College Lifestyles: Behind the Scenes at NYC’s Fashion’s Night Out

On September 8, thousands upon millions of Fashionista’s worldwide hit the streets of their favorite cities to shop until they drop for Fashion’s Night Out. This glamorous night for the fashion crowd, is a sight to see in NYC as girls run into their fave boutiques for their free goodies, get their pictures taken by Rent the Runway, and even dance on the streets of the Meatpacking District. The best part of all: College Lifestyles set out to tell all about FNO NYC.

While the streets of the Meatpacking District were loaded with classy guys and gals of all ages, stores and businesses took this opportunity to show customers their appreciation. While some were passing out free fancy cocktails, others were giving away totes filled with treats or taking fabulous pictures on the classic red carpet.

The most popular and talked about were the Rent The Runway girls running the show on the streets and asking all to get their pictures taken for the oh-so-famous site that rents out designer dresses for more than half off the regular price. While girls were posing, they scored free hot pink Rent the Runway Wayfarers. The chic sunglasses made any Fashionista game for a picture.

Two other popular spots would catch the attention of any girl walking by —-Theory and Diane Von Furstenburg. Theory, a popular store known for their graphic tees and FNO clothing collection was throwing a party like no other. While models walked around giving out hors d’oeuvres, an underground band played in the front, while glam give-a-ways left everyone wanting for more. Diane Von Furstenburg, the actual DVF that Whitney Port worked at on The City, had a line out the door off savvy shoppers wanting more DVF.

Shoppers in the Meatpacking District were given endless pamphlets of events at all locations. It was quite helpful to find one’s way around won such a busy night. As the streets in this area were shut down, tents were placed on the cobblestone alleys so that glam girls could get their makeup done by Maybelline and even get free mascara out of the deal.

While many shops their night away, some come to meet and chat. We did and met a

emerging fashion designer worth getting to know. Carrie Morrissey, creator of I Still Love You NYC posed for a picture with her fashionable friends for the night.

All in all, FNO NYC was fabulous. If you’re interested in getting steals and deals in savvy stores most dream of shopping at, FNO is a must. For more information and to stay tuned on next years FNO, explore http://fashionsnightout.com/.

Michele Drago is a senior Communications major at Misericordia University. When she’s not tweeting and writing a fashion column for her university’s newspaper, she’s usually shopping for chic ballet flats, chatting with her best friends, or ordering Salted Caramel Hot Chocolates from Starbucks.

Simple CL Rules to Live By

We’ve all heard the so-called ‘rules’ that nobody follows anymore. (Don’t wear white after Labor Day, anyone?) Here is a list of rules you’ll actually pay attention to – from real college girls, CL interns, a fashion icon, and our very own CEO.

1. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Even the fake ones.

2. “Pluck your eyebrows every day or every other day for a cleaned up look and also to avoid having to pay for eyebrow waxes.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

3. Great-fitting jeans are a staple of any girl’s wardrobe.

4. “Carry a Tide Pen in case you spill something on your shirt.” – Shelly, College Lifestyles CEO

5. Always wear sunscreen. No exceptions.

6. “Always take off your makeup before you go to bed.” – Roselyn, New York University

7. Floss.

8. “Keep moisturized – face and body. I feel like people moisturize the face and not the body, but the body ages too.” – Nicole, Georgetown University

9. If you wear leggings as pants, make sure they’re not see-through.

10. “Keep a facial exfoliator around and exfoliate your face 1-2 times a week to avoid dry, flaky skin as the weather gets colder.” -  Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

11. Buy foundation and concealer that works on your skin. Make sure to test them in natural light.

12. “I think that everyone should have a statement piece. Something that they wear (frequently or not) that everyone associates with them and is the best descriptor of their personality.” – Ellen, Michigan State University, CL Intern

13.  Boots are great walking shoes.

14. Dress for the weather – think layers!

15. Don’t wear makeup to the gym. It clogs your pores when you sweat and causes acne.

16. “Always bring flats! Gap makes cute ones that fold up and come in a little pouch, perfect for a night out to throw in your purse!” – Emily, SUNY Oswego, CL Intern

17. Red lipstick flatters everyone. Just make sure it’s a red that suits your skin tone.

18. ” Splurge on more expensive items for your staple pieces (Winter coat, nice dress shoes, fall boots, etc.) & bargain hunt for your basics at places like Forever 21 & Target – plain tees, zip-up hoodies, flats, etc.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

19. Never wear an outfit that you’re not comfortable in, no matter the opinions of others.

20. “Carry water at all times with you.” – Shelly, College Lifestyles CEO

21. Take proper care of your shoes to prolong their life.

22. Don’t buy heels unless you can stand in them for more than an hour.

23. Use a heat-protective spray when you blow dry your hair.

24. Know what makes you look amazing, and wear it on the days that you need an ego boost.

25. Switch the side that you carry your bag on to avoid back problems.

26. A great smile is the best accessory.

27. “Drink lots of water for minimal bloat and healthier skin, and use chapstick for the best makeup application!” – Bethany, Ohio University, CL Intern

28. Never put lingerie in the dryer.

29. “A blazer or cardigan brings any outfit a few steps up.” – Sarah, UNC-Chapel Hill

30. A wristlet is a clubbing must-have – cute, small, and you’re guaranteed not to lose it.

31. “Treat your hair to a leave-in conditioning treatment 2-3 times a month to help repair all the damage done by heat styling products.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

32. A great set of lingerie does wonders for your confidence. Even if you’re the only one who sees it.

33. You are beautiful without makeup. Don’t be afraid to go outside bare-faced.

34. “Incorporate a bit of your personality into what you wear.” – Michelle, Scripps College

35. Well-groomed nails are the hallmark of a classy woman.

36. A bright umbrella makes a rainy day that much better.

37. Dress for the body you have, not the body you want. Remember: clothes are made to make you look good, not the other way around.

