Colorful jeans could be the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe. Photo/ MCT Campus

Multi-colored jeans are certainly not a new thing. I remember in high school seeing people wearing brightly-colored pants, such as in apple red, royal purple and bright blue.

But I never really liked that trend. I had always preferred neutral pants and jeans and had always stuck with the basics: blue (light wash and dark wash), black, khaki and tan.

And I was completely happy with my choice until recently.

I saw a picture that one of my favorite bloggers had posted on her website showing herself wearing an outfit that completely revolved around her subdued cherry-colored jeans. She created a preppy look, pairing her jeans with a tan-colored pair of oxford flats, a button-up jean shirt that she tucked in to her jeans and then a casual khaki jacket she threw on top.

The outfit alone made me rethink my previous consensus about brightly-colored jeans. I became even more attracted to the idea when I walked into an Express store over spring break and explored their jean section, only to find that all the mannequins were sporting these beautifully bright jeans.

I realized that the trend doesn’t have to be tacky like I previously thought it was.

I immediately started looking for an affordable pair of cherry-colored jeans, just like in the picture I saw, and was not able to find that exact color, but what I did find was a subtle coral-colored pair for only $16.99 at a local Ross.

After trying them on with various combinations of shirts and shoes, I have now written my own mini rulebook on how I prefer these spring-inspired jeans.

Rule #1: The color should be somewhat subdued.

While I love to sport bright colors, especially this time of year, I am still not the biggest fan of the colored jeans that are vividly bold and bright. My favorites are the ones that are a little more subtle with the brightness, and that almost look worn and relaxed. Toned-down brights are perfect for spring.

Rule #2: Play them down with some neutrals. 

Instead of pairing these pants with an equally bright shirt or bright jewelry, play them down with clothing and accessories that are neutral. This will balance the look and tone down the severity of the bright pants. It is the same thing as pairing a bright, multi-colored top with a neutral pant. It looks clean, casual and less harsh.

Rule #3: Have fun with the shoes.

My first instinct was to write “play it safe with the shoes,” because I figured with bright jeans a neutral shoe would look best. But I have seen some instances where mixing brights turns into a great thing, so have fun with the shoes you choose for this look. Anywhere from a plain pair of sandals or flats to a fun pair of bold summer wedges could really play up the jeans you wear. Just be sure to choose complementary colors.

While many girls on campus want to throw away their heavy scarves and jackets and replace them with airy dresses and sandals, winter fashion may still be necessary. Photo/ MCT

One of my journalism professors has been telling my class for the past two weeks that the reason why it is so sunny and warm in February instead of cold and snowing is because we are all wishing for spring.

She’s right.

I can’t speak for every UNC Charlotte student, but I for one am loving the recent warm weather. It has me fantasizing about floral prints, summery sandals and big floppy hats.

So I open my wardrobe in my dorm room and realize that I do not have any of these items in my possession at the time. Why? Because it’s still winter.

So what do I do? How do I dress for winter and spring at the same time?

I have noticed that during my early morning classes people are dressed in their peacoats with boots and long sleeves. And then later in the day when the weather becomes insanely warm I see dresses, tank tops and yes, even shorts. Then it gets dark, and cold again. I have a lot of those moments when I address the weather and simply ask, “really?”

As a busy student I do not have the time to change my outfit three times in one day. And I have yet to bring all my spring clothes back up to my dorm from my house where they are stored.

So I’ve been asking myself all week how to get my winter wardrobe to accommodate warm streaks as well. And through experimentation I have figured out the basics do’s and don’ts.

Do wear boots, don’t wear the furry ones

Last week I attempted to get through the day wearing my go-to comfy winter boots. But not only are they thick and furry, they are also heavy. While they feel wonderful on cold or rainy days, in the sunny heat I felt like I was trudging through really thick mud. On the the other hand I felt perfectly comfortable in my suede and leather boots. Just say no to fur.

Do wear long sleeves, don’t wear thick sweaters

The great things about long sleeves is that you can always roll them up. This is simply all you need to do to get a long-sleeved shirt to transition into a more comfortable option for a warm day. Roll the sleeves back down when you get chilly. I made a classic mistake the other day though when I wore a wooly sweater to class. I wore it because the material is breathable. But as soon as that weather transitioned the sweater became a scratchy, sticky mess.

Do roll up your jeans, don’t wear shorts

A great way to make your jeans a little more comfortable in the heat is to roll up the bottoms a little bit and add a pair of ballet flats, sandals or even boots if your closet is still full of winter clothes like mine. Take this approach instead of wearing shorts. The jeans look great this way and still keep you warm during those chilly moments, while shorts cannot help you at all.

Dressing for a job interview can be very stressful. But think about how you can find your perfect look, appearing professional but still letting your personality shine through. Photo/ MCT Campus

To make a little bit of extra money I went to work with my dad all day Friday doing some secretary work and odds and ends around his office. I met a lot of new people and even got a summer job offer, which made me realize just how important networking is.

I spent the day fantasizing about how nice it would be to work somewhere more professional over the summer, allowing me to get away from my normal summer job in retail. That lead to a chain of thoughts that sounded like “I would love to have steady hours,” “This would prepare me for a job after college” and of course “I would be able to dress in more professional clothes!”

The idea of a new job really interested me since I’ve been working at the same place since I was 16. And then I realized it has been years since I’ve had a job interview.

So I started thinking right away about what kind of clothing would be appropriate for a professional job interview. While office attire is not as standard as it used to be, I wanted to think of some looks that would be appropriate for work but also still let my style shine through.

Just because it’s a job interview does not mean we can’t still be creative with how we dress. Below are my starter ideas for some stylish and sophisticated office looks.

Basics

For those who want to remain slightly casual, dress pants and a top could be the way to go. My favorite dress pants are either very flared (great for pairing with high heels or wedges) or high-waisted. Both kinds are flattering in their own ways and both can be purchased in some great neutral colors, such as black and taupe. Pairing a shirt with this can be pretty easy. Try a blouse in a brighter color since the pants are usually going to be dark. Stick with a button up if you’re feeling safe, but if you would rather have more fun try something with lace or with a bold pattern.

Skirts & Dresses

For those who feel that something dressier is the best way to go, skirts and dresses can be very effective (and even fun to wear). As far as skirts go I prefer ones that are less standard. I like asymmetrical cuts and high waistlines.

My favorite work dresses would be the ones with collars or bows at the top. Try looking for ones with skinny belts around them as well. With choices like these are you practically unlimited with the different colors and  patterns. Have fun with it to let your personality shine through.

Shoes

Ah, now for my favorite part. For frequent readers of my column I have talked many times about how much I love shoes. I prefer heels for an office setting but since you don’t want to be uncomfortable all day my advice would be to stick with a lower heel or even a cute kitten heel.

Small heels can do a world of difference with your outfit by making it more sophisticated. I know that heels are not everyone’s favorite shoe choice, and I’m not going to argue that the perfect pair of flats can also look great with any work outfit.

If you choose to go the flat route it might be fun to dress in darker colors and wear a bright pair of flats to make them pop. Pair these shoes with some equally bright jewelry for even more flair. Even try a cute cap-toe pair of flats in duel tones.

I was able to create this outfit with some items that had been neglected in my closet. Photo/ Haley Twist

As the second semester is under way and the paychecks are running low from the money earned over the holiday break, many students are finding themselves simply out of cash. I know I am.

I went shopping with my mom over the weekend (well, more like window-shopping while my mom got to actually purchase new items) and every store I walked into already had a large variety of their new spring clothing on display.

This sparked a massive urge inside me to get a leg up on my spring wardrobe, but as I stuck my hand into my purse to see how much money I had, I realized I had none.

So I sighed, walked away and decided to make the best of it. How? Reinvention.

When I got home I told myself that I would make the best out of this free Saturday afternoon and create some new outfits out of the forgotten items found in my own closet.

I sifted through the many shirts that I have not sported in ages, found colored tights buried deep in a drawer, rediscovered the black tuxedo jacket I purchased in 11th grade, found six or seven beautiful pieces of jewelry that had been left to tarnish in an old jewelry box and I may have made a stop to my sister’s closet as well (only to sift through her forgotten items, of course).

Realizing that I didn’t even have enough money to scour some clearance racks for some cute new finds left me no option but to work with what I already had. And I was pleasantly happy with the results!

I was able to take the items and pair together what seemed like a good fit, creating several “new” outfits that didn’t cost me a penny.

My favorite look out of the bunch was created by an old white long-sleeved shirt, which I layered with an old semi-sheer tee-shirt for a wintery look, a geometrical skirt that I purchased two summers ago and two pieces of lonely jewelry I managed to untangle from my jewelry box.

All in all it was a successful shopping trip, all while managing to shop from my own home!

So next time you feel the need to do a little shopping but you know you can’t afford it, try  rediscovering some things in your closet that you haven’t worn in a while. Pair the items with some newer clothes you have to create a whole new look. And if you are unsure if something still as cute as you once thought it was, try layering it with something else.

If none of these options suit your interests there are still some cheap options out there. First you could do what I did and raid the closet of a sibling or close friend. Who knows, they might be looking to get rid of some things! You could take the items off their hands.

Or you could take your clothes to a consignment shop or Plato’s closet, where the stores give you cash for your items. Use the money that you earn to purchase some new clothes, making it a trade-in.

Facing one of my biggest fashion phobias I decided cut off most of my hair, changing it from a semi-drab shoulder-length 'do to an ultra-flattering pixie. Photo/ Haley Twist

Even before it was New Year’s Eve, I started to see many magazine articles discussing the new trends for 2012.

It seemed that many fashion editors discussed new styles early on, such as wacky new patterns, the bold colors and the trendy handbags.

While I took all of these suggestions into consideration as I shopped for the spring semester, I decided to ring in the new year with new hair.

In a previous column I talked about some of my scariest fashion phobias, one of them being a short, choppy pixie cut. Over the break I faced my fear and chopped off most of my hair, creating a new look that made me step outside of my comfort zone in a very good way.

For about a month before I finally decided to cut my hair, I started researching the many different kinds of pixie cuts.

Did I like the pixies that were a little on the longer, somewhat shaggy side? Or did I like the super short, classic pixies?

I read online that each individual has their own variation of the pixie cut depending on face shape and hair qualities.

And after many hours spent looking at pictures of celebrities with pixie cuts I decided that my favorite one was sported by Ginnifer Goodwin, who also has a round face like mine. Seeing so many stylish pixie cuts pushed me to schedule a hair appointment.

The Tuesday after Christmas I walked into the hair salon, nervous but excited about the prospects of the end result. I had been in contact with the hairdresser so we both already knew what the plan was. I took a seat in the chair, had my hair washed and then stared at my reflection in the mirror.

Though I do not really have an attachment to my hair, I did like the fact that my haircut was safe. My hair was parted in the middle and fell slightly past my shoulders.

While it could be described as bland, it was safe and that was the scariest thing of all as I looked in the mirror and watched as about 6 inches of my hair was cut off in one clean cut.

And that was it; there was no going back. The hairdresser and I talked while she cut, deciding how long it should be on the sides and in the front, and frequently going back to a picture of Ginnifer Goodwin for reference.

And when it was all finished I could not be more pleased with the result. It was short. Very short. And while that was scary it was even more exciting. It would give me the opportunity to try new, edgier things with my overall look and style.

The moral of the story is to try something new this year. What’s that one legal thing you’ve always wanted to try? Whether it is with your style or something totally different, use 2012 as the excuse you need to go for it.

Chances are you won’t regret it and will receive pleasing results!

How can we find fun holiday gifts for friends and family on a student budget? We get creative. Photo/ MCT Campus

As the holiday break is approaching, there are many things on students’ minds. Am I going to pass my finals? What should I do for housing next semester? Why are all the classes I need to register for full?

These are the things I hear students talking about lately.

This time of year is always a stressful one for college students, and if it weren’t for me constantly saying to myself, “Stress gets me nowhere; there is no point in stressing out,” multiple times a day, those worrisome student thoughts would be in my head too.

But I have holiday-break fever! I am in great spirits and cannot stop thinking about the many things that will come with my break from school: sleeping until noon and not feeling guilty, having the time to read “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” before I see the movie and, most of all, Christmas shopping!

Yes, I am worried that my aspirations for elaborate holiday presents for loved-ones will be stomped on by the lack of green in my wallet, but there are still some great holiday gift ideas that are not only cheap and creative, but fashionable as well.

Velvety apparel

This fabric is timeless and screams “holiday present” for a fashionista in your life! Try a simple skirt, clutch or pair of leggings made with this material in a dark color like forest green, maroon or royal purple. For those with an especially tight budget simply get a necklace or bracelet with a piece of this fabric in it. Most of the ones I have seen lately contain a velvet strip tied like a bow to the piece of jewelry.

Book ends 

For your friends or family who value their large stacks of books, or even for those who appreciate interior design, try a pair of book ends! These can be found in an array of styles, my favorites being on two ends of the spectrum: very modern and very vintage. Book ends can be found at a local thrift store and even look great when they are mismatched.

Stylish hats

It’s no secret that 2011 has been a year for stylish hats. Fedoras, cloche hats and even knit toboggans could be a great gift this holiday season. They keep people warm during the cold winter months, look great with jackets and many layers, and can be purchased in a wide variety of colors. For your male friends try a toboggan or a flat cap!

Shoe inserts

This one is for the ladies! As every girl has experienced at some point in their life, the cutest shoes can also be the most uncomfortable, especially those boots and high heels worn out to dinner dates or uptown for a night out at a club. Lucky for those with fragile feet, shoe inserts can now be found cut for high heels and boots instead of standard sneakers. These could be the relief your best girlfriend needs after a long night of dancing.

The items I have been drawn to lately are in warm colors, like this cheetah-print Steve Madden make-up bag and a pair of maroon peep-toe heels. Photo/ Haley Twist

As November is passing by us, Thanksgiving is approaching and more and more red and orange leaves are piling up around campus. The fall season is inspiring my wardrobe, and not just by how cold the weather is.

When I think of fall, especially around November and Thanksgiving, I think of brilliant warm hues. Magnificent reds, copper browns, royal purples and soft maroons and mauves are all I can seem to add to my wardrobe. I am drawn right to these colors in every store I enter.

While these colors are some of my favorites year round, this time of year accelerates how much I crave them. And not just in my wardrobe, but elsewhere. These colors have shown up everywhere for me lately, whether it is in a newly-purchased winter blanket or even in my Twitter background.

Sporting these colors is a great way to spice up our daily outfits. And while these colors may not be the brightest we could go for, they add their own soft flair to any look.

Start with the bag, that’s what I always do. If I am unsure about how a color would look on me in the form of clothing, I usually purchase a purse in that color to help me make up my mind.

While all summer I stuck with smaller saddle bags in bright colors, such as a teal blue and a glittery taupe, when I went shopping for a new fall bag I decided to go with a copper brown messenger-style bag.

It is perfect to carry to class, can fit everything I need inside of it and almost has a studious feel to it because of the borderline briefcase style.

The warm color along with the simple cut of the bag brings an effortless look to my outfit every time I carry it.

Next let’s jump to the shoes. As I mentioned in a previous column, I recently purchased a pair of amazing maroon high-heeled booties. These have allowed me let my shoes be the statement piece. I love to let my shoes speak for themselves, so when I decide to wear a colorful pair of shoes I normally tone down the rest of my outfit.

If you are a shoe person like me, try picking a pair in a nice fall-ish color like the ones I described above, and wear them with neutrals so they will stand out.

And now you need something to keep you warm! Again, as I discussed in a previous column, there are so many choices out there for someone who wants to get a colorful winter jacket.

This year try getting one in dark purple, burnt sienna or maybe even golden brown. Peacoats are my favorite. This splash of warm color will get you in the mood for the holiday season.

In high school I never would have gone near a fedora, high-waisted trousers or chunky menswear watches, but now I cannot get enough of them.

