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!

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.

Style by the City: Valparaíso, Chile

It’s officially spring, which means college women around the country are finally looking to put some fresh color back into their wardrobes. So this week’s Style by the City heads to Valparaíso, Chile. This city  may not be a bona fide Santiago. But, it’s unique landscape makes it the perfect place for outfit inspiration.

 

 

Evening Outfit: El Mercurio del Valparaiso

El Mercurio del Valparaíso is the oldest Spanish-language newspaper in the world, so the evening outfit inspired by it is all about classic neutrals. A pair of graphic newsprint pants are bold and yet subdued in color, while a sleeveless white sweater is perfect for unpredictable spring weather. Black sequin pumps and a silver clutch keep the neutral theme, but add a pop of metallic trendiness. Complete the outfit with a pair of silver arrow earrings, in tribute to the statue on the newspaper building, pictured top left.

Casual Outfit: Piano Stairs

Valparaiso has some of the most beautiful graffiti in the world, like the piano stairs pictured in this photo. Start your outfit with a piano bag and a pair of simple flats for all that walking. Since the entire site is bursting with color, use this season’s huge color blocking trend to your advantage. Here, we chose a red tank top and a yellow skirt. The skirt is tiered, which pays added homage to the stairs. Finally, add a trendy pastel jacket, like this sea green one inspired by the handrail.

Internship Outfit: Funicular

Valparaiso’s funiculars, essentially cable cars, bring hundreds of tourists and residents around the city every day. Since the funiculars are so brightly colored, the star of the outfit is a bright but work-appropriate yellow dress. Since the dress commands attention, keep the accessories neutral with a simple blue bag and pumps. Make sure to check the dress code at your office before you try this outfit, though. If neutrals rule the day where you intern, you may want to add a simple blazer or steer clear of this altogether.

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. 

Style by the City: Dublin

We all know the only real holiday in March (besides Spring Break) is St. Patrick’s Day. Celebrate all month long with these looks inspired by Dublin, Ireland.

 

 

Evening Out: Guinness Brewery

What better way to celebrate a night out than in an outfit inspired by the beer you’re drinking? The Guinness Brewery is just one of many reasons to imbibe in Ireland, since they give you beer for free. Start with a subtle beer drinker tank top, and add a high-waisted golden skirt. The golden slingbacks match your skirt and are comfortable enough to stand in all night. A faux fur cropped jacket matches the walls of the factory and keeps you warm and stylish. Finish off the look with a black metallic clutch just big enough for your bare essentials, and some accessories: a beer charm (try putting it on a charm bracelet) and a piano necklace for the harp that is Guinness’ logo. Just make sure photos of your night don’t end up on the internet. So not classy.

Internship Outfit: Ha’Penny Bridge

This week’s internship outfit is inspired by the Ha’Penny Bridge, known as such for the price of the toll it used to charge. The bridge is white, so start your outfit with a plain white  button-down, paired with a pencil skirt the cover of the river below. The pumps and the tote are work-appropriate and in tune with two major spring trends: pointy shoes and color-blocking. Don’t forget the accessories! We chose a striped scarf for the bridge’s pattern, sun earrings for its decorative lamps, and a coin necklace for the name.

Casual Outfit: Dublin Castle

Jeans, Bag, Earrings, Jacket, Shoes, Top, Photo Credit

Dublin Castle has seen its fair share of fires, so start your outfit with a pair of trendy crimson jeans. A grey tank top matches the castle’s outer facade and is tame enough to balance the metallic tweed blazer, which pays tribute to the castle’s gold interior. The library contains over 22,000 volumes, but the book-related item here is very American: earrings inspired by Dr. Seuss’ Cat In The Hat. This is the perfect outfit to study for midterms with, so slip on some easy-to-walk-in black Converse, and tuck your books into a bag that complements the bright jacket. Now, off to the library!

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. Check her out on Polyvore at sasha74.polyvore.com.

Top 11 Ways To Save Money On Study Abroad

Studying abroad may be one of the best experiences of your college career, but it also can be one of the most expensive. Let College Lifestyles help you out with our top 11 ways to save money while studying abroad.

Before You Go:

1. Choose your place wisely. If you know in advance that money is going to be tight, choose a study abroad site you know you can afford. Studying Spanish? Skip Spain and head to South America instead.

2. Get a scholarship. There are several scholarships exclusively for study abroad. Make sure you look as far in advance as possible for these, since they can fill up quickly. These scholarships are especially common if you are studying in a less popular area, like China or the Middle East.

