Sure we all dream about designer fashion and high-priced jeans and living in a world where a $120 white tee seems reasonable. But in real life, we’re all well aware that (for most of us), those are just dreams. So while we might bookmark our favorite fashion blogs and make up shopping wish lists at high-end NYC boutiques, we always end up going straight to the mall.

That’s totally okay. Every girl has her favorite store at mall. It’s your go-to store and where you get 99.9% of all your clothes. And like your favorite movie, your favorite store says a lot about the inner workings of your mind.

Here’s a guide to what your favorite store says about you…

initiating the gallery...

[Every girl needs a good purse (or 12). Whether you’re going for groceries or running from class to class, they are simply essential for holding all your, uh, essentials. Each week, I’m going to show you a fashionable, yet functional purse for the college crowd and let you know why you absolutely need it! I apologize ahead of time to your bank account.]

Despite being a poor college student, I still crave designer looks and shapes, especially when it comes to purses. I tried (unsuccessfully) to get my parents to gift me with a Louis Vuitton Speedy for my most recent birthday and am constantly in pursuit of purses that have that designer aesthetic without the price tag. Gap is a classic American brand, known more for their blue jeans than their impeccable style and accessories. However, the Metallic Chain Strap Bag has caught my eye and may be just what the doctor ordered!

Metallic bags, when done correctly, scream class and style. The gold crackle finish of the this faux-leather tote, along with the gunmetal strap and details, is super chic. This tote bag is mid-size, measuring 14.5′ L x 14′H, but will still fit a notebook for class or your internship, as well as your everyday essentials. I liken this bag to a super-upscale canvas tote; it’s relatively the same shape and size, but the cracked gold and details are just so much nicer than plain cotton.

The outer pocket doesn’t have any closure, so you won’t want to leave anything precious in there during your commute. However, there are inner pockets (one zip and two slips!) and a magnetic closure along the top of the purse. You also have 2 carrying options: the short, chain strap and longer strap- which is adjustable by buckle.

The Metallic Chain Strap Bag by Gap is super unique. The gold crackle finish will ensure that you stand out from the crowd, whether you’re on an office coffee run or just dashing across the quad. Get your paws on it and Gap for about $70.

With all of these trends milling around in fashion spreads and tabloid magazines, I can barely keep my head on straight.  What do I buy? The fringe purse or the fur vest!?!? Jeggings or slouchy pants?! [Deep breathing.]

But let’s get real: in one month fur vests will totally be out and you’ll be looking down at your werewolf vest and clogs wondering what the hell you were thinking.

That is why we need to get smart and go ‘back to basics’ with simple tees, cardigans, and timeless colors and styles.  The best place to conquer a closet full of clothes that always last and go with everything? A little three letter word we know and love: Gap. And the best part? You can stock up on these timeless pieces for under $20.  Boo-yah.

This slouchy, over-sized tee with stand-out stripes is perfect for a fall day. How great would this top look with jeggings and knee high chestnut boots? Or under a boyfriend blazer with a pair of dark wash jeans? Put a basic with a trend and you’ve got yourself a keeper!

Fit to perfection, this top can freshen up your jeans (just add a cool necklace) and turn a messy hangover into a crisp and put-together ensemble. It comes in red, gray, white, purple and blue. For only $15.00 a pop, buy a few!

This delicate floral print would look great paired with a jean jacket.  It’s sweet, floral attitude mixes innocently with the classic button up style.  It’s very Reese Witherspoon meets Kate Hudson.  Loving it!

These pleated crop pants are great for a day in the office (with some pumps that show nada toe) and great for a switch-over to happy hour with the lasting rays of the summer sun. Always love a chic enough for the office, hip and slouchy enough for after hours deal at the Gap!

The pleats in this fitted skirt are giving it enough personality to look great chic or casual.  Paired with tights, it can transform itself into a winter business outfit. Pair with a cute skinny belt for a put-together look for cheap.

Everybody can always use a versatile zip-up, but sometimes they are so hard to find in the cheap. (I’m looking at you, American Apparel!) This classic hoodie (with a fitted silhouette style) is an ideal $19.99 find. Pair with your favorite premium jeans for a casual stroll through the quad. Also comes in cream.

LOVE these paired with a casual sweatshirt and track shoes.  You can wear them for a brisk run or to your study hall (well, hopefully after you wash them…).  They look comfortable without being sloppy, are far more friendly on the wallet than a pair of Lululemons, and may or may not be your new BFF.

