Saturday Splurge

With April coming to a close and May on its way, it's time to gear up for summertime! Here are 4 summer items that are $200 or less and are completely worth the splurge:

1. Poppy Signature Sateen Lurex Glam Tote, Coach, $198.00



In a cool neutral tone that will match your light and airy summer wardrobe! This Coach tote is a must. Big enough for all your needs and your summer trips!








2. Lucy Sunglasses, Vera Bradley, $70.00



The perfect twist to the classic Jackie-O shades. With Vera Bradley's signature floral design on the sides, you'll be sure to turn heads!





3. Turnpyke Wedges, Steve Madden, $89.95



These stylish and unique wedges are sure to be your new summer go-to shoe. With a thick, comfortable tan wedge bottom easy to walk in and 6 colors to choose from (shown here in "grey multi"), these wedges will vamp up your summer style.







4. Leopard Bathing Suit, Victoria's Secret, $66 total ($38: top; $28 bottoms)





Try out one of summer's hottest trends--animal prints--with this bathing suit! Soak up the sun in this teeny bikini while embracing your wild side!

Fab under Forty

With summer fast approaching and its fashion blooming, it may be hard to choose just what to buy! But with these 4 fabulous fashions under $40, you may not have to choose!


1. Twisted Satin Raffia Wedge, Charlotte Russe, $30.00.


Perfect for those hot summer nights out! A comfy, black wedge with a pop of color right by your toes!











2. Spring Blossoms Sundress, Forever21, $22.80.



Floral is in this summer! And here's the perfect way to stay cool on those hot summer nights with a breezy summer sundress! The vibrant colors mixed with black give this a cute and unique look.









3. Layered Mesh Skirt, Express, $34.90.


Try out one of the most feminine summer trends: ruffles! Pair with a basic black tank and you're ready to go!












4. Vented Straw Fedora, Kohl's, $14.40.


Top off your look and stay protected from the sun with this hot summer trend: straw fedoras! The black and white color-scheme make it an effortless match to most outfits.

Whimsical White

Is white the new black? It sure seems so when looking at the way white dominated the Spring 2011 runway. But the top fashion designers aren't just mixing white with brights like usual....this year the models are wearing ALL white.

Now this may seem effortless....why not just pick out several white items, put them on, and be on your way? But wearing the same of just one color is actually harder than trying to match different colors.

Confusing? No worries! By using Versace's all white runway look (shown left) as a guide, you can sport an effortless, fashionable, subtle, and best of all, affordable all-white look.



1. Faux Leather Jacket, $44.99, Charlotte Russe

More Details or Buy


This leather jacket is a great and versatile piece that can add to your white look. With an all-white look, it is important to mix and match fabrics since you aren't mixing and matching colors or pattern--and the leather on the jacket is perfect for this! When you're done with this look, this jacket easily converts to several NEW outfits because it can easily be thrown over a dress for the cool spring nights or a cami or a tank top (as shown). Cute details like the lace up sides and the zipper pockets break up the monotony of white!




2. Criss-Cross Back Bra Top, $29.90, Express
More details or buy


Because the faux leather jacket has many cute details, you can keep it simple with a basic white tank or cami. This is also very versatile and can carry you all the way through summer!






3. Skinny Roll-up, White Denim, $29.50,
Charlotte Russe

More details or Buy

Another great way to mix-up fabric is to wear white denim. These white denim capris will carry you right through spring and are a great way to transition from spring to summer!







4. Faux Crocodile Sandals in Pewter, $7.50,
Forever 21

More details or Buy

Even though the Versace model is wearing heels, anyone who has walked around a college campus all day knows that this is not a practical option. Instead, opt for some neutral, pewter colored flat sandals to add a little flare to your all-white look while staying comfy throughout the day!





Total Outfit Cost: $111.89

Military Madness

With spring just around the corner, it's almost time to put away those wintry boots and take out the sunglasses and sandals! And on those beautiful spring days when you'd rather be anywhere but in class, it may be tempting to throw on a tank-top, shorts, and flip-flops just to get you through the day. But spring fashion can be both effortless, comfortable, and stylish! I've taken DKNY's military inspired look for spring 2011 (shown right) and converted it into campus-friendly fashion look for under $120---far less than the cost of only the DKNY dress retailed at $295.00.



