I love sweatpants. They are my soulmate. When I put them on (especially after shaving my legs) they feel live heaven. Especially when the elastic ends grip to my ankles and make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Yep, that’s right — I wear XL man sweatpants when I’m lounging around the house. Sue me and call me the laziest pile of crap since Charlie Sheen. Woah — I just burned myself.

In college, I got into a nasty habit with my sweatpants. Our relationship took a very public turn. Yep, my sweatpants relationship was all about the PDA and I went everywhere with them on. Grocery store, library, Target, the mall…we were attached at the hip (pun intended). When I graduated college, I broke up with sweatpants and scooted on to yoga pants (because they didn’t seem as “you-never-dress-up-taboo”).

But here’s the thing; I’m tired of my sweatpants and my yoga pants. Although I’m a woman that promotes comfort, something about putting a little more effort into presenting yourself in public makes me feel a lot better about life. It’s a simple concept, but something about it isn’t so simple. After living in a college world where presenting yourself meant spending four hours a weekend going out (and that’s it), things change. The real world gives you opportunities to spend hours getting ready for other things. The simple things. Why not spend a ton of time getting ready to go out to lunch with an old friend? Or even through on a cute outfit for the grocery store? A hair appointment?

This is my new goal. Whether or not I’m making myself sound like a total slob, I don’t care. I want to spend more time getting ready for simple trips out (and not just extravagant nights out with friends). First of all, who knows who I’m going to meet when I waltz over to the grocery store to buy red peppers? Second of all, the mere satisfaction of feeling confident and comfortable in my own skin is worth all of the extra effort in the world.

I’m not about to say appearance is everything. I don’t ever want to be someone I’m not (lord knows I’m no Paris Hilton, wear-heels-into-the-gas-station type of person). But I am the type of person who wants to feel wonderful. So why not throw on some funky tights, a cute dress and a pea-coat to hit lunch with ma (instead of those ol’ yoga pants)? I’m not going to deny myself any more opportunities to feel good and look great while I’m doing it.

Happy 2011, everyone! It’s a new year, so why not start it off right by getting into shape? I know I’d like to slim down after overindulging on food and drinks during the holidays! It’s not going to be easy, though. For me, the hardest part of working out, especially when I haven’t been at it in a while, is getting motivated. The exercise part isn’t so bad once I’m doing it, because I just visualize my goals (or watch Kardashian marathons…), but I have the hardest time just getting up and going.

In order to motivate myself to work out, I’ve decided to buy myself some cute new workout clothes. The idea is that I’ll feel obligated to use the clothes since I spent money on them, and I’ll also want to show off how cute I look in my new workout gear. Lucky for me (and those of you who think this is such a great idea you have to do it, too) some of my favorite cheap clothing stores have started carrying workout clothes, so there are lots of affordable options — like all these for just $20 or less! Read More »

Now that it’s winter break, you’re likely spending most of your time sitting around your parents’ house in your PJ’s, right? I don’t blame you — if you don’t have to go to work or school, you might as well be comfortable, right?

But “comfortable” doesn’t have to mean “sloppy.” There are plenty of comfortable lounge clothes that are also cute! They’re also useful beyond winter break — loungewear is perfect for hanging out in the dorms! These clothes will make sure you look cute and stay comfortable, whether you’re studying, watching a movie with friends, or napping… and they’re all just $20 or less! Read More »

The following post is courtesy of our uber fashionable friends at CollegeFashion.net. Check ‘em out – they rock our socks off.

Ah, summer: a time where your life can be on whatever schedule you please, and you can finally take the time to do something for YOU. One of my personal goals this summer is to get in better shape! I consider myself an athletic person, but there are definitely areas where I could improve. So this summer I’ve signed up for yoga and cardio kickboxing classes, while also incorporating hiking, running track, and weight lifting into my exercise regimen. Whew that’s a variety of stuff, no?

Inspired by my own new exercise routine, I have come up with a list of essentials for anyone who is planning on exercising regularly this summer. Of course, these items are not only useful, but in the spirit of fashion they are also adorable and can really make a statement at the gym! Read More »

Everyone’s got a vice, a bad habit, something they know they need to change. Unfortunately, everyone also has a million excuses why they just can’t do it. Not anymore. Every month we will be following a different CollegeCandy writer as she takes on a personal challenge. This month we’re following Norah on her quest to bring exercise into her life. Last week she climbed aboard the elliptical, what’s she up to now?

