What To Pack For A 3-Day Weekend

Off for a weekend trip this Memorial Day? Check out our handy guide on what to pack!

 

 

1. Bottoms: Jeans, Shorts, Skirt.

Assuming you’re gone for 3 days, 3 bottoms are all you need. Jeans go with everything and can be worn more than once, which is perfect for a vacation, especially if there’s a chance you’ll stay there longer than expected. Shorts are a summer staple, and a mid-length skirt can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.

2. Tops: Cardigan, Tank, 2 T-Shirts.

On a weekend trip away, layering can be your best friend. Especially in the summer, when the days are super-hot and the nights can get surprisingly cold. So bring 2 regular tops, but add a tank and a cardigan for layering purposes. Also, bring both tops and bottoms in neutral colors so it’s easier to match.

3. Shoes: Gladiator Sandals, Heels.

In the summer, gladiator sandals will take you pretty much anywhere. On the off chance they won’t, bring a pair of simple heels. Just make sure to keep your toes prettily pedicured.

4. Bags: Clutch, Tote.

A clutch and an everyday bag are all you need on vacation. If you’re headed to the beach, try a straw tote. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a tote large enough to carry all your items to your destination.

5. Makeup + Accessories: Bright and Few.

Just because your tops and bottoms are neutral doesn’t mean your entire outfit has to be boring. Try brightening up your look with your makeup and accessories. Just don’t go overboard – think a couple of statement pieces, not your entire closet.

6. Miscellaneous: Sunglasses, Extra Underwear, Swimsuit, Chargers.

Sunglasses and a swimsuit are summer staples that everybody always forgets. Bring the swimsuit even if a pool or beach are not in your plans – you never know when you might need it. As for the extra underwear? If you end up staying an extra day, it’s the one thing you’re really going to want.  The chargers go without saying, if you’re bringing any kind of electronics (iPod, cell phone, laptop).

What do you normally bring on a 3-day weekend? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is a junior at New York University studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. She is currently on exchange at La Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

CL Interviews Sisters on the Runway

 

Three best friends from New Jersey never imagined by the time they were college seniors, they would have organized more than a dozen fashion shows. Gabriela Graham, Juliana Colangelo, and Elizabeth Eddy are the co-founders of Sister’s on the Runway. Each year the ladies plan a fashion show to raise money and awareness about domestic violence. Since beginning the organization in 2005, they have raised over $50,000 for women and children affected by this issue. CL had the chance to chat with Gabriela, Juliana and Elizabeth about how the organization began and their plans to keep raising awareness in the future.

 

CL:  How did Sisters on the Runway begin?

Juliana Colangelo- We started the fashion show as sophomores in high school. As a class we were assigned community service hours and we thought about putting on an event. Liz, Gabi and I really wanted to do something on our own because it was hard to get things done with that many people. I really liked the idea of a fashion show because it was different and we were all a little interested in fashion especially Liz. We wanted to do something involving women’s issue, so we chose domestic violence.

CL:  What made Sisters on the Runway combine domestic violence and fashion?  

Gabriela Graham- Fashion is something that is very relatable. It gets people very excited and gets people coming out to different events because they want to see different styles and to see people modeling. Domestic violence is oftentimes something that people don’t really want to tackle because it’s very serious and scary and people don’t want to sit down and talk about that. So with linking it with such a relatable topic such as fashion we were able to really open that platform and really have a discussion about domestic violence and lead people into it so they weren’t so intimidated by this dark cloud. We wanted people to become aware that it can really affect anybody and it doesn’t matter your race or economic level or culture. We try to break down that stereotype with Sisters on the Runway.

 

CL:  Did you know that combining fashion with a cause like domestic violence would work so well?

Juliana Colangelo- I thought that fashion and domestic violence combined would be interesting because that’s not something you would see put together. Also a lot of times fashion perpetuates negative images of women so we wanted to show that being beautiful and embracing different bod types was ok.

CL:  Has volunteering always been something you and the other ladies had an interest in?

Elizabeth Eddy- Yes, definitely. We were volunteering at a shelter before the project began so when as sophomores in high school we were asked to do a community service project as a class, we really jumped on it. Two of my friends suggested a fashion show but it kind of got shot down so we decided to go our separate ways. We put on our first event and it was extremely successful, it was one of the biggest student-run events to come out of our high school. It was really nice. It was initially a school project but it became our own thing after that.

CL:  Did you ladies always have an interest in fashion?  

