Ways to Wear Your Favorite T-shirt…in a Stylish Way

During our daily Internet perusal, we came across a great How-To article on College Fashion. The idea? Incorporate your favorite, comfy T-shirt into a variety of fashion-forward outfits! Their advice ranged from layering a T-shirt with a cute jacket to pairing your go-to top with a flowy maxi-skirt. We loved their ideas (adding a vest? genius!) but couldn’t fight the urge to share a few of our own! Keep reading for our own T-shirt tips.

Layer with a Loose Cardigan – Adding a loose cardigan over you favorite t-shirt not only takes your outfit up a style notch, it’s very practical. Layering is perfect for dealing with the spring time’s varying temperatures, not to mention unpredictable gusts of wind. We chose to pair our t-shirt with a pair of shorts and fringed ballet flats for a slightly bohemian, completely simple look.

 

Throw on a Scarf – Need a quick fix for a plain outfit? Throw a loose scarf over a T-shirt and – voila! – instant spice. We decided to kee it casual with a pair of Levi’s jeans and Zoe & Zac ballet flats and were ready in no time to head to class or the library. You’ll only add about 30 seconds to your routine!

Accessorize – When in doubt, add some jewelry. Whether you line your arms with bangles, like the one below from Forever 21, or layer some chunky necklaces, appropriately placed accessories are sure to step up your outfit. Tuck your shirt into a pair of belted shorts, add some wedges (like the ones pictured, by American Eagle), and you’re ready to head out with friends. It’s not only easy, it’s comfortable AND affordable.

Do you have a go-to method for wearing your favorite T-shirt in a stylish way? Post a comment below and share it with us!

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Applying Via E-mail? Write a Cover Letter

We live in a land of technology. So it should come as no surprise that most employers request job applications to be submitted online or via email. Although this sounds simple enough, there are several blunders job hunters seem to make.

In order to ensure you appear stellar in your e-mailed job application, follow these simple cover letter tips:

1. Use a cover letter. A cover letter is what you use to “sell” yourself to an employer. It is where you can really let your personality shine.  If you opt to not use a cover letter when submitting your application via email, you’re “selling” yourself short. You aren’t giving yourself an opportunity to truly entice the employer to read your resume.

2. Copy and paste. Do not rely solely on attaching your cover letter to the email. Instead, copy and paste the cover letter directly into the email. This will ensure the person who opens the email will see it (and read it).

3. Keep it short and sweet. You are writing a cover letter, not your autobiography. While you need to get the necessary information in the letter, don’t add details that are irrelevant. You don’t want the reader to lose interest.

4. Explain why you’re the best fit for the job. This is your chance to explain why you are better for the role than anyone else. Review the job description and mold those duties together with your past experiences and abilities.  Showcasing your strengths and how they are relevant to the position will make the reader want to review your resume.

5. Customize. Generic cover letters typically do not work. As stated in Tip 4, you need to analyze each position’s responsibilities and how they fit with your strengths. If you use a generic cover letter, which can be sent to any and all employers, you will not show how you are the best fit for that specific job. It takes time, yes, to write several cover letters, but in the end, the benefits are worth it.

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Selfless Teacher Pays Student’s Tuition

One math teacher and a promise adds up to a moving story of friendship and commitment.

Tony Apuzzi, a math teacher in the Bronx sold his prize possessions, including signed Yankees baseballs, in order to put a past student through college, according to The Jackson Sun.

Jaselle Ruiz was Apuzzi’s math student when she was about 12 years-old. Raised by her grandparents, Ruiz promised them she would become a doctor one day. Apuzzi saw she had great potential and believed in her dream, so he made her a promise—receive good grades and stay out of trouble and Apuzzi would pay for her college tuition.

Ruiz achieved her dream and is pre-med at Lehman College. And Apuzzi kept his promise. To pay for Ruiz’s schooling, Apuzzi sold his valuables including signed Yankee baseballs to Steiner Sports Memorabilia. But, it wasn’t enough. However, the owner of Steiner Sports having heard of the heart-felt story, contacted Yankee closer Mariano Rivera and both presented Apuzzi with $6,000 from the Rivera Foundation, according to The Jackson Sun. Apuzzi now had what he needed to put Ruiz through school.

As I read this article, I was moved. A teacher saw something in a child (she was only in sixth-grade after all) and made a promise to her, which he always remembered and followed through with years later. Apuzzi didn’t just make a promise. He made a commitment to this young girl.

It is nice to see there are still genuine and good-hearted people in the world– People who are trying to make the world a better place, one person at a time.

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Save Cash By Renting or Buying Used

Does buying always trump renting? I don’t think so! Does buying used mean you’re not getting the best of the best? Not in my consumer-wise opinion! Buying brand spankin’ new–not to mention purchasing something you may only need for a short period of time– isn’t always the best way to go, especially on your wallet.

