During the second half of sorority recruitment this weekend, everything will get a little bit harder. The parties will get longer and longer, and your patience with stating your year, hometown, and major a thousand times may run out quickly. Don't let your fashion choices become another thing to bog you down. For preference night, the most formal night of recruitment, don't make the mistake of dressing too casual or deciding to re-wear your prom dress. Your best bet is taking a few tips from the experts an emulating a designer look that fits within your budget.
This Versace Fall 2008 Ready-To-Wear look is a perfect example of appropriate pref night attire. The dress is sleek, simple, and flattering and the bold shoes offset the plain dress with their chunkiness and coloring.

Because the dress is so simple, a cheaper version can be easily found by visiting the right stores or trolling the right websites. The Lux Silk Crossback dress in Iris ($29.99 at urbanoutfitters.com) has the same silhouette as the original, but can be purchased at a fraction of the cost.

The elaborate nature of the shoes displayed in the original look may prove them a bit harder to emulate. Your best bet is visiting or shopping online at a shoe factory store or designer outlet. The Miss Me Nubo 8 Suede Platform Mary Jane ($44.95 at dsw.com) are the perfect imitation of the runway style with the same color, shape, and platform height as the original.

Emulating designer for a big event, like formal recruitment, will ensure your outfits to always be fashionable. Don't be afraid to impress a sister on pref night by telling her that your outfit is an imitation of a runway look, and it cost you less than one hundred dollars.

-- Beth Ann Downey

Being in a sorority is not for everyone. However, if you believe that greek life is your destiny, don't let your fashion sense become your downfall during this recruitment season.
With sorority open houses being this weekend, the only code of dress extended for rushes is wearing a solid colored top. To be sure that your boring basics won't make you blend in with the rest of the recruit crowd, we've chosen a suitable designer outfit and recreated it for less.
This look from the BCBG Max Azria Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection has the perfect pairing of basic pieces that make a statement. The simple black top has intricate gathering and a defined neckline, which make it special. The bubble skirt is subtly flashy and trendy without trying too hard. The tied belt pulls the whole look together and makes it more versatile for day or night.

Courtesy www.style.com

Emulating this designer style and looking great for the first weekend of recruitment does not require emptying your bank account. Here are pieces similar to the designer look that may even have more to offer.

The Rendez-Vous by Paul & Joe Sister Impetueux Top ($79.99 at urbanoutfitters.com) is an appropriate alteration to the original look but still displays the same basic styling concepts. The white fabric offers even more versatility for day to night transition and the bib-top neckline allows additional coverage for a more polished look.

Courtesy UrbanOutfitters.com

The Fab Basic Black Satin Skirt ($11.50 at forever21.com) is the perfect imitation of the BCBG skirt at an unbeatable price. With the perfect silhouette and sheen, wearing this little number will make you the hit of any rush party.

The Bow Front Waist Tie Belt ($7.50 at wetseal.com) is an accessory that ties the whole look together. It has the same coloring and shape as the original ensemble with a bow detail that makes it even more fun and fabulous.

Courtesy wetseal.com

The Women's Xhilaration Selena Ruffle Mary Jane Flats in Plum ($19.99 at target.com) are the perfect substitution for wearing heels on your walks up and down Bigler Rd. Because they are mary janes, they still offer the strappy detail of the designer look, but are in a funky color that is sure to generate compliments from multiple sisters.

Courtesy target.com

So now you have all of the fashion tools you need to make a great first impression on your future friends and sisters. Now practice smiling, shaking hands, and generating the stamina to talk for hours on end.

-- Beth Ann Downey

You may be so used to wearing your everyday class attire that you don't know what to wear to this week's Career Fair. You may have tried on everything in your closet, but you can't find that perfect outfit to help you make a lasting impression on future employers. Why not just buy a designer outfit? We all wish we could just splurge like that. For those who can't follow this guide to finding a fabulous look for less. We took a designer look from the Bill Blass Fall 2008 Ready to Wear Collection and found pieces online to emulate the style and sophistication of the brand.

The look is perfect for a job interview because it is refined and poised, but still carries enough fashion punch to make you stand out to any major company you've only ever dreamed of working for.

