Ever since the beginning of Gossip Girl (pre and post threesome) and the sensational style of Blair Waldorf, hair flair has rocked the fashion world. What is hair flair, you ask? Um…only the most vital/amazing/and necessary accessory any woman can own, obvi.

Hair flair can transform an entire outfit and conceal your unwashed hair on days when you just don’t have time to shower (i.e. after a particularly long Tiki Tuesday). More importantly, unlike those expensive skinny jeans you picked up at the Nordstrom half-yearly sale, hair flair will always fit regardless of those holiday pounds, the freshmen fifteen, or the beer belly you’ve been sporting since football season (curse you keg stands and beer pong).

Well, if you want the same accessories as the Upper East Siders but don’t have the same cash monay, don’t worry.  Here is a thrifty way to get the fabulous look without paying the big bucks. And if this particular style isn’t for you, something is wrong with you we’ve got another awesome DIY hair flair project you can do instead.

What You’ll Need:

Stretchy headbands/headwraps: You probably have one of these lying around, but if not, these are super cheap and you can pick them up at drug stores like CVS, Long’s, Duane Read or at any beauty store. My favorite brand to use is Scunci No Slip-Hair Grips because they come in packs of 4, are comfortable, and easy to decorate. Use a black headwrap to keep it classy or a bolder color to add some extra pop.

Fabric: A foot or two of any type of cloth fabric in any color/design you want! Most craft stores sell fabric squares meant for quilting, which are perfect for creating your hair flair, as your fabric needs to be cut in a square shape before you begin. Bonus: Many craft stores (Michael’s or JoAnn’s) have tons of leftover fabric scraps that you can get for super cheap. Just ask one of those ladies with the scissors! Read More »

When you’re on a budget you can’t spend your money on just anything. You need items that are versatile, timeless and just plain pretty. And this beautiful dress from ASOS is all that and more.  It is short enough and reveals just enough skin with its strapless design for hitting those clubs on Saturday night. Put on some sexy, strappy heels and you are ready to conquer the dance floor.

When the party’s over, work this dress in a different way. You got a holiday party coming up? Slip it on with a pair of pumps and clutch. A nice family dinner to attend? Put a blazer over the top and you’re good to go. Wanna rock it out? Add a leather jacket, tights and a pair of ankle boots. Read More »

Military jackets are trendy for fall and will keep you warm as the temperature cools. Here are two ideas on how to wear this piece:

Street chic
Wear a military jacket with skinny jeans and ankle boots for an edgy vibe. Layer over a tank with jewelry that matches the jacket’s buttons or embellishments.

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So, it’s fall and besides the ho-hum return to class, this lovely season means nothing but greatness. And by greatness I mean new shoes!! There’s no better excuse than the approaching cold weather to stock up on the season’s hottest boots, heels and flats. So, for those of you with less time on your hands than I have, here’s a list of fall 09’s must-have kicks. Just click on those beauties to buy ‘em up.

OVER-THE-KNEE-BOOTS:
This show-stopping style is EVERYWHERE and comes in as many varieties as its shorter counterparts, appearing in every incarnation from leather to suede to exotic skins, and with heels ranging from sky-high to nonexistent.

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You know how girls always go up to you in that high pitched voice and are all, “Ahh! Oh-my-god I LOVE LOVE LOOOOVE those! Where on PLANET EARTH are they from?” (And you know they are thinkin, “OMG, that girl is SO cool. I totes have to be her bffaeaeae and copy everything she does and then steal her boyfriend.”)

If the aforementioned scenario doesn’t happen to you, it’s because YOU my friend, aren’t wearing booties. Much like me without coffee, many times an outfit is not yet complete or adorable without a bootie.

I know, I know – I’m putting a whole lot of importance on the must-haveness of a bootie when there are more important things to be talking about right now. Like fashion week. Um I mean, health care. But the bootie is an evening essential. Why? Because booties are cute, and a lesson we all must learn at some point or another is that sometimes cute things in life are essential. Why? Because I said so.

Seriously, though; pair them with skinny jeans you can bunch at the ankle, a skirt or dress worn with thick opaque tights, or leggings (gentle reminder once again – LONG TOP!). They make everything look instantly cooler, which is good for all you jeans-and-a-black-top girls out there.

