The rain, snow and sleet during this time of year can be depressing. So as gray days stretch on, add a splash of color to your ensemble! It’s both easy and affordable to switch out the dark shades in your wardrobe for happy colors instead. Your spirits will instantly be lifted! Check out these fun bright pieces to add to your wardrobe for just $20 each!

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So normally, I try to keep the Weekly Ten a positive place. Best kisses. Best boys. Best ways to spend your winter break. But this week, well, that’s just not happening.

I’m not sure if it’s the bad weather or the senioritis or my inability to focus on any one task for more than five minutes at a time, but I’ve been in quite the mood these past few days. And I’m taking my anger out on February, this too short, unproductive, cold, depressing, and generally annoying month.

So here’s why I am officially hating on February.

10. Groundhog Day is a bogus holiday. Yes, okay. So it’s cute to watch a little groundhog crawl out of a whole and get scared by its own shadow. But is this holiday ever actually accurate? I mean, I’m crossing my frozen fingers that this year it will be; there’s nothing I’d love more this year than an early spring….especially after Snowmaggedon 2011.

9. One month closer to midterms. What comes after February? March.  The month of midterms. The month of study sessions and papers and cramming and procrastinating.  The two week long process of trying to relearn everything you’ve already forgotten. February is cruel even as it leaves us.

8. That whole leap year thing. 28 days? 29 days? Make up your mind already! I don’t have time to deal with your identity crisis, February!

7. At the end of this month, my thesis is due.  Like due, due. It has to be done. Finished. Never to be touched by my hands again. And I’m nowhere near ready for that to happen. So for me, February is going to be thesis month, which you know, just completely sucks.

6. Valentine’s Day is horrible. For single girls, married girls, engaged girls and girls in relationships. For the couples of the world Valentine’s Day is an enormous amount of pressure. Do you do the big dinner? The night in? Do you ignore the holiday all together and hope it passes without incident? That’s probably what most single girls are going to do, because for them Valentine’s Day is just the greeting card company’s way of  saying “Sorry you don’t have anyone to buy you chocolate….so spend the next 72 hours gorging on the stuff while watching Lifetime movies and wallowing in your misery.”

5. The Wardrobe sucks. All of the stores are releasing their new spring lines. Floral dresses. Jean skirts. Espadrilles. Wedges. So many cute outfit ideas. But can we wear those outfits? Nope. We’re stuck in baggy coats and layer upon layer of clothing, rain boots and snow boats and hats and scarves that are already standing on their last leg. It was cute once upon a time, way back in December when the winter weather was just beginning, but now I’m sick of it.

4. New Year’s resolutions start to fall apart. They were going strong in January. You were hitting the gym regularly, writing down all your assignments, and totally embracing that whole new year, new you thing. But then February comes along. It’s cold. It’s depressing and it’s overwhelming. Suddenly you have more important things to focus on than your plans to never eat fried food again….like your plans to drink beer and mozzarella sticks, wings and french fries at the Super Bowl party.

3. It’s depressing. You’re upset that you can’t keep your new year’s resolutions. There are no holidays to look forward to. It’s too cold to even consider going out. So all you do is sit home watching reality TV marathons and eating your weight in cookie dough. Which you know, could be fun every once in a while but not for an entire month. And not because you have nothing better to do. February cramps my style. And that’s depressing.

2. It’s winter break month for high schools. Remember in high school, when you used to have a whole week off for President’s Day instead of just the Monday? That was so much fun, wasn’t it? No holidays to take part in. No familial obligations. Just a week home to relax and catch up on some sleep. Yeah, well now we’re in college so we don’t get that anymore. At least, not until March.

1. It’s too cold. It’s icy. It’s raining. It’s freezing. It’s slushy. And I can’t take it anymore. Since January the  temperatures have already dipped below freezing more times than I care to recall. And February will not see the end of this. No, it will see the continuation of this. A very long, very unnecessary continuation that forces me to wear puffer coats and unattractive scarfs and lined rain boots in an attempt to stay warm and dry. And I hate it.

I hate it all.
Is February over yet?

[Check out Jenn's other musings-in-the-form-of-a-list here.]

