IT List: 5 Affordable Essentials for this Spring

Fashions this spring are fun and lighthearted so it’s easy to go overboard. This checklist of essentials will have you on-trend without toeing the line between cutie and crazy girl.

These accessories in Asian prints and neon colors are exactly what we mean by fun essentials, but be weary of looking like a flash back to the 80′s. The key to pulling these looks off is moderation and pairing with more neutral basics. We recommend going to scarf route to tie in Asian prints unless you are very adventurous-  like Jessa from HBO’s Girls.

Patterned and colored jeans are here to stay this spring and floral patterns are going bigger. Why not kill two birds with one stone with this sweet pair from Abercrombie & Fitch? Pieces that multi-task save you closet space and cash which is why we’re suggesting you tone down this colorful look with a dark colored boyfriend blazer that can keep you warm during the day or at night.

Boyfriend blazers are a bit longer than regular blazers so they also work well pair with dresses or skirts. This one is $60 from Topshop and we’re betting H&M also has a nice selection.

For more IT list trends check out these similar posts:
The IT List: Tweed
The IT List: Going For Gold
The IT List: Ankle Boots

posted by Alyciabn
01.24.13
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Greek Gear

Whether you plan on rushing this term or are rounding the corner into your last semester of Greek Life, do it in style. Finding good, lettered items can be hard – finding affordable lettered pieces can be nearly impossible. That’s why we’re all about Greek Gear.  They let you customize and practically design your own Greek stuff, so you can be sure you get what you want. So whether you plan to lavish your Little with tons of new Delta Zeta clothes and accessories or give your soon-to-be-graduating Big-Big a Sigma Pi parting gift, Greek Gear is something you’ll want to check out.

We spent hours poring over the website and finally devised a list of our favorite items. You know we can’t resist sharing these lists with you, so keep reading to find out what made the cut!

Preppy Pieces: Some say it never left, some say it’s back…whichever way you look at, Preppy Chic is IN. Sisters will love this Ribbed Sport Sorority Collared shirt while brothers will look clean cut in this Classic Oxford. Customize it for your organization!

Bags & Accessories: If you’re looking for more subtle way to show your support for your Fraternity/Sorority, accessories are the way to go. We love the subdued statement these Oval Sorority Earrings make. Jewelry not your thing? This Vintage Coin Purse, available in tan or pink, is the perfect spot to keep keys & IDs (don’t want to forget those!). Or, carry all of your books and school supplies in a customizable Sorority Growth Tote Bag. For the record – we want all three.

Jerseylicious: Want something besides the standard lettered T-shirt? Make yourself really stand out with something unique. We’re obsessed with this Sorority Football Jersey Tee. Customize it just the way you want and turn heads at any event (Bonus Points for matching nail polish!).

For the Dorm: We think you should bring your Greek pride right into your dorm room! We LOVE these cozy Greek Sweatshirt Blankets and the silky smooth Damask Sorority Pillows, perfect for relaxing after a long day at a Philanthropy Event! And as total coffee-lovers, we’re all about the Ceramic Coffee Cups.

What do you think of our Favorites? Comment below with your own top picks!

Do any of these items catch your eye? Be sure to check out www.greekgear.com or the Student Offers page on your Campus Bookstore website.

posted by Sandybn
01.17.13
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Preppy Chic – Our Character Inspiration

We love that “Preppy Chic” has been making a splash again this season. The clean-cut style that generally includes collared shirts and loafers (and plenty of argyle) has gone through a real revival throughout the past few years. Gone are the pedestrian shades of yore – newer and brighter colors have made their way into the threads of this classic style. We decided to take it upon ourselves to compile a list of our favorite (and craziest) TV and movie prepsters for even more fashion inspiration. Check out our list and let us know your favorites!

Steff a.k.a. James Spader in Pretty in Pink

Part snobby rich kid, part angsty teenager and total jerk, even Steff’s horrible personality couldn’t stop us from appreciating his outfit choices. Though his morals were an absolute mess, Spader’s ensembles were always perfectly preppy throughout this 80’s classic.

 

Tracy Flick a.k.a. Reese Witherspoon in Election

Tracy Flick might be a manic and manipulative election candidate, but you have to admire her drive. The extreme example of “preppy,” Tracy’s outfits held real potential. A little less uptight, a little more colorful and she’d be on her way to being a regular fashionista.

 

Carlton Banks a.k.a. Alfonso Ribeiro in The Fresh Prince if Bel Air

Will Smith might have been the Fresh Prince but his cousin, Carlton, almost stole the show as the Preppy King. Despite being awkward and overbearing, Carlton was always dressed to the nines.

 

And the queen…Blair Waldor a.k.a. Leighton Meester in Gossip Girl

This “Queen B” is not only the reigning monarch of the Upper East Side, she’s the ruler of our Prepster inspirations. She never has a hair out of a place or an accessory out of season. With perfectly placed bows in her hair and the chicest school uniform around, Blair sits on the preppy throne with ease.

posted by Sandybn
11.16.12
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#WhatsTrending: Dye Ties

Girls put a lot of work into keeping their hair smooth and healthy and Dye Ties help do just that. These hair ties and head bands don’t pull out your hair, don’t damage your hair, and don’t leave deep creases in your hair. You can also wear them on your wrist without cutting off circulation! They are fun, fashionable, and handmade, so each one is unique… just like the girls that sport them.

We’ve got tons of glittery colors available at select Barnes & Noble College Campus Bookstores so drop by and pick out your favorite today! Two headbands we are loving are the “Merry Mermaid” (on left) and “Cleopatra (on right).

