It seems like ever since J. Biebs turned 18, he’s been trying to make himself seem a bit more edgy. Case in point: he was recently spotted wearing a t-shirt that said “never sleep, always party.” Hmm. I never got the impression that Biebs was a big partier. I always thought he was more of a mama’s boy. But maybe now that he’s a legal adult, he’s going to start pushing the envelope a bit more.

Bonus points: the t-shirt came from a clothing company started by CC Editor-in-Chief Jenny’s roommate! So we support Bieber’s choice. Check the t-shirts out here.

[There are over 100 million sites on the Internet. 100 million! You might think you know about all the important ones (CollegeCandy, Gmail, Google, Facebook…), but there are thousands of other sweet sites out there (like Cramster, DropBox and Mint) 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.]

As hipsters everywhere already know, thrift stores are great places to score awesome vintage t-shirts — but did you know only about 5% of the t-shirts donated to stores like the Salvation Army and Goodwill actually get sold in the U.S.? The majority of clothes donated are purchased at ridiculously low prices and shipped off to developing countries around the world, where they are then sold by local businesses.

And that’s where Project Repat steps in. Volunteers for Project Repat scour shops in these developing countries, like Tanzania, to find the best shirts and bring them back to the United States. Project Repat then washes the shirts twice, stamps them with their logo, and sells them on their website.

For $25, you can get one of Project Repat‘s shirts for yourself. Right now, the selection isn’t huge, but new shirts are set to arrive at the end of the month. The best part of Project Repat, however, is that 100% of the profits are donated to nonprofit organizations that help improve the lives of people in developing countries.

And if the thought of all that shipping t-shirts back and forth across the world makes you wonder about Project Repat‘s carbon footprint, you don’t have to worry about that, either. The volunteers that shop for t-shirts in Africa bring them back with them when they’re already headed home for other reasons.

So with Project Repat, you don’t only score an awesome new (well, new to you, anyway) t-shirt, but you can also feel good about the fact that you’re helping out others in need.

Want to see what else the Interwebs have to offer? Check out the other sites that are on Laura’s web radar!

[Disclaimer: This product was provided by FRSH UNCL. All our opinions are our own... and blatantly honest.]

I am not a leisure-wear person. I only wear hoodies out in public when running errands or when I’m at the curling rink. (Yes, I go to the curling rink. Let’s get over it.) I do dress for comfort when I’m at home, but people rarely see me like this. Want proof? A couple of weeks ago a friend came to my building to grab something and her boyfriend told me he had never seen me dressed casually before (I was wearing a hoodie and jeans).

After receiving my UNCL hoodie, though, this might change.

I am in love with this sweatshirt. Like, I-wanna-find-a-reason-to-wear-it-every-day kind of love. It’s a good fit, not too baggy and not too big, but long enough that it covers my bum (meaning I can get away with wearing leggings underneath it!). And it’s soft. So soft. But it’s also super cute. Unlike most dormwear that has massive school logos all over the front (what do you think I am, a walking billboard?!), the small U embroidered on the left side makes this hoodie totally inoffensive. It is the perfect balance of cute and casual and that’s the kind of lounge-wear I can support….and buy 12 of. Just be aware: the hoodie runs slightly small, so if I’ve sold you on it, I’d go a size up (I’m usually a small, but the medium fits perfectly).

Honestly, everyone should own one of these hoodies. And I’m not just saying that cuz I got mine for free. In fact, I want to buy another one so I don’t have to throw this one in the wash every 3 days.If there’s anything I hate more sloppy dormwear, it’s doing laundry.

Boyfriend blazers have been around for several seasons, meaning you probably have one in your closet by now. Like another wardrobe staple, the white oxford shirt, a boyfriend blazer can be worn with anything for any occasion – they can even be worn together! When the temperature starts dropping and you start bracing yourself for a season of thick sweaters and thicker sweatpants, the boyfriend blazer will be your new BFF, allowing you to wear all your favorite things in new and warmer ways.