It’s an old fashion rule that you can’t wear white after labor day — but I say, “says who?” I think white’s perfectly fine for winter… it’s the color of snow, after all!

The difference from summer whites is that winter whites are richer, warmer shades of white, like ivory, cream, and ecru. These colors look especially lush paired with other winter colors. Here are some great winter white pieces for less than $20!

[Click on any image to start the winter (white) wonderland!]

Shorts have been around for a few seasons now and (after getting over that whole ‘thighs rubbing together’ thing) I’m finally warming up to them. And even though winter is almost here (sigh), shorts are showing no signs of saying farewell. In fact, now that designers are making them in winter fabrics like wool and tweed, they’re taking over.

At this point I wouldn’t be surprised if North Face started making quilted down winter shorts.

So how does one wear these “winter shorts,” you ask? Simple. Just like in the summer, you can make these shorties look great for day or night and still show off those legs of yours. Only this time, they’ll be wrapped in some tights (because frost bite is not a good look on anyone).

Shorts for a cold, winter day:

Product Information: Shorts – Lulus, $33; Top – Gap, $19.50; Shawl – Forever 21, $16.90; Tights – Old Navy, $6.50; Boots, Bag – Urban Outfitters, $58; Necklace – Lulus, $11.

I love this take on the sailor short gone to the North Pole. And I love the unexpected burgundy shade. Pair these (or any more “wintery” looking shorts) with a loose black top tucked in, a whimsical necklace and opaque tights for a look that is all at once casual and trendy. I added these rugged boots, but riding boots work just as well (as do pumps if you want to take this look to night). To add even extra snuggly warmth, I added the hooded shawl, which is not only the perfect winter accessory, but the perfect color to compliment this look.

Shorts for a long, dark winter night:

Product Information: Shorts - Forever 21, $17.80; Top – Old Navy, $24.50; Jacket – Lulus, $56; Pumps – Charlotte Russe, $30; Bag – Charlotte Russe, $18.50;  Tights – Old Navy, $6.50; Hat – Top Shop, $16.

Again, tights help to keep the outfit weather appropriate (and give you yet another excuse to not shave those legs!). Pair with this loose, polka dotted top and red bag for a very easy, feminine look. If you want to make it ultra femme (and cover up some not-so-clean tresses?), top it all off with a bowed beret. Then bring it all back around with the tough jacket and rocker shoes to strike that perfect balance between girly and total bad ass.

If my dry skin and red nose tell me anything it’s that the brutally cold months of winter are here. (Or that I should really invest in some moisturizer.) And they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. If you’re one of the many unlucky souls trudging through the arctic tundra to get anywhere, good luck. Better start layering now, because it’s gonna take awhile.

Luckily, The Gap has come to the rescue with some majorly cute layering pieces (that are all on the cheap!)  that can take your winter from holy-hell-I-can’t-feel-my-limbs to OMG-it’s-really-cold-but-yay!-I-still-look-cute. Because no matter how hard those snowflakes are whipping us in the face, we still deserve to look good. For cheap. There are far more important things to spend our money on, like extra hot lattes from The Bux.

Just because you have to bundle up to ward off those freezing cold temperatures doesn’t mean you have to look big and bulky. This sweater is extra warm, but also totally cute. Pair it with a bright scarf for extra heat and fabulosity.

It may be cold outside, but you know it’s gonna be a sweat-box in that party. You’re going to need something light and cute, and this ruffle tank is just right. The color will have you standing out amongst the sea of black and gray, and the scoop neck adds a hint of sex appeal. Pair with some skinny jeans and booties (and a heavy coat) and you’re ready to shake your groove thang.

Not only would this tee look totally divine under your boyfriend blazer/cardigan, but it’s Product Red! You can look damn good and feel good about doing some good. It’s that good.

Yes, that’s right – a good go-to pair of jeans for $19.99. And the bootcut is just perfect to slide over those Uggs or Sorels for your cold, wet trek to class.

Winter is all about layering, so why not layer with something cute and sexy? This long-sleever is from the Gap’s favorites collection, meaning it’s super soft and will fit like a glove. And that deep v-neck? Who says you can’t show a little skin during the winter months?

