We all have our go-to stores that we, uh, go to when we need to stock up on some new wardrobe essentials (or when we just have an hour to kill and the mall reaches out and wraps us in its warm embrace). But what about all those other stores? The ones that you walk past on your way to Auntie Anne’s without a second glance? The “mom” stores, the old lady  department stores, the stores that don’t start with “Forever” and end with “21″? Surprise! Many of those stores are filled with major cuteness that you’re missing out on! (Except Chico’s – keep walking, little lady.) We know you’re not one to pass up a cute cami, so we scoured these under-the-radar shops and pulled out all the goodness you never realized existed.

I’m not going to lie, I don’t often shop at JCPenney. Because, well, I’ve always sort of seen JCPenney as Macy’s less cool, less interesting younger sibling.  I’ve seen some cute stuff in their windows as I pass them by on occasion but nothing that ever made me think, I need to go in there. And their clothes are cheaper, yes, and the they’re not all bad, but finding the cute ones just seemed like a lot of work.

Shopping online, however solves that problem. All I have to do is search, point, and click. And I’m really glad I did. Because JCPenney has some surprisingly cute (see what I did there?) stuff. Plus their website has some great features of their own: A place to find all the pieces People Style Watch has featured in their magazine. A  feature that lets you search for dresses based on body type.  And a swimsuit collection that makes me wish I lived at the beach. (Not that I didn’t already wish that.) You name it, they’ve got it. In the coolest colors and the latest trends. In florals and animal prints and bright, bright colors. Bikinis and bracelets. Tankinis and tanks. See for yourself!

The number one reason I love the statement necklace: no effort required.

In your most lazy moments you can throw on jeans, a white tee and a statement necklace and it looks like you put time and effort into your ‘fit instead of hitting snooze fifteen times.

I also love statement necklaces because they work so well with unexpected outfits. When paired with the right patterns or opposing colors, the statement necklace adds the right punch. You know those times you look through a catalog (J.Crew, sigh) or a store window and wish you had the eye to put that combo together (think plaid with a big statement necklace over it). Well, now you can!

And the best news is you don’t need to shell out the big bucks to make your statement. You can find necklaces everywhere from Target to street vendors to Forever 21 that make you look like a million bucks (and like you spent that too- but shh, that’s our secret).

The Romantic Statement

Dress, Necklace, Shoes

This may be a walking Valentine’s Day cliche, but it’s also totally sweet and charming. Plus, playing with soft neutral pink tones is a nice change to the more obvious reds and fuschias we typically see on V-day. A chunky necklace works with this because of the solid neckline. And keeping it monochromatic from necklace to shoe makes it work even more.

The Rocker Statement

Necklace, Jeans, Tee, Wedges

A scoop neckline is one of the best kinds of necklines for showcasing a statement necklace. Highlighting your necklace AND your collarbones is a win-win. I love this necklace (yet another reason to love Target!) and the cap sleeves of this tee add more dimension to the overall look. Tuck it into these high-waisted jeans and it will strike the perfect balance with the flared leg. Hot to the ness.

The Prepster-Clad-in-Plaid Statement

Necklace, Plaid Shirt, Jeans, Boots

I LOVE statement necklaces over collared shirts. From chambray to plaid- it just works. While you may think plaid is too busy a backdrop for a statement necklace, I am here to inform you that you are wrong! Pick a bold statement necklace that stands out against the color you’re pairing it with (i.e. gold stands out perfectly on this red and blue background). A longer tunic like this one is great with skinny jeans and boots, but a shorter one would be totally cute tucked in with a metallic or brown skinny belt.

[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 (Reese Witherspoon, what what?) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.]

Olivia Wilde has been up and coming for a few years. To me, she will always be Marissa Cooper’s experiment with lesbianity on The OC, but she’s definitely moved on to slightly more prestigious fare since then (oh you know, only snagging a regular role on House). She’s been a staple on sexiest actresses list for a few years because…well, have you looked her? She smolders. But I hadn’t realized she was a bit of a fashionista in her own right until she stepped out on the Golden Globes red carpet a couple of weeks ago in the this sparkly, dazzling, beautifully constructed number.

Seriously, if fashion were porn, that dress would be the money shot.

Since then, I’ve been paying a bit more attention to Ms. Wilde, and last week, she somehow managed to make a jumpsuit look cute.

My mind is still blown, quite honestly.

But, I’m a realist, and really, 98 percent of us will never actually wear a jumpsuit (rompers are already shameful enough). So this outfit will be based on the essence of Olivia’s look and therefore a lot more wearable.

Deets: Pants, Top, Necklace, Blazer, Shoes.

Wearing a low cut top just to wear a low cut top is cool (I mean, our cleavage won’t look this bomb forever), but I love when they’re also used as a vehicle to showcase beautiful jewelry – in this case, a bold statement necklace.

