Quantcast
Channel:
Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live

4 Things You Shouldn’t Tell Your Friends About Your Relationship

0
0

College relationships are so much more grown-up compared to high school relationships, right? Dating in college calls for more mature moves, such as not telling your friends every little detail about your relationship. While spilling some things to your roommates is perfectly okay, there are experiences that should be kept private between you and your SO for the sake of honoring your relationship. Here’s what not to tell your besties (as tough as it may be).

1. The private details of your partner’s life

Your SO tells you something really private and asks you not to tell anyone. This is absolutely a contract you cannot breach. Failing to respect your partner’s wishes could mean the demise of the relationship, especially if word gets out.

“You shouldn't tell your friends any secrets or private things your boyfriend entrusts in you,” says Suzanne Oshima, dating coach at Single in Stilettos. “Don't even think for a moment that it would be okay to just tell your best friend.”

Oshima says the consequences of doing so are dire.

“Why? Because if your boyfriend ever finds out that you shared something that he entrusted in you, he will never trust you again with anything else that he holds near and dear to his heart,” she says. “Men have a hard enough time opening up about their feelings, so don't breach his trust.”

Seriously, don’t. It means a lot that he told you this in the first place!

2. Every single disagreement you have with your partner

Sometimes it’s okay to consult your girls when you’re not sure who’s in the wrong. However, telling them about every single tiny argument you have with your SO can’t end well.

“You shouldn't tell your friends about every single fight you get into with your boyfriend,” Oshima says. “If you do, it will start to taint how they feel about him, and they'll just try to get you to break up with him.”

It’s best to keep some of the smaller arguments to yourselves. Plus, you should be able to work it out with your SO without the aid of your friends.

3. The super intimate stuff

If you’re experimenting with sex for the first time, it’s totally natural to have questions that you want to ask your girls. Remember, though, that divulging every single detail of these intimate happenings between you and your partner can take away from the importance you should be placing on these occurrences. After all, having sex with someone you deeply care about doesn’t happen all the time.

“I know so many like to kiss and tell, but you shouldn’t tell your friends about your sex life,” says Julie Spira, online dating and relationship expert as well as founder of Cyber-Dating Expert.

Spira says if you do tell one of your friends about your sex woes (or intimate details about your partner’s body and abilities) and you happen to get in a fight with said friend, those dirty details you spilled could get back to your SO. Now that would be awkward.

Make sure you have sex discussions with a person you totally and completely trust because the situation Spira described could be nightmarish — especially if you attend a small college.

4. Exactly how fabulous your relationship is

Things aren’t going well — they’re going amazing. And we’re totally happy for you! However, keep in mind that you don’t want to be excessive when talking about it to your friends.

“You shouldn't gush and brag all the time to your single girlfriends about how great your boyfriend and relationship are,” Oshima says. “Being in love and in a great relationship can be one of the most amazing things. But it's important to be sensitive to your girlfriends who are single and not in a relationship right now.”

Remember when you were single and one of your friends was totally infatuated with her boyfriend? You had to hear about it all the time, and after a while, you were a bit fed up. Chatting about something adorable your SO did is fine from time to time, but don’t go overboard. As Oshima said, you should be considerate of your friends’ feelings.

Relationships are awesome, but with them come some expectation of privacy. After all, would you want your SO sharing every detail with his or her buddies? We didn’t think so. Honor your SO by keeping the intimate aspects of your relationship just that – intimate.


What I'd Give to Tell My Younger Self That She's Perfect

0
0

Content note: mentions of eating disorders

By Laura Ostrow

What I would give to tell my six-year old self in gymnastics that it is okay to run up to that vault and jump over, because other people’s legs shake when they run, too. What I would give to tell her that the leotard she wore was meant for the ease of movement of her strong muscles, not for her to look with shame at her thighs and think that they are bigger than all of the other girls. What I would give to tell the child I was that there was no need to jump into the water directly after shedding the towel; because the world wasn’t afraid of seeing her body like she was.

What I would give to tell the pre-teen that it is normal for her body to change shape, grow out, and become different. What I would give to tell that young girl that everything will be okay, while she was getting ready every morning by trying on over ten outfits and finally settling on a pair of pants that she thought made her look decent enough to leave the house. What I would give to hug her and tell her that she is perfect as she left that house sweating with nerves, holding back tears and trying to be okay with her body.

And what I would give to tell that same girl, staring down at her body in class in disgust that, in reality, the distortions that she was seeing were something only she could have noticed; it was not reality. What I would give to tell her that learning and expanding her mind in school was so much more important and valuable than what she looked like while in class. What I would give to tell that same girl that in her process of trying to change, find, and re-find herself over and over again through haircuts, color, style changes and personality changes, she could never truly change the amazing person that she was underneath.

What I would give to tell that girl staring at her in the mirror, and crying at her reflection, that she is beautiful; because no matter how many people told her, she couldn’t tell herself. I would ask her why she treated herself so badly.

Our brains are meant for so much more than the monopolizing, self-hating thoughts we allow ourselves to think. There is so much more we can do, and say, and give to this world than our bodies. What I would give to be the mirror that every girl looks in every day of her life, to be able to tell her that she is beautiful, and then send her on her way to truly live.

Eating disorders are diseases of the mind first and foremost. They attack your body and your thoughts, latch onto the health and replace it with the sick. So many eating disorders are invisible, and we never know who is fighting this silent battle at any age, any size and in any place. But true beauty is in the way your voice lifts when you are excited. True worth is in the love and happiness you bring to others. True value is in your intelligence, humor, and passion. You are a beautiful human being. And you can make the choice today, to start seeing that in your reflection and smile.

There's a Secret Season of 'American Horror Story' You Haven't Seen Yet

0
0

Ryan Murphy is officially a master of suspense. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the American Horror Story creator revealed that a secret season of everybody's favorite horror drama has been in the works for years now. 

“It’s my secret season,” Murphy said in the interview. “I’ve been working with a writer on a season that only he and I know. It’s like a two-year project that we’ll continue to work on the sly and not tell anybody."

Unfortunately, that's all the information he was willing to give up. "I don’t know when it will [air] but it’s also an experiment,” he said. "We might get them done and shoot them on the sly and drop it.”

Until then, Murphy says he already has plans for season seven, which we can only assume will blow our minds just like every other season of AHS. Despite no word from FX on whether or not the show will even be renewed for a seventh season, both fans and Murphy himself are looking forward to the future of the show and all of its horrifying, spine-chilling and keep-you-up-at-night glory. 

17 Signs You're in Full-on School Mode

0
0

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 you 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.

What? You forgot.

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. 

