It takes a real girl boss to go from reality TV star to a mega-successful woman with her own clothing lines, several books to her name and a booming website. So it’s no wonder Lauren Conrad constantly inspires our work selves. Whenever we’re feeling like giving up or questioning our general awesomeness, we can always remember these 19 times LC gave us career goals.

1. All those times she paid her dues

Lauren didn’t become a success overnight. She spent the early years of her career assisting behind-the-scenes as an intern because she was willing to actually work to get ahead.

2. When she taught us how to manage our expectations

Every opportunity won’t turn out as wonderfully as you planned. Thanks to LC we know how to be prepared for a letdown or over the moon when dreams do come true.

3. That time she provided a perfect model for what a lady is supposed to look like in the workplace

Where would we be without Lauren’s style and beauty guidance? There’s really no excuse for showing up to your job looking like you just rolled out of bed with Lauren’s selfless enclave of advice—her website and two coffee table books worth—in your arsenal.

4. When she demonstrated how to learn from your mistakes

We all cringed when LC decided to pass on a summer-long trip to Paris in her Teen Vogue days. But given a second shot, she didn’t hesitate. Remember you may not get it right the first time around, but that’s okay.

5. When she got rid of the negative energy in her life

Do we need to remind you of Heidi and the terrible ways she tried to bring Lauren down? Sometimes it’s okay to cut off a toxic friendship. You can’t let it stand in your way when you’re destined to do something great. Plus, the fact that most of LC’s co-workers double as her besties speaks volumes of how far you can go with the right friends by your side.

6. That time she inspired you to up your social media game

Life’s not fair. We're of course speaking about the extreme jealousy we feel every time we scroll through LC’s Instagram feed, Pinterest boards and other social media. She obviously knows how vital your online presence can be to how you’re perceived professionally.

7. When she made shopping charitable

Lauren’s The Little Market, a collection of handmade items she and her BFF Hannah have curated while traveling around the world, is the excuse you need to shop ‘til you drop. You can only hope that one day your job allows you to reach such a caliber.

8. That time she built a brand all her own

We know without a doubt what LC’s brand is, whether she’s writing chick lit novels or unveiling the latest crop of dainty designs for her Kohl’s collection. She’s proof that defining your brand early on can make a huge difference in where you end up.

9. That time she emphasized you have to do something

You could stand still and let life pass you by, but that takes all the fun out of it.

10. When she shared the secret to excellent decision making

She’s got her life under control, so we think this may be the key.

11. That time she showed us nice girls don’t finish last

Lauren seems like pretty much the sweetest. And unlike other celebs who grow up in the spotlight, we’ve never seen her go through a questionable personality overhaul. See, you don’t have to be a b—tch to be the boss.

12. All those times she was the unapologetic queen of basics

While many think being basic is what makes you disappear in a crowd, it might be your biggest strength. Embrace the basicness and use it to your advantage. There’s, like, a whole troop of us after all.

13. When she killed it at her very first New York Fashion Week runway show

Beginner’s luck was pretty much a guarantee for the debut of her Kohl’s runway collection, but LC outdid herself. Thirty-seven breathtakingly feminine ensembles may have provoked us to spend our entire paycheck scooping up the majority of those can’t-live-without-them pieces.

14. When she silenced the haters who didn’t believe in her talent

Despite her accomplishments, there are people who still think Lauren is using her celebrity to phone it in. But as a beautifully relevant quote we found on her Pinterest page once said: “There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.” 

15. That time she helped us realize it’s never too late to start over

Lauren’s had her fair share of failures, but that didn’t stop her from taking risks and putting herself out there.

16. When she reminded you to stop and smell the peonies

Take a break, slow down and enjoy yourself. Even a busy gal like Lauren finds the time, so you should too.

17. That time she spoke nothing but the truth

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Lauren didn’t get where she is by resting on her laurels. She worked for it, and you have to, too!

18. When she proved you can have it all

With all the work stuff on her plate, who has time for a personal life? Lauren does! And it’s thriving. She and husband, William Tell, just celebrated their first wedding anniversary, and their oh-so-cute coupledom shows no signs of slowing down.

19. When she flawlessly answered that inappropriate “What’s your favorite position?” question

SAME.

Lana Del Rey fans, rejoice. When she gave us her number (sort of) at the release of her latest album, Honeymoon, we called in to hear clips of her music, poems and other Lana-curated gems of the like. But yesterday, fans got a little more than "High By The Beach."

After posting the above Instagram photo, those who called her Honeymoon Hotline—1-800-268-7886—had the chance to speak with the songstress. She was reportedly really sweet (as we'd expect), telling callers they had pretty names, asking about where they're from and thanking them for listening to her album. 

Basically, this is a total gamechanger... and we may or may not be guilty of dialing those digits non-stop.

Barbie's always received criticism for her non-proportional figure and perfect features that aren't even close to the looks of regular girls and women. However, when the Lammily Dolls made their appearance last November, they received praise for realistically portraying real girls—complete with acne, minimal makeup and a larger waist size. Now, the Lammily Dolls have added another feature to the dolls that is another all too important for young women: Periods.

Yes, according to Cosmopolitan, the Lammily Dolls will now have a period! While the doll itself does not bleed (thankfully!), it comes with a “Period Party” kit that includes a pamphlet that explains the female menstrual cycle, underwear, 18 mini pads and a calendar with dot stickers to track her period. Period Party explains the motivation behind the new expansion: “Yet, while being a huge part of female life, this perfectly healthy natural process is still surrounded with taboos. Let’s start an open and positive conversation about our periods.”

Time talked to Nickolay Lamm, the creator of the product, who brought up presidential candidate Donald Trump’s controversial statements about Fox News host Megyn Kelly in August. Trump said “there was blood coming out of [Kelly’s] eyes, blood coming out of her wherever," causing outrage.

“I don’t want to make this a whole political project or anything, but I think when [Trump] said that it was just an example of the overall culture where menstruation is very taboo, and not only taboo, but some people use it as an insult,” Lamm told Time.

The Lammily doll and its kit will hopefully open up conversations around a process that's still often uncomfortable for society to talk about. Maybe the next doll can teach us calc before our exams?

If the day that you walk into your go-to coffee shop and see that the pumpkin-flavored drinks have finally returned is your favorite day of the year, you’re not alone—we live for pumpkin-flavored anything (and everything).

Unfortunately, many pumpkin goodies that are oh-so-popular during this time of year are super high in calories, fat and sugar, which means your obsession can quickly turn into an unhealthy one. Plain pumpkins, however, are actually low-calorie, nutritional powerhouses loaded with fiber and key vitamins, so there are plenty of good-for-you ways to get your pumpkin fix! These seven healthy recipes are a good place to start. From sweet breakfast dishes to savory dinner meals, you can take care of your pumpkin cravings while also taking care of yourself!

1. Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie

There’s nothing better than warm oatmeal on a crisp fall morning—especially when that oatmeal is paired with pumpkin. Oatmeal and pumpkin are a match made in health heaven because both are packed with fiber, so you’ll stay satisfied well until lunchtime rolls around. This low-fat recipe can be made vegan and is only 180 calories. Top it with your favorite nut butter for a punch of protein! 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/8 tsp nutmeg, or just use pumpkin pie spice
• Sweetener, such as 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp maple syrup or 1 to 2 packs stevia
• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/4 cup milk of choice, or nondairy creamer, or water (scale back by a tbsp if using liquid sweetener)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• Optional: raisins, walnuts, brown sugar to sprinkle on top

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 380 degrees.
2. Combine raw oats, spices, pumpkin and milk in bowl.
3. Pour into a greased 1-cup ramekin (or two 1/2-cup ramekins) or a mini-loaf pan.
4. Cook for 20 minutes or more, until it gets firm. Finally, set your oven to “high broil” for three more minutes, or until it reaches desired crispiness (or simply just bake longer, but broiling gives it a nice crust).

2. Pumpkin Pancakes

Recipe from Health

If you’re more of a pancake person in the morning, this is the recipe for you. While homemade pancakes may sound like a production, they’re actually a lot easier and quicker to make than you may think. And these ones have half the calories of those made with buttermilk. If you want more of a pumpkin pie taste, feel free to add pumpkin pie spice to the batter. The recipe makes about eight pancakes, so share them with your housemates!

Ingredients

• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• ½ cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¼ cup cake flour (or use ½ tbsp less if using all-purpose flour)
• 4 large egg whites
• ¼ tsp salt
• Cooking spray
• Maple syrup or honey for serving

Directions

1. Whisk together pumpkin, yogurt, baking soda, egg yolk and flour.
2. Whisk egg whites with salt; fold into pumpkin mixture.
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
4. Spoon in 1/3 cup batter for each pancake. Flip when tops are covered with bubbles and edges are slightly brown (about three minutes per side).
5. Drizzle with syrup or honey.

3. Pumpkin Muffins

Recipe fromKitchen Stewardship

Need an on-the-go snack in between classes or a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth after dinner? These moist muffins can be made using only one mixing bowl, so you won’t make a mess of your kitchen. You could also pour the batter into a loaf pan if you’d prefer pumpkin bread to muffins.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups whole-wheat flour
• ½ cup melted butter coconut oil
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 cup pumpkin (about half a 15-oz can)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cloves
• 1 tbsp molasses (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients together.
3. Put in greased loaf pan or muffin tin. Bake at 325 degrees (Bread [one loaf] = 65-80 minutes; 12 muffins = 35-40 minutes; 24 mini muffins = 25 minutes).

4. Skinny Pumpkin Latte

Recipe fromDashing Dish

Those pumpkin-flavored drinks that we look forward to making a comeback every fall are not the healthiest options on the menu, sadly. To get that sweet pumpkin pie flavor, the drinks are often loaded with sugar and fat, bringing the container to a total of 300 to 470 calories, depending on the size. But before you swear off pumpkin drinks for the rest of the season (as if that were even possible), we found a recipe that has only 2 grams of sugar and 71 calories per serving.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp instant espresso power (or 2 packets Starbucks Instant Via Coffee)
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup, honey or agave nectar
• 2 cups vanilla almond milk or skim milk
• 3-5 packets stevia (or sweetener to taste)
• Optional: 2 tbsp half and half (to make it even more rich and creamy) and/or fat free whipped topping for garnish

Directions

1. Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan, stir to combine everything and heat over medium heat for about one to three minutes, or until very hot (but be careful not to bring to a boil).  
2. Remove from heat and add to a blender to get the milk nice and frothy.  Blend on high until the milk begins to form small bubbles, about one to two minutes. 
3. Divide the mixture between two mugs (or save half for later in the fridge). Add a splash of half and half if desired, and/or a squirt of whipped cream, a drizzle of sugar-free caramel and a dash of cinnamon on top.

5. Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Dip

Recipe fromChocolate Covered Katie

The average slice of pumpkin pie is aloaded with calories and fats. By digging your spoon into this dip instead, you’ll eliminate the added sugar and cut down on the amount of fat (pie crusts are loaded with saturated fat). Get double the pumpkin deliciousness by spreading this dip on your pumpkin pancakes!

Ingredients

• 1 can pumpkin (15 oz)
• 1 container cream cheese-style spread, like Tofutti (if vegan), or low-fat cream cheese
• 2 tsp cinnamon (more if desired)
• 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Sweetener of choice to taste (Amount will depend on whether you’re making this as a dip or a spread. Use up to 1/3 cup for a dip, but you might not even need a tablespoon of sugar or a packet of stevia for a spread. Note that liquid sweeteners will yield a much thinner dip, so either powdered sugar or stevia are recommended.)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and mix very well (A food processor is best, but this can be done by hand with a lot of stirring).
2. Serve as a dip, with graham crackers or gingersnaps or fresh fruit. Or use as a festive cream cheese spread on bagels, toast or pancakes. 

6. Sweet & Salty Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Recipe from POPSUGAR

According to World’s Healthiest Foods, pumpkin seeds are loaded with vitamins and are a rich source of the minerals zinc, magnesium and iron, making them a nutritious snack to munch on throughout the day. Added bonus: this recipe will satisfy your sweet and your salty tooth at the same time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds, washed and patted dry (or whatever yields from a pumpkin you carve)
• 1 tbsp organic coconut oil
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp sea salt

Directions

1. Remove seeds from pumpkin, wash in colander, remove bits of pulp and pat dry.
2. In a small bowl, toss seeds, coconut oil (you may have to heat it on the stovetop to get it to liquefy), cinnamon and salt
3. Spread evenly on baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.

7. Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Salad

Recipe from Feed Your Awesome Machine

Pumpkin treats don’t have to be sweet—this savory dinner dish will get you your pumpkin fix just as deliciously. This warm grain salad blends the health benefits of pumpkin with protein- and fiber-packed quinoa. The recipe takes a little longer than the rest to make, so try it on a weekend night when you have more time. We promise it’s worth it!

