Get The Smokey Eye in 5 Minutes and 9 Easy Steps!

The “Smokey Eye” is the classic night-time eye shadow look that works on everyone! Whether your eyes are large or small, almond or round, or anything in between the look is a staple that every girl should add to her make-up how-to. A lot of people have trouble with this look or just think that it takes forever, but I’ll show you how to do it in 9 simple steps and the best part is–it only takes 5 minutes! Go from a plain jane to simply stunning with a few simple steps! Follow along with me below and check out College Lifestyle’s YouTube channel!

Did the vlog tutorial help? Send CL your thoughts and any suggestions for future beauty tutorials!

xo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

GG Recap: ‘The Backup Dan’ #NeedsToBackDown

*SPOILER ALERT*

Last week on Gossip Girl, we saw the royal runaway have to resort to her backup plan, which happened to be have curly hair, be an author, reside in Brooklyn, and be one of the many people she used to hate–Dan Humphrey. “The Backup Dan” picked up right where last week’s exciting episode left off, with everyone searching for the missing bride and the newly revealed Gossip Girl finding new schemes to bring up the websites sinking views. Maybe last week’s surprising comeback was too much of a turn over to follow through with a strong 101st episode, because this week’s episode seemed really disconnected and almost a waste of an hour. Dan tries to rescue Blair from the horrible accented Grimaldis, meanwhile Serena and Chuck are frantically searching for her too. Of course Dan doesn’t think to tell Serena that he is with her, because he wants to be the only knight in shining armor for Blair (who is one confused girl).  Lastly, surprise, surprise Georgina actually isn’t Gossip Girl but is just a wannabe. The episode sadly ends with Blair smiling for the paparazzi with Louis; apparently being in a fake marriage is better than buying your way out of one. Making Blair into a hot commodity (literally) is turning me and many other viewers off. Does anyone else agree that the whole “who is Blair going to end with” storyline needs to come to an end? What ever happened to Diana? What’s going to happen with Lola? Dan needs to find a girl outside of the infamous “Inside.” Chuck and Blair just need to be together, and the evil Grimaldis need to take the next flight to Monaco. They are #NotWanted.

To mix things up a bit, I thought it would be fun to recap the uneventful episode with a Backup Dan Twitterfeed! #CheckItOut #Tweethearts

Looks like Serena and her real cousin are getting in some bonding time. #ProjectFindTheRunawayBride

Prince Louis may not have been left at the altar, but the honeymoon seems to be over before it began. #GG

Looks like everyone wants to know where the royal bride ran to, but will they find her in time? #AllOverTheMap

Researching divorce laws? #FirstSign to not get married. Come on Blair! For a student accepted into Colombia, you sure need to think deeper. #Duh

Looks like Lonely Boy is fleeing Princess B to Santo Domingo. #HelloFreedom?

Why wouldn’t Princess B be smart enough to get out of her royal dress?! #CallHerASoreThumb

“They do give credit to people from Brooklyn, right?” Spoken like a true royal. Or at least a Manhattan one. #QueenBsBack

You can run and you can hide but Princess B beware, Gossip Girl has eyes everywhere! #OrDoesShe?

Only Blair would use a tabloid to prove her identity. #PrincessProblems

Dorota to the rescue. #WhatsNew

Looks like Serena’s prince charming is acting as someone else’s #Shady Who else is already over #Dair? S is about to be.

Chuck is beginning to realize it’s over? #NOOOOOOOOOO GG writers need to stop prolonging the inevitable. #FrusturatedFan

Apparently, Lily and Rufus have the #MovesLikeJagger. Too bad they’re not #BringingSexyBack or anything for that matter. #UselessCharacters

If Blair decides to use her birth right of making a choice, a decision of her own, that would mean her family would have to pay dowry to the Grimaldis. Nice touch GG writers. First, Chuck and a hotel. Now either Blair’s hand in marriage for a year or the entire Waldorf business. Apparently Blair is #OneHotCommodity…too bad that’s all she is made out to be. #WomenAreNotProperty

Looks like even Nate Archibald can chill out with a cool beer…or not #TroubleInParadise

Nothing mixes Blue and Bougie like a classic cool beer, right? #WrongAgain For those of you hoping for a Lola lala’s Nate, you’re going to have to wait. #TroubleIntheArch

Dair spotted getting comfy on New York airport benches? #FromNobilitytoNobody

Getting her the help she needs equates locking a girl into tall towers. #DorotaSpeaksTruth At least someone else can sense the lack of agency for women on this show. #GG writers get it together!

 Anyone notice Georgina’s exquisite vocabulary during the episode? Looks like the #GG in her is oozing out… #Cunning or #Counterfeit ?

 Knock, knock. Whose interrupting Dair’s not-so-cute married-couple fight? It’s understood that the two may be more than friends, but their conversations throughout the episode were too forced. #FullHouse has retired people.

