There’s nothing more relaxing than getting into bed after a long day, but most of the time, we either scroll through Twitter or watch episodes on Netflix until we manage to pass out. While this may seem like no big deal, it’s actually really bad for us! Not only is our sleep being affected, but other parts of our health as well. With the help of a few doctors, we’re here to tell you why it’s time to put down your phone and turn off your laptop before bed.

Why you need to stop

1. Your electronics are convincing you it’s earlier than it really is

Even if the lights are out, cell phones and other forms of technology can actually fool your brain into forgetting it’s nighttime. Dr. Kent Smith, a sleep dentist from Dallas, Texas says that these devices emit a blue light that tells our suprachiasmatic nucleus (basically, your internal clock) that it’s 2:00 in the afternoon, and not 2:00 in the morning. “When our brains are fooled, they do not secrete melatonin, which is what helps us initiate sleep,” Dr. Smith says. As humans, we actually produce melatonin, a hormone, on our own; however, there are certainly things that can prevent this production, like lying with our phones in bed at night.

If you’re looking for another way to keep your phone in bed and still get some sleep, turning the brightness down isn’t solution enough. While it does help, Dr. Daniel Rifkin, the founder of Sleep Medicine Centers of Western New York, says, “Believe it or not, the blue wavelength remains present. This is what we call a ‘dose response,’ where the lower the lux of light has a lesser effect but there is still some effect!”

2. Sleep debt has side effects

Delaying sleep in itself is unhealthy, but other problems are likely to occur as a result.

“Sleep debt has been linked to weight gain, memory loss and mood disorders, just to name a few unsavory situations most [students] would like to avoid,” Dr. Smith says.

Additionally, if you continue to stay up super late as a result of your electronics, you’re more likely to develop onset insomnia and ultimately sleep deprivation. Olivia, a junior at the University of Tennessee, started having problems after one too many restless nights.

“My sophomore year, I would put off my homework up until around 9 p.m.,” Olivia admits. “I would usually get done around midnight, and even though I was tired, I laid in bed scrolling through Tumblr or watching Netflix on my laptop until I passed out.”

Olivia says that she usually fell asleep around 3 or 4 a.m., only to get up just a few hours later for her morning classes. “In the beginning, I was fine,” she says. “I’d just get a huge coffee the next day or something. But after a while, I started staying up all night.” After an entire sleepless few days, Olivia went to her family doctor and was put on pills for insomnia. Not wanting to be on them for the rest of her life, she used them just until she could develop a normal sleeping pattern again. “Now, I don’t bring my laptop to bed with me, and I plug my phone by my dresser across the room,” she says.

3. Even having your phone next to you can be dangerous

Before dozing off, we don’t even think to put our phones somewhere else besides in bed next to us. Not only does their mere presence tempt us to scroll through social media all night, but having it physically close to us is dangerous for our health. “Having your cell phone close to you during sleep has been shown in studies to delay deep sleep and create more headaches,” Dr. Smith says, “so I suggest leaving it as far from you as possible during sleep,” he says.” If you use your phone for an alarm, just turn up the volume so you’ll still hear it, and also be forced to get up when you need to!

How to stop

Although it may sound hard, your body needs time to wind down before it can sleep. Dr. Carl Bazil, the director of the Division of Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and Sleep Center and a clinical neurology professor at Columbia University, recommends 30 minutes to wind down and rid yourself of electronics, although he says that some people will need more. You don’t even have to lie in bed, according to Dr. Rifkin. “I like to tell patients to turn off all electronics… so they can have a ‘facilitation to sleep-onset time,’” he says. The following list consists of just some of the few things you can do before bed to relax!

• Take a warm bath
• Read something non-school or work related
• Do some quick relaxation yoga
• Listen to calming music
• Write in a journal
• Drink warm milk

It may be difficult to prioritize sleep, but for us collegiettes, it is SO important! So, plug in your phone and set it on a table or dresser nearby, turn off your laptop, shut off the TV and get those z’s! 

If you spend an afternoon with me, you’ll notice that my phone doesn’t stop buzzing.

Text messages fly in from brides-to-be while they are wedding dress shopping or trying to defuse an escalated conversation with their future mother-in-law. Emails pour in from maids of honor wondering if their speech for the champagne toast is funny enough.

The interesting part is that I’ve never met these people before in my life.

I’m a professional bridesmaid. I’ve been hired by more than 30 different brides and maids of honor to help them feel confident and stress-free before and during their wedding.

But let me start from the beginning—to be more specific, from the Friday night in June 2014 that led me to become the founder of a business called Bridesmaid for Hire.

I spent that Friday night alone on the couch, digging my spoon into a half-eaten, freezer-burned gallon of chocolate ice cream that I saved for emergencies only.

Over the past couple of years, tons of my friends abruptly found themselves transitioning from single girl status to diamond ring status. Our brunch conversations quickly switched from swapping online dating disaster stories to sharing engagement stories.

While this was happening for them, I was downloading Tinder and going on unsuccessful dates with guys like Max the Macho-Man Bodybuilder and Ryan the Ex-Reality TV Star. I was, more than anything else, finding myself standing up in a polyester or chiffon gown as a bridesmaid, again and again and again.

So that Friday night, once the gallon of ice cream was scooped clean, I decided to it was time to share my secret with the world and to let out this plan of action that had been brewing in my mind for quite some time.

I opened up a new tab on Google Chrome and I typed in a website that people often visit to find things like used couches, failed attempts at love, or new jobs. I went on Craigslist and wrote a post offering my services as a bridesmaid for hire to brides in need.

The idea to post this ad popped into my head one day after I was asked to be a bridesmaid twice within 48 hours. I came home after agreeing to spend two more Saturdays of my life walking down the aisle in a chiffon dress for these two friends, and my roommate nicknamed me “The Professional Bridesmaid.”

Being a bridesmaid started feeling like a full-time job. While there’s often a wedding planner making sure the bride’s idea of a perfect venue comes into fruition, there’s really no one there for the bride and her personal needs before the wedding.

That’s what I became to my friends who were getting married: their personal assistant, their on-call therapist, their social director, and more often than not, their peacekeeper.

I wondered if I could make this into a real full-time job for people I didn’t know, like for brides-to-be who may have a handful of friends, but nobody they could truly rely on or feel confident and comfortable enough to bother with seemingly silly wedding requests.

So I put the idea to test. I pressed “send” and posted the ad on Craigslist. After it had been live for a few days, my inbox was already full of requests from brides around the world.

In July, I started working with my first non-friend bride, Ashley from Minnesota. Ashley fired her maid-of-honor, who was unsupportive and practically MIA, then hired me to fill that role and bring her the support she desperately needed three months before her wedding (and on the big day itself.)

That’s where my adventure began. It continued to Times Square for a wedding for two grooms from Australia. Then it took me all the way to Vegas for a surprise wedding that lasted four days and had me on my hands and knees in bathrooms, lifting up layers of tulle and taffeta so the bride could pee without having her fairy-tale wedding dress come face to face with the murky toilet bowl water. It took me across the bridge to Queens, where I found myself supporting the mother of the bride with my own size 34C bra when she forgot hers at home.

“Why would anyone want a professional bridesmaid at their wedding?” An 87-year-old woman asked me that on the subway last week. The answer, though surprisingly simple, was provided for me in so many different ways through the emails I received.

Women asked me for help because they have good friends who are unable to make it to their weddings, whether because they lived far away, couldn’t afford it or had to be at home with their children.

Women asked me for help because they already had a group of bridesmaids but they needed someone to come in to organize the communication and be the official liaison between the bride and the rest of the bridal party.

A few couples wanted my help because they were planning smaller weddings and wanted someone by their side that knows exactly what they are doing.

If I’ve learned anything since I started this business, it’s that the most important thing you can do is start ASAP. Even if your business idea is not totally fleshed out or ready to be shared with the world yet, don’t waste time. Test the market. Put something out there and revise it until you’re happy with the final product.

If I had told anyone about my idea for Bridesmaid for Hire before I shared it with the world on Craigslist, they would have shot it down. They would have told me that nobody wants to hire a stranger to be there for them on their wedding day.