Links We Love 9.25.16

0
0

Ryan Gosling, Melissa McCarthy read mean tweets. [Us Magazine]

Crystal lips are taking over Instagram. [Seventeen]

I had an abortion at the age of 14. [Self]

Mark Zuckerberg paid a ton of money to 'cure all diseases.' [Variety]

The greatest TV shows of all time. [Rolling Stone]

Fancy food that lazy girls can cook. [Women's Health Magazine]

One week in college and I already hate it. [The Huffington Post]

Why can't we resist musing about Brangelina? [Los Angeles Times]

Rules every aspiring girl boss should follow. [Elite Daily]

How to have a positive mindset in the morning. [Bustle]

 

 

10 Post-College Struggles that Mindy Kaling Gets

0
0

Has post-college life got you down? Well, you're not alone. If there's anyone else who gets it, it's Mindy Kaling. After all, Mindy braved the real world while she worked her way from graduate to small screen star. Here are 10 problems that keep you on the alumni struggle bus, as told by your favorite leading lady.

1. Sending out your resume only to get the dreaded “We regret to inform you” email or worse, silence.

http://www.gifwave.com/media/381596_the-office-college-mindy-kaling-parents-dumb.gif

2. Sometimes you feel like the wake up/work/go to sleep/repeat schedule is not working for you.

http://www.nkayesel.com/2014/05/01/crushing-moments-in-fresh-grads-job-hunt/

3. Now that you've graduated, you can’t put off grown-up duties like jury duty, paying bills and the like.

http://giphy.com/gifs/reaction-the-office-mindy-kaling-Fnp8YmktWyGGY

4. In college you had a wide array of potential SOs on campus. In the real world, dating is limited to the few cuties in your neighborhood, in the office and... on Tinder.

http://rebloggy.com/post/gif-mindy-kaling-the-mindy-project/67181743491

5. You have to fight the feeling of wanting to go out, go shopping or travel because your bank account does not agree. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/louispeitzman/the-most-relatable-mindy-lahiri-quotes-from-the-mindy-pro#.yurXRBeRq

6. You settle for Snapchat convos and Skype dates because you don't live with your college besties anymore.

https://sceneontvnyc.wordpress.com/2014/04/15/six-reasons-mindy-lahiri-not-just-mindy-kaling-is-the-greatest-friend-youll-ever-have/

7. You constantly crave the fast food you binged on in college. 

http://33.media.tumblr.com/65d51e25466a945f1db660c42050b679/tumblr_mkui4dd8Vu1qh01r8o1_500.gif

8. You get creative with exercising because gym memberships aren't cheap.

https://catsconnect.wordpress.com/category/wildcat-wisdom/page/2/

9. You spend time strategically dodging your family’s questions about what you are going to do with your life.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/hnigatu/times-mindy-kaling-perfectly-captured-your-angst#.wk8MLV7L8

10. On your bad days, you give yourself multiple pep talks because you know it has to get better! Right…?

http://www.theprospect.net/12-lessons-learned-from-the-mindy-project-42488

Don't worry. You've got this. Yeah, you may have to give yourself the type of daily pep talk that Mindy is famous for... and if that doesn't work? There's no shame in (sometimes) being a hot mess.

8 Ways to Make the Most Out of a College Visit

0
0

College visits play a huge role in your decision when it comes time to choose a school. A lot of people simply say, “I fell in love with the campus,” but there’s more to it than that. If you end up just rushing through your visit to move onto the next one, you’re only wasting your time. To get the most out of your time on campus, we’ve got you covered with these extremely important tips!

1. Start planning and researching now

Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, it’s never too early (or late) to visit a potential school. Colleges even have specific days and programs tailored to each grade level. Not only can you begin scheduling tours, but you can also start the research process. Summer Ford, a senior at Boston University, looked into a variety of schools throughout high school. “I researched and planned well beforehand which schools I wanted to apply to,” she says. “Because they were all somewhat in the same vicinity, I was able to plan out a week long college visit road trip with my mom!” Like Summer, you should be prepared before even scheduling a visit. According to Judi Robinovitz, Certified Education Planner and Founder of Score At The Top, students who visit schools without doing research beforehand are at an extreme disadvantage for a variety of reasons.

“You need to be in the position to ask questions that can’t be found online,” Robinovitz says. “That means already being well versed on what the university is about both academically and socially.” For example, rather than asking if the school offers double majors, find out beforehand and then ask something along the lines of, “I recognized on your website that having a double major is an option, what are some examples of popular combinations?” Doing so will not only make for a better visit, but it will make you stand out and show that you’re really interested in what they have to offer.

2.  Set up additional arrangements

Rather than just doing the minimum by attending information sessions and going on a campus tour, look into the other opportunities the school offers. Robinovitz says that many colleges provide student hosts that take in high schoolers for an overnight in the dorms, and then go to class with them the next day. “Doing something like this, or even staying with a friend who might go there, gives students a much better perspective,” she says.

Whether or not a school offers overnights can usually be found on their website, according to Mark Montgomery, admissions consultant at Great College Advice. If you can’t find anything, though, the admissions office will be a big help. If that college provides hosts, the office will be able to set you up with one.

You can also reach out to any campus groups you might be interested in joining. If they’re not meeting while you’re there, ask to sit down and talk to any available group members! Additionally, you can arrange to meet with an advisor that’s specific to your major to discuss what you can do to start preparing for college. Rachel Petty, a junior at James Madison University, definitely stresses this one. “They can help you see if what they have to offer is right for you!” she says. If you’re really set on that major, you might be able to talk to a junior or senior who’s studying the same thing. There are plenty of opportunities; you just have to reach out to the college!

3. Pay close attention to the details on campus

When you’re with a big group exploring a giant campus, it can be easy to miss out on a lot of the important details. While learning the basics is important, it’s also important to get a feel for the campus and its students. According to Robinovitz, one of the best things you can do is gauge your tour guide’s enthusiasm for the university. Summer did exactly this by staying behind and talking to the tour guides afterwards. Additionally, she got their contact information, so she could ask more questions later on. “Making that connection with the guide can just help give you that inside scoop on the school from a student that actually attends the university,” she says. “You can look at them as being more than just a tour guide. They can be a personal connection at your potential school.” Take advantage of these people who are already willing to help in the first place!

It’s also important to determine the overall feel for the campus. “Admissions at every college will claim that their campus is friendly, but you have to see and observe it yourself,” she says. Ask yourself the following: are kids walking alone or in groups? When you pass students, do they say hello or smile? Does everyone generally look happy? How is your tour guide interacting with students you pass by? Another suggestion is to find the campus newspaper office and pick up multiple editions. This way, you can get a better idea of what’s going on, rather than just reading the current day’s paper. Robinovitz says these are just some of the factors to determine whether or not you can see yourself fitting in at the school.

