The following is an excerpt from CollegeFashion.net, the site for fashion-minded college ladies.

Fleeting trends, a revolving door of new designers, and a constantly evolving pop culture can make the bustling world of fashion confusing and intimidating for anybody… especially a college girl on a budget! It can sometimes be difficult to decide which styles are worth investing in, and which will last only a season or two.

In response to the idea of “fast fashion,” there has been a recent resurgence in the popularity of American “heritage” brands: companies whose high-quality, well-crafted pieces have been proven to transcend decades. Due to their practical styling and versatility, the girls at CollegeFashion have named five classic American products that deserve a spot in your closet.

See them right here.

God Bless America, right?

The best solution is sparkly accessories. Yep, I’m advocating shiny objects, just as long as they’re not mini-Christmas ornaments. You can stick to the basics with the rest of your attire, and dress up your heeled boots and sweater dress with beautiful accessories, like this Mixit Crystal Bib Necklace from JC Penny. The amazing thing about accessories is that you can wear them to make an outfit, and you don’t have to wash ‘em before you wear them again (meaning you can save your quarters for the vending machine on a Friday night).

This particular necklace proves that you don’t have to sell your soul on e-bay to afford glamour.  Cubic Zirconias are a girl’s best friend, and a necklace like this is exactly what you need to be dressy enough for the holidays without buying 10 new dresses for every single event (hello, Ms/ Popular). You can re-wear a necklace a million times and your outfit will still look fresh with new pairings and mixing and matching looks.

And let’s face it, this necklace is hard to miss.  What’s even harder to miss is the bright red s-a-l-e sign. $24.99? You better get one before they’re gone so you can start distracting everyone at the party with the overload of sparkly objects clustered around your neck.

Let’s be fashion-savvy this holiday season and steer clear of the tacky Christmas-themed accessories. Mini Santa hats make more sense on your Chihuahua than hanging from your ears. And please, no flashing Christmas light necklaces.

Grab this necklace and pair it with a slinky solid dress or plush sweater for the perfect chic holiday look. You’ll look incredible and festive without resembling a walking Christmas tree.

We’re well into another new school year and to honor that, we at CollegeCandy are bringing back the fan-favorite series, “We’ve All Been There.”  (We tried to get another national holiday/long weekend for you guys but it’s way harder than we thought so this will have to do.) Every week, Lauren – University of Michigan will comment on the common experiences all college women share – like procrastinating or using the not-so-private bathrooms. Read, relate, cringe and enjoy.

It might be your roommate’s birthday, or your birthday, or just another Saturday night on campus. Either way, you are currently standing in front of your over-stuffed closet in a towel with wet hair dripping down your back. You’ve got your pre-party mix blasting from your laptop as you scan your closet for something to wear.

To the left is a pile of jeans. 13 pairs of jeans to be exact. Dark wash, light wash, skinnies, trousers, wide leg, bootcut. To the right hangs your shirts: long sleeve, short sleeve, camis, halters, all in every shade of the rainbow.

You put on some underwear and your sexy black going-out bra, pull out a pair of jeans and squeeze/lunge your booty into them. “No late night pizza,” you think to yourself as you suck in your belly to button them.

You pull a low-cut black shirt from the closet and put it on. You check yourself in the mirror. No good.

You grab a different shirt. Nope.

You pull a blue cami off the hanger and put it on. The bra doesn’t work with it, so you slip out of the cami, swap on a strapless bra and put it back on.  Now the jeans don’t work, so you kick them off and grab a lighter pair from the stack.

Blah. You hate the outfit. Maybe a dress will work.

You grab your new green dress from the closet and slip it on. You can see your underwear lines so you take them off and grab a thong. You like your reflection in the mirror – your boobs look good, the dress hides your post-midterms poundage and the color makes you look less pasty.

Only – crap – you don’t have any weather appropriate shoes to wear. At least not a pair that won’t kill your feet in an hour.

You take the dress off and throw it on the floor. “Leggings will work,” you think to yourself. You pull on a pair of black leggings and realize they are the ones with the whole in the butt. You kick them off and grab another pair. You rifle through your drawers throwing shirts on the floor as you attempt to find something long enough to pair with the pants.

Finally, standing in your room in a bra and a pair of leggings with all of your clothes piled around you on the floor you declare, “I have nothing to wear!” You pout, you throw things and you tell your roommates you aren’t going anywhere.

They come to your room – facing the same dilemma in their own closets – and sift through the wreckage.  Eventually, they will grab a few of your things to pair with their own jeans. “OMG, that looks so hot! That didn’t look that good on me!” You scream.

They bring you down a few tops of their own and you try them on. “That looks so good on you!” they exclaim. And soon everyone is dressed and happy. And an hour late for whatever it was you were getting dressed for in the first place.

—-

Yeah, we’ve all been in a full closet with nothing to wear. Isn’t that what having roommates is all about?

