25 Facts About CL Editor Sasha Graffagna

   Name: Sasha Graffagna 

   Position: Editor

   University: New York University

Major: Journalism + Comparative Literature

Organizational Involvement: Theta Phi Beta Sorority, NYU Women’s Choir, NYU Ballroom Dance Team

Pets: My black lab Danny!

Nickname: Sushi + Snoopy

Dream Job: Travel Writer

Favorite color: Teal and Hot Pink.

Favorite candy: Butterfinger.

Favorite movie: These are impossible…but I loved The Shawshank Redemption, which I just saw.

Favorite cuisine: Japanese!

Favorite season: Summer. Nothing beats the beach.

 

Coffee vs Tea: Do I have to choose?

PC vs Mac: PC

Coke vs Pepsi: Neither. I can’t stand soda.

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Polka dots. So preppy-chic!

 

3 words to describe me: talkative, well-traveled, optimist.

3 words to describe my style: casual, diverse, city-girl

 

You will find on my desk: a giant mess.

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: New Girl, How I Met Your Mother, 2 Broke Girls, Hart of Dixie, Once Upon A Time

You will find on my Ipod: J-Pop, regular pop, and Latin music.

You will find in my refrigerator: a lot of Japanese food.

I have a slight obsession with: coffee, chocolate, and Glee.

I dislike: closed-mindedness.

My friends would say I am: hyper and talkative.

I am most happy when: I am traveling.

Most people are surprised to know I: speak 3 languages! English, Spanish, and Japanese.

A classy co-ed is: a sophisticated woman who knows that college isn’t everything, but is out to enjoy every last minute of it.

Sasha Graffagna is a rising senior at New York University. She is studying Journalism and Comparative Literature, and super-excited for her last summer as a college student!

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.

What To Pack For A 3-Day Weekend

Off for a weekend trip this Memorial Day? Check out our handy guide on what to pack!

 

 

1. Bottoms: Jeans, Shorts, Skirt.

Assuming you’re gone for 3 days, 3 bottoms are all you need. Jeans go with everything and can be worn more than once, which is perfect for a vacation, especially if there’s a chance you’ll stay there longer than expected. Shorts are a summer staple, and a mid-length skirt can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.

2. Tops: Cardigan, Tank, 2 T-Shirts.

On a weekend trip away, layering can be your best friend. Especially in the summer, when the days are super-hot and the nights can get surprisingly cold. So bring 2 regular tops, but add a tank and a cardigan for layering purposes. Also, bring both tops and bottoms in neutral colors so it’s easier to match.

3. Shoes: Gladiator Sandals, Heels.

In the summer, gladiator sandals will take you pretty much anywhere. On the off chance they won’t, bring a pair of simple heels. Just make sure to keep your toes prettily pedicured.

4. Bags: Clutch, Tote.

A clutch and an everyday bag are all you need on vacation. If you’re headed to the beach, try a straw tote. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a tote large enough to carry all your items to your destination.

5. Makeup + Accessories: Bright and Few.

Just because your tops and bottoms are neutral doesn’t mean your entire outfit has to be boring. Try brightening up your look with your makeup and accessories. Just don’t go overboard – think a couple of statement pieces, not your entire closet.

6. Miscellaneous: Sunglasses, Extra Underwear, Swimsuit, Chargers.

Sunglasses and a swimsuit are summer staples that everybody always forgets. Bring the swimsuit even if a pool or beach are not in your plans – you never know when you might need it. As for the extra underwear? If you end up staying an extra day, it’s the one thing you’re really going to want.  The chargers go without saying, if you’re bringing any kind of electronics (iPod, cell phone, laptop).

What do you normally bring on a 3-day weekend? Let us know in the comments!

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

Style by the City: Miami

You may be slaving away through finals, but your wardrobe doesn’t have to look like it. Take some inspiration from a tropical city like Miami, Florida, to add a little summer fun to your wardrobe.

