As the weather gets increasingly cold, scarves are our best friend for keeping warm when battling cold temperatures, wind and snow. While some scarves are better than others for keeping us cozy, they all have a role to play in our day-to-day outfits. But which scarf to wear with which outfit? It can be a little complicated when choosing your outfit in the morning, so I’m here to help you figure it out. I’ll show you 3 different styles of scarves and ideas on outfits to pair them with.

1. Circle Scarf.

I’ve seen circle scarves made out of every material one could think of. So it could be a casual scarf if made of cotton or silk, or a winter one if made of wool.

I love circle scarfs and have been wearing them non-stop through the fall and winter. They are perfect as a style element and as protection from the cold. My favourite way to wear them is with simple jeans, a tank top and a bright sweater or jacket to make a statement. Pair that with your favourite boot or shoe and you’re set! The layers in this outfit is key, especially during the colder months when temperatures can vary from class to class, along with the dropping temperatures outside.

2. The “Hipster” Scarf.

These scarves are typically made out of a light weight material and are used for a fashion element rather than warmth. They can be super cute when worn the right way!

I’m a huge fan of layering, so obviously that’s a huge element in this outfit. Pairing a sweater dress with thicker tights will keep you looking stylish and warm. Plus with the cute boots, you have extra room for cozy socks so your feet don’t get cold! The scarf adds a pop of colour to the outfit while not going overboard. Toss a jean jacket on during the fall or spring for a cool rustic feel, or add your winter coat when it’s colder.

3. Winter Scarf.

A classic staple in anyone’s closet. Winter scarves are typically made out of wool and are ideal for keeping you warm during colder days and nights.

Winter scarves are best paired with your winter coat, and gloves! Keeping you warm from the cold is it’s job, so layer in your outfit to help. A cute sweater paired with dark bootcut jeans or pants will keep you cozy, and allow for a tank top underneath, or leggings under your pants if it’s really cold. Add a stylish winter coat, and comfy boots and your set to go!

Thoughts?

What’s your favourite scarf? How do you wear it? Do you wear scarves year round? Comment below, email us at info@college-style.com, tweet me @meggles_07! We love to hear what you think!

Stay Warm!

Vera Wang Statement Necklace

As a fashion designer I am always on the hunt for innovative fashion pieces, but as a college student I want those fashion pieces for a price I can afford. While I can usually accomplish this with bargain hunting and shopping at thrift stores, there will always be some fashionable items that us college students can’t afford, such as this $850 Vera Wang statement necklaces. So, I’m going to show you guys how to DIY and get the same great look for less!

For this DIY you will need:

1.Scissors
2. Medallions/Rhinestones
3. Felt (my piece is about 7×9 inches)
4. Ribbon
5. Glue gun (and of course extra glue sticks just in case)
6. Four strips of fabric ( 2 inches wide 20 inches long)
7. A Marker

Step One: Draw the Shape

With your marker, draw an organic shape on your piece of felt. This can be as big or small as you want. Draw a circle on either end of your shape, these will be used later as place holders for the ribbon.

Step Two: Cut Out

Cut the shape out. Be sure to cut your lines completely off for a nice finished look but don’t worry if you can’t get them all, you’ll cover them later.

Step Three: Cut a Slit

Fold the little circles that you added to your shape in step two and cut a small slit in the center, like so

Step Four: BeDazzle

Now here’s the fun part, with the help of your glue gun and rhinestones it’s time to bedazzle your organic shape. I’m going to use two different size medallions and white rhinestones to get a diamond like look but, feel free to get creative with color and size choices! First, I’ll glue my two larger pieces to my felt and then add the smaller rhinestones around it. Be sure not to cover your slits you put in earlier or you will have nowhere to put your ribbon.
Helpful designer tip: If you glue your rhinestone in the wrong place don’t panic! Simply take a hair dryer and direct the air where you want to melt the glue and move your rhinestone in the correct position.

Step Five: Make the Rosettes

Once you’re done, set your bedazzled piece to the side and grab your four fabric strips. It’s time to make your rosettes. Take your four fabric strips and cut them in half  so that you now have eight strips that are 1 x 20. Since my strips are only 20 inches long, my rosettes will be small (the longer you make your strip the bigger the rosette). With that said, the first step is to make a knot at one end of your strip.

