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.

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.

CL’s Top 10 Ways to Stay Fit While Studying Abroad

Remember the Freshman 15? There is a similar, lesser-known college-related weight gain: the Study Abroad 15. Y0u don’t think about it when you’re leaving, or even while you’re away. But suddenly, one day, you realize that your jeans are a little bit too tight, and that everyone in your program is just a little bit chubbier than they were at the beginning of this semester.. Avoid this aha moment by following these tips.

 

1. Pack right. It’s hard enough trying to find the motivation to exercise while studying abroad. Don’t complicate the situation by having to by workout gear too. Make sure to bring your regular workout wear with you, whether that’s sneakers or a swimsuit, cap, and goggles. The one thing you probably want to buy abroad is a yoga mat. Most countries will have them, and they take up too much room in your suitcase.

2. Sign up for a gym your first week. This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people neglect to do this (myself included). You’ll be overwhelmed your first week, but signing up for a gym during this crucial time will ensure that exercise stays high on your priority list. Gym membership also encourages you to make good use of all that money you paid.

3. Take a class. An exercise class is a fun way to keep fit, adds routine to your hectic schedule, and holds you accountable to staying fit. Even if you don’t know the language, it’s easy to follow the movements in a Zumba or kickboxing class. And if you’re studying the language, you can practice with other native speakers i.e. your classmates.

4. Drink responsibly. Studying abroad, for many college students, means finally being able to drink legally. Not to burst your bubble, but drinking that often also means consuming tons of empty calories. Try sticking to light beer, dry white or red wine, champagne, and low-calorie cocktails. (Think gin and tonic, not a chocolate martini.) Also, stick to 1 or 2 shots a night.

5. Drink responsibly, part 2. Speaking of empty calories, soda and juice are exactly that, and they don’t even provide you with the buzz that alcohol does. Buy a canteen, fill it with water, and carry it around with you. It’s cheaper, and better for you. As for coffee, stick with the classic drinks, not frothy Frappuccinos. The coffee probably tastes better anyway.

6. Vacation wisely. When my friends and I went to Mendoza last semester, we went on a wine tour by bicycle. Look for good-for-you options like this one on your own vacations. Think winter sports, hiking, or bike tours for the more urban-minded.

7. Treat yourself, but wisely. It is likely that you will find a treat that you find yourself wanting every day, whether that is gelato in Italy or macaroons in France. It’s OK to indulge yourself once in a while, but eating them all the time is overdoing it. A good way to control your intake is to only eat these sweets on the weekends.

8. Chew 10 times.  If you follow nothing else on this list, follow this one. It takes time for your body to communicate to your brain that it’s full. So eating more slowly means that you eat less. This alone won’t keep you fit, but it helps a lot.

9. Walk around. You may take a car everywhere in the US, but follow the locals’ lead while you’re away. This likely means walking and public transport. Also, see if the city that you’re studying in has a free bike share – another fun, easy way to get fit.

10. Keep a food journal. While you’re abroad, you’ll be trying lots of new food. By keeping a food journal, you’ll be able to remember what you liked, and what you really really didn’t. It also helps you keep track of what you’re eating, so you can balance your super-heavy dinner with a light lunch the next day.

Need more advice for studying abroad? Check out our guides on what to pack, and how to stay stylish on your flight over!

Sasha Graffagna is a current junior at NYU studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. She studied abroad in Argentina last semester, and will be studying in Puerto Rico this semester.

Holiday Travel Tips: The Dos and Don’ts

By plane, train or automobile, traveling during the holidays is not always a cheerful experience.  Most people are stressed out, tired and wishing that teleporting was a real invention. Not to mention adding unpredictable weather and millions of students on school break to mix.

Last Friday, I took the Amtrak from Detroit to Chicago seating me on a six hour train ride. With multiple times under my belt of traveling this way to my favorite city, it was definitely a lot more pleasant than the first trip. Before I get into the details of my 12 hour train ride home due to a snow delay one year, I’ll fill you in on how to stay sane.

To stay classy and not lose your cool while en route this season, read on about what you should and shouldn’t do:

 

DO:

Book early

A train ticket price can double or even triple within a month to the trip date compared to months before. Book early and pay the cheap insurance add-on just in case months later you can no longer go.

Pack, then unpack

Sounds silly, but first  put everything you think you need in your bag. Let it sit, then go through it again and take out everything that isn’t absolutely necessary. You’ll end up with the real necessities and a much lighter load.

Use a backpack

One of the best tips I have picked up along the way of traveling big cities. Your hands are free to take pictures and you can easily maneuver  through big crowds without dragging your luggage behind.

Bring extra undergarments

Five days means five pairs of socks, right? Not when it snows! Prepare before the storm hits and pack for the unexpected slush that may seep right through your shoes.

