Fun Facts About a Classy Co-ed: Kristen Gaudet

 

25 Facts about CL Intern, Brittany!

Meet CL Intern Brittany!

  Name: Brittany Lavenski

Position: Fashion and Living Writer

University: West Virginia University

Major: Public Relations and Political Science

Organizational Involvement:  WVU Public Relations Student Society of America and WVU Gold and Blue Student Ambassador

Pets: An adorable 9 month old puppy named Toby!

Nickname: Britt

                                                                                                    Dream Job: Doing PR while working with animals.

 

Favorite color: Olive green

Favorite candy: ANYTHING chocolate.

Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing

Favorite cuisine: Italian

Favorite season: Fall

Coffee vs Tea: Coffee

PC vs Mac: PC

Coke vs Pepsi: Water!

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Stripes

 

3 words to describe me: Compassionate, spontaneous, personable.

3 words to describe my style: Casual Carrie Bradshaw.

 

You will find on my desk: My phone, always.

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: Sex and the City!

You will find on my Ipod: Adele and lots of acoustic music.

You will find in my refrigerator: Chocolate, always!

I have a slight obsession with: my dog!

I dislike: apathy.

 

My friends would say I am: a go-to for advice and a good laugh.

I am most happy when: I feel academically accomplished.

Most people are surprised to know I: am happily engaged.

A classy co-ed is: a girl who stumbles upon her life’s passion, and wholeheartedly pursues it with confidence, humility, and ambition.

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Brittany Lavenski is a Fashion & Living writer at College Lifestyles ™. She enjoys studying PR and Political Science and is President of her university’s Chapter of PRSSA. When she’s not working, you can find her walking her dog or eating sushi and chocolate with her friends!

25 Facts About CL Intern Jessica Fecteau

Name: Jessica Fecteau

Position: Senior Writer Intern/Intern Diaries Contributor

University: Central Michigan University

Major: Journalism

Organizational Involvement:  Central Michigan Life (independently student-run newspaper), Grand Central Magazine, Intramural Volleyball team captain, University Tutor, Fashion Association of Merchandising and Design and Threads Fashion Show

 

 

Pets: A dog named Jake

Nickname: Jess, Jfect, jessfect

Dream Job: Glamour Magazine Editor

 

Favorite color: purple

Favorite candy: M&Ms

Favorite movie: 500 Days of Summer / One Day

Favorite cuisine: Peanut butter & Jelly

Favorite season: Fall

 

Coffee vs Tea: Coffee

PC vs Mac: PC

Coke vs Pepsi: Diet Coke

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Love both!

 

3 words to describe me: silly, sassy, hardworking

3 words to describe my style: cross body bag, slip-on tennies, big sweaters

 

You will find on my desk: coffee cups, my laptop, my planner and magazines

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: Gossip Girl, the Today Show, HIMYM, One Tree Hill, TLC

You will find on my iPod: mostly indie rock, some country, some radio jams

You will find in my refrigerator: a lot of fruit, veggies, hummus, and milk

I have a slight obsession with: constantly listening to music and shoes

I dislike: when people talk with their mouths full, bugs, heights

My friends would say I am: outgoing, happy and that I laugh a lot

I am most happy when: I’m  by a lake relaxing with friends

Most people are surprised to know I: have never seen Star Wars, Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter (but I am constantly told I’m missing out)

A classy co-ed is: smart, friendly and chic

 

 

 

 

Jessica Fecteau is a junior at Central Michigan University and is in her third semester with College Lifestyles. She has contributed to the fashion, dating and apartment/dorm life sections and is interning at Brava Magazine in Madison, Wisconsin this summer.

All About CL Health and Lifestyle Writer, Lauren Mazzo

Name: Lauren Mazzo

Position: Health and Lifestyle Writer

University: Ithaca College

Major: Journalism with a minor in Honors (a proud “Parkie” from the Park School of Communications at IC!)

Organizational Involvement: The Ithacan, Imprint Magazine, and Ithaca College Cheerleading. Go Bombers!

Pets: Rocky, a cute and lovable mutt (possibly a German Shepherd/ Golden Retriever mix).

Nickname: Lo, Laurentina

Dream Job: To work for a lifestyle magazine or become a food or travel writer!

Favorite color: Pink!

Favorite candy: As a chocoholic, it’s insane for me to try to chose just one. Hershey’s Symphony Bar with Almonds and Toffee might just be my favorite.