4. Take lots of notes

This one is extremely necessary. After you’ve visited four or five schools, you’re not only going to forget things, but you’re going to mix them up. Be sure to bring a notebook and a pen or pencil with you to take notes throughout the day, especially during the information sessions. Also, Robinovitz says to write down the name of the speakers, so you can refer to them when asking questions afterwards. “This is an easy way to show that you were paying attention, and reiterate your interest in the school,” she says.

You should also make sure your parents, or whoever is with you on the tour, is also taking notes throughout the day. Have them write down the names of different statues and buildings; that way you can refer to them specifically later on in your admissions essay about how the school is a good match for you. It’s much more personal to say “I can see myself walking through the famous Lucas Park,” rather than, “I can see myself walking through the park.” Clarissa Montgomery, a sophomore at the University of Central Florida, did something similar when writing her admissions essay. “I went back through my notes from my visit, and I ended up referencing one of the speakers by name and explaining how what she said really convinced me UCF was right for me,” she says. Anything that can improve your chances of getting in is worth doing!

5. Bring a camera

Yes, an actual camera — not just your smart phone. Robinovitz says that if you’re snapping pictures on your phone, you’ll be tempted to be on it the whole time whether you’re texting or scrolling through social media. Then, you’ll not only miss out on everything, but you’ll come off as rude to your tour guide who’s taking time out of their day to help you get to know the school. You can even pass the camera off to your mom and dad. “Generally, I tell students to employ their parents to do that so they can let the experience wash over them,” Montgomery says.

While you shouldn’t be on your phone the whole time, Robinovitz says that tweeting or uploading an Instagram picture and tagging the school is a great idea. “[The school] will definitely see it because they look for things like that,” she says. “It’s a great way to demonstrate your interest.” Time to put your IG skills to the test!

6. Eat in the dining hall

Opting for a dining hall meal over the fast food options on campus is good for a variety of reasons. The best and most obvious is that you’ll be able to decide whether or not you like the food and what type of meal plan you’ll need. Do you like it to where you’ll be able to eat there three times a day? Or maybe just three times a week? Determining this early on can save you some money in the long run. Bailey Howard, a junior at Iowa State University, had to learn this the hard way. “I wish I would’ve taken the time to look into the cafeteria food beforehand, because I ended up only eating cereal every time I went there,” she says. “It was too late to switch my meal plan, so I had to wait until semester to change.” It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

While testing out the food, you can also talk to some of the students there. Talk to the people in line, at the drink station and those sitting down. Most of them will be welcoming and happy to talk to you, but that doesn’t mean you should march up to someone who has headphones in and is doing homework. Montgomery says that if you’re talking to a student, it’s better to ask the specific questions. Kyra Tyler, Director at College Coach, suggests some of the following: What would you like to see changed? Do you feel challenged? Are you able to connect with faculty easily? What's your favorite campus tradition? This is better than just asking someone if they like the school. However, this tactic requires talking to a variety of students, so you can take in different answers and opinions. It might be scary, but it will be well worth it!

7. Tour the area off-campus

It’s not enough to get a feel for the college. You’re not going to be on campus 24/7, so it’s important that you take the time to explore the town or surrounding area. Montgomery recommends venturing around the town in the evening because most students are done with class for the day and out doing things. “Be sure to talk to people like baristas in popular coffee shops and ask them about the town and the college students,” he says. “This way, you’ll get an outside perspective from someone who’s still in the loop.” Also, Tyler says that you're better off by exploring by walking. "I think getting out there on foot is best but if you're rushing to the next school, by car is better than nothing," she says. When it comes to looking around town, some of what you’ll want to find depends on your personal interests, like a movie theatre, mall or sushi bar; however, you should make sure that there’s a nearby grocery store, gas station and other amenities. Also make note of how close the nearest airport is if you’re going to be far from home.

Another important factor has to do with jobs and internships. Make sure there are companies or businesses nearby that fit with what you’re interested in. The smaller the town, the harder this will be. If this is the case, try to check out some of the surrounding towns or cities. Many colleges are not in big places themselves, but near larger cities.

8. Go back for a second visit during the weekend

After you’ve learned as much as possible about the actual school, try to go back at some point on a weekend. This will be easier if you know someone who attends the university, but it’s still worth it if you don’t. You’ll be able to figure out a variety of things; for example, Robinovitz says that if all of the parking lots are nearly empty, it’s probably a commuter school. This was the exact case for Alexa Harvey, a sophomore at the University of Kentucky. “Before I decided on UK, I had been set on a school that was closer to home,” she says. “My whole view changed after I stayed with one of my friends that went there. It was a Friday night, and hardly anyone was out doing anything! She ended up telling me that it wasn’t uncommon for that to happen, so I knew I had to look at my other options.” It’s always better to find something like this out beforehand!

If that’s not the case, you’ll be able to find some of the popular hangout spots. After some observation, it will become pretty clear whether the students spend their time partying or studying.

Whether you utilize these tips or not could determine how much you get out of your campus visit. It’s not worth it to plan an entire day with your parents and end up leaving with as much information as you came with! Do everything that you can to find out if that school is right for you because it’s better to find out beforehand that it’s not rather than a semester in. 

The 10 Stages of Having a Crush, As Told by Chuck Bass

0
0

Chuck Bass may be Gossip Girl's bad boy, but that doesn't mean he can't get crushes (cough, cough…Blair) like the rest of us. Here are the 10 stages of having a crush, as told by Chuck Bass.

1. Meeting your crush but not knowing you have a crush on that person yet

2. Feelings develop 

All of a sudden you're like, "DAMN..."

3. Going out of your way to run into that person 

100 percent worth it.

4. Getting nervous for no reason 

"Be cool, be cool, be cool..."

5. Working up the courage to introduce yourself 

What do I know besides my name?

6. Convincing your crush they want you too

You know you want this.

7. Pouring on the compliments

Flattery gets you everywhere!

8. Making all the moves

You better work!

9. Reveling in all your hard work 

Yeah, buddy.

10. All there's left to do is hope your crush returns the affection

Fingers crossed, right? Best of luck out there!

XOXO, Gossip Girl


18 Things You Forgot You Hated About School

0
0

Pit it against your awkward middle school days or juvenile high school experiences, and college comes out the ultimate victor every time. You say goodbye to homework and homerooms and hello to your own little fantasy world filled with books, boys and plenty of beer.

With limitless freedom and endless opportunities, it’s easy to see why we come rushing back to campus at the end of every summer. Even so, after being cared for each day by our loving parents and making major bank at that summer job, the first few weeks back can serve as a bit of a wakeup call for most collegiettes. Despite our infinite appreciation for higher education, there are a few things we could do without.