It’s funny how much my taste has changed over the past few years. I become more and more willing to try new things to push my style limits.

But as bold as I want to go, there are still those few trends, both in beauty and fashion, that I am terrified to try. It doesn’t matter how much I want to experiment, I am afraid of the failures that might come along with them.

So I have listed my top two biggest beauty and fashion fears. These are my two favorite trends I am too scared to try.

For those who are braver than I am and have tried these, I hope you have had great results.

Emma Watson sports the classic pixie cut: a look that I wish I could brave! Photo/ MCT Campus

The pixie cut.

The transition from longer, flowing hair to this short ‘do is definitely intimidating. Yes, Emma Watson pulled it off beautifully, but can the haircut have the same effect on everyone?

I really don’t know. I honestly have not seen a pixie cut that I do not like, but I am still afraid to go through with this bold haircut.

While a pixie cut is ultra-short and virtually requires you to cut off most of your hair, this look is elegant and empowering.

Instead of taking away that femininity that comes with short hair it appears to do the opposite. As much as I love this look I am terribly afraid of what a cut like this would look on me.

White jeans brighten any outfit, from summer to winter styles. Photo/ MCT Campus

White jeans.

Especially with the winter months approaching, I think white jeans are a gorgeous addition to a sweater and boots look.

Many people tend to buy a lot of black and gray during the winter, so it makes a world of difference to pair a dark-colored comfy sweater with a pair of crisp white jeans instead of the standard blue jeans. It brightens up one’s whole look.

White jeans can also be great for more professional atmospheres, such as job interviews or programs on campus.  They dress-up an outfit and are perfect if you feel like wearing jeans but want to appear a little fancier.

As someone who is accident prone, I am afraid to go anywhere near these pants because I feel like anytime I wear something white I instantly get a stain on it and then I’m stuck trying to cover it up for the rest of the day.

I really hope to one day be able to walk into a hair salon and instruct the stylist to give me an adorable, choppy pixie cut and then to go purchase a clean, crisp white pair of skinnies, but I’m not sure when that day will be.

Embellished or zippered boots are predicted to be a popular choice this season. Photo/MCT Campus

The weather seems to have finally made up its mind, allowing girls around campus to dive back in to one of the best parts of fall: boots.

I thought 2010 was one of the best boot seasons yet, but after shopping around the Charlotte area over the past few weeks I have realized that there are so many new boot styles this year that I did not see last year.

I decided to make a list of my favorite boots to wear around campus during the day and out around Charlotte at night.

Daytime

Wedge boots:

Boots with a wedge versus an actual heel are the perfect way to walk up and down the hundreds of campus stairs without breaking your neck. They are a stunning complement to any casual outfit. For a great heading-to-class look, tuck a pair of leggings into your wedge boots and add a long, loose shirt. Chilly? Loosely drape a scarf around your neck for an outfit that looks effortless.

Combat boots:

Instead of going with the super predictable suede flat boots this season, try a pair of combat boots. Ones that lace up and have multiple buckles can be found for the more daring, but for those who want a simpler look, try the flat boots that only have one buckle. These are just as cute as the louder ones. Running late for class? You’re in luck! Pull these boots on over any pair of jeans for a quick-and-easy substitute for the basic ballet flats.

Nighttime

High-legged boots:

Whether these are wedge-heel boots or have more of a basic heel, go for a pair that come up farther to your knee versus a pair of booties. As much as I love booties, there is no better ego-booster when you are heading Uptown and want to look your best than zipping up a pair of high-legged boots and knowing you look fierce. If you are in the mood to be noticed at night these are the perfect boots to do the job.

 Studded or embellished boots:

Something I am noticing a lot more this year in magazines and in stores are the appearances of studded boots. Normally they are short boots with a platform that have tiny studs on the platform area. Some even have studs all over the boot or on the toe. The craziest pair I’ve seen, yet, that I fell in love with, were covered with cheetah print and studs. Those were definitely for the boldest of boot-wearers. Not into the studs? Some other boots I’ve seen are embellished with other things, such as small buckles or tiny metal designs. These are an interesting take on the basic bootie.