Ingredients

• ½ medium pumpkin
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 very generous handful of chopped broccoli
• 2 cubic inches of feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese
• Salt and pepper

For sauce:

• 2 tbsp of smooth tahini (you can find a jar of this at your local supermarket or health foods store) 
• 1 small clove garlic
• 2 tbsp water
• ½ a lemon

Directions

For the salad:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare quinoa according to package instructions.
3. Wash and chop the broccoli into rough florets and put a pot on the stove over medium-high heat.
4. Add 1-2 cm of water (about the width of a finger) to the bottom and bring to the boil.
5. Throw the broccoli in, stick the lid on and leave to cook for about three minutes, or until it’s bright green and cooked through but still retains a little bite. 
6. Scrub pumpkin under running water and cut it open with large knife. Using a metal spoon, scoop out seeds of the pumpkin.
7. Dice the flesh (leave the skin on) into small cubes and throw them onto a flat baking tray that’s large enough to fit all your pumpkin cubes without any overlap. Drizzle with a little olive oil and top with salt and pepper. Toss well, put into oven and set timer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pull the pumpkin from the oven and, using a spatula, gently turn all the cubes over. They should be beginning to turn golden brown on the undersides. Pop them back in the oven and set your timer for another 15 minutes.
8. Once the timer goes off, take tray out of the oven, take a piece and cut it open. It should be slightly caramelized on the outside and soft and succulent in the center. If it’s not quite there, pop it back in the oven for another five minutes while you finish off everything else.
9. Toss everything together and top with sauce.

For the sauce:

1. Crush the garlic and place into a smallish bowl.
2. Squeeze in the lemon juice, add the other sauce ingredients and stir. It should be slightly thicker than whipping cream. If you need to, add a little more water or lemon juice to thin it out, or a little more tahini to thicken things up.
3. Season with a little salt and taste it. Add more salt if it needs it, and if you want a little more kick, add a little extra lemon juice.

Get into the fall spirit with these recipes—you can thank us later. Happy eating, collegiettes!

Whether we're making our way out the door for an early class or for our first day at our internship, we all have those days when spending extra time on our hair just isn’t a priority. Sometimes we’d rather sacrifice our appearance for a few extra minutes of sleep (and there’s nothing wrong with that). For days like these, we turn to our handy-dandy list of hairstyles that can take us from drab to fab in five minutes or less. Whether you woke up late or your hair just isn’t cooperating, these six quick and easy hairstyles can help you pull yourself together in no time.

1. Loose side braid

So you’ve never been very good at braiding hair. Lucky for you, you don’t have to be a pro at braiding to pull off this style. This is a perfectly imperfect hairstyle that will give you a bit of a romantic look while also allowing you to show off your inner boho girl.

Tutorial from A Beautiful Mess 

1. French braid your hair from the back to the side.
2. Use a hair elastic to tie a side ponytail.
3. Using a comb, tease the ponytail as much as possible.
4. Braid the teased hair into a regular braid.
5. Pull the braid so that it's uneven and loose.
6. Cut the top hair elastic off.

2. Ballerina bun

You don’t have to be a ballerina in training to wear this look! A ballerina bun is a great go-to hairstyle for collegiettes who want a look that’s simple but chic. The bun can be worn right on top of your head or lower down.

Tutorial from Beauty High 

1. Brush your hair into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic at the top of your head. Make sure there aren’t any bumps in your hair. 
2. Put a hair donut at the base of your ponytail and begin wrapping your hair around the donut, securing with hair pins to keep your hair in place. Continue pinning until your hair completely covers the donut and wrap it under the base.
3. Apply a spritz of hair spray to keep the bun in place and make sure there aren’t any loose hairs getting out.

3. High ponytail

Believe it or not, there’s more to a ponytail than just throwing it up on the top of your head and wrapping it with an elastic. The key to a great ponytail is its volume and staying power.

Tutorial from Beauty High 

1. Give your hair some texture. If your hair is freshly washed and a little too smooth, add some hair spray to your hair. This will allow your ponytail to stay in place all day long.
2. Pull your hair up towards the crown of your head.
3. Holding the ponytail in place with one hand, brush out any bumps with the other hand to ensure a smooth, sleek ponytail.
4. Once you have found the perfect ponytail placement (center of your head, visible from the front), take your hair elastic and secure the pony into place.
5. To keep your ponytail looking chic and not like you just came from the gym, take a 1-inch section of hair from the underside of your ponytail and wrap it around the hair elastic. Secure the hair with a bobby pin to hide the elastic, pushing the bobby pin in on the underside of the hair elastic so everything is covered up.
6. For some added volume and texture, tease the ponytail with a fine-tooth comb, gently combing hair upwards and towards the front.
7. Spray a toothbrush with hairspray and brush down any flyaways.

4. Hair bow bun

A unique take on the classic high bun, this style is cute, easy and fun. Watch this tutorial from Mr. Kate for reference.

1. Gather all of your hair on the top of your head and start a ponytail with an elastic.
2. Loop your hair through the elastic. On the last pull through, don’t pull your hair all the way through, and instead create a loop, leaving the tail of your hair (the ends) pointing toward your forehead.
3. Divide your loop into two halves.
4. Take the ends/tail of your hair and fold it back through the space in your two looped halves, creating the center “knot” part of the bow. Secure the ends in the elastic behind the bow in the back of your head.
5. Fluff up your bow by spreading out the loops and gently tugging them tighter.

5. Knotted bun

Simple enough to do in a matter of minutes but elegant enough to pull off at even the fanciest of occasions, this hairstyle is a must-try!

Tutorial fromOnce Wed

1. Gather your hair to one side and place it in a ponytail behind your ear.
2. Begin twisting and wrapping the ponytail as if you’re tying a knot.
3. As you tie the ponytail into a knot, do not pull the tail all the way through.
4. Secure the knotted bun with large bobby pins.
5. Gently pull and tug the hair from the crown and throughout the bun to create texture and fullness.
6. Spray with a finishing product. 

6. Half-crown braid

You get the best of both worlds with this look by being able to wear your hair down without it being in your face.

Tutorial fromHair Romance 

1. Start by taking a 1-to-2-inch section of hair on one side of your hair above your ear. Split this section in three and make a braid.
2. Angle the braid back around your head and secure the end of the braid with a small, clear hair elastic.
3. Repeat on the other side, taking a section above your ear and making a braid. Secure the end with a small, clear elastic.
4. Bring the first braid across the back of your head and pin in place with bobby pins.
5. Cross the second braid over the first and tuck the end in behind the first braid. Secure it in place with bobby pins.

Not every late morning has to result in a bad hair day. Whether your alarm conveniently decided to not go off or you just needed a few extra minutes with your bed this morning, these simple yet chic hairstyles will get you out the door in no time.

We’ve all heard the typical list of fashion “don’ts” before: “Put away your whites after labor day,” or “Black and navy in the same outfit clash.” Newsflash: breaking a lot of these so-called style rules is actually the secret to some really chic outfits. Don’t believe us? These looks just might change your mind.

