College Gloss: 5 Reasons We Love

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5 Reasons We Love "Pretty Little Liars"

"Pretty Little Liars" came back for one night only to premiere their Season 4 Halloween episode, and the spooktacular event was better than ever! PLL’s Halloween episode was quite the fright fest with the liars finding themselves in new and dangerous situations. From Hannah’s shenanigans to Ezra’s secrets to the scary town of Ravenswood, the episode definitely kept us on our toes the entire time. We don’t want to give away too many secrets, so read on for five reasons why College Gloss loves "Pretty Little Liars." But, beware that this recap may contain some twisted and spooky spoilers.

1. The Liars’ Fashion Sense

From Aria’s edgy outfits to Spencer’s chic and sophisticated style, the girls always wow us with their ah-mazing ensembles. In every episode, the Liars’ outfits are better than the last. We’ve seen them in ball gowns, school clothes, and in the most recent episode, vintage clothes from the Victorian era. No matter what they’re wearing, all four girls always flawlessly pull off each and every outfit.

2. Caleb

He may be Hannah’s beau on "Pretty Little Liars," but that doesn’t mean Caleb (Tyler Blackburn) can’t be our eye candy. The 27-year-old hottie pretty much grabs everyone’s attention with his strikingly good looks, big heart and toned muscles. Although we’re definitely upset that this new spin-off, Ravenswood, means he will no longer be a big character on PLL, we can’t wait to see him as a lead in his own new and spooky show.

3. The Never-Ending Scandals and Plot-Twisting Scenes

"Pretty Little Liars" pretty much always keeps us on our toes with the nerve wracking and eerie vibes that the show is known to give off. The nonstop scandals and schemes continually make us eager for more. Not to mention, the constant search for the identity of the real A is always a crazy rollercoaster ride. From one episode to the next, PLL never seems to disappoint and always keeps us on the edges of our seats.

4. Ali’s Alive!?

We have been seeing two girls in red coats around Rosewood and Ravenswood for a while now, but hadn’t been given any compelling answers … until now. While we knew that red coat No. 1 was Cece Drake, the question regarding who red coat No. 2 was had remained a mystery for far too long. In a crazy twist of fate near the end of the episode, the girls chase down red coat No. 2 and finally find themselves face-to-face with the REAL Ali.

5. We Feel Like We’re Solving the World’s Biggest Mystery

Every time we watch PLL, we feel like we’re Nancy Drew, solving a new piece of the never-ending mystery. When one secret is uncovered, there’s always another question lingering behind the next corner. "Pretty Little Liars" has the ability to bring out the detective that is inside of each and every one of us.

All of these gut wrenching scenes, never-ending questions and juicy drama are only a few of the reasons that people cannot get enough of this mysterious show. The fourth season’s Halloween episode has left PLL fans everywhere eager for more. But, for now there’s nothing else we can do except wait until January when the season continues with new and even more scandalous drama.

By: Nicole Levitt | Images: 1, 2

5 Reasons We Love Zooey Deschanel

Quirky. Weird. Awkward. Three traits once considered undesirable, until a blue-eyed brunette with bangs made America fall in love with her. During the course of falling in love, America fell in love with everything once considered abnormal. Zooey Deschanel’s peculiar and odd nature set her apart from other Hollywood starlets because she wasn’t the glam girl, the popular girl, the girl next door…she was just Zooey, the dorky girl from California. Which is why College Gloss loves Deschanel.

Her “weird” nature
Quirky, "adorkable," awkward…whichever way you put it, Deschanel is not your average starlet. Although there was a time she did not fully embraced it, she has now fully accepted who she is, and it makes her feel more relatable. It’s kind of like her character Jess said in the show New Girl “We’re weirdos. But that’s who we are. And that’s fine.”

Her old-fashioned vintage style
This is definitely a breath of fresh air in the Hollywood scene because Deschanel is not like one of those glammed-up Hollywood personas. On and off-screen Deschanel dons an old-fashioned sense of style and even lifestyle: “I love old music, old movies, screwball comedies, vintage clothes and basically I'm an old-fashioned gal.”