The high-waisted skirt and silk tie-front blouse are paired in a chic ensemble that would look good on any body type. The trench coat adds another layer of coverage, but adds that pop of one of the season's hottest colors.

Only four simple clicks of your mouse could have you wearing this beautiful designer outfit for a fraction of the cost.

The Ruffle Chiffon Blouse ( $19.99 at charlotterusse.com) has the same tie-front bow detailing as the Bill Blass look, along with a lace and silk finish. There is no chance of looking too sexy for the fair, you will only exude confidence in your style sophistication.

The Damsel Pencil Skirt with belt ($22.80 at forever21.com) is the same basic concept as the designer look, but with less detail. The loss of extraneous pockets on the skirt actually minimizes any unwanted bulk to the area.

The Haste Patent Oxford Pump ($24.99 at payless.com) is a better choice of footwear for the career than what was selected to be paired with the designer look. The pumps in the Bill Blass ensemble could be a little too strappy for a professional situation, but the oxfords are proficient and still very much in fashion.

The Maria Trench ($69.50 at delias.com) still adds that desired pop of color that the designer look has, but in a bright electric blue instead of plum. The jacket is still the perfect length and has a great silhouette and color detailing.

We've made it easy for you to emulate designer style. Now you will have the confidence to walk up to any table at the fair. If you don't have the right qualifications for your dream job, at least you'll have the qualifications for great style.

-- Beth Ann Downey

I wore a dress and rain boots yesterday. Some would consider this quite a fashion blunder. Dresses are considered the epitome of femininity, while rubber rain boots serve only for function, not fashion (although mine are pretty cute). I walked out the door and into the rain feeling somewhat courageous and original, but a little bit scared. Did my fashion dare actually render me looking like a fool?
I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown as I meandered down Pollock when a girl hurried by me wearing a dress and rain boots. I was overcome with relief.
Consider yourself lucky that you go to Penn State. If not for the amazing programs, the wealth of extracurricular activities, or abundance of alcohol, consider yourself lucky that you go to a school where you can wear anything to class and not look like an idiot.
All of the fashion tiers are represented here. There are hippies, jocks, punks, Goths, and preppies, just like high school (and the Breakfast Club). In college, however, the jocks and the cheerleaders don't have time to make fun of you for your Slipknot tee shirt and your friends don't have enough money to sneer at you when you carry your knock-off Coach purse. College is the time to experiment with your style before you are forced to conform to the "professionalism" of the real world. If you've worn polo sweaters all your life but have always yearned for a pair of checkered Vans, now is the time to go for it.
The most important aspect of Penn State fashion is that no matter who you are and what your style, you must have some Nittany Lion pride. Wearing your logo-emblazoned clothing instantly makes you in with the in-crowd. This does not mean that throwing on your Penn State sweatshirt after you roll out of bed makes you fashionable, but throwing on your sweatshirt instead of spending an hour picking an outfit doesn't automatically label you a frump.
At some schools (aka schools that aren't as awesome), the only people found wearing their school paraphernalia are the Club field hockey team that won the Division 3 title. At Penn State, especially on a game day, blue and white are the only colors you will see for miles.
Long story short, don't be afraid to wear a dress and rain boots (if it's raining). Don't be afraid to wear your fake Uggs you bought at Payless (if it's cold). Don't be afraid to wear a sundress that touches the ground (if it's hot). Don't be afraid to die your hair pink (even if you're a boy). Don't be afraid to be yourself here at Penn State and let us 42,000 other people out here know exactly who you are through your style.
-- Beth Ann Downey

Fergie said it best in her song "Labels or Love," made for the Sex and the City movie:

"Gucci, Fendi, Prada purses, purchasing them finer things

Men they come a dime a dozen, just give me them diamond rings

I'm into a lot of bling, Cadillac, Chanel and Coach

Fellas boast but they can't really handle my female approach"

There's nothing us ladies like more than designer labels. Just thinking of seeing the Coach label on my teeny-tiny wristlet gives me shivers.

But according to KETV in Omaha, Neb., indulging in a little designer might hurt you.

Well, an imitation designer. According to KETV, "Most of the purses look like handbags that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The fakes cost a fraction of the price of the real bags."