“I’m not just anyone. I’m her bestfriend.” *Camera falls out* Oh, how quickly the tables can turn. S behind the destructive device that caused the noble nuptuials to nosedive into the deep end? #The[friend]ShipThatKeepsRocking

Does Lily feel the family connection with dear old Lola. #LooksLikeIt

 Gossip Girl tipped out the Grimaldis? Or shall we say, Georgina. What is her motive? Because if her motive is to ruin Blair’s marriage, it wouldn’t persay, be hurting B. Where’s the #DivineIntervention now?

 Princess or pauper? Blair has a #toughie to make!

Dan wants to be a night in shining armor for just one Upper East Side Queen. Looks like the truth hurts, especially when the look isn’t towards you. #PoorS

 Chuck once again is willing to do anything for his one true love. But Blair thinks they won’t be on an equal playing field if he has to buy her love. Understanding, but would she really rather spend a year with someone who is using her than get help from someone who is willing to do anything for her? B fails to see that love is being selfless, and by allowing Chuck to save her she’s paying him back in a way money never could. #ANNOYING #JUSTSTOP #OVERIT #IWILLMARRYCHUCK

 It’s apparent that Dan cares about Blair more than Louis? But just as friends. #NiceObservationSweetheart #WelcometotheFriendZone

 Does Lola want to be in Nate’s crazy world? Oh wait, she’s already in it. She was born into it. #BougieBaby

 A year of Princess B with Prince Louis? What is this whirlwind wedding turning into? First a swept away miscarriage, and now a forced marriage. I’m not liking the sound of this. #GiveBlairMorePower

 According to #GG, Blair’s lucky her prison is a palace. But innocent loneliness in a palace is worse than guilty living in a prison.

Looks like there’s a faux Gossip Girl taking over Manhattan. Georgina, get off your high horse, we all know you’re not good (or bad) enough to be her. #ImposterOnTheRun

 But most secrets make excellent blackmail material. Looks like Dan is the clueless culprit of the nasty GG post. #WhoDunIt

 Next time on “Crazy, Cupid, Love” Nate throws an infamous party, a Valentine’s Day party for all the cute couples on the show (joke!). Looks like Dan is asked to make his move. The question is whose heart is his arrow piercing? Looks like we have a traditional S vs. B war on the field. Check out exclusive photos from next week’s war on love below, the promo here, and come back next week for the top 5 OMG/UGHs of the episode!

xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

Cute Items Under $20 To Brighten Up A Winter Day

The Christmas lights have been taken down. The New Year has been here for a month already, and soon, the Valentine’s Day decorations will disappear from stores. We are coming upon that dreaded time in every college student’s life – when we are sick of winter, but spring remains far away. Still, while the skies may be gray, your mood doesn’t have to be. Brighten up your day with these cute, cheap items under $20.

1) Bright nail polish. Nail polish is a great way to pick up your mood, since it’s cheap, lasts forever, and is available at any drugstore. Think outside the box – try a bright yellow or a metallic polish. Or combine them both with Tangerine Glitz from Pop Beauty, $10 on their website and at drugstores.

2) Cute socks. You may be wearing the same boots in the snow everday, but you can still have some fun underneath. We’re great fans of Sock It To Me, a small business that sells creative socks. Try their Ninja knee socks, $9 on their website.

3) Wild underwear. Even if nobody sees your underwear, knowing you look super-hot underneath your outfit will keep you feeling sexy and confident all day. Try this leopard-print bra from Forever 21, $7.80.

4) Dramatic makeup. Dramatic makeup at a party is expected, but in class, it’s refreshing. Keep the look classy and not tacky by only playing up one feature and doing your makeup in the right lighting. Try red lipstick or a swipe of electric blue eyeliner.

5) Anything from Fred Flare. I discovered Fred Flare when I was 14, and have been drooling ever since. The online store sells clothes, accessories, and apartment decor that is adorable AND useful. Even if you don’t buy anything, just browsing through all the cuteness is sure to lift your mood. We’re big fans of this iPod Hoodie, on sale for just $4.99.

Have you bought anything lately to escape the winter blues? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is a NYU junior studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. Currently, she is an exchange student at La Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico. You can read about her experience at http://thegoddesscomplex.wordpress.com/

“G.G.”: A Toast to 100 Episodes with a Royal Roast

*SPOILER ALERT*

We have watched our precious preppy Upper East-siders transform into budding brides and lavished lads, so it would only make sense for the 100th episode to highlight their growth.

Growth for the characters, however, hasn’t revealed growth for the show, and Gossip Girl gurus have been patiently awaiting a record-making comeback. With Blair’s wedding on deck, “G.G.” had a royal opportunity to redeem itself for its second-rate scheming. Lucky for die-hard fans like myself, this week’s episode played out as if it were 2007, complete with shocking twists and revolting revelations.

