I couldn’t choose just one print or one pattern, so instead I chose a random assortment. I personally love prints and know for a fact that I don’t wear enough of them. Patterned jeans are a major trend right now, but I believe prints should be worn a number of ways. Print shoes, bags, jewelry, or all over print dresses are such a great style for summer. Florals and aztec prints are especially worn all throughout the season.Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Nasty Gal and other stores are all embracing the latest trends and you should, too. Check out my 8 picks to see how I intend to try out prints and patterns!

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The hottest looks of spring are consistently spread through runway looks, celebrity’s closets, and top designer’s collections; but let’s be real…you’re reading “budget stylista” for a reason. No worries, fellow college student, there are substitutions for said spring trends that are far from looking like cheesy knock-offs.

The Jeffrey Campbell Lita boot is the latest of high fashion footwear. While they sell for a steep $160.00, we refine that price into an affordable $60 from Tobi.com! The leopard style is perfect for spotlighting and pairing with a simple outfit.

Leopard Boots, Tobi.com, $60

These pastel bottoms, a personal favorite, have given the skinny jean a new life. Whether you rock them with a neutral top or a color blocked ensemble, having a pair this spring will be clutch. Forever21’s $24.80 pair of mint bottoms are much more inexpensive than Nastygal’s $78.00 neon green pair.

Mint Skinnies, Forever21, $24.80

A peplum flared dress is flattering and edgy, an amazing combination for any upscale occasion. While TopShop offers a cute short sleeve frock for $96.00, H&M’s $35 tank dress is just as preppy in peplum!

Tank Dress, H&M, $35

For any cooler spring day or internship interview, a colorful blazer is a winning piece. Pick a flattering peach to bring out a bronzing skin tone! As every budget stylista knowns, every penny counts! The savings is small but worth it when you choose Delia’s $30 knit blazer over UrbanOG’s choice for $40.

Blazer, Delia’s, $30

School is out, and it’s finally time to embrace summer. That means warm weather, dresses, shorts, flip-flops and all of this season’s hottest trends. Although the neon craze has been around for awhile, I think I’ll finally give it a try this summer. It can be done in so many ways, so it’s easy for everyone to experiment with. Whether you’re bold with a head to toe look or just want to try out a splash with accessories or neon nails, there is something for everyone.

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After taking a peak at the incredible spring 2012 RTW collections on Vogue.com, I was inspired by how gorgeous the ensembles came together. Spring trends included a large amount of color blocking as well as certain couture looks that are surprisingly wearable. As high fashion and expensive the real runway looks are, imitating them with affordable pieces under $60 will make you regal-ready for any spring event you’ll attend.

Shoes $48 – owntherunway.com; Skirt $48 – riverisland.com; Top $44 – wallisfashion.com; Belt $29 – johnlewis.com

Gucci’s collection was color blocked to the fullest degree. As bright neons and pastels paired together has become popular, Gucci’s collection stayed elegant with pops of color matched with neutrals. To replicate this style, pair an orange Chambray tee with a white lace mini skirt. Add some solid blacks by accentuating your skirt with a black belt and some suede pumps. Read More »

The trends this season have been amazing.

Spring is always a fantastic time to renew your style, but for Budget Stylistas, an entire new wardrobe is not in the cards. Purchasing a few key pieces will keep your looks stylish and give the illusion that your closet is just as full as your wallet. The following looks are chameleons of the fashion industry, transformable for any occasion.

This $48 dollar H&M blazer is a bright, fun magenta; a colorful spring trend on a popular outer-layer. Read More »

Memes are more than just pictures with funny words. They’re great procrastination tools, and they can easily brighten your mood almost as quickly as Marcel the Shell. Tons of universities and colleges have their own memes as well. They’ve been around forever (and by forever I mean in internet terms) but memes are starting to come back as a trend. Kind of like harem pants. There are all kinds of memes like the Philosoraptor or the Lazy College Senior. You can even make your own memes on QuickMeme.