Seriously, who among us -- shut up Carrie Bradshaw -- hasn't carried around a fake Louis or a Coach whose "C's" look like "G's."

Here's my solution to beating the feds: eBay.com.

This entry, ending Thursday afternoon, is a gorgeous, pretty, wonderful, sexy (get my point?) chocolate brown and tan hobo bag.

As of Wednesday afternoon, there are no bids, and it's up for $42.99. That's probably less than what you'd pay at one of the designer parties.

Hey sun goddess, how's that tan? For those who love being outdoors but don't want the sun to lighten their hair (I know -- my hair went from a reddish brown to golden in a day) here's an incredibly cheap, sexy Coach hat. Say it with me -- 99 cents, 99 cents, 99 cents, as of Wednesday afternoon.

And for those who love the sexiness of Chanel, here's an amazing light pink logo tote bag. It's a little pricey, at $155 as of Wednesday afternoon, but look at. Just look at that quilted Chanel that would make even Anna Wintour smile.

And the best part about these finds? No jail time or fines included

Even when it's summer, we must keep our necks warm

Now, don't get me wrong, I understand the need for scarves when the snow is pounding down, and you are trying to cover up your entire face as to prevent the brutal wind from drying out your skin.

I even understand the want for scarves when it matches your winter jacket, or your dress, or your sweater...but your tank top? No, I do not understand that.

However, it is a growing trend these days. Search the streets from January to December, and the scarf is ever-present. Finding its way across the Atlantic, I believe the excessive styling with scarves is a European fashion trend that we have begun to implement into our way of life. From the continent where Pashmina scarves are huge.

Photo courtesy of womenswinterwear.com

There, the frequency of men wearing scarves is equal to women, and virtually every open market that exists will offer numerous colors and kinds. Americans have finally caught on. I wish they hadn't.

I understand that the color schemes, the varieties in textures, and the general appeal of the scarf. For example, scarves worn like this is a definite OK.

Photo courtesy of shinystyle.tv

However, this?

Photo courtesy of chicplease.blogspot.com

Not so much. Smaller neck scarves are one thing, but the bulk seems to be consistent between the winter season and the summer. All I see is less clothes, more scarf! As far as this fashion statement goes, I vote we abstain.

To some people, bathing suits are the waterproof equivalent of underwear; basic coverage only appropriate at the beach or the pool.

Well to those stuck in that antiquated mentality: Welcome to 2008!

Bathing suits are now a fashion statement. Peppered with details and in an array of styles, bathing suits are now a new section of one's wardrobe.

By searching around for a bathing suit that falls in line with your style, flatters your body shape, and has enough durability for the activities you need it for, it will become a lasting addition to your closet collection.

Athletic

Venus Black Volleyball Triangle Top for $24 and Side Tie Bottoms for $23 at Venus.com

Venus Black Volleyball Triangle Top

Dots and Stripes Hipster Bikini for $128 from Freepeople.com

Dots and Stripes Hipster Bikini

Sexy

The Bamboo Ring One-Piece Monokini for $60 at Victoriassecret.com

The Bamboo Ring One-Piece Monokini

Plum Sequence Triangle Top for $38 and bottom for $26 from Venus.com

Plum Sequence Triangle Top

Unique

Miss Lulu One-Piece for $98 at Freepeople.com

Miss Lulu One-Piece

Rockcandy One Piece for $148 at Freepeople.com

Rockcandy One Piece

Guys

BOSS Black 'Carp BM' Board Shorts for $69 at Nordstrom.com

BOSS Black 'Carp BM' Board Shorts

Molokai Striped Swim Trunk for $95 at Ralphlauren.com

Molokai Striped Swim Trunk

--Johnie and Mairys

There are few designers that have influenced the way we think about fashion as a culture. However, the handful that have managed to mold society's image of fashion made a lasting impression on the pages of magazines and looks both on the runways and in the streets. Here are three examples of fashion icons who have shaped both the cuts of our dresses and the way we think about them:

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren has managed to revolutionize a style referred to as the “All-American Look.” The Bronx native started off working after school just to earn money to buy suits. After attending college for 2 years and serving in the United States Army, he began to sell neckties under the name “Polo.” He later expanded, and the brand took off in the early 1990s when Polo Ralph Lauren became a publicly traded company and one of the most successful fashion lines in history.

