Fall Fashion at CL

Fall. One of my favorite times of year: scarves, UGG boots, Thanksgiving, and snuggling up under a blanket with tea. But let’s not forget fall fashion. Yes, summer is great for swimsuits and dresses, but the selection in the fall is endless. CL has put together a couple of different looks for our classy readers to latch onto. You’ll be ready for class, going out with your girls, or even a casual day at the office. There’s never an excuse to not look fashionable.

 

Trendy Chic

• Wildfox Sweet Valley Oversized V Neck Tee in Clean White – shopthetrendboutique.com – $89
• Blouson Jl- Sandwich – mango.com – $69
• Faux Leather Collar Crop Jacket – topshop.com – $118
• Urban Outfitters – BDG Ankle Cigarette Jeans – urbanoutfitters.co.uk – $72
• Steve Madden ‘Audrinaa’ – nordstrom.com – $87
• Interlinked Bracelet – forever21.com – $9.80
• Fashion Ring – forever21.com – $6.80

 

Classy Collegiate

• AKIRA One Embellished Dress – shopakira.com – $37
• Ruched Marigold Coat – anthropologie.com- $248
• Rose and Pearl Ring- dorothyperkins.com – $10
• Yves Saint Laurent Rouge – bergdorfgoodman.com – $30

 Preppy Chic

• Leaf Sequin Strappy Cropped Top – topshop.com – $66
• Kelly Ewing Short Hitched Black Skirt – coggles.com – $133
• Bordello by Pleaser Women’s Platform Pump – endless.com – $80
• Gold Multi Pack Bangle Set – missselfridge.com – $22
• Chloe Chloe Eau de Parfum Spray – couture.zappos.com – $110
• OPI Nail Polish “Mermaids Tears” – hqhair.com – $17
• Essie Nail Color, “Devil’s Advocate” – macys.com – $8

 

Lindsay Dressen is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM), and is a junior magazine journalism major at Drake University minoring in sociology. She is a movie buff that loves to be with her friends and family, and enjoys working out, ethnic food and indie music!

 

Five Ways to Say “Thank You” to Your Bedroom Before Thanksgiving

There’s just a few weeks left to endure before Thanksgiving break rolls around – it’s about time, right? Although nothing says relief like getting exams, papers, and projects out of the way, there’s one last thing you can do before this upcoming week of relaxation: say thank you to your room! Your bedroom is where you spend so much of your time, so take some time to give your space some TLC, CL readers.

1. Clean It Up

Your focus and level of productivity may drift when loose sheets of paper, stacks of books, or piles of shoes make it impossible to see your bed, desk, or floor. Instead of letting your responsibilities crowd your humble abode, reorganize what needs fixing! Working within a clean space is comfy, and who doesn’t become instantly happy to see that a made bed is awaiting your arrival? If you’re in need of room organizers, check out CL sponsor Room It Up for accessories and this article for RIU purchase suggestions.

2. Fancy Fragrance

First things first: no classy lady should harbor old garbage in their bedrooms; it looks (as well as smells) unappealing! To keep your room smelling fresh, scented pine cones are a smart buy or DIY. Fragrant pine cones smell great and are wonderful decorations for this time of year.

Plugin fragrances like this Apple Cinnamon one by Glade are handy because they keep an aroma constantly flowing throughout any room. If you’ve got a few extra bucks, consider buying plugins that release a scent on schedule, such as the Glade Sense and Spray in Lavender and Vanilla. These options are ideal if you live in a dorm where candles aren’t typically allowed. (The words fire and dorm never seem to go together…)

If you live in an apartment, scented candles will always do the trick. Halloween has just come and gone, but pumpkin-scented candles get most peoples’ noses flaring.

3. Keep It Up To Date

As the weeks and seasons go by, update your bedroom accordingly! It’ll give your eyes a break from monotony and what they’re so used to seeing. Add pictures to your walls, or even change your posters and furniture around. You’ll feel as if you’re living in a whole new room, and visitors will be excited to see the adjustments!

4. Invite People Over

A room isn’t complete without people to fill it up with. As homework and stress starts to creep up on you, get in the holiday spirit a little early on and invite people over to keep up the morale. Positive people release positive energy, so harbor as many optimists in your space as possible!

