Facebook. Twitter. Urban Outfitters.

These three websites are, hands down, the most clicked bookmarks on my Safari page. Like most people, I have my allotted time throughout the day where I routinely check my Facebook News Feed and update my Twitter. It is almost automatic that I then click to Urban and check out what’s new on sale. And then buy it all. Woops?

Online shopping has become almost a hobby as it is almost too convenient to scroll through an entire store, easily click the size you want for a cute shirt and have it shipped in a few days. Yet in a world where there’s an unlimited amount of online stores to shop at, how do you know which ones to skip over and which ones are worth looking at? Leave it to me to tell you the websites with the best sales, free shipping, and cutest clothes!

Behold: the holy grail of online shopping.

If you’re a committed shopper like myself, these websites will change the way you shop forever. You won’t regret reading this…or signing up for those annoying mailing lists (which WON’T be annoying with all those sales you’ll hear about.)

Happy shopping!

Friends.
Family.
Happiness and health and blah blah blah.

Those are all great things to be thankful for, important things, yes.  But what about the not so important things, the little things that we all take for granted? Here’s what I’m thankful for this holiday season…

10. Trashy Tabloids. Reading about the problems of the rich and famous makes everything in my life seem so much less problematic. Sure, maybe I’m having boy problems, but at least my guy didn’t leave me for Angelina Jolie. And maybe I’m worried about wearing a bikini to the beach, but at least there’s no one zooming in on my butt cheeks. (At least not that I know of.) Celebrity scandal really helps me see the big picture.

9. Steve Madden’s Fall Boot Collection. Whenever I’m having a bad day, I just head over to Steve Madden’s website and stare at some shoes. Laugh if you want, but it totally works. They’re like works of art, I swear. And even though I’ve put myself on a boot buying ban until after the holidays, I still enjoy purusing the styles. And you will too.

8. Chocolate. I’m sorry; do you really need an explanation for this one? I didn’t think so.

7. Iced Caramel Macchiatos. Yes, I know they are overpriced and if ordered correctly can contain more calories than a Big Mac. But I love them and their ability to combine the perfect amount of sweetness and bitterness, to retain the taste of coffee while still allowing me to enjoy the caramel flavor. They feed my caffeine addiction, and for that I am eternally grateful. And the cute guys that work at the local Starbucks don’t hurt either.

6. Thirsty Thursday. An excuse to start the weekend a day early? I’ll take it. Drink specials? Yes please.  A reason not to feel like a couch potato when by Saturday night I’m in sweats watching reality TV and writing The Weekly Ten?  Perfection.

5. Reality TV. By now I think it’s been pretty well established that if women and a television genre could wed, CollegeCandy and reality TV would be on their honeymoon already. But I still had to take a moment and give thanks for the likes of Kim Kardashian and Pauly D. My life would be a whole lot less interesting without them.

4. Wikipedia. Professors always talk about the unreliability of Wikipedia, and maybe that’s true on some accounts.  But whether I can’t remember the name of that actress who played opposite Freddy Prince Jr. in She’s All That (Rachel Leigh Cook) or want a quick plot synopsis on one of Shakespeare’s greatest works, Wikipedia is always there for me. Take that professor!

3. Facebook. The ultimate method of procrastination. The perfect tool for stalking. The place where you can go to find out exactly what happened the night before. A great way to stay in touch. The social networking site that got me off MySpace!  Without Mark Zuckerberg and co., I’d be friendless.

2. Class Cancellations. Last week, my class was unexpectedly canceled. I’d been working on a big paper all weekend, and was less than prepared for my classes that day. And also not entirely sure I’d be able to make it through them without falling asleep halfway through the presentation I was supposed to be giving. Minutes before my alarm went off, my Blackberry beeped. Class was canceled. I hit the snooze button and caught up on my sleep. And it was beautiful.

1. CollegeCandy. The ultimate source for all things college. I stumbled upon this site way before I started writing here and I haven’t been able to keep away since. Why would I? Whether I need guy advice (God, how great is The Dude?!) or a silly distraction or an awesome playlist, CollegyCandy has me covered. And for that I am thankful.

What about you girls? What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

[Check out Jenn's other musings-in-the-form-of-a-list here.]

Why should you have to give up feeling confident and sexy because those heels in your closet look better as a prop then when you try to wear them out? OK, so they make your legs look like the hottest stilts in the world, but how hot do you look waddling in them until you trip and smack your face on a keg and have a black eye for the first week of classes? Wedges could have saved my cousin.

