Fashion, fashion, fashion. It may not have been a big deal to you out there in Omaha, or Topeka, but you live in California now, baby. Welcome to the land of fashion.

Okay, so maybe that’s a little bit of a stretch. Yes, we are in California, you say, but we live in Stanford, California, and not Beverly Hills, California. Granted. But the point I was trying to convey is that when you live in the state that is the home of brands like Paul Frank, Obey and Trovata and shows like The OC and Laguna Beach, it’s almost impossible not to be affected by the fashion culture. It’s only a matter of how much.

The Stanford Student’s California Wardrobe Essentials

The Essential Essentials:

1. A Stanford sweatshirt (or t-shirt)

a. The Stanford Bookstore must go to great lengths to keep these in stock, because I have yet to see a Stanford student that does not own one. It is so useful. Keeps you warm, keeps you covered, lets those public school kids know who’s boss.

2. A pair of flip flops

a. I’m originally from Southern California, Orange County to be precise, and really, I think everybody and their mother owns a pair of Rainbow brand flip-flops myself. I didn’t — preferred three-dollar Old Navy flip-flops. But my boyfriend sent me a pair of Rainbows and now I do. I don’t wear them too often. I think they make my feet look fat. But that is just me, and most other people who own a pair love theirs to death and wear them all the time. Supposedly, once you wear them in, your feet stop looking fat and the sandals become really, really comfortable. Whatever. Brand name aside, flip-flops are the best thing that ever happened to feet. Who could resist sandals that you just slip on? No one. Indeed. You will own, and wear regularly, at least one pair of flip-flops.

The You’ll-Eventually-Get-Some Essentials:

1. A pair (or a few pairs) of designer jeans

a. $200 for jeans?! Are you insane?! You think that now, but sooner or later the lure of designer apparel will get you, too. It’s really not that bad. Maybe I paid $150 for a pair of True Religions, but it was worth every penny. Do they make my ass look amazing? You betcha. Do I like my ass looking amazing, and thus wear them all the time? You betcha.

2. T-shirts

a. Nothing beats waking up and going to class in a t-shirt and sweats. Nothing. Even better if your t-shirt has something witty on it.

This Season’s Essentials:

Girls:

1. Skinny Jeans

2. Leggings

3. Tunics

4. Flowy Blouses

5. Military Coats

6. Flats

7. Peep-Toe Pumps

Boys:

1. Straight Leg Jeans

2. Knit Sweaters

3. Trench Coats

Where to Shop: The Stanford Bookstore and Stanford Shopping Center can only provide so much. I’ve gotten my RA into online shopping, and I’ll start you on it, too.

www.eBay.com: I spend many an hour on this Godsend of a site. Some people don’t like it. What do I say to them? Nothing. Except maybe that I could have bought their entire outfit for five bucks on eBay.

www.urbanoutfitters.com: I love Urban Outfitters. A little daring, always trendy. A little on the expensive side, but well worth the occasional splurge.

www.karmaloop.com: My favorite place to shop for my boyfriend. They carry mainstream brands like LRG and Obey as well as underground brands. Enter a rep code (I don’t have one but you can find a ton on Craig’s List) and get 20% off.

www.fredflare.com: Cute, cheap, what more could I ask for.

www.threadless.com: Awesome tees. They’re having a sale, too, $10 for all tees until next month. Go go go.