Summer Party Playlist

Summer is finally here!  Now it’s time to crank up the tunes and get the party started. Here are my suggestions on songs to bring summer in whether whether you are partying by yourself or having a house party.

 

 

Boyfriend- Justin Bieber

Young, Wild, & Free- Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa featuring Bruno Mars

We Found Love- Rihanna

Mercy- Kanye West

Part Of Me- Katy Perry

Rumor Has It- Adele

Take Care- Drake featuring Rihanna

Starships – Nicki Minaj

Payphone- Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa

Wild Ones- Flo Rida featuring Sia

Right By My Side- Nicki Minaj featuring Chris Brown

 

 

Sherelle Black is a senior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

 

CL’s Summer Reading List

Remember how much you hated the summer reading you had in elementary school? Now that we’re in college, summer is often the only time we can skip the bulky textbooks and read (gasp!) for pleasure. CL helps you out with our very own summer reading list, categorized based on what kind of book you want to read.

 

1. Short Series: The Hunger Games

Chances are, you’ve heard of a little series called The Hunger Games. Yes, it’s huge, and with the second movie coming out in November 2013, this franchise is only going to get bigger. So what better time than summer to acquaint yourself with this pop culture epidemic? Sure, you can just see the movies, but the books are better. Immerse yourself this summer in Suzanne Collins’ world.

2. Long Series: Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is the first installment in the fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. You might know it better for the well-respected HBO series of the same name. With an expected seven books and only five out, Game of Thrones is perfect for the reader looking to start a new love affair with a book series.

3. Beach Read: Where We Belong

Looking for a slightly more meaningful beach read? Check out Emily Giffin’s Where We Belong, a heartwarming mother-daughter story that’s still light enough for the beach. Emily Giffin has also published Something Borrowed, which turned into a movie starring Ginnifer Goodwin that came out last May.

4. Summer Cookbook: Vegetarian Cooking at Home with The Culinary Institute of America

Vegetarianism has been getting a lot of attention lately, for its health benefits as much as its eco-friendliness. But you don’t have to go vegetarian to try all the delicious recipes in Vegetarian Cooking at Home with The Culinary Institute of America from the Culinary Institute of America. And with 200 recipes, you’re sure to always have a fresh idea for Meatless Monday.

5. Movie Mania: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

On June 22, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter will hit theaters. As the title suggests, the movie tells the story of President Abraham Lincoln, who finds that vampires are trying to take over the United States and sets out to destroy them. Want a head start? Check out the book that the story is based on, by Seth Grahame-Smith.

What books are you planning to read this summer? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is a junior Journalism and Comparative Literature major at New York University. She is currently on exchange at La Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

CL Interviews Sisters on the Runway

 

Three best friends from New Jersey never imagined by the time they were college seniors, they would have organized more than a dozen fashion shows. Gabriela Graham, Juliana Colangelo, and Elizabeth Eddy are the co-founders of Sister’s on the Runway. Each year the ladies plan a fashion show to raise money and awareness about domestic violence. Since beginning the organization in 2005, they have raised over $50,000 for women and children affected by this issue. CL had the chance to chat with Gabriela, Juliana and Elizabeth about how the organization began and their plans to keep raising awareness in the future.

 

CL:  How did Sisters on the Runway begin?

Juliana Colangelo- We started the fashion show as sophomores in high school. As a class we were assigned community service hours and we thought about putting on an event. Liz, Gabi and I really wanted to do something on our own because it was hard to get things done with that many people. I really liked the idea of a fashion show because it was different and we were all a little interested in fashion especially Liz. We wanted to do something involving women’s issue, so we chose domestic violence.

CL:  What made Sisters on the Runway combine domestic violence and fashion?  

Gabriela Graham- Fashion is something that is very relatable. It gets people very excited and gets people coming out to different events because they want to see different styles and to see people modeling. Domestic violence is oftentimes something that people don’t really want to tackle because it’s very serious and scary and people don’t want to sit down and talk about that. So with linking it with such a relatable topic such as fashion we were able to really open that platform and really have a discussion about domestic violence and lead people into it so they weren’t so intimidated by this dark cloud. We wanted people to become aware that it can really affect anybody and it doesn’t matter your race or economic level or culture. We try to break down that stereotype with Sisters on the Runway.