1. “Black and navy are a no-go”

 

Fit and flare dress
pixiemarket.com
 

 

Sleeveless crop top
allyfashion.com
 

 

Zara lined jacket
zara.com
 

 

Nly Shoes pointy flat
nelly.com
 

 

Mossimo handbag
target.com
 

 

It turns out black and navy can actually be a super stylish alternative to your go-to all black look! To make it work, the key is to choose a navy piece that is light enough in color to stand out against your black pieces. A navy pinstripe dress paired with a leather jacket is the perfect way to test-drive the look. For fall, add a grey turtleneck underneath for a cool layered touch. A snake printed bag pops against dark shades!

2. “Only wear one print per outfit”

 

Zara striped t shirt
zara.com
 

 

Glamorous long jacket
glamorous.com
 

 

Wool skirt
blackfive.com
 

 

Topshop shoes
topshop.com
 

 

ASOS dial watch
asos.com
 

 

When it comes to prints, it’s totally possible to rock more than one in an outfit without looking like you got dressed in the dark. (Seriously!) For this look, the striped tee is going to become your new BFF. It mixes well with busier prints, like a plaid skirt for fall, or florals in the spring! The possibilities are endless. Tie the look together with a sleeveless blazer in a solid color.

3. “Put your whites away after Labor Day”

 

Zara jacquard sweater
zara.com
 

 

WearAll long waistcoat
wearall.com
 

 

Topshop white super skinny jeans
nordstrom.com
 

 

Wet Seal ankle strap booties
wetseal.com
 

 

Retro handbag
stylemoi.nu
 

 

Whoever decided that we should move our whites to the back of our wardrobes until May clearly never knew the power of a snuggly white turtleneck sweater! Pairing it with white jeans proves that all white can totally work past Labor Day. To break up your monochrome look, add a camel-colored topper. Accessories like black ankle boots and a burgundy messenger bag look right at home in chilly temperatures.

4. “Never wear socks with sandals”

 

Suede dress
pixiemarket.com
 

 

Express sheer hosiery
express.com
 

 

Zara studded high heel shoes
zara.com
 

 

Boohoo round metal sunglasses
boohoo.com
 

 

Choose your socks and sandals wisely, and wearing them together can result in a game-changing way to keep wearing your fave sandals straight into fall! The trick is to pick sandals that are on the strappier side—think cage heels or lace-up sandals. A chunky, knit sock scrunched up at the ankle is the perfect look for fall! Keep the rest of your look simple by wearing your statement footwear with a dress or skirt to show off your killer legs.

What are your favorite fashion rules to break, collegiettes?

We've spent years lusting over Carrie Bradshaw's entire shoe collection, and if you had to ask us for a favorite, we're not sure we'd be able to pick just one pair. Obviously there are those iconic blue satin pumps; but we also love the glam cut-out heels from that wedding, that strappy number she wore with her tutu dress...

But Sarah Jessica Parker has her favorite shoe moment narrowed down. It's from that scene where she visits the Vogue closet completely freaks over the impossible-to-find Manolo Mary Janes. "I think the one that people remember, love and talk about a lot is the moment she sees the Manolo Mary Janes in the Vogue closet and says, 'Oh my God, I thought this was an urban myth.' I think that was a very funny and clever way of talking about something that is to some, a silly sort of infatuation," SJP said in an interview with Harper's Bazaar.

Check out the scene below!

It’s no secret that shopping as a curvy fashionista has the tendency to be the realest #struggle. When it comes to finding places to buy clothes that are made to last but also on-trend and fashion-forward, the pickings can be slim—but Alexandra Waldman and Polina Veksler, the designers of Universal Standard, are about to change all that.

Universal Standard is the new sleek, minimalist line stylish plus size women have been waiting for. Think simple, clean, edgy designs à la Theory or Helmut Lang. Waldman told Refinery29 that the line was designed to fill what she perceives to be a major gap in the range of what’s available to curvy women. “What’s out there is lacking a modern sensibility,” Waldman told R29.

Another reason to love the line? While it may match the aesthetic of straight-off-the-runway labels, the pieces are much more budget-friendly. According to Waldman, the line was originally supposed to match the wholesale-retail model of other brands you might find in a department store, eventually deciding to start with e-commerce instead to keep prices down for future customers. The result is prices that range from $70 to $390, but with most items falling somewhere between $100 and $150. These are definitely investment pieces, but won’t set customers back quite as much as Helmut Lang’s or Theory’s much more expensive lines.

The line will clearly be worth the investment too—every single piece contains elastane, but is engineered to not pill as easily as most cotton materials. Waldman described the pieces to R29 as being stretchy, but not looking like they’re made of stretch material.

The debut 8-piece collection is currently available for pre-order, with the first orders shipping sometime around the middle of October. Curvy fashionistas, we’d suggest you run, not walk, to pre-order the line—we’re guessing it’s going to be a major success! 

The new school year brings new resolutions, one of the most popular being to start frequenting the gym again. How hard can it be to make it to the gym every single day, work out as hard as you can and look cute while doing it? A lot harder than you remember. If you're like us, your gym-going expectations don't always match up with reality.

Expectation

You're going to wear cute neon lululemon from head to toe and strut right into the gym.

Reality

You end up crawling there in a grimy T-shirt and your brother's old basketball shorts.

Expectation

You're going to run five miles on the treadmill and then maybe three more.

Reality

You do 15 minutes on the elliptical, one sit-up and a burpee, and then you order delivery on your way out.

Expectation

Today is the day you're going to find the love of your life, and you're almost positive he'll be weight-training.

Reality

You only spot one cute guy, and he doesn’t even glance your way.

Expectation

You're not going to sweat; you're going to ~*~glisten~*~

Reality

You're soaking wet and really regretting wearing a gray T-shirt.

Expectation

You're going to go to the gym at least five times a week.

Reality

Walking to class counts as exercise, right?

Expectation

You're going to hit up the gym with friends who motivate you to keep going.

Reality

You hit up the gym with friends who convince you to leave halfway through to get nachos.

Expectation

No makeup needed; your all-natural workout glow is beautiful as is.

Reality

*Walks by a mirror* “Is that a troll?”

Expectation

You're going to listen to a kickass playlist to motivate you.

Reality

You forgot to charge your iPod, so you're forced to watch the news on the TV two machines away.

Expectation

“Phew, that was a strenuous workout. I must've burned about 1,000 calories.”

Reality

Treadmill: 124 calories burned

“...Damn.”

A Texas elementary school sent home a very sexist newsletter with the curriculum for fourth and fifth grade students. Not only were male and female students separate, but also their lessons were not equal. While male students studied college and career exploration, the female students would have “girl talk” and discuss confidence issues and friendships.

The parents were clearly not happy, so Borchardt Elementary School tried explaining that it wasn’t their intention to make the curriculum sexist or unequal and that both genders would eventually discuss the same topics.

What do you think, collegiettes? Was it an honest mistake?

