[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 (like our Parisian pal, Mary) 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. You think you’ve got some major style? Know someone else who’s always looking ferosh? Think the world needs to see what she can do? Send us an email with some photos and she could be the next fashionista celebrated right here.]

The University of Saint Thomas is one of the only campuses in Minnesota where students actually dress up to go to class. Yep, you’ve got it; if you don’t look like you spent at least 30 minutes getting ready people may not move over for you on the sidewalk. People from other colleges hear about this and think it is absolutely bananas that students wouldn’t dare sit in class with an over-sized sweatshirt (especially with these frigid winters!) and opt for a cute mini, tights, and vintage tank instead.  And now that I think about it a bit more (I’m a senior – I’ve gotten so used to it by now) it is kind of ridiculous here; it’s like a personal fashion show every time you walk through the quad.

But that’s how it is, and most students learn to love the pressure to look good.

Now, Laura is only one of the fashion-forward girls on the St.Thomas campus, and she also happens to be one of my favorites. She’s blond, lean and is often mistaken for a Cameron Diaz body double.  After spending four years at St.Thomas, Laura has perfected the casual, clean-cut and vintage street style many girls love.  She nails the most AMAZING finds at thrift markets and often spends entire Saturdays stuck in a Urban Outfitters rack.  I just love how her style is simple, structured, and one-of-a-kind. She found her chestnut leather bag at a thrift market in New York, her amazing leather booties at a Saks 5th Avenue sale and can’t go anywhere without her staple rosary necklace and thick gold wrist-wear, all things that make Laura’s style 100% Laura. Read More »

What do you get the Rachel Zoe in your life?

What does one get for the girl who has everything?

The fashion obsessed chicadee who spends every ounce of her free time pouring over fashion magazines and blogs, scouring the racks at vintage stores and making a look that is all her own? The girl who’s closet won’t close, yet she still comes home with bags and bags of new stuff every time she leaves the house?

Well if I was a betting woman, I would say getting her something she can add to her already kick-ass wardrobe is always a winning choice.

Starbucks giftcards and holiday themed socks hold no soy-scented candle to clothes and accessories for this uber fashionista. Which is why I combed through stores and Internet sites to find the best holiday gift for your fashion loving friend. Read More »

Everyone tells me on a daily basis that they can’t believe I don’t watch Gossip Girl. I would loooove the dramz, I would loooove the cute boys, and, most importantly, I would L-O-V-E the fashion.

I know I would love every minute of this hour long fashion show, but just like I know that sitting in front of Ghiradelli week after week without getting any ice cream would only lead to me to going nuts on their jumbo ice cream sundae one day (and gaining 10 lbs), I know for certain that I would soon give into these adorable and oh-so unaffordable GG styles leaving my college gal budget (which is already lacking any luster) in the negatives. I would literally become the girl who lived in her shoes (Christian Louboutin shoes, but shoes nonetheless).

So while I don’t watch the show, I do know that Taylor Momsen’s look is cute, and easy to achieve without breaking the bank. And – bonus-  you can take this look from day to night, and winter to spring!

XOXO, Celebirty Chic on The Cheap. Read More »

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!) Read More »

I’m itching to go shopping. You know how it goes – everything you see in ads, on commercials and on the street looks so cute you have to have it. I am having one of those weeks, which is never good during holiday season. Between the sales and the amount I have to spend on other people, getting near a mall to shop for myself is dangerous.

I don’t even have anything particular that I want or need. I just want. Gimme, gimme, gimme.

I want new jeans, new boots and some new tops to wear to class. No more sweatshirts for this lady; I am ready to dress cute for class. And I think the perfect look would be plaid. It is cute without trying too hard, it is versatile, and the flannel shirts are nice and warm. But is it ugly? Sometimes I wonder if I really like something, or if I convince myself I like it because it is at Urban Outfitters.

Yes? No? What do you think about plaid?

I am one of those random girls who will wear dresses and skirts and too pretty/impractical shoes to class more often than not. Don’t get me wrong – I will absolutely show up in my gym clothes on occasion, but for the most part, I just prefer dressing up. Strangely enough, what I wear elicits quite a wide range of reactions and people often feel more than comfortable sharing their opinion of my clothes with me.

Here’s the general breakdown:

Pro: Being known as the fashion plate. I like that after a meeting with my cool, young English Prof she said, “I love your style. I was waiting to see what you’d wear to our meeting.”

Con: Being perceived as the girl who tries too hard. No, I actually didn’t wear this dress to impress any of the lame guys in our poly sci class. Really.

Pro: Compliments abound. I’m not vain but it is nice to hear people say that they like what you’re wearing.

Con: Criticisms abound. My best friend will never let me live down this exchange:

BF: What are you wearing?

BF: Other than the fact that you’re wearing sequins at 10 am? Nothing.

Pro: It’s a conversation starter. I feel like I don’t have enough female friends/acquaintances in my life and I can be sort of shy, so if my shoes get a girl to start talking to me then that makes me happy.

Con: People thinking that you did the walk of shame to class. Someone asked me once if I was wearing last night’s outfit. Um, no. Very embarrassing. Read More »

Wake up at 7:45. Throw on sweats, a hoodie, and flip flops. Throw your hair in a messy bun. Check Facebook. Grab your bag and get to class by 8 AM.

Does this at all resemble your morning routine? I know how tempting it is to get that last fifteen minutes of sleep and run out the door looking like you just rolled out of bed. Fashion is probably the last thing on your mind when you’re trying to remember things like, Where on earth is my physics book? And, Why can I only find one shoe??? However, it is important to put at least some effort into the way you look before class.

The way you dress affects the way people perceive and treat you, whether you care or not. It can also affect your attitude and level of performance in class. If you are wearing pajamas, you aren’t going to feel awake enough to fully participate in a class discussion. If you look like you don’t care, people are going to think that you don’t care (including your professors).

Obviously you aren’t going to head to class decked out from head to toe in your Sunday best (unless you never made it home, you dawg), but there are easy ways to update your outfits so you look a little less messy and … sleepy.

10 Easy Style Updates For Class This Fall

1. A scarf – throw on jeans and a plain colored fitted t-shirt. Add a scarf and voila! Instant fashion. Scarves are really in this year and there are tons of cute ones out there to pick from. You can’t get an easier shortcut to style. Find them at American Eagle, H&M, or Limited Too (yea, it’s for little kids but they have a lot of cute scarves that are only $10!). Read More »

Remember the days of the LL Bean backpack? You really weren’t cool unless you had one; and you were even cooler if yours had your initials embroidered on it. I had the deluxe size. Which not only made me cool, but it also most likely permanently damaged my posture and caused me to knock over any small child who crossed my path.

In high school, I went through the, “I’m too cool for a backpack” phase and I carried my books everywhere, stopping at my locker in between every class. But that wasn’t really feasible in college. Walking across campus to class, it was impossible to juggle my books, laptop, cell phone, snacks, Venti Latte and various other staples.

Unable to carry it all – and completely unwilling to pick up another LL Bean monstrsity – I needed something cute and functional.

I searched high and low. The good news is: there are tons of cute bags out there. The bad news is: I bought them all.

5 Hot Bags For College:

1) Kate Spade Belle Meade Cana Tote- Kate Spade will have you actually feeling excited to gather your books and head to class. The Belle Meade Cana Tote is made from tumbled cowhide, which pretty much just sounds awesomely luxurious. Of course, the tote packs a pretty price tag at $425, so you may not be able to afford your books after purchasing it. But hey, you can always throw in a few sheets of loose-leaf paper and borrow a pen from the kid who sits next to you. This tote is worth it.

Read More »