Though Vanessa Hudgens is consistently glam on the red carpet, even her favorite looks get relegated to the back of the closet.

“I go to a bunch of events,” she tells PEOPLE. “Normally when I wear a dress, I only wear it once.”

Taking advantage of this stylish surplus, the actress is auctioning off the one-of-kind Candie’s Couture gown she wore to last year’s MTV Movie Awards (left), with all proceeds benefiting Stand Up 2 Cancer.

“I’m just trying to raise awareness,” she says of the endeavor, which starts Monday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. EST/ 4 p.m. PST. “It’s exciting.”

Other things she’s excited about include her new website, VanessaHudgensOfficial, where she blogs about film and music — and posts personal photos, thanks to the iPhone app Instagram. “It’s slightly addicting,” she says, laughing. “You can take a picture of a cup and it will look incredible.”

When it comes to looking good on days off, she relies on a fail-proof ensemble: “A funky long dress with a bunch of bracelets and a bunch of necklaces and a cool floppy hat.”

And while she and pal Ashley Tisdale often buy the same things — “It’s always been like that,” she shares — Hudgens relies on personal flair to avoid identical outfits. ”It’s all about accessorizing,” she says. “As long as you accessorize, you can make anything yours.”

Head over to eBay right now to make Vanessa’s sexy silver column yours!

–Justine Harman

SEE MORE STAR-LOVED ITEMS IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY …’

We know it can be hard to admire stars’ drool-worthy designer ensembles and know you’ll never be able to wear them. But there is a way to have just a little taste of the good life — if only for a few days. We found a handful of looks the stars have worn recently on RenttheRunway.com, the clothes borrowing site that features virtual shelves stocked with dresses by celeb-loved designers like Tibi, Rachel Roy, Hervé Léger and more.

Some red carpet repeats we’ve spotted lately? Ashley Tisdale‘s girlie bow-adorned Robert Rodriguez dress ($75 to rent for four days, $595 retail); Jennifer Aniston‘s flirty Nina Ricci “Perfect Lara” frock ($350 to rent, $3,290 retail); Selena Gomez‘s glam Teen Choice Awards dress by Erin by Erin Fetherston ($75 to rent, $595 retail); and Jennifer Lawrence’s super-sexy strapless Proenza Schouler sheath ($200 to rent, $1,525 retail). And that’s just the beginning. Find more (like Whitney Port‘s Yigal Azrouel) at RentTheRunway.com.

–Alex Apatoff

YOU ASKED, WE FOUND: STAR LOOKS

Do blondes really have more fun? Ashley Tisdale certainly thinks so! The actress, most recently a dark brunette, took to Twitter on Sunday to share a pic of her shorter, lightened locks, declaring, “its summer and im ready for some FUN.” The starlet — who celebrated her 26th birthday on July 2, with pal Zac Efron on hand — has flirted with many hair colors over the years. Blonde in her bubbly High School Musical days, she also tried a light red look before going back and forth between brunette and blonde. So is the new hue here to stay? Time will tell, but with her most recent show, Hellcats, off the air, it seems she’s free to color her hair as she pleases. Tell us: Do you prefer Tisdale as a blonde or brunette?

TRY ON STAR HAIRSTYLES IN ‘INSTANT MAKEOVER’

There’s no denying it: the Duchess of Cambridge stunned at the Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) gala in London Thursday. Hitting the carpet in a pearlescent rose-colored silk tulle Jenny Packham dress with sequin and Swarovski crystal beading ($6,300; currently sold out in the U.K.) — plus delicate L.K. Bennett Agata Rose heels ($315; currently sold out) — Catherine was the picture of a true princess. But she’s not the first star to step out in one of the British designer’s glimmering spring/summer 2011 creations. Ashley Tisdale made a splash at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Viewing Party in February, wearing a nude antique lace Packham gown with an asymmetrical neckline and crystal-beaded waist. Sandra Bullock dazzled at the Golden Globes in January in a powder pink one-shoulder crystal-encrusted gown, accented with understated jewels. And Leighton Meester wore a tea length Packham dress with similar sparkle as Upper East Side queen Blair Waldorf on a recent episode of Gossip Girl. We think all four ladies looked lovely in their Packham creations, but want to know what you think. Tell us: Who wore their Jenny Packham dress best? –Kate Hogan, with reporting by Monique Jessen

VOTE ON MORE STAR STYLE IN ‘LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?’