 

CL:  Did you know that combining fashion with a cause like domestic violence would work so well?

Juliana Colangelo- I thought that fashion and domestic violence combined would be interesting because that’s not something you would see put together. Also a lot of times fashion perpetuates negative images of women so we wanted to show that being beautiful and embracing different bod types was ok.

CL:  Has volunteering always been something you and the other ladies had an interest in?

Elizabeth Eddy- Yes, definitely. We were volunteering at a shelter before the project began so when as sophomores in high school we were asked to do a community service project as a class, we really jumped on it. Two of my friends suggested a fashion show but it kind of got shot down so we decided to go our separate ways. We put on our first event and it was extremely successful, it was one of the biggest student-run events to come out of our high school. It was really nice. It was initially a school project but it became our own thing after that.

CL:  Did you ladies always have an interest in fashion?  

Elizabeth Eddy- We chose fashion not because it was something we were really interested in but because it was something that involved a lot of people, it was something that people get really excited about and it was very social. We chose domestic violence because it is a topic that isn’t talked about a lot. It affects one in four women so it’s something that is sadly very prominent in our society

CL:  What kind of reactions do you get when people find out what Sisters on the Runway is doing?

Gabriela Graham- We received really great feedback. It’s starting really important and difficult conversations between people of different ages and geographical regions. People have come forward and said that I have dealt with something like this or my friend has dealt with something like this or I have seen something like this and I didn’t know it was so common or there were places I could go for help. [Our program] has made people feel more comfortable talking about this issue. We also try to stress that this is not just male to female but can also be female to male, there really are no boundaries to whom or where the violence can occur.

CL:  What life lessons would you say this has taught you?

Gabriela Graham- Time management because we have done these events solely involved with school and work. It has also helped me with people skills; whether we are working with volunteers or models etc. it also it helps me really understand what domestic violence is and who it is this money is going to. We have visited and volunteered at shelters to help us get a better understanding of what this issue really does to a person. We had the opportunity to work with children and we would sit and play with them while their moms were out looking for jobs. These kids had no idea what was going on. But it also helped us understand the severity of the situation. When we were 17, a shelter we were volunteering at gave us a woman’s address but told us please don’t give it to anyone else because that was the woman’s safe house. That’s when we really realized that this is a serious issue we are getting involved in.

CL:  What can we expect to see from Sisters in the future?

Gabriela Graham- We would love to make it a non-profit organization in the next 2 years. That would make it easier to link up with other organizations. Right now, we just want to keep spreading our message. [Our program] is at a couple of high schools and university’s right now. We just want to keep getting the word out. Our generation really needs to take matters into our own hands and make changes in our communities.

CL:  Are you ladies working on any upcoming projects?

Elizabeth Eddy- We would like to continue doing fashion shows. We have done about 13 already and two more coming up in the spring. We currently have three different chapters; one at the University of Massachusetts, one at Montclair High School and one at Parsons School of Design. Two more schools are also currently in the process of developing a Sisters on the Runway chapter.

CL:  How could someone get involved with Sisters on the Runway? What kind of opportunities do you offer?

Gabriela Graham- If anyone is interested in volunteering or modeling or becoming a designer we feature in our fashion show send us an email. At the last event, we had about 15 student designers and we are always looking for more.

 

If you would like to get involved with Sisters on the Runway contact them at benefit@sistersotherunway.org and check out their website http://sistersontherunway.org/for more information. 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________

Minyvonne Burke is a fashion and lifestyle writer for College Lifestyles ™. She graduated from Point Park University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Hofstra University. She loves online shopping, cute bags and NYC.

