Surprisingly Cute: Walmart [GALLERY]

We all have our go-to stores that we, uh, go to when we need to stock up on some new wardrobe essentials (or when we just have an hour to kill and the mall reaches out and wraps us in its warm embrace). But what about all those other stores? The ones that you walk past on your way to Auntie Anne’s without a second glance? The “mom” stores, the old lady  department stores, the stores that don’t start with “Forever” and end with “21″? Surprise! Many of those stores are filled with major cuteness that you’re missing out on! (Except Chico’s – keep walking, little lady.) We know you’re not one to pass up a cute cami, so we scoured these under-the-radar shops and pulled out all the goodness you never realized existed.

I hate Walmart. Like, really, really hate Walmart. So much so that I’ll drive half an hour out of the way  and drop an extra $20 to avoid stepping foot in a Walmart. I’m opposed to almost everything about America’s not-so-favorite superstores — especially the fact that they stopped handing out those smiley face stickers at the door. But when I’m home with the family during breaks, running errands for my mom typically means I’ll have to make a trip to the big W, as much as I may protest and swear that Target is just SO. MUCH. BETTER.

Here’s the thing, though: on my last trip to Walmart, my 16-year-old sister tagged along, and during my hunt to find bargain paper plates and the latest Nora Roberts paperback for my mom, she dragged me over to the women’s clothing section to see what they had. And what they had was…actually really cute. She and I tried on a few fun tops and dresses, and I ended up walking away with a lacy going-out top that all my friends loved — for only $6.

Now, I won’t call myself a Walmart convert just yet, but I can say that I was pleasantly surprised. And I might head back there next time I’m home to stock up on cute-enough-t0-wear-out-but-cheap-enough-that-I-don’t-care-if-I-spill-pizza-sauce-on-them tops. And rainboots. And sweaters. And…. Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: Norma Kamali Bill Swim Suit

I’m sure swimsuit shopping is the last thing on your mind right now. You usually don’t expect to think about the most horrible time of the year so close to the most wonderful time of the year. Until that last minute vacation invite pops up, and you realize you need to find a suit in the middle of a blizzard. Or you’re so used to floating away to your happy place on the beach that you’d like to make it a reality. Or you were the smartest kid in your graduating class when you decided to attend college in a warm state.

I’ve found the perfect solution, but this week I’m putting the “wish” in Wardrobe Wish List. I’ve fallen in love with a swimsuit that would equate to at least 50 hours of work form your on-campus job (sorry!) at $350.00. Before you start raiding the dorms for bottles to return, let’s gaze longingly at this Norma Kamali masterpiece.

The Bill Swim Suit is the epitome of classy. It’s a little more “vacation-with-your-boyfriend’s-parents” than it is “pool-party-with-the-frat-boys” and you’re getting a lot more fabric here to justify the price. (Look, I’m trying, OK?) The silhouette is so 1920s classic and literally could not be more flattering.

The halter top and sweetheart neckline offer amazing support for the ladies (it’s no fun to be afraid of a nip-slip in front of your bf’s ‘rents) while the bottom of the suit has this forgiving overlay that saves you that bikini-line-cutting-into-your-flesh look. The color is deep, rich and fabulous. Read More »


Candy Dish: Spiderman Just Got a LOT Hotter

Tobey Maguire out, Andrew Garfield oh so in.

Everyone loves “Eclipse.” EVERYONE.

…OK, well, maybe not the critics.

The best accessory since the 2-finger ring?

6 things to consider when shopping for a swimsuit.

Robert Pattinson makes a (strange) request for “Breaking Dawn.”


8 Under $20: Beach Cover-Ups

The beach has been calling my name lately.  Seriously, I think I heard it.  But I’m having a slight issue… all of my beach cover-ups are worn and tired. And one cuts off the circulation to my boobs. Seriously.

Anyways, I use and abuse them because they are my most comfortable items of clothing (breathable, and perfect for a day dedicated to drinking beers and beaching it out), but now they’re way past their prime and I have nothing to wear with my bikinis and high heels. Just kidding. I mean, who wears high heels to the beach?