For this week’s recap, I thoroughly thought out techniques to summarize all of the emotions that swept over me during an hour of nail biting and edging to the end of your seat. How could I describe the sense of relief as Serena rushed to Chuck to reveal the highly dramatic reason for Blair’s change of heart (the pathetic pact Blair had made with her acquaintance upstairs)? How could I describe the excitement of the royal roast as Gossip Girl’s Blair Blast interrupted the ceremonial bliss? How could I describe the sense of utter contempt as Louis and Blair said “I do” and cut their hideous wedding cake together? How could I describe the shocking pangs of excitement as Louis finally added something meaningful to the plot? How could I explain the sadness I felt as Dan pulled up the getaway car for the royal runaway? And lastly, how could I explain the confusion as Gossip Girl’s identity was revealed so suddenly, without warning?

I realized why not let our favorite socialites do the talking. Here are some of this week’s most memorable quotes!

Gossip Girl: ”Once upon a time, Princess B was a virgin queen and her king was named Archibald. Who would have thought that in just five short years she would turn that headband into a tiara for real?”

Celebrating the present goes hand-in-hand with taking a look back at the past. You can’t be thankful for today if you don’t look at the journey you took to get here, which is why this line was fabulously fresh yet totally in line with Gossip Girl tradition. Witty and memorable, Gossip Girl reminds viewers that Queen B of Constance Billard School is now the soon to be Princess B of Monaco. Her king Archibald is a nice lead into Nate’s storyline for the episode, which was reflecting on his pathetic love life over the past few years. Too bad his new love interest is still in the inner circle of Upper East side drama (the real Charlie Rhodes)—they just can’t seem to get away can they?

 

Chuck Bass: ”I can’t allow you to destroy Blair’s wedding. You think because I love her, I want her all to myself, but I’m not that man anymore. I just want her to be happy, and if marrying Louis will do that for her, that’s what’s going to happen.”

Here’s a toast to “I’m Chuck Bass.” He had a few good years as the guy you love to hate, but I think I love him more as the guy you love to love. After pouring his heart out to B, professing that the one person who loves him is standing right next to him (for the millionth time), we finally get to see the changed Chuck Bass. Yes. I miss the devious, scheming Chuck, but there is something maturely manly about Manhattan’s most not-so-eligible bachelor. His selflessness reveals a true love that makes him that more attractive. Though if there were any time for Chuck to be selfish, this would be the time. GG fans can’t just chuck Chuck, and Blair can’t either.

 

Georgina Sparks: “Bless us, Father. I have a feeling we’re about to sin.”

Making the top of any list in the Upper East Side is a big deal, and for Georgina Sparks, taking the number one slot on Manhattan’s Elite Enemy list is exactly where she wants to be. Little did we know, Georgina’s competition for the number one enemy is none other than herself—Gossip Girl! The episode had to end with a bang, and with a bang it did. The revelation that Georgina is Gossip Girl is a little hard to believe. But that’s another conversation. Georgina utters these sweetly devilish words as she’s dressed in Father Carvallia’s cassock, or better yet the “divine intervention costume.” The elevator doors close, and the suspense lingers. Although Georgina isn’t my favorite character, her return definitely stirs the plot pot up. And with Jesus on her side (apparently, he owes her one) I really had no good guesses for what would happen next. The last thing I expected was Georgina to be typing the latest GG post. My guess? The writers are trying to throw us off, and Georgina is just really good at being really bad (a hacker perhaps). Guess we won’t be saying au revoir to Georgina for a while.

 

Serena: “I know that it scares you, and I know that it’s a risk. But don’t enter into a false life just because you’re afraid to face your real one.”

After the odd opening musical number with Serena starring as Marilyn Monroe and Blair filling in the shoes of Audrey Hepburn, I didn’t know what to think. I’ve analyzed television shows enough to know there was a little bit of foreshadowing, but in what way? Was Serena truly looking out for BFF Blair? After years of stupid decisions and failed relationships, Serena finally learns that you can’t lie to anyone about the way you truly feel. Whether it scares you or not, you have to be true to yourself. The heart-felt scene between the long-time lovebirds reveals a sense of maturity S rarely is known for. She is the friend that every girl needs, the friend that tells it like it is. “But maybe the pact is just an excuse to protect yourself from the messiness and uncertainty of a life with the man you really love.” Of course, Blair’s precious pact is more important than any advice from the people who care about her. She follows through with the over-the-top wedding, which includes hats on the guest list, and in turn, has to learn the hard way. As for the aforementioned foreshadowing, Serena’s musical dream includes a scene where she grabs Dan the one person she “keeps coming back to” but Dan rejects her for Blair. Nice touch GG writers. Once again, Serena puts herself out there and loses in the battlefield of love to none other than her best friend Queen B, er shall I say, Princess B. Oh, the irony.

