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    Q & A with YouTube Sensation Alyssa Bernal

    Who knew a MySpace message could change a person’s life? Well just ask Alyssa Bernal, who was contacted by N.E.R.D. front man Pharrell Williams,  who saw her singing talents on YouTube. One year later the Texas teenager was signed to Star Trak Entertainment and recording her first album. When Alyssa was younger she used to be shy to sing in front of others, now with over five million views on signing covers from Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Adele, it’s no question that Alyssa brings new light and energy to the pop scene.  The songs on her album, Love Hangover, “are about long-distance love, missing home, and the tone is very easy-going”, says Alyssa. College Lifestyles had the opportunity to ask Alyssa a few questions, check them out here!

    CL: What type of impact has social media (Youtube, Twitter, Facebook) had on your career and how you connect with your fans?

    AB: Social media has made it possible for me to keep my fans updated with whatever is going on with my career. Thanks to social media I am able to figure out where most of my fan base is located so that I can go on a tour there and have a successful outcome.

    CL: How would you describe your fashion style? Do you follow any trends?

    AB: I lean towards boho looking clothes. Vanessa Hudgens has an amazing sense of fashion.

    CL: You receive a lot of your views when you cover songs from hit artists. Who is your dream person to collaborate with?

    AB: I would love to co-write a song with Taylor Swift. I’m a huge fan of her music and I love that we’re the same age and play guitar and are songwriters.

     

    CL: We love your video “Cali Cali Cali”! what is your typical day like on a video shoot?

    AB: Thanks! Basically, lots of makeup touch-ups and taking direction from the director. It also involves a little bit of acting.

    CL: Do you have any advice for young singers/songwriters who desire to break into the industry?

    AB: Never try and be like someone else. And social media does not hurt to try. And write your own songs!

    CL: Do you have any upcoming projects you would like to share with College Lifestyles?

    AB: I’m getting ready to go to Miami to record my second album. So excited about that!

    Want to learn more about Alyssa Bernal or chat with her? Contact her on her website, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and of course YouTube!

    Amber Ferguson is a fashion/health intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a sophomore at Prince George’s Community College studying English. She’s obsessed with reality TV & loves traveling. Follow her on Twitter @Ms_AmberDawn.

     

     

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    CL’s NYE Entertainment Guide

    Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve and you’re going to end the year in style! A good party is nothing without great music and some good movies. Well, CL has got you covered on the entertainment front, with the best New Years Eve tunes and films.

     

    Music

    DJ Earworm- United States of Pop 2011 (World Go Boom)

    Did you forget any of the hottest songs of 2011? DJ Earworm hasn’t. New Year’s Eve is all about remembering the highlights of the year, and World Go Boom does this perfectly blending everything from E.T. to Pumped Up Kicks to We Found Love into five minutes of amazing.

     

    Will Smith- Party Starter

    This is a personal favorite of mine. It’s played whenever something great happens, like being done with French class. Party Starter promises to start your party off right with lyrics like, “tell the DJ to play my song and we could dance all night to the early mornin’”

     

    Avicii- Levels

    Avicii performed at Syracuse’s annual kick of concert Juice Jam this year. Since then, no party has been complete without some Avicii mixes. The Sweedish DJ promises to get everyone dancing, like everyone in the official video!

     

    Journey- Don’t Stop Believing

    I have never been in a room, party, or store that has played the Journey classic without an ensuing group sing-along. It keeps with the NYE theme of never giving up and who doesn’t like singing the chorus at the top of their lungs?

     

    Lady Gaga- Just Dance

    Just Dance will always be the perfect party song. It describes everything a great NYE should be, “just dance, gonna be okay, spin that record babe, just dance “ and according to the video, TONS of sequins.

     

    Movies

    200 Cigarettes

    This flick is the quintessential New Years Eve movie. Complete with the still sparkling cast of the Affleck brothers, Kate Hudson, Paul Rudd and Christina Ricci it encapsulates the fun, excitement and anxiety of New Years Eve.

     

    When Harry Met Sally

    The Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan romcom is at the top of every New Years Eve movie list. It’s well written, funny and has one of the best NYE scenes of all time. It captures everyone’s NYE romantic fantasy perfectly.

     

    About A Boy

    The scene where Hugh Grant’s character Will meets Rachel, played by Rachel Weisz, may be part of what makes About A Boy a great NYE movie. What makes it even better is its message of growing up and becoming better. Isn’t that what the holiday is all about? And a young Nick Hoult.

