I don’t know about you, but lately, I’ve been swamped with assignments and midterms. Every single time I put one textbook down, I have to pick another one up. Many people, myself included, like to study in a super comfy outfit. For some that means sweats and hoodies, but me, I love a good, bulky sweater. Not only will it keep you warm enough to focus, it’s a versatile piece that you can actually wear outside of your house (as opposed to sweatpants). And I think I found my latest addition to my sweater wardrobe: the Topshop Knitted Aran Cable Jumper.

This cozy sweater is made of a cream wool-acrylic blend and knit in the beautiful Aran style. FYI: This style got its name from the Aran Islands off Ireland. The cables are a bit chunky, but not so big that they make you look plump. Despite being a delicate knit, it’s machine-washable (bonus for students!). And if that all wasn’t enough, it has adorable elbow patches with tiny cable-detail.

Like I said, I love wearing chunky sweaters while studying, so I decided to start with that outfit.

Pair the sweater with a pair of plain, black leggings. If you live in a really cold climate, you may want to choose thick, knit leggings! Next up is a pair of velvet “slippers.” These slipper-shoes have been seen on every fashionistas’ feet as of late. And since they look like slippers, they really suit the theme of the outfit. You’re going to need a big tote bag to carry around all your textbooks, notes and laptop, so choose a sturdy one with mega space. I kept mine neutral, but it may be fun to throw in a colorful tote to spice the outfit up. Lastly, a pair of fingerless gloves. When I’m writing or typing for a long time, my hands and fingers get SO cold, so I always bring fingerless or convertible gloves.

And now heading to class, volunteering or coffee with a gal pal.

Choose a pair of muted, but colored jeans or jeggings to compliment the cream sweater. Shades like maroon and forest green are interesting, but not too loud. The velvet flats are super cute and again give the feeling of old-time casual. A faux snake skin satchel with two carrying options will be sure to store all your necessities and looks chic. The leather wrap bracelets are an interesting addition, because the material is very masculine and tough. I think it they really make an outfit different. And lastly, throw on a plain black beanie!

That’s it! You can now take your comfy, studying or lounge sweaters out on the town! If you like this one, it’s from Topshop and on sale for $50.

[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.]

Browsing through purses the other day, my eyes fell upon this adorable clutch! I instantly fell in love and knew it needed to be featured on Baggin’ Out. Let me present the Topshop Heart Padded Clutch! If you’re not a lover of all things cute and quirky, this may not be your favorite edition of Baggin’ Out. Considered yourself warned.

Topshop is a great British fashion brand that consistently pumps out trendy pieces at semi-reasonable prices. Not quite as cheap as Forever 21, you can still afford to purchase a piece and intend to wear it for a year, maximum. Topshop not only follows clothing trends, but also what’s hot with handbags!

The Heart Padded Clutch measures 9′ L x 6′ H. It’s the perfect size for toting your going-out essentials: ID, credit card, cell phone and lipstick. The inside is lined in a matching fabric, and features three distinct compartments, one of which zips shut. There is also an additional zippered pocket in the back section. The whole clutch seals with a gold-tone lock.

However, I’m not enamored with it because it’s a good clutch for when I go dancing; the heart detail really takes the cake with this one. The cream poly base has padded, light coral/red hearts sewn into it! The hearts give off a super playful vibe and are bound to attract you attention from fashionistas. The clutch also serves as a great conversation piece. Seriously, I can’t keep myself from “aww-ing” everytime I see the damned thing!

If you’re looking to throw a funky piece into your handbag collection, look no further than the Topshop Heart Padded Clutch!

I’m going to be honest with you — my first thought after watching that Shopaholic film was ‘so this means if I got a credit card, I could have amazing clothes like that too?’

Definitely not the point, as every person I shared my revelation with was quick to point out. But what’s a shopaholic on a limited budget to do? Figure out how to do it on the cheap!  I’ve rounded up some less expensive alternatives to those pricey stores we all love in hopes that we can look super trendy, without being super broke.

Click on the photo to see the next slide

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Any more suggestions?

The other day I was browsing the Topshop website and came across a dainty little number with so much potential. The Orange Cutaway Halter Dress (yeah, real original name, Topshop), is, like you guessed, an orange, halter-style dress made of flowy chiffon. Besides the knockout color, this dress also features a stunning cutout in the chest area, giving it a sexy ’70s feel and a very thin break in the fabric on the back, which will be evident when you’re moving around. Bottom line: The dress is hot, but leaves something to the imagination! When most people look at this dress, they immediately think “going out,” however, when paired with the right pieces, this dress becomes a super versatile item for both day and night.