 

Casual Outfit: Freedom Tower

With its fresh architecture, Miami’s Freedom Tower is a great inspirational outfit for a stylish summer casual outfit. Start with a pair of white pants (5), $24.95, and a cropped yellow shirt (1), $44.90, which is in keeping with the tower’s color scheme. Beige wedge sandals (4), $39.99, and a straw clutch (2), $16.80, neutralize the outfit and keep the outfit dressy but casual. But since it’s summer, don’t be afraid to go a little overboard on the brights – we chose  feather turquoise earrings (3), $14, and red lipstick (6), $14.50 in honor of the Cuban flag – the Freedom Tower is currently being used as a Cuban refugee center.

Sasha Graffagna is a New York University junior studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. She is currently on exchange at La Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Follow her on Polyvore at sasha74.

How To Get A Career Wardrobe On A College Budget

Whether you’re graduating this year or just on your way to a summer internship, developing a career wardrobe can be an expensive challenge. College Lifestyles helps you out with our collection of basic businesswoman staples at college student prices.

 

Shoes:

A pair of basic black ballet flats (1), $18, will get you through almost any work event. Want a little color? Red flats (2), $12.95, are cute and work-appropriate. Feed your heel obsession with a pair of nude pumps (3), $24.97, that go with almost everything and elongate your legs. And if all else fails, you can never go wrong with a pair of black pumps (4), $19.90.

Tops:

A black blazer (1), $29.80,  is the LBD of jackets – goes everywhere and with everything. Switch it out for a white blazer (2), $29.95, for a more summery look. A white button-down (3), $22, is another basic staple, but pay extra attention to the fit when you buy it, and keep it ironed! A wrinkled shirt that gapes at the chest just screams unprofessional. For a break from all the neutrals, grab a V-neck sweater in a muted bright or pastel, like this ice blue one (4), $16.90.

Accessories:

If you spend money on one thing in your wardrobe, invest in a large, structured bag (1), $35, that will last you for years. A french manicure (2), $2.14, might not seem important, but it’s an essential detail that will pull your look together. Don’t spend too much money on your pantyhose (3), $9, since they’re guaranteed to rip anyway. And find a simple watch (4), $9.99, that looks expensive but isn’t, because constantly checking your phone for the time will surely irritate your boss.

Bottoms:

A pair of black pants (1), $24.90,  is versatile and makes up a suit when paired with a button-down shirt and a blazer. If you’re more of a skirt girl, go for a pencil skirt (2), $20,  that hits just above the knee. A pleated A-line (3), $29.98,  is great for more casual days and keeps you cool in the summer. If you’re lucky enough to get to wear jeans, go for a dark-rinse pair (4), $19.90. Just make sure to keep the rest of your look immaculate.

Did we miss any of your career wardrobe staples? Have you ever gotten a great deal on an expensive purchase? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is a junior at New York University studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. Follow her on Polyvore at sasha74.

Style by the City: Las Vegas

When the weather starts to get just a bit too hot, Las Vegas is the perfect place to look for a little style inspiration. Their partying attitude may not be the best way to get through finals, but their style is sure to put a little spring in your step.

 

Casual Outfit: Las Vegas Sign 

Las Vegas is so fabulous that it needs a sign to tell you just how fabulous it is. You can look just as great in a pair of bright denim shorts and a yellow logo tee with a message that fits perfectly with Las Vegas’ anything-goes attitude. Add a pair of red sandals that will allow you to sight-see comfortably before a night on the town, and a little pink neon bag to hold all your essentials. Finish off your look with a glam glittery red nail polish because hey, you’re in Vegas!

Evening Outfit: Bellagio Fountain

Las Vegas is synonymous with dancing the night away, so get the party started in this daring cut-out purple dress. Since we’re at a fountain, add a pair of strappy watery blue sandals and a matching glitzy clutch. Complete the outfit with a pair of statement silver earrings.

Internship Outfit: Hoover Dam

About 30 miles from Las Vegas is the Hoover Dam, the greatest engineering feat of the 1930s. Channel this determination into your work by choosing the perfect business-like internship outfit. A pair of linen pants and a white tank top keep you cool in the heat, while a structured blue blazer prevents the outfit from becoming too casual. Add a pair of blue pumps and a silver-and-white tote that reflects the Hoover Dam.

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

5 Ways With Popcorn

A bag of microwave un-buttered popcorn is a super-fast, surprisingly healthy snack. Unfortunately, it can also get pretty boring. Jazz up your Friday movie night with our popcorn recipes and the perfect movie for each one.

