Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about how the 20-something years are the new adolescence. It seems like everywhere I turn, there’s an article about how people my age are growing up more slowly than ever. Oh, and (apparently) we’re also whiny, immature and needy.

I have pretty mixed feelings about all these theories. I think that almost every older generation has a tendency to criticize the current young-adult generation. We do things differently than our parents did, and our lives take different paths. But it’s important to remember our parents did things that were just as strange in their parents’ eyes. It’s a nice little tradition the world has got going.

On the other hand, as a college student, I do recognize that I’m in an in-between stage. Sometimes, I feel very adult and responsible. Other times, I think it wouldn’t be so bad to go back to kindergarten and have naptime every day. Oh wait, there’s naptime in college, too. Having one of those days where you feel like you belong more in middle school than in college? Here are a few tried-and-true ways to pretend you’re a grown up.

1. Invest in a pair of nude heels

Nude? That’s so boring, right? Wrong. Nude heels do wonders for every body. They elongate the lines of the leg and create an understated, sexy look. Nude heels are super versatile, and they can be worn out at night or in a professional situation. They’ll make you look sexy in a classy and sophisticated way – and that’s the difference between looking like a grown woman and looking like a little girl who stepped out of the house in her mom’s heels.

2. Make a budget

This was one of the first things I did when I got to college. And it turns out that budgeting isn’t easy. But if you can make a good budget and stick to it, it will definitely pay off. My suggestion is to sign up for a money managing website like Mint.com. Mint is free, and it will let you know when you’re spending too much.

Want to see the final 3 ways to pretend you’re a grown up? Finish reading at CollegeCandy!

You’ve got your high heels on and are ready to paint the town – as they say: work hard, play hard. But regardless of what your game plan is, the end goal should always be to make it home in one piece! Whether you’re hitting up a party or dancing at the clubs, take into account these simple tips to ensure you have a safe night out.

Go in Groups

The saying “there’s safety in numbers” definitely rings true in a going-out situation. The more trusted members you have in your party (who have your best interests at heart), the more likely you will be to feel secure with your status and decision making.

Though everybody feels comfortable with a different amount of people, generally a group of 3-5 is fine with most. Keep in mind, however: If groups get too large, keeping tabs on everyone may become difficult as the night progresses. Have your cell handy, partner up, or set a common meeting point if you get separated from the crew!

Carry the Essentials

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Clutches aren’t clown cars, so unfortunately you can’t throw in the whole kitchen sink when going out. Of course, we all have our makeup staples for those bathroom-break touch ups, but before you leave, add these items for some extra insurance:

• Phone. An obvious choice, but very crucial! Make sure it’s fully charged, especially if you don’t plan on returning home for the night.
• Keys/ID. If wallets are too bulky, consider a cute wristlet.
• Cash. This is more important if you’re going downtown, but you also never know when you’ll need to make an emergency purchase or call. A general rule to go by is to have enough to cover a round trip cab ride. Also, be sure to have at least a few dollars worth of quarters on hand! That way, you won’t have to scramble for bill exchanges when you need to take care of parking meters or use pay phones.
• Extra pair of flats. Heels of some sort are often the shoe of choice when going out, and can be the difference between a casual and wow-worthy outfit. But after hours of sporting a 4-inch pump with no platform, we don’t blame you for wanting to take a break. In that case, consider tucking away some Dr. Scholl’s foldable flats so you can move around easier as the night winds down.
• Band-aids. It never hurts to stash away a few, just in case.

Also be sure to check out our article on 5 things every college girl needs in her bag for more suggestions!

Check on Yourself

There’s no need to self check every minute of every hour – after all, you’re going out to unwind and have fun! However, taking mental notes of how you’re doing can provide comfort and reassurance in regards to your well-being. Ask yourself (or have a friend ask you) the following questions at these three midpoints to see how you’re doing throughout the night, and to make sure you’re OK.

• Before the night begins. Do I have everything I need? Do I have someone to call and a place to stay in case something happens?
• In the middle of festivities. Am I having fun? Is anything making me uncomfortable? Am I getting too carried away? Do I need to slow down?
• As the night winds down. If I want to stay out later, do I have a way to get home in the morning? If plans have changed, what are my options at this point? Given my circumstances, which is the best?

Have a Back Up Plan

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As with all things in life, not everything always goes according to plan – something happens to our phone or keys, we get separated from our friends, or we have a little too much to drink. If you find yourself in a sticky situation, though, don’t panic! There are steps you can take to make tough circumstances better, so long as you take a little time to prepare beforehand.