Well, almost a year and 30 clients later, I can finally say with confidence: they are wrong!

Jen Glantz is a "Professional Bridesmaid" and the founder of Bridesmaid For Hire. She's the author of All My Friends Are Engaged, the creator of The Things I Learned From blog, and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

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Even though life has many bumpy and unexpected moments, there’s one person you can always turn to for guidance: your sister. No matter what you’re going through, sisters just somehow know how to make it better. For some reason, they’re built in with the most important advice and knowledge that you just don’t have. There are so many things that we’ve all learned from our sisters, and here are just a few of them:

1. How to put on makeup

She’s the one that taught you that blue eyeshadow and bright lipstick will make you look like a crazy person.

2. How to sweet talk your parents

Depending on how well she does it, she either taught you exactly what to do or what not to do to get exactly what you want.

3. The true meaning of friendship

No matter what happens, she’s always got your back.

4. How to deal with boys

Breakups, hookups, deciphering cryptic texts…she knows it all, and she knows how to help you through it.

5. How to drink

She knows the most delicious mixed drink combos, and also taught you how to handle your liquor like a champ. Your sister is the one that will keep you from sounding like an idiot at the bar.

6. How to stay strong

No matter what she goes through, you’ve never seen her crack under pressure.

7. How to drive a car

Your first time behind the wheel most likely involved the two of you screaming as you tried to navigate a vehicle.

8. The importance of hearing the bitter truth

Your sister is always willing to give you advice without the sugar coating. It may be tough to swallow, but you’ll quickly find that she was right—and brutal honesty can save you from making many embarrassing or harmful mistakes.

9. How to laugh off the little things

Life shouldn’t be taken too seriously, and having a sister shows you that there’s no need to make mountains out of molehills. She’s gotten through worse, so just laugh it off and move on.

10. How to share

You spend your life sharing clothes, rooms and cars, so you’re basically a pro at co-owning various material objects.

11. How to forgive and forget

Let’s face it; it’s never sunshine and rainbows 24/7 having a sister. You fight, scream and say some things that are pretty hurtful. But no matter what, you still love each other, and that bond makes it easy to forgive each other and forget what may have happened, which will only ever make the two of you stronger.

Even though life has many bumpy and unexpected moments, there’s one person you can always turn to for guidance: your sister. No matter what you’re going through, sisters just somehow know how to make it better. For some reason, they’re built in with the most important advice and knowledge that you just don’t have. There are so many things that we’ve all learned from our sisters, and here are just a few of them:

1. How to put on makeup

She’s the one that taught you that blue eyeshadow and bright lipstick will make you look like a crazy person.

2. How to sweet talk your parents

Depending on how well she does it, she either taught you exactly what to do or what not to do to get exactly what you want.

3. The true meaning of friendship

No matter what happens, she’s always got your back.

4. How to deal with boys

Breakups, hookups, deciphering cryptic texts…she knows it all, and she knows how to help you through it.

5. How to drink

She knows the most delicious mixed drink combos, and also taught you how to handle your liquor like a champ. Your sister is the one that will keep you from sounding like an idiot at the bar.

6. How to stay strong

No matter what she goes through, you’ve never seen her crack under pressure.

7. How to drive a car

Your first time behind the wheel most likely involved the two of you screaming as you tried to navigate a vehicle.

8. The importance of hearing the bitter truth

Your sister is always willing to give you advice without the sugar coating. It may be tough to swallow, but you’ll quickly find that she was right—and brutal honesty can save you from making many embarrassing or harmful mistakes.

9. How to laugh off the little things

Life shouldn’t be taken too seriously, and having a sister shows you that there’s no need to make mountains out of molehills. She’s gotten through worse, so just laugh it off and move on.

10. How to share

You spend your life sharing clothes, rooms and cars, so you’re basically a pro at co-owning various material objects.

11. How to forgive and forget

Let’s face it; it’s never sunshine and rainbows 24/7 having a sister. You fight, scream and say some things that are pretty hurtful. But no matter what, you still love each other, and that bond makes it easy to forgive each other and forget what may have happened, which will only ever make the two of you stronger.

Everyone is worried about one thing or another before college—and you have the right to be! It’s a completely different place with new people away from your family. This may even be the first time you are really on your own, and for a lot of people, that’s the scariest part. There are common college fears that every collegiette has before she arrives, but we promise—this new adventure really isn’t as terrifying as it seems. Here are a few topics that scared all of us before college and how to overcome them so you can make the most of your college experience from the start.

1. Making new friends

Moving away from your friends and family can be terrifying, but not impossible. Collegiette Keana Bloomfield, a sophomore at Bryn Mawr College, says she was always quiet and worried to meet new people because she had no idea what to expect. “I didn't know whether to stay to myself or venture outside my comfort zone,” she says. “It turns out that doing both helped, because I was able to show people the real me and the friendships that I developed came naturally because I wasn't trying to be someone else.”

Go to the events your school throws for freshmen. Talk to people in the dining hall, classes and parties. Caroline Cunningham, a sophomore at the University of Alabama, says she left her door open the first few days while she was adjusting to her dorm room and people would stop in to introduce themselves. It’s a great way to get to know the people on your hallway! Stay open to new friends and remember that all freshmen are in this together, and everyone will be in the same position as you.

2. Staying in touch with high school friends

Even with all the new friends you will make, there’s that special spot for your high school friends. While you certainly won’t stay in touch with everyone, make sure you know who is important to you. You’ll be busy, but it isn’t impossible to stay friends.

There are Sunday afternoons in college where instead of watching Netflix, you can video chat your friends instead. Send them texts when you get the chance to tell important news so that they stay in the loop, even if they don’t get the chance to reply. Remember, if they care about you as much as you care about them, they’ll make an effort to keep in touch. College isn’t forever! You’ll be back for a whole summer of fun.

If you’re staying in touch with a bunch of friends, like Alexis Juarez, a sophomore at the  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, make plans far in advance to reunite back home. “It wasn’t easy, but we all made plans ahead of time for when we were going to see each other at certain events at each other’s schools, such as football games or things unique to our campuses.” Also, coming home for homecoming events is a great way to see everyone from high school again.

3. Transitioning into college academics

In high school, you hear about these 20-page papers that college students write and think, “How does someone even have enough to say about a topic for 20 pages?” Or, you hear about classes where the final counts as 100 percent of your grade. It can be a little scary when you haven’t been exposed to classes like this, but there are so many resources at your school to help.

Use the library. It’s a great place to make you study because everyone else is trying to focus as well. There won’t be anyone yelling or music playing, which makes for a better study environment than a dorm room. Get a study group together if you need even more motivation or extra help. Need even more help? A lot of large lecture classes have teaching assistants (TAs) that are open to helping you after class hours. Professors also have office hours you can go to so if there’s anything you’re confused about, your professor can give you further explanation.

Keana overcame her fear of this by talking with her dean. “[My dean said that] the transition from high school to college is already hard enough and if I tried my best no matter what and stopped comparing myself to others, then I would have done all that I can,” she says. 

4. Building a schedule

Making your first class schedule can be confusing and terrifying. Your options aren’t as restricted as they are in high school, and there are an overwhelming number of choices to make. Luckily, most of the class registration process is explained at orientation, but here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Consider the requirements that you need to graduate. The general education requirements should be fulfilled, as well as the classes you need for your major. Look at what classes overlap so you can take fewer required courses and more classes that are interesting. “Building your own schedule teaches responsibility and organization skills needed for the future,” says Alexis. You aren’t given an exact list of what you need to take and when; only the certain credits.” It’s mostly up to you to decide what is best fitting for you. If you plan on going out of town on weekends like Alexis, it’s a good idea to plan for no Friday classes and put all of your classes on other days so you can have a three-day weekend.

5. Finding your classes

The campus will be unfamiliar and there are so many buildings that it seems impossible to find every single class, but there are ways to get around this. Use a map of the college and walk through your classes before they start, since you’ll move in about a week before they begin.

Even if you can’t remember exactly where everything is after your walk through, you can take a picture of the college map on your phone to always have it with you! 