The newest to the meme trend is Condescending Wonka. He’s even got several Twitter accounts, and I think it’s my new favorite internet phenomenon. I’ve rounded up my favorite Condescending Wonka memes for your Sunday procrastination:

Read More »

Women’s fashion often borrows ideas from men’s fashion, but menswear-inspired looks are especially hot right now. And I’m feeling it. Last week, NYC had some gorgeous spring weather and I busted out all my sundresses. But this week, it cooled off again, and I was happy to throw on a pair of skinny cords and a button up shirt.

Our friends over at College Fashion are feeling the menswear look, too, and they’ve put together a few looks inspired by stylish Brit Pete Doherty. Check it out here.

This week, we had a glimpse of beautiful spring weather here in NYC. It’s cold and rainy now, but just the few perfect days we had were blissful. The changing weather has gotten me excited for spring fashion. One of the hot trends I’ve been wanting to try is high waisted shorts. I’ve noticed them in just about every store I’ve walked into lately, and I see people wearing them all the time. They look great, but I’ve never tried them myself.

Luckily, our friends over at College Fashion have put together some great tips on how to wear high waisted shorts. They’ve also put together a bunch of great looks, so you need look no further for your styling inspiration. Check it out here.

I love colorful clothes. In fact, last year I had to perform a color intervention…on myself. My wardrobe had actually become too colorful, and I was seriously in need of some good neutral tones. Now, my closet is much more balanced and I’m careful to think about my wardrobe as a whole. But that doesn’t mean I’ve given up on color! I still love it. Which is why I love this article from our friends at College Fashion. They’ve brought us the hottest color trends for Spring 2012, along with great tips on how to incorporate them into your wardrobe. Check it out!

[Lead image via Andresr/Shutterstock]

Hello CollegeCandy viewers! My name is Meg, and I’ll be taking over the “Budget Stylista” column. I’m a freshman at the best school in Ohio, so adjusting to the “college budget” has been a tough transition, especially with my passion for style. Though shopping on a budget takes a little more effort, it can keep your closet full and your wallet fuller. With spring approaching new trends have been gracing the malls, outlets, runways and celebrities ensembles.

A few major trends, including color blocking and blazers, have been seen just about everywhere. Designers like Jason Wu, Donatella Versace and Balenciaga have welcomed the trend with open arms. With fresh looks and a refreshing pallet of colors, spring 2012 is looking to be an innovatively stylish season! (Click all the photos for shopping deets!)

Versace Spring 2012: Though neutral frocks ruled the runway, dainty pastels and brights like this little number stole the show. Finally, after months of dreary winter earth tones, it’s time to freshen your look with a burst of color. For those of you cautious stylistas, bold amounts of brights is the first step in your color blocking mission. The recreated ensemble features a coral mini with cream accents and simple jewelry. Total cost: $108

Jason Wu spring 2012: I honestly believe Jason Wu is my spirit animal. Jason has an incredible talent of taking a cup of couture, a quart of quality and a teaspoon of street chic to create gorgeous collections fit for fashionistas and minimalists alike. Take a high waist pair of shorts and pair them a fitted blazer to create a trendy NYC inspired look. Pair with an edgy pair of H&M kicks (did I mention they’re priced at $16?!)  and some funky shades. Total costs: $119

Balenciaga Runway 2012: Balenciaga is never one to disappoint, or fear taking risks. In B’s runway collection, clashing printed ensembles and lace ups were rocked in many different ways. With a Kelly Ewig marbled skirt and an H&M fitted leopard top, the patterns are so wrong they work together perfectly. If there is one thing to learn from the geniuses behind Balenciaga, it’s that opposites do attract; so much so that they go on to create a beautiful love child. Total cost: $140

There you have it fellow budget stylistas, the must-have spring trends recreated to become affordable and adorable. May the frugal force be with you!