Falsies 101

After watching numerous vlogs on Youtube, I was inspired to start wearing false lashes. I think it really adds to your makeup look– and nowadays they look so natural that you can’t even tell that they aren’t ‘yours’!  Now that I’ve started using them, I’m totally obsessed! So if you’re thinking about wearing some, here are some basic tips:

Pick a color, any color!  Falsies come in many colors, shapes and sizes. There are extravagant ones and natural ones, and there are long ones and short ones. I would recommend starting out with the natural ones so you can wear them during the day. If you want them to look as possible, I would get natural ones, and cut them to the shape of your upper eye lid.

Eye Up Keep Make sure you read up on the basic upkeep once you have falsies in. From experience, you do have to be careful when you wash your face, and depending on your technique when you put them on, they may not last more than 2 days. If you want a long-term lash extensions, I would suggest a visit to your cosmetologist. Individual eye lash extensions tend to last longer.

Falsies are great for everyday wear and special occasions. There so many different types of lashes out there, and many different techniques in putting them on. Make sure you choose a type of lash and technique that’s right for you!

Photo via wendymag.com

 

The Royal Wedding: One Year Later

It’s hard to believe that just last year on April 29 Prince William and Kate Middleton became man and wife. Immediately after their engagement the couple took the world by storm with their seemingly laid-back and down to earth attitudes. The royal wedding went beautifully, and Kate has since settled into her role as Duchess of Cambridge with a simple elegance, friendly smile, and killer wardrobe. So CL wanted to know, what were your fond memories of this superstar event, and what’s next?

What was your favorite moment of William and Kate’s royal nuptials?

“The one thing I will always remember is the first screen shot of her stepping out of the palace and into the car in her dress. I think that was the moment me and my sleepless friends started crying.” – Jessica Fecteau, Central Michigan University, Journalism.

“When he looked at her and whispered ‘You look beautiful’” – Shelly Marie Redmond, Founder/CEO College Lifestyles

“Didn’t watch the wedding.” – Devin Rigot, Saint Vincent College, Elementary Education

“My favorite moment is when William whispers to Kate that she looks beautiful. I immediately began to cry!” – Alycia Washington, Duquesne University, Advertising and Public Relations.

What do you think the newlyweds are up to for their first anniversary?

“I think they are spending it in solitude! And hopefully planning a baby prince!” – Jessica Fecteau, Central Michigan University, Journalism.
“Hopefully enjoying time together outside of the spotlight.” – Devin Rigot, Saint Vincent College, Elementary Education

“I think for the first year of being married, they are still just getting to know each other and having fun. They are still newlywed to me.” – Alycia Washington, Duquesne University, Advertising and Public Relations.

If you could send a card to William and Kate for their anniversary, what would it say?

“You are a beautiful couple! Please stay together forever!” – Jessica Fecteau, Central Michigan University, Journalism.

“No idea, I would probably wish them luck trying to make a relationship survive under so much pressure… it has got to be hard!” – Devin Rigot, Saint Vincent College, Elementary Education

“I am not sure what I would say in the card except, ‘have a baby soon!’ and ‘say hi to Pippa and Harry for me.” – Alycia Washington, Duquesne University, Advertising and Public Relations.

Do you think it’s time for a little prince or princess to be on the way? Name ideas?

“OF COURSE! Girl: Isabella Boy:David (after their friend David Beckham).” – Jessica Fecteau, Central Michigan University, Journalism.

“YES! Let the middle name be Diana or Diane if a girl” –Shelly Marie Redmond, Founder/CEO College Lifestyles

“Sure why not!” – Devin Rigot, Saint Vincent College, Elementary Education

“I definitely think it is time for a lil one to appear. The media and their fans would eat that story alive. I think they should name the baby Diana Anastasia Louis, after Princess Diana.” – Alycia Washington, Duquesne University, Advertising and Public Relations.

How do you think Kate’s doing with her royal duties so far?

“I think she is keeping her head up and braving her new world. She seems to handle everything with grace and confidence.” - Jessica Fecteau, Central Michigan University, Journalism.

“She seems classy.” – Devin Rigot, Saint Vincent College, Elementary Education

“I’m sure Kate is doing great! If she wasn’t doing okay with her royal duties, I’m sure we’d hear about it from the queen.” – Alycia Washington, Duquesne University, Advertising and Public Relations.