Learning how to layer under your boyfriend blazer is an important skill for the winter but one that will pay off until the snow starts to thaw in May. I’ve got three fabulous options that require nothing more than some creativity and all the clothes you’ve already got in your closet. With this, there’s no excuse for that shapeless winter wear, ladies!

(Note: Almost any style of blazer will substitute in for these outfits- I just happen to be a huge fan of the boyfriend style as it has a looser fit.)

Outfit 1:

The DL: Blazer, Shirt, Skirt, Tights, Flats.

One of the best things about a blazer is that it can easily make just about anything look more polished. For a versatile look that works day or night, weekday or weekend, fall or winter (or spring and summer if you take out the tights!), take a pretty mini-skirt and a long sleeve button up top (patterned or solid will work). Cute on its own? You betcha, but even cuter when you put the blazer on top and layer on some opaque tights for extra warmth. A pair of flats or boots are the last piece for this simple look that you’ve built out of items you’ve already paid for. Boom.

Outfit 2:

The DL: Blazer, Tee, Long Sleeve, Jeans, Boots, Hat.

Want to wear your favorite graphic tee but don’t want to get all sloppy with that generic tee/hoodie combo? Enter: the blazer. Making that simple swap takes your layered look from “meh” to “magnefique” in two seconds flat. If you need even more toastiness, put a long sleeve shirt underneath your graphic tee and add a cute hat over top. If hats aren’t your thing, a scarf is another cold weather accessory that will do double duty keeping you warm and looking cute.

Outfit 3:

The DL: Blazer, Dress, Tights, Pumps, Ring.

Short party dress + tights + blazer = win. You’ll look hot and get to wear all your favorite sexy dresses without freezing your buns off. Just throw on your favorite black pumps and accessories (I went for a statement ring, but a stack of sparkly bangles with the sleeves on your blazer rolled up will also look HOT) and hit the town in high style.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got stuffed in that closet of yours.

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

One thing I’m sure you everyone owns is a black cardigan. It’s definitely an essential item for the college girl – it goes with anything, is easy to wear, is perfect for layering when going from a cold classroom to a steamy library, and doesn’t show the dirt that’s accumulated since your last laundry day….3 weeks ago.

As it gets closer to Thanksgiving you might be putting off laundry, in hopes that your parents will help you with the garbage bag full of dirty clothes you bring home. The longer you put off that trip to the laundry room, though, the harder it is to get dressed. Luckily, your black cardigan will help fill in the gaps between now and hooray-mom’s-doing-my-laundry day (or even now and next spring!), and I’ve got three outfits to help you get up, get dressed and get out of your room in style.

Thank you, god of black cardigans!

Outfit 1: With Basics

Cardigan, Tee, Jeans, Boots, Scarf

No matter how high the laundry pile gets, you can probably find at least one t-shirt that is clean (enter: smell test). Toss on a t-shirt, a pair of jeans and your everyday boots with your cardigan and you’re all ready to head out. Add personality to this casual look by adding a scarf or statement necklace into the mix.

Outfit 2: Belted With a Dress

Cardigan, Dress, Belt, Flats, Socks

Dig back in your closet and unearth your favorite floral, summer dress. Belt your cardigan over top to transition your dress to fall, and add a pair of over-the-knee socks or tights to keep your legs warm. A pair of flats with the socks, or boots with your tights, are the final touch to this outfit.

Outfit 3: Over Your Summer Staples

Cardigan, Shorts, Tights, Sneakers, Leafy Tank, Charcoal Tank

Another item that’s probably still clean? Your denim shorts. Add tights underneath for warmth, and your favorite sneakers or flats. Lastly, layer tanks for visual interest under your cardigan. Summer pieces layered with tights and a cardigan over top are a perfect way to use everything in your wardrobe before you finally cave in and do laundry.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got stuffed in that closet of yours.

