Don’t you miss those grade school days, when every person in your class had to put a hand-addressed Valentine in your red-paper-pasted box?  Now, only the smug coupled-up people among us are guaranteed some attention on Valentine’s Day, and even they complain it’s not enough ("He didn’t get me the right kind of flowers!" etc). So why bother with it? Well, because it’s kind of fun to get all dolled up and go somewhere romantic, imagining for weeks beforehand how it will be the best night of your life. What do you do if you haven’t got a date to look forward to yet? Make one. Here are 10 foolproof tips to make sure you’ve snagged a body to sit across from at the fancy restaurant of your choice.

1. Mix some red into your daily ensembles

This study (you really needn’t bother with reading the full thing) shows that when collegiettes wear red, college cuties pay more attention to us.  Okay, maybe they didn’t use those exact terms, but that’s the gist of it.  Wearing the color may entice boys to “sit closer” to us and ask us “more intimate questions.”  One “intimate question” being, “Will you allow me to pick you up in my horse-drawn carriage on February the 14^th?”

2. Gab like a guy

You may be thinking about the perfect candy-red shade of lipstick to wear on the big night, but no dude is.  Engage your crush by bringing up any topic free of conversation hearts: how March Madness is impending or how your favorite sitcom is (finally) back from hiatus.  He’ll notice you’re a cool chick, not one of these crazed, date-hungry psychos that seem to be walking around campus (not us, not us).

3. Increase the intimacy

If you have your sights set on a certain valentine, show him you’re open to more than just a weekend hookup or casual conversation in class. Former Real Live College Guy Joey admits, “I immediately have my interest piqued if a girl begins to touch me at all, even something like picking a crumb off my sweater or touching my arm when [I’m] talking. Become more open and available.”  Joey also recommends asking your dude if he has plans for Valentine’s Day weekend WITHOUT mentioning Valentine’s Day.  This shows you’re open to hanging out but takes away some of the pressure.

4. Be alluring

If you’re dead set on snagging a man, you’ll want to up the ante when it comes to dressing for class and extra-curricular activities, like frat parties and basketball games.  Boy Expert Cher, of the timeless classic Clueless, once said, “Sometimes you have to show a little skin. This reminds boys of being naked, and then they think of sex.”  This may not be your exact end goal, but ditching a few of the bulky winter layers we’ve all been buried in lately couldn’t hurt.

5. Get a group together

The solo-date can be terrifying if you’re on it with someone you don’t know that well (seriously, any restaurant you go to will be full of people who ARE in love).  If you’re not ready for it, Anna, from The College of William & Mary, recommends grabbing a group of girls and guys and heading to the latest horror flick.  “It’s a good excuse to cozy up to your crush during the scary parts,” she says.

6. Get set up

It’s a huge risk, but ever-hopeful collegiette Sarah, from Colby College, says that it’s worth the reward.  “Getting set up is romantic because it can be great or the most awkward experience ever.  Valentine’s Day is miserable if you’re single, so take the chance!”  Go ahead and ask your friends or sorority sisters if they know any eligible bachelors who would like to meet up on a day that just so happens to be the 14^th.  It could be a story for the grandchildren!  And if you don’t have anyone to set you up?  Check out HowAboutWe.com, which allows you to pick a fun guy AND a fun date idea . . . what could be better?

7. Take advantage of the weekend before

Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so use the weekend before to get out and mingle!  Dating expert and publisher of OnlineDatingMagazine.com, Joe Tracy, advises to simply “be out there.”  He says that the best way to get asked out is to “be self-confident and always look your best. Smile at people and say ‘hello’ when you pass them on campus or off.”  Hit up the spots where you know your crush will be hanging out, or better yet, make plans to meet up with him.  If you take the initiative first, he may surprise you by asking you out for Saturday.

8. Go for a guy friend

Maybe you don’t see your BGF as a romantic option, but he could be a ton of fun.  Collegiette Remy, from William & Mary, recalls, “Last year, my guy friend and I went to one of the only romantic restaurants near campus and just mocked, quietly of course, other couples.  I’ve never had a better Valentine’s Day.”

9. Guilt him into it

When I asked my current boyfriend how I managed to get him to ask me out last V-Day (we weren’t officially dating then), he told me he felt like he basically had to because of all the hints I dropped.  Really romantic, right??  We’re still dating, so I guess the “guilt trip” can work, although it doesn’t make for a great story.

10. Just ask him out!

If you want the date, Former RLCG Joey says, “Don't be afraid to ask him out.  Guys admire initiative, especially if they're shy. This isn't the 16th Century . . . girls don't have to be courted.”  If all else fails, make the romance happen yourself.

Well, what are you waiting for?  Go pick out your outfit, get a heart-design manicure and slap a picture of Cupid up on your dorm room door.  You can officially get in the spirit, because you’ll have a date for the big day.  And if you don’t?  Joe Tracy advises spending the day racking up “good karma” by helping those less fortunate.  Sounds like a plan to me!

In the age of DVR, people willingly watch commercials only one day a year: Super Bowl Sunday. This year, a 30-second spot costs four million dollars, and most companies spend well over a million dollars creating the ad. With all that money on the line, advertising agencies turn out some of these best commercials of the year for the big game.

1. Budweiser “Lost Dog”

The most important celebrities on any Super Bowl Sunday are the Budweiser Clydesdales. This commercial has basically anything you could want from a Super Bowl ad, including those majestic horses, a handsome farmer, and a seriously adorable lost puppy. 

2. T-Mobile “#KimDataStash”

Any KUWTK fan knows that underneath all that contouring, Kim K is hiding a pretty great sense of humor. The Selfish author pokes fun at her own photography hobby in this 30-second spot. 

3. Dove Men+Care: “#RealStrength"

Watching the Super Bowl can be prime father-daughter bonding time, and several companies tried to work this angle. Dove Men was the most successful; this ad is guaranteed to make you want to give dear old dad a hug.

4. Discover: “Surprise Scream”

Big name advertisers can get a little predictable, reusing the same tropes that are sure to land with audiences. A screaming goat was a refreshing element of absurdity in the middle of a tense game.

5. Nationwide: “Invisible Mindy Kaling”

Apparently unable to make up their minds, Nationwide execs went both routes and aired both a sentimental ad and a funny ad. Although their dead child spot was widely regarded as a flop, Mindy won a laugh trying to kiss special guest star Matt Damon.

The Patriots may be going home with Super Bowl rings, but everyone knows the real competition is for best commercial. Which was your favorite?

Ladies of Sigma Delta Tau, we've got a super-cute, super-easy mani for you! The blue and cafe au lait colors create a sweet yet fun mani perfect for all of your upcoming spring functions.

For this manicure, I used Essie Bobbing for Baubles ($8.50) and Revlon Elegant ($5.99) to represent the sorority's colors. I also used a dotting tool similar to one from this set ($6.99) to write the Greek letters and create polka dots; if you don't have one, you can simply stick a sewing pin into the eraser of a pencil—and you've made your own!

Create the base of your manicure by painting your thumb, pointer and ring fingers with the nude polish. Paint the remaining two nails with the blue polish, making sure the polish on each nail is completely opaque.

To begin the nail art put a few drops of blue polish on a paper plate. Using the dotting tool, draw the Greek letters for sigma and tau on your pointer and ring fingers, correspondingly.

Next, using the nude polish, draw a delta on your middle finger.

Finish up by using the dotting tool to place polka dots on your pinky and thumb. Ensure the dots are placed sporadically on the nails and don't create a strict pattern. This makes for a more interesting and playful mani.

Our mani is complete! Slap on a topcoat and head to your function to show off this adorable mani to all of your sisters!

To outsiders,the sorority world can seem pretty confusing. What’s the difference between an exchange and a mixer? What exactly are you throwing when you “throw what you know”—a ball? A punch? A gauntlet? How do the sorority families work, and how many “relatives” do you end up with, anyway?

To set the record straight, we talked to anonymous collegiettes in different chapters around the nation. Here are the secrets sorority sisters wish you knew—and now you will!

