In case you haven’t heard, it’s New York Fashion Week! Sadly, we’re not all celebs and fashion VIPs, so most of us won’t be making it into the runway shows. But that doesn’t mean we can’t ogle the designs from afar once the pictures come out! The designers that are showing their work this week cover a wide range of styles and looks. There’s a little something for everyone. Click through the gallery to find out whose clothes would be perfect for you…if you had a few thousand extra dollars to spend.

initiating the gallery...

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. She is “that person” who starts dancing at a party when everyone else is standing around, and if there were a Facebook stalking Olympics, she would be a gold medalist. She also loves cheesy 90s music, and almost died of happiness when Vanilla Ice retweeted her. Once. Follow her on Twitter @garnethenderson.

[Lead image via NataliaYeromina/Shutterstock]

Every (dreadful) Monday, I write a list. Definitely not a to-do list (because it’s not satisfying checking “browse J.Crew’s website” and “Re-watch every episode of Rachel Zoe” off a list) and not “that list” (because I haven’t added to that list… in forever). No, my lists are more about whatever is relevant and weighing heavy on the CollegeCandy readers’ minds (or just mine) right now. Like scarves and jeans and jackets….

The first day of fall came only a week ago and I’ve already stuffed all my shorts into a duffel and shoved them under my bed. Nothing, I tell you, nothing (okay, other than Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes), is more enticing about fall than the clothing choices. I mean, where to start? Sweater dresses, boots, comfy jeans? I couldn’t be storing my sundresses and gladiator sandals faster if I tried.

And try I did.

However, as I page through magazines and scroll through my Google reader, I can’t help but notice some of the heinous fall trends popping up that can’t end sooner. Here’s the rundown of what needs to go.

10. Open toed booties
Seriously, what is up with that? Isn’t the point of a boot to keep your foot warm? Why would you make a boot peeptoe? Unattractive and unnecessary.

9. Button Down Plaid Shirts
I thought these died with Kurt Cobain. Why are they still being worn? Enough.

8. Fur Vests
I’m no PETA advocate, but come on. I’m all about a little faux fur trim but what the hell is the point of an entire fur vest? Newsflash: you look like roadkill, not Kelly Bensimon. (Editor’s Note: Wait, is that a bad thing?)

7. Purple Lipstick
I’ve done purple lips before….after chugging an entire bottle of $2 Cabernet by myself after my boyfriend dumped me. Seriously, just gross.

6. Tory Burch Flats
Please invest your $200 in some shoes that not everyone else has. This fad has died faster than Beanie Babies.

5. The smokey eye
I love a good smokey eye but do I have to read about it in every and all magazines I purchase? Over and over? Page after page?! No care. Taylor Momsen, take note.

4. Jeggings
Skinny jeans: fine. Super duper skinny jeans: that’s OK too. Glorified jean sweatpants? Only in America.

3. Long skirts
You look like a teacher. And not the fun, cool one who gave out gold stars. The one with bunched up pantyhose and who always had squeaky chalk.

2. Fedoras
Repeat after me, girlfriend: I’m not Frank Sinatra.

1. Ugg Boots
Preach to me all you want about how you just love how warm they are and they don’t look “that bad.” I’m still not buying it. Or them.

Just as we’re sadly parting with our flip flops and trading them in for knee-high boots (theoretically…not me, though.  I keep wearing mine till Thanksgiving!) we get a sunny reminder of what we’ll have to look forward to this Spring: crunches until we die and gorgeous drapey dresses.

Yes, Fashion Week is officially over and it’s time to dive into that much needed brownie, models! to take a look at what we’ll all be wearing once the snow melts this June spring.  What do the designers have in store  for us? (In store? Get it? Store?! Ha!) We’ve watched every last show and seen every last look (thanks, Stylelist!) and here’s what’s coming for Spring 2011.

Oh, and don’t worry – it will not be this.

Citrus Colors

Jason Wu for TSE, Tory Burch, Yigal Azrouel

Even a splash of bright yellow or orange brightened up many collections.  These eye-catching hues modernized some classic pieces, and were a welcome relief from the neutrals that we’ve been getting used to.

Drapey Sillohuettes

Ports 1961, Halston, Cynthia Steffe

Remember on Project Runway when everyone accused Rami of only being able to drape?  WELL WHO’S LAUGHING NOW?  (Probably not so much Rami because all of these designers took his MO, but still…)  Spring is going to be all about a flowy, romantic shape that both skims and hugs curves.

