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)

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!

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!

 

 

Love Shines the 2015 Oscars Red Carpet

Celebrity couples have brought a high dose of romance to shows all award season – a trend that hit an adorable high point at the 2015 Oscars Red Carpet.

A-list actors, singers, celebrities and nominees alike exchanged loving glances on the carpet of the most respected of all evenings in the film industry with their significant others. There were so many irresistible couples who showed up dressed to impress, therefore, it’s important to give credit where credit is due.

Three darling duos in particular proved last night that love is surely the Red Carpet’s hottest accessory. A charming, talented and obviously genetically gifted couple, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum caught everyones attention at this year’s Oscars – he in a classic black tux and she in a dazzling, belted Zuhair Murad gown. His facial scruff and her low ponytail speak to their shared, easygoing sensibilities. Meanwhile, her striking orange lips and his irresistible Magic Mike jawline suggest their timeless allure that is sure to captivate audiences for years to come.

It’s hard to imagine a more striking pair than model Behati Prinsloo and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, who were both decked out in Armani Privé. 25-year-old Prinsloo, a Victoria’s Secret Angel, looked gorgeous with her center-parted hair and fiery red lips, while Levine, who performed the original song, “Lost Stars,” from The Fault in Our Stars, rocked the Red Carpet with his just-the-right-amount-of scruff and equally model-esque pompadour.

Finally, my award for Red Carpet “Picture Perfect” couple goes to none other than Jennifer Anniston and Justin Theroux. Although they probably can’t thank the academy, there is plenty of praise to be given to their stylists. The 46-year-old actress wore an elegant, pale, beaded Versace gown with Fred Leighton jewelry accents, while her fiancé kept it simple and sexy in a dark suit. The two have yet to set a wedding date, but I’m thinking that their flawless carpet look is an ample enough display of affection and commitment.

This year’s Oscars theme? Two is better than one. Check out the gallery below for more celebrity pairings who made appearances at the 2015 Academy Awards.

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Photos: Getty Images

Who was your favorite pair at the 2015 Oscars Red Carpet? Did you love any non-couple looks? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know!

 

Five Reasons to Love Valentine’s Day

I know, you’re reading this right now and probably thinking, “this girl is annoying. who the hell loves Valentine’s Day?” The answer: me.

Let’s be honest – most people can’t stand Valentine’s Day, and will likely spend all of February 14th wishing it was February 15th. These people are usually single, or nonbelievers when it comes to Hallmark Holidays. If you fall into these categories, listen up, because I’m here to remind you that we all want to feel loved and cared for and needed no matter how many times you want to roll your eyes at the thought. That’s why, and as stupid as you may think it to be, every person, regardless of relationship status, should get in the holiday spirit. Below, I’ve listed five ways and reasons to do so.

(And remember: Valentine’s Day is only commercialized nonsense if you want it to be.)

1. The Candy

The displays went out in, like, November. Candy hearts, chocolate roses – you name it.     Every basic candy puts a totally adorable, decked-out, Valentine’s Day-themed version on store shelves. A heart-shaped Reese’s or York is a perfect, yet inexpensive gift for a friend. Also, the more candy you are known for distributing, the more you likely you are to receive in return, and who doesn’t like candy? You could even skip all that and buy a box of chocolates for yourself, and then again on the day after when it’s all on sale.

2. The Fashion

There’s no fun in being a grinch. Your holiday options for getting dressed up this month are Groundhog’s Day, President’s Day, or Valentine’s day. I don’t know about you, but I prefer a red dress to a powdered wig anyway. Even better, lip-prints and pinks shades are in style, so getting in the spirit won’t need to be as cheesy as conversational candy heart messages.

3. The Redefinition

Who says celebrating love needs to be reserved for couples? We’re way past the fad or anti-Valentine’s Day parties, so it’s about time to rethink celebration methods. Spend the day hanging out with other people you care about. It’s not really about the whole dating aspect of things, even if 95% of promotional material tells you otherwise. Get together a group of girlfriends and swoon over Gosling. Find anyone you love, and love them harder on Valentine’s Day.

4. The Reflection

V-Day haters just love (no pun intended) rhetorically asking “Why do we need a designated holiday to celebrate love? Shouldn’t we love each other every day?” As much as this is true, displays of affection are complicated to pull off on a regular basis. And, if someone actually manage it, wouldn’t it eventually lose meaning? A day set aside and labeled for the intents and purposes of showing others love is what we really need. Valentine’s Day gives us an excuse to do that, regardless of our relationship status.

5. The Sales!

If you don’t like Valentine’s Day now, it’s probably because you’re too busy wallowing to realize the insanely fabulous sales happening around you – and I’m not just talking jewelry outlets. Department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom’s hold weekend sales, while our favorite, smaller retailers like Aerie and Sephora offer several discounts and deals. If you’re not spending the money on someone else, what better way to spend it than in “treat yo self” fashion? A little retail therapy never hurts.

 

Has your opinion about Valentine’s Day changed? What are your plans for the holiday? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know!

WTF? – Affordable Winter Accessories!

Oh the weather outside is definitely frightful. 

Snow, sleet, flurry, wintry mix – whatever you prefer to call it, it’s going to make going outside far from fabulous.

Stepping out in the snow in a denim jacket or chunky sweater just isn’t going to cut it anymore. And, to be completely honest, the perfect coat won’t either. Accessorizing properly is the absolutely essential, which means that gloves, scarves, and hats cannot be an afterthought.

In the spirit of the impending snowstorm blanketing the northeast, I went on a search for the best winter accessories that will keep you looking chic and cool (and, most importantly, warm) for the months to come. They are sure to make your friends in southern California way jealous, and won’t even break the heating budget.

Ready, set, snow:

Hats

1. United by Blue, $40 2. Zara, $8 3. American Eagle, $30 4. Cos, $39 5. Joe Fresh, $29 6. H&M, $10 7. Pull&Bear, $12 8. The North Face, $40

Scarves

1. Loft, $37 2. H&M, $12 3. Forever21, $10 4. Nordstroms, $12 5. Oliver Bonas, $20 6. Mango, $25 7. Necessary Clothing, $20 8. ROWME, $9

Gloves

1. Madewell, $35 2. New Look, $14 3. Verloop, $29 4. Old Navy, $5 5. & Other Stories, $50 6. Modcloth, $15 7. Dents, $44 8. Betsey Johnson, $15 

What is your go-to winter accessory? Have any favorites out of the ones I picked out? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know!

WTF? – Polish Up for Winter!

If you want an easy, affordable way to up the fabulous factor of your favorite winter outfit, look no further than a bottle of nail polish.

Goodbye transition season, hello core winter months. The recent dramatic temperature drops and early snowfalls are just two of the several ways the chill making an entrance. Now while most of us are just (naturally) running for our scarf, hat and glove collections, perhaps it’s time to head in a new direction – towards the nail salon. 

This winter is all about the fingertips. Deep blues and reds are always in right about now, but new, lighter gold and pink options are brighter additions to the dark-schemed outfits we tend to gravitate towards this season. Think muted shades of lavender, too. Shiny metallics are also in demand for those looking to add a subtle, yet classy edge to otherwise simple styles.

Even when hidden under a pair of knit mittens, your fingernails will warm up to look and feel fabulous in this winter’s hottest hues. Click through below to see the polishes you’ll definitely want to cozy up to as you take on the snow season:

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What is your favorite nail color for winter? Plan to try something new this season? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know!

Last-Minute DIY Holiday Giftspiration

Christmas Eve? More like Christmas crunch-time. 

Though I compiled a list of tips to master holiday gift shopping a few weeks ago, I know there’s plenty of people out there who have yet to purchase a gift for a friend or a family member – including myself. Yet, ironically, the last thing we want to do tonight is go to the mall to search for those final presents.

Parking will be impossible and the best items will probably be sold out, so the preferred plan for Christmas Eve this year should be to stay home, with the exception of a trip to your local, likely less crowded, craft store. Homemade holiday presents are known to raise eyebrows, but what is more special than a unique and personalized package? Before you have mini-nightmares of a hot glue gun burns or needle threading complications, I’m here to gift you with a bunch of pretty simple projects that even the least avid of DIY-ers can create.

Make a cup of hot cocoa (with extra marshmallows), start rummaging through your old craft drawer and prepare for an evening of DIY – instructions included. 

An Initial Mug

Paint or sharpies (draw, then bake for 30 minutes at 350ºF) will both work for this personalizable present.

Sugar Scrubs

You should probably have all the materials you need in your kitchen to make peppermint and winter white sugar scrubs.

Dessert in a Jar

Pre-made or layered by ingredient, this gift is perfect for your friend with a sweet tooth.

Homemade Holiday Jewelry

Get your gift-reciever in the spirit with glittery necklaces or bow-clad bobby pins.

Too-Cute Tote Bags

Stamped, monogramed or interactive, these totes all make totally chic presents.

Reading Accessories

We all know a book worm. Surprise him or her with a line-holding bookmark or travel pillow.

Hopefully this is enough inspiration to kick-start your night of crafting! And remember – several of these DIYs make great gifts for occasions other than the holidays! Let me know if you have any of your own homemade gift ideas in the comments!