Louis: “From now on, there is nothing between us but a contract. Our marriage is all for show. And you’re going to put on the best damn show anyone ever has. You’ll smile for cameras; stand by my side and wave like, like you don’t have a care in the world. And when we are alone, we’ll be like strangers to one another. And that will stay this way until I say its over.”

Eek. Seriously, this scene makes me shiver. Every bone in my body tensed up as Louis danced with his pretty princess, but whispered words of a mad man. A powerful mad man. Although I hate everything about Louis, including his terrible acting skills, I must say if this was the episode for him to actually evoke emotions from GG watchers, he succeeded. By far the best twist of the night for me. It was totally out of character for Louis, but very well scripted and perfectly executed. At least Blair had it in her to call her savior for help–too bad it still isn’t Chuck. You lucky, lucky Dair fans.

There is so much to look forward to for next week’s episode. Has Georgina been Gossip Girl all along? If you ask actress Michelle Trachtenberg, she’ll tell you she has no idea.

“I knew the 100th episode would end with a bang, but definitely didn’t expect that!” Michelle told US Weekly. She also said that it was probably a really big surprise for her cast mates since “big secret” scripts are only given out to the people involved in the scenes.

Are Dair fans in for a treat, while Chair fans have to angrily throw their towels in? How is Serena going to react to Blair’s Back-Up Plan having to do with Dan?  Here’s a sneak peak into the drama. See you next week!

Xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

Classic RockStar: Winter Date Look for Under $100!

Winter is a time to love to fall in love. Everyone wants to spend the holidays with that special someone. Once the holiday’s pass that feeling doesn’t go away it lasts all winter

The look I put together is just under $100 for the whole ensemble! That’s less than one pair of designer jeans. All of the pieces are classics so you won’t have to worry about them going out of style.  

When I was looking for inspiration for the date night look I thought well about how you want to present yourself. On a date you want to show you have a sweet side, but also have a little edge. I picked colors that would portray just that. I picked nude/tan color for the soft neutral and the obvious staple and edgy color, black.

The main purpose of this article for me is to show you don’t have to spend a million dollars to look like a million bucks. I set the budget under $100, and though it came close at $97.76 I can assure you for the classic pieces you’re getting would be a steal. The key is to not get the exact pieces it’s to take the ideas I’ve styled and make them your own. Individuality is important for a classy co-ed.

For my look I selected all my pieces from two stores, H&M and Forever 21. These two stores as most money-saving fashion-lovers know are the best for getting designer inspired looks for much less.

First, I started with the tank from H&M, it flows and in the tan/nude color I chose. I also love the saying I think it shows you have a fun side with cute sayings on a shirt, and best of all, it’s $13 for H&M!

Second, I found the perfect skirt to match with the edgy thick stripes. The skirt is $5.26 from H&M as well. I found leggings to go underneath for $6.50 from Forever 21, a little less than the H&M price of $13 dollars.

Next I added a faux-leather jacket because it’s leather and I think it gives the outfit a little less soft and prevents it from being too girly.

To me a date night essential is accessories. Heels are always a nice touch for a date; the elongate your legs and make you stand straighter with more confidence. If heels aren’t your style, nude flats or booties work well for winter too. My must have accessory for this winter is a scarf I found this great nude-toned knit scarf for $8 from Forever 21. Scarves are great investment pieces, especially if you live in a cold climate, they are a must. My last essential for a date is a clutch. The one I chose is nude and black with a flower detail. It is also important to bring a clutch as you’re emergency kit with all your must have items. Also, Just because it’s winter that doesn’t mean you can’t still embrace floral prints and details.

Have fun in the winter season. Let yourself not be afraid to try new things and look great in the process.

Alex Lomicka is a freshman at Kent State University with a double major in Magazine Journalism and Fashion Merchandising. She loves putting together looks, and has always loved fashion.

The Best New Television Series

Watching a television show has become more than simply a way to unwind after a hard and long day. If you watch a weekly show, you know it is more of a religious practice than a time of leisure. Each week, you look forward to watching that particular show; and throughout the week you discuss the last and upcoming episodes. Being deemed a ”viewer”  inducts you into a certain group of people. Despite the vast differences amongst a wide range of viewers, they are all connected through the watching this same show.  However, as it drags on for seasons and seasons, the characters you once rooted for each week become irritating as they fall into the same bad habits they have been for, literally, years. The cycles of break ups and destroyed and renewed friendships become overwhelming tiring. How many times can Meredith Gray and Derek Shephard break up? How many times are Blair Waldorf and Serena Vanderwoodsen going to end and renew their friendship? As much as it pains you to say goodbye to the characters you have identified with over the years, a point is reached when it is time for a new show. As the season of pilots is among us, this is the perfect time to break the ties with the shows that feel like more of a chore to watch than actual enjoyment. And, the perfect way to do this is to watch ABC’s new drama, Revenge.                                                                                                     

