CL’s Shopping Bag: Back to School Edition

I’m sure you can agree when I say shopping is always a  pleasure for any occasion and what better time to spend some extra cash then the all time fav event known as back to school shopping.

Classroom Basics

 Co-eds you know the routine: grab your 5-subject notebooks, pens, pencils and whatever else can fit into your backpacks and/or shoulder bags in preparation for those long class periods and even longer study sessions to come this year. My personal must-have item for class is a 10-pack of gel pens to keep my note taking process fun and colorful!

 

 

 

Wardrobe Upgrade

I mean what is a day of back to school shopping without getting something to add to your already fabulous wardrobe? While many of our closets may not necessarily look like this one, it definitely serves as a friendly reminder of the items needed to ensure that your rep as a campus fashionista is properly upheld.

 

 

 

Home Decor

 Like the look of this co-ed’s room? Whether your a dorm room occupant or apartment bound, visit Ikea (you can find this entire set-up here!), Target or Wal-Mart to find that special something will make your personal space feel like home away from home!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Have fun co-eds as you prepare for your return to life on campus and remember be happy, be healthy and always stay classy!

Campus Fashion: CL Style

College is a time to gain knowledge, make new friends and discover your “inner self.” It is also a great time to show off your fabulous sense of fashion whether you’re getting ready for a day of class or preparing for the hottest social event of the year!

Tailgating   

Come out and show your school spirit during this fun and festive time. School gear is always a plus whether it’s a t-shirt, sweat pants/shorts (depending on the weather), or simply rocking your school colors (especially during the game against your rival school!). And don’t be afraid to add a little something extra to your game attire so that you can stand out in the crowd.

School Spirit with the Classy Co-ed Flare…

Homecoming Dance

Ladies please do not go out and spend a bundle for this one night affair. I mean there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be the talk of the night, but remember you should also enjoy yourself without fear of spilling something on your $200 dress.  Forever 21, Macy’s, or a local boutique are great places to find a fun and affordable assemble for the occasion.

 Short, Grey and Fabulous for ONLY $30 at Forever 21!

Fabulous Fashion for Any Time of Day

Whether you’re going to class, stepping out for a campus party or just hanging around campus here are some of CL’s fav everyday looks for the always fashionable co-ed.

8am Casual!

 

 Stepping Out 

 

After Hours

Make any occasion an opportunity to show off your personal style and remember be happy, be healthy and always stay classy!

Summer Indoor Fun: Movie Rental Style :)

Heat waves and rainy days can sure put a damper in your summer plans, but when outside activities become limited keep the good times rolling with fun on the inside. My personal fav thing to do when I’m stuck inside for the day is to microwave some popcorn, grab some snacks and a soda and call up some of my fellow co-eds for a movie marathon! I mean you can never go wrong with a good movie! Not sure what movie to watch? Well CL is here for you! Here are our top 5 movie rentals and the places you can get them when a day by the pool just isn’t in the forecast.

THE LIST:

1. The infamous battle over the legendary Helen of Troy… P.S. TWO WORDS (Brad Pitt!!!)

(2004)

2. The Classic Love Story… Warning Co-eds: This one is a tear jerker.

(2004)

3. Pure comedy!

(2007)

4. Tap into your inner child with one of my all time favorite films… 

(1996)

5. What happens in Vegas…. Well you know the rest

(2009)

Move Over Blue Guys!

BLOCKBUSTER is no longer your only option when it comes to renting a movie. Now you can check out these fellow renters for your fav movies new and old:

For only $1 you can grab a rental from these big red boxes that can be found at your local grocery store and/or McDonalds.

With a simple click you can have movies delivered to your door within 1-2 business days using this popular online movie rental service. Visit www.netflix.com for a free trial!

Comcast Subscriber? RENT MOVIES FOR FREE with Comcast’s OnDemand option.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For more movie madness, be sure to check out Briana’s latest post on ”The Classy Co-ed’s Favorite Chick Flicks!” And don’t forget to get the dish on the CL Intern’s fav movies of all time (COMING SOON!!!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRUE LIFE: I’m a Graduating Co-ed

[Sigh] lately I find myself slowly adjusting to the fact that life around the grassy knoll, aka “the Oval,” as I know it will soon come to an end. Then reality hits me and I realize that with GRE testing, grad school apps and semester internships I’ll soon feel the déjà vu of my senior year, in high school, and I don’t know where to begin to prepare for life after Spelman!!!

