Hello CollegeCandy viewers! My name is Meg, and I’ll be taking over the “Budget Stylista” column. I’m a freshman at the best school in Ohio, so adjusting to the “college budget” has been a tough transition, especially with my passion for style. Though shopping on a budget takes a little more effort, it can keep your closet full and your wallet fuller. With spring approaching new trends have been gracing the malls, outlets, runways and celebrities ensembles.

A few major trends, including color blocking and blazers, have been seen just about everywhere. Designers like Jason Wu, Donatella Versace and Balenciaga have welcomed the trend with open arms. With fresh looks and a refreshing pallet of colors, spring 2012 is looking to be an innovatively stylish season! (Click all the photos for shopping deets!)

Versace Spring 2012: Though neutral frocks ruled the runway, dainty pastels and brights like this little number stole the show. Finally, after months of dreary winter earth tones, it’s time to freshen your look with a burst of color. For those of you cautious stylistas, bold amounts of brights is the first step in your color blocking mission. The recreated ensemble features a coral mini with cream accents and simple jewelry. Total cost: $108

Jason Wu spring 2012: I honestly believe Jason Wu is my spirit animal. Jason has an incredible talent of taking a cup of couture, a quart of quality and a teaspoon of street chic to create gorgeous collections fit for fashionistas and minimalists alike. Take a high waist pair of shorts and pair them a fitted blazer to create a trendy NYC inspired look. Pair with an edgy pair of H&M kicks (did I mention they’re priced at $16?!)  and some funky shades. Total costs: $119

Balenciaga Runway 2012: Balenciaga is never one to disappoint, or fear taking risks. In B’s runway collection, clashing printed ensembles and lace ups were rocked in many different ways. With a Kelly Ewig marbled skirt and an H&M fitted leopard top, the patterns are so wrong they work together perfectly. If there is one thing to learn from the geniuses behind Balenciaga, it’s that opposites do attract; so much so that they go on to create a beautiful love child. Total cost: $140

There you have it fellow budget stylistas, the must-have spring trends recreated to become affordable and adorable. May the frugal force be with you!

I hate to go all crazy department store on you (It’s January 28th? Time to set up a Memorial Day swimsuit display!) but the fashion industry is always 6 months ahead of us normal folk. The elite designers of the trade have challenged us with innovative, advanced looks that put oh-so 2011 trends, like flare legged jeans and feathers, to shame. What? You can’t afford Roberto Cavalli? No worries fellow broke college students; I’ve recreated the looks with budget friendly brands. Prepare to rock 2012 with these inventive spring trends:

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I have come to the final decision that Thumper was right all along. As soon as spring arrived, he could only think about thumping that big foot of his so all of the animals would hear his mating call.  And I totally get it; spring is here and so are my raging hormones.  Boys and their forearms crawl out of North Faces and down comforter coats…and I can’t get enough.

That’s not all, though. Other things start to happen to my body when spring rears its mighty head.  Suddenly, I feel randomly productive.  I clean everything in my sight.  I wash a dish instead of just shoving it into the dishwasher.  I wash my socks instead of throwing them away because they are stained with feet sweat.  (I’m not kidding, I’m a disgusting person.) Let’s just say when spring comes around, everything falls into place and I feel like a giant firecracker is going to explode in my chest with excitement.

The first day I know it’s spring is usually the best day.  My nostrils flair into the wind, I smell smells I thought only squirrels could detect (i.e. dirt, acorn stubs, wet leaves, ant hills).  My fingers tingle and touch the breeze…oh, and what was that?  Did I just feel a soft blowing wind lift my baby hairs on the back of my neck? Happy sigh.

To say I’m smitten for spring is like saying I’m smitten for self-serve frozen yogurt, and anyone who knows me knows that I put way too many Oreo’s on my soft-serve I’m over the moon for both. And how can anyone not be? Oreo’s are delicious There’s nothing on earth as blissful and perfect as a spring day. Read More »

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. Read More »

You wake up for class and something is different. It takes you a moment before you realize that – OH MY GOD! – there is sunlight coming into your room! It’s not dark or dreary out!

