Quick Heads Up!

This is just how I feel…
Photo courtesy of BlakeLively.net

Hey everyone! Just wanted to give you all a little update on life behind CF! This week is completely crazy for me: I’m turning in final papers, taking tests, doing final presentations, AND moving all at the same time! I’m sure you are all going through it too, or went through it last week!

Anyway, because of the total craziness that is the end of the semester, I’m not going to be able to update CF much this week because most of my time is going to go to studying. Trust me, I really wish I could be studying Vogue or coming up with cute outfits instead of working on marketing projects and studying for finance tests! It’s really hard to focus on school when all you want to do is blog about fashion all day.

But, don’t worry: College Fashion will be back full-force once this week is over! I have so many great articles lined up for you guys.. I’m so excited to share them with you all.. just wait!

See you all in a few days!

XoXo, Briana

Christian Siriano On “The Hills” Fashion

I saw these clips on MTV.com and immediately had to share them with you guys!

Project Runway winner Christian Siriano (who happens to be one of the “fiercest” people ever to walk the planet), sounds off in the vids below on The Hills fashion! Just watch as he talks about how hot Brody is, and gives his opinions on Lauren’s style and Heidi’s new fashion line! Love it.

Christian on Lauren, Audrina, & Whitney’s Styles:

Christian on Heidi, Brody, & Spencer:

What do you guys think? Are you with me on thinking Christian is amazing and hilarious, or are you pissed that he didn’t like Heidi’s zebra-print top? Leave a comment!

Spring Fashion Trend: V-Neck Tees

Since Summer 2008 is almost here, I’m excited to say that this will probably be one of the last spring fashion trends that gets covered here on College Fashion!  That’s a good thing - make way for summer!

With the weather heating up across the country, flip flops are coming out of storage, skirts are getting shorter, and, surprise surprise: necklines are getting lower!

Today I want to tell you about one of the biggest trends this season: The V-Neck Tee. It’s been spotted on celebrities and fashion icons alike, and it’s a such a great basic to have in your wardrobe!

I’m currently obsessed with my new deep-v neck tees from American Apparel because they are very chic and can be worn so many different ways!  They’re casual cute with jeans and flats, or dressy with a skirt and heels. Did I mention they’re oh-so comfy? The perfect tee, I’m telling you!

Celebrity Inspiration

This is another trend that was inspired by celebrities for me!  I’m really loving how the celebs chose to wear this look.  From Mary-Kate Olsen’s dressed-down glam look, to Lauren Conrad’s cute and comfy style, one thing is clear: Hollywood loves their v-necks!

How To Wear V-Neck Tees

Yes, there is sort of a right and wrong way to wear these.  Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when you’re wearing a v-neck shirt, but feel free to totally disregard these and wear yours however you want if you think you can pull it off.

• Don’t bare too much skin elsewhere.  The key to wearing a top with a super low neckline is to make sure you don’t wear it with a super short skirt (unless you’re out partying or something.)  When it comes to showing skin, less is usually more!
• Experiment with jewelry, but not too much.  Low v-necks can be a great way to show off a cute necklace, like Nicole Richie and Lauren Conrad did in the photos above.  Take note, though, that they didn’t wear earrings too: that would be overkill!  Pick one piece of jewelry that you want the focus to be on.  Note: bracelets are okay here, you can wear them too without taking away from the rest of your look.
• Don’t be afraid of color. While the trendiest shade for this tee is definitely white, don’t be afraid to rock one in a bright color too!  These shirts are fairly inexpensive, so I recommend getting one in a bunch of your favorite colors if you’re indecisive about that kind of thing!
• Try one tucked in to a high-waisted skirt! The look is very Mary-Kate above, super high-fashion and really stylish.  I like white with black because it’s classic, but you could try a brightly colored tee tucked in to a high-waisted pencil skirt as well!
• Wear a v-neck tee with casual jeans.  This would be a great outfit to wear to class because it’s dressed down yet still fashion forward.  Accessorize with a bright shoe or bag, and you have an outfit that’s comfy and cute for every day.

Where To Buy V-Neck Tees

What I love about these trendy tops is that they are available all over the place.  My favorite is from American Apparel, but many different retailers are making their own versions lately!  There are even a few high-end v-necks available for those of you Ivy League College Fashion readers.

