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The 4 Craziest Jobs You Can Apply for Now

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Entering the workforce either part time or full time can be totally intimidating. It’s scary to entertain the idea that you might have to work in an office for the majority of your adult life! If you have yet to find your dream job because the thought of sitting at a desk for hours on end makes you cringe, you should probably consider an opening in a profession that completely defies the standards.

We’ve dug up six of the craziest jobs that are currently available, and while they may seem weird at first, you may find they’re right for you—especially if you’re set on avoiding a deadly desk job!

1. Mystery Shopper

The key phrase: get paid to shop. What more do you need in a job description?! Through Mystery Shoppers America, you can get paid to go to stores and secretly analyze customer service. Mystery Shoppers America has been a service provider in the shopping industry for over 10 years and aims to measure employee integrity. So, if you want to practice what we think is one of our innate abilities as ladies, check it out!

Responsibilities: You will be given shopping assignments to gauge the level of service you are given and to test the skills of employees at various retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, health clubs and more. After visiting a store, you will evaluate your experience and submit your opinions.

What does it take?: Lucky for you, there’s no experience necessary (not that you’d probably need any coaching in shopping anyway).

Good for: Someone looking to pursue a career in hospitality.

Apply Now!

2. Interiors Photographer

Remember all those pretty pictures of the picturesque flat in Barcelona you researched on Airbnb last year for your trip abroad? Well, guess what? You can be the one who takes interior shots like those ones at locations convenient for you. Airbnb, the home-sharing search engine, allows users to scope out potential lodging that homeowners will rent out to you, whether it’s for a week or month. If you majored in photography in college or it’s a serious hobby of yours, you should consider applying, because you would work remotely by shooting the homes of hosts who live near to you!

Responsibilities: You will be given assignments to cover based on your local region that would be located no more than 30 miles away.

What does it take?: Airbnb requires an online portfolio of interior or architectural work to be submitted in order for your application to be considered. A background in interior, real estate and neighborhood photography is preferred, but they will still consider those who demonstrate extensive experience with other types of photography.

Good for: Someone who understands basic photography principles and is interested in interior design.

Apply Now

3. Pedicab Driver

Being a pedicab driver is no joke. Let’s just say you won’t need that gym membership anymore if you decide to pursue this job. Also, since you’ll be toting mostly travelers around town, your role will almost be like an unofficial tour guide.

Responsibilities: You’ll serve as your own operator and pick up customers on the street who are seeking a ride to their next destination. Typically, you’ll be carrying a cart that can weigh up to 400 pounds when it’s at full capacity.

What does it take? Firstly, you need to have a license. As a guide of sorts, you’ll want to be the sociable type, since you’ll be spending all day with strangers. You also need to be strong and know how to ride a bike. Depending on the company, age requirement policies may apply.

Good for: A tenacious city lover who likes a challenge and is also friendly.

Apply now in a city near you

4. Polysomnography Technician

Sleep is a phenomenon we still have a lot to learn about, so what better subject is there to get paid to study? Mayo Clinic, the world’s largest nonprofit medical group practice, is looking for a polysomnography technician who will monitor patients’ sleep patterns. While you won’t be the one actually sleeping, we’re sure this science-experiment-like job will be interesting.

Responsibilities: You will observe and record patients’ behaviors, body positions, brain waves and cardiac arrhythmias, as well as any other heart rate abnormalities. You will then generate reports based on the data you gather.

What does it take?: Unfortunately, you can’t just walk out of school and apply to be a tech. You have to have an associate’s degree in applied science, or at least two years of nursing school up your sleeve. You also need Basic Life Support certification, which can be acquired by taking a relatively short course.

Good for: Someone on a medical track; specifically, someone interested in clinical neuropsychology.

Apply now

 

These jobs are far from the norm, but that may be a good thing. Now that you may have a better understanding of what you’re looking for, take the next step in the process by drafting the perfect cover letter and prepping for a possible interview. Good luck, collegiettes!


We're Giving Away 10 Yoga Classes (You Can Do Anywhere)!

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When you’re running from classes to your internship and everywhere in between, it can seem like the only workout you have time for is…well, running from classes to your internship and everywhere in between.

We’ve got a solution for you: Muuyu, a site that lets you take yoga classes online from the comfort of your own dorm room. They’re not your typical pre-recorded classes, though—they’re live, interactive classes with certified instructors from all over the world. Yep, this means there’ll be someone to correct your posture in Warrior pose and you won’t get away with cheating that Downward Dog.

Get your Om on, now—five of you will win 10 free yoga classes each (that’s $100 worth of classes)! Bonus: all Her Campus readers can score a free class through December 31, 2014 by entering code #CampusYoga. You pay by class, so you’ll never have to buy a subscription or worry about monthly fees or other costs. Don’t let your fitness wait an extra day—enter now for a chance to win! 

Fill out my online form.

5 LGBTQ+ Blogs You Should Definitely Know About

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Sharing tips, secrets and comedic insight on the Internet through blogs has become a way of life for our generation. We spend hours scouring the Internet for blogs that speak to us as individuals and inspire us to live our lives to the fullest. But if you’re an LGBTQ+ collegiette or ally, you’ve most likely realized that finding relatable blogs can be quite the task. To save you the trouble of spending your day aimlessly scrolling through Google looking for your perfect blog, we at Her Campus have created this list of must-follow LGBTQ+ blogs. Have a look!

1. GayWrites

GayWrites is the perfect blog for passionate collegiettes looking to educate themselves about LGBTQ+ issues and promote relevant social change. Camille, the voice behind the blog, gave the site its slogan, “Read Up, Speak Up,” an ideology that sets GayWrites apart from other blogs on this list. GayWrites strives to engage its readers in informed activism and operates on the belief that we must speak up about injustice and work for change when something is wrong.

In a sea of Tumblrs dedicated to pictures of cats or celebrity abs, GayWrites is the blog for collegiettes looking to take action and affect change on issues ranging from LGBTQ+ rights in South Africa to stopping trans* bullying in schools.

2. Life in the Freaklane

If you’re a collegiette more interested in the LGBTQ+ lifestyle than its politics, Life in the Freaklane is the blog for you. Nineteen-year-old blogger Anna writes about topics any LGBTQ+ collegiette can relate to, from her college life at the University of Glasgow in Scotland to body image. Her self-deprecating humor, as evident by her poetry and detailing of her relationship with her girlfriend, make her one of the more relatable LGBTQ+ bloggers out there. And her “Sh*t me and my flatmates say” section provides endless entertainment, since we can all relate to saying dumb things every once in a while.

3. Everyone Is Gay

Everyone Is Gay is one of the most well-known LGBTQ+ blogs out there. In fact, Dannielle Owens-Reid and Kristin Russo, the two women behind the blog, just penned their own book on LGBTQ+ issues: This is A Book for Parents of Gay Kids.

If you’re a queer collegiette searching for advice or even just a good laugh, look no further. Everyone Is Gay gives the best advice on everything from coming out to exploring your sexuality in college. For example, when asked by someone as to whether it’s inappropriate to tell your friend in a relationship that you have feelings for her, Owens-Reid gave the best, truest advice: “I mean… kinda? But you’ll probably do it anyway, you know what I mean?! IT’S LOVE SO YOLO SORT OF.”

That’s our kind of advice.

4.Fit for a Femme

Finally, a blog for LGBTQ+ fashionistas!  Fit for a Femme is the perfect blog for fashion-focused collegiettes looking to be inspired by the colorful clothing choices of their fellow LGBTQ+ community members. From femme tomboy fashion to everyday fashion tips and travel advice, Fit for a Femme takes a detour from the standard issue-related LGBTQ+ blogs and instead celebrates LGBTQ+ fashion and lifestyle.

What’s even better? The blog has a list of what they believe to be the best stores worth shopping at, from J.Crew to Zana Bayne. So, if you’re a fashionable LGBTQ+ collegiette, you’ll definitely want to check out this blog!

5. Lezbhonest

While it’s nice to follow blogs that will give you tips and trends on how to live a better life, sometimes you just need a blog that will make you smile. Lezbhonest is essentially the LGBTQ+ version of Humans of New York, showcasing pictures and stories of our everyday community members. From pictures of lesbian couples cuddling up to their newborns to photos of lesbian weddings, Lezbhonest reminds us that although LGBTQ+ rights are still an issue, there is good being done in the world.

