Graduation Outfits: How to be Affordably Stunning on Your Day

 Above are three dresses from Lauren Conrad’s collection for Kohl’s. With the dresses running from $40-$60 each, they are afforadble, gorgous and look extremely flattering on all body types! Now, onto shoes!

If you’re going with a neutral dress, the pop of bright color is a must for shoes. Whether you like high heels like the pink Candie’s above (top left, $19.99) or flat sandals like Jennifer Lopez’ sandals (bottom right, $44.99), bright colors will add so much– especially when you can’t see your dress & just see that potato-sack gown!

If your dress has its own pop of color and you want to go subdtle with accessories, you can go with nude or black! A great pair of nude wedges are Simply Vera by Vera Wang (top right, $39.97). If nude isn’t for you, a classy pair of black high heels always looks great, like the LC Lauren Conrad heels (bottom left, $39.99).

With these great deals from Kohl’s, it’s simple to create a GREAT outfit for your important day (and still have money to go out for drinks with your family after)!

 

 

This post was written by Emily Longeretta, a senior editorial intern for CollegeLifestyles (TM). She is graduating from SUNY Oswego May 12 and is heading to New York City to pursue a career in journalism and public relations. With passion for sports, entertainment and ofcourse great fashion, she hopes to be extermely successful and thanks everyone who helped her get here.

5 Tips to Make Hunting for a Summer Apartment EASY

When it comes to searching for a place to live, there’s dozens of things to consider. And when you’re searching for a place just for the summer, the challenge becomes even bigger. For interns all around the country, finding a place to live over the summer in a different city just adds on much more stress on the process, but it doesn’t need to with these must follow tips to make your summer apartment search that much easier.

• Know what’s important to you– location, furnished, rent? These are all things to consider. Write down the important factors before you even begin to look so that you don’t waste your time looking at things that are way out of the area, have no furniture, or cost way too much money.
• Do you want roommates? If heading to New York City or Los Angeles, it may cheaper to live with roommates. If this is something that seems doable for you, check out if you have friends that will be in the area, or if you’re comfortable living with strangers– I’ve done it. Be sure you meet these people (not alone) ahead of time, ask about previous roommates, and if possible if you could talk to those roommates who can tell you what it was like living with them.
• Look far ahead of time. Many use sites like Craigslist to find a place. I’ve done this, and one big thing to remember is to allow yourself atleast a week of free days that you are setting aside to go look at places. Map them out so that you’re not backtracking around a huge city.
• Start searching. Like most online sites, if you’re heading to Craigslist, you can search by price point, location, roomates, etc. However you need to be sure you are noticing things that seem off. If it seems “too good to be true,” it probably is. There are a lot of scams out there, one that shows up all over the web, where they send you amazing pictures of a place, and tell you they’re away at a different country, so just need to you send them a check, and blah blah blah. It’s a scam. Some ads may not have pictures, which is a turn-off, or have pictures that aren’t great;  but don’t let it completely discourage you. Plan a visit, and go check it out. Also, don’t get your hopes too high if the pictures look amazing. Think about it– people sometimes look great in pictures and then not-so-great in real life.
• Ask all the right questions. So you’ve found a place you think may be a good fit. But there are some questions you need to ask the landlord/roommates before signing anything.

–>What is the rent and what does it include (electric, gas, utilities, hot water, etc.)? Also, discuss the security deposit, and be sure if you are getting it back the day you move out, once they find a new roommate, or at another time?

–>What date exactly is the rent due on each month?

–>Ask them where the nearest subway is– this is very important. You don’t want to be walking blocks and blocks late at night (especially if it’s not in the ideal area)!

–>Let them know when your move in and move out dates will be, to be sure it’s okay with them that it’s temporary.

–>What are there sleeping habits like? You probably won’t find anyone with the exact same habits as you– actually you definitely won’t. However, if you’re working 8-5, you may not want someone who is up late all night.

