CollegeCandy.com | Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 5

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April 15, 2010

Budget Stylista: Tailored Shorts, Two Ways (CollegeCandy Guest Post)

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From our friends at CollegeCandy.com:

Windows are up, shades are on, legs are tanned (hopefully) and it’s time to whip out the shorts for the summer.  But don’t worry, just because your sweats are going in storage doesn’t mean you have to spend your life savings on shorts to beat the heat.  Buy one pair of tailored, cuffed, lightweight dark denim shorts, and you can dress them up, down and all around.  Take these adorable pair from Forever 21, for example, and check out a few ways to style them:

Number 1:  Rocker Chic.

Product info: Shorts, Forever 21, $17.80; T-shirt, Urban Outfitters, $24.00; Handbag, Lulus.com, $48.00; Cardigan, Urban Outfitters, $38.00; Bracelet, Lulus.com, $10.00; Shoes, Bakers, $49.95

If you’re feeling like a rock star and want to go casual glam, here’s how.  Pair these shorts with a graphic tee with an edgy print.  In case of blasting air conditioning, throw on a lightweight cardigan over top.  To complete any rock star outfit, splashes of leather and metallics are a must.  The leather bow cuff pictured is the perfect compliment to a chunky gold necklace.  Of course, a studded hobo ties the look together.  You can either pair it with a matching metallic gladiator or a trendy fabric sandal.

Number 2: Flirty fabulous.

Product Info: Shorts, Forever 21, $17.80; Blouse, Urban Outfitters, $19.99; Belt, Macy’s, $19.98; Shoes, Aldo, $60; Clutch, Lulus.com, $48.00; Sunglasses, 80spurple.com, $10; Hair accessory, Forever 21, $3.80; Ring, Lulus.com, $9.00

Same shorts, different vibe.  Get this girly girl look by pairing your shorts with a lace top; exaggerated sleeves like these always give extra feminine flair.  To show off your womanly curves, tuck in your blouse and finish the look with a wide belt.  On a sunny day, oversized sunglasses in an unexpected shape add fun to any outfit.  As they will be the focal point of your accessories, you only need minimal jewelry to look put together without going overboard.  A unique rhinestone ring is perfect to do so.  A ballet flat (especially with ruffles) gives off a sweet vibe.  Add a splash of color with this lime green clutch (don’t forget your pink lipstick inside).  You can also pin back one side of your hair with a pearl-based clip to give you the ultimate classy look.



April 8, 2010

I Love Your Style: Zooey Deschanel (CollegeCandy Guest Post)

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Guest post via CollegeCandy.com:

Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use celebrities (likeAlexa Chung) or movie characters(like Queen Gorgo from “300″) as style inspiration, even though, most of the time, they are being dressed from head to toe by the best stylists. Which we don’t have. And sometimes it’s damn near impossible to work their Hollywood looks into our not-so-Hollywood lives. I’ve made it my mission to tap into the mind of a fashion stylist and show you how to take your style inspiration – whatever it may be – and make it more you

If you don’t know who Zooey Deschanel is, please kindly let me remove the rock that you’ve been living under to do a little educating.  This girl acts in movies.  This girl sings in her band, She & Him.  This girl sings in her movies she acts in.  Besides all that, this girl made it cool to dress like you went back in time reincarnated as your stylish mom growing up in the ’60s.  And she’s got girls (and guys) mildly obsessed.

There are so many ways different people describe Zooey’s style; they call it “quirky,” “indie,” or “very Zooey.” I think all of those are true, but I think there’s more. Zooey Deschanel’s style reminds me of a shy librarian that was given a subtle makeover.  It’s dainty yet a little bit sexy, a little risky at times with hints of old school vintage. It’s a strange combination, yet she always pulls it off flawlessly.

I applaud you, Zooey Deschanel, for making quirky romantic look sexy again.  I know plenty of guys out there who would prefer a night in with Zooey’s bows and classiness over a crazy night out with Megan Fox (which gives me some faith in humanity).  I love Zooey’s style because she makes it cool to go back to the days of dressing for yourself, and not for a guy or for your friends.  So go ahead and put on that kinda cool sweater your Grandma knitted you and don’t blush.  You could make it look just as cool as Zooey does if you unapologetically enjoy it!

Product Info: Necklace, Belt, Dress, Hair bows, Shoes

I like this outfit because I know if (and when) I ever wore it, I would feel just like Zooey for a day. Now if only I could sing like her…. The blue dress is simple for a day at class or at work, paired with a nude belt to cinch in the waist and give you some curves.  You can pair it with some nude flats if you’re not one to wear heels during the day, but I prefer nude heels; they have an almost magical way of making legs look especially long and they add a nice touch of sexiness to the look. The blue and white bows add the quirky daintiness Zooey so naturally personifies, while the treble clef necklace reminds us all of her most cherished talent.