6. Fitting everything into your dorm

Yes, dorms can be very small, but there is plenty of room to keep everything you need. There are several approaches to fitting everything you need. You can pack lightly with the necessities and save the decorating for later, especially if you plan on joining a sorority because when you get your big sister, you’ll be showered with gifts that mainly include canvases and crafts. You can also be like Marianne Wright, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who got the dimensions of her room and coordinated decorating with her roommate so everything was planned out prior to moving in.

Regardless, there are things you can live without, so think about what you’ll need in school. At the start, only bring summer clothes and a few fall outfits because you can take clothes home and bring back new ones on breaks. This will save a ton of closet space. Bring stuff you think you’ll wear and consider social events, especially common themed parties if you plan on being a part of the “social scene.”

7. Terrible roommates

If you don’t know your roommate prior to college, there’s the chance that you two may not get along. It’s scary to think that you have to live with a girl you barely know. What if she goes to bed at a different time? What if you two don’t get along? What if she brings back a guy one night?

Luckily, there are roommate agreements that are completed within the first week of school to give you and your roommate a chance to talk about your living habits and what you expect out of one another. You agree on a system so no one gets upset. There are also resident assistants on every hall of dorm rooms to help resolve any arguments you two may get into. Many roommates end up getting along and even becoming best friends. Worst-case scenario, you have to switch rooms, which isn’t as bad as it sounds.

With all your worries will come a solution and just remember that you are not alone! Every freshman is going to be in the same position-thrown into an unfamiliar place with all new people. You all are adjusting at the same time, so bond with people over that. College really isn’t that scary when it comes down to it and freshman year.
 

You’ve met a really great guy around campus, and things seem to be going well. You flirt, you text and you hang out, but for some reason, he just won’t make the first move. Every sign indicates that he’s into you, but instead of dating, you’re stuck frantically checking your phone for texts and refreshing his Facebook and Twitter pages for any kind of information. It’s driving you crazy!

Some guys are just a bit shyer than othersand might never make the first move. However, that shouldn’t stop you from scoring a first date! Here are a few indications that it might be time to ask him out, and tips for how to do it.

The Signs He Likes You

1. He’s vague with plans

When you’re trying to make plans with a guy, there’s nothing more frustrating than the word “sometime.”

“My first two years of school, I knew this guy named Dillon. We were always together, we texted and talked on the phone almost every day and his friends had told me he liked me,” says Hannah, a senior at the University of Colorado. “I used to get so frustrated though, because, despite all of that, he never actually asked me out.”  

According to Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist and relationship expert, vague suggestions about going out “sometime,” “next time” or “soon” show that he’s definitely interested in hanging out, but for some reason isn’t prepared to nail down a date and time.

2. He texts, but never calls

You’ve been texting this guy nonstop and your conversations are great. His jokes are perfect and his emojis are on point, but he just won’t pick up the phone and call.

Lieberman says this shows that he enjoys talking to you, but he’s just uncertain of how to take your communication – and your relationship – to the next level.

3. He has good body language

For some guys, actions really do speak louder than words. While you may be frustrated with his lack of verbal commitment, don’t forget to pay attention to his body language. If he makes a lot of eye contact with you or chooses to stand or sit close to you, then you can be sure he’s interested.

The most important piece of body language, according to Lieberman, is lots of smiling. She says a guy who flirts with you without making any sexual advances may actually be very interested. This means that you’re more than just a possible one-night stand to him – you’re girlfriend material. 

4. You’re stuck as his plus-one

Weekends in college are filled with parties, casual hangouts and large group events. A sure sign that a guy is interested in you is if he’s constantly inviting you to these as his plus-one. Being his date shows that you’re on his mind and that he’s comfortable spending time with you.

“I was really into this girl during my sophomore year, but for a really long time I wasn’t sure she liked me,” says Matt, a junior at Boston University. “Instead of just going for it and asking her out, I usually just defaulted to taking her with me to friends’ parties and casual hangouts.”

5. He talks about you

Sometimes when a guy knows he likes you, he finds it easier to talk to anyone but you about it. If he won’t stop talking about you to his guy friends and won’t stop asking your girl friends about you, then chances are he’s head over heels.

“My first semester, I had class with a really great girl. We had talked a few times and I knew I liked her, but I didn’t know how to get to know her more,” says Griffin, a sophomore at Belmont University. “We had a mutual friend, so I spent a lot of time asking her for tips about this girl’s hobbies or interests. I figured it would be a better way to start up conversation.”

Do any of these signs sound like your guy? It might just be time to make your move!

How to Ask Him Out

If you’ve decided that the best thing is for you to ask him out, make sure you know exactly how to do it. For Lieberman, asking a guy out is all about making it relaxed and informal.

“If you’re going to ask a guy out, it’s best to make it as nonthreatening as possible,” Lieberman says. “For example, you can invite him to a gathering of some sort – like a party or a meeting of a club – where it’s not going to be one-on-one, like a real date.”

These types of group events are easy ways to test the waters and avoid any awkward situations. They’ll create a more informal setting for the two of you, and with other people around, it’s much less intimidating.

Lieberman’s second tip is to keep it simple and remove all of the pressure.

“Be very casual when you ask a guy out,” Lieberman says. “You can say something like, ‘Hey, I heard there was going to be a cool party at my dorm tomorrow night. Do you want to drop by?’ If he gets [a] deer-in-headlights look, quickly backpedal and say you just remembered you’re supposed to be somewhere else right now. Wave goodbye and say, ‘You can call me if you want to go.’ Then, if he never mentions it again, don’t push it.”

Taking a relationship from flirting to dating is always tricky. Even if your crush might be a little shy, that doesn’t mean you two have to be stuck in relationship limbo. As a confident collegiette, never be afraid to go for it and ask him out!

Something powerful and unique about the Her Campus network is the opportunity it gives us to easily gather data from thousands of college women about how you feel about important issues in our society. We feel lucky to be in a position to be able to collect and analyze that information and then share it with all of you to shed some light on the “current state”, if you will, of college women worldwide.

Earlier this year, we conducted HC’s Feminism on Campus Survey 2015, to understand your take on feminism, women in politics, women in the workforce and all sorts of hot-button issues surrounding these themes. The results were eye- opening, and we are pleased to now present the results of this survey in three installments over the next three days: Feminism on Campus; Politics on Campus; and Views on the Workforce on Campus. We hope these results will foster productive dialogue on these critical topics, and we hope that Her Campus can serve as a platform to further such discussion.

Who we surveyed: 
We surveyed 3,135 college women age 17-23 representing all regions of the United States, with 11% of respondents attending college internationally. Respondents’ average age was 19.5 years old, and 55.1% attend a public college or university, 41.2% attend a private college or university, and 3.2% attend a community college. 

HC Love,
Stephanie Kaplan Lewis
Co-founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief

Feminism on Campus »

In this first installment of the results, we examine college women’s views on feminism and its related topics.

Politics on Campus »

In this second installment of the results, we examine college women’s views on voting and politics through the lens of female candidacy and a few key women’s issues. Check back tomorrow June 23 for part two of our survey results!

Views on the Workforce on Campus »

In this final installment of the results, we examine college women’s views on women in the workforce, marriage, and related questions. Check back June 24 for part three of our survey results!

Infographic by Vikki Burnett

Short girls have it rough. We can't reach the top shelves, we struggle to keep up with the strides of the longer-legged, and we fear looking stubby on a regular basis. Well, ladies, fear no more! If hopes of a future growth spurt have long been abandoned, we're here to help. We've got the best tricks and tips to achieve longer legs without growing an inch—and even better, without heels. Because if Barbie doesn't have time for them, neither do we!

Fit and Style

Shorter legs are made for minis

Looking for some extra leg? Crop that hemline! It makes sense that the more you show, the more it looks like you have. See those subtle slits? They also completely add to the lengthening effect. Just be wary of where you're headed—save this look for weekends and date nights. 

Go asymmetrical 

Asymmetrical hemlines are a fashion "do" when it comes to longer skirt lengths. The magic lies in how they cut your leg. Because the line isn't sharp and blunt, the skirt doesn't chop you off, which would instantly make you appear shorter—no thanks!