1. Bye-bye spacious bedroom, hello cramped living quarters.

2. Six girls and one bathroom is just not right.

3. How do I feed myself again?

4. These bar lines are not okay.

5. This whole walking everywhere deal is going to take some getting used to.

6. So. Out. Of. Shape.

7. My reunion with late-night pizza might have something to do with this…

8. Maybe I should hit the gym.

9. Just kidding, way too crowded.

10. Isn’t there someone out there who’s sober enough to pick me up?

11. Holy crap, I forgot what a hangover was like.

12. How did I do this last year?

13. More importantly, how did I afford it?

14. It’s Sunday, yay! Oh wait, I have a pile of work I’ve put off for three days…

15. And an empty fridge…

16. And a mound of laundry the size of Everest.

17. Wait, I have an exam tomorrow?!

18. Welcome back to college!

How She Got There: Nadia Hussain, Director of Community at Polyvore

0
0

Name: Nadia Hussain
Job Title and Description: Director of Community at Polyvore
College Name/Major: BA in Mass Communications from UC Berkeley
Website:http://nadia.polyvore.com/
Twitter Handle: @nadia_hussain
Instagram Handle:@nadia7h

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

Nadia Hussain: I help develop programs to build, engage and nurture our passionate user community—and no day is the same! I work really closely with everyone on our marketing team to create cool opportunities for our members. Right now, we’re getting ready to send some of our awesome members to Coachella, so there’s lots of coordination and planning happening! I also collaborate with our product and engineering teams to relay user feedback to create an even better product experience. I help lead the charge on inviting power-users to join in early beta and backdoor testing. A couple of the cool, top community-requested updates we launched recently were adding menswear fashion and a camera feature to our app! And I love spending time during my day to reach out to users to learn more about their dreams. Many of our community members have aspirations to become designers, stylists, editors and bloggers, and we try to help members along their journey.

How do you help Polyvore users with their career aspirations?

NH: We try to go the extra mile to maintain personal relationships with Polyvore’s community. In doing so, we’re able to hear directly from our members about their hopes and dreams, whether it’s becoming a celebrity stylist or landing a fashion internship. Not too long ago, Polyvore held a contest for a user to win an internship with Florence-based fashion retailer Luisa Via Roma. The winner was a Polyvore user from the Southeast, who was flown to Florence and has since been collaborating with the company to enhance their social media presence. Many members have personal career aspirations to work in fashion, and we work hard to make their dreams a reality.

What is the best part of your job?

NH: I love hearing the stories that come out of our global community on how Polyvore has inspired them to take risks in order to achieve the things that they want. Many of our members have decided to go back to school, start fashion blogs and open their own businesses due to the support and encouragement they’ve received from our Polyvore community. It is so inspiring to watch them grow and follow their dreams—they’re my heroes.

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

NH: When I first stepped into the role of being a community manager, I don’t think I realized how hard it would be for me to turn my brain off at the end of the work day or even on vacation. Being invested and passionate about the Polyvore community, I wanted to keep on top of everything that was happening 24/7. I now realize that balance is key, and it’s okay to enlist help when you need it. If you work with your product team, there are often simple solutions and tools that can be developed to help you do your job more effectively. The community will not fall apart while you’re sleeping—I promise!

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

NH: Polyvore was a very small team when I joined. I was the sixth employee and the only one in my role. At times my community programs and initiatives yielded little to no response, but I learned so much through trial and error. With a little bit of creativity (and proactively reaching out to the community for feedback), you eventually figure out what works and what doesn’t, and you build from there. And it’s great to have a supportive team working along with you who acknowledges your achievements and really backs you up when you’re testing things out, even when those experiments aren’t successful.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

NH: My biggest advice is to be authentic, follow your passions and try to learn as many new things as quickly as you can. Take on internships outside of your major or join new clubs outside your comfort zone. Many times, early in my career, I was faced with a task or project I had never experienced before. As I matured, I’m grateful that I took the time to surround myself with different experiences that empowered me to think outside the box.

 

Fill out my online form.

The Suspect in the Washington Mall Shooting Will Appear in Court Today. Here's What You Need to Know

0
0

Authorities have arrested Arcan Cetin for his suspected role in the shooting deaths of five people at a Washington mall, CNN reports. The news comes just one week after a stabbing attack at a Minnesota mall left 10 injured.

It was a fatal Friday in Burlington, Wash. According to CNN, Washington police believe Arcan Cetin entered Burlington-based Cascade Mall without a weapon. Cetin, just 20 years old, then proceeded to get his hands on a gun, open fire on shoppers and leave the mall. Because he abandoned the rifle at the scene of his attack, a huge team of law enforcement agents had no choice but to embark on a statewide manhunt.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee Tweeted his condolences Friday night.

The search for Cetin spanned over the course of Friday night and Saturday morning, until the suspect was finally taken into custody on Saturday night. Cetin is being held in Mt. Vernon, Washington’s Skagit County jail, and he is expected to appear in court on Monday.

USA Today reports that Cetin shot four women and one man. While the female victims lost their lives at the mall, the male victim passed away after being taken to Harborview Medical Center for emergency treatment. The FBI continues to assist Washington law officials with its investigation into the attack.

"We feel confident we have the shooter," Sgt. Mark Francis said. He told a reporter that we’ll soon know whether or not Cetin acted alone.

Authorities have yet to determine Cetin’s motive or if he targeted his victims for any specific reason, though he had a troubled past. According to BuzzFeed News, Cetin immigrated from Turkey as a child and grew up in Oak Harbor, Wash. He's been charged with domestic violence assault against his stepfather three times, has been arrested for drunk driving, and was ordered to have a mental evaluation last year after a misdemeanor. Former classmates told The Seattle Times and The New York Times that Cetin had a reputation for groping women.

If you’re wondering when the recent string of violence will come to an end, you’re definitely not the only one. Here’s hoping October is a much safer month.

Brit + Co's Brit Morin Shares Her Best DIY & Organization Hacks

0
0

Maybe you’re tired of coming back to your dorm only to find your jewelry in a messy pile or just feel that there are not enough hours in the day to actually have fun instead of working all day. Whatever your struggle, Brit Morin is here to help! We spoke with the queen of DIY herself to get her best tips on organization and homemaking for college women.

Name: Brit Morin
Job Title: CEO of Brit + Co
College: The University of Texas at Austin
Website:www.brit.co
Instagram Handle:@brit
Twitter Handle:@brit

What does homemaking in the 21st century mean to you?

Brit Morin: This is a great question because I think that people feel like the word “homemaker” is so old school, but I think that “homemaker” is ripe to be reinvented. Most women today are working women! They are trying to multitask; they’re connected all the time. It’s a blend of wanting to be creative in their homes––throwing dinner parties and decorating in really cute ways, while also living more efficiently, because we don’t have a ton of time to spend at home. All those tricks, tips, shortcuts and hacks mean a lot to us right now.

What are a few tips that can help busy college 20-somethings get organized around their home?

