[The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. They're like college Rachel Zoe (with a little extra meat on their bones). Have you checked them out yet?!]

Stripes can be intimidating. They’re bold, they’re brazen and they can be a little difficult to wear. Some people fear that horizontal stripes make you look wider (totally not true!!) and they can be a little too bold for the wallflowers among us. So it’s understandable that some would be hesitant about them.

But stripes can also be fun and exciting, injecting a little bit of punk rock into an everyday outfit. Stripes were a big trend on the Spring/Summer 2011 catwalks, and they’re an easy way to get a next season feel right now. 

6 Tips and Tricks for Wearing Stripes:

1. Ignore the myth that horizontal stripes make you look wider.
Recent studies have proved this to be false, so if this is the only thing making you put down that breton-striped top, your fears are unfounded!

2. The wider the stripe, the bolder the statement.
If you’re nervous about stripes, try pinstripes at first and then work your way up to wider stripes. Pinstripes are especially cute for business-casual wear and on shorts and trousers. They add a bit of flare to an otherwise-plain piece.

3. Pair stripes with a neutral if you want to play it safe.
If you’re a beginner with stripes, wear them with a block of color on your other half. A striped skirt with a plain top can look fab, as can a striped top with a plain skirt or jeans.

4. Black and white is classic, but don’t be afraid of other combinations.
Of course, you can go as bright or clashing as you like if you’re daring, but one brightly colored stripe next to a neutral stripe can look fantastic. I love camel with reds and blues, or grays and creams with reds or pinks.

5. To add fun to an otherwise-plain outfit, swap a block-color top for stripes.
This is the easiest way to add stripes to your wardrobe. Swap a plain tank for a striped one; also, a striped sweater or cardigan can add an interesting touch to a simple dress.

6. Stripes are a great base for experimenting with mixed prints.
I love to wear black and white stripes with florals or plaid. The stripes act like a neutral (in the same way that leopard print does) so they can go with anything in your closet.

Whew! Now that we’ve got all that out of they way, the stylists over at CollegeFashion have created four very different and very adorable looks to inspire us all.

Get your stripey on right here.

This post is courtesy of our fashionable friends at CollegeFashion.net. Have you checked them out yet?

Have you ever seen a girl in a really cute outfit and thought she looked great, but that something was missing? Maybe you’ve stood in front of the mirror in your dorm or apartment in a great dress and a pair of boots and still felt blah? We’ve all been there–the basics of an outfit look totally stylish, but there’s a certain something that’s off.

In cases like these, there’s an often-overlooked wardrobe essential that can make all the difference: accessories! We’re talking shoes, bags, and jewelry, all of the key players! And the best part? These additions are super easy to grab or put on and still make a huge impact on your style.

Below, I’ve listed the 5 types of accessories that every girl should own, plus tips on how to use them to make any outfit runway-worthy! Interested? Read on.

Belts:

A few great, well-fitting belts in varying widths are definite wardrobe staples. Here are three different styles you might want to consider, plus tips on how to wear them:

* Skinny belts in bright colors or shimmery metallics look super cute over a romper or fitted dress.
* Medium-width belts that feature interesting details like braiding or a fun buckle are perfect with jeans and a tucked-in shirt, to create a tailored, more formal look.
* Large, wide belts are ideal for cinching and defining your waist and look lovely over anything voluminous or oversized.

Belts – Hot Picks:

Product Information: Skinny Contrast Studded Belt, Gap. Leopard Skinny Belt, Ann Taylor. Military Braid Waist Belt, Monsoon Accessorize. Gold Leaf Belt, Mod Cloth. Hook Punch Out Belt, House of Fraser.

Shoes:

For those of you who are shoe-obsessed, this staple probably seems painfully obvious! If you’re not a shoe lover, however, making an investment in a fun pair of flats, classic heels, sexy sandals, and/or chic boots will really update (and finish off!) your look.

Wearing cute shoes instead of ugly-but-functional ones is much like wearing jeans instead of sweatpants: minimal effort, big style payoff! Just think of how much more fashionable an outfit would look with leather riding boots instead of Uggs!