I’ve done the research and scoured the internet for you. Well, I was scouring the internet for me, but I’ll share my bootie loot with you too. And let me tell you, my findings are cute and cheap. And by that I mean cute enough for any night out and cheap enough that if someone spills beer or throws up on them, life will go on. Read More »

You know that really annoying friend of yours who feels the incessant need to point out that they were the first to know about a now really popular band? Every. single. time. it comes on the radio?

“I knew about them before they were famous – like way back in the day. Like, I had to listen to their music on a cassette tape – no, scratch that – I came out of the womb listening to their music. That’s how far I go back with them.” (Let me pause here to say I would like to vomit all over these people. Obviously SOMEONE listened to them back in the day before they were hugely famous. That is how they got famous, genius. Because people like their music. Tough new concept to grasp, I know.)

However, there is something exciting about the knowing of a new band, new clothing brand, great sale, awesome book or recipe, and sharing it with the ones you love. And by ones you love, I mean the ones you go back and forth with right here on the CollegeCandy message boards.

So here’s the deal: every week, we will feature 3 things that YOU think other CollegeCandy readers just have to know about. Read More »

Sometimes all those layers can get a little stuffy… especially during summer. But you don’t have to skip out on that draped and layered look when you’ve got a vest to hang on your shoulders. Add a hip piece that won’t keep you sweltering with a long vest that wraps your shoulders like a scarf.

Paired with summer staples like shorts and tank tops, it’s a cute and comfortable alternative to your fitted button-up vests, but the look of a sleeveless cardigan sweater makes this vest a more casual layer. Some drape over like a curtain, lending a richer and more delicate style. These accessories will prove even more valuable on a chilly night, as well as into the fall season when you actually will need something to shelter your shoulders.

Check out the long vests in this Stylehive slideshow and treat your trendy self to an edgy, layered look!

Post courtesy of StyleBakery.com. These ladies know their fashion, so check em out.

Leggings are already a wardrobe staple, but this fall they will make a statement with metallic hues, embellishments, cut-outs, and bright prints. Leather leggings were everywhere during fall fashion shows, and ripped and printed looks are quickly becoming a popular trend. Think you can’t pull this look off? Here are some ideas on how to rock eye-catching leggings.

Pair printed leggings with a basic, long tank or tee for an effortlessly chic look. Black, grey and white tend to work with most prints, but try and match the tank’s color to a color in the print. For example, a yellow or pink tank could also work with the Rachel Pally leggings (bottom right) because those colors appear in the print. Finish off the look with a sweater or cropped jacket and ankle boots. Read More »

If Carrie Bradshaw was literally going to be the lady who lived in her shoes, then I will be the lady who lived in her handbags. I guess the upside is that handbags are a lot roomier and more cushion-y than those 12 million pairs of Manolos Carrie rocked on a season to season basis.

Fact is, I love handbags. And I don’t discriminate against clutches or cross body bags or cute totes, either.

Anything that holds all of my crap also holds the key to my heart. And what’s more, this season there are so many options! Fringed brown shoulder bags, adorable chain strap clutches… I mean, for seriousness, how does one decide without Suze Orman knocking on her door saying, “hellooo, you’ve got a problem, girlfriend.”

Well, thankfully, you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank for that banging new bag (now there’s a tongue twister – take that, Sally and your sea-shells at the shore). Here are a few of my budget bags that are must-snags. Target and Lulus are not messing around this season, that’s for sure. And while blacks, browns and beautiful cognacs are still wardrobe staples, colors are becoming the new neutral. From jewel tones to gray to a soft red, don’t be afraid to add a splash of color to your normally uniform black ensemble.

And, best part, you can rock that bag knowing you’ve done both me and Suze Orman proud. Sure, Carrie has her Manolos but you have your Tarjay, and that extra money in your wallet is much more fab.

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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.

One pattern that has been hot this season is the floral print. Florals are no longer just for your grandmother’s couch.  Or housecoat.  Or drapes. You get the point… There are many, many ways to embrace this trend.  While you can go big with a loud, fabulous floral dress, if that’s not your thing, you can go subtle with a floral accessory.

It’s that easy. And I’m totally smitten with flowers, flowers everywhere.

Florals are fun! Florals just scream summer! And florals are even versatile enough to work when the snow starts to fall. How can you not love them?! There are plenty of options out there for working florals into your wardrobe (and not your furnishings), so you will definitely find something to love. Here is just a delicious taste of what is out there. Enjoy. Read More »