MAC took a unique approach on their latest campaign, and the results are beautiful. The campaign is called MACnificent Me and asked their biggest fans to submit a photo of themselves along with their 100-word mantra. Watch four of the winners share what makes them MACnificent:

Luzmaria Vargas

Luzmaria doesn't let what other people think get in the way of her beauty.

Vanessa Tyese Stewart

Vanessa knows that being who you are is the most important thing. So true!

Trésor Prijs

Trésor is a trans woman who knows that everyone is beautiful.

Selena Pellegrini

Selena is an Italian woman who wants people to embrace their differences.

What makes you MACnificent, collegiettes?

October is approaching, and you know what that means! You've been back at school for so long that summer is but a mere memory in the far off distance. Here are the 17 signs you’re in full-on school mode, whether you’re aware of it or not.

1. You're racking up on shifts for your part-time job.

As soon as you hear a whisper of an available shift, you’re all over it. This is the time to take your coworkers' unwanted shifts because when midterms arrive, you'll be too busy to work any extra hours. You know how broke you’re going to be until next summer.

2. You've stopped stressing over your clothes.

You were definitely worrying over what to wear during the first week of classes, but that's faded. What are you going to do with your hair? Should you vamp up your wardrobe? Should you buy a backpack or a cute and comfortable purse for school? Do college students even wear backpacks? Are backpacks even considered cool anymore? (These are all questions you no longer care to know the answer to.) 

3. The reality that you're pretty much poor is starting to set in.

You tried so hard to save your money, so where did it all go?

4. You've given up on trying to sell/buy used textbooks.

You're over trying to figure out which of the 40 people in the crowded campus coffee shop is the one that wants to sell your her textbook. And you've come this far without the required reading; you may not need it at all. 

5. Your room is a disaster.

You were so hopeful when the semester started. New year, new set-up! You probably even took a trip to your local Ikea, trying to figure out how to do something different with your small space. Now you can't see the floor for the piles of dirty laundry.

6. You're realizing you probably should've reviewed the course material.

Because there’s a 95 percent chance that you forgot what you learned last year and still have no idea how to properly write a thesis.

7. You're counting down the days until your next break.

Even if it's just a long weekend, you'll take it.

8. You sit in the same place every day in class.

Of course, it's beside your designated “when-I-don’t-show-up-to-lecture” note taker.

9. You miss all the benefits that came with orientation week.

Free food, free parties, free swag! Now you have to attend sporting events to get free stuff? Not cool!

10. You’re busy with club activities.

When your hair is greying and you're looking back on life, you'll regret not having been apart of anything at your school. But right now the weekly meet-ups are draining what little energy you have left.

11. You’re behind on your readings.

There’s no shame in hiding behind that kid who's constantly raising his hand, though your prof may not appreciate it.

12. Your calendar is filled with due dates and deadlines...

...even though summer was only, like, a month ago.

13. You’re behind on all of your favorite TV shows.

TV is your life when you’re not knee deep in readings, assignments and stress. Why do all the shows come back on after school starts anyway? 

14. You’ve regained your typing speed.

Taking notes was hard since you hadn’t been typing 70 words a minute all summer. But now you're on your A-game.

15. You’re brainstorming ideas for projects/essays the night before they're due.

16. You're spending your free evenings far from the library.

Yep, you're officially in the swing of things...

17. You wait in line for Starbucks three times a day.

The semester’s not even halfway over, and you’re already in dire need of a double shot of espresso. 

Flu bug, what did we ever do to you? One minute, we're happily going about minding our own business, and then, BAM, the mini-epidemic hits and half the campus population is in bed "Netflixing" their sniffles away. With sneezes and headaches, all we can do is watch helplessly as friends and suitemates fall victim to the campus virus, vigorously sanitizing and hoping that the illness will spare us just this once.

This is one trend we definitely want to avoid like the plague, but getting sick that one time of the year when everyone else does just seems inevitable. If taking tests with a ridiculously runny nose isn't your thing, you're in luck. Check out these five ways to prevent the dorm sniffles from hitting you!

1. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer

We’re not talking about the lightning-fast rinse under the water that people tend to do because they've got places to be; we mean truly washing your hands. When was the last time you took the time to sing "Happy Birthday" twice while you scrubbed your hands? Thought so. Washing your hands frequently and long enough is essential to keeping the germs away.

It is especially important if the flu is going around and you have a roommate or are living in close quarters with others who are sick. Pay special attention to items that you and all of your suitemates have to share every day, like the doorknob or the sink, and make sure to sanitize your hands like crazy after using them.

"If your roommate is sick, you have to be ESPECIALLY careful, and it may be worth asking if you can stay in another room until she’s better, since the cold is so contagious," says Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, executive vice president of clinical strategy and chief doctor at Sharecare, an online health and wellness engagement platform.

In addition, make sure you're actively reminding yourself to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth unless you've just washed or sanitized them. Often, this is how germs are spread.

The age-old adage of washing your hands hasn't survived this long for nothing!

2. Stay hydrated

Coffee addicts, we're looking at you in particular. Your body needs water to fight infection, so drinking too much coffee, soda or juice can actually dehydrate you and weaken your body's sickness-fighting abilities.

"Drinking plenty of water can be helpful, especially if you are drinking alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrate the body," says Dr. Debra Greene, an expert in the field of energy medicine and mind-body integration. "Water helps all of your of your body's systems function better. It energizes your muscles, improves bowel function and balances your body's fluid levels."

In addition, staying hydrated keeps mucous membranes of the nose and throat soft, which prevents tiny cracks where viruses can enter from forming. Mucous membranes are thin layers of moist tissues that line body cavities and secrete mucus, which protects the respiratory tract from viruses, germs and bacteria. Hydrating the body also helps your natural drainage system carry encountered viruses down to the stomach to be flushed out.

You should drink six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Decaf green tea is a great way to sneak in your daily dose of water, and it even has immune-boosting antioxidants just for us hardworking college students.

3. Eat right

Your immune system is your savior during times of the campus-wide plague, and it's partially turned on or off by what you eat. Eating right can help you boost your immune system and combat any illnesses that might be floating around. This means eating less food that’s nutritionally empty and can compromise your immune system, like junk food.

"To boost your immune system, you'll want to eat foods that are nutritionally dense," Greene says. "Fresh veggies and berries have high antioxidant capacity compared to canned fruit and veggies, which are severely compromised."

According to Greene, there are a number of other healthy food options you can eat to keep yourself from getting the dorm sniffles:

• Whey protein, which comes from milk and is a by-product of cheese-making, supports the body's natural detoxification processes.
• Fermented foods like pickles, sauerkraut, olives and yogurt provide friendly bacteria that help the gut's immune system.
• Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which converts to monolaurin in your body, the component found in breast milk that strengthens a baby's immune system.
• Fresh garlic is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.
• The superfood chlorella, which is a type of algae that grows in fresh water, binds to toxins and carries them out of your system.