3. Get the International Student ID Card (ISIC). There’s a good chance a foreign country won’t recognize the ID card from your American university, especially if it’s not well-known. Having the ISIC ensures you always get the student prices you need. Best of all, the card comes with exclusive deals and works in 120 countries.

4. Enroll directly. The United States has one of the most expensive university systems in the world. If you speak the language (or are going somewhere they speak English), it can be several thousand dollars cheaper to enroll directly in a foreign university. Make sure you confirm this is possible with your university before trying this, as it can change how they accept your credits and your financial aid for that semester. And be prepared to deal with a lot of bureaucracy.

While You’re There:

5. Buy a sturdy coin purse. America’s most expensive coin is worth just $1, and those aren’t as common as the far less valuable quarter. But in other countries, coins can be more valuable – take the euro coin, which at today’s exchange rate is worth $1.30 on the dollar. That doesn’t sound like a lot more, but it adds up. Also, many public transport systems will also only accept coins. The lesson here? Skip the flimsy pocket in your wallet and buy a sturdy coin purse. They’re so cheap, they can double as a souvenir.

6. Cooking your own food, if it’s an option, is generally far cheaper (and healthier!) than buying it everyday. This is great for practicing the language, since it forces you to learn the names of new foods and talk with the shopkeepers. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even learn a new recipe.

7. Try Couchsurfing. Don’t have money to spend on hostels? Couchsurfing is absolutely free. This company pairs up travelers with regular people who are willing to open up their home for a few days. This is much safer than it sounds since Couchsurfing allows people to write reviews of both hosts and guests. You might even love it so much that you’ll host travelers once you return to the States.

8. Keeping an expense journal is a great budget skill wherever you are. But it’s especially important when you’re studying abroad, i.e. spending way more money than normal and dealing with a foreign currency. Buy a tiny notebook you can tuck into any purse and write each purchase in as you go. At the end of the week, add the money up and convert it into US dollars.

9. Make local (and foreign) friends. One of the many benefits of having local friends is that they can save you money, showing you all the cool, cheap hangouts that you would never discover on your own. But foreign friends, specifically ones from nearby countries are great too. Studying in France and make friends with someone who lives in Dublin? Now you have a place to stay for the weekend and your own personal tour guide.

10. Read a weekly publication. Most major cities have a weekly publication that has an event listing in the back, most of which are cheap or free. If you’re lucky, they’ll even have one in English. Use Google, a local friend, or a guidebook to find one. If you’re really stuck, Time Out is also a good place to start.

11. Travel domestically. One of the advantages of studying abroad is that you get to stay in the same country for several months. Get to know the whole place, not just the city you’re in, by traveling domestically – which is generally cheaper than traveling internationally. Don’t feel like you’re missing out: When I was studying in Buenos Aires, I never left Argentina once. I did, however, go to Bariloche, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy, and Iguazú Falls – and I had an amazing time.

Want more study abroad articles? Check out Top 10 Ways to Stay Fit While Studying Abroad, or CL Top 10: What and What Not to Pack for Study Abroad.

Sasha Graffagna is a current junior studying Journalism and Comparative Literature at NYU. She studied abroad in Buenos Aires last semester, and is currently on exchange at La Universidad de Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Study Abroad: Spain

Spain is a wonderful study abroad location whether you’re studying languages, architecture, history, or, in the case of this CL intern’s trip, religion. Here, CL Senior Writing Intern Debra takes you on a tour of Spain, via her experiences, with beautiful locations, places to visit, weather tips, and cuisine to taste.

Hello CL readers! I visited Spain my sophomore year with Duquesne University’s Global and Cultural Perspectives class. Our assignment was to learn about the rich history of Spanish religion, which includes Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

We covered a lot of ground in just ten days, visiting Madrid, Córdoba, Granada and Málaga. These last three places, located in Andalucía (Southern Spain), were where we spent the bulk of our time.

For those of you who have studied Don Quijote in your literature classes, you can visit La Mancha, home of the brave (or crazed) knight himself.

 

We stopped at this beautiful plaza on our road trip from Madrid to Córdoba. The statue is Don Quijote de la Mancha.

Once settled into Córdoba, we visited the Cathedral Mosque, a structure that definitely shows the diversity of religion in Spain. The cathedral was built inside the mosque!

 

The architecture and decorations have both Islamic and Catholic influences.

