Meet A CL Contributor and NYC Summer Intern, Meaghan O’Connor!

Name: Meaghan O’Connor

Position: Contributor (I’ll be writing about my experience as an NYC intern at Food Network Magazine this summer!)

University: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Major: Communication Studies

Organizational Involvement: Alpha Chi Omega

Pets: Maltese/Shih-Tzu Puppy (Addie)

Nickname: Meg Taylor

Dream Job: Editor-In-Chief of a Hearst Magazine or PR Professional for Hearst Corporation

Favorite color: Pale Purple

Favorite candy: Peanut Butter M & M’s

Favorite movie: No Strings Attached

Favorite cuisine: Any Breakfast Food (Oatmeal, Greek Yogurt, Muffins, Blueberry Pancakes)

Favorite season: Fall

Coffee vs Tea: Definitely coffee; I share an entire pot with my mom while I’m at home!

PC vs Mac: I don’t think I’d be a functional college student without my MacBook Pro.

Coke vs Pepsi: Diet Coke

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Polka Dots are my summer staple!

3 words to describe me: Organized, Conscientious and Focused

3 words to describe my style: Simple, Clean and Sophisticated

You will find on my desk: My computer, pens/pencils, my Lilly Pulitzer planner and lots of picture frames

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl and The Bachelorette

You will find on my iPod: Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift

You will find in my refrigerator: Yogurt, Apples and a Tub of Cookie Dough

I have a slight obsession with: My iPhone and Instagram

I dislike: When people break their promises.

My friends would say I am: Driven and passionate about achieving my dreams.

I am most happy when: I’m home with family for the holidays.

Most people are surprised to know I: Have never read the Harry Potter Series.

A classy co-ed is: A college student learning that it’s okay to be comfortable in your own unique skin…and also realizing that real life is just around the corner.

Meaghan O’Connor is a Communication Studies Major at the University of Michigan who would rather be at Starbucks or Barnes and Noble reading magazines than anywhere else. She’s excited to be spending the summer as a CL contributor and Intern at Food Network Magazine in NYC. You can follow my day to day adventures on my personal blog.

Vlogging 101: 5 Simple Rules to Become A Successful Video Blogger

Platforms like YouTube and the ever growing and never-ending transformation of the World Wide Web have created so many different opportunities for both the young and old to share their thoughts, memories, talents, and a recently erupting phenomenon tutorials with the globe at the click of a couple buttons. Since sharing talents is so simple, what makes a vlogger successful? Although, I wouldn’t call myself a vlogger (though I have dabbled a bit) here are some quick rules or tips on making sure your vlogging path goes unmatched.

1. Pretend Like You’re Talking to a Friend: It’s easy to get intimidated by the camera, even when it’s the PhotoBooth on your Mac that you love, oh so much. As soon as you hear the sound of the camera starting, your body tenses up and you see everyone in the world with their eyes on you (even if you’re recording alone). To get over this mini-fear, first mute the sound on your computer or hand-held camera, and more importantly, just pretend like you are having a conversation with a friend and showing them how to do something. Trust me, it helps!

 

2. Practice Makes Perfect: As cliché as this saying might sound, it is 110% true. Before every segment of my video blogs, I did at least 10 tries before I got it right. Practice is the key to perfection. An amazing way to practice is to type out a script pre-shooting. Just as you woud write out and spend time on an article on your blog, you should also write out your script for the vlog.  The same amount of work and thought should go into it, so when you practice it’ll be perfect.

3. Be Yourself: There are so many video bloggers out there now, and many have bigger fan bases than one can fathom, but that doesn’t mean you should try to be them. Look at them for inspiration, but avoid imitation. Don’t try to be funny if you’re not, don’t try to act ditzy if it isn’t you… just be you and the rest will fall into place.

 4. Get Creative: With the power of technology, and wonderful gadgets like iPhones, you can make a video within seconds and upload it to your blog or YouTube. However, what makes a vlogger succesful is the creative guts behind the scenes. Make the video fancy, and that does not mean being an expert videographer. All you need are some simple and easy-to-use applications like iMovie, and you are well on your way to getting creative!