So why not use them for something cute? We’ve already showed you how to make a t-shirt pillow, a t-shirt bag and a fabulous t-shirt scarf, and we’ve got one more trick up our sleeve (pun totes intended): the t-shirt bracelet.

Everyone knows that accessories really make the outfit, and this homemade accessory is no exception. With two very cute varieties, the t-shirt bracelet is free, super easy to make, and even easier to customize. Plus, with the 1,000 shirts you’ve got lying around, you can make a bunch of these to mix and match and add some serious pizazz to an everyday outfit.

Choose your favorite design, and use your favorite colored soft cotton tees to make these comfy bracelets that are perfect for summer.

Materials:
1 sleeve of a cotton t-shirt.
1 pair of scissors.

Steps for loop bracelet:
Grab a bright t-shirt, add some beads and you’ve got the summer bracelet.

1. Lay the shirt out on a flat surface and cut the sleeve hem off.
2. Cut the rest of the sleeve into horizontal strips, each about an inch wide.
3. The strips will have now become loops. Leave one loop out to tie the rest at the end.
4. Take each loop and stretch it out into a ring. The loops will start to curl on their own.
5. Place all the loops together, and use the single loop left over to tie the rest together into one big bracelet.
6. Tuck the end into the wrapped loop.
7. Add beads to fancy it up a bit, or use different colored t-shirts to make a multi-colored bracelet!

Steps for braided bracelet:
Use blue, yellow and white tees for the perfect nautical accessory!

1. Lay the shirt out on a flat surface and cut the hem off horizontally across the bottom of the sleeve.
2. Cut the rest of the sleeve into thirteen horizontal strips, each about an inch wide. (Though I totally recommend using a few different shirts in different colors for a multi-colored cuff.)
3. The strips will have now become loops. Cut one end of the loop so they become really long strips.
4. Leave one strip out, but separate the rest into four groups of three.
5. Tie each group of three strips together and braid each one, leaving the end untied.
6.  For each braid, untie the previously tied knot at the top and tie the two ends together, forming a braided loop.
7. Using the leftover strip, loop all four braided loops together and wrap the strip around, then tuck the end in.
8. Braided bracelet, done!

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/05/18/do-it-yourself-tuesdays-t-shirt-bracelet/feed/ 2 Brithny - Duke University tshirt bracelet 2 3 http://collegecandy.com/2010/04/20/do-it-yourself-tuesdays-the-t-shirt-scarf/ http://collegecandy.com/2010/04/20/do-it-yourself-tuesdays-the-t-shirt-scarf/#comments Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:30:29 +0000 Brithny - Duke University http://collegecandy.com/?p=59158 ]]> It doesn’t matter if you go to an Ivy League school or a community college, there’s one thing that all colleges have in common and that’s FREE STUFF. Namely, free t-shirts. My dresser is currently overflowing with them (of varying sizes) and there’s no need for all of that cotton getting in the way of the cashmere and the silk.

But I don’t want to throw them away! That’s wasteful and with Earth Day coming up, I don’t think I could do it. So I’ve started looking for fun ways to reuse my t-shirts. There’s the obvious pillows, bags and blankets, but now I’ve discovered a super chic new project: t-shirt scarves! Scarves are the easiest way to add some oomph to an outfit, and now you can do so for free.

Below are two different types of t-shirt scarves – pick the one you like best, or make ‘em both. Lord knows you’ve got plenty of material to work with.

Materials:
1) A cotton t-shirt, any size any color
2) Scissors

Fringe Scarf:
As seen above.

