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My name is Ashley Carr, and I attend the glorious University of Missouri -- Columbia, or as you all probably know it -- MIzzou. Let me explain a little something about Mizzou to you: The campus is huge. So here I am walking the 15 minutes to my 9 a.m. class and BAM!, boredom kicks in. Whatever shall i do? People-watch, of course. Well, maybe "people-watch" wouldn't be the best term. Let me give you a little play-by-play on my day, and you can call it what you will.

Today, walking to my 9 a.m., I was annoyed that I'm awake -- and even more annoyed with the weather. Here in Missouri, it will be sunny and 75 one day and overcast with a high of 50 the next. Today, we were all blessed with the latter, so I knew everyone would be wearing their Northface fleeces! In fact I spotted 64 fleecy Northfaces by the time I got to my second class. Talk about counting sheep.

And, to be frank, it's shocking how monotonous the fashion choices on a college campus can be -- especially if you're the kind of girl who anticipates the next season just so she can wear her Marc Jacobs chiffon dress with the sequin-embroidered bow (or at least an imitation of it. Being in college = broke.)

So, in order to release my pent-up fashion frustration, I present this to you: 12 Campus Fashion Trends I Love to Hate -- and I think you just might, too.


LEGGINGS AS PANTS: Dear girl walking in front of me: You are not Lady Gaga. You are not a drag queen impersonating Lady Gaga. Therefore, your leggings (which you have mistakenly worn as pants) not only make me question if your alarm clock went off late, leaving you to frantically pull on mismatched clothing, but also whether you realize that wearing leggings as pants only flatters about .01 percent of the population.

THE BUMP IT: If you thought you escaped the era of big hair when the '80s ended, think again. In the '00s the teased look becomes a little bit easier with the Bump It. You can wear the Bump It to a cheerleading competition, class, a formal dance, or even a Hollywood event, and everywhere you wear it, you'll look ridiculous! I don't know about you, but when I see a piece of plastic sticking out of someone's hair, I instantaneously feel the urge to giggle. Plus, you can get the teased look without the hardware; Just ask the Tri-Delts.


UGGS: As you say, they are the most comfortable pair of shoes that you own, but let's keep in mind the old phrase "Fashion is pain." Listen, the one time I deem these boots acceptable is for prancing around your sorority house in the winter, but only if your sole reason for wearing them is because your feet are cold and all of your socks are still in the dryer. However, I'm BEGGING you not to pair them with shorts, jean skirts or leggings. Check your Ugg(ly) boots at the door.

AFFLICTION/SINFUL SHIRTS: When the only thing you need to add to your get-up for the "Jersey Shore" party is the Snooki pouf, you should know that something about your skulls, crosses, and roses wardrobe is wrong.

VERA BRADLEY BAGS: They are to my left, my right, at the gym, and in class. I am beginning to believe that the only way to put a stop to this monotonous madness is to bring in a heinous-paisley-bag exorcist.

D.I.Y. OFF-THE-SHOULDER SHIRTS: I have to ask: When making this shirt, did you really think cutting a jagged line across one of your many college logo T's made it more fashion-forward? Well, do you know the guys at the gym who cut their sleeves off their shirts? Yeah, well, you look like that.


BASEBALL CAPS: Until I start hearing you shouting " Go Professor So-and-So!" in the middle of class, I will only respect you for sporting this dated look if you are attending a baseball game -- or in 10 years when you drive your son's team to his soccer game. Keep in mind that at this age, the fanny pack also becomes the standard.



BRIGHT, PATTERNED RAIN BOOTS: It's raining, it's pouring, wait -- no, it isn't! Why are you wearing rain boots? Sure, rain boots are really practical ... in the rain. However, when it is not raining and you are sporting bright pink, shiny rain boots with little duckies on them, the question I am compelled to ask is whether you get your style icons from the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon.

LARGE HEADPHONES: What? Did you immigrate to Earth from Alderaan, Princess Leia? Fall into a pile of dinner rolls? Trim down the bulk and opt for a pair of sleek earbuds. There. Now we can see your pretty face.


BLACK NAIL POLISH: Remember when Carson Daly always used to paint his fingernails black? Remember how creepy it was? Well, when I see people wearing black nail polish, that is what I think of and unless you are about to count down this week's top 10, invest in some nail polish remover.


POPPED COLLARS: Girls, I know there is a bit of an Edward Cullen craze right now, but I promise that your boyfriend is NOT a vampire and WILL NOT bite you (at least not with intentions of sucking your blood). You can put your collar down.



RHINESTONE DECALS ON NAILS: I remember in fourth grade that this was all the rage. You were not cool unless you spelled your name out in rhinestones on your fingernails. Now? Now, it's hilarious to watch you pick off the rhinestone that got stuck to your sweater in the middle of physics.