I’m a die-hard fan of summer.  I mean, come on.  Shirtless guys, gorgeous weather, no school…what’s not to love?  But as we find the best season of all coming to a close – mega sadface – I can’t help but feel there are a few quintessential summer activities left to squeeze in.

Put down that back-to-school shopping list; don’t even think about buying textbooks just yet.  I’ve got your final pre-fall moments all planned out in this ultimate bucket list:

Snag Some Pool Time
Preferably all weekend long.  Pretty soon the temperatures will drop and your bikini will just look out of place amongst all those North Face fleeces.  Worship the sun while you still can, and while it’s still appropriate.

Indulge in the Fashions
White.  Linen.  Sundresses.  Seersucker.  Flip flops.  Okay, maybe not flip flops, but there are definitely a few items in your closet that have an expiration date.  As much as I’d love to see snowsuits made of madras, it’s probably never going to happen (and would also probably fit into that “too much of a good thing” category).  Throw ‘em all on now before the fashion police beat down your door and force you into cashmere.

Chow Down and Drink Up
While no one says you can’t enjoy a frozen beverage or a good hot dog after the summer season, for some reason it’s just not as fun.  Go to the grocery store with your friends and insist on last barbecue – kabobs, margaritas, corn on the cob, watermelon…go all out!

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[I want it, I need it, I can't live without it. Or that. Or that over there. Or that cute top that girl's wearing.... There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. But there's so much to sift through, how can you find the best of the best? No worries; we've scoured stores, online stores, and stores again (it's a tough job but someone's got to do it) and we'll share our finds with you here.  As far as actually getting them goes....well, you're on your own with that one.]

September marks that fine time of year when I finally feel it’s socially acceptable to implement all the fashion trends I learned during fall Fashion Week without soaking them in August sweat stains. I watched the shows, I made mental notes, and I’m ready to sacrifice a heat stroke and a paycheck if the cool of Autumn decides to be fashionably late this year.

While it may still be too hot to handle my fall wish list, it’s not too soon to track down my most desired fall must have: the camel coat.

Classic, chic, warm enough to carry you through winter when you’ve blown your budget on your fall coat – you just can’t go wrong with this pick. The delicious caramel and honey tones work with every skin tone and hair color, and call it a trend if you must, but a neutral color like camel never goes out of style. Read More »

Fall TV: What to watch and what to skip.

Ashton Kutcher shoots down cheating rumors.

Oooo Diddy’s in trouble.

5 reasons school is better than summer.

Sunless tanners should come with warning labels.

Wow, Jon Gosselin is worse than we thought.

I still remember the date I had sex for the first time. It was July 16^th, and I was 16 years old. It’s odd that I remember the date, I realize, especially because it wasn’t any kind of mind-blowing experience. Looking back now, 16 seems really young – but it worked for me because I was ready. I had gotten on birth control, bought condoms, and, for lack of a better term, was ready to “get it over with.”

While I was far from the last of my friends to “lose it,” many of my close friends had already had sex, which put me in an advantageous position; I got to ask lots of questions. During these girl talk sessions, I heard the regular tidbits: it will hurt, you will bleed, and (what I was most mentally prepared for), you’re going to feel intensely attached to whoever “deflowers” you.

After a lot of anticipation, on a hot Monday afternoon,  I had sex for the first time. The moment came, the deed was done, and as I sat on the couch watching Yes, Dear with the guy I just had sex with, more than anything, I was confused. I didn’t feel any different. I didn’t instantly fall in love, I wasn’t sore, and I didn’t really understand what all the fuss was about. What’s the big deal with virginity if I’m going to be the exact same person after I do have sex? Read More »

The Real Housewives Series goes gay

Hilarious ad libs for women

Blair Underwood is still a beautiful human

How much sex talk is too much to tell your friends

Go the Distance to see this (get it??)

Why we stay in bad relationships

5 nice ways to say you’re not going home with him

How to meet single men

Earlier this week, the New York Times posted one of their chuckle-worthy trend pieces on how the look of Seinfeld icon Elaine Benes is suddenly de rigeur among fashionistas. Suddenly, those flouncy floral dresses, lace tops, floppy hair and boxy denim jackets Elaine sported through the better part of the classic NBC series are back in a big way among style-conscious gals.

Now, I’m as big of a Seinfeld fan as anyone. I’m most certainly the master of my domain, I’ve eaten at the real “coffee shop,” Tom’s diner (the food’s not that great), and vetted more than a few potential partners for their spongeworthy-ness. Hell, I’m pretty sure my current career as a magazine writer in New York was inspired in part by subconscious, youthful admiration for the Seinfeld heroine herself. But would I advocate a full-on renaissance of Elaine’s style? Initially, my answer was an adamant “no!” But then I realized that the Elaine look has already been in revival for quite some time.