And let’s not forget the section “Caturday posts,” which is dedicated solely to pictures of queer women and their cats!

 

Whether you’re fashion-forward or interested in global equality—or both!—there’s a queer blog for you. You’ll definitely want to follow these favorites!

The Ultimate Ranking of Nicholas Sparks Movies

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As anyone who's ever spent an evening crying over The Notebook (rightfully so) knows, Nicholas Sparks is Hollywood’s go-to man when it comes to creating sentimental, swoon-worthy romantic blockbusters that are guaranteed to steal the audience's hearts. The acclaimed author has over 15 published works, nine of which have been adapted for the big screen.

The most recent Nicholas Sparks adaption, set to be released on Oct. 17,  is called The Best of Me, which stars Michelle Monaghan and a tall-dark-and-handsome James Marsden (he had a leading lover role in the Notebook, so he's already a pro!). In this latest flick, Monaghan and Marsden play the grown-up versions of high school sweethearts Amanda and Dawson, whose lives collide again after 20 years of being apart (newcomers Liana Liberato and Luke Bracey play their younger, smitten selves).

Needless to say, the love story gets a bit more complicated than just two people falling for one another again and ending up with a happily-ever-after right off the bat (otherwise it wouldn’t be a Nicholas Sparks story, as we all have learned). You'll have to go see the film for yourself on the 17th if you want to know how it all turns out! With seven reasons why you'll fall in love with The Best of Me, there's probably a good chance you'll adore it!

As a tribute to the upcoming release of The Best of Me, we’ve ranked each of Nicholas Sparks's movies, so check out our definitive list of our favorite chick flicks (Oh, and try not to cry as you think back on them... or do, we won't tell)! Where will The Best of Me land on the list?! Only time will tell!

8. Nights in Rodanthe

Legendary actors Diane Lane and Richard Gere star in this flick as play two unhappy people, both with a ton of emotional baggage, who enter into a passionate relationship at an impressive beachside bed and breakfast. The film has it some good things going for it — the amazing scenery, the couple’s chemistry — but ultimately it risks teetering into melodramatic territory and falls a bit short of some of our favorite Nicholas Sparks-inspired flicks, perhaps because we’re not the right audience for it. Ask us again in a few years! For now, it goes well with a quiet night with our roommates and anything chocolate.

7. Message in a Bottle

As the first Nicholas Sparks adaption to be released in theaters, Message in a Bottle is clever and endearing. The plot is somewhat similar to that of The Lucky One in that Robin Wright’s character, Theresa, sets out to find the unknown person who has affected her life. In this case, though, it’s Kevin Costner whose letters she has discovered, not Zac Efron's (sigh). Without giving too much away, we'll just say that the surprising ending is what made us reach for the Kleenex!

6. Safe Haven

Julianne Hough and the ever-so-handsome Josh Duhamel had great chemistry in this romantic drama, but the cat-and-mouse plot line gave us a bit too much of a thrill at times (seriously, can't we all just get along?!). Katie, played by Hough, is on the run from a bad relationship and seeks solace in a quaint North Carolina town, where she meets (and eventually falls in love with) Alex, played by Duhamel. Nail-biting moments, aside, Safe Haven has more than its fair share of shining moments, like the surprising plot twist toward the end. Plus, a HIMYM star on the big screen? We're sold!

5. Dear John

Though the plot was a little formulaic, Dear John warmed our hearts with the sweet moments shared between Hollywood veterans Amanda Seyfried and Channing Tatum, who play long-distance lovers separated by war. The beachside town backdrop was delightful as usual, but the random curveball thrown at you midway through and the vague ending sometimes leaves us a little frustrated. Overall, the film gave us a bit of an overdose of sappiness, but sometimes that’s just what you need. Girls' Night In, anyone? Dear John is totally next on the watch list.

4. The Lucky One

Two strangers are brought together by none other than fate (a word thrown around a lot in Sparks’s novels, much to our inner romantic's joy). A man sets out to find the woman he believes saved him in Iraq, though she doesn't even know it. They meet and fall in love, and drama ensues (because where would we be without a good old-fashioned, Nicholas Sparks-worthy wrench in the plans?). Throw in an overbearing ex-husband and you’ve got The Lucky One. Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling (of Orange is the New Black fame) star in this heartfelt love story that is the perfect movie for date night. Plus, puppies. Enough said.

3. The Last Song

The Last Song was cliché, but in the best way possible. Misfit Ronnie, played by a pre-pixie cut and pre-VMAs Miley Cyrus, falls for rich southern gentleman Will, played by Australian cutie Liam Hemsworth. Hemsworth actually rose to fame thanks to the film (so really, we also owe the swoon-worthy Hunger Games love triangle to The Last Song, if you think about it). We definitely saw this flick in theaters with our besties and gave each other looks that said, “Why can’t that be us?!” when we saw adorable scenes like the one where Will and Ronnie have a mud fight or when they have a singing match while driving his truck. Oh, teenage love…

2. The Notebook

Everything is so, so right about this movie. Young, pre-fatherhood Ryan Gosling with his extra shaggy hairdo, the kissing scene in the rain, Allie’s retro red bathing suit, the ice cream on Noah's face... we could go on for a while, especially if you get us started on the 23 thoughts every girl has while watching The Notebook or on The Notebook versus reality. Rachel McAdams's and Gosling’s acting is probably among the best we’ve ever seen from a Nicholas Sparks movie (but we're expecting - dare we say it? - even better from The Best of Me!). We may go through an entire box of tissues every time we see this Romeo and Juliet-themed tale, but that won’t stop us from tuning in if it’s on TV (or from playing it all the time, since we definitely own the DVD). If you're a bird, I'm a bird!

1. A Walk to Remember

The lives of a popular boy who’s on the fast track to nowhere and a bookish girl with big dreams collide. The unlikely duo fall in love, but her big secret threatens to thwart their relationship... or does it? This is a storyline that constantly pops up in movies today, but back in 2002, it was totally fresh and totally spellbinding. What made it stand out from all the others is that we didn’t just get to witness a love story; we witnessed the growth of Landon’s character, as well as Jamie’s (plus, Mandy Moore is just amazing at life). The high school perspective of the movie made the connection to its teenage audience all the more real, and that’s why we ranked it number one. Come on, where would we be without A Walk to Remember, and almost equally importantly, its stellar soundtrack?!

If you haven't read The Best of Me yet, you're in for the surprises of a lifetime! The most important surprise waiting for all of us, those who have read the book and those who are about to? All we want to know is where we'll rank the film on this list! We have a feeling we're about to find our new favorite chick flick. With a strong cast, gripping trailer and certifiable man candy, plus the seven reasons why you'll fall in love with The Best of Me, our expectations are high!

Which is your favorite Nicholas Sparks-inspired flick, collegiettes? Check out The Best of Me when it hits theaters October 17th to fbe swept off your feet - you might find yourself a new favorite!

Throwback Thursday: Bell Bottoms

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We have a confession to make: We love bell bottoms (and no, "bootcut" doesn't count). We're talking about jeans fitted through the hips and thighs that start to gain volume at mid-calf until each of your pant legs come to about 10 inches in diameter. We're talking about the style of denim that Farrah Fawcett is rocking in this picture, taken in the '70s.

This trend started in the late 1960s and gained momentum throughout the early 1970s, initially being thought of as clothing for "hippies" but eventually becoming mainstream by the mid-'70s. As Farrah is so clearly demonstrating, bell bottoms (or flares) were typically worn with sneakers or flats and paired with everything from sweaters to layered blazers and vests to buttoned blouses. 

The bell bottom trend was ultimately phased out and replaced with the bootcut style, which had a similar shape but a much less dramatic flare. As all collegiettes know, both of these styles were more or less obliterated with the rise of the skinny jean and most girls (including ourselves) never looked back. Here at HC we're on a mission, however, to bring back bell bottoms in all their glory. While the thought of donning a pair of jeans that doesn't hug our curves down to our ankles can be daunting, we're confident that any collegiette can rock this style, with the help of a few tips from yours truly. If you love this throwback trend as much as we do, scroll down to find out how to style bell bottoms for everyday, for the office and for a music festival!

