Dress For Success : Office Attire

Hi ladies, it’s almost summer time ! All of us are probably going out on numerous internship or summer job  interviews while some of us are preparing to head back to work. My favorite part of summer work is office attire. It gives us another reason to shop and to buy items we know we would never wear outside of the office but we think is office appropriate and fabulous.

 

My favorite item for office attire is pencil skirts. Cute and affordable, pencil skirts come in various design types and colors. There are so many different types of pencil skirts including numerous designs or you could opt for a solid black or navy blue. The high waisted pencil skirt lengthens the legs and gives you the perfect tiny waist.

Here are some options :

 

 

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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Dress For Success: Classic Black Suit Looks

Hello ladies, its almost time for summer ! Many of us are heading out on numerous interviews for internships and jobs this summer and we here at College Lifestyles have got you covered to stay classy, professional, and fashionable while heading out into the work world. It always best to stay professional with classic black suit. There are a variety of options down below :

To add splash of your personality try maybe colored collared shirt. Its always best to keep the color choice an earth tone nude ( shown above), a classic pin strip blue and/or a crisp white. The classic black pants works for all types of styles – from girly to sporty. For the more girly girl there is the skinny tapered black pants or if you prefer a sporty style, stick with the basic cut black pants.

Now for the accessories and shoes. Nude and black pumps are the safest. If heels are not your style try a cute pair of oxfords or basic black ballet flats. Show personality with your black suit with a splash of color.  Remember ladies, light on the jewelry, maybe a pair of pearls and studs.

Here are some options below :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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Looks for Spring Break – Beach

Ladies I know you’ve been wondering “What am I going to wear to the beach?” . Look no further I’ve got you covered, it’s simple lots of cover ups and shorts. I know you all want to show off your bikinis and summer time bodies you’ve worked so hard for so why not strut your stuff in a couple of cute see through cover ups. These cover ups show off your great body and help you stay classy at the same time. If its too late for you get cover ups try cute colorful shorts and tank tops. Tank tops also show your bathing suit if over sized and worn correctly. Here are some cute examples below.

Have fun in the sun 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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Looks for Spring Break – Plane Travel

Now for my ladies heading to Cancun, South Beach, Panama City, and more. Let’s start this vacation early. Head to the airport warm weather ready. Put on some cute printed shorts with a comfy tee. Don’t forget the accessories add sunglasses and fedoras. If your worried about it being cold on the plane just grab a sweater. Have fun in the sun

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.

Spring Fashion Trends: $50 and Under

With Spring Break in just a few weeks, it’s about time to get a new spring wardrobe.  There are ways to look classy and fashionable without maxing out your debit card.

Check out these up-and-coming fashion trends and affordable pieces.  Everything is $50 dollars or lower, so you won’t break the bank and still can have some cash flow left over.

1. Color Blocking- Color blocking is when you take two or more blocks of solid color and match them together.  It can be done with individual articles of clothing in an outfit or on one piece, like a shirt or dress.  Successful color blocking is really simple.  A color wheel will be your best friend for color blocking.  The most effective ways to color block are using colors that fall directly next to each other on the wheel, like yellow-green and yellow, but that isn’t limiting.  Bold colors go well together too;  Also, you can substitute primary or secondary colors (use pink instead of red) and still follow the color wheel suggestion.

Xhilaration Juniors Sweetheart Skater Dress, $19.99 at Target

 

Nordstrom Opaque Control Top Tights, $11.00 at Nordstrom

 

1. Orange and Tangerine Hues- These bright, summery hues are great to look simple but bold.

Coral Denim Skinny Jeans, $29.99 at Charlotte Russe

AE Embroidered Cutout Tank, $24.50 and American Eagle

1. Metallics-A great go-to trend for all outfits.  What’s great about metallics is how well they pair with solid colors and add texture to any outfit.

Genna DeRossi Metallic Purse, $17.50 at Sears.com

 

H&M Gold Dress, $40.00 at hm.com

Women’s Music Glitter Flip Flop (Airwalk), $9.99, Payless Shoesource

 

1. Floral Patterns- Floral patterns add a sense of innocence and class to any outfit, while also showcasing a sense of soft femininity.  When it comes to floral patterns, there are all sorts of sizes and colors.  When it comes to picking the size of flowers on your piece, pick a size you are comfortable with. If you prefer bolder prints, larger flowers may be more flattering for you. Height is also important.  Smaller prints look better on shorter gals while bolder prints are more fitting to someone with a few more inches.

