Every girl knows that horrible feeling - it’s comparably worse than any form of clinical depression, SADD or any anxiety in the books. It’s that sweeping feeling when you tear through your overflowing closet and think, “I have nothing to wear!” At any point in the season every girl is prone to popping out of their avalanche of clothes and exclaiming that they have no clothes. That’s just a few symptoms, but I believe I have found a new remedy!

After realizing I have this disorder currently (admitting it is the first step) I ventured out on this snowy haze of a saturday to my local TJ Maxx! TJ Maxx is always great for dollarstoredivas that look out for name brands, because the whole mission of the store is to deliver designer labels to the general public without the colossal price tag. However, most of you already knew that. After swooning over a suitcase with the Britsh flag on it (perfect for my summer trip to Europe!) I went to look for some versatile, cute, and reasonably priced clothes. Versatility, style, and price are always my “big three” when shopping.

I’ve always wanted a cool leather jacket, so I was enthused when I discovered the red one on the top of the picture, for only $20! I’m also a little obsessed with the blouse on the bottom, though. It’s classic and casual at the same time, and it’s such a delicate but elegant color that can go with pretty much anything. I didn’t get the necklace there, I got it at Forever 21 a while back, but it’s an example of how great it can go with anything! This shirt was only $12!

I thought I would keep the tribal trend going and get the crop top on the left for $14. The sweater is a gem, it has a regular material on the back with a floral print, and lace incorporated into the cable knit on the front! I’m obsessed, and only for $34!

Altogether these four shirts were around $72. For four versatile and stylish shirts, I’d say that’s a pretty good remedy for this diva’s anxiety.

The best time to wear a striped sweater, is all the time….

Courtesy PacSun

Well, the SpongeBob reference above is most definitely accurate for this winter! Ugly Christmas Sweaters have been the misfits of holiday style for a while, unless you’re over forty and are rocking the Mom jeans along with it. Even over the past few years they have fizzled out with this demographic. However they are coming back with a bang this season! Not grandma’s typical reindeer special, but big, comfy yet chic sweaters in general. What snug yet roomy cashmere sweater doesn’t seem appealing paired with leggings or skinny jeans with your favorite pair of doc martens or riding boots?

Like shown here on this J Crew model, a nice brown satchel or over the shoulder bag always pairs well. Here is one of my favorites that I’ve been craving for a while, that’s easy on the wallet as it’s easy on the eyes!

These handbags go across the body with a long chain!

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/handbags/cross-body-bags/product/85951496-calvary/82 

Aldo, $50, geometric design that’s best for a neutral/plain sweater.

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/handbags/cross-body-bags/product/84057361-dallam/28

Aldo, $35

However, If you want to go for the classic route and rock a vintage reindeer sweater, don’t be afraid! They’re sold in some stores now but thrift stores and Savers will never let you down. My favorite places for high waisted shorts or sweaters is definitely Savers! Here are some of my favorites that I own:

If you’re an all-designer girl adventuring into the thrifting world, don’t fret just yet! Hidden jewels are all over thrift stores, the second picture down is Eddie Bauer! Designer pieces are all over thrift stores, you just have to uncover them and unlock the beauty. They don’t discriminate. Second Time Around always has designer brands plunging out of the racks, just watch fashion hunters! Nevertheless these sweaters will please math geeks with their geometric designs or plain janes alike, just go out there and find your perfect cozy treat!

Mocassins have been around for years on end, but recently in the past few years they have been popping up everywhere. In the past two years, many variations of this typical “mocassin” shoe have been in every store from Target to Neiman Marcus. However this shoe has been interpreted as more of a slipper than a fashion statement. Nevertheless from summer 2011 to now (fall/winter 2011) the mocassin has undergone a fantastic makeover, from comfy slipper to elegant boot - that can make a statement with any outfit! My moccasin ankle boots are my favorite pair of shoes that I own.

