Happy 2011, everyone! It’s a new year, so why not start it off right by getting into shape? I know I’d like to slim down after overindulging on food and drinks during the holidays! It’s not going to be easy, though. For me, the hardest part of working out, especially when I haven’t been at it in a while, is getting motivated. The exercise part isn’t so bad once I’m doing it, because I just visualize my goals (or watch Kardashian marathons…), but I have the hardest time just getting up and going.

In order to motivate myself to work out, I’ve decided to buy myself some cute new workout clothes. The idea is that I’ll feel obligated to use the clothes since I spent money on them, and I’ll also want to show off how cute I look in my new workout gear. Lucky for me (and those of you who think this is such a great idea you have to do it, too) some of my favorite cheap clothing stores have started carrying workout clothes, so there are lots of affordable options — like all these for just $20 or less!

[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 (like everyone's favorite style icon, Gwen Stefani) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble you don’t have to.]

Jessica Alba has been taking a break from the big screen lately, choosing to focus on raising her daughter and tweet about feeling fly like a G6. Yet, she is still a solid fixture in all the tabloids, because for some reason, everyone is still obsessed with the fact that celebrities procreate (and look fabulous while doing so).

Jessica is definitely one of the most stylish mommies running around Hollywood. She has a fresh, hip, not excessively trendy style and she loves to include unexpected accessories or pieces with eye-catching detailing. Weird, because I also like to be fresh, hip and not excessively trendy with a touch of the unexpected. Thankfully, I don’t have to have Jessica’s movie star salary to achieve my style dreams.

Product Info: Skirt – Forever 21, $19.80; White Shirt – Old Navy, $10; Blazer – Target, $19.99; Scarf – Scarf World, $5.56; Tights – Figleaves, $7.50; Shoes – Steve Madden, $69.95.

I completely adore this outfit for so many reasons. First of all, this amazing skirt. Maybe I’ve been watching too much Gossip Girl, but I am a firm supporter in miniskirts year round, and I am absolutely in love with the silver studding of this one from Forever 21, which has a similar biker-inspired aesthetic to Jessica’s bangin’ skirt. I have already expressed my undying love for animal print, so you know I’m swooning over the cheetah print scarf, which livens up the plain white top.

I chose a boyfriend blazer (the best/most versatile thing in my wardrobe) to throw on top, but a heavy pea coat would look just as cute. Those sheer tights are perfect for you lucky ladies who don’t have to walk around with a scorching hot caramel macchiato at all times to keep you warm. But for my fellow shivering chickadees, throw on some uber thick tights and you’re good to go. Finally, these uber cute black tuxedo shoes finish off the look by adding a slightly boyish flair to an otherwise very feminine outfit.

Jessica Alba’s look is effortlessly sexy and edgy, and with enough sass, totally appropriate for a variety of occasions, from a Saturday shopping sesh to a night at the bar. Here’s hoping I can look this hot after popping a kid out…

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

Something from Anthropologie is always on my wish list (okay, maybe more like five or six things), but I decided a long time ago that a column based solely on their merchandise would be a tad boring, especially for those of you that aren’t obsessed with their girly-vintage-hippie chic vibe.

So in order for an Anthropologie item to make it to the top of the wish list for the week, it has to be something special. And that is exactly what the Splatter Sneakers are.

Amazingly special…and to-die-for.

I love my Converse. I could wear them every day with every outfit. Hell, they’re so worn in I could sleep in them.

But obviously a plain sneaker gets old, and I often sigh a huff of sadness knowing that I have to leave them in my closet for the jeweled flats that will only leave me with multiple blisters.

This is why I am so excited that these sneaks from Anthropologie are a step up in chic factor from your typical sneaker. The pattern is totally artsy, a dark grey background splattered with bleach specks that sort of remind me of blazing suns (perfect way to pay homage to this lovely weather I think). Plus, the rubber sole and breathable canvas material makes them super comfortable, and you can’t get any easier with the unlaced top.

