternatives. Read More »

Oh, summer. Oh, summer and your delicious, delicious shoes.

This is the time of year when I long the most for new shoes. Summer shoes are bright and fun and eye-catching. And it’s warm enough that you don’t have to cover them up with pants, jeans, or other such nonsense.

But sometimes, friends…sometimes summer shoes betray us. Sometimes high heeled sandals bust our heels. Sometimes seemingly-perfect shoes cut up the backs of our feet. So while I can’t guarantee anything, I have combed the internet searching for shoes that at least look like they might not kill you.

Here, dear College Candies, are the shoes I am lusting after right now, that I imagine will leave me with chaste, unharmed tootsies. Read More »

Following the trends can be quite problematic. Especially when you are trying to find the trends on the cheap before every mass retailer has picked it up. And by that point, you’re so over it because EVERYONE has one. Sound familiar? It’s pretty much the story of my life.

Before I get to the trend (sigh, big bags are out). I’m going to tell you a story. And then I’m going to tell you how to remedy our little situation.

In October of 2005, I saw a Calvin Klein ad where the model was wearing FLAT BOOTS. And not just flat boots, but black patent leather pointy toe snakeskin flat boots. And at that point, not only did I want a pair of boots sans their heel, I wanted them right THEN before they became über popular.

Now you can find a pair anywhere. Forever 21, H&M, Payless: they all jumped on the flat boot bandwagon, but a year and a half after I wanted a pair. That year, I spent my fall break in New York and decided that I would find a decently priced (i.e. around 200 dollars) pair of boots. I knew I couldn’t find them for less, if I could even find them at all.

I dragged my then boyfriend to every shoe store in Manhattan looking for a pair of flat boots. Poor guy. That was a rough shopping day.

I knew what I wanted but could not find them for less than 500 bucks. And my college budget sure wasn’t able to afford a pair of shoes THAT expensive.

Eventually, at the end of the day, I found them. My beautiful flat boots were just sitting there on the shelf in a tiny unassuming shoe store on 14th street. And when I went back to school, everyone made fun of my shoes and I was like whatever, bitches! Just you wait!

So now for the new fall trend that can’t be found: small shoulder bags or saddle bags. Whatever you want to call them. Big bags are out for those in the know. As much as I love my big bag, I am a bit tired of lugging so much crap around and having so much accumulate within its cavernous interior. So I am going to embrace this new trend before it becomes too trendy. Problem is, every little bag comes with a big price. Read More »