[This post and contest come hot off the Internet presses from our friends at CollegeFashion!]

When it comes to summer 2011′s trendiest pieces of apparel, we’ve already discussed the many benefits of strappy sandals, denim vests, and maxi-everything. However, every CF girl knows that taking the time to accessorize can completely change the look of any outfit – trendy or not.

Not to be outdone by their clothing counterparts, trends in summer 2011 accessories are many! Whether you’re looking to update your summer wardrobe or just want to find out more about what’s in this season, read on! In this post, we’ll break down the 3 hottest summer 2011 accessories trends.

Sun, sand, swimsuits and Spring Break.

Apart from an icy cocktail and a hot cabana boy, the final touches for your Spring Break packing is an assortment of practical (yet stylish) accessories. The first accessory: the perfect sunhat that is as  fabulous as it is functional. Not only will you look fierce on the beach, but it will also save your scalp and face from too much sun exposure. You’ll also need a great pair of sunglasses to shield you from the sun when you’re laying out… or struggling to stay outside after a late night out. (Sunnies are also great for discrete boy watching. Just sayin’.)

Now is also the time to start scoping out sandals if you need a new pair. Just be smart; Spring Break might not be the time to break in a pair of expensive sandals you love, in the off chance you lose one. Which, as anyone who’s ever been on Spring Break knows, is highly likely. And of course, you need a great beach bag to hold it all (and sunblock, magazines, a bottle of tequila…) that won’t get ruined when someone spills their margarita on it.

What’s that? You need some help picking out the goodies? Well lookie here – I’ve got 15 splendid Spring Break accessories ready and waiting for you. Bon Voyage! Read More »

If I tallied the amount of money I have spent on clothing over my lifetime I think I would vomit. At this point I probably could’ve saved up enough to buy a car and a house. And my life could really benefit from those two things right about now as I walk my way across the stage and straight onto the unemployment line. (Hey, at least I’ll look good doing it, right?)

The fact that I am willing to throw money at cashiers and skip from the store with my bags in hand doesn’t make me out of the ordinary, especially here in New York City. What does make me weird, however, is that the minute I enter a jewelry store I zip up my purse and resort to window-shopping.

I can’t explain it, but when it comes to accessories I have a hard time justifying the purchase. Which is why I recently fell even more in love (if that was even possible) with Forever21 when I ventured on over to accessorize my dress with a car-payment-size price tag that I purchased for graduation.

I saw the Sweet Bouquet Ring waving at me from across the store and when I read the price tag my jaw dropped to the floor. At $3.80 there’s no way I can’t justify its addition to my ensemble. (Mostly because $3.80 was all I had left after nabbing the dress.) The bundle of flowers accented with tiny butterflies, gold leaves and crystals is so adorably endearing it’s painful (except it’s not since it costs less than a latte). Read More »

I have an unhealthy obsession with handbags, but then again who doesn’t? It just seems like no matter how many you have thrown in the closet, an outfit always manages to emerge requiring a clutch or hobo that you don’t own.

That bag for me at the moment is the Deena & Ozzy Canvas Menswear Tote from Urban Outfitters. I’ve already had a couple of warm weather ensembles that felt like they were missing something and the minute I laid eyes on this bag I knew it was just what I needed.

It reincarnates the lazy, romance of summer with its soft canvas material and adorable buckle strap closure. It reminds me of a student traveling abroad in a romantic European country. And I am ready to bring a little European romance into my totally average American life. The mix of details is genius; the classic canvas tote is updated with a rustic flare from the buckled closure and soft leather detailing.

And the bag is so versatile that you can choose to channel certain details to complete an outfit.

Read More »

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

For a quick style update, add a bangle or two. Or three. Or four. These versatile pieces can be stacked, mixed, and worn with anything!

If you’re wearing a solitary bangle, make sure it contrasts somewhat in color and texture to the rest of your outfit. For example, pair a beige wooden bangle with a pink and white floral dress.

If you’re wearing several bangles, make sure they contrast with each other. A set of metallic bangles that come together can look hot, but when trying to create your own mix, avoid picking bracelets that look the same. Mix square shaped with round, wood with metal, neon with black, prints with solids, etc.

Here are 10 bangle bracelets that will brighten your look this summer and add a pop to any outfit: Read More »

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

Even short haired girls know, a summer outdoors is a hair disaster waiting to happen.  Cruising in a convertible. Spending a windswept day at the beach.  Biking with friends. Floating your day away in a pool.  They all sound fantastic right about now, don’t they?  Well your hair doesn’t agree.  Tame those wind ravaged, water logged tresses with these cute, chic and fabulous accessories. Read More »

In my exploits over many summers to the Jersey shore, I have discovered that a day at the beach must not only be viewed as a day of rest, but also as a day of skill and organization in order to be successful.

This is why I have decided to compile a list that will prevent beach goers everywhere from ruining their day in the sun by making the silly mistakes that can often snowball and cause a tripto the shore to be (gasp!) unenjoyable.

1. Check the Weather- This is the single most important move to make when planning a trip to the beach. The weather will make or break your entire experience. No one likes sitting in a bikini on a cold, cloudy beach and why experience this misfortune when Weather.com is just a click away?

2. Look Hot- Remember that a trip to the beach means massive exposure. Remember to shower and shave all the right spots before you go.

There is nothing more horrifying than laying your towel down on the sand and realizing you have a bird’s nest worth of hair protruding from your armpits. (Gross).

Tousle hair with some Garnier Surf Hair texture paste for natural beach hair before you hit the waves. Pick out some cute sandals, throw on some shades and you’re good to go! Read More »

Frosted shell-charm bracelet, J.Crew $115; Maritime charm bracelet, J.Crew $130

What better time than summertime to put a little whimsy in your accessories? The hot item for this summer is definitely going to be the charm bracelet. The amusing jingle, the ability to personalize, and the fact that it looks damn good with a white sundress is going to catapult this piece of jewelry to such great heights — if I may borrow a term from the Postal Service. Haven’t heard that name in a while have you? Read More »