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.

Classy Co-ed On Campus: Sonja

Best Dressed on Campus: Meet CMU student Michele Kissick

Casual and girly, CL reader Michele Kissick keeps things simple with her everyday look. But, the avid yoga pants fan steps up her style on the weekends with her colorful wardrobe. This Central Michigan University sophomore’s classy style has landed her as this week’s ‘Best Dressed on Campus.’

As an employee at Somerset Mall in Troy, Michigan, she said she is always window shopping during breaks.

“I always like to see what looks good together and ways I can mix and match outfits,” Kissick said.

Take a sneak peak at her college look and how she effortlessly achieves best dressed status.

 

Fashion Inspiration: Blair from Gossip Girl because her style is very creative but always looks put together and fashionable.

Favorite Store: Forever 21. “It’s cute and cheap.”

She can’t live without: Cardigans. “I probably have like 10.”

What she looks for while shopping: ”I always look for different and fun tops to go with basic skirts.”

Favorite Season for Fashion: “I love the fall. I feel like all my cute outfits were in the fall because it’s warm out where you can still wear skirts, but it’s not super hot and overwhelming.”

Her style is: “I like to be casual during the week, but I’d say I like to be girly when I go out.”

Fashion pet peeve: ”When people wear baggy sweat pants with boots.”

Fashion Advice: “Be confident in what you wear. Make sure everything matches! Pick something that’s basic and work off of it. If you have a sweater you really like then work off that and find ways to make different outfits.”

Trendsetters on Marquette University’s Campus

Congratulations Marquette coeds!  From early Monday morning classes to late Friday night meals, your style selections have been classy and chic.  Marquette’s campus is traditionally filled with preppy, modern, and sophisticated looks, so when I spotted something different I had to dig deeper.  This CL reader isn’t afraid to be unique and bold in her fashion and designing choices.  She stands out as one of the many trendsetters popping up all over campus and was nice enough to chat with me about her style!  Meet the new Marquette style icon- Sally Nadeau!

Me: How do you make your style stick out on Marquette’s campus?

Sally: I put my own twist on the typical Marquette preppy look.  I’d call my style “funky classic.”  I buy a lot of basic pieces in classic colors and mix it up with funky and unique pieces and accessories.

Me: What are your favorite places to shop in Milwaukee?

Sally: I absolutely love the Third Ward.  There’s this great Asian themed store that sells all sorts of furniture and knickknacks.  It’s a great place to look for inexpensive gifts, and it’s attached to a tea house.  I also love Hot Pop in the Third Ward.  The store’s a mix between a clothing shop and a modern art gallery.  They have a lot of great standout pieces for any outfit.  And of course I love the Urban Outfitters in Milwaukee.  They have the best sale section of any Urban Outfitters I’ve ever been in!

Me: Do you have any college apartment decorating tips?

Sally: I got lucky.  I was able to get old furniture from my family to get going.  Then I just started adding my favorite things and everything blossomed from there!  As for tips, I’d say the key is versatility.  Be able to move things around and make sure that everything has more than 1 purpose.  And don’t be afraid to make it you!  Once you’re out of the Marquette dorms enjoy the space and the freedom to decorate!

Me: Any suggestions on places you think Marquette students need to get to before they graduate or leave Milwaukee?

Sally: Make sure you get to Brady Street.  There are tons of ethnic restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops.  I personally recommend Rochambo.  Also try to go to every single Alterra, not just the one on the lakefront.  And for a unique work out, check out Core Essence Yoga on Brady Street!

Have you spotted or are you a Marquette trendsetter?  Tweet a picture to @collegelifestyl or post it to our Facebook page, College Lifestyles TM!

 

 

Cassidy McAloon is pursuing a Bachelor in Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism at Marquette University.  She is a fashion, sorority life, and apartment life writer at College Lifestyles.

 

Jazz Up Your Outfits with Headbands, Feathers, and Bows from Sproos!

