[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space. For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

Got a case of the Mondays? Having trouble getting dressed after your weekend of Halloween celebrations? Before you roll out of bed and instinctively go for your comfiest sweats and slide your feet into a pair of Uggs, please stop and consider the following:

Do you really have to look sloppy to be comfortable?
The answer: hell-to-the-no.

Chunky knits, Nordic prints and fair isle are all readily available this year. And for good reason. What better way to hit the cold weather and still look cute than in a cozy sweater? For this week’s ‘Shop Your Closet’ I picked a belted short-sleeve fair isle cardigan because it’s perfect for layering, and we all know layering is the college girl’s BFF. But all of these looks could just as easily be worn with a long-sleeve version, another print or any plain, chunky sweater you might already have stored in that Tupperware under your bed.

Say no to the sweats and head to class in style without sacrificing comfort. Read More »

Now let me start this off by saying I have nothing against freshman.  I volunteer at Orientation every year. I dutifully hand out identification cards and point them in the direction of the cafeteria/registrar/financial aid office.  I’ll help them get through Writing 101. I’ll edit their articles. I’ll listen to their incessant chatter in the library with mild amusement.

But um…well…actually, it’s probably a little bit more than mild amusement. But it’s not my fault, honest. You see I have tutoring hours in the library and when no one shows up desperately asking me to explain what the Bard was rambling on about (All they really need to do is watch 10 Things I Hate You.) I’m left with nothing to do but catch up on my reading…or you know, listen in on other people’s conversation. And I can’t help it if the freshman sitting in the library basement at the table opposite me talk, really, really, loudly. And really, who wouldn’t be intrigued about “OMG. The most perfect schedule. EVER,” or how one particular girl was so thrown off by midterms week that she gave up brushing her teeth because she just didn’t have the time. Or about how one professor “totally mentions sex in every one of his lectures.”

No I am not making this stuff up. I am not that creative or gross. So yeah, as I said. These conversations are a lot more entertaining than Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit. Frankly, the guy liked to ramble on, and his writing can get a little stale.  But the freshman, they never steer me wrong. Their life altering college experience is my reality tv.

Here are just a few of my favorite freshmanism. (Yes I made that word up. It totally works though, don’t you think?)

Read More »

Tomorrow Americans nationwide will be heading to the polls to cast their vote for the 2010 Midterm Election. Many recently graduated high school seniors are finally old enough to exercise their right to have a voice in deciding the future of their state representatives and will be voting for the first time.

Before pulling that mechanical lever or pressing that computerized button — and if your not voting via an absentee ballot — check out this beginner’s guide entering the booth.

What to Bring

A government issued form of identification. Your state license or passport will be adequate.

Where to Go

You are registered to vote in a specified area within your county. Check out your registration status online (Seriously, just Google “[state name] voter registration status” and you’ll find a bevy of links). After entering your information, there will be a list citing your voting status, which should be active. Also, there will be an area that lets you know which county you are registered to vote within. Find a polling booth in your specified county.

What to Expect

When you get to the polling station, know there will be a line. Depending on the races, it could be short or could be very long. Allot a minimum time period of an hour to vote. But, do be aware that it could take even longer.

Also, do not wear any sort of candidate paraphernalia. Trust me, it’s illegal and could get you kicked out of that long line you just waited in.

Read More »

You’ve made some big, healthy changes in your lifestyle (i.e. skipping the elevator and opting for the stairs en route to your dorm room) and you’re hoping they’ve paid off when you try on some new jeans. But don’t rely on your fave fashion store to accurately determine your size. I apologize for bursting your bubble, but chances are that your jeans might be a couple inches bigger than what the tag says.

Ladies and gents, it’s called VANITY SIZING.

In short, companies are starting to realize that when their consumers think they can fit into a smaller size, they feel better about their body image. Let’s face it: when we can fit into pants that would normally be difficult to zip, it’s super exciting. As a result, stores are thinking that we’ll keep coming back to purchase more stuff because, well, we are always guaranteed to feel good when we try on their clothes.

Personally, I think that vanity sizing is completely ridiculous, but I’m sure all you business majors know that it’s a great marketing tactic. Just as long as consumers are aware of the size differences, it’s not a big deal. But you see – that’s the thing. People are starting to believe their true size is not what it really is.

Girls are going around thinking that they are a size 6, when they really might be a size 8. For me, it sucks when I try on a different brand of jeans to learn that it is shockingly inaccurate. Plus, how annoying is it that you never really know what size to order online because every company follows a different sizing chart? Let’s face it – not every 34” waists fit the same. Read More »

Portia tells Oprah just how bad her eating disorder was

Cheerleader suspended for Facebook photo

My BFF is totally taking advantage of me

Halloween in Hollywood: Celebs in costumes

Six secret sex dangers

WTF. She had sex with her future stepbrother

People continue to be really weird

Loving Robyn’s new video

We should all have Katy Perry’s self-esttem

Charlie Sheen needs help

Since most of us won't get near those nasty tubs in the communal bathroom, I've got a few better ideas for relaxation...

October is a busy month. Between midterms and registration, and finding the perfect Halloween costume, things can get pretty crazy there for a while. But it’s important to remember to take a step back from it all for a while. Relax. Enjoy the little things. Relieve some stress.

Here’s how…

10. Indulge in some junk food. This probably isn’t the best advice, since eating your feelings isn’t exactly healthy, but chocolate cures all. At least for a little while. So just indulge for a little bit. Something sweet, or something salty, or something sweet and salty (chocolate covered pretzels…mmm…). Just a little pick me up. Besides, isn’t dark chocolate good for you anyway?

9. Dance it out. Yes, I am totally ripping off Grey’s Anatomy here, but the “twisted sisters” know what they’re talking about.  Dancing is an excellent stress reliever and you don’t even have to have any rhythm whatsoever. (Trust me. I would know.) Just enjoy yourself. And relax.

Read More »