If you're anything like us, you've probably been hoarding Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers ever since Bonne Belle released a statement last month saying that they were planning to lay off all 91 of their employees and close their Ohio manufacturing facility.

But have no fear! There's no need to buy up every tube of Lip Smacker you set eyes on; it turns out the company has been sold to Markwins International Corp., owners of Physicians Formula and Wet n Wild.

After much outcry from devoted fans, the company posted this on their Facebook page:

"Thank you everyone for your concern and loyalty for the Bonne Bell Company. We are overwhelmed with all the Lip Smacker and Bonne Bell Cosmetics love you have all shown over the years! The Lip Smacker and Bonne Bell brands have been sold but WILL continue to be available for purchase in the US and internationally. This is a revamping to the brands and we are excited to see what the future holds! So don't worry, you won't have to live in a Lip Smacker-less world!"

Let's all breathe a sigh of relief—the '90s beauty staple is here to stay. All this talk of revamping has got everyone excited and could possibly mean some new modern flavors. We're thinking maybe Nutella? Or cronut?

What new Lip Smacker flavor would you love to see, collegiettes?

Getting sick of your workout playlist? Tired of tuning through radio stations on your morning commute? There are better ways to pass time while exercising, driving or going on a walk! Podcasts are a great way to pass time and distract yourself, and they’re often fun, informative and even hilarious. Here’s a roundup of our seven favorite podcasts of the moment!

1. Serial

Serial, a podcast from the creators of This American Life (a weekly public radio show) hosted by Sara Koenig, is more of a story than anything else. The podcast breaks down the details of a true (and suspenseful!) story over the course of an entire season—kind of like a crime show in podcast form. 

“It's basically breaking down a murder case that happened years ago,” explains Sara, a senior at Assumption College. “I'm only one episode in, but it's [already] so interesting!” If you’re in the mood to uncover a story and be left in suspense, explore Season One of Serial for free on iTunes.

2. Pop Culture Happy Hour

Though we may imagine NPR sticks to more serious subjects, they stray to a more fun conversation with their weekly podcast, Pop Culture Happy Hour. Hosted by “Monkey See” blogger Linda Holmes and an array of other guests, the podcast covers books, movies, music, television, comics “and pretty much anything else that strikes a nerve,” according to their website.

“It’s basically a group of really smart, really funny people sitting around and discussing various pop culture topics,” says Samantha, a senior at Union College. “I find that even when they're chatting about something I'm not necessarily interested in—say, a show I don't watch or music I don't listen to—I'm still enlightened and entertained by what they have to say.” You can listen online here.

3. Stuff You Missed in History Class

As part of the HowStuffWorks organization, an edu-tainment website with the goal of giving its audience insight into how everything and anything works, the Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast’s goal is to educate listeners. Hosted by Tracy Wilson and Holly Frey, the podcast covers everything from African history to archaeology to exhumations.

“They cover all kinds of historical topics from the very strange or mysterious to great tales of heroism,” says Chloe, a senior at the University of La Verne. “They always make it fun and interesting. It's like all the parts of history that you wish your high school teacher would have gone off on more tangents about.” Catch Stuff You Missed in History Class for free on iTunes.

4. Welcome to Night Vale

If you’re more interested in following a story than learning something new, think about tuning in to Welcome to Night Vale, a podcast presented as a radio show for the fictional town of Night Vale and the strange events that occur in it. The series was created by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, and the host and narrator is voiced by Cecil Baldwin with guest stars popping in as secondary characters.

“Night Vale [is] a really strange and often supernatural desert community,” says Kathryn, a senior at Vanderbilt University. “[It’s] a darkly funny and super imaginative podcast!” Episodes typically consist of “news, announcements and advertisements” from the desert town, which is located “somewhere in the Southwestern United States.” So if you’re in the mood for some spooky humor and a suspenseful story, check out Welcome to Night Vale on iTunes!

5. Guys We F*cked: The Anti Slut-Shaming Podcast

Though it may seem like a nightmare to have a publicized conversation with former sexual partners, comedians Corinne Fisher and Krystyna Hutchinson have no fear in their podcast, Guys We F*cked. The comic duo known as “Sorry About Last Night” hosts one-hour episodes in which the funny ladies freely discuss sex, relationships and how they fit into U.S. culture.

Each week, one of the twentysomething girls brings on a former sexual partner to discuss any topics that come up. They dig into their past and revel in their findings—hilariously, we might add. Occasionally, they bring on special guests like LGBTQ+ supporters, transgender guests, escorts or anyone else that may have an interesting take on what sex means to society. The goal is to ban the idea of slut-shaming from our minds by having an open conversation about sex and relationships. Tune in on their SoundCloud page.

6. The Read

Ashley, ­­­­­a senior at Georgia State University, describes The Read as “a weekly podcast covering gossip/news from hip hop, pop culture and its most famous stars with a humorous attitude.” Hosted by Kid Fury and Crissle, the show “also serves as an on-air therapy session for the two friends adjusting to life living in New York,” she says.

“I love this podcast because they are so funny, anyone can relate to the topics and listener questions they discuss, and you get all of the juicy news about the top celebrities that happened that week!” Ashley says. Tune into The Read for free on iTunes.

7. Psychobabble

While it may be marketed as “a half hour of unfiltered gossip sessions, pop culture scrutiny and stories never told before,” Psychobabble, hosted by best friends Tyler Oakley and Korey Kuhl, usually strays into a half hour convo about Katy Perry, holidays or food—in other words, anything.

LGBTQ+ YouTube personality Tyler Oakley and his good friend Korey embark on short weekly episodes discussing whatever happened regarding celebrity news (read: Justin Bieber’s Calvin Klein ad, Taylor Swift’s latest album and Katy Perry—always Katy Perry), which usually diverges into various other conversations. The two have a hilarious and honest approach to expressing their thoughts, and there’s never a dull moment on air. Listen to Psychobabble for free on iTunes.

Kiss your boring commutes and old workout playlists goodbye! With these podcasts you can listen to stories, learn something new or catch up on the news while you’re going about your day. 

Remember those New Year’s resolutions you made not so long ago? Chances are, you can hardly recall what your goals were, much less actually kept up with them. Well, with spring break on the horizon, it’s time to kick in to high gear and unearth those resolutions to get in shape just in time for bikini season.

We’ve partnered up with YogaByCandace and scored you the ultimate package that’ll get you in shape, stat! You’ll get the YogaByCandace Sweat Yoga DVD, a 60-minute power yoga series that’ll not only burn fat, tone and build endurance—it’ll also calm the mind, offering you a welcome respite from any busy day at school. You’ll also get $100 off a yoga retreat in Miami, Costa Rica, Greece, Morocco or upstate New York… in case you want to spend your spring break in a new way this year. Plus, we’re throwing in some Her Campus swag: Our super adorable #HCXO Rope Tote to carry all your campus essentials in style; a pair of our Sun Times Ahead sunnies, since warm weather is coming faster than you think (we promise!); and our sassy Sipping Pretty tumbler, so you can stay hydrated during those yoga sessions.

Ready to whip yourself in shape? Enter below now for a chance to win the ultimate yoga package!

A lot of adjustments come with the end of college, and one of the hardest is moving away from your friends. For the past four years, you’ve pretty much spent all day every day with your besties, who were literally across the hall, street or campus. But now, whether you’re living in a new city or all your college friends have moved away, it can feel like suddenly, you have… no friends. But instead of hashtagging everything on social media with #NoNewFriends and comforting yourself with a large jar of Nutella, you should be celebrating the friends you do have, no matter how few or far away. Here’s why!

1. No one actually has 3,572 friends

As much as we love and could not live without Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Pinterest, comparing what happens on social media to what our lives are really like is only going to leave you feeling unsatisfied. It all goes back to a famous quote by Steve Furtwick (that you’ve probably actually seen on Pinterest): “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel.” This isn’t just true for the beach and airplane pics on Instagram, but also for the numbers we see on social media—the 5,000+ friends on Facebook, the 80 likes on your latest Instagram photo…

Think about it. Chances are that, unless you run a tight social media ship (i.e. you delete everyone you haven’t seen in over a year), you aren’t really friends with even half your Facebook “friends.” There are hundreds of people from high school that you’d ignore if you ran into at the grocery store, another few hundred from college that you had ONE class with freshman year and a handful of people that you drunkenly met and decided you’d be BFFs with for life… and then never spoke to again. But we often forget all of that when comparing our numbers to others’ (why did she get so many likes on practically the same photo?!).