High waisted trousers have been in for the last couple of fall/winter seasons, and I don’t see them going away in the foreseeable future. They’re super flattering (I mean, there’s a reason every woman over the age of 40 has been rocking them forever), especially when you’ve got a bold colored shirt tucked in. I love the flare that these Urban Outfitters pants have and how they draw attention to these sexy strappy sandals. And, unfortunately, most of us are living in winter hell wonderland, so I threw in a basic blazer. Bam, you look sexy, mature, and glam.

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

Whether or not you ever wear it, you probably have a white button-up shirt in your closet. If your mom bought it for you, thinking it would be a good wardrobe foundation (she was right!) or it’s one of your go-tos for job interviews, it’s a pretty common piece to own. I know, a white oxford seems like the blandest thing in your closet that you’d only wear for something more profesh, but it’s a really classic piece that is easy to wear and easily adaptable.

Yes, you can wear one of these shirts pretty much ANYWHERE. It can be dressed up, dressed down, worn conservatively or given a little life to make it more fun. Still with me? Here are three ways to make that button-up shirt work with your wardrobe.

Outfit 1: The Standard

Shirt, Jeans, Belt, Flats.

A good, everyday look is a button up shirt and jeans. It’s super easy but still classically chic. Modernize it by adding a waist cinching belt over your shirt to give the illusion of an hourglass waist (thank you, Stacy and Clinton!). Then  slip on a bright pair of flats if it’s warm enough outside, or your favorite go-to boots. The best part about this? This look will also work if you’re stealing a boy’s shirt. Roll up the sleeves so you don’t look like you’re drowning in fabric and look chic instantly. (Note: this works best if the boy isn’t substantially taller than you.)

Outfit 2: Make it Work (For Work)

Shirt, Sweater, Jacket, Pants, Pumps, Simple Necklace, Statement Necklace.

Sometimes it’s hard to wear dress pants and a button-up shirt without feeling like a waitress. The easy solution? Layer. Put a bright colored or patterned sweater (or vest) over top your button up shirt to add some color to your otherwise basic look. Add a simple necklace underneath to add a touch of personality or, if you’re really daring, a bold statement necklace. Slip on heels or flats (depending on how your pants are hemmed), top with a trench coat and your all set for a professional environment. A boyfriend blazer would also look splendid with this.

Outfit 3: Calm, Cool, Collected

Shirt, Pants, Heels, Bracelet.

I love Alexis Bledel‘s style. Girl can pull off black pants and a white button-up without looking like she’s ready to take your drink order. I drew inspiration from her look for outfit numero three. Tuck the shirt into the pants (wide leg, jeans, riding pants, anything will do), toss on a pair of statement heels, and add a cuff! This look can work for dinner with the ‘rents, a night out with the ladies or date night with the boyf. It’s simple, classy and somehow incredibly sexy.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got stuffed in that closet of yours.

I can’t explain it, but I love chambray. It looks stylish but oh-so-comfy all at the same time. And you know what makes chambray even better?  Mixing a dressier necklace with this casual-feeling top. It’s totally unexpected yet totally works and can be worn to just about anything: leggings and boots for class, tailored skinny pants for the bar, high wasted wide leg wool pants for a bit of a fancier fete like dinner with the boy’s ‘rents, tucked into a corduroy mini with tights… the list goes on and on.

Here are two ways to wear the chambray with a statement necklace. Tucked in for a fitted feel and a tucked out tunic for those days you feel like looking cute, but also like eating everything in your dorm room caf without showing the evidence.

Look One: The Long Chambray Shirt

Product Information: Chambray Top – Forever 21, $27.80; Leggings – Kohl’s, $20; Necklace – Lulus.com, $22; Boots – DSW, $59.94;  Purse – Lulus.com, $41.

This is the best way to look put together for class but still FEEL like you’re wearing sweats and your oversized sorority sweatshirt. Pair the brown leggings and boots with this adorable chambray tunic. The belted waist keeps others from asking if you’re knocked up (always a plus) and the statement necklace in the dainty gold looks pretty paired with the brown and chambray. I LOVE mustard yellow and brown together (both on hot dogs and on outfits) and this bag is totally great for class or for shopping.

Look Two: Tailored Chambray

Product Information: Chambray Shirt – Kohl’s, $29.99; Cargos – Forever 21, $22.80; Clogs – DSW, $59.95; Necklace – Forever 21, $12.80.

Pair the skinny cargos (you know I love them!) and clogs with a tucked-in chambray shirt and a big statement necklace and prepare to look like you’ve just walked out of a J. Crew ad (minus the J. crew price tag). And if you’re looking for hair advice, I’d adore a sleek pony with this look. Hot.ness.

So maybe I’m a little late in the game, but 2010 is, like, soon. It feels like only yesterday that I was sitting on my daybed thinking, “this is the last time we can sing ‘Tonight We’re Gonna Party Like it’s 1999′” as I placed 5 too many butterfly clips into my hair and rocked out in my platform gym shoes.

