Macramé, a once popular form of textile-creation, uses many knots to create intricate designs. You probably won't show up much in current home decorating magazines, but you will see it in fashion. We are seeing macramé on everything from shoes, to dresses, to jewelry, and are loving the fresh spin on an old favorite.

1) ASOS Knotted Macrame Dress, $71.80
2) Diane von Furstenberg Liza Crochet Macramé Dress, $565
3) Beaded Necklace with Macramé, $18
4) Lanvin Bi-Color Wedge, $687.24
5) Knotted Beauclerk Shopper, $129.95
6) Undrest Halter One Piece, $168
7) Vanessa Bruno Macramé Belt, $251
8) Elizabeth and James Gypsy Macramé Sandal, $225. Free Shipping on shoes!

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Levi's knows how you love your skinnies! That's why they are offering $10 off all purchases from their skinny denim collection through 3/18! Each flattering style is perfect dressed up with heels or down with flats.

Save $10 on Skinny Denim from Levis. Plus, you'll enjoy Free Shipping with purchases of $100 or more!

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It’s okay girls, count to ten and breathe. I know we all have huge under eye circles, our legs haven’t been shaved in a good week and these study munchies are starting to catch up with our love handles. But on the other side of this pit of fire that is midterms is a glorious week-long party fest.

The lucky of the bunch are going to spend this week soaking up the sun and downing frozen cocktails. And obviously the perfect beach attire is a necessity. But it’s so depressing opening up the catalogs and realizing that all the suits will cost you a couple weeks of happy hours, and are any of us really willing to give that up?

Luckily, we don’t have to. Here are five suits that are not only adorable, but totally affordable on a college girl’s budget. (And you can get them all in a week or less!)

Snake Ring Bandeau Top and Ruched-Side Bottom from Alloy ($19.90 each)

The snakeskin print is a fun alternative to the typical flowers or polka dot print that fills the beach. And the peep-hole top with tie at the neck is the perfect blend of sexy and comfortable.

Mix & Match Ruffled Tankini from Old Navy ($19.50 and $16.50)

When it comes to swimsuits, Old Navy is the place to be. Not only because their stuff is cheap, but also because they have a great variety of pieces that you can mix and match as you please. I love the adorable ruffle detailing and the bright color of this set, but I also love that I can get another set (maybe a bikini? maybe a different color/pattern?) and mix them all together to create a ton of different options. And when I’m hitting the beach every day, a little variety goes a long way.

Plaid Halter Bandeau Bikini and Side-Tie Bikini Bottom from American Eagle ($24.50 each)

I am absolutely in love with this candy color combo; the bubble gum pink and baby blue suit reminds me of sexy Little Bo Peep.

Ruffled Triangle Bikini Set from Victoria’s Secret ($36.00)

Victoria’s Secret gets the award for best swimsuits, hand’s down. But their prices aren’t always as friendly. Tip? Buy from the 2009 collection! Last year I splurged, and this year I cried when I saw my expensive designer swimsuit on sale for a quarter of the price. I am loving this peach colored string bikini with the demure ruffles; it is total sex kitten. (Though I don’t recommend going to buy flowers without a cover-up.)

Mossimo Shirred One Piece Swimsuit From Target ($34.99)

With all the stick thin models flaunting their six-packs and double D’s in every swimsuit catalog it’s easy to forget that not everyone wants to wear two inch triangles over each nipple. This one-piece suit provides the coverage while still having sexy details: a flirty skirted bottom, halter-top, and slimming ruching. Plus the color will look H-O-T on that hard earned tan.

1) Blazer: Vince 3/4 Boyfriend Jacket, $440
2) Bangles: Alex and Ani Lustre Bead 21 Expandable Wire Bangles Set, $348
3) Chain Strap Bag: Crackled Suedette Shoulder Bag, $15.80
4) Long Skirt: AMEN Long Skirt, $215
5) Ballet Flats: Seychelles Boy Short Flat Maryjane, $78.68

1) Blazer: ZOA Classic Cropped Blazer, $194
2) T-Shirt Dress: Splendid Modal Jersey Pocket T-Shirt Dress, $110
3) Scarf: Vince Solid Fringe Scarf, $98
4) Leggings: Fab Leggings, $4.50
5) Necklace: Romantic Cluster Clock Necklace, $28
6) Ankle Boots: Modern Vintage Vanessa Ankle Boot, $227

1) Sheer Blouse: Mesh Lace Top, $59
2) Skirt: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Holly Buckled Pencil Skirt, $89.50
3) Cage Heels: Calvin Klein Dylan Sandals, $119
4) Ladylike Satchel: Jessica Simpson Downtown Satchel, $65.99
5) Oversized Sunglasses: Fendi Square Frame Sunglasses, $275

