Does it bother anyone else that whenever any celebrity has obtained a sense of stardom and/or a relationship, they feel the sudden urge to become a published author (with their own signature clothing line/scent)?  An author who gives their oh-so-valuable advice to the general public?  It was bad enough when Jennifer Love Hewitt decided to write her own book as if she was some kind of cupid messenger,   but now the Kardashian sisters are jumping on the bandwagon?

As embarrassing as this is to admit (but I have to in order to prove my point), I watch the show. I read the tabloids. I know these girls, so the thought of taking their advice in my personal life shakes me to the core. Combined, these three women have made a sex tape, married a boyfriend in a time span of a couple months, and birthed a child from the biggest douche-lord on the planet. Do you really want to take relationship advice from these chicas?!

I can see it now, “Chapter One: Sex Tapes 101 and Other Ways to Get Famous.“

I have no idea what sort of sound advice these women can give (besides tips on keeping your hair luxurious and shiny/making 12 pounds of eye makeup look super sultry) but I think I can predict what the outline of this book will look like: Read More »

With so many huge events in my immediate future (you know, graduating, joining the unemployment line, probably moving back in with my parents) obviously my most major concern is what I am going to wear. Hey, just because I have no job and am mooching of the ‘rents doesn’t mean I can’t do it in style.

And I have found the go-to summer special occasion dress, the Eliza J. Pleated Dress from Nordstrom. It evokes the ladylike essence of afternoon brunch (complete with tea and crumpets) while also having the perfect amount of edgy sass with the low-cut V neckline and cinched empire waist that is totally 50’s pinup girl.

I am totally in love with the watercolor flower buds and pleated waistline that fills out into the adorable a-line skirt. An almost universally flattering shape, that will hide any study munchies bump that you may have come summer break.

I see this working perfectly for a graduation ceremony paired with a vibrant cropped sweater and a pair of flats, then transitioning into a nighttime party ensemble with a pair of heels and some chunky jewelry.

And the possibilities don’t stop at special occasions. I can’t help but picture this done up casually with a light wash jean jacket and flip flops for lunch with friends or errands around town.

I may not be able to stop the inevitable parting with my student status, but at least I’ll be sobbing my tears in a killer dress.

Got some college questions? Unsure of a decision? Dealing with someone else’s crazy ex? Just wanna chat it up with some really awesome chics? We’ve got the girls for you. Hit them up in the comments or shoot them an email with the subject “College Q&A”! They’ve got all the answers you need, no matter who you are.

Question:
I’m a high school senior and I’m starting college next fall. I’m really excited, but also really scared. Is there anything I can or should do now before I go? Maybe a few tips or things I can start on now (to prepare and also to pass the time of my boring senior year)?

Busy Bee:
Congrats on finally escaping the wrath of high school! Reminds me of my anxiousness back in the day… Anyway, my best advice to you is to live in the moment and really enjoy your last days of senior year. I know it’s boring and you probably have Senioritis, but you will not be seeing any of these people after graduation day. Make some more epic memories because you have a right to do so!

If you don’t want to just sit around this summer, I suggest volunteering or getting a job that you have always wanted but never did because it didn’t fit into your schedule. Because you won’t have to do any over-the-summer reading assignments and write a 6-page essay on how the character development contributes to the theme of the novel, you’ll have TONS of free time! Have you always wanted to build houses in Mexico? Work as a make-up artist for a fashion show? Then, do it! Plus, it’ll look good on your resume. Read More »

I’ve always stood by the belief that curves are the sexiest asset a women could possess. As a naturally curvy woman myself, it is reassuring to watch Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Kate Winslet, and many other women make hips and thighs a fierce commodity. So when bodacious Christina Hendricks began waltzing around the offices of Sterling Cooper in Mad Men, I couldn’t be happier that another bodacious, curvaceous actress was hitting stardom.

I’m not the only one who thinks Hendricks and her curves are sexier than Megan Fox and Adriana Lima combined. Why? She beat out both of them in Esquire’s Best Looking Woman in America. Hendricks took the number one spot with 30% of the votes over Adriana Lima (2nd) and Megan Fox (3rd). It’s about time! Hendricks is known for her yummy curves, and she should be recognized. The woman is absolutely stunning.

Honestly, I’m ecstatic. Not only does this mean I may or may not go treat myself to a scone later at Starbucks (hint: I will), it means curvy women are making an impact in Hollywood, where the definition of sexy is often created.  That is empowering! It is reassuring to know sexy is becoming easier and more natural day by day, beginning with covers of Christina Hendricks flaunting all that her mama gave her (with Megan Fox no where in sight).

Work it, girl.

Cardio, abs, arms, lunges, squats, pushups… that’s the norm for most college girls. You may think you’re getting all the important muscle groups in your body, but you’re forgetting the most important one: your back!

OK, so it’s not like your back is flabby like your thighs and you don’t crave the definition like you do in your abs, but you can’t neglect your back muscles; they help you maintain good posture, give you a smaller waistline, and enable you to carry a 30-pound backpack to class (thank you, Ancient Psych professor). They’ll also help you move boxes into your new apartment and, of course, with the bend-and-snap. So let’s focus on bringing sexy backs back (you had to know the J.T. reference was coming)!

Before starting any hardcore back exercises, be careful! Because our back muscles tend to be weaker, they are really easy to injure. (It’s a strange cycle, I know.) Remember to warm up beforehand with cardio, some good back stretches, and light back weights if you can. Also, do the exercises slowly to make sure you’ve got the correct form and technique down. Try them out in front of a mirror before making your confident back debut at the gym!