What do you think of Kate’s fashion?

“Classy!” – Jessica Fecteau, Central Michigan University, Journalism.

“I think it is sophisticated and timeless.” – Devin Rigot, Saint Vincent College, Elementary Education

“Kate’s fashion is very approximate for the role that she is in; Prince William’s wife. She never wears revealing clothes but she stills looks great and I like that. I do think that people are hyping her fashion up just a little but she is royalty now.” – Alycia Washington, Duquesne University, Advertising and Public Relations.

Debra Schreiber is a senior at Duquesne University majoring in Spanish and Journalism, and a CL Senior Writing Intern. She thinks William and Kate make a beautiful couple and wish them the best for their one year wedding anniversary.

Fearless Collegiate: CL Interviews Nicolette Winn, Founder of the No Longer Silenced Movement

It’s rare to find a person like Nicolette Winn. As only a Junior at Southern Illinois Carbondale she has been able to take her experience of growing up in a household rattled with abuse and addiction and turn her efforts into helping others and raising awareness. Nicknamed The Fashionable Philanthropist, Nicolette has her own blog which features regular posts about her fashion and volunteerism inspirations. Earlier this year she launched her website the No Longer Silenced Movement to help teens realize they are not alone and to give them inspiration. Her efforts have already garnered media attention in a segment with Channel 12 Heartland News. When Nicolette’s not helping build houses for Habitat for Humanity or working with The Women’s Center she likes to catch up on episodes of “The Real Housewives” and indulge in chocolate. This ambitious and determined collegiate is never without a smile and we can all learn something from her.

Q: Many victims of childhood and teenage abuse don’t share their stories. What makes you inspire others to seek help and make a difference?

 A: “As a child, I never had a positive role model to whom I could relate. I was the tiny, cute girl who excelled in academia, dominated sports fields, worked two jobs, wore high heels to school, and almost always had a smile on my face. I think it would’ve helped me so much to see another female who is similar to me who survived child abuse and continued to succeed in life. My goal is to serve as a role model to teenagers to show them how to seek help. During my teenage years, I never knew that I could report what was occurring in my household, and I definitely understand which resources to utilize to do so. Most importantly, I want to become the first nationally recognized face of child abuse survival in order to inspire teenagers to pursue their dreams. Abuse often hinders self-esteem, and I want them to understand the important of increasing their self-confidence and following their passions.”

Q: How did you start the No Longer Silenced Movement?

 A: “Throughout high school, I would journal my abuse and how it made me feel. Because I feared the wrath of my father, I always shredded and promptly disposed of my writings. In June of 2011, I decided that I wanted to publish a book of stories of people who had survived child abuse and found success. After posting in numerous Craigslist advertisements in various cities and receiving no response, I halted this effort. In a plea of distress, I e-mailed Jo Coleman, the CEO of Psychology Today and begged for his assistance. I figured, “Hey! This man is successful. He should have some beneficial tips or connections.” Mr. Coleman’s response was basically that this is my mission and that I needed to make it happen, and everything suddenly made sense. This February, I launched my blog, No Longer Silenced, which ran a week long feature pertaining to and in honor of National Children of Alcoholics Week. My father has a drinking problem, so I decided to share a few of my stories. The response I received from readers was astonishing, and I decided to continue my blog but give it a new twist. Soon after, I launched The Fashionable Philanthropist, which combines my love of community service with my passion for fashion. After blogging for National Children of Alcoholics Week, I felt like I needed to do something more…something bigger. I thought about what I would’ve needed as a teenager in order to help myself during my abuse, and I wished that I would’ve had an example to follow. At this realization, I decided that I would become that example for other teens and decided to organize and launch my first event, the No Longer Silenced National Child Abuse Prevention Month Awareness Walk. Approximately a week after the walk, I launched my official No Longer Silenced Movement website.”

Q: As a Fashionable Philanthropist you share great finds on your blog. Where do you go to find the best deals?