Of course the Native American trend is not only affecting our footwear, every peice of our wardrobe can have a touch of boho chic in it. Boho chic is more of an inspiration than an rigid outline for your own personal style. Tall mocassins may not be your thing but bold colors may be, and that’s totally fine! Major characteristics of this trend are frills, pony hair, large blocky patterns, tall boots and bold solid colors such as burnt oranges, bright reds, and of course browns. A poncho with a bright and blocky style with some tall boots would make any regular Pocahontas jealous. This trend directly correlates to the fall trends layering and bright colors, so it is easy to make it fit into an everyday look. Here’s my Halloween costume this year- all I had to buy was the headdress. The shoes, skirt and shirt I already had!

One of my favorite retailers, Pacific Sunwear, outlines exactly how to incorporate boho chic into your outfits. The model is seen wearing knit tights and Doc Marten-ish boots, which are two of my favorite things to wear for the fall/winter. As you can see this look is very easy to personalize as well. That’s what fashion is anyways, taking what you have and making it YOU.

Although it is hard not to walk into any clothing store nowadays and not see something boho inspired, here are some of my favorite picks:

http://shop.pacsun.com/Womens/tops/Kirra-Albuquerque-Fringe-Top/index.pro?Mpcrt=%28attribute_value_string%3DPRODUCT_TYPE_NAME%3D%28+PRODUCT_TYPE_NAME_x3D_General_x20_Product%29%28+PRODUCT_TYPE_NAME%29%28+General_x20_Product%29%29%28attribute_value_string%3DShipToCountry%3D%28+ShipToCountry_x3D_US%29%28+ShipToCountry%29%28+US%29%29%28free_text%3D%3D%28+Gift_x20_Guide_x20_Hazy_x20_Shade_x20_Of_x20_Winter%29%29

This adorable top is from PacSun, only $29.50!

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=Promo_Handbags&ProductID=1086806680&VariantID=

A medium sized tote with a blocky pattern and bold colors, only $22.80!

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/c.+label+connie+boot?prodId=237458&category=dsw10cat70017

These may be a tad expensvie but with the ageless style and warmth they’re worth it! C. Label Connie Boot for DSW, $69.95.

The school year has sprung upon us like a chick hatchng out of its shell, and there are many sights and smells with it. The sight of your old friends and new teachers; the smell of your new shoes and jeans and cracking open a new J.Crew catalog is ten times for rewarding then cracking open your AP Chemistry book. (that’s just my opinion.)  Like the cliche’s in 90s shows where kids would hide comic books behind their textbooks, we can easily adapt the September edition of the J.Crew catalog to that!

The people at J.Crew took a trip to Saint Petersburg, Russia to spread their study of european fashion and culture and based the whole new catalog on it. Once you take a peek, you can easily tell the were inspired by the ballerinas they came across. Every model sporting this fall’s clothes were taken in a significant place in Saint Petersburg. 

Let’s touch on the clothes. We all know J. Crew is known for using simple yet bold color combinations and preppy styles to make cutting edge looks every season; they sure didn’t fail this time. For this fall, don’t be afraid to break out the usual subdued tones of the season: Brown, navy, maroon, etc. Take a chance and incorporate a bright color and  definitely an animal print into the look! 

Flipping through the pages of ballet flats and classy heels in animal prints and bold colors, I couldn’t notice the Fedora is back! This is old news for most of us and we’ce been rocking it since the end of summer, though. Also, anywhere from tall to ankle boots are always appropriate. I just got myself a beautiful pair of white doc martens, cowboy-inspired and leather boots are always a fall staple as well. Finally, bags are getting smaller and smaller, and petite, square envelope bags are being seen everywhere!

The summertime is nearing an end like a withering sunset on a misty august night, but there is still time for one big hurrah! As the cold drinks and warm smiles may have a terminal feel, the style and fashion does not cease with the season. What’s next is yet another season! That’s nothing new though, fall 2010 lines have been out for months. I got my J.Crew one in the mail today! 

Above is a great looks for a small concert on the pavilion, a bonfire at a friends, a night out on the town with the girls or more! It has summer elements with a touch of autumn. The high waisted shorts are from American Eagle and are accompanied by a brown belt, which is more for style than anything. The brown and tan quarter-sleeve striped crop top is from “basic clothing company.” I got it at my recent trip to Mathas Vineyard. Believe or not a huge sign that said “Welcome the First Family!” drew me in! Needless to say everything at Marthas Vineyard was gorgeous, the people there are so well dressed! I digress, the bag I picked up a beautiful big yellow thrift store in Dennis, Cape Cod. It’s Nine West, and was only $8. It’s very versatile!