Since night is the overtly obvious fit for this dress, I’m going to start there.

Because the color is so punchy, I wanted to make it the center of attention and paired it with a neutral pair of peep toe pumps and clutch. Night time is when you can get away with lots of sparkle and bling, so I suggest adding a dainty, rhinestone-covered headband and big door-knocker earrings, along with lots of bangles and rings. To keep this look from being overwhelmed, keep the jewels in the same tone. I chose silver this time, but gold or bronze would look great too! This look would be great for a semi-formal evening event (graduation dinner, perhaps?) or a cocktail night with your gals.

Now, onto daytime…

To make this dress more daytime-friendly, I was first concerned with the cutout. That’s just too much skin for a walk in the park or a casual lunch, so throw a tank top in an equally bright color on underneath. (This season is all about color blocking!) I chose to stick with a citrus-inspired palette and went for emerald green, but a pink or yellow would look awesome! I also added a cardigan in a soft lemon yellow to cover up the arms and shield from that brisk spring breeze. If the weather happens to be supa dupa hot, skip the cardi. If you want more color, throw a skinny belt on around the cinched waist. Finish off with a pair of woven flats (with that same emerald green!) to keep your tootsies comfy, a straw fedora and a summery tote. Jewels are optional, since this look is already so colorful, but if you feel naked without any, feel free to add some girly bracelets or earrings.

It’s truly that easy. Take a look at any semi-formal dress in your wardrobe and see if you can make it daytime, too! Add layers to cover up, and fun, casual accessories to tone things down a bit. You’ll increase the versatility of your wardrobe and get mucho bang for your buck. Good luck!

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:
Blush is a makeup staple; it can help you go from drab to fab in a heartbeat. It brightens up your complexion and makes you look more alive, even after that night of dehydrating beer pong. And it’s pretty hard to mess up, unless you pile it on (a la Bozo the Clown…or any of the girls on The Bachelor). I can’t just keep blabbing about how wonderful blush is, but if you don’t believe me, try it for yourself. Do your regular makeup routine and take a picture. Then add some blush and take a picture. I’m sure you will see a difference.

Even though I have oily skin, I still LOVE cream blushes. I’ve heard many oily-skinned ladies complain that cream blushes just melt off them, but honestly, I’ve never had an issue with that. Topshop released a makeup line last spring and I managed to scoop up this little beauty, which is still available and part of their permanent line. Neon Rose looks, well, neon in the pan, but applies as a beautiful coral wash. It’s definitely not as subtle as a rosy-brown blush, but it’s fun!

How To Use It:

Some people advise using a stippling brush to apply cream products, but I honestly prefer my fingers. If you’re using your finger, wash your hands WELL and then swirl your finger in Neon Rose. With blush, you can build it up to a more opaque color, so start sheer and work your way up to a color you’re happy with. Because this blush is fairly matte, I like to add a highlight to my cheekbone.

Truthfully, I find the Topshop blushes a little bit difficult to work with at first. They tend to be hard to heat up and get malleable and getting the perfect amount takes a bit of practice. But once you do, the results are beautiful.

CC Rating: A+

Surprisingly, Topshop blushes are wonderful! I just didn’t see the British fashion giant as a quality makeup supplier, but I think I may be converted. I’ve had Neon Rose for almost a year now and have barely made a dent in it because it is so pigmented and a little really does go a long way. The blush stays on all day and I’ve never had to cart it around for touch-ups. And you can even wear it on your lips! Just top it off with a sheer gloss and voila – new lip product! Obviously, coral is a more”summery” color, but this one works all year round, even on my pale, pale winter skin.

I’m impressed by the Topshop products I’ve seen and am really excited to get my paws on some more!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

Tweed might make you think of a stereotypical professor - the old man (who doesn’t know how to use email) with elbow patches on the tweed blazer he wears every single day, the one that looks like he’s wearing since he started teaching 30 odd years ago. Well throw this image out the window, because tweed is a gorgeous fabric that should be in every college girl’s (and guy’s for that matter) wardrobe.

This gorgeous textured fabric is perfect for fall, especially for the college girls. It’s a thicker fabric that will keep you warm. It comes in several neutral shades, making it the perfect compliment to your rich colored tops. And while the tweed blazer is always a classic, if you feel too stuffy in one, there are many alternatives to work it into your wardrobe. Think winter shorts, dresses, bags, and even the knee-high socks that are so popular this season.

