Happy Saturday, guys!

It's finally bright and sunny here, I almost can't believe it. Do you guys have any fun weekend plans? Share them down below! Today, I'm showing you my go-to airport outfit and my absolute essentials. My top priority is comfort but I also want to make sure I don't look too sloppy, in case I need to go anywhere right after the flight.

I've traveled a lot in my lifetime and I've learned that the most important things you can bring are things that will keep you hydrated. If you're on a long haul flight, remember to drink lots of water and don't be afraid to slap on a face mask! The air can be so drying and by the end, you feel like a dried up tomato. A face mask or any kind of hydrating lotion will help freshen up your face.

My trick to looking a little more awake without wearing a lot of makeup is to bring a bright lipstick. Works every time!


1. Ribbed Side Slit Cardigan from Loft (click here)

2. Modern Tie-Up Tee from Madewell (click here)

3. Body Shaping Leggings from Zara (click here)

4. Nike Juvenate sneakers in Bright Melon (click here)

5. Pull&Bear Mini Backpack from Asos (click here)
Layering is so crucial. Often, I find myself either really warm or really cold in the airport and on the plane so wearing multiple layers allows me to control how hot or cold I get. Plus, you get the added bonus of looking like you didn't roll out of bed and actually tried to appear decent.

My favorite outfit consists of a T-shirt, cozy cardigan, and leggings. I know. A lot of people have a love-hate relationship with leggings. I think they're fantastic. It stretches with you and keeps you warm. Wearing a longer cardigan to cover the crotch and the buttocks also makes the outfit a little classier. You can choose to wear a fun T-shirt with graphics or patterns or opt for this Madewell one with the tie in the front.

The little details matter! Notice the leggings have zippers on the front. The texture of the cardigan. Even the bag that you bring can add a little something extra. The one that I included is a leather-like backpack with a pink pom (also bc I'm obsessed with poms).

Finally, since everything is in a neutral color, it never hurts to wear a brightly colored pair of sneakers. Comfortable for walking but very stylish.

EXTRAS
1. Carmex (click here)

2. e.l.f. Shine Eraser (click here)

3. Laneige Water Mask (click here)

4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Blushing Nude (click here)

5. Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion (click here)

Welcome to my last and final post about Seoul!

Transportation was probably one of the easiest aspects about traveling in Seoul because the subway system is fairly organized and almost always on time!

My biggest tip to you is to download the Kakao metro app. IT IS THE BEST. I'm not exaggerating. It tells you exactly what stop to get off at, which train you need to take, where to transfer, and even which carts to get on. Even if you don't use it for that, the app also has the subway map right on the main page, which you can refer to at any time.

Many places are within walking distance even though they seem far on the subway map. If you can, I recommend walking. It's a great way to get exercise and save a little on train fare. My mom and I walked from Insadong to Jonggak near the Cheonggyecheon Stream and then all the way back to Myeongdong. We were able to explore more areas than if we had taken the train!

BUY A TRAIN CARD. Seriously. You'll be able to avoid buying single tickets every time you need a ride. You can keep the card as a souvenir at the end of your trip or return it at the machine for a deposit.


Here are some general tips that might make your life easier while you're in Seoul:

* Weekends are a nightmare. If you like being surrounded by a buttload of people, then this might not be as big of a problem. However, I'm a homebug. Personal space is necessary. But you won't get it here, especially on the weekends. People have no awareness for personal space. You'll get pushed around in the subway and on the streets. No one really apologizes for it; don't take offense!

* Public trash cans don't seem to be a thing here. This becomes very evident when you've purchased ice cream or other portable foods and find that you can't dispose of it when you're done. Carry an extra plastic bag just in case. Some places have trash cans where there are food stalls and food stall owners will typically take your trash for you when you're done eating the street food. I've stopped by convenience stores before to throw stuff away so that's also another option.

* If you are exchanging money, it's better to do it in the city than at the airport. Myeongdong has a ton of money exchange stalls so keep your eye out for the ones with the best rate.