A classic LBD.  A great sequin top.  Skinny jeans.  These basic staples are a must  in our wardrobe, but we may struggle to create different looks with our classic pieces.  Have no fear, the wonderful folks at Sproos have come up with an affordable AND chic way to dress up our classics!

Sproos is known for their chic + cute hair accessories.  From gorgeous bow clips to feather hair bands, Sproos offers both sublte AND vibrant accessories to transform your classic pieces to one-of-a-kind looks.

We had the pleasure of reviewing the lovely Cheetah’s Roar Bow Clip ($13) and Pride of the Peacock Feather Headband ($36).  Both were incredibly stunning and sophisticated.  In addition, we were impressed the headband didn’t ‘crush’ our head and cause a headache (bringing back memories of unpleasant plastic headbands of our childhood).  While many would wear both with their classic LBD, think outside the box and give the Peacock Feather Headband a vintage feel with a sequined black top or drop waist black dress.  Another plus with headbands is they look great with all hairstyles and hair colors.  Says our Editor in Cheif, ‘I have shoulder length red hair and just can’t do any hairstyle or any hair accessory.  Pearls in my hair, not so much.  But I felt great with the Peacock headband.  I would pair with a black ruffle top, jeans, plum heels, and sequin clutch for a night out.’  

What is most impressive (along with the stunning beauty of the product) is the founder, Melissa Mantos, is recent graduate of art school graduate living out her passion of running a business.

With the approach of Valentine’s Day, Sproos is offering a coupon code for all College Lifestyles readers.  Enter ‘collegelifestyles’ when placing an order with Sproos and receive 20% off.  Visit Sproos website to select your perfect hair accessory at www.sprooshop.com.

Stay tuned to our Book Club Twitter Chat in March, we will be giving away the Cheetah’s Roar Bow Clip to one of our participants!

Disclaimer:  We’d like to thank Sproos for supplying us with the headbands for our product review.

No Freeze Novembrrr: 15 Winter Coats Under $50

The temperatures are dropping as fast the as the snow is falling, and before you know it your fragile fingers and bodies will be freezing with the frost too. But don’t let the cold get the best of you this November; say no to the “brr” with CL style and budgeting. Warm up for finals, literally and figuratively, with these 15 winter weather wears that will keep you cozy, and looking classy and fabulous as you end off the semester sans a deep dent in your wallet. Winter coats for under $50! Who knew staying warm could be this college budget friendly, fashionstas?

 

Grey Coats

Tweed Fem Coat – Coats – Outerwear – TOPS A’GACI, $25

 Forever21 belted puffer jacket, $33
Charlotte Russe – Belted Ruffle-Front Coat, $45

Faux Fur Coats

Forever21 faux fur coat, $50
Merona® Double-Breasted Coat with Removable Faux Fur Collar, $50
Charlotte Russe – Little Red Riding Jacket, $40

 Button Breasted

Forever21 army jacket, $43
Forever21 coat, $40
Charlotte Russe – Wool Military Trench Coat, $45

The Tan Trend

Forever21 double breasted pea coat, $45
Hooded Toggle Coat With Pockets – Coats – Outerwear – TOPS A’GACI, $25

Forever21 faux fur jacket, $50

Capes

 Charlotte Russe coat, $40
Merona® Pleated Back Cape – Assorted Colors : Target, $50

Merona® Pleated Back Cape – Assorted Colors : Target, $50

Let CL know what you think about these coats and check out other fashion tips to keep you warm and stylish this winter! xoxo

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.

6 Fabulous Ways to Wear a Necklace

Everyone can wear a necklace in the simplest way, perhaps its time to dig up those old necklaces and wear them in a new trendy way! CL is here to help you co-eds, with fresh ideas on bringing out the best in your fashion.

 

If you’re going to wear a simple necklace, like this one, try something new with your wardrobe. A bold, chunky sweater would be the perfect way to spice up your daily ensemble!

 

A simple way to shorten a long necklace is to tie a knot at the end. It is a classy way of being courageous with your style and taking a risk!