Revenge, airing on Wednesday nights at 10 pm,  tells the story of Emily Thorne as she attempts to take revenge on the wealthy residents of the Hamptons responsible for framing her father for a crime he did not committ. As stated in the beginning of the pilot epsiode, ”this is not a story of redemption. It is a story of revenge.” This show is overwhelmingly refreshing. Though it does, as many current television shows do, depict the lives of wealthy people, it goes beyond the glamour and glitz. It reveals the loneliness, manipulation, and darkness that can come with the power of money. As Emily Thorne deviously attempts to ruin the lives of the people who destroyed the live of her father, the seemingly glamours lives of the Hampton’s residents are unmasked to reveal those of sadness and loneliness. A feeling of pity and sorrow for Victoria, the villiannes of the story, is inevitable. The triumpths of Emily’s schemes to ruin the lives of the other characters provide viewers with a guilty satisfaction. The passionate and proud nature of Jack, a friend from Emily’s past, make viewers fall in love. And the conflict Emily faces between choosing Jack and Daniel, although cliched, provides viewers with the crucial element of confliction and love. ABC’s Revenge is a combination of Gossip Girl and Desperate Housewives—its characters are wealthy, powerful, and manipulative—a combination which promises a great show.

Gossip Girl: ‘Father and the Bride’ Schemingly Good

*Spoiler Alert!*

Last week’s episode left most GG lovers annoyed and frustrated. Blair losing a baby with no real consequences and making a pact with God to never be with Chuck, along with Serena and Dan starting a fake relationship was a disappointment for a midseason premiere. So, naturally with the 100th episode of the hottest Upper East Siders just around the corner, I was definitely hoping that “Father and the Bride” would bring plotting mediums back to Manhattan. Luckily for me, GG got its scheme back (for the most part). Check out the top 5 OMG moments Gossip Girl stirred up to get me back, and take a quick look at the top 5 moments that could have been left out.

Top 5 OMG Moments

1. The Tripp Trap: Pardon my pun, but I couldn’t help myself. The trap was perfect. Serena and Nate stage a fight, use their biggest frenemy Gossip Girl to their advantage, and get Tripp exactly where they want him–feeling like he almost got away with it. I have to admit, I usually catch things but this plot I didn’t see coming at all. When Serena fought with Nate, I couldn’t grasp my head around how she could believe Tripp over Nate. After all, he was the the culprit in nearly killing Serena in a car crash to escape a political scandal. But as Serena was discussing details of the car crash with Tripp, and discussing how Nate has changed I really thought she believed Tripp. Just as Tripp starts to tell Serena who he thinks is responsible (his wife Maurine), voila! Open sesame, que in dramatic door opening with Nate and Grandfather Archibald present the whole time. As I guessed, Tripp was responsible for the crash that killed Blair’s baby and ruined Chair’s chances. So what was the juicy motive behind Tripp’s second car crash stunt? Being unloved by Grandfather. Guess we can’t have our cake and eat it too.
2. Beauty and the Beast (Beatrice and the Priest): Okay, so Beatrice is no Belle but during most of the episode she tries to step into Belle’s lovely and pure hearted shoes. Sucking up to Blair is her main goal and she even decides to throw her an alternative bachelorette party to keep Chuck from finding her. Of course, the OMG moment wasn’t that she had a secret agenda with her partner in crime, the Beastly Priest. (I still don’t understand how a servant of God could commit such dirty crimes, but I guess anything’s possible on the Upper East Side). Instead it was that she backed out, and dumped her heaven on earth for her own angelic reasons. At first, Princess Beatrice and Father Carvallia attempt to get Blair humiliatingly drunk and alone with Chuck to reveal her true feelings, thus keep Father Carvallia on the Royal Court. However, Beatrice surprisingly gets a conscience after a drunken night full of heartfelt conversations and a mistaken arrest. Beatrice’s future sister-in-law losing her baby was obviously not enough for her to start caring, but a wild night out on the town with lots of tequila and Officer Weiner was.  But hey, whatever works. As for the Beast, when his Princess backs out he decides to let his inner ugliness take over and gets Beatrice banished to missionary bootcamp in East Africa. Yet, another failed attempt to incorporate religion in a world full of plotting priests and lying lovers.
   

