As some may know, I am going to be starting college soon. I actually don't start for about a month, but I know a lot of other people are starting earlier, so I'm sorry if you have already started school and this didn't help you but hopefully this will help someone. For me, the hardest part of going to college is the packing, because I have a lot of stuff, and at first, I didn't really know what to take, or what I could take. So I decided to share what I have learned about packing for college and hopefully it will help you guys out. I am in a triple dorm room, with a communal bathroom, so I am basing this list off of that, so if you are in a different type of room (apartment, suite, private bathroom, etc.) this list might be a little different. I decided to put this with my back to school series, because it is back to school related, but I will probably be making multiple packing for college posts (maybe a video or two, because it might be easier) because I feel there are multiple areas that I should cover. And I don't want this post to me unimaginably long.
- Bedding: I would recommend buying 2-3 sets of sheets. Make sure they are XL Twin because that is what most dorm beds are. So this way you always have one to put on your bed. You can just take the dirty ones off and put on a clean pair right then. Then just wash your sheets and do the same thing the next time you want to change them. I also recommend this with pillow cases. For pillows, I like to sleep with a lot of pillows, but it's a personal preference, I would say to bring two, that way you can stack them up and lean against the wall if you're sitting on your bed. I also say to bring a body pillow, just to put between the wall and the bed for some extra comfort. Another thing, which is going to be a good investment, is a mattress topper, which is like an extra foam layer to go on top of your mattress. A lot of dorm beds are super hard and uncomfortable, so this just makes it feel a little better. Finally one of my favorite parts, blankets. I love using a ton of blankets, even though I live in California and it doesn't get too cold. I would recommend bringing at least two or three depending on the weather where you live. I would also recommend one of those be one of those fuzzy throw blankets, that way if you are just sitting at your desk or on your bed you can wrap up in a soft blanket, and it won't be too big.
- Desk/Electronics: I'm not going to go into school supplies, and such right now, but I just wanted to mention a few things I think you should have on your desk beside school supplies. Firstly, a desk organizer. I think it is so important to keep your desk organized, and organizers just help make that a lot easier. They give you a place to put your pens, pencils, paper clips, and other supplies you might have. You also need a lamp, for all that late night studying. My school didn't provide one, but I would check with yours to see if you need to buy one. This next one isn't necessary, but I think it adds a nice touch to the room, and that is a plant. I feel having a succulent on your desk just makes you feel better and adds some life to your room. A printer also isn't necessary, but depending on how much you see yourself printing, you may find it easier just to find a cheap printer to keep on your desk, rather than always going to the library and paying for it. And the big necessity of college would probably be a laptop. There's going to be so much work you have to do requiring a computer, you are going to hate having to go the library every time you need to use one. Another thing you will quickly realize you need is a surge protector. With 3 people in a room, you will soon figure out there are not enough outlets for 3 phones, 3 laptops, 3 lamps, 3 printers, etc.
- Bath: Of course you are going to need towels. I would recommend getting 3-4. This is just so you don't have to keep constantly having to wash them, and you can have a few extras on handy. If you are in a communal bathroom like me, you will definitely need shower shoes. I recommend getting the flip flops with the holes in them because they seem to be the most convenient. I also would recommend figuring out if you are going to put on clothes after your shower, or if you are going to walk to your room to change. If you choose the later, I would recommend a robe or a towel wrap, just so your towel doesn't fall down while you walk to your room, but that is up to your personal preference. Of course, one of the must haves is a shower caddy, or it will basically be impossible to get everything to the bathroom, without making multiple trips. They have ones with removable portions, but it's up to you if you think you will need that or not.
Personally, I love boyfriend jeans. I think they are a great change from the classic skinny jeans and a great way to change up your style. If you don't know what boyfriend jeans are they are essentially just baggy jeans, that, most of the time, are distressed or have holes in them. Now you don't have to have a boyfriend and steal his jeans to get boyfriend jeans. A lot of popular stores sell them. One of the biggest problems with boyfriend jeans though is how to style them. So I have included 3 looks to help with you guys with how to style them.
This first look is more on the girly side. I revolved this look around the black floral top, and added girly-er pieces onto that. I think the wedges and bow as well as the peach and coral colored make up make the look even more girly and make it more feminine.
This look is more on the grungier side. I personally love looks like this, so that maybe why you notice a lot of looks like this. I would pair the jeans with just a black print tank, wrap a flannel around my waist (also a boyfriend flannel, because mens flannels are much better than the ones for girls) and add some boots and eyeliner. It's a very simple look just for hanging around.
This last look is a bit edgier. I like the idea of heels and boyfriend jeans, so I decided to go that route, but I also didn't want to make this look totally girly. So I thought I would go all black, and put in some edgy pieces, like the top, the metal on the bag, and the killer heels. Also throw on some wicked eyeliner and a pop of red on the lips for some color and the look is totally kick ass.
I have decided to start yet another series. (sorry I have so many) This one is about red carpet looks. I was inspired by the Teen Choice Awards from this weekend. We all know that red carpet looks can be a little crazy and super glammed up, and no regular person is ever going to wear something like that. So I decided to take the red carpet looks and turn them into more casual, everyday looks people like us can wear.