–>Ask them about groceries– will you be splitting groceries, or doing your own?

–>Ask them about guests: is it okay for you to have people over? How often do they have people over? (Girlfriends/boyfriends/parents/friends, etc.)

 

So, if you need more help, feel free to email me at longeret@oswego.edu. I found my last NYC apartment on Craigslist and lived with two strangers! Sounds insane, but for an internship with Elle magazine it works out!

Emily Longeretta is a senior editorial and social media intern for College Lifestyles (TM). She is about to graduate and is moving back to New York City and would love to intern for Affect PR. You can vote for her here!

Three Ways to Fight the ‘Senioritis’ Bug

 

April has snuck up on us, somehow and with it, the wind blew in something we all dreaded… senioritis. Senioritis is defined as a decrease of motivation toward studies and school work because graduation is approaching. Symptoms include, but are not limited to laziness, lack of drive, frequent napping, and major procrastination.

So, I’m here to reassure you there is a way to fight it. With graduation a month away fro me, I’ve been bitten, but I’ve used these methods to be sure I don’t fall! So, here are my three magic tips to avoid the senioritis plague.

1. Get plenty of sleep. I know it’s hard to turn off the TV, the computer, and Words with Friends—trust me. I’m well aware. However, statistics show that TV can stimulate your mind. So, while you may feel relaxed by the light, it may be doing just the opposite. Also, the light destroys melatonin.

Hint: If you’re exhausted and want to nap during the day, keep it short, like half an hour. Force yourself to get up after thirty minutes. It will leave you feeling rejuvenated and to get back to work.

2. Get organized. Whether its creating a calendar, leaving post-its around the room, or simply making a to-do list every day, getting organized is a big stress reliever. For me, it works to list things in order they are due—this way, I know what is priority, what needs to be done first and by exactly what date.

3. Go to class! It sounds simple, but the urge of skipping class because school’s almost over, is a big problem for many. Although it may seem easier and less stressful to skip class, it actually adds a lot of stress on you. Playing catch-up usually takes much longer than the 40-minute class would have to begin with.

 

Emily Longeretta is a senior editorial and social media intern for College Lifestyles (TM). About to graduate from SUNY Oswego, Longeretta has currently been trying to avoid senioritis by changing her sleeping habits and getting to bed much earlier. It has helped her greatly!

CL’s Advice for Keeping Your Twitter CLassy

When it comes to social media, everyone is on it. While it may seem just like celebrities, friends, and other random students tweeting, it is much more than that– namely, employers. Whether it’s your first year of college, or your last, one day you will be reaching out to contacts you’ve made over your time in college– whether it is for an internship, a job, or another opportunity.

Twitter, the most popular type of social media (for today anyways), is full of potential employers. So, from one tweeter to another, here are my tips on how to stay classy on twitter, so you don’t kick yourself later on:

1.Choose your picture wisely. Just as on Facebook, everyone can see your picture, even if your page is private. If you have a picture that involves a party scene (you playing drinking games), minimal clothing (a shot with too much cleavage) it’s a good idea to change it. A good rule of thumb is to not post a picture you wouldn’t hand in with your portfolio. Go with a basic photo of you that can be identified as you, and that you are proud of. An interview is nerveracking enough without the “so, what are you holding in this picture?” question.

2. Your name should be… well, your name. This isn’t MySpace. Change your name from any fake one or nickname. Your name should be your full name. Your handle can be an abbreviated version if you prefer, but not @princess___ or @imtheman. It’s the same goes for your email. You don’t want them to take your twitter handle as a joke.

3. Don’t use profanity. Yes, it is your personal page and you have the freedom of speech… but if it isn’t something you’d want your mom hearing you say, you probably don’t want to tweet it. Tweet to your friends, celebrities you love, and retweet your favorites. Just don’t use profane language.