It's all about the A-line

A-line styles far surpass something tight or poofy—they're the perfect mesh of fit and flare. Something about the widening silhouette creates an optical illusion, making legs look lengthy. Pick a style like this one, which is high-waisted (making your legs look as though they go on forever), black (which is super slimming), and has vertical detail (another fantastic optical illusion). Pair your skirt with a matching crop top for even better results. Because the break of skin adds extra distance, you'll appear taller overall. 

Did we mention high-waisted?

This is so effective, we felt the need to mention it twice. High waist silhouettes aren't just good for shorter pieces—try the style with jeans, pants, and maxi skirts. It's a common myth (and fear) that long skirts and maxi dresses will swallow up a short girl. This is completely untrue! Because of their length, they can actually make you look longer, especially if you pick the right styles. Go for something that sits at your natural waist, and for maxi dresses, an empire waist works well. Anything that starts high and ends low will stretch you out, as long you go full out! It's important to stick to above-the-knee styles or full-length skirts and nothing in between.

Don't forget to point those toes

Pointed-toe shoes extend your foot, which in turn extends the whole leg. You're just adding inches with your toes, rather than a heel!

Pattern and Color

Think in monochrome

Nothing's chicer than an all-white ensemble. By dressing entirely in one color, it'll be harder to tell where your legs start and end—making you one long line of style savviness. 

It's better in black

Think sheer black tights and matching black shoes. As we mentioned earlier, black's slimming effect makes everything appear thinner and lengthier, rather than stocky or stubby. By matching your shoe color to your pants, you are again blurring the lines of where either begins or ends. This also works if you're going bare-legged. In this case, opt for shoes that match your skin tone. Just try and make the look as seamless as possible—no gaps between your bottoms and your shoes (i.e. ankle jeans) and no boot socks peaking out!

Go vertical

Jealous of the athletes who look long and lanky? You can too! Vertical lines and side paneling can really lengthen a look, so it's no wonder athletic stripes are so in! Grab some athlete-inspired joggers with a vertical stripe and you'll be sporty-chic in no time.

Go for gold by going to the source

Get leggy before you get dressed with this quick tip. Take some self tanner or tinted moisturizer and contour those legs! It may sound crazy, but it actually works, as long as you do it discreetly. Highlight the outer lines of your legs with shimmers or bronzers. Your legs will be glowing and will have a more defined and lengthened shape. 

While we can't help you reach those shelves, we can make it look like you can reach them yourself—you're welcome.

There are certain items that every girl should have in her makeup bag, from no-fail liquid eyeliner to the perfect shade of red lipstick. There are so many products on the market that sometimes it’s hard to know which are the best. So to help you out, we’ve talked to collegiette beauty junkies and put together a list of the products every girl should own. Don’t waste your time wondering what items should become a part of your daily makeup routine; these are all the essentials you’ll ever need.

1. Flawless BB Cream

BB cream is a definite beauty essential because it’s a fast and easy way to ensure your skin looks blemish-free. It’s awesome if you’re in a rush since the cream serves as serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and SPF (although you should definitely still use sunscreen if you plan on tanning) all in one! If you have super-dry skin, it’s best to use a moisturizer first even though your BB cream has moisturizing ingredients as well.

There are tons of BB creams available at drug and makeup stores, but Olivia Egger, a junior at Fordham University, has found her favorite. “BB Cream is an absolute essential for me, especially during the summer,” Olivia says. “I've used many different ones, but I love the Rimmel 9-in-1 Matte BB Cream ($6.69 at Ulta) I've been using. It provides good coverage, sunscreen, and isn't super heavy, which is nice when it's really hot outside.”

2. Long-Lasting Bronzer

Bronzer is a great tool to finish off your look with a flush of summer-ready color (without damaging your skin with UV rays)! You want a bronzer that’s going to look natural and last all day, so we’ve given you a few different options. Maggie Scenna, Her Campus’s Account Executive, uses Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer ($30 at Sephora) and loves it. It even smells like chocolate—yum!

Iris Goldsztajn, Her Campus’ Style & Beauty Editor, adds another suggestion. “I've only recently started using bronzer, but I love it!” she says. “It really finishes off your makeup look. I use Benefit's Hoola ($28 at Sephora) and it does the job well, while being pretty subtle and natural-looking!”

If you have your mind set on a super-affordable bronzer, Ciara Kilian, a junior at Clark University, has your back. “My favorite is NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder in the shade Sunny ($3.59 at Target). Not only is it amazing quality and super affordable, but it also doubles as a great matte eye shadow!”

3. Versatile Eye Shadow

Functional eye shadow is a beauty must-have for any occasion, whether it’s a job interview, a night out or a family gathering. If you have a palette with multiple colors, you can create various looks depending on what you’re going for. There’s no argument when it comes to eye shadow: Collegiettes agree that the Urban Decay Naked Palette ($54 at Urban Decay) is the best eye shadow to have.

“I personally own the Naked 3 palette, but I highly recommend any of the Naked palettes,” says Jen Morgan, a senior at Messiah College. “At this point, the palette is the main one I use for all of my eye shadow looks, and it is so versatile. Every color that a girl would need for a natural smoky eye, internship-appropriate look and girls' night out are all part of this palette, and the colors stay so long too!”

Caitlin adds, “I also can't live without my Naked 3 palette, my MAC crease brush ($24 at MAC), and my MAC Paint Pot ($21 at MAC), an eye primer you can even wear by itself.” It seems pretty safe to say that a Naked Palette should be on your list!

4. No-Fail Liquid Eyeliner

A no-fail liquid liner is a definite essential for creating a cat eye or any precise look. Many types of liquid eyeliner run or smudge, so you’ll want one that’s strong and easy to work with. Either of these options will help you create the perfect look!

Courtney Klauber, a Rowan University graduate, suggests Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner ($20 at Sephora). “It's a must,” Courtney says. “It's waterproof, goes on smooth and lasts all day!”

If you’re looking for eyeliner that’s great for precision, Sammy Martin, a junior at Emmanuel College, shares her favorite. “Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Liner in Black Out ($7.99 at Ulta) is my favorite liner to use when I have a few extra minutes,” Sammy says. “Its ultra-skinny brush makes creating the perfect wing so much easier!”

5. Volumizing Mascara

Mascara instantly makes your eyes seem bigger and makes you appear more awake. It completes a simple look and can even be used on its own if you’re in a rush! Our beauty guru Sammy recommends using Maybelline Volum’ Express The Mega Plush Mascara in Blackest Black ($7.49 at Ulta) on both your top and bottom lashes.

Madison Eckle, a junior at the University of Wisconsin, suggests L’Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in Blackest Black ($8.99 at Ulta). “I have been using this stuff for over five years now and I am obsessed with it,” she says. “I refuse to change products because it's the only kind that stays on all day, is actually waterproof and makes my lashes not only extremely long, but thick too!” One of these mascaras is sure to be an essential part of creating your finished look.

6. Bold Lipstick

Bold lipstick is the ultimate finishing touch to any makeup look. If you’re looking for the perfect red lipstick, Caitlin says, “NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave ($27 at NARS) is the staple red lipstick I'd been looking for for years,” she says.

If you’re on the hunt for a liquid lip color that’s the perfect blend of a stain and a gloss, Jen recommends using Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge ($24 at Sephora). “This is my ‘if I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one product’ item,” she shares. “I am obsessed with it! It adheres to your lips perfectly and stays longer than any other lip product I've used.”

For an electric purple that’s sure to wow anyone, Summer Ford, a senior at Boston University, suggests Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in L.U.V. ($20 at Sephora). “It's my go-to when I want make a splash by standing out during summer!” she says. “I always get so many compliments on the color. It requires little to no touchups at all!”

7. Practical Brushes

In order to create your signature look, you’re going to need some awesome brushes to do the job. Luckily, these beauty junkies have you covered! Kristi Slocum, a Merrimack College graduate, can’t live without Tarte’s Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush ($34 at Sephora). This brush will give you a flawless, blended look.