Her artistic soul
Everyone knows Deschanel is an actress, but do you know she is a singer and musician as well? She is part of a band named She & Him. Deschanel said: “I always thought I would be able to sing and act, but at a certain point, it became difficult for me to share the music part. So I was writing a ton of music, but not really doing anything with it. I didn’t really know exactly who to collaborate with…until I met Matt, and everything seemed to fall into place.” Their first album was released in March 2008. Deschanel plays the piano and ukulele for the band.

She encourages female empowerment
HelloGiggles, Deschanel’s website, is a site that was made partly to create a positive place online for girls. “I just felt it's important to teach young girls to be strong people, to not think, I can’t do this because I’m worried about what people will say. There are worse consequences, but online negativity stops people from being creative, part of which is having bad ideas as well as good ideas. When somebody says, ‘That idea’s stupid,’ you stop your flow of ideas. We can’t have the next generation be so afraid because they have been attacked.” The website is an environment for females to find some laughs and things to enjoy.

She’s a busy woman
Deschanel acts in a hit TV show, performs in a band and runs the website HelloGiggles for women…that in itself is a reason to love her. She’s an everyday woman whose work never ends. Isn’t that the way it is for the rest of us? This solidifies that Deschanel is just like us, and overall, that is what we love about her.

By: Alnycea Blackwell | Image: Source

5 Reasons We Love Miley Cyrus

We can’t stop, and we won’t stop obsessing over Miley Cyrus. Cyrus has transformed from young Miley Stewart on Disney’s "Hannah Montana" to edgy Bangerz artist. She may have originated as a Disney Channel star, but this 20-year-old triple threat is quickly making a new name for herself as America’s hottest pop sensation. Read on for five reasons why College Gloss loves Miley Cyrus.

1. She’s isn’t afraid to be herself
Miley Cyrus is breaking out of her shell and making quite the statement while doing it. Cyrus has played many different roles and tried out various styles, but she is finally showing fans who she truly is. She is quickly moving away from the image that the media has created for her; and, instead, she is shaping that image.

2. She’s a fashion icon
Miley Cyrus has an eye for fashion. Not only has she been experimenting with her wild side lately, but she has been starting plenty of trends while doing it. In a recent interview with Hunger TV, Miley opened up about her personal style: “There’s definitely something amazing about being so lady like yet being so punk,” the 20-year old said.

From her ever-changing hairstyles to her courageousness in making fashion statements, she sure does know how to catch everyone’s attention. Cyrus is showing the world that taking fashion risks is one way to make people talk.

3. Her vocals are remarkable
Cyrus can sing her heart out and has shown the world that she is indeed a force to be reckoned with. The release of “We Can’t Stop,” the first single from Miley’s hit new album Bangerz, was an instant sensation selling over 200,000 copies in the first week, with the music video breaking the VEVO record for most views in 24 hours. As if that wasn’t enough for the pop queen, her next single, “Wrecking Ball,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 1.

Cyrus’ vocals have quickly helped her become a pop icon with people everywhere talking. Not only the fans can’t get enough of the pop queen’s new album, but celeb’s also have taken note. Ed Sheeran recently complimented Cyrus in an interview with “The Mirror,” saying, “I think she’s got an amazing voice.”

4. She is today’s hottest “It Girl"
Cyrus’ ambition, fearlessness and extreme confidence have made her a hot topic. Her controversial VMA performance started as 20 seconds of fame and turned into months of people talking. By shocking the world with a performance that nobody was expecting, Cyrus successfully made the transformation from tween celebrity to adult sensation. The provocative routine got the world's attention, allowing Cyrus to take her career in the direction she wanted. Her drive for success and determination will continue to keep people talking, as Cyrus’ career only continues to blossom.

5. She’s comfortable in her own skin
Miley Cyrus is not afraid to be different, and the confidence she exhibits, along with her ability to just be herself, has allowed for the transition of the year. She may beat to her own drum, but believing in herself makes anything possible. “I want to be really clear and determined with everything I’m doing in my life right now, and I have been. I keep saying I’m the happiest I’ve ever been and that’s not even a dig,” Cyrus said when she opened up to Ellen DeGeneres in an interview. “I really am genuinely happy finally with myself.”

Miley Cyrus is a star to watch. With her impressive vocals, keen fashion sense and infinite courage, Cyrus has endless career opportunities awaiting her.