I can see them adding a douse of street-cool to some skinny jeans and a blousy top, or grounding a flirty summer dress with a hint of laid-back surfer girl.

And the best part? Wait for it…they are only $40.00. No, this is not an April Fool’s joke. You can actually walk into Anthropologie and walk out with something adorable while still being able to afford lunch that week.

And that, my friends, is why these sneaks are at the top of my wish list this week. Tell me you’re not in love.

H&M, which was still under construction the last time I had been at the mall, had finally opened! We did a little jig. Then we ran in and started loading up on everything we needed to try.

I was rifling through a pile of shirts when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a pair of glimmering black sneakers. I dropped everything in my hand and went to them.

They weren’t really low-tops or high-tops, settling on a height in between. What made them gleam was that they were made of black velvet. They came with black shoelaces, a black rubber sole, and a small loop at the back. Now, usually I would say that this was too much of one color on a sneaker, but the rich, deep velvet stood out from the other components of the shoe for a subtle contrast. I also really dug the zippers on the sides, and at only 15 bucks, I couldn’t resist.

So I made them mine. And I can’t wait to wear them. They are pretty comfy and are great for casual looks, but the velvet definitely amps up the style and sets them apart from your basic Converse, Pumas or Nikes. Plus, they’ll look super cute with skinnies, which is exactly how I plan to rock them for their first trip onto campus.

“The Ultimate Hatelist” posted a list of things they assume we, the ladies of the world, like that they think are ridiculously stupid.

Okay, so maybe we do get a little excited if our horoscope says we have a romantic interest in our near future (the guy from Bio, maybe?) and a little frozen yogurt is totally refreshing on a hot day. Okay fine! Maybe we do love a lot of the things they list, which also include brunch (how fun is a mimosa date with the girls?), reality TV, and making t-shirts (we’re bonding okay?!).

But we don’t really think men should be judging, especially with the laundry list of stupid shit they like.

10. Fantasy Sports

“Hey, man how’d your team do?”You might think the guy is actually involved in some sort of extra curricular sports team, meeting on the weekends to play a little two-hand touch or throw a Frisbee. Totally hot, right? Wrong. Instead they are sitting on their ass in front of a computer screen, picking real athletes who they think may possibly play well that week, and assembling a “fake” team. Yes. That is it. If they happen to choose correctly, other men will then applaud them.

9. Fast Food

A burger here, some pizza there, totally fine. We’re all in college, and we all understand the accessibility and yumminess of fast food. But when you eat whole foot long meatball subs at every sitting and then complain that you are putting on weight and can’t lose it, you’re just being stupid. And the gut isn’t cute either, so maybe add some salads into that diet?

8. Reality TV

So fine, we are addicted to The Hills and can watch day-long marathons of Say Yes to The Dress, but who do you think keeps Real Chance of Love and Ice truckers on air? It sure as hell isn’t us girls.

7. Football Sunday…All Day

I love football. It’s totally great that one day a week Americans gather around their TV sets and root for their favorite team. But why this one event has to erase an entire day off the weekly calendar is beyond me. The game starts at 4, so the pre-show starts at 1 and the tailgate starts at 9. And we couldn’t possibly do anything afterward, because then there’s highlight clips and recaps of the game that we just watched. Oh you want another foot long meatball sub? My pleasure, I’ll be right back.

6. Poker

Don’t get me wrong, I love cards. I don’t even mind a little blackjack or five card every now and then. What is stupid is that men will sit for hours on end, cleaning out their pockets to the point where they are throwing favors and their car keys into the pot just to keep playing. What happened to a friendly game of poker? The fact that men will gamble away their whole wallet and think nothing of it is stupid.

