The hottest looks of spring are consistently spread through runway looks, celebrity’s closets, and top designer’s collections; but let’s be real…you’re reading “budget stylista” for a reason. No worries, fellow college student, there are substitutions for said spring trends that are far from looking like cheesy knock-offs.

The Jeffrey Campbell Lita boot is the latest of high fashion footwear. While they sell for a steep $160.00, we refine that price into an affordable $60 from Tobi.com! The leopard style is perfect for spotlighting and pairing with a simple outfit.

Leopard Boots, Tobi.com, $60

These pastel bottoms, a personal favorite, have given the skinny jean a new life. Whether you rock them with a neutral top or a color blocked ensemble, having a pair this spring will be clutch. Forever21’s $24.80 pair of mint bottoms are much more inexpensive than Nastygal’s $78.00 neon green pair.

Mint Skinnies, Forever21, $24.80

A peplum flared dress is flattering and edgy, an amazing combination for any upscale occasion. While TopShop offers a cute short sleeve frock for $96.00, H&M’s $35 tank dress is just as preppy in peplum!

Tank Dress, H&M, $35

For any cooler spring day or internship interview, a colorful blazer is a winning piece. Pick a flattering peach to bring out a bronzing skin tone! As every budget stylista knowns, every penny counts! The savings is small but worth it when you choose Delia’s $30 knit blazer over UrbanOG’s choice for $40.

Blazer, Delia’s, $30

I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. I’ll browse the site until my eyes become glued to a photograph of incredibly dressed fashionistas. I fall in love, then the hate sets in; hate that burns with jealousy over the fact that she is wearing those suede wedges and beautiful blazer, not me. I’ve found a few envy-inducing spring trend based outfits and recreated them with affordable pieces via Polyvore!

The cropped bustier/bracelet top is a sensational trend. It’s the perfect side dish to a gorgeous pair of distressed, dyed, high waist denim shorts. Cropped bustier tops are seen in a range of colors, patterns, and fabrics. I prefer straps for support, but either way this top/bottom combo will continue to trend throughout summer.

Get the look:

Ribbon Cut Out Bracelet Top, BANK Fashion, £18.00

Black Lace Shorts Handmade Vintage Bottoms, Etsy

6 Piece Rhinestone Bangles, Syleforless.com, $7.99

This is a perfect example of acceptable color-blocking. The pastels are huge this spring, and this bombshell has got it down. She pairs her light pink capris with a blouse and sweater, a stylish ensemble for those of you who are yet to experience the actual spring weather!

Get the look:

Peak Blouse Off White, Weekday.com, £40.00

MOTO Supersoft Skinny Leigh Jeans, us.topshop.com, $78.00

Linen Cable-knit Sweater, J. Crew, $34.99

Bangles, Dorothy Perkins, $27.00

I’ve mentioned the colored blazer before, and it’s back! I love H&M’s collection of hues, perfect for color blocking. While many daring fashionistas pair their pinks with teals and greens, this girl rocks a lace frock underneath for an adorably put-together look.

Get the look:

Blazer, H&M, $34.95

A-line Lace Dress, Dorothy Perkins, $44.00

Brando Clutch in Grey, Mimi Boutique, $40.50

One of my favorite trends this spring is lace bottoms. Change up your denim and khaki for some delicate lace. As seen above, stay stylish by pairing your bottoms with a bright pastel blouse and some minimalistic jewelry!

Get the look:

Blouse, Monki, £22.00

Lace Bottoms, Oasis, $72.00

Bangles, Nordstrom, $38.00

Beads, Forever 21, $7.80

Aztec prints are becoming the pattern of spring. These shorts are refreshing in the fact that they take the focus away from the top, accentuating long, tanned legs. Pair your blouse with a pair of Aztec printed shorts and a tote for Boho-chic attire.

 Get the look:

Top, Mango, £39.99

MOTO Aztec Hotpants, topshop.com, $64.00

Black Large Croc Flap Tote, Dorothy Perkins, $59.00

Twisted Necklace, Mango, £15

 www.fashionablymeg.blogspot.com

After taking a peak at the incredible spring 2012 RTW collections on Vogue.com, I was inspired by how gorgeous the ensembles came together. Spring trends included a large amount of color blocking as well as certain couture looks that are surprisingly wearable. As high fashion and expensive the real runway looks are, imitating them with affordable pieces under $60 will make you regal-ready for any spring event you’ll attend.

