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How To Be A Diva in College

Jasmine - Northern Arizona University — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:30:08 +0000

The word “diva” doesn’t have the best connotation. It’s often used as an elegant, tactful, refined alternative to “bitch.” Divas are lambasted for their nasty attitudes, their ridiculous demands, their lack of humility, their inability to play well with others…but I take another perspective on divas. A true diva is a woman who is talented and is determined to be successful, and if someone gets in the way of that, their wrath knows no bounds. Divas also possess a set of traits that I think every woman should have in her arsenal. In honor of Whitney Houston’s birthday, I would like to offer some advice on being the best diva you can be.

1. Find your talent and own it.
Everyone has a talent. Whether it’s singing, dancing, writing, being a leader, giving great advice, etc. Everyone has at least one thing that they excel at. Once you find it, hone it. Dedicate a significant amount of your time to improving it. Take pride in it. Make it a part of your identity.

2. Don’t be afraid to get a little cocky.
Arrogance is generally not lauded in our society, but sometimes mere confidence is not enough. Whether you’re interviewing for a job, or making the best impression you can to your professors, the ability to effectively sell yourself relies on having (or at least projecting) high self esteem. That doesn’t mean you need to make every interaction with someone all about how fabulous you are, but when the opportunity arises, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn.

3. Stand up for yourself.
In life, we encounter people who don’t appreciate us. Who treat us with a complete and utter lack of respect. Who take advantage of us. Or who merely lack basic etiquette. While “rising above it” is a perfectly valid option, I am also a strong proponent of letting people know when they’re being inappropriate. Whether it’s something as simple as an “Excuse me?” when someone plays cutsies in the soft-serve ice cream line or whether it means calling out that moocher who is always asking for your notes, or whether it’s asking your internship supervisor for more responsibility besides fulfilling Starbucks orders. Having your own best interests at heart is a crucial life skill.

4. Develop a signature style.
How you present yourself to the world aesthetically is important. Whether you prefer preppy, classic, trendy, edgy, bohemian, or mens’ inspired clothing (or a fierce combination of any/all of the above), create a personal style that you feel comfortable and attractive in, one that reflects your personality. Being stylish doesn’t mean being cookie-cutter or fitting into conventional beauty standards (sup, Lady Gaga). But people are visual, and part of leaving a stronpositive impression is presenting yourself to the world in the best light.

5. Surround yourself with good people.
No one can succeed alone. We all need friends and a mentor. Friends for support, for company when you want to binge eat ice cream and watch Love Actually over and over again. People who celebrate your successes with you, but aren’t afraid to keep you in check when you’re making poor decisions (like that 8th tequila shot or the guy with the girlfriend). Everyone also needs to have that older, wiser, experienced figure to go to in life for advice, perspective and guidance. Stay away from people who are manipulative, self-destructive or otherwise toxic. If you find yourself more concerned about your backstabbing frenemy or your loser boyfriend than you are about the people who are there for you, re-evaluate your relationships, because you are probably wasting time on people who are unworthy.

6. Be informed.

Ignorance is not attractive. We live in such a plugged-in world that there is no reason why you shouldn’t be up to date on the latest current events. Instead of playing that game of Fruit Ninja, cruise over to CNN (or CollegeCandy) to check out the latest headlines. There are few things more awkward than trying to talk to someone about the debt ceiling or the latest natural disaster and being met with a blank, clueless stare. Intelligence and the ability to look outside of your own bubble are so very necessary.

7. Love thyself.
The greatest love affair you’ll ever have is the one you start with yourself. At the end of the day, you can’t depend on validation from anyone else but you. So look at the life you’re leading, at the choices you’re making, at the person you’re becoming. Are you happy? Are you proud? If not, think about the things you feel you need to work on, and make improving yourself a priority. No one is perfect. No one can ever be perfect. But we can all make better versions of ourselves, and that’s what a diva is all about – being the best person she can be, for both herself and for the world.

Check out some of our favorite divas ever right here:

initiating the gallery...