• Write down important numbers. Sometimes having contacts stored in your phone is not enough – especially if it gets lost, broken, or the battery dies. By stocking your purse with a paper list of numbers of trusted friends and family, cab companies, the police, and other important people, you’ll have a safety net if you ever get stuck in a bind.
• Secure someone you can call in case of an emergency. As mentioned above, before you head out for the night, find a friend who will be willing to pick you up/allow you to stay over if a situation heads south. Though doing so may seem tedious, this little action can go a long way, especially if you are unable to grab a cab, drive, or have run out of cash. Also, informing others of your circumstances beforehand will save you time if you need or want to get back fast.
• Know the basics of self defense. Hopefully you’ll never be put in a situation that’s dangerous or unsettling, but unfortunately we can’t always predict what will happen. Just as a precautionary tactic, learn some self defense maneuvers so you can protect yourself. See if your University offers specialized courses specifically designed for women, or locate a RAD program close to you to learn more.

Extra Advice!

• If you’re at a party or decide to grab something to drink downtown, always keep a close eye on your drink. Holding onto it at all times is the best way to make sure nothing foreign gets dropped in.
• Know your limits. Despite peer pressure, don’t give into doing something you’re not comfortable doing. You know yourself better than anyone else. If you put your foot down on something, others should respect your decision.
• Try not to go home by yourself! Unless you have a legitimate ride waiting outside for you, walking home alone can be dangerous at late hours of the night, even if you live just a few blocks away. Have someone you trust walk with you, or make an agreement to leave together at the same time.

Thoughts?

How do you stay safe when spending a night out? Do you have any stories, tips or advice for other girls? Let us know in a comment!

Personal style on a college budget can be a challenge. That’s why DIY Chic is dedicated to bringing you budget-friendly and super easy do-it-yourself projects. In case you missed the first of this series, check out this easy and adorable tutorial for button stud earrings. But who says that do-it-yourself projects stop with jewelry, accessories, and clothes?

This week, I am sharing an easy way to add a personal touch to your books, folders, or planner with fabric and embellishments. You might already have all the materials you need for this project around your dorm or apartment. Since there is really no limit to this project, you can get as creative as you want with different fabrics, colors, and embellishments. It’s the perfect way to liven up your class experience.

What you’ll need:

• A folder, organizer, notebook, etc. that you want to spruce up
• Fabric – enough to cover your item of choice
• Adhesive spray, but you can also consider a hot-glue gun, etc.
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Scissors
• A marker, pen, or chalk
• Optional: embellishments, jewels, ribbon, etc.

The step-by-step process:

1. On a flat surface, lay out your folder or planner and measure the fabric you’ll need. My organizer was one I picked up on clearance, but I wanted something a little more sleek and professional, so I decided to cover it with a metallic, snakeskin-esque fabric.

2. Using your marking tool, trace the shape that you’ll need. I suggest adding an extra 1/2 to 1 inch of fabric around the edges, since you’ll later be folding these under for a more finished look. Carefully cut the fabric to fit your item.

3. Before you begin gluing, I recommend laying down newspaper or plastic bags to avoid getting glue on your table or counter tops. Carefully apply your glue or adhesive to the back side of the fabric.

4. Carefully center your fabric, glue side down, to the side of your item – be sure to allow that extra 1/2 to 1 inch of fabric to hang over the side. Press the material down, smooth out any bubbles, and allow to dry.

5. Turn your item over and apply a small amount of glue or adhesive spray to the underside of the extra fabric. Fold it over the edge and hold while it dries. This allows for a clean and neat looking finish. If you’re confused, see the finished product in Step 6 above.

6. Continue steps 1-5 for the remaining sides of your folder or book. The process can be a little time-consuming and you’ll need to allow your item to sit out overnight to dry fully.

Once your project has dried, you can experiment with different embellishments, ribbon, or whatever else might fit your personal style. I kept my simple and classic with its leather-like fabric. This project might also be a personal way to dress up a journal, photo album, or memory book as a gift to your roommate or friend. Get as creative as you want!

What do you think?

What do you think of this customizable tutorial? Do you have an idea or suggestion for a future DIY project you’d like to see here on College Fashion? Let us know what you think in a comment!