Running Errands

 

Festival

 

Pairing bell bottoms or flare jeans, like this pair of Paige Denim Fiona Flare Jeans ($199 at Lyst), with heels will elongate your legs and make you appear taller while the lighter and slightly faded wash of the jeans and these neutral G by GUESS Hiskey Wedge Sandals ($39.94 at DSW) will keep it casual. Contrary to popular belief, you can get away with wearing a looser top as long as it's not too flowy and the cut is proportionate to your body. Opt for a racerback style, like this Mlle Mademoiselle Zaria Racer Back Tank ($75 at Mlle Mademoiselle), to show off your décolletage and shoulders and keep the look from getting frumpy. Once you've got the basics down, add bohemian-chic accessories like this Monkeybrother Women's Ridge Wide Straw Hat ($8.99 at Amazon) and a delicate gold necklace, like this adorable Hamsa Coin Necklace (similar necklace, $34 at Etsy) to add a touch of glamour to an effortless look.

At Work

 

Office
 

 

PSA: flared jeans or bell bottoms can actually be professional! To keep the look clean and classic, opt for black or super dark wash jeans with no distressing or fading and a mid to high rise waist, like these Level 99 Dahlia Flare Jeans ($130 at Level 99), so you have the option of tucking in blouses. For a polished office look that still has personality, try a structured blazer in a fun color, like this Wallis US Coral Ponte Jacket (similar blazer, $19.49 at Charlotte Russe), layered over a neutral camisole to keep it professional (you can tuck it into jeans or leave it flowy, either way works!). We love this Topshop Petite Strappy V Neck Cami ($36 at Topshop) because it's super flattering and can instantly take you from the office to drinks with friends. If you work at a more conservative office, top this look off with your standard neutral pumps or flats, but if you have a little more room to express yourself, we love these Boutique 9 Migs Pumps ($82.99 at Overstock): the color is so much fun and complements the coral in the blazer without clashing. To tie the whole look together, a neutral tote, like this Accessorize Anita Quilted Mini Dome Bag ($54 at Accessorize), is both professional and timeless.

At a Music Festival

Boho

What better place than a music festival to revive one of the biggest trends of the '70s? We're completely obsessed with these Raga Print-Mix Bell Flare Pants ($68 at Swell) because they're incredibly comfy and have that amazing ultra-flared hem but they're fitted up top so they don't look frumpy or shapeless. With so much volume on the bottom, the logical step would be to pair these pants with a fitted top, but since the pants fit more like leggings or yoga pants around the thighs and hips, feel free to opt for a more flowy or loose-fitting top. Since festivals can get hot, we chose this adorable Cami Top ($21 at American Apparel) because it ties into the pants without adding another pattern to an already print-heavy outfit. While we wanted the top to be neutral, we didn't want it to be boring so we searched around for a statement piece and fell in love with this Topshop Leaf and Red Thread Collar ($40 at Topshop). We've been pointing out that bell bottoms are most flattering when worn with heels, but that's just not practical for a festival (you'll probably take your shoes off anyway!), so we chose these Gold Bling T-Strap Sandals (similar pair, $74 at 6pm.com), which are comfy but still super cute.

 

See, not so bad! Once you understand the basics of balancing proportions with wider-legged jeans, rocking the flared style is actually a piece of cake, and you'll definitely be the trendsetter of your friend group. Would you ever consider bringing bell bottoms back, collegiettes? Let us know in the comments!

11 Cats in Halloween Costumes

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Halloween is upon us, and that means collegiettes everywhere are looking to strut their stuff in creative costumes! Looking for some inspiration? It may be closer (and more cuddly) than you think. Take a look at these cute cats, all decked out for Halloween!

All this kitty needs is seven dwarves!

Make sure your cat isn’t looking too mainstream this Halloween.

Forget Halloween; This cat and its dog companion look ready for Thanksgiving!

Even cats like to get down on Halloween. Olé!

This cat must feel like a true Cat-lifornia Gurl channeling her inner Katy Perry!

Move over, Jack Sparrow! There’s a new pirate in town.

Looks like Kate Middleton has some royal competition.

Simba, we’ve found your twin!

Who doesn’t love some noms at the end of a long Halloween night?

It’s time to man the sails!

This a great costume if you’re on a super tight budget.

Police Investigate UWM Fraternity For Suspected Date-Rape Drug Use

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A party thrown in mid-September by the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which led to three hospitalizations and one arrest, has landed the chapter in hot water as authorities question whether date-rape drugs were involved.

Police reported that at least four students were vomiting and barely able to stand in one of UWM’s residence halls on the night of the party. The three female students had red X’s marked on their hands at the frat house, while the fourth male student had a black X marked on his, according to court documents cited by the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel. It's believed that the male student drank from one of the female students' cups.

One of the students told police that the X’s were marked on their hands as a sign of entry to the party, though it was also reported by one of the hospitalized women that “'you have to be hot' to get a special card to get free drinks."According to Newsweek, one of the women told police she had “a weird feeling or sensation” before blacking out. While searching the house, UWM Police confiscated plastic cups, glasses, alcohol, bongs and other drug paraphernalia, local radio station WTMJ reported.

Though it’s not clear whether they have found evidence of date-rape drug usage yet, student testimonies lead us to believe it that may have been a possibility. Police followed up with the women who were heavily intoxicated and one told officers that she remembered “a fraternity member got upset when she went behind the bar to pour drinks and was physically removed,” according to the same court documents.

In the meantime, the university has suspended the Zeta-Zeta chapter of the organization, as authorities continue to investigate.

Whether date-rape drugs were used remains to be seen, but it’s clear that this incident comes at a disturbing time where drug-facilitated sexual assaults are occurring at campuses all across the country. With recent crackdowns on fraternities at other schools and the recent bill that requires active consent on college campuses in California, we can only hope that the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee continues to approach this issue with respect and concern for its students' safety.

Real Live College Guy Dale: Is it Friendly or Flirty?

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We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Dale is here to help you navigate the college dating scene.

I am terrible at telling whether or not guys are flirting with me. I just can't tell. I've known this guy for years and just realized recently that I have stronger feelings for him, but I can't read his signals. He hugs me, pokes me and always looks deep into my eyes. But maybe he means it in a friendly way. How do you tell the difference? He always says we have to do all these things, and then we never do, and he always just drops from the conversation over text. But in person, we never stop talking and laughing. What does he want from me? Does he like me the same way? I just don't know how to tell. –Oblivious at Oregon State

Ah, yes, the “friendliness vs. flirtation” dilemma. I used to have this problem all the time. Is the barista flirting with me, or is she just being nice because I’m a customer? Did the bartender pour me extra because she thinks I’m cute, or because she can see I’m stressed out? Where does the line get drawn, and just how thin is that line?

It’s pretty thin, Oregon, which explains why so many people get it confused.

What does any of this have to do with your case? Deep stares and hugs don’t always equate to wanting someone romantically. As a guy, I can fully testify to just staring off into the distance sometimes. On occasion, a certain barista might be in that field of vision and think I’m staring at her. Sometimes I am (if she’s super cute, I can’t help it), but most of the time, I’m just thinking. Deep, unfocused stares can get misinterpreted as deep, loving stares depending on who walks by.

As far as the hugging and poking, sometimes people are just super friendly, and that’s how they show their friendly affection.

I’m not saying there aren’t signs that a guy might be interested in a girl, but I don’t believe there are blanket signs of interest. Smiling, laughing, consistent physical contact—sure, those are things that could be signs of his interest, but it’s hardly a guarantee. This goes for both sexes, though; I’ve had girls tell me they had been dropping hints long before I ever made a move.

But don’t get discouraged! I have good news: He might actually like you! The only downside with that is that he probably doesn’t know how to address it, because, as I’ve said many times before, many men are afraid of getting shot down. A lot of men tout the, “Nah, bro, you just gotta go up to her” attitude, but when push comes to shove, they feel just as bummed when a girl walks away from them.

I’ll take a break from my usual lesson here (“You should make the first move instead!” and, “You’ll never know if you don’t ask him!”) and just tell you to keep doing what you’re doing, but maybe push him to actually follow through on these theoretical plans. If anything, you should try turning up your “flirt volume” a little bit.

Just because things drop off when you’re texting doesn’t mean the chemistry isn’t there. What you should be focusing on is the fact that you two have great IRL chemistry! Keep that going, and I’m pretty sure that he’ll eventually gather up the guts to make a move. 

Fill out my online form.

11 Amazing Uses for Washi Tape in Your Dorm

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So you're all set up in your dorm room, and things are looking pretty good... but something's missing. That something? The amazing creation that is washi tape! If you're an avid Pinterest user, then you're probably familiar with washi tape, also known as every DIY-er's dream. Washi tape is a Japanese semi-transparent tape that works like masking tape, but it comes in every width and beautiful pattern under the sun. Whether you're a fan of chic metallics, preppy pinks or something a bit more on the wild side, there's bound to be a washi tape pattern for your personality.

So, what exactly do you do with washi tape? There are literally thousands of ways to incorporate washi tape into your life, but we've chosen 11 of our favorite methods to take your dorm room from so-so to oh-so-fab in minutes. 

1. Transform a table

We love the idea of transforming a boring white table into a colorful masterpiece just by applying washi tape diagonally. And not to worry - washi tape peels off without damaging the surface underneath, so your IKEA table is safe!

2. Organize your life

A transparent strip of washi tape can act as a colorful and functional organizational tool when used in your planner or on a calendar. Have fun with it by choosing a snowflake pattern for the holidays or palm trees for spring break!

3. Spruce up your laptop

Taking notes and writing papers on your computer can be boring, so make your workspace a little more fun by adding washi tape to your keyboard! This works best when the keys on your laptop are white, and make sure you can still see the markings on your keyboard... unless you can type without looking at the keys, in which case, you go, girl!

4. Display your jewelry with style

Run out of space on your jewelry tree for your favorite necklaces? Create your own with washi tape! Use thumbtacks to hang your favorite necklaces on the "branches" of your jewelry tree, and you're done!

5. Make picture frames

Make your photographs and posters stand out by creating washi tape frames around your wall decor. Mix and match the patterns and widths of your frames for an effortlessly cool vibe.

6. Create a city skyline

Missing the hustle and bustle of your favorite city? Recreate the skyline with washi tape! Not only does it look super cool, but it can give the appearance of having a headboard when you place it over your bed. Sweet dreams!

7. Add some life to your living space

With autumn and winter drawing near, it can be nice to have some small plants in your dorm room for a pop of green. Spruce up your vases and flower pots by decorating them with washi tape! Bonus Pinterest points if you use mason jars for vases.

8. Keep track of your electronics

Always wondering which charger is yours and which is your roommate's? Wrap a strip of washi tape around your electronic cords and write your initials on it to make things prettier and more convenient.

9. Add some inspiration(al quotes)

Rather than spending money on a clichéd poster with a famous quote, create your own with washi tape! Use different colors and patterns for a more eclectic look, and don't worry if the letters look a bit wonky; that adds to the charm!

10. Brighten up boring storage

Pretty much every college student has some big, bulky boxes stowed away somewhere in his or her dorm room, usually under the bed or on a shelf. To make these boring boxes less of an eyesore, decorate them with washi tape so they can be both functional and decorative.

11. Liven up a lamp

Desk lamps aren't typically thought of as particularly cute or chic, but adding a strip (or 10) of washi tape can really brighten up your work space and take a necessary room fixture to a whole new level.

 

These are only a few of the thousands of ways to use washi tape to add some color and fun to your daily routine, and if you're anything like us, you'll be hooked in no time. Happy taping, collegiettes!

Dear Karl Lagerfeld: My Rights are NOT an Accessory

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Karl Lagerfeld is no stranger to over-the-top runway shows, so it comes as no surprise that his latest Paris Fashion Week spectacle made a major statement. Or did it? Chanel, under Lagerfeld’s direction, staged a “feminist” protest on a recreated Parisian street, complete with picket signs and megaphones adorned with the iconic interlocking Cs. While this bold move at first appears to be evidence of progress in the fight for gender equality, it may well represent the exact opposite. Let’s look at this show a little more closely.

During the show’s finale, models held signs with phrases ranging from the utterly nonsensical--“Free Freedom” (huh?)—to the totally childish, like the demand that “Boys Should Get Pregnant Too.” The “Be Your Own Stylist” sign was downright ironic, given that (presumably) none of the women on the runway had gotten a say in how they looked, despite Lagerfeld’s confident claim that each one had been styled to reflect “their own personality.” (Check out his full post-show interview for more.) These empty slogans raise questions about the authenticity of Lagerfeld’s feminist goals. Was this a real political statement or a just a publicity ploy?

To implement social change, women's rights issues must be taken seriously. As of late, there has been evidence of progress in this regard, as important issues like sexual assault have become topics of major public discussion. Just weeks ago, Emma Watson proved that when celebrities use their fame to say things that matter, people listen. Should he have wished to make it so, Lagerfeld's catwalk could easily have been grounds for a real protest. Instead, he used the idea of feminism as an accessory, which served to trivialize the the entire movement.

Feminism is not a fad, nor is it a fashion statement. Women’s rights will be important long after these looks have gone out of style.  

 

What do you think? Was Lagerfeld’s show an authentic social statement?

9 Festive Crafts for Halloween

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Call it childish, but no matter how old we get, we’ll never get tired of crafting! Not only is it fun, but it makes for great (and inexpensive) dorm room décor. With Halloween right around the corner, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to find some great DIY crafts to get our apartments and dorm rooms ready for October 31. Whether you want to prep for your own Halloween bash or just love DIY projects, check out these nine easy Halloween crafts you can complete in your dorm!

1. Candy Corn Mason Jars

What you need: 

  • Orange, yellow and white spray paint
  • 3 Mason jars
  • Assorted black dyed faux flowers

Start out by spraying the entire Mason jar white. Once dry, spray the middle portion of the jar with the orange spray paint. Finally, spray the bottom of the jar yellow. Repeat on the next two jars. Accent with assorted black dyed flowers.

2. Blinged-Out Pumpkin

What you need:

  • Black spray paint
  • One pumpkin
  • Assorted craft jewels

Trade in the traditional jack-o’-lantern for this glamorous alternative. Simply spray-paint a pumpkin black (or buy a black plastic pumpkin) and add your favorite “bling” to add some pizzazz.

3. Boo Jars

What you need:

  • Mini Mason jars
  • Candy corn (or other Halloween candy)
  • Ribbon
  • Scrapbook paper
  • Cardboard letters

Give your roommates a treat (not a trick!) with this cute Halloween favor. Simply fill your mini Mason jars with your favorite Halloween candy and replace the lid with fall-themed scrapbook paper. Accent with orange and black ribbons and cardboard letters that spell out the word “BOO.”

4. Halloween Wine Bottles

What you need:

  • Empty wine bottles (or other assorted glass bottles)
  • Various colors of spray paint
  • Painter’s tape
  • Sharpie marker
  • Mod Podge
  • Black glitter

Start by removing all labels and residue from your bottles. Then, depending on the type of design you want, tape off part of your bottle using painter’s tape. Spray with the color of your choice over the taped-off area. Once dried, remove the tape and decorate with black Sharpie. If desired, add black glitter by mixing it with Mod Podge and painting over the black Sharpie. 

5. Halloween Milk Jug Ghosts

What you need:

  • Empty milk jugs
  • Sharpie markers
  • X-Acto knife
  • Mini lights

Light up your hall or living room with these easy-to-make Halloween lanterns. Start by cleaning out the milk jugs and decorating them with spooky faces using a black Sharpie. On the opposite side of the face, cut a small flap (about two inches wide and two inches tall) and string lights through the opening, adding five to seven lights to each jug.

6. Pumpkin Paper Lanterns

What you need: 

  • Orange paper lantern
  • Green paper
  • Scissors
  • Craft glue
  • Green and brown pipe cleaners
  • Wire frame

Using the green paper and pipe cleaners, create a leaf and tendrils. Attach the leaf and tendrils to the paper lantern by winding the ends of the pipe cleaner around the wire frame. Create a stem by rolling a few sheets of the green paper together into a tapered shape. Attach the stem to the lantern using glue. Secure by wrapping another pipe cleaner around the base of the stem and securing it to the wire frame.