The Weekly Ten: The Girls at the Party

Melanie - Northeastern University — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:22 +0000

Every week I make a list. Not a grocery list or a to-do list, because I don’t really do groceries (Pad Thai take out, helloooo) and to-do lists are totally not my scene, if such a scene even exists. No, this list is a top ten-style countdown about the hard-hitting issues, like which mash-ups are the best ever.

This week, as a partner to The Ten Types of Guys at the Party, I’ve decided to include the female version. All in good fun, ladies! Who am I missing?

10. The Diva.
This girl is at the party, but she is DEFINITELY not trying to party. Pouting with her manicured fingers and heavily lined eyes glued to her cell, Diva will only speak to her tight-knit group of friends dressed in very similar outfits. She will not partake in any of the drinking games, she will not hook up with any guys and she will roll her eyes at those who do. Then she will leave an hour later to go off somewhere “cooler,” “more mature,” and just worthy of her time.

9. The “Innocent” one
Dressed conservatively and drinking a microbrew or weak cocktail, this doll-faced darling looks like she’d rather be holed up in the library than at this very party. Wrong. She goes from “virgin” to skank in 3.5 drinks and will hook up with your boyfriend and cry about it later. Beware of the victim-playing. This girl is faker than her “leather” shoes and has run through more guys than Paris Hilton.

8. The Crazy B!#@$
Whoa. Vodka handle in one hand and the other hand down someone’s pants, the crazy B!#@$ is the wildest girl imaginable. Usually has her makeup smeared on her face, her hair a disarray and wants the music LOUDER! She won’t participate in games, but only because she’d rather dance on the table than flip cups off its edges. She’s the loudest girl on the block and she’s usually yelling something profane.

7. Intellectual smoker girl
This chick knows what’s going on in Iran and she wants to talk about it between puffs of her Parliament Lights. It’s Friday night and she’s giving her thesis on the Palestine/Israel conflict. You are dumber than her. Don’t bother.

6. Puck Slut
She’s down to do it as long as you play a college sport. Beer pong enthusiast, because that’s totally where the jocks hang, right? Doesn’t care if the team you’re on is winning, just as long as you have the jersey.

5. Needs To Party
She bombed her exam. Or her boyfriend just broke up with her. Or maybe her dog just died. Whatever the reason, this girl needs to party and she needs to party hard. You’ll see her taking shots early in the night and won’t see her again until a few hours later when her friends are carrying her out of the bathroom and into a waiting cab. Poor girl.

4. Selfie Sally
All that flashing in the corner has you searching for the strobe light, but it’s actually the flash coming from this girl’s camera. Don’t worry, though; she’s not snapping inappropriate pics of you to load onto Facebook. She’s taking pictures of herself. And her friends. Making funny faces, sexy faces, pouty faces, etc. Over and over and over again.

3. Debbie Downer
She’s sad. She’s alone. Her friends left and she doesn’t know how to rage. Slumped on the couch, pulling at her out-of-season Forever 21 top, she doesn’t realize that people would talk to her if she wasn’t so depressing.

2. The Flirt
She’ll hit on everyone. Looks like she’s gonna hook up with you? Nah. She probably has a boyfriend. She’s not interested, but she will pretend like she is all night. She thinks you’re “sooooo cute.” And him too. And him. And him. And her. And him. Wow, I wonder how she got all those free drinks?

1. That Girl
Enough. Said.

Got an idea for a Weekly 10 Topic? Let me know in the comments or shoot me an email at Melanie@CollegeCandy.com.

Celebretard Showdown: Mariah Carey vs. Jennifer Lopez

Katie - Michigan State University — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:00:58 +0000

I am a chronic list-maker, whether I have to make a difficult decision or not. Lists help me organize my thoughts and remember important facts and details that I need for later. However, there are some things that I would rather forget and that’s what this week’s showdown concerns.

Everyone loves a diva. Well, not really. They just think that everyone loves them, despite having no real talent or anything to offer to society. When you say “diva,” two women jump to mind – Mariah Carey and Jenifer Lopez. The glitz, the glamor, the bad acting and the attitude (ohhh the attitude) define who they are. Where would we be without these ladies? Probably in a much less annoying world, but let’s make a list just to be sure…

Career
Mariah Carey is a machine, pumping out annoying hit after annoying hit. Yes, I hate her music. No, I can’t stop myself from trying to sing along with her in my car. However, I categorically refuse to watch Glitter or any of her other attempts at “acting.” Most of the rest of the world seems to refuse as well.