XOXO® Juniors’ Kimono Floral One-Shoulder Top, $17.99, Bon Ton

Floral Halter Woven Dress, $24.75, Aeropostale

Vera Bradley Mini Hipster in Camellia, $45.00, verabradley.com

1. Whites- The innocent reputation of white is making a scene this spring.  White clothes and accessories bring cleanliness to any outfit. In addition, they are great to mix with other hot trends, like color blocking or floral patterns.

Daytrip Woven Stretch Belt, $24.95, Buckle.com

Blouse, $9.95, H&M

Jody Cardigan, $47.50, Abercrombie & Fitch

Bluebird Beach Shorts, $24.15, Hollisterco.com

Crop Roll Cuff Jacket, $32.50, Wet Seal

1. Polka Dots- Polka Dots is a classic pattern that is coming back for a visit.  While polka dots can be seen as being juvenile, these pieces will make you see polka dots as a mature, stylish pattern.

Puff-Sleeve Polka Dot Top, $19.99, Charlotte Russe

Merona Women’s Essential Cardigan Sweater, $22.99, Target

 

Alli Heitzenrater is a writing and PR intern for CL.  She is a senior Creative Writing Major at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College.  Alli loves cupcakes, Reality TV, and shopping.  

Spring Trend : Colorful Jeans

Hi ladies! The weather is finally starting to break, and I cannot wait to wear my spring clothes. The forecast spring 2012 trend is colored jeans which is also my favorite spring trend. This colored jeans trend is great since you get to add color to the simplest outfit automatically making it chic. The seasons hot colors are pastels, red, and turquoise. Because I love this trend I’ve already brought three pairs lol. Here’s inspiration of how to wear colored jeans:

Love what you see here are some affordable options :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Valentine’s Day Fashion : Hanging Out with the Girls

Hi ladies ! Its Valentine’s Day ! This may be an exciting day for some of you lovers out there but for us single gals its just another day Single ladies can look great on this day while hanging out with the girls.  Here’s some inspiration :

Wear a splash of red and add an edgy pair of shoes to spice up the night !

For comfort, try a cute little dress and boots. Add a splash of color with a colored blazer.

 

Fashion world prepares for biggest week in NYC

Twice a year, the biggest fashion gurus travel to New York City to celebrate one of the largest and elaborate events in the industry; Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  This year fashion week will be held at the Lincoln Center from Feb 9 to 16.

Formally known as New York Fashion Week designers, celebrities, and the fashion press travel from all over the world to preview upcoming collections. During this week long series of runway shows, over 70 designers will showcase their work for the upcoming fall 2012 season. The preliminary lineup includes many of the usual designers such as BCBG, Max Azria, Tadaski Shoji, Carlos Miele, and Michael Kors as well as some new additions including Whitney Eve and Chadwick Bell.  To view the complete list of designers and show times visit the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule.

 

 

 For all those fashionistas who would love to experience fashion week but can’t make it to the Big Apple, Fashion Week has teamed up with Maybelline and YouTube for a “Live from the Runway” channel! It’s an all access pass to the show from the comfort of your living room. Choose which designer shows you want to watch and RSVP on Merceds-Benz Fashion Week facebook page. Make sure you add it to your calendar and don’t forget to tune in.  What shows will you be watching?!?

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Four ways to bring Mardi Gras to your sorority!

As a college student in Louisiana, I live for Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras is a celebration beginning on or after Epiphany and ends on the day before Ash Wednesday. Fat Tuesday, which is the last day before lent begins, is the final day for Catholics to treat their selves to the coveted object or obsession they are about to give up for lent. Typically, Fat Tuesday is the day everyone associates as Mardi Gras, due to the extensive celebrating that occurs that day. This year Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 21! If you cannot make it to New Orleans to join in the festivities, why not bring Mardi Gras to your sorority? Here are four ways to bring Mardi Gras to your sorority.

 

Masks- No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without masks. During Mardi Gras an individual’s mask represents their personality. All you and your sisters need is a plain mask, glitter, sequins, and anything else needed to show off everyone’s individualism! To guarantee your sorority has the best masks around, spice it up and have a contest for the best mask!

 

Beads- Beads are the must-have accessory for Mardi Gras. Throughout Mardi Gras people wear a variety of colorful beads to display their festive side. Traditionally beads are treasured during Mardi Gras, as they are usually the result of winning a contest or souvenirs of the parades they attended. Get your sisters in the spirit of Mardi Gras by having a game night where you give beads as prizes for the winners. Remember the more beads the better!