4. Get plenty of rest

Have you ever noticed that your immune system always stops working at the worst times? And by worst times, we mean I'm-about-to-take-midterms-but-let-me-get-sick-first times. Since sleeping and the immune system are connected, it's no wonder that students who stay up all night studying for exams seem more susceptible to the dorm sniffles.

"Studies show that people who don't get enough sleep or don't get quality sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as the common cold," Greene says. "The body needs sleep to fight infectious diseases."

So while those notes definitely won't study themselves and that weekend party won't happen by itself, staying up late makes it easier for you to get sick, which makes it harder for you to study or have fun in the first place.

"Getting back to the basics is the best prevention," Dr. Gillespie says. "If you’re tired, your immune system can be worn down, too, making you more likely to get sick."

So, if a bug is going around on campus, it's not a bad idea to call it an early night, stick in your earplugs and catch some zzzs so you can aim for those As without a cold to worry about.

5. Don't share

Sharing is caring, unless there's a plague going around campus. Sharing food is cute and all, but spreading germs definitely isn't. It's important to remember to not share towels, eating utensils, cups or other things that can carry viruses, as well as to not drink or eat food or beverages other people have already touched.

This also applies to things shared by the public, like cafeteria utensils. Dr. Gillespie suggests using a napkin to grab the tongs at your dorm buffet or salad bar to prevent getting sick.

"Everyone is touching them, and then touching their mouth and eating — SO easy to spread germs!" Dr. Gillespie says. "So, either use a napkin to hold the tongs, or use a hand sanitizer just before you eat to prevent catching any germs."

If you have a roommate, this will probably be even more difficult because sharing your stuff with each other is pretty inevitable. But if there's a flu bug going around, avoid touching and using the same objects. Unfortunately, that might mean temporarily separating your desks, pens and other things you might normally share, because they all can carry the cold virus.

Sanitize often and be considerate, and you'll be spreading the love, not the germs.

Don't let college life wreak havoc on your immune system and make you susceptible to even the most minor pathogens. Even though you live in close quarters with lots of other people and interact with them on a daily basis, you can take preventative measures now so you don't end up huddled in bed watching reruns of old TV episodes again!

It’s safe to say that Fat Amy just gets us! She understands how much we hate running, she says no to drugs and she knows how terrible it can be to waste a perfectly good burrito. There’s nothing this firecracker doesn’t get—what goes through our minds during a night out included. Here are 16 thoughts you’ve probably had while partying it up, as told by our favorite Barden Bella!  

1. Of course a pimple pops up today! Guess it could be worse!

2. I can never get this winged liner on fleek! At least I’m not completely hopeless, I guess.

3. Okay, I think I’ve finally downed enough pregrame drinks to make tonight bearable.

4. My feet already feel like someone has stabbed me in them 62 times! This is exactly why I don’t wear heels.

5. Let me counter the pain with shots for everyone on me! I can afford this…maybe! (Slaps card down)

6. Ugh, I’m definitely not drunk enough to handle this couple sloppily making out next to me.

7. Or this creeper who keeps hitting on me and slurring his words.

8. Maybe I need just one more shot…

9. But I’ve probably already had one too many!

10. Okay, who is that scrumptious piece of man candy and how can I stalk him immediately?!

11. Whoops! Let me play off tripping as if it was a dance move. Hope he didn't notice!

12. Why is every guy avoiding me like the plague? I've got killer moves to show off!

13. Whatever! I don’t need a man!  

14. Must we speed walk home like this? I’m wearing heels and I’m not Beyoncé, ya know! 

15. Made it back and I didn’t lose my phone, my wallet or my dignity!

16. Whew! I thought I’d never get to rip this horrid bra off!  

How long does it take to snap the perfect selfie? Whether we like to admit it or not, we probably make several attempts before settling on the one selfie we'll actually post on Instagram. This is all about to change though—makeup artist Luis Casco looked at 8,000 selfies of women of all ethnicities to get the perfect selfie down to a science.

So what are his tips for the ultimate selfie? The first no-no is dry lips; they're extra apparent in selfies. If you want your eyes to sparkle, add a touch of gold! And most importantly, what's the most flattering angle? Casco recommends raising the camera 45 degrees, which makes your eyes look bigger and your jawline more defined. When should you NEVER take a selfie? At night with flash—it only makes your skin look greasier. But obviously, we know that late night selfies at your college bar are unavoidable, so when it needs to happen, use a blotting paper on your T-zone and dust on some transluscent powder.

Now all you need to do is decide which filter to use...

Being busy doesn’t mean you need to be stressed! With classes, part-time jobs, a social life and only 24 hours in a day, it can be hard to manage your time well. Whether you’re a freshman trying to find all your classes or a senior looking to land that dream job after graduation, it’s important to make sure you’re not waist-deep in anxiety. Here are seven apps to help you stay organized and make the most out your time!

1. Wunderlist

Price: Free for iPhone.

If you’re someone who hates having too many sticky notes getting in the way, Wunderlist is for you. This app will help you keep all your do-to lists in one place. You can share your lists with coworkers, friends and family and assign each person different tasks. You can also start a group chat to follow up with your plans and update everyone on any changes.

“I use it a lot when I go food shopping because I always have my phone on me and I never forget a grocery list,” says Kasia Jaworski, a senior at Villanova University.

No more rifling through your purse for 10 minutes looking for a scrap of paper! This is your homework agenda, grocery list and social calendar all wrapped into one.

2. JotNot

Price: Free for the iPhone with a pro version for $2.99. 

Large, complicated scanners can be frustrating and time-consuming to use. With JotNot, you can take a photo of a document with your phone and get almost the same high quality that you would with a scanner!

The difference between this and a regular photo app is that JotNot has an image processor that detects shadows and edges, making your document as clear as it would be if it had been scanned by a machine. Everything is converted into a PDF document, making it easy to export and send documents to professors and classmates. It’s especially useful for keeping track of receipts, billboards, advertisements and whiteboard notes. You can also sync it with the Google Drive app, which will allow you to access the documents from any computer or device!

3. Google Drive

Price: Free for iPhone.

With Google Drive, you can create a document, presentation or spreadsheet that can be shared with other email accounts so that friends and classmates can view your work and make edits! It also means that you can access your work whenever you have Internet, so you don’t have to stress about emailing an essay to yourself before you work on another computer. The app version is even more convenient since you can work whenever you get a few minutes, giving you more time to relax later.

“I can write while walking to class, eating or training on the elliptical and access my writing on any device afterwards,” says Iris Goldsztajn, a junior at The University of California, Los Angeles. It’s definitely one of the apps that every college student needs!