1. Not every sorority girl drinks

Over and over again, sorority women told us the same thing: No, not every member drinks.

“There’s definitely a range,” says Nikki*, who goes to San Diego State University. “Some girls go out every weekend, while others are always sober.”

Sara*, a sorority member at Texas A&M University, says, “Most do for sure. But there’s a good handful of girls who don’t drink at our events because they’re council members and they could lose their positions for that.”

The sisters we talked to who don’t drink say they’ve never been pressured or made to feel uncomfortable for their choices.

“At our chapter meetings, the board actually asks us not to drink,” says Elizabeth* from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. “And if someone’s noticeably drunk at an event, like falling down or being sloppy, we have people to take them away to go lie down.”

2. And technically, no sorority events should have alcohol

Technically, none of the sorority events should involve drinking. Chapter-hosted events must be alcohol-free, alcohol isn’t allowed in sorority houses and chapter funds can’t be used to buy alcohol.

“Because of these policies, there aren’t any ‘alcohol-related’ events, but semi-formal and formal have bars with a very strict 21-year-olds-and-over policy,” explains Chloe*, who attends the University of California, Davis.

Chloe says her sorority sisters typically pregame heavily for exchanges, which are planned events organized between two Greek organizations (most commonly a sorority and a fraternity). But if you’d rather sip Perrier than Patrón, your ability to have fun won’t suffer. Nikki, who says she usually does drink, tells us about the time she went sober to an exchange.

“We just danced a lot and had a great time,” she says. “I didn’t miss the drinking aspect of it.”

Sisterhood events are definitely meant to be attended sober. These are fun get-togethers meant to help chapters bond and could be anything from visiting an amusement park or having a movie night to crafting or going camping.

“I actually enjoy the sisterhood events more than the other ones,” says Claire*, a collegiette at the College of William & Mary. “One of the main reasons I joined a sorority in the first place was to make friends and do unique, cool activities.”

3. There’s a lot more to sororities than partying

Which brings us to our next secret of sorority sisters: They hate that people think all they do is party.

“Yes, we have our fun, but we work extremely hard, too,” Nikki says.

At many universities, the average sorority GPA is higher than the average GPA for all women on campus.

Most sororities require their members to achieve a minimum GPA, and if a woman wants to hold a position on her chapter’s board, she needs to hit an even higher GPA.

“My sorority sisters and I get together all the time just to study,” Elizabeth says. “It’s annoying how we’re automatically written off as ditzy or not serious just because we’re in a sorority. I care more about school and my grades than a ton of the non-Greek people I know.”

4. They don’t want to hang out solely with other Greeks

About those non-Greeks: Many collegiettes told us their friends wrongly assumed that after the girls joined a sorority, they wouldn’t want to hang out as much with their “independent” friends.

“The number one myth that really grinds my gears is that people in Greek life only want to hang out with people in Greek life!” says Dakota*, a student at the University at Rhode Island. “Yeah, we have socials/mixers and Greek-only events, but there is so much more than that. There’s football games and basketball games, pep rallies, school traditions, homecoming, bars! While Greek life does take some time out of our schedules, there is still plenty of room for those who are not involved in Greek life.”

In fact, some sorority members even said they prefer having a bulk of their friends be uninvolved with Greek life, explaining it was “refreshing” to be able to get out of the Greek bubble for a little.

“As much as I love my sisters, it can be really nice to talk to people who aren’t in that world,” Sara says. “I like keeping my circle as diverse as possible.”

The majority of collegiettes probably wouldn’t want all their friends to come from the same major, dorm, sports team or club, so why would sorority girls want to automatically exclude the rest of the campus from their potential friend pool?

5. But it is easier to “date Greek”

Our anonymous sources totally understand why sorority girls like dating other people in the Greek community.

“Since frat guys understand the time commitment and investment you put into Greek life, I feel like it’s not as difficult to try balancing a relationship with one of them as opposed to, say, a guy that has no idea how Greek life works,” Chloe says.

Meeting another frat guy or sorority girl is pretty effortless as well, thanks to events like mixers, exchanges, semi-formals and formals. In addition, unlike trying to incorporate your girlfriend you met in chemistry into your friend group, a girl in Greek life will probably have lots of friends in common with you.

Sorority women say the downside of dating Greek is the lack of privacy.

“People tend to know what’s going on with your relationship, how serious it’s getting, that kind of stuff,” says Lauren*, a collegiette from the University of North Dakota. “It’s a small world, so it’s not hard for the details to get out.”

6. Greek life is expensive

“Yeah… it’s pretty expensive,” Elizabeth says. “I actually have two part-time jobs to cover it all.”

Yes, there are membership dues, pledging and initiation fees, philanthropy-related costs and extra event costs, but there are also miscellaneous things like formal outfits, gifts for your little and fines if you miss enough meetings or mandatory events. For the sorority women who choose to live in their chapter’s house, the price tag gets even bigger.

Don’t assume this means all the girls in Greek life are rich or using their parents’ money to cover the costs. Several of our anonymous sources have jobs, and others say they made sacrifices in different areas to afford being in a sorority, like not studying abroad.

“The women in my chapter are at all different socioeconomic levels,” Anna* says. “We have girls who are on full scholarship and we have girls with trust funds. Just like in regular life, it really runs the gamut.”

Sorority life isn’t that mystifying after all—but it is radically different than many people think. Before we go, we’d like to solve your last lingering questions. So here you go:

• What’s the difference between a mixer and an exchange? There isn’t one! This fraternity-sorority party is often called a social as well.
• What exactly are you throwing when you “throw what you know?” You’re using your sorority hand signs. Each sorority has a unique one.
• How do sorority families work? You have a big and a little. When your little gets a little, you become a “grandbig”—like a grandparent. If you have two littles, they’re twins. The family trees can get super complex, but those are the basics.

We hope that clears things up, non-Greek collegiettes!

*Names have been changed.

When it comes to accessorizing an outfit, you focus a lot on everything from your shoes to your bag to the jewelry you wear. But there’s one accessory that might just be more important than the rest—and it’s often overlooked.

We’re talking about your phone case. No big deal—just the one item you’re carrying with you day in, day out, whether you’re headed to your internship or are out on the town with your besties. So, you know what this means: Your case needs to be beyond chic, must show off your personality, and needs to be totally sophisticated so it suits even the most important of occasions. We’re here to tell you there’s only one person to go to: artist Jordan Carlyle, whose jCases are like mini replicas of his exquisite artwork—and we’re giving away six of them! Sold at top retailers like Shopbop and Lord & Taylor, these cases are custom made to fit your iPhone 5 or 6 like a glove and completely embody glamour and luxury.

Be the first to peep the latest collections (including a collaboration with Theory!) on the Pow Wow ProductsInstagram page and Facebook page—and enter below now for your chance to win one of these beauties! Bonus: Winners get to select the design they love the most!

It’s 3 p.m. on Monday, and your cubicle is the last place you want to be. Jim asks you to scan something for him—for the fifth time today. Lauren CC’s you on an email with “URGENT” in the subject line; you open it up and have no clue how to respond. Matt wants you to proof something written in a different language. Samantha schedules a last-minute conference call to discuss a new business opportunity. Alicia and Kim won’t stop arguing.

Welcome to the real world, where working 9 to 5 is a thing.

You would do anything to be back in college where going to class sometimes felt optional and lectures could be watched online from the comfort of your bed. We’ve all felt this way one time or another, especially when the workday is more than halfway over but 5 p.m. still seems so far away. Here are 10 ways to reenergize and power through your workday when 3 p.m. rolls around and you can barely keep your eyes open.

1. Take a coffee or tea break

Many of us start every morning with a cup of coffee (or tea), but not all of us remember to restock later in the day (unless you’re a coffee-holic). The next time you find yourself dozing off at your desk, make a cup of coffee or tea, or, better yet, walk to the coffee shop down the street. A little caffeine in the afternoon will give you an extra burst of energy—just avoid having too much (skip the Venti!), otherwise you might disrupt your sleep later on in the night.

