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 get a lot of requests for stylish yet affordable outfit ideas for the office, so I'm going to try something new here and feature work-related attire every Wednesday—hence Work-Chic Wednesdays! To kick things off, here are three business-casual looks featuring items under $100 (I may have gone a tad over with a few of the bags but sharp accessories are one place you can splurge on occasionally.) Each outfit would work well for an interview, too, with the exception of outfit #3 (needs a blazer). Click any image for details on any of the items shown.

Work it, ladies.

Business Casual On A Budget: Look 1 by The Budget Babe featuring Forever21

Layer luxe-looking accessories atop a basic, modest dress for a look that's sure to win you the corner office, someday!

Business Casual On A Budget: Look 2 by The Budget Babe featuring Hype bags

Black and white is always a chic choice for the office. Keep the look sophisticated yet exciting by adding a bold red bag. What's more, this entire outfit features plus-size items.

Business Casual On A Budget: Look 3 by The Budget Babe featuring Old Navy

For summer, try a sleeveless top in a casual office setting, just keep the rest of your look neat and polished. Add a blazer or cardigan for important meetings.

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.