I survived most of my years in college by borrowing clothes. Most weekends I had another girl’s shirt on my back because I never had any “going out clothes” or the pocket change to spare on them. But some girls had closets and dressers and hampers full of amazing shirts that, after a few drinks, they were always willing to share. And to keep up the barter, I always returned them (sooner or later) back in their original state (after cleaning the spilled beer and cheese sauce).

It wasn’t until I graduated in May that I realized what few pieces of clothing I have. So in honor of populating my closet, I’m sharing this find that will also help you populate yours. Among the many adorable choices on fumblinfoe.net (discovered in the newest Marie Claire) is this going out top that’s weekend perfection.

It’s not just that the sparkles won’t rub off. It’s not just the v-neck or the skinny straps. It’s not just the exposed zipper on the back. And it’s not just that it’s black and slimming while reflective and hot.

It’s all of the above.

The top has a bra-like underwire on top that gives some hidden lift, and it covers juuust enough while still giving a scandalous dip that, in combination with the glittering effect, will be sure to catch everyone’s eye. Better yet – it’ll be sure to catch your eye in the morning when it’s scrunched in the corner of a dorm room, be it yours or someone else’s.

If you can’t wait for the weekend, this top is just as awesome for wearing to class. If paired with a solid, plain cardigan, it can certainly be pulled off for the day-to-day and you won’t have to worry once about leaving a trail of glitter behind you. The shirt on its own is a statement piece, though, so even on the weekends be sure to pair with an understated accessory (a necklace or a black bracelet) and only plain jeans.

Adding this top to your wardrobe will be sure to turn the tables and your friends will be knocking down your door looking for something to borrow. But beware of  who you lend it to- it doesn’t look like the kind of shirt that will easily wash free of spilled beer and cheese fries.

[See what else Julia is jonesing for by clicking right here.]

Why should you have to give up feeling confident and sexy because those heels in your closet look better as a prop then when you try to wear them out? OK, so they make your legs look like the hottest stilts in the world, but how hot do you look waddling in them until you trip and smack your face on a keg and have a black eye for the first week of classes? Wedges could have saved my cousin.

And these are the hottest pair of the season. The lace up wedge is so on trend right now, and this Steve Madden pair just won’t quit. They have the awesome height, the sexified peep toe, and an added hole (peep heel?) in the back. The above-the-ankle cut makes them PERFECT for wearing with leggings to completely avoid the dilemma of wearing tights with exposed webbed toes; the legging will totally disappear under the lace-up ankle of the wedge and – voila – you’ve the appearance of opaque tights that allows you to show off the pedicure you splurged on.

Pair them with skinny jeans or the cropped high-waisted pants that are so in right now. When you’re tired of crawling to class with unbrushed hair and sweats and you want to look a little more presentable, these shoes are the way to do it without every girl in class glaring at you for having the audacity to wear a pair of heels to your lecture.

And when it’s no longer acceptable to wear your flip-flops to a party (was it ever acceptable?) because it’s getting a little nippy, you won’t have to walk home barefoot with your heels in your hand because wedges are just plain doable. They’re so comfortable, you can wear them all night long -  or at least until the cops break up the party. And when that happens, you’ll be passing all those girls in stilettos on your sprint home.

Military style.

Honestly, I never would have liked this style if it wasn’t in every. single. fashion magazine this season. But, alas, it is (perhaps this is the fashion world’s way of tipping their hats to the troops?), so I’ve been on the hunt for a military piece that I feel I can pull off without looking as if I’m waging guerrilla warfare (although I might be if I catch someone wearing it at the same time as me). After all, if I’ve learned one thing about fashion, it’s that I need to wear the trend, NOT let the trend wear me.

And what will I be wearing this season? This awesome piece from American Eagle. I call it a piece because it’s neither sweater nor jacket; it’s more like their lovechild, or as AE calls it, the “Cropped Military Cardigan.”

I love this offspring of jacket and sweater because it’s different than the other military styles that you will never touch again come the last day of fall. It’s inexpensive (at $39.50!) and it’s not deep enough army green to look like pea soup. It’s no military shirtdress, or some trend from last fall dyed green in a desperate attempt to make it cool again.

It’s also so versatile – it can be either shirt or jacket. Wear it over your skimpy shirt (that your friends wouldn’t dare tell you makes you look like a stripper) on the way to a party when it’s so cold even “I won’t feel it after a few!” doesn’t hold true, or as a shirt on a chilly fall morning when you roll out of bed for class and need something quick and cute to pair with the jeans you found at the foot of your bed.

But the absolute BEST THING about this bad boy (and the military style in general)? You know there’s always going to be an Army theme party every semester, and while the ’80s will never come back and the orange self-tanner you used for your Jersey Shore party still hasn’t come off, this jacket will allow you to dress for the occasion without having to spend precious alchs money on something that makes you feel the need to throw another Army party just to justify the purchase.

