Laced Up and Ready to Go

I’d be lying if I said genuinely cared about the scores of any March Madness game, but that doesn’t mean I won’t take a shot (to be on trend) when I see one.

Tailgating, also referred to as ‘tailgate szn’, is a staple weekend activity when you go to a school with competitive athletic teams. Think: parking lot parties, spirit chants, and, most importantly, *insta-ready* team-supporting style.

In recent ‘szn’s’ – pronounced ‘seasons’ – just as many eyes have been on what people are wearing as are on the games. Girls and guys alike (mostly girls) show up ready to make a statement in things that can’t simply be bought in the bookstore… cue campus crafters pulling out their scissors and glue guns.

Like all fashion, tailgate clothing sees it trends come and go. Zippers, braided backs, cut-out shoulders, lace trim… if it can been done to a shirt, tank top, or sweatshirt, you’ve probably seen it at a tailgate. But if you’ve been watching closely, you would’ve noticed that it’s been all about the laced-up neck recently. If you’re not sure what that means, take a look through the gallery below:

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All of these were handmade by none other than yours truly. The look is inspired by Urban Outfitters and LF bestsellers, but I’ve added some of my own school spirit with colored leather cording. To see a full collection, follow @thecollegeshop on Instagram – and yes, I follow back.

Though the szn has officially wrapped up (s/o to Villanova and UConn, ‘Cuse will get you guys next year) it’s not too late to embrace the trend. I’d get on it quickly though if I were you, because before you know it, something else will be next.

Thanks to those featured in this post’s photos. For all questions and comments see the contact page.

WTF? –Stick It!

In a day and age where personal expression is found almost entirely  online, you’ll be surprised to hear that the latest trend in showing off individuality takes a more physical form – the laptop sticker.

From pop culture figures and #relatable catchphrases to Greek life affiliations and artsy as f*ck illustrations, these small, adhesive-backed images let students create montaged definitions of themselves. Known brands come together in a carefully collaged fashion to create an entirely new brand that can let onlookers and passersby know a little (or a lot) about who owns the laptop at a reasonable cost without a word being said.

Photo credit: Tumblr

Stickers know no boundaries. There is actually a sticker for everyone, most of which can be found on a neat website called RedBubble. A drawing of Drake’s famous dance moves, an ode to McDreamy, an pledge of allegiance to Gryfindoor, a milk-box missing ad for Nessy, holographic homages to home states – you get the point.

Photo Credit: RedBubble

Time for my shameless plug: I love the sticker craze so much that I decided to contribute to it! I have my very own RedBubble storefront, where all of my uploaded designs are available for purchase. Check them out. Who knows? You might find one that suits your style… (but if you don’t there are literally thousands more to choose from, so don’t worry.)

To sticker, or not to sticker? What’s your take on the trend?  Be sure to leave a comment letting me know what you think!

The Eight New Emojis We’re Most Excited About

After what seems like a lifetime, I’m back with an upgrade… right alongside the highly-anticipated batch of emojis released in iOS’s latest update!

Notable additions include the long-awaited unicorn, taco, and middle finger designs, as well as an extensive lineup of unexpected ones (184 of them, to be exact). You can now pop a bottle of bubbly, do the robot, send out a tornado warning, tell people to zip it, and channel your inner nerd!

The drawback? This expansion doesn’t make navigating the emoji pages any easier. To help you select from the confusing cluster of images for your specific needs, here is a list of some of the most important, applicable, and straight-up awesome emojis you should want to get comfortable with. Call it an “e-tiquette” guide, if you will – just be careful not to flip off your boss by accident.

1. Taco

Now there’s an emoji you can use on “Taco Tuesdays.” Or any time you go to Taco Bell. Or really any time you just need to rave about tacos. If this alone doesn’t satisfy your tex-mex cravings, maybe the just-as-new burrito emoji can do the trick.

2. Cheese

It’s as though we’ve been shown the light with this one. Seriously, how have we gotten by without the ability to flaunt the passionate relationship many of us share with earth’s version of ambrosia?

3. Eye Roll Emoticon

Let’s face it – the side-glance emoji doesn’t always do the trick. When you can’t even, they know need to know how much even you can’t.

4. Middle Finger

So many people throw around the middle finger in real life that it makes sense for Apple to finally bring one to its mobile devices. Use with caution – this isn’t one you want to send to the wrong person.

5. Unicorn

It is universally accepted that the unicorn is the best product of the mythical world, even though unicorns are most definitely real. Anyone who says otherwise is a liar.

6. Nerd Emoticon

The glasses-wearing geek is a image some of us had back in the days of BBM, so it’s about time it made a debut on iOS. Throw on your smarty pants and let this adorable emoji convince you that it’s okay to nerd out sometimes.