A: “Oooo! I have specific stores that I like for specific items. For example, I always get my jeans at Hollister. Because I have such a small frame, they fit me perfectly and are decent priced. A few weeks ago, I got two brand new pairs of jeans for about $40 each. As far as socks, I’m addicted to Old Navy and haven’t worn much else since my freshmen year of high school. I think it’s about time that they give me a VIP card! Each Christmas, I would receive between 20-30 pairs because that was about the only thing I ever wanted. I have two places that I go for underwear – Victoria’s Secret and Wet Seal. For full coverage, I opt for the spandex boy shorts at V.S. and for lacey, less coverage, I hit Wet Seal. When shopping for basic wardrobe staples, I always search stores such as Old Navy and Wet Seal. Around Christmas, I purchased approximately 13 camis at Old Navy for $5 each, and I believe 8 long sleeved tees for $6 each. Normally, these items cost more, but I found them on Old Navy’s “Act Fast” sale. For solid color v-necks and camis, I also hit up Wet Seal. Wet Seal has a mix-and-match 5 for $20 deal, so last time I got a fabulous color palette of v-neck t-shirts and a few camis. When considering my more stylish pieces, I generally stick with Marshall’s or TJ Maxx. My philosophy with these stores is, “Shop Hard, Shop Often.” Both stores are constantly changing their inventory, so they tend to be hit-or-miss; however, I guarantee that one hit trip will make up for all of your other misses. Also, I shop end-of-season clearances, but I usually steer clear of Marshall’s and TJ Maxx clearances during these times. As far as and nail polish is concerned, I’m a drug store junky. I usually purchase makeup at Wal-Mart; however, if you’re looking to play with new colors, you may want to consider purchasing a less costly version at Dollar General or Dollar Tree. I love to buy $1 lipsticks at Dollar Tree to test out the colors.  Dollar General is also a gold mine for $1 nail polishes, and if you like the acrylic/gel French Tip, you can purchase DIY nails and save approximately $700 a year. Oh, Queen Helene cocoa butter lotion, which is fantastic and smells great, is cost efficient and can be purchased at Wal-Mart or Dollar General. One more thing…athletic clothes. Always go to TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Gordmans.”

 Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: “My personal style depends on my mood. Some days, I love to wear white lacey dresses with pearls and chic red lips, while other days I find myself in bright, fun patterns with tall, yellow wedges. For class, I usually dress more casual and wear a lot of jeans and layered basics. I try to dress up this look by adding accessories such as headbands and scarves. I absolutely do not own a pair of sweat pants because I made myself donate them all. As a student, it is easy to become lazy because most people wear sweats to class. If I don’t own them, I can’t wear them; however, if I’m feeling athletic, you may find me in a matching track suit or neon Nike running shorts. Overall, I would say that my personal style is forever involving. Because I was forced to grow up at such an early age, I did enjoy fashion, but I didn’t have much of a chance to develop my personal identity. So now, at the age of 21, I am always shopping and trying out new looks to discover what best suits me.”

Q: As a student you have an organization and participate in events to raise awareness about child abuse. How do you manage your busy schedule?

A: “Time management! My planner is my life, and I would be completely lost without it. I have also become a talented at multitasking, and I try to focus on what’s important. For example, if I catch myself surfing social media, I remind myself that I am only gifted so much time, and I could be using that time more appropriate to focus on school, work, and the No Longer Silenced Movement.”  

 Q: Who is your support system now?

 A: “Professionally, I see a psychiatrist and a counselor. On an everyday basis, my support system consists of my boyfriend and his mother, my friends, and some of my co-workers. An addition and important support system is the high volume of those who read the Fashionable Philanthropist and contact me with words of support.”

Q: What are your career goals?

 A: “My highest ambitions are to obtain a Ph.D in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and work in an applied field. Currently, I believe that I would prefer to have a career in which I interact with people as opposed to working at a computer all day, so I’m currently exploring job opportunities within this field. I believe that it would be so incredible to improve the work lives of numerous people because it can drastically impact their health and mental state.”