2. Go for a walk

Taking a brisk walk during a long, stressful workday is something we should all try to do a few times a week. The fresh air and exercise will help clear your head and relieve stress. Taking a few minutes away from your work to walk either in your building or outside will help you to refocus.

“I take walks all the time,” says Kelsey Tremberth, a 2012 graduate of the University of Michigan. “Sometimes you need to just get up and move around… get away from your desk and give your brain a break for a minute.”

When it’s nice out, take a walk around the block and stop for a snack on your way back to the office for a double boost of energy.

3. Switch to a different task

It’s easy to get stuck on one task and feel like you aren’t accomplishing anything, especially when you’ve been staring at a computer screen and sitting in the same spot all day long. The best solution to this is to work on a different task or project for an hour or so and then come back to the original task with a fresher eye.

If you’ve been typing numbers into Excel all day, switch to something that requires some human interaction, like calling a new supplier or scheduling a brainstorm session to discuss new ideas for an upcoming proposal. It’s important to go back and forth between solo tasks and group work to add some variety to each workday and make it past the middle of the day without feeling like your day is dragging.

4. Take a bathroom break

It might sound silly, but a break is a break. Even if you don’t really have to go right away, taking a bathroom break could be just what you need. Spend a few minutes in front of the mirror freshening up your makeup, brushing your hair or spraying perfume to help you feel refreshed and ready to get back to work. If nothing else, it will get you out of your seat for a few minutes!

5. Talk to a coworker

You can ask your coworker a question about work, see what her weekend plans are or even just tell her about a funny tweet you read that morning. It doesn’t matter too much what you talk about, but remember that there are some topics you should avoid! The goal is to talk face-to-face with someone and get away from those emails for a little bit.

“When I need to reenergize during work, I walk to the break room, get some caffeine and usually run into a coworker I can talk to for a few minutes and get my mind off what I was working on,” says Sarah Smolinski, a 2013 graduate of the University of Michigan.

6. Make a to-do list

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed with our workload, but writing it all down really helps. If you have trouble focusing after lunch and don’t really know what to work on first, make a list of everything you hoped to accomplish that day and see what’s left. Write everything down, even the tasks you already finished earlier in the day; crossing items off your list will help give you a sense of accomplishment.

Prioritize the remaining tasks and estimate how long each one will take. Start with the ones that have approaching deadlines, and then move on to the tasks you have longer to complete.

“I’m a big note-taker and list-maker, so when meetings are planned or if I need to follow up with someone, I make sure to put it in my planner,” says Carly Potts, a 2014 graduate of the University of Michigan. “I also try to prioritize who to reach out to and when. Time organization is big for me.”

7. Turn your cubicle into a gym

Well, sort of. There are many stretches you can do right at your own desk that don’t require workout attire or special equipment. A five-minute desk workout might be all you need to refuel your mind and body for the rest of the workday! Exchange your chair for an exercise ball, tilt your head from side to side or roll your shoulders back to get your muscles moving and release tension. You might even be able to justify skipping the gym today!

8. Answer that text

When you need a quick break and want to think about something non-work-related for a few minutes, take out your phone and catch up on your text messages. You shouldn’t be glued to your phone when you’ve got work to do, but a 3 p.m. texting break is perfectly acceptable (unless you work in a really strict environment and texting could get you fired).

If you work in an open office where your boss sits right next to you, we recommend leaving your desk before texting. Even if there isn’t a strict policy in place, you don’t want anyone thinking you’re slacking on your work!

9. Check the news

When it’s late in the day and you need a break from the project you’re working on, take a few minutes to browse the breaking news headlines. Surf the web or download a news app on your phone. Catch up on the news in your industry so you don’t get too distracted from your own work. You might learn something that helps you solve a work problem or brings new insight into what you’re working on!

However, be conscious of what you’re looking at—when you’re on your office computer, there’s always the chance that your activity is being tracked. And don’t lose track of the time, as we all know surfing the web can be addicting!

10. Keep a positivity notebook

We all get bogged down at work sometimes, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unhappy. When this happens, take out a notebook and write down three positive things that have happened so far in the day. The list can include anything that puts you in a good mood—winning a new client, laughing with a coworker or having a nearly empty email inbox. This exercise will help you to focus on the good things and give you a positive attitude for finishing out the workday.

The next time you’re nodding off by the time late afternoon hits, follow these tips to make it through the rest of the workday without losing interest or feeling unproductive. Whether you need to get up and walk around, reprioritize with a new to-do list or refuel on coffee, soon enough you’ll be leaving the office each day feeling productive and full of energy!

Name: Morgan Rhodes
Job Title and Description: Author of the Falling Kingdoms series
College Name/Major: Humber College/Advertising & Graphic Design
Website: www.morganrhodes.net
Twitter Handle: @morganrhodesya

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Morgan Rhodes: My job as an author currently entails writing and revising two books a year for my publisher, Penguin Books. For me, there’s no such thing as a typical day. When I’m on deadline, I’m writing many hours a day. In between books and in my spare time, I post on social media outlets as well as plot the next book. My workday hours (I work at home, very connected to my email!) have been anywhere from two to 18 [hours], depending on what part of the process I’m at. Usually I work seven days a week. Some authors joke that being a published writer is like having homework for the rest of your life. I’m okay with that!

What is the best part of your job?

MR: The best part of being an author is being able to make things up out of my imagination and get paid for putting them down on paper! Also, the flexibility of being able to write whenever or wherever I want to, so long as I meet my deadlines, is wonderful. Additionally, getting to meet readers in person at signing events is an incredible experience.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?

MR: I did a lot of research when it came to publishing, so I had a good idea what to expect. However, some things that are said about writing—such as, it’s incredibly hard to make a living at it!—are very true. However, with hard work, patience and a dash of luck, I have been self-employed as a writer for over five years now, so I’m very happy to be proof that it is possible to make a living from writing fiction.

As a New York Times best-selling author, can you talk more about your writing process? Do you have any tips for young women hoping to write their first book someday?

MR: My writing process has evolved over the years to one that works well for me. I am definitely an “outliner” and lately have gotten to the point where I outline each chapter. Things may change as I start writing, which helps to keep me on my toes, but having that “map” is essential to my process. I write first drafts pretty fast, usually in 4 to 6 weeks. Edits take much longer, layering in description and smoothing out plot points, but that fast first draft is essential for me so I can get the bones down.

My main tip for aspiring authors is to believe in yourself and get the book written from beginning to end. I know so many writers who doubt themselves and their works-in-progress so much that they never finish a project. They then move on to another. And another. But nothing ever gets done! So I suggest sticking with it, shoving aside the doubts and getting the work done because everybody has those doubts. It’s those who are able to push past them who are able to get to the next level.

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?

MR: Most definitely my agent, Jim McCarthy, whom I’ve been with for ten years. He took a chance on a slush pile query letter, read my manuscript and has been with me every step of the way since, cheering my successes, but also helping to motivate me when I’m down. Without him I have no idea where I’d be right now!

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

MR: Earlier in my career, I experienced greater doubt about my abilities as a writer and allowed myself to be led astray in an edit which, I feel in retrospect, stripped a lot of my “voice” from that book. Like many of the characters I write about, I rely on gut instinct to help lead my way in life. At the time, that doubt deafened me from my ability to listen to those instincts, so I simply went with the flow. I’ve since learned to trust my process more and pay attention to my insights when something feels off.

I do, however, think mistakes are incredibly important. Without them we don’t learn and grow. Every mistake I’ve ever made (that I’ve acknowledged, anyway!), has led me to greater personal insight, which has helped shape the author and the person I am today!

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

MR: There have been plenty of surreal moments! Probably the biggest one was learning that I had hit the New York Times list the third week after Falling Kingdom’s release. I was kind of like, “Wait…what?”
 
