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.

The Next “It” Girls: Young Actresses To Watch

Before they become the “It” girls, they are the “Hey she looks familiar wasn’t she in…” girls. You may only remember them from a brief movie role, but these four lovely ladies are getting a stiletto in the door in Tinseltown, and I don’t think I’m the only one relieved to hear about a starlet other than Lindsay Lohan. These talented ladies are standing on the edge of celebrity, and I for one am here to welcome them with open arms. Here’s the rundown of four names to know:

Olivia Thirlby

A born and bred native New Yorker, you know her from the awesomely quotable movie Juno. Since playing the part of Ellen Page’s bff Olivia has been in The Wackness, New York, I Love You, and No Strings Attached. And this 24-year-old doesn’t just impress on the big screen, she has killer style as well, fashion photographers and the paparazzi have definitely taken notice. As of now she has two movies coming out in 2012, and don’t be surprised if another is added to the list.

Jamie Chung

In 2004 Jamie was known as the fun and sweet one on The Real World: San Diego, and  the public has loved her ever since. She has been slowly but surely working her way into the tight-knit group of Hollywood, with small television roles and movie parts. All that hard work paid off, Jamie’s big break happened with her role in The Hangover Part II. If her acting history shows us anything, it’s that this dark-haired beauty will be sticking around for a while.

Keke Palmer

Known for her comedic timing and beautiful smile, Keke has more than held her own when acting with the likes of Queen Latifah, Laurence Fishburne, and Tyler Perry. You may recognize her from Akeelah and the Bee, but Keke has kept herself busy in the acting world since then. She has had roles in countless television and movies, with more experience at the age of 18 than some actresses twice her age.

Saoirse Ronan

A government produced assassin, Saoirse impressed, well, pretty much everyone with her awesome portrayal of the 16-year-old conflicted killer in Hanna. She also played Daisy in the Lovely Bones, and is set to star in the movie The Host next year, based off of the Stephanie Meyer novel. With her ability to transform into every character she plays regardless of time period or accent, expect to see Saoirse’s piercing blue eyes a lot more on the silver screen.

Jessica Salerno is a junior at Ohio University majoring in journalism. She loves playing soccer, going shopping, and pop culture!

USA Women’s Soccer Team Continues To Make America Proud

The emotional roller coaster was almost too much to take. Joy, confusion, anger, disappointment, and insane excitement are just some of the feelings USA fans experienced watching the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinals game against Brazil on Sunday. But probably the strongest emotion fans felt was pride, for the USA players never gave up, and went on to win the game in a “this only happens in movies” style. For those who missed it, here’s a game summary:

1. Brazil scored an own goal, giving the USA the lead in the second minute of the game
2. USA defender Rachel Buehler was given a red card (in the box) after a controversial call in the 66th minute of the game, leaving the USA with only 10 players
3. Brazilian player Daiane took the penalty kick, which USA goalkeeper Hope Solo stopped
4. The referee called back the kick, claiming Solo stepped off the line before she was allowed
5. Brazilian all star Marta took the second kick PK, scoring and securing the tie
6. The game goes into overtime, two halves of 15 minutes each
7. Marta scored in the beginning minutes of the first overtime half
8. In the 122nd minute Megan Rapinoe crossed a ball to Abby Wambach who headed the ball into the net, tying the game and advancing the game to a shootout
9. Both teams make the first 3 penalty kicks, until Solo stops Daiane’s shot
10. USA players Rapinoe and Ali Krieger both made their shots, winning the game

To make the entire game even more poetic, exactly 12 years ago to the day USA beat Japan in penalty kick shootouts, winning their second World Cup title and making Brandi Chastain’s sports bra famous.

This Wednesday USA will play France in the semifinals, in what is sure to be a game watched all over America. The game against Brazil earned the highest preliminary television rating for a Women’s World Cup game since the 1999 tournament.

So co-eds, I urge you to watch the match on Wednesday, because not only will it be the water cooler topic of Thursday (and don’t you want to impress your internship boss?), but it will be fun, and an amazing opportunity to watch strong American women make the USA proud once again.

Jessica Salerno is a junior at Ohio University majoring in journalism. She loves playing soccer, going shopping, and pop culture!

Interview with BeautySweetSpot’s Founder!

With a blog name like Beauty Sweet Spot, you know you’ve come to the right place to find out the latest on the finest beauty products, skin secrets, and more. That’s exactly what Jeannine Morris, founder of BeautySweetSpot.com, is aiming for. This 28-year-old brunette beauty from New Jersey is a force to be reckoned with and a name to remember. Currently she is freelancing for no less than four websites and working with big brands like Elizabeth Arden and StriVectin, along with developing her blog. Jeannine has turned herself into an authority on all things beauty, so read on to find out her must have product and her opinion on the best skin secret around.