Favorite movie: Mean Girls — it’s a classic.

Favorite cuisine: Japanese! I’m crazy about sushi.

Favorite season: It’s a tough choice, but summer is my favorite. (Most likely just because I love the sun so much).

Coffee vs Tea: Tea

PC vs Mac: Macbook Pro + iPhone = a Mac girl

Coke vs Pepsi: Water, please!

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Neither — Cheetah print!

3 words to describe me: Fun-loving, friendly, girly.

3 words to describe my style: Classic, versatile, feminine.

You will find on my desk: A thousand different colors, sizes and shapes of sticky notes.

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: New Girl, Suburgatory, 2 Broke Girls, How I met Your Mother, Sex and the City, Friends.

You will find on my iPod: Pretty much everything.

You will find in my refrigerator: Fruit and Greek yogurt!

I am have a slight obsession with: Online shopping.

I dislike: When people aren’t open to trying new things.

My friends would say I am: A nerd (guilty).

I am most happy when: I’m eating great food with people I love.

Most people are surprised to know I: Have a twin sister (who is fraternal, even though we look very similar).

A classy co-ed is: A well-rounded college girl who embraces her youth, vitality and intellect in a way that helps her pursue her dreams, do what she is passionate about, be a positive influence on her peers, and remain classy and confident at all times.

Lauren Mazzo is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM), a Journalism student at Ithaca College and a member of Ithaca College Cheerleading. She is a proud chocoholic and grammar junkie. 

 

Meet CL Intern Casey!

Name: Casey Galasso

 

Position: Health & Lifestyle Writer

University: Marist College

Major: Public Relations & Journalism

Organizational Involvement: Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority , PRSSA, Staff Writer for campus newspaper, The Circle, PR Chair for St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn

 

 

Pets: West Highland White Terrier named Scruffy

Nickname: “Case,” “Casebase”

Dream Job: Writing/editing for a major magazine or entering entertainment, fashion or sports PR

Favorite color: Red

Favorite candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups 

Favorite movie:  Mean Girls

Favorite cuisine: Italian

Favorite season: Summer

Coffee vs Tea: I don’t really drink much of either. I do love the occasional Starbucks coffee, though!

PC vs Mac: Mac

Coke vs Pepsi: Pepsi

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Polka Dots

 3 words to describe me: Passionate, outgoing, trustworthy

3 words to describe my style: Classic, feminine, chic

 

You will find on my desk: Macbook, iPhone, Disney stand-up calendar, notepad, pens, alarm clock and an air freshener

You will find on my DVR/Tivo:  I don’t DVR or TiVo anything because my DVD collection is massive and one of my most prized possessions. I have hundreds of movies and TV showss on DVD. I stream what I don’t own online! My current Hulu obsessions are Smash and Don’t Trust the B in Apt. 23!

 You will find on my iPod: My iPod features such an eclectic mix of music.  I’m a huge country music buff, but will always have a place in my heart for pop and ‘90s jams.  As a runner, a majority of my music is fast paced and features empowering lyrics – it helps me get through those long runs that I don’t always think I can finish.

 You will find in my refrigerator: Lots of organic fruit, veggies, Greek yogurt, string cheese, and chocolate pudding!

I have a slight obsession with: Peanut butter, Nutella, Hello Kitty, Marilyn Monroe, Disney, shopping and running

I dislike: Feeling overwhelmed

My friends would say I am: Funny, enthusiastic, hard-working, loyal and a good listener

I am most happy when: I’ve come back from a great run, I’m in NYC, I’m spending time with my friends and family, when I’m curled up in bed eating peanut butter and Nutella out of the jar while watching a movie, when I’m at an outdoor BBQ, or when I wake up knowing I have a beautiful summer day ahead of me. It’s these simple things that make me the happiest.

Most people are surprised to know I can: quote any line from any episode of Friends.

A classy co-ed is…a young woman who is friendly, approachable, warm, intelligent, resourceful, sincere, witty, independent and most importantly, has the confidence to speak her mind.

Casey Galasso is a Health & Lifestyle Writer for College Lifestyles. Her hobbies include running, increasing the size of her DVD collection and baking.  She is looking forward to a relaxing summer filled with friends, family, shopping and food!

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.

Moving Out With Ease!

 

Moving out can be a hassle, especially if you don’t know what to expect! Whether you’re a move-out pro or a first time mover, here are some things to keep in mind to make things go as easily as possible.

