About PaulineL

Pauline Lacsamana is a junior at Quinnipiac University. Follow her at @paulinelacs! To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook,Pinterest, and Twitter.

DIY: Lilly Pulitzer Pattern

Posted on February 7, 2013 by PaulineL

Lilly Pulitzer patterns can be found across college campuses on the wristlets, planners and phone covers of classy co-eds. How did this fabulous brand come to be? Well, Mrs. Pulitzer created a brilliantly patterned dress to hide the stains from her juice stand. The brand became a hit when First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was spotted in a Pulitzer pattern. The beauty of Lilly Pulitzer patterns are that they are all original artwork, which means any co-ed can make her own!

Materials:

Canvas (or any object you want to Lilly Pulitzer-ize!)
Teal, yellow, black and white paint
Paintbrushes
Water
Towels
Pattern for inspiration

Directions:

Paint the base color for the background.
Draw out the patterns to get a feel of how you want them displayed on your canvas.
Use the yellow paint to paint pansies in an organized clutter fashion.
Paint kites scattered between the flowers.
Using a very thin paintbrush, paint thin black swirls and spirals from the flowers and kites.
Personalize the pattern by discretely writing your name or Greek organization throughout the pattern as Pulitzer does in her designs.

In this tutorial, I painted the Kappa Alpha Theta Lilly Pulitzer pattern. Keep in mind, the key to any LP pattern is to be original and follow your chosen color scheme. Be inspired and get artsy!

DIY: Oscar Party Decorations

Posted on February 1, 2013 by PaulineL

Lights, Camera, Action! The Oscars are approaching and statuettes are being distributed. This is the night when the glam get together and appreciate the lovely entertainers featured in the year’s greatest hits. Let’s not forget the greatest screen writers and directors of all time.

When inviting your guests, let them know the celebrity nominees won’t be the only stars of the night- make your own Oscar award for each guest.

Materials:

Ken dolls
Gold spray paint
Durable paper cups
Thick card stock
Black paper
Gold pen/marker

Directions:

Adjust the doll arms up if you would like the award to be donned in flowers or down for a classic Oscar. If dolls are not available, use this print out on the card stock.
Use the gold spray paint to cover the body evenly.
Cut 1 ½ “ of the cup from the bottom up for the base of the award.
Hot glue the feet of the doll to the center of the base.
From the black piece of paper (this can also be done on the computer), cut out a rectangle and write the guests name in gold.

When it comes to decorating the venue, make the feel of a real movie theater by installing your own track lighting. Use string lights to line the edges of the room. If you really want to go above and beyond, break out the red carpet.

The ultimate movie night is not complete without some movie snacks! Roll doilies in a cone shape and tape or glue the sides together. Also, set up a candy bar with your guests favorite treats. Pour in the snacks, turn on the TV and get ready for your close up, Mr. Deville.

Looking for more DIY and décor ideas? Check out:

DIY: Classy Couple’s Valentine’s Day Party

DIY: 6 Jewelry Organizers

DIY Dorm Essentials: Vision Board

DIY: Classy Couple’s Valentine’s Day Party

Posted on January 25, 2013 by PaulineL

February 14^th is a whole day dedicated to love and those you care about. Why not spread the love and celebrate with other couples as well?

First things first: the dress code. Are you looking for a casual get together or more of a semi-formal event? The attire sets the mood and atmosphere of the party. Although beauty can be pain, the more comfortable you are the more fun you can have! Try trading in the heels for some fabulous flats.

Giving out party favors to your guests is a great way to end the night. Miniature gift bags can be bought at the Dollar Store and filled with classic candy hearts. For a classy gal on a budget, DIY projects are perfect for party favors.

Last but not least are the decorations. Instead of streamers, sheer fabric can be draped along walls and over lights for a romantic theme. If you want to combine wall décor and party favors, here is a DIY project for you!