Charge everything before you leave

Nothing is worse than a dead iPod, phone or DVD player on a long trip. Charge everything overnight so in the morning when you’re ready to head out, you’re good to go.

 

DON’T:

Eat fast food

Pack your own healthy snacks for the road to keep your energy up and to avoid impulse junk food purchases. Solid choices include: an apple with peanut butter, carrots and hummus or a Clif bar. 

Use your phone unless necessary

By the time I reached Chicago on Friday, I knew where the guy behind me was staying, his plans for the day and his mom’s name. Be respectful of other passengers and don’t make phone calls unless you have to. And if you do- please remember that everyone can probably hear you.

Watch racy movies

Save ‘Sex and the City’ for home. Things can get awkward real fast when there’s a risqué scene playing on your portable DVD player for all other passengers to watch, children included.

Plan every detail of your trip

The best trips go unplanned. You may miss out on something wonderful if you’re only thought is how to get from point A to point B by the time you planned the day before.

 

Are you traveling out of town this holiday season? What are your best tips for classy travel? Check out more CL tips on how to make the most out of your holiday break!

 

Jessica Fecteau is a senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writing intern and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, traveling to big cities and watching movies with her roommates.

Style by the City: Washington, D.C.

Dear CL-ers,

Washington DC is always in the news, but with the Presidential elections next year, we’re hearing more about it now than ever. Put a stylish spin on things with these outfits inspired by our nation’s capitals.

Evening Outfit: Smithsonian Institution

Dress, Coat, Bag, Necklace, Boots, Photo Credit

The Smithsonian Institution breathes high academia, so all the silhouettes in this outfit are classic. Start with a shift dress in dark green, a tribute to the Natural History Museum. A red coat modernizes the building’s brick color, while gray boots are inspired by its spires. Add an airplane necklace for the Air and Space Museum, and a book-like bag for all the research that they do. With its non-cheesy way of combining red and green, this is a great outfit for the holiday season.

Casual Outfit: Lincoln Memorial

Shirt, Jacket, Booties, Jeans, Photo Credit

For this Lincoln Memorial-inspired jeans, start with a pair of wintery white jeans, and a T-shirt with Lincoln’s profile. The brown furry booties keep your feet cozy and reflect the wall color. The faux leather jacket, also lined with faux fur, keeps the outfit oh-so-cool.

Internship Outfit: Oval Office

Skirt, Brooch, Bag, Shoes, Scarf, T-Shirt, Photo Credit

What better way to motivate yourself for an internship than an outfit inspired by the office of the Presiden himself? A yellow T-shirt and a blue pencil skirt are bright, follow the Oval Office’s color scheme, and still appropriate for work. Add a classy red bag, a gray scarf for warmth, and classic mahogany booties. A pewter eagle brooch shows your patriotic side – try using it to fasten the scarf.

Where should we go next time? Let us know in the comments!

Love,

College Lifestyles

Sasha Graffagna is a junior at New York University studying Comparative Literature and Journalism. Follow her on Polyvore at sasha74.

CL’s Top 5 Tips for Making the Most of Time at Home

1. Spend quality time with family and friends- try fun activities that you don’t get the chance to do often!

You are finally away from the stress of school, homework and exams. Enjoy the company of the people who mean the most to you. Spend time in great conversation, and push yourself to leave all your worries at school. You only have a short time to be home- encourage your family/friends to engage in fun winter activities like ice-skating, sledding, skiing or hometown excursions. There are probably places and/or activities you’ve never seen or done before!

2. Catch up on sleep & enjoy the comfort of your own room and comfy bed.

There is no greater time to go to bed early, sleep in, or just spend the day lounging in your own room. If you’re anything like me, you don’t realize how badly you need a break until you spend the first night of break at home. You’ve probably been running yourself ragged—settle down and kick your feet up for a while. You deserve it!

3. Spend some time in the kitchen!

Holiday break is your chance to go home to a stocked pantry, home-cooked meals and an open kitchen! Take advantage of your time away from the dorm cafeteria or your daily meal of ramen noodles and spend some time with your parents cooking healthy, delicious meals. Baking holiday treats is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with the family or to reach out to friends and neighbors- and the perfect opportunity to indulge in your sugar cookie cravings!

4. Read a good book, catch up on a lost hobby, or spend hours doing exactly what you want to do.

While it’s important to spend time with family and friends—don’t be afraid to claim some alone time as well. Remember all the things you ‘wish you could have been doing’ instead of spending night after night in the library? Now’s your chance to do anything you’ve missed while at school, guilt-free! Treat yourself to your favorite activities and relish your time to step back and breathe.