Jennifer Lopez used to be a good actress (Selena! I was so down with watching that movie every day in fifth grade…in between Titanic showings, of course). Then something terrible happened and she started making movies like Angel Eyes and Monster-In-Law. Her music isn’t great either.

Point: Mariah Carey. Every time I sing one of her songs, I die a little inside. Plus, you can’t beat Selena.

Diva Stock
Mariah Carey is infamous for her diva-like tendencies, from canceling TV appearances at the last minute to traveling with her own furniture. She’s had highly publicized emotional “break downs” and reappeared in the media, batting her eyelashes, almost instantly once she got the attention she craved. Really, Mariah? You’re from Long Island. Calm yourself.

Jennifer Lopez has earned plenty of diva status with her pages of requests that are sent anywhere she intends to roll into with her entourage (which, btw, includes her hairstylist and personal chef). I just can’t see what would make her think she can order people to change entire lighting schemes just to make herself look better…although that is an amazing idea and I will so start to require complimentary lighting wherever I go.

Point: Jennifer Lopez. Jenny from the Block? I’m so sure. Let’s see what happens if you roll up in the Bronx with your entourage and list of demands.

Camera Whorishness
Mariah Carey loves her some photography. And by photography, I mean she loves when people take pictures of her (and talk about her and admire her and etc., etc.). Unfortunately, the camera doesn’t love her back and we’re all stuck with unfortunate results plastered all over our gossip mags and blogs.

Jennifer Lopez also loves the spotlight, but thanks to the influence of her intensely-private husband, seems to be stepping back more often. I mean, her face is still everywhere, but I don’t see it even when my eyes are closed anymore. Win.

Point: Mariah Carey. Just…stop.

Love Life
Mariah Carey has been tied to quite a few celeb dudes in her time (was anyone else supremely amused by the whole Eminem thing??) and was married early on in her career. Now she’s married again and to Nick Cannon. Was he drugged? I feel like he’s a pretty chill and funny dude…what’s he doing with that diva??

Jennifer Lopez moves from high-profile relationship to high-profile relationship (by relationship, I mean marriage…she’s had a lot of those) with alarming (but somewhat impressive) speed. From her time spent with Puffy (there was a pretty gangsta gun fight in there somewhere, I think) to her participation as half of the beast that was the original Bennifer.

Point: Jennifer Lopez. Oh, Bennifer. How you used to amuse me.

Celebretard Prize Goes To: Mariah Carey. Aging divas are generally unpleasant creatures, but Mariah takes the cake (and definitely eats it, too) with her sliding career and increasing amount of attitude. Unfortunately, that won’t prevent me from belting out “Touch My Body” in my car the next time it comes on the radio. Fail.

Makeup 101: Let’s Talk About Skincare, Baby

CC Staff — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:10:38 +0000

[Make-up is wonderful, but it can also be confusing. There are so many shades and colors and sheens and reasons to wear it that a girl can get completely lost attempting to find what fits her face best. What’s the best blush color for a redhead? How do you really put on lip-liner? Is there such a thing as too much eyeshadow?

In this weekly series, actress / model and fabulous CC blogger, Jen, will be using her make-up know how to teach us all how to look flawless in class, out at a party, or grabbing coffee with that cutie from Psych 101.]

This week Jen gives us the lowdown on skincare: keeping it clean, beautiful and not-so-obvious that you were up until 4am ~~playing Quarters with the roommates~~ writing a paper. Grab a pen and paper – you will want to take notes.

If you have a specific make-up question, leave a message in the CC Facebook group, or email Lauren@collegecandy.com with the title “CC Make-Up Question,” and she’ll make sure Jen hears your woes and addresses them.

