A few weeks ago, we wrote about this season’s trend of stylish sportswear-inspired pieces, which was popularized by designers like Phillip Lim. For his Spring 2012 collection, Lim created chic, streamlined and updated versions of classic athletic wear (like track pants, racerback tanks and sweatshirts), which he then expertly mixed with spring-appropriate pastels and crisp white pieces.

If you like Phillip Lim’s Spring 2012 collection, but aren’t a fan of the sky-high designer price tags, you’ve come to the right place. Just scroll on down to check out three budget-friendly interpretations of looks from 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2012:

All things pastel are hot for spring and this ensemble from Phillip Lim is a great example of how to wear multiple pastel pieces in one outfit. The peach, lilac and turquoise shades all blend together perfectly to created a stylish color-blocked look that makes a bold yet mellow statement.

Infuse some pastel color-blocking into your wardrobe by pairing a flowy lilac tank top with peach-colored skinny jeans. A gorgeous white blazer dresses the look up, while turquoise ankle strap flats add another lovely pop of color. Accessorize with a sleek onyx backpack and matching bracelets for a trendy and spring-appropriate outfit.

The sporty vibe is especially important to this look, which features a utility vest worn over a trendy sheer blouse. To keep the outfit from looking too drab, Lim styled the vest and blouse with a pair of crisp white trousers and accessorized with a yellow handbag.

For a similar look, pair a sheer black blouse with white trousers, then add a sporty khaki-colored vest. A white belt adds interest while a bright yellow bag injects a pop of bold color. Add a pair of neutral t-strap wedges to keep the outfit looking chic and polished. For the finishing touch, accessorize with a pair of feather-shaped earrings, which tie together all of the colors found throughout the outfit.

This no-frills ensemble from Phillip Lim features a silver-colored racerback tank paired with pastel blue Bermuda-style shorts. This clean and airy look gives off a stylish, yet easygoing vibe with a distinct nod to classic sportswear.

For this look, start by pairing a basic light gray racerback tank with some baby blue seersucker shorts for a casual yet polished vibe. A white envelope clutch continues that minimalist look, while embellished sandals add a touch of glamour. Simply accessorize with some geometric stud earrings and you’ll have a  stylish warm-weather outfit that’s perfect for day or night.

What do you think of this collection? Are you a fan of Phillip Lim? Which look is your favorite? Would you wear any of these outfits? Which designers would you like to see featured here next? Remember to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!

This is why I love fashion.  A horrible faux pas can be turned into something chic and stylish by one trendsetter in a second flat. Take leather bottoms for example: What used to come to mind was Russell Brand and countless ’80s hair metal musicians jammed into too-tight leather pants. But if you ask us about leather bottoms today, we think of Rachel Bilson looking adorable on Hart of Dixie in a pair of leather shorts with a tailored jacket.

Of course, here at CF, we avoid real leather whenever possible, and are therefore loving the fake leather versions of these shorts. We love the look (and price tag) of fake leather bottoms with a plain white tee, fitted jacket, and bold accents. We especially love the juxtaposition of a feminine blouse or dainty jewelry with these rocker shorts. However, we can’t help but ponder if this look will last or be a short-lived summer fad.

Leave a comment below and let’s talk about it! Are (faux) leather shorts totally rad, or just tremendously bad? Do you like the sample outfit? Which street style looks above look are your favorite (or least favorite)?

Department store Macy’s recently announced that their latest designer collaboration would be with none other than Ms. Nicole Richie.

Richie will be creating a collection for Macy’s popular Impulse line, which has featured past collaborations with designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Alberta Ferretti.

According to WWD, Richie’s limited-edition capsule collection will include 24 to 30 pieces that will incorporate lots of bold prints and bright jewel tones.

“Nicole is pretty savvy when it comes to the fashion business and understanding consumers. She’s a real fashion influencer. She’s got a very definitive look, very free style and bohemian chic, and our collection will definitely pay homage to her style.”

Nicole Richie for Impulse launches online and at 100 Macy’s stores starting in mid-September.

What do you think of this collaboration? Are you a fan of Nicole Richie? What do you think of her style? Have you ever purchased anything from the Macy’s Impulse line? Will you be checking out this collection after it launches? As always, remember to leave a comment below and let us know what you think!