There are plenty of rental and “used” options, which will leave your bank account oozing with cash. Take it from me– I’m definitely thrifty when it comes to purchase decisions. Renting items and buying used products has put some of the more luxurious things in life at my fingertips– like a Louis Vuitton bag and Dolce & Gabbana dress (don’t kid yourself– you never have to pay full price!).  Here are some great things to rent or to buy gently used, which will take your savings to a new level. 

This Milly dress retails for nearly $400. But, you're a smartie so you'll rent it for just $50!

 

Rent Designer Dresses, Jewelry and Accessories: For special occassions, you want a special dress, right?  I mean, you don’t want to post pictures to Facebook wearing the same dress for the zillionth time.  But who has the money to keep buying new frocks (not me!)? So, for those date nights and formals, visit RentTheRunway (RTR).  You can rent designer looks at 90% off retail prices. From dresses to necklaces to earrings, this site has it all.  RTR helps you look chic, fresh and financially savvy in a new, hot wardrobe.   

Buy Gently Used Clothing and Accessories: When you’re on a tight budget, even the sale racks can be your worst enemy.  Sure, you can score some deals on new, everyday clothes, but it’s hard to find those brands you drool over.  In comes, Plato’s Closet to save the day!  This retail store sells gently used clothing from brands like Abercrombie, bebe and Lucky Brand.  From shorts to jeans to dresses, transform someone else’s lost trend into your personal style.  With store locations around the country, your inner-fashionista is sure to spend an entire day browsing the racks and saving up to 70% on the same clothes you would see at the mall. 

Rent this Louis for about $50!

Rent Designer Handbags, Watches, Sunglasses:  Avelle’s Bag Borrow Or Steal is like my personal oasis.  You can rent top designer accessories!  Some scenarios as to why this site is amazing: If you’re going on vacation and want a pair of gorgeous Coach shades, you can rent a pair for $13/week.  Have a job interview and want a fabulous Louis Vuitton handbag (that shouts, “Hire me and I’ll make you a million bucks!”), rent one for $26/week.  Or how about a watch to match that power-suit? Again, rent a diamond Charriol for $67/week!  This site is perfect for the student on a budget. 

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Golden Voice Leads To Golden Opportunities

College is hard. There’s no way around that. Classes are demanding and many times you may feel lost and defeated. You may feel like giving up on your major or your dream career.

But always remember– a door will always open for those who are determined and dedicated. 

Take it from Ted Williams– The Man With the Golden Voice.  Just one video took him from homeless and hungry to famous and well-known overnight.  He now has job offers coming his way (like doing voice-overs for the Cleveland Cavaliers) because of a great talent, strength and hope.

Your door will soon open (I feel like a fortune cookie).

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Mission Impossible: Living With Your Parents After College

It never gets easier–  No, not calculus.  Not staying organized.  Not quitting your caffeine addiction.  What never gets easier is– moving back in with your parents for winter or summer break.

I <3 my parents, don’t get me wrong.  But, I truly love being able to come home at all hours of the night from…the library.  Yeah, that’s right, the library!

Regardless of where I’m coming from, or going to, it’s nice to be free to roam wherever I may please, to sleep until 2pm if I so choose, to lay around in my pajamas all day without showering while eating a bag of Cheetos for 10 hours. 

When I’m on campus, I’m on top of the world. 

While I’m home with the parentals, that’s a different story.  Rules are back in place and I have to answer to EVERYTHING.  So, to make the transition from the free life to lockdown mode, and to avoid any arguing and bickering, I found this helpful article on how to better adjust to living at home during college.

The fam– Certainly can’t live with ‘em, but can’t live without ‘em.

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10 Resolutions For College Students

As a college student, there are plenty of resolutions you could make for the New Year. You could resolve to organize your dorm room or to always make your bed before leaving for class. Those resoultions are just fine, but why not stick to some resolutions, which will help you reach your collegiate and professional goals?

USA Today College has put together a list of 10 resolutions every college student should make. I definitely agree with most on this list (#2, 4, 5, 8 and especially 9).

If I had to add my own personal resolutions to this list they would be:

  • to put together a killer resume
  • to volunteer at least twice per month at the local animal shelter
  • to stop being the Queen of Procrastination, although I love being royalty
  • to eat well (which means no more Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked at 3am)
  • to keep to my resolutions until at least June 2011 (yes…I always break them by the second week of the New Year…I’m not gonna lie.)

What are your New Year’s resolutions?

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Let It Snow–On Campus

Snow on campus means sledding on dining hall food trays (garbage bags work well, too), snowball fights and building snowmen (all in between getting some work done, right?)!

