Each year I wonder how everyone on this campus can claim to be so busy and, more importantly, short on cash and still look so put together. Every day I walk to class and see girls and guys that ooze personal style without falling into the “t-shirt and jeans” stereotype that seems to be the epitome of Madison student style.

Yes, people complain about the “coastie” look that hides around every Starbucks cup in class… and, yes, most days I wake up after an all night study session and want to just wear my sweatpants all day… but even if that is the case, somehow our stylish campus still pulls it together. Take a peek into parties and bars on the weekends and you will see everyone dressed to impress. We should give our school a lot of credit since most of the time we have to walk 15 minutes in snow just to be seen in public. Somehow I still am awed at how great students look even when completely bundled in a scarf, coat, sweatshirt, gloves, hat and two pairs of pants on a frigid Wisconsin day.

This motivation to look good in the worst conditions illustrates how students are dying to express their own unique style. The catch is most weekends I hear my peers saying, “I don’t know how I spent that much money at a party and Ian’s in only three days.” This is where my column, “Fabulous and Broke,” comes in. I aim to give students like you new and creative ways to look fantastic without spending too much money.

Being a broke college student myself, I can definitely relate to the dilemma of wanting to look trendy while not spending too much money. I am constantly mixing up my wardrobe to keep my style fresh and new each day, and I hope to bring some of my own tips and ideas to the column in order to help you do the same.

In this column I will not only comment on student street style, but also cite new stores at which to find good deals and provide do-it-yourself concepts that are easy for anyone to try (even in the dorms). I have also asked around and students have told me they not only want to hear about clothing ideas, but make-up and hair tips, too. I hope to bring in trends in hair and makeup that anyone can try out.

Although this all sounds catered to women, I don’t plan to ignore the gentlemen either. I will research and report on menswear and even mention places to be, and be seen, on the weekends. The goal here is to have a wide scope and pay attention to all of the fashion trends for the ladies and gentlemen of this campus.

Most of all, “Fabulous and Broke” will relate most of my tips to things I have seen from a national scope. The entire nation is influenced greatly by the styles that trickle down from the runways of New York, Paris, London and Milan. My column will aim to tone down the newest ideas in fashion so that you don’t stand out like a sore thumb walking down University on a Monday morning. The topics will also touch on what’s popular in the media and with celebrities — and how to adapt their looks for less. And, of course, there will be discussion about what’s popular in magazines. However, while many of them think a $70 blouse is affordable, I know that as a student it’s just not feasible. Instead, I’ll be studying how outfits are put together and where you can find the necessities to create that look on a tight budget.

Finally, I’ll try to solve fashion dilemmas that relate to the UW campus. From what to wear to a frat party without looking too done up or how to dress at the SERF without completely dressing in sweats, I look to give you ideas on how to look good without appearing like you tried too hard. By bringing in places that students go and events that are found here on campus, I want to help you dress appropriately on a budget for any situation.

Oh, and if you have any ideas on how to help, I encourage you to write in. I want to give students a voice in this column and welcome any kind of feedback, be it about my ideas or your own fashion emergencies.

Our campus needs to get over caring about who has the newest North Face jacket and start becoming the eclectic and chic community Madison can be. This campus inspires me everyday to be a better, smarter and, most of all, more fashionable person. I have come to see that we really are a campus made up of many who are broke but truly fabulous.

Gina Jensen is a junior majoring in retail and is a wannabe Carrie Bradshaw. Send fashion faux pas and column ideas to [email protected].