5. Decorate For Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is characterized by warm, earthy tones. Trade in your summer-y, bright pink comforter for a fall-season-appropriate hunter green one. Swap your beach ball patterned shower curtains for one with a pattern of leaves. The options are endless!

If you’re looking to spend a little less cash, make finding decorations into a fun Walmart run with your girl friends! If available, buy a turkey piñata. Before leaving for Thanksgiving break, have a blast breaking open the turkey. Cleaning up candy and chocolate can’t be too difficult.

 

Tiana Blue is an intern for College Lifestyles™ and is a print journalism major at Penn State. This sophomore is an avid blogger that loves to write, draw, roam the streets of Manhattan, and channel her inner chef by watching Food Network re-runs.

Day 29: Primp and Prepare for the First Day!

It’s always fun to pick out your outfit the night before your first day of school, so why not make a party out of it? Invite over your bffs and turn your closets into a shopping mall. Have every girl bring a few outfits and swap items with each other. Getting primped for the first day of college is especially fun because you get to choose a different outfit for every day of the week. Here CL gives you some tips on how to primp and prepare for your first week back on campus.

Primp

• Outfit: Choose something that’s comfortable and cute. You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard to impress people, so pick an outfit that would work for everyday but add in a fun pair of shoes or statement bag to show off your unique personality.
• Hair: I recommend you wash and blow dry your hair the night before. Decide if you want to wear your hair curly or straight and partially style it at night. My hair always looks best when I prep it at night; it gives it a great natural slept-in look. Make sure you have a ponytail holder handy for unexpected weather changes and easy hair fixes.
• Face: Do your usual nightly face wash routine and be sure to moisturize. Apply a soothing face mask to relax you and leave your skin feeling energized and fresh.
• Mani/Pedi: Set up a nail station at your house and enjoy your friends’ company while making your nails and toes look great. Pick a fun, new color that will compliment your first day outfits.

Prepare

• Purse: Pick a purse that’s big enough to fit a few folders and notebooks so you don’t have to carry a backpack on the first day. Here’s a quick list of what to pack in your purse…
  • Wallet
  • Phone
  • Room key
  • ID card
  • Class schedule
  • Agenda
  • Map (or just ask the cute guy walking by where to go!)
  • Notebook
  • Folder
  • Pens/pencils
  • Highlighter
  • Lip gloss
  • Lotion
  • Perfume
  • Nail file
  • Mirror
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tampons
  • Tissues
  • Gum
  • Mints
  • Water bottle
  • Snack

• Agenda: It’s important to buy an agenda to help keep you organized. Bring it to the first day of class and fill out important dates like tests, projects, quizzes, and even days off. Use your agenda for school, work, extracurriculars and social events. When everything’s written down, it’s easier to stay on track and get things done.
• Relax: Before school begins and your to-do list piles up, make sure you relax. Do something you love on the night before school and make sure you don’t rush around. This should be a day to unwind and have some fun before it’s time to hit the books.
• Sleep: Get a good night’s sleep. There’s nothing worse than waking up for an 8am class on 4 hours of sleep. Yes, coffee can help, but it’s better to get a good 7-9 hour beauty rest on your comfy cozy bed.

I hope these tips help you classy co-eds prepare for back-to-school! Share your own primping techniques below and send us your first day outfit pictures at info@collegelifestyles.org.

Erica Avesian is an intern at College Lifestyles(TM). She is a junior communications major and writing minor at the University of Michigan. Erica is excited for her first day of school and can’t wait to move back to Ann Arbor and be reunited with her best friends!

Modern Fall Dates

Fall is one of my favorite seasons.  The weather is a little breezy and it’s the perfect time for light layers, sweatshirts, and you can still pull off flip-flops some days.  Fall is also one of the most beautiful seasons with the leaves changing colors and if you ask me it’s the perfect time of year to be participating in outside activities.  Enjoy this fall with some savvy date ideas.

Pumpkin or Apple Picking: Regardless of where you are there is bound to be a pumpkin patch or appleorchard in a reasonable distance.  Spend the day at one of these places with your boyfriend and enjoy picking out the best ones.  Then go home and carve a pumpkin or make a home made apple pie.

Fall Festivals: The fall brings on numerous festivals of all kinds.  Spend a day outside and enjoy a festival pertaining to food or music, or attend a state fair.