5. Be Confident: You create your own destiny. If you’re not confident in yourself, how can anyone else be confident in you? Own it, work it, make it happen.

Sunny’s Sanctuary: May Flowers– Floral Prints for Spring and Summer

Happy May CL fashionistas! There is so much to be celebrating: graduations, internships, moving out, moving away which means there is a lot going on in everybody’s closets. In Sunny’s Sanctuary, May’s weather patterns happen to be taking a life of their own. As the saying goes April showers, bring May flowers, and the flowers have sprung in Sunny’s Sanctuary. My closet is filled with a variety of floral prints, especially amongst blouses. Check out how I mixed three different floral printed tops for a sunny spring stroll, or a summer night out!

Spices and Tulips:

This colorful blouse is not a typical floral pattern; rather than yellow dandelions or over-sized pink flowers, the top is covered with a mix of fragile tulips. The design of the floral pattern is unique in the sense that you have to look closely to notice that they are flowers, and the mix of colors may turn people off at first, but once it’s on it just works. The colors remind me of jars filled with a beautiful mix of exotic spices! I snatched this from the local Francesca’s at Partridge Creek.

Top: Francesca’s

Mid-rise Jeans: Love Culture

Necklace: Forever 21

Wedges: Charlotte Russe

Belt: ALDO

Pastels XL:

A little about me: I was born in Dallas, Texas, and although I consider myself a native Michigander I can’t let go of one innate part of the south. The large, bold prints! They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the XL flowers on this H&M blouse is sufficient evidence for the little bit of Texan I still have left. The reason that this blouse is one of my favorite florals is because of the lovely combo between the subtle pastel colors with the large bold prints. Now if this top had the spicy bright colors that the other top had, it simply could not work. But this top was a match made in pattern heaven. I paired the top with ankle-length, high-waisted dress pants and black patent leather stilettos from Zara. The blouse’s print is easy to mix and match; dress it daytime down with white or light pink pants, and dress it up with a hot pink or black skirt/pants.

Top: H&M

High-waisted Pants: H&M

Shoes: Zara

Necklace: Forever 21

Navy and Nudes

I styled this outfit around the pants, instead of the top. I am obsessed with high-waisted pants, and these H&M dress pants fit perfectly so I really wanted to find a nice top for the spring and summer. JC Penny’s has some great finds, and this navy floral top is one of the many you can scoop up for the upcoming season. The short-sleeve top is light and breezy, and the nude flowers along with a few peachy ones gave the outfit enough color, and the peach especially seemed to work well with my skin tone. I paired the navy and nudes ensemble with peach stilettos (also from Zara) and accessorized with gold jewelry!

Top: JC Penny’s

High-waisted Pants: H&M

Shoes: Zara

Bag: Forever 21

Sunglasses: H&M

Watch: Michael Kors

Necklace: Forever 21

Belt: ALDO

What did you think of these floral prints? What florals are springing up in your closet this season? Hope you had a great time peeking into Sunny’s Sanctuary this week! Come back for some more spring and summer fashion finds next week.

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

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CL’s 5 Stay Fit in Summer Tips

By: Katie O’Brien

 

Accompanied with the bliss of summer heat is the daunting thought of short shorts, swimsuits, and tight tank tops.  It’s no secret that summer weather translates into less clothing, and thus the added pressure of staying fit. After stress eating your way through finals, the thought of busting out that bikini for a beach weekend seems unbearable. Thoughts of juice cleanse, intense diets, and crazy workouts run rampant through your mind as the weather warms up and the shorts come out. Indisputably, no one can resist an ice-cream cone during these heated months, making the notion of dieting seem far too unrealistic. However, the true secret to feeling your best during summertime is a healthy exercise regiment. CL provides some great tips for remaining healthy during the summer.

1. Follow an effective exercise routine

One of the best types of workouts for you is cardio. Even if it is only for 20 minutes each day, cardio is one of the best ways to stay fit. Interval training is recognized as one of the most efficient ways to get your body in shape—it can be as simple as alternating running for ten minutes and walking for ten minutes.