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

MR: Truly, my best advice would be to get a “day job” that you love, since writing is definitely not a career you can depend on to pay the bills. Write what you would love to read, but can’t find on the shelves. Educate yourself about the writing process and the publishing industry. And, most importantly, believe in yourself!

Hermione Granger fans, rejoice! Emma Watson’s dreams of becoming a Disney princess are officially coming true! Last week, it was confirmed that Emma has been cast as Belle in a live adaptation of the classic Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast. Although a release date has yet to be announced, we can’t wait to see her portray Belle! Here are a few reasons why:

1. She's an incredibly versatile actress

Emma first stole our hearts as a quick-thinking bookworm in the Harry Potter series, but over the years she’s proven that her acting abilities aren’t limited to fantasy movies. She’s put her skills to the test in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring, and Noah. Emma has even lent her voice to the animated filmed The Tale of Despereaux. We think playing an iconic Disney character is a great next step!

2. We'll get to see her pull out that triple threat

For the first time ever, we’ll be able to see Emma not only dance, but SING in a movie! Even Emma is excited for this new challenge, as she prepares to take vocal lessons and strap on dancing shoes that we assume will look super stylish on her.

3. We trust she'll do the role justice

Emma is one of the most dedicated actresses in Hollywood—just ask her former costars! At a recent Harry Potter event held in Florida, Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), James Phelps (Fred Weasley), and Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) voiced their excitement over the news. They agreed that Emma is hardworking and able to undertake any challenge she’s faced with.

4. She's a fantastic role model for young women and girls

After launching the HeForShe campaign last September, Emma Watson has proven to be the ultimate activist and inspiration for young girls everywhere. We have no doubt that she’ll bring the same enthusiasm to the role of Belle, and reach out to an even younger audience!

5. We just can't picture anybody else playing the part

Emma is the epitome of beauty, grace, and elegance. 'Nuff said. But seriously, we can already picture her in that yellow dress!

Ah, Valentine’s Day. A day where millions of bros waste endless amounts of money on roses that would normally cost half as much, even the worst restaurants have ridiculously long lines to get into, and if we’re single, we happily crack a cold one and watch the game alone before going to bed satisfied with our lives.

If you hadn’t gotten the vibe, Valentine’s Day really wouldn’t mean much to us if we didn’t have to make such a fuss over you. Not that we mind because without all of you beautiful women, we’d be lost. Or happily watching sports with our bros. It’s a toss up.

But seriously, for all of you lovely ladies out there with boyfriends who have decided you want to do something nice for him as well—I salute you. That said, make sure you DON’T do any of the following, and you’ll be much less likely to mess up.

1. Compare us to anyone else

Oh, your ex-boyfriend bought you diamonds after two months of dating last Valentine’s Day? I’m sorry, I actually have to pay for college! Seriously, if my homemade, folded-into-fours card is worth less to you than the one your ex got you from Walmart’s 99 cent aisle last year, stay home. Alone. And if me making dinner for you isn’t as nice as the really expensive restaurant your ex took you to last year, call him up and see what his plans are. Seriously. There is absolutely nothing worse than being compared to other guys, especially all your crappy exes!

Do you understand the pressure of Valentine’s Day? Honestly girls, you’ve taken this to obscene levels. This is the one day you undoubtedly get to be pampered and loved (according to TV commercials and CVS) and you’ve ruined it. You’re not Cinderella and I’m not Prince Charming. However, we want you to be our princess and will happily be your prince if you’d stop telling us about how great your ex was.

2. Take us lingerie shopping

We do not want to go into Victoria’s Secret, Frederick’s of Hollywood, or even the bra and panty section of Kohl’s. We don’t need to bump into half-naked mannequins and it’s uncomfortable seeing 13-year-old girls and 65-year-old women shopping there, all of whom are either leering at us like we’re creeps or giggling at us under their breath. Then, we’ll probably pick something up saying “I like this,” not even looking at how big it is, and it’ll be entirely the wrong size and get us in trouble. It’ll kill the mood for both of us.  Besides, wouldn’t you love having a super sexy secret surprise for us?

3. Give us a card

Most guys don’t have a sentimental girlfriend box with each and every one of your names on it, meaning we’re not going to keep every single thing you give to us or every little memory of the things we do together, Valentine’s Day or not. So, here’s the thing with getting us a card: it’s nice of you for thinking of us, but frankly it’s bad news all around. For starters, we’re not going to keep it forever, so how long is long enough? Do you want it on display on our kitchen table or dorm room desk so you see it and know how much we care about you every time you come over? Side note: if you need to see the card you gave me to know how much I care, our relationship has some problems. Next is the issue of the sentiment behind the card. If it’s well thought out, funny, and/or relates to something about our relationship, then the card is acceptable, but if it’s just some sappy Hallmark crap with someone else’s words and fancy cursive with glitter, we don’t care. We don’t want it.

4. Buy us flowers

Not that I think this is realistic, but in case you were thinking about it: what the heck do we want with them? We’re going to forget to put them in water and sunlight and we’ll kill them and get in trouble. See “no cards” for further explanation.

5. NO CHANNING TATUM, TAYLOR LAUTNER OR RYAN GOSLING ALLOWED—THIS IS NOT A DRILL

Seriously, we get that they’re way hotter than we will ever be. No, seriously, we literally get told that 365 days a year. Take a day off, and tell us we’re attractive. Not to get all girly here, but when you tell your man he’s everything you want, and hot and sexy, it goes right to our head. Not in a bad way, either. It’s reassuring to know how you feel about us, even if you think we already know. Knowing how attracted you are to us and how much we mean to you will lead us to respond and react to you in ways you’ll love—deeper attraction, deeper feelings, a stronger desire to protect you and call you ours, etc.! Plus, a little confidence boost heading into the bedroom never hurt anyone’s performance.

Look, we know that scene in The Notebook when Ryan Gosling is in the rain and then shirtless and then gets it on with Rachel McAdams... mainly because you tell us about it. You bite your lips and crinkle your nose while you’re sitting next to us on the couch watching HIM. The point is, you’re free to pick the movie, but don’t hurt our ego and make us watch one of those dudes get you off, especially right before using that super sexy secret surprise you hopefully didn’t bring us to VS to pick out.

6. Leave us without plans

Look, there’s something we need to get straight: ‘Chicks Before Dicks’ is not a thing. Here’s why: 1) you stole it from us. Bros Before Hoes came first, and frankly, you owe us money every time you run away and use your girlfriends as an excuse because it’s blatant copyright infringement. 2) Every bro knows that this rule doesn’t actually apply when the aforementioned “hoe” is actually someone important. Every guy hates it when his bro gets a girlfriend because things change and he isn’t required to come watch SportsCenter with you on repeat for hours when his girlfriend wants to hang out. We know that Valentine’s Day means WAAAAAY too much to every single one of you, and for those of you who are single, it’s an incredibly depressing and/or cynical day. It’s natural as a good friend to want to be there to support your sad and single girlfriends on Valentine’s Day. But, well, there’s a reason we still love our bro when he doesn’t watch SportsCenter all day with us: he’s happy. And somewhere, extremely well hidden very deep inside all of us, we want that too, so we let him go. If your girlfriends are really going to be mad at you for going out with your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, they aren’t very good friends to begin with and your life would be so much less dramatic without them. So don’t leave us hanging last minute because Laura needs a new gallon of Cherry Garcia Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and someone to eat it with. There’s always tomorrow. As Real Live College Guy Andy puts it, “this is not a day to feel sorry for single people. If you have a significant other, celebrate it!”

