Love Topshop? Love Beyoncé? Well, you’re in luck: the British-born company recently announced its partnership with the unanimously proclaimed queen of the world. The two power players have come together to create a joint venture company named Parkwood TopShop Athletic Ltd., which will be a “global athletic street-wear brand.”

This brand will have it all: clothes, shoes and even accessories. Sir (yes, sir) Philip Green, CEO of the group that owns Topshop, says the partnership aims to produce functional yet fashion-forward athletic clothing, and believes Beyoncé, “one of the most hard-working and talented people... who spends many hours of her life dancing, rehearsing, and training,” is the perfect person to join forces with. For her part, Beyoncé says she has “always loved Topshop for their fashion credentials.”

We here are Her Campus are fairly impatient, and have already been eagerly anticipating the looks this partnership has in store. Here's what we're hoping Queen B brings to the table:

1. Shirt-dresses

 

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on

Aug 8, 2014 at 10:32am PDT

The comfort of a t-shirt, minus the hassle of wearing real pants—what could be better? This is perfect for lounging around the house. During the colder months, pair it with leggings or tights and rock it in public!

2. Sassy leggings

 

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on

Apr 4, 2014 at 7:55am PDT

Black leggings are all well and good, but once in a while it’s nice to switch it up with some fabulous animal print. (Six-inch heels optional.)

3. Beyoncé-approved beanies

 

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on

Mar 3, 2014 at 2:36am PDT

The time has long passed since beanies were just for skater dudes. Fuzzy hats aren’t only warm and cozy—they’re the perfect cover up a bad hair day... literally.

4. Camo-casual à la Destiny's Child

 

#tbt When we were 15!

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on

Aug 8, 2013 at 11:08am PDT

Just kidding. We’ll let that look stay in the past.

Mark your calendars: the brand hits stores Fall 2015. What do you hope to see from the new line?

Thinking of creative costumes every year for an entire Halloween weekend is hard enough, but some pet owners manage to impress us with their original costumes for their lovable best friends as well. We all know how hard it is to stand out in a sea of costumes. It takes time and preparation. If you’ve ever managed to whip up an original costume the day before Halloween, we praise you.

Somehow, these dog owners found the time to extend their creativity and use it to not necessarily help them be remembered, but to help their dogs be remembered. These pups managed to catch our attention in everything from adorable superhero outfits to utterly confused identities.

Now this is one race all collegiettes should want to watch: Doggy Phelps vs. Michael Phelps.

This dog just can’t wait to be king!

It’s coloring time in puppy Kindergarten with a canvas and 64 Crayola set.

The Catholic school uniform is clichéd and completely overdone, but on this shih-tzu, it’s too cute to resist!

Who wants to break the news to this yawning pup that he’s not actually a cow? We don’t have it in our hearts to.

With one glove and all, this dog channels his inner Michael Jackson before getting ready to howl “Man in the Mirror.”

Be careful, this dynamite is set to go off any at any moment.

Maybe when Little Red Riding Hood went to visit her grandmother, it wasn’t actually a wolf and it was actually this little guy.

Be careful what you say around this dog. You don’t want to unleash the green monster and we’re not talking about jealousy.

What happens when a dog wants to chase this mailman and then realizes this mailman is actually another dog? Awkward…

Why get the iPhone 6 when you can have this amazing combo instead?

As delicious as s’mores are, this one’s just too fluffy and perfect!

Does someone want to tell him that the '50s are over and, well, he’s not a poodle?

Puppies are the latest trend in cleaning supplies. Maybe this will help colleges change their rules to allow these cuddly pups in dorms!

Who’s your favorite Spiderman – Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield or this heroic Yorkie?

This shaggy ball of fur doesn’t wait for frat parties, baseball games or Thirsty Thursdays.

Hungry? This little guy can hook you up!

Bruce Wayne was covering Batman’s true identity: this gorgeous golden retriever.

Forget Batman. Wonder Woman to the rescue!

Collegiettes, this pup is ready to join you at the gym. I’m sure your instructor won’t mind.