There are two new names on the tips of Tinseltown tongues: those of Australian design team camilla and marc! Just last month, the brother-sister duo captured the hearts of fashionistas including Ashley Tisdale, Rachel Bilson and Hayden Panettiere, and the stars definitely did the designers proud. “She keeps the look well balanced and effortlessly chic,” Camilla Freeman-Topper tells PEOPLE of Tisdale, who paired her $460 “Blind Call” dress with a LOFT necklace. As for Bilson, “Rachel’s got something going on … her style is individual and unique. I love seeing girls take one of our pieces and make it their own,” Freeman-Topper gushes of the $690 “Equinox” frock she wore out in N.Y.C. And though Panettierre selected an overtly-feminine look, the designer thinks she perfectly accessorized the $1,010 “Cantel” mini. “Coupled with the hair, makeup and delicate shoes, Hayden made the look stylish and sophisticated,” she praises. We know Hollywood is hot for the brand, but want to know what you think. –Justine Harman

WEIGH IN ON MORE CELEB STYLE IN ‘LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?’

The wait is finally over: After two years of pure patience, Ashley Tisdale finally scored a coveted Hermès Birkin bag. The star took to Twitter to announce the news Tuesday, sharing pictures of her pretty new purchase. “After two years of waiting the New York Hermes store came through!! Aaahhh!!!!!” she Tweeted. Her color of choice for the infamous bag, known for its notoriously long wait list? A bright cobalt blue. The Hellcats star isn’t the only celeb who’s had to wait in line for her Birkin, but fashionistas like Olivia Palermo say it’s worth the wait, touting it as a pivotal moment when the bag finally arrives. Tisdale joins famous taste-makers like Victoria Beckham and Ashley Olsen, who also tote the iconic purse. Perhaps Anne Hathaway is next? Tell us: What do you think of Tisdale’s new blue Birkin bag? –Kim Peiffer

SHOP STARS’ TOP 10 SPRING BAG TRENDS

Ethan Miller/Getty

Ashley Tisdale has much to be excited about when it comes to life after East High School. Following the third installment of the popular High School Musical, Tisdale has focused on her CW show, Hellcats, in which she plays a cheerleader. And while she still loves her narcissistic character in HSM, Tisdale said there are certain things about Hellcats that she prefers. “It’s awesome to be able to work out for your job all the time,” Tisdale told PEOPLE of her role that often has her in sports bras and short shorts. “I am constantly working out with my trainer. I’m on a more healthy diet. I have a cheat day, though. It’s a very healthy way of living, I must say. It’s a lot of fun.” Her cheat food? “Something involving bread or pasta.” But the 25-year-old still embraces her days as a female antagonist on the Disney series, as well as her former cast mates. “The cast is growing up and we’re doing our own projects but I have to say there is a tight bond with all of us,” Tisdale told PEOPLE Sunday while hosting a party at Las Vegas’s Wet Republic. “We went through something that is so lucky and it’s something that does not happen every day and we have that connection. They are my best friends… It’s like second nature to us.” –Mark Gray

When we asked trendsetting stars like Heidi Klum, Kelly Ripa, and Whitney Port which fashion trends they’d like to resurrect, a common theme was detected amongst the crowd: Anything ’80s! And while Amanda Seyfried and Miranda Kerr want the return of high-waisted jeans, Jada Pinkett Smith and Kendra Wilkinson are longing for ultra teased hair! The only star who isn’t sharing the ’80s blues? Betty White! “I’m a little tired of jeans,” the funny lady says. Watch the PEOPLE TV video to hear what other trends your favorite stars are itching to bring back. Tell us: Which fashion trend do you want to make a comeback? –Jessie Goldberg

Meet The Famous

After almost a year as a brunette, Ashley Tisdale is back to blonde! Over the weekend, the High School Musical 3 star traded her edgier dark brown hair for a flaxen-haired look, and Tweeted about the experience. “Finishing my hair! Just wait till you see it. Aaahhhh!!!,” she told fans. After revealing the finished look, she explained, “I loved being my natural color but Its for an upcoming project which I’m really excited to share with you soon. I love you all! Xoxo”. Tell us: Are you glad Ashley is blonde again, or did you think she looked better as a brunette?

RIV/Fame

She may not have been old enough to remember the ’80s properly, but Ashley Tisdale, who was born in 1986, is helping revive the decade by bringing acid-washed jeans back. The singer has been spotted out- and- about in L.A. wearing a pair of distressed acid-washed Jet jeans– and she’s not the only one! Trendsetter Nicole Richie has also been spotted rocking the same pair around town! While we will always fondly remember Molly Ringwald and Elisabeth Shue’s flower headpieces and taffeta dresses, we aren’t sure we have the same feelings towards acid-washed jeans. You be the judge! Vote on whether you want to see acid-washed jeans make a comeback.