DIY Paris-themed Photo Booth Back-drop

Materials:

A white sheet
Red and white Streamers
Sheet music
Paint/Paintbrushes
Flowers
Clear jewelry string

Directions:

Pin the sheet on the wall that will serve as the background for the photos.
Sketch a picture of the Eiffel Tower and paint the outline onto the sheet.
Fold the streamers in a3” x 3” square . Cut out the shape of a heart, but make sure there is a space left uncut at the folds so the streamer will stay in one piece! The streamers are perfect for adding color to the photo. If you want a vintage design, cut out hearts from the sheet music and poke tiny holes in the top and bottom. Lace the clear string through so the decoration hangs with the hearts vertically on top of one another.
To add more romance, scatter rose petals or flowers over the floor (or strategically hot-glued to the back drop if the floor will not be seen in the photo). Flowers can also be used as props for couples to have.
If you’re feeling extra crafty and looking for a challenge, try painting Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ as the back-drop; it’s artsy and sophisticated!

Whether you and your mate are attending a Valentine’s Day party or throwing one, it is important to keep two things in mind: stay classy and have fun!

DIY: Valentine’s Day for Him

Posted on January 18, 2013 by PaulineL

Does anyone else think that guys are hard to shop for? The struggle is over my classy coeds! You know the saying, “The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Here are some Valentine’s Day goodies perfect for your man.

Cake Pops

These precious pops are cute and great for a treat on the go. Check out She’s the First: 8 Steps for DIY Cake Pops for the recipe.

Heart-shaped Cookies in a Jar

Take a piece of my heart…literally. Whip up some cookies, grab a mason jar and go to work! The beauty of this project is that you can really personalize the jar for that special someone.

Want to add a little something extra?

Love Lottery Ticket

Print out or make your own Valentine’s lottery ticket on card stock and cover each ticket with clear laminate or contact paper. Stencils (heart-shaped to be festive) are placed over each “prize” and painted over with acrylic paint. A “lucky penny” can be given with each individual or set of tickets.

Love Coupons

Similar to the lottery tickets, love coupons are a fun idea as well! These coupons can be given as a book or hidden around his room or books. Some ideas for coupons are a free movie date, shoulder massage and a special home-cooked meal. Talk about extreme couponing.

Be sure to check out College Lifestyles Pinterest board: Valentine Sweetness.

DIY: Valentine’s Day Cards

Posted on January 11, 2013 by PaulineL

A gift can hold much more sentimental value if it’s made from the heart. Making a lovely card is a perfect way to let that special someone know how much they mean to you. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, why not show some love with a quick and easy DIY Valentine’s Day card project?

Craft supplies:

cardstock
doilies
black and white photographs
tacky glue
red and white string
thin black sharpie

Directions:

Decide the template of the card: simply fold the cardstock in half for a standard look or use a 5” x 8” piece.
Place ¾ of one of the doilies in the front of the card and adhere with glue.
Create a sophisticated “photo booth effect” by combining black and white photos for a vintage look and glue them in a pattern of your choosing.
You can decorate your card using a thin permanent marker with Valentine’s Day quotes or leave it plain and simple with a meaningful message inside.
Twist the red and white string together to create a candy cane-esque look. Then wrap the combined string around the card and tie with a bow!

Looking for more fabulous DIY projects? Check out My DIY Bucket List Spring 2013.

DIY: CL’s Guide to a New Roommate

Posted on January 4, 2013 by PaulineL

One of the many challenges of college is getting used to sharing a living space. Luckily, many university residence assignments are made through preference surveys that keep your interests and lifestyle in mind. Here are some dorm life tips for meeting your new roommate!

First thing’s first- Don’t be shy! Introduce yourself with a quick email.
Keep an open mind- As the saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. Although Facebook is key in the social world, there is much more to a person than her profile pictures.
Be honest- Do you mind a little mess in the room? Is it okay if she sleeps with the TV on? Be honest with yourself and your roommate. Simple communication skills can have long lasting effects on your road to roommate success!

