A few weeks ago in my Brilliant Blogger article, I called out all of you everyday-jean-wearers by challenging you to mix things up by wearing skirts and dresses. And while a lot of you liked this idea, a few of you mentioned how you found them to be somewhat impractical for school, especially those of you who are expected to wear jeans everyday or work with things like dangerous chemicals.

Because of this, I thought I’d whip out this article on jeans to give you some fresh perspective and ideas on how to wear them without sacrificing style for function. After all, just because you have to wear them every day doesn’t mean you can’t still look chic!

The Skinny Jean:

Skinnies have been all the rage for almost five years now, and I don’t see them losing steam anytime soon. They show off your legs, are instantly slimming, and they can even make you look taller! I’ve chosen three types of skinnies to help aid you in your style quest.

Read on to find out how you can wear everyday denim skinnies, the classic black skinny jean, and the modern day colored skinny jean effortlessly on campus.

Basic Denim Skinnies:

(Cardigan- Old Navy, Ring- Forever 21, Jeans- Forever 21, Flannel- AE, Flats- Old Navy)

Denim skinnies come in many different washes and colors. But if you are going for an easygoing everyday look, medium washes are best- especially for school.

To keep this light, breezy look going, I chose a cute red flannel to wear on top and a nice, cozy knitted cardigan to keep you warm. Finally, for your toes I chose some cute ruffled ballet flats and topped off the outfit with a shiny gold ring with a sparkly blue center stone.

This outfit is a perfect “Oh, this old thing? I just grabbed some stuff on my way out the door” look: stylish while still looking school appropriate, colorful, and best of all comfy.

Black Skinny Jeans:

(Moccasins- MilkShop, Shirt- Buckle, Jeans- Forever 21, Bracelet- Nordstrom, Scarf- AE)

Black skinnies are the ultimate classy piece of denim. They go with everything, are super sleek, and make your stems look nice and long.

While one could go the conservative route when wearing these jeans (ie: Risky Business style shirt + Pants), you could also opt for a cool rocker look to give the black skinny a nice modern twist. To do this, I chose a nice grey graphic tee and paired it with a black circle scarf (which you can learn to make for free! check out my tutorial on circle scarves here!). Then, I chose a silver studded bracelet to give your arm a little sparkle and edge. Lastly, I chose the cutest little fringe moccasins you’ve ever seen for you to slip your feet into. That’s it! Whether you’re off to a concert or “slappin’ da bass” across campus, you’ll be sure to turn heads.

Colorful Skinnies:

(Jeans- Yesstyle, Watch- Debenhams,  Shoes- Forever 21, Shirt- Topshop)

The colored skinny is a fairly new addition to the skinny jean family. And while they can come in many, many, different colors, I for one believe that when it comes to selecting a colored skinny, you should show a little bit of restraint. Yes, those highlighter yellow, neon orange, and eye-watering lime-green skinnies may be calling your name, but it is of my humble opinion that those are far too flashy to be worked into a real person’s wardrobe- leave those to Lady Gaga.

Don’t get me wrong, colored denim is great; you just have to be careful about your choices. For this example, I chose the daring, yet still tasteful, burgundy red skinny jean. Pair those jeans with a cute striped shirt, pop a cute little watch on your wrist, throw on your pointy toed lace-ups and you’ll be ready to roam the streets of Paris…or go to PoliSci.

The Boyfriend Jean:

(Scarf- Modcloth, Bracelet- Modcloth, Tank- La Garconne, Jeans- Pacsun, Cardigan- AE)

Ah, the boyfriend jean: easy, loose and free. Perfect for those lazy days when you just roll out of bed and are too tired to wear something tight and confining.

Don’t sweat this look, it’s easy! Just slip on a black racerback tank, a cute red cardigan, slip your arm through a cool bangled bracelet and wrap a cute floral scarf around your neck. Yep… that’s about it. Don’t you wish Calculus was this simple?

The Wide Leg:

(Shirt- Old Navy,  Necklace- Overstock, Beanie- Meshhat, Jeans- Alloy, Ring- HSN, Shoes- Toms Shoes)

The wide leg jean is one of those styles that I’ve coveted for a while, but never gotten around to trying. That’s why I was so excited to make this outfit and live vicariously through you! While these jeans definitely make a statement, I think they are the most tricky to pull off, mostly because when you wear them you have to be aware of proportions.

Overall, it’s safest to make sure the top half of your outfit is fitted so the bottom can be loose. I paired mine with a plain white tee (fitted of course), and a slouchy blue beanie. As for your feet, I chose a pair of comfy, yet stylish Tom’s. (My latest purchase! They are SO comfortable!) Lastly, I picked some jewelry. I pulled a cute turquoise necklace and jade ring. These little details are important because since most of your outfit has no design, the jewelry gives your outfit some interest. And there you go: understated, stylish and so 1960’s fabulous. Let your hair flow freely and you’ll be the hottest bohemian chick on campus.

Thoughts?

What do you guys think of the looks I put together? Are they practical for your everyday jaunt around campus? What are your favorite types of jeans? Did I forget to include any type of jeans that you love? How do you wear your jeans? Let me know in the comments section, I love your feedback!