Whether you add some sparkle to a plain outfit or wear them out on a Saturday night, Dye Ties will liven up your tresses…without damaging them!

posted by Sandybn
11.02.12
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The IT List: Tweed

Long gone are the days when tweed was reserved solely for professors or librarians. Nowadays, anyone can channel their inner academic and sport tweed pieces fashionably. We decided to make this trend a little bit easier by pulling together some of our favorite tweed items. Keep reading to find out which ones we picked!

The items we picked: Steve Madden Women’s Classic Tweed Flats, H&M Blazer, Forever 21 Tweed Pencil Skirt, Mossimo Womens Moto Tweed Jacket, Boucle Crossbody Bag

Which is your favorite? How would you work it into your everyday style?

posted by Sandybn
10.15.12
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The IT List: Ankle Boots

Our IT List items of the week are short and sweet. Ankle boots are the perfect footwear option for fall. They’ll keep your feet nice and toasty on brisk mornings but can be easily dressed up as well. From casual to dressy to edgy, there is a pair for whichever look you’re going for. Check out which ones we picked:

If you’re heading to class or venturing on an apple-picking adventure with friends, this casual pair of ankle boots is for you.

The items we picked: Blowfish Hatfield Bootie from DSW, Sandblasted Skinny Jeans, Stripe Off-Shoulder Sweatshirt, Vintage-Inspired Brown Horn-Rimmed Wayfarer Sunglasses

For a dressier look that’s perfect for fall, a sleek pair (like the ones below) will work beautifully. Give your peep-toe pumps a break and step out in these instead.

The items we picked: Michael Antonio Morea Bootie, Gold Blazer by H&M, Cutout High-Low Tunic Tank by Forever 21, Rizzo Leggings from Target, Wire Wrapped Teardrop Necklace

If the above two styles are too tame for you, try out a crazy pair like the ones below. Be careful though, they just might become the center of attention.

The items we picked: Anna Michelle Assassin Bootie, Mesh Sleeve Scuba Dress, Black Faux Leather Clutch, Silver Hoop Earrings by Nicole Miller

Which pair would you pick? Share your choice in the  comments below!

posted by Sandybn
09.26.12
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The IT List: Men’s Jackets

Fall is on its way and summer nights are starting to get chilly. Transition your wardrobe from summer to fall flawlessly with some of these inexpensive and trendy jackets. Keep warm while looking cool.

Which jacket is your favorite?

Written by Guest Blogger, Myles Marcus

posted by Sandybn
08.14.12
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The IT List: Back to School Bags

Now that school is almost here, make sure you’re prepared with the coolest bag for all of your books! I’ve found these cute AND inexpensive bags that are both functional and fashionable (what more could you want?) You’ll have everyone asking, where did you get that?

Which bag will you be using? Post a comment!

Written by Guest Blogger, Chloe Leach

posted by Sandybn
08.10.12
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The IT List: Yellow

It’s no surprise that this sunny shade has been popping up everywhere this summer. From canary-colored shirts to honey-hued dresses, a dash of yellow is sure to brighten up any outfit. We’ve got 3 different ways to work this latest trend into your everyday styles.

Internship

The buttery color gives new life to this plain shirt dress. Keep it from being too flashy by toning it down with a creamy cardigan and chestnut flats. Tie the whole look together with a pretty floral headband. Now you’re ready to get to work!

Out With Friends

When heading out with friends, it’s easy to stick to tried and true colors like black and gray. However, throw on a pair of neon pants like these and you are sure to make a statement on a night out. The electric shade is perfectly balanced by its black counterparts, while the silvery statement necklace provides the perfect amount of shine.

Library & Class

Long hours spent in the books can be tiring, so what better way to lighten up than with your outfit? Stay comfy in jeans and boat shoes (we picked leopard for a bit of a twist!) but pair them with a muted yellow button down for a pop of color. A statement watch will keep you on schedule without compromising your look.

How would you incorporate yellow into your style? Post a suggestion below!

posted by Sandybn
07.26.12
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The IT List: Tie Dye

What once was old is now new again! Remember being a kid at summer camp and being completely thrilled when it was time to tie-dye? Start feeling nostalgic, because tie-dye is on the rise again and it’s everywhere this summer. From clothes to nails, you can get this look with a little inspiration I’ve pulled from all over!

Bandeau Swimsuit from Target - $14.99 each piece

Because bathing suits generally come in bright patterns, the beach is the perfect place to try out the tie-dye trend. Hit the waves in this Bandeau Swimsuit by Xhilaration (available at Target, each piece only $14.99). The vibrant, eye-catching colors will be rivaled only by the sun.

Forever 21 Shorts ($17.80) and earrings on Etsy ($5.00)

Want to incorporate the look without feeling over-the-top? Forever 21 sells these subtle tie-dye denim cutoffs ($17.80) so, if you’re not ready to fully commit to the bright trend, these shorts will be perfect. They are very subtle, so feel free to complement them with small tie-dyed accessories. We found these tie-dyed Quartz Drop earrings on Etsy and, at only $5.00, they’re perfect!

If you’re ready to go all out with Tie-Dye, consider opting for a bright dress like this one below (also found on Etsy, $18.00). Offset the vivid pattern with subtle accessories and nude heels. You want the bright dress to be the main focus, so don’t overwhelm it with neon shoes or wild accessories.

Are you going to try Tie-Dye out for yourself or do you feel that it should stay in the 60’s? Post a comment and let us know your thoughts!

Written by Guest Blogger, Chloe Leach

posted by Sandybn
07.12.12
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