At some point this week, exercise stopped being something I had to do and started being something I wanted to do. I’m honestly not sure what changed. Maybe it was the physical pain and exhaustion I felt after Irish dancing at a pre-St. Patrick’s Day event last weekend. And then watching all my old friends performing on St. Patrick’s Day, so full of energy, making it all look so easy.

I guess I liked to think that at any time, I could just get right back into Irish dancing, that it would be just like riding a bike. But it was so much more difficult than I ever remembered.  I was frustrated with myself for letting my laziness cancel out the years of strength and endurance I built up through dancing. Whatever the cause of this new-found motivation, though, I knew I needed to take advantage of it. Read More »

Don't worry; you don't need to be on some lush beach to look hot in these.

So…I’m really proud of myself. I’m not trying to brag or anything (okay maybe I am, but, hey, we all need a little pat on the back once in a while), but for once in my life I have actually managed to keep my “stop being a fat-ass and go to the gym” News Year’s resolution.

We are well into February, people – that’s a strong month and a half of sweating my ass off during hour-long elliptical sessions and then spending the entire next day unable to sit down on the toilet.

But while my motivation is going strong, I’ve hit a major road block when it comes to gym apparel. I’m only going to end up drenched in sweat anyway, so why does it really matter what I wear, you say.

Point taken.

But there are also a handful of hot guys bench-pressing in the corner and my ripped sweatpants really aren’t doing me any justice. I’m already wheezing like an 80-year-old man with my hair plastered to my forehead; at least my ass could look nice in the process.

Which is why I am totally adding the Victora’s Secret Yoga Knot Waist Foldover Pant to my list of must-have items. If you’ve never owned a pair of workout pants from Vicky’s you haven’t lived. They are hands down the most comfortable thing I have ever slipped into, not to mention only 1/3rd of the price of those Lululemons! And even if you’ve already given up on your workout goal, I always have a pair on hand for those lazy mornings when real clothes just aren’t going to happen (but I don’t want the saggy “I just pooped my pants” look that comes with your average sweats). 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 »

Don't know what to get this girl? We'll help you out!

We all have that friend. You know the one who’s all “thanks but no thanks on the holiday cookies – I’m totally cool eating this yummy air.” The one with so much self-discipline she woke up the morning after Halloween, threw her slutty bumble bee costume aside and went for a 7 mile run. The one who is always telling you about the latest workout she is into, health book she is reading or cleanse she is trying.  And, of course, the one who makes you think, “I wish I could be a bit more like her,” as you delve into your giant cookie while watching this week’s episode of the Real Housewives for the FOURTH time.

Yes, we all have that friend and while sometimes you wish you could just give her a big box of cookies for the holidays, there are just a few things she’d appreciate a whole lot more. But what can you get her that will make her happy without packing on the pounds? Try a few of these on for size: Read More »

School is in full swing, which means you’ve got classes, student groups, long hours in the library, late night binges after a long night of drinking….

And you gotta fit the gym in there somewhere.

I know, it’s always the first thing to go when things start getting busy, but it shouldn’t be! Working out regularly will keep you fit (obvi), and also help ease the stress and give you that much needed energy to get through those 16 credits, rush meetings, group projects and everything else you need to get through before Friday.

If that’s not enough to motivate you, perhaps some cute clothes will do? It’s obviously not easy to pull yourself out of bed and trek to the gym when you look (and therefore feel) like crap. Those baggy sweats and dirty t-shirts aren’t doing anyone any favors, especially you. And with all the super cute workout-wear that’s out there right now (in every. single. price point), there’s no reason to look drab for the gym. If you’re super busy, you can pile this stuff on before class and sneak in a workout during lunch; the clothes are so cute, no one would ever know. And if you’re just lazy, having cute and trendy pieces around will make you feel better and motivate you to get your butt moving. (It really works!)

If you need a kick in the (yoga) pants to get back to the gym, I’ve got 16 right here for ya. Enjoy. Read More »

So summer is half over.  Sad, I know. Before you know it you will be back at school for a week of activities.  And by activities, I obviously mean a week-long drink fest. Ah, the joys of welcome week. Only the best week of life that comes around once a year for four years. And of course you want to look your very best for your return to school before it all gets traded in for late night pizza runs.

The good news is its not too late to get moving.  And what’s more motivating than knowing you look damn good in your workout clothes? Nothing. Well, maybe that cute guy in the gym who will be seeing you in said cute workout clothes.  Sure you may be SO sweaty that your shirt looks like you just entered a wet t-shirt contest- but hey, at least it’s cute. And now, cheap as well. Read More »