1) Leather Motorcycle Jacket: Milly Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $645
2) Striped Top: A.L.C. Striped Boat Neck Tee with Snaps, $124
3) Cropped Baggy Trousers: 3.1 Phillip Lim Triple Pleated Tapered Trouser, $350
4) Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs Mesh Strap Pump, $380
5) Skinny Belt: Peter Jensen Classic Skinny Belt, $64

*This post contains some affiliate links. See our disclosures for more info*

But while we were interested in the Academy's movie choices, we were really watching for the fashion. It's always fun to see what the stars are wearing. This year, the red carpet was full of gorgeous gowns that epitomized Hollywood glamour. We saw lots of strapless dresses, lots of sparkle and lots of ruffles. Loose curls and soft updos were the hair trends. While makeup was sheer and pretty, accentuated by the occasional bright red lip.

Our Favorites:

1) Carey Mulligan: Our pick for Best-Dressed, Best Actress nominee Carey Mulligan wore a fabulous black Prada creation. Tiny knives and scissors dangled with plenty of sparkles on this strapless dress; while a train and black heels completed the look. Although the actress commented that she did not like her hair, we think the cut went perfectly with the outfit.

2) Elizabeth Banks wore a stunning grey chiffon Versace gown. A fitted drop-waist bodice met a waterfall of ruffles. We loved her elegant earrings and sparkly narrow headband.

3) Rachel McAdams: This lovely presenter was simply stunning in her painterly Elie Saab dress. Muted blues and greys covered the sweeping gown. This was one of our favorites because of both the ethereal style, but the beautiful print. She kept her accessories to a minimum which only added to the beauty of her look.

4) Demi Moore: Demi's strapless Atelier Versace gown was made up of peachy ruffles that flattered her tan skin.

Least favorites:

1) Zoe Saldana: The purple ombre Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown will either be loved or hated. We loved the color, it looked great on the Avatar actress. But the ruffles were over the top and seemed to contrast too much with the bodice of her dress.

2) Charlize Theron: Probably the most talked about dress on Twitter, Charlize Theron's Dior gown had a pretty column shape, but ended up being a miss with it's oddly placed satin flowers. They made it hard to notice her pretty makeup - a nude eye and red lipstick.

3) Jennifer Lopez exuded confidence in her powder pink Armani Privé gown. The awkward folds and puffiness were too much for us, and did not pair well with her messy bun.

4) Maggie Gyllenhaal While we applaud Miss Gyllenhaal for wearing a print, the dress simply did not work. Though we are normally huge fans of Dries van Noten, this gown appeared wrinkled and unflattering.

Trend: Gold

1) Sandra Bullock: We were thrilled that Sandra Bullock won for best actress for her role in The Blind Side. She is a classic beauty who was glowing with happiness at the Oscars. We weren't in love with her Gold Marchesa dress, but it did have some pretty lace details that we liked. Her hair and makeup were flawless.

2) Cameron Diaz: In a gold Oscar de la Renta gown and dripping in Cartier diamonds, Cameron Diaz exuded glamour. Her 40's inspired makeup complimented the look well.

3) Miley Cyrus: Miss Miley is usually not on our best-dressed list, but this time we were on the fence. The overall look was too old for her, she looks better in something more youthful. The bustier on the strapless Jenny Packham gown appeared too tight. However, the dress scored more points with us as it sparkled onstage.

Trend: Red

1) Penelope Cruz wore a ruby red Donna Karan gown seemed made for the striking actress. The strapless pleated dress flattered her figure, and was totally appropriate for the occasion. She looked amazing and pulled off the messy updo perfectly.

2) Sigourney Weaver Avatar actress Sigourney Weaver wore a deep crimson Grecian-style dress by Lanvin, accented with a black ribbon belt. The one-shouldered gathered dress was adorned with a beautiful jewel-encrusted brooch. She looked radiant.

3) Jane Seymour jumped on the red trend as well with her strapless red column dress. Softly curled hair and a long diamond pendant completed the look.

Trend: Pink

1) Queen Latifah looked fantastic at this year's Oscars. Her dusty rose one-shouldered gown was done up in plenty of jewels. Simple accessories and clutch completed the look.

2) Vera Farmiga: Best Supporting Actress nominee Vera Farmiga is a natural beauty. She wore a bright pink ruffled Marchesa gown and jewelry by Fred Leighton. Her messy updo was on trend. She was fabulous in her role in Up in the Air, but unfortunately, her Oscar dress was not. It looked uncomfortable, and the ruffles were too over done, especially with such a bold color.