Q: As a kid you were made fun of for being too skinny. What motivates your confidence today?

A: “Growing up, I was often called names such as, “Twigalette,” but today, I love my body. I am so proud to have a healthy and strong frame that is capable of such high achievement. Each day, I started looking at myself in a full length mirror, and I realized my body looked much different than how I pictured. I had always pictured myself as looking starved and gangly, but in all actuality, I look physically fit! What motivates my confidence today is looking in the mirror and admiring my beautiful body and all that it has achieved and appreciating its strength.”

Q: At College Lifestyles we have the Beauty by Confidence Campaign. What is your definition of beautiful?

A: “My definition of beautiful is looking and feeling my best in a way that pleases my expectations. I am not defined by what others say or believe.”

To connect further with Nicolette follow her on Twitter and like the No Longer Silenced Movement on Facebook. She’s truly amazing.

 

Amber Ferguson is a senior Fashion/Health Intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a sophomore at Prince George’s Community College. She’s obsessed with reality TV & loves traveling. Follow her on Twitter @Ms_AmberDawn!

Exclusive!: Siggy Flicker talks men, relationships and why you’re still single

Ladies, CL had the privilege to chat with Siggy Flicker, matchmaker and star of VH1’s dating show Why Am I Still Single?! She dishes on ways to meet guys, her recent wedding and finding Mr. Right.

 

Siggy Flicker has been giving out dating advice for almost 20 years. I think it’s fair to say she knows what she’s talking about. After going through a divorce and joining the single scene, Siggy began to follow her own dating tips and recently married the man of her dreams. “I found a man who thinks I’m the first word in the dictionary and the last. That’s how it should be,” says Flicker about her husband Michael. She said if she can find love, anybody can and she shares some of her greatest tips for single ladies looking for love.

 

‘Rejection is God’s protection’

“The best way to get over rejection is to get back out there. Keep moving forward and push through the hurt and the pain… it will build character and make you smarter and wiser. Everybody is afraid to fall flat on their face and I say you can’t be interesting until you have bruises, scars and scrapes.”

Respect yourself

“If a man didn’t call me by Wednesday he wasn’t going to see me on Friday. It’s all about loving yourself inside and out, respecting yourself and not giving yourself up too easy. If you’re going to have sex easy with a guy he’s going to think you’re having sex easy with every other guy that comes along and that’s not what you want him to think.”

Date older men

“Mistakes women make are dating someone younger. I don’t believe in that. I never match a client with someone who is younger than them. Women develop and are more mature than men… so if your 25 you should be dating someone who is at least five years older.”

Toss ‘The List’ 

“It’s not bad to say ‘I want to meet a man who is successful or good looking or kind’. All these things are good but how many people do you think come to me looking for the same thing. Sometimes you could be closing yourself off because that person is not exactly what you have on your vision board.”

Date twice a week

“Twice a week do something you normally wouldn’t do or have wanted to do and get out there. Try volunteering, taking a class, go to a concert or a museum. Meet other people. It’s a way to connect with someone.”

Compliment a cute guy

“The best way to approach a guy is to do one thing and it’s very short and simple- compliment him. You don’t have to ask him out or buy him a drink, just give him a compliment. If he’s single and available it could easily start a conversation. There’s no reason why you can’t be nice, show positive energy and compliment somebody.”

Get a wingwoman

“As long as she’s not single, I’m for it. If she’s single, she’s going to try and take that man. If she’s in a healthy and committed relationship, she’s not looking for [a man]. At the end of the day, she wants to see you happy and she wants to be your love picker.”

P.S. Siggy met Michael through her wingwoman/best friend who is married

Put down your cell phone

Have you ever noticed how many people walking down the street are so absorbed in their cell phone or IPod? Chances are most of us haven’t paid attention to this because we are guilty of it ourselves. Siggy’s advice- “Don’t be so involved in your cell phone and your Ipod when walking down the street. Look up and make eye contact with someone. All it takes is a look and a smile.”