Of course, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t spend 30 minutes reorganizing your breakfast plate for the perfect shot—we’ve all done it—just remember that comparing your real life to your social media life, or feeling like your life is lacking based on what other people are posting on Instagram isn’t doing you any favors.

2. The people you keep in touch with are the people who actually matter

After graduation, many—or even all!—of your friends moved to different cities. Maybe you even moved to a different country. Since you’re not living with college roomies or spending every waking minute with your BFFs anymore, you might feel like the social life you once had in college has vanished. Back then, you felt so popular—you had friends in classes, loyal gym buddies, even a group of people you went out with every weekend; but without those things in common, there are tons of people you’ve just lost touch with.

Rather than mourn the loss of your dining hall buddies, take comfort in the fact that the people you make an effort to stay in touch with—and those who do the same to keep in touch with you—are the ones that matter the most, says Chloe Dougherty, who graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2014 and is now teaching English in Israel.

“There are friends from high school and college who I know will be in my life forever and then there are friends that I’ve outgrown and that’s okay, too,” says Chloe.

Part of growing up is letting things go and some friendships aren’t meant to last past graduation. It’s especially common for friendships to come to an end during transitional periods in our lives, like our first year out of school.

“What really gets to me is when one friend isn’t putting in the same amount of work to stay in touch with another friend,” says Chloe. “If you want someone in your life you need to be willing to put in some effort.”

So put in the effort to keep your closest friends, but also don’t feel bad that you haven’t kept in touch with everyone you ever hung out with in college. Instead, appreciate that even though you might not have a designated group to eat lunch with or party with on the weekends, you have friends all over the place that you will always be able to count on. Plus, getting to visit them in new places is pretty fun!

3. You are SO busy

Whether you’re working 12-hour days or studying to be a doctor, chances are you’re a lot busier now than you were in college. So sometimes, when you get home late after a long day of work or studying, the last thing you want to do is go out and meet new people.

“If you are working, recognize that this is the time of life when you need to devote more time to building a career and that you may not have as much time to socialize as you did in the past,” says Dr. Irene Levine, a psychologist and the creator of The Friendship Blog.

While you should definitely make an effort to meet new friends, there’s no reason you need to go out as much as you did in college (especially since you’ve traded in your class-free Fridays for boardroom meetings at 9 a.m.). Plus, bars aren’t the only place to make new friends! Seek out activities you enjoy where you can meet likeminded people.

“If you like to work out, join a gym,” suggests Dr. Levine. “Get involved with community groups, take a cooking course [or] join a book club.”

And if at the end of the day this all sounds too exhausting, pour yourself a glass of wine and call one of your best friends who’s thousands of miles away. After all, it’s important to strike a healthy balance between maintaining your existing friendships and making new friends, says Dr. Levine.

4. It’s a lot harder to make friends after college

Even if you get past the “I-have-no-time-to-make-new-friends” thing, there are still other obstacles to face when it comes to making friends after graduation.

Meghan Gibbons, a recent Boston College graduate who now works as a business proposal writer, still lives in the same city where she went to college. But this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s any easier to maintain the social life she had in college or even to meet new people; she says that she hasn’t met many people outside of those she already knew in school.

Even in grad school, making friends isn’t the easiest task. Carly Montini, a master’s student at William Paterson University, says it’s much harder to make friends now, even though she’s still in school.

“Grad programs are small, so while you’re meeting people in the program and you have a friendship with them, you aren’t meeting new people in every class like you do in [college],” she says.

Dr. Levine agrees. “Most [undergraduates] are seeking to make new friends,” she says. “But that isn’t always the case when you leave college.”

Plus, it’s harder to make friends when not everyone lives within five minutes of one another.

“I go to a grad program that everyone commutes to,” Carly explains. “Some of them live an hour away and my closest friend lives a half hour away so even when you want to hang out outside of school it isn’t always easy.”

The beauty of college was the convenience of having everyone around you; it was almost harder to not make friends! But now that you’re in the real world, friendships require more effort; so it makes sense that you would only go the extra mile for the people who matter the most.

5. You’d rather have four quarters than 100 pennies

A wise person once said quality is more important than quantity and nowhere is this truer than when it comes to friendships.

Meghan has always had a small group of friends, but now, she says she’s glad for that.

“There are too many people I know who had acquaintances on the surface; a group of classmates that were great to drink, party and socialize with,” says Meghan. “But now, in post-college life they complain of feeling lonely because [they lack] those core friends that are so essential to turn to when the stress of a new job, new relationship or new living situation arise.”

Sometimes, having a small friend group in college meant Meghan was out of the loop on campus gossip, she says, but now it means that she has friends that she can reach out to about anything and everything.

Meghan isn’t alone in enjoying smaller groups of friends. Dr. Levine says that people differ in the amount of friends they need.

“Some people are very content with one best friend; others like to be surrounded by a changing cast of people,” Dr. Levine explains.

What is important, she says, is to recognize your own needs and make sure they are met.

“Have at least one or two solid friendships based on mutual respect,” suggests Dr. Levine. “Life is more enjoyable when there are friends to help us share our successes and our sorrows.”

6. You actually have time to spend by yourself

In college, not sticking by your friends throughout the day, every single day, gave you major FOMO. After graduation, you might learn being alone might not so be bad—when was the last time you could sit back with your favorite magazine? Have an at-home yoga session in your living room? Get a massage?

Next time you find yourself lamenting that you have nobody to talk to but your cat, be active in doing something you enjoy. Go to your favorite breakfast spot with a good book; take a walk and listen to a new podcast; even try meditating. You’ll learn a lot about yourself—and you’ll also learn to love your own company.

It doesn’t matter if you have two or 2,000 friends, as long as each of those friendships makes you feel good about yourself. And most importantly, never neglect your most valuable relationship—the one with yourself! In our increasingly hectic lives, it’s essential to have some “me” time. So every once in a while, relax with a glass of wine (or two) and watch a few (or ten) episodes of Game of Thrones. You just might love spending time with yourself—and you’ll appreciate the BFFs you do have that much more.

As we're coming to the end of New York Fashion Week, you've probably spend the past several days drooling over the collections of major designers like Rodarte, Alexander Wang and others—but have you been following the lesser-known (but incredibly talented) designers showing their Fall/Winter 2015 collections? Check out the designers you should be watching:

1. OUDIFU

Although Zhuliang Li had no formal training, his clothing brand OUDIFU has been lauded by critics for its stunningly minimalist, ready-to-wear designs. Although Shanghai-based OUDIFU is already a household name in China, this is only the second time the designer has presented at New York Fashion Week. Unlike what we often see from many other designers, Li’s aesthetic is relaxed, and his collection features versatile clothing that you could actually wear in real life.

2. Vivienne Hu

Investment-banker-turned-fashion-designer Vivienne Hu has a unique take on style. While her looks vary from structured and bold to flowy and romantic, the entire collection embodies the spirit of a strong, confident woman who isn’t afraid to stand out. Although she is relatively new to fashion week, her collection exudes a confidence that is sure to keep her coming back.

3. Mark and Estel

Mark and Estel are a dynamic duo that live a double life: fashion designers by day and rock stars by night. Their love of rock and roll is made apparent in their collection, which is chock full of slouchy tees and fun leggings. Also, their rockin’ runway performances really drive the point home. Stylish celebrities such as Mary Kate Olsen and Kendall Jenner have already embraced the brand’s rocker-chic vibe.

4. Noon by Noor

Named a “Breakout Talent” by Elle.com in 2013, Noon by Noor has garnered attention from critics and celebrities alike in the past few years. The Bahrain-based brand features simultaneously bold and feminine designs complete with intricate details that steal the show. Definitely keep an eye on this line; it's going places!

5. Mongol

Bayarmaa Bayarkhuu, the creative director behind Mongol, has combined her business savvy and love for her Mongolian heritage into a successful small fashion house. Although she only recently debuted the brand at New York Fashion Week, her unique, culturally-inspired designs are definitely something to watch.

Who are your favorite designers showing at New York Fashion Week?