By: Nicole Levitt | Image: Source

5 Reasons We Love Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke is a Hollywood actress with heart, drive and a fantastic acting instinct: she understands that you have trust yourself and your abilities before listening to your critics. She’s been starring on the HBO hit “Game of Thrones” as Daenerys Targaryen since 2011, and now Clarke can add Broadway bombshell to her resume, currently starring as Holly Golightly in Truman Capote’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” (The role was originally played by Audrey Hepburn in the film adaptation.)

Clarke grew up in Buckinghamshire, England with her family, and her love for drama and acting began when her mother brought her along to a theatrical set of “Show Boat,” where her father was a theater sound engineer. At the age of 3, Clarke fell in love with the lights, camera and action of a set, and she performed in shows throughout her school days. She also studied at the Drama Centre London, where she acted in 10 plays before moving to America after graduating in 2010.

Read on for five reasons why CG loves Emilia Clarke.

1. Acting isn’t just her career path, it’s her craft
When it comes to young Hollywood, some actors and actresses are just into acting because it can come with a big paycheck, or they want their 15 minutes of fame. To Clarke, acting isn’t just some job with a paycheck; it’s her chosen craft. And like any skill, she wants to work at it and perfect it, which shows her true dedication. In an interview with The Telegraph, Clarke explained her approach to her character’s role on HBO: “We both started out as naive young girls with plenty to learn ... I feel like I’ve learned a huge amount. I think we’re similar in that we try not to make the same mistakes twice. Not to sound too much like an obnoxious actor, but the character never really leaves me.”

2. She doesn’t sweat the small stuff
No one’s perfect, but celebrities often feel the pressure to be the best at all times, whether it’s on set of their latest movie, or when they’re walking the red carpet for an awards show or premiere. Clarke breathes new life into the Hollywood scene by understanding that ignoring the negativity and gossip, instead of perpetuating it, is the best option . Clarke has said, “...I don’t really look at stuff online. At the start I was looking and found something which wasn’t very nice, so now I leave it all. My life is unrecognizable compared to what it was- ‘Game of Thrones’ has opened doors that were never there before. But it can be dangerous to see it in those terms, I think. It’s best to take it as it comes and work as hard as you come, and hopefully the other things fall into place.”

3. She skillfully transitioned from screen to stageAlthough she was a stage actress during her school days, performing on stage wasn’t something that Clarke had done in a while, since her role on HBO takes up much of her time. With the support of her family, friends and “Game of Thrones” cast and crew, Clarke decided to take on Broadway as the lovable ‘Holly Golightly’ in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Since opening night March 20, Clarke has been praised for reprisal of the role originated by Audrey Hepburn.

4. She’s as generous as she is talentedClarke is also admirable because of her kind and hospitable attitude. Always thinking of others, she often brings food and goodies to the sets of “Game of Thrones” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” It’s refreshing to see a young actress thinking of others, as opposed to acting like a diva who demands “this and that” in their dressing room. In an interview with vulture.com about “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Clarke joked, “Everyone keeps calling me the Jewish mum, because I keep trying to feed everyone ... I’m loaded like a pack horse full of treats every day, but I think they’re appreciated, you know? It’s nice to do stuff for people when everyone’s stressed out.”

5. She can poke fun at herselfEmilia Clarke is both down to earth and level-headed, and she doesn’t get too wrapped up in being a celebrity or breakout television actress. In fact, she is humble and can have a laugh at herself from time to time, which makes her a great role model for young women today. When Clarke was a guest on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” she told Fallon that sometimes she feels silly talking and communicating to dragons that aren’t “there” on the set of “Game of Thrones” because the dragons are later added in editing via CGI technology. She said, “When you’re filming it, you kind of feel like an idiot.” However, this challenge will only strengthen Clarke’s acting abilities.

Emilia Clarke is humble and lovely, and she just may be one of the most level-headed and charismatic actresses on Broadway and HBO today. Along with her current acting roles, she has just finished production on a new movie called, “Dom Hemingway” with Jude Law (its release date hasn't been made official yet, but it should most likely be in theaters by the end of 2013). Whether it be screen or stage, the limit is infinite for what Clarke can achieve throughout her career, and CG can’t wait for Clarke’s next venture.

By: Mallory Feeney | Images: 1, 2

*Corrected spelling of Daenerys Targaryen on July 22, 2013.