     

    A Very Merry Pooh Year

    If you have to spend NYE with younger family members or are just in the mood for a cute animated movie, pop in this Winnie the Pooh classic. It has all the characters you loved during your childhood and will get you excited for a new year.

     

    The Apartment

    Planning a classy Old Hollywood NYE theme? Stay on point with this black and white film. The Apartment centers around romance, mistresses, ladder climbing and NYE. Everything a great end of the year movie needs.

    No matter what you choose, your New Year’s Eve party will be fantastic! For a complete (and amazing) guide to DIY NYE parties, click here!

    Ariana Romero is sophomore at Syracuse University majoring in magazine journalism. She is so excited to ring in the New Year tomorrow with her fabulous friends!

     

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    CL’s Holiday Party Playlist

    If you’re planning a holiday party this year, this is a one-stop page for all of your listening needs. Whether it’s for you and your family’s annual holiday decorating party, your sorority’s ugly Christmas sweater mixer, or you and your friends’ holiday festivities, CL will have you prepared with these festive tunes.

     “The Twelve Days of Christmas” by The Chipmunks, Ross Bagdasarian and David Seville. Always a holiday must! Do you know all of the words?

    “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” by Elmo and Patsy Shropshirem – Just play it when grandma’s not around!

    “Christmas Cannon” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This beautiful piece is a twist on Pachelbel’s Cannon.

    “The Dreidel Song.” Learn to spin the dreidel and incorporate the song! Chocolate coins are always a good gamble.

    “Christmas Shoes” by Bobby Carlisle. A Christmas classic, and a real tear jerker.

    “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Whether it is from the movie soundtrack or the television show “Glee,” what would Christmas be without the Grinch?

    “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano. ¡A todas mis amigas!

    “Where are You Christmas?” by Faith Hill. Beautifully sung, another Grinch soundtrack favorite.

    “Peace on Earth/The Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Break out the pots and pans – it’s drummin’ time!

     “Christmas Time is Here” by Vince Guaraldi. From Charlie Brown!

    “O Christmas Tree” by Aretha Franklin. Also known as “O Tannenbaum,” in German.

    “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry. Don’t even pretend that you don’t know all of the lyrics!

    “Greensleeves” by Vince Gauraldi Trio. Jazzy spin on this holiday classic.

    “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley. The King himself, folks.

    “Jingle Bells” by Frank Sinatra. This old-time crooner’s song will have everyone singing along.

     

    Debra Schreiber is a returning CL intern from summer 2011. She is a senior at Duquesne University, studying Journalism and Spanish. When she’s not studying, you can usually find her at the gym, reading or catching up on her favorite shows.

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    12 Days of Christmas Sisterhoods

    It’s the greatest time of the year! When everyone is merry, Christmas music is playing everywhere, and Santa is coming to town! Sure, finals are coming up but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break from the books to have a fun Christmas sisterhood!

    Instead of spending 12 days of Christmas singing about partridge trees and five golden rings, try 12 days of sisterhoods!

    1. Organize a Secret Santa for your whole chapter! Put all your sisters’ names in a hat and have each one select a name in chapter. Set up a maximum amount that can be sent and set a date to exchange – and try to keep it a secret!

    2. Christmas movie night! There are a ton of Christmas movies – make it a marathon!

    3. Bake Christmas cookies!

    4. Decorate your chapter house together! This could include everything from hanging lights to decorating the tree to making snowflakes and hanging them everywhere.

    5. Visit the Santa Clause mall and take a group picture!

    6. Go Christmas tree shopping for your chapter house!

    7. Set up a Toys-for-Tots on your campus! if one is already set up, have each girl spend a set amount of money and donate it. It will make Christmas special for many children, and make you feel good about yourself too!

    8. Decorate/create ornaments!

    Happy Holidays from the sisters of Tri Sigma!

    9. Make a gingerbread house! Messy and loads of sugar – what could be better?

    10. Make Christmas cards for soldiers! They would really appreciate the effort and to know they are always being thought of especially during the holiday season.

    11. Make your own snow globes! You can give them as gifts to your family, advisor, or big sis! All you need is a clean glass jar, water, and glitter. Check out Martha Stewart’s “How to Create a Snow Globe

    12. Ice skating! Not all of us are professional figure skaters, but its fun to fall with your sisters! Or even organize a big snowball fight. It’s nice to get outside and play in the snow every once and a while!