7. Be apathetic

If we ask you where you want to go to dinner, it’s because we want you to enjoy our date. If we ask you what type of flowers you want, it’s because we’re thinking of you and like to make you happy. And no, that’s not a stupid question because yes, I have had girls get mad at me for getting them roses – once because she thought roses were too clichéd so I clearly wasn’t putting any thought into what I got her, the other because she shockingly hated roses. If we ask you what movie you want to watch while we cuddle on the couch, don’t say you don’t care because you’ll end up watching Star Wars, Miracle, Hoosiers, or Field of Dreams. If you’re okay with that, well then you’re awesome and shouldn’t be worried about reading this article anyway. But seriously, if we’re asking you to choose, it’s not because we’re slacking, it’s because we know how much Valentine’s Day means to you and we want it to be as good as it can possibly be, so your insight is important. I asked one of my best lady friends, a 20-year-old junior at Merrimack College, for her take on the subject. Here’s what she had to say:

“Girls say ‘I don’t care’ because they don’t want to choose. Don’t ever make a girl choose. You should have spent time getting to know her so then she wants to see how well you do. She’s leaving it kind of as a test up to you if you can take her somewhere she will enjoy! Dates are on you. When you’ve been together long enough, then she’ll start taking control.”

Here’s my takeaway from all that:

1. RE: taking control – I’m scared.
2. What if it’s one of those ‘we’re not really dating but you’re my date for Valentine’s Day’ type things, or Valentine’s Day is your actual first date? We don’t know anything about you yet! That’s way too much pressure on us considering…
3. YOU MADE THIS A TEST?! You’ve completely ruined this day for yourselves. I’m disgusted.
4. Bottom line: throw us a bone. We’re doing this for you, so humor us. You don’t have to say exactly where you want to go or what flowers you want, just give us a ballpark idea like Italian food or the red flowers that come in 12 packs with thorns.

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the clock is ticking. The good news for the ladies reading this is that my last sentence should really only make the guys start to panic. Any pressure has now been lifted from your shoulders because, lucky for you, you have me (and my list of things I’d actually want my girlfriend to do for me on Valentine’s day). And, really, what more could any gal need?

If your top resolution for 2015 was to eat fewer cookies, then we have some "bad" news for you that's you that's actually really amazing: Girl Scouts of America has released three new cookie flavors! The best part? They include gluten-free options!

Toffee-tastic, which will probably taste as good as it sounds, is a rich, toffee-filled perfection that'll come in a gluten-free choice. Then there's Trios, the other gluten-free variety that will boast the most amount of texture: Peanut butter, whole grain oats and chocolate chips will be stuffed into one place—kind of like a Chewy Bar but about 1000 times better since it's a cookie! And last but not least, there's Rah Rah Raisin, which we know will be more than just your average raisin cookie. To spice up what may otherwise be the "unpopular cookie," Girl Scouts is throwing in some delectable yogurt chips.

But before you get overly excited and start stalking your local troop for a box, make sure you check that these options are actually available near you! The new additions won't be released everywhere just yet—we're just trying to spare you any disappointment, just in case.

Which flavor are you most excited for?

The haute couture shows in Paris are over for the season...sigh. But we're still drooling over the looks designed by fashion's finest. Here are 15 highlights for you to peruse in order to relive the fabulous week in the city of love and fashion.

1. Christian Dior

Um hello, it’s a sequin jumpsuit. Need we say more?

2. Giambattista Valli

This tulle cupcake dress (in a total HC-approved pink no less!) is so delicious, we can practically taste it through our computer screens.

3. Christian Lagerwaard

If you ever need a dress to attend a garden party hosted by a rock star, you know what to wear. 

4. Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld has spoken. It’s official; puffy sleeves are back... and flat shoes are officially in. Collegiettes everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief.

5. Atelier Versace

Who said an LBD has to be plain? Sequins and daring cutouts update this classic party look.

6. Schiaparelli

That '70s (Fashion) Show. 

7. Yanina

This dreamy dress is begging to be worn by a hippy bride to her beach wedding.

8. Dice Kayek 

Loving this take on bell sleeves… what a perfect Valentine's Day look!

9. Busardi

Is it too early to make Oscar’s red carpet predictions? Because this would kill on a celeb with long, beachy locks. 

10. Stephane Rolland 

Who could have imagined that dressing like an orchid could turn out so beautifully?!

11. La Perla

Fifty shades of chic!

12. Alexandre Vauthier

Not sure where we’d wear this edgy coat-dress, but we definitely want it in our closets.

13. On Aura Tout Vu

And with that, ruffles have gone from girly to rocker-chic. 

14. Julien Fournié 

Color blocking, ankle strap, sporty soles, oh my!

15. Yiqing Yin

Hello, power dress!

Which of these high fashion looks will be inspiring your spring wardrobes, collegiettes?

They are the worst part of the college experience; they are the most dreaded nights of the school year; they are the distress-wracked hours of studying until your brain turns to mush. They are all-nighters. While entirely avoidable for the lucky souls who are superb time-managers, most college students lack the available hours in a university day to steer clear of all-nighters altogether, especially come midterms or finals. So we must suffer through them. Semester after semester, a paper that seems unconquerable before sunrise makes its way into our stress-ridden lives. But we somehow endure the many stages of these trying times (likely due to the buckets of coffee we consume).

1. Preparing for Hell

Settling into your study spot of choice with the sad knowledge that you are about to endure an all-nighter is one of the worst parts. You look in the glass of your sleeping computer screen and take in your reflection. Your hair is decently put together, your face is matte, your eyes are lacking dark circles. But you know that this is all going to disappear. You say goodbye to your peace of mind and your admirable reflection as you boot up your computer and dreadfully get to work.

2. ​Making Friends With the Clock

As you pick up momentum and keep working, you can't help but notice how the minutes are ticking by. You've only been working a mere couple hours, but your deadline is inching closer by the minute. The thought of reaching sunrise with an unsatisfying product, or worse, an unfinished one, lingers in your mind as you vigorously attempt to make progress. You notice that you've been glancing at the time in the corner of your laptop screen nearly as much as you've been looking at your work.

3. Social Media Binge #1

You've been at it for hours, and you just need a dose of reality! Or the reality of social media addiction. You say you'll just check Twitter and Instagram for a five-minute break, but that small break turns into a half hour. And before you know it, you're on the verge of typing netflix.com into your browser. Another little break couldn't hurt, right? No! It very well could hurt. Resist the urge to "Continue Watching"!

4. Caffeine Refill

Your first cup of coffee is long gone, and you need a reboot. It may be nearly midnight, but when it comes to all-nighters, all proper hours for drinking caffeinated beverages fly out the window (much like motivation). You're going to royally mess up your sleep schedule anyways, so really, what's another few ounces of coffee?

5. Sudden Rush of Early-Morning Motivation

For a rare and beautiful moment, pointless posts on social media and your dreamlike haze of thinking about your crush have finally left your mind, and your full attention is somehow redirected to your schoolwork. Maybe the caffeine kicked in in just the right way, but suddenly it's two in the morning and you've actually accomplished a solid chunk of work. You feel pride kick in for a glimmering moment, just before it disappears forever, only to be replaced by stage six:

6. Utter Despair

It sinks in that you're only about halfway done with the vast amount of work you have to accomplish before your deadline. This is without a doubt a glass-half-empty situation. And as you realize that you have five hours left, it suddenly seems like you have five minutes left. You let out a small fear tear before resting your head on the table. 

7. Accidental Nap

"I'll just rest my eyes for a moment," you think. "I just need a break for 10 minutes." Your heavy eyelids take a break, as does your achy head, and you allow your pitiful self to sulk onto the uncomfortable desk in what somehow feels like the most glorious nap you've ever experienced. When your alloted time is up, it has suddenly become impossible to lift yourself back up and get back to work. The thought of continuing on with this hellish ordeal of an all-nighter is almost reducing you to tears again. You keep your eyes closed, and when they open again, you realize you've wasted a precious 30 minutes. Cue utter despair again.

8. Brain Pudding

This particular stage is when the brain transforms to mush for a one- to three-hour period. Side effects include staring off into space, rereading single sentences 24 times until the meaning is somewhat absorbed and forgetting everything you ever learned. 

9. A Sunrise Life Contemplation

At this point you've been awake for so long that your assignment is moved to the back burner of your mind, and you begin to contemplate everything: the college education system, every detail of how your last relationship ended, the lyrics to "Eye of the Tiger." If you have a study buddy, at this point the two of you have had deeper conversations than one should have with a study buddy. By the morning light, the two of you nod in agreement to statements such as, "Whatever job I get, I just don't want to be controlled by the system, ya know?" and, "I wonder if I'll ever truly love again." This is the bonding, hipster-izing power of the all-nighter.

