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!

Meet CL Intern Angela Skane

Name: Angela Skane

Position: High School and Lifestyles writer
University: University of Florida
Major: Journalism
Pets: I have one dog, Rocky II.
Nickname: I actually HATE nicknames. Especially Ang and Angie. Those are the worst.
Dream Job: Editor and Chief of Rolling Stone or Vogue.

Favorite color:Red

Favorite candy: Reese’s
Favorite movie: Forest Gump
Favorite cuisine: Greek
Favorite season: Spring

Coffee vs Tea: Coffee all the way. It’s a journalist’s best friend
PC vs Mac: PC. I haven’t had much experience with Mac.
Coke vs Pepsi: Pepsi!
Stripes vs Polka Dots: Polka dots. Stripes can create the worst optical illusions.

3 words to describe me: Loud, personable, dependent
3 words to describe my style: Preppy, colorful, dressy

You will find on my desk: Pictures of my sister and me, my nephew, and my foreign exchange student. Oh, and a few pay stubs and miscellaneous papers and receipts.

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: The Vampire Diaries!
You will find on my Ipod: Every Jonas Brother’s song known and unknown. Lots of Spanish music!

You will find in my refrigerator: Lots of different types of cheese, and fancy coffee creamers.

I am have a slight obsession with: Purses, nail polish, and shoes. It’s hard to just pick one. I always end up standing with all three in my hand trying to decide what I want to buy.

I dislike: When people lie to me. I also have a strong dislike for cotton balls.

My friends would say I am: the nicest person they have ever known. That I am exuberant, positive, and super outgoing.

I am most happy when: I am sailing. It is the most liberating feeling in the world. Sailing at sunset is breathtaking.

Most people are surprised to know I: Am a crazy good hula hooper. I have 13 trophies for it.

A classy co-ed is: A classy co-ed is someone who strives to reach their highest potential. They don’t let an obstacle keep them from getting where they want to be. They embrace challenges and difficulties with a smile on their face. They are well dressed, well-spoken, and liked by everyone

 

Angela Skane is a recent high school graduate and will be attending the University of Florida in the fall. She will be majoring in Journalism. She loves to travel, sail, go out with friends, and learn new things. She loves social media and would be lost without her BlackBerry.

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.

Meet CL Intern Shaundra Boyd

Name: Shaundra Boyd

Position: Health, Fashion & Lifestyle Writer

University: Eastern College  Major: Public Relations

Meet CL Intern Raquel Santos

Name: Raquel Santos

Position: Health and Fitness Writer

University: Rutgers University, New Brunswick

Major: Nutrition, Dietetics

Organizational Involvement: Volunteer and educator for Rutgers Snap-Ed

Pets: Two dogs and one kitty

Nickname: Rox/Rocky – ever since I was in elementary school

Dream Job: Successful R.D. with a private practice and author

Favorite color: Purple

Favorite candy: Twizzlers!

Favorite movie: Pineapple Express (I have a secret crush on James Franco)

Favorite cuisine: Probably Portuguese. Portuguese food is mainly just lots of seafood and meat, veggies, and sometimes rice or potatoes. I don’t eat the meat but I love pretty much any kind of fish.

Favorite season: SUMMER (the fact that my birthday is in July might have something to do with this…)

Coffee vs Tea – Definitely coffee. Can’t go a day without it.

PC vs Mac – Mac

Coke vs Pepsi – (Diet) Coke

Stripes vs Polka Dots – I guess stripes because I love plaid.

3 words to describe me: Organized, driven, loyal

3 words to describe my style: Natural and classy with a touch of indie, but my style is a bit skewed since I work at Abercrombie and Fitch so that tends to be all I wear during the summer.

You will find on my desk: LOTS of books, planners, Women’s Health magazines, pictures of friends, and Insanity DVDs.

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: How I Met Your Mother and FRIENDS (yes, I know it’s always on but I never get sick of it).

