I’m a summer girl, through and through. I’ve been waiting for the sun to come out, the wind to die down, and yes, the snow to melt. But I do know a lot of snowboarding, ice skating, White-Christmas-doting ladies who aren’t looking forward to sweat stains, frizzy hair, and putting on a bathing suit before the bikini-bod has been sculpted.

Though I can’t wait to get a little bit of color on my nearly-clear skin, I have to admit, I’m going to miss slipping on my Uggs to mask the fact that I haven’t shaved my legs in three days. But don’t worry- there are some traditions that can still be year-round phenomena.

Just because the snow melted… Read More »

The countdown to spring has began. Soon enough we will be breaking out the sun-dresses and flip flops, pouring lemonade and flipping burgers. But as I cross out the days on my calendar (15 more to go) I can’t help but wonder if I’ve made the most of my winter.

Of course I’ve trekked through the snow on my way to class, stayed in bed for days on end and silently cursed the snow plows that prevented a well deserved snow day, but did I really enjoy winter? With February already behind us I’m left with a laundry list of to-dos before winter is gone for another whole year.

In case anyone else is in the same predicament, I have the top ten things everyone should do before winter comes to a screeching halt.

1. Cafeteria tray sledding. “Borrow” some trays, grab five of your friends and head over to the hill behind the dorms before all that snow turns to a slushy mess.

2. Mix peppermint schnapps and Cocoa. It’s the perfect complement to sledding. Just remember, kids: wrap up the celebration with this warm concoction. I learned the hard way that the liquor and sledding combo don’t end well.

3. Bake cookies (or just eat all the dough). Read More »

There’s something that doesn’t seem quite right about the fact that a college student is more likely to skip class when the atmospheric temp drops below zero than to say “no” to a party.

Sure, we can layer five sweaters, two hoodies, a parka, and a scarf, but once we’ve stepped outside, bookbag in hand, we realize we would much rather snuggle up under our down comforters and hibernate until spring. Yet, when Friday rolls around, we’re willing to trudge across campus in a blizzard, wearing mini skirts and halter tops, just to look cute for Martini Night.

Of course, these practices only snowball (har har har) into bigger problems when we get strep throat, bronchitis, the flu, or other wintery illness since our immune systems have been frozen solid. Rather than braving the cold, risking hypothermia, or sitting in an ice-cube of a car, begging the heat to kick in for twenty minutes just so you can feel the steering wheel to drive to a party, here are some ways to make the weekends work…warmly.

1. Host a floor party.

Especially in suite-style dorms or university apartment complexes, this is a no-brainer. Everyone can pop in and out as they please, nobody even needs a jacket, and you’ll never be stuck being the DD. If your RA is a stickler for the rules, this can be tricky, but if you can get away with it, have an open house on your floor/in your hall/ around the building. Read More »

We’ve teamed up with our friends at FashionPulseDaily to bring you the best of Forever 21. Every Wednesday, we’ll highlight a fabulous Forever 21 item that stands out above the rest in that over-crowded (but totally fabulous), color coordinated store. For more fashion fun, check out FashionPulseDaily.

So, I know this seems a bit ridiculous to be wanting a lightweight cotton jacket right now, but hear me out: the fall/spring light jacket-wearing seasons are so short that it just doesn’t make sense to wear a cotton jacket solely for those seasons. What I propose is to get the Fab Casual Jacket , $17.50, and start wearing it now. You can definitely fit a thin cashmere sweater underneath, and it adds an extra chic layer in these terribly frigid temperatures. Choose from six fabulous colors (my three favorites are above!). Add $5.95 for s&h.

[Every week our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Sure sure– it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Blah Blah Blah.

Because it’s also the most freezing time of year. You know when your eyes water, then that water freezes and before you know it you are picking iciciles off your eyelashes?

It’s no wonder Santa Clause’s belly is full of jelly – fat keeps you warmer. And with the cold weather, usually all things cute fall by the wayside along with dietary discretion (I mean seriously- hot cocoa and hot cookies all. winter. long. First stop: my thighs! Woot Woot!)