BM: There are a few problematic zones in the house, especially when space is at a minimum. A lot of women face this whether they’re in a dorm room or small studio apartment, when the bathrooms and kitchens are so tiny and it’s hard to maximize space for all their stuff. I know a couple tips for organizing your stuff around your house or apartment while still having stylish storage! A fun DIY project is to find decorative plates and bowls, then glue them together with candle votive sticks to create towers of organization where you can toss keys, jewelry, sunglasses and other odds and ends. You can leave them in your entryway so that you always have those things ready to go whenever you need them.

Another tip is to use drawer inserts. I’ve been there, where I’ve piled up everything in a drawer and won’t be able to find a pen or something tiny at the back of it, so I always love to use drawer inserts for my jewelry or home office. They come in all shapes and sizes with all types of compartments, and it makes it so easy to remember where everything is at all times.

Your book, Homemakers:A Domestic Handbook for the Digital Generation, is filled with so many innovative ideas and creative how-tos, and the way you’ve turned your hobby into your career is inspiring. Do you have any tips for college women who struggle to find the time to embrace their creative side every day?

BM: I think in general it’s about finding areas where they can save time so that they can make time, which happens in a variety of ways. There are smarter ways you can organize your email and smarter ways you can save time at home, too. An example, which is kind of silly, is changing toilet paper rolls or hanging up your towels in the bathroom––that takes a lot of time when you have bras on bars and those springy things in your toilet paper. If you can find little solutions like using a rod for your toilet paper instead of the springy thing, that time adds up.

For me I find that shopping for household goods can take a lot of time, so I like using a Cottonelle Mega Roll, which is four rolls in one, so you have to go to the store way less to get supplies like that, and it saves a lot of hassle. I’m here on behalf of them sharing these tips, but it’s literally the product I’ve used most in my house. Especially when I have guests come over, that’s the last thing I want to be worried about is, “Did I put extra toilet paper in the bathroom?” So finding little things like that to save time is the way you can make time for creative work.

What’s your favorite fall DIY project?

BM: If you consider Halloween the DIY season, then yes. Every costume idea you can imagine is on Brit + Co, like group costumes, couples’ costumes, kids' costumes and pop culture costumes. Suicide Squad has been really big this year, and we just did a really fun tutorial on that. We also did a tutorial on Snapchat filters as your costume, which is super fun, so there’s all kinds of great DIY ideas for the holiday season that I’m excited about.

Where can we get more ideas?

BM: All the ideas from Brit + Co, you can find on all our social networks—we’re just “britandco”—or on our website brit.co. As far as the home organization stuff, we’re sharing a ton of ideas through the Cottonelle Facebook page. You can follow us there!

What is the best part of your job?

BM: My job is crazy because it’s evolved so much—when you start a company and it’s just you to having over a hundred employees. What’s great is I’ve gotten to do every job, and that’s sort of what I like the most about it. I never get bored––I’m always doing something different. Sometimes I’m in front of a camera, and sometimes I’m looking at our financial spreadsheets or working on a new website redesign and negotiating a big partnership with Pinterest or Snapchat. It’s never boring, but it does get a little exhausting. I’m always making sure that I’m saving a bit of my own time to be more creative at home, too.

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

BM: Everything has been happening so incrementally over the last five years or so, and then I’ll step back and look at the big picture like, “Wow, we’re reaching a lot of people in this country,” and I have over a hundred employees now and I can see how we’ve been able to impact people’s lives. Just the idea that I’m so caught up in the day-to-day, being the founder and CEO, but when I look back on all we’ve accomplished and how true to the mission we’ve stayed, I get really excited about where we’re headed and how great of a team we’ve built. It’s cool to have those moments every now and then to reflect.

Be the First to See a Sneak Peek of the 'Gilmore Girls' Revival

0
0

For those of you who have been counting down the days until Lorelai and Rory Gilmore come back into your lives, we have some very exciting news. Not only is the release of the Gilmore Girls revival a mere 61 days away, but you can be among the first to see a sneak peek of the gals back in action.

Gilmore Girls creator and executive producer (and all-around goddess in the eyes of GG fans) Amy Sherman-Palladino and her executive producer hubby Daniel Palladino will be unveiling an exclusive first look at Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life at EW PopFest on October 29.

In addition to being in the presence of the beloved Palladinos and seeing the first footage from the Netflix revival, the pair will be on hand to discuss everything you love—and need to know—about Stars Hollow and its misfit band of residents. Count us in!

EW PopFest—which is also offering you the opportunity to have drinks with your fave Grey’s Anatomy doctors, btw—will take place October 29 and 30 in downtown Los Angeles. To purchase your tickets, visit ewpopfest.com.

Snapchat Spectacles Are Going to Change Your Snap Game for Good

0
0

The newly named Snap. Inc. has announced that Snapchat will no longer be limited to your smartphone. According to The Wall Street Journal, Snap Inc.'s newest product, Spectacles, is slated to be available this fall.

What’s the connection between specs and Snaps? Upon first glance, the glasses look like an average pair of shades. But this is Snapchat we're talking about—of course, these sunglasses incorporate a clever dose of video technology.

Snap. Inc. poses a key question on its official website. “What if you could go back and see that memory the way you experienced it?” the company asks.

The answer to this is, of course, Spectacles. CNET states that the product captures life from a first-person perspective. What look like decorative circles are actually tiny cameras, which can record 10 seconds’ worth of video at a time. And because the angle of the lens lines up with your eyes’ natural line of sight, each video appears to be a super-realistic replay of how you see things. The WSJ reports that Snap Inc.'s founder and CEO, Evan Spiegel, tested the glasses out on a hike  and said that looking at the video was as close as he's ever come to actually being back in a certain time and place.

According to Snap. Inc., the rechargeable Spectacles are available in three colors and can capture an entire day’s worth of Snaps per charge. The product uses Bluetooth or WiFi to connect to your Snapchat account, so you’ll be able to move your Memories to your phone for easier access.

The idea of Spectacles sounds pretty darn cool, but the WSJ reports that Spiegel doesn’t want to jump to any conclusions regarding his company’s creation.

“We’re [Snap. Inc.]  going to take a slow approach to rolling them out,” Spiegel said. “It’s about us figuring out if it fits into people’s lives and seeing how they like it.”

The limited-distribution Spectacles cost $129.99 per pair.

Her Story: My Roommate Was a Sex Addict

0
0

My freshman year of school, a stroke of unfortunate luck landed me with a roommate who was—for lack of a better word—an addict. The substance in question? Pure, unadulterated sex.

Though I'm usually not one to judge a book by its cover, the first time I met Beth, her sturdy frame, bushy hair and nondescript garb didn't exactly do much to scream "seductress." In fact, as she unloaded her boxes of physics and calculus textbooks the first day of move-in, "sex-addict" was possibly the last label I would have ever branded her with.

