My Story

I received the Pro Cute #1b Off Black, 20 inch extensions ($199.99). At first I was torn about which color I should get because my hair is chocolate brown in the back but lighter in the front. I’m very happy I got the Off Black because it has tints of brown in it. (If you’re unsure about the color consider getting the color ring before making a purchase.) I choose the Pro Cute collection instead of the Standard or Remy collection because it still has the cuticle intact. This was important to me because the cuticle will keep the hair protected from heat, UV light, and chemicals, which means they will last longer

The customer service is awesome! With any purchase of $60 or more there is Free Express Shipping. The moment they arrived I couldn’t wait to try them out. The set comes with everything you need (1) 8 inch wide weft with 3 clips, one (1) 7 inch wide weft with 3 clips each, two (2) 6 inch wide wefts with 3 clips each, six (6) 1 and 1/2 inch wide wefts with 1 clip each) plus two test pieces in case you want to dye the hair. The hair isn’t too shiny which is good because it looks more realistic. Mine are straight but they also have a Body Wave collection, which is cool too. They are so easy to use and comes with a How-To Guide. My only complaint is that I wish they had more lengths to choose from because 20 inches is super long. Yet, once you experiment with curling and/or trimming the hair they will become your new favorite hair accessory.

Why I Recommend

If you want a change without the commitment definitely try Pro Extensions. Whether you want to add some streaks or go full on Ombre why potentially damage your hair with bleach or other chemicals when you can clip in and go? Prices for the extensions range from $49.99-249.99 depending on length and quality.  To get more information or see more pics check out their Facebook and Twitter! To learn more hair tricks read their blog.

Pro Extensions is giving a 10% discount to College Lifestyles Readers. Use code “college” at checkout!

Disclosure: A special thanks to Pro Extensions for sending College Lifestyles the Pro Cute hair extensions products to conduct this review.

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!

Good Morning Texts

Sending a simple good morning text will let your guy know he is the first thing you think about when you awake. This lets him know he is important to you. Sending a good night text to compliment the good morning text is another way to let him know you are thinking about him.

"A morning text does not simply mean 'good morning.' Rather it comes with the silent, loving message of 'I think of you when I wake up.'" courtesy of www.thequeenbuzz.com

Skype/Oovoo/Facetime

Sometimes texting and talking on the phone is not enough when you haven’t seen your significant other in a while. If you aren’t able to make a visit to see him, thanks to technology you can still see him via the internet on your phone or computer.

Date Night

If possible you and your guy should dedicate one day out of the week to go on a date. It can be something simple like renting a Redbox and cooking dinner. Regardless of what you decide to do for a date, be sure to be spontaneous throughout the summer to keep your relationship new and fun.

Facebook/Twitter/Social Networks

Social networks are a great way to stay in touch with your boyfriend because it allows you to catch a glimpse of their life through posts and pictures. It provides another way for you to communicate with him while allowing other people to see the love you share amongst each other.

Sherelle Black is a senior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

Boyfriend- Justin Bieber

"Boyfriend" is the first release from Bieber’s upcoming album "Believe."

Young, Wild, & Free- Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa featuring Bruno Mars

We Found Love- Rihanna

Mercy- Kanye West

This track feaures Pusha T, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz. This is the first single from the upcoming G.O.O.D. Music LP.

Part Of Me- Katy Perry

Rumor Has It- Adele

Take Care- Drake featuring Rihanna

Starships – Nicki Minaj

Payphone- Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa

Wild Ones- Flo Rida featuring Sia

Flo Rida is topping the charts with his new single "Wild Ones" which is on his upcoming album "Only One Rida (Part 2)."

Right By My Side- Nicki Minaj featuring Chris Brown

Sherelle Black is a senior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

1. Short Series: The Hunger Games

Chances are, you’ve heard of a little series called The Hunger Games. Yes, it’s huge, and with the second movie coming out in November 2013, this franchise is only going to get bigger. So what better time than summer to acquaint yourself with this pop culture epidemic? Sure, you can just see the movies, but the books are better. Immerse yourself this summer in Suzanne Collins’ world.

