And the Award Goes To...

I'm really not a big fan of the Oscars. The hosts always disappoint, I haven't heard of half of the films that are mentioned, there are far too many commercials and the speeches are generally long and monotonous. Usually, I patiently (ok, sort of patiently) wait around for the last five minutes so I can see who won the big awards, only to discover that the movie and actor I wanted to win...didn't. 

The one redeeming quality about the Oscars, in my opinion, is getting to see all of the pretty (and not so pretty) dresses and trends rocked by the celebs. It's not really my style to name a "worst dressed" actress because I think it's a little mean and very subjective since everyone's taste is so different. But, best dressed is a whole other game. And the award goes to...Mila Kunis. I am a huge Mila Kunis fan (AKA a huge That 70's Show fan,) and I think it's great that she has gotten a lot of positive attention for her ensemble. It was definitely well-deserved. I LOVED her lilac Elie Saab gown with its unique lace detailing. In the past, I wrote a post about the current purple trend here, and Mila definitely embraced it. 

Here she is looking fabulous...

Try these dresses to get a similar, more casual look for a much more affordable price...

Lulu's dress: $43.00

Forever 21 dress: $17.80

Mimi Chica dress: $20.90

Ombre Maxi Dress: $128.00

Nude and Natural

Sometimes a pair of shoes should make a statement with their bold color, impressive heel or intricate straps.   

Other times, a simple pair of nude pumps are the perfect way to complement an outfit by finishing it off in a classy manner.

 Recently, nude and light pink shoes can be spotted everywhere. This is a  refreshing trend and a great way to shy away from a standard black pair. Plus, their basic coloring can be paired with almost anything. 

Here are some nude colored heels at a variety of price ranges, but all under $100

Mix No. 6 pump: $39.95
Jessica Simpson booties: $69.95
BCBG shiny pumps: $47.96

A Style and A Cause

American Eagle is teaming up with a charity called FEED. By purchasing one of the designated totes or wristlets, you are donating to a UNICEF nutrition program in Guatemala. These bags are handmade, colorful and fashionable. If you're going to spend money on accessories, (which we all know you're going to do) it might as well be for a good cause, right?! 

I really like the vibrant and cultured vibes of the totes and wristlets and think they are great for trips to the beach of for carrying books to class. And, for hand woven products, they are extremely affordable.

Here are some of my favorites... 

The totes are $39.50 and the wristlets are $19.50

Mix it Up

The days of perfect color coordination and design matching are in the past. An upcoming trend is pairing together seemingly unfit patterns. I really can't get enough of this summery and unique look! Though I haven't yet had the opportunity to try out this new take on mixing and matching, I'm looking forward to blending florals, stripes, polka dots and more once the warm weather arrives. At first glance, it may seem like this look is difficult to pull off, but all it takes is some creativity and a little confidence. Also, make sure  the style of the clothing you mix still go well together, even if the patterns don't seem to! 

Here are some affordable options for blending patterns (all items from Forever 21) 

Bottoms

Rose garden shorts (shown twice): $10.50

In-bloom knit skirt: $13.80

Tops

Dark striped top: $13.80

Faded stripes top: $15.80

Black Sequined sweater: $24.80

Polka dot top: $13.80

Spring Break

It's that time of year when spring fever infects us all...but those who are in college (and not yet part of the real world) get to take a week long break to vacation in a tropical place that temporarily cures our aching for warmth. In less than two weeks, I will be one of those lucky college kids to go on my first ever spring break vacation with my friends. I am immeasurably excited for my trip, but inevitably, packing is going to be stressful...especially when attempting to fit everything into a small carry-on to avoid checking luggage (ever since I saw "Meet the Parents," I have a fear of lost luggage) 

While sunscreen and a good, girly novel are clear spring break necessities, there are some other (more fashionable) essentials needed. Since most college students work all summer and empty out their bank accounts just to take this coveted trip, it is imperative that all preparatory purchases are inexpensive. 

Here are some affordable spring break essentials...

Francesca's Collection lime green watch: $20.00

Forever 21 Fedora: $9.80

American Eagle floral print sunglasses: $15.50

Victoria's Secret bathing suit: Top-$24.00, Bottom-$16.00

Lacoste Towel: $19.99

Forever 21 dress: $22.80

Victoria's Secret white tank dress cover-up: $38.00

Penny Loves Kenny Wedge: $59.95

American Eagle beach bag: $29.50

LuLu's Romper: $26.00

Sheer Fashion

Lately, I have been infatuated with sheer and lace tops that require something to be worn underneath them. I think that layering brightly colored bandeaus and tank tops with a see-through shirt is a great way to add a pop of color and uniqueness to an outfit. By switching up the color and style of a bandeau worn under the shirt, the top can completely transform into a new appearance. 