5 Reasons We Love Ariana Grande, America’s Newest Breakout Star

Ariana Grande, singer, actress and philanthropist, has achieved so much in her entertainment career, and she is easily going to be one of the summer’s hottest stars with her new hit single, “The Way,” featuring Mac Miller, which became an instant sensation after its release in March.

The soon-to-be 20-year-old is admired both for her willingness to keep pushing to better herself and make all of her dreams a reality, as well as for remaining level-headed and down to earth while working on several projects in the music and TV industries.

Read on for five reasons why College Gloss loves Ariana Grande.

1. She’s a class act
Ariana Grande is a natural-born entertainer who has been performing onstage since she was a kid. Grande is also a multi-dimensional performer, making appearances on TV and Broadway. In 2008, she won a National Youth Theatre Association Award for her role as Charlotte in the Broadway production of "13." Also, she played the clever and funny Cat Valentine on "Victorious," a popular tween show on Nickelodeon. Along with these roles, Grande has voiced an animated character for another Nickelodeon series, "Winx Club." Grande has gained popularity among tween girls, and she is an honest, positive role model for young women, often pushing her fans to believe in themselves and their dreams. She has said, “Never give up on something you love.”

2. Her singing career is strong
Grande’s singing career is strong in two respects, both in where it is headed (success!) and the fact that she is honest with her words. When she sings, it is almost as if she reading excerpts from a diary. She has said that her new album, Daydreamin’, is like sharing her thoughts and feelings with her fans: “They can expect a lot of honesty. It’s like it used to be pages from my diary, instead of keeping diary, I would write songs about what was happening in my life. So it’s really personal. It’s a Motown throwback and pop at the same time, so it’s ’50s and ’60s inspiration mixed with today.”

3. She’s an anti-bullying advocate
Grande has a positive, glass half-full personality, and it is almost hard to think that she has been a victim of bullying herself. She has spoken out against bullying, stating in a blog post for the Huffington Post that “people tend to think that because I’m a performer and I don’t go to a regular high school, that I haven’t personally been affected by bullies. But it’s actually quite the contrary... One of the most terrible feelings in the world is knowing that someone else doesn’t like you. Especially when you don’t know what you’ve done to deserve it. You start to believe that you are the problem and that you need to change something about yourself to be liked, but I’ve come to learn that it’s really not our problem, it’s theirs.” Recently, Grande teamed up with pop singer Mika to sing out against bullying and the so-called “popular crowd” with the new single, “Popular Song.” Ariana Grande is an amazing role model for not only her fans but also for young women because she is an example of someone who has taken a stand against bullying and champions the idea that we need to value who we are: “Be happy with being you. Love your flaws. Own your quirks. And know that you are just as perfect as anyone else, exactly as you are.”

4. She’s extremely personable
Along with the lyrics to her songs, Grande relates to her audience because she is genuine, especially when it comes to her appreciation of her fans. Besides her song lyrics and acting skills, Grande is so personable because she shares her life with her fans -- but with a taste of professionalism. With her social media accounts on Twitter and Instagram, her fans can get a glimpse into her hard work and daily life, and fans can also see that she can be goofy and quirky.

5. Grande gives back
Though her schedule can be hectic and busy, it is admirable to know that Grande still finds time to be philanthropic. Some of her past charity work includes co-founding Kids Who Care, a youth choir that performs at fundraisers. Also, she was a member of Broadway in South Africa, where she had the opportunity to give singing lessons and dance tutorials.

With the release of her new album, Daydreamin’, which was inspired by artists like Mariah Carey and Katy Perry, as well as her upcoming spinoff from "Victorious" called "Sam & Kat" (co-starring with Jennette McCurdy), Grande has so much opportunity and success awaiting her. Grande has expressed that, “I don’t regret any of the decisions I’ve made, because of every choice I’ve made I’ve learned something new.” College Gloss is excited for what’s to come next from this heartwarming teen sensation, whether it be her acting career, singing career or hearing about all of the positivity she radiates in the media.

By: Mallory Feeney | Images: 1, 2

5 Reasons We Love Ashlan Gorse, America’s Favorite Entertainment Journalist

Vibrant, light-hearted and hard-working are a just a few characteristics that come to mind when thinking about Ashlan Gorse. Gorse is a vivacious entertainment journalist, and she works as a correspondent for the media and celebrity news outlet E! News. She has an amazing red carpet presence and has interviewed many famous actors, including Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Drew Barrymore and William Shatner, to name just a few.