1. Short-Sleeve Military Shirt Dress, $69.90, Express.com

More details

This military shirt-dress featured in the color "pearl" is very similar to DKNY's dress. Both dresses have bronze button details to add to the military look and are structured and cinched at the waist to flatter your figure!





2. SO Serina Wedge Sandals, $33.99, Kohls.com

More details

Even though the DKNY model (featured above) is wearing black, stiletto high heels, we all know this isn't a practical shoe option when you need to walk around campus all day. Instead, I've selected a black, low wedge sandal that is the perfect combination of style and comfort.



3. Paisley Print Scarf, $12.50, OldNavy.com

More details

To accessorize her look, the DKNY model sports a black, tan, and pink scarf. For more of a spring vibe, I've chosen a black and white "neutral combo" paisley print scarf from Old Navy. Light and airy combined with a floral pattern makes this scarf perfect for spring!




Total Outfit Cost: $116.39

Other Fashion Blogs

One of my favorite fashion blogs to read is Cafe Fashionista.

In particular, I really like how the cafe fashionista does not just tell readers what she is wearing every day (though she often does this, too!), but gives readers budget versions of expensive, fashion staples. I find this interesting and helpful, as we do not all have the budget to purchase expensive, name brand items, but should still be able to be fashionable and feel good!

Specifically, these deals are often highlighted in her "Thrifty Thursday" blog posts. In these posts, the cafe fashionista selects a specific, name-brand, and often expensive fashion item and provides readers with a picture and the details of a budget-friendly version of the selected item. In this past "Thrifty Thursday," the cafe fashionista features a Helmut Lang sweater for $345.00 and shows a budget-friendly MaxStudio version for $58.00.

I also really like how she features special giveaways for readers. For example, this week she is featuring a Rumba Time watch giveaway. Readers will receive one entry for commenting on her blog, two entries for commenting on the blog and twittering about the giveaway, and three entries for becoming a follow of and leaving a comment on the blog.

If you're a fashionista on a budget, I definitely recommend reading her blog!

Winter Runway Fashion on Campus

So we all know that "low on cash" describes most college kids. And with the cold winter weather still with us, it may be tempting to trudge to class in your UGG boots, sweatpants, and a Northface. But looking good, staying warm, and being comfortable for a low price doesn't have to be difficult. I've taken Dolce and Gabbana's winter look (shown right) and converted it to a warm and stylish campus look for under $100.


1. Planet Gold Short Sleeve Sweater Dress, Macys.com, $20.99

More details/buy


This sweater dress is warm and plays on the cream color featured on Dolce and Gabbana's short sleeve sweater and sweater skirt combo. Though short sleeve, Macy's dress features a crew neckline for added warmth. Macy's dress is also the perfect length (mid-thigh) so that your legs don't get too cold walking to class on those chilly days.





2. Apt. 9 Opaque Microfiber Tights in Coal, Kohls.com, $4.99.

More details/buy

Even though the Dolce and Gabbana model isn't wearing tights, walking around campus in the winter can be quite chilly depending on where you attend school. To keep your legs toasty warm while still looking cute, I've picked out these inexpensive tights from Kohl's. To incorporate the gray from the Dolce and Gabbana sweater, I've chosen a medium gray color called "coal" on the Kohl's website.



3. "Pieretti" Boots, Aldoshoes.com, $41.99

More details/buy

Even though Dolce and Gabanna matches their boots with the cream color in the sweater and the skirt, I've chosen gray boots to match the gray tights. Though the boots have a little heel, the wedge is easy to walk in and perfect if you want a little flare while still being comfortable.



4. Starry Night Studded Beret, Charlotterusse.com, $9.50

More details/buy

To complete your look (just like the Dolce and Gabanna model), try a cute beret. I've chosen a gray, studded beret from Charlotte Russe to match the gray tights and boots. This is a perfect way to keep warm while still looking cute!



Total Outfit Cost: $77.47