And these are the hottest pair of the season. The lace up wedge is so on trend right now, and this Steve Madden pair just won’t quit. They have the awesome height, the sexified peep toe, and an added hole (peep heel?) in the back. The above-the-ankle cut makes them PERFECT for wearing with leggings to completely avoid the dilemma of wearing tights with exposed webbed toes; the legging will totally disappear under the lace-up ankle of the wedge and – voila – you’ve the appearance of opaque tights that allows you to show off the pedicure you splurged on.

Pair them with skinny jeans or the cropped high-waisted pants that are so in right now. When you’re tired of crawling to class with unbrushed hair and sweats and you want to look a little more presentable, these shoes are the way to do it without every girl in class glaring at you for having the audacity to wear a pair of heels to your lecture.

And when it’s no longer acceptable to wear your flip-flops to a party (was it ever acceptable?) because it’s getting a little nippy, you won’t have to walk home barefoot with your heels in your hand because wedges are just plain doable. They’re so comfortable, you can wear them all night long -  or at least until the cops break up the party. And when that happens, you’ll be passing all those girls in stilettos on your sprint home.

[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 are spending $5,000 on an ensemble (even a lazy Saturday outfit), you don’t have to. All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire look. For cheap. Yes, we know - there is a spot for her in heaven.]

I don’t care for Katy Perry that much. I only like every other single that she releases, I think her taste in men is beyond questionable, and I thought it was highly ridiculous to claim that as a Christian, she was highly offended by Lady Gaga.

Yet, I cannot deny that I am completely fascinated by her style. She’s fearless, experimental, and not afraid to switch things up. She’s the only (non-Gaga) woman I can think of who is as comfortable wearing a bra made of cupcakes as she is dressed down and looking like Zooey Deschanel’s doppelganger. And I love that.

You know what else I love? This stunning polka dot number Katy recently sported on a stroll through London town. Gimme, gimme, gimme.

Dress, Brooch, Heels, Belt

I adore this look because I am completely infatuated with nearly any ensemble that could be construed as “vintage,” and a polka dot dress totally falls into that category. Dresses are my favorite item of clothing – they make you look polished and style-conscious, even if you just rolled out of bed 5 minutes and a Gatorade swish ago. A belt breaks up the pattern a bit and accentuates your waist. I absolutely love, love, LOVE the red brooch – it adds a bold flash of color and draws attention to the flirtatious-but-demure scoopneck of the dress. Heels add that extra bit of ferocity, but flats are just as acceptable., and if you’re in one of those lucky places where early September actually equals cooler weather, throw on a black, red, or white cardigan and you’re good to go!

I hate to admit it but fall is almost here. Major tear.

But while I’m not excited for midterms, wool coats, shivering on my walk to class and being too cold to drink iced coffee, I am excited for boots (and really excited for Pumpkin Spice Lattes). I know, its not easy to think about knee-high boots when you’ve got sweat building up in the crook of your arm (just me?), but right now- while you’re still in summer mode – is really the best time to stock up on boots for the season:

1) Because you can find good deals.
2) You can find whatever you want in your size.
3) You’re so sick of dirty flip flop feet, you just want something soft and buttery covering up those toes.

Those three reasons were good enough for me to go on an Internet shopping spree from my bed last night. And I found some major gems.

This season, embellished boots and more masculine lace-up boots are totally in my closet. Doesn’t seem like you? Wrong. You can wear these little guys with anything. Pair them with leggings and a long button down for the day, or pair with a flirty feminine look for a nice juxtaposition of girly and boyish.

Here are a bunch of boots that I’m loving right now. There are different heights (from over-the-knee to ankle booties), colors (grey, olive, and tan are nice alternatives if you already have black and brown but want something new) and styles. So go ahead, stock up! You’ll look bootiful (did I just say bootfiul? Ohhh no. That was so a joke my 7th grade geography teacher would have made…) and kick off the new semester in style.

Top Row (L to R): Lulus, $48; Gap, $79.50; Target, $39.99; Madden Girl, $69.95
Middle Row: Forever 21, $27.80;  Charlotte Russe, $40; Forever 21, $34.50; Madden Girl, $49.95
Bottom Row: Delia’s, $59.50;  Lulus, $49; Rocket Dog, $69.95

Other than my crazy “pretend” sessions, I obviously satisfy this yearning to zip up my motorcycle knee-highs and run through some leaves by heading to the mall and dropping some major cash (if not all my cash) on a brand new pair…which then just leads to more torture as I stare at them for an entire month before it’s socially acceptable to put them on…outside of my apartment.

But that’s beside the point.

The actually point of my ranting is that I have found my new fall love. Which is no easy feat (or feet…ha!) considering that there a million different styles of boots of which I own about 20, so finding one worth my entire paycheck for a week is a hefty task.

This fall, Steve Madden’s Roady boot in brown will be my go-to shoe for any and every occasion. I am so excited about these that I can barely contain it. I can’t really begin anywhere other than the color, which in a sea of black leather boots stands out like a sore thumb- in an amazing way of course.

The distressed brown leather is so unexpected – rugged and feminine at the same time – making them a girly addition to rocker-inspired dark wash skinnys and a motorcycle jacket for night, while also being able to toughen up a floral print dress and tights for day.

But it’s the details that really do it for me. You can find brown boots anywhere, so to justify putting a hefty charge on my credit card, they have to have something extra special. I am totally in love with the double-clasp, one at the top and one ankle strap, which has this perfect balance between cowgirl and biker chick. Not to mention that from the front you have a classic, traditional feel, and from the back you have a kick of modern trendiness with the contrasting red zipper.

Basically, I’m in love.
Goodbye dinner. Hello, Steve Madden.

Handbags may take home the gold for the biggest problem-poser during the summer months (okay perhaps a close second to melting foundation and yellow pit stains).

All fall and winter I run about my life with a two-ton bag slung over my shoulder (and the red marks to prove it). Seriously stick your hand in there and you’re likely to find half of Sephora, enough snacks to feed a small army and a textbook-sized agenda. And while the chocked full schedule may die down a little during the summer months (making room for the much needed lazy days on the beach…or in bed, whatever), that doesn’t mean that it’s easy to decide what stuff can stay and what has to be left at home.

I love my big bags, but I love my sanity more and there is just no way I could deal with a 12 pound bag in the sweltering heat of summer. Which means a chic, easy-to wear and most importantly compact(!) bag is on the top of my wish list.

And Steve Madden’s Bleigh handbag fits the bill perfectly. Seriously Steve, I now know what love feels like.

The Chanel inspired checkerboard is chic and sophisticated, but the ladylike factor is toned down with the muted gray tone making it just as appropriate for a night out as it is for Sunday brunch. And the best detail of all is the rocker studs which are just the perfect size to add some unexpected flare to an otherwise feminine bag without going overboard into punk-rock territory.

The braided chain clips to the body of the handbag with a solid clasp, so it will totally be able to support all the crap I will attempt to stuff in there. And I am way too excited by the fact that I can unclasp the chain and turn this into an adorable clutch (!!). Hey, I’m all about getting bang for my buck and if I can throw this over my shoulder to run errands on Saturday afternoon and then tuck it under my shoulder with a little black mini-dress to hit the town, then it is definitely a justifiable purchase.

So here’s to you, Steve Madden. Thanks for making all of my summer dreams come true.

Still, contrary to my opinion, the Snooki obsession not only has yet to die, but it’s going stronger than ever. Perhaps it has something to do with the greatly anticipated season 2 of Jersey Shore. Or the fact that everyone loves a hot mess (what up, LiLo?). First the girl gets paid $10,000 to party at clubs across the country and now Steve Madden has decided to create the “Snooki” shoe.

WHY, STEVE MADDEN, WHY?!?!

However, I must say, the shoe’s multicolored glittery, platform design couldn’t epitomize my chic, sophisticated icon, Snooki, any better if it tried.

Despite my deep contempt for the fame that has befallen The Princess of Poughkeepsie, I do fully support any woman’s quest to rake in the big bucks while she still matters. But why stop at stripper shoes, Snooks? Here are a few other products our favorite Guidette should slap her name on.

1. Bumpits
Umm… hello? Why hasn’t anyone ever thought of this before? Snooki was obviously this company’s main inspiration in the first place, thus she is the rightful woman to reap the benefits. (I actually think I saw commercials for this before I ever laid eyes on that breathtaking Guidette bump of hers, but who cares? No one does bumps like Snooki.)

2. Pickles
I know this might sound a bit unrealistic but I mean, really, if you think about it, how exciting can a typical pickle commercial truly get? That Vlasic Pickles duck’s got nothing on itty-bitty, teeny-weeny Snooki.

3. Tanning beds, lotions etc.
It’s one thing to go tanning. It’s another to get the deep, dark, sensual (slightly orange) skin tone of Miss Snooks. Who would want to use the plain ol’ regular shiz when your tanning experience can give you a one-of-a-kind Snooki Glow?