Address any problems- Speaking of communication; if a problem does arise don’t be afraid to talk it out. Of course, discuss concerns in a calm and classy manner.
Set boundaries- Everyone has their limits. Although sharing can be caring, there are certain items that should stick to one owner.
Share schedules- Posting class schedules can allow roommates to work around each other when planning study hours, study breaks and even naps.

Remember, your roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend, but it’s important to respect each other. This is your personal space as well as your roommate’s. You are both entitled to comfort and respect from each other!

DIY: Last-minute New Year’s Decor

Posted on December 27, 2012 by PaulineL

With the rush of the holiday season, even the classiest of co-eds can get wrapped up in the Christmas spirit and leave New Year’s in the dark. But no worries! Every savvy young lady should have a few tricks up her sleeve. Here are some last-minute New Year’s decor ideas:

Although December 25th is only hours behind us, let’s not let those Christmas decorations go to waste! You can make a “2013” banner in a matter of minutes with any leftover tinsel. First, trace “2013“ in the size of your choosing onto card stock. Tacky glue or a glue gun can be used to adhere the tinsel appropriately to each card stock template. These numbers can be glued to ribbon, and voila- a New Year’s banner!

Along with tinsel, ornaments can be recycled too! Color-coordinate and place ornaments in champagne glasses as fancy center pieces. Ornaments with metal hooks can also be used as table topper name tags.

Last but surely not least, spice up champagne flutes or any glassware by painting the bottom vibrant colors to add some sparkle to your drinks and your New Year.

For more DIY ideas, check out College Lifestyle’s pinterest! We can add holding off procrastination as a New Year’s resolution, right?

Pauline Lacsamana, Quinnipiac University, Dorm/Apartment Life/DIY/Interior Design Writing Intern

Posted on December 18, 2012 by PaulineL

Name: Pauline Lacsamana.

College Lifestyles ™ Intern Position: Dorm/Apartment Life/DIY/Interior Design Writing Intern.

Hometown: Attleboro, MA.

School: Quinnipiac University.

Year in studies: Junior.

Major(s)/minor(s)/concentration(s): Behavioral Neuroscience.

Organizational involvement: Kappa Alpha Theta, Her Campus- Quinnipiac University, Behavioral Neuroscience club, Anthropology club, Psychology club, Intramural Field Hockey, Orientation Leader.

I am excited for second semester because: I’ll be back at Quinnipiac and I’ll get to see all my friends and sisters again!

My favorite thing about the Spring is: The warmer weather and overall atmosphere of Spring.

My dream Spring break is: Anywhere with my friends! I’d love to bring them to Byron Bay in Australia.

I wish I could study abroad: I already did and would do it again in a heartbeat! Being in Australia for a whole semester was the most amazing experience I have ever had and I would love nothing more than to go back.

My number one DIY craft for this semester is: A mason jar eco-system.

My fashion and accessory favorites for this Spring are: My Alex and Ani Kappa Alpha Theta bangle and any pastel nail polish!

My dream job is: To do absolutely everything. If I could start my own practice that involves psychiatry, therapy, fashion, taking care of animals, writing, blogging, being creative and making art I would be the happiest girl around.

My favorite food is: Popcorn.

My favorite movies/T.V. shows are: ”Dazed and Confused”, “Sex and the City” and “Modern Family”.

My favorite book is: “Insight Meditation” by Joseph Goldstein.

My celebrity dream date is/with: Josh Hutcherson. He has the most adorable smile.

I get my inspiration from: Street art and magazines.

My secret get-away during the semester is: Starbucks.

My friends would describe me as: Sweet, optimistic and creative.

Three things I want to accomplish before the Summer: Go sky diving, find my perfect and lovely little and maintain great grades.

My favorite College Lifestyles ™ article was: DIY: Quotes on Canvas.

My definition of a classy co-ed is: A classy co-ed is an ambitious woman who follows her dreams. She has high standards and a killer sense of style.

Why I am excited to be a College Lifestyles ™ Intern: I’m excited to get more experience in the field! It is a fast-growing organization many classy co-eds will (if they haven’t already) fall in love with.

