I am a 22 year old that just graduated from college. I am starting to go on interviews, but I have absolutely no idea what to wear. I want to look professional but chic. Please help me BB and your fashionable readers. —Megan

When I was a college senior, I did the nerdy thing and took some job hunting workshops offered by the Career and Placement Services department at my college. I'm pretty sure all schools offer this, so definitely take advantage of this worthwhile service, if you still can. They'll walk you through mock interviews, spruce up your resume and even share tips on what to wear (and what NOT to wear) to the all-important job interview!

Having said that, I was advised to wear a suit, so months later when I landed an interview for an entry-level position at Oprah.com, I went out and bought a nice black suit with a very subtle tone-on-tone pinstripe, a crisp white button down shirt, and some practical black pumps. I bought the best suit I could afford at the time (Tahari, on sale), pulled my hair back, wore neutral makeup and carried a no-nonsense writing pad/folder thingy with my resume tucked neatly inside.

I felt confident in my suit, and it must have showed because I got the job. Even though my interview look was far dressier than the general office dress code, I think it was the right move. In my opinion, it's always better to overdress for an interview as well as the first couple days on the job, and then to gradually adjust your look to be more casual as you get a better feel for the work environment.

The funny thing is, I never did wear that suit again—I was fortunate enough to stay with the same company for a number of years—but I'm confident that suit had something to do with me getting the job. In my mind, it was worth the investment. And, having subsequently been in the position of the interviewer, I can say with certainty that what you wear and how you present yourself in an interview is critical. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so concern yourself with looking polished, put-together and professional (and don't worry too much about looking chic unless you're applying for a job in a fashion/creative industry). You'll have plenty of opportunities to express your fashion sense after you land the job!

Ok, enough rambling from me. What did YOU wear to the interview that landed you YOUR last job? Be specific!

I was wondering if you can do like a few back to school looks on a budget? Any outfits that are cute for the fall because I'm starting college in like 2 weeks and I want to know what to wear on the first day of school. Everyone wants to look cute when they start college with a good first impression. Please help! —Anonymous

On just about any college campus, you'll discover the uber-cool, ultra creative fashion crowd (watch these style mavens and take notes) to the just-rolled-out-of-bed in my VS PINK sweats crew—and everything in between. So your best bet is to start out with some simple yet stylish basics, then add in the occasional new piece as your style evolves and you figure out what works best with your routine and your unique personality.

Get a kick-start with these three mix-and-match outfit ideas, all featuring items well under $100 (click any set for details on all items shown):

[1] Simple yet cool basics create a foolproof foundation for back-to-school style.

[2] Put your stamp on this basic party look with fun makeup and accessories. Swap the heels for boots and you're ready for class.

[3] Look cute and comfy while you pay down those tuition bills in a versatile plaid shirt-dress and ballet flats.

And here's a FALL FASHION 2009 Checklist for the College Bound:

• Dark-wash bootcut jeans
  


• Dark-wash skinny jeans (distressed, if you care for the latest trends)
  


• Long sleeve flyaway cardigans in black, gray (buy best you can afford for warmth, longevity)
  


• Black leggings
  


• Long plaid shirt/ Plaid shirt-dress
  


• Oversized scoop-neck pocket tees in gray, black, white (rayon cotton blends won't wrinkle)
  


• Low-heel knee-high leather boots
  


• Mid-heel ankle boots
  


• A couple soft, warm scarves
  


• One great coat, preferably wool-blend trench coat in red, gray, black, etc.
  


• One sexy bomber, preferably (p)leather
  


• One pair "fierce" heels
  


• One pair "cool" kicks
  


• One pair leather ballet flats
  


• Boyfriend watch (don't want to be late for class!)
  


• Tiny purse with strap (for partying)
  


• Oversized handbag or tote for notebooks, pens, lipgloss, keys, phone, wallet, lap top
  


• Comfy jersey drawstring pants and tee for lounging, sleeping
  
  Readers: What did I miss?
  
  

I am a 23-year-old girl from New York who will be traveling to Ireland for two and a half weeks at the end of August, and am at a loss as to where to begin packing. … [A]ny advice or suggestions you or your readers might have would be greatly appreciated! —Mairead

I would LOVE to go to Ireland some day, but since I haven't, I asked my good friend Erin to ask her good friend Lisa McInerney, who lives in Dublin, for her fabulous fashion advice. Take it away, Lisa! (and thanks a million for sharing your expertise!)