Within the next few days, we drove to Granada, home to the seat of the old Moorish kings and queens:  La Alhambra, a gorgeous palace, along with the beautiful  Generalife gardens.

The Moors loved to incorporate light, beauty and water, and this palace had them all!

My favorite place was Málaga. It is right next to the Mediterranean Sea, and is home to an incredibly diverse population of very friendly people! More often than not, they were tourists, just like us.

 

It was also home to some unbelievable views!

 Unfortunately, I missed a lot of this part of the trip because I was stuck in banks all day. Traveler’s checks may seem like a good idea, but two out of the three banks I went to had trouble converting mine. Best to stick to Euros. Also, if you plan to do any banking abroad, have your passport with you when you go to the banks. As my friend from Honduras told me, and I learned firsthand, the States is the only place where a driver’s license is an acceptable form of I.D.

Luckily, I got out in time to join our group in visiting the Pablo Picasso museum. Picasso is a central figure to Spanish history and culture, and his art, timeless.

Now he even has his own bench!

From the pictures above, you may have been assuming the weather in Spain is absolutely gorgeous all of the time. WARNING: it isn’t. We went during the crossover of February to March. It is winter in Spain then, and trust me; the rain in Spain most definitely does not fall mainly on the plain!

 And if you plan to visit ruins like the Medina Azahara on a rainy day, don’t forget to pack your rain boots and your umbrella!

A rain coat is also wise. The best thing you can do when packing to visit a foreign country is to pack layers. The weather can surprise you at any time, so be prepared!

CL Quick Tip: Check out our study abroad packing tips!

Something else that may surprise you is the food – I wasn’t prepared, but we had a tour guide to take us to some fabulous restaurants!

We spent our last day in Spain in the capital city of Madrid. This city is bursting with culture and history!

 It is also home to some of the best pickpockets. One student in our group had his phone stolen from his zipped-up jacket pocket. If anything like a phone or credit card is stolen, find a way to cancel your service IMMEDIATELY.

Other amazing places to  visit while you’re there are the Prado museum, the bullfighting rings, and the football (soccer) stadiums.

I didn’t get to visit those places, so comment below and let us know about your experiences there!

 Debra Schreiber is a senior Spanish and journalism major at Duquesne University. She is a Senior CL Writing Intern. Her experience in Spain was unforgettable, and she hopes to go back and visit all of the places she missed!

Style by the City: Moscow

Sick of winter yet? So are we. But at least we’re not in Moscow, where the average temperature in February is a breezy 16 degrees Fahrenheit. Ouch. At least Moscow residents have some beautiful landmarks to distract themselves, and you can distract yourself with the outfits inspired by said landmarks.

 

Evening Out: Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Saint Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most memorable landmark, and you can be just as memorable on your next night out. Try bright colors that harmonize well. We started with some funky multi-colored shoes, then chose a dress, blazer, and clutch that picked up on those colors. The clutch is also an orangey peach, in tribute to the ball of flame that the Cathedral’s structure symbolizes. Finish off the look with a pair of modern cut-out cross earrings. It is a church, after all.

Casual Outfit: Novodevichy Convent

Like Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Novodevichy Convent is a mishmash of several colors. Keep the basis of your oufit simple, like the white dress that matches the base color of this World Heritage site. The ochre of the walls is reflected in the crimson coat, and the silver and gold turrets find a home in your silver and gold bangles. Thick gray thigh-highs and black booties keep you stylish yet safe from Russian winters. Complete the look with a turquoise bag that reminds you that spring will come someday – even to Russia.

Internship Outfit: Novoslobodskaya Station

A train station may not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of landmarks, but that doesn’t make Moscow’s Novoslobodskaya Station any less beautiful. The station is filled with 32 stained glass panels, so start your outfit with a stained-glass-inspired top. The blue that permeates the designs is reflected in a classic peacoat and a pair of violet heels. The rest of the station is white, hence the outfits. The globe earrings pay tribute to the fact that the panels are the work of Latvian, not Russian, artists.

What city should we cover next? Let us know in the comments!

Check out our Style in the City:  Buenos Aires!

Sasha Graffagna is a writer for College Lifestyles.  She 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. 