5. Cars

Us girls can appreciate a nice car when we see one. We’ll even entertain your comments now and then (“yeah, those rims are really nice”). But this crazy obsession guys have with cars is beyond absurd; when a nice one rolls by it’s like they are rendered incapable of speaking, walking, or continuing whatever activity they were previously engaged in. They become drooling, gawking little boys. It’s the 21^st century; nice cars are everywhere. Get over it.

4. Sneakers

They rail on us for always wearing uncomfortable stilettos, but we think it’s stupid that they are always in dirty sneakers. Seriously, can they really be wearing the same shoes out to dinner that they just played baseball in? Perhaps we do tend to overdress, but it’s always better than being under-dressed. Especially in certain situations that demand looking put together (church, family dinners, meeting your parents).

3. Public Flatulence

We’re not going to go down the whole girls-are-pretty-and-never-fart road. Yes, we burp. Yes, we fart. And yea, we even poop sometimes. But it is stupid that boys relieve themselves in public, think it’s funny, and even congratulate each other for it. What is even remotely entertaining about filling the booth at a restaurant with your raunchy stank? I will never understand why men see this as an expression of their manhood.

2. Quoting Movies

Yeah, that line was funny…in the movie. But being able to quote (and recognize quotes) from every movie ever made A) doesn’t make you funny and B) doesn’t make you impressive. Guys just love quoting movies and frown upon anyone who doesn’t pick up on the obscure reference they just made to some random line from some random scene in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

1. Turning Everything Into a Competition

We totally understand being competitive in all things sports, physical and intelligence-related. Hell, even the ladies get a little crazy at a sporting event. But guys will turn anything into an opportunity to win. “Oh yeah? Well I can type faster than you and I know more Will Ferrell movie quotes. LET’S GO!”

I love flats. I practically wear them every day and to all occasions. I can’t even remember what I used to wear before I started slipping on those cute and comfy babies. Wait, yes I do. It was sneakers (love my Chucks), but I had to find something else after I realized that old school Nikes are not acceptable for all occasions. Like job interviews.

And now Adidas has taken my two favorite forms of footwear and morphed them into one mega shoe: the Gazelle Ballerina. Not to quote Miley Cyrus or Hannah Montana or whoever she chooses to be today, but you do get the best of both worlds with these shoes. Revel in the cuteness and convenience of a flat and the stylishness and comfort of a sneaker with its rubber outsole for added support.

So if, unlike the Spice Girls, you’ve got a little Posh and a little Sporty to ya, these shoes are your perfect match. And if you find yourself running from parties when campus security shows up, these are probably right for you too. It’s those girls in the stilettos that always get caught.

This week we take another trip down cheap & trendy lane to Charlotte Russe.  This is a great place to shop if you’re looking for affordable, well, anything. Hot evening looks, basic day looks, super sexy shoes, way cute accessories and everything in between – Ms. Charlotte has it all.  They also recently launched a new line of more upscale/expensive pieces and denim called People’s Liberation that I am totally feelin’. Just not for this, since none of that shiz is under $20.

But this stuff is, meaning you can load up on the goodies and keep that budget in check. It’s a beautiful thing, I tell you. A beautiful thing.

Accessories can make (or break) an outfit and CR offers loads of awesome accessories at even more awesome prices, usually under $10! This bangle can be used for day or night and the gorgeous colors will give a special pop to your outfit. Even if that outfit is a t-shirt and jeans.

If you’re wanting to go Gossip Girl/prep style for back-to-school, this headband just screams Blair Waldorf. Except you don’t have to spend like Blair Waldorf.

Tights are not only a fun fashion statement, they’re a Godsend as the summer warmth is replaced by autumn chill.  This little pack comes with 2 pairs of tights that can be worn 3 different ways.  Style and versatility?  Yes please.

These shoes are cute, easy to get on and off (which is a totally under-rated feature in footwear, I must say), come in 3 different colors, and are totally worth the under-$15 price tag.

Pencil skirts are a necessary staple in any gal’s closet and I am loving the bandage look of this one; it’s sure to accentuate those curves of yours and will look great with anything from a basic tee/tank to a ruffled blouse to a sexified evening shirt.