Picnic: Most people associate picnics with the summertime but who said you couldn’t enjoy a picnic in the fall.  Pack up a lunch, grab a few warm blankets, and head to the park where you can watch the leaves fall and the season change.

Haunted Houses or Hay Rides: These can be fun activities especially if you are easily scared of things.  This is a good opportunity to spend some time outside with your boyfriend and cuddle up when you get scared.  Check online for local Haunted Houses or Hay Rides, they are usually going on throughout the entire month of October.

Costume Parties: Enjoy a Halloween party with your friends as your favorite couple.  You can choose anything from the romantic couple to the one that everyone can laugh at.

Play in the Leaves: No one enjoys raking leaves but its different if you plan on playing in them.  Wait until a day after a lot of leaves have fallen in your yard, rake a large pile, and then let your inner kid out and jump in the pile!

Nature Hike: Explore nature along with your boyfriend on a hike.  You can hike a mountain or find a trail to hike along.  Take in all the different elements of fall and have a few laughs along the way.

Photography Expedition: No plans for the day?  That can be solved pretty easily.  Grab your camera and your boyfriend and jump in the car.  Go for a drive wherever you want, maybe somewhere where they are a lot of trees.  Take pictures of nature and you and your boyfriend along the way.

Explore Maryn L’s article 5 Must-Have Updates to Keep Your Fall Fashion Fabulous for tips on what to wear on these modern fall dates.

Stephanie Coppola is an intern at College Lifestyles ™.  She is studying print journalism and sports studies at Quinnipiac University and she is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta.  She can’t wait to go apple picking and pumpkin picking this fall!

5 Must-Have Updates to Keep Your Fall Fashion Fabulous!

Calling all my fabulous fashionistas!  Falling leaves and frigid mornings are a sure sign that fall has come at last.  These 5 “must-have” updates to your fall wardrobe will keep you looking smart and fresh as the seasons change.  Incorporate these styles into your existing wardrobe to create new looks, and we bet you’ll get even more “looks” from others envious of your style sense, too!

1.       Leather “Robin Hood” Boots

These boots are a definite must-have for any fabulous fall wardrobe and look perfect over leggings or skinny jeans.  These flats are comfortable for walking and keep your toes toasty all day long.  We love the variety of styles they come in:  slouchy, buckled, fringed, suede, knee-high… the possibilities are endless!  Choose a tone that works well with your existing wardrobe to get the most out of this fall update piece. 

2.       Boyfriend Cardigan

Cozy and comfortable, these oversized, boyfriend cardigans give you another layer of warmth on those cold days and can be worn over pieces already in your wardrobe.   Choose a slouchy cardigan with pockets for a traditional look or show off your feminine side with an adorned cardigan or one with a ruffled hem.  Get creative and mix and match styles to add a fresh new look to your fall wardrobe! 

3.       Skinny Belt

Skinny belts are the perfect fall accessory.  Layer them over shirts, cardigans and jackets for just the right touch of class.  Mix it up with lively color choices and intriguing textures, such as crocodile skin, suede or studs for a touch of sophistication!

4.       Headband Earmuff

These fuzzy and adorable creations will keep your ears warm and hair in place on those windy days.  They create an instant pop of style and can be coordinated with any outfit.  There is no simpler way to add a touch of personality to any look!

5.       Leather Jacket

Nothing screams style like a leather bomber jacket.  This piece can enhance your existing wardrobe—just slip it on over your summer and spring styles for an instant “fall” look!  It adds an edge that is sure to get you noticed.  We love these camel-colored styles because they go with everything and keep you looking polished and fashionable as the days get colder.

Update your existing fall wardrobe with these 5 must-have updates!  These key pieces can be mixed and match for endless style possibilities.  Put your best foot forward this fall with these fabulous updates!

Is it Summer or is it Fall? In Between Weather Dressing

Ahhh October, a month of crunching through leaves on your way to class, college football, and 80-degree weather? At least in my region of the country it feels like an indian summer with chilly mornings giving way to warm afternoons. There is nothing worse than sporting a thick knit sweater when the temperature climbs and you’re stuck running from class to class. Luckily there is a solution to the conundrum of between seasons dressing!