Another easy way to trim the length of a necklace is to wrap it around twice. Instead of having it dangle so low, you can show it off even more where people can really see it!

Why buy new headbands when you can use a necklace you already have?! Either wrap it around twice or bobby pin it to the back of your head for a perfect fit. One way to be even more striking is to use an old vintage necklace like this one made of buttons!

Wrap your necklace around your wrist to make thick bracelet. This is perfect with ¾-sleeved shirts or a cardigan. Try a necklace with eye-catching stones like this one to enrich yourself in the the fall fashions!

Layering different necklaces is an effortless way to enhance an outfit. Go for similar color tones and styles to really make a statement. Just be careful not to get them tangled together!

Here are a few classy ways of making an old necklace seem new again! How do you spice up your wardrobe with accessories? Do you wear necklaces in a unique way?

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

College Lifestyles Virtual Fashion Show: Featuring ModCloth, Mimi Boutique, and LaMixx

College Lifestyles invites you to view….

Fall 2011 Virtual Fashion Show

Featuring Outfits by..

ModCloth, Mimi Boutique, and La Mixx

With Themed Outfits styled by…

The College Lifestyles Fashion Interns!

Watch and Enjoy! (Click link)

College Lifestyles Virtual Fashion Show

 

CL’s Halloween Flashback: Best Costumes on Campus

At the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Halloween is not simply a one-day affair. Festivities this year began early on Thursday night and lasted late into Monday night, as students were out and about in creative costumes all weekend long. You could feel the Halloween spirit (or maybe even hear the eerie cries of ghosts and goblins) just walking across the quad to class.

What was the best costume you saw over Halloween weekend?

Jordan B. – “My friend was Tetris!”

Carah H. – “A Lego Man, it was really good.”

Taylor S. – “I saw Slippery Rock Football Players!” (An inside joke among University of Michigan students)

Holly D. – “I saw a girl dressed as Twitter- she was wearing a black dress with the Twitter logo on her front and it said follow me on the back.”
Elizabeth E. – “My friend was a peacock, her outfit was sweet!”Nicole J. – “I have a friend who dressed as a chipotle burrito and it was beyond precious.”Lilly U. – “Some girls dressed as martians; they did it in a really cute and creative way!”Margot S. – “I saw the Jamaican bobsled team from Cool Runnings, that was awesome.”

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

Take a Look into this CL Intern’s Classy Closet!

When it comes time to move into your dorm or sorority house, it can be difficult to cram all of your stuff into a tiny little space. This year I left nearly half of my wardrobe at home when I moved into my sorority house for my third year of school. I made sure to bring the necessities and of course, my fashion favorites. Take a look at a few of the items in my closet I couldn’t live with out:

If I ever question what bottoms go better with a top, my go-to jeggings are always a perfect match! I fell in love with this pair at Nordstrom’s Rack, where you are always guaranteed to find a good deal. The best part about jeggings is the super comfy stretchy material that always fits perfectly!

I have always been a sucker for yoga skirts and floral prints, so this skirt is a match made in heaven for me. It flaunts all my curves in the right places and is one of my favorite pieces to wear out!

One way I like to throw in a little class to my ensemble is by wearing my Sperrys. I wear them to class, to work, and everyday in between! They are so comfortable and can be easily matched with so many outfits. When the snow falls, I may just have to invest in a pair of Sperry boots to keep up with my own trend!

This is a recent addition to my closet as of a few weeks ago when I stumbled upon it at Target. The array of different patterns and colors caught my eye, not to mention the incredibly flowy fabric. It’s a fantastic top for any day of the week!

This bag came to me as a birthday present from my mother, which she conveniently ordered online from Alloy. It’s the perfect size bag for traveling or shipping around town. I got it about three years ago, and to this day is still my favorite purse!

Each piece says a little something about my fashion style, but remember sophistication and confidence can go a long way to make any look classy! What are your favorite things in your closet?

 

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

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