Grad School OR Bust

Like college after high school, grad school is often seen as the next step following life as an undergrad. But don’t base the success of your desired career choice on whether or not you decide to further your education. Take me for example, as an aspiring Journalist my success really boils down to gained experience rather than how many degrees I can accumulate.

Tests, Tests, Tests!!!

GRE, MCAT, LSAT. If you are considering graduate, medical or law school you are once again faced with testing requirements needed to enter these institutions. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, like the ACT and SAT, these tests come with study guides, sponsored courses and more to help assist you with successfully getting a high score!   

Saying Goodbye…

Throughout your college career you have come to know those you now call friends, developed professional relationships and maybe even some personal ones. As you get ready to leave one phase and embark upon the next journey of your life, look at this not as the time to say goodbye, but rather see you later.

What’s Next?

Co-eds only you can answer this question; in all honesty, I cannot fully answer this question for myself. As a graduating senior, my advice to you is to do what you find you’re truly passionate about and always be sure to follow your dreams!

Cry, laugh and celebrate these last moments and remember be happy, be healthy and always stay classy!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: The Savvy Co-ed’s Night Out for ONLY $25!

Okay so I’m on the phone with my four best friends, and as usual we can’t decide what to do on a Friday night. So I say lets go bowling, but they suggest dinner and a movie. Nonetheless, going out is all about having options so we all agree why not do them all?

Now I know you’re thinking all that sounds impossible without breaking your pocket book right? But as a newly employed, co-ed on a serious budget, I will share my secret of a great night out for ONLY $25!

It’s Showtime!

Start the night off with a movie at the theatre or, if possible, your local drive-in. The going rate these days seems to be around $10, but be sure to pack your college I.D. and inquire about student discounts they may be offering.

 

The highly anticipated summer, thriller Twilight: Eclipse is in theatres NOW!!

What’s Next?

Fun and affordable, the college co-ed must have been in mind when the creators of Dave & Busters thought of this multi-activity, hot spot. Gang of 5 or more? Hit their bowling alley for a game at only $25/hour or $5 a person. Or rack up for a game of pool at only $10/table for unlimited usage all night.

 

 

 

Late Night Hunger

After all this fun a co-ed could surely work up an appetite. Keep the options rolling and stop by everyone’s favorite House of Pancakes and try their breakfast, lunch or dinner meals for $10 or less!

 

Check out some of my fav late night cravings on this affordable budget

When looking for ways to have a good time this summer don’t forget to check out your local hot spots, diners, etc. And remember be happy, be healthy and always stay classy!

Summer Love: Top 3 Ways to Maintain a Long Distance Relationship

Having to juggle academics, extra curricular events, etc. in addition to trying to make it last forever with the current “love of your life” can make college complicated. While for most, time-off from school, particularly summer break, is long awaited, this is not the case for the dating co-ed who is faced with the reality of being seperated from her other half for the next three months. But don’t fret, CL has the top 3 ways to help ensure that summer love is sustainable for those at a distance.

1. Communication- When long talks on the phone and text messages seem to get old, now you can communicate via Skype. Skype, a newly popularized network that allows you to communicate via web cam, is a great way to keep in touch with that special someone when you want to see that pretty smile or those breathe taking eyes.

Visit www.skype.com to download and create your free account

2. Drop On In- As a working co-ed, on a budget,  a quick trip across country may not be so easy. If possible, try to make arrangements to spend a weekend with one another during your time a part. Airtran Airline’s AirTranU program is making travel by air a little easier for young adults between 18-22 to fly with $80, one way flights. Or if you’re close enough, hop in the car, take a road trip and surprise that special someone with a visit.

3. Get Creative- Whether its a thoughtful poem or special card, tickets to the game or simply listening to him scream at the players, through the phone, (as if they could hear him), there are many ways to say I Love You from a far. Whatever it may be, take the time to do something you know will put an extra smile on his face and serve as a reminder that you’re thinking of him.

Whether love is near or far this summer, remember be happy, be healthy, and always stay classy!

For more on the dating co-ed, check out Pooja’s latest post!

Chrissy is a writer for College Lifestyles. She is a student at Spelman College and a die hard romantic!

Internship Etiquette 101: A Co-ed’s Guide to a Successful Summer Internship

“Do you think you would be comfortable riding public transportation?” asked the woman before offering me a position as a Customer Service Intern. Although growing up, in a small town, public transportation was never an option for me, at $13 an hour and my first internship opportunity, of course I said yeah!