Though Beth and I were paired together courtesy of our school's blind housing system, a bit of Facebook research revealed us to actually have a few things in common—namely, that we were both Texas natives, musicians and aspiring scientists—so I had high hopes that the match would be a good one. As she was my first ever roommate, I wanted to do my best to ensure that we had a smooth and perhaps even amicable relationship. And for the first few weeks of classes, we succeeded. That is, until she met Rafi.

That day, she came home late, smiling coyly as she glided into the room and collapsed on her bed. I didn't have to ask what happened because at once, she turned to me eyes alight with satisfaction and said simply, “I met someone.” At the time, I thought this news was spectacular. And it was. I considered Beth a friend and was happy to see her succeed in the shark pool that is the college dating world.

But to say their relationship progressed quickly is an understatement. That very next day, Beth came home even later than she had the night before. And this time, she stumbled into the room giggling. I took this to be a positive sign and smiling, I prompted, “So I assume you talked to Rafi again today?”

“We didn't do much talking,” she responded as she dissolved into a fit of laughter. I chuckled nervously, not really registering the connotation. Then, she dropped the bomb: “But the police did give us a citation for doing it in the park.”

I stared at Beth in utter astonishment as she continued laughing. And I was still staring in shock when, a few minutes later, she spilled the contents of her large backpack bag onto her bed to reveal upwards of about 80 condoms. My draw dropped to the floor. “Are those…?” I gasped, pointing at the gleaming pile on her mattress.

“Yes!” She responded, excitement animating her plain features. “They had the flavored ones in the Student Center today! But there were barely any left when I got there...” She added, clearly disappointed. I balked, taking in the condom pedestal that was once her bed. Then, with an expert sweep of her arm, she pushed the mound into her nightstand drawer (where dwelt her burgeoning dildo collection) and clicked off the light.

It stunned me how she could take her situation so lightly. I admit I'm somewhat of a Chicken Little when it comes to anticipating worst possible scenarios, but I was imagining Beth's impending expulsion, housing eviction, eventual career failure and angry children who grow up to become drug-lords or strippers—or even worse—drug-lord strippers... Needless to say, my mind was racing. But hers... wasn't. She was fast asleep. And for the first time, I began to wonder what kind of person my roommate really was.

A couple days later, she came to me with a request. It was close to midnight as I was walking back to the dorm from my late volleyball practice when she called to ambiguously ask me if she could “have the room” for a few hours. The circumstances were beyond inconvenient (seeing as it was very late and I had heaps of work due the next morning), but I hesitantly agreed under the naïve guise that this was a “one-time” thing. I figured Beth and I had our differences, but I would still try to do her the courtesy of compromising to accommodate both of our room needs.

However, the next morning, as I was yawning through my chemistry test, I reflected back on the night before and how bold it was of Beth to make such a difficult request of me. I was bothered that she could be so inconsiderate, but additionally, I was shocked at how soon she had taken to “bedding” Rafi. Coming from my relatively sheltered background (cue Catholic upbringing, close-knit family and a non-existent social life), I was amongst the few girls over 15 who still believed kissing was a big deal. But that discrepancy wasn't enough to compel my bad judgment. The issue wasn't that she was sexually active; it was how her sexual appetite eventually grew to take over and impede my life.

That first night of sexile was the first in a string of many over the course of the next few months. Beth took complete advantage of my compliancy and began ousting me multiple nights per week—always between the hours of 11 p.m. and a.m. Regardless of what tests or papers I had to complete, she never failed to message me for "room time."

By late October, Rafi had all but moved into our dorm. Because he wasn't a student and only had a part-time job at the halal food cart on the corner, he was always around. He had clothes stashed under her bed, a toothbrush in the drawer and on the few occasions he wasn't in the room itself, he was staked out in front of the floor elevator, watching for when I would leave. Almost every time I returned to my room, I would either be walking in on them in the act, having to step over condom wrappers to get to my desk, or I would be shooed away at the door by a naked Rafi waving a slimy dildo in his outstretched hand. 

At one low point, I walked in to find him sitting bare-bottomed on my desk chair. And at an even lower point—towards the end of the year—I found out from Beth's closest friend that she and Rafi had apparently regularly pushed our beds together when I went home for breaks so that they could have an “increased surface area” for their sexual escapades.

To say life was miserable would be an understatement. I felt like I wasn't welcome in my own room. Beth's sex addiction drove my life into the ground, and no amount of mediation or housing-transfer requests was able to stop it.

In retrospect, though this experience isn't one I look upon fondly, I can say that it taught me a lot about not only myself, but also other people. Living with someone who led such a profoundly different lifestyle than my own was challenging, but at the same time, it forced me to really face the reality of the world we live in—that, contrary to what we all learn in Kindergarten, not everyone is going to get along. At the end of the day, you just have to know who you are and what you are comfortable living with. So, in closing, even though Beth's sex addiction made my room feel like a part-time brothel, it was ultimately thanks to her that I discovered a deep passion and appreciation for single rooms.

Do you have a story to share? Submit your story to Her Story!


There's A ~Blank Space~ In Harry Styles's Latest Instagram Posts

0
0

Harry Styles made a long-awaited return to Instagram recently, but not exactly in the way we pictured. Styles posted three consecutive photos that showed nothing but blank spaces. Our favorite One Direction member didn't even bother giving any hints of what this strange posting meant, but the most loyal Directioners were quick to interpret this uncertainty. 

Obviously, fans were quick to make the connection between the blank posts and Taylor Swift's hit song "Blank Space," which is rumored to be about the former relationship between Swift and Styles. "Grab your passport" is obviously in reference to Harry, right guys??? 

Swift and Styles, or "Haylor," were a couple before the 2014 release of Swift's album 1989 and have both been in relationships since their breakup. After over a year of dating Calvin Harris, Swift ended a summer fling with Tom Hiddleston, while Styles was reportedly dating Kendall Jenner. If the fan speculation is correct, we can't help but root for these two to give each other another shot! Until then, we'll be sure to keep an eye on Instagram for more updates. 

The New York Times Has Endorsed Hillary Clinton for President

0
0

In Sunday’s edition of The New York Times, the paper's editorial board published their official endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president.

The editorial board changed its usual practice of comparing the candidates, since “this is not a normal election year”.

They explained why they couldn’t accurately compare the candidates in no uncertain terms: “A comparison like that would be an empty exercise in a race where one candidate — our choice, Hillary Clinton — has a record of service and a raft of pragmatic ideas, and the other, Donald Trump, discloses nothing concrete about himself or his plans while promising the moon and offering the stars on layaway.” The authors said they wanted to persuade undecided voters, not just repeat what people who have already made up their minds want to hear.