     

    Make sure you don’t stress too much over finals coming up and remember to enjoy every minute with your sisters! I hope you enjoy these ideas. Do you have any fun sisterhoods your chapter has done for Christmas?

     

    Sharon Tendler is a junior at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She is majoring in business marketing and minoring in graphic design. Sharon is a proud sister of Sigma Sigma Sigma. She enjoys hanging out with friends and family, scrapbooking, texting, and watching movies!

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    How Music Kicks Up Your Workout

    We’ve all had those days where it’s enough of an effort just to get out of bed in the morning, let alone get ourselves to the gym and try and talk ourselves into working up a sweat to keep our bodies strong and healthy. So, how does a low-energy, chic CL lady get herself motivated to work out? If you’re like a number of people, you plug in those earbuds and blast your favorite song and instantly feel like you could take on the world. Why is that?

    More and more people are using music when they exercise. While it may not always be fitting, such as if you are running in an official race (many races do not allow mp3 players), it could be just the thing to give you that extra boost you need during a regular workout.

    Several studies have been done on the use of music during exercise. One study suggests that music helps distract people from the physical discomfort they may feel. Let’s face it, even us fabulous CL girls get a little sore and out of breath; it’s normal! But, if you find yourself struggling with these mental barriers, music may be just the distraction you need. It also makes the time fly by! Listening to music narrows your focus so you may not realize that your body is starting to feel tired as quickly.

    Music can also really get your heart pumping! Depending on the speed, or tempo, of the song you are listening to, your heart rate will actually increase in response to fast songs and decrease in response to slow songs. So, as much as you love that romantic slow jam, you may want to think about creating a special workout playlist that includes lots of upbeat songs. Your mother sang you lullaby’s to get you to sleep, so it makes sense that they probably would not be the greatest choice

    Have you ever listened to a song while walking to class and found yourself walking in time to the music? Use that to your advantage! Running Music Mix allows you look up songs based on their BPM (beats per minute). Finding songs that sync with your steps will help you keep up your pace while running. For example, “Umbrella” by Rihanna is 89bpm and would be good for when you’re winding down, but “Rockafeller Skank (Funk Soul Brother)” by Fatboy Slim is 153bpm and would be perfect for endurance activities like jogging.

    Music has been used for thousands of years to motivate physical activity. Just think back to when ships were propelled by men and oars. Remember the guy who beats the drum? He’s creating a rhythm for the rowers to follow. We naturally follow a tempo.

    REMEMBER!: If you’re going to plug in, make sure that you use a moderate volume level so that you don’t damage your hearing. Also, if you run outdoors it’s very important that you stay aware of your surroundings. A classy co-ed always thinks about safety first! Also, listen to your body. While music may help you push through a little discomfort, you should never work out if you are in pain. Check with a doctor before you do some real damage to your body!

    —————————————————————————————–

    Ellen Ratliff is a Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. Her favorite workout songs include “Raise Your Glass” by Pink and mash-ups like those done by Super Mash Bros. and Girl Talk.

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    Expand Your Music Playlists!

    Ever want to expand your music horizons instead of checking iTunes top 100? Look no further co-eds. We have suggestions for you, and places to go to find new music for an array of music genres and artists.

    Musicovery: A music website that finds music for you based on your mood. Happy? Sad? Chill? They have it. You can also customize it by genre, and decade. The website’s décor also makes it a fun visit, along with the interactive pad.

    Stereomood: Another mood driven music website. When you enter the website you choose your music path by either selecting a mood, activity or artist and the site caters to you. For example, if you are studying and want music that is good for studying they will supply you with a playlist.

    Pandora: Classic source to find music that is similar to your favorite artist or song preference. Perk – they just updated their site last week!

    AUPEO!: Similar to Pandora, Aupeo! Helps you find a station the suits your music taste. It also has preset stations if you are having a hard time deciding what you want to listen to.

    Indie Rock Café: For the indie lovers out there, this is a great website with upcoming artists and songs.

    I have come up with a playlist of a mix of some of my favorite songs from rock, indie, country to oldies that I thought I would supply you with if you want to give them a listen:

    1. Knee Deep – Zac Brown Band ft. Jimmy Buffett
    2. Everlasting Light – The Black Keys
    3. Mykonos – Fleet Foxes
    4. World News – Local Natives
    5. Candy – Paolo Nutini
    6. Redlight – The Strokes
    7. Renegade – Styx
    8. Buttons – The Weeks
    9. San Francisco – Scott McKenzie
    10. Pyro – Kings of Leon

    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!