Elizabeth Eddy- We chose fashion not because it was something we were really interested in but because it was something that involved a lot of people, it was something that people get really excited about and it was very social. We chose domestic violence because it is a topic that isn’t talked about a lot. It affects one in four women so it’s something that is sadly very prominent in our society

CL:  What kind of reactions do you get when people find out what Sisters on the Runway is doing?

Gabriela Graham- We received really great feedback. It’s starting really important and difficult conversations between people of different ages and geographical regions. People have come forward and said that I have dealt with something like this or my friend has dealt with something like this or I have seen something like this and I didn’t know it was so common or there were places I could go for help. [Our program] has made people feel more comfortable talking about this issue. We also try to stress that this is not just male to female but can also be female to male, there really are no boundaries to whom or where the violence can occur.

CL:  What life lessons would you say this has taught you?

Gabriela Graham- Time management because we have done these events solely involved with school and work. It has also helped me with people skills; whether we are working with volunteers or models etc. it also it helps me really understand what domestic violence is and who it is this money is going to. We have visited and volunteered at shelters to help us get a better understanding of what this issue really does to a person. We had the opportunity to work with children and we would sit and play with them while their moms were out looking for jobs. These kids had no idea what was going on. But it also helped us understand the severity of the situation. When we were 17, a shelter we were volunteering at gave us a woman’s address but told us please don’t give it to anyone else because that was the woman’s safe house. That’s when we really realized that this is a serious issue we are getting involved in.

CL:  What can we expect to see from Sisters in the future?

Gabriela Graham- We would love to make it a non-profit organization in the next 2 years. That would make it easier to link up with other organizations. Right now, we just want to keep spreading our message. [Our program] is at a couple of high schools and university’s right now. We just want to keep getting the word out. Our generation really needs to take matters into our own hands and make changes in our communities.

CL:  Are you ladies working on any upcoming projects?

Elizabeth Eddy- We would like to continue doing fashion shows. We have done about 13 already and two more coming up in the spring. We currently have three different chapters; one at the University of Massachusetts, one at Montclair High School and one at Parsons School of Design. Two more schools are also currently in the process of developing a Sisters on the Runway chapter.

CL:  How could someone get involved with Sisters on the Runway? What kind of opportunities do you offer?

Gabriela Graham- If anyone is interested in volunteering or modeling or becoming a designer we feature in our fashion show send us an email. At the last event, we had about 15 student designers and we are always looking for more.

 

If you would like to get involved with Sisters on the Runway contact them at benefit@sistersotherunway.org and check out their website http://sistersontherunway.org/for more information. 

 

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Minyvonne Burke is a fashion and lifestyle writer for College Lifestyles ™. She graduated from Point Park University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Hofstra University. She loves online shopping, cute bags and NYC.

Tips for Organizing Closet Space

For many college co-eds, going home for the summer means cramming a school wardrobe with a home wardrobe into a one wardrobe closet.

But, with the new season right around the corner, it is the best time to sort through clothes and clean out your closet. I spent the first week home from college sorting through old clothes. Along the way I laughed through old funny Tshirts I ran across and cringed at some fashion mishaps. Bags of clothes to donate and an organized closet later, I feel much better about picking out an outfit from a selection I am proud of and not one I am shuffling through to find the good stuff.

If you’re finding yourself hiding under a pile of clothes, I’m here to share my top tips for organizing, cleaning and throwing away that wardrobe you’re never going to wear.

 

1. Timely toss

If you haven’t worn an item once in the past year, it’s time to let go. Never hold on to something because you promise yourself it will fit when ten pounds melt off you. Clothes like this often just get pushed farther and farther to the back.

2. Make piles

Make a trash or donate pile and a “try-on” pile. Whatever doesn’t fit, immediately put in the giveaway pile. If it fits and you follow tip number one, hang it back up.

3. Store it

Combining all of my summer and winter clothes can be a struggle with the bulkiness of cold weather attire. In the summer, I take a big box and put all of my sweaters, big sweatshirts and winter accessories in it. I label it, usually as “don’t touch my clothes!”, and throw it in the basement.

4. Swap clothes

Everyone has heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” In this case, one girl’s too small of a dress is your skinny friend’s treasure. Swap clothes that don’t fit or you simply don’t like with clothes your friend equally does not like of her own. New wardrobe, no bills!

5. Keep five of everything

Over the years, it may seem like a collection of the same items builds up, just in different colors. If you find yourself fingering through the same shirt but in blue, pink, green and yellow, decide to keep only five. Same goes with jeans and sweatshirts.