Shoes – Hot Picks:

Product Information: Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals, Lori’s Shoes. Trouser Oxfords, Steve Madden. Let’s Take A Ride Knee High Boots, Ruche. Steve Madden Midnight Blue Pumps, Amazon. Gabriella Rocha Neve Ankle Strap Ballet Flats, Amazon.

Read the rest and see some simple and chic outfit transformations right here.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/09/11/from-collegefashion-using-accessories-to-turn-an-outfit-into-a-look/feed/ 7 ccandystaff accessories belts CF shoes http://collegecandy.com/2010/05/20/campus-couture-laura-saint-thomas/ http://collegecandy.com/2010/05/20/campus-couture-laura-saint-thomas/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 15:00:44 +0000 Brittany - University of Saint Thomas http://collegecandy.com/?p=61560 ]]> [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.

Name: Laura Farbo
Year: Senior
Program: Marketing/Spanish Minor

1. Describe your personal style
Eclectic? I don’t leave the house without something black and I love gold accessories. I bring an edgy vibe to a casual outfit. One second I’ll be wearing black pumps and the next I’ll be wearing my Chuck Taylors. However, you will not see me wearing pink. I’ll wear any other color, even salmon.

2. I can’t leave my house without:
My Coach satchel and a spritz of Dior.

3. What is your favorite store to shop at?
Urban Outfitters, hands down. And Len Druskin. Two top favorites of all time.

4. What/who is the biggest influence on your style?
I almost said my Mom. Um. Myself? I don’t really follow trends, I wear what is comfortable to me, my body and my personality.

5. What’s your favorite trend, past or present?
I really love skinny jeans. They’re comfortable. I used to wear bell bottoms until the 12th grade. Skinny jeans just make me feel skinnier and you don’t have all that extra baggage on the bottom, you know what I mean? They’re versatile and they go from day to night in just a change of a shoe!

On Laura:

Top: Martin & Osa
Jacket: Urban Outfitters
Pants: Len Druskin Outlet
Shoes: Saks 5th Avenue
Purse: Coach
Sunglasses: TJ Maxx
Necklace/Bracelet: Forever Love 21

Windows are up, shades are on, legs are tanned (hopefully) and it’s time to whip out the shorts for the summer.  But don’t worry, just because your sweats are going in storage doesn’t mean you have to spend your life savings on shorts to beat the heat.  Buy one pair of tailored, cuffed, lightweight dark denim shorts, and you can dress them up, down and all around.  Take these adorable pair from Forever 21, for example, and check out a few ways to style them:

Number 1:  Rocker Chic.

Product info: Shorts, Forever 21, $17.80; T-shirt, Urban Outfitters, $24.00; Handbag, Lulus.com, $48.00; Cardigan, Urban Outfitters, $38.00; Bracelet, Lulus.com, $10.00; Shoes, Bakers, $49.95

If you’re feeling like a rock star and want to go casual glam, here’s how.  Pair these shorts with a graphic tee with an edgy print.  In case of blasting air conditioning, throw on a lightweight cardigan over top.  To complete any rock star outfit, splashes of leather and metallics are a must.  The leather bow cuff pictured is the perfect compliment to a chunky gold necklace.  Of course, a studded hobo ties the look together.  You can either pair it with a matching metallic gladiator or a trendy fabric sandal.

Number 2: Flirty fabulous.

Product Info: Shorts, Forever 21, $17.80; Blouse, Urban Outfitters, $19.99; Belt, Macy’s, $19.98; Shoes, Aldo, $60; Clutch, Lulus.com, $48.00; Sunglasses, 80spurple.com, $10; Hair accessory, Forever 21, $3.80; Ring, Lulus.com, $9.00

Same shorts, different vibe.  Get this girly girl look by pairing your shorts with a lace top; exaggerated sleeves like these always give extra feminine flair.  To show off your womanly curves, tuck in your blouse and finish the look with a wide belt.  On a sunny day, oversized sunglasses in an unexpected shape add fun to any outfit.  As they will be the focal point of your accessories, you only need minimal jewelry to look put together without going overboard.  A unique rhinestone ring is perfect to do so.  A ballet flat (especially with ruffles) gives off a sweet vibe.  Add a splash of color with this lime green clutch (don’t forget your pink lipstick inside).  You can also pin back one side of your hair with a pearl-based clip to give you the ultimate classy look.

Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use movie characters (like Margot Tenenbaum) or celebrities (like Courtney Love) 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!

Being an Italian-American myself, I’ve always been drawn to things that rep’ my ethnicity, whether it’s contributions like calzones, or “contributions” like The Jersey Shore.  But if there’s one thing Italiano that I could never take my eyes off of, it was a little show called The Sopranos.

Unlike most people, however, I wasn’t obsessed with the drama, the people getting whacked; it was the style that kept me coming back week after week. (OK, and that other stuff, but Adriana La Cerva, too!)

Adriana La Cerva is the fiancée of Christopher Moltisanti, the nephew and protégé of the boss himself, Tony Soprano.  Long story short, after getting caught up with the Feds and having no choice but to rat out her family-to-be, she ends up getting whacked.  And somehow she still looks bad-ass during the process.

What I love about Adriana’s style is that it’s too-short, too-tight and too-much-animal-print, but still maintains some type of ethnic family values. You know exactly who she is when you look at her and, quite frankly, you know she’s hot. I love her look because it doesn’t encompass a certain era, but a certain heritage, pairing her too-short, too-tight leather dress with her gold cross.  Her look says, “I’ll work at a strip club, but I still eat pasta with my family on Sunday, too.”  She’s the kind of girl who will wear short-shorts and midriff-top instead of a skirt and polo to the play tennis, because the over-the-top Mafiosa look somehow totally works.

That’s just how things got done around there and you didn’t mess with that, capish?

Outfit Details: Tank – Target, $9.00; Skirt – Forever 21, $22.80; Shoes – Asos, $68.38; Necklace – Guess, $28.00; Jacket – Forever 21, $24.80

Just like most style inspirations, taking signature aspects Adriana’s style and pairing them with modern pieces is the safest way to be inspired by her look without looking like you’re coming from a Jersey Shore theme party. So instead of going all out with a stripper-meets-Guidette leather mini dress, I opted for a leather mini-skirt and dressed it down with a simple ribbed tank up top. It still gives off a harder, fiercer, edgier look, but doesn’t make people wonder what you’re charging for the night….

Animal print is pretty big right now (which is great news for anyone who wants to look like Adriana, as she had quite a love affair with the stuff), so if you’re feeling really bold, throw this fun leopard mini trench on top. And, of course, nothing complements a leather skirt quite like a pair of sexy, sky-high red heels (that also happen to be a way safer alternative to cement-shoes, if you catch my drift.) Oh, and if you wanna show the world your heritage, I’m loving this long, multi-strand cross. It’s modern and classic all at the same time and tops of this look perfectly.

Edie Sedgwick, best known for being one of Andy Warhol’s muses, is my muse for this week. In addition to being a quadruple threat (actress, model, heiress and socialite), she was also known to be a major style icon.  Although she is no longer with us today, her style still continues to appear as fashion inspiration from runways to sidewalks.

We are all shaped and fashioned by what we love to do and Edie exhibited that in her style.  Many hours of her day would be spent practicing ballet and other types of dance, which would require tights and a leotard.  Instead of changing after dance into a more typical outfit her time, Edie was known (and infamous) for throwing on a large (most likely fur) coat and going about her business. And thus it became her signature style.

Besides her very mod-styled outfits, she was also one of the first to spark the pixie hairstyle trend and was a pro at “cutting the crease” with her eye-makeup and seriously intense eyebrows. Now, it would be pretty difficult in today’s day-and-age to walk out of your dorm/apartment with black lines across your eyelids, over-drawn eyebrows and a leotard without getting some gnarly looks, but if you go for a more subtle version of Edie’s signature look, it can be achieved. And tres cute.