4. Carrot

Price: $2.99 for iPhone for each version.

“Greetings, lazy human.” Carrot uses this type of tough love to motivate us into getting things done! Called the “to-do list with a personality,” it has six different moods that range from happy to angry, and it gradually becomes more annoyed if you neglect your tasks. You can unlock levels by completing the items on your to-do list, and the app upgrades and reveals more features as you use it.

“Carrot is my task manager and best friend,” says Shannon Delijani, a sophomore at the University of Southern California.

When you level up, Carrot will give you one of over 400 rewards, which come in the form of upgrades or stories. Eventually, at level 18, you can set notifications and decide how often you want to be reminded to complete your list. There are three versions of the app: task list and fitness tracker.

5. Period Tracker

Price: Free for iPhone. Deluxe versions available for $1.99 for iPhone andAndroid.

It might be a little awkward writing your period dates next to your homework schedule, so Period Tracker helps you keep your menstrual information separate from everything else! It’s simple and does all the work for you. You simply select your period start and end dates, and the app gives you a prediction for your next period, your ovulation date and when you’re fertile. You can also get the average length of your cycle and a log of your period history!

Keep in mind that the predictions aren’t perfect, so you should still consult a campus health center for any questions about sexual health or contraception. You can use the app to take notes on your mood and symptoms, which can be helpful whenever you go to the doctor. Since the app icon is called “P Tracker,” you won’t have to feel awkward when friends look over your shoulder!

6. Sunrise Calendar

Price: Free for iPhone and Android.

This calendar app is unique because it can be synced with other popular apps as well as to your computer! Since you can access it at home or on the go, the app is great for both planning an important event and running daily errands. If you’re planning a vacation with an app like TripIt, you can sync the app with Sunrise and have your entire itinerary transported to your calendar! If you’re someone who likes to use a lot of different apps, Sunrise lets you compile everything into one central place. It’s also easy to look back on events if you’re writing a blog or making a vacation scrapbook, because the app lets you search for past plans based on their name, location and which of your friends attended.

7. Spending Tracker

Price: Free for iPhone and Android.

All those morning coffees and sushi trips can really add up! This nifty app lets you set a budget or income for a period of time you choose and shows you in charts how much you have left to spend. You can categorize your purchases with different labels and see a pie chart that shows where you’re spending the most. It’s never too early to start practicing your real-world budgeting skills!

“It's easy to see how much you spent on clothes, food, alcohol, etc. throughout a month,” Kasia says. “It makes me feel super responsible because I’m keeping track of my money!”

With the help of these apps, you can plan ahead and make sure you’re never overwhelmed! Keep in mind that staying organized isn’t just about getting everything done, but also about making every day healthy and well rounded. Remember that no matter how busy you are, it’s always good to sit back and appreciate what you’ve already done, and maybe also treat yourself for working so hard. After all, every career-minded, organized and ambitious collegiette deserves a break now and then!

In any group of friends, there's bound to be a mix of all different types of students: the computer whiz, the history buff, the thespian, the pre-med and of course the future-president political science major. Here are a few signs that you'll be heading straight to Washington, D.C. after graduation!

1. You're completely up to date with the 2016 election news

2. On that note, you're doning a laptop sticker for your favorite presidential candidate

3. Your most-visited websites include The New York Times, Fox News and CNN

4. When you're listening to a debate and a candidate says something idiotic, you're like:

5. You worked on a congressional campaign over the summer

6. You're constantly in the library reading or writing a paper

7. You have asked your friends who they're voting for

You're never afraid to bring up politics. 

8. Then, you've scolded your friends for not being registered to vote

9. You talk about political figures as if they're your friends 

Barack totally reminds you of your dad. 

10. You can always win an argument with a friend

11. For no reason at all, you can name the U.S. presidents in order

12. The background on your phone is a national monument

13. You're constantly promoting your Young Democrats or Young Republicans club meetings

14. You're furiously applying for 10 different political internships for next summer

15. Your favorite dog is Bo Obama

16. Everything you know about politics you learned from The West Wing 

17. Your email inbox is filled with this:

18. You have a lot of opinions about your state's representatives 

19. You have strong feelings about Foucault 

Your friends may make fun of your passion for politics and big dreams of taking over Washington, but your future is definitely bright if this list applies to you! Happy advocating, collegiettes!

Busy? We understand. Whether you’re studying for an exam or suffering through a long day of classes, it seems like there’s just never enough time in a day, especially when it comes to making time to work out! Because, seriously, who has time to hit the gym when we could be spending our free time binge watching Netflix shows? Never fear; HC is here with a few quick workout tips for the collegiette who can’t seem to spare more than a few minutes.

1. Get a pedometer

With all of the time you spend walking back and forth between your dorm or apartment and the main campus, the first thing you should probably consider doing if you’re pressed for time is invest in a pedometer. A pedometer measures the amount of steps you take.

Start off by recording how many steps you can take in a given number of days. Then, you can start setting daily goals for yourself in terms of how much walking you’d like to be doing.

“Keeping track of your steps can give you a fabulous internal dialogue,” says Melanie Ludwig, personal trainer and owner of Prestige Fitness. “Knowing that you reached the level you are striving for, you’re more apt to make better food choices and try to keep moving!”

Any time you start thinking about how miserable that long walk between the dining hall and the student center is, think about how many steps you’re taking and how much they’ll pay off in the end!

2. Do some interval training

This one sounds a little intimidating, but we promise it’s not as complicated as you think! Interval training is just a combination of high-intensity activity mixed with low-intensity activity. Think of it as getting a random burst of energy in the middle of doing something that’s not very exciting.

“If you’re outdoors, you can walk, jog or run for a few minutes, then stop and do some body-weight exercises, like lunges, squats or push-ups,” Ludwig says. “I would warm up with a five-minute slow jog, then crank up the intensity for five minutes, do a set of walking lunges, another five minutes of cardio, push-ups, then repeat.”

A routine like this can help you spruce up your walk to class. Granted, it might be a little weird for anyone walking near you to see you doing lunges, but at least your walk to biology won’t be boring! Try this less-strange-looking alternative: Walk to class as fast you as possibly can for two minutes, and then do a slow stroll for another minute. Repeat until you get to class!

3. Dance around

If you’re indoors for the day studying or cleaning your room, feel free to take a short break and channel your inner Queen Bey by dancing! “The key here is to keep your heart rate up and do something that prevents your muscles from being fatigued,” Ludwig says.

Whether it’s a rainy day or a lazy day, try to keep your heart rate up by busting a move. Increase your calorie burn with the interval idea above: Have your playlist alternate between faster and slower songs. You won’t even notice you’re working out!

Finding time to work out on a tight schedule can be rough, but with these exercises, you’ll be able to work out faster than it would take you to come up with an excuse not to!