Siggy’s best dating advice- change your attitude

“Be the type of person you want to date. That all goes back to attitude. Would you want to date a downer or a show off or someone who talks about themselves? No. Be that person because that’s what you’re going to attract.”

 

Want more dating wisdom from Siggy? Every Wednesday from 11am to noon catch her new webinar/radio show the Siggy Flicker Show. Four callers can phone in and get personal advice about their dating dilemmas. Siggy will also be returning to VH1 in October 2012 for her new TV show.

Be sure to connect with Siggy Flicker on her website, Twitter and Facebook page!

 

______________________________________________________________________________________

Minyvonne Burke is a fashion and lifestyle writer for College Lifestyles ™. She graduated from Point Park University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Hofstra University. She loves online shopping, cute bags and NYC.

Goodwill Hunting: How To Shop At Second-Hand Stores

Skillfully scouring through heaps of belts, piles of heels, and shelves of knickknacks from decades past is as easy as it sounds. It may appear intimidating–platforms from the 70s tend to do that to people–but see the racks of endless treasures as items in a vast and vibrant playing field. Looking to channel Brigitte Bardot á la the 1960s or in need of a funky costume? Head to a local shop full of hand-me-downs needing revival and keep these tips in mind.

Let the Clothes Speak

Go shopping with less of a plan. Wait and see what the store has to offer! If your eyes are set on finding a sheer, ruffled top, you might miss the vintage medallion that would work perfectly with those studded heels you recently bought! And don’t let shiny paillettes on a nearby cocktail dress blindside you–walk toward the sparkle. Let magic happen. Or, at least be open to letting magic happen–you won’t be disappointed.

Embrace the History

Get completely wrapped up in what makes a beaten-up fringe boot or a metal charm bracelet what it is. Consider these questions: Who brought this here? Where did this come from? Who wore it first? Think through your prospective purchase and the object will become that much cooler. Your next vintage-buy could’ve came straight from an “Old Hollywood” stars’ dressing room!

Look Ridiculous

Every era brings along trends which should never resurface again. As tragic as these said fashion-embarrassments are, delve into the entire experience by traveling back in time and trying on something crazy. Take pictures with your girlfriends at your discretion (remember, once photos go viral, good luck convincing your friend to take it down).

There’s Beauty in Imperfection

Embrace a missing rhinestone or two from a belt or a scuff mark on a leather jacket. It adds personality and age to a classic piece. Besides, anything can be altered and updated once it’s in your hands. If you can’t bare the scratch on the brim of your vintage Ray Ban’s, see if an eyeglass store can clean it up or fit you for a new frame. Problem solved!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

Pin It

5 Summer Movies to See With Your Girls

Summer is a great time to go outside and swim, run or tan. However, you are bound to get tired from the sun. When that moment comes, round up your girls and see one of these great summer flicks! Here are five movies that are guaranteed to keep you entertained:

1. The Lucky One-based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, this movie tells the story of a marine who finds a photograph of a woman he doesn’t know while at war in Iraq. When he returns home, the marine sets out on a quest to find the woman and becomes involved in her life. Check out the trailer and read reviews here!

Starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling; in theaters now

2. The Five-Year Engagement-This romantic comedy tells the story of a couple who deals with relationship problems when their engagement keeps getting extended. Learn more about the movie and watch the trailer here!

Starring Emily Blunt and Jason Segel; in theaters now

3. LOL-Lola, a 17-year-old high school student, is dumped by her boyfriend. To get back at him, she enters a new relationship with his best friend. Meanwhile, she deals with a strained relationship with her mother. Learn more and watch the trailer here!

Starring Miley Cyrus, Ashley Greene and Demi Moore; opens May 4 in limited release

4. What to Expect When You’re Expecting-This movie, based on the book of the same name, follows five couples that deal with all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Learn more and watch the trailer here!

Starring Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrison and many more; opens May 18

5. Snow White and the Huntsman-The evil Queen Ravenna tries to prevent her stepdaughter, Snow White, from becoming the future ruler of their kingdom. When Snow White runs away, the Queen asks the Huntsman to kill her. However, he instead befriends Snow White and teaches her the art of war to help in her rebellion against the Queen. Learn more and watch the trailer here!