I love winter clothes – sweaters and jackets are my two favorite things to browse because there are so many classic, comfortable options. So I thought I would show you guys some great vintage-inspired winter coats and sweaters to spice up your November-to-April wardrobes.

Vintage-Inspired Coats

Product Information: Peacoat (in Navy) – American Eagle Outfitters. Vintage Blazer – American Eagle Outfiters. Union of Plaid coat – Modcloth.

I love these coats! I chose two – the AE peacoat and the ModCloth coat – that would be perfect for layering in cold weather. The middle blazer would be perfect for places where it doesn’t get quite so cold and a serious winter jacket isn’t necessary. (If you’ve fallen in love with the Vintage Blazer from AE too, good news – it is currently on clearance!)

You don’t have to buy new, though – there are many great coats in vintage and thrift stores. When shopping for a coat in a vintage or thrift store, look for great patterns (plaids are very cool and fabulous for winter) and also look for unique touches – many older coats have intricate details, like the buttons and stitching, which are what makes them so one-of-a-kind. Make sure the coat fits you well in the shoulders and bust and is a good length for your height. As always, watch for any tears, holes, or areas of stress.

Not sure how you’d wear a coat like the ones above? Keep reading!

How to Wear a Vintage-Inspired Coat

Product Information: Sexy Scoop sweater (in Smoky Brown Heather) – American Eagle Outfitters. Miso Sparkle Jegging – Republic. Dakota Velvet boot – Forever 21. Gold Studded Bangle set – Dorothy Perkins. Linear Wood Heart earrings – Moxsie.

I love the flirty, feminine details of this jacket, which help balance out its slightly menswear-inspired style.

For this outfit, I decided to layer a simple brown sweater with some jeggings under the coat. I chose jeggings for one main reason: they’re great for tucking into tall boots! I kept the color palette simple and sophisticated, letting the jacket stand on its own and then adding some wonderful sparkle with earrings and a set of bangles.

Vintage-Inspired Sweaters

Product Information: Sugar Plum sweater – ModCloth. Black Batwing sweater – Rokit. The Izzie Sweater – ModCloth.

It would not be an overstatement to say that my favorite article of clothing is sweaters! They work with almost any outfit in almost any climate. They look great with skirts or jeans, under dresses, over dresses, under coats, on their own… I could go on and on!

I chose these three vintage-inspired sweaters for their shapes. The Sugar Plum sweater looks so comfortable with its slightly baggy shape. (It would work well with skinny jeans!) The Batwing sweater is a slouchier shape, which means it would go nicely with structured pieces like a great pencil skirt or your favorite dressy jeans. Finally, the Izzie sweater is so prim and cute, it would look great with just about everything!

When looking for sweaters in vintage and thrift shops, pay attention to detail: look for great patterns, shapes, and embellishments. As always, watch out for holes or tears and make sure the fit is right – sweaters can stretch over time, so you might not wear your usual size. Also, pay attention to laundering instructions on your vintage sweater! Make sure you recognize what fabric it’s made out of and whether or not it needs to be dry cleaned!

Keep reading to learn how to wear these fabulous sweaters!

How to Wear a Vintage-Inspired Sweater

Product Information: Olivia Skirt – Delia’s. Snap Collar Leatherette Jacket – Forever 21. Ruffled Faux Leather Ballet flats – Old Navy. Betsey Johnson Patchwork Bow Drop earrings – Zappos.

I decided to pair this muted brown sweater with a pretty purple skirt – it provides a pop of color without overwhelming the standout design of the sweater.

Some chic flats and a great (faux) leather jacket provide a little bit of contemporary flair. (Of course, you could always skip the jacket if you just want to show off the sweater.) If it is especially cold where you live, I would add some dark tights or leggings to give a little bit of warmth in the leg. You could always switch out the skirt for a great pair of jeans – I think a medium wash denim would look great with this sweater as well.

What do you think?

What do you think of these vintage-inspired winter items? How would you wear these coats and sweaters? Let me know in the comments!

Last week, reader Jenny wrote in with this question:

“There is a theme park near where I live, and I go there a lot with my friends. I was wondering if you had any ideas of what to wear for a day out at a theme park or carnival- it’s difficult to know because I’m running round all day and any jewelry I wear is very irritating because I have to keep taking it off on a roller coaster.”

This got me thinking about other fun fall activities that we all may be running out to enjoy before winter sets in. Besides Jenny’s idea of going to a theme park or carnival with friends for a day, I also thought of going pumpkin or apple picking (yum!) and going on a road trip during one of November’s long weekends (which is absolutely the most fun in the fall with all of the leaves turning gorgeous colors).

So instead of only answering Jenny’s question, I figured I would come up with looks that would work for each of these events to ensure you have the best end-of-fall ever!

Look One: Carnival Clothes

Product Information: Plaid Flannel Tunic: Old Navy, Vintage Wash Jeans: TopShop, Bow Earrings: American Eagle, Studded Converse: Singer 22, Tinted SPF Moisturizer: YesStyle, Nail Polish: Forever 21

Comfort is key to having a fun day at a carnival or amusement park. You want your focus to be on having the loudest scream or keeping your arms up the longest on the roller coaster, not on whether your shoes or jewelry are going to fly off!