But thankfully, Cameron Diaz gives us another option to stay warm. Not only does it not require us to gain 50 pounds, it’s adorable. Just look at her. Her grey on gery ensemble makes me want to go walk five miles in the cold right now… or hail a cab… or just stand outside and take a cute photo in this outfit.

So with that I bring you this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Cameron Makes the Cold Look Cute!

Read More »

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got the winter blues. Between my frozen fingers, my wet toes and the gray skies, I am not sure how much longer I am going to last. I want some sun, dammit! Not that it is coming any time soon; winter has only just begun. We have at least 3 more months of Uggs, gloves and snotcicles dripping down our faces.

How are we supposed to make it through? The CollegeCandy writers give us their best beat-the-winter-blues advice:

Sarah – East Carolina University: I bake cookies. And everything else that is loaded with sugar, or chocolate, or other deliciousness.

Kathryn S.: Booze, booze, booze, and watching holiday movies. While drunk. Read More »

A big, comfy sweater is definitely a must-have this winter. It will keep you warm and looking chic, unlike a baggy hoodie. Kim Kardashian and Kate Hudson, above, look cute but casual, the perfect look for heading to class or shopping. Jessica Alba dresses the look up a little by adding a belt and tights.

In order to pull off this look, however, make sure that the sweater isn’t TOO enormous. You don’t want to look like you stole it from your grandpa’s closet. Buy a sweater that is meant to be oversized or go one size up from what you would normally buy.

Here are some stylish oversized sweaters. Click the picture to visit the store’s website. Read More »

Just because you’re a college student doesn’t mean you have to drink like one. I mean, come on; vodka and Crystal Light gets old after awhile. Why not try something a little more…sophisticated? (Editor’s Note: You can still chug it like a college lady.)

These cocktails are guaranteed to make all your friends love you, and, of course, get everyone very, very drunk.

So welcome to the world of sophisticated drunkery.

What better way than to start of the list that with a drink that compliments fall season upon us?

Warm Fall Evening

1 part Absolut Peach

1 part apple flavored vodka

1 part Absolut Mandarin

1 part cinnamon syrup

1 part hot apple juice / cider

Cinnamon

Combine and serve in a glass.

Fall flavors not really your thing? How about a drink that is guaranteed to warm you up in the cold days and put your drinking skills to the test? Can you handle hot sauce? Read More »

It hit me today that Spring is actually here. As I trucked down the street donning my winter jacket, snowboots (not the cute Uggs, but actually Arctic chill winter boots) and a fuzzy sweater, I realized I was sweating profusely and thought, “Hm, it’s time to wear less clothing.”

The problem is, I have no MONEY for clothing. Something about being a TwentySomething in New York City. Good thing there are a ton of stores these days catering to ladies just like me who are short on cash and ready to shimmy off their parkas and slip into something a bit cooler.

Check it: Forever 21 Goodness.

Yellow Sundress at Forever21.com for $22.80

And no, yellow is not obnoxious — it’s awesome. Read More »

There is no nice way to put this: it is f*#king freezing outside. And even though I am trying my hardest not to give into my yearly bout with depression, leaving the house is getting harder and harder to do.

And when I do force myself to venture out into the cruel, cold world – say, to go to work – it takes me a good half hour to warm up when I finally get back home.

I have tried everything in the book to get warm: thick socks, long underwear, hot tea. But none of it works. If you too are suffering with no relief from the bitter cold that settled in this past week, you may also be looking for alternative ways to keep warm this long and dreary winter.

And, trust me on this one, there really is only one way to do it: with the help of booze. Warm booze, that is.

Nothing warms you from the inside out quite like a hot cup of spiked cider. Or some old fashioned hot buttered rum.

Pair them with some gingerbread cookies (you can buy em at the store!) and old episodes of Sex and the City and you have yourself the perfect winter afternoon with the girls.

I get warm just thinking about it!

The recipes could not be easier. So stock up on these ingredients, throw on some wool socks and get ready for a warm and cozy winter.

Spiked Hot Apple Cider:

6 to 8 oz apple cider or juice

1 oz dark rum (2 tablespoons)

Heat the cider until it boils. Pour into a cup, add rum. Garnish with sliced apple or a cinnamon stick. Sip, warm up and enjoy! Read More »