Listening to music can be just as effective as medicine. [YourTango]

20 amazing college towns to go visit. [Fodor’s]

How do the Disney Princesses celebrate Oktoberfest? [Pure Costumes]

The smartest building in the world. [Bloomberg]

Why do we jerk awake just as we’re falling asleep? [New York Magazine]

Aw, this tiny lion is trying to roar! [Jezebel]

15 of the most popular college bars across North America. [The Huffington Post]

Things selfie-takers are sick of hearing. [Bustle]

Top designers talk about their actress muses. [The Hollywood Reporter]

How well do you know these TV theme songs? [Entertainment Weekly]

If you’re considering joining a sorority this year, enthusiastic Greek friends and relatives may have already bombarded you with advice about rush. In addition to being given pointers on how to dress and what to say, you may also have been told that you need to spend the summer acquiring letters of recommendation.

You might be thinking, “Letters of recommendation? I thought I was applying for a sisterhood, not a job!” We know it sounds weird at first, but don’t worry—we’ve put together a short guide that will make understanding and getting those letters of rec a snap!

What is a letter of recommendation?

Calling it a letter is actually pretty misleading. A rec isn’t an open-ended correspondence, but simply a form filled out by the woman recommending you for a sorority. These forms, which can be found on each sorority’s national website, require information about your grades, test scores, volunteer work, extracurricular activities and hobbies. They’re usually submitted along with two photographs (one headshot and one of your full body).

How to determine if you need letters of recommendation

Figuring out if you need to worry about getting recommendations can be surprisingly tricky. In general, if you are headed for the SEC or any school with a reputation for having a competitive recruitment process, you can assume that getting letters of recommendation for every house is basically essential. At schools without a competitive rush reputation, however, it can be hard to tell whether you should get them for every house, just a few houses or none at all.

Jessica Williams is the CEO of Phired Up, a company that works to grow Greek organizations. She says it’s important to remember that all schools are different. “The most important thing is to email the Panhellenic office on campus and ask if [letters of recommendation] are recommended or common,” Williams says.

You might think that it can’t hurt to get recommendations, even if it isn’t normal to do so. Yet surprisingly, recommendations can potentially be a waste of time or even detrimental to your rush aspirations, depending on the school and chapter. “At some schools, when recruitment chairs get them, they just throw them away,” says Williams, who also authored the book I Heart Recruitment. “If they aren’t common, you might stand out in a negative way. You need to know what the culture of the campus is.”

Rebecca*, a former member of Alpha Chi Omega at a university where letters of recommendation are not often used, says that rushees at her school who submitted recs were often held to a higher standard than they would have been otherwise. “With [only] 30 percent of students participating in Greek life, I have found that letters of recommendation are more of a hindrance than a help,” she says. She explains that recs “put [potential new members] under more scrutiny.”

Who to ask for a letter of recommendation

If you’ve determined that you do in fact need recs, the next step is to find women who can write them. Before you go off to ask a former teacher or boss, you have to remember that this isn’t your average recommendation. Letters of rec are sorority-specific, which means that the women who write you recommendations must be alumnae of the sororities to which the letters are sent.

We get that this is a little confusing, so let’s break it down: For example, if your college has a chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, you can ask your mom’s friend, who was a Zeta when she was in school (even if she went to a different college!), to write you a letter of recommendation for that particular house. However, that recommendation cannot be sent, for instance, to your college’s Alpha Phi chapter—you’ll need an Alpha Phi alumna for that one.

Where to turn if you don’t have Greek connections

If you’re headed to a school where it’s important to get recommendations for every house on campus, it’s unlikely that you’ll know enough alumnae to ask right off the bat. Never fear! There are many ways to find women who will be happy to write you a recommendation. Tammy Neeb, author of the recruitment advice blog “Sorority Girl 101,” suggests several strategies for finding them:

• Use your network: Neeb advises looking wherever you can to find sorority women who could potentially recommend you. “Your friends, your parents’ friends, church... I actually had a girl who followed a woman [who looked like she might be Greek] up and down the aisles of a grocery store,” she says. (If you’re wondering—it worked!)
• Find a local Panhellenic Conference: Once you’ve contacted as many people as you can on your own, Neeb says your next step is to find out if there is a Panhellenic Conference nearby. A Panhellenic Conference is a group made up of alumnae of various schools and Greek organizations who live in the area. Reach out to see whether anyone is willing to write you a recommendation.
• Find local alumnae chapters: If there is no Panhellenic Conference nearby, your next move is to look up local alumnae chapters of the different sororities you are missing recs for.
• Contact sororities’ national offices: This should be your absolute last resort, Neeb says. “They’ll tell you they won’t do it, but you have to be persistent,” she says.

The dos and don’ts of asking for recommendations

Do take it upon yourself to reach out and get the recs you need.

Don’t assume you’ll get one. “Recommendations are not an entitlement from an alumna,” Neeb says. “A good rec is time-consuming, and some alumnae are extremely picky.” It’s important to be polite and accommodating, as well as to provide the alumna with the information she needs (information about you, where to send it, etc.).

Do feel free to ask for a rec from someone you don’t know.

Don’t ask someone to write it without talking to you first.  Getting a recommendation from someone you’ve never spoken to can do more harm than good. “One time I was at a chapter while they were going through letters of recommendation, and they got one that had the [potential new member’s] name misspelled in the letter,” Williams says. “That’s the only time when recommendations are problematic, when it’s very obvious that the person writing the letter has never had a conversation with the young woman. Why even get a recommendation when you can’t even bother picking up the phone?” Meeting with alumnae isn’t hard. Neeb suggests you “offer to meet them for coffee, or Skype if you don’t live close.”

How sororities use recs

Much like a college admissions team, sororities want to offer bids to a well-rounded group of young women who will improve the house as a whole. Especially at schools where rush is a competitive process, chapters use recommendations to figure out which girls they want to pay particular attention to when recruitment begins. “Recommendations are important because they put you on the radar,” Neeb says.

At less competitive schools, the simple act of submitting a recommendation might help you stand out. “It’s a good way to say that being in a sorority is important to [you],” Williams says. Remember, no sorority wants to offer a bid to a rushee who doesn’t want to be there!

When to finalize your recommendations

Sororities should receive your letters of recommendation prior to the start of recruitment. This means that summer is the time to secure your recs, so get moving! Exact timing varies by college, so make sure to check out your school’s Panhellenic website for the suggested date. The woman who is writing your letter is the one who mails it in, not you. When she agrees to recommend you, make sure to give her a large envelope that is stamped and addressed to the chapter’s recruitment chair.

Getting letters of recommendation might seem like a pretty overwhelming process, but with this guide, you’re already ahead of the game. You’ll thank yourself on Bid Day!

*Name has been changed.