Listen Up!

I began blogging last summer because I decided that I seriously needed a hobby and that stalking on Facebook definitely didn't count as one. Since I've always been interested in journalism, I randomly decided to pick up blogging without ever having read a single blog besides Perez Hilton. 

 I did not start ths blog because I believe I am particularly fashionable but really just because I'm good at finding bargains on clothes, and I may have a shoping problem (although I haven't shopped since February!) So, I named it ALLonfashion because my initials are A.L.L, and I thought it was a clever play on words. But, since half of the readers don't know my initials, it didn't come off as clever as I intended. I guess it should have been allonbargains or something entirely different and way more creative.

As much as I enjoy this blog, in all reality my only expertise comes from the fact that I love shopping inexpensively. Since I didn't know much about blogs before starting my own, I didn't really think about the implications a title has on its blog when I picked one. Now that I read multiple blogs daily and am actually sort of obsessed with the whole concept of blogging, I feel sort of restricted by the fact that mine has "fashion" in the title because there are so many other topics I'd like to write about. So, I've made an important decision to do a little transformation on this blog. 

I'll still be writing about inexpensive styles and clothes, but I'll be writing about other things too. 

What I really want to focus on is life as a college student...whether I write about homework, applying to internships, my friends, late night pizza or a cheap pair of jeans, I want to make this blog a little more applicable to what I do on a daily basis. 

So, FYI, my advice to anyone who wants to start a blog is to reaaaaaally think about what you want to write about before you make it public. Make sure the topic you choose is expansive enough that you won't run out of ideas! 

I realize that I still have ALLonFashion as the URL and title, but I'm currently trying to think of a really great replacement. So far, my idea was to do thatssocollege.com, but apparently that's already taken. I am not even quite sure if I'm going to change the URL at all. I've spent so much time on the design of this blog, that it would seriously kill me to replace it. Until my decision is made, I am taking the initiative to expand what I write about!  "What is in a name" anyway, right?

Go Huskiesssssssss! Two teams in the final four? It's going to be a good weekend!

Beach Time

I don't care that it isn't exactly 80 degrees and sunny in Connecticut right now. It's almost April, and I'm ready for a change in weather. I'm not necessarily complaining about the cold because I know it's typical New England weather, but I wouldn't be opposed to a sudden temperature increase either. Regardless, the beginning of April means that summer is on my mind. Summer equals beaches, picnics, sandals, country music and bathing suits. This year, the brighter the suit, the better. Neon colors and floral patterns are the bathing suit trends, and I'm definitely a fan.

Here are some of my affordable favorites all from Victoria's Secret...

Top: $24.00, Bottom: $16.00

Top: $18.00, Bottom: $16.00

Top: $31.00, Bottom: $18.00

Top: $24.00, Bottom: $16.00

Top: $18.00, Bottom: $10.50

(by the way, before you run to the gym with intentions to look like these models in your suit, think about this....I learned in class yesterday that fashion pictures like these get edited on average of at least 30 times before publication. And Cindy Crawford once said, "Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford.")

Play Ball

With opening day of MLB season being less than a week away, I couldn't help but check out Victoria's Secret PINK MLB collection. I absolutely love the concept behind this line. I think going to sporting events is a great time, but I don't like the idea of always wearing the same old T-shirt or jersey to each game. There is no reason to sacrifice fashion just because you're in the stands at a rowdy event. Plus, these items are the perfect way to incorporate your team's gear into every day ensembles. 

Victoria's Secret has a variety of T's, sweats, hoodies and hats for each MLB team. Even though I only really like the items for one team, which I won't mention in attempt to remain unbiased, (go sox) I can admit there is some truly cute apparel for each team. Even though some of the prices seem slightly expensive, they are still much more affordable than anything sold at ballparks or sporting goods stores. 

Here are some of my favorites...

 Hats: $24.50

Sweats: $58.50

Long Sleeved Tee: $39.50

V-neck Tee: $26.50

Crew-neck fleece pullover: $52.50

A Big Girl Bed!

I am VERY excited to announce that my three friends and I will be living in a 4-bedroom on-campus apartment next semester. A 4-bedroom apartment is the most coveted housing possible at UConn. It beats any other option, off or on campus (in my opinion). If you tell a fellow student that you live in a 4-bedroom in Hilltop or Charter Oak, the response will be something along the lines of "ugh, I'm jealous," "that's so nice, I want to try to live there next year," or "Ah, how'd you get that? When was your pick time?" 

Yup, three years of taking way too many credits finally paid off.

Residing in a 4-bedroom means having your own bedroom, two bathrooms with four sinks total, a free washer and dryer, a kitchen, a living room, and most importantly....A FULL SIZE BED! I have a twin bed at home and a twin bed currently at school. I have never been fortunate enough to slumber in a big bed (except at hotels, but that is normally shared with my sister.) I'm a little worried that I will love it so much that I will never get out and never want to go home to my little twin. 

Having a bigger bed next year also means that I need new bedding. It is a little unfortunate because I really like my current comforter and full size bedding can be expensive.

On the other hand....I can't stop looking at all the fashionable options.

Here are my current favorites...