Among the reasons to vote for Clinton, according to the editorial, are her tenacity throughout her career, her willingness to reach across the aisle, and her constant support of women and children. The piece also mentions her accomplishments as Secretary of State and the many personal and professional attacks she's whethered over the years. The editorial board makes sure to mention Clinton's shortcomings—her vote for the Iraq War, her "penchant" for secrecy and her emails, to name a few—but says she's received more than enough rebukes for all of those.

If you're wondering what the editorial board has to say about the other candidate, they've written another piece on why Trump should not be president. Read both full pieces here and here.

A Girl in China Her Starved Her Mother to Death After a Traumatic Experience in an Internet Addiction Treatment Center

0
0

A 16-year-old girl in China killed her mother in retaliation for being sent to a treatment center for Internet addiction where she was abused, The Washington Post reports. The girl tied her mother to a chair for a week, starving her to death.

On a previous occasion, according to the Post, she stabbed her father with a knife, causing him to be hospitalized.

The girl had been forcibly taken to the internet addiction treatment center on the suggestion of an aunt, and claimed that she was essentially tortured there. This fits the stories of other former treatment center students, who report being beaten and forced into tasks like cleaning toilets with their bare hands. She eventually escaped the camp after four months there.

“I am angry. People point at my nose and call me unfilial and worse than a beast,” she wrote, according to the Post. “It was them who sent me there. It was them who cursed me and beat me, it was them who sabotaged my life and libeled my character; but it was also them who said they loved me. My friends here, if it were you, what would you do?”

She also threatened her parents within that same post, saying she wanted to learn martial arts in order to hurt them. She made good on the threat, tying her mother to a chair and sending photos and videos to her aunt with a ransom demand. Even though her aunt sent the money and the girl called an ambulance, it was too late to save the girl's mother.

After the Chinese newspaper Thepaper.cn reported the girl’s story, other students from the treatment center shared their own experiences of being mistreated while at the camp. Multiple teens have died while in "treatment" at similar centers, and officials are investigating the reports about this particular camp. Physical punishment at these treatment centers is against the law.

8 Stylists on the One Thing Every College Woman Should Have in her Closet

0
0

Keeping up with the ever-changing fashion world is harder than keeping up with the Kardashians when you’re in college. Between classes, work, internships, and a social life you may not have time to go shopping nearly as much as you’d like to, and you definitely don’t have the funds for it.

Developing a more mature, seasoned style takes time, and doesn’t happen overnight. Your tastes since high school have changed, and you’re faced with new occasions to dress for.  Luckily, we eliminated the guesswork, asked the experts and found some easy, classic staples to keep in your wardrobe that will keep you looking trendy and chic during college--and post grad.

Leather Jacket

A leather jacket can spice up your style a lot more ways than you think. Ashley Temple, the Executive Assistant at Brandon Maxwell, says that the versatility of a leather jacket makes it a must-have staple in a collegiate closet.

Temple says that this jacket will give you that timeless look that will wear well and age well long after college. But don’t be afraid to break out your leather jacket in the summer months as well.

“I think in the fall, you can wear it with a sheer ribbed black turtleneck with high-waisted black jeans and boots,” Temple says. “In the summer, you can wear it draped over the shoulder, with a very ‘Bella Hadid’ dress and strappy heels.”

White Button Down

According to Allie Brandwein, a New York City-based wardrobe and image consultant, there are surprising and chic ways to style a classic white button down that will guarantee a permanent place in your wardrobe.

“It's classic and chic for the preppy girl but also has a modern menswear feel for those whose style leans towards being trendy with a downtown vibe,” Brandwein says. “The androgyny of this piece really sets it apart, and makes it a core wardrobe staple. I’ve worked with clients with many different styles and it is the one piece that I make sure everyone has in their wardrobe.”

Brandwein says the possibilities of a crisp white button down are endless. She suggests styling with jeans and loafers for a more casual look, or pairing the shirt with a skirt. You can also knot the shirt at the waist, and throw on a statement necklace and chunky stack heels for a night out with the girls.

“What I love about this piece is that it immediately gives a young woman a more polished grown up look but can be brought down and made a little more young and fun by the way she chooses to style it. "

A Dependable Dress

With the athleisure trend on the rise, Nicole Otchy, a personal stylist and branding consultant in Boston, says that a classic, go-to dress is the perfect way to balance casual and dressy. She believes that a good dress is every woman’s “secret weapon.”

“The beauty of a dress is that it can be styled in so many different ways and match any occasion you find yourself in,” she says. “ It’s also a great staple to have around when you have a day with a variety of events that don’t share the same sartorial vibe. If you have class in the morning, a presentation in the afternoon, and a date or party later, a dress can take you through all of those events feeling polished and pulled together.”

For class, Otchy says a denim vest, long necklace, and class boots or flats make for a perfect casual look for class, running errands in the city, and even study dates.

A Fitted Blazer

As you begin launching a career and going after internships, it’s important for your closet to have a healthy balance of casual and business casual. Christie Maruka, the founder of Fashion Fix, says that a well-fitted blazer paired with the right accessories is never boring.

“For a college woman, this jacket this can be worn during the day for interviews and special presentations,” Maruka says. “Jackets will instantly pull any look together with their no-fuss perfection.  My advice when you shop is to know the difference between good and bad quality. Jackets will last you a very long time if you opt for genuine quality.”

Throw on a blouse and dress pants for a professional look, or a cami, jeans and heels for a night out.

Description: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/etfh43LTsu7vDccBKYzHlmPSTos-xNdX9gT9psj_fJFy7iNEtXMTpytifb1DwlILwECPFhX2yzvne3p2Cjsj4t7EPWVfdLbyzvCiJKbAZN-xc8ukrgCokbqwTonKr765dC69Cb8o

 Dark Wash Jeans

Every girl needs at least one “splurge item,” so why not make it something you’re going to wear over and over again? Megan Kristel, the founder and CEO of Kristel Closets, says she spent her college years in high quality, dark wash jeans in a flattering fit.

“Jeans are the universal basic, Kristel tells us. “They can go from class, to internship to a date night easier than any other item in your closet.”

For class, Kristel says to go sporty with a sophisticated sweatshirt and sneakers. Jeans can also be worn to an internship (if the office is casual) with a structured cotton blazer and heels. For a night out, jeans are best paired with a sexy, silky tank and clutch.

 Little Black Dress

Trends may come and go, but our experts agree that the signature little black dress isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The best part about a black dress? It can be worn different ways to match different occasions.

Alisa Frederico, the style director at DressingJane.com, says a little black dress is perfect for the college woman who does it all.

“A dress like this is a foundation and can be so easily transformed by adding different accessories, layers and changing out your footwear,” Frederico says.

