QUAY Obsessed!

Hi Everyone!

I am a stalker and a LOVER of Quay sunglasses!

QUAY (pronounced: KEY) sunglasses is my new serious obsession for the sunny warm days..actually for all days! Is it just me, or are sunglasses a year-round fashion trend? Whether it is cold, snowing, gloomy, or even dark, sunnies are the perfect treatment to cover up dark-circles, jazz up a boring outfit, or to simply just look fresh as hell! 

Quay is an Australian brand created in 2004. They have a huge line of constantly changing sunglasses. You can get purchase a pair on their website or at retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Asos, and Nordstrom! I fell in-love with Quay's funky-chic style that is so unique and exclusive to their brand. I initially spotted a pair when I was out shopping at Urban Outfitters last summer. I decided to end with the window shopping when beauty gurus Desi Perkins and LustreLux started to sport pairs in their SnapChat.

From so many different styles to choose from, the decision was hard but I ended up purchasing the "My Girl" from Urban. If you are looking for the designer style without the designer price, I would definitely check out Quay sunglasses. They are affordable, fun, chic, unique, and definitely a conversation piece... and even the A-list celebs own a pair!

Shay Mitchell

Queen Bey

 PS: Look at Shay...how does one become her?! Gorg! 

Beauty Chit-Chat: Hair Hacks!

#13

♥My hair is super dull! How can I fix it?

Girl, I feel you. When I was younger, I had the softest and straightest hair in all the land (jk, just in my kindergarten classroom) but now...it can get to be a frizzy mess! I hate to admit it but I pretty much treat my hair like crap. I wash, blow-dry and straighten it pretty much everyday, no wonder it doesn't cooperate anymore!

Fortunately, I found a tiny hack that brings life back into my hair overnight. You know those deep conditioners that they say to keep in your hair for only 7 minutes after shampooing? Well, I leave it in all night -- not letting it touch my roots, of course! I have found that my hair becomes shiner and silkier and it lasts for at least 7-10 washes! Definitely try it out!


♥Hairdryer recommendations? 

T3 hairdryers are probably the best in the bizz but I know they can be a bit on the pricey-end but as long as you purchase an Ionic hairdryer, you're golden. Ionic technology helps break down water molecules, drying your hair faster and smoother. With an ionic hairdryer, you will notice that you will be saving time and won't have to run your straightener for that long either!


♥Speaking of saving time, what can I do to save time on my hair in the morning?

Dry shampoo, boo. Lol jk! If you are a hair-washing obsessive freak like me, investing in the right time-saving tools and products will do the trick.
1. Towel-dry your hair out of the shower as it will get most of the water out the fastest.
2. Invest in a speed dry spray--I use the Eva NYC Speed It Up Blow Dry Spray, it's the bomb.com.
3. Before getting dressed or putting on makeup, run the hairdryer through your hair quickly for a minute or two to get the bulk of the moisture out. This will give it time to air dry efficiently as you get ready so when time comes to style your hair, it won't take you long to dry the remainder and straighten it!

I pretty much live everyday by these tips, I hope you found them useful! 

Happy 2nd Blog Birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday to The College Catwalk!

Wow! Has it already been 2 years?!

My love for The College Catwalk has grown incredibly and to be sitting here on its second birthday is honestly unimaginable. I have so many things I want to write and a trillion of moments I want to reflect on, but first and foremost, I would like to thank you. Thank you for reading this crazy spontaneous creation of mine. Thank you for encouraging me to keep posting and expressing myself these past two years. And thank you, for providing an opportunity for me to build on something that I will forever cherish!

Two years ago, I feel like I was on a whole other planet. I was in undergrad, having just received my acceptance into graduate school. My love for fashion and beauty was just as intense back then as it is now. I followed all the fashion trends and wanted everything in Sephora, but I was still clueless on the concept of blogging. No one I knew at that time was a blogger, so I tackled the subject of blogging just as I would tackle an exam, by researching and studying--and boy am I glad I did!

The College Catwalk has given me confidence, new friends, awesome opportunities and of course, sanity away from the crazy school work! Looking back at this past year, this blog has done and been through so much! We learned to host a loop giveaway, reached our Instagram family to 5000, collaborated with many awesome brands such as BEARPAW, Rocksbox, Triple Thread, and UniversiTee, but most importantly I have been able to interact with all of you!

This past year there were times when I felt overwhelmed with commitments, times when I lost followers, and times when I simply could not find inspiration to post---but one thing that those moments taught me was to never give up because it is all part of one happy ride.