You will find on my Ipod: Everything from mainstream music to indie to hip hop. Every Jack’s Mannequin song, Jimmy Eat World, The Kooks, Lupe Fiasco, and lately I’ve been really into Bon Iver. Oh and Maroon 5…I think every girl can agree with me on this one

You will find in my refrigerator: Lots of fruits and veggies, Chobani yogurts, Skim milk, and natural Whole Foods almond butter!

I have a slight obsession with: My puppy. She’s a doxin and I absolutely love her. She’s actually on my lap as I type this very moment.

I dislike: When people are lazy.

My friends would say I am: They’d probably say I can always make them laugh, I’m always there for them no matter what, and I’m always down to be spontaneous.

I am most happy when: I’ve had a productive day and feel like I’ve earned some time to hang out with my friends at the end of it.

Most people are surprised to know I: love to sing. I never sing in front of people, so I like to have imaginary performances in the shower, in the car, and on my treadmill =).

A classy co-ed is: A would define a classy co-ed as someone who respects herself and never lets anyone walk all over her. A classy co-ed is always put together and lives her life by her own needs and dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raquel Santos, Health and Fitness Writer of College Lifestyles. She is a Dietetics major who loves to write and run!

 

Meet Maya: CL’s Newest Lifestyle Intern!

 

Name: Maya Devereaux

Position:  Lifestyles Writer

University: Boston University

Major: Journalism

Organizational Involvement: Invisible Children, Crafts for Charity

Pets: None, but I would love have a French bulldog and a bunny!

Dream Job: Magazine editor at InStyle

Favorite color: red

Favorite candy: gummy bears

Favorite movie: the Devil Wears Prada and A League of Their Own

Favorite cuisine: Mexican

Favorite season: Summer

Coffee vs Tea: Iced tea!

PC vs Mac: Mac

Coke vs Pepsi: Coke

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Stripes

3 words to describe me: Artistic, determined, reliable

3 words to describe my style: Classy, sophisticated, girly

You will find on my desk: a jar full of movie tickets, pictures of me and my friends, a DIY calendar, lots of post-its and a cup filled with freshly sharpened pencils.

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: Modern Family and the Real Housewives of New York City

You will find on my Ipod: John Mayer, the Kooks and Mike Posner

You will find in my refrigerator: Nectarines, avocado, baby carrots

I am have a slight obsession with: Stripes! I love striped clothing; it’s such a classic look and clothing staple. I have quite a collection of striped tops, wide stripes, thin stripes, blue stripes, orange stripes, you name it! Nail polish too, but that’s whole other story.

I dislike: Flaky people, tardiness and fish

My friends would say I am: Loud, fashionable, crazy

I am most happy when: I am spending time with my friends and family

Most people are surprised to know I: that I am adopted

A classy co-ed is: an ambitious and determined person who enjoys taking on a challenge. A classy co-ed is confident and comfortable in her own skin.

 

 

Maya Devereaux is a Lifestyle intern at College Lifestyles ™ and is a journalism major at Boston University. She is obsessed with decorating her room and loves to read InStyle magazine. Follow her on Twitter @MayaD93

Talk Is Chic With Shaniece: Meet CL’s New Fashion and Living Writer!

Name: Shaniece Sanford

Position: Fashion and Living Writer

University: Old Dominion University

Major: Communications Major, Fashion Merchandising Minor

Organizational Involvement: President of D.E.S.T.I.N.E.D (Determined, Educated, Sisters, Taking, Initiative, N Encouraging, Dreams), Communications Club Member, Colleges Against Cancer: Relay Committee Member

Pets: I have a lovely dog by the name of Jewels, and she is a German shepherd mixed with child. Interesting fact, she only moves when guests say “Excuse me, Jewels.”

Nickname: My co-workers call me “Swoop” because I’m notorious for doing a hair flip and my bang always has a vintage curl to it. Little do they know I owe it all to a loyal relationship with my pastel pink rollers.

Dream Job: My dream job is to be the Vice President of global communications for Vivienne Westwood. Westwood’s work stands in a lane of its own and she continues to break barriers, stand strong, and speak on pertinent global concerns. To work side by side with her, well … [swoon]!

Favorite color: My favorite color since infancy has been purple.