So forget about Professor Boring McTweed and embrace the new tweed of 2010.

[Click the image for all the shopping info!]

Every morning when I get off the subway to go to school, I have to walk right past Forever 21. And it’s torture.  School been in session for three weeks now, and there has been this super hot navy lace dress (I think it’s a dress, but you never know with that store…) every time I walk by.  Seeing as I don’t REALLY need another dress (remember how I bought 3 in the spring?) I’ve been trying really hard not to go in and buy it in all its gorgeous, lacy glory.  So far I’ve been successful, thanks to the fact that my classes start before the store opens (which might be the only redeeming thing about 9am class).

The good news for me and every other girl out there with a closet full of frocks: dresses aren’t the only way to incorporate lace this season. This dainty, feminine fabric is on everything right now (both in and out of the bedroom), even showing up in some new and unexpected ways. Our girls over at CollegeFashion have even put it on their Back to School shopping list; do you even need another reason to stock up?

Oh you do? Well here are 15.

(And if you do happen to find and purchase that little navy lace dress, let me know so I can live vicariously through your closet.)

[Click on the pics to shop!]

Leather is one of the biggest fabrics for fall 2010.  It is also one of the easiest to embrace because EVERYTHING can be made in leather: bags, shoes, leggings, shorts, jackets, skirts…the list goes on.  And I love it all. Leather is sexy. It’s edgy. And it makes everything look cool.

Leather items are almost magical in their ability to transform an outfit. Just add one leather piece and you’ve got an entirely new look. Pair your favorite floral dress with a structured leather belt or a moto-jacket and you’ve got a totally different style. Or add some edgy, buckled boots to a pair of skinny jeans and your favorite camisol from last season and – bam! – your look in updated. (That being said, make sure not to go overboard; you want to look edgy, not like a member of Hell’s Angels.)

Even those opposed to wearing leather (or meat dresses….) can get in on the trend, as many designers and chains are offering up a variety of faux (and fabulous) leather pieces. Seriously, there is something for everyone, and you should definitely get out there and take advantage. Not sure where to start? Here are 15 awesome options to choose from.

[Click on each image to get all the info.]

If you haven’t caught on by now, it’s official: I’m smitten with all things military-inspired.  Despite the short summer season, by the time fall clothes begin to hit shelves, I’m already swooning over cardigans, boots and fall jackets.  After spending all summer trying to dress in ways to prevent heat exhaustion (and hide pit stains), I crave layers and structured clothing.

Sure I love cute summer dresses, strappy sandals and bright colors, but right now all I want is olive (and not just garnishing a martini).  Olive is technically a shade of chartreuse – meaning it’s partially between yellow and green. When it is closer to yellow, it’s referred to as ‘olive’ and when it’s closer to green it’s called ‘olive drab.’  (There, that’s your color lesson of the day!)  Olive drab was the standard color of fabric for American military uniforms in World War II – hence the association with the military trend.

This year there are many pieces, both military-inspired and otherwise, made in olive, meaning you have one more neutral to incorporate into your everyday life. One of the best things about this color is that since it’s quite similar to the color of dirt you can wear your olive goods one more time before you have to wash them. (Score!) And if the structured pieces with masculine details aren’t your choice of garnish, try an olive colored jersey top or maybe an accessory, because there are so many choices out there!

You’ve got your mattress cover, your mini-fridge, your XL twin sheets, and lots of garbage bags, but there is a whole category of dorm room essentials you are skipping out on.  DORMWEAR.  Because, if you’re like me, no matter how hard you try and fight the stereotypical college student walking round in pajamas and sweats thang, there are times you will break down.

I by no means encourage you to wear your sweats and pajamas out in public EVER, but a dorm is a whole other realm of the world.  Having cozy loungewear comes in handy when you want to fist-pump with the rest of your floor while catching the newest Jersey Shore episode.  It’s also handy when you need to do the L in GTL – because everything else you own is stuffed inside that hamper.

But don’t be fooled. Just because you’re lounging doesn’t mean you need to look like a slob. There are so many cute and cozy items out there for you to lounge around in.

And they’re perfect for sleepy time, too. If you’re sharing a bedroom, the person 10-feet away from you will appreciate you wearing pajamas to bed.  And if you’re a sleep-in-a-shirt and underwear kind of girl, try keeping a few of these pieces near your bed in case someone pulls the fire alarm in the middle of the night.  You’ll thank me for this advice later.  Trust me.