Tainted Love: When Crazy Girls Ruin Guys for the Rest of Us

Kathryn S — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:00:49 +0000

You meet a really great guy: smart, funny, well-mannered, and good-looking. You seem to hit it off with him when you initiate your first conversation, and realize you have a lot in common. You’re sure this one is a lock, so you ask him out. He declines.

What?! But everything was going so well!

“I’m sorry,” he explains. “I just got out of a bad relationship, and I don’t want to get involved.” Read: he was tainted by a crazy chick.

Since the beginning of time, bad boys have been toying with women’s emotions – playing us, and hurting us. Well, guess what ladies — this isn’t the suffrage era, and some girls out there think they have the power to level the playing field. Unfortunately, these crazy girls ruin the perfectly nice boys for the rest of us perfectly nice girls.

You might think you’re in the clear, but are you? Read on to make sure you don’t fall into the “Crazy Ex Girfriend” category. And if you do, thanks; you’re the reason I’ve been single for so long. Well, at least part of the reason.

The Cheater

This ex-girlfriend broke the guy’s heart, maybe more than once. Perhaps they were together for years, and he walked in on her and his friend one night. Maybe she had multiple “flings,” and confessed them all, in tears, and he forgave her time and again. No matter what, cheating hurts for girls and guys. This girl probably made your guy weary of being cuckolded again and wore down his trust in women. He thinks you’ll cheat, and he’s not ready to be played for a fool again.

The Bitch

This is the girl who takes out her frustrations on her man, picks fights in public, and reprimands him for the little details. He buys her a thoughtful Valentine’s day present; she throws a temper tantrum because he didn’t spring for a pair of earrings from Tiffany’s. He makes a joke at dinner, and she storms away from the table, leaving him alone and waiting for the check, embarrassed. Yet, for whatever reason, he put up with it for months, or even years. (Maybe it was the make-up sex.) Mean guys get a bad rap for being “emotionally abusive,” but these mean girls often slip under the radar because their behavior is chalked up to being a high-maintenance diva. Now that your crush is finally single, free, and thinking for himself, he likes it, and he’s not sure if he emotionally or financially ready for the drama he associates with being in a relationship.

The Clinger

We’ve seen these girls parodied in movies– see Wedding Crashers‘ term, “Stage-Five Clinger.” The clinger might not have even been a long-term girlfriend: even a one-night stand turned Fatal Attraction vixen can make the guy cautious of returning a girls’ affection. If it was a long-term relationship, the Clinger behaves like Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, except she’s not putting on an act to win a bet, she really is that clingy. After either having a casual hook up try to plan a wedding or going for months without being able to have a day with the boys over football on Sundays, the guy is now so happy to make his own plans that he’s willing to choose freedom over sex.

The Girl Who Went Psycho After the Breakup

Everything was going well for the guy, until he gently tried to break it off with his girlfriend. She snapped, and may have turned into The Clinger post-breakup. He tried to date again, and she was waiting to scare his new prospects away every time. This girl is personified by Miranda Lambert in her song “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” Thanks to her, he’s not only afraid to commit to a potential nutcase, but he fears that getting close to you will instigate another confrontation and that she’ll scare you away and ruin his chances anyway.

The False Alarm Liar

As the relationship begins to fizzle out, this girl takes drastic measures to keep the guy. What does she do? She lies about getting pregnant. It’s the perfect way to keep a guy, right? Wrong! Eventually, she has to come clean, and the trauma from thinking he’s going to be a father followed by the news that he’s been had is going to keep him off the market for a while.

Any of these girls can ruin a perfectly good guy for the rest of us. Why do girls behave this way? There’s a million answers for that. But the bottom line is, ladies, treat your man the way you would want to be treated. Don’t ruin him for the rest of us!

Candy Dish: Hell Has Frozen Over

CC Staff — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:10:12 +0000

Lauren Conrad and Heidi HUG IT OUT?!

JC Penney is gettin’ cute!

Is Beyonce trying out for Divas on Ice?

Romance makes us barf (sometimes).

Justin Timberlake: Vote in a Box

7 fashion rules every lady should break.

Funny woman, Amy Sedaris, is getting her own show!

Salma Hayek’s baby will never go hungry.