Step Six: Knotting

Next, using the knot as a center, start wrapping the remaining tail of the fabric around it pinching the center between your thumb and index finger to make sure your rosette stays flat. Twisting your fabric as you wrap will also give your rosette more a rose look. Apply glue occasionally to hold the fabric together. When you get to the end (where there is about two inches of fabric tail left) twist the fabric and glue it to the bottom of the rosette. This will give it a clean look. Cut any unwanted frayed bits. Repeat this process for the next seven rosettes.

Step Seven: Make the Chain

Set your rosettes to the side and grab your ribbon and scissors. Decide how low you want your necklace to hang and cut two pieces of ribbon to accommodate that. You will have two different lengths of ribbon if this is done correctly.  I cut my ribbon 40 inches long before cutting it in half, then taking off 4 inches on one piece so that I ended up with one 20 inch piece and one and one 16 inch piece.

Step Eight: Attach the Chain

Take your shortest ribbon and insert one end into the slit you made earlier at the top of the bejeweled felt piece. Tie a good sized knot. Repeat this step to the other slit with the longer piece of the ribbon.

Step Nine: Glue the Rosettes

You’re almost done! Now grab your rosettes and glue them together in an alternating fashion until you use up all your rosettes. If you want to add a little sparkle your your roses add a rhinestone to the center of each rosette.

Step Ten: Finish it Up

Take your rosette bouquet and glue it to the longest piece of ribbon

Step Eleven: Rock it

Now the final and most important step! Style your new Vera Wang inspired statement necklace and wear it with pride!

Thoughts?

What do you think of this project? If you tried it, let me know by commenting below. Pictures are always welcome! Also, comment below to suggest another project for the DIY column!

Tis’ the season for parties. Graduation parties, holiday parties, parties just because school is out, your dog’s birthday party, whatever. With all these occasions, you wouldn’t want to be left without a makeup look, so, I’m giving you two tutorials to choose from. Also, if Santa brought you new makeup in your stocking, this is a great chance to try out some new ideas. The first look is a classic “Mad Men”-inspired nude cat eye that is my personal go-to on a daily basis. The second is a vamped-up red and black night out look, perfect for longer evenings or parties with friends!

1. Nude Cat Eye.

1. Start with a primed eye lid to prevent creasing.
2. Cover the lid and brow bone with a nude shade closest to your skin colour.
3. Choose a brown shade that’s 3 times darker than your skin colour and apply that to the outer corner of your lid.
4. If you want, you can take a darker brown and apply it in a ‘V’ shape on the outer corner.
5. Line your upper and lower lashes with an eye liner of your choice. I used a cream one with an angled brush.
6. Create a small wing at the end by flicking your brush upward. If you have trouble with winged liner, there are a bunch of videos on YouTube that would help.
7. Finish by applying mascara and defining your brows.
8. All done!

2. All Vamped-Up.

1. Start with a primed eye lid to prevent creasing.
2. Cover the lid a with a dark red colour.
3. Take a black shadow and smudge it along the lash line and outer corner of the eye, smudging inwards.
4. Line your upper and lower lash line with an eyeliner of your choice. I used a cream one with an angled brush.
5. Create a small wing at the end by flicking your brush upward. If you have trouble with winged liner, there are a bunch of videos on YouTube that would help.
6. Finish by applying mascara and defining your brows.
7. All done!

Thoughts?

What are your holiday go-to looks? Would you try these at all? Comment below or email us at info@college-style.com!

Leopard print is a hot trend that has been hanging around for a couple of seasons. Some are calling it a neutral and a timeless style and I’m inclined to agree. Because of the hype, You’ve probably been seeing or even wearing leopard print, and have a good idea how to wear it. Black is always a safe and easy option that almost always works with leopard print. If you’re a little more daring and you want to break out of the tried and true formula, I have some outfit inspiration for you.

Black and browns are easy to wear with this pattern, but how about green, red and orange? How about a leopard print dress, scarf or heels?