Stuck in a style rut? Looking from some extra-special, out-of-the-ordinary outfit inspo to take you to the next level? Whatever it is, you know exactly where to look for fashion-forward inspiration: celebs, of course!

Obviously, it would be easy to imitate drop-dead gorgeous celeb style if you had an unlimited budget – Dior and Alexander McQueen, here you come! Clearly, though, collegiette budgets are just a bittighter than those of Oscar-winning actresses – and that’s why we’ve compiled the most creative ‘looks for less’ mood boards based on our fave celebrity looks for every occasion – girls’ night out, brunch, study sessions, you name it. With Necessary Clothing, you can show off your A-lister style sense without breaking the bank!

Date Night Elegance - Alexa Chung 

Coraline Collared Dress in Black, $24.99 at Necessary Clothing

Dolly I Beg Your Pardon Flats, $17.99 at Necessary Clothing

Cooly Collected Color Bag in Black, $34.99 at Necessary Clothing

Stack Em Ring, $12.99 at Necessary Clothing

NYX Cosmetics Baked Eye Shadow in Ghetto Gold, $5.99 at ULTA Beauty

Chanel No 5, $132.00 at Chanel

Ooh la la! Get all dolled up and dress to impress in this fun and flirty look inspired by Alexa Chung. We love how the white collar detail adds some character to her LBD – the short, straightforward style makes a statement all its own! Keep on turning heads and capturing your date’s attention by adding delicate details – a unique gold ring, adorable D’Orsay flats and a spritz of unforgettable Chanel No. 5.

Pretty & Perfect Internship – Lupita Nyong’o

The Necessary Basic Shirt in Mustard, $18.99 at Necessary Clothing

Annelise Trench Coat in Blush, $59.99 at Necessary Clothing

Liv It Bandage Skirt, $29.99 at Necessary Clothing

Glee Mule Heels in Nude, $24.99 at Necessary Clothing

Hitch Hikers Drawstring Bag in Beige, $44.99 at Necessary Clothing

Square Buckle Belt in Wine, $5.99 at Necessary Clothing

NARS Lipstick in Scarlett Empress, $26 at Violet Grey

Everyday Legal Notepad, $8.00 at Rifle Paper Co.

Marc by Marc Jacobs “Baker” Leather Strap Watch in Black/Gold, $175.00 at Nordstrom

Do What You Love Travel Mug, $12.00 at Indigo

Everyone always talks about showing your soft side or your serious side. We ask: Why not both? Put your best self forward in an internship-ready outfit that’s sure to wow in any professional setting – bold colors are key! We pulled inspiration from the queen of colorful clothing, Lupita Nyong’o, who knows how to rock a jewel tone better than anyone we know. Choose an office-appropriate midi skirt, a classic basic top, an eye-catching trench and, of course, a statement belt! Keep your pieces in the same color family, throw your essentials in a beautiful bucket bag and get ready to stand out!

Library Chic – Taylor Swift

The Necessary Basic Dress in Charcoal, $19.99 at Necessary Clothing

Annelise Jacket in Burgundy, $69.99 at Necessary Clothing

Riley Beanie in Black, $12.99 at Necessary Clothing

Tart Tights in Charcoal, $9.99 at Necessary Clothing

Sleek Body Bag in Beige, $39.99 at Necessary Clothing

Tulip Bootie, $24.99 at Necessary Clothing

bordeaux nail polish , $8.50 at essie

Raise your hand if Taylor Swift totally gets you! We love to see TSwift channeling our inner late-night-study-session self with this stylish (but comfortable!) ensemble, which was practically made for hunkering down in the library. This essential basic dress is soft and loose enough to be perfect for a study session, and it’s easy to add structure to it with a cool burgundy cardigan, sheer pewter tights and a pair of chunky, blister-proof booties. Grab your books, some snacks and, of course, a coffee!

Morning Class Couture – Kendall Jenner

Coat Up High Waist Skinny Jeans in Black, $32.99 at Necessary Clothing

Denim Chambray Buttondown, $34.99 at Necessary Clothing

Super Hero Suede Bootie in Tan, $27.99 at Necessary Clothing

Sleek Body Bag in Black, $39.99 at Necessary Clothing

Austin Aviators, $9.99 at Necessary Clothing

To the Left Necklace, $10.99 at Necessary Clothing

Stay Focused Pouch, $12.95 at Paper Source

2015 Desk Diary Coral French Goatskin Leather, $49.00 at Graphic Image

The morning after a late-night study sesh is always hard – as are, you know… mornings in general. Make your morning classes a bit more bearable by looking your best, even if you just rolled out of bed! We’re feeling inspired by Kendall Jenner’s effortlessly chic denim-on-leather look. Opt for a button-down in a soft denim and pair it with faux leather jeans or leggings (longer shirts can work with leggings, shorter ones cannot!). Add on some neutral suede booties and a pair of chic aviators, then pull your hair into a perfectly tousled ponytail. Voilà! Instant style! 

Girls’ Night Out Necessities – Emma Watson

Beloved Jacket in Black, $39.99 at Necessary Clothing

Pleated Maxi Skirt in Black, $39.99 at Necessary Clothing

Laced Grace Crop Top, $27.99 at Necessary Clothing

Crossed Lovers Earrings, $7.99 at Necessary Clothing

Bridgets Pumps, $24.99 at Necessary Clothing

Bedazzled iPhone 6 Plus Crystal Case, $14.99 at Necessary Clothing

MAC Lipstick in Myth, $16 at MAC Cosmetics

Girls’ Night Out? Get ready to look and feel ***flawless! Don’t be afraid to take risks with your outfit – Emma Watson proves you can pull off a bold look while still looking refined! The key is to keep your proportions in check. To avoid an all-over goth look when going with all-black, balance out maxi skirts with cutouts on the leg and balance out heavy black jackets with some skin showing below your crop top. Opting for nude lipstick and a simple, sophisticated chignon saves you from looking like Morticia Addams. Bonus points for a glam, glittering phone case to tie together the ensemble!

Formal Statements – Jennifer Lawrence

Below the Line Midi Dress, $34.99 at Necessary Clothing

Mariah Mesh Dress in White, $29.99 at Necessary Clothing

Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb, $80.00 at Sephora

Joa Sparkle Statement Earrings, $30 at Necessary Clothing

Serena Clutch, $34.99 at Necessary Clothing

Bridget Pumps in Black, $24.99 at Necessary Clothing

Almost Have It Together Ring, $7.99 at Necessary Clothing

Dior 3 Couleurs Smokey Eyeshadow, $48 at Bloomingdale’s

J.Law can do no wrong in our eyes, and certainly not with this flawless Dior dress (you know – the one that launched a thousand imitations). Get inspired by her classic black-and-white look for formal! They key is to dress up an elegantly simple dress with dazzling accessories – think diamond earrings (or emerald, as J.Law chose) and a ring to match, strappy black heels, a subtle smoky eye and a splash of floral perfume. It’s your Cinderella moment!

Sunday Best – Gina Rodriguez

The Necessary Basic Shirt in Pink, $18.99 at Necessary Clothing

Empire Floral Neoprene Skirt, $27.99 at Necessary Clothing

Cooly Collected Color Bag in Cream, $34.99 at Necessary Clothing

Pearlfect Pearl Cuff Earring, $9.99 at Necessary Clothing

Disco Jelly Sandals in Clear, $14.99 at Necessary Clothing

Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Golden Pink, $16 at tarte Cosmetics

As Many Hours in a Day as Beyonce Mug, $13.12 at Etsy

Sundays are our favorite day. Why? Brunch, duh! We’re channeling some major tea party/garden party inspo for our dream Sunday brunch look, and that’s why we’re obsessed with Gina Rodriguez’s floral ensemble! Play up pretty pastels with large floral patterns, fun sheer inserts, an essential solid top and the obligatory clear jelly sandal. Don’t be afraid to toughen up the look with an eye-catching ear cuff – you’ll be raking in the compliments over morning mimosas!

Kick your style game up a notch this semester – these looks for less will have you camera-ready (and Pinspirational) in no time. Seriously, you just can’t go wrong when you take style cues from the likes of Emma Watson and Lupita Nyong’o – make yourself just as memorable with affordable, chic pieces from Necessary Clothing!