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Broadcasting and a Minor in Music, Gorse landed a gig with the prestigious NBC Page Program in New York, working behind the scenes at shows like “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “Saturday Night Live.” Soon after, she moved to Los Angeles to serve as editor-at-large for Life & Style Magazine. Her entertainment and celebrity insight was always on par, and this led Gorse to transition from her position at Life & Style to that of working as a broadcast correspondent for the extremely popular E! News Network.

Read on for five reasons College Gloss loves Ashlan Gorse.

1. Confidence is the key to her success
Gorse is a spirited, hard-working television personality in the media today, and she has landed so much success in the entertainment broadcast world because of her drive and passion for reporting. In an interview with glamouredition.com, Gorse commented, “It took me six years after I graduated of working my tail off to getting my job at E!. It’s a long and extremely bumpy road, but if you have your heart set on it, go after it.” Gorse is a major inspiration to college students looking to breaking out into the entertainment reporting scene because she understands the competition nowadays, but she is quick to remind students that if you persevere, more opportunities can be opened.

2. She’s “eco-chic”
Gorse understands that it’s always “in” to be eco-friendly. She contributes a blog to E! Online, “Eco Chic with Ashlan,” that highlights easy tips and tricks for everyone to try to reduce their carbon footprint and explains how to be more environmentally-friendly. All of her blog articles offer extremely helpful -- not to mention resourceful -- advice and ideas. Some of her advice includes buying makeup with less packaging (since it’s going to be thrown away anyway) and to try to walk to complete your errands, as opposed to driving. Gorse has said, “I have since set out on making myself, my car, my house, my dog and even my co-workers more eco-friendly without sacrificing style. I mean, we do work at E!”

3. Gorse embraces her shape
In an age where everyone is obsessing over keeping up with style debutantes and following the hottest designers like Isaac Mizrahi and Michael Kors, it may seem impossible to feel at ease with our body shapes at all times. Ashlan Gorse, however, is a phenomenal example of someone who has come to not only embrace her body shape but also to be proud of who she is. In response to the pressure to look a certain way physically on television, Gorse commented, “I always try to look the best I can... My parents always told me to be proud of my height and I always try to remember that.” In an interview with fitnessmagazine.com, Gorse said that she hates when the entertainment industry places such important emphasis on how “great” it is to be super skinny. She continued, “Luckily, I think ‘skinny’ is celebrated less than ‘healthy’ now that women like Sofia Vergara and Christina Hendricks are on the scene.” To Gorse, it’s most important to “rock what you got.”

4. She rocks both the red carpet and E!
Ashlan Gorse is equal parts witty, outgoing and kind, which is probably the best mix to be a red carpet reporter for the E! Network. She has flawlessly reported for many award shows, including the Oscars, the Grammys and the Golden Globes, and her red carpet presence is both bold and fresh. Also, Gorse is extremely multi-dimensional in terms of her work for E!. In an interview with celebritycafe.com, Gorse explained, “I kind of cover everything, from breaking news to pop culture to music to television and movies, so on any given day I could be anchoring for the evening news, anchoring for the internet, breaking news, or off on a red carpet.” Gorse always tries to step out of the box and try something new -- there is no “glass ceiling” for this impressive woman.

5. Her passion is undeniable
Gorse’s role on E! serves as an earnest reminder to college women alike that your dreams and ambitions can be achieved if you set your mind to it, but to also be prepared for failures along with successes, and that sometimes a dream job isn’t handed to you on a silver platter following graduation. Before E!, Gorse said, “I wanted to be on camera and didn’t know how to make it happen. So I worked my way up from being a production assistant to field producer to segment producer.” Gorse has also made it clear that you need to find a way to do what you love and to take the good with the bad: “Make sure you really, really want to do this. The job is crazy hours and full of stress... Do everything you can to get yourself out there.”

Ashlan Gorse is one of the most intelligent and extroverted women in broadcast entertainment, and she is a personal favorite to CG. Besides E! News, she has also appeared on shows like “The Insider,” “The Early Show” and “The Today Show.” At 33, Gorse always strives to achieve more each day, and her ultimate goals are “to bring more socially conscious stories to the entertainment realm” and to “highlight people making a difference in the world and hopefully inspire others to do the same.” Gorse has definitely inspired CG women to dream big with the right attitude and work ethic!