   Bride to Be with her gals at her Bachelorette Party

3. Void Vows: As Gossip Girl mentioned in her sign off, “Talk is cheap. So if you don’t have anything nice to say, you might as well shut your mouth.” Or just do what Louis did and get someone to talk for you… er write for you. I don’t know if it was just me, but I was totally surprised to see that Dan would do that. Then again, Dan’s character has been below sea level. We’re all just drowning in his demise. But really? I thought he cared about Blair (which he clearly does since his vows were piercingly touching). But writing fake vows for a guy she’s about the spend the rest of her life is a low blow, especially for Dan– Brooklyn’s token good guy. Guess you can take the man out of the Upper East Side, but you just can’t take the Upper East Side out of the man.
4. Divine Intervention: Badass Bass is back. Yes, the “I’m Chuck Bass” Chuck is scheming with none other than Father Carvallia to break off the wedding. “She already thinks I’m a villain, I may as well become one” is how he devishly replies to Father Carvallia’s divine intervention deal. I was definitely surprised to see the two unexpected allies teaming up, though it makes sense since they share a common goal: to stop the Royal Wedding. Now all we can hope for is that Blair doesn’t end up hating Chuck for leaving his Good Guy ways for his schemingly better red suit.
   

   Chuck spying on Blair.

5. Dan’s Yoga Stretch: I didn’t think Dan was going to have much more a story line than being Serena’s fake boyfriend or Blair’s punching bag. But surprisingly, his so called Western pitch is too far of a stretch for what his viewers and publishers want. They would much rather read a sequel to his gossip-filled, juicy look into the inside life of Manhattan’s elite (who wouldn’t?). What’s more OMG material than the fact that he’s writing a sequel to Inside, is what executive producer Josh Safran has to say about it. “His second book is going to be very integral to the second half of the season,” Safran says. “If his first book ruffled a few feathers, this ons will ruffle a lot more.” Ruffling feathers? Sounds schemingly perfect to me.

 

Top 5 UGH Moments

1. Serena Uploading S By S to the Spectator- After Nate pulls Serena’s column, she snoops around and figures out it was Seriously thought she had more class, loyalty, and patience than that.
2. Serena Lying to Dan about Their Fake Relationship- I almost hate Serena as much as Dan right about now. Why are both of their characters losing quality personalities? Okay, quality might be pushing it but at least they were confident before. Now Serena is so insecure that she can’t come out and tell Dan she has feelings for him. Does she really have to lie about Blair needing them to continue their fake rendezvous? Clearly, effects from the car crash are bogging her memory and she forgot that she is Serena Van der Woodson. Serena, there are a million men in Manhattan–move on!
3. Blair’s Belief in Beatrice- Blair and Beatrice on good terms? That stunk of fakeness from the opening moments of episode 12. Blair used to be Queen B, the queen schemer. She always kept her friends close, and enemies closer, catching the bad in the brat before they could even blink. To see her losing her royal powers to Beatrice saddens me.
   

   Beatrice cozying up to Blair before the Bachelorette Party.

4. Dan’s Blame Game Against Chuck- Dan had no reason or proof to think Chuck was behind the riot at Blair’s bachelorette party and it was really annoying to watch Dan blame him with no proof. The fact that Dan told Blair and once again kept Blair in the dark from Beatrice’s true motives was pathetic, and sadly so Dan to mess things up. I miss the old Dan. (Anyone agree?)
   

   Blair telling Chuck to stop following her.

5. Baby Blues- The fact that the show uses the loss of the baby as the fake reason for why Beatrice and Blair are on good terms is not okay. If it was the real reason, then the show would have been doing something right. They would be showing that something as serious and life changing as a miscarriage can bring two bickering women together. Instead, they use it as the fake version of Beatrice’s conscience production. Come on writers; you can do better than that!

This week’s Gossip Girl was definitely better than last’s, and I’m hoping the 100th episode starts off with a bang. We know there are going to be a few bruised egos (and hearts), guess we’ll just have to tune in to see whose. Also, if you haven’t seen the promo check it out here! Our favorite bad turned good girl is back, dear old Georgina.

– Xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

Gossip Girl Midseason Premiere: The ‘End’ of The Affair Disappoints

*Spoiler Alert!*

Gossip Girl ended with lots of loose ends in December. A very pregnant Blair finally acknowledged her love for Chuck and the two on-again off-again lovebirds shared a passionate kiss, cue the fatal car accident. Blair and Chuck are both rushed to the hospital. Serena wants to take Gossip Girl down. Nate becomes editor-in-chief of The Spectator (with no experience or credentials might I add). Dan is still a lonely boy, except with a boring storyline. Charlie/Ivy runs away. Forward to the January midseason premiere. So many exciting things were left untied, what will happen next Gossip Girl?  Well within the first minute, we uneventfully find out that Chuck is A-okay, Louis and Blair are back on, and Blair has lost the baby. How convenient.