5. Enjoy the awkward family holiday parties and get-togethers.

Everyone has them… the aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents who come around during the holiday season and ask the same questions year after year. How’s school? Are you getting good grades? Do you finally have a boyfriend yet? What are your plans for the future? As much as we dread the same questions, the awkward small talk and the drawn-out parties, family get-togethers are a great way to rekindle relationships and spend time with the people who care about you the most. So instead of running away from your embarrassing uncle, laugh at the same joke he tells every year and enjoy what makes your family unique and special.

 

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

Style by the City: Los Angeles

Dear CL-ers,

This week, we travel to sunny L.A., home of the impossibly rich and famous.

 

Evening Outfit: Hollywood Walk of Fame

Dress, Jacket, Bracelet, Necklace, Perfume, Shoes, Nail Polish, Photo Credit

This evening outfit is perfect for those CL-readers spending the holidays in warmer climates. Start with a white halter maxi dress, a la the iconic shot of Walk-of-Famer Marilyn Monroe. The pink bomber jacket mirrors the red stone of the stars, while the celestial theme is followed with a star bracelet and trendy gold palette necklace. Silver gladiator sandals keep your look cute and comfy, but make sure to get a pedicure! Here we chose Color Club’s Scents-uous Holiday Collection – the classic colors exude old Hollywood glamour, while the sparkly blues are more in tune with the modern era. And don’t forget the finishing touches, like a spritz of Cinema perfume.

Casual Outfit: Walt Disney Concert Hall

T-shirt, Boots, Shorts, Tights, Bag, Nail Polish, Ring, Jacket, Photo Credit

Just because you need a fancy outfit to go to the Walt Disney Concert Hall doesn’t mean that an outfit inspired by it has to be. Start with a T-shirt bearing Disney’s most iconic characters – Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Add some denim shorts, black tights, and a pair of desert suede booties that keep you on-trend in fashionable L.A. An I Heart Music tote (which has the added benefit of being reversible) pays homage to the concerts inside, while the cocktail ring is a tribute to Frank Gehry’s iconic architecture outside. Add some glittery silver nail polish, and finish off with a California-cool faux leather jacket, just in case it gets chilly outside.

Internship Outfit: Griffiths Observatory

Bag, Shoes, Cami, Belt, Jacket, Necklace, Dress, Photo Credit

Tourists go to Griffiths Observatory for the great views of LA, but this outfit inspired by the landmark will turn their eyes on you. Throw on white sweater dress, and cover up any cleavage with a sky blue lace-trim cami. A buttery brown leather jacket continues the observatory color scheme, and a skinny black belt and structured black bag keep the look from becoming too casual. Finish off your look with some muted silver pumps and a whimsical telescope necklace.

Sasha Graffagna is a junior at New York University studying Comparative Literature and Journalism. She is currently studying abroad in Buenos Aires. Follow her on Polyvore at sasha74.

Travel Stylish: CL’s Plane Fashion/Beauty Guide

This weekend is the biggest travel weekend of the year – Thanksgiving! For many CL-ers, that means hopping on a plane to spend the holiday with family. Here are CL’s tips to help you avoid the Uggs+leggings curse and travel home stylishly.

 

Stylish Comfort:

Booties, Jeans, Cami, V-Neck, Coat, Tote, Passport Case, Bangles, Photo Credit 1, PC 2, PC 3, PC 4

On planes, your fashion should be about comfort and layers: planes range from super-cold to way too hot, even in November. Start with a pair of comfy flat shoes, like these gray booties. Add your favorite pair of skinny jeans, and a lacy cami under a long-sleeved white V-neck top. The printed sweater coat will keep you warm on and off the ground, and can double as a blanket on long flights. A tote bag with a cross-body strap will allow you to rummage through your suitcase hands free, and the outer pockets are perfect for stashing essentials like your passport and your cell phone. (Just make sure to keep the bag close to you to avoid pickpockets.) Also make sure to hold your passport in a passport case, which distinguishes yours and has pockets for your boarding pass. As for jewelry? Skip anything metal or with fancy clasps, since you’ll have to take them off when you go through security. Try these wooden bangles instead.

On-Board Beauty:

 Makeup Bag, Travel Bottle, Face Wash, Glasses Case, Tinted Moisturizer, Stick Concealer, Sunscreen, Benetint, Eyeshadow Palette, Eyelash Curler, Mascara, Photo Credit

Packing your beauty bag on a plane can be tough, especially when you’re only bringing a carry-on. Start by choosing a stylish makeup bag (1) like this Betsey Johnson one, that can double as an evening clutch. Leave the toothpaste at school (you can always borrow your parents’), and tuck your face-wash and contact solution into travel-size bottles (2), available at your local drugstore. Feeling fancy? You can also buy travel-size versions of your favorite products at www.3floz.com (3). As for your contacts, bring them but wear your glasses en route, since the plane air will dry your eyes out (4).