Chic Style: Taking Jeans From Day to Night

Posted on October 23, 2012 by PaulineL

It’s Friday and you’re stuck in a late class, which leaves with you little time to get ready for a night out. Thankfully, jeans are versatile for both day and night looks.

When taking your jeans from day to night, here are some easy ways to transform your outfit too:

Outerwear can make or break the outfit. A jean jacket is a great daytime look, whereas a leather jacket is made more for the night. Although, a jean jacket at night would be an awesome challenge!
Handbags can give your outfit a complete 180. Larger bags, such as totes and backpacks, are better for day looks when walking around campus. Smaller bags may be little but they can sure make a statement. Clutches offer maximal storage with minimal effort.
Jewelry is an absolute must! Although you can definitely work small charms, bold statement necklaces are perfect for a night on the town. Try bright jewel-toned colors to really make your outfits pop.

They key for taking jeans from day to night is dark denim. Dark jeans tend to look better when going out for the night and can still look classy down during the day.

Adding a blazer to your cuffed boyfriend jeans can instantly class up your look.

Remember: They key for taking a look from day to night is accessories and foot wear.

DIY: Big/Little Gifts

Posted on October 20, 2012 by PaulineL

It’s never too early to start thinking about Big/Little gifts! Whether recruitment is in the Spring or Fall for your chapter, it’s never a bad time to show your sisters some loving. Here are some fun ideas to get you started:

A Pin Box.
Every sorority girl knows the importance of pin (aka chapter) attire. What makes the attire special is the pin—so keep it safe! Make your Big or Little a pin box. Buy a small wooden box at a craft store and paint it with your sorority or family colors.
A Bow.
Okay, so that sounds weird right? But this idea is actually adorable. Bows are the ultimate girl accessory. Make a matching Big/Little set so you can both rock them during Greek life events!

Wooden Letters.
Wooden letters are a must in the sorority world. They are easy enough to decorate so you can express yourself and your chapter. Besides the basic painted letters, add some flair by putting the letters in a picture frame. Wrapping or scrapbook paper can be used as a background for a fun and fancy plaque.

Pinnies.
A matching Big and Little pinny set can be cute, athletic and fun! Websites such as Greek Gear and Adam Block Design are great tools to customize any attire. But don’t just stop at pinnies, there are tons of other items such as tote bags and backpacks!

Want to check out more Big/Little gift ideas? Check out CL’s Top 10 Big/Little Initiation Gifts!

Intern Kitchen: Mashed Potatoes

Posted on October 14, 2012 by PaulineL

What would a Thanksgiving be without mashed potatoes? Although grocery store packets are easy to make and can hit the spot, nothing can beat making this dish from scratch!

Here is a classic red-skinned mashed potato recipe (courtesy of AllRecipes):

Ingredients:

8 medium red potatoes, cubed
2 teaspoons crushed garlic
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 teaspoon steak seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

1. Put the potatoes in a pot of water and bring them to a boil. You can add crushed garlic to the water as well to give it a little flavor. Boil for 10 minutes.

2. Drain the potatoes.

3. Add butter and mash until melted.

4. Mix the half-and-half, sugar, seasoning, garlic powder and remaining garlic in.

5. Stir until desired texture is achieved.

6. Enjoy!

Now that wasn’t so hard was it?

DIY: Things to Do With Mason Jars

Posted on October 14, 2012 by PaulineL

Mason jars are wide-mouthed glass containers usually used for storing food. Who knew you can also use them as picture frames, organizers and all sorts of home décor? They’re available at grocery stores, but if you’re feeling extra creative try order a pack from Amazon.com!

Pictures: Simply place a picture in a mason jar and top it off with the cap for a very easy picture holder! This DIY project can look instantly vintage by printing your picture in black and white. You can also decorate the outside with permanent markers or glam it up with some rhinestones.

Lantern: This would be perfect for centerpiece decorations or to brighten up a room a little. The jars can be filled with water with a floating candle, stuffed with Christmas lights or decorated with a solar-powered light source for all sorts of lantern pieces. A funky idea (perfect for Halloween) is to break glow sticks in the jar to get a splattered effect and placed near a black light.