Since money is tight for us post-grad and for all you full time studentd saving money this summer for booze next year paying those loans, it’s not so easy to find that perfect summer cover-up. But don’t settle for the ol’ wife beater and running shorts combo. We have the eight, easy and cheap solutions for you. So stop worrying about your bank account and start relaxing on the beach. Those loans will still be there come fall, but the perfectly sunny summer days will not: Read More »


The Weekly Ten: Summer, Meh

By now, everyone is looking forward to the summer. Thoughts of a pool, a raft and a cold beer are about the only things getting us through the hell that is finals week. But while I love me some summer sundresses and the prospect of a steamy summer fling, summer isn’t all rainbows and butterflies for me. Yes, this whiny girl with a Jew-fro has a bit of a bone to pick with summer.

Actually, I’ve got ten bones to pick. Not that I really understand what that little phrase means anyway. It’s sorta gross, right? Picking bones? All I can think about is that graveyard the hyenas hung out at in The Lion King.

Anyways, back to the list:

10. It’s really hot
Great for a day at the beach, not great for a day in New York City when you’re running late to your internship and have to stand in a 100 degree subway station (that always smells like pee) with zero breeze and you can feel the sweat start pooling on the back of your neck and between your boobs. By the time you get to work, your armpits are completely soaked through and you have to manually pull your thighs apart as they have molded into one thunder-thigh on the train. Read More »


The Weirdest of the Weird at American Apparel

Everyone’s got a place in their heart and closet for American Apparel. Lord knows about 60% of my tshirt drawer is made up of their deliciously well worn v-necks. And who doesn’t love those amazing dresses that go 12 ways?

But everyone who’s ever been into an American Apparel store has also noticed the total ridiculousness that fills their overstuffed racks. Shiny gold unitards? Really?

On a trip there recently (to pick up some hot pink leggings for a costume party – standard), I found myself WTF-ing from the front of the store to the back. I mean, a lace leotard? Who are they making these things for? Read More »


What He Really Thinks Of… Your “Nylon Tricot Swimsuit”

I like American Apparel for the most part. Although their prices are a little steep for me, the trade offs are comfy basics that don’t fall apart after one wash *coughForever21cough.* You should be warned, though; try navigating their site and you’ll have to push through a bunch of these: Read More »


Budget Stylista: Fourth of July FAB

4th of july fashionThe 4th of July.  An excuse to drink beer, dress up in festive clothes and eat late-night salty munchies… all day. Sounds like a typical college weekend and it is oh-so-welcomed after 2 months of spending our weekend nights at home with our parents playing Scrabble.

But what to wear?

Not only is it day-to-night activities, but you don’t want to pull a George Banks and be a total party pooper (that’s why we invited you!) avoiding the red, white and blue all together, but, then again, you don’t want to be so obviously festive that you look like a walking Old Navy ad (or a pro wrestler). Thank God I’m here!

I can dress you from the beach to the fireworks so all you have to do is show up, grab that Corona and hot dog and enjoy. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Swimwear Orgy

bathing suit intro

Swimsuit shopping has been dreaded by women for a very long time, but it doesn’t have to be.  Sure, seeing all that cellulite harshly highlighted by the flourecent lights of a dressing room is U-G-L-Y, but there are so many cute suits this season that you may not even notice those ripples.

This summer there is no one-size (or style) fits all for bathing suits.  There truly is a bathing suit for everyone regardless of shape, size, style or skin tone.  No longer are you bounded by the basic two options: the one-piece or the bikini.  Stores are carrying the monokini, the bikini, the tankini — and many variations on each of these different basic cuts. With all the options out there, you are sure to find one (or one for everyday!) that fits your budget and looks H-O-T.

Read More »


Candy Dish: Earthquake Hits Alaska

alaskaDon’t worry; all 5 people living there are OK.

The new Alice in Wonderland looks freaky!

There are baby animals that aren’t cute.

The perfect swimsuit fit…for your personality.

Fashion tips from the latest red carpet walks.

Chris Brown gets probation!?