OOTD

Sweater, TJ Maxx. Mustard cords, Ross. Flats, Coach. Wraparound watch, Charming Charlie. Scarf, somewhere in Poland. Earrings, flea market in Texas. Also, look how long my hair is right now (I went natural today, which is unusual, but there just wasn't time to curl it).

Surviving an 8 a.m.

Before I started college, I vowed that I would never, ever, ever take an 8 a.m. class. I am the complete opposite of a morning person, preferring to sleep until noon rather than start my day early. Even after four years of waking up at 4 a.m for debate tournaments, I still struggle getting out of bed before eleven (I know, sad).

This semester, however, I was forced to take an 8 a.m. class. It's a journalism class, and is a pre-requisite for every other journalism class I need to take for my major. Therefore, I had to take it this semester, or I would be behind for at least a semester (and what if it wasn't offered next semester? Then what would I do?).

No matter what time your classes are in college, they're always too early. So, to avoid being miserable for a whole semester, here are a few tips for surviving an 8 a.m.

• Get a good night's sleep. I know that's asking a lot, especially in college, and I don't expect everyone to clock a full 8 hours every night. But if you're going to bed at 4 a.m every night and waking up at 7, you're only hurting yourself. Try to do work between classes and during breaks, rather than trying to rush through ten assignments in a few hours. Also, don't go out every weeknight. It's only going to cause you trouble. 
• Eat. You don't have to wake up extra early for a full-course meal. Grab something on your way to class; most professors will let you eat in class, especially at such an early hour. I usually grab a granola bar and one of those bottled frappucino's, or stop at one of the coffee places on campus. If you don't have time before class, grab something right after. Just make sure you eat so you're not cranky and hungry the rest of the morning.
• Do your work before class. I know sometimes you can put off homework until the day of, but nobody can do work effectively at 7 in the morning. Get your homework, at least for your early classes, done the night before at the latest.
• Get everything ready the night before. Lay out your clothes (especially if you're like me and still want to look cute at 8 a.m.), put everything in your backpack, and make sure everything is ready to grab and go in the morning.
• Pay attention. I know it's hard, but you're still there to learn. Drifting off or staring at your phone will only make you more tired. Listen to your professor, take good notes, participate in discussions, and generally be involved in the class.

As much as I complain about getting up early, I really enjoy my 8 a.m. class. I love being a journalism major, my professor is experienced and fun, and I'm making friends in the class. Try to enjoy all your classes, not just the early ones, and it'll make getting out of bed a little easier every morning.

OOTD

Sweater, Urban Outfitters. Jeans, Ross. Boots, Ross. Scarf, Target. Earrings, Tiffany & Co. Plus, a few of my posters!

Nails, detail- Dark green is Essie 'Stylenomics,' glitter is 'Beyond Cozy.'

OOTD

It's been rainy, foggy, and gross in New York, but at least that gives me an excuse to wear my rain boots!

Shirt, Forever 21. Mint jeans, Ross. Rain boots, Sperry. Plaid boot socks, a shop in San Francisco. Necklace, Nordstrom. Earrings, Betsey Johnson.

OOTD

I'll try to come up with better titles for simple outfit of the day (OOTD) posts, but for now, we're being generic.

I don't have a whole lot to say (other than I've been planning to wear this outfit for a couple weeks now and I'm already thinking of new ways to rock it).

Sweater, H&M. Skirt, Target. Boots, Ross. Necklace and earrings, both Betsey Johnson.

A Co-ed's Closet

Before starting college last fall, my biggest concern was not moving far away or pulling all-nighters; my fear was how my style would change. All through high school, I wore dresses or skirts almost every day, often paired with heels. I was comfortable and cute and it was easy. However, when I was packing up my clothes (pulled from multiple closets), I wondered if I would change. I certainly couldn't wear heels to class since I'd be traipsing across campus, outdoors, in uncontrollable weather.

As you can see, my fears last semester were irrational; these are 'normal' outfits for class.

Dress, TJ Maxx; blazer, Forever 21; tights, Target; shoes (not pictured), TJ Maxx; necklace, Tiffany & Co.

Jacket, Michael Kors; coral jeans, Ross; boots, Target; hat, Target; striped top, TJ Maxx; purse, Coach.

Colored jeans have become my signature over the last couple of years- I own over a dozen pairs in all colors/styles/fabrics. I love them; they go with anything and everything, which makes getting ready in the morning (especially at 8 am) a little easier.

Speaking of my 8 am class, let's talk a little bit about dressing cute at such an awful hour. I was forced to take an 8 am this semester, as it is a pre-req for every other journalism class I need (sob). I spent the last couple of months panicking that I would sleep through it (as I slept through a 10 am last semester about 3 times) or end up looking like a hobo. Now, granted, no one is expected to look perfect for a college class at 8 am, but I have spent almost 19 years building a reputation for myself as the girl who always looks put-together. So, here's an example of what one of my roommates called "comfy chic."

Shirt, Polo (stolen from my brother); skirt, H&M; boots, Target; thermal tights, TJ Maxx; earrings, Betsey Johnson.

I think this is probably enough for right now, hopefully everyone enjoyed this! Many more college fashion tips to come!!