 

1) Popcorn Italiano (Adapted from the Food Network’s How To Boil Water):

To Watch: An Italian-inspired movie, like Roman Holiday.

To Eat: Pour popcorn out into a large bowl. Add a dash of extra virgin olive-oil, and a pinch of garlic powder. Add a generous helping of italian seasoning. If you’re out, mix together any combination of dried basil, dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Finish the recipe with a few sprinkles of parmesan cheese.

2) Movie Theater Popcorn

To Watch: A timeless classic, like The Wizard of Oz.

To Eat: Crush pretzels into small pieces. Mix with popcorn in large bowl. Add a small handful of Milk Duds and M&Ms. Top with some cinnamon sugar to taste.

3) Power Popcorn (Adapted from Eat Drink Better)

To Watch: A inspiring athletic movie, like Prefontaine.

To Eat: Pour popcorn into large bowl. Add sunflower seeds, nuts, and some dried fruits. For nuts, we like chopped walnuts, but try sliced almonds if you’re in a hurry. For the fruits, raisins are standard. Try dried figs or apricots for a gourmet touch.

4) Hot & Spicy Popcorn

To Watch: A thriller, like Columbiana.

To Eat: Pour popcorn into a large bowl. Add a bit of shredded cheese when still hot and toss until it melts a little. For spice, sprinkle on cayenne pepper, paprika, and as much hot sauce as you can handle.

5) Cookies & Cream Popcorn (Adapted from Handle the Heat)

To Watch: A chick flick, like When Harry Met Sally.

To Eat: Melt some white chocolate (6 oz for every 13 of a cup) in the microwave. Pour over freshly popped popcorn, and toss with a spoon to coat. Chop up some chocolate cookies (Oreos anyone?) and mix together. Wait about 10-15 minutes until it sets, or stick it in the fridge for about 5 if you’re impatient.

What are your favorite popcorn recipes? Let us know in the comments!

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

College Lifestyles Interviews La Carmina: Fashion Blogger, TV Host, World Traveler

Want to travel the world? Be on TV? Write a book? La Carmina has done all that and more.  After being accepted to Yale Law School at just 20 years old, La Carmina needed a creative outlet and began a style blog in September 2007. Since then, La Carmina has acquired an impressive resume a mere 7 years after her graduation from Columbia University. College Lifestyles had the chance to pick this multimedia guru’s brain, and find out how you can do all the cool things she does – for a living.

 

College Lifestyles (CL): Could you explain for our readers what exactly it is you do?
La Carmina (LC): I’m a travel and fashion TV host, journalist, and blogger at http://www.lacarmina/com/blog. My focus is on alternative and Gothic youth subcultures, in Japan and all over the world. I was born in Vancouver, Canada and studied at Columbia University and Yale Law, but I started a blog and it led me down a life-changing road. I’m now the author of 3 books — including Cute Yummy Time (Penguin) and Crazy, Wacky Theme Restaurants: Tokyo (Random House) — and a journalist for CNN, Huffington Post, AOL. My ”First Mate” and I started a TV fixing, hosting and coolhunting (CL Note: ie trendspotting) firm, called “La Carmina & The Pirates.” I also host my own web series for AOL / Huffington Post, and constantly travel for appearances and press trips (this year, I participated in a panel and sat front row at New York Fashion Week). Right now, my focus is on television presenting; my credits include The Today Show, Travel Channel, NHK Japan, Fuel/Discovery/National Geographic, Food Network, Pepsi, Sony, Norway TV, CNN. All my TV clips are here.

CL: How did you start each of these ventures?
LC: From the start, my blog focused on my passion: Japanese, alternative and subculture style. As fashion blogging blew up, I was fortunate to have opportunities to host TV shows, travel (New York, Italy, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan), and write for major publishers and media organizations. My site organically led to these opportunities; Andrew Zimmern’s production company found me because I wrote a book about theme restaurants and blogged about bizarre Japanese cafes. They invited to be the guide on Bizarre Foods in Tokyo. After, I kept receiving television hosting and arranging offers, so I started a company with my First Mate Naomi, called La Carmina & The Pirates. We also do coolhunting, consulting, Tokyo tour guiding and other missions.