2. Find a workout buddy

It is much easier to go on runs, go to yoga, or go to the gym when a friend goes with you. You can work to motivate each other and make sure each other keeps up with the workouts.

3. Be consistent with your workouts

It is crucial to stay consistent with your workouts. You should exercise for about the same time each week and try to do some form of physical activity every day.

4. Set a goal for yourself

You should set a goal for yourself and work towards it throughout the summer. It will help you stay motivated. Maybe buy a dress or shorts in a smaller size and work towards reaching that point. However, it is imperative that these goals are realistic so you avoid feeling discouraged.

5. Eat what you want, but in moderation

You should not deprive yourself of all of the summer foods you crave. It is most certainly okay to indulge in lemonade, barbeques, and ice cream! However, it is important to do so in moderation.

The 5 Best Shorts for Summer 2012

By:  Katie O’Brien

Undoubtedly, one of the best parts of the summer is breaking out the much-anticipated warm weather clothing. After spending the excruciatingly cold months (especially as a student in Michigan!) covered in huge sweaters and puffy coats, it is finally time to wear dresses, skirts, and, my personal favorite, shorts. Shorts are arguably the most versatile article of summer clothing. Paired with the correct top and accessories, one pair of shorts can function as both casual and dressy. Admittedly, however, it is difficult to find a good pair of shorts for a reasonable price. To help classy co-eds find the perfect pair of shorts that fit into a college student’s budget, CL has searched for the perfect options. Below are five inexpensive, but extremely stylish, pairs of shorts.

 

1.  These KNT by Kova & T Leather Varsity shorts are sold at Urban Outiffers. Admittedly, leather shorts do sound complicated. However, the deep red leather is not too over the top—they can be worn to class or dressed up for going out. These shorts, definitely a must have, are only $39.99!

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=21364096

2. These Ecote Silky Printed Shorts can also be found on Urban Outfitters. The pattern is perfectly understated and the colors in the shorts make them easy to pair with many different colored tops. They are only $29.99!

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?id=SALE_W&categories=catalog01_sale_sale_w_sale_w_bottoms

3. These Pieced Lace Shorts can be found at Free People. The delicate lace makes them extremely girly and unique. Paired with a black tank top or a jean jacket, these shorts are perfect for a summer night out. And, perhaps best of all, they are on sale for only $49.95!

http://www.freepeople.com/sale-sale-bottoms/pieced-lace-skort/

4. Their name describes them perfectly. These Season Staple Shorts from anthrpologie are a must have. They can be worn all throughout the summer and even the fall. They are simple enough to go with almost anything and are only $58. 

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-pants/23876253.jsp

5. We have saved the best for last. These 4” chino shorts come in all different bright colors and can be dressed up or dressed down. They are definitely a summer staple and are just $45. http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shorts.jsp

 

 

GG Recap: ‘Con Heir’ Brings Back the Sizzle

Just like many Gossip Girl fans of today, I was not expecting much from the season’s 18th episode “Con Heir.” Fortunately, I am happy to say the episode did surprise me. Although the rest of the season has had most of the ingredients needed to create the infamous OMFG episodes (family fights, making and breaking relationships, upper-east side parties, and three cups of schemes), it was always missing the sauce that blended everything together, the glue that made it make sense. This episode, although I am NOT #TeamDair, was coherent and my emotions about the show improved just like Dair’s lackadaisical ’wow’ turned into an OMFG. Check out Gossip Girl’s TOP 3 OMFG moments that brought back the show’s sizzle!

1. Highly Elevated: Anyone who knows anything about Gossip Girl knows that nothing the promo alludes to is truly the case, so I knew that the lack of enthusiasm in Blair and Dan’s first-time was going to see brighter days. As to what caused those better days, I had no idea. Talks from Dorota and Nate, a whole lot of liquor, and getting high off the height of their elevator ride was all they needed to find the missing spark in the sheets.  Their drunken hook up reminded me of Blair’s first-time with Chuck, which made me only miss the duo more, but at least the episode brought back the sizzle with the OMFG sex scene. GG’s lesson of the day: If the sheets ain’t workin’ (and you can’t join the mile-high club) join the stories-high club for some real perkin’.
   