Finally, I’m going to sound off with a simple yet unique tee.  I always find myself wanting that perfect tee to wear on the fly with some leggings.  And I found myself the perfect pocket dream.  And for only $12.99? Gimme, gimme.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/09/14/8-under-20-gap-back-to-basics/feed/ 3 Brittany - University of Saint Thomas 8under600x360 stripe shirt fitted tee floral button down slouchy pants pleated skirt fitted hoodie yoga pant pocket tee http://collegecandy.com/2010/05/07/candy-dish-scarlett-johansson-is-only-human/ http://collegecandy.com/2010/05/07/candy-dish-scarlett-johansson-is-only-human/#comments Fri, 07 May 2010 14:00:15 +0000 CC Staff http://collegecandy.com/?p=60477 feel better about myself. • The hottest mamas in Hollywood. • Everyone needs a pair of espadrilles. • 5 reasons to love The Gap. • College cafs want their stuff back, thankyouverymuch. • Nice moves, Kevin Jonas.]]>

This makes me feel better about myself.

The hottest mamas in Hollywood.

Everyone needs a pair of espadrilles.

5 reasons to love The Gap.

College cafs want their stuff back, thankyouverymuch.

Nice moves, Kevin Jonas.

Looks like Elin doesn’t want to hear Tiger’s apology.

Your Olympic skiing crash of the day.

Judge gives Chris Brown a pat on the back.

Super cuteness (and cheapness) from The Gap.

Spencer wants plastic surgery. Is there a procedure for douche baggery?

Victoria’s Secret foundation: a test drive.

If my dry skin and red nose tell me anything it’s that the brutally cold months of winter are here. (Or that I should really invest in some moisturizer.) And they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. If you’re one of the many unlucky souls trudging through the arctic tundra to get anywhere, good luck. Better start layering now, because it’s gonna take awhile.

Luckily, The Gap has come to the rescue with some majorly cute layering pieces (that are all on the cheap!)  that can take your winter from holy-hell-I-can’t-feel-my-limbs to OMG-it’s-really-cold-but-yay!-I-still-look-cute. Because no matter how hard those snowflakes are whipping us in the face, we still deserve to look good. For cheap. There are far more important things to spend our money on, like extra hot lattes from The Bux.

Just because you have to bundle up to ward off those freezing cold temperatures doesn’t mean you have to look big and bulky. This sweater is extra warm, but also totally cute. Pair it with a bright scarf for extra heat and fabulosity.

It may be cold outside, but you know it’s gonna be a sweat-box in that party. You’re going to need something light and cute, and this ruffle tank is just right. The color will have you standing out amongst the sea of black and gray, and the scoop neck adds a hint of sex appeal. Pair with some skinny jeans and booties (and a heavy coat) and you’re ready to shake your groove thang.

Not only would this tee look totally divine under your boyfriend blazer/cardigan, but it’s Product Red! You can look damn good and feel good about doing some good. It’s that good.

Yes, that’s right – a good go-to pair of jeans for $19.99. And the bootcut is just perfect to slide over those Uggs or Sorels for your cold, wet trek to class.

Winter is all about layering, so why not layer with something cute and sexy? This long-sleever is from the Gap’s favorites collection, meaning it’s super soft and will fit like a glove. And that deep v-neck? Who says you can’t show a little skin during the winter months?

A basic long sleeve shirt? Not so much with that adorable detailing on the sleeve. Let those sleeves down when the wind is whipping you, then roll that ish back up when you’re back indoors and starting to sweat.

Who knew Gap did accessories so well? This satin braided bracelet can dress up any outfit, or you can pair it with some gold bangles to add a bit of classic-meets-rock-star to your look.

This bright and beautiful scarf can do some serious double duty this season: wear it outside to keep that neck warm, then keep it on inside to jazz up whatever you’re layering underneath. Sigh. It’s just so pretty.

In case you still didn’t know…

Beaver pees on news anchor’s face. Happy Friday.

Looks like it’s time to head back to The Gap.

Back off, ladies. Kanye is not single.

You can learn a lot from…porn?

Wanna see celebs doing drugs?

For the closets of fashionistas, this is great news. Now there are a dozen more stores that we can peruse online during class and drool over on our weekly treks to the mall. (Plus now when my mom calls and tells me she’s going to Ann Taylor to pick up a suit jacket, I can ask her to pick me up a cute skirt to add to my care package!)