* Depending where you are staying in Seoul, a taxi can be very convenient. Yes, it's pricier than taking the airport limousine or even the train. But if you have luggages to carry around and you've just gotten off a long flight, a taxi can be much more comfortable. We took the international taxi so they spoke English, which was great. It was a flat rate based on region. You can split the cost with others so it's not TOO expensive. Plus, there's less stress from not having to lug your suitcases on the subway.

* Find a hotel or Airbnb near a supermarket if possible, if you plan on cooking or just want better food selections. I loved being near Emart during my first visit and was devastated on having to rely on convenience stores in my second trip. Food is less expensive at supermarkets compared to convenience stores. If you do end up going to a supermarket nearby, remember to use a 100 won coin to access the shopping carts. Don't worry; you'll get it back when you return the cart.

* Beware of scooters!!! I can't tell you how many times I almost died because they snuck up behind me in alleys.

* Don't forget that many businesses operate above the first floor. You might miss out on something great if you only keep your eyes straight ahead.

* Need to pee? Most subway stations have restrooms. It's just plain awesome.


I hope you enjoyed this mini series of posts. Let me know if you plan on visiting Seoul and where you end up going!

Not everyone likes shopping but if you're traveling to a different country, it can be worthwhile to pick up a few souvenirs! Similar to food, shopping ranges from cheap to high end. If you are looking to purchase a lot of souvenirs or clothing, I would try the underground malls connected to the subway stations. My favorites were the Goto or Gangnam and Myeongdong underground shopping centers. There are others as well like in Dongdaemun and Jonggak. Goto is the biggest one that I visited and definitely the most crowded. I would stop by on the weekdays if possible.


Thinking about a pricier purchase? You can try haggling in some of the shops in the underground malls. Most prices are set but if the item is above $70, it's worth it to try and get them to lower it a bit.

To get to Goto mall, take the subway to the EXPRESS BUS TERMINAL STATION, EXIT 8. Bonus! This is also connected to Famille Station. It's like this fancier area with a variety of international food options. The Banpo Bridge is also nearby if you are interested in seeing the rainbow lights show at night. Within the Goto mall are food courts on either end so feel free to grab a bite while you're browsing.


If a traditional mall seems more appealing, the biggest ones are COEX and Lotte World. COEX is nice since it's attached to the aquarium, so you can kill two birds with one stone. Both have extensive food options as well. COEX is also connected to Parnas Mall, with a lot of higher end brands. I liked that COEX had a mix of expensive and more affordable brands. The aquarium was fun as well, though definitely very pricey. If you are in the area, the Bongeunsa Temple is also nearby so be sure to check that out! To get to the mall, go to SAMSEONG STATION.


Lotte World Mall is divided into two areas so be wary when you first enter the building from the station. When we entered, we thought the mall only had designer brands. After viewing the directory, we realized there's a bridge to another side (also where the food is). I believe it's on the fifth floor but once you cross the bridge, the other building will have more affordable clothing options as well as several restaurants. There's a bubble tea shop right past the bridge, which I recommend! To get here, go to JAMSIL STATION.


As I mentioned in my other posts, university areas also have a lot of shopping. My favorites were Ewha and Hongik.


Here are some other tips you will need to know:

* Some places will charge you extra for a plastic bag. It is worthwhile to carry an extra tote bag if you plan on buying a lot. Same goes for supermarkets!

* If you're buying something cheap, chances are, the quality won't be that great either. However! I have found quite a lot of good sweatshirts for under $10 USD so it's not applicable to everything. Just try not to have high expectations.

* Many shops, particularly the ones on the street or in the underground malls, do not sell clothes with sizes. They are 'free' size. One size fits all. I have also seen this in several clothing stores in traditional malls. I mainly eye-balled and hoped that it would fit (though some places do have fitting rooms).

* Sometimes they will sell you the item on display. I always try asking to see if they have a new one in stock and more often than not, they'll check for you!

* Sales people can be VERY aggressive here. Do not let that deter you from making your own decisions and do not be afraid to say no if you really do not want to buy something. I've had quite the few ladies being pushy as soon as I touch something on the rack. Not all of them are like that but it's something to be aware of.


....And that's a wrap! My next and final post will be general tips that helped me during my trip!

