One trend that’s been popping up over and over again in stores and on runways the last few seasons is textured clothing. This could be items with appliqués, all-over beading or sequins, added ruffles or fringe, and even (hopefully faux) fur – anything that adds dimension and interest. These are some of my favorite textured pieces that you can find in stores now, which are perfect for all sorts of different occasions and cost just $20 or less each! Read More »

Come winter, I seem to gain about 10 pounds. I’m never sure if this is actual holiday weight, or whether it’s just the appearance of bulky layers. Living in Minnesota for the year I’m getting used to the cold, but not what I look like in the mirror.

Layering is a fine art. It needs to do two things – keep you warm and make you look good. Around August I start flicking through magazines, excited and inspired by the layered looks on the fashion pages. Although in reality, size 2 models look great with some extra bulk. I do not.

The best way to layer- both for warmth and for style – is by using thin layers. I’ve chosen to use the same thin jersey dress for each of these outfits, which can be layered both over and under for extra warmth. Even colder where you are? Add thick socks, boots and a warm winter coat. Read More »

[The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. They're like the college Rachel Zoe (sans baby bump). Have you checked them out yet?!]

Finals are FINALLY coming to an end! After a grueling month of December, I’m sure you’re just as excited as I am to go home and have a nice break for a change. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate this time of year, and a great way to look festive is by rocking sparkly pieces.

But where’s the challenge in throwing on a sparkly dress for night? That’s too easy. To make things a little more interesting, this week’s challenge is all about rocking glitter, sequins, and sparkly pieces when they’re least expected – during the day. Think you can handle it? Read on for some tips and looks to try! Read More »

One of the biggest fashion trends for the 2010-2011 fall/winter season is velvet.  The ultra-soft fabric looks and feels luxurious, so it’s great for holiday parties.  It’s also warm, making it perfect for cold weather.

Just because velvet seems luxe doesn’t mean it has to be pricey, however.  For under $20, you can add any one of these great velvet pieces to your wardrobe this holiday season! Read More »

You don't have to look like this all winter long!

Winter is here.

Blah.

Sure with winter comes snow angels and holidays (and holiday presents!) and hot chocolate by the fireplace and winter break…

But with the snow comes slush, boots, puffy jackets and that ridiculously long walk to class where your fingers freeze and your nose runs and your eyes tear and then the tears freeze. And it’s a wonder how you become such a hot mess given how damn cold it is.

But on the upside, at least for fashion-lovin’ ladies like myself, winter brings a whole new crop of accessories. And cute accessories to boot! Scarves, pom-pon hats, earmuffs, mittens, berets and the like. So if you have to freeze your ass off… you might as well look damn good doing it!

Here are my favorite chic and cheap winter accessories. Scarves, hats and gloves are a great way to bring some color to the dreary snow ridden streets of your campus and an affordable way to play with trends. Read More »

When it comes to staying warm in the colder months, there’s nothing like faux fur: it’s so soft, warm, and chic.  Plus, it’s a much more humane and wallet-friendly solution for those of us who love the look and coziness of fur, but are on a budget and/or hate the idea of wearing real fur.

Here are some great faux fur items to add to your wardrobe that will keep you warm without hurting your bank account–they’re all under $20! Read More »

After perusing the style sections of some of my favorite magazines and websites, I’ve discovered something horrifying. Well, besides the price tags next to my favorite items.

Much to my dismay, DOC MARTENS are back.

Yes, I’m serious. Everyone from the editors at Marie Claire to the designers showing their wears at NYFW are toting Docs as the biggest fashion “Do” this season.

I don’t know if I’m alone here, but the only time I’ve ever briefly considered these to be cool (after CDs were invented, at least) was when I saw Sienna Miller rock them in Nylon Magazine.  But come on; she’s also wearing a tutu and trying to lick her foot. She’s obvi the only (and I do mean ONLY) person who can pull that off.

Why would this pedophile-in-a-trenchcoat footwear make a comeback ever again in 2010? Why do things like this even MAKE comebacks? Is there a fashion-comeback god that just decides to bring certain (bad) trends back? Wasn’t there a reason they, like shoulder pads, went out of style in the first place? Read More »

I love tights. They not only keep me warm during the winter, but they’re also a fun way to express my personal style and give my outfit a little extra pizzazz.

Tights have been pretty popular for a few seasons now (thank god – no one wants to wear their annoying sister, hose, during the cold months) and there are tons of different styles out there ranging from funky to sexy to feminine. The surprising news is, tights can get really pricey. I’m not sure how something that rips so easily can cost so much, but I am not the one making the rules. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options that don’t skimp on the style, and here are a few choices that will look fab without hurting your wallet. Read More »

Some of us are extremely frugal – we buy new clothes once a year and never let window displays tempt us into spending our food allowance on a new pair of heels. The rest of us set find ourselves failing miserably year after year as we break our news year’s resolution of spending less money as a sale induced coma ends in yet another mini shopping spree.

Whether you only buy the necessities or find any and every excuse to purchase a new outfit (Friend’s birthday? Job interview? Your favorite idol contestant moved on to Hollywood?), there is one staple we can all agree is essential to a complete wardrobe: jeans.

And while we all have our favorite pair that are fraying at the bottom and growing holes in the crotch (thank you, thighs that rub together!), it’s inevitable that there is a growing stack of denim in the bottom of our closet.

We might not be able to explain our denim obsession, but it is completely necessary to have jeans in a variety of colors, washes and cuts. You have to have your skinny jeans to tuck into boots, your boot-cut to wear with your converse and cropped for flip flops in warmer months. Not to mention the dark wash for a dressier vibe and the distressed for casual ensembles

So its no surprise that what I am totally craving right now is, you guessed it, a new pair of jeans. The style I must add to the pile? A pair of embellished skinnys.

Embellishment is popping up everywhere this season; it’s dressing up t-shirts, pea coats and motorcycle boots. And now I must have it on my thighs. The perfect pair? Shopbop’s Custom Denim Skinny Jean with Studs by Earnest Sewn. Read More »

As winter break winds down, I’m starting to have nightmares of exams, a jam packed calendar, and having my alarm wake me up before noon. But no matter how much I dread it, next semester is coming and it’s coming fast.

Obviously this has me tearing apart my closet, sifting through piles of jeans and tanks and blazers, letting them all duke it out for a place in my tiny suitcase.

After packing my must-have PMS sweats, I moved on to “work attire,” because, sadly, instead of lounging around the house all day eating leftovers, I will actually have to wake up early and go to an internship when I get back to school.

After my pair of black dress pants and a modest sweater dress made the cut, I was extremely bored. Am I really going to go from partying with friends in my leather jacket and sequined mini to a stuffy button up? I felt my fashionista heart breaking into a million pieces.

That is until I stumbled upon Express during a daily web-surfing session and found the High Waist Cotton Pencil Skirt in Geometric. Suddenly a light bulb went off: Just because I have to wake up early and go to an office like an adult doesn’t mean that I have to leave my fashion-forward college self behind. Read More »