1)    Cut the t-shirt horizontally just below the sleeves so you’re left with the square-looking bottom half.
2)    Cut one of the sides so the shirt becomes a long rectangular piece of fabric.
3)    Lay the shirt upside down so the seamed bottom portion of the shirt is on top. (This will allow you to have a strong edge to keep the scarf intact.) If there is a design on the shirt that you want to see, keep it facing up.
4)    Make small vertical incisions about 1 inch apart, depending on how wide you want each strand.
5)    Once you’ve made all your cuts, pull each strands up so it tears further up the fabric and gives the fringe a more “curled” look.
6)    Add any adornments (pins, buttons, etc.) you choose to your fabulous, totally green, totally unique new scarf!

Ring Scarf:
For this scarf, you may want to grab a couple of shirts in different colors to make a fun combo piece. Also, the larger the shirt the bigger the loops, which means a longer scarf.

1. Just as before, cut the t-shirt horizontally just below the sleeves so you’re left with the square-looking bottom half.
2. Keep cutting the bottom half of the shirt horizontally so you end up with loops. Usually an inch per loop is wide enough, but the measurements don’t have to be perfect!
3. Take each loop and stretch it so the sides curl up a little. It should be almost double in length now, more than enough for you to wrap.
4. Hold all your loops together and take one hem piece (you can cut off part of a sleeve for this) and wrap it around all the loops and tie a knot so they’re bundled together.
5. Throw it on over a white t-shirt and jeans and work it, girl.

But I also have those weekends when I am so burnt out, running from class to work to the gym, that I rather curl up in my pajamas and hide under the covers all weekend then spend an hour putting together an outfit.

That’s why I couldn’t be more ecstatic that t-shirts are formal this fall. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius and my new favorite person. There are so many options (these tees are literally everywhere, which means you can find them in any price range), but my favorite is the Slub Cotton Crystal Necklace Tee from J Crew. It’s is ultra classy and chic, while still being unbelievably comfortable and wearable at the same time.

Sure, the price tag is a little steep ($49.50 to be exact), but considering the amount of times I’m going to wear this thing (when I finally get my paws on it), it will be totally worth it.

What makes it even better is that with this one addition to my wardrobe I have enough new outfit combos to get me through every weekend in fall. I can pair it with a skirt and a cardigan for a family function, with some skinny jeans and flats for a dinner with the girls, and with some leather boots and a tailored blazer for an instantly put together/ as-comfortable-as-my-PINK-sweats Friday night bar hopping get-up.

And when the colder weather gives way to Spring once again, I can simply peel off my layers of opaque tights and belted cardi’s for a simple shorts and t-shirt deal that will scream glamorous while feeling relaxed.

Working five hours to afford it seems only a minor speed bump in my race to being the chicest girl at every occasion this month…and next.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/09/21/wardrobe-wish-list-jcrews-slub-cotton-crystal-necklace-tee/feed/ 3 Brianna-Fordham University jcrew 1 http://collegecandy.com/2009/08/14/fk-ed-hardy/ http://collegecandy.com/2009/08/14/fk-ed-hardy/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:00:51 +0000 Elizabeth-University of Missouri http://collegecandy.com/?p=37763 ]]>

“Hey Christian Audigier… Thanks for ruining America…” is how my new favorite song, F**k Ed Hardy, by Dirt Nasty starts.

Christian Audigier, the man who brought us overpriced trucker hats in 2001, is now ruining the world once again with his latest line, Don Ed Hardy. Obvi you know about this stuff, seeing as everyone from Paris Hilton to Lil Jon to the players of Inter Milan (an Italian soccer team) sport the stuff.

And I have to say: I really effing hate Ed Hardy.

Now, I’m not the usual one to bash on things, but after hearing for two years how ‘cute’ Ed Hardy is and having friends coo over the shirt, shoes, hats and other accessories… I’m absolutely sick of it. Instead of just wrinkling my nose in distaste and immediately walking to the other side of Nordstrom, here are actual reasons why I hate that crap.

You with me?

1. It’s Ugly
As Dirt Nasty kindly points out, “Who had a seizure? It must have been the dude that made that tee-shirt.” Let’s go through the anatomy of a regular Ed Hardy tee, shall we?

