My Wardrobe Essentials

Unlike the stereotypic college girl, I actually put a little effort into what I'm wearing. No, make that a lot of effort! But to me, it's totally worth it. Yes, I have to endure the stares of sweats-and-Ugg-clad girls but I like showing off my sense of style to the world...or at least to my campus.
So here's my list of a few 'essentials' I've found to be necessary for me in my college journey so far:

• Tights--Oh, yeah, these are one of my favorite wardrobe staples, especially since I'm someone who doesn't like to say goodbye to my skirts when the snow starts to fall. With so many colors, textures and styles to choose from, you can stock up (without forking over a lot of cash) and get a lot of looks! Currently, I have a pair of brown striped ankle leggings (thicker than tights), light grey sweater tights, dark brown tights and white pointelle tights. I've found these colors to be most versatile, but I wouldn't complain if I had a few more pairs ;)
• A great bag. I have 5 of them, almost all designer, but that doesn't mean you can't get a good-quality purse that's inexpensive! Make sure yours has plenty of pockets for your cell phone and other essentials, plus enough room for a wallet, sunglasses, makeup and anything else you might stash in there.
• Jackets. Before last year, I only really had one cute one--a brown bomber coat from American Eagle. I love that coat, especially the faux-fur-lined hood. But then around last Christmas, my mom bought me a raspberry Thinsulate-lined wool jacket from Delias that I also really love. And boy was I surprised over Thanksgiving when my sister gave me her navy puffer coat from Aeropostale that she didn't want anymore! So now I've got three great jackets that work with almost any outfit. And in Colorado, you definitely need jackets when winter comes knocking!
• Bracelets. Let's just say I have an obsession with jewelry, especially bracelets. I get all of mine from American Eagle, because they have the cutest stuff at great prices--usually buy one get one 50% off! And I don't settle for just one type of bracelet...I've got everything from bangles (my sister got me hooked!) to blingy leather ones. I just love to stack them up and make a statement.
• Sunglasses. A great pair can transform you from an average girl to a movie star look-alike. If you live somewhere very sunny like I do they're a must just to keep your eyes safe, but they can still be very chic.
• Jeans. Who can live without jeans? For the most versatility, try different styles of jeans, from skinnies to bootcuts to boyfriends. American Eagle and Abercrombie Kids have a great selection of jeans that are good quality at affordable prices--Abercrombie Kids is great for those of us who are more petite and can't find jeans that aren't too long in most stores, while AE will fit almost any body.

What are your 'essentials'?

Accessories for Under the Tree (or in the Stocking)

Christmas is only 10 days away! For you procrastinators out there, that means you only have 9 more shopping days left before the big day. If you still haven't checked off your gift lift, don't despair--there are still plenty of great ideas out there, plus you can still take advantage of shipping deals that will get your gifts delivered on time.

This year, if you've got a tight budget, you don't have to settle for less. Stock up on tons of accessories for that fashionista in your life, or maybe introduce your style-newbie friend to the joys of jewelry and handbags, all for low prices.

American Eagle is a great place to go to get quality jewelry at a fraction of typical prices. The AE Jet Statement Necklace ($22.50) is perfect for a girl with an edgy style, while the AE Friendship Bracelet ($12.50) is great for your little sister. If you've got some money left over, why not buy a little something for yourself, like the AE Rhinestone Stacked Rings ($15.50)--they'll go with anything, so it'll be a smart purchase.
If you're looking for shoes, look no further than Zappos.com! They've got a huge selection of styles, colors, brands and sizes so you're sure to find the perfect pair for anyone. The Spring Stohrer flats in pewter ($20) look luxe, but are super-cheap. Score a deal on a standout pair of heels with the Unlisted Sewing Kit peep-toe pumps in fuschia ($39.20)--these will look great at any New Years party! Or stick with a casual daytime look--the Electric Cowboy booties in tan ($51.68) have a bit of an edge to make even the simplest outfit shine.
Target is the place to go if you want to find cute purses at low prices. A great clutch that'll be perfect for parties or nights out when you don't want to lug around a huge bag is the Merona Ruched Satin Envelope Clutch in purple ($16.99)--the electric color will pop against a LBD. Shoulder bags are always classic, but if you want to mix it up, check out the Melie Bianco Mustard Flower Layers Shoulder Bag ($49.99)--the yellow color will go with more than you might think! If your friend prefers a cross-body, try the Bruges Studded Crossbody Handbag in stone ($19.98)--the color is neutral enough to go with anything but the stud detailing adds a little edge.
Find the perfect gift for anyone...at prices you can afford!

Walking the Denver Runway

As a Colorado almost-native (I was born in Phoenix, AZ and lived there for almost 2 years), I have been to the capital city, Denver, many many times. My hometown of Colorado Springs is only 69 miles south of Colorado's biggest city so my family and I have made several day trips up there, whether it's to go to the airport (much, much better than the Colorado Springs airport!), some kind of attraction or the many malls (also much better). Despite what many people say, that only huge cities like NYC and LA have great fashion, Denver is also a mecca for upscale, runway-esque clothing.

One recent example of this was the Volunteers of America Holiday Fashion Show last Saturday. Unlike many fashion shows, it featured outfits that actually work for the season. Colorado can get kinda cold (and of course, snowy) in the winter so boots, skinny jeans and classy coats were the main highlights.

Also, cocktail dresses were showcased, just in time for many Christmas and New Years parties. Local boutique owners were on hand to describe the pieces they had chosen. The best part of this fashion show is that all the pieces were very down-to-earth and realistic for almost anyone.
Of course, some trends emerged from the show. A great casual outfit for winter 2010 is some skinnies or cargoes paired with a sweater. You can dress it down with suede boots (this look works great if you have to do a lot of walking outside) or make it work for a night out with a great pair of heels.
Don't think that VOA was only for the well-heeled--a cabana for eight cost $2500, while general admission tix went for only $40. So it really involved the whole fashion-obsessed community, as well as those who are curious about what fashion shows are really about. Hopefully, I can go sometime in the future!
Here is my take on the current trend of skinnies/cargoes with a sweater. One way is casual, and the other more suited for nighttime.