Believe in yourself, always. If someone can do it, so can you. March 22nd is a good day for sure! It will show me every year that the hard-work, effort, and sacrifices I make are completely worth it and plus I always wanted a spring birthday so I could dress like a big ole flower...like today! :)

OOTD:

Dress: Forever 21 ($25)

Heels: Nine West (Marshalls $40)

Purse: Aldo

Again, thank you very much for being readers of The College Catwalk. I really appreciate it! Love you all! 

UniversiTee Box Review!

Hi Fashionistas!

Whoever came up with the idea of subscription box services is a genius! I love how I can receive monthly gifts without leaving the house! With an intense love for beauty and fashion subscription boxes, I was super stoked when I heard about UniversiTee Box!

UniversiTee Box is a monthly subscription service curated specially for women in college! I immediately respected this company when I heard what they stand for because I mean c'mon, they encompass everything I started the blog for - empowerment through fashion and education!

Okay, so let us get into the details of service before I begin to gush about the February box that I received...

Each month, UniversiTee Box sends a beautifully decorated and packaged box with a bunch of goodies! You have the option to subscribe for one of the three options (each option encompasses the same theme but has a different number of goodies in them) :
- The Bauble Box - $16.95/month
- The Duo Box - $28.95/month
- The Alumna Box - $34.95/month

I went for the Alumna Box! 

Each box, regardless of the size, contains a shirt (duh, its in the name), an affirmation card, jewelry pieces, and lifestyle items. The larger the box, the more items you recieve. The shirts are different and super chic each month and have an empowering message on them! The affirmation card has to be my one of my favorite items in the box though as it is frame-ready which makes it the best morning inspiration and decor!

An awesome feature about this company is that they will let you subscribe month to month so you don't have to dedicate yourself or your wallet to a long subscription. This makes it super convenient to give as a gift to your favorite college girl, or actually any girl - my sister thought it was the cutest box and she has been out of college for eons (lol jk, sista)!

My Box:

The month of February was all about loving yourself. I received an awesome shirt that said "Love Thy Selfie", affirmation card that read "Fall In Love With Your Selfie First", a bold statement necklace, two rings, two bracelets, a bath balm, and the cutest note from the creator of UniversiTee Box. I was overwhelmed with all of the items I received and you will be too considering the low price you pay for it!

If you are looking for a new subscription service, definitely check them out on their website! You will not be disappointed! 

Lace Up Tops!

Hi Fashionistas!

We have a new trend taking over the stores right now. A few months ago, the buttoned-up corduroy skirts were taking over and today it is the lace up or tie up tops! I will bet you your college tuition that there are at least 30 fashion bloggers styling them on Instagram everyday!

Side thought: Truthfully, there are probably more but since this is a pretty big bet so I'm just going to say 30 lol!

These tops look super delicate and classy! The detailing with the strings are enough to make a fashion statement and take over the entire look. As per usual, just like all new trendy items, these shirts are being sold at an array of prices at various stores. To help you find a cute yet affordable one, I have complied a list with few of my favorites!

ONE - $39 | TWO - $29 | THREE - $20 | FOUR - $39 | FIVE - $20 | SIX - $16 | SEVEN - $25

I have the prices listed out for you so you can efficiently shop based on your budget. My personal favorites are THREE and FOUR. The light colors scream spring and with a pair of high waisted jeans - the look would be complete! Which ones are your favorites? 

DIY: At-Home Full Blown Manicures!

Hello there!

I hope you pretty gals are having a fabulous day and that the weather wherever you live is currently beautiful like it is here in Philly. Now, I know that it will not stay for long but a girl can only hope!

Fortunately, I get to escape to the sunshine state for spring break next week to visit my sister! Preparing for the break, I have noticed that I have at least 2 friends getting their nails done at salon every day this week. However, I also noticed that 50% of those friends come back regretting their decision and furious about the money they wasted for a poor nail job. Been there, done that and I feel for them but this is also why I like to maintain and do my nails at home.

In some areas, you can get nails done for $15, which is an awesome deal! However, in my area it is so hard to find a clean place for a decent price.

Disclaimer: I, by no means, have beautiful nails. I bite my nails when I get nervous/anxious, I have nails to define the word "stumpy", and I have no future or chance to pursue my dream of becoming a hand model!

Anyway here are some tips on how I achieve an easy manicure for a fraction of the cost.

1. Invest in proper nail tools
Proper nail tools are worth it, invest in them now so you won't have to dish out the $30 for a mediocre manicure at the nail salon.

