Podcasts – Up to Date, On the Go

As a classy co-ed, you probably already know that College Lifestyles is an award-winning website where you can find articles about etiquette, fashion, beauty, nutrition, careers, decorating, technology, travel, and entertainment.  You may be wondering: what is the next step?  How can a student learn more about these subjects while on the go?  Podcasts are a great way to stay in the loop, and with the intuitive user experience that Apple products offer, keeping up with the latest news while out and about is easy.  Search the “Podcasts” section on iTunes to find one based on your interests.  Did I mention that Podcasts are free?

Modern Manners Guy
This audio podcast focuses on etiquette in today’s quickly changing world.  While iTunes only offers recent episodes, the Quick and Dirty Tips website has an archive of all of his podcasts.  Learn how to be a gracious houseguest, use the right fork, and date in a polite manner.  A weekly podcast created in 2007, Modern Manners Guy has covered almost any topic I could imagine.  Try listening to the Beach Etiquette episode before heading to a weekend at the seashore, or listen to the series detailing Airport and Airplane manners before your next flight.  On the way to class, in the car, or even while cleaning your dorm, you can catch up on the latest etiquette advice in a few short minutes.

Stuff Mom Never Told You
It is always classy to know about current events, and this audio podcast deals addresses modern women’s issues in a tactful and informative way.  How Stuff Works has many educational podcasts, from historical topics to scientific subjects, but being a female student, the Stuff Mom Never Told You podcast is particularly interesting. The podcasts feature the two reporters, Kristin and Molly, discussing women’s health, careers, fashions, relationships and trends with some historic, sociological, and scientific insights.  Topics include the history behind racy Halloween costumes, iconic beauty products, single-sex classrooms, chick lit, and the relationship between women and diamonds (are they really best friends?).  Listen to stay more informed and for a fun fact or two to share with friends.

Start Cooking
The days of cereal and instant macaroni and cheese are over with this video podcast’s advice on how to cook easy dishes, some of which can even be made in dorms that do not have a stove or oven.  Every other week Kathy Maister teaches viewers how to complete a simple cooking task, prepare a specific ingredient, or create a whole recipe.  For the co-ed confounded in the kitchen, there are episodes on cooking white rice, boiling an egg, and browning ground beef.  If you are looking to broaden your horizons and perhaps make a new dinner for yourself and your friends, this podcast can help with simple recipes for lasagna, chicken fajitas, and quiche.  There are even appetizer recipes, such as seven-layer dip and stuffed mushrooms, which are perfect to bring as a snack to a party.  Check this out the next time hunger strikes.

Layers – Heating Up Fall Fashion

Autumn is on its way, bringing crispy leaves that crunch on the sidewalks, apples ripe for picking, college football games with plenty of school spirit, and, of course, fall clothes!  This year, keep toasty in the cool weather by wearing layers.  These light pieces travel easily, from class to dinner to club meetings, and they do not take up much space in those cramped dorm and apartment closets.  Here are some ways to incorporate a layered look into your fall wardrobe that will warm you up in winter, too.

Cardigan Sweaters
It is rumored that Coco Chanel, a woman noted for her chic and flattering designs, popularized the cardigan for female fashionistas.  Naturally, this timeless style is still popular today and can be a versatile addition to a classy co-ed closet.  Add interest to a plain cardigan by wearing it with a patterned or lace-embellished tank top; pair this look with jeans for the perfect ensemble to wear to class in those freezing lecture halls.  Take sleeveless dresses into the cooler weather of autumn by throwing on this cute variation of a sweater.  Dressed up or dressed down, the cardigan can accompany a variety of outfits.

Long Sleeve Tee Shirt
Are you looking for a way to take those summer tees and tanks into chilly autumn?  Try putting a long sleeve tee shirt or thermal under a short-sleeved item to stay warm and comfortable around the dorm.  A shirt with a hem that hits below the wearer’s behind would look nice with leggings.  If the shirts are any shorter, try this combo with classic denim or cute sweatpants.  On a side note, you can wear these shirts by themselves as well.  With so many ways to incorporate thermals and long sleeve tees into different outfits, they are a cost-effective update to any casual wardrobe.

Blazers
Cutting-edge co-eds might like the sophistication of a blazer when dressing up for a date or dinner with the family.  Take this businesslike jacket out of the suit to stay warm when going about business as usual.  A plain top and jeans are made more formal with the addition of a blazer; it instantly adds polish.  Carry a short-sleeved or sleeveless dress into the cooler months by pairing it with a blazer for a look that is fun and flirty.  With a classic silhouette free of trendy embellishments, this jacket can stay a part of any classy wardrobe for years to come.

Meredith is a CL Intern and a sophomore majoring in Business Operations at Indiana University.  She looks forward to wearing layers to class, club meetings, dinners, and dates this fall.

Stylish Sites for the Classy Co-Ed

With these nifty websites, using a computer can be fun, helpful, and even “in vogue.”

For Finding the Look That Is Just Right:
Looklet.com
Looklet provides its users with an online model and the dream closet to dress her.  In a few clicks, a classy co-ed can test drive a multitude of styles, from haute couture to hot pants, from ladylike to Lady Gaga.  Ever wonder how to wear a trend?  I have consulted this site to help me assemble leggings ensembles that look chic and not sloppy.  This is a great way to try on different looks without taking all the time involved with shopping around.  Maybe you will use this website to pick out a first-day-of-classes outfit!

For Decorating and Fashion That Is One-of-a-Kind:
Etsy.com
You walk into your first class and you realize that three other girls are carrying the same handbag.  How can a student avoid this situation and stand out from the crowd?  Etsy provides individual artists and craftspeople with a venue for selling their unique wares online.  Not just limited to clothing, here you can also find some housewares to spruce up a bland, beige dorm room.  For the sorority girls out there, you even can find items with your mascots on them.  What a fun way to show sisterly spirit!

For Learning Something New:
Howcast.com
This features not only text guides but also fun videos that teach site visitors how to do just about anything.  They range from seriously informative to knee-slappingly hilarious.  Learn how to knit, how to write an amazing essay, and how to ace a job interview, all on one website.  Users can post their own how-to articles and videos to share their knowledge with the world.  Instead of sifting through page after page on google, you can eliminate the hassle when looking for information on writing a resume, baking a cake, or helping a friend.

For the Much-Needed Study Break:
Orisinal.com
Are you looking for a fun alternative to the over-played solitaire on the computer?  Look no further than Orisinal.  Computer games seem aimed at a male audience, but the simple concepts and adorable graphics used in these online games make classy co-eds want to play, too.  Even the background music is enjoyable; some of these are set to beautiful instrumental pieces.  Try checking out these artful games the next time you need a quick study break.

For Great Articles for a Classy Co-ed:
Collegelifestyles.org
But you already knew that!

Meredith is an intern at College Lifestyles.  She is a Business Operations major at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.  She is always ready to solve any technology crisis or fashion emergency.