These days, it’s impossible to find a college student who won’t admit to being addicted to the internet. How many hours do we spend browsing Tumblr or stalking people’s Facebook photos? Luckily, programmers and designers are right on top of things. New apps designed to increase (or, unfortunately, reduce) productivity flood the market every day…so rather than let you spend yet more hours clicking through links, we’ve compiled a list of browser apps designed to help rather than stall you.

In the battle of the browsers, Google Chrome is the darling of the technological world, finally overtaking Firefox and lining up Microsoft Internet Explorer in its crosshairs. So when searching for apps, we focused on ones that were free and available in the Chrome Web Store.

In no particular order, the top three Google Chrome web apps for college students:

Write Space

With the popularity of distraction-free writing apps on the rise, Write Space beats out competitors by offering a basic, easy to customize layout, an import data option, an auto-saving feature, and an offline function. This app is perfect for when you need to turn off the internet, turn on your brain, and get cracking.

Cons: The app only allows you to create one file at a time, so it best suited for when you’ve only got one project to work on.

Do It (Tomorrow)

If you’re the kind of person who likes to keep all your notes to yourself in one place, Do It (Tomorrow) provides a gorgeous but simple interface for you to type out all your tasks. Complete with fake coffee stains on the corners, the app is designed to look like a virtual notebook. Just click and type where you need.

Cons: The app, while great, only contains a to do list for today and tomorrow, making it best suited for short-term planning.

Read Later Fast

Read Later Fast installs an option on your right-click menu that allows you to save or link to a webpage from the app. Later, just open up the app and find the page waiting for you there. The app is designed to clean up a bookmarks folder and let you browse without too many tabs slowing down your machine’s performance.

Cons: In order to allow you to bookmark everything you view, the app needs the ability to access your data on all websites, and your browsing history. Don’t use on a public computer!

Your thoughts?

Do you use Google Chrome? If so, do you have any favorite Chrome apps? Any other productivity app recommendations? What other tech topics would you like to see covered here? Tell us in the comments!

As I write this, I am about to embark on my final semester of my college career. Weird, right? It almost seems like yesterday when I was a little freshman moving in to my dorm. Except for the growth part, a lot has changed in these three and a half years. I’ve learned the hardships of picking the right classes and managing my social life and my studies, but it was all worth the ride. It’s cliché, but some say that college is the best four years of your life, and it’s true. They go by in the blink of an eye, so take the time to cherish your college life.

1. Make a Bucket List

While it should be on nearly all seniors’ to-do lists, making a bucket list at the beginning of your college career can help you get to know your campus a lot better. Who knows? If you accidentally stumble upon one of your campus’ landmarks, you not only knocked something off “the list”, but have a great story to go along with it. If your school has a great basketball team, sit in the student section and go to a basketball game. The student section of a sports game has its own little bubble, and that’s where all the excitement is. Whatever is on your list, don’t miss out and start making it happen.

2. Take Advantage of Campus Resources

The thing about college is that it offers a variety of resources that very few students actually take advantage of. From coffee houses with free Wifi to free entry to recreation centers, free printing, and basically anything with the word FREE next to it, be sure to snatch up these opportunities now before you have to pay for the real thing once you enter the real world. Syllabus week is the best time to get freebies from bookstores, so don’t miss out!

Want to read the rest? Finish this article over at CollegeCandy!

We’ve covered our top 5 favorite fashion books in the past, but fashion-related movies can be just as inspiring and brain-stimulating as their paper counterparts. So turn off that Kardashian marathon (please!), grab some popcorn, and indulge in some much more satisfying screen time.

In no particular order, here are our top 5 must-see documentaries about the fashion industry.

1. Bill Cunningham New York

Bill Cunningham New York

Bill Cunningham New York is a charming, touching and funny chronicle of fashion’s first street style photographer.

Cunningham has been a photographer for The New York Times for over thirty years, photographing celebrities, socialites, and most importantly, the people of his beloved city. Rain, snow or shine, he is on the corner of 57^th street every morning, ready to shoot stylish citizens.

I have to admit that I purchased tickets for my entire family to see Bill Cunningham New York a month before it came out in theaters, and none of us were disappointed. It includes interviews with everyone from Anna Wintour to the people Cunningham photographs in their elaborate ensembles, all gushing about their love for him. The best part? Cunningham comes across as a genuinely good person. The film probes for a deeper look into his life, questioning his reclusive existence. If you aren’t a Bill Cunningham groupie like me, I promise you will become one once you watch the movie.

2. Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton

Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton

This action-packed, fast-paced film chronicles the creation of a Louis Vuitton collection, headed by Creative Director (and fashion legend in his own right) Marc Jacobs. It is the first glimpse of Jacobs’ work process in film and is filled with images of Jacobs’ hard-partying activities, his celebrity and model friends, and his work for both his own label and Vuitton. It follows the clothes that Jacobs meticulously creates from their first inception to their first showing on the runway.

This documentary is truly a must-see for fans of Jacobs or Louis – if you love either label, you’ll love this movie. (Note: The film looks to be unavailable to purchase on Amazon, however it may be findable on Youtube, and if you have a Netflix subscription, it’s available to rent there!)

3. Valentino: The Last Emperor

Valentino: The Last Emperor

An intimate look into the everyday life of one of the most famous fashion designers in the world, this documentary is eye candy in every way, from the dazzling couture dresses in Valentino’s atelier and his enormous, gorgeously decorated homes around Europe, to his perfectly tanned visage.

Though intimidating to many, Valentino comes across as witty, uncannily creative and, frankly, adorable. From parties at his estates to working on dress designs and planning fashion shows, Valentino’s life is filled with beauty, which he tries to bestow upon every woman he dresses.

4. The September Issue

The September Issue

When the film starts with Anna Wintour uttering “there is something about fashion that makes people very nervous,” you know that you are in for an incredible ride.

This acclaimed documentary shows the creation of the September 2007 issue of Vogue, and details all the work by all of the editors that goes into it. Filled with witty quotes, amazing cameos and even more amazing clothing, it gives a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the always bustling Vogue offices, how the decadent photoshoots are created, and the way that the magazine finally comes together. Plus, the viewer gets to know the less famous, but still just as intriguing editors and stylists who run the magazine, such as Grace Coddington and Tonne Goodman. (Just TRY to watch this movie and not come out loving Grace; it’s impossible.)

5. Seamless

Seamless

This documentary gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at three young designers as they vie to win the Vogue and Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) prize, of both money and a mentor, to help them grow their businesses.

The competitors are names you probably know: Doo Ri Chung, Alexandre Plokhov, and the designers of Proenza Schouler, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough. All are equally talented, working just as hard, and are trying to make a business out of doing what they love most. But only one can win the prize, which will help ensure that their businesses will survive. If you love any of these established designers, or just want a look at what it takes to launch a fashion line, you need to watch this one!

Your thoughts?

Now that you’ve seen our list of our favorite fashion documentaries, we want to hear from you! Have you seen any of these films? Which would you recommend to other readers? What other fashion documentaries would you add to the list? Tell us in a comment.

Winter can be wreak havoc on your body and psyche. Your skin is dry, your ears are cold and there is nothing sexy about long underwear. More than anything, I hate daylight savings; getting out of 4pm class to complete darkness is the worst. Having moved from Texas to New York, northern winters hit me particularly hard.  I visited Columbia as a prospective student in February, so I knew just how cold it could get up here.

The one thing nobody told me? Just how long northeastern winters last! From November to April, I am absolutely freezing, and what was up with that blizzard on Halloween? This year I am taking a stand. Since I only have one year left of college, I’m determined to not let winter be the worst part of it. I am not going to order Indian delivery and hide under my covers all day. I have combined three years of actual winter experience with some online research to compile a winter blues action plan to get us through it.

Stay warm and dry.

This seems obvious, but maximizing your warmth and dryness actually takes some tact. You want to be warm, but you don’t want to look like a snowman. Layers are the key to staying warm while looking somewhat polished. Seriously, you probably couldn’t guess the number of layers I’m wearing right now. During the winter, I layer tights (usually with a flesh color at the bottom) and wear camisoles under my shirts. I also recommend a layer of cashmere or lightweight fleece under your coat. For ultimate warmth invest in good rain boots and an effective winter coat (I am a fan of Burton coats because they are stylish and sturdy). When it is really cold, I wear thick ski socks and weave two pashmina scarves (of complementary shades) together for double warmth. It is pretty annoying to take on and off layers upon layers whenever you enter or exit a building, but being warm is worth it.

Music

When you have to walk somewhere, distract yourself from the biting cold by listening to music. If you wear big stereo headphones, they can double as hipster ear muffs.

Want to read the final 6 ways to beat the blues? Keep reading at CollegeCandy!