2. Cuticles
Cuticles are necessary. You do not want to cut them to short or deeps as they protect us from bacteria, infections, and overall nastiness. Remove them properly for that polished and elongated nail look.

After taking off your old nailpolish:
- Wash your hands to remove the acetone residue
- Apply cuticle oil on to your cuticles
- Wait 30 seconds so your cuticles soften
- Push your cuticles pack and up with a fingernail
(I use my fingernails instead of a cuticle removing tool for steady control and safety)
- Clip off the cuticles with a cuticle clipper (the scissors are not my favorite)

3. Scrub
This is my favorite step! Dead skin clings onto nails even after cuticle removing. The best way to wash away the dead skin, cuticle debris, and chemicals is to use a scrub. You can use a body scrub, nail scrub, or even a face scrub like the St. Ives Apricot scrub. Massage the scrub into your hands and nails gently and rinse. Your hands and nails will look bright and clean after this step.

4. Apply in the proper steps.
By this time your nails should look clean, healthy, and be freshly cut (nails and cuticles). Remember to apply your favorite nailpolish only after a base coat (one to preferably fill in the ridges) and before a top coat (preferably one that is rapid drying and chip-resistant).

5. Adequate drying time.
Proper nail drying takes at least 15 minutes. Most people only wait 5-10 minutes. If you want your polish to look smooth and smudge-free, wait the 15 minutes before doing anything drastic.

Now that is it! I call this a full-blown manicure because if you follow these steps exactly, you will feel pampered and luxurious by the end of it and your paint-job will look like a professional did it (and your wallet won't be crying)! 

Meet My NEW $6 Primer!

Hi Beauties! 

If you have been following the YouTube beauty gurus recently, you know where this post is going...

I want to shout from the tallest building in the world to tell everyone about my new primer - the Nivea for Men Post Shave Balm. Yup, you read right! 

I don't know why or how, all I know is that it works and the lasting power and finishing are fantastic! I saw videos of bloggers comparing it to well known primers such as Makeup Forever and Smashbox so I decided to do it myself to see it with my own eyes.

For two days, I wore my ex-favorite Makeup Forever primer on one side of my face and the Nivea on the other. I was blown away with the results- the Nivea looked just as well as the Makeup Forever side! When I compared the Nivea to the Smashbox primer, the Nivea looked even better! 

I have been using it since for 6 weeks now and I definitely do not see myself going back to the other primers for three reasons -- it's WAY cheaper, smells like cologne (only for a bit), and is perfect for sensitive skin! 

Try to get your hands on it the next time you are at the drugstore and save your friends some money too by letting them know! 

Happy Galentine's Day!

Happy Galentine's Day!

I hope you are staying warm this month! Here in Philadelphia, I am currently dreading the weather every morning. Who knew the cold could make one cry for their momma? I surely did not!

Anyway, I wanted to share with you my Valentine's Day "themed" outfit. I am a girl that loves all things pink and chic so the coat/boots combo definitely spoke to me! Both the coat and boots have a great backstory to them but let's first start with the boots.

Ever since the chilly weather arrived back in fall, I had my eyes on the Stuart Weitzman "Highland" boots but with an $800 price tag you weren't going to catch me dead in them! However I wasn't sad for too long. My sister found these Steve Madden "Gorgeous" boots that look exactly like the Stuart Weitzman's but are for a fraction of the cost! When I go them, I was honestly the happiest person on this planet, everyone was wearing over the knee boots and I was kind of feeling left out, lol!

When I first opened the boots, I obviously started to model in them (don't worry, I was strutting privately in my room) and I could not help but image them with a mini dress and a long coat. A few days passed and I went to Forever to find a plaid printed coat but as I was shifting through the racks, this pink coat caught my eyes. I had seen it before on the website and I just loved the length and the color.

In my mind, I was like "You do not need anymore coats....but eh, just try it on." I was so thankful that I did because not only did I love it more, it was only $14.99! Yes, you read right, only $14.99! On the website, it was priced for 4x the price so this was definitely a sign that I needed to snag it! Anyway enough of the recaps, here is my Valentine's day outfit today! The purse is from Primark and the bracelet is Loren Hope. :)

I hope you all enjoyed this post! Stay warm and spread love! 

How To Save $ In College!

Hi Fashionistas! 

This is a post that I have been wanting to do for a very long time, especially for my new to college readers! 

