Fashion Blog » Style on a College Budget

During these tough economic times, Harvard University has been pulling all the stops to ensure that their students have everything they need–and much, much more. More than half of the entire population of Harvard students is receiving financial aid by the school. How are they making all this money? They’ve come up with their own line of branded Harvard clothing, which is making bank.

They really need to be delivering this kind of information to 9th graders–it’s a great incentive because most students believe Harvard is too far off as a possibility since it’s a private school. In the article,  one English major said that his education has not only been virtually free–but okay are you ready for this? The university actually gave him a laptop and a stipend for winter coats. That’s right–you get to shop on the university’s dime. Amazing.

One of my best friends is attending Yale and she says there’s nothing of that sort happening there–so it’s not an Ivy League thing–it’s just a Harvard club thing. That Harvard emblem has a ridiculous amount of worth. Wearing something from Harvard is a sign that you’re high class, successful, and let’s be honest, maybe a little pretentious.

And so the rich get richer.

Here’s some of the preppy style Harvard clothing. The designs are very sophisticated, but of course, completely over priced. The line is entitled “Harvard Yard.” You can see more of the NY Times fashion slide show here.

 Image Sources: wwd.com,  nytimes.com, thepreppyprincess.wordpress.com 

As fast as the days turned too hot in the sultry summer heat, the lure for boots, tights and sweater dresses is also catching on. Here’s a simple look from Banana Republic. Marked at $130.00, the sweater is a bit out of range for young shoppers with a budget. No worries! To snag this look, I’ve found similar styles for a fraction of the price.

Twelve by Twelve sweater: $36.00

Try any of these other fabulous finds with your choice of tights or skinny jeans and boots:

Forever21 Grey sweater: $26.90

H81 (Heritage 1981) Grey sweater $22.90

   Forever21 Teal tights: $5.80

Express Black clutch: $23.70

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Here are a varied bunch of jeans ranging from really skinny to extra wide that can benefit all budget conscious fashionistas. All jeans were found at Forever21.com.

First up are these straight leg jeans. Each can serve as a standard pair that combines well with any top. From colorful tees to leather jackets, straight legs marked under $30 are a must have for any closet.

                Agatha Straight Leg Jean (dark): $22.80              Renee Straight Leg Jean (grey): $29.80

Here’s a low rise skinny that can have any girl jumping for joy. Priced at a mere $12.50, you don’t have to shed your entire stash for this find. This pair comes in dark denim, black or indigo.

                                                            Lindsey Skinny Jean (dark): $12.50

For those willing and daring to try a pair of trousers wide enough to push the skinnys aside, well, here’s a belted one for ya. This look is perfect with a fitted top, flat shoes and priced at $32.80.

                                                             Belted Denim Trouser: $32.80

Once again, Forever21.com offers free shipping for all orders $75 or more.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jeans.

I’ve been mentally searching for the perfect pair of white pants all summer and I seem to do this every year. If I have a pair, I tend to really outwear them. The right pair for me are a loose, wide leg, linen mix. They’re best paired with a colorful top, try dark orange. Add your favorite flat sandals and things start feeling light and airy.

I like the pair from Gap (on the left for $39.99) because of their casual look but a more fitted wide leg can also be scored to dress up at night. I love wide leg pants (like the AE Sailor Pants on the right on sale for $24.95 at AE.com), especially this time of the year. So, forget the rules of when and where, if you love white pants then find your pair now.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for through all women’s pants.

First:  Spice up the season with a little bohemian dress (or two). Macy’s priced this brown sundress at $58.00 originally but has dropped it down to only $17.99. That’s a steal and the lace trim is why I love it.

Wishes Wishes Wishes Border-Print Dress with Lace Trim: $58.00 Now: $17.99

Second: This Forever21 dress is $19.80 (whoa, more than Macy’s?!). Pair it with a sunhat and big glasses to get that beach-friendly style or dare to try a mustard yellow (best color of the season!) cardigan and flats for a casual night out. Don’t forget to accessorize.

Anya Smocked Tube Dress: $19.80

These stores offer discounted or even free shipping depending on how much or what you buy. Don’t believe me? Go see for yourself at Macy’s.com and Forever21.com.

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It’s time to put some random pieces together to create a funky and fresh summer look. The best part is, you might already own boots or a knee length skirt. This American Rag with crochet trim comes straight from Macy’s clearance section for $14.99.

I love the mixed colors, patterns and the loose feel of the outfit. If the skirt doesn’t work for you, try pairing the top with wide-leg brown pants instead. The look is boho chic and ideal for roaming the town with friends.

If you don’t have the right skirt, you could score one for less than $20.00 at Forever21.com. Macy’s is also offering free shipping with the purchase of one regular priced juniors denim. Enter promo code “Trueblue” upon checkout.

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This week’s look is inspired by young ladies who appreciate the after-college look of professional, hard working women. Even if you’re working to find the right job, having the right pair of pants is always a key step.

The Editor pant from Express.com, marked at $69.50, is a great investment for future work style. The look inhabits chic with an “I know what I’m doing” mentality.

Pair mocha color Editor pants with this feminine top from Forever21.com for $22.80 and all you need is a skinny belt in dark brown and matching heels. Now you can make an impression both on the clock and after hours.   

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s pants.
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What many students will come to realize is that shopping online can actually be a lot cheaper than heading to a local mall…that is if it is done right. This method also saves gas and time, if anyone is interested in doing school work.

This week, I’ve found a pair of dark brown shorts (Sharkskin Shorts) from CharlotteRusse.com that are originally $22.99 but on sale for $14.99 online. This offer is not available at the store. The cost of shipping is $5.99 plus tax.

So you may be thinking the total seems to duplicate the original price, right? Well, if you buy more from these online stores, you can usually get a lower or even free shipping rate.

Moving on. To finish off the Sharkskin Shorts, I checked out Metroparkusa.com. I usually hesitate to go into the store since they’re a bit pricey but I love the clothes. They’re edgy with a sort of hip hop feel.

But I actually found one of their more feminine tops to compliment the shorts. It’s a bronze beaded v-neck in black for $29.99. It’s loose and airy, perfect for those summer nights.

Pair these items with your favorite sandals or flats. The night is still young ladies!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for women’s sandals.
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With a budget that only affords outrageous deals, my first “Style on a College Budget” look hails under $50 and is so summer savvy.  

The Pleated Cotton/Silk Skirt comes in orange from Forever21.online (it is not the yucky neon shade either). It’s knee length for a fun, flirty look and at an affordable rate of $22.80.

Pair it with a $4.80 Rib Knit Racerback Tank in white and the outfit is comfort and style packed into one. The tank’s long enough to tuck inside the skirt, which is a bold but smart move ladies.   

To finish off this week’s “low cash flow” look for college girls, I found a versatile flat thong sandal from Bakers.com called the Adelaide. It comes in multiple colors but for this combination, you can’t go wrong with white. The sandal’s on sale for $19.99.                  

If you’d rather score a dress, Forever.21.com also has the Teresa Tunic for $22.80.          

It’s linen-like 100% woven cotton with an A-line bodice and best of all, pockets! I’d pair it with black tights for girls who prefer not to show too much leg. But the hint of femininity (flowers!) is enough for not-to-so-girly-girls and flower-lovers alike. This tunic shines with the same sandal in silver, black or even gold. Should you find more deals on their site, Forever21.com offers free shipping for all orders over $75.

*Find at Smarter.com:     Shop for more women’s flat sandals. 
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