I like this outfit because it’s a very modern and inexpensive version of Edie’s legendary style.  The fitted striped dress with the tights and the “shoulder-dusters” (or dangly earrings) are so typically Edie, yet can totally work on you. The Andy Warhol bag is thrown in for some novelty, and if you’re bold enough to fill in your eyebrows like Edie, then Amen sister.

Earrings – Forever 21, $5.80; Black tights – American Apparel, $15.00; Striped dress -Forever 21, $12.80; Mary-Jane pumps -Wet Seal, $15.00;  Milani eyebrow kit-Walgreens, $5.99; Andy Warhol bag- Beograund, $27.99

[There are over 100 million sites on the Internet. 100 million! You might think you know about all the important ones (CollegeCandy, Gmail, Google, Zappos, WhenIHadBraces…), but there are thousands of other sweet sites out there. And more showing up every day! We get it – it’s not easy or fun sifting through the crap and porn to find those gems, so we’re gonna bring the gems to you. Just sit back, kick up those feet and allow us to introduce you to the diamonds in the internet rough.]

Getting dressed in the morning is always such a hassle: finding an outfit among the array of shirts, pants, skirts, sweaters, shoes, and belts in your closet that’s both stylish and weather-appropriate is both stressful and time-consuming.  Usually, I spend about 10 minutes watching the weather channel with my closet doors open, hoping for inspiration, only to just throw on another tee-cardigan-jeans combination. Which is often not appropriate for the weather.

I’ve always complained that knowing what temperature it is outside doesn’t really help me. “But what does 60 with a 20% chance of showers mean? What should I wear for that???”

Well, someone finally heard my bitching prayers.

The Weather Stylist.

All you do is type in your zip code and The Weather Stylist gives you an outfit suggestion based on the weather forecast for that day (including accessories!).  For example, if it’s raining one day, The Weather Stylist might suggest a hooded cardigan or coat with a tunic, leggings, knee-high boots, and an umbrella.  If you don’t like the outfit it suggests, you can refresh the page to see another option.  Also, if you really love a particular clothing item that the site suggests, they’ve included links to where you can buy the items online.

Genius.

And like tons of other great sites out there, The Weather Stylist has a mobile site and an iPhone App so you can plan your outfits on the go (no more trying to figure out if it’s too cold for you to wear that new mini-dress tonight).

Another great feature of the site is that you have the option of looking up future weather forecasts, which makes planning outfits for a trip a whole lot easier.  Just type in the dates of your trip and the zip code of where you’re traveling, and you’ll know just what to pack. And that means less space wasted on the multiple types of shirts, sweaters, and pants “in case it’s cold,” and more space for extra shoes.

This site is seriously life-changing!

I’m just going to start this off by saying I would have absolutely no qualms switching lives with Leigh Lezark for a day, or a month, or longer.

I don’t remember how or when I first heard her name, but I immediately wished my name was an alliteration that easily rolled off the tongue like hers. Too bad we can’t always get what we want (thanks, parents!). On the bright side, something we can achieve is her effortlessly bad-ass sense of style.

For those of you still wondering, Leigh Lezark is a DJ in the trio Misshapes in New York City.  Oh yeah, and she’s a model.  Yes, a DJ and a model.  Très, très jaloux (which is French for, I’m mad envious).

DJ Leigh and her Misshapes posse like to bump electronica and indie rock.  They are also known to attract the Hispter crowd, but I try to stay open-minded to the boundary-pushing that she, and her party-mates, tend to inspire people with. I just love their sound. I also find Leigh Lezark incredibly chic, cool and mysterious with her all-black ensembles, signature jet-black bob and aversion to ever smiling in a photograph. And while The Misshapes tend to dress in some brands that are a bit out of my league (Alexandre Herchcovitch, House of Holland, Imitation of Christ, Jeremy Scott, Obesity and Speed, Pleasure Principle, to name a few), I’m going to toss some more affordable options in your general direction.

Because you don’t have to spend like a DJ/model to dress like one.