The design itself starts out about (depending on the shirt) five inches above the hem. Nothing wrong with that, just a normal tee shirt… Except after those inoffensive few inches, it’s literally like some child took out the markers and just just drew a bunch of unrelated crap on a poor quality tee.

I get it; the images are based off of tattoo artist Ed Hardy’s work, but really Christian? What the hell do skulls; roses; tigers; hearts; eagles; top hats the words “peace,” “tattoos” and my personal favorite “love kills slowly”; have to do with each other?  And why does he have to add even more ugly to the mess and plaster his name on top?  Is it because it is so aesthetically important that “Christian Audigier” be scrawled across a woman’s chest? Or perhaps he envisioned a mob of men, women and children pestering – nay, DEMANDING – the wearer where they got such a cool tee.

And what makes this t-shirt different than any other graphic tee? The ugly design and the brand name? Please, I’m not wasting my money on this. Which brings me to…

2. It’s Expensive

The cheapest tee shirt on Ed Hardy’s website is $62. 62 bucks (which is approximately 10 hours working minimum wage with taxes taken out) for a 100% cotton shirt. Rhinestoned tunics can go for $176. What else can you buy for $176? A pair of jeans from J Brand, or a pair of Marc Jacobs shoes at theoutnet.com, or about seven dresses from Forever 21, or almost 2 iPhone 3G’s, or basically the amount of money you’ll spend on food from Wal-Mart during your first 2 ½ months away at school. Or, you know, you can spend that $176+ shipping and taxes on an ugly bedazzled t-shirt. It’s up to you.

3. Even Perez Hilton hates it

Perez Hilton – who has had hair ever color of the rainbow, who wore a brown velour suit jacket to New Year’s 2008 with Tila Tequila, who basically defines tacky – hates Ed Hardy. His nickname for the designer? Christian AudiGaudy. If Perez Hilton thinks you’re gaudy then I don’t even think Stacy London can help you.

4. Jon Gosselin is designing a clothing line for Audigier

This may not have to do as much with Ed Hardy as it does with its designer, but it only seems to anger me more. I’ve seen Project Runway. I’ve seen The Fashion Show. I know for a fact that there are lots of talented designers out there who don’t have the means of expressing their creativity. So Audigier looks past all of these Parsons and Central Saint Martin’s grads and lets Jon Gosselin design a kids line? Way to pick one of the top 10 people LEAST suited to design a line of children’s tees, right in between Carrot Top and Fidel Castro.

5. This guy puts his name on everything

Ed Hardy cups, air fresheners, seat covers, vodka? What the hell is Ed Hardy vodka!?

So next time you find yourself looking over one of his many shirts, don’t be “an Ed Hardy fan… aka I am a maggot” as Andy Milonakis raps, and put the item of clothing down. Then, walk over to H&M and spend that $100 on something that’s stylish, cute and doesn’t make you look like a clueless fashion victim.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.

The t-shirt is arguably the most versatile item of clothing in a college girl’s closet. Though they originated as undershirts, the tee has come along way. Now it’s the perfect item for any occasion, whether you are picking up boys at the bar or rolling out of bed 5 minutes before class. T-shirts are no fuss, they don’t require ironing, and go with jeans, skirts and sweats!

Whether you are trying to make a statement, stand out from the crowd, or blend in to a lecture hall, there is a t-shirt out there for you. Want to hit the bar without looking like you tried too hard? Jeans and a t-shirt. Want to go casual cool when meeting up with the girls? Add a blazer and some choice accessories. Want to look uber chic for a martini party? Tuck a tee into a high waisted skirt and hit the town in those gladiator heels. You can also show off your love for 80s pop stars or subtly declare your love for College Candy without ever saying a word.

So no matter what look you’re going for, there is a tee (or multiples in multitudes of colors) our there for you. I love ‘em all, and here are some of my favorites: