Our favorite part of fall is getting cozy in a warm oversized sweater with leggings and a cute pair of boots. Here are the best big sweaters in stores this season under $150:

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I have officially decided my heaven will be the inside of a JCrew store…. with a scantily clad, Abercrombie model serving me mojitos.

I’ll be surrounded by ruffled necklines, belted cashmere pullovers, and embellished tees. And of course I will be wearing the Glitter Pocket Cardigan….which has been on my mind since I saw it online while I was shopping during class.

This sweater has quickly pushed itself to the top of my wish list, and for good reason. We all love cardigans – what else can be worn with literally everything and instantly pull an outfit together? (You know it’s good when I can throw it over my walk-the-dog-flannel-pants-and-UGGS-combo and not look like a hobo).

But cardigans are pretty much all the same, which knocks the urgency with which we need a new one down a couple notches. That was until JCrew came out with the Glitter Pocket Cardigan. It’s stunningly chic while still being effortlessly casual, which is pretty much perfection for college students with not a lot of time, but a lot of need to look good (dinners, parties, hot men?!). Read More »

Now that I’m back in school and broke thanks to a few trips to the bookstore, saving money is more essential than ever. But so is a brand new fall wardrobe!

Luckily, American Eagle is a great stop for super comfy weekend/gym/off-to-class clothes on the cheap. There are always awesome deals to be had, and here are just a few of my favorite things. Read More »

For a long time, I thought Newport News was a total “mom store” with terribly outdated and, well, momish stuff.  Then, a few months ago  I noticed some of their stuff in mags like Lucky, InStyle and Glamour and realized that they actually had some super cuteness going on.

Since then I’ve bought several items from them and they’re not only stylish and well-made, they’re great for a gal on a budget. Which is me. And you.

I combed the entire website and found so many adorable things, many for under $20, but here are my top 8, MySpace style: Read More »

Last week we talked about revamping the essential cardigan from your closet and updating it.

But as the old saying goes: “make new friends but keep the old.” So while I’m not discouraging you from busting out that cardigan from sophomore year of high school, I’m also not your mom yelling, “You do not need and can NOT afford that new sweater, honey!”

Why? Because sometimes when things are so darn cute the line between want and need becomes very, very blurry. And to me, cute, comfy and – let us not forget – cheap cardigans are wardrobe essentials. Reason enough to make a new friend. Anything that makes me look instantly pulled together while hungover for my 9am lecture is a ‘must have a stockpile of these’  in my book, and cardigans do just that.

Trade out that oversized school mascot or sorority sweatshirt and pair a cami with a cardigan and flats and you can get away with wearing “workout” pants as an outfit. Well, as long as that cardi covers your butt, of course. Even with your hair on top of your head you can walk out the door and know you at least look somewhat decent. (Although, I would try getting rid of last night’s under-eye makeup that is now smudged down your cheek…)

Enter our new fall bestie: the cardigan. Here are a bunch of options for you, my budget shopper proteges: Read More »

While there is nothing better than hanging some brand new clothes into your over-stuffed closet, we’re in a recession– and spending your money on another pair of jeans is just a waste. You’ve got plenty to work with already, and we’re here to show you how to do so in a fun, new and fashionable way.

Last week we showed you how to re-think an oversized sweater and this week I’m going to show you just how perfect a cardigan can be for any girl and any occasion.

Even though the word “cardigan” conjures up images of grandmothers, the 1950s/1960s, librarians, and overly-preppy girls, this piece does not get enough credit for being able to completely change the vibe of your outfit, no matter your sense of style.

Since fall is just around the corner (I know–summer passes by faster every year, an unfortunate truth for my overly-pale skin), the weather will be cooler and the cardigan will be a great staple piece for any occasion. I have compiled six general ways in which you can totally rock that cardigan your mom bought you that has been hanging in the back of your closet so you look stylish and put-together for class, or even for a night out: Read More »

If it’s one thing I love for fall, it’s the boyfriend blazer. (Note: not the boyfriend…cuz I don’t got one.) Sure, cardigans are great, but sometimes you don’t want to look like your MOM. This season’s boyfriend blazer is a great option for those August-October months when it’s chilly out at night, but you don’t want to be schvitzing in a heavier sweater or coat. And with it being such a huge trend, there is NO need to shell out the big bucks for an awesome looking one. I’ve seen them everywhere from Saks to Delia’s and everywhere in between.

The BB (which, should be worn open in most cases) looks effortlessly cool, pulls together almost any outfit, and, might I add, gives a perfect balance to your ‘fit when you’re sporting mini-dresses and skirts. I.E. the BB makes the outfit and – duh – you look sexy and not like a hooch.

There are so many ways to rock this badboy – great for class with a pair of jeans and motorcycle boots, paired with a cute dress, a skirt, boyfriend jeans and heels, shorts and a tucked in tank- the options are endless! I think I might even love the boyfriend blazer more than any boyfriend I’ll ever have.

Here are 3 ways to wear the trend… and to wear the trend for cheap! Read More »

While I’m enjoying summer’s warm weather, there is one thing I’m really excited about for fall: cozy, oversized sweaters. I know, I shouldn’t wish away the summer months, but seeing all those fall clothes out on the racks is getting me super pumped for sipping a hot coffee in my fall wardrobe on the way to class.

Sigh.

Luckily, I don’t have to spend all my money on a new wardrobe to enjoy the latest fall trends; I have a few leftover sweaters from last winter that will work perfectly for this one. Here are a few ideas of how to rock those old looks and turn them into hot, chic new ones. Read More »

This week we take another trip down cheap & trendy lane to Charlotte Russe.  This is a great place to shop if you’re looking for affordable, well, anything. Hot evening looks, basic day looks, super sexy shoes, way cute accessories and everything in between – Ms. Charlotte has it all.  They also recently launched a new line of more upscale/expensive pieces and denim called People’s Liberation that I am totally feelin’. Just not for this, since none of that shiz is under $20.

But this stuff is, meaning you can load up on the goodies and keep that budget in check. It’s a beautiful thing, I tell you. A beautiful thing. Read More »

I’m going to be honest here: the only reason why I’m posting this hyphen-dress is because I desperately want it. Imagine this with some killer black booties. Sigh. So, as the selfish person that I am, I’m exploiting my column to find out what my guys would think if I ever got the guts (or the cash!- we’re talking Alexander Wang, man. He made my future wedding gown Mrs. Obama’s inauguration dress!) to wear something like this outside. Read More »