A basic long sleeve shirt? Not so much with that adorable detailing on the sleeve. Let those sleeves down when the wind is whipping you, then roll that ish back up when you’re back indoors and starting to sweat.

Who knew Gap did accessories so well? This satin braided bracelet can dress up any outfit, or you can pair it with some gold bangles to add a bit of classic-meets-rock-star to your look.

This bright and beautiful scarf can do some serious double duty this season: wear it outside to keep that neck warm, then keep it on inside to jazz up whatever you’re layering underneath. Sigh. It’s just so pretty.

Brrrr.

I don’t know where you were today, but in the Midwest one thing became very clear: winter is here. Yeah, seeing my breath in my apartment was a pretty good reminder that I need to stock up on gloves and scarves – uh – yesterday. Seriously, after walking outside for 10 minutes, I’m surprised my fingers are still able to type right now. Or that they’re even still attached.

After running home and taking a long, hot shower (sorry, Al Gore) I piled on the sweats and sat down to scout out the best, warmest and, of course, stylin’ winter accessories.

Winter accessories are the best way play with color during the cold months (when your jacket is black, your boots are black, and the snow is black), not to mention an affordable way to switch up your style mid-winter. Because let’s face it: by February you will be VERY sick of wearing that same puffy jacket and boots to class. Throw on a new hat, scarf and gloves and it will spruce up your look and your mood!

Whether you have a black, brown or red coat, here are some great options to keep you toasty this winter.

If You’ve Got a Red Coat…
A colorful coat (which is a major trend this season) with the same solid color gloves, hat and scarf would be color overkill, especially when you consider that bright red nose you’ll have. This little combo keeps the look cohesive without making you look like a frozen tomato from head to toe. Red and grey is a killer combo, which is why I’m obsessed with these gloves. And opting for a beret over a traditional ski cap keeps you looking fresh and cute instead of like a 12-year-old boy.

Jacket: Macy’s
Gloves: Nordstrom
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Scarf: Urban Outfitters

If You’ve Got a Black Coat…
The black coat is incredibly versatile – duh – but it could really use a little punch. And this scarf/hood combo is just the thing. Ok, so the Hickie Hider it isn’t necessarily budget, but it’s GENIUS. It’s a scarf and hat in one (so, really, it’s actually a pretty good deal) and the bright colors match with almost any jacket (you can wear it with everything – totally worth the price!). Plus, it looks adorbs hanging over the back of your jacket even if you’re not rocking the hood. So whether you are hiding a hickie or are just trying to make it to class without dying from frostbite, this scarf is a must-have. Choose a color found in the scarf and get a solid pair of gloves to match!

Coat: Macy’s
Gloves: Nordstrom
Scarf/Hood: Lululemon

If You’ve Got a Brown Coat
I love me some brown and pink. It’s just such an obvious combination that is all at once neutral and totally sweet. I also happen to have a slight obsession with scarves – especially fun ones – because you can wear them to keep warm and then keep them on as an added accessory once you’re all thawed out. If you’re gonna do a fun scarf, keep the other accessories basic but do not match them all. You want to look put together, not like you just picked up some set at your neighborhood mom shop.

Coat: Macy’s
Gloves: Old Navy
Scarf: Delia’s
Hat: Urban Outfitters

Today is the first official day of Spring, ladies! Sure, you might not feel it yet (I know I wore a winter coat to the bar last night), but that is what the calendar says, so bust out the Havianas and madras and embrace the new season!

It’s amazing what the weather can do for your mood. Just the thought of rocking my new Ray Ban’s with a pair of flip flops has me jumping for joy. Seriously, the guy who lives below me just jabbed his broom at the ceiling. Maybe once he sees the sun shining he’ll stop being so grumpy.

Anyways, I. LOVE. Spring. It’s my favorite season of the year by far. Jean jackets, spring dresses, sangria on the porch – there is nothing better. And the rest of the CollegeCandy writers agree. See what they love most about spring.

Coco: I love seeing the flowers bloom, minus allergic reactions of course.  And good fruit! Mmm.

Alex – Lakehead: The warm weather! After months of snow, I’ll take any rise in temperature!

Mazuba – Westchester Community College: Going back to drinking iced coffees and bikini shopping. It’s never to early to find the perfect bikini!

