Whether it be the latest look of Betsey Johnson’s spring/summer collection, Lauren Conrad photographed glamming it up in Hoboken or seeing that trendy chick in your biology class rock something fresh, there is no denying that spring trends are taking over. Completely over my dry skin, frizzy hair and all this winter weather in general, I have no problem developing an unhealthy addiction to the latest looks. I will be celebrating the first official day of spring in one of my favorite new trends: High-waist, distressed denim shorts.

I discovered the trend in early January as I tried to drown out my winter blues by searching swim suit designers on Etsy.com. For those of you who don’t know about Etsy, it’s a fabulous site serving as a virtual boutique for up and coming designers that create unique, one of a kind crafts, clothes and accessories. Thrift store junkies-this is your haven! While searching wedges, tank tops and swim suit cover ups, I stumbled upon a collection called BajuesBest.

BajuesBest consisted of numerous pairs of denim shorts. Not simple blacks, whites or navy pairs, but gorgeous works of art. Each pair was personalized with ombre dyes, studs and vintage cuts. I immediately fell in love with the fit and fades of unnatural denim colors. I contacted the designer (or should I say artist) Julia, and received a pair of high-waist charcoal denim along with a faded, studded, pink vest that made me feel like a cleaner, more fashionable form of Ke$ha.

(SaboSkirt.com)

The shorts fit snugly against hips and right below the belly button. They are such a fabulous alternative to the classic t-shirt and jean shorts. Slip on a pair, tuck in your tee, add a pair of lace-ups, a bold necklace and you’ve turned your ensemble from June-casual to spring collection chic. SaboSkirt.com offers beautiful pairs for an average of $98.00, but if you’re a struggling college student budget-stylista like myself, go grab a fabulously fitting, great quality and one-of-a-kind pair of BajuesBest for $40.00. If you’ve stuck to your New Year’s resolution of cutting back on the Mickie D’s dollar menu, this is a great opportunity to show off your long limbs and tight back end, as well as your favorite statement wedges. Grab a pair, snap a pic and add your photo to the comments section; I’ll pick my favorite to be featured in an upcoming article of my favorite spring trends.

Let’s be real, the best part of spring break is looking fabulous & getting waisted.

All of the above from BajuesBest

1. Brighten your smile. After countless cups of coffee during the week and maybe, possibly, one too many vodka cranberries last Saturday night, your teeth are in dire need of a boost. Due to the fact that I was cursed with braces in high school, I became increasingly self-aware of how my teeth look at all times. Yes, you can go ahead and laugh at me as I turn to my friend and ask her to do a “teeth check” with me. But here’s the thing, a whiter smile gets you noticed. In the winter, your skin is paler and dry from the cold and lack of sunshine, so not having your whitest smile is not as noticeable. But in the summer, having white teeth against tanned skin can make all the difference.

My whitening mechanism of choice: Crest White Strips. They are cheap in comparison to professional whitening AND they work!

2. Tame your brows. And flashback to when I was 10 and being made fun of because I had a unibrow…awesome. Good thing my mom taught me well at a young age! Having too much eyebrow hair in between and on your brows gives off a messy look, especially for those of us with darker hair (ehhemm, me!). The best part about summer, besides not having class, is being able to hit the pool. I’ll be the first to tell you the boys don’t come running if you get out of the water and your eyebrow hair is slicked down to your face. Trust me. Having sculpted brows can make all the difference in how you look. Whether you’re into thicker, thinner or high-arched eyebrows, it’s time to get you to a waxing salon or save your money and give yourself some bangin’ brows.

3. Be bronzed without the sun! Want a “summer glow?” And want it without having to bake in the sun to get it. Use bronzer! (Tarte’s got an amazing water-proof one!) This glorious shimmery powder is the perfect addition to your makeup bag for summer. Winter makeup is all about paler skin and rosy cheeks, while summer screams tan, toned, and glistening. All you’ve got to do is grab a makeup brush, dab a bit of bronzer onto the brush, and dust it over your chest and face. On the face, dust over the apples of your cheeks, the tip of your nose and lightly on your forehead and chin. Make sure you apply the bronzer after you’ve put on your foundation or powder. As for the chest, brush a dash of bronzer over the middle and ovals of your cleavage. This makes for an even “glow” and accentuates your bust. With all of the self-tanners and makeup options out there, everyone can have a summer glow without ever stepping foot in the sun!