4. Watch what you say. Although you’re again, welcome to say what you want, try not to be offensive. You can voice your opinion without offending– basically, no tweets that will discriminate against any certain race, religious group, sexual orientation, etc. You never know who will be looking at your tweets or what their beliefs will be. You don’t want to hurt someone before they even get to meet you.

5. Show your personality & Promote YOU! You can still have fun while following the simple etiquette rules. Don’t be too serious on your twitter– even if your page has a theme to it, like promoting Ron Paul. Every now and then, don’t be afraid to put in a little personality to your tweets! If you’re a writer, producer, musician, etc. post links to your work. This way, in case an employer wants more than the one sample you sent in, they have their picks. Also, it lets you get your name out there to everyone! (Hint: If you’re writing entertainment news, tweet your article to your topic. Example, I wrote about Pauly D’s new show on MTV, and he retweeted the link of my article. Now, his 3 million followers have seen it!)

So, now you’ve heard my advice on how to keep your twitter classy.. if you have more tips, feel free to add them below! Go, go tweet away. And, don’t forget to follow @collegelifestyl :).

 

Emily Longeretta is a senior editorial intern for College Lifestyles (TM). She also has interned for Elle Magazine, Intern Queen, and emcBlue where she writes entertainment news. Follow her on twitter @emilylongeretta.

How to Celebrate Long-Distance Love

It’s Valentine’s Day, and since it falls on a Tuesday this year, if you don’t go to the same college as your significant other, chances are you won’t be able to be together on the big day. I’m in the same boat, and being five hours away from my man definitely is not going to stop me from celebrating. Here are five ideas to keeping Valentine’s Day extra special for you and your significant other, even when you are miles apart.

1. Set a video chat date for Tuesday night. If you have class, work, or another engagement, it doesn’t have to be right on V-Day. Don’t be afraid to be cheesy. Dress up, settle in front of your computer screen and tell your man how much you miss and love him over video chat. It’s of course not the same, but it is a way to connect with your other half when you’re not there. Especially if you don’t get to video chat much, this will be extra special. (Suggestion: download Skype, it’s easy!)
2. Use snail-mail. Everyone likes getting mail, especially when it’s love letters. Spend some time and write a letter telling him why you love him, how special he is to you, or the little things you miss the most about him. Make sure you send it early enough for him to get it by Valentine’s Day. You can either keep it a secret and surprise him with the card, or tell him to write one too, and that you both have to read it ON the big day.
3. Surprise him. Now, I know this isn’t possible for most. My other half is in New York City, while I’m in Upstate NY, and I have classes during the week. However, I am planning a trip for the weekend after, that way we will celebrate later. If you can afford it, make that your gift. Road trip to see your man, show up with a bow on your head, and bam: Happy Valentine’s Day to him!
4. Simple is okay. Don’t be stressed with expensive gifts. He knows you’re a college student, and can’t afford to buy him an iPhone. The simple things mean more to most men, just like women. Like stated above, sending a card or video chatting is cute, and not too overwhelming for the man either.
5. Have fun with it. Let your man know you don’t need the cliché flowers and chocolates. Have fun with your gifts. This way, you can get each other silly gifts and save money. If you do decide to go visit, make dinner together. It saves money and keeps you cozy!

Got tips? Leave them below! If you need more advice, send us an email at intern@collegelifestyles.org!

 

Emily Longeretta is an editorial and social media intern for College Lifestyles (TM). When she’s not video chatting with her NYC boyfriend, she is working four internships and going to school full time, graduating in May.

One Tree Hill Season 9 “Dark”

Last night, girls gathered to the tv, tuned to the CW and cozied up for the season premiere of the last season– season 9 of One Tree Hill. While the first few minutes confused everyone, it also set up the episode for a little creepy feeling. Here’s some things you missed, and what you have to look forward to in the final season.

Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) will be returning. He wasn’t in the previews they showed, but it is confirmed he is in the season, just not for how long. It is rumoured it’s only one episode. We can’t wait to see why the Scott brother returns, and why his wife isn’t returning as well (Peyton). This season seems to be all couples: Nathan/Haley, Brooke/Julian, Clay/Quinn, and Alex/Chase.