 

King Cake- No celebration would be complete without dessert. King Cake is a cake that is filled with cream cheese, cinnamon, praline, strawberry, blueberry or other common fillings and twisted in the shape of an oval. It is typically topped with icing and sugar in the colors of Mardi Gras (purple, green and gold).  When eating this be sure to look out for a tiny plastic baby that has been embedded in the cake. As tradition has it if you find the baby in your slice you must buy the next king cake! Ingredients PASTRY: 1 cup milk 1/4 cup butter 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast 2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) 1/2 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour FILLING: 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 2/3 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup melted butter FROSTING: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon water

Directions Scald milk, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of butter. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water with 1 tablespoon of the white sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. When yeast mixture is bubbling, add the cooled milk mixture. Whisk in the eggs. Stir in the remaining white sugar, salt and nutmeg. Beat the flour into the milk/egg mixture 1 cup at a time. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. When risen, punch down and divide dough in half. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 2 cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. To Make Filling: Combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup raisins. Pour 1/2 cup melted butter over the cinnamon mixture and mix until crumbly. Roll dough halves out into large rectangles (approximately 10×16 inches or so). Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough and roll up each half tightly like a jelly roll, beginning at the wide side. Bring the ends of each roll together to form 2 oval shaped rings. Place each ring on a prepared cookie sheet. With scissors make cuts 1/3 of the way through the rings at 1 inch intervals. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Push the doll into the bottom of the cake. Frost while warm with the confectioners’ sugar blended with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Courtesy of allrecipes.com

 

Parade- To get the full affect of Mardi Gras, you must have a parade. Mardi Gras parades consist of large and vibrant floats filled with candy and of course lots of beads! Unlike most parades, Mardi Gras parades are often hosted by Krewes, or private clubs, preparing for Mardi Gras season all year. Be sure to give your float a name, theme and dress up in costume!

 

You and your sisters are destined to enjoy Mardi Gras this February with these simple easy-to-do steps to bringing Mardi Gras to your sorority. So, as we say in Louisiana “laissez les bons temps roule” or “let the good times roll!”

 

Sherelle Black is a junior 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.

How to Celebrate Long-Distance Love

It’s Valentine’s Day, and since it falls on a Tuesday this year, if you don’t go to the same college as your significant other, chances are you won’t be able to be together on the big day. I’m in the same boat, and being five hours away from my man definitely is not going to stop me from celebrating. Here are five ideas to keeping Valentine’s Day extra special for you and your significant other, even when you are miles apart.

1. Set a video chat date for Tuesday night. If you have class, work, or another engagement, it doesn’t have to be right on V-Day. Don’t be afraid to be cheesy. Dress up, settle in front of your computer screen and tell your man how much you miss and love him over video chat. It’s of course not the same, but it is a way to connect with your other half when you’re not there. Especially if you don’t get to video chat much, this will be extra special. (Suggestion: download Skype, it’s easy!)
2. Use snail-mail. Everyone likes getting mail, especially when it’s love letters. Spend some time and write a letter telling him why you love him, how special he is to you, or the little things you miss the most about him. Make sure you send it early enough for him to get it by Valentine’s Day. You can either keep it a secret and surprise him with the card, or tell him to write one too, and that you both have to read it ON the big day.
3. Surprise him. Now, I know this isn’t possible for most. My other half is in New York City, while I’m in Upstate NY, and I have classes during the week. However, I am planning a trip for the weekend after, that way we will celebrate later. If you can afford it, make that your gift. Road trip to see your man, show up with a bow on your head, and bam: Happy Valentine’s Day to him!
4. Simple is okay. Don’t be stressed with expensive gifts. He knows you’re a college student, and can’t afford to buy him an iPhone. The simple things mean more to most men, just like women. Like stated above, sending a card or video chatting is cute, and not too overwhelming for the man either.
5. Have fun with it. Let your man know you don’t need the cliché flowers and chocolates. Have fun with your gifts. This way, you can get each other silly gifts and save money. If you do decide to go visit, make dinner together. It saves money and keeps you cozy!

Got tips? Leave them below! If you need more advice, send us an email at intern@collegelifestyles.org!

 

Emily Longeretta is an editorial and social media intern for College Lifestyles (TM). When she’s not video chatting with her NYC boyfriend, she is working four internships and going to school full time, graduating in May.

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