God I feel old.

But I digress. New Year’s Eve is hands down the best excuse to dress up. But that doesn’t mean you gotta splurge on some hot frock that will look great in pictures, but not so great sitting in the back of your closet for the next 2 years because you have nowhere to wear it again. There are plenty of ways to spice up your look for the big night by adding some fun pieces to the stuff you already own. Here are just a few not-a-dress options to ring in the big 20-10.

Skirt:
You gotta rock something shiny on NYE, and this skirt is just perfect. I love red and gold together, which is why I paired this shimmery skirt with a basic red tank. But if red is only your color when your monthly friend comes to visit, throw on a basic black scoop tank or tee, black tights and pumps and this look is good to go.

Skirt, Lulus.com
Red Tank, Forever 21
Cuff, Forever 21
Cheap and fabulous pumps, Forever 21

Romper
There’s something about a romper that just screams, “I’m totally chic.” And this one has just the right amount of sparkle for the special night. You canpair with tights if you’re not in Miami…and shave your legs if you are. Feel free to play with textures, like sequined shoes, chunky tights and a bold cuff. Or keep it simple and throw on a colored bag or bangle for a pop.

Romper, Lulus
Shoes, Forever 21
Tights, Forever 21
Cuff, Forever 21

Leggings
You already own some leggings, obviously, so dress them up with a bold (and long!) sequin top. You’ll dazzle into the new year and be super comfortable to boot. Just make sure to keep everything else pretty neutral so you don’t look like you just fell out of a Prince music video.

Top, Forever 21
Leggings, Forever 21
Pumps, Nordstrom

Jeans
I love, love, love this body suit. Yes, it’s a body suit. Yes, body suits remind me of jazzercise videos from the 90s. But tucked into jeans (or a skirt) it’s fashion genius: it’s sexy, fitted, and you don’t have to worry about it bunching. And can we talk about how hot the back is?

OK, so it may be a problem when your New Year’s Kiss wants to get busy…or when you drink too much champagne and have to go to the bathroom every 3 minutes, but it’s probably the most versatile piece you could pick up for the big night. Just think of all the other places you could work this thing. And, really, you can sparkle it up as much or as little as you want. Add a big, bold necklace. Throw on some bangles. Slip into a bright colored shoe. And roll into the new year without looking like you tried too hard.

Body Suit, Urban Outfitters
Jeans, Nordstrom
Pumps, Nordstrom
Necklace, Lulus

Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!

There are some trends that last season after season: leggings, floral prints, gladiator sandals, etc. Then there are those that fade away: baby doll tops, harem pants. How are you supposed to know which trends to trash and which to invest in? Luckily, fashion is already way ahead of you. Fall 2009 and Resort 2010 collections have already been released, and Spring/Summer 2010 is in the works. For most designers, Resort is a preview of what’s coming next. Therefore, the collections provide great insight into what will be hot and what will be not for summer 2010.

We scoured the Resort looks of all the top designers – from Stella McCartney to Brian Reyes to Prada – and compiled a list of summer fashion trends that aren’t going anywhere:

One shoulder tops and dresses are chic without being too revealing. Don’t wear too much jewelry with this look as it makes a statement on its own.

(Ella Moss “Odessa” Top, $87 at Nordstrom; Leila Teired Dress, $237 at Bluefly; Juicy Couture Print Ruffle Dress, $180.60 at ShopBop).

Exposed zippers are edgy, but a favorite of designers such as Phillip Lim and Brian Reyes. This trend definitely has a future.

(Mink Pink Kansas Dress, $93 at Chickdowntown; Brian Reyes Sleeveless Dress, $510 at ShopBop; Charlotte Russe Zipper Ruffle Top, $19.99).

Statement necklaces can glam up any basic outfit, from jeans and a tee to a silk dress.

(Kenneth Jay Lane Flat Zebra Pendant, $99 at My-Wardrobe; Banana Republic Party Bib Necklace, $79; Lauren by Ralph Lauren Multi Bead Bib Necklace, $58 at Nordstrom).

Even though Jenny’s first order of business as queen on the TV series Gossip Girl was to nix her clique’s signature headbands, their influence remains. Bow details will still be in for summer 2010.

(French Connection Flash Bow Dress, $89.99; Newport News Bow Necklace, $29; Felix Rey “Emma” Wristlet, $156 at Bluefly; Forever 21 Pamela Satin Bow Headband, $4.80).

Other looks to shop for include both skinny and wide leg pants, cardigans, high-waisted pants and skirts, fitted blazers, belted waists, ruffles, tribal prints, sheer fabrics, and long tunics.

Which short-lived trends should you buy at cheap-chic retailers? There’s no way to be sure, but it doesn’t look like neon brights, fringe details, studs, or harem pants will be hanging around much longer.