The Perfect Gift for the College Student

This will be my first Christmas as a college co-ed and I'm excited for finals week to be over (not to mention the stressful cramming weekend before) so I can go home and start celebrating the holidays. I've been so busy finishing up classes, filling out professor surveys and studying (of course!) that I haven't had much time to think about Christmas. And it's in two weeks! I'm sure it will be a relaxing month, though, which is probably the best gift a college student can ask for.
Besides some time for R&R, here are a few gift ideas for the college student in your life.

• Gift cards: You can't go wrong with a gift card  (or money). Make sure you ask them beforehand where they like to shop so you'll know they'll actually use the card. Oh, and a gift card to a restaurants is always great, too--college students usually live pretty cheaply and a night out is always appreciated.
• Practical (but cute) shoes: College campuses are usually pretty big and most people have to trek across it to get to classes, the library, etc. Invest in a nice pair of boots (preferably waterproof, or sprayed with waterproofer) that are stylish, too, such as Bearpaws. They look similar to Uggs, but are a fraction of the price and hold up just as well!
• Underwear (and other essentials): Who doesn't procrastinate on laundry every once in a while? It's nice to have plenty of stuff to go around so you're not a slave to the washing machine every weekend. Gilly Hicks has a great selection, with all kinds of colors and styles so you can't go wrong.
• A day at the spa: Back to the relaxation thing. Any stressed-out student could definitely use a massage or a mani/pedi to brighten up their day. Look for a day spa that's gotten good reviews but isn't too pricey.
• Winter accessories: So not every student lives where it's snowy and cold, but if you know someone who does, chances are they could use a scarf, hat and gloves. Buy them a cute set that'll go with anything (or match it specifically to a certain coat, if you know what they have) and keep them warm on the way to class.

Of course, these are just a few ideas for the college student in your life (whether it's you, a friend or your child)...just make sure the gift comes from the heart and they'll love it!

You Better WATCH Out!

I have never been a huge fan of watches--if I need to know the time, I'll just check my cell phone or a nearby clock. But I've come to realize that watches, while being practical, can also function as jewelry.

I prefer an analog watch to a digital one because I think analog ones look more polished. One of my favorites is AE's White Watch ($24.50). The sleek design will go with anything, and the color will pop against bright-colored shirts.
If you do like digital watches better (I have to admit, they usually have cool extras that analogs don't have), try one that doesn't look like you borrowed it from your dad! The AE Pink Watch ($24.50) is a girly color and features silver detailing so you can look cute and know the time at the same--erm--time!
For a watch that could be mistaken for a bracelet, check out the AE Butterfly Watch ($29.50). It's gold-plated metal, so it will hold up for a long time, and just has a classic look, along with a butterfly etching on the watch face.
You better watch out--because a watch could be coming your way on Christmas day!

Christmas Inspiration

Can you believe in exactly three weeks, it will be Christmas? And in four weeks, it will be a brand new year? Neither can I--this year's gone by pretty fast. It's hard for me to grasp that over six months ago, I graduated from high school and I started my freshman year of college nearly four months ago. I guess I can understand what my parents think when they say that just yesterday I was playing dress up and enjoying elementary school! Well, I can't deny it anymore--the calendar says December and it's definitely time to start getting ready for Christmas. I already have a mini tree on my desk, I've been listening to Christmas music on Pandora and enjoying the seasonal Starbucks drinks (peppermint mocha frappuccino, anyone?) Now it's time to start dressing for the occasion!

I put together two outfits--one to wear on Christmas Day, celebrating the holiday with family, opening presents and taking part in other traditions; and one to wear to a festive party or special event.
First up, the party outfit. Instead of sticking with the usual dress or miniskirt, why not try a pair of polished shorts? The AE Sequin Party Shorts ($49.50, online only) are the perfect glammed-up shorts--they're black, which looks great with everything, and sequins are definitely appropriate for the season! Pair them with a simple open cardigan, such as Hollister's Solana Beach cardigan in red ($39.50), and a cute ruffly tank (Westward Beach, $24.50, pink). Don't forget the tights (in black) and a pair of stand-out shoes (try the Nine West Felma in dark red from Zappos.com, $62.27) and you'll be sure to turn heads at any party!
For a simple but adorable outfit that'll look great in all the family photos you're sure to take on Christmas, try a wintery cardigan, like the AE Snowflake Toggle Sweater ($69.95). If you'd prefer to skip out on the red-and-green-overload that this season tends to bring, just buy the sweater in new bell navy--the snowflake pattern will still make it work. Layer a basic white cami underneath (AE Lacy Cami, $24.50, chalk), throw on a pair of light wash destroyed skinnies (AE Skinny Jean, $49.50, medium vintage destroy) and you're ready to exchange gifts!
Of course, no outfit is complete without a few (or a lot of) accessories. The holidays are all about sparkle and shine, so make sure your extras reflect that. For a party, don't leave without a pretty clutch, such as Coach's Madison Leather Checkbook Wallet in silver ($238)--it has enough room to store your essentials, such as credit cards and ID, plus some breath mints for that kiss under the mistletoe! For the big day, don't skimp on the jewelry. Try something simple but blingy, such as the AE Love Script Necklace ($15.50) or the AE Sparkle Fringe Drops earrings ($15.50). Either will help you stand out and shine on this special day.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Christmas Wishlist

Here's a quick slideshow with some of the things I have on my wishlist for this Christmas!