Starring Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth; opens June 1

 

Which of these movies are you most looking forward to? Tell CL in the comments below!

 

 

Rachel Osman is a sophomore studying journalism at Indiana University. She can’t wait to see all of these movies this summer!

SarahFit Talks College Diets & Establishing a Brand to CL

Perhaps you’ve come across Sarah Dussault while browsing her over 200 videos on her popular YouTube channel looking for the latest fitness idea or read her blog for some cool recipe ideas. This University of Delaware alum has over 80 million views on YouTube and is your trusty source for everything diet, exercise, and lifestyle related. When she’s not watching her favorite T.V. show “Revenge” she eats her favorite treat, cupcakes, while sipping some SmartWater. With a dedicated “College” section on her blog, Sarah spoke to College Lifestyles about the challenges of being a healthy collegiate and how she navigated a hectic schedule and eating right.

Q: How is your website different from other health/fitness sites?

 A: “I think I symbolize what most women struggle with. I love fitness and not all the girls do but granted I love the cupcakes and I love college. Telling someone in college to completely not dink and cut out sweets because that’s not realistic. That’s what every diet and weight loss group says. So when I started to do my channel I found that I have a lot of college followers. My site’s different in that I say it’s okay to have a drink or two and I show that I do screw up sometimes but its not one of those things where you should throw in the towel if you have a mess up. Get back up on the horse and try again. I’m one of the few bloggers that also has a strong YouTube channel.”

Q: Do you have any tips for busy college who say they don’t have the time to exercise?

 A: “I don’t like accepting excuses. I was a college student I know what it is like to make the time. All you have to do is 20 minutes. Whether that’s 20 minutes in the morning or before your classes, that’s the easy answer. Those who are really strapped for time I tell them to move their body more and focus on their diet. You cannot exercise enough to overrule a bad diet. If you’re going to drink 10 beers and have late-night pizza, you’re not going to be able to exercise enough to not have a weight gain. In order to counterbalance you need to make good decisions when it comes to your diet. When it comes to moving your body, walk to class and take the stairs. If your on the phone and want to call your mom or call your friend at another school instead of sitting on the couch and talking, walk you burn more calories.”

Q: How did you compose the College Diet Plan?

A: “It’s a combination of literally what I’ve used to lose weight when I was in college. Sophomore year I lost all the weight I gained freshman year and kept it off. The College Diet is a mix between I did and what I do now. It’s clean eating (for the most part) and you have to use what you have available. It’s quick suggestions of what you could put together in your dorm room, dining hall, or student center. The foods don’t necessarily need to be cooked or stored in the fridge.”

Q: What are quick healthy meals for college students on the go?

A: “One of my favorite things is having an apple, a handful of almonds, and a Laughing Cow mini Babybell cheese. Its portable, you can put it in your bag, and it will stay fresh for a few hours. When you don’t have time to eat lunch that’s a quick little 250-calorie lunch. If you can run home to your apartment in between classes try making a smoothie. Other things are stir-fry. If you have a kitchenette stir-fry is awesome. At the dining hall go for brown rice and a salad.”

Q: For YouTube how did you gain so many subscribers? Do you have any tips?

A: “I started making YouTube videos in 2006 and basically it’s about being honest, be yourself, and have consistency within your brand. This is something I don’t have because I started so early and Twitter didn’t exist when I started my YouTube channel. Have your YouTube name, Twitter name, and Facebook name all under the same. Interact with your fans. When they leave you a comment, respond. If they give you a suggestion on a video to make, make it.”

 This season Sarah’s sporting the neon trend. To watch her bikini ready or prom workouts be sure to check out her YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook page!

 

 

Amber Ferguson is a senior Fashion/Health Intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a sophomore at Prince George’s Community College. She’s obsessed with reality TV & loves traveling. Follow her on Twitter @Ms_AmberDawn!

Next Page »