We were hit with a major storm on the east coast and now have about 15 inches of snow. I just can’t wait to shovel out my car (you commuters feel me, I know).

With that said, send us your photos of snow on campus! Just upload them here and we’ll feature them on the blog.

Happy Snow Day!

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Procratinator's Delight: Last-Minute Holiday Gifts

You’re a college student, which means you most likely A) Didn’t have time to shop during finals B) Don’t have much money to spend on gifts C) Are a total procrastinator or D) Any or all of the above.

With that in mind, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Now, some of you may find this cheap and stingy, while others will revel in the thought that’s put behind these gifts. The secret is, for up-to-the-minute gifts that won’t leave you broke, shop at a dollar store. *Gasp!* I know, I know. It sounds horrible, but you can honestly find some great gifts your friends and family will truly appreciate.

Here are some ideas:

Picture Frame: Ok, so the quality is a bit lame. But, make a photo collage of you and the recipient and put it in the frame. This way, when he or she opens it, they focus more on the thought behind the gift than the price.

Candle and Candle Holder: When giving this gift, perhaps make coupons for a free massage or free bubble bath to go along with it (probably not a suitable gift for your grandma, but you get the picture).

Kitchen Gadgets: Every cook needs new cookware. Whether it’s a spatula, a whisk or apron, you can put together a nice gift bag filled with kitchen tools.

Toys: For kids, dollar stores have great toys, like water guns, toy soldiers, princess gear, etc. Especially since the little tyke will play with your gift for about 5 minutes then forget about it, why not save your cash and pick up something small?

Holiday Decorations: Why not pick up a gift that will leave a lasting impression? Create a gift bag filled with new ornaments and decorations for the tree. Then, once you’re done opening gifts spend time together adding your new ornaments to the tree.

So, don’t be ashamed to shop with $1 in mind. A dollar really does go a long way.

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Avoid the Malls Like the Plague and STILL Get Your Shopping Done

There's something for everyone at your campus bookstore.

Each year it’s the same story.  With exams and papers sucking up all of your precious time, you don’t have a minute to spare for holiday shopping.  As the clock ticks on and the big day (or days) approach, you still have not one gift checked off your holiday wish list.  So, once your last final is taken and your papers submitted, you trudge to the mall. 

Now, the savvy shopper knows you don’t have to deal with angry mobs of people fighting over the “latest and greatest” at the mall.  Instead, you can shop online rather than stand in line.  Or avoid the mall completely and just shop at your campus bookstore.

But what on earth could you get for your friends and family at the bookstore as a gift?  Well, here are holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list.

  • For the Workout Fiend: People who workout tend to have a ton of laundry to do.  Not only do they have their everyday wear to wash, but their sweat-infested gym clothes, too.  With that said, save them some time, energy (and water) and give them a new Champion hoodie to sport to the gym.  They’ll have one extra day of wear and tear before they have to take to the laundromat.
  • For Those Who Can’t Fold: What’s worse than washing clothes? Folding it.  Trust me, we know.  With all of those clothing displays, we’re constantly folding and re-folding.  So, take the pressure down a notch and pick up a rolled tee, instead. 
  • For the Snuggie Protester: Not only does the Snuggie keep you warm and allow your arms to function, it’s also used as dancewear while gettin’ down to the Macarena (as displayed in the most recent Snuggie commercial).  But, for those who absolutely “will never wear a Snuggie” how about a good ‘ol fleece blanket as a gift?  A scarf and gloves set could work, too. 
  • For the Technologically Advanced: It’s happened to you, we’re sure of it.  You’re running on the treadmill, earphones in, iPod or cell phone sitting on the treadmill dashboard– All of a sudden, your arm gets tangled in the headphone chord and your listening device goes flying.  Embarrassing? Yup. Just strap that bad boy to your arm next time with the XtremeMac Sportswrap.
  • For Animal Lovers: From cat t-shirts to slippers with dog heads, the animal lover in your life probably has it all.  But, does he or she have a USB drive in the shape of a penguin? Hmmmm?
  • For Cafe Mocha No-Whip Soy Latte Drinkers (or whatever): Reduce waste with all of those paper cups. A true cafe mocha no-whip soy latte drinker wouldn’t be caught dead carrying a non-fashionable cup anyway.  So pick up a mug for your coffee lover!
  • For the Sweetie-Pie: Treat your sweetie to some sweets.  Candy is delicious.  ‘Nuff said.
  • For the Ride: You treat your family and friends to gifts, why not treat your car, too?  It commutes to class with you, waits in rain or snow for you to finish studying at the library– It really deserves some love.  Dress it up with some school spirited accessories.

So, go forth and shop without the hassle.  We have all the gifts chosen for you, now it’s just time to purchase them online or in-store.  Find your campus bookstore at yourschoolyourbookstore.com.

Happy Holidays!

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