Another trick is to cover a mason jar with stickers (stars, perhaps?) and spray painting over the stickers. After waiting for the paint to dry, remove the stickers and place a candle or other light source in the jar and you have your own little version of Starry Night!

Plants: You can start an at-home garden with potting soil, seeds and mason jars. Hang them up on the wall using metal clamps or attach them to a wooden board, as long as they get sunlight! You can build an eco-system in a jar or plant some flowers (I recommend pansies)!

Organizers: Mason jars make for perfect organizers. Chalk paint (make your own with this DIY recipe can be used to create changeable labels whether you’re organizing spices or pencils! The inside of the jar can be painted different colors and decked out with lace to give it a classier look. Mason jars can also be attached to a spinning carousel to give it a different spin (ha, get it?).To take it one step further, you can glue a jar to a candlestick holder for a fun, but elegant look.

Party favors: The options are endless when it comes to mason jars and gift ideas! For food, a recipe in a jar is the way to go. Mini jars are great baking containers for mini cupcakes and pies. These make great gifts as well. Are you looking for a girls night out gift? Try packing a mini manicure set with nail polish, cotton balls, travel size nail polish remover and a nail file.

Drinking glass: There are even mason jars made with handles. If you’re planning a gathering, make pre-made mocktails in jars and place them in a bucket of ice! Guests can grab drinks as they go and even have souvenirs to take home. These drinking glasses can be decked out with ribbon and colorful straws. Another idea is to make pink lemonade garnished with lemon wedges!

DIY: Organizing Your Desk

Posted on October 6, 2012 by PaulineL

Whether you study in your room or at the library, concentration and a messy environment do not go hand in hand. Clearing clutter and organizing your work space can relieve stress and maintain focus!

ABCD’s of Organization

Always plan ahead: Preparation is a big part of staying organized. Keep track of your exams, study sessions and downtime to maximize your day.

Be consistent: make it a habit to keep your desk tidy. Utilize your lazy Sundays to make sure you are clear of clutter.
Contain those papers: there is a place for everything, especially notes and assignments on loose-leaf papers. Keep folders or some sort of filing system for each course and leave no paper left behind!
Delegate: if you live by post-it reminders, decide if the task can be done within minutes, hours, or days. Don’t defer quick tasks! Get them off of your plate and tackle more tedious projects little by little.

Craft your way to organization.
Pen holders

Toilet paper rolls can be decorated, stacked and glued together to organize your writing utensils. You can even stick the finished piece to the wall using double sided tape.
Although they may seem like a distant memory, phone books can come in handy nowadays! With this quick tutorial, transform a phone book into a flower-like pen-holder.

Folder/paper organizer

Find a cardboard box (like a cereal box) and cut an opening on the side. You can strengthen the sides with extra layers of cardboard too! This desk organizer can be decorated with cute wrapping paper or a collage of magazine clippings.

Power strip box

With cell phone and computer chargers, electrical cords can be a tangled, hazardous mess. Keep your outlets separate with a power strip organizer! All you need is a shoe box and scissors to cut openings for each cord. You can also take it a step further by using bread bag clips with labels for each power source.

In-desk organization

Ditch the habit of throwing items into your desk drawer and make your own origami desk organizers. You can even have an eco-friendly twist by using newspapers.

For those savvy co-eds, time management skills are a must to organizing your life as well as your desk!

Chic Style: Cheetah and Leopard Print

Posted on October 6, 2012 by PaulineL

Take a walk on the wild side and break out your cheetah and leopard print! Although these lovely patterns are fierce in style, there is a fine line between classy and trashy. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Accessorize with gold. The neutral colors of leopard and cheetah match perfectly with gold-toned jewelry. Since leopard and cheetah print are bold patterns all alone, be wary of crossing paths with other loud patterns!

Add a blazer for some chic flair. A classy blazer adds instantaneous class to almost any outfit; a perfect way to tame your wild side. Similar to accessories, nude colors look fantastic with animal print. You can go with a classic black or maybe a bright red blazer!

