This is a shoe lover's new best friend: piperlime.com. If you haven't noticed it featured on Gap.com, BananaRepublic.com and OldNavy.com (it's a Gap Inc. site) then check it out immediately! I've never seen such a variety of shoes for prices that aren't ridiculous in my life. And don't worry, you can buy directly from the site.

I also really like renowned stylist Rachael Zoe's picks for the site (even though she supposedly started the teen star anorexia craze). She said that for this season, every girl needs these five shoes: a timeless patent, the simple riding boot, a stunning red shoe, the fabulous flat and a wild animal print; I couldn't agree with her more. But, I have decided to take on Zoe and list Nikki Sciotto's picks from piperlime.com...but Penn State style!

The "I Have an Internship Interview" Power Pump

DRU New York, Kimberly pump, $135
These black suede and patent leather super high and super chunky heels will catch a human resources person's attention, even if your resume didn't. I love these because I can only take patent leather in small doses and this shoe serves up the perfect amount.

The "I Would Like an UGG Alternative" Suede Boot

Me Too Tabitha Suede Ankle Boot in Grey, $86.50
Although this ankle boot wouldn't look appropriate paired with a pair of PINK sweatpants, it has the power to spice up an jeans and t-shirt combination. If you're feeling energetic, try with a skirt and tights.

The "I Have Ten Formals/Socials and I Need Something that Matches Everything" Dress Shoe

Fornarina Lilies High-Heel Sandal in Silver Metallic, $98.99
This high-heeled sandal is versatile enough to match a variety of different dress styles and colors, but it's also stylish and will make a statement when you walk through that hotel or frat door.

The "I Hope My Shoes Make My Outfit Look Decent Because I'm Hung Over and Have No Idea What I'm Wearing" Flat
Tribeca by Kenneth Cole Rock Candy Flats in Yellow, $60
These bright yellow flats with some studded flare make it look like you actually tried to look good, even though you didn't. The price doesn't hurt like the morning after a long night out, either.

The "I'm Forced to Trudge Through an Unplowed Path to Enter My Class" Snow Boot

Sporto Randy Waterproof Boot, $65
These boots have a dazzling white color, faux fur and pom-poms for detailing, a rubber sole and polar fleece lining. What else can you ask for from a boot during a State College blizzard?

And finally...

The "My Ex-Boyfriend is Going to the Same Party as Me...and I Better Look Damn Good" Statement Heel


AK Anne Klein Esteria Heel in Gold Boa Suede, $89
These peep toe pump that features a gold, snake skin design are gorgeous yet simultaneously sexy; isn't that what a heart breaker is?

TWO THINGS!
First of all, everything in Access, 224 E. College Ave., has been marked down 15 percent.

Second, shopbop.com just marked down hundreds of items on Tuesday that are still up for grabs. Brands include Dolce Vita, Juicy Couture, Theory, Rory Beca and MORE! Check it out.

I especially like this Rachel Pally Scoop Neck Bubble Tunic in Spectrum Blue, down from $198 and now only $59.40:

I'm a cardigan girl. I can't help it. It's hard for me to hide my conservatism. But I truly believe that one of the most classic (though possibly boring) items of clothing ever is also the most genius. My love for a good cardigan stems from the fact that it cleans up any outfit. Throwing on a cardigan over a t-shirt makes me feel like I am hiding from the world the fact that I rolled out of bed and went to class. Best hoodie-alternative ever, I swear.

So, you can imagine my glee when this fall, cardigans are more prevalent than ever. What's even better? They've gotten a total facelift. Well, maybe not a facelift -- they are just cardigans -- but a good shot of Botox at the very least. Totally dressed up and updated, my wardrobe must-have is shedding some of its standard boringness and turning to more high-fashion looks. New lines, shapes, bright colors, patterns, and oversized buttons have actually managed to make cardigans exciting. Determined to add to my collection of staple sweaters, I've scoped out some of the best.

This great black and white plaid babydoll cardigan is perfect for the upcoming holiday season, and the button detailing makes it extra precious.

Literally, a hoodie alternative. I love the oversized button and curved cut of this sweater, and the color is perfect.

A little pricey for a short-sleeved cardigan, but I love the color and heavier button strip.

The ribbing on this cardigan gives it just enough structure to look really clean, and I love the front pockets!

This striped men's cardigan makes a perfect oversized, slouchy sweater for the girls. At almost 60 percent off, you can't lose!

There is a plague that has gripped State College...camel toe.