3) Anna Kendrick: Another Best Supporting Actress nominee, Anna Kendrick, glowed in a blush pink Elie Saab gown. Gathered soft ruffles and lace accented by a flower detail, made this goddess-like gown a beautiful creation.
Trend: One-Shoulder

1) Molly Ringwald: An all-time favorite, we loved her purple one-shoulder gown. The brooch at her waist and bracelet were a little much, but the overall look was lovely. While we saw more strapless dresses this year, Molly proved that the one-shoulder look is still going strong.

2) Tina Fey: Tina Fey wore her sheer leopard print Michael Kors well with simple accessories and a flattering cinched waist. We got a kick out of her presentation speech with Robert Downey Jr. Much like peers Queen Latifah and Sigourney Weaver, Tina's one-shouldered look was perfectly on-trend.

What did you think of this year's Academy Awards? Who did you think was the best and worst dressed?

Sample Sale Shoppers: get excited for the launch of something amazing! Monday, March 8th, MyNines.com will open it's virtual doors to fashion-obsessed web-shoppers everywhere. MyNines.com makes it easier to navigate online sample sales, by gathering products from various sales in one location.

Designer sample sale sites are fabulous, and allow the budget-conscious to enjoy designer goods. But, keeping track of all the sites can be confusing! MyNines is a free service that allows users to search for products by designer, category, highest discounts and most viewed. Find items from your favorite sample sale sites, all in one place. Products are categorized in Fashion, Men, Travel, Beauty and Wines, and new sites are being added each week.

Sign up for your account here.

College Candy is giving away a gift bag worth $200 of amazing Tarte Cosmetics! All you have to do is nominate who you think will win for Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and Best Director. Leave your votes in the comments section of this post on CollegeCandy.com and you could win!

ideeli is doing an Oscar Style giveaway! You can win one of two Oscar-worthy prizes. The Oscar at Home prize includes a cashmere Ralph Lauren throw, yummy Vosges chocolates and a beautiful Jo Malone candle. Or, the Oscar Night Out prize contains a studded cross-body bag by Alexis Hudson, jewelry by Badgley Mischka and Jenlari, and gorgeous MAC. Entering is easy! Just click the Enter Giveaway button on the ideeli site. If you are not already a member, here is an invite!

Tumi, Damiani, Stella McCartney Lingerie, Donna Karan Home Collection, Devon Leigh Jewelry, Superga, Safavieh, Visconti Pens and more at Gilt Groupe

Superga at Gilt Fuse

7 For All Mankind, LP Italy, and Jaipur Boutiques at Rue La La

Stitch’s Jeans, Qi Cashmere, Marquis & Camus and Azuri Sales at Billion Dollar Babes

Love Shop, California Floral & Home, Boy Meets Girl, Rileyroos Kids, pur minerals, Ariane Arazi Jewelry and The Ring and more at Hautelook

Precious Pearls Boutique Sale at RowNine

Nine West, Treesje, Duarte, Dav, Pure and Simple, Atelier and Culinhome sale at Ideeli

Report Collection, Signette by Aysha Saeed, Beach Feet, Marc Jacobs, and JaBéne at Beyond the Rack

Jiti Designs, Howard Schatz, Bussolari, Renaissance Carpets and Best of OKL at One Kings Lane

Cara New York Jewelry at Editors' Closet

Patricia Hurley Jewelry & The Blowout Sale at The Top Secret

*This post contains affiliate links. See our disclosures for more info*

It’s really easy to get swept away by trends and brand names when you’re shopping. The stuff is just so pretty! Not pretty, though, is a closet full of overpriced clothes that are torn, tattered or out of style six months later. Before you hit the mall and load up on all that Spring cuteness, take a moment to assess the difference between an investment and an indulgence.

Which is which?

Let’s break it all down.

Worth it: Black pencil skirt
Not Worth it: Sequin mini-skirt
Why: While sequins are a hot trend this season, they are just that – a trend – and who knows if they will still be popular next season? On the other hand, a black pencil skirt is a classic; it works for multiple occasions, will last you for years, and will never go out of style.

Worth it: Good pair of comfortable pumps
Not Worth it: Flats
Why: No matter what flats cost, they are still very…flat. That means they wear out easily, so it doesn’t pay to fork over $100 for a pair; they’re still going to be beat up by the end of the year.

Worth it: A versatile purse
Not Worth it: A clutch that you take to the bar
Why: Fact – The more you drink, the higher your chances of losing things. If you splurge on a clutch and you lose it, it will be heartbreaking, not to mention a HUGE waste of money. On the other hand, a versatile purse that you can use as a school bag, for everyday use or for job interviews is well worth the investment.