6. Donate!

The options for getting rid of your clothes are endless. Goodwill and the Salvation Army are the two big guns for accepting used clothing, but don’t forget about your family members. My little cousins think I am a goddess when I give them clothes I don’t want. We will let them keep thinking that. There is also resale shops where they will PAY YOU for giving away clothes that would otherwise be trash.

Emptying and refilling your closet is a project. It is all about starting fresh, so have fun with it. Call a friend to help a la Sex and the City style and dance your way through tossing the old and ringing in the new. It’s also a great time to combine different pieces to make outfits you may have never thought of before.

 

Do you plan on cleaning out your closet soon? What have you found works best for you?

 

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.

 

 

Top Ten Summer Fashion Trends

Hi ladies! It’s my favorite time of year again…summer! After a long year of school work, it’s time break free and relax. Although may of us have internships and jobs, it’s also a time to have fun, go to concerts, barbecues, festivals and many more places. This week CL shares with you the top ten summer fashion trends.

 

4. Bright and Pastel Pants – A spring trend heading over into summer! Perfect way to brighten up a look! A versatile look that could be worn to work if paired with  a colorful trousers a white collared shirt.

5. Florals – A great trend that can be worn on weekends and in the office. Floral shirts are cute! This season the best pieces from the floral trend are the shorts and pants. Floral pants and pastel blazer are a great combination for the weather right now!

6. One Piece Bathing Suits – Great trend this season, especially for those of us that ae not quite ready for bikini weather! The geometrical patterns and different shapes are fashionable and body flattering.

7. Knit Pullovers – As posted about before Knit pullovers are good to be worn with shorts and also as cover ups.

8. High Waisted Shorts (excuse the recycled look! But it’s still a great example.) High waisted shorts are also investment pieces for the summer. A personal summer project of mine, is DIY shorts. Try adding different studs and jewels for an edgy look like Rihanna(pictured below). They also looks great with t shirts and bra let’s.

9. Platforms – Platforms are a huge trend this year. Instead of the usual wedge spice up your look with a platform!

 

10. Sneakers – Lastly, thanks to Coachella fashion and Isabel Marant’s wedged sneaker (pictured below) are a huge trend this season. I’m so happy cute sneakers are coming back for comfort! This season they’re different styles by a few designers including Jeremy Scott for Adidas, Isabel Marant, Marc Jacobs and more. Some are a bit pricey, but consider them to be investment pieces.

 

Shanae Hatchett is a sophomore English major with a minor in Public Relations at Hampton University. She is obsessed with fashion,shopping, magazines, celebrity drama, and reality tv all while wearing cute shoes with a caramel macchiato in hand.

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.

Guy v. Girl Pretty: Summer Trends

When a guy digs a girl’s style, he’ll often let her know through compliments. But how do we know he’s not just being nice and actually hates it? I talked with four college guys to get the scoop on what’s in and what’s out in their mind. This summer, many items are trending that could make or break an outfit. Read on to see the boys sound off on what makes a classy co-ed’s wardrobe wearable for summer.

 

 

Cross body bags

“If you really need to carry your life with you, the cross-body shoulder bag is probably a very practical way of doing this. You could carry your makeup, keys, wallet, a book, camera, phone, and of course the random assortment of other things any modern day Mary Poppins would need. Yes, I said Mary Poppins. Let’s be honest, even Julie Andrews was sporting this in good fashion in the 1960s classic. Now, you just add a strap and through it across your chest. I personally think the less a woman has to carry with her, the better. It shows confidence and you can stand up straight without killing your back all day with giant purse. Also, please don’t put little dogs in purses this size, or any size. Don’t carry tiny dogs with you ladies. Not sexy.” – Jake, 25

“More commonly known to men as boob separators. Yeah they’re fine.” -Robert, 24

“I don’t know how I feel about these. I like leather ones.” -Michael, 23

 

Floral hair accessories 

“I think flower accessories in girls’ hair can be a risky decision for most girls. There are two problems: picking the right flower and having the facial bone structure to pull it off.” -Jake, 25

“Flowers in your hair look really cute … if you’re nine.” -Orrin, 21

“Desperate for attention. Plus they are ugly and feathers look nicer.” -Robert, 24

“I don’t care for them much, but girls love them for some reason.” -Michael, 23

 

Aviator sunglasses

“Aviators are alright, I guess, if you’re looking to date a NASCAR fan or find yourself picking up pilots. They can work on some girls, yes. The problem here is recognizing your bone structure once again. If you have very defined facial features, don’t wear aviators. Let your features speak for themselves. More men find that attractive.” -Jake, 25