My bronzer of choice: BareMinerals Healthy Radiance Bronzer because it gives skin a nice youthful glow and looks great on paler skin, too.

4. Chop off your split ends. So you’re sitting in class behind a girl with brown hair and what’s that you see? Wait, why is her hair white at the ends? Oh yes, it’s the ever-popular, dried out, color treated, over-flat-ironed and heat damaged split ends. And chances are, you’ve got ‘em too. So before you dip yourself into a chlorine-filled pool that’s sure to cause even more breakage, do something for yourself  and cut those split ends off. It doesn’t matter if you’re blonde, brunette or a redhead, split ends happen to everyone. I know haircuts can be expensive, so ask around for student discounts or hit up a cheap haircut salon if you’re saving for that summer vacay. A trim isn’t drastic, it’s just enough to leave your hair looking vibrant and healthy again.

5. Add some COLOR to your nails. Winter’s bitter cold has left your nails cracked, drab, and frail. It’s time to take matters into your own hands! Literally. Summer nail polish is finally here! From this season’s rich pinks and bright neons to cheetah and checkered patterns, summer is the time to test out the latest polishes. Bubbly colors make even the pastiest skin pop AND they look amazing against tanned skin, too! Having my nails painted is an instant way to make me feel feminine and clean, not to mention giving yourself the perfect at-home manicure is a great excuse for a study break.

My summer color of choice: Wet ‘n Wild Megalast Nail Color “Through the Grapevine” (Just $1.99!).

With easy fixes like this, who needs to waste money on a new summer wardrobe??

Spring is in full swing and summer fashion is right around the corner! While we love our skirts, dresses, and rompers for warm weather, there’s nothing easier to wear or style than a great pair of shorts. From classic chinos to stylish scalloped and lace options, there’s a short for almost every occasion.

Sometimes, however, it’s best to keep things classic with denim shorts. As all savvy college fashionistas know, classic doesn’t have to mean boring!

Click here for the cutest of cute and totally-on-trend denim short picks and outfit inspiration courtesy of our fashionable BFFs at CollegeFashion!

So, unfortch we’re a week into April and it’s still cold. Which really puts a kerfuffle in your plans to wear your newest spring purchases. Colorful spring tops, shorts, peep toe pumps, cute spring dresses and springy cardigans are all sitting in your closet watching you take your same black wool sweater and boots out day after day. But like those cute puppies that never get adopted, they want some love too. Only the words ‘frost’ and ‘bite’ don’t sound so appealing, so you let your spring wardrobe sit and collect dust.

But fear not. I am here to save the day (and your wardrobe boredom)!

You can put your heavy winter things away -they’ve seen enough light of day for the year – and start pulling out those fun spring additions! By pairing them with the right things to keep you warm but the look springy, you will look fresh, cute, and ready for some sunshine.

Show some (sorta) leg.

Top, Shorts, Tights, Pumps

Let’s face it, as cute as these shorts are, sporting them with a tank, sandals and bare legs is just a waste of your shaving time in these temps. But no need for this spring essential to sit idly by. For now, pair with black tights, but keep it springy with a colorful pop on the top. I love this orchid purpley-pink boho top paired with the grey; keeps it fresh and cool for spring, while still keeping you warm. A wardrobe win-win.

Summer dress warmed up.

Dress, Cardigan, Tights, Boots, Bag

Sure, from the outset this dress looks great. For July. When you can throw it on with woven sandals and sunscreen. But no need to waste this cuteness when you can totes warm-ify it for now. Pair with brown tights, camel boots and this coral sweater. By using a spring color palette, the boots and tights won’t look so December!

One spring staple you might already have in your closet is the trench coat. It’s an essential in a woman’s wardrobe (and one of the 5 spring trends we HAVE to have), and if you buy the right one it will last you for a lifetime. Why does every single woman on earth absolutely need a trench?

For one reason and one reason only: a trench coat will not only get through those gross, rainy days we encounter in the spring, but it will get you through them looking chic, cute and put together.

Done and done.

This year there is an insane variety of trench coats available in every length, color, style and pattern, meaning you’ll have no problem finding one that fits into your personal wardrobe. Or one to covet for the rest of your life, like the Burberry one I included (because you can’t talk trenches without mentioning Burberry), which I would need to start a fund for now to be able to afford it by the time I’m 50. But the thing is, you really don’t need to spend $1,000 on a trench coat to get something classic and quality. In fact, I’m willing to bet most people wouldn’t even be able to pick the Burberry one out of the lineup below. [Editor's Note: I couldn't!]

The wonderful fact is, whether you can spend $30 or $3,000, there’s a trench coat out there with your name on it… and you should get out there and snatch it before the spring showers set in and leave you soggy and frizzy.

Spring is here! Spring is here!

Okay, so at the moment you might not know it, what with a major snow storm beating the crap out of the East Coast (I mean, dear weather, are you fo’ real? This is one April Fools joke I am not laughing at). But by all other accounts (mainly clothing store window displays and themed Starbucks gift cards), Spring is in the hizzy.

So while you still may need to cover up on the outside (that puffy jacket was such a good purchase!), with April here you’ve got my permission to start rockin’ those spring trends underneath your winter facade.

And one spring trend I love? Mixing prints.

Sure, it sounds like a fashion disaster waiting to happen. Obvi you don’t want to end up looking more like your 4-year-old self who mixed your rainbow tie-dyed tee, polka dot leggings and neon striped scrunchie and thought you were the best thing to happen to fashion since MC Hammer’s pants. But mixing prints CAN work in a cool “I meant to do this and, dayum, I look hot” sort of way instead of a “I got dressed with a blindfold on in the kids’ section of Target.” Just ask Kelly Osbourne!

Then follow a few simple rules for foolproof print mixing:

The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. And I’m finally able to put the big winter coat away. It’s time for iced caramel macchiatos and driving with the windows open and the music blasting. It’s time for spring.

Well…almost.

For me it won’t quite be spring until I’ve done my spring shopping. And I plan to do a lot of spring shopping. Bright colors. Neutral shoes. 70s inspired shirts. Lady like pieces. Long skirts. So much to choose from. And so little cash. Sigh. I guess I’ll have to stick with my top five. These are the spring trends I just can’t live without. And you shouldn’t either.

Wide Leg Jeans.

I resisted this trend. I resisted this trend a lot. Because as much as these jeans are supposed to flatter every body type, and as much as these jeans are supposed to make your legs longer, and as much as everyone wants to embrace these jeans with open arms, I was worried they’d look dated next to my favorite pair of skinnies. But two weeks ago I caved and bought a pair. I tucked a white button down into them and paired them with some wedges and a really cute belt. And you know what? It looked really great. I may just have a new favorite jean.

Check out our favorite wide leg jeans here

Chunky Wedges.

Being all of five foot nothing I’m a girl who likes her heels. But I like them even more when they’re a chunky wedge with wooden or rope woven bottoms, and lots of crisscross straps. I like them in leather and in cloth. In bright color and neutral shades. I like them with skinny jeans and wide leg trousers and longs skirts and short dresses. I like them with pretty much anything, actually. And this spring wedges will be my go-to shoe. That’s for sure.

Check out our favorite chunky wedges here

A Striped Shirt.

Sometimes preppy. Sometimes Parisian. Always chic. I love stripes because they’re like wearing a print without actually having to wear a print. (I’m not a big fan of prints.) And I especially love this seasons stripes because there are so many different options to choose from. Horizontal stripes. Vertical stripes. Thick stripes. Think stripes. And those cute one that looked they were drawn without a ruler? Those are my favorite. I’m a fan of the traditional blue, but this season everyone’s favorite pattern is available in lots of bright colors too.

Check out our favorite striped shirts here

70s Accessories.

When I was flipping through the pages of my April StyleWatch I almost started to feel like I was watching an episode of That 70s Show. 70s style is back this year, and it’s pretty big deal too. Now I’ve never been much for peasant tops or bright red pants, but even I can appreciate crochet accents and fringe bags. Flower rings, turquoise jewelry. Big earrings. Keep them coming please. I’ll pair them with my wide leg pants.