CL: What is a typical day like for you?
LC: Each day is different, depending on whether I’m on a TV shoot, traveling, or working on my site and Pirate jobs. If I’m on a travel TV shoot, it’s go-go-go from morning to night. There’s tons of advance planning, from getting filming permits to sorting out each step of the itinerary. On low-key days, I spend time with my Scottish Fold cat, Basil Farrow, and catch up on the deluge of emails that never seems to end.

CL: By the looks of it, you’re an extremely busy person – how do you manage your time?
LC: I believe in “working smart.” A lot of people work themselves to the ground for no reason or gain. I think it’s important to manage your time well, say no to the unessential tasks, and delegate. Fortunately, since my work is strongly personality-based, work and play are usually linked.

CL: How did you become interested in Japanese culture?
LC: Since my family is from Asia, we often traveled to Japan when I was young. In my early teens, I visited Harajuku and adored the vibrant street fashion and culture – Jrock, Gothic Lolita, Punk, Kawaii. This was the initial spark that led to where I am today. I continue to be fascinated by Japanese pop culture, such as the weird theme restaurants and cute bento boxes.

CL: How did last year’s 3/11 earthquake affect your work?
LC: Many of my friends were affected by the disaster, and I wanted to do something to help. I fundraised in LA, and released two design collaborations to benefit Japan: a HOPE benefit t-shirt with Like Atmosphere, and a panda bear necklace with Soho Hearts. Both are for sale here, with proceeds going to the earthquake and tsunami victims. These charity collections are meaningful to me because they’re an artistic response to the disaster; a way to raise awareness and rebuild. On the anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami (March 11), I also teamed up with two amazing Industrial dancers, tank9 and Mary Nine. We filmed a dance video in Seattle, for Ridley Scott’s “Japan in a Day” project — you can watch it here. Our footage captures the immense positivity and energy of youths teaming up for an important cause.

CL: Why do you think you’ve become so successful as an online presence, and how can CL readers do the same?
LC: Part of it is luck and good timing; I started La Carmina blog in 2007, when blogging was a relatively new phenomenon. I posted frequently, participated in social networks and built everything up gradually. I also feel that when an opportunity presents itself, you should try to take it as far as it can go — the sky’s the limit. I never dreamed I could have these amazing gigs in travel and TV, but now it’s my life.

CL: How did your undergraduate experience shape your career?
LC: I studied at Columbia University in New York City. I like to say I majored in “nightcrawling,” since I probably learned more from the city’s alt nightlife than the classroom! However, I loved my school’s Core Curriculum, and humanities courses in Japanese culture and philosophy. Going to Columbia and Yale Law let me explore my interests and figure out what I wanted to do.

CL: What advice do you have for aspiring writers/fashion designers/TV hosts?
LC: Prove that you’ve got the track-record (schooling, portfolio of successful projects). Show numbers and the results that you can
deliver. And only work with people who “get it.” You have something special to offer, a window into the world you inhabit — so make sure your clients appreciate and respect that. I think a college education always helps to broaden your mind, and get you where you want to be.

CL: What’s your favorite place you’ve been and why?
LC: I love Tokyo’s spooky scene. You’ll always find me and my friends at Goth Industrial and Fetish parties. I also spend too much time in the Japanese Lolita Jrock Punk second hand store, Closet Child.

CL: What’s your favorite part of the job? What’s the most difficult?
LC: Nothing makes me happier than hearing from readers, who say my blog brightened up their day, or inspired/ helped them in some way. Sometimes it’s challenging to work for yourself — you have to always juggle and chase new projects — but I love the freedom and flexibility it gives me.

CL: How do you manage your personal relationships when you travel so much?
LC: Skype and email makes it easy to keep in touch. And my Scottish Fold cat, Basil Farrow is endlessly forgiving.