   Photo Credit: Tumblr

2. Fire it Up: For the serene Serena we’ve seen throughout the season, she finally gave in to some of the upper east-side’s dark temptations–taking over Georgina’s spot as Gossip Girl. Firing up her dark side by sending out a blast brought disastrous consequences and nearly ruined the only route her family has to get their home back from Ivy. Luckily, Lola decided to fire up her familial side and offered herself up to the Rhodes. Sadly, Serena’s bad karma just kept coming when Nate decided to grow a pair and fire Serena from The Spectator for going against his requests. For once, Nathaniel Archibald served as more than just a pretty face that helps everyone else, but finally made a decision that was smart for himself and his company. I’m excited to see what happens with his new powerful side next week when his favorite cougar returns.
   

   Photo Credit: CWTV

3. A Bloody Mystery: Schemes, secrets, and unknown blood donors that save Manhattan’s favorite man-candy is always a recipe for witty story lines. Not to mention, it’s also an interactive way to keep the audience piecing together the puzzle that answers the seasons-long question: Who is Chuck’s birth mother? The question reappeared as the-uncle-we-love-to-hate turned the-uncle-we-love-to-love Jack entered into the episode. Jack supposedly donated his blood to save our favorite bachelor after the fateful car accident that crushed Chuck (and all hopes of Chair being where they belong–with each other).  Thanks to Chuck’s charm and easy access to medical records, Chuck figured out that Jack is in fact blessed with Hep C and can’t share any of his blood. So whose blood saved his life? Chuck assumes this is more evidence to prove that Elizabeth (the woman who he thought was his mother a few seasons ago) is in fact his birth-mom, and Jack goes along with his theory. However, Jack’s secret phone-call to the donor saying she should come back to the city, and then the phone call that Nate gets regarding his favorite cougar Diane Payne points to my original theory: Diane is Chuck’s mom (which is twisted in all sorts of ways since that would mean Chuck’s BFF Nate was hooking up with the woman who gave birth to him). Hey it is the upper-east side, where anything is possible and everything that can happen, happens.
   

   Photo Credit: CWTV

Tune in next week to find out what moments were OMFG material with the return of Diane, Gossip Girl back to reclaim her throne from Serena, and Dair’s drunken hook-up hangover.

XOXO Sunny

 

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

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10 Healthy Study Snacks

By: Katie O’Brien

As the end of the school year fast approaches, we contemplate summer plans, we anticipate the gloomy goodbyes with our friends, and, perhaps most notably, we dread the hours of studying for finals that are sure to ensue. Studying for finals translates into stress, sleep deprivation, and late nights. The culmination of these factors undoubtedly results in snacking during studying. Because we are college students, we have endless inexpensive, but very unhealthy, snacks at our disposal. Admittedly, it is much easier to bring a bag of candy to the library than it is to bring a healthy, well-balanced meal. It is hard to find healthy foods to eat on a college student’s budget and it is even harder to find time to make healthy foods for yourself. So, here are some of CL’s suggestions for study snacks during finals—they are relatively easy to get, require little to no preparation, inexpensive, and good for you!

 

1. Mangos:  provide about 1/3 of the suggested vitamin A daily intake and almost 100% of a day’s vitamin C. They are not only delicious, but also contain a decent dose of potassium and fiber.

2. Unsweetened Greek yogurt:  has twice the protein of ordinary yogurt. It is thick, creamy, and goes perfectly with bananas, cereal, or berries.

3. Broccoli: has a lot of vitamin C and vitamin K and is widely accepted as one of the best foods

4. Watermelon: provides about 1/3 of a day’s suggested vitamin A and C intake and has a lot of   potassium in each serving.

5. Almonds: contain a significant amount of protein, fiber, and powerful antioxidants like vitamin E. They are a great source of magnesium—which produces energy and regulates blood sugar within your body.

6. Blueberries: have very few calories but very high doses of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin E. They are also known for containing many brain-boosting nutrients.