At first I was hoping that it was one of Blair’s crazy dreams. How could they tell viewers the baby died so nonchalantly? Some say because it is Gossip Girl viewers shouldn’t expect much from the baby storyline, but I’d like to disagree. Gossip Girl used to take risks, and maybe having a baby would have been too out of the ordinary for the “perfect” Upper East-siders, but the writers should at least illustrate a realistic portrait of a mother and father losing an unborn child. The only scene that Blair shows a moment of true sadness regarding the miscarriage is when the nurse tells her she lost it in one of the much-too-short hospital flashbacks. The supposed father, Prince Louis is not at all concerned with the baby and does not even acknowledge its loss. Instead, he is too worried trying to find out if Blair is having an affair. Typical.

What is equally as depressing is the way viewers find out about the miscarriage. It is completely out of character for the OMFG show; I would expect an ornate party or at least a little more emotion.  Instead we have Chuck saying something along the lines of “I wanted to be there for you after the baby.” The script throughout the entire episode felt extremely detached and confusing. After Chuck questions why Blair hasn’t been responding to his texts and phone calls, Blair says the car crash was not an accident, but the universe’s way of saying the two should not be together. GG could have taken the loose ends and tied a knot in a more creative way (hence kept the baby, show how Chuck and Blair raise it together and the problems that arise), but instead they decided to go back to square one and prolong the inevitable, Chair.

At first, Chair is led to be over because of an affair with none other than Brooklyn’s Finest, Dan Humphrey. Lonely Boy hasn’t been so lonely lately as Chuck discovers when sending a spy to follow the two suspected lovers. First, we see Blair hiding out at Dan’s apartment, then they are spotted together at Vera Wang’s boutique where Blair is getting fitted for her custom bridal gown, and later on sneaking into discreet buildings. Blair tells Dan he has to keep the secret between the two of them and God. Yikes! Could it be that the baby was Dan’s? Could it be that they did not actually lose the baby, and she just didn’t want the baby to be a part of the chaos between Louis and Chuck (which would explain the lack of emotions from Blair towards her miscarriage)?  A crazy plot like that is so Gossip Girl right? Wrong.

 

Cue the most unbelievable, totally out of character, reason for Blair sneaking around: church. Indeed, our once evil Queen B who made her minions tend to her every need–and punished them demonically if they didn’t–is now converting to Catholicism and going to the Priest for help. Help in dealing with the loss of her child, right? Wrong again. Instead, she is going to church secretly for guidance on a deal with God she makes. We see in a flashback that after Blair finds out Chuck’s chances look bad, she turns to a character who is rarely used in the Upper-East Side: God. Blair promises to keep her vow to marry Louis and never be with Chuck again if God lets Chuck live. Now, I’m all for cheesy, but did the director really have the church doors open with a glowing nurse and a beam of light to notify Blair that Chuck was okay? Come on. Blair then visits Chuck and says “Just because we can’t be together, doesn’t mean I don’t love you.” Hello, the nurse was already on her way to tell you that Chuck was okay before you made your promise to God (who do you really even care about?).  I forgot this is Gossip Girl, the show where logic is always written out. Obviously, the writers were running out of ways to keep Chair apart. They got the viewers hopes up (mine especially) for a Chair happily ever after, and once again crushed it. Not because Blair really loved Louis, not because she had a baby by another man, not because she was secretly madly in love with Dan, and not because she just didn’t love Chuck, but because of some promise she made to God. Serena tries convincing Blair her reasoning is crazy–that it was modern medicine that cured Chuck and that God wouldn’t punish her for being with the one she loves, but Blair feels that Chuck will die and she will be responsible for it because it would be God’s way of punishing her for breaking her deal. So that’s that with Chair. Will they be together? Who really knows anymore. All I know is the writers need to get back on their game!

In other news: Lily misses her “niece” Charlie/Ivy so much that she hires a private detective to find her and when Rufus and Lily find another girl by the same name at Julliard, they take it as mere coincidence and think nothing of it. Louis, Chuck, and Nate accuse Dan of having an affair with Blair and Serena comes to the rescue (to make sure they don’t find out about the racy church-going truth) and instead says he is having an affair with her, and Blair was just helping them cover it up. The ex’s share a midnight kiss and a longing stare (really, who cares about Derena anymore–wasn’t that so 3 seasons ago?). Besides being Blair’s BFF and still crushing on Dan, Serena is also the new addressee of all things gossip. The take down of Gossip Girl has led everyone to send there blasts and photos to S, The Spectator’s hottest new blogger. Serena thinks she can use them for good, but what good comes from gossip? Fellow Spectator worker Nate comes across some interesting information that shows Chuck and Blair’s car accident was no accident after all, and the limo was actually intended for him. Interestingly enough, the only person that may know who wishes death upon the Manhattan’s finest bachelor is Gossip Girl. I think it has to do with Trip, as I can recall a shady conversation taking place in Episode 10. Guess we’ll see what’s going on with our favorite Upper East Siders in next week’s episode ”The Father and the Bride”–complete with Blair’s bachelorette party and a run in with the cops. How I’ve missed those (cue anything to do with Jenny)!