Jade Leopard

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Leopard print dresses are hot, hot, HAWT right now. Wear a leopard print dress and I guarantee you won’t be in any danger of getting lost in a sea of LBDs at your next holiday party. A simple way to wear this dress would be with black ankle booties, which would of course look great. Pairing it with purple heels, however is much more unexpected and follows a trend we saw a lot of on the runway for this season.

Colored Denim

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This last outfit is very loud, bold and likely not for everyone. But if your style is a little bit rock star and you’re not afraid to treat leopard as a neutral, this outfit is for you. These colored skinny jeans are very trendy this season and while it’s hard to say how long this trend will last, if you pick a color of denim that you love and that works with a lot of other pieces in your wardrobe, I think you should be able to wear them as long as you like. Quirky as it is, I love this leopard tank top with these reddish orange jeans! I steered clear of a lot of additional black, lest it start to look Halloween-esque. This top would also look great with teal, purple or even electric blue skinnies!

Thoughts?

Would you wear these outfits? Did they inspire you to maybe wear pieces you already own in a different way? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending an e-mail to info@college-style.com.

You may not realize it, but if you skimp on class reading, you’re actually missing out on the better portion of the course. That’s because in college, it’s our responsibility to take control of our education and make the effort to learn. No one can hand you knowledge (though for the price of your college tuition it might seem like not too unreasonable an assumption) and its your job to make sure you are reading you texts and learning the material they cover! But how to read a textbook? Sometimes the density of the text (and lack of pictures) can cause you to quickly lose interest and wander through the next 50 pages, hoping you somehow absorbed something useful, that is if you even make a habit of opening your book at all. The following are some tips on how to read textbooks, make notes and turn your books into effective learning aids!

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Time and Place

If you’re like me, trying to read your assignment in a crowded and loud place never works. You get distracted, a friend joins you or you just can’t help eavesdropping on the conversation a table over. To effectively read a textbook, you have to devote some time and effort to the task. People work best in different environments, so find yours and use it to your advantage. The library is often your best bet as far as a distraction-free zone where you can get to work. Try to read at a time of day when you feel your best. Night owls will likely do better reading in the evening and night hours, whereas early birds should avoid putting it off and do it first thing in the morning. Again, the key is finding how you work best and using that self-knowledge to your advantage!

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When and How to Highlight

Highlighting in a textbook is something of a delicate art. The fine line between “not enough” and “my textbook’s pages are soaked with neon liquid” can be sometimes difficult to discern. Also worth considering — is high lighting effective for you? If you read through the chapter and then rely on your notes to ace the exam without cracking open the text again, highlighting is pretty much a waste of time. I personally rarely/never highlight anything. I’m an under-liner. Some good things to highlight, mark or underline are key ideas, concise explanations of terms, or even things you have trouble understanding/remembering so that they’ll be called to your immediate attention when you go back to study.

Queries on Section Quizzes and Summaries

The summaries, quizzes and vocabulary lists in textbooks aren’t just there to take up space or waste paper — they are there to help you understand and apply the material and, if used appropriately, can take your grasp on a new information to the next level. In courses that rely heavily on your understanding and familiarity with terms and concepts, writing out the vocabulary words with their definitions can be invaluable in helping you connect and remember names and ideas. I did this for every chapter in my psychology textbook and while it was often tedious and time consuming, it really helped me remember and understand the material, something I especially appreciated for the midterm and final exam. Reading through chapter summaries is also helpful in this kind of textbook, just to recap and solidify what you just learned as well as read the main ideas in a more concise format. Chapter quizzes, even if not required by your instructor can be helpful for you to pin point exactly what it is you don’t understand from a given chapter, allowing you to go back and correct your errors before they knock your grade.

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The Art of Note Taking

Ah, notes. Being a good note taker is almost as difficult as being a good student, and the former skill may play into whether or not you end up being the later. Taking good notes on readings and in lectures is something that can really only be learned through practice. Keep a notebook and pen handy each time you sit down to do assigned reading. Don’t just write down random terms or vocabulary words. In order to remember and grasp the material, you need to make it your own. Rephrasing concepts can be a great way to mentally process and better understand what you’re studying. Rewrite the definitions for vocabulary words. Rephrase what your professor just said. By challenging yourself to find your own words to express someone else’s ideas, you come to understand it better. For lectures, don’t worry about copying down every word. That’s too much. Class is for interaction between the learning community, not so each of you can practice your stenography! Copy down only the most important ideas or instructions.