10. Final Surge

The hours have become minutes, and what was before a barren library inhabited only by late-night janitors and fellow night-owl students is starting to populate with the well-rested folk again. Your deadline is fastly approaching, and as you wrap up your final paragraphs, spell-checking and yawning, you feel a sense of relief floating over you. Sleep is finally near. You do one last sweep over the final product of the horrid hours you just endured, and you hit "submit."

11. Sleep

There is arguably no greater feeling than closing out of tabs and shutting down a computer after a long night of work. As the computer goes to sleep, as you soon will, you get another glance at your reflection. Frazzled hair, oily skin, dark circles, and a look of utter defeat stare back at you. You slam your laptop shut on the poster child of college stress and trudge back to the heaven of the comforter/mattress pad/pillow combination awaiting your return.

This is your reminder to stay on top of your syllabi. For if you fail, these stages of despair await.

Let’s be real — whether it’s from movies, music or our favorite celebs, the media have set high expectations for our own romantic relationships. We can’t help but idolize couples like Beyoncé and Jay-Z in the hopes of being in a relationship as half as flawless as theirs someday. Until then, all we can do is keep dreaming and setting our standards high. Here are 12 #RelationshipGoals we all have.

1. To meet someone who shares your unconditional love for all thingspizza.

Making dinner plans just got that much easier.

2. To look so darn good together that you and your SO get mistaken for Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

Paparazzi, no pictures, please.

3. To find someone who’s down for spontaneous dancing in the middle of the day.

Extra points if he or she is willing to serenade you.

4. To meet someone who surprises you with what you really want on Valentine’s Day.

Because real roses would be just too clichéd.

5. To be with someone who believes in you as much as Kanye believes in himself.

Confidence is key.

6. To date someone who accepts you at your worst — especially when the emotional breakdowns, existential crises and inevitable period cramps hit.

Probably all at once.

7. And to find someone who is waiting for you with ice cream when they do.

That’s when you know you’ve found a keeper.

8. To be with someone who knows exactly how and when you like your coffee.

Once he or she’s memorized your Starbucks order, you know it’s real.

9. To date someone who tolerates your awful singing voice.

And accepts the fact that you’ll never stop spontaneously belting “Shake It Off.”

10. To find someone who is prepared for your klutziness.

Because true love is always there to catch you when you fall.

11. To be with someone who doesn’t judge you for your irrational snack cravings.

Or when you want to eat waffles in bed.

12. And to find someone who can laugh it off with you.

Because at the end of the day, that’s all that matters, right?

While our favorite celebs have set some big expectations for our relationships, that doesn’t mean we can’t keep setting our standards high. Never settle, collegiettes! 

Ever not have the time to blow-dry your hair? Ever just… not want to? Most of us do everything in our power to minimize the time we spend getting ready in the morning, even if it means sleeping in a braid. Whether it’s because our makeup routine is becoming lengthier every day or we really want need that extra hour of sleep in the morning, we’re always up for finding the easiest ways to do our hair (while still looking fabulous!).

For those days you can get away with it, styling your hair wet could actually be easier and faster, plus it'll leave your hair frizz-free! We’ve rounded up 5 ways to style your hair, without needing the extra 20 minutes with the blowdryer.

Sleek ponytail

What if we told you could look like red carpet material without even pulling out your styling tools? A sleek ponytail is easily the most stunning style you can achieve with wet hair.

Brush through your hair, and part it whichever way you would like—whether it’s slicked back, or split down your usual part. Carefully comb your hair back as tightly and neatly as you can, and pull it into your regular pony. You can lightly comb down any stray pieces. To minimize fly-aways and keep it lasting all day, finish the look off with some hairspray!

Sleek bun

If Kim K can pull it off at her numerous events, then chances are that you can get away with this on a daily basis. Follow the same steps as you would if you were making a ponytail, then twist your ponytail around the elastic and secure the bun with bobby pins. No matter which way you achieve your own bun, styling it wet will always up your chic factor. Again, be sure to secure it with a bit of hairspray!

Braids

When we say braids, we mean any kind of braids. It might be common sense, but braids are way easier to do when your hair is wet. They arguably even look better that way, too! For a new spin on things, we recommend the rope braid. Simply begin by making a ponytail and dividing it into two sections. Twist each section separately in opposite directions, and tightly wrap one around the other. Then secure the end with another elastic. 

And voilà! You look like you put a lot of effort into that ‘do without touching any semblance of a tool... all in a matter of minutes.

Real beach waves

Remember in middle school, when all of the girls would put copious amounts of gel in their hair to achieve curls? Well, we can’t say they weren’t onto something there.

For a look that makes it seem like you actually just got out of the water, brush through your wet hair. Apply mousse throughout, grab large sections of your hair and scrunch lightly! Really longing for the summer? Finish with a sea salt spray!

Accessorize

The reason many of us refuse to venture out with wet hair is because we don’t feel put together. Wet hair usually screams, “I pressed the snooze button 5 times on my alarm this morning and now I’m late.” While that may or may not be true, there are ways to dress up your hair to make it say, “I did this on purpose.” Combining your sleek up-do with a headscarf, wrap, or band is an easy way to upgrade your wet-hair look.

These styles will still look great long after your hair dries, too! Which of these styles is your secret morning weapon, collegiettes?

As if we needed yet another reason to love Chris Pratt, he took it upon himself to make a bet with fellow Marvel super hero Chris Evans over who would win the Super Bowl. Pratt, who is a proud Seattle Seahawks fan, started a Twitter war with Evans who roots for the New England Patriots. The two Chris’s went head-to-head on Twitter, taunting each other's favorite teams, ending in an epic bet.

They both agreed that if the Patriots won the game, Pratt would visit a charity dressed as his character Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy. On the other hand, if the Seahawks won, Evans would visit a children’s hospital dressed as Captain America. This "Twitter feud" between the two friends helped bring attention and generous donations to Christopher’s Haven, a charity that brings hope to children with cancer.  

Although it was the New England Patriots who were named champions, everyone will end up a winner. Evans promised to join Pratt in visiting children’s hospitals in Boston and Seattle dressed as their Marvel characters. Turns out these two are real-life heroes off screen as well!

Showing your sweetheart how much you care about them shouldn’t be an expensive task! Here are a few sweet, creative ways that you can celebrate Valentine’s Day this year without breaking the bank.

The Gift

Whether you intend to spoil him with expensive items or not, finding the right gift for a guy can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be! When you hand him one of these thoughtful, personal, do-it-yourself presents, you’ll remind your guy why he cares about you so much.

Instagram Your Love

His walls are probably pretty bare (save for that “Keep Calm and Have a Beer” poster), so why not make him a photo collage to brighten up his dorm? You’ve probably Instagrammed all of your cutest couple-y moments together anyway. Follow this tutorial from a blog called A Beautiful Mess to craft your thoughtful gift. Plus, now he’ll get to show off his gorgeous girlfriend to all of his friends!

Cozy Up with a T-Shirt Pillow

You can’t exactly give your guy a Build-a-Bear to cuddle as he falls asleep (unless you want him to be relentlessly made fun of by his friends), so make him one of these instead! By following this tutorial, you can turn a t-shirt into a pillow for him to sleep with. You’ll show him that you know his interests when you use a t-shirt from his favorite band or football team, and he’ll think of you when he falls asleep each night—now that’s killing two birds with one stone.

Send a Love Letter

Between iMessage, Facebook chat and Skype dates, it’s rare for someone to receive handwritten mail in this day and age—there’s something so personal about reading something handwritten instead of skimming paragraphs in your typical Helvetica. So sit down with a pen and paper and write him a love letter! He’ll be touched that you took the time to put your feelings for him down in writing. Bonus points if you seal it with a kiss!