38. “Show legs or upper body (cleavage), not both. For example, if wearing a mini skirt, focus on legs and wear a more modest top; if you’re wearing a longer skirt/dress, go for a halter/tank/strapless look.” – Shelly, College Lifestyles CEO

39. Travel. Be inspired.

40. “Give your nails a break from nail polish for a week or 2 each month to avoid them turning yellow. Use a nail buffer to make nails appear naturally shiny.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL intern

41. Waterproof mascara. Always. You never know when you might burst into tears.

42. The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!” -Coco Chanel

43. Wear what YOU want to wear, whether or not it’s on trend.

44. “Use gradual tanning lotion such as Jergen’s for a natural glow AND moisturizer instead of the hitting the tanning beds.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

45. Dress for class. It may be tempting to walk out the door in sweats, but you’ll be more attentive and less likely to jump back into bed.

46. Work with your natural hair texture every once in a while.

47. “Never spend loads of money on plain T-shirts. Why waste money on a plain T-shirt when you could purchase a dress or something that would make your wardrobe stand out?” – Michele, Misericordia University, CL Intern

48. Wear a watch.

49. Pearls class up any outfit.

50. You will have great outfits and “oh-my-god-why-did-I-wear-that-moments.” Learn from them. Don’t take it too seriously. Have fun.

Sasha Graffagna is a junior Journalism and Comparative Literature major at New York University. She is currently studying abroad in Buenos Aires.

TOMS Shoes: Fabulously Accessorizing While Helping Others

By now, there’s one staple shoe every classy co-ed must own. If you’re in the mood to add flair to an outfit or take a stroll around campus, a pair of TOMS is a necessity to your wardrobe.

While this comfy shoe comes in all colors, textures and designs, the best part about the savvy styled shoe is the feeling one gets after purchasing a pair. Not only are you now making your outfit even more fabulous than ever, but TOMS also donates a pair to a child in need after every pair purchased. This is why we love TOMS!

Since the shoe first came about in 2006, TOMS has expanded over the years with detailed designs making any classy Fashionista crave for more. Now that class is back in session and the semesters underway, this is the perfect accessory to own. Check below for a few of our favorites and how to master the TOMS look.

1. Silver Glitters - First and favorite on the list are these beauties! Dress them up or dress them down, they scream ‘Wear me with something pretty!’ Whether you’re going for a night out with your friends or getting ready for a long day of classes, these can be worn with just about anything, but would look adorable at night with your favorite little black dress.

2. Black Suede Desert Botas – One of the latest edition to the TOMS shoe family, the Botas are fab for fall. Just think of the outfit options that this comfortable but bold boot can be worn with. This shoe would look absolutely adorable with a skirt, yet still amazing with something plaid and skinny jeans. Very fall and very chic.

3. Snow Leopard Vegan Classics – Animal prints are a huge part of the season ahead, so owning a pair of these pretty leopard printed classics is probably a good thing. If you’re feeling like your outfit for the day needs some color (or  in this case so leopard) put these on and you’ve just freshened up your jeans and white tee outfit combo for a lazy yet stylish day.

Remember classy co-eds, a good pair of shoes can take an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Next time, you’re in a total fashion rut, TOMS is you’re place to look.

Michele Drago is a senior Communications major at Misericordia University. When she’s not tweeting and writing a fashion column for her university’s newspaper, she’s usually shopping for chic ballet flats, chatting with her best friends, or ordering Salted Caramel Hot Chocolates from Starbucks.

Meet Michele: CL’s newest Classy Intern

Name: Michele Drago

School: Misericordia University

Major: Communications with a Specialization in Public Relations and Advertising

Year in studies: Senior

I have been a College Lifestyles Intern since: August 2011

Organizational Involvement: Fashion Columnist with The Highlander, PRSSA member, Intercollegiate Leadership Wilkes-Barre graduate, Published Student Author with College Prowler, Style Guru with College Fashionista and Student Assistant with MU’s Marketing Communications department. Past Public Relations intern with Wyoming Seminary.

Pets: A sophisticated yet stylish black cat named Kitty Boy and a black lab named Fluja.

My friends would say I am: a fun, outgoing, fashion-obsessed, classy girl that’s always laughing!

My style is: Both vintage and feminine. I’ll wear everything and anything that I think is chic and if it’s pretty and pink, you’ll find it in my closet!

My go-to accessory: a long pearl necklace.

My favorite snacks: fruit smoothies, peach yogurt, and Cocoa Pebbles.

My hobbies include: watching re-runs of Pretty Little Liars, shopping, and reading every fashion magazine I could get my hands on!

Favorite movies: Disturbia, Mean Girls, & Clueless.

I have a slight obsession with: Juicy Couture, ballet flats, animal prints, oh and Shia LaBeouf.

I dislike: coffee, bugs, & waking up before the sun comes out.

On my desk you will find: a huge stack of Teen Vogues, hand sanitizer, & pictures of my best friends and I.

My favorite form of social media: Facebook for everything!

MAC vs PC: MAC – all the way!

Coffee vs Tea:  Actually, neither for me! I’m more of a hot chocolate kinda’ girl.

Coke vs Pepsi: Neither again, Sierra Mist.

My definition of a classy co-ed: a smart, outgoing girl who does everything to the best of her ability but still has time to have fun!

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: I’m excited to be a CL intern because I can’t wait to share all I know about fashion steals and deals for the classy co-ed crowd!