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Everyone learns differently and these tips should be adopted to fit your learning style! The goal here isn’t to follow one particular method, but rather to find the one that works for you.

Thoughts?

How do you read textbooks? What are some tricks that you’ve found help you to better understand class material? How do you take notes? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending an e-mail to info@college-style.com

Perks for You

• Writing experience: Nowadays, the ability to write effectively for the internet is a skill cherished in every profession. Blogging is a great way to develop this skill. As a College-Style writer, you’ll get your writing published on the internet with your own byline, which counts as a publication on your resume. Whether you are a journalism or English student looking to add some clips to your portfolio or a biology and genetics major looking for some writing experience, let’s face it: you need this internship on your resume.
• Shiny new computer skills: We teach our writers the platform of our site, which is Wordpress. These days, a lot of websites run on Wordpress — not only blogs. Learning the program is a great skill. It can help you make your own blog or website and looks great under that all important computer skills section of your resume (see bullet numero uno). In addition to Wordpress, we also teach our writers the very basics of HTML coding and photo-editing. Also, great skills to learn. HTML is easy to learn, but really impressive. You can’t get a better deal than that.
• Improve your writing: Writing for the web is different from writing a paper for your professor. It requires a different writing style and tone. More and more writing is for the web these days. I work with writers weekly to help make their writing even more effective, both in style and for the web using search engine optimization.
• Have fun!: Ultimately, writing for College-Style is a really fun experience. We are quickly developing and gaining new readership every single day. Because we are developing, my ideas aren’t set in stone. Writers help with brainstorming sessions and provide a lot of creativity that helps make the blog so amazing. Basically, if you can think it, you can write it as far as I’m concerned.
• Be famous: Well, sort of. Right now College-Style draws about 5,000 unique visitors each month and that number is increasing at an insane rate. It will only get better from here. As a writer, we add your name and bio to our “About” page, you get your own bylines and your writing is published on a site where you know tens of thousands of people will read what you have to say. How cool is that?
• Flexibility: Because the internship is virtual, you work completely on your own schedule and you can work from home in your pajamas like that girl on the community college commercial (but cooler). The internship can easily fit into your work and school schedules.

Applying to Intern with College-Style

I know what you’re thinking right now: that sounds great! How do I apply? Well, I’m glad you asked!

To start the application process, all you need to do is send in a short cover letter about why you want to work for CS, a resume and a writing sample. Easy right? Send in whatever writing sample is most related to what we write on the site. Please don’t send me your 20 page research paper on Chinese politics. After the deadline closes on January 8, 2011, we will contact those applicants who have moved on to round two of the application process. For round two, participants will be asked to write a sample blog post and will do a phone interview.

Some tips for creating the best application ever:

• Show off your creativity! You don’t need to submit a standard 12-point Times New Roman resume and cover letter. Actually, please don’t do that. This isn’t the senate internship. We want to see your quirky side.
• You have to be a college student or high school senior to apply, but both girls and guys are welcome. Students from other countries may apply as well!
• Sell yourself: What do you bring to the table? What are your particular interests? Why do you want to write for College-Style?
• Include your skills: if you have experience taking pictures, include that! If you know how to sew and love to DIY, add that to your resume. Hobbies can be skills too!

New Postion: Content Editor

We’re also accepting applications for a new editing position. The Content Editor will be in charge of editing some writing and also reading other blogs and interacting with other bloggers. If you want more information about the position, email me at info@college-style.com.

• An ideal applicant for this position is a college junior or senior. Knowledge of AP style and experience at other writing outlets, either in-print or online, is essential. The position is unpaid.
• Apply by sending a cover letter detailing your experience and why you want to work for CS. Please send 5 published writing samples and your resume.