Which doggie was your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

After visits to Boston, NYC and Chicago, College Fashion Week made its final stop in San Francisco, where TRESemmé hair maven Tyler Laswell created three hair masterpieces for West Coast collegiettes that heralded the return of sweater weather. And as heartbreaking it is for us to bid the runway adieu, we’re closing the College Fashion Week curtain with a breakdown of Laswell’s step-by-step instructions and the must-have TRESemmé products you need to execute the three Fall-fabulous looks on your own. Keep scrolling to get started! 

Look #1: Imperial Half Up Knotted Loop

1. Mist damp hair with TRESemmé Platinum Strength Heat Protection Spray ($5) to shield your strands from heat damage.
2. Apply TRESemmé Climate Protection Mousse ($5) throughout the lengths of your hair then use a medium round brush to create a soft, airy blow-out. 
3. Run a dollop of the brand’s Keratin Smooth Crème Serum ($5) from middle to ends for 48 hours of smooth, frizz-free hair.
4. Loosely gather the top section of hair, leaving wisps around your face. Split this gathered section into two and tie a knot, then repeat to form a double knot. 
5. Secure the knot to your head using bobby pins and your chic half up-do is good to go!

Look #2: Brooklyn Princess Dutch Braided Pigtails

1. Prime your mane with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse ($5) and rough dry to give it a bouncy, natural texture.
2. Refresh your locks by spritzing TRESemmé Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($5) at the roots, then create a center part from your hairline down to the nape of the neck.
3. Start to Dutch braid (reverse French braid) as close to the center part as possible and continue braiding down the head, behind the ear. Repeat on the other side of the part.
4. Once you’re done braiding, secure each braid with an elastic and lightly tease the loose ends.
5. Complete the look by using both hands to gently pull apart the braids for a relaxed, laid-back vibe.

Look #3: Woodlander Three-Section Low Pony

1. Apply TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Flat Iron Smoothing Spray ($5) onto wet hair to seal in shine and protect from heat damage then blow-dry hair using a medium round brush until completely dry.
2. Straighten your strands with a flat iron from roots to ends for a sleek and chic look.
3. Next, gather the top section of hair from ear to ear and secure that section with an elastic at your crown. Working your way down, gather a second section of hair (including the lengths of the first pony you created) and tie it with an elastic below the ears. Collect the remaining hair (including the lengths of the two ponytails) and secure it at the nape of your neck.
4. Gloss your runway-ready ponytail with a mist ofTRESemmé Keratin Smooth Illuminating Shine Spray ($5).

Sad to see College Fashion Week go? Don’t ruin your mascara over it! Instead, head over to TRESemmé’s YouTube channel to keep your hair game strong all year long. And catch up on the fierce fun from this year’s runways at collegefashionweek.com! 

As collegiettes, it can be a struggle to build up a big budget for your apartment. Cheap furniture is often the best way to go, but it’s not always the best-looking stuff! Lucky for you, we gathered advice from some crafty collegiettes for how to upgrade your furniture. Here are some neat DIY tricks to make your furniture look like it’s in tip-top shape.

1. Add brass corners

Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest differences! That’s the case with brass corners, an easy DIY project for almost any piece of furniture. You can jazz up dressers, desk corners or photo frames with some simple brass corners.

"A trick I've tried once before that worked out nicely is adding brass corners to a bland piece of IKEA furniture that probably a million people have," says Maya, a senior at Boston University. "You can add this embellishment to many types of furniture (a desk, tray, chest of drawers, etc.), and there are a bunch of hardware types out there that you can choose from!"

2. Stain it

You might not see yourself as the type to get down and dirty when it comes to upgrading furniture, but trust us, staining is easier than it looks – and it can make a piece of furniture look a hundred times better! Head to the store, pick your shade of choice, lug your piece outside and get to work.

A lot of cheap IKEA furniture comes as naked wood, so staining it the color of your choice will give it a richer, more expensive feel. Miranda, a senior at Winona State University, recommends “using a nice dark wood stain, [which is] very inexpensive, then going back in and making some sanding marks and then finishing it up with a nice clear coat finish!”