If you’re like me, packing for vacation is a struggle because you usually want to bring your whole closet with you! (Curse you, baggage weight restrictions!)

To help make the process a little easier, I’ve put together a few outfits for you to try on vacation, wherever your summer travels take you! I’ve also included a few packing tips to help you worry less about packing and have fun more fun on your trip. Bon voyage!

First, you want to make sure you pack a little purse or book bag for the plane. I always bring a little book bag and then put my purse inside that or in my suitcase so I have more room for snacks and books. Here’s a list of items to put in your purse/book bag for the plane ride:

Then, I bring a carry-on for the rest of my packing needs. Inside, I have a Modella case for my makeup and hair supplies. I got mine at WalMart and I love it! It’s soft (rather than hard plastic) and it fits nicely in my bag! Also, it’s important to have a carry-on bag with wheels – trust me, you don’t want to carry a heavy duffel bag around huge airports. Your back with thank you.

That’s just a little overview on what I like to take with me and how I like to pack. Now let’s check out some cute outfit ideas for vacation!

This outfit is perfect for traveling! The sandals are easy to take off at the airport (bring socks in your purse if you’re germaphobic), and the shorts and tank top make this outfit easy and breezy. The brown belt and fedora had add a nice touch, and keep this outfit stylish yet still comfortable.

This outfit could easily go from the airport to Disneyland, a resort, or wherever your travels may take you. The other great thing about this look is that the belt, shorts, shoes, and hat can all be worn interchangeably with the outfits below, saving you lots of packing room!

This next outfit is perfect for hanging out in the sun, or playing in theme parks all day. The bright flat sneakers keep your feet comfy while the tank top keeps you nice and cool. Add some rings and a conversational necklace and you are set for a day of fun! Don’t forget a little purse and some sunglasses.

Again, this is a super versatile look – this outfit and Outfit 1 could easily be swapped around to create a new outfit. Think white shorts, floral tank, sandals and fedora or jean shorts, nautical tank, and yellow shoes. Mix and match… that’s the name of the game while traveling!

If you’re going out to dinner or walking around town during your vacation, you’ll want to bring a nice day-to-night sundress like this one. For daytime, wear it over your bikini with sandals, and at night, pair it with a cute headband, some flats (that fit easily into your bag), and an adorable necklace.

Voila! three easy outfits for you to bring along with you on your trips this summer. It’s always a good idea to put together a few outfits ahead of time and try them on so you know what they look like. Once you have a few outfits put together, you’ll have more time to do the things that are fun on your trip – rather than wasting your time getting ready in the morning!

Have fun this summer and remember to comment below and let me know where you’re going this summer and which outfit you like best!

After such a positive response to our post on fashion inspired by Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, we’re back this week, bringing you more ideas for your wardrobe inspired by Walt Disney World’s popular Epcot Center.

One of the larger Disney parks, Epcot is enjoyed by young and old alike with its exciting Future World section, featuring thrilling attractions like Soarin’ and Mission: Space, along with its World Showcase, where you can go “around the world” in just a day. Special events throughout the year like the Flower and Garden festival in the spring and the Food and Wine festival in the fall make this park even more delightful.

While you may not believe it at first, Epcot can be a great source of fashion inspiration, even if you’re not a dedicated Disney fan. Don’t believe me? Below, I’ve created a series of outfits inspired by the park. Scroll down to view them all!

Soarin’ is an attraction like no other. Based off the popular ride Soarin’ Over California, from Disney’s California Adventure park, the ride takes you up and above famed California sights – from the beach to orange groves – and plays with your senses along the way!

For an outfit inspired by the ride, wear a pretty sky blue strapless dress with a boho chic lace-back cardigan. A pair of embellished t-strap sandals and daisy stud earrings finish the look that will have you ready to head off into the clouds…or maybe just summer break!

Mission: Space is quite possibly Disney’s most thrilling ride, taking its passengers on an adventure into outer space. Although it’s just a simulation, it allows Disney-goers to experience what it’s like to be an astronaut heading off into the galaxy.

For a look that’s out of this world, pair a trendy crop top with a pair of confetti sequin tap shorts. Add a blazer with sequin detail, a pair of black wedge sandals, and a statement ring for extra flair.