Hi everyone! I'm back this week with another tips post to help you shop smarter in 2016. Just a tiny disclaimer: I'm not saying that these are rules you absolutely must follow. They're meant to guide you and inspire you to shop in a more thoughtful way. By taking the time to assess your purchases, you can buy pieces that you'll actually get a lot of wear out of and use the money saved to indulge in other things like vacations or charity funds or bills. This doesn't apply only to clothing but anything that you can spend money on that isn't really a necessity.

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Are you buying the item because it's on sale or are you buying it because you actually like it?
You'd be surprised how many people shop for products based on price rather than personal preference. Often times, it becomes a situation of convincing yourself that you'll wear the $10 jeans at least once. It must be worth the $10. Wrong! If you don't truly love the piece, you'll never reach for it in your closet. It becomes wasted space and money.

If it's a clothing item or shoes, did you try it on at the store first?
I hate bringing home clothes that end up not fitting. Not only that, it's hard to envision how it will look on your particular body without trying it on. Sometimes I realize that even though it fits, the material doesn't feel right or the cut isn't flattering. If you have the time, please try it on!

Does it fit?
Again, it's important that you aren't buying something because it's trendy or cheap, especially if the piece doesn't even fit properly. I've experienced this with jeans where it might be a little baggy around the waist but I convince myself to buy them, thinking I'll wear a belt with it. I never do. I never touch them because I have other jeans that fit way better. Same with shoes. I've bought boots that look really cute but hurt my feet so I end up not gravitating toward them as much.

How much wear will you get out of it?
This is a hard question to answer, no doubt. When you're out shopping, it can be challenging to imagine how an item can coordinate with other pieces in your wardrobe. Instead, my tip would be to think about how it fits into your overall style. Do you wear pieces like this often? If you're trying something new, ask yourself if it styles well with basic items that you most likely do have, such as black jeans, white t-shirts, chambray button ups. That way, even if the item you want to buy is outside of your usual style, you'll know you can get wear out of it if it works with pieces you definitely know that you own.


You don't have to cut yourself off completely but set a monetary goal in mind when you go shopping and try not to spend over a certain amount. If you come across something that you absolutely can't live without but it happens to go over the limit, don't feel like it's the end of the world. Buy it if it means a lot to you to have it. The monetary goal is to help curb any impulse purchases and also to help you keep track of how much you actually spend during these shopping trips.

One of my favorite ways to do this is to literally use only cash to pay, and to bring the maximum amount I'd allow myself for that shopping trip. That way, I'm forced to shop more thoughtfully and to consider what purchases are worth my money.


Have you ever bought a shirt or a pair of shoes or even a necklace and realized when you got home that you own something very similar (or even the same item!)?
I can't even tell you how many striped shirts I have. That being said, it helps to familiarize yourself with what you own. What pieces do you have the most of? Maybe try not to buy anymore of the similar style (unless you really wear all of them often). That also means knowing what you don't own. You may have a ton of black dresses but you don't own any that are formal. Or you may fill your closet with brown ankle boots. The next time you go shopping, it could be worthwhile to look into brown ankle boots with different textures, shapes, heel heights, etc. Or you could buy different colored ankle boots instead. Knowing what you have and don't have can help you make wiser decisions about what to buy and what to add to your collection.


You can have a separate account set aside for fashion items as long as it doesn't interfere with other fiscal obligations, such as bills, loan payments, etc. Even $20 per paycheck can add up and you won't feel as guilty about spending it because you have already set that money aside specifically for shopping purposes.


If you don't already have an idea of how much you spend per trip, you can jot it down in a journal or notebook. You can also make an Excel sheet, whatever works for you! See how much money you're using for fashion purchases per month and it will be a lot easier to know where you want to cut back or even how much you want to cut back. The great thing about this is that you can be as detailed or as vague as you want. If it's too difficult to list each and every purchase, you can start by documenting the total amount per trip. Being aware is the first step to shopping in a more meaningful way.


Shopping online can be dangerous because it's very easy to add items to your cart. It eliminates the process of feeling the item and there are often a lot more choices online. My tip would be to add whatever you want to the cart, take a break, and then revisit to see if you've changed your mind about anything.