I know girl, the Golden Globes were on last night … who’s thinking about class when you have popcorn and all day fashion reviews? But prepping for class doesn’t have to be so drab – just think of it as making an investment in your fabulous future! After you’ve tackled starting off the new year fresh, check out these 5 ways to get back into school mode so you can be on top of your game this semester.

1. Go Back a Few Days Early

Now that you’ve had a few weeks to soak up home again, it’s time to toss aside your snuggie and head back to campus! Changing your environment is a basic yet powerful way to start getting amped up for school. In addition to picking up supplies and taking care of leftover laundry, here are some other things you can do to readjust seamlessly:

• See your friends. Those 2-3 extra days before classes start are perfect for meeting up with your college friends. After all, texting and Facebook chat can only do so much for filling the void … catch up on what’s going on, grab lunch, and settle back in with good company by your side.
  
• Check out your classrooms. Even smaller campuses have nook-and-cranny rooms and hard-to-find buildings, so prevent stress by finding out where you need to go beforehand. By measuring the time it takes to walk from Class A to Building B, you’ll be able to sleep in before your first day, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready.
• Restock on groceries. Instead of shelling out big bucks for overpriced snacks in the campus stores, make a preemptive food-run to grab everything you need: fresh ingredients to make your favorite meals, on-the-go bites for studying, and anything that needs replacement due to a short shelf life (bread, milk, fruit, etc.) Also, don’t forget to clear your fridge and pantry of any scraps that may have expired.

2. Write Down Your Schedule

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We college girls know that time management isn’t always a cake walk – in addition to class and studying, some of us also juggle part time jobs and extracurricular activities. Top that off with having to remember deadlines, needing to eat well and work out, and squeezing in time for a social life, and you’ve got to balance a load that may seem more like a magic act than real life. So what’s the trick to doing it all and doing it well? Writing it down! Follow these three steps to beat the procrastination wave this year with ease:

• Gather everything that calls for a reminder. Tie up all the loose ends – collect your class/work schedule, meeting times, play dates, etc … anything and everything important that you’re likely to forget. Once you obtain your course syllabi from professors, look out for deadlines and test dates.
• Write down everything on an electronic or large physical calendar. Make sure it’s on one that’s in plain sight and/or you know you’ll check often. And when we say everything, we mean everything – leave no activity behind (even you-time and fun events –it will give you something to look forward to!). Color code depending on the activity type to separate school from work from play, and star or highlight especially crucial dates so you’re guaranteed to remember.  
• Update often. As the semester progresses, be sure to add on to your agenda as much as possible! One of the keys to success is consistency, so keep at it to stay organized and stress-free.

3. Save Money on Books

Textbooks are the bane of every college student’s existence – they take up room, feel like rocks in our backpacks, and put ginormous dents in our wallets. Luckily, nowadays there are several space and money-saving alternatives to buying all your books! Check out a few to lighten your load and even save some extra cash in the process:

• Buy e-textbooks. Coursesmart.com lets you buy textbooks you can read on your computer (as opposed to lugging around a mound all day for studying later in the library). Not only does this reduce backaches by tenfold, but it’s also easier on your bank account – you can save up to 60% off compared to print books. Bonus for all you tech-savvy bees: You can also download a bookshelf application to your iPhone, iPad, or Android and have all of your materials in one place.
• Rent. Many textbook rental companies, such as Chegg and Campus Book Rentals, allow you to “rent” books for a certain number of days (usually up to 140), then ship them back once the semester is over. Costs are super affordable – oftentimes up to 70-80% off what it would take to buy a regularly priced textbook! Compare pricing, rental dates, and shipping costs to find an offer that’s comfortable for you.

4. Start Eating Breakfast Again

{Photo Credit: Elle.com}

If PJs are the unofficial uniform of winter break, then noon is the unofficial wake-up time, Monday – Sunday. In other words, lunch has probably replaced breakfast as the first meal of the day for the past month. (No regrets! The extra sleep was worth it…) But if there’s any time to start kicking your brain into gear to prep for those morning classes, it’s now! Here are some tasty and healthy options which will help you take on the day again:

• On-the-Go: Breakfast bar and fruit. These choices are literally grab and go. (Fruit recommendation: banana or apple for easy eating.) You can eat these on the bus, while walking to campus – anywhere, really.
• Quick & Easy: Yogurt and fruit. (Fruit’s good for you, OK?) A truly simple choice for those who have to get ready in 0 to 60, not to mention the combos are endless.
• Warm & Toasty: Instant oatmeal with banana slices. Perfect for the winter time; try Quaker Oatmeal Express or Instant Oatmeal for delicious flavors like baked apple and cinnamon spice. Banana slices add texture and potassium for a healthy heart.
• Energy Boosting: Whole wheat toast with peanut butter. This hearty duo is a great for an activity-filled morning. Whole grain is rich in fiber, and the protein from the peanut butter will help fuel you as the day goes on.