Despite my success with the company, which so happened to specialize in public transportation, I really had to adjust to waking up an hour and a half early to ride a train to and from work rather than jumping in my car and driving myself there. As a result, I was late my first and last day and some in between (it shames me to say it).

If I remember nothing else about this internship experience, it is my bosses reoccurring statement, “Chrissy you’re one of the best interns we’ve ever had, you just have to work on that time!”

Long story short, learn from my experience and never apply for an internship just because it pays well or you think it will be a resume booster; gain experience in something you are truly passionate about. Whether you’re a first timer or seasoned vet learn be sure to keep in mind these basic tips while interning this summer.

Dress the Part

The Interview: Co-eds don’t make the mistake of thinking your interview outfit should be based on the position for which you are applying. Whether its a position with a fortune 500 company or working as an apprentice for a local publishing firm, ALWAYS dress business professional or, at the very least, business casual for an interview. Remember, before you even open your mouth what you have on tells the employer a lot about who you are!

 Business Casual:

Floral Sweater with a Beige Pencil Skirt and Peek Toe Shoes: $65 at Forever 21

You Got the Job! Depending on the actual position, a complete wardrobe change may not be necessary. Take me for example: last year I worked in an office so my internship required business casual wear. This summer working remotely for CL allows me to write and post wherever I am and in something as unprofessional as pajamas! Nonetheless, whether it’s a suit and heels or jeans and a t-shirt, always be sure to always incorporate your own personal style in a creative, yet professional way.

Professionalism never means compromising your personal style!

Recreate this look at Forever 21 for only $67!

Network, Network, Network!!!

Okay so you have the job, but simply completing your daily tasks or sitting at your desk all day will not allow you to stand out amongst your peers. The key is to go beyond the call of duty and network! Establish good working relationships with your co-workers and superiors. Successful internships often equal future call backs and professional references, so look at this as an opportunity to get your foot in the door and your name out there!

The Classy Intern

Whether filing confidential documents, managing a major project, or simply interacting with your co-workers be sure to always carry yourself in the manner of a classy intern. Show your employer that you have something more to offer, and make sure everything you do is done with style, flare and impeccable taste so as to leave the company wondering how they ever got along without you!

Happy interning this summer and remember be happy, be healthy and always stay classy!

Chrissy is a writer for College Lifestyles. She is a student at Spelman College and loves her new CL family

CL’s Summer Fashion Must-Haves

Regardless of the current trend, whether you’re getting ready for a day at work, a movie date, or a night out with the girls, there are some items that are a must in any co-ed’s wardrobe when leaving out of the house this summer. My personal fav summer look is a white tee, tank, etc. (preferably graphic), a pair of light blue jeans (you can never go wrong with those) and a fun and funky flat (the crazier the better!). All together it would probably look something like this…

With temperatures rising and time off from life as a co-ed, here a few of my summer must- haves that are trendy, affordable and celebrity approved!

The Sandal-we all love a classic heel, but nothing says summer like a fun and stylish pair of sandals. Sure to be spotted on every foot this summer is the ankle wrap sandal. Chic and affordable these can be dressed up or down and can be found everywhere from Macys, Urban Outfitters, DSW and more. So grab a pair and dress them up for a casual day at the office or rock out when you just want to look like you’re not trying hard to be the fabulous person you are!

 

Step out in these for only $22.50 at Charlotte Russe

Nothing But Shade- The must have accessory for the summer is none other than sunglasses. Not sure what pair is perfect for you? Don’t be afraid to go to the mall and try on 1,000 pairs to find out what fits your personal style. My recommendation: try to keep at least 3-5 pairs of sunglasses in your accessory closest because you never know what the occasion will call for.

Find these hot shades at Forever 21 for only $5.98!

SWINTER WEAR- Ok so the rules of seasonal wear no longer apply! So don’t be afraid to break out those cowgirl boots and rock them with your fav sun dress! A great occasion to pull off this look is a fun night out with the girls. A pair of suede boots or heels can add a stylish edge to that little black dress or pair of rock star jeans.

 

Dress: $29 at Urban Outfitters; DSW Sandals: $49.95

These are just a few of my fav looks and accessories, but totally keep in mind your own personal style when stepping out this summer. And remember be happy, be healthy and always stay classy!

Chrissy is a writer for College Lifestyles. She is a student at Spelman College and loves to accessorize!

Looking to for ways to achieve celebrity looks at an affordable price? Check out Kaitlyn’s latest post!