You can also stain multiple pieces of furniture similar shades to create consistency and make your place feel a little more put together.

Staining is a simple process. Prepare the wood with a quick sand-down, choose your color and then brush on the stain. You can use a rag, sponge or brush to apply the stain. The longer you have the stain on, the darker the finish will be. Then, wrap it up by applying a coat of finish to protect the wood. All it takes is a trip to Lowe’s and a couple of hours!

3. Repurpose old pieces

Ever think of using an old suitcase as a bedside table? If you’re low on furniture funds, use your attic as a shopping mall. There are tons of old pieces that can be repurposed and used for something else—and look totally cute!

Repurposed furniture can look chic and antique, so think twice about your old, dusty pieces. With a nice shade of paint, a ladder can be used as a shelf. Not to mention most items with flat surfaces (suitcases, salvaged doors, etc.) can be remade into shabby-chic coffee tables.

4. Decoupage

So your dresser or desk is looking a little beyond repair, and the possibilities of upgrading are looking dim. However, even if a piece of furniture is starting to look like it belongs at the dump, there are still ways to recover it and make it look nice again – namely, decoupage!

Decoupage refers to pasting paper cutouts to an object and covering them with several coats of varnish or lacquer. It serves as an excellent way to hide imperfections on surfaces of dressers and desks that can’t be fixed with a simple coat of paint.

“I'm taking an old vanity I found a little banged up but in amazing shape,” says Hannah Davis, a junior at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. “I'm removing all the hardware (handles, hinges, etc.), sanding it down, staining the wood a dark rich mahogany and then letting it sit for a few days to cure properly. Then I’ll place antique stamps onto the top of the vanity and brush heavy duty Mod Podge over the stamps to make sure all the edges are fully glued down.”

Some work and some old papers or stamps can completely transform an old piece of furniture. Take old letters, sheet music or fabric to cover your furniture, making it look chic!

5. Sand the piece down

Sanding is a great trick for transforming a wooden piece of furniture, whether it needs complete reshaping or it just has a few kinks and scratches. Miranda says that her house is filled with furniture that she revamped. “Once you sand it down and repaint [a piece], you won’t even recognize it anymore!” she says.

Sanding down a piece can completely change it. It gives you the opportunity to soften and re-shape furniture to your liking.

“Using a paint that has a non-glossy finish, and then, once the paint has cured, using sandpaper to rough up the edges totally makes for a shabby-chic look!” Miranda says.

Sanding isn’t just for shaping corners and preventing splinters – it can give a piece some personality!

6. Repaint it

Painting allows you to personalize and refresh your furniture; you can choose a bright color to make the place pop or just go over an old piece with a fresh coat of dark paint. Even just a simple retouching can do wonders.

Haleigh, a senior at Point Park University who does a lot of DIY work on old furniture, says, “Repainting is a huge way to make [furniture] look better. Fake wood-paneled furniture looks tacky and often has chips or scratches on it. Giving it a simple paint job makes it look a lot nicer and more chic!”

Cheap and outdated furniture probably won’t have the best paint job, so you might have to take it into your own hands. “Try painting the whole thing one solid color, then adding little pops of color on the edges of the drawers or on the legs to give it a fun pop of color,” Haleigh suggests.

7. Add new handles

Sometimes it’s all in the details. Run-down doorknobs and handles may not seem like big problems, but they definitely contribute to the shabbiness of your place. Upgrading small details, like handles and knobs, can instantly make a piece look nicer.

“To top off dressers or vanities, buying some new handles will totally change the look of the furniture, which is super inexpensive as well,” Miranda says. Replacing grungy old knobs can beautify your furniture, so keep a look out for opportunities to upgrade!

“These handles and pulls can be pretty inexpensive at Lowe's or Home Depot,” Haleigh says. “Both of these places also have a very wide variety of styles to make it look more modern, vintage, or classic - whatever look you're going for. For literally just dollars, it makes the world of difference!”

You can also check out Anthropologie’s selection of hardware with a little more pizzazz.

Your apartment doesn’t have to suffer under your budget! It’s easier to make fancy furniture out of your slim wallet than you might think. Make a few simple adjustments, and your place will go from drab to fabulous!

Lena Dunham's book, Not That Kind of Girl, was released on September 30, and we're all freaking out about her continual brilliance. Lena first became a queen to us all when the oh-so-relatable Girls premiered on HBO. Created by and starring Lena Dunham, Girls' comedic and dramatic modern-day look at the honest (and often miserable) moments in the lives of four New York City women was an instant hit. Lena is a witty writer, a relatable actress, a brilliant advocate for feminism and simply a badass. We're celebrating Lena's book with nine quotes with which Lena Dunham proved to be our spirit animal.

1.“Every now and then I’ll tweet something and I’ll just think, ‘what?!’ And then someone favorites it and I guess I feel a little less alone.”

2. “I’m always afraid that I’m being unprofessional, yet I continue to sign all of my emails, ‘xoxo’.”

3."I think about my best friendship—which the Marnie-Hannah friendship in Girls is based on—as like a great romance of my young life.”

4.“I still go to a party and say something embarrassing to someone, and then write them a weird email about it the next day, and then write them a text because I think they didn’t get the email. No matter what happens with your level of success, you still have to deal with all of the baggage that is yourself.”

5. “Girls are trained to say, ‘I wrote this, but it’s probably really stupid.’ Well, no, you wouldn’t write a novel if you thought it was really stupid. Men are much more comfortable going, ‘I wrote this book because I have a unique perspective that the world needs to hear.’ Girls are taught from the age of seven that if you get a compliment, you don’t go, ‘Thank you,’ you go, ‘No, you’re insane.’”

6.“My dad finds Twitter just infinitely unrelatable. He’s like, ‘Why would I want to tell anybody what I had for a snack, it’s private?!’ And I’m like, ‘Why would you even have a snack if you didn’t tell anybody? Why bother eating?'”

7. “I always feel that there are two choices for women … either be totally confident about your non-size-zero body and say, ‘I love what I look like and this is who I am,’ or be the person who is obsessed with diet and exercise and keeping toned. What feels more realistic to me is that some days I wake up and think, ‘I love how I look.’ On other days I say, ‘If I had real self-control, I would be 10 pounds lighter.’ That contradiction is, to me, what being a girl actually feels like.”

8."I am anti-pants."

9. “That lostness and that questioning—I wish I could say that I completely went away when you were getting to do the thing you wanted to do, but unfortunately, that’s not the truth.”

Any beauty lover knows the power of a good red lip to immediately add confidence or complete an outfit. Whether you choose to pair it with a simple coat of mascara or a full-on cat eye, a red lip can take your look from blah to bam in seconds.

Since we're always on the hunt for the elusive perfect red, we asked 10 collegiettes from all over the country (and one from the UK!) to do the impossible and pick her absolute favorite red lipstick and tell us why. Red-dy, set, go!

Becca, a junior at Brown University: Tom Ford Lip Color in Wild Ginger ($50 at Nordstrom)

"It’s such a beautiful color, a little bit more orange than a classic, old Hollywood red, but I like that it’s a nouveau-classic shade. I normally wear dark, neutral coloured clothing, so lipstick is an easy way to make my outfit a bit fresher and more interesting."

Kristina, a junior at the University of Rhode Island: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Red Revival ($8.79 at CVS)

"I love a good red lip! Whenever I decide to go for a red lip I never wear a cat-eye because I think it's too much. My eyes are big as it is and I want my lips to be the main focus!"

Marin, a senior at Northeastern University: Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Roomiest Rose ($17 at Sephora)

"It's not super red but I like it because it goes on really well and gives a classic feel to my look."

Olivia, a senior at the University of Southern California​: bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Stand Out ($18 at Bare Escentuals)

"I love the rich, wine color—it makes me feel sexy, but I can still wear it to work. It's a bold enough color that you don't need too much eye makeup either, but I like it with a bold brow."

Vivian, a senior at Middlebury College: Noyah Lipstick in Deeply in Mauve ($18 at Noyah)

"I think it's a good color for a dreary day with a cozy sweater and glasses!"

Tory, a senior at the University of Vermont: Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Are You Red-dy ($7.49 at Ulta)

"I love to spice up a simple outfit by putting on this bright red; it draws attention to my face! It also really completes an outfit for going out on the town. It says 'I'm conquering the night!'"

Parisa, a junior at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland: Boots Seventeen Lasting Fix Lipstick in Showcase ($7 at Boots)

"I love it because it's so long-lasting and such a gorgeous, bright color. It really makes your eyes pop paired with a subtle smokey grey shadow for a night out but it's even amazing to dress up a casual outfit with winged eyeliner in the daytime."

Alexa, a senior at Saint Anselm College: ULTA Lipstick in Totally Berried ($8 at ULTA)

"I love the dark shades, usually with just a cat eye and a tight bun! When my friends and I were abroad it made us feel European-chic!"

Nicholette, a junior at Texas Christian University: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic ($6.84 at Walmart)

"I usually pair red lipstick with simple makeup, but lots of mascara! I use bright colored lipsticks as an accessory to help enhance an outfit and add a pop of color. I use Revlon’s lipsticks and lip stains because they’re inexpensive so I can buy a variety of fun colors without breaking the bank."

Marissa, a junior at Syracuse University: Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Sanria ($3.97 at Walmart)

"It's a deeper shade but I like how it pops against my olive skin tone. I love working with brown/neutral shadows on my brown eyes with this lip color. Also, it looks super classy with a nice cat eye for nighttime!"

With all the gorgeous red shades to choose from, it's no wonder that each of these lovely ladies chose a different color! Whether you prefer an orangey red, a deep wine stain or a classic old Hollywood red, once you find your perfect red lipstick you can conquer the world. So what are you waiting for, collegiettes? Find your signature red lipstick and start making a statement no matter the occasion!

You’re filling out your next job application when you read the daunting words: “Two references required.” While you have plenty of former supervisors whom you’ve impressed with your excellent intern skills, it’s been a few months since you last spoke, and you’re not sure how to approach them without seeming like you’re just using them for a job. Fortunately, we’ve broken the process down into three simple, effective phases with the help of our career experts, so you can be authentic and professional every step of the way! 

1. Reach out

If you’re looking for a job at that company

Tom Dezell, author of Networking for the Novice, Nervous, or Naïve Job-Seeker, suggests asking for advice rather than a favor. Everyone loves sharing good stories and talking about their interests, so focus on developing a mentor/mentee relationship rather than a purely boss/employee relationship.  

“People are going to be much more responsive when you’re asking them for advice on how to approach a situation, and they can respond within their own comfort range,” he says. “It’s a mistake at all levels to just ask for a referral or a job.”                          

Lesley Mitler, founder and CEO of Priority Candidates, Inc., a career coaching service for college students, says the best methods of communication are through a LinkedIn message or a professional networking email.

If it’s been a year or two since you worked at a company, start by reintroducing yourself with your name, the position you held during your time there and what you studied in college. If you’ve recently left and know your supervisor well, then start by asking how he or she is doing – that’s a point all our experts emphasize! Even though it might not feel like a big deal, simply showing interest in how someone is doing communicates a lot. Give a little background on what you’ve done since you left your position and why you’re interested in working for the company.

If you’re asking for a connection

If you’re looking for a job at a different company or in a different industry and you think your former boss would be able to help you, Dezell recommends making a connection between your former job and your new interests. For example, if you want to go into publishing but previously worked in online journalism, tell your old boss about what you learned from your job and why it inspired you to explore other options. You can also add a few long-term goals you have in mind just to show that you’ve done your research and know how the job will fit into your career path.

If you’re asking for a recommendation

Mitler says you should usually get a recommendation right after you leave a position, so be sure to follow this step-by-step guide to a killer recommendation letter! However, since most potential employers will want to get in touch with your references, it’s still beneficial to reconnect with your former bosses and let them know that you’re on a job hunt. Tell them what positions you’re applying for, ask if they would be willing to be a reference for you and, if they are, bring up any successful projects that you would want them to highlight.

“If you work for someone who is on LinkedIn, you should ask for a recommendation via LinkedIn,” Mitler says. LinkedIn recommendations are usually more convenient for people to write and will always be accessible to potential employers looking at your profile.

2. Arrange a meeting

Schedule a time

Lesley Mitler says it’s a good idea to schedule an office visit, coffee or lunch date with your former supervisor when you’re in town. She emphasizes face-to-face contact, which will give you a way to spend more time with someone and be more personable than you would be over the phone. If you’re not in the area, however, set up a time to talk on the phone.

If you don’t get a response, wait a few weeks (since some people might just be busy and forget to respond) and then follow up with a brief message saying that you’re still interested in getting some advice and you’d love to meet at his or her convenience.

Be sure to dress neatly, regardless of the occasion. Even though it’s not an interview, your former boss is a potential employer with a lot of connections and will be gauging your skills and aptitude the entire time. Since coffee or lunch will usually take place in a casual setting, it probably won’t be necessary to dress business professional, but make sure your outfit doesn’t include any jeans, sneakers, T-shirts or tank tops.

Ask the right questions

We’ve all had those relatives who told stories from their childhood filled with life lessons, and with your bosses, it’s not any different. Sometimes the best way to learn is by example – hearing anecdotes about real experiences. While you should do the usual research on your industry and ask technical questions, it’s also important to establish a personal connection with your former boss as well, says Stefany Fattor, director of career services at Fordham University.

Here are a few professional and personal questions to ask:

• If you were in my position, what would you do?
• What inspired you to enter this industry?
• What’s your favorite/least favorite part of your job?
• What are some companies you would suggest I apply to?
• Do you know anyone in this specific field I’m interested in whom I could speak to?

Even though you’re talking about careers, you can also look for mutual interests that might not have anything to do with the job you want but can spark an interesting conversation and show who you are as a person. When an employer offers you a job, he or she is also investing in you as an important part of their company. He or she wants to know that you’re someone who’s genuine and trustworthy.

3. Follow up

Stay in touch

It’s easy to make the mistake of not reaching out at all when you’re afraid of bothering someone, or pestering them too much because you want to show enthusiasm. Make sure to maintain appropriate boundaries when keeping in touch.

Mitler suggests contacting someone no more than once every two months. “You can gauge their interest level in staying in touch by how often they respond,” she says.

Just as you stay in touch with friends by sending funny memes or videos you come across, you can also connect with your old boss through any relevant news articles or blog posts that you think he or she would enjoy, so take the time to forward a link once in a while! Mitler also recommends following professional Twitter accounts and retweeting any posts that you find interesting. If you’re worried about bothering someone too much, tweeting at him or her is a good alternative to a formal email.

Stay motivated

Getting a job solely through networking isn’t easy, but it’s important to keep showing interest, because that’s what will set you apart! Persistence helped Fattor land her job at Fordham Career Services, because even though she didn’t get a position the first time around, she continued asking questions and showing curiosity.

“The person who interviewed me recognized my passion for serving students and offered to help if I applied for any other positions at Fordham,” Fattor says. “Soon after, there was a need for an interim director of career services, and he remembered me.”

Fattor suggests updating your former bosses on what you’re up to throughout the rest of college. Maybe you got another internship, joined an organization or picked up a new hobby; all of these are great conversations starters that will set you apart from other interns who worked there.

“Always remember that networking is relationship building, and relationship building takes time,” she says.

We know it’s not easy putting yourself out there, especially when it might feel like you’re asking for a job or a favor. Instead, think of it as asking for an opportunity to grow and develop your career, and that’s especially easy if you’re genuinely passionate about your former internship and you’ve decided that you want to work at the company full time. But even if you’ve changed your goals and you’re looking to work somewhere else, your former bosses will understand that you’re following your passions and taking your own path. As long as you show that you’re interested in other people’s advice and respect their time, they’ll see your enthusiasm and be willing to help you invest in your success!