Here are some easy exercises to tone the OTHER side of your waistline: Read More »

So, Corey Monteith is pretty much taken.

A guide to Ke$ha.

Don’t eff with Britney Spears.

Well that’s one way to show that guy who’s boss.

10 fabulous plus size fashion blogs.

The Chris Brown “Save my Career” tour continues.

Every week I make a list. Not a grocery list or a to-do list…or that list, because I don’t really do groceries (there is a reason why they deliver pizza), to-do lists are totally not my scene (if such a scene even exists) and, unfortunately, I haven’t added to that list in quite awhile. My lists are more vital to your everyday lives, like the best party themes and ten things that are really annoying.

And this week, this list focuses on my favorite subject: boys.

Whenever you’re out at a party, bar or club, you always seem to spot that hottie. “The rules” tell us that we’re not supposed to go after that cutie in the button down and that they should come crawling to us with a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. Hello? It’s 2010. The flowers are jagerbombs and the box of chocolates are a flock of bro-dudes that are c-blocking you from your boy of choice. Here’s 10 ways to snag that cutie and get more than some digits. Read More »

Hello I’m Sammie and I’m a nerd.

I may not have a love of Star Trek or Star Wars or Starbursts that includes costumes and fan fiction, but I am a nerd, nonetheless.  I am a pop culture and politics nerd.  My versions of insane celebrities are Glenn O’Brien and Jim Himes.  If I meet these people, I’m reduced to a shell-shocked super loser who can’t stop smiling like Jack Nicholson from “The Shining” while my blank mind tries to come up with something witty (it never does).  I recently saw Graydon Carter exit an elevator, and it took every sane bone in my body to not be Creepy McCreepstein and follow him to his destination.

I have a desperate love for all things politics and pop culture, with knowledge of things so obscure, even my closest friends have to reel me in sometimes (“GUYS this is just like in that episode of Four Kings when-”  “Sammie.  Shut up.  No one gets that reference.”).  But I will say this, I am proud of my nerdness.

Historically, nerds have always been given a bad rap (Urkel, Screech, Carlton from Fresh Prince, every Star Trek superfan on the planet, that creepy blogger kid from Glee), but recently, it has become the cool thing (the other Glee kids, Ugly Betty, Dwight Schrute, and Carlton…I love him).  Because, let’s face it, everyone’s got a little nerd in them. Even those “jocks” that were responsible for Glee-style dumpster flingings.  Have you ever seen one of them meet a sports idol or rattle off statistics of the Giants from their 1973 post-season?  Because I have, and I have to say, that “bro” crap melts away when they’re giving the same creepy look to the members of State Radio that you were giving that Lucky editor that one time you recognized her in the street.

What I’m saying here is there is no better time to be a nerd!  Embrace your inner geek!  The feeling of joy I get when I find something like the Sam Adams remix of “Heads Will Roll” is comparable to what I imagine seeing your child for the first time is like.  I love all things music, movies and sports, so why do I have to be ashamed of my geekiness?  Honestly, if everyone just embraced their little quirks that they think are so embarrassing, the world would be a much happier place.  Trust.

After all, being passionate about something (no matter how geeky) is way more fun and interesting than just sitting there trying to fit in.

So bring on the suspenders and the huge glasses (but in a non-ironic sense.  I’m a nerd, not a hipster), and live long and prosper, fellow nerds.

Everyone’s got a morning after story and we wanna hear yours! Send it over to us and we’ll post it – anonymously, of course – right here!]

It was time for my sorority’s annual “Crush Party,” where each sister invites as many guys as she wants and we all take a bus trip to a banquet hall. It’s also known as pretty much the biggest drinking event of the semester. Needless to say, my memory became hazy about halfway through the night. Pretty soon I had lost my drinks and my dates (one of whom had found a private closet to get busy in, the other who was grinding with my big sister), and found myself in the arms of a new boy I’d never seen before.

After last call (where the bartender had to tear my vodka soda out of my hands), we got on the bus, made out the whole way home to pass the time, and then returned to his apartment (but not before I made him stop to split a pizza on the way). I kept telling my new friend that I couldn’t sleep over because “I had class the next morning” (this was on a Friday night, mind you), but then decided I’d better stay instead of walking home by myself. After making out on his kitchen counter for a little while, we got into his bed and passed out. Read More »

If you’ve been a CollegeCandy reader for some time, you know we run our Intro to Cooking series every week, where even the most kitchen-shy co-ed can find easy, yummy recipes to please her suitemates (and sweet tooth!). Starting today, we’ll be changing things up in Intro to Cooking: you’ll still get the fabulous recipes you love, but we’ll be including background nutritional info on specific ingredients that are must-haves in every college girl’s pantry.

The Ingredient: Greek Yogurt

Every health-conscious girl knows yogurt builds stronger bones and is a good source of protein. But did you know that not all yogurts are created equal? Check out the nutrition label on the cups in your fridge–many “light” and fat-free yogurt brands substitute extra sugar and preservatives for fat. For a leaner, creamier, alternative, try Greek yogurt. It packs a giant protein punch (usually 14g or more, almost a third of your daily value!) and boasts more digestive system-cleansing active cultures than regular yogurt. Plus, it comes in guilt-free, fat-free varieties (with none of the added sugar!), and because it doesn’t separate, it’s great for baking or cooking. Read More »