It's almost like writing an essay. The first time you write the entire thing, it can sound very good and you may not notice any grammar errors or whatnot. The second time you read it, you start to notice sentences that can be moved around or an odd wording that could be edited. Revisiting something with a clearer mindset can help you see better. So while you're in the shopping mood, add items to your cart that you want to buy. Come back in a few hours and reconfirm that you truly want to buy those items. You'll save yourself from having to return a bunch of products!



What are some shopping tips that you have for saving money or just for preventing your closet from overflowing? I'd love to hear your thoughts so leave them down below!


Bye for now,
Jenn

Happy 2016, everyone! I don't want to sound cliche but 2015 really did fly by. I almost can't believe that we've made it to the new year already. This year, I'd like to continue improving myself as well as asmallbit. Resolutions aren't really my thing because I find it more effective to accomplish smaller tasks. It can be overwhelming if you start off with major goals, especially if you don't know how to get from A to B. Similarly, when I want to freshen up my space, I like to take it step by step.

Here are some tips that I've found helpful if you're like me and you've accumulated a lot of items in your wardrobe over time but aren't sure how to fully utilize those pieces.











Do you have any tips on how to freshen up your wardrobe? Share them down below :)


Bye for now,
Jenn

I know I have been hesitant about creating social media pages for this blog because I'm worried I'll fall off the bandwagon at some point. However...I've decided to make a Twitter account since it's easy to update you guys on posts and it's a much more interactive platform.

So show a girl some love and come follow me on Twitter @asmallbit :)



If you're interested, take a peek at the sidebar and follow me on Bloglovin' and Polyvore for more fashion tips!

It's finally starting to cool down here in New England, which is awesome because sweaters and boots are coming back! I'm so sad that September is already winding down but it reminded me that it's still back-to-school season. In honor of that, I'm dedicating this post to my personal college experience and a tip that might help those who are unsure if they want to pursue a fashion degree.


Let's start with some background.

From a young age, I knew I loved fashion. I wanted a glamorous career. Mind you, this was 12-year old Jenn's ambitious thoughts. As I got older and I was about to graduate high school, many of my teachers asked me if it was wise to study such a specialized field like Fashion Merchandising rather than a broader field like Business. Truthfully, I was so stubborn and set in my ways that I went ahead and entered a school known for its fashion program.


The four years I spent there were great. I learned a lot about the fashion industry. I did many presentations covering fashion history, sustainability, economics, whatever. I participated in fashion shows. I learned how to draw flats and design clothes. Photoshop. Fashion photography. Everything was exciting and fun. I gained a lot of experience as a result. However, so did my friends. Those who went to bigger universities to study Business or Marketing landed amazing jobs as well. I realized by the end that it was not about what I studied but how I used that knowledge to my advantage. It was upsetting because I finally understood how limiting a specialized major can be, especially if you decide you want to do something else by the end.

So here I am now, going back to grad school to get a degree in Communications.

My lesson and tip to you isn't that all specialized majors are bad. However, as a high school student or even a college freshmen, research, research, research. Talk to someone you know who has majored in the field you're interested in. Get their opinion about how beneficial the degree actually is. Talk to some professors from various departments and listen to their personal life story...how did they get to where they are now? The more you know, the better off you are to make a good decision. Because let's face it...college isn't cheap. I wish I had done this when I was in high school but I was too busy focused on my own agenda. So if you decide you do want to pursue a fashion career and you want a fashion degree, make sure you are absolutely passionate about it.


I hope that was helpful to some of you. If not, pass the tip along to someone you know who might need the advice! Let me know what college/university tips you have down below!



Bye for now,
Jenn

As with most items that I purchase, I like to thoroughly check that it's in perfect condition. After all, I'm handing over my money with the expectation that this product isn't damaged so of course, I need to pay extra attention before I bring it home.

When it comes to shoes, I seem to go over the top in playing Inspector. Although shoes will get busted and worn over time, I like to make sure that there are no defects and that these shoes will actually last me. So what do I look for when I shop for shoes?