Check out our favorite ’70s accessories here

A classic trench coat.

The trench is having a moment right now, of that you can be sure. But I know I won’t have to feel guilty about this purchase because the trench has been around for a very, very long time, and it will continue to be around for a long time to come. From Audrey Hepburn to Victoria Bechkam, from rainy days to dinner dates, every girl can wear a trench for just about any occasion. And I plan to use mine quite a bit this season.

Check out our favorite trench coats here

While Fall brought us sequined minis, handbags and blazers, Spring appears to bringing the ‘quin in for our tootsies. From pumps to oxfords to flats and beyond, it seems that just about every style of shoe can get a dance recital makeover.

Which is precisely why I believe sequins in everyday life makes things that much better. Every day SHOULD be as much fun as a dance recital… and what better reminder is there then looking down at your sparkly ballet flats?!

Sequined shoes are a great way to add a fun punch for those intimidated by a sparkly main ensemble. The key to remember is keep the rest of the accessories/outfit a bit more simple. A lighter colored dress and nude bag would look killer with the gold glittery pumps. Skinny jeans and one of the 1,000 black low-cut tops in your closet is a perfect combo with a sequined pump in just about any color. And with flat oxfords or sandals, go for cute rolled boyfriend jeans or tapered pants that will show off your feet!

So for those of us wishing warm weather would come a bit sooner I say, who needs a Spring in your step, when you can have sparkle?!

[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 (or faux-lebrities, like Kimmy K) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you an spend way less...and save the rest for Margarita Mondays.]

After the longest winter ever, it is finally March. Spring starts in three weeks (!!!), and I am beyond ready to put my winter clothes into hibernation. I love tights and scarves and boots as much as the next girl, but I’m too stoked for vibrant colors, sundresses, and open toes…

So when I saw an outfit Rachel Bilson went for a stroll in, I pretty much spontaneously combusted from glee/envy. We all know Rachel is one of Hollywood’s most consistently stunning fashionistas, and once again, she does not disappoint.

Dress, Jacket, Necklace, Booties.

Coral is one of the hottest colors of the season, and this blazer is amazing. Bright, bold, fun, and full of energy, it is the perfect staple for this season. (Well, once you cut off that horrible flower…) Rachel pairs hers with a cream drop-waist dress, creating a casually sophisticated, slightly boho look. An edgy black necklace adds an interesting element of contrast to this bright aesthetic. Open toed boots are one of those trends that never quite catch on, because really, it makes no sense. And yet, they’re an interesting alternative to sandals or pumps if you’re feeling adventurous.

This is a great sophisticated day look that combines the structured edginess of the best winter fashion we fall in love with every year, and the vivacious femininity that makes spring fashion so awesome to wear. Cheers to Rachel for making it happen.

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

The following post is courtesy of our uber fashionable friends at CollegeFashion.net!

So after the mixed reviews of last week’s article on Zara looks for less (clearly I’m more frugal than I thought), this week I decided to focus on a designer that we can all agree is out of the average college girl’s budget – Chanel.

This week, the Chanel 2011 Resort collection debuted in Saint-Tropez and it definitely did not disappoint:

It was like something out of a quintessential Riviera movie. With the sun setting over the sea, hundreds of Chanel’s invited guests sitting in the red wooden chairs of Saint-Tropez’s famous Sénéquier, and many more onlookers piling onto balconies and pressing against barricades, Natasha Poly, Anja Rubik, and the rest of Karl Lagerfeld’s cast arrived at Quai Jean Jaurès via speedboat.

And like the carefree starlets and jet-setters they were channeling, the models traipsed down the street-cum-runway often barefoot, wearing seventies-ish diaphanous caftans, long crocheted dresses, ruffle-lapelled silk jersey trouser suits, and patchwork denim skirts. Tanned and toned midriffs peeked out beneath a cropped sweater here or a button-down there, its hems tied in a saucy bow. – Style.com

Doesn’t that description just make you want to jet off to some exotic island (decked head-to-toe in Chanel, of course)? Although most of us probably can’t afford the wardrobe or the trip, I’ve tracked down some pieces to help you capture the Chanel Resort 2011 vibe without breaking the bank.

Want to channel Chanel? Click here to find out how.