“Everyone looks good wearing aviators.” -Orrin, 21

“They just hide their face because A. they are trying to hide a bruise or B. they have a pimple or something they dont want people to see.” -Robert, 24

“I think they’re played out for the most part but a lot of girls can still wear them tastefully.” -Michael, 23

 

Jean vests 

“Jean vests are retro. Yes, I get it. If I wanted to see them though, I would hop in my Delorean, shoot up to 88 miles per hour and travel back to the late 80s or early 90s. Jean jackets, jean vests, pretty much jean anything says you’ve lost yourself in your parent’s closet for too long to convince yourself that looks good. Keep jeans on your legs where they belong.” -Jake, 25

“Jeans are meant to be worn on the bottom. Not the top.” -Orrin, 21

“They make those? I don’t think I have ever seen them. But I’m a sucker for jean anything so I probably would like it.” -Robert, 24

“I like them. Basically if you wear them, others realize that you have style because there has to be some thought behind a denim vest.” -Michael, 23

 

What do you think of these trends? Does your boyfriend or guy friends like when you wear them? Comment below!

Next week, I will show you what aSociete sent me to try on! 

 

 

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.

 

Top Three Picks for Summer Wedding Dresses

Along with the sunshine, summer break and sun tans often comes a slew of summer weddings. The season of affirming love comes in many different styles. With the summer heat, it can sometimes be a struggle to keep your style a little more chic and a little less sweaty. No matter the type of wedding, it is often hot before the big “I do’s” and especially warm for those who attend weddings outside. To keep your cool while attending a summer wedding, check out my picks for the season. This summer is all about cut-outs, sheer and floral print.

Beach Wedding

The colorful blue floral will pop against any sandy backdrop. Find it in your size at urbanoutfitters.com.

 

Black Tie

Although I wore this dress to a banquet, it’s also perfect for a formal wedding. The all black sheath dress is conservative but sassy with the sheer back. It’s also great to accessorize with.

 

 

Casual

A low-key wedding doesn’t mean your outfit has to be overly laid back. Try on this LC Lauren Conrad dress with a flirty floral print to dance the night away in.

 

Are you attending any summer weddings? What do you have planned to wear? Comment below, lovely ladies!

 

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.

CL’s Guide To Looking Great During Finals

Hi ladies, its about that time of the year again! After two long, stressful semesters it’s time for finals.  Next to midterms this is probably every college students least favorite time of year. Although we’ve all nighters and late night study sessions we can look great and feel good about it the next morning! If you attend school in South and Mid West its finally starting to get hot. So stay cool and casual with a cute pair of high waisted shorts and t shirt. For test taking days, if it’s a little chilly grab a colorful cardigan to brighten up your look! Protect yourself from the sun with one of this seasons trends of wide brimmed hats and Perfect for bad hair day! 

One of my favorite spring items is the knitted pullover. Why not try wearing one with a pair of floral shorts?

If it’s still a little chilly at your school, stay classy and casual with a nice pair of jeans, classic tee and loafers. Loafers this semester have been my go to shoe. Comfy and stylish! 

Good luck on finals ladies!

      

Shanae Hatchett is a sophomore English major with a minor in Public Relations at Hampton University. She is obsessed with fashion,shopping, magazines, celebrity drama, and reality tv all while wearing cute shoes with a caramel macchiato in hand.

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CL’s Guide to First Day of Internship Looks!

Summer vacation is almost here coeds!  After a semester filled with hard work, summer is time to catch up with friends and take a much-needed break.  But summer isn’t all about taking time off.  Summer provides the perfect opportunity to complete an internship!  Being an intern can be stressful from managing a tough workload to interacting with coworkers.  But CL is here to help!  Making a good first impression is crucial for summer interns.  It has the potential to set the bar for how you are perceived for the rest of the summer.  And one way to make sure you come off as confident and capable is to dress to impress!  Just follow CL’s Guide to First Day of Internship Looks!

Dresses

It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.  Even if you aren’t sure about the dress code at your new office, you can’t go wrong by wearing a dress on your first day.  If you want to draw attention with a splash of color try a lighter tone like this yellow dress from J. Crew.  To stick to classic hues try this color-blocked style from Banana Republic.

Tops

If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a dress, a skirt and top combo is another great way to dress for your first day.  The most important thing is to make sure your top is an appropriate cut for an office setting and professional enough.  For a summer blouse try a style like this Lilly Pulitzer button up.  In case the air conditioning is on high, bring a classic cardigan like this one from J. Crew in your purse.