 7. Dark chocolate: is known for being rich in antioxidants and has the capacity to protect skin from UV ray damage.

8. Oatmeal: is fiber rich and potassium, low in cholesterol, and known to keep arteries clear.

9. Walnuts: contain fatty acids known for reducing cholesterol. They are also known to improve mood, regulate sleep, and protect skin against UV damage.

10. Carrots: are a great source of vitamin A and known for helping vision and hair.

Sunny’s Sanctuary: 3 Ways to Wear Animal Printed Tights

Hello Classy Co-eds! It’s about time that you all got to know me a little better so I’m going to bring you into one of the places that defines me most–my closet. Sunny’s Sanctuary is going to be a weekly blog, so feel free to pop in anytime!

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A “Smash” New TV Show

NBC’s newest show—Smash—can help us cope with the unfortunate reality that the beloved shows we have been watching for years, such as Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives, are unfortunately wrapping up their last season. As we bid farewell to some of our favorites, we can fall in love with a new TV show all over again. Smash, starring Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, and Katharine McPhee, reveals the drama both on stage and behind the scenes in an ambitious Broadway musical. The show, primarily revolving around the development of a musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe, uncovers the chaotic lives of each character in both their professional and personal lives. Competition, heartache, and immorality are just a few pervasive themes of this new drama. Smash can be thought of as a combination of the Entourage, as it depicts the drama of the entertainment business, and Glee, as it showcases the talent of the characters through many musical numbers. The musical numbers are original and display the amazing voices of the stars, especially that of American Idol’s Katharine McPhee. This show has immense potential. Airing on Mondays at 10:00 pm, Smash is a must watch new show. Watch a Preview of Smash and you will instantly be hooked!

 

By:

Katie O’Brien

Classy Co-ed On Campus: Bithiah Lee

 The University of Michigan is a different campus this March with the sunshine gleaming down like the spotlight on a dark stage. The campus is a runway for fashionistas, but senior, Bithiah Lee is one of the few classy co-eds that steals the spotlight. Not only is she super friendly and has a unique, fashion-forward style, she also is a triple major in English, Political Science, and Global Media Studies. Get to know this friendly face a little more and steal some of her fabulous style advice!

 

CL: What’s a quote or motto that you live by?
Bithiah: Matthew 22:37-39

CL: A lady deserves to indulge from time to time. What are your favorite guilty pleasures?
Bithiah: One of my secret guilty pleasures is watching “nobody’s” sing famous songs on youtube (covers!). When they sing poorly, I think it’s okay to laugh at them, but when they sing well, I’m jealous.

CL: CLassy co-ed dilemma: lacking motivation. How do you motivate yourself when you need a little push?
Bithiah: I listen to a pump-up song and if circumstances are dire, I may even shut the blinds, crank up the volume, and do a little dance.

CL: What is your go-to accessory?
Bithiah: My braided leather belt

CL: You gleam classy. Fill CL in on how you do it.
Bithiah: I honestly believe it’s less about what you wear than it is about how you wear it. I don’t  try to follow what other people wear, what brands are popular, etc. I wear what I like, what I am comfortable in, and I try to be creative with what I can afford (I am a fan of thrifting!). Whenever people ask me if something looks good, I always tell them, “Don’t ask me if it looks good. Wear it, rock it, and tell me that it looks good!”

CL: What are your “must-have” beauty items?
Bithiah: Specs: large, thick-framed glasses/sunglasses, my leather TIMEX watch, multiple rings, and a hair tie for bad hair days.

CL: If you could only eat 3 foods the rest of your life, what would they be?
Bithiah: Pizza, watermelon, mandarin oranges

CL: What is your dream job?
Bithiah: Anything related to entertainment or fashion media.

CL: What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Bithiah: Creative, down-to-earth, active

CL: What does being “classy” mean to you?
Bithiah: Having swag, and wearing what you wear/doing what you do/saying what you say with confidence

CL: How would you describe your style?
Bithiah: Relaxed, genuine, & innovative.

If you know a classy co-ed that should be featured in College Lifestyles, reach out to us in our comments section, through our Facebook page, our Twitter, or our Tumblr!

XO Sunny

 

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

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