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.

[Click on the image for all the info!]

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/2009/05/25/wardrobe-wish-list-calvin-klein-sarkia-pump/ http://collegecandy.com/2009/05/25/wardrobe-wish-list-calvin-klein-sarkia-pump/#comments Mon, 25 May 2009 19:00:03 +0000 Liza - University of Minnesota http://collegecandy.com/?p=29976 ]]>

[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…

Details:

This season it’s all about details: embellishments, beads, fringe, ruffles, flowers, buckles, zippers, snaps, studs…Think of your shoes as a piece of art and go with something new and interesting.

Gladiators:

Gladiators are back and this season with a twist. We’re seeing more heeled gladiators and fun & interesting takes on this popular style: metallics, bright colors, and wedges.

Reptile Skins:

Reptile skins (especially snakeskin), real or faux, are being seen on shoes all over the place. Flats, stilettos and wedges; you name it, you can find it. The most important part of this trend is to go for quality – you don’t want faux skins that look cheap. Payless is not the place to go for these shoes.

Cut-Out Booties:

This spin on the popular bootie of fall and winter will make them translate to warm weather and will give you a more fun and updated look.

Ties, Laces and Straps:

Ties, laces and straps were all over the runways for this season in all different forms, from hippie-tree hugger to glamazon.  They’re not only a fun and new trend, they’re functional as well (you will never lose a shoe!).

Unique Heels:

With interesting details being such a focus this year, heels did not get overlooked. Keep your eye open for brightly colored, uniquely shaped or architectural heels.

Color:

Just like this season’s clothes, bright colors are all the rage for shoes, especially pinks and oranges.

And of course, keep your eyes open for all the styles we’ve seen season after season; wedges, slingbacks, peep toes, sky-high heels and platforms.

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.

Perlina offers up a fab Snake Embossed Pleated Satchel which rivals the Gucci hobo in looks, function and overall style. Pearlescent snake-textured leather shines up this ruched and pleated hobo. And at $168, you can snap up all four colors (black, purple, off white and yellow) and major style points, and still have money to spare for more important things.

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.

Drool.

I’m sorry, I’m a sucker for faux snakeskin.

These little ditties are, yes, wedge platforms, but they’re not too high and they have a peep toe so your toes won’t get squished. Plus, the foot-bed is pretty high so you have a better chance of it really holding your foot in and not rubbing.

For the price of a movie and a small soda, you could have these cute metallic (very in this summer) sandals from Payless. Not bad!

Aren’t these cute?! There’s something very Westerner’s-idea-of-India about them, but, what can I say? Totally sexy. Even better, you can order them online; doesn’t get more comfortable than that.

Look at these adorable little yellow sandals! I just want to eat them up. Or like hug them, or something. Anyway, you get the point. They’re freakin’ cute. Plus, flat. Your foot will be held in snugly with a slingback. Ah, perfection.

Some may say a little pain is worth it, but I totally beg to differ. Especially with the flat, gladiator sandal making its mark this summer. This shoe is perfect with a dress and can be worn to walk all over town, to a long day of work, or even a long night of dancing.

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.

But now for the solution:

Consignment and Thrift Stores—Back in the day, shoulder bags were totally popular. (I found one in my grandmother’s closet, actually). So check with Grams or check the local thrift stores. They are bound to be MUCH less expensive than the label versions that cost as much as a semester’s tuition.

DIY—Maybe you found a great clutch or small bag sans the strap. Well, release your inner girl scout and make your own! It isn’t hard to punch a few holes in a leather clutch and add a chain that you bought at Home Depot or get a skinny leather belt and use that as a strap. It just takes a bit of craftiness.

Or if you’re just too lazy, keep your eyes peeled. I found this bag (and only this one) at Urban Outfitters for $28.00.

Happy Hunting!