COMFORTNo matter how good a shoe looks and how close it is to what I'm searching for, I always have to consider its comfort. For me, a shoe is useless if I can't wear it for more than an hour. I need to at least be able to walk in it without wanting to change out of it. (The only exception I have for this is heels but let's dive into that later). With comfort as my priority, I'll check to see if there are any stitches that rub against my foot the wrong way. Next, I'll look at the cushioning. Not all comfortable shoes need to have a cushion but I give it extra brownie points if it does. Then I'll see if the front of the shoe is too narrow or wide. You want the shoe to look flattering but if it's too narrow, your toes will pinch together and if it's too wide, your feet will look bigger than they actually are. Finally, I'll look to see if the sides of the shoe are rubbing under my ankles the wrong way. This is a personal issue. There are a lot of flats and heels that fall right under my ankle bone and it just hurts when I walk. I will also check to make sure the back of the shoe doesn't rub because I am not about that blister life.


MATERIALAfter that, I have to consider how it's made. The one thing I can't stand is buying specifically boots that are glued down to the sole. If you've ever bought a cheap pair of boots, you'll know what I'm talking about. There's a thin film of glue holding everything together and I just can't trust that it'll hold up to New England weather. My favorite and personal preference is when you can see a stitching around the shoe and the sole. I feel that it's more secure and less likely to open up after a couple of wears. In my experience, these kinds of boots have lasted me the longest. For other shoes like sandals, I look at what it's made out of. For sneakers, my main priority is if it feels stiff or not. Depending on the material, some sneakers can feel very suffocating so I try to avoid that.

source

SOLELastly, I will check the sole. A lot of shoes are made with a very smooth and slippery-feeling sole. While it adds a very sleek and luxurious look to the shoe, it's highly impractical for walking on smooth floors. I don't know about you but I certainly don't want to fall on my butt like that. Even though they have those grip things you can stick to the bottom, it just isn't the same as having a sole with some traction to it. I'm partial to rubber soles because they don't slip and it's okay to wear when it rains or snows outside.

source

EXCEPTIONSLike I mentioned, heels can be an exception to an extent. I still highly value a shoe that has comfort but if I can't wear it for over an hour, it's okay as long as it doesn't rub against my foot the wrong way. I only ever wear heels for formal events and because it's not an everyday shoe for me, I don't consider how long I can actually wear them for. If I do need to wear a heel for a longer period of time, I'll find a wedge heel. There's more stability and it's still classy. After that, pretty much everything else applies. The material has to be nice (preferably leather) and the soles can't be slippery. I mean, high heels + slippery sole is just asking for a disaster.


Those are all my tips for buying shoes! What are some of your tips and tricks? Is there anything you absolutely must have in a shoe before buying it?!

I know. It's only Monday and I'm already thinking about Friday but don't tell me you aren't thinking it too! So let's talk about Casual Fridays and what to wear if you're having trouble mixing work and play.

Now if you work in a corporate environment, the dress code can be strict to enforce formality within the workplace. If you work in a more creative setting, the dress code can be loosened to adapt to the individuality of its employees. Some companies will allow you to ditch the tie and heels on what is known as Casual Fridays. For others, everyday is Casual Friday.

So how do you incorporate work-friendly pieces with laid-back vibes?

In the interest of welcoming spring (whenever that may be in New England), I have decided to play around with a pastel color palette and lighter fabrics. My main focus for this post is the blouse. It's a key player in professional wear because with the right cut, it can flatter most body types. The blouse is also comfortable when flowy and can easily adapt itself to other styles. So whether you're wearing it for work, drinks, or a chill lunch date, the blouse will get the job done.

On the left, I paired a sleeveless layered blouse with standard khaki tailored pants to maintain comfort but still emit a professional tone. To jazz it up, I added some oxfords with a bit of shine but can be switched out for colorful floral heels after work. This really helps add dimension to an otherwise plain outfit. To keep a balance with the bold colors, I opted for a grey handbag with gold hardware that screams "I am serious business". For makeup, neutral eyes with a bold lip to match the heels will pull the entire look together.