"[W]eather can be unpredictable in Ireland and most of the time it does the opposite to what is forecasted!! Always have a small umbrella, and, if you can fit it, a rain proof jacket in your handbag! Suncrean, too, is important as when it shines the sun can be strong!

Funky accessories and the requisite umbrella
will have you partying in style in Ireland.


Fashion in in Ireland at the moment varies, as probably the same in the U.S., the '80s are creeping back in quickly! Anything goes though and even in the fanciest of clubs you will find girls casually dressed as well as OTT dressed up! What works for me in the summertime is a couple of tank tops layered, skinny jeans, killer heals (always flat shoes or flip flops in my bag though) and some funky accessories! If the weather is really good (as is at the moment) a nice summer dress, either bare legged or with leggins.

If stuck for space in a suitcase some good accessories would help transform ultra casual day wear into something a little fancier for the evening twined with a pair of high heels—you can't lose!

I would advise bringing something warm as it can get chilly in the evenings, long cardigans are fashionable here at the moment 2.

If all fails and you arrive with a suitcase completely full of inappropriate clothing (which often happens me on holidays) we have a shop here called Penneys—cheap and cheerful and stocks all the latest trends—you could kit yourself with a complete outfit for less than €50!

Have fun and I hope the sun keeps shining ".

[1] As luck would have it, British high-street chain Topshop carries a number of dresses for the 5'7" and over set as part of their Tall Collection. Most options are under $100, like this stunning sapphire-blue number which costs $80 at Topshop.com. There's no added sales tax when you shop online and shipping is a $15 flat rate.


[2] Love 21 is Forever 21's answer to the many budget shoppers looking for more sophisticated, modest clothing with misses sizing as opposed to juniors. Longer hemlines make this collection work for ladies on the tall side, too, as seen here with this floral resort dress, just $22.80 at Forever21.com.


[3] Many stylish ladies blessed with height swear by Banana Republic's tall offerings for dresses, suits and much more. At $132, the gorgeous dress shown here isn't exactly cheap but you can always stalk the sales and shop the outlets. There's no excuse not to buy BR especially when you consider the quality and overall value.


[4] Slowly but surely, JCPenney's American Living Collection has been winning me over (I was apprehensive about the prices at first, but they always come through with their sales + coupons.) Take, for example, this sundress: The cut is classic, the nautical print is unbelievably chic and it's on sale for just $39.99 down from $90. And tall lasses take note: The hemline is longer, meaning you can wear this dress with confidence.


[5] We heart them for their shoes, and lately I'm loving Nine West for their growing selection of very wearable, very adorable and very affordable dresses. The cuts are more modest than a lot of what's out there, which means you're more likely to have luck with this brand if you're on the tall side. Ladies of all sizes will want to wear these dresses to the office, to weddings, baby showers—you name it. Most styles cost less than $100 and you can find them at Macy's, Lord & Taylor and online at NineWest.com.


OK, ladies: What did I miss?

Statement necklaces have proven to be an inexpensive way to add high-impact, runway style to your everyday wardrobe. But figuring out exactly how to wear them can sometimes prove to be a challenge. Here, I've gathered together some inspiring photos from a few of my favorite bloggers to show you the many ways you can wear your statement necklace. As you'll see, there are no hard-and-fast rules. Experiment with different necklines to create a new look each time.

[1] Cupcakes and Cashmere layers this white stone-drape necklace from Forever 21 ($13.80) over a boat-neck black top to make those baubles truly pop.
[2] Nitrolicious dresses up a white tee and jeans with a shiny statement necklace and sequin jacket for a look that's both laid-back and luxe.
[3] Over at Work Chic, Sydne Summer of Think Thru Fashion elevates a v-neck white tee and black pencil skirt from simple to chic with this floral statement necklace from Forever 21 ($12.80).
[4] Anwhere But Here looks garden-party gorgeous by lining her v-neck vintage floral dress with the very same stone-drape necklace we saw in look one.
[5] The Budget Babe (snuck myself in here, hehe) mirrors the triangular shape of her Kendra Scott statement necklace with a lightweight, v-neck cardigan in a complementary coral hue.