This blouse is a great addition to any wardrobe with it’s girly ruffles, cinched waist and versatility.  Pair it with jeans, trousers or the pencil skirt above.

Boyfriend jeans…for $19.99? You’re welcome.

School will be in session soon (groan), but heading back to campus also means there’s bound to be loads of back-to-school parties. And you must look hot for said parties.  The sexy bustier-inspired top with a flowing bottom is definitely worth more than the super cheap price tag on this little shirt. You can show off the cleavage and hide any of those extra pounds from eating too much of mom’s cooking this summer.  Bonus: the fuschia will also look fantastic on your sun-kissed skin.

Election day is tomorrow, but the voting has already begun.

Simon Cowell gets dumped.

No matter who wins tomorrow, fashion will make its way to the White House

Did Lil Wayne die? WTF?

Need some help with time management?

Top 10 classic sneakers that never go out of style.

Yay! Free Starbucks for voters!

Organic makeup must-haves.

Cindy Crawford is kinda old, but still looks better than me.

Campus theft is on the rise. Protect yourself!

So, where do I go to get my favorite sneaks and workout clothes? Read below where this runner gets her kicks – and looks.

Marshalls. I swear by this place. They have everything from sneaks to sports bras to running pants and Under Armour for those chilly workout days. And it is all way cheaper than you would find at a regular store.

Dick’s. Get your mind out of the gutter, ladies. I am talking about Dick’s Sporting Goods store. A close second to Sports Authority (which, despite its top notch designs for workout attire, packs on a heavy price tag), you can find the best name brands for lower prices than other chain athletic stores.

Old Navy. Wife beater tanks in a billion colors, yoga pants and athletic shorts…all for under $15. You really can’t beat that.

Ebay. I know, sounds risky, but you can find Nike, Reebok, Adidas, New Balance and many more brands on this site. All you need to know is your size. Don’t know off the top of your hand? Run to a store, try on the gear, then come home and purchase what you want online for less than you’d pay anywhere else.

Ross Dress for Less. Similar to Daffy’s, Ross Dress for Less is a discount store that offers name brands at extremely (I’m talking $5 tops ladies) low prices. Google and find if there’s a store near you; they have stores in 27 states.

Campmor.com. If you like to camp, hike, climb or do anything outdoors, this website geared toward rural workout interests in perfect for a person on a budget. You can view the complete catalog, equipped with clothing, eco-friendly workout products, socks, shoes and other gear. Check it out!

Kohl’s: This store is often overlooked, but it is a gold mine of good deals. They have all the best brands in workout gear and they are always on sale. Oh, and while you’re there, you should check our their Vera Wang line. (What? You don’t get sidetracked sometimes?)

Steve and Barry’s. You can find more than just SJP’s Bitten line here. This store is known for their discount styles without cutting the quality. Definitely a great place to stock up.

Outlets. Nike, Reebok, Puma and Adidas all have outlet stores that offer the name retail priced clothes, discounted. So, find an outlet near you, pack up some girlfriends and head out for a day of shopping!

There you go girls. Now you have no excuse not to hit the gym.

Go get those clothes and get your workout on!

Then high school hit, and you took your own initiative to blow your money on the perfect ensemble to make a statement on day one. Freshman year meant something eye-catching enough to grab the attention of a studly senior, whereas by senior year, your wardrobe had to scream, “I’m a senior. I own this school. And I’m f***ing graduating, bitch!”

Now that college is just around the corner, is it time to retire the tradition of back-to-school clothes, or do you simply need to step it up a notch?

On the first day of college, the campus will be filled with tens of thousands of students, frantically trying to change their schedules, pay their financial aid, and find the right classroom in the right building. It was easy to get noticed in high school, when you were one fashionista among only a few hundred, but in college, the people you meet on the first day are most likely to be a nameless, faceless blur who were kind enough to give you irections to the registrar’s office.