Product Information (Clockwise from Top): American Apparel Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck ($18), AZ Jeans Favorite V-Neck Tee ($5.99), LnA Deep V Tee ($65), Old Navy Perfect Fit V-Neck ($10.50), Skulls V-Neck Tee ($20), Wet Seal Stretch V-Neck Tee ($6.50), J Crew Linen-Cotton V-neck Tee ($36), Nollie V Neck Tee ($14.50)

Your Thoughts?

What do you think? Do you think you’ll be wearing v-neck tees this season, or are you taking a pass on this trend?  Let me know.  Take the poll below and sound off in the comments!

How To Dress Like Serena Van Der Woodsen

Now that one of my favorite guilty pleasure shows, Gossip Girl is finally back on the air (who else is going to be watching tonight?), I wanted to talk about Gossip Girl fashion! 

I get tons of emails from readers asking where the Gossip Girl characters get their clothes, and how they can find similar outfits, so I decided to write an article series about it.

Today I’m going to break down Serena Van Der Woodsen’s style, because it seems like every blog in the universe has talked about Blair Waldorf’s style already!  Serena is also my favorite character on the show, so of course I wanted to start with her.

Serena’s Style

Serena’s sense of style on the show is said to be "inspired by Kate Moss."  That means that she mixes lots of fashion-forward and vintage pieces together for a look that is "boho chic" with a rocker-chick edge.

Like her style icon Ms. Moss, Serena is not afraid to wear something crazy if she’s in love with it, can throw anything on and make it look effortlessly fabulous, and she will never leave the house without putting a unique spin on her outfit!

Of course, Serena’s style is also inspired by the Upper East Side, so there is always an element of classic chic that gets thrown into the mix.  Serena’s clothes may not always look it, but most are very expensive designer pieces, made in luxurious fabrics and costing hundreds of dollars. 

Don’t worry, though.  It’s easy to emulate Serena’s style and look just as fabulous for much less money!  Once you have the basics down, it’s very simple to make that "I just threw this on" look yours.

Serena’s Wardrobe Essentials

If you want to dress like Serena, there are a few key pieces that you’ll want to make sure you have in your wardrobe.  These are the staples of Serena’s look.

Well-cut Jackets

Serena is pretty much always wearing a jacket.  While of course jackets are a must for Manhattan in the winter, they are still definitely one of her signature looks. 

Serena has quite a collection of every type of jacket: long, short, cropped, leather, wool and everything in between!  She wears them in every color, too: bright colors like red and gold, muted shades like gray, and earth tones like camel and brown.

If you want to wear a jacket like Serena does, the cut is everything.  A jacket that fits you perfectly is a wardrobe goldmine - you can wear it with everything and you’ll always look well put-together.  One way to make sure your jackets fit just right is to bring them to a tailor - it doesn’t cost much money to have seams taken in or let out, and it will pay off hugely in the long run! 

To find a great jacket like one of Serena’s, check EBay, vintage stores (many of Serena’s are vintage), and even H&M (they have been known to carry some cute ones!)  Then call up your tailor & get it so it fits you right.

Skinny Jeans

A Kate Moss staple, Serena wore skinny jeans in many episodes this season.  Although they are on their way out for Fall (wider legs and boot-cuts will be in again), skinny jeans are still Serena’s denim style of choice.  If you have great legs like Blake Lively, show them off with a pair of skinnies before they go out of style!

On the show, Serena wears Seven For All Mankind Skinny Jeans, but if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, Wet Seal sells quality skinnies for a fraction of the price.

Dresses

Serena has a girly side to her, so we’ve seen her in many dresses throughout the season.  Even though dresses aren’t a "style" in themselves, Serena is always wearing dresses that have unexpected details to express her quirky style.

Take for example the gray T-shirt dress that she wore to Blair’s birthday party (pictured below on the right).  The top half resembles a plain men’s shirt, but when you look down at the hem, there are gold studs all around the bottom!  Paired with sparkly black & gold tights, the look was casual yet funky at the same time.

To get this look, try to find dresses that have something unexpected about them: studs, sequins, patterns, or a pretty design.  Serena usually wears mini dresses, so if you have the legs for it, wear one with some black or sparkly tights and fabulous shoes.

Some great places to find trendy dresses that wont break the bank are H&M, Bluefly, Rampage,  and of course Charlotte Russe and Forever 21.