Layers are the most practical and easiest way to stay cool or warm up. They also minimize the number of times you think about changing your outfit throughout the day!  Those cold fall mornings may tempt you to reach for your coziest sweater, but remember, if the forecast says the high is 80-degrees you will regret that choice later. Try a simple t-shirt, cardigan, and a scarf for added warmth. This is any easy and timeless look that can be pulled off with items you already own.

Tights are another great way to add warmth, but they are not too stifling for balmy afternoons. Tights are also a great way to add interest and a little style to an otherwise bland look. Throw some on under your favorite skirt or dress and you’re golden. The best part about tights is their affordability; you can find them at places such as Target for under ten dollars, and they come in an array of colors, patterns, and textures.

 Blazers are perfect for in between seasons dressing! They come in all kinds of colors making it easier to choose according to your personal preference. There is bound to be the perfect blazer for you. Blazers are one of the easiest ways to add warmth to any outfit, slip it on top of jeans and a t-shirt, a dress, or even a cardigan if its extra chilly outside. The Gap has a great selection of classic jackets perfect for in-between weather.

Footwear is a vital point when choosing an in-between weather ensemble. It’s definitely too cool to wear flip-flops and summers cute sandals, but is it too warm for boots? A rule of thumb to use if its 70 degrees and below boots are your friend. If you will be running around in 80-degree weather all day, boots might not be appropriate or comfortable.

When it comes down to it, in-between weather dressing is all about comfort and function. Dressing smartly in layers you can peel off is key and your best ally in beating the afternoon warm up. So get out there classy co-eds, and face the in between seasons with confidence!

Leslie Campbell is a College Lifestyles (TM) intern. She checks the weather forecast religiously to plan her in between season outfits.

Fall in Love with Fall

Autumn is probably my favorite season of the year. As much as I love summer with it’s bikinis, shorts, and flip flops, and spring’s florals and pretty colors, autumn is the best because it’s just cool enough for sweaters, boots, jeans, and nice hot coffee. So this post is dedicated to all the fun fall things I just can’t wait to get my hands on.

1. Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, and Caramel Apple Spice- I love Starbucks year round, but the autumn flavors are without a doubt the best. To keep it green, pick up one of the super cute tumblers and get a small discount on every coffee (it’ll pay for itself if you, like me, get your Starbucks fix quite a bit).

2. Cardigans!!!!- I am obsessed with cute cardigans, especially ones with stripes or unexpected pops of color. I like to wear them long and with skinny jeans tucked into boots (perhaps even with my flirty summer camisoles underneath).

3. Messenger bags- Ok, so I’ve been carrying my messenger bag since school started, but it’s fall semester so I say it counts. I love the awesome paisley and floral prints that Vera Bradley uses. I carry my books in a pretty Simply Violet patterned one.

4. Jeans, jeans, jeans!- I am very hardcore about my denim. I own approximately 20 pairs of jeans, plus quite a few denim skirts (super cute with tights and boots). They dress up, they dress down, and they’re just so comfy. They work with any style from girly to preppy. My favorites are from Miss Me.

5. Boots- Every classy co-ed on a campus with snow owns at least one pair of boots, because they make it so much easier to get around without having soaking wet and frozen feet. However, there are a lot of options that are a little more fun than the standard Uggs. Even though I love mine as much as the next girl, I’ve got a new obsession with Ralph Lauren Leather riding boots and a pair of flat purple suede boots I got on sale last summer.

Kat McClain is an intern for College Lifestyles(TM), a junior at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She is so excited for autumn, homecoming, Halloween, and, of course, all the lovely fall fashions.

Fall Fun With Girlfriends

Every fall, I find myself falling in love again — with the gorgeous changing colors of the trees, the signs for fresh apples around every corner, pumpkins full-grown from pumpkin patches, cute new fall coats to wear, and the smells of holiday feasts approaching.  (I also happen to have a birthday that lands smack in the middle of fall, but I’m not biased, right? )

Fall is also meaningful to co-eds — as a reason for escape from mid-terms and growing homework loads on the weekends!  Fall is one of the best times during the school year to take a day on the weekend with your roommate, housemates, or other friends, and explore the best of what fall offers you.  The greatest part:  most of it is cheap or free!