Product Info: Shiny tank body-suit -American Apparel, $34.00; High-waist jeans -Urban Outfitters, $64.00; Draped cardigan -Wet Seal, $14.99; Studded booties -Forever 21, $36.40; Sunglasses -Bleudame.com, $5.00; Studded handbag – Aldo $24.49

I like this outfit because while it still exemplifies Leigh’s personal style, anyone can make it their own for class, a party, or even a not-so-strict-uniformed job. You can really turn the rocker edginess up or down depending on what you’re going for. Plus, most of us already own all the separate components that make up the basic structure of this look; just grab shoes, a bag, or even a stack of bangles with some studs and you’ve got the Leigh Lezark edge. Now work on that pose and pout and you’re good to go.

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.]

Ashley lives in the room next door to mine so I see her a lot. Yet somehow, every time I spot her in the hall (or lounging on her bed) she’s wearing something different that looks amazing on her. Ashley’s got serious style. She not only knows what looks good, but she knows how to put things together that other people wouldn’t think of. And it always works.

The thing I probably love most about her fashion sense is that she always looks unique. She takes trendy pieces and makes them all her own, something I think we all wish we knew how to do. Plus, she’s not afraid to mix colors, patterns or styles and she always makes it look so right. If you see her around campus and you’re a fashionista, take notice; you’ll probably get some awesome ideas for how to spice up your wardrobe.

Name: Ashley Gates
Year: Sophomore
Major: Journalism

1) Describe your personal style:
I would say I really enjoy mixing and matching. Things don’t have to match, they have to go. I’d call myself Urban boho chic.

2) You can’t leave your house without your…
Boots or a necklace.

3) What is your favorite store to shop at?
It changes frequently. Right now I’d say Arden B or H&M.

4) What/who is the biggest influence on your style?
Kim Kardashian or a toned down Rihanna.

5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?
I love fringey boots from last year. Right now I love over-the-knee boots with studs.

On Ashley:
Jacket: Delia’s
Dress: Armani Exchange
Tights: Urban Outfitters
Boots: Zara
Necklace- Forever 21
Belt: Thrifted

Who inspires your style? Or better question, WHAT inspires your style? Many of us use celebrities (like Khloe Kardashian) 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, well, you!

I’ve seen a lot of movies in my 19 and a half years on this Earth, and no character has ever inspired me like Kate Hudson’s in Almost Famous.  (If you haven’t seen it, you must. Right now!) This movie is based off of the rock and roll music scene of the early 1970s and Penny Lane, the leading lady/groupie, represents this era with her free-spirited, eclectic-yet-chic bohemian wardrobe.

We’ve come a long way since Penny Lane’s time, but the bohemian look has stuck around, cycling in and out of fashion every year. And I can’t help but love it.

No matter the decade, this style is very wearable, whether to a theme party or to a long day of classes. The key to not looking too costume-y is taking some of the quintessential 70s items and mixing them with a few modern pieces. It’s easy to incorporate the elements of the early 70s rock era to your look with vintage flowers, classic flared jeans, sunglasses (Aviator or Elton John-style,) a furry jacket, and many different styles of boots. All of which are seen everywhere right now. Corduroy, velvet, and suede were also very popular back in Penny Lane’s days (or when our parents were our age, drinking Coors and listening to some Led Zeppelin) and can easily be picked up and incorporated into your own Boho-chic look as well.

If, like me, you’ve got a love for 70s style and want to work it in 2010, here is a more modern version of Penny Lane’s iconic look:

Product Info- Floral top- Forever 21, $17.80, Skinny Jeans- DeLiA*s, $49.50, Vintage 70s jacket- Etsy, $60.00, Round polarized sunglasses- Bleudame.com, $3.50, Freewayy boots-Steve Madden, $124.98

The sunglasses, shirt and jacket are quite obviously very 70s, but the jeans and boots modernize the whole look, giving you the bohemian vibe you want with a much more modern twist. You could also switch the jeans out for something with a flare and go with a more basic shirt. The point is to mix things up so you look more modern-boho and less I-got-stoned-when-I-woke-up-this-morning.