It started last year, when leggings were all the rage. Now, recent styles have shifted towards the tights direction, worsening the epidemic even further. Exposed private anatomy that has no business being flashed down Pollock Road is a regular and daily sight, one that has deeply disturbed and shaken me and many others.

Here's the thing: I like tights. I also like leggings. But something else I like is keeping my "vajajay" to myself. If you want to be comfortable and rock a pair of footless tights, please do the campus a favor and wear a shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, or whatever that is long enough to cover yourself. For the record, tights are NOT pants, they are tights, meant to be worn underneath other articles of clothing such as skirts, dresses, and for the ultra-trendy, even dress shorts.

Sienna beleives that two pairs of layered tights constitute as pants	Try not to emulate Mary-Kate Olsen's homeless hoe style

Also, I really hope that we start to make the transition to thicker stockings; they're selling out everywhere and they looked classic and clean with boots and pumps and underneath a skirt or dress (notice how I said underneath).

Just wanted to end with some really cool costume ideas! Obviously check out Venues this week because Stephanie and I wrote previewed all the downtown Halloween threads but also, ellegirl.com has some really funny ideas! We were happily surprised that the magazine also thought that Amy Winehouse would be a great get up! It's so funny; I love how it came out!

Deal of the Week: The perfect fall coat just went on sale from $78 to $49.99 at the Gap.

Right now, I'm engaged on a quest to find a versatile, leather oversized bag. I admit to pulling a Nicole Richie and one those girls whose bag is practically bigger than they are, but I want to ditch my flowered tote bag and carry my books because sorry to say, my Jansport days are over. As much as I love the new Coach campaign, in particular the Bleecker collection, I need to be thrifty and find something that is not in the triple digits. And of course, I will forever want a Chloe bag, but I obviously don't want to drop a thousand dollars. I have scoured the Web and stores for a decently priced bag, and here is what I've come up with.

First, I have to say that my former bag is a Lucky Jeans Brand oversized, white leather tote. I love it to death, but after lugging it around campus last year and all summer long, it has been ruined by pen marks, deep scuffs and miscellaneous stains. I spent $100 on this bag and it lasted me ages, and I'm going to put my budget at $200. I know this seems high, but I can't tell you how sick I am of Frauda's (my slang for fake Prada bags) and other knock-offs that keep falling apart after month or so. Another point worth making is I'm studying abroad next semester and will be traveling frequently; what's better than having a dependable bag to keep all of your important goodies inside (aka my passport and lip gloss)?

I started off by typing in gap.com...no offense Gap, but I don't need to keep my books warm with your wool totes. Onto Macy's, which is conveniently in Nittany Mall, one of the few gems the shopping center features. I found a few possible candidates:

• The Saks Dakota Shopper for $189.00
  Italian leather, detailed straps and satin lining drew me to this bad boy.
  
  


• The Lucky Brand Jeans "Leather Foldover" Bag in ginger for $168.00
  This fresh take on the messenger bag can also be transformed into a shoulder strap, and I love the gold hardware.
  
  
  

I also found a winner on urbanoutfitters.com:

• Urban Outfitters Piped Satchel in brown combo for $58
  Love the colors, the trapezoid shape...and the price!
  
  

Every time I go downtown to Mr. Charles, I'm drawn to their handbags...but they're so pricey. This bag, however, diminishes all my predispositions.

• Hayden-Harnett Ibiza Flight Tote in black for $198
  This is pushing the budget, the quality and it's versatility (it can be rearranged to be horizontal or vertical) makes this bag worth every dollar
  
  

Last but not least, I had to check out Banana Republic. This is what I found:
• Fillmore Deep Satchel in teal for $198
  A fresh color to liven up colder weather and a chic chain that drapes the front makes this bag one of my favorites, but here it is in white so you can see the shape and size:
  
  

This is just skimming the surface and I went with familiar stores and names, but for something more unique, upscale, or whatever you're craving in a bag, these Web sites can help find it!

Check it out:

• eFashionHouse.com for a great selection (and prices that you won't believe, even on brands like Bottega Veneta!) on designer handbags and accessories
  


• metroluxury.net is a search engine for finding designer bags knock-offs
  


• designerimports.comfeatures a large selection of top-notch designer bags with lowered prices
  

The massacre that took place at Virginia Tech this past spring is likely to be the most tragic event of our college careers. Whether the students of Penn State, or any college for that matter, were personally affected by the happenings of April 16 or not, we have all been permanently marked. I'll never forget being in the cardio loft of Rec Hall, watching CNN with disbelief and horror as history unfolded. It was a feeling of uncertainty, fear, sadness and empathy, a feeling reminiscent of 9/11.