5. Reaffirm and Rewrite Your Goals

Reflect a little on last semester – what did you do well? What could you have done better? Maybe you were ace on getting up for class on time, but had a tendency to leave your homework until the last minute. (Every college kid can relate to this, trust!) Or maybe you did a fantastic job at contributing to your student organization, but didn’t get enough sleep in the process. Either way, evaluating your strengths and weaknesses can help you figure out what you should keep doing and what you can change to make this year better.

Every goal will be unique to each person, so take your time when reevaluating what needs to be done. But remember, don’t beat yourself up if there were things you particularly struggled with in the past. What’s important is that you have a clean slate to start over with again! Learning from your mistakes makes you a stronger and smarter person; as Tom Krause once said, “There are no failures – just experiences and your reactions to them.”

Thoughts?

How do you plan on getting back into school mode again? What goals do you have this year? Leave me a comment and let me know!

MLK Day is almost here and for those lucky people who get the day off, we put together a fun-filled list of ways to make the most of your mini-vacation. Have more suggestions? Add them in the comments.

1. Film a lip dub. Lady Gaga is always a fun choice, and there is always the possibility that she will Tweet you to fame amongst her little monsters.
2. Rewrite that resumé and polish up that portfolio, this is the time to apply for part-time jobs and internships that start in May!
3. Day-cation. Find somewhere fun in your town to spend the day. Preferably free.
4. Better yet, take a trip! Everyone needs a vacation from their vacation, right?
5. Find a scenic landscape and have a photoshoot. You and your friends are all overdue for new profile pictures.
6. Movie (hopping) marathon. Ryan Reynolds has a new movie out this weekend and you know you’ve been wanting to see Black Swan.
7. Study? Nah.
8. Make a photo collage for your side of the room. If you want motivation, create an “I Want” board out of magazine cutouts with everything that’s on your wish list.
9. Go old-school and burn a CD (or make a new iPod playlist) of your favorite songs. If your iTunes library has mutated into the thousands, this task could take all day.
10. Host a clothing swap with your friends. You save money and a trip to the mall while finally cleaning your closet and getting new clothes (new to you, at least).
11. Start the P90X workouts. Again.
12. Do it like a middle school sleepover and take a spa day – manis, pedis and maybe even that haircut you’ve been needing (hint: you need it).
13. S’mores. Even if you don’t have a gas stove, you definitely have a microwave.
14. Errands? Goodness, no.
15. Hit up a show: stage musical, poetry reading, improv comedy troupe, concert. Especially now that Gossip Girl is on hiatus, there’s no excuse for putting off quality amusement anymore.

Want more Monday Funday suggestions? Keep reading at CollegeCandy!

After four summer internships in the fashion industry (at Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Krupp Group, a boutique public relations firm) I have learned more than I could have imagined, and I have plenty of stories about my experiences.

Since now is the time to start thinking about possible summer internships, I thought I’d share some tips to get you inspired. Here are my top tips for scoring a fabulous internship and succeeding once you’re there.

1. Take any internship experience you can get, as soon as you can.

It is hard to break into your first job as a person with no experience, so you have to be willing to take almost anything to build your resume, even without pay.

I first decided I wanted an internship the summer after 11^th grade, but no one would hire me because I was in high school. Fortunately, my mom works in the fashion industry and was able to make some introductions for me, helping me land an internship at a fashion PR firm in New York City, Krupp Group. I worked 9 to 5 without pay for the whole summer before senior year.

I went in on my first day knowing nothing about PR and having no idea what I was in for, but I ended up having an incredible experience and even interned there again the next summer. Even though I had to work very hard, for free, I got something priceless in return – fashion-related experience for my resume, which very few other high schoolers are able to get.

2. The first week is always the worst.

The first day of an internship is nerve wracking, of course. But what no one ever told me was that it doesn’t get better right after the first day.

I was ready to quit my first internship after one week, but I stuck it out and ended up loving it. It was difficult because I had never worked in an office before, and I didn’t know office etiquette, the computer programs, and the people. However, after the first week or so, I started to get the hang of things and enjoyed the rest of my time there.