Check out my favorite extreme makeovers (that don’t involve sexy Ty Pennington) below:

The Gap

Then: Uber boring button up shirts and polos.
Now: Cute staples essential to layering.
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: The perfect dark wash jeans – soft, stretchy and with the perfect butt pockets – for us girls with some junk in the trunk.

Express

Then: Going-out clothes that were borderline trashy.
Now: Chic party clothes that are fun, but not slut-tastic.
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: Fail-safe dress for girls’ night out.  The clean lines of this color blocked, one-shoulder dress make it effortlessly chic while still being young and trendy.

Ann Taylor

Then: Boring mom clothes
Now: Classy pieces that have some edge to them
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: Edgy, heeled boots. The wrap around leather strap adds just the right amount of personality and these would look pretty killer over a sexy pair of skinnies.

New York and Company

Then: All the store had was 40 different black pants that all looked the same and some really fugly jumpsuits.
Now: Totally on top of the trends (I’m talking leggings, tunics, ruffles…) at prices that wont break the bank.
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: Go-to pencil skirt. It will be there for you through dinners, parties, weddings and any other occasion that forces you out of your sweats and into real clothes. (And did I mention it’s only $32?!)

Old Navy

Then: Cheap, shapeless clothes
Now: Cheap, adorable clothes
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: The ideal fall jacket: satin lined, waist cinching, wide brimmed, bold colors… should I go on?

Banana Republic

Then: Stuffy, sophisticated and over-priced pieces.
Now: Hip, trendy, and totally catering to 20-somethings (with a large bank account).
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: This darling sheath dress. It’s totally party worthy, but belt it and throw on a cardigan and some tights and it works for an important class presentation, too!

[Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

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.]

Once upon a time, khaki was used strictly for military uniforms.  That time has come and gone, and while the word khaki is derived from a word meaning ‘dusty’, it doesn’t have to look drab.  Gap has revolutionized this fabric with their latest CFDA Design Collection that hits stores this week.  Hot designers, such as Alexander Wang and Vena Cava, made this drab fabric fab-u-lous.

While you should run (not walk) to the Gap to pick up these amazing pieces, if you miss out, don’t fear — many other retailers are also offering fashion-forward khaki pieces this spring.  And there is a khaki item for everyone – whether you need shoes, skirts, shorts or a new dress.  You can fill your closet with many perfect khaki items this season, no matter what your price range.

They say April showers bring May flowers – so while we’re waiting for those flowers to bloom and for summer to mosey its long lazy days our way, why not have some rainy springtime fun? I know it sucks when it rains and you have to trek across campus with fingers crossed that your hair won’t frizz, but with these latest styles, at least you can put a little spring in your step.

Umbrella(ella ella)s:
First and foremost, umbrellas are a necessity in the rain. They may seem like a hassle to carry around, but with different styles ranging from purse size to Mary-Poppin’s-sized umbrellas, there is no need to get wet.

Looking for something standard? Try Raindrops for all your practical umbrella needs – this website even has umbrella’s for animals! Need something compact? Try Fred Flare’s adorable Rain Parade Mini Umbrellas. Into something a little more sophisticated and sleek? Umbrella’s & Beyond has an assortment of “Leighton” style umbrellas featuring classic colors such as Tiffany blue and a beautiful green Kyoto, as seen below.

Raincoats:
Want to stay extra dry? Get a raincoat. Trench coats are the usual go-to coat when it comes to rain, but they can look dowdy. Good news! Newer styles are getting rid of the length while keeping the coverage.

Check out Nordstrom’s Short Trench Coat for this less bulky look. If you don’t mind a little extra length to help protect from the rain, go for the Michael Kors Notched Collar Trench, which comes in four colors: black, British khaki, palm (a green), and red. Nothing says spring and summer like this palm colored coat:

Want something a little cheaper for the season? The Gap currently has spring appropriate pastel colored trenches on sale, which can be tied off with the jacket’s own belt or a ribbon for some added fabulosity.

Rain boots:
My favorite rainy day accessory always ends up being my rain boots. Whether they come from Target (who can beat Target’s $24 rain boots that come in a slew of colors, patterns, and types?) or JCrew, these boots serve the purpose of keeping your pants away from the water and your feet dry. These rain boots, also known as Wellies, can change any drab rainy day into something fun. Especially considering all those puddles you can jump into without getting soggy socks.

Want a unique pair of Wellies to reflect your personal styyyyle? Definitely check out Wellie Art; they have boots ranging from pink polka dots to white stars, giving your rainy day an immediate boost.

All this rainy day style finally makes me want to go singin’ in the rain.
And staying try, to boot.