Therefore, I suggest going for a trendy but cozy flannel like the one above. You’ll be comfortable but still stylish. The flannel I chose is especially great for the amusement park since it has a tie around the waist. That way, you won’t have to worry about your top moving if you are on rides that turn you up, down, and all around!

Pair this top with your favorite pair of worn-in jeans that are comfortable whether you’re walking around or sitting down (since you will often be sitting for rides). Throw on a cute pair of sneakers to complete your comfy-cool look–Converse are always a great choice and the stud detail on these makes them totally stylish for this season. You could probably even DIY them yourself with an old pair of Converse – be creative!

As Jenny mentioned, jewelry is tricky when dressing to go to a carnival. You do not want to wear pieces that could dangle or get caught, and you definitely don’t want to wear anything you would be super upset to lose. (It happens!) Therefore, I suggest going for a cute pair of studs–definitely not dangling earrings–to add a little extra sparkle to your look. These bow studs add an unexpected girly element to an otherwise tougher look.

For your hair and makeup, keep it simple but be smart. And by smart I mean wear sunscreen! You’re going to be out in the sun all day and even though the strong heat of summer is gone, you are still susceptible to those harmful rays. I personally love tinted moisturizers with sunscreen, as they give you good color as well as SPF protection. Since this outfit includes earrings, pull your hair back to make sure it does not get caught on them when you’re on rides. And finally, indulge your inner carnival-loving child with some funky bright red nail polish (this color will work with almost any of the outfits in this post)! Red is a classic shade that’s perfect for fall.

Look Two: Apple/Pumpkin Picking Attire

Product Information: Knitted Sweater, Shaggy Scarf: TopShop, Jeans: Piperlime, Leather Gloves: JohnLewis.com, Black Boots: Piperlime, Pearl Bobby Pins: Monsoon.co.uk

Some of my favorite memories of fall are all the times I went out pumpkin picking when I was little. From the hay rides to the delicious fresh food and the actual pumpkin picking itself, there’s nothing more indicative of the fall season to an East Coast-er like me than trekking out into those fields. And luckily, this is one of those activities that only gets more fun as you get older! This is another situation in which you want to make sure you stay comfortable since you’re going to be moving around so much.

A great fall style that is perfect for this activity is the “boyfriend” look. An oversized, boyish sweater will definitely keep you warm and cozy, while a pair of skinny-fitting jeans will keep the look from being sloppy. Put on some durable black boots (I love the zipper detail on these ones) in case you have to stomp through some mud to get the best pick, as well as gloves so that you don’t have to get your hands too dirty (and because sometimes the trees/stems of these fruits can scratch you).

To add some extra warmth (in my experience, pumpkin patches are often windy!), add on a textured scarf in a dark color that will not compete with the pattern of the sweater. For your hair, I think a side braid or chignon would be a perfect way to tie the whole look together, especially if you hold it up with these adorable pearl hairpins.

Look Three: The Perfect Road Trip Outfit

Product Information: Tunic: Monsoon.co.uk, Dark Wash Jeans: TopShop, Sunglasses: ModCloth, Rust Shoulder Bag: Piperlime, Necklace: Missselfridge.com, Boots: Nyciwear.com

While road tripping with your friends is going to be fun all year round, taking one in the fall has the aforementioned advantage of having the best roadside scenery. Plus, what better way to blow off post-midterms steam than belting songs out the window with your best friends?

The only potential downside to a road trip is the amount of time you may be stuck sitting in the car. That’s why you’ll definitely want to pick out the most comfortable bottoms you have–my favorites are stretchy, skinnier jeans, but if you prefer a different style or even leggings, go for that! Put on a loose, airy tunic for a cool 70’s vibe on top, highlighted with a funky, multi-strand necklace.

I used those gorgeous fall leaves as inspiration for choosing the accessories, picking rich, chocolate brown boots and a deep, rust orange tote. And, of course, no road trip–or as far as I’m concerned, trip anywhere–is complete without the perfect pair of sunglasses. The geometric shape of these adds a modern aspect to the otherwise more boho look, and the shades should be dark enough to allow you to drive facing even the brightest sun!

What Do You Think?

Do you typically partake in these fall weather activities? What outfits have you worn for them? Did I miss any activities, clothing items, or accessories that are great for fall? What are your favorite pieces to wear in this fall weather? Share below!

And as always, if you have a “What Do I Wear There” question, leave it in the comments! You may be featured in next week’s article.

Fashion Deals & Coupons

Express‘ Friends & Family Event is going on today and tomorrow (11/7) only! You can save 20% off everything with promo code 4287. Don’t miss it!

Saks Fifth Avenue’s Exclusive Sale is going on now – save up to 40% on designer selections! Sale ends on 11/8.

Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale is going on now – save 33% or more on clothing, shoes, and accessories you’ll want to wear right now. They’ll also give you free shipping on orders of $100+. Use promo code HOLIDAY09 by 12/20.

Charlotte Russe will give you free shipping when you spend $50+, today and tomorrow, 11/7.

dELiA*s has a new promo code out – get $20 off your $50 purchase with code 20DEL50 (expires 11/13). Also, all jeans and pants are buy one, get one half off! Outerwear is also up to 20% off for a limited time.

Target will give you free shipping when you spend $50+ online! Promo ends on 12/19.

