[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!

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).

It’s chunky enough to add toughness to a summer dress, but the pale pinks and creams can also be used to tone down an edgier ensemble with a dash of girly flare.

I am going to let it be the statement accessory with a one shouldered gold-fleck dress, but after I toss that cap into the air I will be wearing it all summer. It will provide a pop of color to a white strapless mini for nights out and work well with an eyelet blazer and dark wash jeans for work. When I find work. Which, I suppose, should be my main focus right now. It’s just so hard to remember that when I’ve got this beauty hanging off my hand….

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.

The faux leather trim would complete a sophisticated student look with a pair of cuffed boyfriend jeans, a tank and some oxfords, using the long strap to wear it as a cross body tote. Remove the straps and you’ve got a chic addition to a floral summer dress and a jean jacket. It would even be adorable as a beach bag, big enough to stuff in a towel and some sun block, and an unexpected touch to a string bikini top and some white linen Capri’s (not to mention how seamlessly it would transition from the sand and sun to cocktails on the boardwalk).

And the designer made sure to appeal to a variety of styles by making it in three very distinct color combinations. I’m loving the ivory as my style is feeling more classic and fresh this summer, but for a more modern look the white canvas and black leather has a chic, retro feel, and the pastel blue canvas is perfect for the girly girls among us looking for something more feminine and flirty.

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:

1. A basic metallic bangle is a wardrobe staple, and this Arden B Twist Bangle ($14) is perfect for glamming up an all-black nighttime outfit or brightly colored dress.

2. A wooden bangle, like this Rachel Leigh Wide Dark Wood Pyramid Bangle ($35 at Chickdowntown.com), is great for mixing with metallics and thinner pieces.

3. This CC Skye Black Woven Leather Crust Button bangle ($96 at Bluefly) will add edge and toughen up an outfit. Pair it with a floral dress or feminine blouse to maximize the effect.

4. A snakeskin bracelet will also bring a tough element to an outfit. This Ted Rossi Large Python Bangle ($118 at Singer22) is hot, but you can pick up faux snakeskin pieces on the cheap at fast fashion stores like H&M and Charlotte Russe as well.

5. The Arden B Rhinestone Studded Bangle ($18) is another option for adding some glam and shine to your look.

6. A few solid, bright bangles are great to have around – you can stack ‘em on to add color to a look without going too crazy. These Betsey Johnson Enamel & Pearl Bangles ($38/each at Nordstrom) are basic with a unique twist.

7. Bright, printed bangles can also make your look pop. These Kate Spade ‘idiom’ Medium Enamel Bangles ($78/each at Nordstrom) are the perfect summer accessories – fun, eyecatching and stylish!

8. Black and white is a no-fail color combo. Pair this Banana Republic Checkered Hinge Bangle ($19.99) with an all-black or all-white ensemble for a retro-cool look.

9. Embellished pieces are hot this year – sandals, t-shirts, belts, etc. Work this trend into your wardrobe with an Erickson Beamon Embellished Bone Bangle ($560 at Net-A-Porter).

10. The whole safari thing is still hot right now as well, so pop on this zebra print Kate Spade House of A Different Color Idiom Bangle ($98) to give your look a wild touch.

[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.

Cute Clips:

Throwing your locks into a simple half updo, is a classic, chic solution for limp strands that hang by your face.  Secure with a statement clip to add character and charm.

This Miniature Bug Hairclip is adorable for summer yet its gold and rhinestone detail make it dressy enough for evening. $16, bananarepublic.com

So you can’t go to Hawaii for vacay?  Well bring the island home with this set of Blue Leopard Hibiscus Flower Hair Clips.  The tropical touch is perfect for any beach party. $8, torrid.com.

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!

3. Bring Toys - Swimming and sunning can only keep you occupied for so long. If you want to go all the way with your beach excursion, you at least need to bring a bucket and a shovel. Get a giant sand castle going. Dig a hole to China. If you’re part of a large group, grab a volleyball or a football to get a beach side game going. If related to someone who likes treasure hunting at the beach, nerd out and borrow their metal detector.

4. Don’t Forget the Warm Clothes - No one thinks of sweatshirts when they think of the beach, but when you emerge from the icy ocean and the wind starts to blow, there is nothing in the world you’d trade at that moment to warm up. If you don’t go swimming, you’ll be covered when the sun goes down and your bikini just isn’t enough coverage.

5. Bring Coins and Elect a Qualified Driver - There may be tolls, parking meters, or extreme cravings for cheap snacks on your journey to the beach. Coins always come in handy. As for your elected driver, this individual must be skilled in their sense of direction and have the ability to know when is the right time to make pit stops along the way. Taking on the role of driver requires skill and dedication. Be wise when making your choice.

6. Leave Early- Pull your friends out of bed and drag them to the car if you need to. If you start your day early, you can beat traffic and take advantage of all of the prime time hours of sun.

7. Locate the Bathrooms - Immediately upon arrival. I’m not kidding with this one. Don’t wait until your stranded on a remote section of the beach with your bladder about to explode. Sidenote: Contrary to popular belief, the ocean is not a gigantic toilet. This whole phenomenon weirds me out, big time. Who wants to go swimming in the same place they go to the bathroom?

8. Pick the Perfect Spot - You don’t want to be squinting to see your friends from the sand dunes a mile away from the shore. You also don’t want to be sitting in the line of fire of the waves. Last week I witnessed a man’s iPod and PDA simultaneously wash out to sea before he had a chance to retrieve them. Ouch.

9. Wear Sun Tan Lotion - Yeah yeah, lather on the sunblock. That weird guy

Baz Luhrmann even wrote a song centered on the concept. We’ve all heard it a thousand times, but it needs to be said. Many girls still hit the beach completely unprotected, exposing their hair, skin, and eyes to the powerful rays of the sun for hours on end. Just look for those sixty year old ladies with leathery skin on the beach. They’re probably forty. You may be bronze now, but snake skin (and skin cancer!) could belong to you sooner than you may think.

10. Bust Out the Camera - Who doesn’t love dreaming of summer instead of finishing their ten page paper for Media and Law? Capture some memories and remind yourself not to despair during the cold months. Those pictures of you and your friends frolicking on the shoreline will help you remember that summer will be back in no time.

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?

Just a little hint, go gold instead of silver. It’s a little warmer and inherently more suited to steamy weather than cool silver. Bonus style points if you go for a sea themed bracelet which will look amazing with all the nautical clothing — also so hot right now. With all that in mind, jingle jangle away.

Ocean Charm Bracelet, Mary Tuttle $40

Green Vintage Charm Bracelet, Ivy Maddix $175

Cove bauble bracelet, Anthropologie $158