7. Monogram Pumpkins

What you need: 

  • Monogram template
  • Pushpin or needle
  • Pen
  • Linoleum cutter
  • Keyhole saw
  • Candle 

Cut a hole in the pumpkin’s base and hollow the pumpkin out. Tape the monogram template to the pumpkin using masking tape. Using pushpins, poke holes to create an outline of the letters. Use these dots as a stencil to carve out the letter, leaving about half the thickness of the translucent flesh of the pumpkin to allow light to show through. Light a candle inside and watch your pumpkin glow! 

8. Chevron Pumpkins

What you need: 

  • Masking tape
  • Scissors
  • Spray paint (any color)

Using masking tape and scissors, tape a chevron design around the pumpkin. Spray-paint the pumpkin using any color spray paint. Let dry, remove the tape and voilà: a cute and classy Halloween decoration.

9. Burlap Ghost Lights

What you need:

  • Globe string lights
  • Burlap fabric scraps
  • Twill string
  • Sharpie marker

Add some Halloween spirit to your everyday string light décor by wrapping burlap around the globe bulbs. Tie the burlap pieces at the bottom of each globe bulb using twill string and let the remaining fabric hang. Add a ghostly effect by drawing two eyes on each bulb with the Sharpie marker.

 

Now you just have to grab your DIY box full of Mason jars and spray paint and get crafting! Before you know it, your living space will be covered with just the right amount of Halloween decorations. 

Let us know how your crafts turned out in the comments!

Weekend Beauty Look: Meeting the Parents

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Parent's weekend is right around the corner—and that can mean a lot of things, like meeting your S.O.'s parents for the first time. The event is nerve-racking to begin with, so we're here to help you give a great first impression by putting your best face forward. Check out our beauty do's and don'ts for meeting the parents!

The most important thing to remember is, less is more! But there's still a way to let your personal style shine through even the most neutral look.

Rosy-Cheeked and Fresh-Faced

DO Pick a blush color that flatters you. A peachy-pink shimmer is a universally flattering color on all skin colors. Add a touch of bronzer for the ultimate glow. Use NARS Blush/Bronzer Duo in Orgasm and Laguna ($42 or $24 for the Mini) for a gorgeous touch of color.

DON'T Pile on the foundation—it will only give you a caked-on appearance. Pro tip: Combine your primer with your tinted moisturizer for the perfectly dewy complexion.

Doe-Eyed Cutie

DO Let your personality shine but make sure to tone it down a notch. Like cat eyes? Try this kitty eye instead! Instead of a long flick, do a short and shallow one to give your eyes just a little lift.

DO Opt for a naturally neutral eye look that will make your eyes pop. Taupe is a wonderful color that looks great on a number of skin tones. Use a light shimmery color underneath your brow bone to give the doe-eyed effect. DON'T Forget to use mascara to finish off the look. Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection ($36) has all the colors to perfect your look—but just 1-2 coats will suffice, no need to pull out the dramatic lashes.

DON'T Go crazy and try out a new makeup look you're not comfortable with. That smokey eye you haven't yet mastered? Save that for another time and another place.

Perfectly Poutty

DO Make sure to exfloliate your lips so that they don't appear cracked and flaky.

DON'T wear highly-pigmented lipstick and opt for a sheer gloss or balm close to your lip shade instead. Chances are there'll be cheek kissing and hugging and it would be a total mood killer if you got your sweet candy apple red on his mother's outfit. 

But if lip color is your thing, DO opt for a no-stray lipstain or a tinted lip balm. Fuschia is a wonderful twist on the classic pink lips that is universally flattering and shows off your sparkling personality. Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick ($19) is a vibrant moisturizing lip crayon that stays on all night.

Want a more mature look? DO use a mocha lipstick or lipstain and fill out your brows for a take-charge and sophisticated look. Try on Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Margaret ($19) for a new look!

Prim and Proper

DO make sure your nails are clean and done.

DON'T wear a super strong fragrance. Opt for a light and floral one instead.

We know this is a given, but DO make sure you shower, shave, brush your teeth and wash your hair. You want to make sure you make the right first impression!

What do you collegiettes think of the tips? Are you ready to meet the parents?

How to Deal with Rude Neighbors

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When it’s 2 a.m. on a weeknight and you have an exam the next day, you know that you need to be in bed, get a good night’s sleep and not watch TV, so you do exactly that. Too bad your neighbors don’t—they’re blasting music as loud as it will go, they’re talking loudly—and is that their trash chilling outside of their doorway?

Rude neighbors are as inevitable in college as the first-day-of-school struggle bus, but that doesn’t mean you have to take it like a doormat. HC talked to collegiettes from all around the country as well as Nicole Breen, a former resident adviser (RA) at Assumption College, to find out the best ways to deal with your nuisance neighbors.

Pick your battles

We get it—trying to fall asleep to bumping music is super hard, no matter what day of the week or what time at night it is. But before knocking on your neighbor’s door or complaining to your RA about the loud noise, think to yourself: “Is this complaint reasonable?”

If you’re complaining about the music playing or the loud giggles you hear intermittently at 10 p.m. on a weekend, then your complaint probably isn’t reasonable. Remember that this is college, and although you have the right to fall asleep at whichever time you want on whichever night you want, your neighbors also have the right to wind down after a long week by having a fun time with friends.

If the noise really bothers you, try turning on your fan or listening to some calming music through your headphones. The steady noise will lull you to sleep and drown out any distracting sounds from the surrounding rooms.

Weekend noise stops being okay when it persists after a certain time. We suggest knowing your dorm-issued “quiet hours” and holding your neighbors accountable. If they keep partying past the start of weekend quiet hours, it’s okay to knock on your neighbor’s door or go to your RA about the excessive noise.

Remember that college involves a lot of give and take. You might be used to the peace and quiet of your bedroom and home, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try to get used to the sounds of partying and loud talking from the room next door. Growing this thick skin and learning how to pick your battles with your neighbors will help make you a good neighbor.

Things that you’ll want to let go are music on weekend nights, intermittent laughter and the sound of your upstairs neighbors walking around. The things that aren’t so cool on your neighbors’ part are constant yelling and music blasting on weeknights or during exam periods.

Talk to your neighbors yourself

We suggest trying this method first. College is your first foray into the adult world, so you have to start dealing with your problems in an adult way. That means don’t be a tattletale to the RA when your problems with your neighbors are trivial. They’ll respect you more for it.

Former RA Nicole thinks mediating the issue yourself is the best way to go. “Peer-to-peer mediation is difficult, but I do encourage it,” she says. “I've seen neighbors become friends from it, actually. I always would advise my residents to try to address things on their own before getting myself or another RA involved, with the exception of extreme cases.”

Extreme cases can include neighbors blasting music during weeknights or yelling obnoxiously all day, every day. However, most of the time your neighbors don’t even know that they’re being too loud, so a simple reminder like a knock on the door will probably be enough to get them to turn the volume down.

“My freshman year, I lived below these kids who are super loud,” says Renee, a junior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “They had loud music, yelled all the time and walked wicked loud. Once we talked to them about it, they told us just to bang on the ceiling whenever they were getting too loud, and they would quiet down.”

We suggest approaching your loud neighbors in a friendly but direct way; passive-aggressiveness isn’t likely to get you the respect of your neighbors, and you probably won’t get you what you want. For example, try asking them, “Could you please turn your music down a little for the rest of the night? I’m trying to sleep/study, and I’d really appreciate it!”

Consult an RA

Sometimes, no matter how nicely you ask or how reasonable you’re being, your neighbors will flat-out not listen to a word you’re saying. In instances like that, it’s best to consult your RA.

“For consistent and major cases, I would consult your RA right away, because that is their job,” Nicole says. “I have done it in ways where I had a floor meeting to go over quiet hours and courtesy hour rules for the floor in general, and some rooms would always take the hint, and they were never a problem after that.”

Nicole says that RAs will also knock on individual rooms’ doors. “For the most part, [the rude neighbors] never thought twice that a neighbor had complained,” she says. “They just thought I was doing my job as the RA and were usually compliant.”

So if you’re nervous about approaching an RA and being seen in a bad light by your neighbors, don’t be! Your RAs are trained to deal with these situations in a way that will make all of their residents comfortable.

Jordan, a senior at the University of Tampa, dealt with a neighbor who blasted music all day and all night. After a few weeks of trying to brush it off, she and her roommate decided the noise was too much for them, so they contacted their RA.

“My RA talked to our neighbor, and it resolved the problem for the most part,” she says. “My neighbor ended up apologizing to us and told us to knock on his door or text whenever he was being too loud.”

Your RAs are trained for this kind of mediation, so if you have a real issue with the noise coming from your neighbor, contacting an RA the way Jordan did is a surefire way to get the noise to stop.

Don’t stoop to their level

Sometimes your neighbors aren’t even noisy—you’re just convinced that they’re terrible people. When caught in a situation like this, it’s almost always best to turn the other cheek.

“My last year I had the meanest neighbors,” says Julia, a junior at the University of New Hampshire. “They were almost something out of the movie Mean Girls. They weren’t loud or messy in the halls or anything; you could just hear them say all these nasty things about people when they’d walk by or leave their doors open. They were really offensive people, but my roommates and I just had to take the high road.”

Nasty neighbors might not always come in the form of catty girls. They might be the ones who never hold the door or think they’re too good for saying hi to you when you pass by on campus.

Rude people are never fun to deal with, but nobody said you had to become BFFs with everyone you meet in college. If you have nasty neighbors, just try to ignore them. Avoiding an all-out neighbor war is the best way to enjoy your living situation. And cross your fingers your room isn’t near theirs next year!

If your neighbors’ nastiness crosses a line into bullying, contact your RA immediately. Everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable in his or her dorm, and you cannot let any mean neighbor take that away from you.

Remember, the key to getting along with your neighbors is to treat them how you would like to be treated. If you respect them and give them the benefit of the doubt, they’ll respect you, too. If nothing else, they’ll teach you how to handle tough situations in a real-world setting!

Your Study Sessions Just Got Better: Free Music for a Whole Year!

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As collegiettes, more often than not, you’re plugged in—and we’re not just talking about social media. Your headphones are in when walking to class, tuning out at the library, at the gym…as in, the majority of your day. And no matter how catchy T.Swift’s “Shake It Off” is (hey, no shame), there’s only so many times a day you can listen to it on repeat—after round 16, you’re thinking you need to start discovering new music, stat.

That’s why we use Pandora One, the music player you can listen to virtually anywhere—access it on your computer, smartphone or tablet. Create customized, ad-free stations so you’re discovering new music based on artists or genres you already enjoy, and only listen to the songs you love thanks to the extra daily skips. Plus, there are tons of other cool features like the new alarm clock that’ll start your day with your favorite beats, and a sleep timer so you can fall asleep to the music of your choice…and not your neighbors’ voices.

Subscriptions cost only $4.99 a month, and because we love our readers, we’re giving away five 1-year subscriptions to Pandora One! Enter below for a chance to win (and in the meantime, listen to the Her Campus-curated HCXO Pandora Station)!

Fill out my online form.

How She Got There: Heather Mason, Founder of the SUREFIRE Conference

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Whatever stage of life you’re in, you have questions about your future. What do you need to do to score your dream job? How do you budget your money properly? How do you deal with issues in your work or personal relationships? These are all questions that Heather Mason and the team behind Firebrand Concepts aim to answer through a series of conferences geared towards young women. Their breakout event, the SUREFIRE Conference, was a huge success last year. Created exclusively for high school students (there are also events for other age groups as well!), the next conference is coming up October 11th in Santa Monica this year!

Name: Heather Mason
Title/Description: Founder of Firebrand Concepts and the SUREFIRE Conference
Website:http://firebrand-concepts.com

What is Firebrand Concepts overall, and how did you get the idea to found it?

Heather Mason: I like to say that Firebrand Concepts is like the idea factory for conferences. It’s for live, in-person meetings. The idea is to create offline conversations about the things we’re already having online conversations about. Specifically, we want to create events for youth, and we decided to start with a program for girls (though we are looking at a boys program too!).

I wanted to do something like this because there are tons of conferences for me to attend as a woman that can help me with my career, my life and my self-improvement. And yet, there are not any equivalent conferences for girls. There are some you can go to if you join a certain group (like Girl Scouts) or clubs or religious organizations, but there is nothing like an Oprah Live Your Best Life conference for teenage girls.

What’s a typical day like in the office, and what’s the best part of your job?

HM: The best part of my job is getting to work with our ambassadors and talk to them about content and what they want to know more about and what their lives are like. My other favorite part is when I get to talk to women about the sessions they’re offering and really crafting those topics to be relevant to young girls.

The big part of my day, though, is running A Caspian Production, my conference company, as well as doing a lot of follow-up emails and pulling a lot of details together for our website, conferences, logistics and billing, more of the nitty gritty.

I only get to spend about a quarter of my time on the content part, which I really like, and then three quarters gets wrapped up in that execution stuff.

Getting more specific, what is the SUREFIRE Conference, and how does it differ from your other conferences?

HM: We launched SUREFIRE last year, and we’re adding our SPITFIRE and WILDFIRE groups as well. The content is supposed to be everything you don’t learn at home or at school and but you really wish you knew. This year we’ll be offering sessions on your money, social media, nutrition and strength, entrepreneurship and internships. We can’t fit everything in that we’d like to (unfortunately space is an issue!), but we definitely try.

Another huge part of our conference is our SUREFIRE attitudes. The first one is that we ask every girl strive for her best authentic self, because if you aren’t being your authentic self, you can’t get anything done. So when you bring your awesomeness, we all benefit and so do you.

The second attitude is to celebrate other girls’ individuality, beauty and power. It’s the idea that there’s no scarcity; we can all be beautiful and powerful and awesome. Your beauty doesn’t take away from mine, and the same goes for other attributes.

The third attitude is get curious. Curiosity is a great attitude to have in life. It doesn’t mean you can’t have an opinion, but what we ask that if someone else has a different belief, just be curious about why they have that belief. But curiosity is a real leveling field.

What are you most excited for in terms of the SUREFIRE Conference this year?

HM: So I’m really excited about some of our main stage stars, like Michelle Phan of YouTube fame. But I’m always thrilled by the looks on our girls’ faces when they see that this is an event made just for them. They can really choose their own adventure, and that, to me, is exciting.

It’s also great to see that when the tone is set right, girls really get along. Girls are not meant to be pitted against each other, and when the energy is happy and supportive and joyful, it debunks everything we’ve been told about how girls should interact with one another.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for young women who are looking to change the world?

HM: I think for anybody who wants to change the world, focusing on a niche is important, because you can look at these massive problems and get overwhelmed, but if you focus on just one part of that, you can actually make a big difference and see how a small change really is a big deal.

The other part of changing the world is having a plan and realizing that it’s not going to be easy, so you have to make a choice. The easy life has never had any attractiveness to me personally.

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5 Cute (and Comfy!) Heels for Dancing the Night Away

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We’ve all been there: you’re having a blast with your best friends out on a Friday night, laughing about something that weird guy at the bar just said, and realizing, with painful horror, that your feet feel like someone has pierced your skin with a thousand needles. Wearing heels out is both the right and the plight of any collegiette—they look so, so good in pictures, but by the time 2 AM rolls around (or, let’s be honest, 11:30 PM), your feet feel like scrunched and burned piles flesh recently doused in acid.

But hey! it doesn’t have to be that way. These heels are both beautiful and comfortable – meaning that you can wear them out way past 2 AM and into the wee hours of the morning, dominating the dance floor until you pass out from exhaustion, not poor circulation.

1. The Cork Wedge

Wedges, $70, DV by Dolce Vita

Embrace the last days of this Indian summer at an outdoor bar or backyard party in these wedge sandals. Because the toes are on a platform, and the wedge extends to the heel, any pressure on your foot will be distributed evenly, making the event of a sore ankle less likely. The strategically placed ankle and toe straps will keep your kickers in place and supported from sun down to sun up.

2. The Hardest-Working Bootie

Bootie, $60, Madden Girl 

Again with the wedge, these booties make the transition into fall effortlessly. They’ll keep your toes away from that guy who's stomping on everyone’s feet at the frat party and make your outfit look extra hot. As an added bonus, a shoe this classic is pretty much occasionless, meaning you can wear it anywhere, any time, at any point in the year.

3. The '90s Sandal

Sandals, $48, NastyGal

The '90s are back, people! Celebrate the decade of your birth by bringing out a pair of totally on-trend sandals with a stacked heel. They go with basically everything (if you want to be super “of-the-moment,” you’ve gotta wear ‘em with socks) and are ridiculously comfortable. Get ready to boogie, lady—bonus points if you request Backstreet Boys from the DJ.

4. The Fancy Shmancy Heel

Heels, $59, rsvp 

Amp up your heel game with these sweet-yet-sexy ankle strap heels. The slight platform will protect your toes from getting sore, and the ankle strap will keep your foot in place throughout a big night out. Don’t they just look like something they’d wear on Dancing With the Stars? Yeah, we think so, too.

5. The “It” Shoe

Heels, $100, Steve Madden

This stacked heel shoe is the shoe of the season, mostly because it’s oh-so-comfy. The chunky heel will keep you balanced and feeling sturdy, and the soft leather upper will feel like slippers—seriously! Wear ‘em with almost anything; jeans, skirts, dresses and more are all fair game. Then, head out to dance until you can’t dance no mo’.

Which is your go-to comfy shoe when you head out for a night of dancing? Let us know by commenting below or tweeting @HerCampus! 

The 7 Best Disney Halloween Movies

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Whether it was the channel or the studio, Disney never failed to create brilliant Halloween movies that managed to both scare and entertain children around the nation. Every year, kids were treated to a new round of laughably scary movies to watch, which only contributed to Disney's status as a master of the '90s. Let's take a trip back through time to remember some of the most popular Halloween-related Disney movies. 

1. Hocus Pocus (1993)

Perhaps one of the most loved Halloween movies of all time, Hocus Pocus is watched almost religiously during the season of spook. 2013 marked 20 years since its release in 1993, and the film still frequently ranks highly on lists of popular Halloween movies. Hocus Pocus follows the revival of three witches who were hanged in the 1600s and their quest to gain not only revenge, but everlasting youth. Of course, their plot is foiled by a group of teenagers (as always, right?). There were rumors of a potential sequel to the cult classic, but Disney has since laid those rumors to rest by telling The Huffington Post very clearly, "The studio is not developing a sequel to Hocus Pocus." That's a shame, but at least the original is still vastly popular. 

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Debates spring up between those who think this movie is a Christmas movie and those who think it’s a Halloween movie, but regardless of when you decide to watch it, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is undoubtedly fit for both holidays. Featuring ghouls and ghosts of all kinds, this movie is another popular choice for Halloween lovers everywhere. It follows Jack Skellington on his mission to take over Christmas and essentially turn it into a second Halloween. Many people argue that The Nightmare Before Christmas wasn’t a Disney movie, but it was released through Touchstone Pictures, which is a division of The Walt Disney Company.

3. Halloweentown (1998)

Disney does it best. Not only did they bring Hocus Pocus to the people, but they brought us Halloweentown as well, which follows three (apparently magical) siblings as they discover a mystical town that – as the name implies – is decked out in an entire Halloween theme. The film went on to gain three sequels, though the original one is still arguably the best. The effects are cheesy and the entire film throws viewers into a fit of late-'90s nostalgia, which is why Halloweentown is awesome.

4. Under Wraps (1997)

Under Wraps was another Disney Channel Original Movie created just in time for Halloween, and it's still one of their best classics. The film follows three friends who discover a mummy named Harold and their quest to return him to his sarcophagus before midnight on Halloween. Some people may have trouble remembering this movie, which is understandable as it hasn't been shown on television for some time - or, at least, it hadn't until last year, when it was shown as part of Disney's "Throwback Thursday." So why is a movie that's rarely shown on our list of top Halloween films? It takes the classic mummy, a generally scary thing, and turns him into a bumbling, bashful idiot who requires the help of three kids. What about that isn't perfect?

5. Don't Look Under the Bed (1999)

Disney’s final attempt at a “true” horror film, Don't Look Under the Bed, was about a teenage girl whose imaginary friend turned out to be a boogeyman. Surprisingly enough, there were actually a few moments of sheer terror in this movie. Author's note: This movie actually made me afraid to look under my bed for years, so I totally understand why this may have been their last shot at making a real horror film... because it worked.

6. Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire (2000)

Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire starred The Nanny cast member Charles Shaughnessy as Dimitri Denatos, a man who may or may not be a blood-sucking vampire. This 2000 Disney Channel Original found three siblings trying to prove that the man their mom was going out with was actually a vampire. Spoiler alert: He totally is. 

7. Phantom of the Megaplex (2000)

This one came out just after Halloween, but has still been shown on Disney from time to time around the October holiday. A modern take on Phantom of the Opera, Phantom of the Megaplex took a group of siblings on a humorous adventure through a movie theater to find out who – or what – was haunting the megaplex.

So now that it's October, the season of scare is officially in motion. Disney will no doubt be showing some of their classics, but we're sure they're ready to introduce a few new movies for today's generation of youngsters. Let's just hope they don't forget their laughably terrifying roots, though!

4 Healthier Versions of Starbucks Holiday Favorites

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As the seasons change and the weather gets cooler, collegiettes across the country are headed to Starbucks to enjoy delicious holiday beverages in those adorable red cups. Summertime may be out of sight, but our taste buds can now delight over these yummy drinks that are totally Instagram-worthy.

For collegiettes looking to save some cash and calories, we’ve found a few of our fave DIY drink recipes to enjoy all season long. Get ready to enjoy healthy twists on these classic drinks and enjoy a caffeine fix like no other!

1. The Treat:Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Healthier Alternative:  BrokeA** Gourmet's DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte

After realizing how expensive purchasing a PSL on the regular could be, chef Gabi Moskowitz came up with her own DIY recipe that contains healthier substitutes. A grande Starbucks PSL contains 380 calories when made with 2-percent milk. Chef Moskowitz’s recipe substitutes the syrup for honey and is affordable, since you may have these ingredients already.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons strong ground coffee 
  • 2/3 cup water 
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 
  • 2 teaspoons honey or agave nectar 
  • 2/3 cup milk

Directions

  1. Brew the coffee with the water in a regular coffee maker, French press or drip cone.
  2. While the coffee brews, stir the pumpkin pie spice into the honey or agave nectar until completely blended and set aside.
  3. Pour the cold milk into a microwave-safe bowl. The edges of the bowl should come up a bit higher than the milk.
  4. Keep the bowl slightly tilted so the milk is gathered more towards one side. Using a wire whisk, quickly and vigorously whisk the milk in this bowl for about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. If the milk isn’t frothy after about 2 1/2 minutes, keep whisking it for an additional 30 to 60 seconds. At this point, the milk should be very frothy.
  5. Microwave the milk in the bowl on high for 8-10 seconds. It should puff into a high foam immediately.
  6. When it’s time to serve the latte, pour the hot coffee into a mug and stir in the honey-/agave-spice mixture until it’s completely dissolved. Top it off with the hot milk, spooning the thick foam on top, just like your favorite barista does. For a special touch, add a dash of additional pumpkin pie spice or some ground cinnamon.
  7. The beverage should be served immediately, but since it’s this good, we don’t think we’ll have to tell you twice.

2. The Treat: Peppermint Mocha

The Healthier Alternative: Snack Girl’s DIY Peppermint Mocha

Nothing says winter quite like peppermint. When you combine this sweet flavor with mocha, it’s practically heaven. However, with the Starbucks version clocking in at 410 calories for a grande with 2-percent milk, it’s easy to overindulge. Thankfully, this recipe is healthier and only contains 79 calories.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup low-fat milk
  • 1/4 cup coffee
  • 1 tablespoon dark chocolate syrup
  • 1 drop peppermint extract

Directions

  1. Brew the coffee and heat the milk in a microwave until hot.
  2. Mix the chocolate syrup and peppermint extract into coffee.
  3. Foam milk with a milk frother, or just pour hot milk into cup.
  4. Sit down with your yummy treat and enjoy!

3. The Treat: Gingerbread Latte

The Healthier Alternative: The Kitchn DIY Gingerbread Latte

When the weather gets colder, it’s time for warm gingerbread cookies by the fire. If gingerbread cookies aren’t your style, you can enjoy the yummy gingerbread taste in this DIY version of the gingerbread latte from Starbucks. Say goodbye to artificial syrups, since this recipe will allow you to craft your beverage from scratch with quality ingredients that are better for your health and wallet.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot espresso
  • 1 cup hot milk or soy milk

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla.
  2. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer slowly for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Combine the espresso in a mug and add 1/4 cup of the gingerbread syrup.
  5. Top off with the heated milk. Garnish a dash of grated nutmeg, if desired. 

4. The Treat:Eggnog Latte

The Healthier Alternative: Skinnytaste Eggnog Latte

When eggnog returns to store shelves, it’s a sign that holiday season is underway. Your favorite holiday beverage from childhood can now be turned into a delicious, caffeinated latte with this tasty recipe. A grande-sized eggnog latte at Starbucks is 460 calories, but this recipe contains 73 calories and only takes a few minutes to prepare!

Ingredients

  1. 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup of strong concentrated coffee
  2. 1/4 cup skinny eggnog
  3. 1/4 cup nonfat milk
  4. A pinch of ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. Brew your coffee or espresso.
  2. Heat the eggnog and combine with milk.
  3. Use a frothing wand in the mixture up and down and side to side slowly until the eggnog and milk is thick and foamed. You can also put this into a blender if you don't have a frothing wand.
  4. Pour your coffee or espresso into a mug and pour the hot eggnog mixture over the top. 
  5. Sprinkle with nutmeg and indulge.

The next time you’re craving a holiday drink from Starbucks, test out one of these simple recipes to save money and calories. Before you know it, you’ll be your own expert barista, and your friends will be coming to you for drinks!

7 Inspiring Celebrity Breast Cancer Survivors

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Most of us know these amazing celeb women for their singing, acting and more. But there is much more to look up to them for, because each of these women has fought and survived breast cancer. They've used their inspiring experiences with this disease to not only spread awareness, but to teach women the importance of early detection. In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to highlight the inspiring stories of these women in Hollywood and the efforts they've put toward the fight to end breast cancer.

1. Giuliana Rancic

In 2011, when she was 37 years old, our favorite E! News anchor was diagnosed with an early-stage breast cancer. Her doctors made the discovery while she and her husband Bill were trying to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization. She had a double lumpectomy as treatment for the cancer, and she then made the serious decision to undergo a double mastectomy.

In an interview with the Todayshow during which she revealed her diagnosis, Rancic said, "I wasn't prepared to get a mammogram until I was 40 years old, like I'd been told. I never in my wildest dreams expected anything to be wrong. I think a lot of us think we're invincible. But we have to start putting ourselves on the to-do list. I just want women out there to know if you can just find it early, you'll be okay. I found it early." 

2. Robin Roberts

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts was diagnosed with an early-stage breast cancer in 2007. She had surgery, went through eight chemotherapy treatments and then underwent 6 1/2 weeks of radiation treatment. She remains cancer-free today!

In 2011, Roberts spoke to Prevention magazine about her battle with breast cancer. "[Being fit] was part of the reason I almost didn't go public with my diagnosis - I was embarrassed," she said. "I felt, 'Oh, I've always talked about exercising. And I got cancer.' And then I realized it's a great example of showing that cancer can hit anyone at any time."

3. Cynthia Nixon

Widely known for her role as Miranda Hobbes in Sex and the City, Cynthia Nixon is a survivor of breast cancer as well as an active spokesperson for breast cancer awareness. She was diagnosed in October 2006 during a routine mammogram and underwent surgery and radiation to treat the cancer.

"I go in for my completely routine mammogram, and then I get a call from my gynecologist,"Nixon told Nightline. "And she says, 'Well, I have some - it's not such great news, but here it is, but it's very small and we're just going to get in there and take it right out, right away, and then you'll probably have radiation.' I felt scared ... [but I thought] if it's going to happen, this is the best way for it to happen, that it's found so early and we can just get right on it."

4. Hoda Kotb

This hilarious cohost of Kathie Lee & Hoda on the Today show has been cancer-free since undergoing an mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2007. She is now an advocate for breast cancer awareness. Hoda made the decision to keep her battle in the spotlight when she allowed cameras at Today to record her experience with breast cancer, inspiring viewers with her story.

Kotb told Cosmo, "I'm an optimist, so I think everything can be worked out and fixed. But from having cancer, I learned that even if you're even an optimist, sometimes you just have to face the facts that certain things are broken."

Kotb has said, "If you have a friend or family member with breast cancer, try not to look at her with 'sad eyes.' Treat her like you always did; just show a little extra love."

5. Christina Applegate

The beautiful actress known for Anchorman and SamanthaWho? was diagnosed in 2008 with an early-stage breast cancer in one breast. Because it was found early, it wasn't life-threatening. She made the decision to have a double mastectomy and made a full recovery.

Following her mastectomy in 2008, Applegate opened up to Oprah Winfrey. She said, "It doesn't feel the same, and it's hard to carry your purse. I cry at least once a day about it, because it's hard to overlook it when you're standing there in the mirror. When you look down, it's the first thing you see... So you're reminded constantly of this thing - this cancer that you had. [But] I have taken a very progressive stance in the rest of my life. For that, I'm really grateful. I am a 36-year-old person with breast cancer, and not many people know that that happens to women my age or women in their 20s. This is my opportunity now to go out and fight as hard as I can for early detection."

6. Wanda Sykes

Hilarious comedienne Wanda Sykes was getting a breast reduction when her doctor came across breast cancer in her pathology. She was lucky to find it early enough, and Wanda's doctor gave her the choice of getting regular checkups or having surgery to remove it. Because she had a family history of breast cancer, Wanda decided to have a bilateral mastectomy, and she is now cancer-free.

Wanda went on Ellen to announce her battle with breast cancer. In the interview, she shared, “I have a lot of breast cancer history on my mother's side of the family, which I didn’t know about. That’s important. Talk to your family. It’s not a secret; it’s not anything that you should hide. If you have it, let your family know so they know what to look out for. [I made the decision] to have a bilateral mastectomy. I had both breasts removed, because now I have zero chance of having breast cancer. It sounds scary up front, but what do you want? Do you want to wait and not be as fortunate when it comes back and it’s too late?"

7. Sheryl Crow

"Soak Up The Sun" singer Sheryl Crow was diagnosed in 2006 with breast cancer. She had a successful lumpectomy to treat it, followed by radiation therapy. Sheryl is now cancer-free and an advocate for breast cancer awareness.

Crow was on the cover of Bloomingdale's Pink Book in 2011, part of the store's campaign to raise breast cancer awareness in October. She shared in the interview, "Someone like me shouldn't be diagnosed with breast cancer, that's what was going through my mind. I wasn't thinking about a diagnosis. I was just doing what I was supposed to do, which was staying on top of my mammograms. It was a shock."She said to ABC, "People go through challenging moments of losing people and of having their life threatened from illness and real grief. But they get through it. And that's the testament to the human spirit ... we are fragile, but we are also divine."

This October, help support those affected by breast cancer. Visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation's website for more information.

Bookmark Her Blog: Makeup FTW!

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Makeup FTW: “We are 99.9% based on submissions from the beautiful and talented make-up artists on tumblr.”

If you aren’t hip to this blog, you should get hip!

This blog was created and is run by people just like us: girls (and guys!) who love makeup! Since the blog is user-based, every picture you see was submitted by a makeup enthusiast. The earlier days of the blog were curatd posts of unique makeup looks, but as more people started following the page, it grew towards a user submission-based blog.

You can browse by feature (eyes, face, lips), color, or style (colorful, retro, and drag) to narrow down what in particular you want to browse.

Fun fact: When I need beauty inspiration, I always check out the blog to see what I can do next! My favorite look by far has to be the ombré lip with lash-line colored eyeliner. This is my go-to going out look!

These makeup looks are not for the faint of heart: pink eyeshadow, black lipstick, extreme contouring, and even cool special effects and Halloween makeup (try it out this month!).

I, for one, am totally obsessed with this blog and I am so glad to be sharing it with you! I hope you guys like it too!

Did you check out the blog? What did you think about it?

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