Make sure not to leave this one behind, though, ladies. It’s so cute and warm and perfect, I can guarantee someone else will nab it and wear it (with the jeans they found at the foot of their bed) in your Monday lecture, praying the chick who left it at the party doesn’t recognize it.

[I want it, I need it, I can't live without it. Or that. Or that over there. Or that cute top that girl's wearing.... 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. But there's so much to sift through, how can you find the best of the best? No worries; we've scoured stores, online stores, and stores again (it's a tough job but someone's got to do it) and we'll share our finds with you here.  As far as actually getting them goes....well, you're on your own with that one.]

September marks that fine time of year when I finally feel it’s socially acceptable to implement all the fashion trends I learned during fall Fashion Week without soaking them in August sweat stains. I watched the shows, I made mental notes, and I’m ready to sacrifice a heat stroke and a paycheck if the cool of Autumn decides to be fashionably late this year.

While it may still be too hot to handle my fall wish list, it’s not too soon to track down my most desired fall must have: the camel coat.

Classic, chic, warm enough to carry you through winter when you’ve blown your budget on your fall coat – you just can’t go wrong with this pick. The delicious caramel and honey tones work with every skin tone and hair color, and call it a trend if you must, but a neutral color like camel never goes out of style.

The cut and details of this particular jacket will flatter any body shape and the loose fit gives you just the right amount of room to layer on those heavy sweaters when the temperature drops. Pair it with a chunky knit scarf for the colder months and flip up the big-but-not-too-big (read: perfect) hood to protect your hair when it unexpectedly starts to mist on your way to dinner with the girls.

Just don’t be fooled, the camel coat isn’t a camel’s version of a fur coat. No camel hair required. This is all wool, baby. No one wants to look like they draped a camel over their shoulders – humps still intact in the front.

But I digress. This jacket is stunning and classy (a step up from the North Face, no?) and perfect for fall. While I spent the last few months drooling over a Derek Lam version from the runway that would cost me three months of rent, I saw this one for $177 by Mr. Michael Kors and forgot all about that other one. (OK, so I didn’t forget it, but I realized that I didn’t have to give up shelter and food for a great jacket….) It is still a pretty penny, but it’s definitely a jacket you’ll keep around for years to come. And if you can find cheaper one anywhere, let me know before I cave!

You gotta act quick, though; it won’t be long before I’m roasting under this gorgeous wool while somewhere a closely shaved sheep calls me an impatient sucker.

So how do I get my chambray on without rocking the denim tuxedo?
Two words: denim dress.

The denim dress is a fashionable and versatile wardrobe addition. First, it’s a great way to get out of those jeans (that may or may not be giving you muffin top) but still enjoy one of the biggest trends of the season. Second, it’s the ultimate transition piece to take you from summer to fall. Pair it with some wedges or flat sandals now and in two months, rock some tights and a chunky cardigan (or leather coat!) and you’re good to go.

Plus, we all know that dresses in general are the bomb.com because there is so much less thought needed to look cute and put together, and the denim dress is no exception. Throw one on, add cute shoes and a bag and – boom! – you = SO FREAKIN CUTE! Need some help finding the perfect denim frock? I’ve got 8 fun and flattering options right here. No, you don’t need to thank me. I’m just doing my job!

Top Row from left: Forever 21 – $22.80; Levi’s – $59.50; Macy’s – $8.99; Charlotte Russe – $28;
Bottom Row from left: Macy’s – $34.99; Forever 21 – $19.80; Charlotte Russe – $28; Forever 21 – $19.80.

The following post is courtesy of our gal pals over at CollegeFashion.net. Check them out for all your fashion and beauty needs!

As members of the CF (and CC!)community, it’s safe to say we’re all pretty fashion-savvy. We know what’s in, we know what’s out, and most of all we know that most of the season’s “must-haves” come with expiration dates. Similarly, we’re all students. We can’t afford to buy into the latest designer whims- we can barely afford to feed ourselves! So what’s a stylish college girl to do? Reach for the classics, of course.

Whereas most “wardrobe classics” lists talk about items that have been popular for centuries, this post is about the new era of timeless pieces – OUR classics: the new wardrobe staples for this generation. While of course there will be some overlap with old-school “fashion classics” lists, this list will focus on the next generation of classics, and list some newer pieces that every modern girl needs to own, as well as a few items that have been in style forever.

1. The Plaid/Check Shirt

Although this piece has only been hot for a couple of years now, it won’t be going anywhere for a while. The check shirt is easy, casual and fabulous dressed up or dressed down. If you need any help styling up this fantastically versatile piece, check out CF’s guide to rocking a plaid shirt.

2. Skinny Jeans

Okay, I know not everyone is a fan of the ubiquitous skinny jean, but the truth is this style is here to stay. Whether you wear them with ballet flats or boots for day or sky-high heels for night, skinnies are a perpetual closet staple for every modern girl.

Clickto hop over to CollegeFashion and find out the other 8 essentials (plus another 10!).