After high school, everyone says that you have now entered the “college life” and that these will be the best four years of your life! I quickly realized that they were right, college years are the best years of your life! You have the opportunity to pursue your passion, make lifelong friends, gain new experiences, and create lasting memories. However, all that comes with a PRICE and no, I do not mean stress, tears, and sleepless nights, I mean actual money! Doing everything you want to do on a college budget is one of the hardest tasks when you enter the college. You will be forced to stretch a dollar to the maximum due to the endless tuition bills, books, and cost of living. However, I have provided a few tips that can help you save and make money during your years in college!

Sell Your Books!

This is the easiest way to make back the money you spent on your books! Textbooks are expensive and sometimes you don’t even need the books for more than one assignment (which is super frustrating).  It can be tempting to throw them away or stash them far inside your closet after the semester ends. However, you should sell them! You can get 80-90% of what you paid. Students are usually willing to buy a slightly used textbook from a student for $80 instead of buying one from the bookstore for $100.

Buy Your Books, Smart!

If you can, avoid the bookstores! Don’t procrastinate and as soon as the textbook lists are posted, go online and search! I use the following websites to find my textbooks for 50-60% less than the retail value. You can buy them or save even more by renting!

Buy: abebooks.com

Rent/Buy: Amazon.com or Chegg.com

Ebates!

It is a cash back website with absolutely no hidden fees or gimmicks! Ebates is free to join and use. When you sign up, you'll find the latest deals, coupons, promotions, and a specific cash back percentage for each store. These stores include Nordstrom, Sephora, American Eagle, Target, Amazon, Groupon, and the list goes on and on. Just search the store's website through the Ebates.com, shop as you normally would and when you buy something, you will earn cash back in your Ebates account!

Ebates accumulates your cash back money and sends you a check every three months. I always go through Ebates before buying anything! During the holiday season, I received a $60 check from them in the mail!

Campus Jobs!

Campus jobs are the easiest and most convenient jobs to get. They understand that you are in school and give you hours based on your schedule. There are so many jobs where you can even study or do homework while working, such as a desk attendant at the libraries or dorms!

Happy Hours!

College towns have some of the best (yet expensive) restaurants! If you and your friends are on a budget but want to try out the great food, go during happy hour! Restaurants offer the same quality food for reduced prices. This way you can get the most bang for your buck!

Fashionista On A Budget!  

If you follow my blog, you know that I am obsessed with Marshalls! In my outfit posts, I wear at least one or two things from Marshalls or their sister store, TJ Maxx. They stock the latest trends and great brands for amazing prices compared to the department stores.  The quality is usually great and the clothing is not crazily massed produced like stores like Forever 21, so you are bound to stand out!

Student Discounts!

There are numerous restaurants and stores that provide a student discount. You may have to ask your favorite store as the discount is not always advertised to the community. Search on Google frequently. 

http://www.bradsdeals.com/blog/student-discounts

Speak to Your Financial Aid!

Do not wait for scholarships to come to you, look for them! When scholarships are publicly advertised in your school, the whole student body receives the email and you have competition. Ask your financial advisor to let you know about private and public scholarships as soon as they are released! There is so much money year after year that is left untouched!

I hope these tips will come in handy during your college years! Make sure you study hard so you can play hard! Education is priceless!

I hope you find some of these tips useful! 

Splurge VS. Steal: M2Malletier & Forever 21!

Hi Fashionistas!

Whenever I find a dupe for a luxury item, I need to share it with the world. I do not care if you want to know or not, I will let you know even if you're not in the market for it. I just cannot keep my mouth shut! So many affordable brands are bringing us closer to high-end fashion by mimicking the designs. Now in no way am I insisting you always buy the dupes, you should splurge a little and treat yourself, but in college, ain't nobody got the time (or money) for that! Also, when I say dupes, I DO NOT mean counterfeit items that you find from vendors on the streets. These are legit items from reputable stores that resemble the real luxury inspiration.

Today, I want to talk about the M2Malletier La Fleur Du Mal clutch. When I first saw this bag, I instantly fell in love. It looked completely funky and odd but I think that was what I loved about it! It wasn't your basic cross-body or tote, it had a freakin gold bar attached to it!

Unfortunately, the closest I have gotten to owning it was in my dreams! However a few days ago, I was casually browsing the accessories section when I saw a bag that resembled nothing other than the La Fleur Du Mal clutch. It did not look quite as "high-end" as the real thing but for $25 I thought it was a crazy steal!

I'm not going to lie, I still like the real thing from M2Malletier (HERE) a whole lot better but if you love the funky yet classy design but cannot afford the price tag, go for the Forever one (HERE) ...like why not?

I hope you enjoyed the post! Cannot wait to share my next Splurge VS. Steal with y'all!