Favorite candy: Sour patches are my all time favorite! Sour, sweet, gone!

Favorite movie: My favorite movie is hands down Pride and Prejudice.

Favorite cuisine: I would have to say chicken smothered in gravy over rice, served with a side of collard greens, homemade biscuits, and an Arnold Palmer (½ tea ½ lemonade). Can you tell I have country roots?

Favorite season: My favorite season is fall. There’s no better vision than the sun setting on a sycamore whose leaves are tinted red while cuddled in a oversized sweater, leggings, knee high socks, and combat boots. Did I accurately set the scene? Tehehe.

Coffee vs Tea: To ask me about my husband (being coffee) in front of my lover (Tea, Chai tea to be exact) is a cruel cruel deed.

PC vs Mac: I have a PC …  but I would trade it for a MAC for a pack of press-on’s.

Coke vs Pepsi:  I’m not really a fan of soda. I prefer juice, no pulp though. Pulp is gross.

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Stripes, definitely stripes.

3 words to describe me: Opinionated, bold, and witty.

3 words to describe my style: I think the best thing about my individual style is that it can’t be defined. Wait, I think that works “Cant. Be. Defined!”

 You will find on my desk: Tons of sticky notes, pens and highlighters in assorted colors, embarrassing pictures of my friends and family members, and my PC.

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: I don’t use DVR or Tivo, but I am addicted to Gossip Girl, Hart of Dixie, Scandal, Make it or Break it, Pretty Little Liars, and Fashion Police.

You will find on my Ipod: A lot of Beyonce and a rich culmination of old school hip hop and R&B. I’m talking Boys II Men, Keith Sweat, SWV, En Vogue, Bel Biv Devoe, and New Edition. I have an ear for the 90’s.

You will find in my refrigerator: A large amount of lettuce, fruit, and juice. My mom and I pretty much live off of salads, grapes, and apple juice.

I have a slight obsession with: Lookbook.nu, I check it every day, three times a day.

I dislike: I dislike it with an extreme passion when people burp without covering their mouth or saying pardon me. Hello? Manners, please!

My friends would say I am: A slight control freak, goofy, opinionated, loyal, and fashionably aware.

I am most happy when: I’m at my happiest when I am playing Just Dance or The Michael Jackson Experience with my sister Toya. We are both very competitive which makes it hilarious and entertaining.

 Most people are surprised to know: People act surprised when they hear that I have read all the books in the Harry Potter series and the Twilight Saga. All of which are  great reads by the way!

A classy co-ed is: A classy co-ed is an ambitious individual who is chic, goal oriented, and constantly striving to better themselves through every success and failure.

 

 

Shaniece Sanford is a Fashion and Living Writer for College Lifestyles. She is a junior Communications major at Old Dominion University who speaks fluent Starbucks, Chipotle, & Twitter banter.

25 Facts About Health and Fashion Writer Marissa Miller

Name: Marissa Miller

Position: Health and Fashion Writer

University: Concordia University

Major: Journalism, Minor: Creative Writing

Organizational Involvement: CocoKouture Magazine, L7 Women’s Magazine, and formerly, The Concordian newspaper.

Pets: I once had a goldfish named Subway.

Nickname: Riss, Mariss, Mars Bar, Marissabear

Dream Job: Features Director at Cosmopolitan or any major media publication centralized on women’s health.

 

Favorite color: Hot pink. I’m talking serious neon Barbie pink.

Favorite candy: Does a microwaved Apple Nutrigrain count?

Favorite movie: American History X

Favorite cuisine: Korean, and anything else with so much spice you need to stick your head in a fire hydrant afterwards.

Favorite season: Summer! That’s a no-brainer.

 

Coffee vs Tea: Coffee in the morning, herbal tea at night.

PC vs Mac: I have a PC but wish I had a Mac for Adobe InDesign.

Coke vs Pepsi: Diet Pepsi

Stripes vs Polka Dots: I’ll never grow out of polka dots!