Bluefly has a special new coupon code for new customers. If you’ve never shopped Bluefly before, you can get $40 off your first order of $200+. Use code AFF40 at checkout before it expires on 11/30.

YOOX.COM has some new Fall Winter Promotions, with an extra 20% off tons of fabulous designer clothes and accessories. They carry all the big-name designers, so don’t miss out! Sale ends on 11/10.

Payless‘ BOGO event is still going – buy one pair of shoes, get a second pair for 50% off! Sale ends on 12/31.

American Eagle has a bunch of stuff on sale. Women’s flats are $5 off, while flannels start at $24.95. There’s also some great Aerie stuff on sale, as well as items for guys. Good while supplies last!

Alloy.com will give you 15% off any order from now until 11/12 – use code A15FALL. Also, all outerwear and sweaters are on sale right now – up to 25% off! Boots are also on sale, starting at $39.90 + 15% off (expires 11/13).

Shoes.com is having their Fall Clearance Event! Find markdowns of up to 60% off some of the hottest styles and brands. Event ends on 11/15. Also, for a limited time only, save an additional 20% off all sale & clearance items with code SALE20. The code is good through 11/9.

Steve Madden is offering 15% off plus free shipping when you spend $100+, or 20% off plus free shipping when you spend $150. Both offers expire on 11/11.

Pacsun.com is marking down new stuff, and giving you 30% off already-discounted items. Shop the sale now before it expires on 11/15.

Karmaloop has a brand new coupon out! Get a free $20 gift code when you make a purchase of $100+ with code SOLID. Offer is valid now through 11/30.

Macy’s is having a Veteran’s Day sale, with free shipping on orders of $99+ and exclusive 2 Day Specials on some great items.

Skechers has a new coupon code good for $10 off any $50 purchase. Use code FBONC at checkout (expires 11/15).

Beauty Deals & Coupons

Sephora.com has a two new money-saving promos going on. First, get 3 Benefit eye shadows for $10 ($54 value) while supplies last! Also, get 3 Dior mascaras for only $29! These are both great deals, so take advantage before they sell out.

Sally Beauty Supply has a coupon for $5 off orders of $25+. Use code 555202 to save. Code expires on 12/31.

The Body Shop is having a Buy One, Get One sale, starting this Monday, 11/9 – select bath & body products, holiday gifts, and home fragrance oils will all be on sale!

As always, post any sales, deals, or coupons we missed in the comments! Happy shopping!

Need some fall outfit inspiration? Refinery 29 did a great feature on real-girl fall fashion with outfits that are totally wearable.

WhoWhatWear’s November Editorial is along those same lines – tons of gorgeous fall/winter fashion inspiration!

Coveting the Stella McCartney for Gap Kids collection as much as we are? Check this out.

The ladies of UK fashion magazine Grazia do us all a favor by attempting to squeeze into some of the best pieces from Stella McCartney’s just-released collaboration with Gap Kids in this clip above. After exhaustive research, the team determines that the purple princess coat, the boys’ flannel button-down, the trench, and the boys’ gray cashmere hoodie are all wearable by adults (at least, petite adults).

Anna Wintour’s plan for world domination continues…

The Skinny is a brand new sample sale site that focuses 100% on beauty products! Don’t know about online sample sales? Read our post, The Ultimate Guide to Online Sample Sales for the 411, as well as some invites to the best ones.

Secret Jamba Juice flavors?!

Some call it “off menu” but “secret” seems so much more mysterious and exciting. We still aren’t sure if the undercover “menu” has been adopted by all the Jamba stores (yet), but we’ll let you know more as we find out.

Divine Caroline lists the Ten Worst Fall Fashions, which, um, aren’t really that bad. While it’s hard to argue that half-shaved hair is anything but awful, we don’t agree with most of these.. Peep-toe booties? Faux fur vests? So cute!

Aldo DIY is a really cool & interesting site with tons of DIY tutorials, all using shoes/boots from Aldo!

This is just weird – Lady GaGa’s Looks Kill Photographer. No idea if it’s true, but that outfit IS a little frightening..

Not fashion-related, but this is just really amazing.

Autistic artist Stephen Wiltshire has been hard at work this week drawing the Manhattan skyline from memory over at Pratt. He only took a 20 minute helicopter ride prior to getting started, “during which time he impressed on his mind thousands of landmarks, great and small.” He told the Brooklyn Paper: “My arm starts to hurt sometimes, but I push on.”

9 Things Every Guy Should Buy or Wear is an amazing list that should be required-reading for all boys.

Simple Pleasures from the Secret Society of List Addicts – sometimes it’s nice to appreciate the small things in life! What are your favorite simple pleasures?

Style.com did a great list of 21 beauty picks for fall that will help you escape typical fall beauty doldrums, including limp hair, dry skin, and all those cold weather woes!

How to Wear Colors Without Looking Crazy, via FutureLint!

This first look is something I like to call “The Anthropologie Effect.” Having never set foot in an Anthro (gasp! I know – what a bad fashionista I am), thanks to the interwebs, I am pretty darn familiar with their aesthetic… So here I am wearing turqouise and orange, two colors that most def don’t “go” but because the tones are subdued and the whole outfit is a bit whimsical thanks to the poof and fringe and t-straps (always whimsical!) it looks fine!

Still on the hunt for that perfect winter coat? InStyle has tips to help you choose the right coat for your figure!

Now that Halloween’s over, check out what the stars wore! FabSugar has photos from Heidi Klum’s Halloween party – it’s always totally crazy and over-the-top. Always last-minute with your costume? Why not bookmark a few ideas to borrow for next year?

Christian Louboutin helped design a stiletto-shaped champagne glass. How anyone can feasibly drink champagne out of it is completely beyond us, but it does look like a great collector’s item!

You can never have too many denim-buying tips, and Lucky Mag has some great ones.

If you find great-in-the-butt jeans with other fit issues, remember that a tailor can make adjustments to both the length of the hem and the fit through the leg.

Wearing low-cut tops can be tricky. Sometimes it can be tough to find the line between sexy and trashy. This series of comparative outfits by Cosmo really helps show the difference between what’s cute and what’s going too far.

The Business of Fashion is a must-bookmark blog if you plan to work in the industry one day!

College Candy’s list of Campus Traditions is really interesting and fun to read, especially if you’ve attended one of the featured schools. This one’s too funny:

Lauren H – The New School: You know you go to New School when there’s only one guy in your class and he’s looking for guys too.

Claire Thomson has amazing style, and dishes some great advice. And she wears Urban Outfitters! We love her.

If you need a sparkly dress for holiday parties, The Look 4 Less has you covered.

That’s all we’ve got for now! What were your favorite links of the week? Leave them in the comments so we can all check ‘em out!

Every year, we look at our closets and say, “oh no, I have nothing to wear to this party!” But what if you had one dress you could wear, styled differently to at least three parties? To me, there is no fashion faux pas in wearing a dress more than once, so long as you style it differently and the parties are spaced out. After all, who can afford to buy a different dress for every event during the winter season?

It’s all about styling. Below, I’ll show you three ways to wear a single holiday party dress – no one will ever know you’re repeating the same dress!

Product Information: Pleated Bow Tie Dress, Charlotte Russe.

I picked this dress for two reasons: first, I love the brown-burgundy color, because it’s more than just the typical LBD; and second, I love the details – the bow is adorable and the ruched neckline draws attention to your face. This dress is perfect for parties, but could also be dressed down if need be!

And now, how to wear it!

Outfit 1: Edgy Holiday Party Look

Product Information: Snap Collar Leatherette Jacket, Forever 21. Wild Diva Jelena Gladiator Booties, Fly Jane. Torque Chains, Forever 21. Sequin wallet, Charlotte Russe.

For a holiday party with your friends, this would be a great edgy outfit.

I love the brown leather jacket paired with the brown dress: it creates a contrast and interest without being obvious or overly matchy-matchy. The purple clutch provides a pop of color and a little bit of sparkle.

I really love putting together multiple tones of a neutral into one look: the burgundy brown of the dress, the cocoa brown of the jacket, and the tan of the gladiator booties are all plays on the same tone. This is a formula that works for all outfits: when in doubt, shades of the same neutral will always look interesting and chic!

Outfit 2: Dinner with Family

Product Information: Mustard V-Neck cardigan, Peacocks. Macey River Pump, Topshop. Empress Hinged bangle, Forever 21. Dove Stud earrings, Juicy Couture.

Dressing up for a family holiday dinner can sometimes be difficult!

For this outfit, I decided to pair a mustard cardigan with this party dress, to dress it down a little bit. However, you could always choose another color based on what works with your skin tone: pink, red, bright blue, and green could work with this dress as well! Paired with neutral but interesting flats and a super cute bangle, this outfit will have you looking pretty yet relaxed at your family’s holiday get-together!

Outfit 3: Meeting the Parents

Product Information: Black cut out ankle boots, Debenhams. Houndstooth DB Jacket, Forever 21. Cabbage Corsage Clutch, Monsoon. Bella Rouge earrings, 1928.

The holiday season also means the possibility of being invited to a holiday party with your significant other’s parents – yikes!

I put this outfit together with that in mind. I love red with this dress and surprisingly, I think black accents look great against it as well. Some might say that wearing black and brown together is a “don’t”, but those fashion rules are outdated. These days, you can feel free to mix colors as you please. The red accents on the accessories I chose pop against the burgundy-brown of the dress, while the black helps you look put-together, which will impress those parents!

What do you think?

What is your favorite dress to wear to holiday parties and how do you transition it? What do you think about styling one dress in different ways throughout the holiday season? I love to hear from you guys, so let me know in the comments!!

This is the second post in our mini-series on must-wear colors and fabrics for fall and winter. As stated in the first post on must-wear colors, we reviewed what smart (in a fashion context) means for this season: “stylish or elegant in dress or appearance…appealing to sophisticated tastes.”

Let’s review the 6 must-wear fabrics for Fall/Winter 2009! As with the first post, I hope you can find at least one fabric that you’d like to wear during the season!

1. Velvet

For this fall/winter season, velvet has received a makeover! The velvet of this decade is everything you liked about the 80’s/90’s versions, but simpler and more feminine. My recommendations for wearing velvet are to stick to one velvet piece per outfit and stick with darker, richer colors or black. Want more information/inspiration? Check out this great article by WhoWhatWear!

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Balenciaga Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Kimchi Blue Velvet Bow Dress- Urban Outfitters, Stretch Velvet Long Sleeve Dress- American Apparel, Velvet Black Blazer- Forever 21, Velvet Ribbon Shrug- TopShop, Velvet Flats with Satin Ribbon- Newport News, Velvet Roses Skirt- Forever 21, Bodycon Velvet Skirt- TopShop

2. Knits (Chunky Knits)

Knitted garments are really in for fall and winter, specifically super chunky knits. The best way to try out this trend would be to try a chunky scarf! However, accessories aren’t the only way to go. Keep your eyes peeled for knitted dresses and sweaters! Cozy!

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Julien Macdonald Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Chunky Knit Gator- Ann Taylor, Chunky Knitted Cardigan- TopShop, Topshop Unique Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Deena and Ozzy Chunky Blanket Scarf- Urban Outfitters, Design History Cable Knit Sweater in Wine- Bluefly.com

3. Lace

This season, lace will be an accent to artsy pieces. Lace for this season will manifest itself in one of three categories: chantlilly lace, richelieu embroidery, or sequined embroidery. Which look do you like best?

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Christian Lacroix Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Cameo Lace Cardigan- Forever 21, Exposed Zipper Lace Skirt- Arden B, Lna Lace Back Top- ShopBop, Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Petite Lace Poplin Dress- TopShop

4. Leather

Leather and faux leather are back for another season! Throwing on a leather or faux leather jacket is definitely the easiest way to add a little edge to your effortlessly chic fall/winter look! However, if you already have a leather jacket, or if this type of jacket isn’t your thing, try a leather dress like Kate Moss!

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Kate Moss during Paris Fashion Week- fashionising.com, Crinkled Faux Leather Jacket- Forever 21, PU Hooded Bomber Jacket- TopShop, Hermès Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Faux Leather Dress- Wet Seal, Leather Gloves with Faux Fur- Ralph Lauren, Women’s Ruffle Peep Toe Pumps- Old Navy, Faux Leather Tote- Windsor

5. Silk

This season, silk will be accompanied by draping and either subtle metallics or rich gemstone colors. Look out for both high sheen and eggshell gloss looks this season! These elements will add to the feminine undertone that silk naturally bears. I think silk is a great option for any fancier dresses you may need for holiday parties!

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Haider Ackermann Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Tiered Silk Dress- Gap, Short Sleeve Tie Front Ruffle Top- 7 for All Mankind at ShopBop, Adrianna Papell Red Silk-Blend Pencil Skirt- Lord & Taylor, Plum Thai Silk Flat- Rocket Dog at Zappos, Michael Antonio Women’s Lea Pump- Endless.com, Poufy Party Skirt- Calypso St. Barth

6. Tweed

Tweed has a down-to-earth vibe this season. Much of today’s tweed is being generated by recycled yarn, so if you’re into eco-chic, this might be a good fabric for you to look into (depending on the manufacturer, of course). Tweed will provide a great back-to-basics look to your winter wardrobe.

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Katy Perry in NYC- fabsugar.com, Tweed Cap- Armani Exchange, Tweed Classic Trench- Forever 21, Silence and Noise Tweed Funnel Coat- Urban Outfitters, Tweed Check Purse- TopShop, Tweed Evalyn Dress- Fred Flare, Rosalyn Tweed Jacket- Forever 21

What do YOU think?

Now that you’ve become an expert on smart fabrics, what do you think? Will you wear any of these textiles this fall or winter? Which is your favorite? How do you wear “smart fabrics” in your everyday wardrobe? Tell me with a comment!

Face it: As amazing as life as a college girl is, we’re busy and we have a lot of stuff. Going from classes, to the library, to that study session across campus requires some serious equipment. Obviously, we need some heavy-duty bags to carry our things from place to place! But boring backpacks all the time?! No thanks!

There are plenty of adorable options out there that will help you carry your books, computer, and even your keys in style. Fashion and function! What could be better?

Ways to Carry Your Books:

Backpacks:

Backpacks are the obvious go-to for toting heavy loads from place to place, and there are tons of cute options out there, if that’s your style.

Pick a solid color for utility, a fun pattern to brighten up your mornings, or a pack with fun features to make your trek to class more enjoyable. Backpacks provide more support and space than any of the other options on this list, so if you’ve got a lot of books and gear, or like to take your laptop with you from class to class, the classic backpack is going to be your best pick.

Product Information: Hurley Paige Merlot Viceroy Backpack, pacsun.com. Java Blue Backpack, Vera Bradley. The North Face Vault Backpack, TheNorthFace.com. Hayden-Harnett Bleecker Nylon Backpack, haydenharnett.com.

Tote Bags:

Tote bags are an adorable way to carry all of your things inside AND outside of class. One of the many pros of a cute tote is just that–you can use it for books on weekdays and as a purse on weekends!

Tote bags are definitely more chic than backpacks, and they can make your outfit look pulled-together and polished. If you’ve ever hit the mall or a coffee shop after class with your backpack, you know how awkward it can feel carrying it off-campus, but with a tote, you won’t have that problem!

Unfortunately, unless you have an extremely roomy tote, it’s probably not going to be able to hold as much as a backpack. Also, since totes are not as durable as backpacks, you’re going to need to watch the weight of whatever you put inside. It’s definitely a trade off, but if looking good is a top priority, totes are always a great bet.