CL: Goth-Loli style is beautiful but very dramatic. What is a good ’starter outfit’ for someone who wants to incorporate a little bit of this style in their wardrobe?
LC: There’s no rulebook that states you must own certain items or wear expensive Japanese brands to enter this lovely world. Instead, you can make Lolita a part of your life in many small ways. And the further you explore this wonderland, the more your confidence will grow. Start with tiny “tips of the hat” to Lolita fashion in your daily wear. For example, you might wear a big bow in your hair, or doll eyelashes, or a cute tutu skirt. My friends and I like to mix Loli influences into our clothes; we don’t believe you have to look like an Angelic Pretty model in order to genuinely enjoy the fashion.

CL: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
LC: “Don’t be a tuna head!” From the Maniac Mansion computer game.

CL: Is there anything important that you’d like to share with CL that I haven’t asked?
LC:  It’s impossible to predict the path you’ll end up on, but a college education will always help you to get there. I’ve found that my writing and reporting has benefited from my studies, and that companies have been more keen to work with me because of my degrees. I didn’t end up in law, but found a path that I love, and that’s 100% me. And you can do the same! I hope you’ll stay tuned to my La Carmina blog, to see where my adventures take me next.

Want to know more about La Carmina? Check out her blog, find her on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter!

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

Looks for Less: Lourdes Leon

Madonna may have been the style icon of the 80s, but her 15-year-old daughter, Lourdes Leon, is well on her way to being a style icon in her own right. Since we poor college students don’t have access to Madonna’s fortune, College Lifestyles helps you look just as fashionable as Lourdes for way, way less money.

To get this look, start with a cropped lace tank (1), $19.90, and pair with a high-waisted assymetrical black skirt (2), $45. This outfit has a lot of impact, so keep the accessories simple with a thick watch (3), $15.85, and a braided bracelet (4), $5.99. Complete the monochromatic palette with a gray satchel (5), $49.50, and a pair of sturdy, easy-to-walk-in combat boots (6), $42.

Ever the fashionable gal, Lourdes transforms a black strapless minidress (7), $22.38, with some well-chosen accessories. Steal a guy friend’s oversized plaid shirt (5), $19.95, and layer it under a faux leather jacket (1), $59.95. Ours doesn’t have studs, but we keep the rocker vibe with a chain (6), $22, and ripped stockings (3), $8. Buy a pair with a simple pattern and rip them with a key. A pair of ankle booties (4), $17.99, and leg warmers (8), $15,  keep you warm in case it gets chilly. Finish the outfit with a black wristlet (2), $22. Not on Lourdes’ list, but not all of us can have  an entourage to hold our stuff.

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

Style by the City: Valparaíso, Chile

It’s officially spring, which means college women around the country are finally looking to put some fresh color back into their wardrobes. So this week’s Style by the City heads to Valparaíso, Chile. This city  may not be a bona fide Santiago. But, it’s unique landscape makes it the perfect place for outfit inspiration.

 

 

Evening Outfit: El Mercurio del Valparaiso

El Mercurio del Valparaíso is the oldest Spanish-language newspaper in the world, so the evening outfit inspired by it is all about classic neutrals. A pair of graphic newsprint pants are bold and yet subdued in color, while a sleeveless white sweater is perfect for unpredictable spring weather. Black sequin pumps and a silver clutch keep the neutral theme, but add a pop of metallic trendiness. Complete the outfit with a pair of silver arrow earrings, in tribute to the statue on the newspaper building, pictured top left.

Casual Outfit: Piano Stairs

Valparaiso has some of the most beautiful graffiti in the world, like the piano stairs pictured in this photo. Start your outfit with a piano bag and a pair of simple flats for all that walking. Since the entire site is bursting with color, use this season’s huge color blocking trend to your advantage. Here, we chose a red tank top and a yellow skirt. The skirt is tiered, which pays added homage to the stairs. Finally, add a trendy pastel jacket, like this sea green one inspired by the handrail.

Internship Outfit: Funicular

Valparaiso’s funiculars, essentially cable cars, bring hundreds of tourists and residents around the city every day. Since the funiculars are so brightly colored, the star of the outfit is a bright but work-appropriate yellow dress. Since the dress commands attention, keep the accessories neutral with a simple blue bag and pumps. Make sure to check the dress code at your office before you try this outfit, though. If neutrals rule the day where you intern, you may want to add a simple blazer or steer clear of this altogether.

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

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