Style

I love looks that are retro and 80s! When I try to pick out an outfit, I end up looking anything but retro. I have skinny jeans and cool sneaks, but I really wanna “wow” my friends at school. Everything I buy has to be affordable! Have any tips?
-Gone Retro
I totally hear ya on this one since I'm a huuuge fan of old school clothes. But how do you look really retro-cool and not like you just raided your grandma's closet? Mix ‘n’ match! Don't go all-out retro at once. Pick one (or two...tops!) retro pieces in one outfit and then make sure that the rest of your ensemble is something sooo 2008.
For example, if your gonna do a risky retro trend—a chunky beaded necklace and a tie-dyed tunic—keep the rest of the outfit simple. That means plain jeans (not super-big bell bottoms!) and no funky footwear. Clashing trends is always a fashion don't, no matter what decade you're decking yourself out in.
When rockin’ awesome 80s-inspired gear, don’t go overboard with accessories or try to make your look too 1988. Pair your skinny jeans with high-tops and then throw on a fun, faded tee. Resist the urge to throw on neon earrings, a jacket with shoulder pads or hairspray your bangs sky-high.
As for the money? You can always find funky threads at places like Forever 21. And if you're willing to take a fashion risk, hit up your local thrift store for unique clothes and accessories at super-cheap prices. Plus, um, they actually came from that era you love!

$14.50, wetseal.com
Have fun!
-Cait Rohan
BY JIAE K. ON 5/13/2008 12:00:00 AM 83 COMMENTS

May flowers are in full bloom! Our fave spring accessories are splashed with pretty petals. Tame flyaways with a girly scarf or pile on bangles for a boho-cool vibe. These fresh-picked pretties look fab with almost everything...just don’t go too carnation crazy. Piling on too many flower power pieces will make ya look a little too garden-variety.

Floral Metallic Scarf, $6, forever21.com

Floral Sunglasses, $10, delias.com

Small Multi Patch Tote, $13, wetseal.com

Carved Rose Posts, $12, urbanoutfitters.com

Slender 'brella Automatic Open Umbrella, $22, totes-isotoner.com

Cloisonne Bangles, $17, urbanoutfitters.com
-Kate Stoker
BY JIAE K. ON 5/12/2008 12:00:00 AM 79 COMMENTS

Jelly isn't just for PB ‘n’ J sammies anymore! These see-through cool shoes are the perfect treat for your feet. Here's some of our fave jellies to keep you lookin' sweet this summer!

$12.50, oldnavy.com

$5, daisymaze.com

$9, target.com

$17.50, shoes.com
-Cait Rohan
BY JIAE K. ON 5/11/2008 12:00:00 AM 93 COMMENTS

I have medium length layered hair and I want to get a short bob (like Katie Holmes’ new hair cut) but I’m not so sure I want that HUGE of a change. So, are there any other cuts that are short but not too short??
~ IPODluvur101
Expert Advice From Nelson: Try a haircut that is shorter than your style now. Go for a length in-between your hair length and Katie Holmes. Cut shorter around face area to frame the face and give the appearance of a shorter haircut.
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BY ANDREA T. ON 5/10/2008 12:00:00 AM 39 COMMENTS