We love A Cup of Jo’s Mermaid Tail Braid – so unique and perfect for summer weather.

I know we’ve posted Peter Pan collar tutorials here before but this one, from Lulus is different from all the rest in that it involves glitter! Can’t resist the glitter.

Another great DIY: A super cool way to update your denim shorts, from Make It + Fake It.

Speaking of DIY, Refinery 29 did a great roundup of DIY floral dress tutorials.

How to Score Free Food Pretty Much Everywhere, from The Gloss = required reading for college students.

From HelloGiggles, How Kristen Wiig Made Me Cry. Aww! Love Kristen and can’t wait to see what she does next.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Mean Girls. Seriously. And sidenote, is this anyone else’s most-quoted movie of all time? Almost ten years later, it’s still my go-to. (You go, Glen Coco!)

Just The Little Things is amazing! It’s a blog dedicated to, well, just the little things to appreciate in life.

Oh man, the trailer for the upcoming Great Gatsby movie has surpassed expectations. The fashion! The music! Can. Not. Wait.

Must-make recipe of the week: Bethenny Frankel’s vegan coconut cupcakes with coconut icing look beyond good.

And speaking of cupcakes, how impressive is this cupcake bouquet? Listen up, boys – this beats flowers any day.

Oh god, this is great: A gallery of mall-goers from 1989. Hello, big hair and scrunched socks!

A Gallery of Vintage Style Icons in Swimsuits, from Stylelist. Sophia Loren? Raquel Welch? So much glam.

Dormify has a cute guide to some things you should pack for study abroad.

If you’re cleaning out your apartment kitchen for the move home, don’t toss your vinegar – there are literally 1001 uses for it.

Beautiful Views Inside Hot Air Balloons. Mesmerizing.

As Disney fans, you know we had to link up WhoWhatWear’s post, Currently Channeling: The Little Mermaid!

Back in January, I promised myself that I wouldn’t buy any more clothes this year. But then this season brought us collars (detachable and not), colored denim, pastels, peplum, neon and nude… and I couldn’t help but fall in love and crack open my wallet for some new pieces. The problem, though, was figuring out how to incorporate them into my existing wardrobe.

The Challenge:

So for this week’s Style Challenge, I took the trends for a spin and vowed to incorporate at least one spring 2012 trend into each outfit.

The Results:

• Monday: Today I paired a the chambray shirt, carried over from last season, with this season’s insanely popular pink denim.
• Tuesday: While nautical comes into style every spring, I paired this striped tee and khaki skirt with blue smoking slippers, my favorite trendy shoe style of the moment.
• Wednesday:  Here I paired a pink skirt with with this season’s reinvention of the plain tank, a sleeveless denim shirt.
• Thursday: I wore a sheer peter pan collar top with a simple pair of jeans. I also added a bird print headband.

What I Learned:

Although my wallet may not like it, it is fun to play with a trend or two — especially if you find an amazing piece you can style lots of different ways. Trendy pieces also a great way to get into the mood of whatever season it is. After doing this challenge, I couldn’t wait to start enjoying this spring and summer weather.

A few more tips I picked up from this challenge:

• Pair trendy pieces with other pieces that maybe aren’t on-trend at the moment. You’ll look like someone who knows what’s in style, but isn’t ruled by trends.
• Think about how you can wear trendy pieces before you buy them. You don’t need to have a complete outfit in mind, just some idea of what could match. Thankfully, my pink pants were a gift because they were sitting around my closet for weeks before I figured out how to wear them.
• Don’t just look to the runways! While retail stores are often influenced by the dominant trends of fashion week, they also pick up on the things that aren’t featured in top trends lists. Poke around your favorite stores and see what’s a repeat feature.

What do you think?

What are your favorite trends this spring? Do you play with trends or do you stick with the classics? How do you wear really trendy pieces? Let me know in the comments!

As college girls, it’s safe to say that most of us are pretty spirited about rooting for our favorite teams. There’s nothing quite like getting dolled up in team colors for a football tailgate with your girlfriends, snacking on hot dogs at a baseball game, or checking out the commercials during a Super Bowl watch party.

You might not be with your college besties right now, but the NBA Playoffs are no less exciting than any of the championships that take place during the school year. As an Oklahoma girl, recently getting an NBA team has probably been one of the most exciting things that’s happened to my community. Watching these games is a fun way to catch up with friends from high school, and something interesting to do while spending time at home with family.

Whether your favorite team is still in the playoffs (GO THUNDER!) or you’re just excited to watch some great games, I know you CF readers like to look great while doing so. But since there can be up to seven games per round, coming up with fresh outfits can sometimes be a bit challenging.

Here are a few fun NBA playoff outfit ideas that show off your team spirit without looking sloppy. Read on!

Jazz Up A Jersey

Jersey, Shorts, Headband, Dunks, Bracelet

Since I was a little kid, I’ve always had a strange obsession with sports jerseys. I wasn’t even really into sports when I was younger, I just thought jerseys were so cool! Now that I have an appreciation for the game (and a home team to cheer for), it made finally getting a Russell Westbrook jersey that much sweeter.

Here’s a couple tips if you’re looking to buy a jersey: try finding one at Dick’s, Academy, or another sports superstore in your area. They will be a LOT less expensive there than on the official team website or at the stadium. Also, if you’re petite, try wearing a kids size!

Struggling to find an awesome outfit to wear your pumped-up kicks with? A sporting event is perfect! Finish the look with simple denim shorts, a bracelet in your team’s color, and a hippie hairband that’s reminiscent of a sweatband, but looks a whole lot chic-er!

Dress Up a T-Shirt

Shirt, Skirt, Shoes, Earrings

Who says that you have to look sporty while watching sports? Don’t be afraid to pair your fan gear (I call it my Thunderwear!) with girly staples, like glamorous earrings, skirts, or even heels!

Vintage-inspired t-shirts can be found for any sports team — they’re just a Google search away! You can find styles that are a little more stylish than the boxy-cut shirts they give away for free at the games. A fitted team t-shirt will look great with a pair of skinny jeans and wedges, tucked into a maxi skirt, or worn with a pair of chic high-waisted shorts.

For the outfit above, I paired a t-shirt with a matching skirt. Finish the look with a pair of gladiator sandals and statement earrings.

Team Colorblocking

Pants, Shirt, Shoes, Earrings, Nail Polish

Want to show off some team spirit, but don’t have the cash to spend on pricey graphic tees? Thanks to the colorblocking trend and this season’s hot colored denim, looking stylish and spirited is easier than ever!

Don’t worry too much about colors clashing — if you’re at a sports bar or some sort of watch party, it will be obvious that you’re a fashionable fan, not a walking faux-pas. An easy way to keep from looking crazy is to keep it relatively simple. A solid colored top and pants are a safe bet, but if you add a hat, scarf, and belt, you may look a little overloaded.

Finish the look with team spirit nail polish and team jewelry if you have any!

Thoughts?

Are you a basketball fan? Who have you been cheering for this season? Do you enjoy watching games, or are you more into the excitement surrounding the playoffs? Who is your favorite sports team? What sort of outfits do you like to wear to sporting events that look both spirited and stylish? Are you as obsessed with Kevin Durant as I am? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

When it comes to fashion, I always try to buy at least one trendy piece each spring, to get myself out of my comfort zone and try something new. This season is no exception: my new mint-colored shorts are a gorgeous hue, and they prompted me to write this post about decor inspired by spring 2012 pastels.

Spring, according to Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, is what consumers look to for “renewed energy, optimism, and the promise of a better future.” I don’t know about you, but I could certainly use a jolt of positive energy when I come back to my dorm after a long day!

Pastels are classic, feminine, and versatile, with hundreds of different styling variations. In this article, I’ll be talking about three of the trendiest Spring 2012 pastels: mint, coral, and lilac, and how they can translate into interior design. (Other articles in this series feature dorm design inspired by blue and yellow.) Let’s get started!

1. Mint

Product Information: Side Table, Illustration, Dress Form, Candle, Pillow

Studies show that we tend to associate pale greens with wide, open fields, and therefore feelings of tranquility. Wonderfully easy on the eyes, mint is delicate and refined, a perfect source of decor inspiration.

Mint shades range from mint cream (the color of the interior of an after-dinner mint), to magic mint (a Crayola hue), to mint leaf itself, the brighter parent of the previous two. Its versatility can be attributed to its diverse — but equally gorgeous — array of shades.

Channel the soothing nature of this wonderful color in your dorm design with the pieces above. A bright mint side table is elegant and functional, a whimsy and minimalist art print is a simple way to incorporate a splash of mint into your decor, and a pale mint soy candle is a modern spin on the trend. Try a mint dress form to hold your jewelry, scarves, and a hat or two, or simply add a mint throw pillow to your bed.

2. Coral

Product Information: Laundry Bag, Bedding, Art Print, Pillow

Coral is a color that’s here to stay. Bright, flexible, and classic, it has plenty of avenues in fashion and in interior design. Coral evokes the feeling of a beach sunset, packing just enough energy to revitalize you without jolting you to your senses.

Incorporate some coral in your dorm design with these pieces. I absolutely love this fun laundry bag that can be easily hung on a bedpost or displayed next to the bed, and the cheerful octopus art print is another easy way to bring the color into your room. For a more coral-centric room, try some coral bedding in a shade that’s warm and welcoming, and round it all out with a beautifully patterned coral throw pillow.

3. Lilac

Product Information: Bowl, Curtains, Bedding, Ornaments

Besides being Gilderoy Lockhart’s favorite color, lilac is an underappreciated pastel that has tremendous potential. Often brushed off as a shade more suited for nurseries, it can easily be used to give a room a refined and sophisticated feeling.

Since the lighter shades of lilac can almost be considered neutral tones, the hue goes with virtually any other color scheme you have in place. Try a shallow bowl as a catch-all for your keys and ID when you come in the door, and let the sun gently filter in with gorgeous lilac curtains that bathe your room in a warm glow.

If you’re a big fan of lilac, this chevron bedding has an interesting interplay of lilac and its darker cousin, medium purple. Finally, for some unconventional (but absolutely gorgeous) decor, hang lilac ornaments from the ceiling à la Design*Sponge.

What do you think?

Which of the three pastel-inspired dorm styles was your favorite? Are there any pastel hues in your own interior design, and if so, which ones? Do you think that fashion trends and interior design trends go hand in hand? Let us know with a comment!

Mackenzie 101

Name: Mackenzie

College: University of Iowa

Class Standing: Senior

Major: Communication Studies with a minor in Human Relations

Let’s Talk Fashion

What inspired your outfit today? “I’m into the L.A. rocker-ish style. I’ve been waiting to try it out. Plus, I really wanted to wear these jeans!”

Who is your fashion inspiration? “Rihanna! Especially for this summer because she does really out-there things. I admire her ability to be experimental. She can do vintage, classic, rocker, anything! Her style varies and I try to do the same with my own outfit choices.”

What are your favorite items to wear? “I’m a huge fan of snap back hats. I also have lots of different pairs of Converse and Vans shoes. They can make any outfit casual. I’m sort of a tomboy, but I guess you wouldn’t really be able to tell [from this outfit].”

What are your hobbies? “I like to work out and do mostly outdoorsy things. I love water sports like water skiing, tubing, and wake boarding. But I love to go home so I can ride my four wheeler.”

Elements of Mackenzie’s Outfit

1. Graphic Tee and Denim Shirt

Mackenzie chose the perfect graphic tee featuring rock n’ roll icon Jimmy Hendrix. The addition of a long-sleeved denim shirt brings a bit more style and dimension to the look. For more styling ideas, make sure to check out post on ways to style a graphic tee.

2. Neon Yellow Jeans

We’re loving the colored denim trend for spring, and are therefore obsessed with Mackenzie’s bold yellow skinnies. Her choice to cuff the bottom of her jeans added just a tad of extra uniqueness to the outfit, while showing off her fabulous footwear.

3. Brown Gladiators

Here in Iowa, it’s officially warm enough to break the sandals! I love the way Mackenzie chose these light brown gladiators to complete the look. You can’t tell these sandals have a mini heel, which makes them perfect for girls who want to add a little bit of height, but still remain comfortable during the summer.

What do you think?

Do you like Mackenzie’s outfit? Have you worn a pair of colored jeans yet? How are you incorporating summer elements into your outfits this May? Let us know with a comment!

Even if you’re not the one walking down the aisle, trying to navigate the dos and don’ts of dressing for a wedding is nearly a ritual in itself. Location, dress code, weather, and the always difficult decision of dancing-all-night-versus-wearing-cute-shoes are all factors that must be taken into consideration.

If you’re a college girl like me, budget is a huge restraint when dressing for the weddings of the season, which is why I put together three outfits perfect for summer weddings, each under $100 total.

A Casual Outdoor Affair – $93.93

Product Information: Dress – Modcloth, Sweater – Charlotte Russe, Shoes – H&M, Headband – Dorothy Perkins, Earrings- Dorothy Perkins

If the next wedding you’re attending is taking place at a beach or in the park, you have the green light to go a tad casual! Wind-blown hair, flats, and sweaters are perfectly acceptable for affairs like these. (After all, the ocean air can be chilly.) Be sure to choose accessories that add a bit of shimmer to stand out.

A Traditional Ceremony – $98.74

Product Information: Dress – Modcloth, Shoes – Lulus, Bag – H&M, Earrings- Forever 21

The best part about putting together an ensemble for a summer wedding? Color is totally allowed! Don’t shy away from it! A bold hue with a peplum cut is sure-fire way to make the tricky transition from ceremony to champagne a breeze.

A Formal Event – $98.38

Product Information: Dress – ASOS, Earrings – Dorothy Perkins, Shoes – Forever 21

Between finding gifts and the proper outfit, one wedding can make a dent in your wallet even if you aren’t a member of the party. Luckily there are retailers who can sense our wedding-season pain, like ASOS. The chic ensemble above is perfect for a black tie occasion, but doesn’t break $100. A simple grecian-inspired dress and bold heels will ease your wedding woes.

What are you wearing to weddings this season?

How do you avoid buying a new outfit each time you have a wedding to attend?  Which look above is your favorite?  How do you keep your wedding outfits under $100? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Perhaps the biggest overnight success story of the past year, controversial musician Lana Del Rey is a style icon in the making.

In case you aren’t already familiar with her, Lana first rose to popularity in 2011, when her now-famous song “Video Games” hit the blogosphere. Over the past year, she’s risen from blog sensation to mainstream name: thanks to everything from the January release of her album Born to Die, to a controversial performance on SNL, to the commercial successes of her singles “Video Games” and “Born to Die,” Lana has spent her year in the public eye.

The singer has also caught the attention of the fashion world, thanks to her dramatic, vintage-inspired sense of style and retro-glam makeup. Even high-fashion designers have taken notice; the brand Mulberry just released a new bag named the Del Rey, after the artist herself.

Whether you’re into her music or not, it’s hard to deny that Lana Del Rey is a great source of fashion inspiration. From her magazine photo shoots and red carpet looks featuring runway pieces to her low-key street style, this up-and-coming style icon definitely has a certain flair to her wardrobe that you can recreate with the right pieces.

Below, I’ve created a series of outfits inspired by Lana Del Rey’s style:

Lucky Ones

Top, Skirt, Pumps, Socks

Capture Lana Del Rey’s vintage charm in this look. Wear a peter pan collar top tucked into a simple black circle skirt. Ladylike oxford pumps, paired with frilly socks, help to add a feminine flair to the outfit.

Blue Jeans

Tee, Jeans, Sneakers, Necklace

Del Rey has a very casual street style, consisting of mostly t-shirts and jeans. A graphic tee and distressed jeans are Lana staples, as are simple white Converse sneakers. For an optional accessory, wear a embellished bib necklace that adds a bit of sparkle to the look.

Lolita

Dress, Flats, Bag, Earrings, Headband

Inspired by Lana’s more girly, innocent side, wear a pale pink polka dot dress with black bow ballet flats. Add a bow headband and pearl earrings for an ultra-sweet look. For bonus points, grab a structured satchel bag in the style of Mulberry’s Del Rey to complete the ensemble.

National Anthem

Top, Shorts, Sandals, Sunglasses, Ring

Step out in Del Rey’s signature all-American aesthetic with this patriotic ensemble. Wear a tie-front sleeveless button-up shirt with American flag denim shorts. Platform sandals, a stud ring, and heart-shaped sunglasses finish off the look.

Diet Mountain Dew

Blouse, Jacket, Shorts, Flats, Headband

Rock a vintage-inspired ensemble by tucking a sheer pastel blouse into floral high-waisted shorts. Put on a denim jacket for an edgier feel, and wear a cute pair of lace ballet flats and a flower headband to finish off the look.

Carmen

Dress, Pumps, Bag, Necklace, Earrings

This lovely look is the perfect way to channel your inner starlet. Wear a bold red lace dress with Mary-Jane pumps in a neutral tone. Grab a faux-leather satchel, a gold-tone link necklace, and a pair of dangling heart earrings to complete the outfit.

What do you think?

Do you like Lana Del Rey’s music? What do you think about her style? Would you wear any of the looks above? Which one is your favorite? Would you like to see more posts like these in the future? Let me know in the comments!

I love looks like this for parties, clubs, or even a fancy date. (For a first date, however, use our separate first date makeup tutorial.) This type of high-glam look calls for a cute party dress and a place to go, and now that it’s summer vacation, those shouldn’t be hard to find! (If you’re not on break yet, sorry for bringing it up and good luck on finals!)

The Look:

How to Get the Look:

Products Used:

• NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk
• MAC Brown Down eyeshadow
• NAKED2 Palette: Foxy, Verve, Blackout, Busted
• MAC Liquid Liner in Boot Black
• L’Oreal Voluminous Lashes
• MAC Lustre Drops in Sun Rush
• MAC Coppertone
• MakeupForever Aqua Liner in 3c
• MAC Lip Liner in Cherry
• Wet N Wild Matte Lipstick in 911D

Thoughts?