Nine months’ time, to be precise.

Since the premiere of our favorite fist-pumping partygoers on The Jersey Shore last December, I knew I’d seen Snooki before. That hair? That sass? That cute-meets-cuckoo persona? She’s totally a tanned-up, dressed-down street version of Elaine!

Don’t believe me? Evidence that Lainey and Snooks were separated at birth: Read More »

[Got a Dude itch you just can’t scratch? Sick of getting the pity-eyes as you sift through the Self-Help section at your campus bookstore? Over wondering what those boys are thinking?  We got your back, girlfriend. Send your question (Why's my BF being so cheap?) over to askthedude@collegecandy.com. The Dude won’t sugarcoat it, beat around the bush, or any other weird cliche that means lie to you. Like a nice, juicy hot dog, he’ll be 100% real beef, 100% of the time.  So bring it on, ladies.]

Dude!

My best guy friend and I recently acknowledged that there is a sexual attraction between us, and have transitioned from flirting to making out. We were on the way to officially consummating the relationship the other day when hormones and nerves caused my rational thought process to shut down and I made a joke that backfired and killed the mood. As a result, he was unable to perform.

I know that he is embarrassed, even though when we talk thing seem normal. I am struggling with how to address this, if I should address this, or just let it go?  The last thing I want to do is to make it worse. I am embarrassed by my inability to think before I speak, but I don’t want to make it about me, so not to cast myself as the damsel in distress, but “Help me dude, you are my only hope.”

— Red in the Face Read More »

Okay, so we all know that the “pros” have a thing or two to say about bettering our sex lives.  Cosmo’s always telling us to put his needs ahead of ours (or so it seems, right?) and now scientists are offering up their two cents and it’s too reminiscent of Chem Lab for my liking.  Also, I have ADD and zone out any time my favorite things become educational.

So instead of getting all brainy on a topic that should be anything but, I offer you a regular girl’s guide to bettering your sexual endeavors.  You will not be tested on this material (at least not in a Scantron sort of way), just print it out and hang it above your bed.

1. Speak Up

Don’t wait for him to ask you what feels good.  If he’s a mildly oblivious (aww, but well-meaning) college dude, chances are he’ll think he’s doing just fine so long as you both leave satisfied.  Problem is, “just fine” isn’t always what you’re looking for.  Help him shoot for the stars by being vocal about what feels fabulous and what leaves you a little bored.

2. Dress Up

Who says costumes are just for Halloween and frat mixers?  I know you’ve got a few choice outfits in that closet waiting for the next CEOs and Office Hoes party.  Break ‘em out and watch his eyes (among other things) get big with excitement.

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[Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.]

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Korres Raspberry Liquid Lipsticks

“Cooling, water-based liquid lipstick rich in line-smoothing, antioxidant Raspberry & Pomegranate extracts to protect against free-radical damage and smooth lip lines for softer, more youthful looking lips.” Comes in 5 shades.

Why this should be in your bag: I love lipstick and lipgloss and this new product by Korres is almost a hybrid. Korres is known for putting out great quality products using lots of natural ingredients, Raspberry Liquid Lipsticks included. They’re chock full of antioxidants and extracts to keep you looking your best. More compact than a lipstick, but delivering super intense color, they are a great option for those on the go. I also find they apply easier than a lipstick and, similar to lots of glosses, don’t require a mirror or intense concentration to apply. They leave your lips colorful and super-shiny. Read More »

Even though it’s been a full week since I returned from my adventures in Europe, I’m still on a high from my trip. (Although that might have more to do with the sheer volume of coffee I’ve been consuming to combat the jetlag….) It seemed like the chic little Parisian hotel we stayed at was in the center of everything I wanted to see and do. There were tons of shops, little brasseries with beyond delicious food, and impressive monuments nearby.

With so much to do, whenever I came back to the hotel, I was exhausted. So I’d plop in bed and watch BBC or CNBC, the only two English channels the hotel offered. On one particularly exhausting day, I kicked up my feet and watched a show about entrepreneurs who made their dreams come true on which Sara Blakely, the inventor of Spanx, was featured.

The entire thing was fascinating. The woman started with an idea for shapewear and ended up creating a multimillion dollar business, changing the lives of women around the world, and getting tight with Oprah in the process. (Editor’s Note: And that little hole that allows for quicker bathroom trips….BRILLIANT!)

I’m in awe of Sara, and she’s proof that if you believe in a great idea and really push for it (in the beginning, she walked around on the street, quizzing random women about their underwear insecurities and getting the word out!), great things can happen. So, of course, that got me thinking… Read More »