 

3 words to describe me: Weird, passionate, ambitious

3 words to describe my style: Casual, sophisticated, timeless

 

You will find on my desk: Magazines, vintage photo albums, and cute stickers I’ve collected over the years. I also have a stack of birthday cards that I can’t get myself to throw out, probably due to superstition.

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: Modern Family and Parks and Recreation

You will find on my Ipod: Nas, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Tyler, the Creator and Mac Miller are my walking music, and Avicii, LMFAO and fast remixes are for running.

You will find in my refrigerator: Fresh fruit, homemade hummus, interesting Mediterranean salads, soy milk and other yummy things containing excessive amounts of fiber.

 

I have a slight obsession with: OPI nail polish

 

I dislike: Being even remotely tired.

 

My friends would say I am: Outgoing, charismatic, and a good source of life advice (their words, not mine.)

 

I am most happy when: I’m writing articles and making people laugh.

 

Most people are surprised to know I: Carry Splenda in my purse wherever I go.

 

A classy co-ed is: Fearless and goal-oriented, willing to collaborate to get tasks done and remains open-minded even after a downfall.

 

 

Marissa Miller is a Health and Fashion Writer at College Lifestyles who studies Journalism and Creative Writing at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. In an omega 3-filled nutshell, she is a die-hard nail polish and salad enthusiast hoping to pursue a career in health journalism.

Intern Closet: Spring Style

Since the weather in Michigan has reached temperatures warm enough to bare legs, spring skirts have been filing into my closet. I bought my first maxi skirt this spring and now I can’t stop buying them. Three maxis hang in my closet now and I plan on buying more because of their versatility. They go with anything and still look like you put some effort into your outfit. I consider them the leggings of warm weather.

For Easter Sunday, I wore what  I call the “mullet” form of the classic maxi. The hi-low skirt is shorter in the front and goes long in the back. The skirt give you the breathability that jeans just don’t in the warmer temperatures and gives off a  ”classy” vibe.

I paired my coral colored skirt with a button up white blouse to contrast the bright color with something more neutral. Then I accessorized with a pastel colored necklace, a rose gold watch, a couple of my favorite bracelets and brown leather flip flops.

Take a look at the final outcome!

Both my top and skirt are from Kohl’s. The skirt is from the LC Lauren Conrad collection and the blouse is by Apt. 9.

 I wear this Forever 21 necklace with everything. Although it is a blueish color, I like to pair it with coral, peach, gold and even magenta.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My rose gold watch is always on my wrist. If it’s not, I usually feel naked without it and I will be late to everything. I put on a couple bracelets I’ve had for years to give my outfit a more casual look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hear a lot of people say that they don’t wear maxi skirts because they don’t think they can pull them off. I was once like that until I realized they are universally flattering.  At any height, they make a person look taller. This trend is hot right now and perfect for mild temperatures, so don’t be afraid to go for it with confidence!

Be sure to also check out CL Intern Shanae’s Top Five Spring Nail Color Trends to finish off your outfit for Spring!

 

 

 

Jessica Fecteau is a senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

 

INTERN CLOSET: Sundays at the Park

At a young age, I became addicted to fashion. While many seven year old girls were playing Game Boys and Barbies,  I would tear out everything from my closet, lay it on my bed and plan outfits for the school week. Looking back, there may have been a few too many rhinestones and hair bows, but it never stopped me from creating the perfect outfits for Monday through Friday.

Although now I only dream of having the time to plan anything in my life, let alone outfits, I haven’t lost my love for fashion.

From my favorite headbands down to my worn-out Converse shoes, I will give you a glimpse into some of my daily outfits. I can’t classify how I would describe my wardrobe in one category because it’s all across the board. Some hangers hold the girliest of dresses while my closet’s top shelf is covered with t-shirts and jeans. My outfit for the day usually just depends on how I am feeling and what I am doing that day.

For a recent Sunday afternoon at the park, this is what I went with:

Sweater: I found this gem at the Salvation Army. Fifty cents later I found myself wearing this guy everywhere. Although I’m sure it was made for a man, probably one named Bill Cosby, it is just too cozy to pass up.

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