Plane air dries out your skin too, so start your beauty routine with Aveeno’s tinted moisturizer (5). Physician’s Formula stick concealer (6) improves coverage on your trouble spots. Set your base with this Philip Roth powder sunscreen (7), especially important at higher altitudes where the sun’s UV rays are especially strong. Benetint (8) adds a touch of color to both cheeks and lips, while the Kat Von D eyeshadow palette (9) has a myriad of shades appropriate for any occasion. Curl your eyelashes (10) and make your eyes pop with Sally girl Mini Mascara (11).

What will you be wearing home for Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is a junior at New York University studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. She is currently studying abroad in Buenos Aires. Follow her on Polyvore at sasha74.

Style by the City: Beijing

Dear CL-ers,

On the 5th installment of Style by the City, we travel to Beijing, China. Once the center of the Eastern world, this city is fast becoming the center of the Western one as well. Be as fashion-forward as China is booming, with these outfits inspired by Beijing’s famous landmarks.

Evening Out: Temple of Heaven

Make the boys think you fell from the sky in this Temple of Heaven-inspired outfit. Start with this gorgeous red dress from the H&M/Versace collaboration, and add a statement blue coat. A printed clutch and sky-blue feather earrings speak to the exquisite floral motifs on the temple. Finish off your look with gold booties and a pair of sleek black gloves.

Casual Outfit: Forbidden City

Scarf, Backpack, Jeans, Sneakers, Tank, Cardigan, Earrings, Ring, Photo Credit 1, Photo Credit 2

Red, blue, and gold are common colors throughout the Forbidden City, and indeed, much of China’s ancient architecture. Base your look off a pair of skinny black jeans, and add red Chuck Taylors, a light blue tank, and an oversized gold cardigan. Lion earrings and a dragon-print ring are inspired by the statues in the courtyard, and the star scarf by the fact that the Forbidden City was considered the Emperor’s celestial home. Finish off your look with a striped backpack that pays homage to the wall that keeps the complex forbidden.

 Internship Outfit: Great Wall of China

Blazer, Sweater, Skirt, Tights, Pumps, Nail Polish, Eyeshadow, Bag, Photo Credit

Your outfit may be inspired by the Great Wall of China, but you won’t be walking it, so start off your outfit with winter-white pumps. Add argyle tights and a zig-zag bag to reflect the Wall’s bricks. A fairly monotone outfit (a simple black sweater and brown skirt) keeps these patterns from overwhelming you. The white blazer keeps the look from becoming too dark, and don’t forget the finishing touches! Try any of the colors in the bronzed Bobbi Brown palette, and a work-appropriate green/brown nail polish to reflect the Wall’s surrounding foliage.

Sasha Graffagna is a junior at NYU studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. She is currently studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Style by the City: Rome

Dear CL-ers,
Welcome to the 4th installment of Style by the City! Today, we cross the Atlantic Ocean to Roma, Italia, and find some inspiration from some of the best-known landmarks in the world.

Casual Outfit: Spanish Steps

Ring, Bag, Khakis, Top, Shoes, Coat, Photo Credit

Now an important landmark, the Spanish Steps were once important as a new way of connecting the Spanish Embassy to an important church atop a steep hill. Nowadays, the Steps still take some effort to climb with 138 of them. Make the trek easier with some cute ballet flats, yellow in homage to the Spanish flag. A bright yellow peacoat also keeps you warm and brightens up a dreary winter day. Still, these steps are in Italy, where they bleed red, white, and green. Add a red-and-white striped top and a green Murano ring. (Murano glass is a type of crafts native to Venice, not Rome…but shhh!) With so many colors, you’ll need some neutrals to keep the look from overwhelming you. Try a plain black bag and some wide-leg khakis, and set off to conquer the world! Or perhaps just your 8AM class. They’re equally important, right?

Date Outfit: Trevi Fountain

 

Shoes, Tights, Bangle, Bag, Jacket, Skirt, Earrings, Scarf, Shirt

One of the many reasons that the Pantheon is so famous is because the distance from the floor to the top of the dome is equal to the dome’s diameter, giving the temple perfect balance. So any outfit inspired by it must be just as harmonious. Start with a plain white T-shirt. Then, since the Pantheon is a mishmash of geometric figures, have some fun with texture. Here we’ve selected textured polka-dot tights, a lace jacket, a patterned scarf, and a boucle mini. Add some microphone earrings, in honor of the great orators who used to memorize their speeches at the Pantheon by assigning a paragraph to a particular spot. (Also a great study aid, if you can study in your exam room.) Tie the look together with a gray suede bag, and don’t forget a spot of color to keep the look from getting too dull! Try a pair of crimson Mary Jane pumps.

Sasha Graffagna is a junior at NYU majoring in Journalism and Comparative Literature. She is currently studying abroad in Buenos Aires.

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