By: Mallory Feeney | Images: 1, 2

5 Reasons We Love Aidy Bryant, America’s Favorite Improv Newcomer

When it comes to comedy, Aidy Bryant makes improv acting look like a breeze. Aidy Bryant, one of the funniest newcomers to hit the popular NBC show, "Saturday Night Live," is amusing, entertaining and she isn’t afraid to be goofy and go all-out on the show. She’s not only a great role model for those who are interested in acting and improv, but she is also a role model for all young women because she proves that you can be the best you that you want to be, no matter what anyone else thinks.

The soon-to-be 26-year-old is an Arizona native, and she also is a graduate of Columbia College. While studying in Chicago at Columbia College, she also was a student at the iO Chicago Improv Theater, where she was perfecting her improvisation and performance skills. Following graduation, she was a part of the Second City E.T.C. Stage as an ensemble member. After continuously working on her material and improv sketch techniques, it all paid off: she was hired as a part of SNL’s 38th season cast.

Read on for five reasons why College Gloss loves Aidy Bryant.

1. “Comedienne” doesn’t do her justice
Aidy Bryant is more than just a comedienne; she is a brilliant performer. Along with her theatre degree from Columbia College and her training at the iO Chicago Theater, she also learned much of her expertise at the Annoyance Theater. Bryant has charmed many audiences in Chicago and television viewers of SNL alike, with her improv finesse and knack for knocking one’s socks off in her skits. Some of her most memorable skits to date include co-host of the SNL skit, “Girlfriends: Talk Show” (as Morgan) along with her improv skit “Short Squeeze,” a mock infomercial about a massaging business.

2. She gets by with a little help from her friends
Bryant is both humble and imaginative when it comes to her acting and improv work, and she is a first-class performer in terms of making an audience laugh as a solo artist, and as a group talent. Bryant has a vibrant energy that she uses to feed off her fellow improv ensemble actors, making any skit that she is a part of, whether it is a smaller role or a bigger role, help her shine throughout the act. Also, she has worked with several of her current SNL cast members before making it big in New York, including Vanessa Bayer in the skit “Swear Jar” at the Annoyance Theater.

3. Bryant kicks her critics to the curb
Though some have cited that Bryant is “too big” or just not the “type” of actor that should be featured as a part of the SNL crew, it is clear to many audiences that Bryant’s ability to crack a joke and make others smile and laugh has nothing to do with her being plus size -- if anything, her personality helps her internal beauty shine through to her external self. As featured on thedemotv.com, Cassie Belek said, “Bryant’s casting is a significant win for plus-size women in entertainment because even though Adele is winning Grammys and McCarthy is winning EMS, it’s still Hollywood, and there’s still a bias against larger women. Hollywood’s weight problem is far from solved, but thanks to Bryant and [Lorne] Michaels, it’s getting a little better.”

4. She’s bringing ‘grounded’ back
Aidy Bryant, as talented as she is, has stayed extremely modest and humble about her new fame as a featured player on SNL. Though many would have inflated egos about receiving praise for their improv, Bryant has remained completely grounded about the success of all of her hard work.

5. She’s here to stay
Most likely to follow in the footsteps of SNL female powerhouse predecessors Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey, Molly Shannon and Amy Poehler, Bryant is here to stay. In the comic world, Bryant is fresh, bold and her talents surpass her improv skills. Like compatriot Tina Fey (who wrote the teen cult classic, “Mean Girls”), Bryant has also written many comic skits, especially while she was working in Chicago at the Annoyance Theater. Bryant’s resume also includes performing musical improvisation comedy, to boot.

Aidy Bryant is sure to be a future comedy legend, making her initial mark on both "Saturday Night Live" and her past Chicago improv experiences. Her career has endless possibilities, and College Gloss is anxious for her next big role (or even her big cinematic break!) ... but until then, CG will be looking forward to “...live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”

By: Mallory Feeney | Images: 1, 2A

Career: Susan Gregg Koger, Entrepreneur and Founder of Modcloth

Susan Gregg Koger is an intelligent, sharp-witted woman in the vintage shopping world. Koger is the co-founder and chief creative officer of ModCloth, an online shopping boutique specializing in vintage fashions and thrifty finds. In 2013, Susan Gregg Koger (along with her husband Eric, co-founder and chief executive officer of ModCloth) was listed in the prestigious “30 Under 30,” a list of what Forbes describes as “tomorrow’s brightest stars.”