1.  Apple Picking!

One of my favorite activities in the fall of ALL time is apple picking.  Most orchards that allow U-Pick apple picking have more than just that to offer – there are free hayrides through the orchard, stores where you can purchase just about anything related to apples and apple-flavored foods, and sometimes little cafes or bakeries where they make house-made donuts and fresh squeezed cider.  I find that most people who work at the orchards are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet, and they know their apples!  You will also find the best prices here rather than at your local market – and the fun you’ll have is free

Afterward, I always take my girlfriend(s) and go back to where we came from to make homemade apple pies or apple crisp to share with all our friends!  The best ones always come from scratch

2.   Pumpkin Carving

Who doesn’t love to carve pumpkins?  This pumpkin —> is a creation of mine from Fall 2009 with one of my girlfriends.  We printed out pictures of clip-art that we thought would look neat on pumpkins, then drew them free-hand on the pumpkins we picked out before we carved them carefully.  You can take the pumpkin seeds you pull out of the pumpkin and toast ‘em up with some cinnamon and nutmeg for a tasty snack, or you can make a pumpkin pie — either way the pumpkin carving night will be a fun night for all!

3.  Scary or Romantic Movie Night

Whether you prefer scary or romantic movie marathons (in the fall I love scary!), the weekends of the fall are a great time to have a girls night-in with a movie marathon, and special fall snacks!  I love to pick a snack that takes a group effort to make – such as special cookies or cupcakes that can be decorated and personalized.  These nights are also a great night to make caramel apples or caramel corn for the crowd and munch while watching the selected movies!  Check out the yummy and creative ideas from the Food Network to get your creative cooking-juices flowing for your next girls night!

So cuddle up in comfy clothes and invite a couple of your friends over to start fall planning — everyone needs breaks from studying, anyway

Kelsey Book is a  writer and a dreamer who thinks faith, family, and musicals make her world go ’round!   She believes that apple picking is the essence of fall, and apple crisp ala mode is one of the most delish desserts ever invented.

The Perfect Pair of Fall Boots

Fall is right around the corner, and before you know it walking to class will entail crunching through leaves, bundling up in thick sweaters, and sipping large thermoses of hot coffee. Boots are a quintessential item for fall fashion, but sometimes finding the perfect boot to keep you toasty and stylish can be time consuming. From ankle booties to equestrian classics, the options are endless. The key to finding your perfect boot is staying true to your style aesthetic. With this in mind, I am here to bring you a look at some of my favorite options for fall boots!

Ankle booties are very versatile, perfect for the college girl with a million activities, classes, and meetings to attend. Worn with skinny jeans and a sweater for class, ankle boots give an otherwise basic outfit a boost. On those warmer days in the beginning of fall, they are perfect for pairing with a dress for an updated and seasonal look.  These black ankle booties by Blowfish are a little bit tough, but still classic. The slight heel   gives height but is still appropriate and comfortable for everyday wear.

Blowfish, $59.00

Wedge boots are a comfort driven girls dream; stylish, flattering, and most importantly comfortable. Dressed up or dressed down, you will take your look from casual to lively with a cute pair of wedge boots. These Kenneth Cole Reaction wedge boots are classic with a trendy twist. Perfect with a cozy cardigan on a chilly October day.

Kenneth Cole Reaction, $119.00

Equestrian boots are my personal favorite style, versatile and with a flat heel for those rainy fall days.  Riding boots are a style classic, and investing in a great pair will pay off for years to come. Mine are my go to staple in my fall wardrobe, and they make throwing outfits together easy and of course cold weather appropriate. This affordable pair of Aerosoles will help elevate any outfit. Throw them on with a button up for a laid-back collegiate look.

Aerosoles, $89.00

Remember boots don’t have to be expensive to be fabulous, look at websites like piperlime.com and zappos.com to help you narrow your search and keep an eye on your budget. Always think quality over quantity, one great pair of boots can take you from this fall and beyond.  For ideas on what  fall trends to wear with your new boots, check out Samantha C’s piece  CL Fall Fashion Reporting for Classy Co-eds! Happy boot hunting!

Leslie Campbell is a Senior in Apparel Marketing at Kansas State University. She wants fall to be here solely for boot wearing purposes. And pumpkin spice lattes.

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.

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