On the right, I created a more feminine outfit but with similar elements from the other ensemble. The wide skirt adds enough length to make it work-appropriate but the light floral pattern gives it more character. To let the outfit speak for itself, I chose neutral colored heels, which also helps with lengthening the legs. Because there is quite a bit of volume in the lower half, I added a cropped fitted blazer to streamline the top half. From there, it was about adding little touches of warmth with the rose gold watch and mauve pink lipstick.



The key to dressing for a more casual work environment is to incorporate at least one tailored item into the outfit. It could be heels, a blazer, a peplum top, pants, skirt, whatever. As long as you have a piece with some structure to it, the whole outfit elevates to being professionally acceptable. From there you can play with adding color, texture, print, or layers to bring out your personal style.


What is YOUR go-to outfit for Casual Fridays? If you don't work at a company that has Casual Fridays, what do you wear to work? Let me know down below!



~Jenn

Pantone's 2014 Color of The Year, as I'm sure you all know by now, is Radiant Orchid.

According to Pantone..."Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health."

If you aren't the type of person to wear a lot of color (anyone else totally guilty of living in black clothing for the winter...?), now is the time to bust out a little something something for your outfits. Spring is fast approaching, or so we New Englanders like to hope, and everyone is pining for something to rejuvenate their dull wardrobe.

Let me show you how to wear Radiant Orchid, whether you love wearing bright colors or refuse to wear anything that isn't monotone.

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Radiant Orchid by asmallbit featuring a clear nail polish

LOOK #1
Going Out With The Girls

Black is such a safe color to wear when you want to look put together but also dressy. Wear a flowy cropped tank top with high-waisted jeans or pants and strappy heels for the perfect outfit to get your groove on! Incorporate a bit of Radiant Orchid with your accessories, whether it be studs for a subtle touch or a small crossbody bag to break up the black.

It'll give your outfit a little more interest and on the bright side, you'll be able to spot your bag easily if you leave it somewhere!


LOOK #2
Lunch, Brunch, Dinner Date

A striped top is an essential. Skater or circle skirts have been in trend for a while now and pair well with fitted tops to give the illusion of an hourglass figure. Go for a cropped version for a more springtime appropriate look and choose a skirt that is bold in color. The Radiant Orchid color will speak for itself and the brightness of the color will lift the entire tone of the outfit. It's a wonderful alternative to the showstopper red that most people would consider a "sexy" or "attractive" color if you plan on wearing this on a date.

Tie in the color of your skirt with a necklace and keep the outfit balanced with some nude heels (they'll lengthen your legs, too. bonus!). If you really aren't feeling the colored skirt, pair the top with a black skirt and opt for a bright lipstick instead. It'll instantly brighten up the face.


LOOK #3
Frolicking in the Fields

Whether you plan on going shopping or having a picnic, this outfit is great for casual activities. Overalls have been making a comeback in the form of skirts and shorts. Go for a lighter wash denim to contrast with a bold colored top. The graphic tee I chose is fitted and cropped, to maintain the figure against the looser silhouette of the overalls. Graphic tees are fun and easy to wear. Depending on the graphic, it can be a great way to showcase your personal style and be a conversation starter!

Don't like how crazy the print is? No problem. This will look just as good with a white tee. Try a bold nail polish color to add a bit of color to the outfit. If you just aren't a fan of the brightness of the Radiant Orchid color, try a lighter tone of purple in your accessories or your shoes. Canvas sneakers are an easy way to incorporate color to an outfit (and they're wicked comfy!).


I hope these tips were helpful and you can use them as a general guide to wearing any kind of color. Happy styling!



~Jenn

Surely, I've mentioned on this blog on several occasions that I'm a college student and a fashion major. Blahblah, you know the drill.

This upcoming semester (in about 4 days), I'll be a junior! Yay, hurrah, finally.

I have no idea if any of my readers are just entering college or going to be in college or already in college. Maybe you just moved out and are living on your own. Or maybe this post is totally useless to you???

Either way, as with all things that I write, I hope you find inspiration and enjoy :)

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STORY TIME

Packing can be a complete nightmare, especially for college and if you live far from home. Luckily, my college was somewhat close so if I forgot anything or needed anything, it wasn't a hassle to get it.