Product Information: Croc-Print Patent Tote, yesstyle.com. Thomas Paul Coral Tote, velocityartanddesign.com. Adrianne Satchel, shopsueyboutique.com. Marc by Marc Jacobs Into the Wild Pretty Nylon Animal Print Tote, Bloomingdales.

Messenger Bags:

Messenger bags are a great option if you want to carry your laptop or gym clothes. Style wise, if you have a laid-back, bohemian look, it will probably be easy for you to rock a messenger bag.

Depending on how much you have to carry, you can choose from giant, luggage-style bags to small, cross-body swing packs. It’s up to you! If you want to stand out on campus, choose a messenger bag–not many ladies have them and they can be really cute!

Product Information: Lucky Brand Peace Keeper Messenger, Zappos.com. Wildkin Girl Rodeo Messenger Bag, ebags.com. Lucky Brand Abbey Road, Piperlime. Hurley Autumn Mess Messenger Bag, pacsun.com.

Ways to Carry Your Computer:

Laptop Sleeves:

Laptop sleeves are great if you plan on tucking your computer into your bag during commutes. They’ll keep your laptop covered and protected from all your other stuff.

Most laptop sleeves are minimally padded and light weight, but there are some models made of fabric-coated hard foam that will help your computer survive being dropped, kicked, or sat on. (It could happen!) Sleeves come at all price points, and in many patterns, colors, and styles. If you’re into artsy options that no one else will have, Etsy is a great place to look for sleeves.

Product Information: California Leash Manhattan Beach Laptop Sleeve, coolcomputerbags.com. Case Logic PC Reversible Laptop Sleeve, amazon.com. Abbi New York Leopard Laptop Sleeve, kolobags.com.

Laptop Bags:

In comparison to sleeves, laptop bags are a much more substantial way to carry and protect your laptop.

Like sleeves, they come in many different colors and patterns, but unlike sleeves, they also make transporting your computer from place to place easier. Some laptop bags even have enough room for a notebook and binder, so they’re perfect for those afternoons studying in the campus coffee shop!

Whether you want a simple style with a handle or a full-on bag with heavy-duty straps, you’ll be covered– with tons of options!

Product Information: eBags Vertical Laptop Sleeve, ebags.com. Juicy Couture Velour Laptop Case with Removable Strap, Nordstrom. Daisy Daisy Tall Zip Tote, Vera Bradley.

Laptop Cases and Skins:

Although technically laptop cases won’t help you in transporting your things from place to place, they’re a great option for those of you who want a little extra protection for your computer.

Most laptop cases simply snap on to your computer to protect it from dirt, stains, finger prints and scratches, while also making it look adorable! If you’re a Mac girl and have been jealous of the neon Dell or Vaio laptops, snap-on cases are the perfect way for you to get your color fix.

If snap-on cases and covers aren’t your thing but you still want to spice up your computer, try decals or skins! You’ll get the same sassy style without the bulk.

Product Information: Montauk Blue Suede Skin, schtickers.com. Lavish Leopard Laptop Skin, skinit.com. Satin Touch Hard Laptop Shell, speckproducts.com.

Keys, ID, & Everything In Between!

Key Chains & Key Covers:

If you’ve lived away from home for long, you’ve probably come to realize just how many keys and cards you’ve acquired. There’s a key to get into your building, your room, even your mailbox, and they all look suspiciously similar. What’s a girl to do?!

First of all, invest in an adorable key chain to hold all of your keys, and second, try a key cover to differentiate!

Lots of schools have rules about making marks on their keys, so it’s easy to get confused about which key does what. Luckily, there are key covers–stretchy, durable shields that go over the head of your keys. Choose from animal faces, favorite characters, colors, or shapes for a fun way to easily tell your keys apart.

Product Information: Coach Pink OP Art Heart Locket Key Fob, amazon.com. Kitty Key Covers, Urban Outfitters. Peace Sign Key Fob, Juicy Couture. Freakey Key Covers, patinastores.com.

ID Holders:

ID holders are definitely a college girl essential. Different from a regular wallet, an ID holder will do just what it sounds like–hold your ID!

These are great for those times when you only need your essentials, and don’t want to tote around all of your credit cards or money throughout the day. If you need to show your ID to people to use it, it’s best to choose an option with a clear-window, or just have a simple plastic piece that can attach to a key chain or lanyard. Mini-Skinnies, luggage tags, and coin purses are also adorable ways to keep your ID close.

Product Information: Hope garden Clip Zip ID, Vera Bradley. Bow Luggage Tag, haydenharnett.com. Coach Mini Skinny, Macy’s. Metallic Zippered Coin Wallet, Forever 21.

Lanyards:

Before I came to college, I had never used a lanyard and never thought I would need to use one! Though guys always seem to have them for keys, they just didn’t become necessary for me until college when I was faced with the need to carry and quickly find my multiple keys, ID holder, and swipe card.

Lanyards are extremely helpful–you can wear them around your neck, stuff them in your pockets, or pull them out of your backpack for easy access to your most prized possessions. Do some digging–there are adorable, girly lanyards available online if not in your campus bookstore!