For eye shadow, Jen recommends using SOHO brand. “I love the two eye shadow brushes I have from SOHO (the quality is wonderful), since the bristles stay secure and the handles have a nice grip,” she shares. You can buy a 3-Piece Smoky Eye Brush Set for $9.99 at Amazon.

Carly Griffin, a sophomore at the University of Michigan, has even more suggestions. “For makeup brushes, my tried and true ones are from Real Techniques,” she says. “They're really cheap but have great quality. The Expert Face Brush ($8.99 at Ulta) is great for blending out foundation, and their eye shadow brushes ($17.99 for the starter kit at Ulta) blend colors seamlessly.”

For something a little out of the ordinary, Jen suggests trying a beautyblender ($19.95 at Sephora), which is a 360-degree makeup sponge applicator. “It's so versatile and I think every girl should own one,” she says.

If you like the idea of the beautyblender, but are looking for a more affordable option, Carly suggests the one from Real Techniques. “My current favorite is their beauty blender ($5.99 at Ulta),” she says. “I picked it up for around $5 and I honestly don't see a difference in quality between this and the original beautyblender, which is much more pricey.”

With these seven essentials, your makeup bag will be stocked with the best products you’ll need for any look, day or night. Even out your skin tone, create the perfect look for your eyes, swipe on some lipstick and you’re good to go! If every girl owned these seven items, makeup bags everywhere would be smiling. Don’t go another day without these essentials; you won’t regret it!
 

We’re all guilty of it: continuing to wear a bra that’s just a tad too small, because we don’t want to shell out the cash for a new one. Why put yourself through all that discomfort? You’re allowed to pamper yourself every once in a while!

Now is your chance to get a better fit. Her Campus and MOGUL have both teamed up with ThirdLove to give away a $500 gift card to use on whichever ThirdLove bras your heart desires! ThirdLove’s signature half-cup sizing will ensure your most perfect fit ever. Plus, they offer cup sizes from AAA to G! You’ll also want to try ThirdLove’s mobile sizing tool for the iPhone—it measures you for a bra from the comfort of your own home.

Overwhelmed by the options? We recommend checking out the 24/7 Memory Foam T-Shirt bra—it’s amazing! As a bonus, Her Campus is also throwing in a $100 Sephora gift card. Enter to win this ‘Pamper Yourself’ prize pack right now. Good luck, collegiettes!

Pamper Yourself Giveaway

Sunburn is the ultimate summertime struggle. All we want is a glowing, tanned complexion to show off in our crop tops and bikinis—is that too much to ask? Apparently, it is.

If you've ever experienced a sunburn, you can relate to the endless thought cycle of believing you're invincible, to cringing in lobster-skinned pain and regret. Hopefully, the agony will inspire you to put your sunbathing on hold long enough to read our not-so-secret pro tips to stop this from ever happening again. Probably not, though. It's a tough life. 

1. Ignorance

Thought: It's such a perfect day for a tan. Look, I can see my skin changing colors already! I'm going to lay low on the sunscreen for now, just until I have a base.

Pro Tip: Never wait to apply sunscreen! Slather on some SPF before any outdoor outing to prevent this upcoming progression from ever reoccurring.

2. Stubbornness 

Thought: "Honey, you're looking a little red." Mom, I'm totally fine. Do you even know what a tan is?

Pro Tip: If you're seeing any color change at all, it might be time to get under that beach umbrella. At the very least, apply some more sunscreen (at minimum every two hours, or whenever you've been exposed to water or sweat)!

3. Denial

Thought: Okay, so maybe mom was right. But everyone knows that a slight burn becomes a perfect tan the next day. It's not even a burn, then. It's just a pre-tan. This is how it's supposed to work.

Pro Tip: The myth that sunburns become tans, especially without any negative side effects, is just that—a myth. 

4. Hot Flashes

Thought: My body is on fire. Do I have a fever? What is happening to me?!

Pro Tip: Cool down your body, stat! Take a cool (not freezing) bath or shower to lower that body temperature.

5. Pain

Thought: OMG. This is most definitely a sunburn. Where is the aloe?!

Pro Tip: Aloe is soothing, but to really help combat pain, take some ibuprofen every few hours. This will also reduce inflammation caused by the burn!

6. Addiction (to Aloe)

Thought: Aloe is my best friend. I am literally going to grow a garden of the stuff. Aloe is love. Aloe is life.

Pro Tip: Just like aloe, oatmeal can seriously soothe, too! It may sound crazy, but slip some into your bath to calm down your angry skin.

7. Itching

Thought: I have never been so painfully itchy in all of my life. It itches so badly, but if I scratch it, it hurts. Why, sun, why?

Pro Tip: Whatever you do, don't scratch! You might end up with some nasty scars. Just use a cortisone cream to relieve that tingly sensation.

8. Peeling: Part I

Thought: This isn't so bad. At least I'll have new, un-burned skin by tomorrow.

Pro Tip: Peeling is a natural cleansing measure taken by the skin to refresh and renew. Trying to speed up the process will: 1) not work, and 2) cause damage to your already vulnerable skin.

9. Peeling: Part II

Thought: Okay, it's been a week and I'm still peeling. I also have no idea how to put makeup on this. I officially look like a monster.

Pro Tip: Moisturize, hydrate, moisturize! It's super important to give your skin some hydration using advanced and heavy-duty moisturizers and also by drinking tons of water throughout the day. 

10. Peeling: Part III (Recovery)

Thought: Um. Only snakes are supposed to do this.

Pro Tip: You've almost made it, don't pick at it now! You'll thank us later, we promise.

11. Regret

Thought: Sunscreen, this is the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship. Hey mom, can you get my back? And you better be wearing sunscreen! *Major mom eye-roll*

Pro Tip: Listen to your mother.

Transitioning from college to the real world can be rough. Whether you’re moving into your own apartment with a job or moving back into your parents’ house, the shift from being a student to a full-blown adult is momentous. As we struggle with the things we can no longer get away with, we can take comfort in the fact that we’re not the first, and won’t be the last to deal with the leap from collegiette to graduette. And while pop culture may have led us astray in some instances, these eight movies capture the quarter-life crisis perfectly; letting us know we’re not alone.

1. Tiny Furniture

Lena Dunham gets what it is to be a millennial woman. Before she began perfectly portraying early twenties life in Girls, she wrote, directed, and starred in Tiny Furniture, a movie about recent grad Aura’s first months out of college. “I’m in a post-graduate delirium,” Aura says as she moves back in with her successful artist mother and overachieving younger sister. Aura reconnects with childhood friends, gets a job as a hostess (that she ultimately quits, justifying giving up by saying, “It was really s***** and boring and I have a college degree”), and deals with the difficulties of not having her life together immediately after graduating. With familiar faces from Girls, Gossip Girl, and New Girl (to cover all our favorite shows with “Girl” in the name), Tiny Furniture manages to portray the reality of moving home after graduation. The tagline reads, “Aura would like you to know that she’s having a very, very hard time.” That’s something we can all relate to.

2. Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts may not be about a recent college grad, but it captures the longing for everything that college stands for. Thirty-five-year-old Jesse returns to his alma mater and meets a young student, Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen, younger sister of our childhood favorites Mary Kate and Ashley). The movie follows both the romantic friendship that develops between Jesse and Zibby, and the supportive one that Jesse fosters with a troubled student named Dean. Over the course of the movie, Jesse finally begins grow up.

For recent grads, one of the most poignant parts of the movie occurs when Jesse is talking to Zibby about being in college. “I think one of the things I loved the most about being here was the feeling that anything was possible. Just infinite choices ahead of you. You get out of school and anything could happen,” Jesse explains. Whether it’s been six months since you were a student or six years, that can be a hard thing to let go. Liberal Arts is a film you won’t want to miss after graduating (plus, Zac Efron makes some unexpected appearances, which we can’t complain about).

3. Post Grad

From her years as Rory Gilmore, to her time on Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Alexis Bledel has been there for us every step of the way (she even made a few thoroughly grown-up appearances on Mad Men). In Post Grad, she plays recent graduate Ryden, a girl who has always had a life plan. Good grades in high school, a college scholarship, and a great GPA in college were all supposed to lead to getting a job at a top publishing company in L.A. As you can imagine, things don’t quite go as planned. While she lands an interview, she does not get the job and must move home. Ryden deals with problems concerning employment, love, and the reality that her life is not coming together as she’d hoped it would. She is easy to identify with, and many recent graduates will understand when she says, “This whole post graduation thing is not exactly turning out the way I planned. I just thought I’d be doing something amazing by now. Or at least doing something.” 

Be inspired by Ryden’s spontaneity at the end of the movie and know that your ‘life plan’ may not end up being as fulfilling as you imagined. Embrace the opportunity to go in a different direction after graduating; it may be the only time you have the freedom to do so. 

4. Legally Blonde

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Legally Blonde may not be “recent college grad,” but this classic chick flick is ultimately about Elle’s first year in graduate school. Whether you’re headed to law school, med school, or pursuing a Masters, let Elle be your inspiration not to let anything stop you from reaching your full potential.

In the movie, Elle deals with transitioning from her undergraduate years where she was popular and successful, to Harvard Law where she’s a little out of her element. Despite those who look down on her, she uses her unique perspective and experience to prove her professors and classmates wrong.

As she grows throughout the movie, Elle’s responses to Professor Callahan and (ex-boyfriend) Warner are empowering. She uses her detractors as motivation to buckle down and study harder than she ever has. In the end, she realizes she’s worth far more than Warner can offer. Take a leaf out of Elle’s book: Ignore those who don’t expect much of you and learn to trust and believe in yourself. Legally Blonde is the perfect pick-me-up during a quarter-life crisis.

5. Take Me Home Tonight

Set in the 1980s, Take Me Home Tonight focuses on recent MIT grad Matt, who, despite his potential, has moved back in with his parents in L.A. When his high school crush, Tori, comes into the video store he works at, he pretends to be an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. Tori invites him to a party with their old high school classmates and the movie follows him as he tries to win her over. Eventually the lie is revealed and Matt has to face the fact that he doesn’t know what he wants to do or where to start.

While Matt’s struggles are the main focus of the movie, we also follow his twin sister Wendy and best friend Barry, both of whom are dealing with their own quarter-life dilemmas. Wendy is dating the stereotypical jock, but we find out that she secretly applied to graduate school at Cambridge University in England. After accepting her boyfriend’s marriage proposal she finally reveals to him that she applied. Dismayed with the prospect of losing Wendy, Kyle almost gleefully delivers the news that she did not get in, helping Wendy realize that Kyle is not who she wants to share her future with. Meanwhile, Barry, who didn’t go to college, goes through a serious crisis (stealing cars and doing drugs included) before coming to the conclusion that maybe he should go to college to find himself and figure out what he wants to do.

Take Me Home Tonight is a fun movie that portrays many aspects of life after graduation: parental expectations, moving back home, trying to look like you have everything together, not knowing what you want to do, finding someone to support your dreams, and leaving those who do not, behind. 

6. Kicking and Screaming

This classic '90s movie opens at a college graduation party and follows four graduates over the next few months of their lives. Grover struggles with his girlfriend’s abrupt move to Prague, as the rest of the group has a hard time moving on from their undergrad days. While not as uplifting as other movies on this list, it accurately portrays the difficulty of moving on after college and feeling old compared to (current) college students.

Grover, Max, Otis and Skippy haven’t done anything or really even attempted to do anything after graduating, and that may be the biggest takeaway from Kicking and Screaming. It’s easy to get stuck feeling nostalgic (“We graduated four months ago. What can you possibly be nostalgic for?” Skippy asks Max at one point), but the worst thing you can do is nothing. If you’re stuck in a rut post-graduation, take your life into your own hands (as Grover finally tries to do at the end of the movie) and do something with your degree, and yourself.

7. The Graduate

As millennial women, we may not have much in common with Ben Braddock (a very young Dustin Hoffman), but The Graduate is perhaps the best known movie about a recent college grad. This classic is a good one to have in your film arsenal and what better time to watch than as a recent graduate yourself? While Ben is a young man struggling with an illicit affair in the 1960s, the insecurities and sentiments he expresses about having just graduated still resonate today. At one point Mrs. Robinson asks Ben if he’s upset, and his response perfectly sums up how many of us feel: “I’m just a little worried about my future. I’m a little upset about my future.”

Many of the scenes hit a chord with recent grads. At one point, Ben is relaxing and floating in the pool. His dad approaches and asks him what he’s doing, to which Ben replies, “Well, I would say that I’m just drifting.” While he’s referring to his position in the pool, the metaphor is apt. Later on in the scene, his dad asks him, “Would you mind telling me, then, what those four years of college were for? What was the point of all that hard work?” Ben wittily replies, “You got me.” This movie may be 48 years old, but recent grads today are still wondering the same thing.

8. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Okay, so Holly Golightly isn’t a recent college graduate, but she is a twenty-something trying to find herself and make it on her own in New York. And what’s a quarter-life crisis if not a bad case of the ‘mean reds’ (being afraid but not knowing what you’re afraid of)? We’re all just looking for a real life place that makes us feel like Tiffany’s and, in the mean time, it’s comforting to watch someone as glamorous as Holly Golightly struggle a little with getting it right.

There’s something relatable about leading-man, Paul Varjak, as well. A struggling writer, he shows the excitement for getting paid for his work and finally begins to take his writing career seriously. After uncertainly telling Holly he’s a writer, Holly asks why he hasn’t written since 1956 (six years earlier), to which he replies, “I’m supposed to not fritter away my talent on little things. I’m supposed to be saving it for the big one.” Many of us feel that way when we don’t immediately have our dream job after graduation but, as Paul learns, we must pay our dues as we work our way up.

If we can learn anything from these movies it’s that everyone getting their start in their twenties isn’t quite where they expected to be, and that it’s all part of the process. So calm down, watch one of these films, know that you’re not alone, and that everything will work out. Quarter-life crisis averted.

Name: Shefali Khanna

Age: 40

Job Title and Description: Co-Owner & Chief Merchandising Offer, DAILYLOOK

College Name:  Fashion Institute of Technology

Website: www.dailylook.com

Twitter Handle: @shefali_khanna

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

Shefali Khanna: As the Head of Merchandising and Creative, I am involved in studio styling, product, buying, planning and branding. I am also a co-founder, a position that entails wearing a number of hats. The majority of my day is spent problem solving/brainstorming with every department of the company and overseeing the team to make sure the brand message is cohesive throughout. I usually start my day by creating my agenda, tend to emails and then check in with my team to align on the priorities of the day. This allows me to make myself available for appointments and work on projects rest of the day. There is never a “typical” day at DAILYLOOK – it is always stimulating with all the new and exciting upcoming plans!

What is the best part of your job?

SK: The best part of my job is being able to create and strategize everyday, figuring out ways to be one step closer to the customer and our company vision.

What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

​SK: Upon graduating from fashion design school, I was in exploration mode and landed a job as an Assistant Product Development Manager in India, [at a] small company that specialized in bridal, bridemaid and mother of bride wear. With a desire to travel the world, I found a home in this job that allowed me to travel a great deal to Hong Kong and throughout the U.S. My job entailed assisting the product development team in Hong Kong, the production team in Delhi and supporting selling team in New York. [It was] a very unique opportunity that taught me a ton about the retail business and that allowed me to develop relationships with people of all different backgrounds. [It was like] three years of boot camp shaped me into the person I am today.

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

​SK: The fashion industry is not all about clothes. While in school, I didn’t know how much the industry was about running a business than it was about just having an eye for good quality product. You need personal skills to build relationships with your vendors and co-workers and [skills for] planning and strategizing what is best for the brand.   

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?

​SK: One person who changed my professional life for the better is Lisa Chi, currently the SVP at Talbots. Lisa was an instrumental figure in my life starting as my manager at Old Navy and later at Lucky Brand. She was a consistent mentor and someone who believed in my potential. I will be forever grateful to her for taking a chance on me.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

​SK: My friend and one of the most influential women in retail, Stormy Simon, the President of Overstock.com, Inc., said, “If you forfeit your femininity, you’ve already lost.” As a female entrepreneur and leader in retail, this is a constant reminder to embrace yourself and be authentic always. You don’t have to follow in anyone else’s footsteps to prove something. Whatever it means to be a strong, confident, independent woman, take advantage of these traits and own it!

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

​SK: While studying at FIT in New York, I had an opportunity to study abroad in Manchester School of Art in the UK for a semester and I did not take the plunge. I was so set on my graduation timeline and finishing my degree at a fast rate. I wish I had taken this opportunity to explore and broaden my skillset. What I learned from this is to challenge your limits and never miss an opportunity. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, so take chances. Live every moment.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

​SK: Attitude, hands down. 

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

​SK: Some lessons I have learned from my mentors:

• Follow your passion, don’t compromise!
• Be you and everything else will work out.
• Set goals and take chances – Make it happen!

One unbelievably amazing thing that resulted from the recent Gilmore Girls reunion was the cast being given the chance to predict where their characters would be today. And other than making us totally impatient for some sort of reboot, we were excited to hear their opinions. While we trust creator Amy Sherman-Palladino—who kept mum during this portion of the conversation—and all that she envisions for our favorite Stars Hollow folks, we couldn’t help but form our own ideas about where Lorelai, Rory, and the rest of the gang would be today.

Luke and Lorelai are married

Of course they are! This is the only aspect of the Gilmores’ future that we have no doubt about. It was excruciating to see the series end without these two finally tying the knot, but we know it all worked out—unfortunately for us, off camera.

Rory is an acclaimed reporter

We like to think that Rory clawed her way to the top with the best of them. Things were tough for her at first but now she has a career that even Christiane Amanpour would be jealous of.

Paris and Rory are in constant competition

These two gal pals pushed each other to be better. They may still be trying to one-up each other, but they’re as close as ever. P.S. Paris and Doyle are, like, the ultimate power couple.

Dean was never seen or heard from again

Can we all agree that Dean was just the worst? Dean left town shortly after his last appearance on the show, and no one cared enough to mention it. And no, he is not hiding out in Doose’s Market. Nice try, Jared Padalecki.

Richard and Emily continue to host Friday night dinners

We’re still in denial that Richard Gilmore’s portrayer, Edward Herrmann, passed away last year. So in our minds, he and Emily are forever having the family over for a maid-cooked meal and witty repartee.

Kirk is running Stars Hollow

Taylor finally handed over the reins to Kirk, who he had been training for years. The power instantly went to his head, forcing Lulu to break up with him. His heartache acts as the fuel he needs to make Stars Hollow a wackier and even more thriving tourist destination.

Sookie is pretty much the same

She tried the famous chef route—writing a cookbook, having her own food blog, appearing on morning shows—but it wasn’t for her. Though she’s well-known for her cooking, Sookie is just content with being the best chef in Stars Hollow. She and Jackson are happily raising their strictly organically-fed four—yes, there was another one!—kids.

Hep Alien rocks again

Everyone’s favorite Stars Hollow rock band was scarce by the time the show ended, but after Lane settled into motherhood, she and the guys had an epic musical reunion. Hep Alien plays Seventh Day Adventist churches and birthday parties when they can.

Michel is still annoyed with the world

While his snarky attitude may not have changed, Michel now doles out his truth nuggets as Lorelai and Sookie’s partner at the Dragonfly Inn.

Jess and Rory stay in touch

We’re certainly not denying the chemistry and soulmate-like quality of this duo. But Jess and Rory could never really make the timing work and decided they were better off as friends. They have what we like to call “The B.J. Novak and Mindy Kaling Factor.”

Logan turned out to be THE ONE

We know there will be naysayers when it comes to this one. The debate between Rory’s boyfriends continues to rage on, but hear us out. Rory and Logan proved they couldn’t be apart during the many times they broke up and made up—sometimes within the course of a single episode! We’re guessing they found a way to make it work in the long run without either of them having to sacrifice their career dreams.

Rory and Lorelai meet for coffee at least once a week

What would Gilmore Girls be without the fast-paced dialogue and caffeine addiction shared by the best mother-daughter pair in television history? No matter where one leads, the other will always follow.

Where do you think your favorite Gilmore Girls characters would be today, collegiettes?

In true Kardashian fashion, Kim announced yesterday on her Instagram that North would soon be getting a baby brother.

Kardashian, who announced last month that she was pregnant with her second child, saw Father's Day as the perfect opportunity to reveal the sex of the baby. She posted the cutest pic of Kanye and North, with the caption, "You're such a good daddy to North & you will be the best daddy to our new son too!"

Kim made sure to post the good news on Twitter as well.

The couple is expecting their new baby in December... we're wondering if this new addition to the Kardashian-West family will make it into the annual Kardashian Christmas card?

What do you think Kim & Kanye will name their little boy?

For most of us, summer means getting a killer tan. However, the first time laying out since last summer usually leads to a nasty sunburn. When you’ve sunbathed a little too much and your skin is feeling red and tender, try one of these six ways to get some relief in the comfort of your own home—with ingredients you probably already have in the house!

If your skin is blistering or if you have flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away before trying any of these at-home treatments.

1. Take a vinegar bath

Draw yourself a lukewarm bath and add three cups of regular or apple cider vinegar to the water. You’ll need to sit in the bath for at least 15 minutes for the vinegar to balance out your skin’s pH back to a normal level. According to Bonnie K. McMillen, a college health nurse at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, the vinegar helps promote faster healing and can prevent your skin from forming blisters and peeling. Play some ocean sounds while you soak in the bath to remind yourself of the good ole days when you weren’t burnt.

2.Slather yourself in plain yogurt

Spread a generous amount of plain yogurt on your burn, put on your favorite Real Housewives spin-off and sit still for 15 to 20 minutes while you marinate. New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco recommends using a thicker yogurt, like Greek yogurt. She recommends applying aloe to your skin after washing the yogurt off to further restore your skin. We recommend doing this when you’re not expecting company!

3.Make aloe vera ice cubes

Aloe vera is probably the most well-known remedy for sunburn. Rather than just spreading it on your skin and hoping for the best, try making these cool (no pun intended) aloe ice cubes!

Pick up a bottle of aloe vera from the grocery store or pharmacy (or, if you’re really fancy, cut open a leaf from an aloe plant) and freeze the gel in an ice cube tray. Once it freezes, wrap one of the cubes in a paper towel and rub it on your sunburn. You’ll feel relief like never before.

4.Make a cucumber paste

Slice up some cucumbers, freeze the slices and then pop them in the blender to make a cooling cucumber paste for your sunburn. Dermatologist Dr. Cynthia Bailey recommends this method because cucumbers have natural botanical properties that are ideal for relieving pain and providing antioxidants. The cooling from the cucumber paste will feel great on your burn, and it also smells really refreshing.

5.Try a milk-soaked compress

This is a great idea if your back is burned and you’re having a hard time contorting yourself to reach your sunburned skin. Soak a hand towel in cold milk (any variety will do!), pop it in the freezer for a few minutes to make it a little colder and then lay on your stomach with the milk-soaked towel on your back for 20 minutes. Fusco says that the milk’s protein, fat and pH have a calming, anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.

6.Make a tea-soaked compress

Steep about six or seven bags of any black tea in a pot. Just like the milk, grab a towel and let it soak in as much tea as the towel can hold, then stick it in the freezer to cool it down. Lay the towel over your back or wherever else is hurting and let the tea soothe your skin while you unwind for around 20 minutes. YouTube beauty guru Michelle Phan highly recommends this method because of the tea’s high antioxidant levels and its tannic acid, which is a key ingredient in fighting sunburn.

Don’t forget to drink a TON of water! When you’re recovering from sunburn, it’s so important to stay hydrated so your body can work on healing itself. Also, be sure to stay out of the sun if possible because you don’t want to make your burn any worse. The next time you lay out, use sunscreen (and don’t forget to reapply!) so you don’t permanently damage your skin!

As part of a slew of groundbreaking efforts to change the way college campuses address matters of sexual assault, the state of New York is working to pass a bill requiring all colleges and universities—both public and private—to note sexual assault violations on student transcripts.

Far too often, students found responsible of sexual assault have the freedom of transferring schools without ever disclosing their past offenses—allowing an institutional ignorance that many find extremely dangerous, especially considering the fact that many sexual assault perpetrators do not stop after one offense.  According to The Huffington Post, the new bill addresses this issue by requiring all transcripts of students suspended or expelled for sexual assault violations to notate that the student was removed "after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation." Additionally, any student who withdraws from a college in New York who was currently in the process of being investigated for sexual assault charges will have "withdrew with conduct charges pending" written on their transcript.

The proposal, which has now passed through the New York Senate and state Assembly, is part of a wider New York movement against sexual assault entitled "Enough Is Enough." Governor Andrew Cuomo's legislative package includes not only the transcript requirements, but also the official adoption of an affirmative consent standard when processing sexual assault charges. As a refresher, affirmative consent conforms to the "yes means yes" definition of consent—where only a definitively "knowing, voluntary, and mutual" yes to any sexual act is a viable form of consent. This definition would replace the antiquated "no means no" definition, which fails to address the complexities associated with matters of sexual violence.

The legislation will also touch on other legal matters related to sexual assault on college campuses, including the requirement of available, readable rights to be accessible to all students and sexual assault victims, a statewide amnesty policy that ensures victims won't be prosecuted for any information in their reports that could lead to campus code violations, and sexual offense reporting requirements that all New York campuses must follow.

According to information released by the Governor's press office, Governor Cuomo describes the legislation as "a victory for students across New York State," noting the vitality of such legislation with the statement that "[t]his action is a major step forward to protect students from an issue that has been plaguing schools nationwide for far too long."

If the "Enough Is Enough" package passes, New York will join only one other state with similar legislation. Currently, the state of Virginia requires certain "violent" sexual offenses to be listed on the offending student's transcript. While the only language required on the transcript is an indication that the student violated the code of conduct, schools have the right to add additional detail about the specific violation if they wish. Recently, Maryland proposed a similar law, which failed to pass, and a proposal in California is still under discussion.

According to the press office, media icons like Whoopi Goldberg and Lady Gaga (some of our heros!) are all for the "Enough Is Enough" movement, and while many education legislators hold varying beliefs about the proposal, Governor Cuomo is certain that "New York will become a national leader in the fight against sexual assault on college campuses," setting the stage for future change to follow. 

It’s Friday night and you’re out with the girls having a great time, until someone orders an extra round of drinks that you know deep-down you shouldn’t join in on, but why not? You pull out your phone, turn off your decision-making filter, and start typing. Let’s be honest, we’ve all sent an occasional drunk text to the wrong person. It’s normal to have urges to do things you may not normally do when you have one glass of wine too many.

While that may be true, it doesn’t mean you don’t regret dialing an ex’s number or texting someone you wouldn’t dare to while sober. Maybe in your drunken state you thought it would be a good idea to reach out to an old flame, or you were looking for a hookup. No matter what the motivation behind it, now you’re stuck with the consequences. Adam LoDolce, founder of sexyconfidence.com, weighs in on how to handle the aftermath of sending a drunk text. Here’s what to do after you push “send.”

1. Admit you were drinking

When you make a mistake sometimes the best thing to do is own up to it. There’s no shame in going out and having a good time, so don’t worry about being judged. “Admit that you were drinking - keep it playful and light and don't make a big deal out of it,” says LoDolce. “Chances are if you don't get too weird about it, then they won't.” Even if the person already assumes you were drinking, owning up to it will give you the extra advantage.

2. Break the silence

The worst thing you can do is nothing at all. If you admit you had maybe one drink too many, and act like it’s no big deal things will mend quickly. “Mention something if you have to see them in person,” says LoDolce. “It helps to pad the awkwardness of digital ‘screwups’ when you acknowledge it in real life. You could say something like, ‘So, have you been getting any more drunk text fails, or am I the only one?’”

3. Shut it down

This may seem like an obvious answer, but it’s much easier said than done. “For thousands of years people have been getting drunk and enjoying their night without relying on the cell phone to make it happen,” says LoDolce. “Put it away and have fun with your friends.” Powering off your cell is a great way to guarantee that you won’t keep responding after sending the initial text. “You can just turn your phone off and your drunk self will probably think it's dead,” says Amber Layfield, a senior at Appalachian State.

4. Laugh it off

Sometimes, the best thing to do when you make a mistake is laugh about it. What’s done is done, and if you don’t have the energy to cover your tracks, just take pride in laughing at yourself. “Most drunk calls or texts I send are to hook-ups I don't care to have a relationship with, or care about their opinion of me,” says Rosario Bollotta, a sophomore at Gulf Coast State College. “So I just laugh about it and move on.”

Until there’s a real app to stop you from sending an embarrassing drunk text, it’s up to you to deal with the outcome. Just because you sent a text out or called someone doesn’t mean you would do the same sober, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Focus on what’s really important, like fighting that hangover!

Summer is underway which only means one thing: you better step up your Instagram game. From beaches to barbeques, it’s the perfect time of year to capture your fun in the sun because basically everything is ‘gram worthy. Here are the 11 Instagrams you know we’ll be posting this summer. 

1.  Your legs on the beach

Captioned with “Hot dogs or legs??” of course.

2. Ice cream cone

We all scream for ice cream… especially when it gets us over 50 likes.

3. A sunset

#nofilter because Mother Nature never needs one.

4. Doing something sporty outside

Who cares if you could only hold that yoga pose for just long enough to snap the pic?

5. At a concert

Concert attire will always be perfect for #OOTD

6. Fruity drink by the pool

Make everyone jealous of your vacation swag.

7. Baseball game

You may not know the different between foul balls and fly ones, but man, can you rock a baseball hat.

8.  Airplane window

Nothing says “world traveler” like a quick aerial pic of a European country.

9. BBQ food

A big, juicy burger is just begging for a #foodporn

10. Selfie in sunglasses

Complete with duck face.

11. #MERICA for the  Fourth of July

If you don’t Insta on the fourth, are you even American?

Get your witty captions ready and make sure your filter game is on point, because it’s #summer. 

Hours after a public protest by powerhouse pop star Taylor Swift, Apple Inc. announced that it will pay royalties to artists and record labels during the three-month trial period of its new streaming service. On Sunday morning, Swift released an open letter to Apple saying that she wouldn't allow her latest album, "1989," to be included in the streaming service because Apple wouldn't be paying artists during the initial three-month trial period for customers. The initial decision to forego payments was met with heavy criticism from the music industry, especially independent record labels. Swift appears to have been the tipping point in Apple's decision to change its royalties policy after Apple's senior vice president of Internet software and services, Eddy Cue, responded directly to Swift to confirm that her complaints had been heard. 

While Swift acknowledged that it isn't uncommon for streaming services to forego royalty payments during a trial period, she notes that those are typically start-ups struggling to get off the ground, not one of the most valuable companies in the world. "I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company," she wrote. "We don't ask you for free iPhones," she concluded. "Please don't ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation." Cue replied directly to Swift via Twitter in announcing the company's U-turn. "Apple will always make sure that artists are paid," he tweeted. "#AppleMusic will pay artists for streaming, even during customer's free trial period. We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple."

After Swift's post went viral, many artists - including Jack Antonoff and Christina Perri - backed the singer's words. In an interview with Billboard, Cue said it was Swift's letter that spurred the company to make its decision. "When I woke up this morning and saw what Taylor had written, it really solidified that we needed a change," Cue said. "And so that's why we decide we will now pay artists during the trial period."

"I am elated and relieved," Swift wrote on Twitter after the news broke. "Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us." This is not the first time that Swift has championed for musicians' rights.  In 2014 she pulled her entire catalog from Spotify after they refused to reserve her music for their premium customers only. Swift's brand and influence, along with support from fellow musicians, are paving the way for big changes in the music industry, especially how the value of music is perceived, which Swift cites as the greatest battle to overcome.