My freshman year, I roomed with three other people. All of us pretty much packed our entire homes with us, just in case we had weird emergencies that required us to whip out ten extra blankets or fifty pairs of socks. Needless to say, our inexperienced freshman selves knew only to come prepared.

Only when summer vacation rolled around did we realize how much stuff, for lack of a better word, we had tucked away in every nook and cranny and crevice of our room. Sweaters that were never worn, lint rollers that were never used, tissue boxes that collected dust, and light bulbs that never saw the light of day. Packing it all away proved to be a more challenging feat than we anticipated.

I swear, one year, my roommate literally just dumped all of her junk into garbage bags and called it a day.

My greatest advice: pack what you need. and pack lots of undergarments.

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TIPS

1. Bras and underwear.
Pack a lot. Make sure they're ones you actually wear! I made a sad mistake of bringing many new bras that I had never tried before and they were so uncomfortable to wear that I left them to take up space for the rest of the semester. Same with underwear. The fun thing about this is that you can avoid doing laundry for longer (which is a godsend when you're too tired or busy to care about laundry).

Lion Roar Ankle Socks2. Socks.
Same philosophy, really. Especially for the winter, socks are a staple! You can never have enough.

3. Bring clothes that don't require too much fuss.
I hate wearing sweaters that need tank tops underneath because the knit is too loose or shirts that need to be hand washed. It takes up extra space in my suitcase/closet and it just takes up too much time.

4. Clothes that don't transfer color in the wash.
Personally, I wear a lot of dark colors anyway so doing laundry isn't hard for me, since I literally just dump it all in with no real concerns. I guess this depends on your style and how often you do laundry.

Good Cook EZClean Nonstick 3-qt. Sauce Pan5. Eating utensils/cooking stuff.
If you have a kitchen in your dorm or you like to make food, I recommend bringing a pot that can be used for multiple things. Something medium sized, nonstick, with a handle and a lid. You can make pasta, stir fry broccoli, chicken, ramen, whatever. It'll come in handy! Having a spoon, fork, and knife is useful too.

6. Emergency toilet paper rolls.
Sounds weird esp if your school has people cleaning and restocking the bathrooms but I've had a few occasions where the people don't come or there's no more toilet paper anywhere and it becomes a dire situation between your bladder and the inefficiency of the school's maintenance crew. So, having an extra roll will save you. trust me.

7. One thin and one thick blanket.
Depending on where you live, the room could be hot as hell or colder than your freezer so having one of each will be nice! Plus, if it gets super cold, you can layer both!

8. Two pillowcases and two bed sheets.
Remember to wash one set every so often to stay clean! All the bacteria build-up on the pillow can lead to face acne. and who wants that...

9. Scissors and tape.
If you like decorating your room with pictures or just have random threads in your shirt that you need to cut off, these things will be helpful :) plus, I'm pretty sure I went through tons of tape. I don't even know why...

Beginner's Sewing Kit10. Sewing kit.
Doesn't have to be intense or anything but it's good to have if you rip a hole in something or have a fashion catastrophe.

11. Hand sanitizer.
Do I even need to explain this??

12. Disinfectant spray.
Again. You can never be too safe!

Women's New Classic Flip-Flop13. Flip flops (Waterproof).
I pretty much live in my flip flops at my dorm because it's convenient and they're wonderful for when you get out of the shower to prevent the floor from getting wet and gross. Come on, let's be respectful of the people who get in the shower after you :/

14. Portable fan.
During the spring semester, it can get nasty hot so this will help combat it!

Blue Q Large Stand up Shopping Tote15. Laundry tote bag.
Does anyone know those 99 cent bags you see near the cash register of Marshall's or TJMaxx? Well, thanks to my mom, those are the only bags I'll use for carrying laundry because it's much easier than lugging around those pop up hampers. Doing laundry was a pain because the machines were all the way downstairs and if you're anything like me, carrying 2 weeks worth of clothes isn't ever a walk in the park.

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Those are my tips! I'm sure even if you aren't in college or uni anymore, they can be helpful in your everyday life :)

What was your college experience? Let me know!

~Jenn