Of course if you don’t feel ready for quarter sleeves yet, (I know I’m not), then you can go for a nice tank or tee. This light floral tank top is from Lucky Jeans and rally cute!

Have a great final hurrah of summer and get in the books to anyone that has started school! No regrets!

Dip-deyed, studded, bedazzled, beaded, cut. All of these adjectives are very commonly used for in-style teens this summer. Have you ever seen an item of clothing and thought to yourself, “Wow I really want that, but I don’t see that at any stores!” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. If it looks so edgy and cool that the stylish person wearing the shirt made it, there is a very good chance that they did! DIY-ing clothes are becoming more and more popular. Perhaps it’s our generation rebelling from the grim, hum-drum and overly predictable tank tops and floral dresses from Hollister, where nothing changes every season. Possibly people are starting to embrace their inner style and realizing that the stores can’t shape our fashion sense and we have to do what we have to do to exress ourseves in the way we dress.

If you watch one of your favorite 80’s or 90’s movies you may notice that almost every girl is sporting high waisted pants or shorts. Yet the shorts favorite characters of the “Breakfast Club” are not dorky, many DIY-ing teens are wearing those exact shorts, but with a little twist. The 2011 version of this old time classic are sheiker than ever thanks to homeade alterations that stand our beyond the store-bought shorts. Here are some examples:

All of these beauties started off from a pair of basic high waisted shorts. The colored ones could have been originally white or another basic color and were dip-dyed with any color of choice to mae eye-catching duo-tone shorts. Some shorts that are a solid color are “bleached” such as the blue ones above by spraying spray bleach all over it then dipping it in cold water. The basic denim shorts are ripped or frayed at the bottom, then easiyl bedazzled with gems or studs. Studs can be added anywhere and non-religious crosses placed on the front or back are a hot trend for these too. If you can’t find high waisted shorts, cutting any pair of jeans is perfectly acceptable as well!

This shirt above takes fringe to a whole new level. This is a shirt I cut myself.  Just take any shirt or tank top you would like, and cut small strips as high as you would like. Pul them after for a fringe effect. Beads can also be added to these shirts. Doing this to any shirt turns any run of the mill T-shirt and jeans look to a glamorous outift! feather accesories would look best with these, as they are growing more popular as well.

Other than the dozens of bangles, pearls, ear cuffs, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, leg warmers or a plethora of more accessories a girl could ask for, our hair is definitely our favorite. Besides the actual clothes we put on our body our hair is the most flexible and versatile element of our daily outfit. Can you twist and braid your platform shoes to your heart’s desire? No. 

As you can see above, dyeing your hair is an easy and simple way to change up your style. It could be as drastic as taking your whole head up or down a few hues or just doing highlights or lowlights. This summer I got the bottom layer of my hair blonde. It’s subtle but packs a punch at the same time. Little changes in your hair are noticeable throughout the whole outfit, as well. A lighter hair color can make you change how you do your makeup and some colors for clothes will look better on your than before. Going to salons, even though they are the safest and easiest choice, can be expensive. For girls that are experienced with hair dye and are confident to dye their own hair, go for it! Just remember to comply with the rules on the box and leave it in for the appropriate amount of time, avoiding a color you wouldn’t want.

According to Good Housekeeping, Revlong ColorSilk is a quality at home dye only for a little under 4$!
http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Haircolor/ColorSilk/Revlon-Colorsilk.aspx

 This is my new hair in braids. Looks pretty cool, right? All braids looks “cool.” They are also very popular for the summer. They tie together looks well, long, french braids, fish tail braids, or even the new “waterfall braids.”  Braids tie in with the sailor trend, they resemble ropes on a ship. Rock any kind of braid with your blocky blue stripes and anchors, and you’ll be the talk of the town, (or the ship, for that matter.)

Waterfall Braids.

I need help, what do you guys want to see?