Make a bold statement.The pattern itself is a bold statement! Why not try using a leopard-patterned bootie to play up your outfit? Or even a handbag or scarf!

Mix and match.Leopard and cheetah print can instantly spice up any basic outfit. Try the combination of animal print shoes and a belt! Or accessorize with leopard stud earrings and a cardigan.

Less is more. When it comes to animal print, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. The last thing you want is a leopard overload or a clash of patterns. Pick one statement piece and you’ll be set!

Chic Style: Loungewear

Posted on September 30, 2012 by PaulineL

Every classy co-ed knows that comfort and style are a winning combination- especially when living a dorm-style life! Whether you’re in your common room hanging out with hallmates or having a late night study session in the library, there’s no excuse to look anything but fabulous.

The key to ultimate loungewear is layering! These simple basics can be mixed and matched in all sorts of ways for quick, go-to outfits:

Tees (oversized, V-neck)
Cardigans
Tanks
Hoodies
Sweats
Yoga pants
Shorts

Show some school spirit.

Raiding your school store for the latest campus gear never gets old. Sport your university’s logo with some yoga pants or sweats for a spirited and laid back look.

Simple, but Chic.

The best thing about dresses is that you can look put together almost effortlessly. Throw a cardigan over a simple dress for an instant-chic ensemble.

Get Sporty.
I have this ongoing theory that if you dress as if you are going to the gym, you will go to the gym, or just get too comfortable and fall asleep. However, fitness is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle!

Feeling flirty?

A femme cami and some frilly shorts are perfect for that girly, relaxed look. Throw on a cardigan or robe and voila— you’re flirty and comfortable.

If all else fails, think Pink.
Victoria’s Secret Pink is famous across the nation for its colorful undies and Collegiate collection. The motto for this brand is “Live in what you love” and who doesn’t love living in comfort? Whether you decide to wear a crewneck and leggings or yoga pants and a sweatshirt, you can’t go wrong with Pink. Also for those football fans, there’s an NFL and seasonal MLB collection!

Don’t forget:
Pull together any loungewear look with some cute slippers and a robe!

3 DIY Facials to Save Your Skin!

Posted on September 23, 2012 by PaulineL

Did you know that facials can have life changing effects for your skin? While theraputic, the process of cleansing, exfoliating and treating the skin leave you with a glow. However, this fab luxury can be quite pricey. Here are some DIY facial recipes to try when treating yourself on a budget!

Watermelon.
Practicing safe sun is important, however, sun damage does happen. A quick trick to reviving your skin after a long summer is to soak cotton pads with watermelon juice. Watermelon is hydrating and provides vitamins A, C and B6. By applying the juice and letting it set in for about 15 minutes to any sunburned areas, it will help protect your skin and heal it more quickly. After your 15 minutes is up you can rinse your skin with cool water; leaving you with healthier skin!

Cocoa and Coffee.
Coffee is more than a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts in the morning. With this recipe, puffiness will decrease and skin will be brightened. The combination of caffeine and cocoa is perfect before that early-morning class. Not to mention, this recipe works and can be adjusted for all skin types!

Nutmeg, Honey and Cinnamon.
Nutmeg and honey are natural anti-inflammatories, so say goodbye to puffy and red skin! Also, the cinnamon acts as an exfoliating agent. This triple threat is ideal to make a mask for stressed out skin.

Want to find out more DIY tips? Check out Inventive Home Remedies for a Healthy More Radiant You.

DIY: 7 Halloween Costumes Ideas for One

Posted on September 9, 2012 by PaulineL

Halloween is not just for the kiddies, ladies- classy co-eds can play too! I don’t know about you, but paying $50 or more for flimsy costumes is never something I look forward too. So why buy cheap when you can make it yourself?

1. Peacock

The vibrant feathers of a peacock are beautiful all on their own and would look even better on a dress! You can easily go to a craft store and buy peacock feathers to decorate a dress from Forever 21 or even a skirt and top (a cute ensemble would be a bustier top with a pleated skirt)! You can sew the feathers on and even glue them onto a headband. Accessories are your friend! Take advantage of the feather earrings trend and let your true colors show this Halloween.