1. Can you tell me about how you went from graduating college to your career now? Was it a natural progression?

When I graduated Wagner I went straight to graduate school at The New School University for Media Studies. I knew I wanted to be in journalism, but wanted to get my Master’s and learn a little bit more about media in general.  While there, I obtained an internship in editorial at Cosmopolitan magazine.  I worked with the beauty department for six months every day and took classes at night.  While I was there the Beauty Assistant opened up and I applied for it.  That was my first job.  I was thrilled!  I’ve been in the beauty and fashion industry ever since (almost six years now) and just two years ago decided to go freelance and make BeautySweetSpot.com my full time gig.  Now as a freelancer I write a personal style blog for Glamour.com, and for iVillage, DailyGlow and Makeup.com.  My blog, BeautySweetSpot.com has opened up so many amazing opportunities such as being able to appear on TV as a beauty and lifestyle expert.  I’m always looking ahead to see what’s next.

2. How do you stay so up to date on beauty secrets and products?

I have great relationships with the public relations teams for all of the beauty brands and am lucky enough to get sneak peeks.  They always send me the latest product launches to test out before they hit store shelves and news from the brands so I can write about them and fill in my audience.  I’m also a big beauty junkie (and part time celeb stalker)!  Therefore, I go seeking the news myself.  I’m constantly reporting at big events and red carpets to find out what the celebrities are really using and interviewing experts who work with them (hairstylists, makeup artists, stylists, derms..) as much as possible.

3. You write for a variety of websites, how do you keep track of all your writing deadlines and television appearances?

I’m super organized and keep a very tight schedule.  Being a freelancer you have to stay on top of your game.  Luckily for me, multitasking is one of my strengths.

4. You’ve also worked with a ton of different beauty brands, can you tell me what your job entails when you are partnered with a certain brand?

It’s always different and it’s been an honor to work with so many brands.  Because of my audience brands often hire me to act as a Spokesperson (think Gwen Stefani for L’Oreal, but NOT that big – one day).  Recently, I’ve partnered with Ali Ro and participated in their fall campaign.  It consisted of a full day photo shoot modeling the brands clothes, which will be used to help launch their e-commerce site this fall.  I’ve also partnered with brands like Elizabeth Arden and StriVectin to be part of sponsored TV segments.

5. What has been your favorite appearance so far?

My favorite TV appearance yet was early on when I went freelance.  It was at the 2009 Emmy Awards.  I did a segment on the red carpet for the E! channel with Ashlan Gorse talking about celebrity beauty secrets.  What an experience!

6. What would you say to young women who want to do what you do now- where should they start, what should they be working on now, how should market they themselves, etc.

I strongly think interning is key.  Intern in the field you want to go in.  I recommend trying to get an editorial internship so you can learn the ropes of how editors work with brands and make the right connections.  Interning is the way into the industry.

7. What do you like to do to unwind?

I love working out.  When I’m at the gym I just lose myself in my music and focus on the music over anything else.  It’s a real stress reliever.

8. What is your must-have beauty product?

OMG only one!?  Moisturizer!  I’m obsessed with moisturizing from head to toe as soon as I get out of the shower in the morning and before I go to bed at night.  It also keeps my skin looking and staying healthy and young.

9. What’s one beauty secret that you swear by?

I found this one out a little too late and wish I payed attention earlier – wear sunscreen.  It’s no secret, but it’s good advice that’s always told but I never listened until about five years ago.  Always wear an SPF of 30 or above.  I was addicted to laying in a tanning bed and being as dark as I possibly could be through college.  I swear I went tanning every single day.  Once I got my job at Cosmopolitan, I had to quit.  It was like quitting smoking or something.  As a beauty writer, we had to practice what we preached.  Thank God.  That job might have saved my life.  Now, I never leave the house without an SPF 30 on my face and when laying on the beach I coat my body in it too.  I’m only  28 and the fine lines and hyperpigmentation I’m noticing could have all been avoided if I listened.  I’m lucky that’s all I ended up with.

10. Are there any projects you are working on now?

Besides the daily – pitching TV, keeping up with the deadlines and writing BeautySweetSpot.com, there are some bigger ones in the works, but I can’t talk about them yet!

11. What plans do you have for the future?

I live very much in the present but for the near future I’m focusing on expanding BeautySweetSpot.com and taking it to another level.  It’s the core to my whole business and my passion.  After that?  We’ll see!

Jessica Salerno is a junior at Ohio University majoring in journalism. She loves playing soccer, going shopping, and pop culture!