One of the most popular rides in Future World, Test Track takes you on an exciting journey through a vehicle testing facility.

Whether or not you enjoy speeding through test courses, you can capture the fun aesthetic the attraction gives in this outfit! Wear a bright orange peplum top with cute jean shorts. Slip on a pair of strappy sandals and for accessories, wear a polka dot bow headband and flower stud earrings.

The France Pavilion provides guests with a sample of the sights and sounds of the country. Capture its romantic charm with a pretty peter pan collar blouse with a pink high-low skirt. Add bow ballet flats, pearl earrings and a cute headband to finish off the girly look.

In the United Kingdom Pavilion, you can explore the streets of London without leaving Florida. Steal the pavilion’s classic, buttoned-up appeal with a pretty bow blouse in a bold red color with a pair of white chino shorts. A linen blazer in a neutral color and a pair of oxfords complete the chic and preppy look!

Guests of all ages can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Mexico Pavilion. From the marketplace full of art and gifts from the country to the fun boat ride, this pavilion is definitely one to check out! To create a look inspired by this section, try a bold floral print strapless top with a pair of white denim shorts. Wear with colored t-strap sandals and a bright scarf to complete the look.

Have you been to Epcot? Are you inspired by the theme park? Would you wear any of the looks above? Which one is your favorite? Would you like to see more posts like these in the future? Let me know in the comments!

With the continuous cool and breezy spring weather up north, Syracuse University students are still bundled up in their favorite jackets and sweaters. While Brittney was completely covered in her black coat, I couldn’t help but notice her stylish flare jeans – I haven’t seen someone don that style on campus in a very long time!

After spotting Brittney’s trendy pants, I immediately approached her and complimented her bohemian-inspired style. Little did I know that she was all dressed up underneath her dark, heavy coat!

Name: Brittney

College: Syracuse University

Year: Sophomore

Major: Selected Studies in Education

Who or what inspires your style? “People on the street inspire my fashion style. When I see my friends wearing something I like, I get inspired. Clothing stores also inspire my style. I never buy things that everyone else is wearing; I like to be unique, and so when I see something at a store that isn’t as popular, I get inspired. ”

Where do you like to shop? “I love Urban Outfitters, however lately I’ve been finding great things at Forever 21 that I don’t even see on their website, so I’ve been having some luck there. I also tend to shop at a few small boutiques back at home on Long Island and in Manhattan.”

How would you describe your sense of style? “I never really thought about this but I guess I would describe my style as hippie meets dress-up girl – so, I guess sort of like Carrie Bradshaw mixed with a bohemian style. I love dressing up and constantly wearing heels – you’ll never catch me without them when I go out at night. But I’m also into more laid-back clothes like knitted vests, flared jeans, chiffon cardigans, and head wraps, etc.”

Why did you choose this particular outfit? “Although it’s the usual bipolar Syracuse weather, and it may be gross and rainy, I never let the weather stop me from wearing a cute, stylish outfit to uplift my day. I chose this outfit because these are my signature pants – I always get compliments while wearing them and they help elongate my body especially with the heels. (I’m only 4’11?.) I also love wearing this top – it is actually a leotard, which makes it look sleek when tucked into pants. I also incorporated my own personal jewelry line, which is called The Alyse Collection – J Michael on Marshall Street sells it. My bracelets and necklace are all made of semiprecious gemstones.”

What fashion advice would you give to other students looking to improve their style? “Accessories truly help any outfit! Accessories like jewelry are extremely important, whether they’re dressing an outfit up or making it more causal. It isn’t about constantly buying more and more clothing. Utilizing accessories and mixing and matching will help make the clothes you have look brand new.”

What are your favorite trends right now? Do you have any favorite fashion designers? If so, who?  “My favorite trends right now are knitted vests, flared jeans, ’90s style high waist denim shorts, and wide sleeve flowy tops. I also love colored jeans, but I’m saving those for the summer on nice warm days!”

What do you do for fun – do you have any unique hobbies or interests? “I really love making my jewelry for my brand (The Alyse Collection); I’ll always find myself lost for hours while making my pieces. I also love acting – this summer I’m getting back into it, and I cannot wait!”