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    A CL Girl’s Guide to Staying Safe (and having a BLAST) at Music Festivals!

    Music festivals can easily be the greatest part of summer vacation, and preparing for them can definitely be the worst.  When preparing for a music festival, it most often means preparing for a camping trip as well.  After a long weekend at the Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, Michigan, I’m back with some insider advice on what to bring and how to prepare for what could be the best summer experience ever.

    When you’re packing, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re not just going to a concert, you’re going to be gone for an entire weekend (or sometimes even longer),  and contrary to popular belief, it IS okay to over pack (at least a little!) – Here’s a list of things you should bring:

    • Camping supplies – Many music festivals (such as Electric Forest and Bonnaroo) have you camp onsite to enhance the experience and eliminate the issues that come along with driving to the venue every day.  For these types of festivals you’ll need to plan your campsite layout ahead of time to make sure you’ll be comfortable during the times when you’re not seeing concerts.  At EF, I went with 3 other people and we drove 2 separate cars (to have more camping space).  Check out our campsite below!

      our snazzy little campsite (complete with pink tent!)

    • Food – Plan on bringing food that a) won’t spoil, and b) doesn’t need much preparation.  We stuck with bagels and cream cheese, and snack foods like fruit snacks and Cheez-its.  There will most likely be a variety of food vendors (with plenty of yummy vegetarian food!) Also, make sure you bring a cooler!  We brought two separate coolers and kept our food and drinks in one (with ice packs in it) and dry ice in the other (to re-freeze the ice packs when they thawed out).
    • Rain gear – Even though the forecast for Electric Festival only had a 20% chance of rain, it absolutely poured the entire first night we were there.  It’s a great idea to bring a clothesline just in case you end up getting soaked like we did!
    • Baby wipes – If you’re going to be camping, you probably won’t be able to shower (at least not as much as normal).  Baby wipes are a fantastic idea especially if you just want to clean up your feet!

      my icky feet - just after the first day!

    • Sunscreen/bug spray – Stick with a waterproof/sweatproof sunscreen (at least SPF 30 if you’re going to be in the sun all day) and a bug spray designed for camping (I chose Off! Deep Woods).
    • Good shoes – Only bring shoes that you wouldn’t mind if they were ruined.  Comfy shoes are a must, here!

      my post-festival shoes (even after it rained!)

    • A watch – If you don’t want to carry your phone around everywhere you go, make sure you at least know what time it is!  This way, your group can arrange meeting times in case you end up getting separated.
    • Hat/sunglasses – This is CRUCIAL!  You definitely don’t want to get a headache from squinting all weekend, so be sure to bring some shades.  And ladies, don’t think that you have to sacrifice cuteness for sun safety!  I ended up ditching the sunglasses I had brought for this pair that I found at a local vender!

      electric forest is all about bright colors!

    Regardless of the type of music you’ll be seeing or the reputation of your music festival –be sure to stay safe and ALWAYS use the “buddy system!”  It may sound like kindergarten stuff, but it might save you the hassle of dealing with creeps.  And remember – HAVE FUN!!!

    Alli is a Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics junior at Michigan State University.  When she isn’t spending time with friends and family or on the sidelines of an MSU football game, she can always be found playing with her dogs!

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    CL’s Guide to Music for Your Summer Road Trip

    If you are headed on a road trip this summer, check out this CL guide that will have you grooving the whole way, with recommendations from road trip mastermind and University of Pittsburgh co-ed Stephanie Pisula.

    “Life is a Highway,” Rascal Flatts.

    This song is sure to get you in the road trip mood from the very beginning! 

    “Summertime,” Kenny Chesney.

    A perfect country tune for a sunny summer drive…  

    “I Can’t Get Next to You,” The Temptations.

    …and an oldie to dry any rain that dampens your road. 

    “First Date,” Blink 182.

    This rock anthem is sure to liven up any dull scenery. 

    “Wannabe,” Spice Girls.

    Re-live your childhood along the way with this 90’s favorite. 

    “Mine,” Taylor Swift.

     Great beat, great story, this song by the lovely Taylor Swift will keep you going…

    “Rockstar,” Nickelback.

    …as will this Nickelback classic.

    “Shut Up and Drive,” Rihanna.

     Sassy and fun, sing it out loud!

    “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” Kanye West.

    It may sound familiar – this Kanye rap was in the summer 2009 hit The Hangover.