It’s date night, and it’s your turn to choose the movie. The pressure is on to choose one that your boyfriend will like too, so we’re here to help! Going behind enemy lines, we asked some college boys which movies they actually don’t mind watching on date night, and some of the titles might surprise you! Make sure to reference this list next time you’re looking for the perfect date-night movie for you and your cutie.

1. Hitch (2005)

A man (Will Smith) who has a flair for flirting with girls (and is a professional “date doctor,” as he likes to call it) helps his less-fortunate client with his flirting techniques so he can get a date. However, in the movie, the “date doctor” cannot seem to get a date with his dream woman, no matter how hard he tries.

The film is cute and romantic, which makes it perfect for cuddles, but it’s hilarious enough to make you laugh with your guy all night!

Why he’ll like it

Will Smith is a man of many talents, and his humor in this movie is fresh and witty. Your guy will like that this movie is funny without being overly romantic and cheesy. Plus, he might pick up some tips for how to romance you!

2. Date Night (2010)

A middle-aged couple (Tina Fey and Steve Carell) decides to spice up their dating life by going on a date, fancy dress and all. What they don’t know is that they’ll be dragged into a crazy night of escaping thieves instead of the calm dinner they expected.

If you’re looking for more of an action movie for your date night, look no further. This movie was made for date night (just look at the title)! It’s funny so you both can enjoy it without him getting bored with clichéd love scenes. Plus, Fey and Carell are both hilarious!

Why he’ll like it

The film is about a date gone wrong, and more than once there are crazy chase scenes and humorous panic from both Fey and Carell. He’ll enjoy that it isn’t full of cheesy, romantic clichés.

3. Say Anything… (1989)

When a guy’s determined to get the prettiest girl at school (Ione Skye), he’ll stop at nothing to do so, especially when he ends up falling in love. Lloyd (John Cusack) wins the affection of a girl and loses it due to her overbearing father, but he refuses to give up, going so far as to create the iconic boom box scene. It’s a movie that gets cuter with every passing minute. It’s great for cuddles on the couch and reminiscing about how your own romance started.

Why he’ll like it

Boys like stories where the boy gets the girl. They also enjoy laughing at terrible ‘80s fashion. So while you get all teary-eyed over how cute Cusack is with the boom box, he can make comments about the ridiculous trench coat Cusack’s wearing.

4. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Benjamin (Matthew McConaughey) is assigned to have a woman to fall in love with him in 10 days. Andie (Kate Hudson) is assigned to lose a guy in 10 days. And right after they get these assignments, Benjamin and Andie run into each other, both determined to make their deadlines. Too bad their feelings get in the way…

This film has a simple-to-follow plot, hilarious antics and an aesthetically pleasing cast. It’s definitely one to enjoy on your night in.

Why he’ll like it

Hudson and McConaughey are complete jokesters. Your guy will be laughing until his stomach hurts from the great story these two create.

5. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)

Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) are two friends going in different directions. But in the midst of their lives, they always find time to get back to each other. While they claim that a guy and a girl can be just friends, this movie proves otherwise.

This movie is funny and cute, and it’ll have you getting into the storyline in no time. Crystal and Ryan play such opposites that it’s impossible not to laugh during the film!

Why he’ll like it

Between the scene where Sally fakes an orgasm in a very populated restaurant and the general banter between the two leads, your boy will laugh and have a good time while you coo over the romance.

6. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) falls in love with Summer (Zooey Deschanel). And while he saw their relationship as perfect (cute and quirky couple moments included), when it all comes crashing down unexpectedly, Tom must reevaluate the 500 days that Summer took up in his life.

This movie is more than some sappy romance you’ve dragged him to see; it’s a tale of a realistic relationship. And Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel get up to some pretty odd shenanigans, which means the two of you will definitely enjoy this movie.

Why he’ll like it

The film has enough sobering moments for him to not see it as a chick flick, which means that it’ll fit his idea of a date-night movie. “I’ve watched this movie about 10 times with my girlfriend and we now both have a copy,” says Ben, a student at the University of Oregon. Your guy will empathize with Tom as he goes through loving and losing a girl, and he’ll probably get some snuggles as the on-screen relationship progresses.

7. Love Actually (2003)

Follow the tale of several people as they experience love. Whether it’s through a man who has just lost his wife, a son who falls in love with his classmate, a man who falls for his best friend’s wife or a Prime Minister who spends a lot of time thinking about his secretary, this movie shows how love is all around us.

Prepare for “aww” moments, because this holiday movie is the absolute cutest. If you enjoy adorable couples, sweet storylines and dry humor, you’ve found the perfect movie for your date night.

Why he’ll like it

This movie is more than just sappy romance, even though that’s what it promotes. It has classic one-liners, an incredibly talented cast, some drama that adds to the overall plot and Rowan Atkinson playing the best store clerk in history, so it’s definitely worth a watch. Your guy will love that this movie has a mix of romance, comedy and quirkiness.

8. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

When Scott (Michael Cera) meets Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), he’s blown away by how fascinated he is with her. But to be able to date her, he must defeat all of her evil exes. And thus begins Scott going on possibly the most challenging date of all time.

This movie is comical, and Cera is a compete goof on screen. The characters are all eccentric and quirky, making for laughs and sprinkles of romance just to remind you two that it’s date night.

Why he’ll like it

The movie is based off the graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim, and what boy doesn’t like comics? “I feel like it’s more of a boy movie, but she can enjoy it too, so we can both watch it,” says Eli, a student at the University of Oregon. This movie has lots of action and insanity that will keep him entertained the entire time. Plus, the film is made to look like a comic book too, so he’ll definitely be into that!

9. The Princess Bride (1987)

When your true love is lost at sea and you are betrothed to a man you despise, what happens when you’re kidnapped by the Dread Pirate Roberts, who ends up being your true love? In this movie, a young, sick boy’s grandfather reads him an epic romance story, and this movie takes you along for the ride.

This movie is a classic. It has romance, chivalry, sword fighting, humor, hidden identities and just about anything you could want to watch. It’s perfect for any night, especially one where you want to watch a great movie with your guy.

Why he’ll like it

Like we said, this movie has everything, and he’ll get caught up in the sword fighting, revenge, giants, pirates and humor. And the priest has a hilarious voice, so you know he is going to watch it for that!

When we asked the guys which movies they liked, they all agreed on one thing: if you’re going to watch a movie, it needs to be easy to follow. “If I have to pay attention to the plot, I can’t pay attention to my girl,” says Alex, a student at the University of Oregon. See, collegiettes—he just wants to spend time with you!

Happy date night!

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: noun. a.) Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, appointed by former president Bill Clinton. b.) Internet sensation. c.) See below. 

1. She's a champion of women's rights

Justice Ginsburg is known for her zealous views on abortion, contraception and equal rights. When it came to the Hobby Lobby decision, Ginsburg didn't shy away from challenging the court majority's opinion. "Contraceptive protection is something every woman must have access to,"she told Katie Couric in an interview, adding that the Hobby Lobby execs have no right to impose their religious beliefs onto the company's female employees. 

2. She's not afraid to indulge a bit

You probably heard about how she was caught snoozing at this year's State of the Union Address. Turns out, Justice Ginsburg had a bit of wine at dinner and was not 100 percent sober during the address. Hey, at least she owned up to it! And speaking of enjoying the finer things in life, she's a big fan of the opera!

3. She is probably more fit than we are

Earlier this week, Ginsburg told MSNBC in an interview that she could do 20 pushups, 10 at a time. She also does some weight-lifting and other stretches with her trainer, according to Vox. Meanwhile... we're in bed eating cookies and procrastinating on homework.

4. The Internet loves her

One songwriter was so inspired by her dissent to the Hobby Lobby decision that he wrote a song about it as a tribute. A New York University law student created a Tumblr in her honor, which is aptly named Notorious R.B.G. Oh, and you'll find a meme or two if you do a quick search on Google...

5. She defies gender norms like nobody's business

There's obviously the fact that she's only the second woman ever to hold a position in this country's highest court system. But what about how she hasn't cooked a meal since 1980? In the same MSNBC interview where she revealed her fitness prowess, Ginsburg said her late husband had done all of the cooking and that her daughter had "decided Mommy should be phased out of the kitchen altogether." 