If you could raid anyone?s closet, who would it be and why? “Hmm that’s a tricky one. This is what everyone says but I’d love to raid Carrie Bradshaw’s closet for her shoes. I would raid Blair Waldorf‘s closet for her winter styles and then Miley Cyrus’ and Nicole Richie’s closets for their summer styles which are very hippie-like.”

1. Unique Bracelets

Brittney’s bracelets are to die for! The semiprecious stones look enchanting and delightful when combined together. I also love the adorable charms adorning each one. Combined, Brittney’s bracelets bring out the color in her simple, yet unique outfit.

2. Flared Pants

In a room filled with ladies wearing skinny jeans, you can’t help but notice Brittney’s flared pants. Not everyone has the confidence to pull off this style, but she was able to do it perfectly. Flares are slowly regaining their popularity, so get inspired and lead the trend like Brittney does!

3. Wedges

I admire people who can walk in heels or wedges around the Syracuse University campus. It takes sheer dedication and passion for fashion to put style first and rock a sky-high wedge on campus. Brittney’s wedges are perfect for pairing with boho pieces during the summer months. And like she said above, they give that perfect boost of height!

 4. Leotard

At first glance, Brittney’s top looked like a sleeveless shirt tucked in under her pants, but to my surprise, it was actually a leotard. Now that’s what you call creativity.

Leotards are great to have since they work well with puffy or long skirts, flared jeans, and short shorts. They’re the perfect substitute for tucked-in tanks – after all, who wants to worry about their top coming untucked or riding up when rushing to class? I also love how Brittney paired her leotard with a loose cardigan and cool pendant necklace for extra fashion points.

5. Gold Earrings

Lastly, earrings are always a fabulous way to keep your outfit looking young and fashionable while you are covered in thick winter clothes. Brittney’s gold ones are great because they’re intricately detailed but still simple enough to work for daytime.

What do you think of Brittney’s outfit? Would you wear something similar this spring? Would you rock flared jeans? Let us know with a comment!

As a CF girl, I love finding new and interesting ways to play with makeup! And one of those is the dimensional cosmetics trend, which can bring a glamorous boost to any look. Dimensional cosmetics can include the use of paper stencils, temporary tattoos, or even gold leaf! I hope these will allow you even more ways to express yourself in an original and dramatic fashion.

Whether you want to go smoky, fantasy, goth or geometric, you can create drama and dimension with paper stencils, which when applied, make your eyeshadow look as though you have been in the chair of an airbrush artist! The designs you can create from these stencils are endless, and all you need is some poster board, a Xacto knife, some makeup and you’re good to go!

Many local craft stores also have pre-cut stencils you can buy, even if they are not necessarily for your face. Take advantage of those eye shadows you don’t normally wear and use high contrast to create lots of drama and depth.

The designer temporary tattoos that have been popping up for the past few seasons aren’t the kiddish ones we are used to! Not only will they alleviate the need for teenage rebellion and make your parents breathe a sigh of relief, but they are a great way to experiment without taking the plunge. They’re maybe even a way to find out if a tattoo would be right for you!

You can experiment with press-on tattoos like those from the Chanel runways (Amazon is selling a pack of 55 designs for around $20 each), or pick up some body paint from your local craft store and go wild! There’s also the always-popular henna which is a more semi-permanent solution that can be an elegant way to stand out in a crowd.

You don’t have to go all out like the Fendi model above, but take a cue from Cleopatra and accent your eyes and cheekbones with gold leaf flakes! Gold leaf will not cause breakouts, is edible, and looks totally original! Gold leaf can be purchased at online cosmetic stores or even at the craft store (which may be way cheaper). This can be a fun way to glam up a night out, don’t be afraid to push the envelope.

Would you ever experiment with any of these ideas? Do you like any other unique dimensional cosmetics or do you shy away from avant garde makeup looks? Tell me what you think!

Every week, I scour the web to find inspiring outfits on your favorite celebs and help you recreate their looks! This week, I was inspired by Jessica Alba, Carrie Underwood, and Christa B. Allen. Read on to see how you can get their looks for yourself.

Jessica Alba always dresses stylishly, has debuted some extra stylish looks in the last few weeks. One particular look that caught my eye consisted of floral pants, a casual top, leather bomber jacket, gold chain necklace, and black pumps. The bomber jacket adds an athletic vibe to a more feminine look of the floral print pants, creating a chic outfit.