Skirts

If you wear a skirt on your first day, the most important tip is to be sure the length is appropriate.  Aim for a style that hits anywhere from the middle of your thigh down to your knee.  For a classic fit, try a pencil skirt like this style from Banana Republic.  For a more modern look, check out this scalloped style from J. Crew.

Shoes

The first day of work can be hard to gage.  As a new employee, you can’t be sure about the office set up or your responsibilities.  You might be sitting at a desk all day or you could be walking all over town running errands.  To be safe, start the day wearing a sensible heel like this classic style from Aldo.  Bring a pair of flats in your purse like these from Tory Burch in case you need to change.

 

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.  

 

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Fearless Collegiate: CL Interviews Nicolette Winn, Founder of the No Longer Silenced Movement

It’s rare to find a person like Nicolette Winn. As only a Junior at Southern Illinois Carbondale she has been able to take her experience of growing up in a household rattled with abuse and addiction and turn her efforts into helping others and raising awareness. Nicknamed The Fashionable Philanthropist, Nicolette has her own blog which features regular posts about her fashion and volunteerism inspirations. Earlier this year she launched her website the No Longer Silenced Movement to help teens realize they are not alone and to give them inspiration. Her efforts have already garnered media attention in a segment with Channel 12 Heartland News. When Nicolette’s not helping build houses for Habitat for Humanity or working with The Women’s Center she likes to catch up on episodes of “The Real Housewives” and indulge in chocolate. This ambitious and determined collegiate is never without a smile and we can all learn something from her.

Q: Many victims of childhood and teenage abuse don’t share their stories. What makes you inspire others to seek help and make a difference?

 A: “As a child, I never had a positive role model to whom I could relate. I was the tiny, cute girl who excelled in academia, dominated sports fields, worked two jobs, wore high heels to school, and almost always had a smile on my face. I think it would’ve helped me so much to see another female who is similar to me who survived child abuse and continued to succeed in life. My goal is to serve as a role model to teenagers to show them how to seek help. During my teenage years, I never knew that I could report what was occurring in my household, and I definitely understand which resources to utilize to do so. Most importantly, I want to become the first nationally recognized face of child abuse survival in order to inspire teenagers to pursue their dreams. Abuse often hinders self-esteem, and I want them to understand the important of increasing their self-confidence and following their passions.”

Q: How did you start the No Longer Silenced Movement?

 A: “Throughout high school, I would journal my abuse and how it made me feel. Because I feared the wrath of my father, I always shredded and promptly disposed of my writings. In June of 2011, I decided that I wanted to publish a book of stories of people who had survived child abuse and found success. After posting in numerous Craigslist advertisements in various cities and receiving no response, I halted this effort. In a plea of distress, I e-mailed Jo Coleman, the CEO of Psychology Today and begged for his assistance. I figured, “Hey! This man is successful. He should have some beneficial tips or connections.” Mr. Coleman’s response was basically that this is my mission and that I needed to make it happen, and everything suddenly made sense. This February, I launched my blog, No Longer Silenced, which ran a week long feature pertaining to and in honor of National Children of Alcoholics Week. My father has a drinking problem, so I decided to share a few of my stories. The response I received from readers was astonishing, and I decided to continue my blog but give it a new twist. Soon after, I launched The Fashionable Philanthropist, which combines my love of community service with my passion for fashion. After blogging for National Children of Alcoholics Week, I felt like I needed to do something more…something bigger. I thought about what I would’ve needed as a teenager in order to help myself during my abuse, and I wished that I would’ve had an example to follow. At this realization, I decided that I would become that example for other teens and decided to organize and launch my first event, the No Longer Silenced National Child Abuse Prevention Month Awareness Walk. Approximately a week after the walk, I launched my official No Longer Silenced Movement website.”

Q: As a Fashionable Philanthropist you share great finds on your blog. Where do you go to find the best deals?