The first few minutes of the season showed dramatic scenes all mixed together– Julian getting beat up, Chase getting arrested, Haley discovering a dead body in the morgue and crying her eyes out, Clay yelling at Quinn, Dan returning, and Brooke destroying what looks like Karen’s Cafe. None of these things happened in the episode, so they left us wondering what those scenes were showing us. It also made us every during the episode when Haley kept finding doors open that should be locked and closed– the cafe, her house, etc. Well, those scenes are scenes pulled from various episodes throughout the upcoming season. None of them will be in the finally.

While Nathan is away at what we assume scouting work, Clay is busy in a downward spiral, sleepwalking, waking up in random places such as the park. Quinn stays up worrying until he finally goes to the doctor. We are waiting to see what this story develops into. Speaking of bed, Alex and Chase are having quite the life together spending a lot of time in bed. When Alex is awake, she is working on an album with the new head of Red Bedroom Records… wait for it, Chris Keller (played by Tyler Hilton). We actually got a taste of a new Tyler Hilton song during the episode too.

Brooke and Julian are getting no sleep taking care of their twins and we finally meet Brooke’s father. It looks like he is going to become a key character this season in the upcoming scenes. We like him, even though he’s basically absent all of Brooke’s life-changing moments up until now, such as her wedding.

Dan returns when he shows up during Haley’s new daughter and Brooke’s twins’ christening. He tells her all of his things were lost in a fire, and he needs a place to crash. She gives in after he gives a tearful plead, which for the viewers like me who have been watching the past 9 seasons, can see right through. We assume Haley does not tell Nathan, because he shows up at the end and looks shocked when he walks into baby Lydia’s room and see’s Dan holding her.

So, that’s the jist of what you missed. It seems to be setting up for quite the season, and frankly, we can’t wait. Creator, Mark Schwan has even stated that this will be a darker season from the others, and will “explore morality in a way the show never has before.”

Still curious? Here’s the first two minutes to give you a heads up of what’s to come this season. You can catch all new One Tree Hill episodes every Wednesday at 9 PM on The CW. If you miss it, make sure you tune back every Thursday as I give you a run down!

http://youtu.be/Rp7MBfPuRLk

 

Emily Longeretta is a senior fashion/etiquitte intern for College Lifestyles (TM). She currently has four internships, is going to school at SUNY Oswego for Journalism, and can’t wait to move back to New York City in June!

Reintroducing: Emily L, Classy CoEd Intern

Name: Emily Longeretta

School: SUNY Oswego

Major: Journalism

Year in studies: Senior!

I have been with College Lifestyles since: August 2011

Organizational Involvement: Interned with Elle magazine, emcblue, InternQueen, SUNY Oswego Alumni Magazine.

Pets: Mag!

My friends say I am: Driven, funny, caring, real

Astrological sign: libra

My personal style is: Comfy, Cute, but sometimes love to get really dressed up!

Favorite clothing stores: Express, Forever 21, H&M.

Favorite movie: Pretty Woman

Favorite book/author: Probably Twilight, it’s kind of a weakness!

Favorite quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”

My screensaver is: Currently this pipes screensaver on my computer?

On my iPod you will find: Britney, Eminem, Kid Rock, Garth, Sugarland.

Must have beauty product: Sephora powder Cover Up, blush, and Mascara.

I have a slight obsession with: Sylvester Stallone, E!, & the Kardashians

I dislike: traffic, movies with unhappy endings, & when people hide their emotions.

Last movie I watched: In theaters, “Breaking Dawn: Part I,” On my TV, “Just Friends”

Last book I read: “Snuff’ by Chuck Palahniuk

My definition of a classy co-ed: A real girl who is honest with the person that she is, and proud of it! A classy co-ed is someone who, no matter what, believes in herself, and helps others when she can, always staying classy at heart. And, she never forgets who she is, and what she stands for.