FOLLOW US AT TWITTER.COM/STYLEWATCHMAG AND BE OUR FRIEND AT FACEBOOK.COM/PEOPLESTYLEWATCHMAG!

Courtesy of SELF

We already know a few things about Vanessa Hudgens — how much we love her in the High School Musical movies, how well-dressed she always is and how adorable she is with boyfriend Zac Efron. But the star revealed 25 things about herself to SELF this month that you might not know, including tidbits on her fashion, beauty and workout habits. As far as shopping, she says her “biggest splurge was a purse from Louis Vuitton. Ashley Tisdale and I each got one in different colors when we were on tour in Mexico. We call it our friendship purse. I don’t want to say how much it cost. I don’t like revisiting that place.” But she will admit to loving shopping online (just like us!). “I’m an online shopaholic: ShopPlanetBlue.com, Shopbop.com, IntermixOnline.com. I love that you can see everything, rather than fishing through the racks. And the surprise of getting it in the mail is like a present to yourself.” And how does she keep herself looking so good in all her designer duds? “My secret to flat abs is pilates.” But she also loves the challenge of being in a class at the gym, saying “I like sitting in the front row of cycling class. I feel like everybody behind me is looking forward, and that pushes me to do my best. I look at myself in the mirror and get this really ferocious, angry look on my face like I’m about to kill someone. It’s crazy.” As for her beauty routine, she says less is more most of the time, “Sometimes I feel prettier without makeup. You take it off and you’re like, ‘Oh, there I am!’” But there are exceptions to every rule. “Red lips make me feel sexy. Put on red lipstick and it brings out the vixen in you.” Read more about Vanessa at SELF.com.

courtesy Louis Vuitton

With everyone from Jessica Simpson to Ashley Tisdale and Uma Thurman adorning their arms with Louis Vuitton’s monogram totes, it’s no wonder the LV logo is so instantly recognizable. But the brand is shaking things up this autumn with a new ultra-exclusive line designed in collaboration with iconic Japanese fashion line Comme des Garcons. Each of the six avant-garde bags puts a spin on classic Louis Vuitton designs — like this eight-armed Speedy. Even if you have the superstar salary to afford one of the limited edition bags, getting your hands on one will require a jet-set lifestyle to go along with it. The collection will available to order exclusively in person at the Louis Vuitton mini-store inside the Comme des Garcons boutique in Tokyo, starting September 4th. Looking for something a little closer to home? You’ll be able to get a more budget-friendly Comme des Garcons fix this fall when the company’s founder and head designer, Rei Kawakubo, takes a turn as a featured guest designer at H&M, designing a women’s and men’s collections in early November. Tell us: What do you think of LV’s latest look? Will you buy from Comme des Garcon’s lower-priced collaboration with H&M this fall?

INF, BuzzFoto

We first spotted Nicky Hilton in her whimsical Vogue t-shirt earlier in the week, and then we spotted Ashley Tisdale in her equally adorable illustrated T-shirt yesterday on a shopping spree at Kitson. Turns out the hot tees come from Trash & Luxury, a glam new line by L.A. designer Hushi Mortezaie. It seems he got his quirky style from his mentor Patricia Field– the famed Sex & the City stylist responsible for SJP and cast’s outlandishly fashionable costumes. When it comes to his own line, Hushi Mortezaie designs T-shirts that meld a glamorous spirit with a hint of comfort– and what is more glamorous than Vogue? For the first Trash & Luxury collection, Hushi takes his inspiration from ’80s-era New York, the real-life dream world of Los Angeles, Hollywood by night — and a magazine that’s earned its own song. Love the Vogue tees? Get Ashley’s Trash & Luxury tops, $48, at shopkitson.com and Nicky’s, $48 , also at shopkitson.com

Evan Agostini/AP; Chris Polk/WireImage

You could never accuse Ashley Tisdale of not changing up her look. First the High School Musical 3 star updated her natural nose, and now she’s swapped her trademark honey-blonde locks for a lighter look. Ashley turned up at Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew last night, with back-up dancer boyfriend Jared Murillo in tow, debuting light blond locks streaked with platinum highlights. We think the style is perfect to welcome in spring, but we want to know what you think. Tell us: Do you like Ashley’s lighter color, or should she stick with a deeper hue?