Serena’s Accessories

Serena’s look is all about the details.  While she may just throw on a T-shirt and skinny jeans, you can bet that she’ll make the look fashion-forward and unique by adding lots of fabulous accessories!  Some of her favorites are below:

Boots

If you’ve ever seen Gossip Girl, you know that Serena wears boots all the time!  She pairs them with skinny jeans & tees, dresses, and even her preppy school uniform.  To buy a pair of Serena’s boots, check out The CW’s Gossip Girl Style Site.

Layered Necklaces

Serena has lots of necklaces, and it seems like she is always wearing one or a few of them!  Her necklaces are usually long, hitting above her belly button, and she layers them for a bohemian look.  If you want to find amazing and unique necklaces at low prices, search for some on Etsy, or EBay, or try making your own!  H&M can be great for this kind of thing too.

Bangles

Serena doesn’t wear bangles all the time, but when she does, she uses them to add interest to her simpler outfits.  You can find great inexpensive bangles at places like Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal or, again, H&M.

Serena Van Der Woodsen’s Hair

Wavy, Imperfect Hair

Long, wavy, highlighted-blonde hair is definitely Serena Van Der Woodsen’s signature look.  Blake Lively wears extensions on the show to get her hair super-long, so if your hair isn’t so long, consider clip-in hair extensions to get the same look.  If you have long hair already, it will be even easier for you to get Serena’s signature hairstyle.

To get waves like Serena’s, work mousse through damp hair and blow dry with a diffuser attachment while scrunching to bring out your hair’s natural wave!  Next, take a 1.25 or 1.5 inch barrel curling iron and curl your hair in sections, starting with the bottom layers and working your way up your head. Don’t worry about getting it perfect! Part of Serena’s style is that her hair is never perfect, and that’s okay! Finish your hair with light hold hairspray, tousle and go.  Bonus points if you add a cute head scarf like Serena’s in the photo below!

Photos courtesy of The CW and BlakeLively.Net

More Information

If you want more Gossip Girl fashion tips, check back here in the next few weeks for style breakdowns of Blair, Jenny and Vanessa (plus maybe even one for the new mean girl Georgina.  I don’t like her, but her style is pretty fierce.)

Also, if you’re looking for specific items that you’ve seen on the show, check out The CW’s Gossip Girl Section.  They have many of the designer looks seen on Gossip Girl that you can buy online!

Until next time, XOXO…

Martin + Osa

If American Eagle has started to feel a little too high school for you, but you aren’t quite ready to start shopping at Ann Taylor with your mom yet, Martin + Osa might just be your perfect store.

In case you haven’t heard of it, Martin + Osa is a new brand aimed at the 20 to 30-something set, all from the people that brought you American Eagle Outfitters.

There has been quite a buzz around the fashion-blogosphere lately about the store (and they’ve been in my sidebar ads!) so yesterday I decided to check out their website & see what all the fuss was about.

On first glance, Martin + Osa is intriguing.  I haven’t been to a store yet, but from checking out their website, it kind of reminds me of GAP’s Forth and Towne and Abercrombie’s "Ezra Fitch" brand mashed up together.  A little simpler and more classic than their original brands, with better quality materials and a higher price tag to match.

Their tag line is "Refined Casual Clothing + Accessories", and the focus really is on just that: simple, refined clothing in luxurious materials like silk and cashmere.  They carry lots of basics, plenty of denim, khakis and cotton skirts that would be perfect for summer. 

And did I mention they sell my personal summer staple, Havaianas? 

If you have the money to spend, ($46 for a sheer cami? ouch!), the merchandise looks like it’s quality stuff that will last you through many nights on the beaches of Nantucket, or at least through your summer classes where you daydream about being there.

Your thoughts on this?  Have you been to a Martin + Osa store?  Are you liking the preppy and pricey vibe that they have going on, or are you happy to stick to good old American Eagle?  Post a comment!

EDIT: Here’s a coupon code for 30% off everything at Martin + Osa if you decide to shop there! Either print this coupon to use in-store, or enter the coupon code 32619559 if you shop online!

Coupons & Sales: Week of 5/2/08

Pretty picture of the day by Lyubov.

I just realized it was May as I was typing out the title of this post. To that I say "Whaat?" That’s completely crazy to me - where did these last few months go?

I officially have less than 2 weeks left of school! How about all of you? I know most colleges get out earlier than mine, so to those of you who are done already: consider yourselves really lucky!

These next couple weeks are going to be crazy for me with finals, papers and moving, so I apologize in advance if I don’t post on CF every day!