The Hunger Games

2. Long Series: Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is the first installment in the fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. You might know it better for the well-respected HBO series of the same name. With an expected seven books and only five out, Game of Thrones is perfect for the reader looking to start a new love affair with a book series.

Game of Thrones

3. Beach Read: Where We Belong

Looking for a slightly more meaningful beach read? Check out Emily Giffin’s Where We Belong, a heartwarming mother-daughter story that’s still light enough for the beach. Emily Giffin has also published Something Borrowed, which turned into a movie starring Ginnifer Goodwin that came out last May.

Where We Belong

4. Summer Cookbook: Vegetarian Cooking at Home with The Culinary Institute of America

Vegetarianism has been getting a lot of attention lately, for its health benefits as much as its eco-friendliness. But you don’t have to go vegetarian to try all the delicious recipes in Vegetarian Cooking at Home with The Culinary Institute of America from the Culinary Institute of America. And with 200 recipes, you’re sure to always have a fresh idea for Meatless Monday.

Vegetarian Cooking at Home with The Culinary Institute of America

5. Movie Mania: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

On June 22, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter will hit theaters. As the title suggests, the movie tells the story of President Abraham Lincoln, who finds that vampires are trying to take over the United States and sets out to destroy them. Want a head start? Check out the book that the story is based on, by Seth Grahame-Smith.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

What books are you planning to read this summer? Let us know in the comments!

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

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.

Gladiator Sandals, $30

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.

L'Oreal Teal Eyeliner, $8.49

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.

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.

co-founders Gabriela Graham, Juliana Colangelo, and Elizabeth Eddy (photo credit: sistersontherunway.org)

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.

After watching numerous vlogs on Youtube, I was inspired to start wearing false lashes. I think it really adds to your makeup look– and nowadays they look so natural that you can’t even tell that they aren’t ‘yours’!  Now that I’ve started using them, I’m totally obsessed! So if you’re thinking about wearing some, here are some basic tips:

Pick a color, any color!  Falsies come in many colors, shapes and sizes. There are extravagant ones and natural ones, and there are long ones and short ones. I would recommend starting out with the natural ones so you can wear them during the day. If you want them to look as possible, I would get natural ones, and cut them to the shape of your upper eye lid.

Eye Up Keep Make sure you read up on the basic upkeep once you have falsies in. From experience, you do have to be careful when you wash your face, and depending on your technique when you put them on, they may not last more than 2 days. If you want a long-term lash extensions, I would suggest a visit to your cosmetologist. Individual eye lash extensions tend to last longer.

Falsies are great for everyday wear and special occasions. There so many different types of lashes out there, and many different techniques in putting them on. Make sure you choose a type of lash and technique that’s right for you!

Photo via wendymag.com

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

Card and flowers are not as cliché as you think. Nothing says you care like a bright may flower, like lilies, or a colorful daisy. Cards from the heart are also a mom’s favorite. If she doesn’t hear from you a lot during the school year, a heartfelt card about how much you love her will totally make her day!

A Visit Home: sounds a obvious and a little understated, but visiting home will really make your mom happy, especially if you go to school farther away. If you can afford to home for mother’s day weekend, it’ll be a great opportunity to spend time with your whole family. To your mom, you are one of her greatest gifts. So why not give her the gift that is you!

Dinner and a movie: There’s nothing wrong with taking your mom out on a date. Me and my mom hit the mall on the regular and go to all her favorite shops. Plus, if your mom is kind of picky and hard to shop for like mine, let her run free in her favorite shop and pick something out. Surprise her by buying it for her. Not only is it a nice gesture, it’s a nice way to show you care—after all, she did spend at least 18 years buying stuff for you, didn’t she?

Social Media Shoot-out: Understated, and odds are, you probably do it anyway. Why don’t you tweet your mom, or tag her In a post, and let all your followers know how much you care. Dedicate a song to her, or post a picture of her and make it your default. I do this all the time to advertise to support something I really care about, so what’s more important than your mama?

These are ideas just to get you started if you don’t know what you want to do for your mother’s day. Remember that you are your mother, or any other female who played a huge part in your life deserves to know how much you care about them!

Photo via satgourmet.com

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.

These closet organizer racks are perfect for a small closet and a large wardrobe.

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.