A: “Oooo! I have specific stores that I like for specific items. For example, I always get my jeans at Hollister. Because I have such a small frame, they fit me perfectly and are decent priced. A few weeks ago, I got two brand new pairs of jeans for about $40 each. As far as socks, I’m addicted to Old Navy and haven’t worn much else since my freshmen year of high school. I think it’s about time that they give me a VIP card! Each Christmas, I would receive between 20-30 pairs because that was about the only thing I ever wanted. I have two places that I go for underwear – Victoria’s Secret and Wet Seal. For full coverage, I opt for the spandex boy shorts at V.S. and for lacey, less coverage, I hit Wet Seal. When shopping for basic wardrobe staples, I always search stores such as Old Navy and Wet Seal. Around Christmas, I purchased approximately 13 camis at Old Navy for $5 each, and I believe 8 long sleeved tees for $6 each. Normally, these items cost more, but I found them on Old Navy’s “Act Fast” sale. For solid color v-necks and camis, I also hit up Wet Seal. Wet Seal has a mix-and-match 5 for $20 deal, so last time I got a fabulous color palette of v-neck t-shirts and a few camis. When considering my more stylish pieces, I generally stick with Marshall’s or TJ Maxx. My philosophy with these stores is, “Shop Hard, Shop Often.” Both stores are constantly changing their inventory, so they tend to be hit-or-miss; however, I guarantee that one hit trip will make up for all of your other misses. Also, I shop end-of-season clearances, but I usually steer clear of Marshall’s and TJ Maxx clearances during these times. As far as and nail polish is concerned, I’m a drug store junky. I usually purchase makeup at Wal-Mart; however, if you’re looking to play with new colors, you may want to consider purchasing a less costly version at Dollar General or Dollar Tree. I love to buy $1 lipsticks at Dollar Tree to test out the colors.  Dollar General is also a gold mine for $1 nail polishes, and if you like the acrylic/gel French Tip, you can purchase DIY nails and save approximately $700 a year. Oh, Queen Helene cocoa butter lotion, which is fantastic and smells great, is cost efficient and can be purchased at Wal-Mart or Dollar General. One more thing…athletic clothes. Always go to TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Gordmans.”

 Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: “My personal style depends on my mood. Some days, I love to wear white lacey dresses with pearls and chic red lips, while other days I find myself in bright, fun patterns with tall, yellow wedges. For class, I usually dress more casual and wear a lot of jeans and layered basics. I try to dress up this look by adding accessories such as headbands and scarves. I absolutely do not own a pair of sweat pants because I made myself donate them all. As a student, it is easy to become lazy because most people wear sweats to class. If I don’t own them, I can’t wear them; however, if I’m feeling athletic, you may find me in a matching track suit or neon Nike running shorts. Overall, I would say that my personal style is forever involving. Because I was forced to grow up at such an early age, I did enjoy fashion, but I didn’t have much of a chance to develop my personal identity. So now, at the age of 21, I am always shopping and trying out new looks to discover what best suits me.”

Q: As a student you have an organization and participate in events to raise awareness about child abuse. How do you manage your busy schedule?

A: “Time management! My planner is my life, and I would be completely lost without it. I have also become a talented at multitasking, and I try to focus on what’s important. For example, if I catch myself surfing social media, I remind myself that I am only gifted so much time, and I could be using that time more appropriate to focus on school, work, and the No Longer Silenced Movement.”  

 Q: Who is your support system now?

 A: “Professionally, I see a psychiatrist and a counselor. On an everyday basis, my support system consists of my boyfriend and his mother, my friends, and some of my co-workers. An addition and important support system is the high volume of those who read the Fashionable Philanthropist and contact me with words of support.”

Q: What are your career goals?

 A: “My highest ambitions are to obtain a Ph.D in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and work in an applied field. Currently, I believe that I would prefer to have a career in which I interact with people as opposed to working at a computer all day, so I’m currently exploring job opportunities within this field. I believe that it would be so incredible to improve the work lives of numerous people because it can drastically impact their health and mental state.”

Q: As a kid you were made fun of for being too skinny. What motivates your confidence today?

A: “Growing up, I was often called names such as, “Twigalette,” but today, I love my body. I am so proud to have a healthy and strong frame that is capable of such high achievement. Each day, I started looking at myself in a full length mirror, and I realized my body looked much different than how I pictured. I had always pictured myself as looking starved and gangly, but in all actuality, I look physically fit! What motivates my confidence today is looking in the mirror and admiring my beautiful body and all that it has achieved and appreciating its strength.”

Q: At College Lifestyles we have the Beauty by Confidence Campaign. What is your definition of beautiful?

A: “My definition of beautiful is looking and feeling my best in a way that pleases my expectations. I am not defined by what others say or believe.”

To connect further with Nicolette follow her on Twitter and like the No Longer Silenced Movement on Facebook. She’s truly amazing.

 

Amber Ferguson is a senior Fashion/Health Intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a sophomore at Prince George’s Community College. She’s obsessed with reality TV & loves traveling. Follow her on Twitter @Ms_AmberDawn!

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