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: This is my second semester interning with CL, and I loved it last semester. College Lifestyles is a trustworthy website that every classy co-ed can depend on for tips on careers, fashion, nutrition, and all around classy etiquette! Who wouldn’t be excited to be a part of that?

 

Emily Longeretta is an etquitte and fashion editorial intern for College Lifestyles (TM). She spent last semester living in New York City and can’t wait to go back after graduation in May. One day, she is determined to work for a big magazine or Entertainment industry.

Top 5 Things To Do Before Leaving Your Internship

With the semester winding down and finals week in full blast, I wanted to remind you of staying classy during the end– especially at your internship. Im heading to my last day today. Are you ready to leave? Here are my top 5 things to do your last week of your fall internship:

1. Work your butt off. No, really. Last impressions stick with your bosses just like first ones do– they remember if you leave on a really high note. Take the extra step. Don’t get “senioritis,” meaning don’t get lazy because it’s almost over. Just because it’s almost over for you, doesn’t mean it is for the business as they still need your help as much as they did week one.

2. Bring a gift. I hear you, you’re a broke college student just like I am. But bringing in some homemade cookies is a delight for all in the office! Trust me, it will be appreciated. Many are so busy during the holidays that something small like treats can really help brighten the day- and help them remember you!

3. Get contact info. Talk to your boss and be sure to get his or her  contact information for later jobs, reference letters, etc. if you don’t already have them. This is very important, as it will help you in the long run.

4. Hang out with the interns. Plan a night out, a day at coffee, whatever. Connecting with the people you spent the internship with is important, and it allows you to relax and laugh at the mistakes you made the first week, with the gals who know how it feels.

5. Send ‘Thank You’ notes. As simple as it may seem, something as simple as a quick note on how appreciative you are for the experience you got, is very important. Like I previously stated, large companies have hundreds of interns– leaving a Thank You card sets you apart! And if it’s cute , maybe your editor will pin it to their bulletin board!

 

Don’t forget to enjoy the last few days of your internship and really take time to reflect on it. Think to yourself what you learned, how you can apply it to every day life, and how lucky you are to land it. Chances are after the excitement of the holidays wears off, you’ll have a lot of free time at home wondering what to do next. Be sure to edit your resume, make a new goal sheet for the spring semester, and start looking for your next internship!

 

Emily Longeretta is an editorial intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is sad to be ending her other internship at Elle Magazine this semester, but excited to keep going with CL, and head back to finish school! She gets her journalism degree in May!

Surviving Black Friday: A CL Girl’s Guide

So, thinking about approaching the zoo at the local mall at midnight this Friday? Well me too! From a girl who’s shopped it, and worked it, here’s some pointers on what to do, what  not to do, and everything in between!

First, don’t underestimate the crowds. It’s busy, very very busy. Patience is a must. Everyone is tired, cranky, and wants the full Black Friday experience. However, be prepared to stand in line, especially at electronic stores like Best Buy, department stores like Macy’s and Sak’s Fifth Ave., and then of course the stores with the amazing deals like Target and Walmart.

Do some research on what the deals are. Look at the ads, because if you miss out on something you really wanted to buy for your Dad, you’re going to be mad you missed it. At the same time you are looking at ads, make note on what exactly you want and where you want to go. If you go to the mall, just wanting to look around, you’ll never get any deals.

Be fast, efficient, but still polite. You’re going to see lots and lots of rude people who think they are the only ones that really want to shop, and as hard as it may be just be nice, and move along as quick as possible. Don’t be the person that gets to the register and takes twenty minutes to decide on what top you want. Know what you want. And remember, it’s the holidays– keep smiling and be nice to the employees! They’re stuffed full of turkey too, and have to work!