I’m working on some great articles though, so expect those within the next few weeks, coming up as often as I can possibly post them & still not fail my classes.  I may even blow off a class or two to work on them, that’s how much I love you guys!

And now before I forget - the deals! Here you go, a shiny new list of this week’s best in money-saving fashion opportunities. Use them well & treat yourself to something nice: shopping is one of the best ways to get rid of final exam stress!

• From now until May 5th, Macy’s is having their "Friends & Family Sale Event."  This means you can save up to 20% when you use the coupon code MACYSFRIEND at checkout. Also, use this link and get free shipping on orders of $100+ from now until 5/5.
• If you’re craving something from Sephora.com and plan to spend at least $50, use the coupon code SHIPPING50 to get free shipping!  Not sure how long this code will last, so you probably want to use it soon if you’re going to.
• Some deals from eBags: 17% off The North Face laptop bags plus free shipping, and save up to 40% on Vera Bradley. Both are good until June 1st.
• Shoes.com has two new coupons: $5 off all orders of $50 or more (use code MAY50), and $20 off all orders of $100 or more (use code MAY100).  Some exclusions apply, so check the site for all the details!
• Target has a new 10% off coupon that you can use to shop online! Just enter the code 2IINXJ25 at checkout to get your savings.
• Here’s a great opportunity to get stuff for cheap at Karmaloop: they’re currently having a sale with up to 75% off, so check that out and use the coupon SE12554 at checkout for an extra 20% off! Aaaand, to top it off, spend $25 or more & get free shipping with the code SLATER at checkout.  Can you remember all that?
• Alloy.com has a new code for free shipping on orders over $25: enter AHFAFF at checkout!
• In honor of Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11th), Pink Mascara is offering 20% off jewelry when you use the code ASALE at checkout.
• Banana Republic is having a sale from now until May 4th where you can get savings of up to 30% off.  I checked it out, and they have some cute espadrilles and cardigans up for grabs.  Be quick though because they may go fast.
• This isn’t a coupon or sale, but I thought I would mention it: you can get a free 75 dollar credit if you sign up for a Bank Of America checking account before 6/30, make the minimum deposit ($100) & enter the code AOU260408. Sounds complex, but hey, I wouldn’t say no to a free 75 bucks!

For those of you who are in still in school, good luck with finals and everything else!  For those of you who are done (and maybe some of you who aren’t going to study this weekend), have an amazing Cinco De Mayo!  And as always, happy shopping!

Spring Fashion Trend: Gladiator Heels

Gladiator Heel by Dolce Vita

Okay, let me just start by admitting that I was really not into this whole trend until very, very recently.  It took me a little while to stop thinking of these shoes as, for lack of a better word, fug, and start embracing their adorable-ness.

But now that I’ve seen the light, it’s safe to say that I’m obsessed with them, and I think you will be too!

So what are gladiator heels? They’re just like gladiator sandals, only with a wedge or high heel attached.  They usually have fairly thick straps and a T-strap that goes over the center of your foot.

If you’re not sure about this trend, I’ve included some photos to get your fashion inspiration going!  Seeing the way other people wore them is what got me into the trend in the first place.

Celebrity Inspiration

I don’t look to celebrities for fashion inspiration most of the time, but my love of these particular shoes definitely grew from watching the famous wear them!  Sometimes you can’t help but see a photo of a celeb and think, "wow, she looks fabulous!"  Their stylists get paid for a reason!

Case and point: check out the photos of Mary-Kate Olsen in her gladiators below.  I’m not a MK worshipper by any means, but I have to admit, sometimes she gets it totally right.  Those Balenciaga gladiator heels on the left  are so edgy, yet in a very classy way.  Tough to describe, but I’m sure you know what I mean!

Here are some more pictures of celebrities and fashion editors alike rocking their gladiator heels.  Mary-Kate’s sister Ashley Olsen is on the left, followed by Carine Roitfeld, the editor of French Vogue, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Naomi Campbell.  All but Ashley chose to pair their gladiators with a dress.  Wearing them that way is a great choice because it really shows the shoes off! 

 

Runway Inspiration

Gladiator heels, like most of the trends we’re seeing today, began their life on the runways!  (Are you really surprised?) They were a popular trend at the Spring 2008 Ready-To-Wear shows, where Versace, Givenchy, Hermès, and Lanvin all did their own versions of the gladiator heel.  Here are some pics of the runway looks to get you inspired!