(click the linked store names to see pricing for different size beds)

Urban Outfitters flower duvet cover

Target comforter set

Anthropologie voyage bedding

Anthropologie tuxedo bedding

Urban outfitters ruffle bedding 

Spring has Sprung!

It's officially the first day of spring, and even though it's a little chillier than I would have liked, I've been over winter since December 21st, and I'm ready for the new season. I can't wait to wear dresses and pink nail polish, run outside and actually open the windows in my apartment! I love all of the light pastel colors associated with spring, and I have been browsing for some clothing and accessories in the perfect spring shades. 

Here are some affordable favorites...

Forever 21 white dress: $17.80

Forever 21 scarf: $9.80

Vestique blue romper: $27.50

Francesca's Collection orange purse: $38.00

Lulu's pink open back top: $24.00

American Eagle sandals: $22.00

American Eagle shorts: $27.00

Forever 21 floral dress: $19.80

Turquoise Dreams

Costume jewelry is one of my favorite ways to accessorize an outfit. It is funky, decorative and pairs especially well with simple ensembles. Since costume jewelry is often large and made from fake materials, it is imperative to mix it with nicer pieces and balance out the look by not wearing too much at one time. Just the right amount can really make an outfit pop. Different styles and types of costume jewelry come and go with the trends, so it does not make much sense to spend a lot of money on any one piece. Some of my current favorites for costume jewelry are anything with turquoise coloring. I keep envisioning chunky turquoise bracelets against a nice tan and paired with a flowy white sundress. Hopefully this day dream will come true soon if the nice weather keeps up! 

To begin my search for turquoise costume jewelry, I went to Forever 21.com, knowing that they have great inexpensive pieces. I was able to find a wide variety, all from Forever. 

Here are my favorites...

from left to right....

Textured Stone ring: $3.80

Beaded Bracelet: $6.80

Framed pendant necklace: $6.80

Flower power earrings: $5.80

Beaded ring: $5.80

Bangle set: $6.80

Beach water earrings: $3.80

Stretch bracelet: $2.80

Beaded bracelet: $6.80

FEDORAble

Fedoras are an adorable way to top off an outfit. They put a new age spin on a classic hat, yet are feminine and chic.

Whether you're pairing them with a sundress, simple pair of jeans or a bathing suit, fedoras are the perfect spring and summer accessory (or bad-hair-day-disguiser.) There are many styles and colors to choose from, so finding one that flatters your face shape shouldn't be a problem. 

If you need to add flare and spunk to a simple ensemble, fedoras are definitely an affordable way to do so.

My girl Katherine Heigl spiced up a basic outfit by rocking her fedora

Here are some of my favorite, affordable fedoras

Charlotte Russe yellow band fedora: $12.50 (buy one, get one 50% off)

Forever 21 leopard fedora: $9.80

Charlotte Russe flower fedora: $12.50 (buy one, get one 50% off)

Forever 21 floral fedora: $9.80 

Back to Reality

I just arrived back from Punta Cana, and even though my body couldn't handle another day of pizza, pasta, french fries and pina coladas, it's still a little depressing. I am not yet ready to be in the cold, do homework and lose my tan. 

Besides the subpar "food" at our resort, everything about the trip was perfect, especially the weather. 

While at the beach and pool, I paid careful attention to current bathing suit trends. I noticed a lot of neon suits and bandeau tops (that is for those who wore tops...there are a lot of French nude tourists in Punta Cana)

I also purchased beautiful coral and jade jewelry from some locals. Definitely a successful trip!

Here are some of my favorite pictures!

Spring Break!

We're finally on spring break, and I'm preparing to leave for my trip tomorrow!

I'm ridiculously excited and pretty proud of myself for fitting everything into a small carry-on suitcase. For the first time in my traveling experiences, I actually planned what I am going to wear each day instead of throwing all the clothes I think are cute into a suitcase. And, I only packed 4 pairs of shoes. That's a record. So, my packing advice is to definitely do this every time you travel. I know it's hard to decide in advanced what you're going to wear for a week, but as tempting as it is to bring everything with you, remember you can't wear 20 shirts, 10 pairs of shorts, 3 sweaters, and 9 pairs of shoes in a week. So, be sensible, plan out your outfits for each day, and pack a couple of extra items in case of weather changes or unexpected events. It really is the best way to pack light. And remember to bring along the necessary accessories for each outfit! 

Here are some of the necessities in my suitcase! 

Wedge!

Spring and summer marks an important transition. And I don't mean the sudden appearance of sunshine and constant sound of birds chirping. I'm referring to wedge wearing season. Wedges are my absolute favorite type of shoe and perhaps even my favorite item to wear all together. Whether they are cork heeled or have ribbons that tie up the ankle, they are ever-flattering and versatile. They pair well with everything from dresses and high-waisted skirts to shorts and capris. And no matter what you wear them with, they seem to immediately improve an outfit and make it increasingly stylish.

Here are some of my current favorite, inexpensive wedges....

 

SM brown wedge sandal:

$69.95

American Eagle wedge in navy and pink: $49.50

Forever 21 brown wedges: $25.80