As my friends know, I never leave the house without fully stocking my purse with all of the essentials. The tricky part about that, however, is being prepared without looking like a bag lady.

In other words, you gotta make sure that you have what you need in the most miniature form possible. Here are some of my personal favorites to keep me prepared without ruining my outfit (or sweet dance moves) with a massive purse.

A wristlet: The right bag is step one to making sure you’re fully stocked with what you need for a night out. I prefer to use a wristlet because I can throw it around my wrist and not worry about it slipping off. Plus, they’re small enough to hold onto all night without crampin’ your style. Try to get one with a zipper – I once lost my ID and debit card due to a faulty clasp.

Lip gloss: But not any lip gloss. Be sure that you buy a shade that you can wear with almost any make up style. That way, you can just keep it in your purse without having to remember to switch it out every night. Also, try to get one that will moisurize your lips as well so you don’t have to take up precious purse space with an additional lip balm. I like MAC lip gloss in Spalicious.

Gum or Mints: I prefer to use mints because you don’t have to deal with wrappers or have to spit anything out. My freshman year of high school, I discovered Certs Powerful Mints for prom. The package has 60 powerful yet yummy mints in a package the size of a credit card. Perfectttt. Read More »

The Walk of Shame is awkward. End of story.

Even if you are trolling through a college town filled with kids who fully support and expect it, walking home with last night’s hair, makeup and footwear is never your proudest moment (though mastering the Wheelbarrow drunk the night before came pretty close).

Unfortunately, for many college coeds, the Walk of Shame is inevitable, especially when you combine Dollar Pitcher night at the local bar and a whole lot of good looking boys. But just because you are walking home from some dude’s house early in the morning doesn’t mean you have to look that way.

I am a strong believer in preparing for everything, and the Walk of Shame is no exception. Pack a few things before you go and no one will have any idea where you were last night.

First things first, avoid that “going out bag” and opt for something bigger. You probably already have one, but in case you want an excuse to buy something new, I love this new Tycoon Dome Satchel from Juicy. Cute enough for a night on the town, but big enough to pack all of the essentials.

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Hi and welcome to the dead zone of summer. After partying it up on the fourth, the festiveness dies down and your party schedule is wiiiiide open. There are, of course, the random parties and local events to keep you entertained, but for the most part the excitement is dead and the big stuff is over.

With nothing going on, why not bring the party to your place? Cocktails, sun, friends and your bed within reach? What could be better?

Of course, entertaining requires a little prep, but it is a lot easier (and cheaper!) than you think. Below is a handy dandy guide on how to turn your humble abode into the summer hot spot. And all for less than $150. Let’s get started. Read More »

Recently, after spending about an hour trying to find something to wear for poker night, I realized my closet was seriously lacking. I had tons of cute skirts for work, shirts to match, great shoes, and dresses. What I didn’t have were things most girls live in—great jeans, casual t-shirts, and anything under a 3-inch heel.

I made it my fashion mission to buy a few of those essentials every time I went shopping, and now I’m proud to say I have a pair of jeans I love (two pairs if it’s not a fat day), some adorable flats, and a few casual tops. I still prefer to dress up rather than down, but when I’m running on 73 minutes of sleep and am getting dressed with a cup of coffee in one hand, having a wardrobe of basic pieces that I can mix and match is a lifesaver.

Between my casual clothes and my dressy clothes, I feel like I have almost all the essentials (though I can use a few more pairs of jeans!). But chances are, especially if you’re loyal to a particular style of dressing like I am, you’re missing a few things. Take a look at my must-have list and see if you need to do some shopping ASAP:

A little black dress: I finally found the perfect one, and I love it so much that I bought a little gray dress in the same style. Pair it with high heels and a clutch for a night out, or flats and a casual bag to dress it down. If your little black dress is made from something like cotton, it’s a lot more versatile.

Cute flats: I don’t know how I lived without my Mia black flats all these years. Well actually, I do know—-with black heels that my feet will never forgive me for. Let a little toe cleavage peek out and be cute and comfy. Read More »

In honor of my return to Paris for a little vacation, I decided I would give you some of my tips on making a semester abroad a better experience. I also decided to head from the airport straight to my favorite pub in the city, so perhaps I have bad judgment? I think it’s good, but… that’s up in the air.

I did my entire undergrad abroad so I don’t know if I’m qualified to tell you about what to do on one semester overseas. But I have a fairly accurate idea based on the gripes I’ve overheard from visiting students sitting next to me in our school bar. Here are the top three things I can suggest to you to make your time wherever you are slightly better.

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