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

Reintroducing CLassy Intern Martha-Raye!

Name: Martha-Raye Adjei

School: University of Delaware

Major: Environmental Studies

Year in studies: Junior

I have been a College Lifestyles Intern since: August 2011!

Organizational Involvement:  UDress, Students for the Environment, Miss Delaware, STN49- University of Delaware Student News

Pets: I have a rock!

My friends would say I am: Funny, friendly, and ambitious.

Astrological Sign: Aquarius!

My personal style is: Carefree, beach, with a touch of get-yourself-together. Including the occasional shiny hair piece and boyfriend blazer.

Favorite Clothing Stores: Ebay, H&M, Burlington Coat Factory, Kohls

Favorite Movies: The Painted Veil, Big Fish, The Orphan, The Waitress

Favorite Book: Things I Never Told My Mother

Favorite Quote: You either laugh or cry. I think I’ll laugh this time.

My screensaver : Mountains and cute kittens!

On my IPod you will find: Indie, rock, rap.. but mostly pop =]

Beauty Must-Have: Lipgloss

I have a slight obsession with: Ebay!

I dislike: Coconuts

Last movie I watched: Stardust

Last book I read: Black Elk Speaks by John Neihardt

My definition of a classy co-ed: Someone with great taste and exceptional manners who believes anything is possible.

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: Can’t wait to get creative with the other interns all across the nation!

Martha-Raye Adjei is an environmental studies major with a concentration in Sustainable Apparel at the University of Delaware. She hopes to become a journalist and sustainable apparel designer. In her spare time she likes to read, swim and watch TV.

3 Comfy, Cozy, and Classy Looks To Rock This Winter

Everyone has his or her own opinion of winter. Some love it, others despise it, and many are in the middle. Personally, I’m not a fan of the cold, but it gives me excuse to bring out all of my warm and comfy clothes, including my favorite, Ugg boots! For my three fashion choices I decided to pick items that are flattering for everyone and that you can get almost anywhere for a good price.

My first outfit incorporates items from my favorite store, Victoria’s Secret! Their Pink collection is perfect for college students. It allows you to feel comfortable all day from class to class without feeling like you woke up late and threw your outfit together last minute. In particular, the sweatshirt and sweatpants combo I chose is in a bright color reflects girly and fun style. In addition, I like the store is that they hold sales and specials all the time! Since I live in chilly Ohio, I paired the ensemble  with the staple in every ‘northern and Midwest’ co-ed’s closet, Uggs may be expensive, but they are an investment piece that will last a long time!

My second outfit has what I consider to be one of the smartest fashion developments in recent years, jeggings, aka jean leggings. They resemble jeans and are as comfortable as your favorite pair of sweatpants.  From plain, to pockets, to buttons, jeggings offer selections for all. I paired it with a North Face pullover hoodie. When recreating this outfit the hoodie can be any one you choose. I personally like North Face, and unlike the jackets and fleece coats they sell this hoodie is only $40! That is still a splurge, but considering the brand it’s a steal. I paired the outfit with Nikes because I think the bright colors show a little edge compared to a plain sneaker.

My last outfit was probably the most daring. My biggest dilemma,  what to pair with the star leggings? An oversized hoodie of course!  The fantastic star leggings so cool, you would never think of just paring them with an oversized hoodie. Patterned tights are one of the biggest trends right now and better yet, they are only $12! They are perfect for any young fashion risk taker. The oversized sweatshirt gives the outfit a cool ‘80s vibe. I paired it with look-a-like Ugg yarn boots, showing you don’t always have to splurge. In the yarn material especially, similar boots are easy to find.

Winter is all about snuggling up, drinking hot chocolate, sleeping in, and giving you a break. Choosing to look presentable and stylish does not always mean comfort goes out the window. It’s about finding a happy medium. My hope for this article is that it allows you to expand your winter wardrobe, and let’s be honest, what girl doesn’t want an excuse to shop?

 

Forever & always a fashionista,

 

Fashion items featured in this article:

Outfit 1: Sweatshirt ($30) – Victoria’s Secret, Sweatpants ($30)- Victoria’s Secret, Ugg boots (about $150) – Nordstrom’s

Outfit 2: Hoodie ($40) – Dick’s Sporting Goods Store, Jeggings ($58) Abercrombie, Nike sneakers ($85) – DSW

Outfit 3: Nike sweatshirt ($50) – Nike, Leggings ($12) – yesstyle.com, Yarn boots ($50) – DSW

 

For more help finding the clothes used in this article CLICK HERE!

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