Susan Gregg Koger, always a fan of thrift shopping and a connoisseur of funky, vintage outfits and accessories, often bought outfits that were both her size and weren’t her size because she was always inspired to create new and cool ensembles from her discoveries. She was inspired by her now-husband Eric to begin selling some of her discoveries online to make extra cash during their college days, and in 2002, ModCloth was launched. Originally operating out of her dorm room, ModCloth now has over 90 employees and over 250 contributing designers.

Read on for five reasons we love Susan Gregg Koger.

1. She combines business with pleasure

When someone does what they love, they’re sure to yield the best results, and that is completely apparent when it comes to Koger and her relationship to ModCloth. Koger always loved vintage shopping, and after turning her hobby into a business in 2002 with Eric Koger, it transformed from a dorm room money-maker to a successful online business. In an interview with refinery29.com, Susan Gregg Koger said, “Both of us were attending Carnegie Mellon University at the time, and once we discovered the power of social commerce as a super powerful way to completely change the way fashion is consumed, the business grew... [today it is] a shopping site where customers get to decide what we sell.”

2. Koger and ModCloth alike maintain unique flair and authenticity

Koger is knowledgeable when it comes to discovering quirky and cute vintage ensembles, and it’s her authenticity (along with the authentic nature of her business) that really strikes a chord with College Gloss. Koger has said, “We’re not some big retailer telling you, ‘This is what you should be wearing.’” In an article with inc.com, Koger expressed the importance of ModCloth staying true to its customers: “ModCloth sets itself apart from other online clothing retailers through its authenticity.” Also, Koger and her employees understand that they need to work in the company’s target demographic -- women in their 20s -- and to stay true to what their customers like the most to remain a success.

3. Koger puts her customers on a pedestal

Susan Gregg Koger appreciates her ModCloth customers and always wants to work to service their wants and needs. Koger has said, “We really want the customers to be truly involved,” and ModCloth does exactly that. ModCloth features programs like “Be the Buyer” and “Make the Cut” that were developed specifically for its customers. “Be the Buyer” allows customers to vote on items that they would like to see carried by ModCloth, and “Make the Cut” is a contest in which customers and designers alike can submit their designs and have an opportunity to have them produced by ModCloth. Koger said, “Our customers have a voice in everything we do, right down to the naming, sourcing and designing of our wares.”

4. Koger mixes the old with the new

With a fresh, refined personal style, Kroger can be described as funky, quirky and sophisticated. She mixes vintage with some of the latest trends. In an interview with refinery29.com, Koger said, “I love getting dressed every day. I really believe personal style is a big part of your identity -- it shows the world who you are and who you want to be. I love color. I love vintage, and I love wearing ModCloth... I like to wear clothes that make me happy, and it’s always fun to share that joy with other people that I interact with.” Koger also has a huge style crush on No Doubt frontrunner and musician, Gwen Stefani. “She’s changed so much but always looks like Gwen -- and I really respect that.”

5. She’s always thinking outside of the box

Koger and her husband have always worked to keep their business fresh, interesting and meaningful to their first time shoppers and repeat customers. Besides selling one-of-a-kind pieces found by Koger herself, she realized that in order for ModCloth to both grow as a business while maintaining the integrity of the fashion that was showcased, something had to be done. Today, ModCloth offers retro-chic and fashion-forward ensembles from independent designers. Also, all items that are sold on ModCloth are described with colorful copy writing, offering suggestions of when to wear a piece and more in addition to the basics: color, size and availability.

Susan Gregg Koger is creative, intelligent and her approach to running her ModCloth business with husband Eric is an inspiration to College Gloss. Koger pays attention to her customer’s likes and dislikes, which has allowed ModCloth to become a forum of combining personal style while developing it into something new and exciting. ModCloth also offers fashionable pieces from many different designers, and in order to keep with the high demand of ModCloth fashions, 60 positions have been added in recent years, including stylists, bloggers and web developers. Koger flawlessly maintains the relationship between rocking vintage fashion, strong customer service skills and operating the creative layouts of her business -- be sure to check out ModCloth to become inspired like CG!

By: Mallory Feeney | Images: 1, 2

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