2. Fairy
A fairy costume can be super glam or feminine or funky and feisty! All you really need to buy are wings and you can throw together an outfit. Are you interested in the Tinkerbell look? Find a light green dress and some sparkly white flats. What about a dark fairy? Try high-waisted, destroyed jean shorts, a tank and maybe a leather jacket. You can also accessorize with studs, spikes and smokey eyes!

3. Barbie
Think pink. One of the greatest things about this stylish icon is that she not only has a wide variety of careers, but of clothing as well! Be classic Barbie with pink lips and pin straight hair or even take the vintage route and try a pin-up look with voluminous hair and flushed cheeks.

4. Greek Goddess

Look heavenly in a white toga (which can even be made from bed sheets!) or a flowy white dress. This look is elegant yet festive! Go all out with gold accessories and leaf-patterned headbands. This costume would be even more delightful with some Greek God eye candy.

5. Foreign Exchange Student
Wouldn’t it be fab to pretend to be a Parisian for a night? Class your costume up with a beret, rock red lipstick and shoot for stripes.

6. Super Hero
Who’s gonna save the world? Most likely you! Just like the fairy costume, this look can be sweet or spunky. Try super hero-esque colors like red, blue and yellow for Wonder Woman, red and blue for Spiderman or even black and yellow like Batman.

7. Varsity Stud
Deck yourself out in your old school colors and it’s as if you’ve had a flashback to high school. You can use props and accessories such as a football, pins, letter man jacket, pom-poms, Converse sneakers and war paint.

DIY: 6 Jewelry Organizer Projects

Posted on September 3, 2012 by PaulineL

Accessories can make or break an outfit. With precious cargo such as your favorite necklaces and earrings, why throw them in a jewelry box to get tangled in a bunch when you can display them beautifully with these nifty DIY ideas?

Picture Frames

Picture frames can be combined with wire mesh, lace, beads or even ribbon to display those dangly earrings or bangles. You can make this DIY project very modern and futuristic looking, or very vintage. Either way you go, you’ll never lose a pair of earrings again!

Cheese Grater

There’s more to this kitchen utensil than scrapin cheese: you can paint it or leave it with a chrome finish to hang your earrins through the cheese grater holes.

Clothes Hangers

You can add small metal hooks to a wooden hanger or even fabric draped over it to hold necklaces and earrings. When it comes to adding fabric, make sure to cut an opening at the top for the hanger to maximize your jewelry storage.

Wall Hooks

With some adhesive tape and some creativity, you will barely notice wall hooks as they display your jewelry. They can be used individually or even in pairs with ribbon.

Cork Board

You can paint it, put fabric over it and decorate it with pushpins to hang your jewelry!

Door Knobs

Attach assorted doorknobs on a piece of wood. I know that sounds incredibly simple, but this DIY can look adorable. Just hang your necklaces and bracelets on here!

Here are some other fun ideas from Pintrest!

Pauline Lacsamana is a junior at Quinnipiac University. Follow her at @paulinelacs! To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Dorm Essentials: Vision Board

Posted on August 26, 2012 by PaulineL

One of the best things about going back to school is decorating your dorm! Your room is the place where you will truly be able to express yourself and feel comfortable. What better way to express yourself than with a vision board!

Photo from soul-restoration-2.com

What is a vision board?

A vision board is a collage of pictures, phrases, words or items that represent you and your goals. Vision boards are for inspiration; think of it as a vision of the future if you will. These goals can be either short-term or long-term. By seeing these images on a daily basis, you will keep the motivation to reach those goals and desires.

Photo from Hubpages

How to make your own
Start off with making a list of things you would like to accomplish and see during the semester. Do you want to beat the freshman 15? Try getting clips from fitness magazines and inspirational quotes to keep you going. What about breaking out of your shell to approach that cutie you met during orientation? Try posting some pictures that display confidence and inner beauty.