Call in the Troops: Moving in or out by yourself can be a nightmare because it will take you a lot longer.  If you’re one of five, now is the time to recruit the little bro and sis to come help get your stuff. It will go so much faster if you’re not alone. No matter how small your room is, never underestimate how much stuff you really have. I know in my room, when I get all my stuff put in, it looks like I don’t have that much. But when it comes to moving out, I realize how much stuff I actually have, so make sure you get some extra hands to help you out!

 Take into Account Travel Distance: My family’s house is 20 minutes away from my dorm, so it really isn’t a problem if I throw stuff in a bag and pack it in the car. However, if you have a car or plane ride home, you need to make sure that however you pack your stuff is stable and secure. For example, don’t just put your left over cleaning supplies all in on box. You might want to tape them up so they don’t spill or contaminate anything else you might have in the same box. If you really feel like there isn’t any possible way to get all your stuff moved out, seek out a storage facility that can hold it for you. At the University of Delaware, local storage facilities offer student discounts so since it’s so common for students leave their dorm stuff there for the summer.

 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: As an avid environmentalist, you know I couldn’t make a good moving post without reminding you to be an environmental steward. If you take your time packing time as a sort and clean up time simultaneously like I do, don’t just throw away stuff that can be recycled or given away. Make a pile of recycling stuff and stuff that can be given to those in need. Drop it off at a homeless shelter when you get home! It’s a nice gesture, and it’s an eco-friendly way to get rid of your stuff. Also, check to see if your local school has a move-out program- you might be able to make some extra cash for the stuff you can’t use anymore!

Moving out can is an exhausting experience, but it’s necessary, so get ready for a ride! One of the most important things about getting ready for a move is having a good night’s rest, so you’ll be able to move as quickly as possible. I hope you had a great semester and good luck with your move!

Photo via incareofdad.com

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.

 

 

CL’s Guide to College Graduation

Graduation has come for so many of us! Having just gone through, I can tell you it is an experience you will never forget. If you’re considering not walking, I highly encourage you to do so. You’ve worked so hard and come so far, so celebrate it! Here are some tips on how to prepare for the big day, and what comes next!

Make sure everything is in order. Moving out? Double check that you have EVERYTHING. Still have some library books? Make sure to return them. Parking ticket? Pay it off!

Send out invitations. Invite family and friends! This is a time to celebrate! Send out invites to commencement, diploma ceremonies, graduation parties, etc. with the dates, times and locations clearly written.

Spend time with college friends. You may not see them for a while (but not ever again!). Have fun, relax, and figure out how you would like to stay in touch, whether it is through letters, email, texting, annual reunions, LinkedIn or Facebook.

Plan your outfit. You want to look your best for the occasion, so dress in style – it’s your day! With warmer months coming (and the amount of people likely to be filling the room at your graduation) wear something light and summery, but formal. Also, plan to wear comfy shoes, as you could be standing for quite a while.

CL Quick Tip: Consider decorating your mortar board so your folks can find you in the crowd.

Plan your make-up and hair. Again, with the summer months upon us, too much make-up will look fussy and could melt down your face. Try a lighter look. For hair, wear it down under you cap, but put it up when you can to keep cool. If your hair tends to frizz, be prepared with product.

Charge your camera. And make sure you have extra batteries! Take as many pictures as you, and have you family take pictures, too, can so you can add them to a scrapbook later.

Mingle and network. Colleges sometimes have receptions after graduation, so use it as an opportunity to speak with professors and advisors, thanking them for their guidance and support and asking them to remember you when career opportunities in your field pop up.

Send thank you emails or cards. We all have favorite professors, mentors, advisors and supervisors. Let them know how much they mean to you and the impact they have had on your college life.

Look for a job. If you haven’t started looking, or haven’t found one yet, search, search, search! Make sure your resume is up to date and apply like crazy, and keep track of when and where you apply. Some good places to start are the College Lifestyles job bank, careerbuilder.com and LinkedIn.

Be proud! You’ve earned this. Congratulations! This is a big step, but you can do it!

Debra Schreiber is a Senior Writing Intern with College Lifestyles and a recent graduate from Duquesne University with a B.A. in Journalism and a B.A. in Spanish. She loved participating in graduation, and while she will miss her Duquesne family terribly, she is excited for what comes next!

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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.

 

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