Style by the City: Buenos Aires, Valentine’s Edition

Valentine’s Day is almost here! Still have no idea what to wear? Look to one of the most romantic cities on earth for inspiration. No, not Paris. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

Date Outfit: El Rosedal

Evening Out: Puente de La Mujer

Dress, Shoes, Jacket, Photo Credit

No hot date this Valentine’s Day? You can still look hot out on the town with your girls. Buenos Aires has the perfect landmark for you to base this weekend’s outfit on – Puente de La Mujer, or the Woman’s Bridge. The bridge is said to depict a couple doing the tango, perhaps the world’s sexiest dance, so slip into your LRD: Little Red Dress. A silver blazer keeps you warm and adds the metallic feel of the Puente. The white mast of the bridge is said to be the man, so try a pair of white heels with a masculine touch; we chose spikes. Now get ready to dance the night away, Buenos Aires-style.

Internship Outfit: El Ateneo

Blouse, Blazer, Belt, Pants, Flats, Bag, Earrings, Photo Credit

El Ateneo used to be a theater, but was then converted into a bookstore. The style lesson you should take from this? Don’t be afraid to do the unexpected, like wearing festive clothes to the office on Valentine’s Day. We gave a romantic white blouse a work-appropriate silhouette with a structured red blazer and a skinny belt cinched around the west. Black pants and black flats provide a neutral base, while the satchel is muted yet in tune with the Ateneo’s color scheme. And don’t forget the books! We love the adorable earrings of a classy lady reading.

What are you wearing for Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is a NYU junior studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. She is currently on exchange at La Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Follow her on Polyvore at sasha74.

Day 1: Who, What, And Where Are Your Crushes?

In preparation for writing this post, I consulted Mr. Webster for an exact definition of a crush.  Disappointed in my finds, I am providing you all with my own definition.

Crush (n.) – ‘An object of desire.  This particular object, whether a person, place, or thing gives the individual a feeling of warm fuzzies and smiles.’

My past days of crushing included the popular boy (where my lovely friends would sing the infamous Sitting in the tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G) and of Kurt Cameron on Growing Pains (my cousins and I formed the I Love Kurt Cameron Club).

It doesn’t take much to give me the ‘warm fuzzy‘ feeling and listed below are my crushes!

Celeb Crush – John Cusack

How can anyone not love the defining moment in Say Anything with ‘In Your Eyes’ playing on his boom box?  Major crush.

City Crush – Buenos Aires

From the romantic tango to the delicious Malbec, foodies and artist crush this city, and B.A. holds a forever place in my heart since it was my honeymoon destination.

Food Crush – Chocolate Cake

Yum.  Enough said

Tell us:

-Who is your celebrity crush?

-What is your city crush?

-What is your food crush?

Shelly Marie Redmond is the Editor in Chief of College Lifestyles.  She loves the feeling of a crush.

CL Top Ten: What and What Not to Pack for Study Abroad

We understand that you want to look and feel your best abroad – all the better to impress those cute foreign guys ! However, that does not mean that you need to take your entire closet and more with you. Below are five things you should definitely pull and pack because you love or really need them, and five items that you can say adios to for a few months, buy abroad, or carry on your person at all times.

To pack…

Your go-to jewelry pieces. Do not bring your entire jewelry box with you, just a few simple pieces that you wear on a regular basis . Narrow down your selection to a top three or four. Too much jewelry will weigh down your luggage, and there’s also always the chance that pieces could get lost.

Basic make-up. Simple mascara, foundation, lip gloss, eye shadow and liner will do. Don’t go crazy and bring every make-up product you own.

Necessities for your well-being. Make a list and double check that you have the items you use every day, such as contact solution (which you need to put into a container that complies with flight regulations), contacts (bring extra in case you lose them or they tear!), your glasses case, retainers, etc.

Work-out clothing. If you don’t bring work-out clothing, you won’t work out.

Simple clothing. Pack items that complement one another, sticking to a basic color palette. Doing this means you will need to pack fewer items because everything matches (freeing up space for clothes you buy abroad!) and losing one item won’t throw your whole look off. For extra tips, check out these matching pieces!

 

…or not to pack…

Books. Buy them abroad if you can. Books add weight to your suitcase. Definitely buy notebooks once you’re there.

Laundry detergent. Again, buy it there. It weighs too much, and it will be too much trouble putting it into bottles that are consistent with flight regulations.

Your passport. Don’t pack this – you’ll need it to get around the airport and the country, so keep it on your person at all times.

An umbrella. It’s incredibly useful abroad, just buy it there.

All of your shoes. …Just don’t do it.

Debra Schreiber is a returning CL intern from summer 2011. Now a senior, she did a spring break away trip to Spain her sophomore year, packed unnecessary things, and one of her favorite T-shirts disappeared.