Coco Chanel

Born Gabrielle B. Chanel, this French designer had a modernist perspective and masculine inspired threads. Chanel has managed to build an empire of haute-couture that spanned the 20th century and is still one of the most influential fashion lines today. She has dressed the likes of icons Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe and popularized one of the most quintessential pieces in a woman’s closet, the little black dress. Chanel has built a reputation for timeless, classic elegance and truly is the definition of fashion.

Style icons Domenico Dolce (left) and Stefano Gabbana

Since 1985, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have managed to turn the fashion world upside down with their daring use of color, print, and all-around design. D&G have managed to build an empire spanning from luxurious gowns, swimwear, eyewear, and accessories, and their work has become the paramount of high-end fashion.

-- Mairys

Even if you live under the so-called "rock," you are no stranger to the diet pill, plastic surgery, bleach blonde, boob-job-embracing lifestyle plaguing society. It's messed up, it's scary, it's wrong.

Maybe it's the allure of the famous Paris Hilton, or maybe it's the misconception that fashion equals skeleton frames and extensions, but the whole trend is getting out of hand.

Take this for example: The Times Online recently reported on an interactive Web site called Miss Bimbo that is targeting young girls and promoting "extreme diets and surgery."

In the month since it opened, the article reports, "the site, which is aimed at girls aged from 9 to 16, has attracted 200,000 members. Players keep a constant watch on the weight, wardrobe, wealth and happiness of their character to create 'the coolest, richest and most famous bimbo in the world.' Competing against other children they earn 'bimbo dollars' to buy plastic surgery, diet pills, facelifts, lingerie and fashionable nightclub outfits."

Here's a pic of the one of the bimbos the article mentions:

Striped socks and polka dot shoes don't work anyway.

Come on! Really!? If you go on the website, there is now a disclaimer that explains the site has taken away the option to buy diet pills due to international media attention. But a few more clicks bring you to the registration page, where you are told you can "even resort to meds or plastic surgery. Stop at nothing to become the reigning bimbo!"

This is just as bad as the children's show and doll line "Bratz." These cartoons dress like hookers and their goals include landing a date with the cutest boy and going to the mall. Becoming a doctor ... so not hot!

The Bratz Girls

The Miss Bimbo website is obviously poking fun at the public's love/hate relationship with socialites. But when the game falls into the hands of young girls who emulate trends even when they are detrimental to their health, it isn't funny anymore.

Most people have come to terms with the idea that frantic media attention will probably never turn its focus to the spread of HIV in Africa or even to a few low-key fashion designers. The crazy antics of celebrities are just too interesting.

Let's just hope the parents of these online gamers can help their kids understand that real fashion and real trends have nothing to do with surgery or shacking up with the hottest actors.

Or maybe they can just take their Internet connection away for a decade or so.

--Johnie

"When I first moved to New York and I was totally broke, sometimes I would buy Vogue instead of dinner." - Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

Just like thousands of other fashion fanatics, I need to refer to the Bible for inspiration: Vogue Magazine. However, Vogue has become much more than a source of inspiration. It has helped launch the careers of endless designers, photographers, models, and writers alike, and has inspired the looks of various decades.

To some, Vogue may seem a bit overdone, but this publication is not simply a magazine. It is a visual gallery that displays the various textile art forms of our time. However, for those who appreciate the art but feel a bit intimidated by it, Teen Vogue has become the "approachable Vogue."

Teen Vogue

Teen Vogue is not your ordinary teenybopper mag. A young woman of any age can admire its undying devotion to high fashion portrayed in a more everyday, approachable fashion. Teen Vogue still manages to maintain the artistic flair of its predecessor in a way that allows any girl to identify with it.

Artistic displays of fashion are a trademark in spreads for Teen Vogue

Now, the magazine has found new popularity and exposure thanks to the likes of Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port from MTV's The Hills.

Hopefully, the efforts of such celebrities and designers to support the magazine will help fend off all the lies (and truths) about the magazine's downfall. Rumors and some actual reports have been saying the magazine is a failing entity. The day such a creative, unique and respected magazine is taken off the stands is a sad one for fashion lovers across the globe.

--Johnie and Mairys