All pulled together, this outfit has Zooey written all over it: the vintage-inspired dress, the sexy shoes, the fun and funky bows. And it’s a look anyone can pull off. Seriously, try it. Have a little fun with your wardrobe, dress for you and see how good it looks and feels. We may not all be able to act or sing like Zooey, but we can definitely dress like her.  Easy enough!

March 31, 2010

8 Under $20: Flirty Florals for Spring! (CollegeCandy Guest Post)

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From our friends at CollegeCandy.com:

Every year, as the snow melts and we are once again able to break out the flippy floppies, we begin to see flowers popping up everywhere. And I’m not just talking about in planters and vases. Florals are consistently a huge spring trend, and this year is no exception.

But there is one difference for Spring, 2010; this year’s florals are taking us back to a simpler time. A time before the Jersey Shore when Blossom, Saved By The Bell and (the original) 90210 were dominating the TV lineup. Yes, the ’90s are knockin’, so open up that closet and let them in.

These 2 pairs of shorts scream early ’90s and will look perfect for spring with a solid top and a cute pair of flat sandals.

Dress this skirt up easily with a black tank and a pair of heels, or work it for day with a white top and some gladiator sandals.

OK, so this blazer looks super “grandma’s going to play bridge,” but take away all that pink and you’ve got the perfect Spring accessory. Throw it on over a white tee and some leggings, add an oversized bag and you’ve got an eye-catching ensemble for a casual day.

Only want a touch of floral? Go for these sunglasses.

I love how vintage these earrings look and how something so small can really add some glam to a basic white-top-and-jeans ensemble.

This tank will work fantastically with everything from jeans to shorts to a tiered skirt. A totally versatile piece that can be casual or dressy.

Just looking at this cami makes me drool for iced coffees and a good book on a blanket behind the dorms. Pair it with some boyfriend jeans for the day, or put it under a blazer with some black skinnies (and a hot pair of strappy heels) for night.

March 25, 2010

Budget Stylista: Let’s Go Clogging (CollegeCandy Guest Post)

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From our friends at CollegeCandy.com:

I don’t know about you, but when I first heard that clogs/mules were coming back in style I thought of those black Steve Madden clog/sandals with the elastic band that made your feet sound like a horse every time you walked. You know, the ones you paired with Hard Tails and then traded in for the leather platform version to pair with your Paris Blues Super Bell Bottoms come Fall uh… 1998?

So you can imagine my resistance when I saw the words CLOG splattered all over my fashion bibles. Really, Chanel? CLOGS? I do not need to do/wear anything that resembles my 1998 self in the slightest. The horror! What’s next? Butterfly clips? Lord have mercy.

But then, like all old trends that come back around, I realized the clog came with a bit of a twist. Clogs 2.0 are like Heidi Montag 2.0: Bigger, pumped up and plumped up. And some would even argue, better. These clogs are edgier, chunkier, platform-ier and all around cooler.

And while they may not be the most practical things in the world (note: NO ONE should wear clogs that don’t have a heel unless you are a senior citizen and use a walker), they are a fun way to change up an outfit. (Or make yourself REALLY tall, because most of the ones I’ve seen have a good 4 inches on them. Maybe another reason why I am so resistant since all [Jewish] boys are already shorter than me in flats; add another 4 inches and I’m like Jill the Jolly Jewish Giant. Oy.)

Here are my favorite clogs for Spring to pair with both jeans and dresses. Yes, they aren’t necessarily the cheapest footwear (ranging from $30-$150), but considering some of these bad boys are running at well over $300, these ones are definitely a deal.

Clogs for Pants
These shoes look best with pants because they are a bit heavier looking. They have a lot of leather or woven material and a huge platform that are carried best by a boot cut or flare jean (paired with a flowing top, military jacket and some bold earrings). Yes, these can be rocked with skirts/dresses/shorts on some occasions (especially the sandals) but I like them BEST for pants.

VERY IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE. Please, for the love of all things fashion, NEVER wear socks with your clogs. I made this mistake in 7th grade when clogs were popular the first time and I still cringe when I see pictures. There is NOTHING cute about a sock paired with a clog. Seriously, it’s worse than wearing a Croc.

Clockwise from top: Two Lips Dusty Suede Mule, $59.95; Ollie 2 Part Wooden Clog, $80; Aldo Saviona, $29-$39; Max Studio “Abba” Peeptoe Mule Platforms, $119

Clogs for Dresses
These are so cool and embellished that a dress helps them stand out.  They’re like that cute bra you wear on a night when you go home alone – what’s the point of all that cuteness if no one is going to see it?! Just remember to keep the dress simple – you don’t want to be a walking trend. Let the shoes do both the talking and the walking. (Ha! See what I did there?)

Clockwise from top: Steve Madden Durann, $149.95; Seychelles ‘Care to Dance’ Clog, $99.95; Peep Toe Bootie Slingbacks, $25.80;  Nine West Quyncilla, $89

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