As the days following the shooting came and went, I was filled with pride for our generation -- we offered support, banded together and consoled the suffering. I can't begin to imagine what the students at Virginia Tech must have been going through, and I can only hope that the national outpouring of support lifted their spirits, even just a little bit.

I remember standing in line at the Family Clothesline for two hours as an ever-growing line of students stretched around the block, all of us waiting to purchase T-shirts displaying our support, writing messages of condolences to be sent to Blacksburg. The blue and white sea that normally fills Beaver Stadium turned orange and maroon that weekend at the Blue/White game, and as the S-Zone proudly read "VT," we were all Hokies for a day.

Penn State's behavior and support of Virginia Tech following the shootings is something that I will never forget. It was respectful, memorable, and honorable.

Six months later, however, I feel that we may be acting a bit disrespectful in regard to the tragedy. At least ten times per day, I pass a student on campus sporting a VT memorial shirt, something that irks me more than almost anything. The everyday wear of these shirts makes it appear as though we care so little about the event, that we couldn't even bother taking the time to consider it before getting dressed. Wearing that shirt is a constant reminder of the massacre to everyone you pass, and especially for those personally affected, evokes horrible emotions.

Some of you out there may, in fact, be wearing the shirt out of support and remembrance, but I ask that you consider the message you're sending before making it a permanent part of your weekly wardrobe. I guarantee that most students wearing the shirt rolled out of bed, put on some shoes and walked out the door -- this is the message that is being received. It appears inconsiderate and ignorant to regard a heavy event so lightly, and for all the passers-by out there like me, it's hard to take. So please, honor the students at Virginia Tech by keeping them in your thoughts, prayers, and heart -- but don't wear it on your sleeve.

I have a new obsession. Tulle, a clothing line designed around the "hip, funky and feminine" girl, is quickly becoming one of my favorite lines. Tulle, as many of you know, is not a new line, but it has won my fashion-minded heart with its new fall collection. Featuring a huge assortment of jackets, fall-oriented dresses and sweaters with clean lines, Tulle offers classic clothes with a modern twist.

Unfortunately, this unbelievable heat wave is making it more than difficult to embrace fall (my favorite fashion season!) clothing. I'm sure you've noticed that we as students have gotten a bit sloppy and sweaty on campus--so when the heat finally breaks and the brisk winds roll in, it's time for us to clean up our act, and Tulle will be there to help.

My favorite piece is the Vintage Wool Coat, retailing at $105. The flattering length and faux-banded waist is becoming on virtually any body type, and the bi-colored buttons give the coat just enough punch to stand out in a crowd. The best part? It comes in nine different colors. Nine!

Aside from Tulle's stellar outerwear, the featured knits and sweaters have the ability to channel the genius of Audrey Hepburn's style, while still portraying an age-appropriate look for college students (check out the Puff Sleeve Blouse).

Lucky for us Penn Staters, the ultra-affordable Tulle (most sweaters and knits fall in the $20-40 range, with outerwear at $80-100) is available at a number of retailers downtown, including Mr. Charles, 228 E. College Ave., and Access, 224 E. College Ave., with additional pieces available at tulle4us.com. And don't think price reflects quality--I swear the durability of the clothes is just as high (if not higher) as Free People, but at a fraction of the cost.

Tulle is self-described as being "committed to creating a young contemporary clothing line," helping girls to "discover the pleasure of everyday fashion," and has been featured in Marie Claire, as well as spotted on celebs such as Debbie Matenopoulos and Paris Hilton herself. So make sure to check out Tulle's amazingly wearable line, and for all you fall-loving shoppers like myself, weather.com tells me that 50 degree days are in the near future--finally, jackets and sweaters will reign again!

In lieu of doing a "Deal of the Week" and the standard blog entry, I'm doing something just a little bit different.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and companies are creating products to raise proceeds towards fighting the disease that has taken so many mothers, sisters, wives and friends. Any of the following that I have listed, if purchased, will put a few dollars towards research to fight this form of cancer that has afflict millions of women.

Coach has a selection of pink key chains, charms and a leather banded watch to raise breast cancer research funds and awareness.