Versace:

Versace’s gladiator heels were super-trendy and gorgeous in bright, shiny emerald green.  Paired with a simple satin shirt dress and sunglasses, the technicolor shoes became the focus of the outfit.  If you have an amazing shoe like that, it makes sense to show it of!

Givenchy:

Givenchy did a few different versions of the gladiator heel at their Spring 2008 Ready-To-Wear show, but the above were my favorites.  They almost look like peep-toe ankle boots, but the exposed sides and sneaker-inspired top of the shoe make them totally unique.  What I wouldn’t give for a pair of those!

Hermès:

Always classic and chic, Hermès incorporated their signature style into a simple version of the gladiator heel with patent leather and a wooden platform.  Adding the hard black heels to a soft and simple all-black ensemble made for a look that was understated with a powerful edge.

Lanvin:

Lanvin made a simple platform version of the gladiator heel for their Spring 2008 Ready-To-Wear show.  A super-high stacked heel, shiny black patent leather and metal ring detailing added a rocker-chick feel to an otherwise basic dress sandal.  Paired with a long flowy dress, the look was very "I’m a gorgeous goddess, but I can still kick your ass."

 

Gladiator Heels Under $100

If you’re in love with these heels as much as I am, but can’t afford Givenchy or Versace on a college student budget (and really, where would you wear those heels in college anyway?), don’t worry!  There are tons of inexpensive versions of these high-fashion heels! 

I searched all over and here are the best gladiator heels for under $100!  Who says you have to be Olsen-twin rich to dress just as well?

Black Gladiator Heels:

Top Row From Left: Nine West "Gaulla"($93), Jessica Bennett "Bistro" ($98.10), Nine West "Sulliban" ($93), Nine West "Oswalda" ($83)

Bottom Row From Left: Yellow Box "Heaven" ($64), Nine West "Dollface" ($83), Nine West "Doubts" ($83), Chinese Laundry "Bobbi" ($73)

 

Brown Gladiator Heels:

Top Row From Left: Nine West "Zanja" ($93), Nine West "Eriley" ($93), Nine West "Thorana" ($83)

Bottom Row From Left: MIA "Worship" ($92), Bandolino "Paradisa" ($73), Tommy Hilfiger "Chase" ($69)

 

Metallic, White & Brightly Colored Gladiator Heels:

Top Row From Left: Bouquets "Sady" ($67), Kenneth Cole Reaction "Chipper" ($93), Jessica Simpson "Jinkx" ($93)

Bottom Row From Left: Chinese Laundry "Pause" ($73), Kenneth Cole Reaction "Know Way" ($73), Bandolino "Emmelia" ($73)

 

Gladiator Wedges:

Top Row From Left: Bandolino "Mixa" ($69), Annie "Sandy" ($51), Nine West "Heech" ($93), Matisse "Holland" ($59)

Bottom Row From Left: Bandolino "Gilmore" ($74), Madden Girl "Brandyy" ($56), Fitzwell "Delina" ($69)

 

What Do You Think?

Now that you’ve heard all about the latest shoe trend, are you loving gladiator heels like I am, or are you not so crazy about them?  Will you be rocking them this season or are you waiting for the trend to pass?

Click the comment link below & post your thoughts, opinions, questions, whatever! I want to hear from you! Also, take the quick poll if you have a second - I’d like to know what the consensus of CF readers is on gladiator heels.

Next »

• Wardrobe Essentials For College Girls
• Lauren Conrad's Hairstyles & How To Do Them
• Fashion Beyond Abercrombie & Fitch (or How To Develop Your Own Style)
• Get Ready Fast: 7 Quick And Easy Hairstyles
• 6 Tips To Beat Final Exam Stress
• How To Manage Your Wardrobe
• How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
• Dorm Room Shopping: Bedding
• Dorm Room Shopping: Furnishings
• Dorm Room Shopping: Storage
• Dorm Room Shopping: Decorations

• Quick Heads Up!
• Christian Siriano On “The Hills” Fashion
• Spring Fashion Trend: V-Neck Tees
• How To Dress Like Serena Van Der Woodsen
• Martin + Osa
• Coupons & Sales: Week of 5/2/08
• Spring Fashion Trend: Gladiator Heels
• Coupons & Sales: Week of 4/28/08
• How To Dress For Networking Events
• What To Wear To Work (Or An Internship)

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