Go early. Do not think that if you get there at 11:45pm and the stores open at 12am that you’ll be able to get the deals, because it won’t happen– not even close. Get there early. Have fun. Bring your family! If you’re shopping for someone else, get them what they want! If you’re shopping for you, grab the good deals– but remember, it is the holidays. So enjoy but save some money– there will be more deals, and these deals will probably keep going even after the madness of the Black Friday is over.

The most important thing to remember is that this is the beginning of the holiday season. As frustrated, annoyed, or angry you may get, keep in mind that we’re all here doing the same thing, and most of us are buying for others. So remember, it’s the day after Thanksgiving. Be happy and thankful for your friends, family, and that you can get to the mall! Just laugh and enjoy the holiday spirit, all season long.

 

Emily Longeretta is an ettiquitte and lifestyle intern with College Lifestyles (TM). Emily used to work retail at NY & Co., and Express. When she’s not catching the Black Friday sales or working at the mall, she enjoys listening to the leaves crunching under her feet in the fall, walking around NYC with her boyfriend, and watching Christmas movies like Elf & I’ll Be Home For Christmas!

A Balancing Act: A Girl’s Guide to Balancing School, Internships, and Relationships

Working three internships, one job as a waitress, and taking online classes, balancing each of these with a new relationship is definitely not easy. From a stressed college senior who is doing just that, here are some tips on how I found the perfect balance!

Monday nights I work at a sport’s bar until about midnight. Tuesday, I wake up at 8am to start the three days I spend at my internship at Elle Magazine– about nine to ten hours a day. By Friday, I’m ready to sleep until my 7pm shift at the bar, at which I’m there until 2, 3, or sometimes 4 in the morning. Saturday, I work the 3pm to midnight shift, and then finally I’m off on Sunday– my one day to myself.

Besides my job, I write for CL, and I intern for an entertainment site, in which I have strict deadlines and must write three articles a week. Since I am in NYC for the semester, I am taking an online course, and doing work for my internship via email with my advisor.

As you can see, my time is pretty full. Somehow though, I managed to snag myself a new guy in my life, and definitely struggled with how to balance it all. Whether you are working, interning, falling in love, or all of the above, here are some tips on how to stay focused, and not get overwhelmed.

• Make a schedule for yourself: I’m not saying you need to color code and set alarms (unless that’s what works for you!), but just simply writing a schedule for what’s due what days, makes life a little easier. Also, schedule dates for your new man ahead of time- even if it’s just meeting up before you head to work.
• Know your priorities: Really think about what matters, and what you need to get done before anything else and set goals. This way, you’ll finish your project before you go out to dinner with the guy.
• Set aside “you” time: As busy as I am, I am sure to set aside time to do things other than my schoolwork for “me” time. Whether it’s meeting a girlfriend for dinner, or spending an hour on a guilty pleasure (reality TV for me!), it allows you to refocus and relax, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
• Keep in touch with your family: Since your away at school, it’s easy to lose touch with people back home.
  So don’t let it happen. Even something as simple as sending a “miss you” text to your sister or calling your parents before you head to bed to say “goodnight,” it helps. Also, you can always vent to family. Which leads me to my next point.
• Ask for help and vent: Don’t hold it in if you are getting stressed and need help. Whether you need help with school and need to go to an adviser, or need someone to talk to, set time to do so.
• Remember you’re in college: You need time to have fun! Go on cheap dates, whether it’s staying in and watching movies or splitting a chai, spending time with your new significant other will release stress, keep you happy, and keep your relationship strong.
• Do the little things: Everyone has their own little things they do. Some of mine? Send him an “I miss you” text, stop to see him at his job on the way home from mine, or invite him out for a drink at my bar while I’m finishing my shift. Also, if your guy works/goes to school full time like mine, schedule a day off you guys could both have–we have yet to have one, but in two weeks he finally got a Sunday off! Trust me, it’s the little things that keep things exciting!

 

Emily Longeretta is a Lifestyle Intern for College Lifestyles (TM). In her free time (which she lacks) she likes to watch reruns of old shows online, and get pedicures!

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