Splendid created a pink camouflage tank to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and it's going for $42. I own a ton of Splendid tees and tanks, and absolutely adore how they fit and comfortable they are, so try this pink one out for yourself.

Marc by Marc Jacobs has teamed up with Shopbop.com by designing a charm bracelet that is for sale on the designer-friendly website. Its two sets of bangles with pink ribbon, heart and bell charms, but most importantly, 50% of proceeds go towards the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

Lesportsac has a $5 super cute pink makeup bag that will donate all proceeds towards researching breast cancer.

Estee Lauder, a company that has always been closely involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has put forth their 2007 Pink Ribbon Collection. Featuring a lipstick, a gloss, a jeweled pin and a brush/compact set that features the pink breast cancer ribbon, purchase Estee Lauder in donating $500,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Conair has come out with a mini pink steel blow dryer and ultra slim pink ceramic straightener (link: http://www.conair.com/pro/bcrf/index.html) , of which 15% of proceeds to go the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Lacoste's fragrance Touch of Pink, a fruity scent infused with musk and vanilla, is donating a portion of proceeds to the Young Survivor's Coalition, an organization that supports young women with breast cancer. Smell if yourself.

Need a new Brita? Try Vitapur's Cancer Awareness water pitcher, which is a stylish way to filter and pour water and available at Target!

Philosophy's Shower for the Cure is a shampoo, body wash or bath bubbles all in one. In addition, Philosophy vows to donate 100% of proceeds to the Woman's Cancer Research Fund.

Bare Escentuals Pink Passion is a set that includes a rose-radiance all-over face color and lip gloss plus a heavenly face brush, of which a portion will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Sephora has a Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) line that includes a pop-up mini travel hair brush and two super shimmer lip glosses, an individual makeup brush and a makeup brush set.

Clinique's Breast Cancer Awareness Kit includes a Fresh Bloom All-Over color compact in peony and a Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine in the shade play-full plump. $10 from each sale goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Remember everyone...THINK PINK!

And just a quick change of pace...I'm going to pull a Perez Hilton and totally hate on a celeb. Michelle Williams, I can't believe you got in InStyle for this black blob and little boy hair cut. Ever since she wore the purple chiffon-loving dress to the Golden Globes last year, I can't look at her the same. I really don't think her fashion execution is all that great...STOP putting her in magazines and touting her "chic" style!

Sydney Mac, 115 E. Beaver Ave., has further marked down all clearance items an extra 20% off. Items include a number of super-chic Sydney Mac and brand name dresses and skirts. Check it out!

I'm just really wondering what Old Navy was thinking when they designed their Fair Isle sweater collection for their fall retail selection. Sure, the commercials are quite charming with happy friends and couples lounging around in their knit sweaters, but when I physically saw the selection at Old Navy this past weekend, I felt like I was walking through JC Penney's circa 1995: bell sleeves with dangling pom poms, uncontrollable stripes, and nauseating color schemes. I was thoroughly disappointed. If some of the sweaters were just left as solids, like many Old Navy classics are, then this line wouldn't have so many lame pieces. Instead, an attempt to be overly trendy produced kimono sweaters with argyle designs on the sleeves...what? I miss the old days of my performance fleece zip-ups...

Fugly	Also Fugly	Good

Speaking of bargain shopping, I hope that everyone has had the chance to check out Vera Wang's Simply Vera collection for KOHLS, which not only features women's clothing, but jewelry, undergarments, shoes and other accessories. The closest one to State College is in Altoona, approximately 36 miles away, but I'm telling you that it will be well worth it. I was just browsing online, and I decided that I really want the hooded charmeuse top. The jewelry is a little bit on the more expensive side (most pieces are more than $100) but if you feel like spending a little bit of cash on a high-quality and ultra-femme necklace, check out the Vera Wang 18K gold over silver heart pendant

It just went on sale from $175 to $119! Not bad for how cute it is.

I just also wanted to end this blog entry by saying how much I despise the current Hanes V-neck T-shirt trend. Realllllly? My mom wears that to bed! And I counted eight people sporting them today, girls and guys alike! I'm postulating that the mentality is a V-neck makes it "hipster" and not quite as demure as a standard tee. I'm not sure where this inspiration is being drawn from, but whatever celebrity is channeling it should not be copied by us. As an undergarment or something worn to bed, the Hanes V-neck is fine. Paired with leggings and Uggs? That's a poor life choice. Also, guys who think that white-rimmed sunglasses are trendy...please stop. Over-sized aviators are so much better!