     

     “I Gotta Feeling,” Black Eyed Peas.

     A party song to end your journey there, wherever there is!

    Debra Schreiber is a senior at Duquesne University where she studies journalism and Spanish. She loves cake decorating, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the television show So You Think You Can Dance, hitting the gym, and her lovely Alpha Sigma Tau sisters!

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    Tired? Get Inspired! CL’s Guide to Spicing Up the Summer!

    “Summer Rut” – Certainly many would not use this term to describe their summer vacation, but it has proven to be a chronic problem that many college students experience towards late June and early July, the middle of the collegiate summer break. But never fear! CL is here to offer you the best tips on how to avoid summer boredom and how to walk the fine line between relaxation and laziness. It’s never too late to revitalize your summer – try the CL way!

    1. Clean/Rearrange your room If you find yourself in a funk, start here. Let’s face it – staring at the same exact setup every single day can become very boring, very fast. And even if you enjoy the normalcy of your room, sometimes the smallest clutter or mess can prove to be a distraction. So do something about it! Reorganize your closet, donate all of those clothes you don’t wear any more, and make some room for some new storage boxes. Move your desk to a different part of your room, and be sure to dust off your bookshelf! The best part about cleaning and reorganizing your room? Finding old pictures, articles and trinkets that take you back in time to the wonderful memories of the past!

    2. Read a book Talk about moving through time. Reading has the power to uproot you from the time-space continuum and transport you to a new and uncharted place. It has the ability to capture both your mind and heart, yet your body doesn’t even have to leave the couch. Books are a passage into a mind other than our own – a new life and new experiences await beyond the cover. If you want to get lost this summer, don’t bother packing up the car – grab a book and kick back!

    3. Get crafty It’s amazing how crafts can help pass the time. And with so many different creations waiting just beyond your fingertips, it’s easy and affordable to get started with what you already have! Take all of your pictures and make a photo board, or even create a scrapbook. Paper cranes are a super cute and classy way to brighten a bookshelf, and all you need is scrap paper! If you’re looking for a simple project, try a creative clothesline: all you need are binder clips, pictures, index cards and dental floss! Write out your favorite quotes or words of wisdom on blank index cards and print out your favorite photographs. Then, attach two binder clips to each article and slide the long line of dental floss through all of the open holes. Then drape on the wall as you desire! The best part about creating new crafts during the summer is that you’ll have brand new decorations for next year’s dorm room!

    4. Listen to an old CD Usually when we search for inspiration, the last place we want to look is our past – if we’re bored now, then we certainly haven’t done anything to help our creativity. But as the saying goes, never give up on something that once made you smile. Start with music – dig through your old CD’s and play those tunes that used to make you jump to your feet and break out those goofy, ridiculous dance moves. It’s amazing what feelings one can relive through music, and you may even be surprised by how easily the lyrics slip off your tongue.

    5. Dance While all forms of exercise are great ways to awaken the body, dancing transcends these and awakens the spirit. You don’t have to worry about keeping pace, and you never seem to realize just how tired you are until you stop. And while busting out the air guitar in the comfort of your own room is fun, dancing is better shared with friends! So grab those old N’Sync and Backstreet boys CD’s and round up your friends for a backyard bash full of dancing, laughter, and the comfort and company of those you love.

    Just as the saying goes, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Don’t let the summer blues get you down (or nasty weather, for that matter). Try these CL tips and find the joy in escaping that “Summer Rut” in favor of a summer full of growth, development, and perspective. Happy dancing!

    Emily Corr is a rising junior at Providence College, studying Social Science, English and Theology. She hopes you try these summer inspiration tips and enjoy the joy and creativity they bring! Summer doesn’t last forever, so go get your feet wet and learn to dance in those summer showers, both figuratively and literally!

    

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    CL’s What to Wear There: Summer Concerts

    One staple of summer is the incredible concerts and music scene. Almost every genre of music has a concert festival and the big names have the most amazing summer tours. That being said, what on earth are you going to wear that will showcase your style while keeping you comfortable in the summer heat?

    Not to worry! I’ve broken down some outfits for you based on musical genres and concert venues that will be sure to keep you in tune.