“Throw on a jean jacket, sneaks and a crossbody for the ultimate ‘cas’ look while running around campus. Dress up with heels, ornate statement jewelry and grab a clutch for date night or drinks. Add a fitted blazer, pumps and a top handle bag for a more conservative, sophisticated function.”

Amy Devan, the owner and creative director of NAVEDA + NAVEDA COUTURE, tells us the little black dress is not just for going out. She suggests finding a black dress that will take you from day to night seamlessly, from occasion to occasion.

“You'll need this dress for loads of occasions during your college years --- from interviews, to dates, to networking events, friends' weddings as you approach post-college years, etc,” Devan says. “It's just a matter of styling it the right way, and this staple dress can be changed from elegant to edgy in minutes.”

 

I Got A Complete Room Makeover & All I Had to Do Was Text an Interior Designer

0
0

Putting together your first apartment is no easy task. You're probably limited on space, and your budget is likely even tighter. With bare walls to decorate and empty rooms to fill, it's hard to know where to begin. I did what any recent college grad would do—I furnished my first apartment with all the cheapest furniture I could find from IKEA. That didn't go over so well, because within a year, I'd thrown most of it away.

Now, four years after graduation, I've managed to pull together a high-low vibe (I still use an IKEA dresser that's been serving me well!). I swear by Wayfair.com for furniture that looks high end but doesn't cost a fortune, and am a Target addict when it comes to accent pieces like lamps and decor. But I'm a ~real adult~ now—it was about time I elevate my post-college digs to something a little more sophisticated. I'm no interior design expert—the only person who's ever complimented me on my home design skills is a 16-year-old sibling (I mean, I'll take it)—so I knew I needed professional help. That's where Homee, an app that makes home design as easy as texting with a friend, comes in.

Chatting with an interior designer on Homee is free, and the entire process from start to finish hardly takes more than a few days. Most users of the app don't end up spending more than $1,500 on their complete rooms; I was hoping to keep the total under $1,000. After I downloaded the app and answered a few questions about my budget, what vibe I was going for and what specific pieces I was hoping to buy, I was connected with Beverly Hills-based designer Yarden, a FIDM grad. I sent over a floor plan and photos of my bedroom; right away, Yarden was on the same page as I was and began offering suggestions she knew I'd love.

The process was so incredibly easy—as Yarden and I discussed the space, she would send me a series of options for me to choose from. In a Pinterest-meets-Tinder sort of way, I would go through each of these pieces of furniture and indicate whether it was something I liked or not. Anything I liked ended up in my "Favorites" tab, which ended up looking like a mood board for my new room. I loved being able to visualize all my picks in one place—it helped me see whether these were items that actually worked together or not.

Within days, Yarden had completely recreated my room from post-grad dump to real adult digs. She put together a render using a real photo of my room, which helped me visualize the new furniture in my *actual* space.

I mean, how good does this look?? Having put together a core vision, I checked back in with Homee CMO Madeline Fraser for some tips on how to bring it to life even more. Obvi, I wanted to know what's trending these days. "The boho look with layered textures and materials (i.e fur)," Madeline told me. "Pastel colors are also very hot right now." Fortunately, I already had a faux fur body pillow and a faux fur throw I could repurpose for this space; and I had Yarden pull some textured duvet covers for me to consider. I settled on this crinkled white one, which gave me the all-white look I was going for without being boring.

"Less Catcalls, More Cats" Travel Mug, $24

Though I'm not huge on color (so the pastels were out), I did want to add some more personality to this palette. "Accessorize!" Madeline says of making a room look more high-end without spending too much. "New blankets, pillows, and an area rug can do wonders to freshen up a space. They're not big commitment or big ticket items, and they can be changed out as easily as your mood changes." Sounds good to me—my taste does evolve so I don't want to spend $$$ on putting together a room I'll love right now, but not necessarily in a few years. Society6, a site that supports independent artists from all around the world, is my go-to for decor accents. I picked out some artwork, a decorative pillow and other knick knacks to add to the room.

"No Thanks I'm Good" Throw Pillow, $20; "Cat Lady" Framed Print, $37

I really fell in love with these framed prints by The Aestate—with my cat and the kittens I foster running around my apartment, I tend to keep my space free of plants that can be toxic to them, so these prints are the next best thing. They add a bit of color to the room and keep it feeling fresh.

Once you're ready to order from the Homee app, the process is quick and easy. You can scroll through everything under your Favorites tab and pick and choose what to add to your cart. Keeping budget in mind, I asked Madeline what her tips are when it comes to deciding what to splurge on. "You should think about splurging on anything that deeply affects your lifestyle and comfort," she recommends. "A sofa, a bed, or a desk are items you are going to use every day. Go for comfort and style. A good night's sleep, or a desk at absolutely the perfect height are items that are likely going to affect your productivity and happiness." So I decided to make my bed the priority—and also placed orders for matching nightstands and lamps, and that crinkly duvet. The total came to just over $700, which is pretty incredible for making over an entire room. Here's the before and after:

While Yarden's rendering was absolutely spot-on, actually seeing the final product in person completely exceeded all my expectations. When I first started the design process, I did have doubts cross my mind—was it really possible for an interior decorator to understand my aesthetic and the sort of space my room offered just through a couple of photos and my description? Though I made some personal changes to the design once I had all the furniture in place—moving the bench to the side of the room rather than to the end of my bed, which worked better in the space—the overall design was exactly as Yarden had pictured it. I can't even begin to describe how excited I was to see everything come together; once it was done, I poured myself and drink and went out for ice cream in celebration, because what else does a day of building furniture call for, anyway?

I'm still making some final touches to my room, but I already want to use Homee to redo the rest of my apartment (I know, I'm getting a little ahead of myself). My biggest problem is filling my room with unecessary additions—so Madeline's advice, which is especially practical, is to "think about building up instead of out." She recommends a floor-length mirror to help make small spaces look larger, and suggests creating extra storage space, particularly in an apartment or a dorm room. "Shelves and literally any piece of furniture that can double as storage are ideal," she adds.

And her final (and best) piece of advice? "Only bring and buy items you love," she says. "Surround yourself with practical, stylish items that also make you happy." YES.

What I absolutely love about Homee is how flexible and easy the design process was. It's an app you can use even if you're in a dorm room filled with all that dorm furniture—your designer can help you rearrange the room and add in pieces like lamps, wall art, accessories and more to turn those four white walls into something special. Or, you can use the app to furnish an empty apartment from start to finish, no matter how big or small your budget. Or, if you're like me, it's the perfect way to update any space using a combination of furniture you already have and new pieces to give it a fresh look. So if you're looking for a new accent chair or rug, or need to furnish an entire room, give Homee a shot—you'll have an expertly-designed space within a matter of days, and it's no more difficult than texting a friend.

Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images