Now, I go into internships knowing that the first week will always be awkward. It is spent meeting new people whose names you can’t remember and trying to do everything right while having no idea what you are doing. But as I now know, after the first week, everything gets better. You get to know the people you work with, and the small tasks that seemed impossibly complicated at first become easy after a while.

3. Asking questions is better than doing something wrong.

After the first week of continuously asking my boss and co-workers around me what to do, I was worried that they would get annoyed. But I quickly learned that no matter how stupid you may feel a question is, you should always just ask it.

When I was interning in the public relations department at Tiffany’s, I had to update the press website with pictures of jewelry pieces and corresponding information. I was unsure which prices and style numbers to include and ended up writing in the wrong numbers for close to a hundred pieces and had to do the tedious work all over again. After realizing that one question would have stopped me from feeling like a complete idiot in front of my supervisor when I sent her the wrong information, I made sure never to make that mistake again!

4. Change your outfits to fit where you are working.

During my internship at Krupp Group, from observing my co-workers, I realized that I could wear Converse sneakers if they were worn with a pretty dress, and jean shorts if they were paired with a blazer and flat sandals. Everyone dressed very fashion-forward, and even though they would wear shorts and summer dresses, they always wore high heels and looked very chic.

Tiffany’s, on the other hand, was a totally different story. As opposed to a boutique public relations firm, Tiffany & Co was a corporate environment and I knew that I would be dressing very differently once I was handed a two-page dress code after my interview. The dress code called for longer skirts and no bare shoulders, even in summer. After my interview, I spent an afternoon shopping with my mom, trying to find outfits that would be conservative, yet still fashion-forward. I ended up spending the summer in brightly colored, silk and chiffon short-sleeved dresses.

During my internship at Chanel, I worked for the managers of the boutique and ended up spending most of my summer assisting the sales associates at the store. Because the stock rooms were spread over four floors and I spent the entire day on my feet in the store, heels over three inches were definitely a no, and I paired my black flats with plain dresses, skirts and blouses of all colors to blend in, always making sure to add a black cardigan on top because the store was freezing.

The moral of the story? There is no right way to dress for an internship; the best thing to do is go for a conservative outfit on the first day and adjust from there, depending on how everyone else dresses. The best thing you can do is fit in with the office environment.

5. The busy work is worth it.

On an incredibly hot August day during my internship at Krupp Group, I had to go back and forth on the subway from the office to the Condé Nast building four times in one afternoon carrying garment bags filled with cashmere sweaters. At Tiffany’s, I had to enter the prices for hundreds of pieces of jewelry onto an excel document in a few hours. These busy work tasks, though tedious, are a part of any internship experience. And in the end, it was worth it to do them, and do them well and quickly, because other experiences made up for them.

When you show that you can do simple tasks well, your supervisors will give you more complicated, and more interesting, tasks. During an event at Tiffany’s, I got to sit at a table to check guests in and was able to peruse the event space, filled with beautiful pieces of jewelry during my free time. Not too bad, right?

6. Everyone makes mistakes… and they are all fixable.

During my internship at Chanel, I was put onto the sales floor to assist the sales associates… without any retail experience. I had to learn quickly, and unsurprisingly, made many mistakes – most happened at the busiest times, when I would try to help the sales associates but ended up making more work for them because they had to fix whatever errors I made.

Of course, during these times, I felt like an idiot, but the people I worked with were never mad. In fact, they were always grateful for my help. I was lucky enough to be working with the nicest people, who taught me so much and allowed me to learn from my mistakes and get better. The lesson here? If you are kind and respectful, everyone wants to help you – and they’ll probably give you the chance to learn and improve.

7. Smile.

This one is pretty straightforward. People like happy people. As a young person entering the industry without experience, the best thing you can do is to be positive, happy and willing to do just about anything.. without complaint. If you can do this, I promise, the sometimes long days of monotonous work will pay off!

Your thoughts?

Internships, though difficult and sometimes not gratifying, are truly great experiences and worth chasing if you want to work in fashion someday.

For more tips on getting an internship, read the series How to Get the Internship of Your Dreams and, as it gets closer to the time when you’re applying for internships, going to interviews, and getting dressed for the first day, check back – I will be here with some tips and tricks!

Did this help calm some nerves? Are you thinking about summer internships already? Ask any questions in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer!