[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 for comfy, everyday outfits!) 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’m convinced Blake Lively is one of those women who was genetically engineered to make 90 percent of the female population feel woefully inferior in one way or another. Her hair, her figure, her relationship with Anna Wintour, her relationship with Penn Badgley, her thriving acting career, her work wardrobe, her beautiful personal style… there’s something for everyone to hate on.

And the worst part is, she has the audacity to seem really sweet and fun, so you can’t even really hate her. In short, she is perfect.

And so is this outfit.

Skinnies, Tunic, Cardigan, Boots, Bag

This outfit is all about the details. How else could Blake mix a variety of neutrals to construct a stylish, but super low key ensemble (and not look like a big, gray storm cloud)? It’s so simple yet so chic….and so easy to recreate for a college girl on a budget.

Combining an oversized, drapey cardigan with some skinny jeans makes this outfit casual without being sloppy. And all the fun details – from the slight sheen on the tunic to the lace up booties that match the sweater to the studded bag – make this more than just your typical, everyday casual look.

Blake’s ensemble is comfy, cute and cozy; perfect for a crisp fall day or a chilly winter night.

Remember years ago when Gavin Rossdale, Gwen Stefani’s delicious British boy-toy, was accused of having a secret love child even from before the times of No Doubt or Bush?  I heard about it around the days when I still wore a Catholic School uniform to represent my “style” and didn’t believe it was true.  Then I never heard about it again.

Until now.

That little mistake’s all grown up and her name is Daisy Lowe. Daughter of designer/songwriter Pearl Lowe and Gwen Stefani’s main trick, Gavin Rossdale, Daisy might be the coolest “Uh Oh!” ever.

Daisy Lowe hails from across the pond (like fellow style icons Emma Watson and Alexa Chung) and was first discovered as a model. Not shocking, given her gorgeous parental units. What is surprising though, is that Ms. Lowe’s body is as far from the typical model’s body as you can get. Yes, this girl’s got some curves and she’s not afraid to show them off. Like, really show them off. As in get naked, cause a scene to start a revolution. She even told a British newspaper that she’d felt the sting of rejection from a fashion house for having a heavier body than a model should have yet she still refused to lose weight.  Boom. Roasted.

Daisy Lowe’s giving some of the non-waifs some faith in humanity.

And it’s opening many doors for her. Daisy is the face of Converse and has worked with Agent Provacateur (probably because she isn’t afraid to shower her provacative side). She was recently featured in the Vogue’s “Today I’m Wearing” feature, documenting her daily style for their May 2010 issue. And if that’s not enough, there are some rumors that she’ll be rolling out her own edgy and sexy clothing line as well.

But until then, we’ll just have to settle for pulling our own pieces together in a way that would make Daisy proud; with a  little sexy (without the trashy) and a dash of wild-child (while still refined).

Dress, Shoes, Earrings, Coat, Perfume

So maybe the colors aren’t the same and the shoes aren’t what she has in the picture, but the outfit still works with her look.  The key to Daisy’s wardrobe is all in the shapes. A draped dress, no matter the color, gives a little mystery and sensuality because it bunches in the most flattering places. The black trench coat over top covers everything up without looking frumpy like that North Face Fleece you usually favor. (And frumpy is not something Daisy does.)   The studded white flats add a little edge to the otherwise feminine outfit, giving off the rocker-vibe Daisy clearly gets from her pops.  And, if you want to go all out, the flower earrings and Daisy roller-ball by Marc Jacobs are just a fun nod to our inspiring style icon.

Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use celebrities (like Sarah Silverman

Emma Watson isn’t just that charming Brit that plays that one chick in that Harry Potter flick.  She’s grown before our eyes from the awkward 11-year-old Hermione to the classy, well-mannered face of Burberry with a personal style that, thankfully, doesn’t resemble anything you’d see in the halls of Hogwarts.

Emma didn’t always have that prep-school drop-out look she’s known for now.  In some older pictures during the early 2000′s, she dressed like any average 11-year-old – a little but awkward and unsure, but still a little experimental.  But as time went on, she experimented more and more, discovering what worked and what she liked and what expressed her (not Hermione’s) personality best.

And, like magic, she succeeded and has become a force to be reckoned with, both while walking the red carpet and walking to class.  Emma Watson’s style is classy and refined, with the occasional edgy rocker moments thrown in.

I love Emma’s style because it evolved.  She tried out trends, pushed the envelope and made some mistakes. It took some time but, as we have all seen, it most definitely paid off. Today designers are courting her, photographers are hounding her and college girls from the Midwest are trying to pull together outfits to look just like her.

Socks, Bag, Boots, Shorts, Corset

Chiggity-check out this outfit because I’m officially in love.  A printed corset top with some mid-length cuffed shorts are perfect for summer and, with a simple swap of accessories, can be worn for practically any occasion. (Flats for a Saturday afternoon, strappy pumps for a Saturday night…) But the best part about this outfit are on her legs peeking out from over the top of those boots.

“Socks and rubber boots in the summer?” you ask.  Yeah, I thought that was a joke, too.  But for some reason I think I’d still sacrifice, even if there’s the  potential for major sweatiness, because it looks pretty cool (well, not LITERALLY). I don’t know how or why, but the shorts and boots combo just works. And then the studded bag with the fringe adds a little unexpected edge, which keeps this from looking too “Summer sweet” and is Emma’s fashion signature.

Flaunt this style like Emma and pretty soon you’ll have people everywhere casting some spells on their own wardrobe, too! Sorry, I had to do it.

She's ready for the Mustachio Bash-io.

Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use actresses (like Lisa Bonet) or movie characters (like Lux Lisbon) as style inspiration, even though, most of the time, they are being dressed from head to toe by the best stylists.

Which we don’t have.

And sometimes it’s damn near impossible to work their Hollywood looks into our not-so-Hollywood lives. I’ve made it my mission to tap into the mind of a fashion stylist and show you how to take your style inspiration – whatever it may be – and make it more you!

At one point in my life, there was a time when I did think Sarah Silverman was absolutely high-larious on her show, The Sarah Silverman Program. Unfortunately, those days have long since passed, but I’m still left with something about her that I admire.

Besides her ability to nonchalantly rock a mustache at a super-formal event, surprisingly, it’s also her style.

Just to be clear, though: it’s not Sarah’s red carpet looks that I covet. While she has been known to work corsets, ball gowns and sexy frocks to big-time events, that side of Sarah’s style doesn’t interest me because, 1) she often makes major fashion mistakes and 2) she looks so…not Sarah (and really, painfully uncomfortable).

The Sarah Silverman style I love is her everyday, low key, totally casual, I don’t give a sh*t, look. On a normal day Sarah doesn’t do much to make herself look like anything special.  Her typical uniformed style is a track jacket, jeans, Converse and her hair in a ponytail.  Ravishing?  Ehhh, maybe not to some; lord knows Joan Rivers wouldn’t have nice things to say about it. But I think that style is Sarah and it sets her apart, in a good way.  Most celebrities in movies or on TV have to constantly make sure they look perfect, almost like the audience should strive to look like them.  But Sarah, on the other hand, would rather just be real and look like the audience themselves.

Sarah’s style is not typically what someone who has any interest in fashion would take to be iconic, but for some reason I do.   It’s goofy and casual.  It’s worn by mostly everyone, but she still totally Sarah. And it’s easy to incorporate into your style because the goal is not only to not try too hard, but to not try at all.

And, if you think about it, while she’s not draping herself from head to toe in the latest trends or looking to Rachel Zoe for style assistance, Sarah does posess a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ that other fashion icons also have: that magical ability to not give a rat’s ass how people think of her. If you rock that confidence, you can go far with your style, whatever it may be, and probably even make wearing Tamagotchi’s on your belt loops look cool again.

Ring, Jacket, Jeans, Tee, Sneakers

This t-shirt and jeans combination is probably worn by everyone in our generation, so add some sass to it.  Tight skinny jeans and a distressed/well-fitting, funny t-shirt add the casual and goofy staples to the outfit without looking sloppy.  The track jacket is one of Sarah’s famous “pieces,” so add one to your outfit in an eye-catching color that will brighten up the look a little bit more. (If track jackets don’t do it for you, go for a bright colored casual cardigan instead. The look is a little bit less Sarah that way, but you still get the essence of casual cool she exudes.)

Throw on the mustache ring to add some novelty and silliness and classic Converse sneakers, which go perfectly with the entire look (I love them paired with skinny jeans) and seem to be Sarah’s favorite shoes.

And there you go. Done and done. Just don’t start talking about still being a bedwetter or your bowel movements and you can look like Sarah without being as…open…as Sarah.

While everyone is fabulous in their own right, we thought we should celebrate the campus fashionistas of the world for their continued excellence in not looking like a hot mess for class. So, we started stalking those girls on campus to get a few pics and get some tips on their personal style.

And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in.

It doesn’t matter if it’s rain or shine; Peggy always knows how to dress so she’ll stand out in a crowd and make any girl on campus want to emulate her. She has the cutest blazers for fall, the chic-est coats for winter, and the flirtiest dresses for spring. Her outfits are always full of personality – usually very colorful and bright, just like her!

Name: Peggy
Year: 2012
Major: Psychology and Economics
Peggy in 3 words: cheery, indecisive, energetic

1) Describe your personal style.
It varies day by day and how many times I press the snooze button on my alarm clock. But generally I like anything that’s easy to wear, colorful, and cute! Some days I’ll just throw on a t-shirt with leggings… and on other days, there’s nothing better than a flowy shirt with skinny jeans and boots!

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.
Vera Bradley wristlet… I can fit in my keys, credit card, phone, and chapstick! Everything I need in a small two by four pouch.

3) What is your favorite store to shop at?
A vintage store about five minutes away from my house.

4) What/who is the biggest influence on your style?
I’ve actually never thought about what’s influenced me… I guess my surroundings and how much money I have in my wallet.

5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?
BOOTS, BOOTS, BOOTS. I love boots. End of story.

In the picture:
Dress: Urban Outfitters.

For the last few months, every Monday I’ve highlighted a star who I believe epitomizes style, whether because she takes risks and sets trends, or because she puts together simple ensembles that perfectly highlight her assets. In honor of the new year, I thought we should take a trip down fashion memory lane and see some of 2008′s best dressed stars. These ladies are all style icons of our time for different reasons and I’d jump at the opportunity to invade their closets any day. (To see more of these ladies’ perfect fashion choices, click on their pictures!)

1. Anne Hathaway:

Anne’s a new one on best dressed lists this year; in the past she was never really a stand out when it came to fashion/style, but ever since her break up with that loser bf of hers, she’s been shining as bright as can be. Anne makes fashion choices that are edgy yet classic and the gir knows how to play up her beauty. She’s been a great example for women all over the globe that you can come out of a bad relationship better than before, and for that alone she gets major props.

2. Rihanna:

Rihanna is probably the edgiest star on my list. She has a style that’s all her own and she owns it. Even her edgy hair cut has been an inspiration this year. She wears bright colors, interesting cuts, and always looks smokin’. There’s a reason Rihanna was the first person I chose to be a Style Idol; she tells young women that it’s possible to play up your personal, unique style, to make it look fabulous and to have fun doing it.

3. Leighton Meester:

Leighton is another new comer on the fashion scene, but she’s come in with a bang. Known for her preppy Upper East Side look on Gossip Girl, on the red carpet and out & about, Leighton has a fun, flirty style that utilizes classic designers but puts a young & modern twist on their classic styles. Leighton is a gorgeous gal who knows just how to play up her fresh-faced good looks and her beautiful body.

4. Michelle Obama:

This has been a huge year for politics and for the Obamas and Michelle Obama has been in the epicenter of that, not only for her devotion to her family and her husband’s campaign and her calm and cool demeanor, but also for her keen fashion sense. She’s been touted as the Jackie O of our generation and what she plans to wear on inauguration night is the talk of the town. There is no denying that she consistently looks put-together and stylish, but also professional and well-suited to be the President’s wife. She’s also won praise for the fact that many of her fashion choices are in an affordable price range and easily accessible to the average American woman. I must admit that I, too, am eager to see what she dons on January 20th.

5. Heidi Klum:

Last but not least is Heidi Klum. Though she hasn’t been on my Style Idol list (yet), she is constantly photographed looking absolutely gorgeous and glam. Heidi not only has an amazing body for anyone, let alone a mom of 3 (!), she’s got a look about her that is stunning, but has a girl-next-door air that still makes her likable; she is the woman women want to be. She comes across as fun and funny, yet she always looks polished and stylish. It’s no wonder she hosts one of the top fashion shows on television; her personal style, whether in jeans and a tank or a gorgeous John Galliano gown, is one us mere mortals can only hope to obtain.

Who do you think was best dressed this year?

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

Her hairstyle was one of the biggest fads of the 90’s, she’s dated (and married) some of Hollywood’s hottest hunks, and she’s known for her girl-next-door looks that continue to hold true even as she approaches forty(!). Jennifer Aniston typifies simple elegance, and is a style icon for many women because of her easy, casual and minimalist style. She doesn’t go for a lot of bells and whistles, but her streamlined shirt and jeans combo always accentuates her fabulous, athletic body.

Aniston even keeps it simple at red carpet events with sheath dresses or classic cocktail dresses in flattering shapes and neutral tones. She encourages women around the globe to play up their natural beauty, opting for loose, easy waves and natural makeup over the over-done looks of many other Hollywood celebs. This ability to look fabulous (even nearly nude!) without seeming to try too hard makes Jennifer Aniston my Style Idol of the Week.

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

She is known for her teeny frame, perfect pout, oversized sunglasses and some of the hottest arm-candy on the planet: David Beckham. Victoria Beckham, AKA Posh Spice, is definitely a style icon of our era. Her style causes a stir everywhere she goes and women around the world try to mimic her look, from her towering heels to her ultra-short hems. Even her ever-changing hairstyle makes front page news, leading women to rush to their hairstylists to get the latest “Posh.”

Her style varies often and Posh does everything from putting her own touch on classic styles to wearing innovative pieces that other people wouldn’t dare to try off the runway. She breaks fashion rules (like matchy-matchy accessories), sets new trends, and even has her own denim line (DVB: Denim by Victoria Beckham). Whether strutting her stuff in mini skirts and Christian Louboutins or jeans, military jackets, and boots, Victoria looks nothing short of fierce and she’s certainly an inspiration to all fashionistas out there.

No matter what anyone tells you (even if you tell it to yourself), never believe that a “style icon” is anything but a woman with bad (BAD) style who oozes confidence. That confidence has the power to transform even that puerile pink tutu into something chic and cosmopolitan. Alas, genuine confidence like that is so rare that, more often than not, it is misinterpreted as a blood-curdling scream for attention, when in fact it is a bold determination to play “dress up” well into adulthood.

In New York, there’s simply too many fashion “statements” going on that it hardly leaves an impression on anyone, except perhaps on the fashionista themselves…in the form of a wedgie (American Apparel leotards, anyone?).

So when that moment comes when the clock is ticking and the city beckons…and you are trying to adopt New York style (even though you can’t get rid of those Birkenstocks or Girbaud jeans) there is but one piece of advice I will pass along to you. From the wise words of Coco Chanel, “A style does not go out of style as long as it adapts itself to its period.”

Chanel, the credited inventor of the “little black dress” has never gone out of style. Nonetheless, the notion that style evolves with time remains true. Even the little black dress has evolved.

Today’s little black dress is the big white t-shirt. This look is intended to come across extremely blasé as if to say “I’m so hot, I don’t even have to try.” While the little black dress was last century’s look— elegance; today’s big white tee is this century’s look—just rolled out of bed. In this case, the shirt is supposed to appear like you just rolled out of your boyfriend’s bed (and into his clothes). Beware of making this fashion “understatement” with your boyfriend’s actual undershirts…armpit stains are simply never in style.

Naturally, the man’s undershirt is a look that can be spiced up with absolutely any accessory. An oversized scarf, golden slinky chains, electric blue pumps—anything really, but not all at once, else you may ruin the style born of the woman who once so wisely said, “when finished accessorizing, always take off the last item you put on.” Looking edgy and classy at the same time is what a blank (supersoft cotton) canvas offers you.

If you want to be fashion forward, take a look backward. The present is inspired from the past. With the confidence of Miss Parker, the attitude of Miss Chanel and the ultra-soft material of the Olsen Tee Shirt line (www.elizabethjames.us) you can take on the city like you’re Miss Behavior.