Here are some inexpensive and fashionable sheer tops.... 

click here to find affordable bandeaus (in a variety of colors) to wear underneath the tops!

1. Lulu's top: $28.00

2. LuLu's patterned top: $31.00

3. Urban Outfitter's black top: $29.00

4. Forever 21 white top: $17.80

College Fashionista!

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For Josh Again...

In the past, I wrote a post that highlighted affordable men's clothing, (here) since I really do feel bad that they don't seem to have any inexpensive stores as an option for shopping like we girls do. The other day, I received a picture message of a very fashionable friend of mine who originally requested that I write a post for guys. Look at him...what a fashionisto!  

This picture inspired me to search for more inexpensive and fashionable men's clothing. Here is what I found... 

Banana Republic grey striped shirt: $17.99

Pac Sun blue v-neck: $14.99 plus 30% off at checkout

Pac Sun striped hoodie: $29.99 plus 30% at checkout 

Pac Sun Henley: $19.99 plus 30% off at checkout

Sleep Tight

Sleep is obviously highly valued, especially among college students. But, I am really not a fan of how disheveled and disarrayed most people (including me) look after awaking. Since crusty eyes, unpleasant breathe and knotted hair will probably always be an inevitable result of a good night's rest, a fashionable pair of pajamas may be the best way to offset the morning mess. Here are some affordable options for cute sleep wear... 

Forever 21 Pajama set: $16.80

GAP laced trim sleep romper: $34.50

GAP PJ shorts: $16.50

Forever 21 long PJ pants: $9.50

GAP silky gown: $17.99

Like a Lady

In case I didn't make it clear in my Waiting for Summer post, I wanted to say that I'm really sick of this snow, and I'm ready for my upcoming trip to Punta Cana! (especially since Uconn is no longer giving us snow days. Now it's just unbearable. ) Warm weather clothes are on my mind, and while I love dresses, there is something to be said about skirts. They give a look the same feminine vibe that dresses do, but they are slightly more versatile since it is up to the wearer to determine what to pair it with. If two girls are wearing the same dress, it may be quite obvious, but it is much rarer to find two girls in the same skirt looking identical. Whether a skirt is long, short, tight, layered, or flowy, it is the quintessential girly piece. Although those of us in New England still have a few more months before we can wear skirts freely, here are some affordable options to keep in mind. Until then, we'll just have to settle for pairing them with tights and boots!

from left to right:

 Forever 21 black and white skirt: $15.80

LuLu's sequin skirt: $51.00

Forever 21 grey skirt: $22.80

Charlotte Russe floral skirt: $16.50 

Forever 21 layer skirt: $17.80

Francesca's Rosette skirt: $44.00

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Last Minute Ideas!

Last week, I posted here about one of the most hated and the most loved holidays: Valentine's Day. Well, for those of you who are procrastinating about getting gifts or figuring out what you're going to wear, here are some inexpensive and accessible last minute ideas for both girls and guys.  Remember, a simple red accessory is enough to be festive for the day without going overboard. 

1. Francesca's Collections red watch: $18.00

2. Rimmel burgundy flirt nail polish: $3.99

3. Forever 21 PJ shorts: $5.80

4. LuLu's pink dress: $37.00

5. GAP boxers: $12.50

6. J. Crew men's watch strap: $15.00

Perfect Timing

Lately, I have been infatuated with watches, and it seems I am not the only one. Watches have recently become the most popular accessory for young women, and it comes as no surprise since stores have been featuring them in all different styles and colors. Over the summer, I wrote a post about watches here, but the ones I featured were slightly pricey. I found these watches a few weeks back at a local boutique called Francesca's Collections and was impressed by the quality, wide selection and inexpensive price tags! Luckily, they have a website, and these great watches can be found online. 

Each watch can be found at Francesca's for either $18, $20, or $24.

Waiting for Summer

Now that my college is on its 5th snow day in the third week of classes, it's safe to say that everyone here is slightly sick of the winter and ready for summer, or at least spring. Since I have so much free time while I'm NOT in class, I started browsing some of my favorite stores' websites for warm-weather clothing in attempts to give me something to look forward to. Putting together summer outfits is so much more carefree than worrying about whether or not you're wearing the right amount of layers or if your shoes can handle the stormy elements. Here are some affordable pieces to keep you hopeful! 

Charlotte Russe crochet fedora: $12.50

Forever 21 dress: $14.90

Charlotte Russe crochet scarf: $12.50

Charlotte Russe floral scarf: $9.50

Charlotte Russe "berry good" skirt: $24.50

LuLu's leopard pumps: $39.00

LuLu's pink "fairytale" top: $40.00