Worth it: A bra in the right size
Not Worth it: Underwear
Why: Though not often considered, your bra is one of the most important things you put on everyday. A quality bra (that fits right!) not only keeps your girls in place, but it makes your clothing fit and look better. Underwear, on the other hand, is all the same. It doesn’t matter if you spend $10 for a thong at VS or $2 for a thong at Target, it all looks the same under those pants… and it’s all going to wear down quickly in those dorm dryers.

Worth it: Pair of well-fitting jeans
Not Worth it: Leggings
Why: Why anyone would spend more than $20 on a pair of leggings I’ll never understand. Especially when there are so many cheap options out there! They are leggings! They will wear out quickly no matter where you buy them. If you want to make a sound investment, save up some cash and buy a quality pair of jeans. They will last you forever (even if you wear them every day!) and, unlike leggings, there is a distinct difference between the look, feel and fit, of premium denim and the cheap stuff.

Worth it: An LBD or LGD (little grey dress!)
Not Worth it: A trendy mini dress
Why: A classic LBD or LGD is versatile – its appearance can be changed with different shoes or accessories. It also happens to be completely timeless. A trendy mini, however, is likely a one-look outfit that you’ll wear once or twice before retiring to the back of your closet with those other overpriced trendy pieces you wasted money on.

Worth it: A classic, neutral blazer
Not Worth it: A sequined blazer
Why: Same as the pencil skirt/sequin mini, you don’t want to spend the big bucks on something that is clearly a trend. Put that money towards a neutral blazer that works for everything: over jeans for the day, over a mini for the bar, or over a pencil skirt for an interview.

Worth it: A black cardigan
Not Worth it: A C&C California cotton cardigan
Why: If there is one thing I can say it’s this: stop spending money on low quality products just because they have a fancy brand name. $80 for a cotton cardigan that will be torn up and pilling in three months is not worth it. Even if they sell it at Bloomingdales.

Worth it: A warm winter coat
Not Worth it: A cute raincoat
Why: Clearly you need to stay warm in the winter. A versatile, neutral colored winter coat won’t go out of style, and if you buy a good quality one, it also will last you for years. A cute raincoat is something you’re likely to get sick of after a season or two, so if you save your money on it you don’t have to love it forever.

Worth it: Dress pants for interviews
Not Worth it: Sweats for lounging around
Why: This one is pretty obvious. Dress pants for interviews should drape well, and be hemmed to wear with your nice, interview appropriate shoes. If you’re just wearing your sweats around the house (and you should just wear them around the house) it doesn’t really matter what they look like or what brand name is plastered across the butt.

Whether you are headed for Palm Beach, Laguna Beach or Waikiki, your fun in the sun will need some advanced planning. For one - do you have a bikini that fits? Perhaps it is time to go bikini shopping! Try on a blue-hued bikini that will catch their attention and coordinate with the rest of your sun-worshiping attire. We love Diane von Furstenberg's string bikini top and briefs ($95 and $90 at Net-a-Porter). DVF is the queen of glam, get your best bikini on with this abstract blue hued animal-print bikini and matching briefs. Cover up with a teal-tone Lotta Stensson "Best Dress" draped jersey dress ($135 at Net-a-Porter) to wear post-poolside or at evening cocktails. And how adorable is the Diane von Furstenberg Tropical Leopard Beach Tote ($75.00 at Shopbop)? Yes, there is a definite theme here, it will pull you look together in a snap! The leopard-print coated-canvas tote is embellished with a 'Diane' signature across the front. Don't forget to shade your self from the sun in Chloé's eye-catching Blue Tamaris aviator sunglasses ($295 at Net-a-Porter). The silver toned aviators are a classic shape with gray lenses and blue leather accents on the arms and bridge. Wrap your perfectly pedicured toes in a pair of classic Tapeet Chain T-bar sandals ($375 at Net-a-Porter). These chain link sandals are flat and perfect for a night with in town when paired with the Lotta Stensson jersey dress. Or wear with sun dresses and shorts when you feel like playing tourist.

Are in need of a pre-bikini body toning and shape up? Enter TheFind's Gaiam Celebrity Fitness Giveaway here. The prize includes a Gaiam Celebrity Fitness Kit (at a value of $49). Includes a Valerie Bertinelli: Losing it and Keeping Fit DVD, Trudie Styler’s Warrior Yoga DVD, Bob Greene: Total Body Makeover DVD, and a Yoga Essentials Mat.