Belts!  Belts!  Belts!

Luca Luca, Reem Acra, Altuzarra

Cinched waists are a flattering look for everyone, and designers this season are finally catching on!  Belts were everywhere, and I am LOVING how they can easily transform a look (and accentuate feminine curves).

’70s Fever

Rodarte, Badgley Mischka, Tracy Reese

Designers for this year’s Spring/Summer collections loved them some ’70s.  The mix of funky prints and vintage cuts (high waists, wrap dresses) made pieces pop and bring to mind something other than disco (finally).  From the kind of Earth Mama look that was reminiscent of ’70s folk goddesses Carly Simon (personal hero!) and Joni Mitchell to the more structured Faye Dunaway ’70s power-woman style, these designers had us feelin’ groovy.

Bare Bellies

Richard Chai, Doo.Ri, Y-3

And I’m not just talking crop tops (though those were definitely on every runway this week)! It was sheer, sheer everywhere, with a whole lotta belly mixed in, which means this writer will be spending her winter in the gym.  Beautiful clothes, but blerg.

If you want to catch up on all the best (and worst!) looks from Fashion Week, get full coverage from over 100 shows on Stylelist.com.

Got something awesome everyone needs to know about? A really rad singer? A wicked new book? Low-cal cocktail recipes?? Email your “The Know” ideas to Jill@collegecandy.com or tweet me and I’ll pass them along to everyone right here, every week. Make your kindergarten teacher proud and share!

So we all know about the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. And in case you don’t know, it’s a heavenly sale that happens every July where even though it’s 90 degrees outside, you get roped in by Tory Burch boots and Vince wool cardigans, North Face jackets and Burberry trenches. With the AC blasting inside Nordy’s, it feels like a crisp Fall day only better because this time, while still not cheap, all this Fall wardrobe amazingness is on SALE.

And not just a $10 off if you spend $100 or more type sale (how ridiculous are those?!). We are talking a good sale. And if you are going to splurge on something (like said Tory Burch boots), now is the time to do it. It’s also a good time to stock up on some wardrobe staples. My favorite thing to “know” about the sale: Don’t dismiss the Junior’s department. They’ve still got really cute things at VERY affordable prices!

And here’s the real scoop to know about: If you go into Nordstrom this week, there will be “private” show rooms set up all over the store for an early preview sale for a select few. But now you, my friends, are the select few. March right up to a salesperson and tell her you would like to make an appointment with her. She will take you around to all the different departments and show you what’s on sale before it actually goes on sale to the public next week. Don’t forget to check out the lingerie department too; a lot of times they offer Hanky Panky’s on sale and bras that are normally muy caro (aka, out of our price range) at much more decent price.

If you can’t make it to the pre-sale, though, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale officially kicks off in full mayhem July 16th.

Suddenly, Fall doesn’t seem so bad.

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

I’ve never paid much attention to the Tory Burch brand. Seeing every girl and her mother walking around in those flats with the instantly recognizable golden medallion was quite enough. However, I recently stumbled upon these gladiators, and I have to say that they’re one of the nicest pairs I’ve seen.

I need em, I need em, I need em!

The Stanton sandal is made of leather and comes in black or tan. There are three square buckles: one each at the ankle, arch, and toe. The sandal appears more elegant than some other gladiators, which can have so many straps or buckles covering your feet that you might as well wear sneakers. What also makes this design a bit different is that the straps do not simply run parallel to one another. I like how two straps form an X across the top with two straps running along the sides, making it incredibly flattering on any ankle.

What I don’t love, however, is the $265 pricetag. I’d have to work long and hard (and turn up the charm for some major tips) to add these to my collection. A girl can dream, though.

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.

This season it seems like anything goes for shoes. There’s a multitude of colors, styles, and, most importantly, details. But one thing is for sure: boring shoes are definitely out. This season’s shoes are often gorgeous, always interesting, and many are pieces of art that look almost too good (and painful) to put on your feet.  There are some that are inexpensive (one pair is on sale for $4.99!!!) and others that we college gals will admire in the shop windows, praying the recession is over (and that we’re millionaires) by the time we get our diploma so we can “invest” in them.

Click on each image to find out where to buy (or get an up close and personal look at) these beautiful shoes.