Product Information: Pink Jumbo Dots Lanyard, stylishbabyboutique.com. Volcom Dollface Lanyard, tillys.com. Personalized Monogram Button Lanyards, babies2babes.com. Vera Bradley Lanyard, verabradley.com.

Your thoughts?

How do you carry your stuff from place to place? Do you prefer function to fashion, or do you need a cute bag to brighten up your school days? Let us know with your comments!

For this edition of Would You Wear?, let’s talk about an accessories trend that’s been going on for a little while now but has recently started to have its spark renewed – the bib necklace.

Over the past season or so, designers and celebrities alike have been bringing drama to their outfits with seriously eye-catching neckwear. The bib necklace, named for the fact that it resembles a bib, has been snapped up by celebrities like Olivia Palermo and Mischa Barton, who love the injection of glamour that such necklaces bring to any outfit.

But recently, a different variation on the bib necklace has begun to emerge from those with more romantic, soft tastes: the flowered bib necklace. Flower bib necklaces have exploded in popularity because of their feminine touch, and are an excellent alternative for girls who feel the heavy jewels of original bib necklaces are too much.

Flower bib necklaces are great because they’re often less expensive than their jeweled counterparts and are a great DIY project: all you need is a glue gun and a trip to your local craft store. Both the Glamourai and Krystal from This Time Tomorrow chronicle their DIY attempts at bib necklaces, here and here.

Necklaces from Modcloth

Personally, I love both styles of bib necklaces. They can bring either a little bit of attitude or a soft touch of femininity depending on your taste, and I love that you can either buy one in stores or make your own with fairly little effort.

What do you think?

Would you wear a bib necklace? If so, which style of bib necklace do you like better? Would you consider making your own? Leave a comment with your thoughts!!

Marie Antoinette is a movie that portrays the rich life of one of France’s most famous queens. If you haven’t seen this movie, rent it immediately! You’ll be captivated by the lavishness of Marie Antoinette’s royal lifestyle, including everything from eloquent banquets to breathtaking gowns with tiers and tiers of pastel fabrics.

Elements of Fashion in Marie Antoinette:

There are many fashion motifs in Marie Antoinette, all of which will trigger inspiration and awe. I will review some of the most prominent elements of fashion within the movie, along with my modern interpretations.

If you haven’t seen the film, I hope to give you a taste of the costumes in this film, and maybe inspire you to go rent it! If you have seen the movie, my wish is that you recall the intricacy of the ensembles and maybe find a way to create your own modern translation!

The Marie Antoinette Color Palette

The color palette of this movie is definitely in the pastel range. For neutrals, ivory is the most prominent, whereas other popular colors include baby blue, light pink, and mint green.

My Interpretation:

Pastels are usually spring colors; however, for my interpretation I tried to incorporate a pastel piece with fall/winter hues for a look you could wear right now. (Just add your favorite coat!)

Product Information: Vanessa Bruno Silk Dress- The Outnet, Cuffed Suedette Boots- Forever 21, Silence & Noise Double Breasted Blazer in Ivory- Urban Outfitters, Vintage Black Beret- TopShop

Volume and Proportion

The garments in this movie have a lot of volume. From men’s puffy sleeves to hoop-style skirts, bigger was definitely better during that era. Even their hair styles were full!

My Interpretation:

I think the best way to pull off this look is to have one piece that has a lot of volume. I chose to do a full skirt in my look with a ruffled bottom! Other options could include puffy sleeves on a cocoon jacket or a fuller hairstyle for a change!

Product Information: Ruffled Hem Shimmer Skirt- Forever 21, Ivory Seamless Cami- Charlotte Russe, Stencil Flower Cardigan- TopShop, Funnel Shoulder Bag- Forever 21, Black Tights- Figleaves, Black Ankle Boots by INC- Macy’s

Embellishments and Details

Every outfit in the movie has such fine detail – the artistry and craftsmanship are very inspiring. One of the most noticeable elements in the movie is the use of embellishments, including lace and beading. It’s all very over-the-top and fabulous!

My Interpretation:

Again, keep the embellishment focused to one garment and accompany that piece with neutral accents. Remember: less is more!

Product Information: Lace “Jennifer” Dress- Fred Flare, Miss Me Women’s Muse Flat- Endless.com, Distressed Wide Headband- Forever 21, Priorities Silk Blend Cardigan- Bluefly

Floral Motifs

Florals are used everywhere in the movie and are reminiscent of the famous French royal gardens.

My Interpretation:

For my interpretation of the Marie Antoinette floral look, I wanted to juxtapose a floral with something more edgy to make it modern. I chose to pair a floral dress with over-the-knee boots. To keep the look fresh and modern, go with floral prints that have larger, more exaggerated flowers. Smaller floral prints can sometimes look too much like something from a baby nursery.

Product Information: Pretty Petunias Garden Dress- Shop Ruche, Dolan Over-the-Knee Boots- Top Shop, Long Sleeve Cardigan Sweater in Ivory- Eddie Bauer, Gold Leaf Necklace- Old Navy

Your Thoughts?

Are you inspired by Marie Antoinette? Which of the Marie Antoinette elements do you like best? How would you interpret a traditional style like this one into a contemporary version for your everyday life? Tell me with a comment!