Good luck! I look forward to reading all the applications and finding a great new team of writers for fall. Remember: the deadline is January 8, so don’t delay! Questions? Comment below, send me an email at info@college-style.com or tweet me @collegestyle12.

<3

Lindsey, CS Editor.

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, and I personally can’t wait! I’ve come up with a couple of looks for your New Year’s parties, and hopefully they will inspire you to create something fabulous! I won’t be getting all glamorous for the big night, as I am out at a cottage for the weekend, but I want all of you to get sparkly in my honor!

1. All that Glitters

2. New Year’s with the Family

3. Shiny and Blue.

Thoughts.

What are your plans for New Year’s? What are your thoughts on the outfits above? Would you wear something like this? Comment below, or email us at info@college-style.com!

Happy Holidays!

I came across this recipe in high school when I hosted a Christmas party on Christmas Eve! A few of my friends and I thought it would be funny to form a “Bake Club” and on holidays we would have parties where everyone made one dish and brought it. Needless to say, lots of nom nom nom-ing ensued.

Me at the party!

For my party I decided to make cake pops (this was before Starbucks made them viral). Despite their apparent easiness to make, they take quite a while to complete due to the freezing period. Luckily, they don’t require a lot of ingredients:

1 package 2-layer-size cake mix (whatever flavor you like. I chose vanilla.)

1-1 1/2 cups frosting (whatever flavor you like. I chose vanilla.)

12 ounces vanilla or chocolate-flavored candy coating, chopped

12 ounces semi-sweet, dark or white baking chocolate, chopped

Baking sheets lined with waxed paper

Optional: popsicle sticks (I tried using these and the frosting filling made the pops too heavy, so I would recommend not using them)

Directions

1. Bake the cake according to package instructions. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack.

2. Once the cake has cooled, crumble it in a mixing bowl.

3. Add frosting and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined.

4. Using a small scoop, drop mixture into 1 1/2-inch mounds onto prepared trays; roll mounds into balls and freeze for 30 minutes.

5. Place candy coating and chopped chocolate in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until melted and smooth, stirring frequently.

6. Working in batches, dip balls into melted chocolate mixture. Allow excess to drip off; place balls on clean waxed paper-lined trays or baking sheets.  After coating is set, transfer to storage containers and store, covered, in refrigerator. Let stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes before serving.

Decorating

Here is where you can let your creativity inspire! Pretzels, red hot buttons, chocolate chips and whipped cream can make reindeer cake pops. Cover white-chocolate-covered cake pops with crushed peppermints or do what I did and simply sprinkle red and green sprinkles all over the pops before you store them.

Here are some ideas:

Thoughts?

Know a better recipe for cake pops? Have some cute ideas for decorating and getting into the holiday spirit? Comment below, email us at info@college-style.com, or tweet us @CollegeStyle12 or me @maddierose12.

You feel it all around you: from the lighted yards to the decked-out halls, the seasonal tunes to the holiday cheer, and the days until December 25th are flying by. Is it just me or does it get trickier every year to find a gift within your price range that they will actually like and is, at least somewhat, heartfelt and original? We all know it’s better to give than to receive, but it can be hard to keep your sanity when trying to find that perfect present for everyone. Depending on your level of procrastination or how crazy your life has been lately, you could be almost done with your gift shopping or just beginning. Wherever you’re at in your gifting, fear not. There’s still time to find something perfect for everyone on your list that won’t break the bank.

MOM

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Is there anyone else in your life more deserving of something special? If your Mom is anything like mine, she puts everyone else before herself. Good gift ideas for Mom are ones that force her to focus on her, if only for a while. Specialty tea and coffee sets make morning coffee or afternoons curled up on the couch with a mug of something sweet a little more luxurious. Bath sets or a new perfume can have the same affect. Look into getting Mom a certificate for a massage, facial or manicure. Bonus points if you make it a mother-daughter affair.

YOUR ROOMMATE

This is the person forced to live in the same tiny space and generally put up with you. Make sure their loyalty and fortitude is recognized this holiday season. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, but always appreciated gift, package up some of those Christmas goodies Mom made too many of anyway. This is a particularly good idea if your roomie lives far away from home and can’t make it back for the holidays. Another good idea is a gift card to a place you two frequent. If late night runs to Starbucks or Walmart are a weekly thing, it’s a present she can definitely use.

ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS

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Giving something special to all your friends — from the guy you love but rarely see, to the girl you see all the time but barely know — can be both daunting and draining. An easy way to solve this dilemma is to get all of them the same thing. If you’re crafty, try making all the girls a handmade pair of earrings as unique as they are. If arts and crafts were never your thing, you can likely find something, like cozy socks, patterned scarves or cute mugs, that they’ll all love. Movies, books, posters and knitted hats and scarves are easy ideas for girls and guys alike and are always a hit.

YOUR BEST GIRLFRIEND

She’s a cut above the rest, with you through thick and thin and the one girl you know you can always depend on no matter what. Giving her an album with photos and memories of the two of you is a one of a kind present she will never forget. Has she been lusting after a particular pair of shoes for months? Does she need something that she either refuses to or hasn’t gotten around to buying for herself? If she’s your soul sister, you know her well enough to know what she’ll love.

THE BOYFRIEND

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Ah, last but not least. Single ladies, consider being spared this drama your Christmas gift to you. While being in love is wonderful, finding the perfect expression of that love for your man can be tricky. Whether he is the man who has everything or the guy who just won’t say what he wants, surprise him with something creative and romantic. Give him the gift of your time with a cooking class you take together or a date at the local skating rink. Knitting him a scarf, writing him a song or painting a picture of the two of you is a heartfelt gift he’ll surely appreciate. If all else fails or you are crunched for time more than cash, consider getting him a nice watch or sweater.

Thoughts?

What are your time-tested, fail-proof gifts? What’s the best gift you’re giving this holiday season? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending an e-mail to info@college-style.com!

It’s time for a DIY! I can’t think of anything better than a holiday-inspired DIY for the upcoming season. I started making mine the other night after spending an hour or so (and an amount of money that could have been a pair of incredible shoes) in the paper section at my local Michael’s Craft Store. I left with loads of paper for a school project and a giant pad of Christmas paper. This is a perfect DIY to make while spending time in your dorm because it doesn’t take lots of time or work and it’s a nice little study break.

Shall we get started?

What you need:

- Card stock: in whatever colour you’d like. I used a cream/off-white colour.

- Ruler

- Exacto knife

- Self-healing cutting mat. Can be found at most craft stores for around $10.

- Scrapbooking paper, or whatever paper you want on the front. You could even use wrapping paper!

- Glue

Here we go!

1. Get all your supplies together on a table or floor. I’m using a lap desk I got a few years ago.

2. Take your card stock and divide it into quarters. I’m using 8.5 x 11, so my cards will be 4.25 x 5.5 when finished.

3. Cut along the middle line, so you have 2 halves that are 8.5 x 5.5. Use your ruler and exacto knife to make a perfect cut on your cutting mat. You wouldn’t want to get cut marks along your table or floor!! Also, don’t forget to be careful with the knife!

4. Pick the paper you’re going to use. I chose a glittery pink snowflake/star patterned one and a blue snowflake scrap piece for accents.

5. On the back of your paper make rectangles that are 4.25 x 5.5. Using your ruler, exacto knife and cutting mat, cut out the rectangles to go on the front of your card.

6. With the paper I had, I managed to get 4 rectangles cut out, along with some extra scraps I could use for other cards.

7. Glue your paper onto the card stock and let it sit to dry. I cut a one-inch strip of blue snowflake paper to put along the top as a cute accent!

8. Using your exacto knife and your ruler, score the middle of the card so you can fold it in half. When scoring, DO NOT cut all the way through! You want to make sure you’re just “scratching” the paper a little. This will make it easier for you to fold it in half nicely.

All done!!

You can mix and match papers to create fun and cute personalized cards for everyone on your list this year! Enjoy!

Thoughts?

What do you DIY around the holidays? Would you like to see more DIYs from us? Comment below, email us at info@college-style.com, tweet us @CollegeStyle12or me @meggles_07. We love to hear what you think! Happy Holidays!