I love the fantasy version of dating where everything’s shrouded in a pink mist and it rains sunshine and daisies on you and your perfect mate. Music plays when you kiss, you’re wined and dined, showered with gift boxes from Tiffany’s… and everything’s fantastic because, duh, you’re in love. Or what Dane Cook refers to in many a sketch as “lerve.”

Clearly in Fantasyland there is no concept of money, which is the primary reason I would LOVE to move there and live happily ever after with Christian Bale.

Let’s face it, ladies, the dating game has gotten out of control with expenditures. If you’re doing distance, travel just to see the other person will cost you a small fortune. Between that, the upcoming holiday season, birthdays, anniversaries, Hallmark holidays and oh, remember the generic DATES you’re going on? Yeah those. They’re all costing you.

I admit, there’s nothing more fun than splurging a little on a date-night outfit, heading to a fancy schmancy dinner, going away for a weekend, or getting tickets to a concert or sporting event your new fling would die to see; it makes you happy to make other people happy, I get it. But frankly, unless you’re one of the those lucky bitches who have Mommy and Daddy as your personal piggy bank, odds are you’re young and broke. And more than likely – unless you’re dating up – so is the other person. (Note: Dating up would be the ideal way to do it if money is your concern… I don’t attract these guys, but if you have advice on how to do so, please comment away below. PLEASE.)

Sure, you want the great first impression to keep going, but is it worth getting yourself into debt to buy those Tory Burch boots for the perfect outfit, or box seats at that game? Hate to tell you, sweetie, but you don’t get reimbursed for cash spent while dating if you break up. And the bills really only make you bitter, which doesn’t make you too marketable for the next guy.

I’ve made the mistake many a time – seriously, just look at my credit history – and have a few suggestions for how to keep yourself and your credit card statements in check:

Chivalry is dead, go halvsies. Take turns visiting each other if you don’t live in the same place. If you do, have fun but spend within your means. My own record shows many a guy who had no problem letting me pay, which is fine if it’s for half, but I have yet to date someone who finds it necessary to pay my way all the time. If their situation is anything like mine, I try to appreciate that. Do what you’re comfortable with and what you can afford.

Start small with the gifts. I’m a huge fan of doing things we both can enjoy for birthdays, holidays, and the like. If you’re in the beginning of a relationship that might not be “the one,” well… it may not pay off in time, if that’s what you’re expecting. Talk with him about gifting and set a cap to your spending limit. It’s nice to do nice things for people, but, like your mom tells you, it’s really the thought that counts.

Do not, do not, do not try and buy his affection. He was attracted to you for a reason, so don’t think you need to buy him off to make up for a fight or to keep his interest. It’s not going to fix anything.

Level with him. Don’t play it off like it’s no big deal when you won’t be buying groceries for the next month after a really expensive date or weekend. If you really like this kid, tell the truth: expensive dates once in awhile are fine, but you’d love to keep it low key. It’s ultimately about the company you’re keeping, right?

Love is a many splendid (and expensive!) thing; spend wisely, ladies.

[photo courtesy of www.dating-weblog.com]

Lucky for all of us, Lucky magazine, only the best magazine for shopping (or drooling if you are anything like us), heard our cries. And you are going to L-O-V-E this.

With the help of dozens and dozens of fashion icons, Lucky is hosting their annual Lucky Shops event on November 7th and 8th. No more flipping through hundreds of pages thinking, “OMG! I wish I could afford that!” Now you can.

Entrance to the event is for ticketed ladies only, but Lucky is giving two very lucky (pun intended) CollegeCandy readers tickets for FREE.

First prize winner will receive 1 pair of tickets to the first day of the event November 7th (value $130). Second prize winner will receive 1 pair of tickets to the second day of the event, November 8th (value $40).

Hell yeah.

How do you become one of those readers? All you have to do is head over to the Lucky Shops site, answer the following questions correctly and you will be heading to shopping heaven.

Submit your answers to Lauren@CollegeCandy.com by October 1st. We’ll let you know if you win by October 15th. Simple as that.

Get to it!

Who was the celebrity host for last year’s Lucky Shops event?

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Jessica Parker

The Olsen Twins

Who is the “Charity Partner” for this year’s Lucky Shops event?