Shoes $48 – owntherunway.com; Skirt $48 – riverisland.com; Top $44 – wallisfashion.com; Belt $29 – johnlewis.com

Gucci’s collection was color blocked to the fullest degree. As bright neons and pastels paired together has become popular, Gucci’s collection stayed elegant with pops of color matched with neutrals. To replicate this style, pair an orange Chambray tee with a white lace mini skirt. Add some solid blacks by accentuating your skirt with a black belt and some suede pumps. Read More »

While Mother Nature may still be busy making up her mind, one thing is for certain: spring is here. It’s safe to say we can finally store our UGGs away for the season and bring out our flip-flops and dresses from the closet. With a salute to spring, we can finally relax and enjoy the great warm-weather activities that make the spring season so great. In describing her perfect date, Cheryl Frasier (aka Miss Rhode Island) said in Miss Congeniality, “A perfect date is not too hot and not too cold. All you need is a light jacket”. And she’s right. And what better way to celebrate spring than with your significant other? Steer away from the cheesy dinner-and-movie dates and think outside (literally) the box with these fun date ideas.

initiating the gallery...

[lead image via Sweetlana / Shutterstock]

The trends this season have been amazing.

Spring is always a fantastic time to renew your style, but for Budget Stylistas, an entire new wardrobe is not in the cards. Purchasing a few key pieces will keep your looks stylish and give the illusion that your closet is just as full as your wallet. The following looks are chameleons of the fashion industry, transformable for any occasion.

This $48 dollar H&M blazer is a bright, fun magenta; a colorful spring trend on a popular outer-layer. Read More »

While walking the NYC streets the other day I noticed a change in fashion. People were flaunting new prints, new colors, and, overall, new styles. After many head turning moments it finally hit me. Spring fashion has arrived! Now if you’re a total fashion nut like myself then you already have seen the runway shows and know all the new styles. But if you’re not then you’re in luck. I’m here to help! I’ve gathered the top 2012 spring fashion trends. Check ‘em out!

We’ll start with color first.

1. Pops of neon color: Mix a neon color (pink, green, blue, any color will do!) into your everyday attire. Add neon blue earrings or a neon pink satchel. It’ll brighten your outfit instantly!
2. Pastels: Spring is a pretty time and what’s prettier than pastels! You can mix an array of pastels. The soft colors blend nicely! However, sea foam green seems to be the most popular.
3. Orange: Orange seems to be the hit color in all departments. Entire orange outfits are cropping up everywhere! If you want a more simple style, stick to orange bags, jackets and shoes.

Next we’ll cover patterns.

1. Floral prints: So huge for spring. This is my absolute favorite trend! Floral prints are pretty, feminine and can add flare to simple outfits. Floral print pants seem to be all the rage. So find a pair as quickly as you can and hold on tight to them!
2. Tribal patterns: It seems as though the popularity of tribal patterns from winter has carried into spring. Tribal patterns are edgy and somewhat sexy. A tribal shirt or jacket can add edge to any outfit.
3. Bold prints: This is cool if not overdone. Bold prints are an article of clothing that have different patterns (swirls, geometric shapes etc.) and colors blended into one. These are great for any nighttime outfit.
4. Futuristic patterns: This goes above and beyond the classic patterns. Futuristic prints appear as though they are digital patterns on articles of clothing. If wearing a jacket with a futuristic pattern keep the rest of the outfit simple. Remember to not go overboard!

Finally the remaining trends.

1. Sporty: Don’t be thrown. These sporty looks are very feminine. Most of them show high collared shirts with longer sleeves or a broad shoulder jacket with a prominent zipper. Stylists are pairing these with cute, loose shorts and coloring them in pastels and pinks. The results are the perfect combination between feminine and sporty.
2. Colorblocking: This trend is exactly how it sounds. Clothing are designed with chunks, vertical or horizontal, of specific colors or shades of one color. Soon enough you’ll be seeing this style all over your favorite stores!
3. Peplum Ruffles: This is a very specific ruffle. It is one ruffle resting on your waist line either from your shirt or skirt. It’s very feminine and adds a bit of flare to an outfit.

Hope this helped. Happy Spring everybody!

[Lead image via curlychellez.blogspot.com]

There’s no better excuse for a party than warm weather. And if you’re going to have a party in the sun, you’re going to need some delicious cool beverages. Once again, we got sucked into the addictive world of Pinterest, finding recipe after recipe for amazing drinks.

Check out the gallery below for some drinks to take your spring bash to the next level. Read More »

Hallelujah. March 20^th marked the first official day of spring! I’m sure winter didn’t put a damper on the partying habits of weekend warriors or college girls that go hard; however, I will admit my style took the backseat when venturing out on the weekends this winter (what, this parka & pair of UGGS aren’t “clubby” enough?). Sure, some black jeans and a cute blazer did the trick, but I’d pick a bonfire pregame and a dry walk to the bars over getting slush in my stilettos any day. To officially welcome warmer weather, dress up your wardrobe with some affordable fresh party threads via Forever21.