    Country/Bluegrass

    Whether you are into Taylor Swift or Corey Smith, you have so many options this summer when it comes to country music concerts. Everything is better with a little twang, and at a country or bluegrass concert, that includes your wardrobe. Most of these summer concerts will be outside, so wear light fabrics like cotton and lace. Also, play with fun florals and prints, but don’t forget the cowgirl boots!

    floral dress-Forever21, red boots-zappos.com, jewelry and sunglasses-Forever21, red dress-lulus.com, brown boots-zappos.com

    I paired fun, flowy dresses with cowboy boots (my absolute favorite shoes) and vintage-looking accessories. It’s important to go a little country with your outfit, but don’t go overboard! Pairing boots with a cowboy hat will look too costume-y.

    Rock/Alternative

    Whoever you are planning on rocking out to, these concerts usually have a edgy vibe, so mirror that in your outfit choice. Dark colors, glam jewelry and bold makeup will go great in a moshpit!

    shirt-alloy.com, shorts-Urban Outfitters, booties-Aldo Shoes, feather necklace-Pacsun, bull dog necklace-modcloth.com, anchor necklace-unique-vintage.com, bird house necklace-modcloth.com

    Pairing an off-the-shoulder top with colored shorts is so chic. The chains on the booties give the look a rock and roll edge. Add on a necklace (or four!) for a fresh rocker chick look.

    Hip Hop/Pop

    I put these in the same category because they both have similar styles. It is all about bright colors and looking and feeling sassy. Because most pop or hip hop concerts are arena venues, you don’t have to worry about dressing for a hot summer night. So get fabulous with some bright high tops or stylish heels that will no doubt make you look better than what’s-her-name on stage.

    dress-edgeofurge.com, sneakers-buckle.com, flat sandals-Charlotte Russe, heels-zara.com, anchor earrings-amazon.com, hoops-Wet Seal, Lego earrings-Hot Topic, heart earrings-pacificplex.com

    Bodycon dresses are everywhere these days, and I love these turquoise stripes.  There are so many shoe options with this dress, so go crazy and pick something that shows off your personal style. Bright Nikes are very hip hop, while the flats will be comfortable all night. If you think you can handle it, bust out some fun heels. You’ll look confident with bright accessories that reflect your personality.

    The Festival

    One of the best things about summer are the all-day music festivals. Almost every genre has one from Coachella to CMA Festival to the Vans Warped Tour. The most important thing to remember is to dress for comfort. Yes, it is important to show your style, but you are going to be walking around all day in the summer heat (or maybe even rain) and you are going to be glad you chose breathable fabrics and flats!

    dress-modcloth.com, tank-amazon.com, croptop-Top Shop, red shorts-Urban Outfitters, denim shorts-Forever21, white braided sandals-Forever21, flower sandals-Buckle, crochet sandals-Target, feather earrings-Urban Outfitters, necklace-papayaclothing.com, straw and white fedora-nordstrom.com, straw lace hat-nordstrom.com, black hat-Forever21, sunglasses-Hot Topic

    I put together a few outfits for your summer music festival pleasure. The first is a sweet, simple sundress paired with flat sandals. Add chain necklaces and a lace fedora for an innocent hippie vibe. The second is a tougher look with distressed denim shortts and a graphic tank. Be sure to choose a tank that sits loose. You don’t want anything sticking to you while you are sweating in that summer sun. Pair this look with the most adorable crochet sandals and a sun-savvy floppy hat. The final look is for the daring fashionistas only! It’s summer and these music festivals are full of people who love to show off their amazing style. I love this patriotic retro look of a gingham crop top paired with high-waisted red shorts. The adorable sunglasses, chic fedora and floral sandals add a fresh vibe to the retro feel of this look.

    Notice I included a hat with each look. As most music festivals are outside, it’s important to be sun savvy! Plus, hats are everywhere these days, so pairing one with some major SPF will make you stylish and smart.

    The Ultimate Concert Bag

    You have so much stuff to carry to a concert that there is no way you can leave your purse at home, but lugging that big thing around will surely cramp your style. The best bag to take to a concert is the cross body bag. It holds everything and keeps your hands free to raise the roof! They are so smart chic right now that there are options in every color and price point. The hardest part will be picking which one to wear!

    Clockwise from left: brown-aldosshoes.com, heart-shopplasticland.com, studs-nordstrom.com, fringe-topshop.com, yellow-topshop.com, red-Hot Topic, Coach-coach.com, green-dsw.com

    Have fun looking stylish while rocking out to all your favorite bands this summer!

    Kelly Adams is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a journalism major at the University of Kentucky and a member of Kappa Delta Sorority.  She likes Audrey Hepburn movies, trips to the lake, and her cockapoo Nicholas.

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