How did you guys like this tutorial? Are there any special requests you guys would like to see featured in an upcoming video on CollegeFashion? Let me know by leaving a comment below!

If you are looking for a ladylike way to dress up your footwear collection this spring, opt for a cap-toe shoe. Although the style of the cap-toe shoe has been around for ages, mostly in ballet flats, the look has gone viral for spring. As a fresh adornment in neons and metallics, the cap-toe is a great way to draw attention to your toes.

The beauty of the cap-toe shoe is that you can go as daring or demure as you want. If you’re feeling bold, grab a pair of neon yellow pumps with a pink cap-toe detail. Playing it safe? Try a basic beige with a metallic cap; the look is fashion-forward but sweet.

Here are our favorite budget-friendly finds…

Photo Credit | Product Info: Striped Flats – ASOS, Pointy Pink Pumps – Zara, Black Studded Flats – Zappos, Silver Flats – Piperlime, Black Metallic Flats – Target, Grey Pumps – ASOS, Beige Ballerina – Zara

Will you be stepping out in cap-toe shoes?

Or will you be passing on this hot trend? What is your favorite pair from above? How do you wear yours? Leave a comment below and let’s chat about cap-toes!

Every week, I scour the web to find inspiring outfits on your favorite celebs and help you recreate their looks! This week, I was inspired by Bella Thorne, Cher Lloyd, and Zoe Saldana. Read on to see how you can get their looks for yourself.

Look 1: Bella Thorne’s Easy Chic

Photo Credit: Pacific Coast News

Actress Bella Thorne has been everywhere lately, and is constantly proving that she has a personal style worth noticing! This week, she wore an easy chic look: light wash boyfriend jeans, a white sleeveless top, nude flats, some eclectic jewelry, and a Louis Vuitton handbag. I love how she keeps her outfit’s color palette light and fresh – her look is perfect for a day of shopping or lunching with friends.

Outfit Inspired by Bella

Jeans, Top, Collar Necklace, Bag, Flats

The light shade of Bella’s slouchy boyfriend jeans adds an especially chic touch to the look, so start by opting for jeans in a similar shade. They look so fresh when paired with a white sleeveless blouse – instead of accessorizing it with a thin, dainty necklace like Bella did, though, add a trendy Peter Pan collar necklace. The simple yet elegant top is the perfect backdrop to such a fashion-forward necklace, and both pieces work well with these neutral two-tone flats. A handbag in a light color, like this mint green one, gives the look some extra dimension.

Look 2: Cher Lloyd’s Fun Summer Look

Photo Credit: Pacific Coast News

U.K. singing sensation Cher Lloyd looked ready for summer in a gingham tie-up shirt, some high-waisted chartreuse shorts, and a straw fedora hat. Her look has a fun vintage vibe and is ideal for a day out in the sun! The gingham print of her top is so perfect for summer (picnic, anyone?) and the shorts are a versatile piece: they can we worn casually, like Cher is doing here, or dressed up for a night out with a dressy top and heels.

Outfit Inspired by Cher

Top, Shorts, Hat,Sandals, Sunglasses

Cher’s look revolves around her super fun gingham tie-front top, and luckily, you can get the same exact one from Guess. Pair it with high-waisted shorts in a neutral, yet unexpected shade like chartreuse – this color doesn’t overwhelm the already bold top, but is a bit more exciting than just black. A straw fedora is a summer necessity as are vintage-inspired sunglasses and pretty flat sandals.

Look 3: Zoe Saldana is Boho Beautiful

Photo Credit: Pacific Coast News

Actress Zoe Saldana may have taken to the NYC subway this week, but she looked far from pedestrian in a floral maxi skirt, a white tank top, pink crossbdody bag, and some round sunglasses. Her outfit is great for a day of relaxing; I love it because it’s so comfortable and easy to wear, while still super stylish.

Outfit Inspired by Zoe

Skirt, Tank top, Sunglasses, Sandals, Bag

To get Zoe’s look, pick a fun colorful and printed maxi skirt; this one has a pastel palette similar to that of Ms. Saldana’s. A simple white tank top is the perfect accent – since the skirt is already so bold, you don’t want to overpower it with a complicated top. Some strappy flat sandals, a pink crossbody bag, and rounded sunglasses finish off this look.

What do you think?

Which celebrity’s street style look is your favorite? Which outfit would you be most likely to wear? Leave a comment and let us know!