4. Mini dresses with built-in underwear
If you’ve ever watched the Jersey Shore you probably know a little something about Snooki’s tendency to – ehm – do back flips while battling on the dance floor. Instead of the cameras (or whoever’s watching) having to blur out your panty-less crotch – this new line of mini dresses will not stop you from having a good time…Snooki-style. (Really, girl, you should get a patent on this. You can thank me later.)

5. Condoms
Because – can you really think of anyone better to endorse safe sex?!

And of course I fell in love…as always. There really is something so elegant and timeless about a white cardigan or a pair of khaki cargo shorts.

My own style, however, is a little more edgy and my closet is filled with tons of printed dresses and patterned tanks. But just because I love me some major color when it comes to my wardrobe doesn’t mean that there’s no room to employ this totally-fab neutral trend.

Which is where Steve Madden’s Toppazz Heel comes in.

It’s suede texture and ruffle are adorably sweet, while the 4-inch heel gives it that extra kick of edge to keep the heel from feeling too demure.

I can see them paired with a flowy A-line skirt for a sweetly-sexy, feminine ensemble, but I can also see them working just as well with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and a leather jacket for a night out.

And this whole neutral thing is totally working for me. Unlike some heels I have, which sit in the back of my closet waiting for a dress that happens to match them, these can be worn with virtually anything. From a printed top to a candy-colored spring sweater, the shoes will never clash, meaning they will be worn on a regular basis.

And that’s all the justification I need to whip out my credit card.

I don’t know about you, but when I first heard that clogs/mules were coming back in style I thought of those black Steve Madden clog/sandals with the elastic band that made your feet sound like a horse every time you walked. You know, the ones you paired with Hard Tails and then traded in for the leather platform version to pair with your Paris Blues Super Bell Bottoms come Fall uh… 1998?

So you can imagine my resistance when I saw the words CLOG splattered all over my fashion bibles. Really, Chanel? CLOGS? I do not need to do/wear anything that resembles my 1998 self in the slightest. The horror! What’s next? Butterfly clips? Lord have mercy.

But then, like all old trends that come back around, I realized the clog came with a bit of a twist. Clogs 2.0 are like Heidi Montag 2.0: Bigger, pumped up and plumped up. And some would even argue, better. These clogs are edgier, chunkier, platform-ier and all around cooler.

And while they may not be the most practical things in the world (note: NO ONE should wear clogs that don’t have a heel unless you are a senior citizen and use a walker), they are a fun way to change up an outfit. (Or make yourself REALLY tall, because most of the ones I’ve seen have a good 4 inches on them. Maybe another reason why I am so resistant since all [Jewish] boys are already shorter than me in flats; add another 4 inches and I’m like Jill the Jolly Jewish Giant. Oy.)

Here are my favorite clogs for Spring to pair with both jeans and dresses. Yes, they aren’t necessarily the cheapest footwear (ranging from $30-$150), but considering some of these bad boys are running at well over $300, these ones are definitely a deal.

Clogs for Pants
These shoes look best with pants because they are a bit heavier looking. They have a lot of leather or woven material and a huge platform that are carried best by a boot cut or flare jean (paired with a flowing top, military jacket and some bold earrings). Yes, these can be rocked with skirts/dresses/shorts on some occasions (especially the sandals) but I like them BEST for pants.

VERY IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE. Please, for the love of all things fashion, NEVER wear socks with your clogs. I made this mistake in 7th grade when clogs were popular the first time and I still cringe when I see pictures. There is NOTHING cute about a sock paired with a clog. Seriously, it’s worse than wearing a Croc.

Clockwise from top: Two Lips Dusty Suede Mule, $59.95; Ollie 2 Part Wooden Clog, $80; Aldo Saviona, $29-$39;  Max Studio “Abba” Peeptoe Mule Platforms, $119

Clogs for Dresses
These are so cool and embellished that a dress helps them stand out.  They’re like that cute bra you wear on a night when you go home alone – what’s the point of all that cuteness if no one is going to see it?! Just remember to keep the dress simple – you don’t want to be a walking trend. Let the shoes do both the talking and the walking. (Ha! See what I did there?)

Clockwise from top: Steve Madden Durann, $149.95; Seychelles ‘Care to Dance’ Clog, $99.95; Peep Toe Bootie Slingbacks, $25.80;  Nine West Quyncilla, $89