6. She's fervent about her job

Aside from not being afraid to voice her utter objections to the court's decisions, RBG is passionate about her job as a whole. Questions about her potential decision to retire created a buzz in Washington late last year, but Ginsburg quipped that she wasn't going anywhere. "I will do this job as long as I can do it full steam," she told Katie Couric.

7. She sees things realistically

As hopeful as Justice Ginsburg is toward seeing change in the future, she doesn't view the world through rose colored glasses. In her MSNBC interview, she said that the current Congress "is not equipped really to do anything... Someday, we will go back to having the kind of legislature that we should, where members, whatever party they belong to, want to make the thing work and cooperate with each other to see that that will happen." 

8. She helps add balance to the demographics and ideologies of the rest of the bench

Aside from being the second woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, she is the first Jewish female to serve. And in terms of the direction the court leans in, Justice Ginsburg represents the liberal end. 

Needless to say, our ultimate life goal is to become RBG. What's your top reason for loving this Supreme Court Justice, collegiettes?

As we near the end of New York Fashion Week, we've seen a handful of designers send their prized collections down the runway. While the clothes are most definitely the most important part of the show, there's no doubt that hair and makeup make a huge impact, too. Designers must compliment their collections, but be careful not overpower them. There have already been a ton of new beauty looks on this season's runways, so we've rounded up the trends we can't wait to try—and a few that are definitely not on our to-do list!

1. Edgy Elegance at Carolina Herrera

Sometimes, simplicity is best; and the tried-and-true black eyeliner here is proof. The blush on the apples of the cheeks and highlighter on the cheeks and nose compliment the dark lip beautifully. And although the false eyelashes with glitter might be better reserved for a fancy party, we can't wait to try this look!

2. Effortless Seduction at Diane von Furstenberg

This piecy, low bun is super simple and amazingly chic. Whether running errands on a Saturday or heading to your internship during the week, this style is perfect for any on-the-go collegiette. Simply blow-dry your hair and apply blow dry balm with your fingers. Secure the hair low with an elastic, twist, and pin into a knot. Don't worry about the pieces that fall out; this helps create the messy and effortless look you're going for!

3. '70s Sophistication at Derek Lam

These dark red nails are perfect for fall. We haven't seen the traditional red mani in a while, and we absolutely love that Derek Lam is bringing it back in this darker, edgier hue!

As for the trends we definitely won't be rocking on campus anytime soon...

4. Slick and Not Sleek at Thakoon

The "slicked back" look can be very chic, but this hairstyle just looks greasy and dirty. The deep, deep side part also harkens back to our middle school days. Needless to say, we don't suggest sporting this hairdo anytime soon... unless you're stranded in the woods for a week with no shower.

5. Overdrawn Eyes at DKNY

While we're all for changing up your eyeliner and trying new styles, we're not so sure this look is the next big thing. It looks like a five-year-old was hired to do the makeup for this show, and frankly we're pretty sure that's not the look you're aiming for. Hopefully this was a one-time thing, and doesn't become a popular makeup trend!

Which trend will you be trying first, collegiettes?

First dates are terrifying enough. Is your outfit just right? Are you wearing too much makeup? What are you going to talk about? And what in the world are you going to eat?

Let’s face it: Ordering at a restaurant can be stressful, especially if it’s a new place. Add the heightened atmosphere of a first date and you’re bound to make a choice you’ll regret later. What kinds of food-related disasters do you need to watch out for? Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and owner of Mannersmith, offers this list. “Spills and drips – on you, on the table, on your clothing,” she says. “Things in your teeth – things in his or her teeth! And, heaven forbid, an allergic reaction.”

When in doubt, etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas Diane Gottsman suggests always asking the server to explain the dish you’re thinking of getting. If it contains anything you’re allergic to, or seems particularly messy or difficult to eat, steer clear. Spaghetti, wings, ribs and chili dogs are definite no-gos. Gottsman sums up her advice in two simple words: “Order smart.”

Okay, so you know what not to eat – but what should you actually order? Here are the best things to eat on your first date, no matter where you decide to dine out.

Italian

Farfalle

Also known as the “bowtie pasta,” these compact noodles will fit delicately on your fork or spoon, and the same in your mouth. While your spaghetti-spinning skills may be next to none, this pasta will help you avoid any potential flyaway specks of sauce or embarrassing slurping sessions.

Risotto

It’s like risotto was made for first dates; this rice dish is nice and compact and won’t fall off your spoon or fork. The creamy morsels do a good job of holding together on the way to your mouth, so there’s no fear of spillage or awkward leftovers clinging to the bottom of your cardigan.

Lasagna

Another spaghetti alternative, lasagna is held together by cheesy goodness and can be easily cut and eaten with your fork. No need to worry about any meatballs rolling all over the table (and into your lap); any meat comes nicely packed inside those flat strips of pasta. If you want more greens with your meal, see if a vegetable lasagna option is available, or add a side of crunchy zucchini fries.

American

Steak

Who says eating red meat has to be messy? Steak is a great choice for a first date food because it can be easily carved into bite-size pieces and placed directly into your mouth. No chance of sticky fingers or dripping sauces here. If you’re at a nice steakhouse and that rib-eye is calling your name, don’t be afraid to let your inner carnivore out.

Salad

They’re simple and light but can still fill you up, especially if you add chicken. Disclaimer: Stay away from corn or spinach, which are known for getting stuck between those pearly whites!

Indian

Samosas

These appetizers make the perfect base of a meal for collegiettes with smaller appetites. These fried pastries come with a variety of fillings, including potatoes, peas and even chicken. You can eat these with your hands properly without worrying about sticky fingers (just make sure you have a napkin on hand in case they’re oily). Add an order of naan bread and a side of plain rice to help fill you up!

Chicken Tikka

When in doubt, stick with chicken. Why? “A safe choice of meal is a meat without a bone such as a chicken breast to cut easily,” Gottsman explains. Chicken Tikka definitely steps up to the plate. The word “tikka” literally means “pieces,” so you’ll have no trouble chowing down on these bits of boneless chicken. (The dish may come served with a couple of onions, which Smith suggests you push politely to the side for breath scent reasons.)

Japanese

Sushi

Sushi is a very easy food to eat; fish, rice and veggies all come nicely wrapped in a strip of seaweed. And if you love soy sauce, the rice does a good job of soaking it up so you don’t have to worry about drippage. Our Real Live College Guy Dale says it’s a super popular choice for first date food: “It’s simple and clean, and a lot of sushi restaurants I’ve been to are great for conversation.” Chopstick-wielding collegiettes have the advantage of spotless fingers when digging into this dish! Be careful when ordering the house special or a king-size roll, however; that could lead to some less-than-flattering chewing, so if that bothers you, steer clear. Stick to the regular size if you’re worried about it.

Gyoza

Also known as “pot stickers,” these pan-friend dumplings are at once crispy and chewy. The filling you choose (pork, beef, chicken or vegetables) comes inside a sealed piece of dough, so there’s no fear of anything falling out. Like sushi, they can be picked up with chopsticks and eaten in one or two quick bites. A plate of six to eight and a side of plain white rice will have you full in no time.

Latin American or Mexican

Arroz con Pollo

Literally meaning “chicken and rice,” this dish is similar to the Spanish paella except it’s made only with chicken (no seafood here!). This is an easy entree to eat with utensils at your disposal. Use a spoon to scoop up the peas and rice and your knife and fork to bring savory cuts of chicken straight to your taste buds.

Quesadillas

It’s like a grilled cheese sandwich, only better! Melted cheese, shredded meats and a host ofother delicious things are sandwiched inside two soft, warm tortillas. Served in small, triangular-shaped wedges, this yummy dish is not likely to leave a mess on your hands (or your clothes).

You want your first date to go perfectly, and the last thing you need is for your date to think you don’t know how to feed yourself! Avoid messes and awkward toothy leftovers by choosing one of these easy-to-eat foods. Forget all those little anxieties so you can enjoy spending time with your date!

Mmmm, Chipotle! The healthiest fast food around, right? Chipotle fanatics scoff at those ordering greasy burgers and fries, but is their food superiority really justified?

On one hand, sure. The food has integrity, it’s all fresh, grilled and chock full of veggies. But on the other hand, it is really, really high in calories (and in sodium too!) according to a new study published in the New York Times.