For an outfit inspired by Jessica, I wanted to make her look a bit more warm weather-appropriate, so I replaced the floral pants with some floral tap shorts.  Pair them with a black top and a gold chain necklace to add some bling to the simple, classic shape of the top. For a an athletic vibe – which is a hot spring 2012 fashion trend - add a bomber jacket; this one is made of textured material which is lighter than leather for the season. Cork wedge sandals look great with the shorts, and these silver glittered ones bring out the colors of the shorts. Add a black clutch and you’re ready to go!

Songstress Carrie Underwood worked an ultra-trendy denim-on-denim look, and gave the popular trend a boho twist. She wore a fringed top with a collection of boho-chic necklaces, bracelets, and some nude open-toe heels. When putting together a denim-on-denim look, it’s important to make sure that the shades of denim are different – preferably, one darker shade and one lighter, to break up the uniform texture.

Carrie’s look is a slightly dressier way to work a boho look, thanks to pieces like dark denim skinny jeans and nude open-toed heels. I envision this look for a night out to dinner with girlfriends, as it’s casual but still chic. This tie-dye frayed top is perfect for summer music festivals or trips to the beach, but with a denim shirt and some fun boho accessories, plus the dressier jeans and shoes, it becomes a bit more dressy.

Actress Christa B. Allen looked bright and ready for summer in a geometric multi-colored printed skirt, an orange top with cutouts, a white blazer, and black booties. While Christa wore her outfit for a daytime outing, I really like her look for a night out, especially if paired with heels. Christa’s choice of black colored shoes acts like a reverse pop of color – because the look is so bright to begin with, the black breaks up the color and anchors the look.

 
Skirt, Top, Blazer, Heels 

Christa’s look centers around a colorful geometric printed skirt. Just looking at the one I’ve chosen is making me excited for summer! An orange top in a similar shape to Christa’s keeps with the brightness, as does a white drape collar blazer. Finally, black heels actually look bold and don’t overwhelm the look with too much color.

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

Staying stylish on a budget can be hard, especially in College. That’s why DIY Chic is here to show you how to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank with a little do-it-yourself magic. If you are looking for more DIY inspiration, take a look at our past tutorials on making a multi-strand statement necklace, bow hair accessories, flower hair clips, a printed word scarf, transforming a pair of old jeans, recreating an old or thrifted item, or creating a pair of cap-toe flats.

This season, many college gals are swapping out their old jean jackets for a sleeveless alternative: the denim vest. A denim vest looks great thrown over your favorite floral dress, paired with a maxi skirt and tank, or with just about any other spring outfit you have planned. Take a look at this week’s super easy DIY idea on transforming an old denim jacket into your new favorite spring staple.

1. Start by turning your denim jacket inside out and finding the inner sleeve seams. I would suggest finding a workspace that is well-lit.

2. Using your seam ripper, carefully begin to undo the seam. This might involve pulling apart the zigzagged finishing and then the actual stitching, depending on how your jacket is constructed. Carefully work your way around the entire sleeve.

3. Repeat this same process with the other sleeve. Use your scissors to remove any extra fabric or threads, as needed, to clean up the sleeve.

And there you go! Just a few simple steps to repurposing that old denim jacket you had hanging in the back of your closet or found on the thrift store rack for cheap. This quick idea is a great way to update an old item and add a little edge to your spring and summer wardrobe.

What do you think of the denim vest look? Would you try this simple DIY at home? Do you have an do-it-yourself project you’d like to see on College Fashion in the future? Let us know in a comment!

It’s the second time that the British store has won in just three years. This year it beat finalists Macy’s (USA) and Woolworths (South Africa). Anne Pitcher, Managing Director of Selfridges, summed up the job of a department store: to be a “great” shopping destination. She also mentioned certain strategic aspects such as the pop-up store concept, footwear sections, and the sale of daily foodstuffs such as milk. The award was sponsored by Aldar Properties, property developer and investor from Abu Dhabi. The summit brought together around 380 actors in the market (department stores, suppliers and journalists) to review the situation for department stores and potential strategies for the coming decade.