Give Him Some Sugar

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and whoever “they” are, they’re right! All you need is a heart-shaped cookie cutter, this simple sugar cookie recipe, and some red and pink icing, and you’ve got the sweetest Valentine’s Day gift a man could ask for.

The Date

Get Starry-Eyed

Get together tons of blankets and pillows, thermoses of hot chocolate, and make a romantic playlist. Then go stargazing! If he has a pick-up truck, set up camp in the bed of it; if not, bring extra blankets and pillows to lay on the ground, then curl up together in a clearing somewhere! Whether you know the names of the constellations or not won’t matter; he’ll love wrapping his arms around you to keep you warm as you stare up at the starry sky together.

Go On a Picnic

Make your man an easy, delicious meal, then go on a picnic—in the living room of your apartment (or on the floor of your dorm room)! Throw a blanket on the floor and light some candles. Then enjoy all of the fun of a picnic without braving the cold, and all of the deliciousness of a Valentine’s Day feast without spending big bucks at a restaurant!

Pamper Each Other

For a date night that he won’t soon forget, light some candles, put on some soothing music, and treat each other to massages! Following this tutorial, you can learn relax him from his scalp to his feet. Pick up some massage lotion beforehand to make the experience even better. Make sure he returns the favor!

Have an Old-Fashioned Movie Night

While going to the movies used to be an inexpensive date-night activity, those days are long gone. So bring the nostalgic joy of dinner-and-a-movie back to life by creating a movie theater in your own living room. Put some buttery popcorn in these adorable containers and pick up some Swedish Fish and Cookie Dough Bites from your local supermarket. Then take a step up from the giant cups of soda and snag some of your guy’s favorite beer. Make it a Double Feature, choosing one action movie he’ll love and a rom-com you’ve been dying to see, then snuggle in close and enjoy the show! (Now you don’t even have to hide in the back row—you’re more than welcome to kiss from the opening credits to the closing ones!)

With these cheap and simple options at hand, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a trying or expensive ordeal. Pick a few and let him know you’re crazy about him without stressing yourself out too much!

When it was announced that Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart would be the latest stars to undergo Jimmy Fallon's popular "Lip Sync Battle," we knew without a doubt that this was going to be no ordinary spectacle. But we could never have imagined the utter gem that would be presented during last night's episode of the Tonight Show. (Even Fallon was losing it in the background.) The second that comedian Ferrell took the stage and announced he would be performing a rendition of Queen B's "Drunk In Love," the crowd screamed with delight. With a pop of his hip and a pretty big dose of sass, Ferrell went down in late night history with a performance that as, Fallon described, we will "never be able be able to unsee." It was nothing short of legendary!

We mean:

The man gave Beyoncé a run for her money. He rolled and shimmied and gave it his all in front of millions of people. That was what made it so epic—we don't even perform this fully when we're singing in our own shower/car/dorm room.

But the fun didn't stop there—Fallon held his own with an on-point imitation of vintage Kelly Clarkson, performing "Since U Been Gone."

Kevin Hart's "emotional" ballad dedicated to his "true love" had Will Ferrell unable to control his emotions.

By far though, the show-stealing performance of the night was Ferrell once again, as he belted out a no-holds-back "Let It Go"—no shame for knowing all the lyrics... we are right there with you!

And the finishing touch...

Fallon's "Dirty Dancing" duet with surprise guest Drew Barrymore was pretty fantastic, too:

Not to mention, Hart's crowd-pumping tribute to halftime star Katy Perry: 

If you're anything like us, you just can't get enough—so here's the entire lip sync battle below... we suggest setting aside a few hours so you can watch this on repeat!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so that means dressing the part for whatever the day might bring you. You don't want to be overdressed and look like you're trying too hard or underdressed and look like you didn't try at all. Finding a balance between the two is key for looking effortlessly chic and put together. You're probably going to want to stick to classic Valentine's Day colors like red and pink, but you don't want to look like a walking Hallmark card decked out in hearts and lovey-dovey messages. So keep it classy and sophisticated while adding some Valentine's elements here. Whether you're going on a fancy dinner date, a casual walk with your SO or a night in with your single girl friends, there's an outfit perfect for the occasion.

1. Coffee date

 

MANGO cut out dress
$53 - mango.com
 

 

Tory Burch red shoes
$135 - theoutnet.com
 

 

Drop earrings
baublebar.com
 

 

Thierry Lasry cat eye glasses
neimanmarcus.com
 

If you and your SO aren't able to be together on Valentine's Day, getting coffee sometime during the week can be your pseudo V-Day date. In this vibrant red shift dress and matching flats, you'll be sure to catch your date's eye as soon as you walk in the room. Add some dramatic cateye sunglasses and glam chandelier earrings to make this look a little bit dressier than your normal school clothes.

2. Dinner date

 

Chicnova Fashion preppy shirt
chicnova.com
 

 

Alice Olivia zipper mini skirt
$745 - julesb.co.uk
 

 

Heels & pumps
$54 - novoshoes.com.au
 

 

Essie beauty product
target.com
 

 

Floral fragrance
mimifroufrou.com
 

Nothing says Valentine's Day like lots of kisses! This skirt is the perfect piece to wear on this romatic day if you're going to dinner with your Valentine. Because the skirt is made of such a formal tulle material, pairing it with an oversized red sweater can help keep the look effortless. Strappy black heels and some light pink nail polish add to the girly look of the outfit. 

3. Movie night

 

Wildfox pajamas
$78 - jades24.com
 

 

kate spade new york fabian furry slipper bootie
cusp.com
 

 

Sterling silver stud earrings
claddaghstore.com
 

 

Vintage glasses
shadesdaddy.com
 

 

Just because you're just staying in for the night and watching movies doesn't mean you can't still look cute! Instead of throwing on your usual sweats and T-shirt getup, try a flirty PJ set with a fun print. Black furry booties and some thick black frames will keep you super cozy with your SO or your girls (no matter who you're hanging with!), and the heart earrings are subtley festive for Valentine's Day.

4. Ice skating

 

Toast boatneck top
$145 - toa.st
 

 

PINGHE leather legging
runway2street.com
 

 

Betsey Johnson chain necklace
zappos.com
 

 

Ted Baker glove
tedbaker.com
 

 

Oasis pink hat
$15 - oasis-stores.com
 

 

If the ice rinks near you are still open, an ice skating sesh for Valentine's Day is a fun date idea. You're going to want to bundle up so you can focus all of your energy on your date, so a sweater, hat and gloves are imperative. Adding pearl necklace with glitzy hearts and some loose curls coming out from under your hat will keep you looking cute while you're on the ice. 

5. Spa day at home

 

Ralph Lauren Home white robe
amara.com
 

 

Havaianas strap shoes
havaianas.com
 

 

Adina Reyter pave diamond jewelry
pinkmascara.com
 

 

Nail care
julep.com
 

 

L'Agent By Agent Provocateur Esthar Eye Mask - Valentino Red
shopbop.com
 

 

Doing an at-home spa day is a great (and cost-friendly) alternative if you can't make it to an actual spa on Valentine's Day. A fluffy bathrobe is as just essential to a spa day as the facials and massages are. Flip-flops and an eye mask in festive colors will also come in handy. Don't be afraid to accessorize; just keep it simple. A dainty necklace or a small pair of earrings is all you'll need. 

6. Sporting event

 

Dsquared2 distressed jeans
tessabit.com
 

 

Timberland boots
$240 - danielfootwear.com
 

 

Kate spade necklace
saksfifthavenue.com
 

 

Purple lipstick
etsy.com
 

 

Wilfred red top
aritzia.com
 

 

Going to see a game on Valentine's Day is a fun and easy way for you and your SO just to spend time together. Try a bit of a tougher look for this occasion with some distressed jeans and Timberland boots. A cropped top and vampy lips keep the outfit perfectly balanced between edgy and girly. A gold heart necklace gives a nod to the romantic holiday without being too obvious.