Courtesy alice + olivia for payless

Amanda Bynes, Hayden Panettiere, Paris Hilton, Ashley Tisdale and more love Alice + Olivia’s flirty little dresses. And now the designers behind the girly line are branching out with the release of the first ever Alice + Olivia shoe collection–at Payless! They’re keeping the same funky retro style for the footwear that celebs and fashionistas admire in their dresses–but keeping prices at less than half the cost. The bright polka-dot flats, patent trimmed sneakers, platform wedges, and even a clutch, range from just $30-$40. We are definitely adding these neon polka dot shoes to our must-haves for spring. Check out the whole line here.

Kevork Djansezian/AP

Red gowns definitely ruled the red carpet at the Oscars, but that wasn’t the only look in town. Check out some other sexy trends at gettyimagesblog.com.

Erin Fetherston recruited childhood BFF Kirsten Dunst and indie fashionista Zooey Deschanel to make a movie promoting her latest collection. Nylonmag.com has the scoop!

Spring clothes are already taking over stores, but what do you need buy? Check out whowhatweardaily.com‘s spring accessory report.

Zac Posen is the newest designer rumored to be lending his skills for a collaboration with Target! Fashionweekdaily.com has all the details.

With all those glam Hollywood moms filling their closets with designer clothes, how can their daughters be anything but fashionistas! FabSugar.com rounded up the most fashionable mother-daughter pairs. Do you agree with their picks?

Check out Hayden Panettiere’s new–and questionable–Candie’s ads at gofugyourself.com.

No doubt about it, Reese Witherspoon, Ashley Tisdale, Christina Aguilera and Vanessa Hudgens are always perfectly coiffed. But the big question is, whose locks are real and whose are fake? Bellasugar.com has the scoop.

Most Wanted/Flynet

The heiress wants to save the world — and soon! Paris Hilton was recently spotted leaving the Kate Somerville spa in L.A. sporting the limited edition DOE Power Puff Girl Tee. In honor of the 10th anniversay of the girl power cartoon, The Cartoon Network has teamed with t-shirt designer DOE to create this adorable tee promoting a “Green” world. Unfortunately, this Power Puff Girl tee was created exclusively for celebrities and won’t be available in stores or online anywhere. Such famous faces who have been given the tee include Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff, Hayden Panettiere, Megan Fox, Drew Barrymore and Ashley Tisdale. If you love the Power Puff Girls, you can also get a DOE vintage wash tee, $25, at babygirlboutique.com.

Courtesy luluguinness.com

Searching for some fashionable tokens of affection, or heart-stopping accessories that are sure to charm? Look no further!

Celebs like Helena Bonham Carter and Dita Von Teese love luluguinness.com‘s whimsical accessories adorned with lips, hearts and witty sayings. Our pick? The “My Heart Belongs to You” purse, $99, or a heart-shaped snakeskin coin purse, $149.

Love is in the air with a calligraphy-embellished umbrella, $110, by Bernard Maisner for Tray 6.

Style icons including Kate Moss have recently stepped out in leopard-print scarves — and we found an enticing update in hot pink, $34 at echodesign.com.

Aerie by American Eagle’s heart-embellished tanks, $16, are an adorable–and affordable–buy. So are the diamante-scattered Bling-y heart hoodie, $33, and board short, $49 by Victoria’s Secret Pink.

Celebs like Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Rihanna love Frankie b. jeans–and the dark red B. Mine skinny jean, $216, decorated with cute heart-shaped pockets, is perfect for the holiday.

And take that loving feeling with you wherever you go with LeSportsac’s Love Blossom travel totes, from $18.

David Sanchez/Flynet

I just opened up People.com and the first star tracks picture is of Ashley Tisdale in this amazing white long sleeve T. Please tell me where I can buy this!– Sally

The day after glamming it up for the SAG Awards red carpet, the High School Musical star hit up the Millennium Dance Studio in Los Angeles in her normal casual chic style. Ashley paired her comfy pants with a long-sleeve Heart & Soul Tour t-shirt by the Florida based company Bejeweled. This Swarovski cystal-adorned comfort line is a favorite of many Hollywood A-listers including Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Aniston, Gwen Stefani, Sarah Jessica Parker, Shakira and more. While Ashley’s long-sleeve version is not online anywhere, check out this equally cute short-sleeve one, $126, at fashionchateau.com. Get more information on Bejeweled and places to buy at bejeweledapparel.com.