Lauren – University of Michigan: Two words – outdoor drinking.

Brithny – Duke: Being tan again! Asians just should not be white… winter was not a  good look for me.

Charlsie – Hollins: Getting ice-cream, wearing sundresses, and feeling refreshed for the first time in months.

Sara C- Fordham: The weather is more comfortable for walking! No more shivering at the bus stop, no more frigid dashes to class, and I can get some exercise!

Elizabeth – Berkeley: An opportunity to wear all my cute summer clothes that have been in hiding for the past year.

Sarabeth – University of Texas: Wearing shorts.

Johnie – PSU: Tanning on my balcony….finally!

Carrie- Duke: My favorite thing about Spring is that Winter is officially over.

Carly – Grinnell: I love to see people out and walking around in the springtime. I suddenly realize how many people actually live in my town.

Kelly – UMass: Flip Flops

Gemma – NYU: OH MY GOD I am SO excited to be able to leave the house in a t-shirt or sweater, without having to spend 10 minutes figuring out just how cold it is and then bundling up accordingly with a coat, hat, gloves, boots, scarf, etc!!

Liza M – Minnesota: It’s almost summer! Minnesota spring can be unpredictable (case in point: it snowed on the day of my senior prom…April 26th!) but summer is always amazing!

Jill – University of Wisconsin: People aren’t walking as if they are trying to make it to the nearest bathroom to drop a load. I can see people’s faces! And by ‘people’ I mean cute men in cute spring clothes.

Donnette – Manhattaville College: OMG!! Everything! I get to create my Spring Lookbook and ditch my chocolate Uggs and Etienne Aigner boots for cute strappy sandals.

Kari – FSU: Being able to wear floral sundresses everywhere and anywhere.

Leah – Ryerson University: Wearing sandals and sitting on patios.  Often done at the same time.

What are you looking forward to?

[Photo courtesy of Guardian.co.uk]

We are officially in the dead of winter. Our hands are dry and cracking, we’ve worn our Uggs for 48 days straight, the cold air is seeping through our windows and the cracks in our doors, and we would rather stay home and watch a movie than go out. It’s bad.

Unfortch, it’s not even close to being over. Hey now; don’t shoot the messenger! I didn’t create the seasons.

It takes a lot of will power and positive thinking to get through the next 6-ish weeks of winter (or longer if you live in the midwest), so we thought we’d remind you of all the wonderful things this awful season has to bring. Surviving winter is all about seeing the glass as half full and not as completely frozen. And stuck to your hand.

So, here are the reasons why CollegeCandy cherishes these winter months. What are your favorite things about winter?

Laura – St. Johns: Winter clothes — I love wearing cute coats, scarfs, and hats to stay warm.

Brithny – Duke University: I love winter because ’tis the season for *SNOW*!!! Snow balls… snow men… snow slushies… just not the yellow ones, of course.

Leah – Ryerson University: It’s hard to say since I live somewhere where winter takes up the majority of the year, but skating, wooly scarfs and hot chocolate top the list!

Lauren – University of Michigan: The bulky clothes that cover all that weight I gained (to stay warm, of course).

Mazuba – Westchester Community College: Getting to go ice-skating on the lake at Bryant Park.

Amanda – Wagner: Winter makes me nostalgic for sledding and hot cocoa with extra marshmallows. Every time it snows I contemplate breaking out the  mittens and telling my neighbor to meet me at the top of the hill.

Julia – UC Berkeley: A chance to wear the expensive jackets and sweaters that I won’t get to wear for the rest of the year.

Noa – CU Boulder: An excuse to order delivery for every meal. Oh, and the skiing!

S.E. – Fordham: The excuse it gives to cuddle with a cute boy in my bed.

Thu – USC: Not having to sit uncomfortably in class, drenched in sweat, and wondering if anyone notices my sweat stains. Or sitting next to someone with major ones. Eww.

Erica – Kent State: As much as I hate the cold, I love, love, love snow days!

Marissa – High School Senior: When it ends. The cold, the short days, the unbearable work load…I loathe the winter doldrums.