7. Vulcan Salute

Live long and text! This homage to Spock from “Star Trek” is perhaps nerdier than, well, the nerd, but it’s still pretty sweet. Understanding of the reference or not, this untraditional greeting is a fun substitute for “Yo,” or “Sup.”

8. Levitating Eye

This last one left a bunch of us confused. Turns out that the quaint black-and-white eye inside a speech bubble is the first emoji with a cause: to stop cyberbullying. It is a product of a new digital campaign, called “I Am A Witness,” which you can learn more about here.

What do you think about the updated emoji collection? Do you have a favorite? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know!

(Photo credit)

WTF? – Ten Summer Wardrobe Must-Haves!

If May’s job was to let us know that Summer was on the way, June must mean that our favorite time of the year has officially arrived – bringing the sun, iced coffees, and the need for a wardrobe update along with it.

As we enter each new season, a list of so-called fashion “must-haves” surfaces. The elementary items on it guarantee style success, so it’s essential to study up on it. But rather than giving you a pop quiz, I’m here to provide you with the cheat sheet that will get you started on a path for fabulous summer fashion in the upcoming months… Consider it the last lesson of the school year: 

1. The Tote Bag ✓

The tote is must have for this season’s picnics in the park where, I bet, it will be an inevitable accessory in its endless color variations, prints and materials. They’re roomy enough for all your essentials and cool enough to tow around in the city, too.

2. The Romper ✓

Getting dressed in the morning is such struggle in the lazy summer heat, so think about stocking up on tons of easy, breezy pieces. A romper, for example, is the perfect one-and-done seasonal staple that’ll get you dressed and out of the house in no time. Just pair it with some cool kicks or chic sandals and you’re an instant fashionista.

3. The Bra-let ✓

Wearing a top with superlarge armholes that completely reveal your basic bra? Talk about boring. Investing in a lacy, strappy or colorful bralet? Now we’re talking. Ones with fun details with work with those oversize shirts and look cute peeking out of the top of tanks. Problem solved.

4. The White Sneaker ✓

Yes, the white sneaker is still in style. As the ideal, minimalist answer to the aching arches and cramped toes that go hand-in-hand with heels, they pair perfectly with everything from cocktail dresses to mixed prints to boyfriend jeans.

5. The Striped Dress ✓

Classic stripes are always acceptable during the summer. A striped cami, maxi or tee shirt dress can be fancied up for an outdoor party or cooled down with flat sandals on a lazy weekend.

6. The Slit Maxi Skirt ✓

From asymmetrical hems that show a slip of thigh to button-front maxis that expose your knee when you walk, there’s a whole spectrum of slits for you to try. The Summer months are the best time to play around with silhouettes that are a bit more revealing. You’ll feel totally effortless in a skirt that’s equal parts sexy and breezy.

7. The Walkable Heel ✓

It’s safe to say that most of us gravitate towards flats during the summer, but a shoe with a reasonable heel is definitely a necessity for those days where an occasion calls for it. Stay away from stiletos – think low and functional, yet fashionable.

8. The Bright Bangle ✓

On the days where you opt to don solid neutrals, slip a neon bangle on your wrist to give the look a warm accent without overdoing the color shock.

9. The Statement Crossbody ✓

Keeping with the statement accessory trend, swap out your regular purse for a cross-body Ikat-printed one on the weekends. Mixed colors and materials will have you running errands in style and with ease. But are you just meeting friends for brunch? You can still expect a few compliments on your carry-all.

10. The Protective Shades ✓

Want to know what’s not cool? Letting sun-rays burn your eyes. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but when it comes to picking out a pair of go-to sunglasses for the summer, there’s no reason to skimp on effectiveness. There are plenty of fabulous frames that will do the trick in style.

Think you’ll check off all the items on my list above for your summer wardrobe? Do you have any other summer must-haves that aren’t mentioned above? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know!

 

Bold for Billboard: The 2015 Billboard Music Awards’ Red Carpet

One word stood out about as much as the music industry’s hottest stars did at last evening’s Billboard Music Awards: bold.

Musicians from varying genres abided by the unofficial red carpet dress code in just-as-varying fashion. Country pop-star Taylor Swift, knew how to effortlessly flaunt herself between debuting the explosive new music video for her hit single “Bad Blood” and getting congratulatory kisses from rumored boyfriend Calvin Harris. She opted for a white, cleavage-showing, spaghetti strap jumpsuit, which contrasted beautifully with her dark eye makeup.

Rapper Iggy Azalea certainly brought the shock, too. The hip-hop star – who won best rap artist of the year – showed up in a sweetheart, baby blue crop-top and mini skirt for the red carpet… well, half a mini skirt. The only musician who took the sheer panel to bolder heights was Jennifer Lopez, who stunned in a barely-there glitter gown, with her hair down and equally as sexy.

Recent high school graduate Zendaya attended the show in a loud and fabulous printed pantsuit and crop top. The Disney star is known for her unique style, and this is one of my favorite looks on her yet. Last but not least, however, the boldest babe award of the 2015 Billboard Music Awards Red Carpet goes to Dencia, who opted for perhaps the most bizarre outfit, wearing a jumpsuit that seemed to conjure ghosts of Andy Warhol’s past.

For a complete gallery of Billboard bold, check out the slideshow below:

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Who is your pick for boldest-dressed? Were there any looks you loved that are not featured above? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know! 

Seven Sweet Iced Coffee Hacks to Make Mondays Manageable

Monday morning coffee is a must for most of us. Scratch that — it’s basically on the same level of necessity as brushing our teeth.

Honestly, the day (especially if it’s a Monday) can’t really begin without some form of coffee consumption. However, if it doesn’t happen, well, I have three words for you: Look. Out. World.

And, while hot coffee is the standard wake-up call, anybody who loves iced coffee knows that the chilly zing of caffeine is a thrilling way to wake up, especially now that winter is out of sight. So, while the cozy comfort of a warmed routine makes everyday life simple, there are ways to take your morning beverage to the next level with even simpler tweaks – on the rocks. These iced coffee hacks are the solution to the problem you didn’t even know existed:

1. Brew It Cold

Knock-off Starbuck’s new “cold brew” at home. Mix in 4.5 parts room-temperature water to one part ground coffee in a large pitcher. Stick it in the fridge, and then when you’re ready to drink, strain it with a coffee filter.

2. Chill It Overnight

When you make hot coffee, add a few ice cubes, and then try to drink it immediately, it just…. doesn’t taste great. Unless you have like, 30 ice cubes to toss in, pour the above mixture into a pitcher, and let it chill in the fridge overnight.

3. Add Coffee Cubes

To intensify the coffee strength and flavor, freeze coffee into ice cubes, and then drop them in your coffee in the morning.

4. Add Creamer Cubes

To sweeten and chill all at once, use ice cubes made of creamer or milk to turn your plain old brew into a lightened drink dream.

5. Drop In Some Flavor Extracts

Instead of sugar, swap in some a couple drops of flavor extracts. Choose from any of the following, and your iced coffee will have serious swagger: butterscotch, vanilla, almond, or caramel.

6. Prep It For On-The-Go Sippin’

To save a few extra minutes, put it in your to-go cup the night before so you can just grab and go in the a.m.

7. Shake It Up

If you forgot to chill your iced coffee the night before, there’s still a way to get it cold ASAP. Add ice cubes and put it all in a cocktail shaker, pull a T. Swift, and shake it up until it’s chilled to the core.

What does your morning coffee look like? Have any iced coffee hacks of your own? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know!

Best Dressed: 2015 MTV Movie Awards

While meat dresses and purple pasties are so VMAs, the dress code for MTV’s annual Movie Awards calls for fine and fabulous on the blue carpet.

For the ladies, this year’s evening was all about going for chic, rather than shock. But the chicest? Check out my roundup (pics included!) of the best dressed female A-listers at the 2015 MTV Movie Awards below:

The answer to my question would be none other than Jennifer Lopez, of course. The diva slayed on the carpet yet again in a Versace number. But she wasn’t the only one. Also donning the Italian designer was Victoria Justice of MTV’s newest show, Eye Candy, who opted for a retro glittery mini. Looking just as young and fun was actress Bella Thorne, who wore a Peter Pilotto design, which she paired with a purple clutch. She wore her gorgeous red hair in a slightly (undone) ponytail, which dressed the entire look down, making it totally perfect for the Movie Awards.

Equally as eye-catching was Scarlett Johnson who sported a hot pink Zuhair Murad jumpsuit with teal clutch. Brittney Snow went with a similarly vibrant hue, rocking a two-tone rose sheath by Brandon Sun. And another style high note goes to Snow’s Pitch Perfect 2 costar Anna Camp wearing a printed Peter Pilotto sheath.

An additional on-screen pair of gals who totally owned the spotlight were Holland Roden and Arden Cho, both stars of MTV’s Teen Wolf. Roden looked incredible from her collared Caterina Gatta dress to her blue shoes (which matched the carpet perfectly), while Cho matched her fiery lips to her just-as-fiery two piece getup.

Below is a full gallery of looks from the 2015 MTV Movie Awards. Scroll through to check out who I thought rocked the red carpet:

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Who is your pick for best-dressed? Were there any looks you loved that are not featured above? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know! 

WTF? – April Showers…

… are kinda putting a damper on the much-needed, sunny spring weather.

The days may be getting longer, but the lingering chill and frequent rainstorms are still presenting us with weather woes to worry about, especially when it comes to transitioning into spring wardrobes.

So this spring, instead of throwing any ol’ rubber boots in your repertoire, or using a bag you pray will stand against the elements, why not try one (or several!) fabulous accessories that look just as good as your regular add-ons, but feature water-repellent details? I’ve gone ahead and scouted out the best waterproof accessories to help combat any test Mother Nature might throw at you – which includes that torrential downpour at the exact moment you’re walking out the door.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Luna Tarp Fergus Tote Bag

www.neimanmarcus.com 

Kate Spade Umbrella

www.katespade.com

Misguided Katia Black PVC Cap

www.missguidedus.com

Forfex Killer Iron Sneaker

www.solestruck.com

Klear Klutch in Hologram

www.asos.com

Wanda Nylon Hat Monica

www.wandanylon.fr

Marc by Marc Jacobs Tissue Logo Umbrella

www.nordstrom.com

American Apparel Clear Mini Back Pack

 www.americanapparel.com

Melissa Necklace Rain Boots

 www.shopbob.com 

What is your go-to wet weather accessory? Like any of my picks above? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know!

WTF? – St. Patrick’s Day Style!

St. Patrick’s Day: Trying to get into the spirit, but not totally ready to look like a leprechaun? Welcome to the color-challenged club.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m all about using holidays as an excuse to play dress up, but sometimes (more like most of the time) sporting green from head-to-toe is a tough look to pull off. Instead of going for tacky and overboard, this St. Pattie’s day, opt for a fun, festive look that highlights the holiday in a cool way, while prepping your wardrobe for the winter-to-spring transition season.

A hued, basic blouse is the simplest way to go green. When paired with jeans, or tucked into a faux leather skirt, it’s casual, yet spirited enough to show your support for the Irish. If your style is more classic, a pair of army green pants are a neutral way to achieve the same effect. Additionally, the best way to try the trend is to opt for your favorite silhouette in a spring shade. For example, if you love the way you look in jumpsuits, update your go-to get-up by rocking one in green. Not only will your look fit right in but you’ll feel amazingly confident.

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If green just is not your color, stick to accessories. A cocktail ring, dark green hat or scarf is a fabulous way to get in the spirit without committing to an entire outfit. I’m also an advocate of adding a pop of green to your look with shoes. From converse to pretty pumps, green shoes can be worn to dress up denim or compliment a solid colored dress. Festive and practical? Sounds like a total winning look.

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Don’t fear green this St. Patrick’s day – embrace it! How do you plan to style yourself for the holiday? Have a favorite item from above? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know!

 

 

Rihanna, Kanye West and Paul McCartney – FourFiveSeconds

Get ready to dig your denim jacket out of the closet and warm up your vocal chords – sometimes less is more, and Rihanna knows it.

Released exactly one month ago, the simply shot, black-and-white video for her newest song “FourFiveSeconds”, featuring Kayne Paul McCartney and Kayne West, is well on its way to 100,000 views. Clocking in at just over 3 minutes, the clip allows all of the three superstars their moment in the spotlight. Directed by dutch duo Inez and Vinood, the camera switches between tight individual shots of each undeniably passionate performer, although there are also a few scenes of the musicians together.

All three artists wear denim in the video – in Rihanna’s case, a vintage Sean John jacket that she called “f*cking major”  in the making-of clip. She continued to describe the choice of fabric as an artistic decision: “Kanye came up with the idea of just doing some real street, denim, all-American-type look,” Rihanna said. “Denim never goes out of style. It’s classic, it’s iconic, just like the f*cking Beatles.”

No introduction was needed for the trio when they captivated audiences around the world at the 2015 Grammys in Los Angeles. Rihanna notably ditched her cake-topper dress for a sleek black suit when she performed what is officially lead single from her untitled, upcoming album. Billboard later called their time on stage some of the best of the evening.

With Paul playing guitar, Rihanna crooning simple lyrics that are reminiscent of early Beatles songs, and Kanye adding in slow, thoughtful raps, “FourFiveSeconds” allows these artists to stay true their respective genres and meanwhile create a listening experience like no other. So give your ears a break from whatever you’ve been listening to today (especially if it is the pop music bubble) and enjoy the musical adventure great collaborations hold the ability to create.