According to their research—which is based on 3,000 meals from 1,800 Grubhub orders in late 2012—the typical order at Chipotle has 1,070 calories. Ouch! For those needing a nutrition class refresher, the recommended daily caloric intake range for adults is between 1,600 and 2,400 cals.

And what is a ‘typical’ Chipotle order? That delicious meat-based burrito with cheese, salsa, lettuce, sour cream, rice and beans.

Unfortunately, that mouth-watering order isn’t just calorie-high—it’s also high in sodium (most orders give you nearly a full day’s worth of salt) and 75 percent of your daily saturated fat allowance.

We’re not saying you should give up Chipotle—that’d be crazy—but this new information is definitely something to think about when you’re loading up on high-cal extras like cheese and sour cream, or tricking yourself into thinking you’re making healthy choices. That fresh tomato salsa that's only 20 calories? It boasts more sodium than a 1 oz. bag of Lay’s potato chips!

What'll you be having on your next Chipotle burrito, collegiettes?

It's your birthday... So you can do what you want, right? Whether it's your first birthday away from home or you're turning the big 2-1, celebrating it in college is particularly special. After all, where else would you be able to spend your big day with all 200 of your closest friends? (Read: Your 10 besties, plus all the other people who just came for the free drinks.)

Midnight strikes, and you immediately check all your social media accounts to see if your friends have (publicly) wished you a happy birthday.

Radio silence from your roomie. You consider never speaking to her again.

But with only 24 hours to use "It's my birthday" as a way to get away with just about anything, you let it go—there's no time to waste.

Unfortunately, your professors don't acknowledge the momentuous ocassion as a valid reason not to be in class...

...so you decide to make up for it by turning it in to a full birthday week instead.

Of course, this means adding a few more events to the schedule than you originally planned.

For the first time, you literally cannot wait to be asked for your ID.

And when it doesn't happen, you wonder if signs of aging are already beginning to show.

Well, nothing free drinks can't cure!

You're thrilled to see that basically all of campus showed up!

But you just want to make sure they're all aware of why they're there...

...until everybody is like:

In the end, your birthday may not have turned out exactly as planned.

...but you did get to spend it with the people most important to you, so you can't really complain.

Plus, there's always next year.

You're already planning the party, duh.

The Westminster Kennel Club held its annual dog show this past weekend, and while we loved seeing how well behaved and groomed some of the canines were—let's be honest, we were really tuning in to check out the cutest pups! Here are some of our faves:

1. These French Bulldogs

Unleash us!!!

2. Matisse, the Portuguese Water Dog

Sunny, is that you?!

3. Massimo, the Yorkshire Terrier

I just want to sleep, please let me be.

4. This Chow Chow

Look into my eyes and tell me that we're all winners.

5. This Samoyed

So fluffy, I'm gonna die.

6. Reba, the French Bulldog

I'm being ignored right now. Not impressed.

7. This Curly Coated Retriever

I don't want to be groomed, I want to play!

8. This Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Hold me forever please, thanks.

9. Harleigh, the Great Pyrenees 

We got this mom, we got this.

10. This Shiba Inu

My name is not Doge... seriously?

Which pup had you swooning?

Tired of having to sort out the “nice guys” from the “bad boys”? Want to move up from one-night stand to full-time girlfriend, but unsure of how to do so? Stop worrying, because Real Live College Guy Dale is finally here to help with all of your collegiette love kerfuffles and help steer you clear of any unnecessary drama during your brief but ever-important time in college.

Can I get a guy's opinion on labels on relationships and the unlabeled relationship? I have been dating a guy who doesn't like labels but is exclusively dating me. He believes that expectations of a certain label will cause the relationship to change. I was just wondering if I could get an honest opinion from a guy. –Confused at C of C

Confused,

Labels (or a lack thereof) can certainly be confusing. What are we? Are we anything? If we are something, why can’t I say so? What’s with your hesitance to call us a thing?

For some people, labels serve a purely social purpose. I hate to compare it to owning something, but when you label a relationship, you’re saying, “This person is my boyfriend/girlfriend” (an apt example would be making a relationship “Facebook official”). You’re telling the world that the person you’re seeing is off-limits to everyone else.

For other people, labels serve a personal purpose. It’s nice to know where you stand with someone, and labeling your relationship allows you to do so. When you define the relationship, you know what the terms of the relationship are (Are we exclusive? Is this an open relationship?).

But labels can be scary, especially if the situation emerged from a simple hook-up or a friends-with-benefits situation. With those, labels force you to confront your feelings and decide what you really want. However, if the guy you’re seeing has been exclusively dating you for a while (which I would define as anywhere between a few months and a year or longer), then I see no reason why he would fear a label unless he has something to hide.

Of course labels can change relationships, but more often than not, they change them for the better. Instead of constantly stressing out about what you are or aren’t, they give you breathing room. After putting a label on your relationship, you know where you stand with the other person.

Unlabeled relationships are for frequent hook-ups or friends with benefits. Labels are for people who are exclusively dating each other (like you and your guy, Confused) and are ready to define the relationship. Like I said before, labels give you the personal benefit of knowing where you stand—they give you peace of mind, and how could anyone be afraid of that?

Your guy is hesitant to label the relationship for fear of changing, but I think he needs to realize that “change” isn’t always a synonym for “destroy.” Change doesn’t have to be bad, as long as the two of you are on the same page. Talk things out and ask him what exactly he thinks will change if you use labels. Unless he has something to hide, I don’t see what the big deal is.

Yesterday, the University of Massachusetts Amherst reversed its recent policy that prohibited Iranian students from enrolling in certain engineering and science courses. The policy was announced on February 6, and was based on a 2012 sanction which bans Iranian immigrants from coming to America with intent to earn a degree so they may start a career in nuclear science, energy, or engineering back in Iran. Iranian students at UMass Amherst said that the rule is a deliberate discrimation and violation of rights, and the U.S. State Department, which issued the 2012 sanction law agreed, clarifying that the law is not meant to prevent Iranian students from coming to America to learn science and engineering. UMass Amherst officials argued that the university is not the only school which holds a policy like this, but has refused to comment as to who those other universities may be. Both the Iranian Graduate Student Association and the Persian Student Association have expressed their feelings of "betrayal" and "worry" over this policy.

After stirring much controversy, the school has decided to lift that ban. Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Michael Malone says that the latest decision reflects the university's “longstanding commitment to wide access to educational opportunities.”  

“We have always believed that excluding students from admission conflicts with our institutional values and principles. It is now clear, after further consultation and deliberation, that we can adopt a less restrictive policy,” he says. Instead, the Huffington Post reports, the university will now work to create “individualized study plans...based on a student's projected coursework and research.”

Though we're still shaking our heads over the fact that the policy was put into place in the first place, we're glad to see the school has seen the error of its ways and has chosen to reverse the ban. The offensive policy was not based on solid ground; the basis for the institution of the rule lacks sufficient legal weight, which poses the question as to how UMass Amherst managed to get away with this policy in the first place. 

Perhaps, when the sanction was first enacted in 2012, there may have been some logical reasoning for putting that sanction into effect; there was increased paranoia over Iran's growing nuclear threat, and worry that young Iranians might take what they learned abroad and use it to further that nuclear program back home. Especially given how diverse the student population in Boston is, to think a university could take a prominent section of the school's population and deliberately prevent them from pursuing their dreams (who says America is a free country?) is as absurd as it is hurtful. These students come to America to study because they want to get a good education, and to do so in a country where they will be free to think, speak, write, and act as they choose. The power of fear is a strong one, as we've seen with the war on terror, and even so far back as the days of McCarthyism. It can make rational people do entirely irrational things, and make them believe they are doing it for all the right reasons. 

It is not by any means easy for these Iranian students to come to this country to study—especially from a country like Iran which, with a theocratic government, does not look favorably on the U.S. or anything of western culture. For these students to go through all the trouble of getting here, only to be turned away from what they desire to study (and according to UMass Amherst's Iranian student associations, some 79 percent of Iranian students choose to major in natural sciences) is entirely unjust. Bureaucracy and foreign policy and intergovernmental affairs need to be cast aside for the time being—we need to focus on what's really important: upholding the values which this fine nation is based on, by allowing these students the same freedom to choose their path as the rest of the population. It's not as if fixing this problem will magically erase all the other infractions our country has committed against foreigners—but it's a good start. 