Floral Print Dress $11.50

I’ve never been into floral pattern, but this gorgeous, simple dress stole my heart. Short sleeve, popping print, and thin enough to be worn in the sun without breaking a sweat. I went out and bought the blue & pink version (best option for blonde hair) and absolutely love it. At $11.50, you can’t afford not to buy this beauty.

Short Curve Stitch Dress $13.80

How adorable is this shape? This dress is one of those go-to super dresses; completely versatile with this incredible ability to go from day to night, be dressed up or down, and paired with basically any blazer, boot, or accessory.

Fitted Stripe Dress $11.50

Are you that girl? The one that shows up to a 9:30am lecture rocking this incredible yet simple outfit, grabbing the attention of everyone and forcing me to sit there and re-evaluate my XL t-shirt, old softball shorts combo? If so, props. If not, become her by check out this little number, perfect for color blocking and soaking up rays on your way to class.

Mesh Trim Mock Halter Dress $22.80

Of all ensembles, club-wear walks a fine line between sexy and skanky. Enough with the plain black tank dresses, and PLEASE ditch the sequined one shoulder; Stay chic with this mock halter dress, made with mesh, class and elegant detail.

Pleated Shirtdress $15.80

Perfect for any job interviewing, fashion show attending, date night Friday going fashionista. If you’re going out in early spring, awkward weather, than the light fabric but longer sleeves make for a perfect solution. This shirtdress is just begging for suede, auburn, lace-up ankle boots and an envelope clutch.

Enjoy the sun and look fabulous in your new array of spring styles!

[Lead image via coka /Shutterstock]

This week, we had a glimpse of beautiful spring weather here in NYC. It’s cold and rainy now, but just the few perfect days we had were blissful. The changing weather has gotten me excited for spring fashion. One of the hot trends I’ve been wanting to try is high waisted shorts. I’ve noticed them in just about every store I’ve walked into lately, and I see people wearing them all the time. They look great, but I’ve never tried them myself.

Luckily, our friends over at College Fashion have put together some great tips on how to wear high waisted shorts. They’ve also put together a bunch of great looks, so you need look no further for your styling inspiration. Check it out here.

Just when you thought spring-like weather was finally about to peak and unfreeze campus grounds, designers are cranking out fall/winter 2012 collections like it’s going out of style. Collection after collection, trends take on new life and begin their journey to boutiques and department stores. Keeping up with the industry is like running a marathon; as exhausting as it can be, the effort pays off with results of glamorous ensembles and an appreciation for the art of fashion. As the budget stylista, I can tell you first hand that running the fashion marathon is no walk in the park. College budget babes need to put in extra effort to not only duplicate the trend, but to find prices that allow us to look chic and afford rent. Though trends come and go, shoes are forever fabulous. Less strict rules apply to the footwear, and thankfully you can pull them off whenever you’d like. Though I can only dream of one day acquiring a real pair of red bottoms, I’ve hunted down some Louboutin look-a-likes for all the dreamers out there!

(NOTICE: Due to the incredibly high prices of Christian Louboutin’s, prices are not mentioned to ensure that all college budget restrained viewers do not pass out due to shock or astonishment)

Real Deal: Sleek and fabulous. Appropriate for an elegant date night or a wild night out with your girls. Best matched with a solid color, preferably a slimming LBD.

Louboutin Look-a-like: A bit toned down, but still the sexy center of attention. Definitely enough bling for your buck! Aldo Shoes $80

Real Deal: Look but don’t touch. This season, studs and spikes are the mullet-dress of footwear. Seen everywhere, but happiest when attached to a nude pair of red bottoms.

Louboutin Look-a-like: Nude tone to elongate and flatter the calf muscles. These are the edgy hybrid babies of the asymmetrical and sharp stud trends. Vile Broccoli Fur (Etsy) $115

Real Deal: Give your feet a night off from those killer stilettos. These are not only perfect for that lace mini dress you’ve been dying to wear, but pair them with your favorite skinnies and leather jacket to accent a girly touch.

Louboutin Look-a-like: #Twinning! These are the CL flat’s cousin. Just as good looking with a bit of a different hue. If you’re desperate, spray paint the bottom a cherry color– it’ll be our little secret. DSW $44.95

Real Deal: Embrace spring, embrace a pop of color. Pay a little homage to Malibu Barbie with a classic pink pump.

Louboutin Look-a-like : Pink pumps with a RED bottom!? Sign me up. The shape is a bit less vertical, but a bit more practical. Your arches will thank you. Macy’s $79.99

Real Deal:  I’ve always thought wedges were the spring season of shoes. Sleek, chic, and look incredible when paired with any high-waisted maxi skirt, button up blouse, and  blazer finished ensemble!

Louboutin Look-a-like: Same style, different fabric, full wallet. Target $29.99