You pull back the shades (or sheet you’re using as a shade) and let the light in. Your mood is instantly lifted.

You skip to the bathroom to take a shower and hum a little tune to yourself as you lather up. While you blow-dry your hair (no ponytail today!) you plan out your first-day-of-Spring outfit: new bright cardigan, new jeans and – YIPEEEEE – flip flops! You are so excited for the day ahead that you even swipe on a little bronzer.

Before you head out the door you toss a magazine into your bag. You have an hour to kill between classes and instead of running home and sitting by the heater, you will grab an iced coffee and sit outside people watching (read: secretly hoping that guy you heart will walk by) and catching up on the latest celeb drama.

And now you are ready. Read More »

So normally, I try to keep the Weekly Ten a positive place. Best kisses. Best boys. Best ways to spend your winter break. But this week, well, that’s just not happening.

I’m not sure if it’s the bad weather or the senioritis or my inability to focus on any one task for more than five minutes at a time, but I’ve been in quite the mood these past few days. And I’m taking my anger out on February, this too short, unproductive, cold, depressing, and generally annoying month.

So here’s why I am officially hating on February.

10. Groundhog Day is a bogus holiday. Yes, okay. So it’s cute to watch a little groundhog crawl out of a whole and get scared by its own shadow. But is this holiday ever actually accurate? I mean, I’m crossing my frozen fingers that this year it will be; there’s nothing I’d love more this year than an early spring….especially after Snowmaggedon 2011.

9. One month closer to midterms. What comes after February? March.  The month of midterms. The month of study sessions and papers and cramming and procrastinating.  The two week long process of trying to relearn everything you’ve already forgotten. February is cruel even as it leaves us. Read More »

The leaves and your wardrobe are beginning to change, and that means your makeup should, too!  While there are a lot of ways you can amp up your makeup style for each season, I’ve got a few crucial changes you should make when going from summer to fall.

These aren’t big changes, but they’re important! Just like fashion, makeup has seasonal rules and in this week’s video, I’m gonna clue you in on all of them.

Want more? Get all of Caitlin’s beauty advice every week in CC Beauty Live!

Ah yes, that time of year has arrived once again: shorts weather. You may love it, you may dread it, you may be torn between the two, but you can’t deny it’s upon us. And it’s time to shave your legs.

Even if you’re hating your pasty white, unworked-out legs these days, there will come a time in the near future that you’ll be so hot you’ll have no choice but to put on some shorts. And when that day comes, you’ll want to be prepared. Good thing there are tons of adorable shorts out there right now that will not only keep you cool this summer, but they’ll keep your wallet full, too. Below, 8 of my favorites. Read More »

Red cups?
Grilling out?
Outdoor tippy cup?

I’ll take it. And it’s about time. With graduation looming, college students are taking in the beautiful weather (around a beer pong table) and ending the final semester with an outdoor celebration.  I love this time of year – half of the student body is playing ultimate frisbee in the quad (please note: guys. shirtless), while the other half is tossing bags in their front yards.  And let me tell you: it’s a rough life but someone’s gotta live it.

So before we all escape the library to bask in the sun (and catch up on this week’s Glee), let’s look at a week that was:

- If there was a reward for ‘Biggest Douche Bag,’ this frat boy and his crazy rating system would win. We don’t even think Kanye would stand up to argue.

- Speaking of douchiness, we looked at the douchiest ways to dump someone.

- We worried about all the change, change, change coming for college seniors. Read More »

It’s springtime, ladies, and that means it’s getting toasty outside. That also means your hair is going to get gross in the heat. If you wear it down, it gets wet and sticky and, if you’ve got curls, frizzy. But what other option do you have? The boring, ugly ponytail?

I’m here to save the day! Here are some cute ways that will keep your hair out of your face without looking like you’re on the way to the gym.