Spring is coming! It’s finally time to put away your black-leggings-and-oversized-sweater uniform in favor of something a little more colorful. Marlowe Malouf, a style consultant and buyer at Drest by Scott Malouf, gives us the low-down on this spring’s most fun (and wearable!) trends.

1. Sporty chic

Talk about wearable: the sporty-chic look is the easiest on this entire list to pull off and is certainly the most comfortable. From zipper details to sneakers with dresses, athletic wear is definitely having a moment. Think track pants, parkas, zippers everywhere and drawstring details—just not all at once (unless you’re actually going to the gym, of course!). Sporty styles showed up on the runways of Marc by Marc Jacobs, J.Crew, Rag & Bone and Balenciaga. You can score more affordable styles at stores like Forever 21 and ASOS. 

2. Whimsical prints

Polka dots and stripes are so last season. This spring, feel free to get a bit wacky! “Fashion is having a sense of humor [this season,]” Malouf says. As a buyer, Malouf has seen everything from pineapples and grapefruits to giant cacti on dresses, pants and tops. “This season, it’s about fun and lightening up by wearing things that make you smile,” she says. We saw prints like these in the collections of Equipment, Louis Vuitton, Sonia Rykiel and Jeremy Scott. You can also find eclectic prints at online stores like ASOS and Nasty Gal.

3. Turquoise details

Expect this bright bluish shade to make a splash this season! “I’ve seen turquoise on jewelry, belt buckles and embellished shoes,” Malouf says, so there’s no need to wear this shade head-to-toe. Small details go a long way! Turquoise accents were spotted on the spring runways of Ermanno Scervino, Louis Vuitton and Marios Schwab. Looking to be more subtle? Turquoise makeup and nails were also huge hits on the runway, so don’t be afraid to supplement your accessories with some extra splashes of color!

4. Nautical inspiration

The nautical trend is a staple for a reason: navy and white look good on everyone, Malouf says. It’s also a classic; barely a spring season goes by without tons of anchors and sailboats. “All you need is a white- and navy-striped shirt,” Malouf says If you’re looking to get a bit more sea-worthy, Malouf says she has seen the preppy trend on top-siders, espadrilles, sweaters and dresses. Nautical was a mainstay this runway season, showing up in the collections of J.W. Anderson, Christopher Kane and Lacoste. To add a bit of nautical inspiration to your wardrobe, try a basic navy and white sweater or a preppy dress.

5. Fantasy fringe

This ‘70s style became huge in the fall—and it’s here to stay. Fringe is a perfect trend for college women, Malouf says. “It’s a fun detail you can wear with jeans and sandals,” she explains. Try a bag with a bit of fringe on the bottom or some fringed shorts for a music festival vibe. Fringe was huge on the runways of Proenza Schouler, Alberta Ferretti and Elie Tahari. Try it out for yourself on some booties or a leather cross-body. 

6. Fifty Shades of Gray

It’s a book, it’s a movie, it’s a trend—gray’s practically a movement this season. From icy slate to deep charcoal, gray’s another color that’s going to be big this spring and beyond. It was seen in the collections of Bottega Venetta, Norma Kamali and Diane von Furstenberg. Stock up and rock that monochrome!

7. Bucket bags

Like fringe, the bucket bag is another 7’0s staple that has quickly become ubiquitous. Hailed as one of the biggest bag trends of the spring, Malouf tells us the bucket bag is perfect for collegiettes. “It’s a cool trend,” she says. “It’s clean. Throw in some notebooks and pens and you’re good for the day!” Bucket bags were all over fashion weeks, including the collections of Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Giorgio Armani. You can also find them at Forever 21 and ASOS.

This spring, forego your usual look in pursuit of these bold trends! Whether you put together a subtle sporty look or get all fringed out, make sure to have fun with fashion, collegiettes!

Spring Break is a time of relaxation, throwing back a few frozen drinks and getting a nice tan, and while there are plenty of citiesin the nation that are extremely LGBTQ+-friendly, we can’t exactly soak up the sun in New York City this March. Instead, grab those sunglasses, some sunscreen and your partner and hit up one of these spring break destinations that are both warm and queer-friendly.

1. Houston, Texas

Home to numerous bars, hotels and restaurants, Houston is one of the top LGBTQ+ tourist destinations in the country year round. Texas is known for its young crowd and bar life, but Houston is where it’s at to have the perfect date night with your partner. Walking the streets of Houston, you’ll see that rainbow flag painted onto the sides of bars like Barbarella and Blur Bar, not to mention hanging out of businesses’ windows, too!

2. San Francisco, California

Any local of San Francisco can vouch for the city’s love of the LGBTQ+ community. Spending a week here might not be the wild party you would find yourself at in, say, Cancun, but the bar-hopping possibilities and scenic views make it the perfect getaway for two. Inns like the The Parker Guest House make their guests feel at home, with a judgment-free vibe and ideal location. Looking for some adventure? Go skydiving or go on the Golden Gate Bridge Walk!

3. Key West, Florida

As every collegiette knows, Florida is practically the definition of spring break. From Miami to Orlando, young people flock to these sandy beaches from all over the country. But where should you and your partner go to enjoy yourselves, completely stress-free? Alexander's Guest House is a great resort that is exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community! All around there are hotels, bars and restaurants that are 100 percent accepting of all couples so everyone can enjoy their vacations in peace.

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, try a romantic sail around the shores of Key West! Or if you’re one of those couples that likes to be adventurous and active together, take the walk up the 88 steps of the Key West Lighthouse! 

4. Curaçao

Even though the flight can be measured in many Netflix episodes (read: it’s long), Curaçao is absolutely the best place for the LGBTQ+ community to go to this spring break! With its “live and let live” motto, Curaçaois one of the most encouraging and supportive vacation spots around. It wanted to show its support so much, many hotels and resorts are now proud members of the IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association). With so many activities to do in the Caribbean (like snorkeling, parasailing, scuba diving, etc.) and the happenin’ nightlife, anyone who doesn’t vacation here is missing out.

Maelous Molendijik, hotel ambassador for the Floris Suite Hotel, says, “We feel it is all about inclusion, like our Rainbow Lounge happy hour. Gay and straight getting along in harmony. The guests are very diverse and open-minded. One cannot necessarily pinpoint who is what. And that is just fine. It is all about inclusion and acceptance.” Sounds like a great time!

5. Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach is quite literally the Spring Break capital, so if you’re looking for that all-out rager with your partner, this is the place for you. Checking out the Tiki Bar at the Sandpiper Beacon and Coyote Ugly bar should top your list of things to do while spending your week there, but the list only continues! Between the numerous amusement parks and restaurants to choose from, you honestly couldn’t get bored. The Splash Bar, among many others, is known for its LGBTQ+-friendly service and feel-good, Spring Break vibe!

No matter where you decide to go, and whether you and your partner go with your friends or just go together, make your spring break memorable. Go the romantic getaway route or the Girls Gone Wild way – the choice is yours!

New York Fashion Week has become quite the spectacle in recent years. For a few days each year, celebrities, fashion experts, and the media converge under the tents to watch the shows of top designers and up-and-coming talent. Anyone who’s anyone is in attendance, and major brands vie for attention through coveted sponsorship deals. But it wasn’t always this way. In the early 20th century, being taken seriously by the global fashion community was a top priority for many American designers. When war made travel to Paris difficult in the 1940s, Eleanor Lambert, a publicist, seized the chance to make New York the place to be. The first shows aimed to be informative and lucrative for the brands, which would be able to present their work to wholesalers and members of the press. Today, of course, it’s a whole other story.

The press and potential buyers still make up a significant part of the NYFW crowd—what would the week even be without Anna Wintour’s steely gaze? However, Fashion Week is no longer an inward-facing event. Recently, it has turned its gaze outward towards the consumer, turning the shows into one of the biggest marketing campaigns of the year.

It isn’t just fashion houses that are taking advantage of the media attention. Brands that have nothing to do with fashion are now jumping to attach themselves to the publicity. I’m sure, for example, anyone who cares about NYFW would easily be able to tell you that Mercedes-Benz has been the event’s namesake up until this year. Wherever you look, non-fashion brands have attached their labels to the event.