I decided to go with Rachel Platten's look because I really like her dress and the one I featured in the look. The dress is very summer and springy, so it's a great thing to whip out right now before summer is officially over. I also paired the dress with gold and nude accessories, because what she had on was very light and minimal. This also puts more attention on the dress, instead of having a lot of attention on accessories. For makeup, I kept it neutral with a gold smokey eye and winged eyeliner and a nude lip. The hair was one of my favorite parts of this. (I feel like I say that for every look) I really like colorful hair, so I feel like the colored hair in this set, really compliments the dress. But if you're not into dying your hair, or your hair isn't that color today, then I think the braid bun look, would look fantastic, with or without pink hair.
Since I have just recently graduated high school, I have decided to share my words of wisdom to all the new freshman who haven't figured out high school yet, and to all the other classmen who would like some advice from someone who has survived the prison known as school. So today I'm going to be sharing my advice on some of the supplies you will most likely need in your classes. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions. I don't go to your school. I don't know what your teacher wants or requires. If your teacher requires something, then you should probably get it, or make sure they are ok with an alternative. Now that I've said that, here is the list of supplies I recommend.
- Binder: I know not everyone likes carrying a binder around school with them, but I think this really is a great way to stay organized if you use it correctly and regularly. I had dividers for each of my classes and an extra one for plain paper. This works well if you get a lot of papers for your classes, it allows you to easily look back for past papers, and it keeps them organized. I think this worked best for me because I carried mine in my hands instead of my bag, so I always had it out. That way, if I need to put a paper in there or take one out, it was right in front of me. If you aren't one of those people that wants to take a binder out of their bag every time they need it in class, this probably won't work very well for you, so I suggest finding a different method to store your papers, so you don't just shove them in your backpack. Pocket Folders could be your alternative for a binder. This way you only take out a small folder for each class instead of a big binder. I would recommend one for each class, and maybe an extra for plain paper, however, keep in mind this won't work well if your class requires you to keep a lot of paper, and it maybe be hard to dig through old papers if you are looking for something.
- Notebooks: For some of my subjects, like history, my teachers required me to get a separate notebook just for that class. If your teacher doesn't require that, I would highly recommend it in classes that go chronologically, like history, and classes that require a lot of notetaking, like history. I find it keeps all of your notes together in one place, so it makes it easier to look back and study.
- Colored Pens: This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I really enjoy writing in colorful pens. I feel like it makes taking notes more fun, because you could have a page of pink notes instead of just black and white. On top of that, you can also color code, like vocabulary can be red, important facts can be orange, dates can be blue. This will help you easily find information you need to remember and can easily spot it when you look back
- Highlighters: If you aren't too keen on the idea of colored pens, then you should at least get highlighters. They are an essential for everyone. The same concept applies for highlighters as it does for colored pens. It will draw your attention to the import facts you look back on your notes. If you get different colored highlighters, you can also color code like you would with the pens.
- Pencil Pouch: Of course you need a place to carry all of your supplies. Don't just throw them into your bag, because I can guarantee you, that when you need something, you will not be able to find it, and will be searching for it for 20 minutes.
- Poly Expandable Folders: This is another must have because you should not throw away any of your papers. I repeat- DONT THROW AWAY YOUR PAPERS. Even if you think you won't need them. You never know when a teacher might input a wrong grade or if they want you to look back on something from a couple weeks ago. Save all of your papers until the end of the year. I suggest getting one of those expandable folders to keep all of your old papers in so you don't have to take them to class every day. Get a section for each class to separate them, and I would suggest getting one for each semester/quarter, just to keep it more organized. Just go through your binder once a week or so, take out the old papers, put them in the folder, and leave it on your desk.
- Post It Notes: I carry these with me everywhere. They're great for jotting down quick notes, and you can stick them in your notebooks or on your papers, or in your planner, depending on what it is you want to remember.
- Planner: This may be one of the most important items on here. Everyone should have a planner. Even if you are not in school. This is just a way to keep track of what you have to do, what needs to be done, all of your plans, activities, homework, etc. I would recommend keeping your planner always out/with you, so you can immediately write things down and won't forget. This way you'll never forget plans, or homework. I have used both a planner and a bullet journal. I started out using a planner last year then switched to using a bullet journal half way through the school year. One of the reasons was my bullet journal was a thin notebook, while my planner was spiral bound, but it was still small. Another reason, I switched was because I felt, I could only put plans in my planner, while in my bullet journal, I kept to do lists, homework, fitness/health, goals, inspiration, tests. It was a lot more customisable. And I found it easier to see what I had to do, and I could easily check out what I already done. All in all, I find a bullet journal is easier, if you have a lot going on and want to write it. If you just want a place to write down some homework, I would just say buy a planner. The important thing is to find a system that works for you and stick with it. It doesn't matter how you do it, as long as it works and keeps you organized.
For the next installment of Modern Disney, I have chosen to do Cinderella. This look is a little more dressy, but still not formal. This is good if you plan on going out and want to look a little nicer but still want a casual look. I have kept with the blue dress and made it more modern by choosing a shorter, cut out dress as opposed to the giant ball gown. I have also tried to replicate the effect of glass slippers, by choosing a strappy silver shoe. For accessories, I picked pieces with blue, gold and silver. I find this combination works well, and it also ties the shoes, headpiece, and dress together. For the hair, which is one of my favorite parts, I tried to do a modern take on Cinderella's updo. To start, do a halo braid and add some whispy pieces, to create a messier, more casual look. Then to top it off add a gold, leaf headpiece to rest on top of the braid. For makeup, I thought the look would look good with some winged eyeliner and a berry lip. And if you are going out or just want a little more sparkle, add some blue and silver glitter to the eyes for some extra magic!
