Best Time of the Year: New York City Fashion Week

Best Time of the Year: New York City Fashion Week
photo: businessoffashion.com

Monday, December 13, 2010

Out with the Old, In with the New!



Do these two outfits look familiar to you?  They probably do.  We're all guilty at one time or another of throwing on Ugg boots and leggings to run to class.  And, even if you aren't personally guilty of wearing outfits like these, you've probably seen countless people wandering your college campus dressed like this.

I think that it's time to trash some of our (unfortunate looking, but beloved) college staples and replace them with something a bit more chic that's still just as functional and comfortable.

So, let's say goodbye to: Ugg boots, leggings, school logo sweatshirts, flannel pajama pants (anywhere but your dorm room), running/tennis sneakers, and, as my roommate calls them, 'butt-crack showin,' low waisted, flared jeans.'

1. Ugg boots:  Do I even need to explain?  As comfortable and cozy as they are, there's absolutely nothing attractive about them.  Don't you agree?  I promise that any other sort of flat boot can be just as comfortable and functional to wear everyday to class.  Flat, knee high boots or above the ankle boots are really popular right now and can be found everywhere at a range of prices.  Check out two of my favorite website: Zappos and PiperLime to see a huge selection of different options.

2. Leggings: Let's get one thing straight, leggings are not pants! You can't wear them with the same little tops you'd wear with jeans.  It just doesn't work.   Sorry...I wish we could too, but no matter how badly you want to put them on in the morning and wear them in the place of pants, try to resist the urge.  Wear jeans, corduroys, khakis, a skirt, tights and a dress, a romper, even sweatpants, just don't wear leggings as pants.  And if you really must wear them, at least pair them with a tunic or a top that's long enough to cover your butt!

3. School logo sweatshirts: There's no need to be a walking advertisement for your college for the simple reason that there are just so many other, much cuter, alternatives.  Putting on sweatshirt in the morning might be the easiest option, but I promise that you'll feel so much better in something a little more fun.  Try out a cute zip-up, a cardigan, or a pull over sweater instead.

4. Flannel Pajama Pants:  These are great for sleeping in, but wearing them to class is another story.  Replace them with anything else, just don't leave your dorms in them!  Personally, I think that being dressed for class helps me to focus, be more alert, and pay attention more.  If I wore my pajamas to class, I'd be too comfortable and ready for bed.

5. Tennis/Running Sneakers:  Not all sneakers are necessarily bad, but you might want to try out something new.  A few of my favorites are Vans and Converse.  Free People and Urban Outfitters usually have some cute options.  Or for a sneaker alternative that is just as comfortable (and even easier to slip on) try out a pair of Toms.

6. 'butt-crack showin,' low waisted, flared jeans': So last, but certainly not least, are these jeans.  No one wants to look up and see your butt-crack when they're sitting in class.  We can easily be more considerate and fashionable by replacing these jeans with a more modern (and higher rise) skinny jean.  Just like the boots (which, by the way, they'll look great tucked into) you can find them everywhere and for all different prices!

Check out the pictures below to see how one girl who was used to wearing the typical college uniform of sweatshirts, Uggs, leggings, sneakers, jeans, and pajama pants, trashed her staples and found even better alternatives that are still comfortable, functional, and fit her college budget!



The Season of Giving

Every week I blog about something new that I’m dying to get my hands on and add to my closet, but because it’s the holiday season, I’ve decided that this entry will be different.

So here we have The College Girl’s Guide to Fashion Gift Guide.  If you guys are anything like me, then I bet you’re also struggling to come up with the perfect gifts for your friends and family that will still work for your college budget.  For me it’s way easier to shop for my mom, sister , and friends who have tastes similar to me (I already know I’ll be getting my sister one of the Deborah Lippmann nail polishes I blogged about a few weeks ago).  It’s my dad and brother who make things a little tricky.  However, this year I think I’ve come up with some pretty good ideas that could be for anyone and that are also inexpensive. 

1. Magazine Subscription- Magazine subscriptions are only around $15 for an entire year.  Whoever you give this to will be able to enjoy the gift all year and have something to look forward to every month.  There are so many different options out there that there has to be one for everyone.  I know my dad has been wanting a subscription to House Beautiful (We just moved & ever since he’s been obsessed with fixing up the house) & my brother would probably like one about videogames.

2. Kodak Calendar- This is one of my favorite ideas!  On Kodak’s website you can create your own calendar by choosing one of their designs (they have so many!) and adding your own pictures of you and your friends or family.  This is great for friends’ dorms or for your parents to hang up around the house or their offices.  I think that everyone would like a gift this personal and thoughtful.  Also, the cost is less than $20!

3. Mix CD- This gift idea is probably the least expensive, as long as you already have a variety of music on your computer.  Just remember to put a little thought into the project.  Design a CD cover, choose songs that are specific to the person you’re giving the CD to, and maybe even write a little blurb about why you chose the song, maybe there’s a memory related to it or you just heard it and thought they’d like it too!

4. When all else fails: A Gift Card- Although everyone loves gift cards, I think that they should be the last resort because they’re a little impersonal.  However, the positives about them are you can get them for almost anywhere and spend however much or little as you’d like.


Just remember, there’s no need to stress out about holiday shopping.  Anything that’s from the heart and has a little thought put into it will definitely be loved by your family and friends.  Happy Holidays!