Non-fashion brands aren’t the only additions that seem out of place. Recently, there has also been an influx of attendees who don’t seem to fit the initial audience model. Celebrities, for instance, have become one of the most talked about part of Fashion Week. Though many famous people have become major influencers in the fashion world, they are undoubtedly there for publicity reasons. In addition to hoping pampered celebs will favor their brands, designers know their shows will receive substantially more press coverage if tabloid-favorites are in attendence. Designers compete to build the most star-studded front row, and media attention often seems more focused on the people in the seats than on the clothes on the runway.

However, it is important to remember that not all of the modern changes have been bad. Racked reports that only decades ago, designers had to shoulder the burden of arranging and hosting their shows themselves, which often lead to unsafe conditions, not to mention attendees with feet sore from trekking back and forth across the city.

Do the commercialized, celeb-filled shows of today align with the original intent of New York Fashion Week? I would say the answer is an unsatisfactory “maybe.” When NYFW began, it aimed to bring the fledgling American fashion industry into a position of influence and respectability. With focus on Europe, Americans had a lot to prove. Today, many fear that the diminished attention on the designs will take away from the seriousness of the event. It’s difficult to be considered respectable when sponsors, stars, and reporters distract from the shows themselves. On the other hand, New York Fashion Week no longer has to worry about being noticed. The most important names in fashion are present on and off the runway. What the week may have lost in taste, it has made up for in attention. Whether this attention is worth a lessened sense of integrity may take some soul searching, but it’s a choice that needs to be made.

What do you think, collegiettes? Does NYFW need to clean up its act, or embrace its modern (and perhaps, uniquely American) identity?

Just this past year, NYC-bred teens Sophie Houser, 17, and Andrea Gonzales, 16, met at a summer program that teaches women to code. For their final project, the two ladies created Tampon Run, an 8-bit video game where players collect and shoot tampons at the villains they're being chased by. The game turned into a huge hit almost overnight and sparked a greater discussion about destigmatizing the menstrual cycle and women's presence in the tech industry. We were lucky enough to chat with the creators and hear why they created a game that poked fun at periods and how the coding process for the game went, so check out what they had to say!

Her Campus:Society is so used to the way the menstrual cycle is viewed that many probably don’t even realize there is a stigma attached to it. How would you describe this attitude toward periods for those who don’t really get why it's negative and why it should be corrected?

Andrea: Before creating Tampon Run, I was always embarrassed when I had my period. I felt uncomfortable asking my dad to buy me tampons, and on my way to the bathroom I'd tuck my tampons and pads away. In some other countries, menstruation is considered disgusting and repulsive to the point where women are marginalized for menstruating; while on their periods, they're isolated from work, friends, family. That's the menstrual taboo. Tampon Run is meant to address that menstruation is a normal part of a woman's life. We want a girl or woman to feel as comfortable asking a friend to buy her tampons as they do toilet paper.

Sophie: The first time I got my period, I was too embarrassed to buy myself my own tampons, so I had my mom buy them for me. I didn't want to be seen in the "feminine hygiene" aisle at the pharmacy, I didn't want to make eye contact with the cashier as I paid, and I didn't want anyone to see me with the tampons on the two block walk home. Many of my friends experienced the same thing. The menstrual taboo [is] feeling embarrassed and ashamed of a normal and natural bodily function, something that embodies womanhood. It's important to combat the menstrual taboo to empower women to love their bodies in every way, including their periods!

HC: What’s the greater message you’d like to send out to users and just anybody interested in Tampon run? Is it destigmatizing the menstrual cycle, is it empowering women to enter the tech field, or both?

Andy: Both! Both! Both! Tampon Run isn't just about destigmatizing menstruation. It's also about encouraging other girls to learn to code. I'm passionate about getting more women into coding. Having more women in the field can generate so much diversity in the products that the tech community generates. I don't think a man would have developed Tampon Run. [The game] demonstrates that women can be successful programmers, bring a different perspective, and contribute just as much to the community.

Sophie: It's definitely both! When we initially created Tampon Run, our goal was to combat the menstrual taboo. We had no idea that the game would get so much attention when we first posted it online in September. We thought just our family and friends would see it. Now that Tampon Run has been celebrated, written up and shared around the world, we hope that other girls feel encouraged by our story to learn to code. 

HC: What advice would you give women out there who dream of one day making an app? A lot of women dream of creating an app one day, but it's mostly discussed in hypothetical terms and as a joke because of things like capital, knowledge of coding, etc. that might prevent them from trying in the first place.

Andy: Go for it! Coding is such a great way to take an idea and bring it to fruition—and it's so rewarding when you step back and look at what you've made. But for women specifically: we shouldn't feel afraid to become a part of this community! Although the female community in tech is small, we have found it to be so welcoming and so wonderful. Based on our experience, I feel like there will always be people to help you, every step of the way.

Sophie: I would tell them to take a class, either in person or online, and see if they are turned on by coding! I fell in love with coding last summer at Girls Who Code. Every day I failed, every day I felt frustrated, and every day I felt elated once I found that word or curly brace that was missing from my code and enabled me to succeed at what I was building. It’s all about problem solving, which is both challenging and hugely rewarding. It is also so empowering and creative to make something from nothing, which coding allows you to do. Tampon Run started as a blank screen; then we added the background, then the characters. Next we made the characters move, then made our heroine jump and throw tampons. I knew that everything happening on screen was something Andy or I had coded. I worked for a full day trying to get the girl to jump in the web game. I had assumed that it would be quick and easy, but each time I tried she just wouldn't go up and back down. It was so frustrating! But when I finally figured it out, watching her jump made me feel so proud. I am a coding convert and hope increasingly more girls and women will give it a try. I would also encourage women to find mentors who can be supportive. We couldn't have come this far over the past five months if it weren't for the many people who have taught, mentored, helped and supported us along the way.

HC: How has life changed since September? Do you ladies still go to school full-time? Are you planning on going into computer-related fields in college? What about making another game? 

Andy: So much has changed. I still go to school full-time, which is definitely difficult for me, especially since it's my junior year in high school. I use the Mail app on my phone so much. And Twitter? I never used Twitter before Tampon Run! I spend a lot of time answering emails and taking phone calls and talking to Sophie. But it's definitely worth it! I do plan on pursuing a CS degree in college, but I have to survive the rest of high school first!

Sophie: My life has changed drastically since September. I still go to high school full-time, but spend most hall breaks and free periods during the school day dealing with Tampon Run. I’m on email non-stop now, and often walk through the halls in between classes with my computer open mid email, dealing with press and other inquiries. It's been exciting to see outside my high school bubble in the last five months to what the real tech world is like. In October Andy and I were flown to Silicon Valley by a gaming company, Weebyco, to participate in a gaming hackathon organized by Stanford alum. We spent 36 hours there creating a new game called Catcall Run, which addressed street harassment. We haven't had the bandwidth to spend more time on it, but maybe we will once we can catch our breath from Tampon Run. In November we were invited to give a TEDx Talk and to speak at the Girls Who Code gala. And Andy and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with a leading agile development firm, Pivotal Labs, to create the mobile app. It was eye opening to experience what it’s like to work at a creative, collaborative tech company. It has inspired me even more to become a programmer and work in tech. I will be attending Brown University next year where I am planning on studying Computer Science.

You may have a love-hate relationship with your sister, but no matter what, you know she’ll always be there for you. Here are just a few of our favorite things about having a sister.

1. You’ve had a built-in best friend since childhood…

2. …and an easy choice for your maid of honor at your future wedding.

3. If you’re close in size, you’ll always have something to borrow for those days when you hate all of your own clothes.  

4. You may be competitive with each other…

…but that competitiveness motivates you to be better.

5. You never have to be bored when you’re home on break.

6. You always have someone to hang out with at family functions.

7. If you’re the younger one, you have a role model to look up to…

8. …and if you’re the older one, you get to be that role model for someone else.

9. You’ve always had a teammate in the battles you’ve waged against your parents.

10. You have someone who will always be honest with you…

11. …and you have someone to turn to when you’re in need of some real advice.

12. You know that no one in the world understands you better…

13. …and no matter how much you fight, you know that you’ll always be okay in the end.