Election rap battle.

Please God, let this end with Spencer’s head in that bucket.

Miley Cyrus finished her autobiography. Because 15 years takes so long to cover.

Don’t forget to watch the final presidential debate tonight!

Make-up 101: An Introduction

Jess - NYU — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:10:12 +0000

Make-up is wonderful, but it can also be confusing. There are so many shades and colors and sheens and reasons to wear it that a girl can get completely lost attempting to find what fits her face best. What’s the best blush color for a redhead? How do you really put on lip-liner? Is there such a thing as too much eyeshadow?

In this weekly series, actress / model and fabulous CC blogger Jen will be using her make-up know how to teach us all how to look flawless in class, out at a party, or grabbing coffee with that cutie from Psych 101. If you have a specific make-up question, email Jess@collegecandy.com or Lauren@collegecandy.com with the title “CC Make-Up Question,” and we’ll make sure Jen hears your woes and addresses them.

I mean, who wouldn‘t want their own make-up specialist? It’s like being on What Not To Wear, except you don’t have to deal with that dude who always wants to chop everyone’s hair off.



Plus Sized and Fabulous (Even When Your Wallet Isn’t)
Donyae - University of Maryland — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:30:48 +0000
When I was a plus sized beauty my biggest gripe was that there was never anywhere to go shopping. I was a size 18-20W and I felt horrible in just about everything I owned. It seemed the only stuff I could find  in my limited price range made me look like a sack of potatoes. Nothing was ever flattering. Nothing ever quite right.
I don’t want anyone else to have to live like that. Looking fabulous is everyone’s right no matter what size! So here are some shops (online and at the mall) to visit to find that inner-whatever-your-personal-style diva.
Remember ladies: Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Just because you can’t find a top to those jeans at that store doesn’t mean there’s not one for you at the next. And if it doesn’t make you feel fabulous, it’s not worth buying.
1) Lane Brynt 
Yeah, this is a no brainer. I didn’t start this list off with Lane Bryant because it’s the most fab place, but because it does have something that every girl needs. A good bra. Vicky’s (Victoria Secret) can get kind of pricy for us larger busted ladies and I found that LB had a good quality product for an excellent price. But don’t discount them too quickly. They have some cute separates and are a good place to get old standbys (i.e., black pants, solid colored tees, dresses) to outfit your wardrobe. The prices are a little more on the high end but the clothes are well made and well worth it.
2) Macys
Believe or not they have a really good selection of very cute things for plus sized girls. It’s not all your mama’s clothes. I personally only shop the clearance racks at Macys. They have some excellent deals. You can get plenty of items to augment your look from here as long as you buy off season. For example, swimsuits are super cheap right now. Getting ready for next summer, anyone?
3) Mechanical Bunny
The internet is a place full of wonder and majesty. And also clothes. So for our more punky/goth/just alternative ladies out there (of which I am clearly one!) Mechanical Bunny has what you’re looking for. Their stock is rather small but it does have diversity. They also add new items constantly, so check back often to see what they’ve put up.
4) Torrid
Their stock is awesome! Little school-girl skirts, drop dead sexy dresses, sultry shirts and tops. And the clothing quality is good, as well. They have a different sizing system (instead of 18, 20 it’s 1, 2, 3) but there is a comparison chart on their site. There’s a range of prices, but it’s all still pretty reasonable.
5) Dots
This is a chain store that carries plus sizes as well as junior miss. The clothes aren’t the best quality, but they’re cute and cheap. It also caters to a variety of styles, so it’s a sure shot that you’ll find something you like there if you dig. There’s no online shop so you’ll have to look for a location near you. Well worth it; a little bit of cash goes a long way there.
6) Fashion Bug
This is another chain store. Same do as Dots for the most part, just a little more well-known. The store is stocked with very cute things and has a little more to offer if you are looking for more professional attire. You will have to pick through some ugly stuff, but the deals you will find are well worth the time.
7) Target
Probably the easiest place to shop. It’s darn near everywhere, including the web! The clothes are super cute and nicely priced. Once again, STALK the clearance rack! Tons of styles for work and play. The clothes are of pretty good make and everything is reasonably priced. A great stop no matter what your style is!
So I hope this little list helps you out. There are a ton of other places to go to as well. Old Navy,  Forman Mills, not to mention the slew of little boutiques that can be found all over the place if you look hard enough. Chime in if you have any other goodies!
Happy shopping, lovelies!
[Photo courtesy of dapperdiva.com] 

