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!

DIY: Studs, Studs, Studs

Lately, I’ve seen studs on everything, from handbags to jeans, and I decided that I wanted to try out this trend.  My sister showed me these studded vintage converse high tops from Free People that she thought I’d like.  She was right…I loved them!  What I didn’t like though was their price tag of $170.  I knew that it would be a little more difficult than clicking “add to cart,” but I figured I could probably make something like this myself that would be way less expensive.  

After doing a little research, I found out that, a side from being time consuming, studding your own clothes and canvas shoes is actually pretty simple.  Here's how to do it:

1. Get together what ever you want to stud.  I recommend t-shirts or canvas sneakers.  It will definitely be more difficult to get the studs through denim or leather.  I’m going to stud classic, black Chuck Taylor's  like the ones in the picture.  They're only $45, which is great compared to spending $170!

2. You can order what ever kinds of studs you like online at studsandspikes.com.  They have a huge variety.  I’ve ordered a bag of 100 large gold spikes for only $12!

3.  They also sell kits that include mallets and other tools to help with the studding, but I’ve found out that, to save money, you can use a regular rubber mallet, or other tools that you can probably find in your garage, that will help with getting the studs through the fabric.  Or you can always just use your hands!

I still have a ways to go with this project, but I’m super excited about it.  Because I made them myself, I’ll love these shoes even more than the ones from Free People and I'll be saving over $100!  I’ll keep you guys up-to-date on my progress and, if all goes well, I’ll be making another pair for my sister for Christmas.  Let me know how your studded project goes too!