Baby Buggy

Robin Hood Foundation

Andy Dick

If you purchase tickets to Lucky Shops you will receive:

A free subscription to Lucky Magazine

A date with the Jonas Brothers

Your own TV Show

How many people attended last year’s Lucky Shops event?

1,000,000

100,000

10,000

Which of the following designers will be featured at this year’s Lucky Shops?

L.A.M.B.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Cole Haan

Tory Burch Accessories

Kooba

True or False: Shoppers can sip cocktails while they shop.

This girl directed a film on the Chupacabra. Fashion-wise, she is all about extremes. An article on Radar Online quotes her as comparing herself to a lizard and saying, “Clothing is meant to be fun, right?” As much as she is known for her constant headband-donning, she does not confine herself to one fashion genre. In fact, she seems to be all about extremes, liking “things long and loose, or short.”

It seems many New Yorkers, in our daily quest to make the A/L/N/6 train without attracting any unwanted attention, have resigned ourselves to the same hoodie, leggings and “I’m NOT a Plastic Bag” as every other chick on the platform.

Conversely, Wohl’s socialite peers are partial to Tory Burch (boooooring) logo flats and “ethnic” paisley print muʻumuʻus. Now you may say, “Hold on a second, Nora- Arden Wohl wears those mu’umu’us, too!” Let me tell you something about Arden Wohl: though she was born into privilege, Arden Wohl sure seems to know a little more about the world and its problems than most of her peers. Arden is dedicated to saving Darfur and is currently promoting Libby Spears’s documentary, The Playground Project, about the commercial sexual exploitation of children, with Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney. Arden is also passionate about the Nest Foundation, which raises awareness for the same cause.

The girl can rock a headband and doesn’t take herself too seriously when it comes to style, saving all of her true conviction for causes helping others. And on top of that, she’s worked with George Clooney and managed to concentrate on the task at hand. Arden Wohl is one fashionable, focused philanthropist.

Person: Alison Goldfrapp

You know that crazy catchy song from the Verizon LG Chocolate commercial a few months

back? If you weren’t already sure, it was Bath, England duo Goldfrapp’s “Strict Machine” off their second studio album, Black Cherry. Singer Alison Goldfrapp’s style is constantly changing both in the realms of fashion and music, not evolving but rather bouncing around like a tennis ball tossed forcefully into a small box, and her performance energy is just as frantic.

Like a club couture superhero, she seems introverted by day and mostly shuns interviews, but when the lights go down and she hits the stage, she is a breathy, writhing sex goddess in stilettos. She is famous for her short short/horse tail combinations and admits to having an aesthetic fondness for hybrids, which is reflected back into her music. It seems one cannot exist for her without influencing the other.

For all of her talent and sex appeal, however, Alison’s traumatic youth left her feeling undesirable and her first interviews gave her nightmares. I applaud Alison’s brave wardrobe choices through her worries, and Madonna herself has been photographed on at least 2 occasions wearing blantantly Goldfrapp-plagiarized inspired ensembles. The English press has even begun calling Madge “Oldfrapp”.

Goldfrapp’s latest album, Seventh Tree, released February 28th, has a more (widely-publicized) folky sound to it, but the band insists that it is not folk! And, you know, I believe them — because Alison has taken to wearing harlequin getups (Sorry, I know I mentioned this in my last blog, but it was before I even realized what was influencing me!), marabou-accented pirate hats, and, apparently, entire owls. This isn’t your Mama’s Joan Baez in a maxi skirt.

February has just started up, and since I like to get ahead of myself, I’m pretty sure that means spring is just around the corner. I’m that much closer putting away my many pairs of black opaque tights and letting the legs go bare.

Spring wear has been settling in stores for a few weeks now, so we’ve all gotten a glimpse of what to expect this season. But what’s really stood out to me are all of the bright colored items from dresses to handbags. Bold hues of blue, yellow and red are everywhere. Luckily we can all get the runway look for less, thanks to Forever21 and the like.

What good would an eye-popping dress be without the right accessories? I’ve been seeing peep-toe booties on display and I must have a pair.

Obviously I can’t afford Chloe or Gucci, so Steve Madden is hooking me up with a very similar version.

To complete the look a girl’s gotta have a hot bag, preferably a textured clutch. This Tory Burch number is beautiful, but I found a nice and less expensive style at Old Navy.

Got any other fashion finds? Let us know! Being a hot mama on a budget never goes out of style.