Elisabeth – UA Huntsville: Wearing super cute sweaters and hoping for snow.  It makes me feel like a kid again.

Carly – Grinnell: Two words: hot chocolate.

Alex – Lakehead University: Getting cozy. Bundling up in blankets inside or in cute jackets and scarves outside

Sara – NYU: Boots + Kneesocks = 4Ever

Kelly – UMass: Snow days off from work where I can catch up on The Wire

Maddie – Tufts: I love that winter gives you an excuse to wear long scarves all the time. They cover your torso and totally take the pressure out of finding a cute shirt to wear!

K – GWU: People are less likely to judge me for my obscene oatmeal obsession.

The latest trend in winter-wear is the extra long scarf. In my mind, the longer the scarf, the more times you can wrap that sucker around your neck. Not anymore. The movers and shakers of the fashion world are letting their scarves hang low.

The whole idea seems like a death trap to me (what if that thing gets caught in an elevator door!?), but I’ve never been one to understand fashion trends. (I was a super late adopter of the capri pant.) And who knows; maybe this keeps the torso warmer?

What do you think? Super long scaves: love em or hate em?

Heck, here in Canada, it’s not odd to see students sporting Sorel boots (yeah, the boots mountain people wear).

And don’t even get me started on headwear. People at my school who aren’t dressed warmly enough opt for a homemade-turban look, using an extra sweater they have in their bag! Atrocious!

What is even more upsetting is that with a little research and planning (um, like checking the weather before leaving the house!), you can keep the blood circulating in your skull and still look cute!

CollegeCandy has done the leg work for you and presents you with a list of super chic, and more importantly, WARM, options for your noggin. Yes, it is possible to stay warm and keep the hair intact.

1. A Beret or Beanie

Since berets popped on the scene, they have been unstoppable! They are a much better option than a baseball cap in the summer and now, like this one on the left, come in a variety of thick, warm knits for winter. With it’s chunky cables and generous size, it will most certainly keep your ears from freezing on a cold winter’s day. Plus, this one from Urban Outfitters comes in eight different colors, so go ahead and stock up! You can look fresh and cute all season long.

The Beanie. An undeniable classic. Popular among jocks, skaters and gang-members alike, it serves its function perfectly; to keep your head warm! This year Volcom has released an updated version that I find irresistible! With its quirky mix of colors and loose fit, the Blizzard Beanie is sure to fit into an eclectic wardrobe. Bonus: The loose fit also ensures that your hair with stay bouncy and perfect, instead of getting flattened like the typical winter hat.

2. A Ski Cap

Apres ski is always a go-to look for celebrities. Rosy cheeks, windblown hair, fashionable outerwear and – to top it all off – the perfect ski hat, just like this one (left) by Mischa Lambert. Featuring super chunky yarn, crocheted tight to ensure heat retention, ear flaps AND cute pom-poms! It comes in black and white, so it is guaranteed to match your favorite jacket, not matter the color.

Free People’s Norway Love Earflap Hat puts a totally different spin on this shape. Playful and colorful, this hat alone can be the centerpiece of your outfit. Perfect for braving the slopes or the walk to class.

3. Earmuffs

An often overlooked headwear option, earmuffs are not just for little girls anymore. Earmuffs are the perfect winter option because they keep you warm without messing up that perfectly coiffed ‘do. Two of our favorite earmuff makers are Juicy Couture and UGG Australia. The Juicy ones (left) are cute and fluffy; perfect for the fashionista. The UGG earmuffs (right) are made of their signature shearling, giving them a sportier (and totally toasty) look.

4. A Hood or Hooded Scarf

Now here is something different! If you consider yourself fashion forward or like to stand out in the crowd, how about opting for a hood? They keep your whole head warm and manage to set you apart from the rest of your peers who are all wearing hats. This Eugenia Kim hood (left) is super chic and it’s thick yarn and giant ribbing are sure to keep frost-bite at bay!

Another option along these lines is a hooded scarf. Somewhat of a hat/scarf hybrid, hooded scarves are popping up everywhere! Urban Outfitters is carrying several styles this season, and depending on the style you choose you can totally change your look. The navy and grey rugby stripes give off a slightly masculine edge while the fluffy white loops are ultra-feminine!