[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities (like "who the hell are you and why are you so beautiful" Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) are spending $5,000 on an ensemble you don’t have to.]

There’s no way I could continue to write a fashion column without highlighting Rihanna. This girl is one of the most eclectic celebrities out there. One day, the paparazzi snaps photos of her in suspenders and harem pants; the next, you could easily see her in a body-contouring mini-dress with 6-inch stilettos…going out to lunch.

Rihanna attained her fashionista status by being completely and utterly balls to the walls…how can you not love it?

However, the outfit I’m re-creating today is actually one of Rihanna’s tamer looks, because though you, CollegeCandy reader, are fabulous, you are bound to certain rules of fashion that do not apply to celebrities. Read: you can’t really pull this off for class.  But it’s still hot, not just in its own right, but relative to that tragic gaggle of girls strutting around campus thinking Uggs, leggings, and Northface = high fashion. Read More »

I just love purple clothing and accessories for fall.  The deeper and jewel-toned shade you see in stores this time of year are flattering on everyone, and you feel instantly more sophisticated when you wear it (it is the color of royalty, after all).

And not to mention it looks amazing with gray, my other favorite color for fall.  Here are some great purple items to add to your wardrobe this season for $20 or less each! Read More »

You’ve seen the commercials (and most likely remember them because they used to discuss “the big O”), but have you actually perused Overstock.com? The site might be overwhelming to some, but that is because it is chock full of awesome deals on clothes, shoes and accessories (in addition to home goods, decor and linens). Overstock.com brings you items that are marked down by up to 80% (!!) and they ship fast and cheap. Could you think of anything better?

Overstock is a website that can fit the needs of everyone and if you haven’t given it a go, you most definitely should. To get you started, here are a few of the hundreds (maybe even thousands) of items they have for under $20. Read More »

It’s no secret that you can easily find stylish looks for under $20 all over the place. From Forever 21 to Wet Seal, us gals know where to go for the deals.  Occasionally, though, my quest for cuteness leads me to a website I’ve never heard of that has some great finds, like this one: Heavenly Couture.  Nothing on this site is over $17.95. Nothing!

Really, with a claim like that, can you go wrong?

Here are a few of my favorite finds. Read More »

I’m pretty sure there is nothing better in life than a really fantastic sale section. Especially at a store stocked with things you already love. Take home some awesome finds on the cheap? Yes please!

Much like Urban Outfitters and Express, Tilly’s is chock full of really cute stuff at a somewhat “affordable” price. But it is in their fabulous sale section where you really hit the fashion jackpot. They’ve got everything from basics to statement pieces to stock your closet, and all of it is ch-ch-cheap. Here are a few items I found to be totally darling and will fulfill your inner frugalista. Read More »

I have a love/hate relationship with Urban Outfitters. I fall madly in love with everything on the racks, but hate how much they charge for shirts, skirts and dresses that usually fall apart after a few go-rounds in the washing machine. But then I fall in love again when those trendy little Urban employees stock the sale racks with all that gorgeous goodness.

The Urban sale section might be one of the only ones I’m willing to elbow, shove and push my way through. They have some of the best deals around on some serious cuteness, much of it $19.99 or less! Here are some of my favorite pieces that are all under $20. The best part: you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your couch or tempt yourself with the rest of the overpriced items en route to the sale section. Read More »

The recession is bad news for anyone looking to get a job, save some money or sell a house. But it’s great news for fashionistas! Stores that were once dowdy and just screamed “crazy cat lady” are bringing in new designers to create chic lines at lower prices.

Take JC Penney. When was the last time you stopped in there (not counting those post-Starbucks bathroom emergencies)? I know: never. Because their clothes were cheap, outdated and just not cute. Well, that’s not the case anymore! JCP now sells several lines by popular designers (Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller, and Allen B. Schwartz, to name a few) and they not only have stuff that is totes cute, it’s totes affordable as well.  I can’t wait to add some of these pieces to my closet… Read More »

There’s nothing that puts a smile on my face like finding a fantastic bargain, and since we all wanna look good in a crappy economy, finding those deals is even more important these days.  Each week I’ll feature one store/website where you can find eight A-dorable items for under $20 (not too shabby, right?).

This week the store of choice is Wet Seal.  Not only does it have cute and trendy clothes on the cheap, if you order from the website there’s a flat rate shipping fee of $5, which you can order just by clicking on any (or all!) of the items below. Read More »

Fall merchandise will be arriving in stores over the next few weeks, and while it may be tempting to run out and get a whole new back to school wardrobe, don’t! Wait for sales to begin, and shop in your closet instead.

One item that the majority of college girls have in their closets are leggings. The great thing about leggings, like this pair by Plan B from Bloomingdale’s, is that they can be worn with practically anything. Here are three outfit ideas that use leggings to take your summer outfits into fall: Read More »

[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.]

If you’ve been looking for something a little different to spice up your everyday wardrobe, this unique piece by Zinc may just be the answer. This sheer top is super easy, super cute and super duper flattering on everyone. It features feminine, multicolored embroidery on the front and back as beautiful lace runs along the top at the neckline. The black and lace provides a more mature look while the colorful floral embroidery gives it a girly feel. A cinched waist shows off your curves as the lower half flows over nicely over your hips.

This wonderful tunic is definitely a better alternative to pair with your jeans than any one of those twenty t-shirts you have hanging in your closet (or crumpled up on your floor…). It is more stylish and chic without looking too much like a “night outfit.” When you’re not sure what to wear, put on this elaborate top, some jeans, maybe a few bangles, and you’ll have a great outfit that looks totally put together without looking as though you put in a lot of effort… because you didn’t.