Not sure what else you might have on a vision board? Running a marathon or beating your usual running record are both great fitness goals. If you’re hoping to grow socially, maybe you’ll want to emulate Mila Kunis’ sassy and confident personality or join new campus organizations. Vision boards are perfect for new beginnings, such as the college journey for freshmen! Your options are endless, as long as you think about what you truly want in life.

Photo from freshandprecious.blogspot.co

After jotting down some hopes and dreams, the materials to use are:
1. Poster board
2. Magazines

3. Scissors
4. Glue
5. A creative imagination!

Next, you start cutting out clippings in magazines that represent your vision. Then you arrange and glue these clippings in whatever order your heart desires. You can even group them into themes such as social life, health and academics.Keep in mind that vision boards, along with your desires and goals, may change over time. Why just have one vision when you can have two (or even more)!

Thetas and their vision boards at Indiana University.

Bobkitten by Day, Fashionista by Night: Meet CL’s New Fashion & Living Writer, Pauline!

Posted on August 14, 2012 by PaulineL

Name: Pauline Lacsamana

Position: Fashion and Living writer

College/University: Quinnipiac University.

Year in studies: Junior.

Major/minor: Behavioral Neuroscience.

Organizational involvement: Kappa Alpha Theta, Behavioral Neuroscience club, Anthropology club, Psychology club, Intramural Field Hockey, Her Campus, Orientation Leader.

My freshmen and I during QU orientation!

I show my school spirit by: Supporting other organizations at their events on campus, wearing my gold class of 2014 shirt to hockey and basketball games and rockin’ my orientation polo; no one can show school spirit like the orientation staff.

My favorite thing about Fall is: back-to-school shopping and the weather! Not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket

For Halloween I will be: Yoshi or Pikachu. I’ve always wanted to successfully pull off a Pikachu costume, however, that mission has yet to be accomplished.

Neon pants – yay or nay? Nay for me, but yay to those who can pull them off!

Twitter or Facebook? Twitter. I would rather not stalk someone’s life through their Facebook timeline.

I love Pinterest because: there are so many DIY projects and fashion inspiration! I am obsessed with Pintrest.

My favorite colors are: lime green, mint and coral.

My go-to accessory is: a collar necklace. They’re a perfect way to add a little glam to the basics.

My favorite store is: H&M and Urban Outfitters.

My favorite food is: salmon and popcorn, but not together…

My favorite movies/TV shows are: “How I Met Your Mother,” “Sex and the City,” “Jerseylicious,” “Face Off,” and almost everything on Animal Planet and the Discovery channel. Shout out to Netflix!

My favorite book is: “The Happiness Project.”

My favorite magazines are: “Nylon”, “Seventeen” and “Psychology Today”

My pets are: Coby, Peppermint, Charlie and Poosahn. Coby lives with my mom and the others at my sister’s, but I still see all of them every day!

My favorite quote is, because: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light” because 1) it’s from Harry Potter and 2) although things may seem as if they aren’t going to get any better, you have to think positively.

My role model is, because: Lauren Conrad because she is the definition of a classy woman. At such a young age, she has already designed and started her own clothing line and written her own book. Not to mention she looks fabulous. She is simply inspirational.

I spend my weekends…: hanging out with friend, having some down time from a busy week and catching up on sleep.

I take a break from studying by…: napping or cleaning.

I de-stress by…: going to the gym.

My secret talent is: I can sing…in the shower.

My friends describe me as: funny, optimistic and creative.

My favorite College Lifestyles article is: “Remembering Values in the Summer Heat.” This article is written by my lovely Big and incorporates the values of my sorority, which I strive to live by every day.

Why I am excited to be an intern for College Lifestyles: I’m excited to get more experience in the field! It is a fast-growing organization many classy co-eds will (if they haven’t already) fall in love with.

My definition of a classy co-ed: A classy co-ed is an ambitious woman who follows her dreams. She has high standards and a killer sense of style.

A Theta sister and I during our formal.