If you are thinking about going all out for a first day of school ensemble, ask yourself what your motivation is. Do you want to look professional to impress the teacher? Give yourself a little extra self-confidence to make it through the day? Find a nice college boy to walk you from one class to another? The following are some broad categories of BTS-wear that I have encountered year after year. You might fall into one of these groups, or you may notice a few hundred students who do on the first day of college.

The Kid Who Peaked in High School

You’ll recognize this student by their colorful t-shirt that boldly reads “Washington High School,” or “BHS Seniors 2007.” This person proudly displays their high school colors in college because, well, maybe it hasn’t sunk in yet that they are in college. High school memorabilia is great to keep for sentimental reasons, and your Grad Night t-shirt is probably great to sleep in, but in college it only pinpoints your age, your freshman naiveté, and not-legal-to-drink status.

The Kid Who is Way Too Excited to Be at College

This person made a beeline for the bookstore immediately after stepping foot on campus with parents and parents’ credit cards in tow. You’ll recognize this person by the ensemble completely embellished with the university insignia. You’re bound to see a plethora of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats from the college collection, but this person will be one foam finger short of an early tailgate party. I’m talking track pants, t-shirt, windbreaker, baseball hat, and official backpack. Everyone walks away from college with a few articles of alma mater apparel, but there’s no need to overdo it. On campus, everyone knows where you go to school because, um… you’re already there.

The Overachiever

It’s great to dress professionally for class, but on the first day, there are some students who feel the need to bring out the full business suit in hopes of making a good first impression on the professor. If school starts in August, however, you’re going to sweat through that blazer before you’ve even made the half-mile trek from your dorm to your first class. Besides, the first day is just as much a blur for teachers as it is for students. They are met with anywhere from twenty to a few hundred students, many of whom are new faces. Even in intimate classes of twenty, it takes the teacher a few class periods to get names straight. You have the whole semester to prove your worth to the professor, and they will be more interested in the work you produce than the diggs you don on Day 1.

The High-Maintenance Student Going for a Low-Maintenance Look

From afar, this girl looks comfortable in jeans, gauchos, or Juicy sweats and simple tanks or t-shirts, but upon closer inspection, you’ll see that she obviously spent hours trying to achieve the “natural” look with five pounds of makeup, and used more product to create “just-rolled-out-of-bed” hair than you used for your senior prom updo. If you’re going for comfy-casual, you negate the ease in which you dressed yourself by spending three hours putting on your face.

The Over-the-Top Trendster

This group is the biggest and most common, because apparently many college students do think the back-to-school tradition should be kept in effect well past the age of eighteen. Since college opens at the tail end of gorgeous summer weather, you’ll find hoards of girls in skimpy skirts, tank/halter/tube tops, and platform sandals or stilleto heels. You’ll also see students proudly showing off the best trends of the summer, no matter how impractical it may be. Case in point: one humid August day, I saw a girl hauling ass across campus in Ugg boots, and immediately patted myself on the back for choosing flip flops that morning. For the first few weeks of school, a large percentage of the student body will put a lot of effort into looking their best in class…until the chilly fall weather sets in, along with midterms, and everyone reverts to jeans, sneakers and hoodies.

By midterms, you’re barely going to have time to eat, sleep, shower, and get trashed, let alone spend hours styling your hair and choosing a cute outfit when you could be studying. By this time, your professors will be aware of your academic prowess, you’ll have an established group of friends, and you’ll realize that you’re far more likely to get hit on at a keg party than a biochem lab. You’ll also discover that books are heavy and campuses are large, so certain clothing is best saved for Saturday night.

Whatever you decide to wear for the first day of college, just remember that the real reason you’re there is to further your education, not turn the student union into a catwalk. So dress for yourself. Whether you want a chic look to boost your own self-confidence, or something practical to get you through a full day of classes in comfort, choose an outfit that is you.