7. Group date

 

Cushnie Et Ochs white cami
net-a-porter.com
 

 

STELLA McCARTNEY lined dress pants
stellamccartney.com
 

 

Chiara Ferragni glitter shoes
adasa.com
 

 

Kenneth Jay Lane cubic zirconia cluster earrings
shopbop.com
 

 

If you're going on a group date, you're going to want to make sure you stand out in all the right ways. White isn't typically a winter color, so wearing a flity white blouse will be totally unexpected. With your hair up, you'll also be showing the perfect amont of skin; not too much, not too little. Add some glitzy earrings and flats to really dress up the outfit and look Valentine's Day-ready.

8. Walk around town

 

Crop top
blackfive.com
 

 

P A R O S H red skirt
farfetch.com
 

 

J Crew ballet flat
jcrew.com
 

 

Crossbody handbag
$38 - oliverbonas.com
 

 

J Crew pearl jewelry
jcrew.com
 

 

Rebecca Minkoff pearl jewelry
piperlime.gap.com
 

 

Even if you aren't going on a super-elaborate date, a romantic walk around town with your SO can be just as fun. Bright colors like this pink and orange will practically make you glow. The floral skirt is fun and flouncy and the sweater will keep you warm while it's still chilly out. Flats are a must when you're going to be walking around so your feet don't kill you by the end of the night!

9. Just dessert

 

Lace dress
choies.com
 

 

Fabio Rusconi flat shoes
lorisshoes.com
 

 

Stud earrings
baublebar.com
 

 

Going out to for dessert is a yummy alternative to a full-on dinner date. For a quick date like this, a simple outfit will do the trick. This red long-sleeve dress is pretty much an outfit in and of itself. Dress it up a little with a flirty cateye and glam earrings—that's all this stunner needs! The gold flats with scalloped edges make for a pretty detail and add some more glam to the look.

There's an outfit out there for anthing you might be doing this Valentine's Day. What are you going to do (and more importantly, wear!) this V-Day?

In the midst of the dreary months of winter, it can be easy to fall into a sloppy fashion slump of sweats and snuggly puffer jackets – it’s freezing cold and sometimes snowy, making the majority of your wardrobe un-wearable for a few months.

Or so you thought! We got the inside scoop from collegiettes in chilly places on their favorite cold-weather style hacks. Read on for some major winter fashion inspiration and get ready to turn your winter style slump around!

1. Add some fuzzy faux fur
 

Trendy dressers, get excited: One of the best ways to stay warm during the chilliest days is also one of this season’s biggest trends – fur! Whether real or faux, University of Virginia senior Katrina Margolis says that fur is the chicest and warmest way to bundle up.

“I have been dealing with the cold all of my life, and my number-one advice is to wear fur,” Katrina says. “I have a rabbit scarf that is the warmest thing I've ever worn. I know a lot of people are opposed to real fur, so fake fur is also definitely another way to stay warm with a bit of a flair.”

Our favorite ways to don some snuggly faux fur? Oversize fur jackets are super trendy right now and have been spotted on celebs like Ashley Olsen. To add a pattern to an outfit, leopard looks super chic and dresses up a neutral look. If you want to wear the material as an accent, try small accessories like scarves or furry combat boots, a winter-weather twist on the closet staple. The key to wearing fur is to pick one furry piece and keep the rest of your outfit simple in order to let the fur stand out and make a statement. Let’s avoid the yeti look, please – no matter how cold it gets!

2. Slip on some snuggly socks
 

To keep those toes toasty on sidewalks full of slush and snow, New York University senior Claudia Dimuro recommends the warmest, fuzziest socks you can find.

“One of the most old-fashioned and underrated ways [to stay warm] would be socks,” Claudia says. “Fuzzy socks in cold weather can get a girl a long way when it comes to being comfortable (and fashionable).”

Sure, it’s easy to hide your socks under your boots, but why not use them to make a super-cute fashion statement? We love the look of neutral, chunky, knit knee-high socks that peek out of the top of your favorite pair of classic riding boots. Another snuggly option is to layer a pair of mid-calf high socks with combat boots – this is a super chic look that you can top off with tights and a flared skater skirt. Dark red or oxblood knit socks peeking out from brown combat boots add a pop of color to any look and will keep those ankles cozy!

3. Layer up
 

It seems simple, but adding lots of layers to your outfit is a super chic way to stay warm (and add interest to your look!). Victoria Mikula, a sophomore at Point Park University, loves wearing her winter pea coat under her favorite fall jacket in order to keep using it through the freezing winter months.

“One of my favorite cold-weather hacks going to school in cold Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is, of course, layering!” Victoria says. “I love my fall jacket, but it's just too light to wear by itself in the winter, so I wear a lighter winter jacket underneath it. Not only is my fall jacket much more stylish, but the extra layer ensures that I'll be toasty warm while I explore my freezing city!”

The easiest way to quickly add toasty layers? Like Victoria, try a jacket under a coat – not only will it keep you warm, but you’ll also still have a super-stylish layered outfit once you take your coat off indoors! Go for a leather moto jacket under an oversize faux-fur coat for a super-edgy look, or even a practical puffer vest underneath a chic topper in a trendy color like powder blue, which was featured on runways like Creatures of Comfort and Tibi this season.

The key to layering is to not overdo it – after all, you won’t want to be so bundled up that you can’t walk to class! A good rule of thumb is to have a maximum of three layers: A light sweater or shirt, a jacket or heavy cardigan and a coat on top of it all will ensure you’re bundled – not bulked – up.

4. Upgrade your headwear
 

We love our slouchy beanies, but come February and March, we’re getting a little bit bored of wearing them every. Single. Day. To mix things up, Alexandra Blessing, a junior at Millersville University, recommends knitted headbands as a super-cute winter-weather fashion accessory.

“I occasionally knit, so I made a bunch of cute head warmers to cover my ears in the freezing cold!” Alexandra says. “Sometimes I keep it on all day because it goes so well with my outfit.”

For those who can knit or are DIY-savvy, making your own headband can be a fun project. Not a fan of DIY? Opt for head warmers in chunkier knit styles, a texture that was huge on runways like The Row this season. Knits made of wool, like the two-tone ASOS headband above, will be extra warm. For a fun twist, try pretty beading or a colorful print! Wear them over wavy bedhead hair for an effortless way to keep warm and pull your look together.

5. Choose high-tech tights

On the coldest days of winter, even tights won’t keep your legs warm enough to let you break out your favorite skirt. What’s a stylish-skirt-loving girl to do?

Collegiettes, heat technology tights are here for you. Tights and leggings that have special heat technology, like Calvin Klein’s Tech Heat tights or Pretty Poly’s Heat Sense Tights, keep you warm by retaining your body heat.

To keep your style game strong through winter, try investing in a pair or two of heat technology tights in basic black to go with all your favorite skirts or switching out your go-to leggings for leggings with heat technology—a way warmer alternative. Need to really bundle up? Layer tights or leggings under your favorite jeans for extra warmth!

Sweatpants, hat hair and ski jackets? No longer necessary evils of winter. With these style hacks, you’ll have no problem beating the chilly winter blahs and making it to spring without turning into an ice cube!
 

Whatever your plans for Valentine’s Day, we’re setting you up with a special treat from us to you! We’ve partnered up with Michelle Chang Jewelry to score you a $300 shopping spree to pick up diamonds, 14k gold jewelry and so much more!

Designer Michelle Chang finds inspiration in everything from nature to man-made goods, the living to the static. And her background in fine art, illustration and design is evident in her stunning designs—each piece is intricate, and carefully crafted with deep attention to detail. We’re partial to the adorable animal collection, where you’ll find a cat ring with sparkling diamond eyes, a tiny spider that’s cuter than it is scary and even a dainty little hedgehog. Or, if you’re looking for something special for Valentine’s Day, you’ll want this “I Heart U” charm necklace or a teensy diamond-accented heart necklace.

So what will you shop with this $300 gift card? Enter below now for your chance to win—and we can’t wait to see what you spoil yourself with this Valentine’s Day!