         


Grammy Fashion: Hilarious, As Usual.
Elizabeth-Baruch College — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:01:19 +0000

 As if mentioning Cher’s bad fashion is even necessary.  Because we all know Cher.  We know that bad fashion is at least 75% of the reason why she is famous.  So of course she wore the ugliest outfit that the goblins working in her closet could throw at her for last night’s Grammy Awards.  But that’s to be expected.  So what is everyone else’s excuse?

Oh, Beyonce.  I get it, you’re a diva.  But you looked more like the tooth fairy in your silver sparkle blue puff dress last night.  And the high lights?  Can you give that whole, “I’m black and wanna be blonde”, thing up yet?  I’m so over it.  For a girl who I would SWEAR walks around every second like there’s a mirror in front of her, you certainly managed to overlook some serious fashion flaws last night.
 

Amy Lee, Hot Topic called.  They want your dresses…and your entire career back.  Here’s a thought:  Pretend like you don’t even know what the word “GOTH” means and try singing without all of the vampire bullshit.  You are a good singer, after all.

Rihanna. Just when I thought you could do no harm to the human eye; I was mistaken. I’m sure the rest of the world will agree with me when I say that you should have just shown up naked.
 

Paramore:  I’m so happy that a band was finally present at the awards who has worked hard to hone their career.  But Hayley, c’mon, sister.  What WAS this outfit?
I keep looking at it and I really can’t make out what the hell it was supposed to be or look like, but I know it doesn’t match your hair.
…Meanwhile, some stars actually figured out how NOT to match their egos with over the top outfits.  Thank God.

Fergie, you actually looked good in your yellow Calvin Klein.  I just wish you had hit  as many notes with your song during the show as you did with your dress.
 

Miley Cyrus, high five, kid.  I don’t know how you manage to look hotter than all of these well seasoned stars at the age of 15, but mama, keep up the good work.
So there we have it:  yet another night filled with hits and misses in Hollywood.  As usual, there were many more misses than hits.
Such is stardom.

         


Prince Demands That You Give Him What He Wants!
Jess - NYU — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:00:03 +0000
You know, I’ve never understood the allure of Prince.
Sure, his music is pretty funktabulous, and that Purple Rain movie was by far one of the most amazing, melodramatic films I’ve ever seen, but Prince the guy?
Not so much.
He’s a tiny little man who wears clothes even I can’t fit into, and seems so feminine I was convinced he was a transsexual for most of my young life (not that I actually knew what a transsexual was at the time…I just thought he was a woman who wore a weird mustache).
If you can call a man a Diva, he’s not exactly the man for me.
And the former symbol is most definitely a Diva, as illustrated by the list of demands he had for his swanky London penthouse.
The Daily Star is reporting Mr. Prince demanded his room at the Dorchester Hotel be swaddled completely in black, with everything from the mirrors to the furniture to the frames of pictures of himself also coated in inky darkness.  He wanted black candles too, and, oh yeah, an oxygen bar manned by “three foxy ladies”.
A black M&M machine was also requested.  I mean, what’s a foxy lady oxygen bar party without loads and loads of M&Ms?
This is not the first time Prince has made intense requests.  Last year at the BRIT awards, it’s reported that no one was allowed to look him in the eye (some people may have been happy about that, no bending down needed), and he also wanted a giant mirror in his dressing room to blow up his reflection.
The diminutive star is also allegedly dating his identical Caribbean back-up singers.  No word yet on if he makes them call him The Purple One in the sack.
If you stand 5’3” as a man, wear ruffles, moan like a woman, and still manage to bed a pair of hot twins, perhaps you do deserve everything Prince is demanding.  A guy like that certainly doesn’t come around often.