Tag: television

All the Best Shows to Binge-Watch This Fall

Even though September is full of changes, adjustments, and growing schedules, it’s important to enjoy what free time you have. Personally, I love to watch—well, binge-watch—my favorite shows. Though not maximally productive, I believe that entertainment and storytelling are such significant parts of culture. You can gain a lot from decompressing with a sweater, a warm blanket, and a Netflix subscription. The following shows are my personal picks for chilling out while also getting into the spirit of fall.

PHOTO: Anna Coke

1—Gilmore Girls

When it comes to fall television, one of the first shows on my mind is always Gilmore Girls. The little town of Stars Hollow is the epitome of cozy—even when flowers are in bloom and the sun is shining. The tight-knit relationships of all the different characters mixed with a seemingly old-fashioned setting make for the perfect hot cocoa binge-watch session (with a cute mug, of course). Plus, Rory’s trials and tribulations with friends, school, and relationships often offer some pretty sound real-life advice.

PHOTO: Rachel Zuckerberg

2—Stranger Things

Second is the best, right? Stranger Things is the perfect addition to this list for a multitude of reasons. Not only is the show literally set in the fall of 1983, but the ’80s music, fashion, and overall vibe easily put the viewer in a mood most naturally paired with fall months. With season two set to premiere late this October, now is a better time than ever to put on some snuggly tacky socks and binge-watch. Stranger Things may be hyped-up to no end, but the hype is very much lived up to.

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

3—Master of None

If you’re a fan of laughing in general, then there is no reason why this Netflix-original shouldn’t be on your to-watch list. Comedian Aziz Ansari and writer Alan Yang, the creators of the show, never fail to deliver hilarious moments without traditional set-ups and punchlines. Master of None is clever, charming, and straight up funny: the perfect combination for back-to-school viewing. There’s also something about the New York City setting that always makes me feel transported and inspired.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

4—The Vampire Diaries

Much like Gilmore Girls‘ town of Stars Hollow, The Vampire Diaries‘ setting of Mystic Falls provides a quaint small-town atmosphere that complements snugging-up this season. Of course, it goes without saying that the fantasy world of vampires, werewolves, and witches screams “Halloween.” Additionally, the outlandish drama of TVD’s core group of high schoolers often helps to distract me from any of my own problems or anxieties—even if just for 45 minutes.

 

What’s on your to-watch list for this season? I’d love to read your suggestions in the comments below! If you’re searching for other ways to get into the fall spirit, check out college fashionista’s Pinterest mood boards.

Featured photo by Jordyn Wissert.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ Fan Guide to Georgia

If you are obsessed with The Vampire Diaries like I am, visiting Georgia would be on your bucket list. Anyone who watches the show learns that TVD takes place in Mystic Falls, Virginia; although, they film it in Covington, Georgia. Last month, I took a trip down to Georgia to tour the town that my favorite characters live in and the set of where they actually filmed the show. Below are the highlights of Covington’s Mystic Falls!

1―Vampire Stalkers/Mystic Falls Tours. This exclusive guided tour takes you around Covington (Mystic Falls) and iconic locations that were featured on the show. No other tour has access to the characters’ homes—such as the Lockwood Mansion, Elena’s, Bonnie’s and Caroline’s homes—and personal stories from the tour guides from when the actors actually filmed the show. The tour guides are from the area and are close with all of the actors on the show.

2―Historic Covington Square. Covington is rich in television and film history and the historic square holds a special place for The Vampire Diaries fans. The iconic court house, the park bench, and overall town square are featured on tons of episodes and epic finales. It is so cool to take pictures of the square in iconic spots that the actors actually stood on!

3―Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast. During my stay in Covington, I stayed at the Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast. There are other hotels around the area, but not only was this inn in the heart of the town, they actually filmed in this house! Yes, you read that right. This house was used as flashbacks to the 1864 Lockwood Mansion. It’s such a historic and beautiful property that added to the atmosphere of beloved Mystic Falls.

4―Mystic Grill. If you are a The Vampire Diaries fan, you know the importance that Mystic Grill has on all of the characters and the plot of the story. Located in the historic Covington Square, the Mystic Grill is an actual restaurant. Though, the inside differs from what it actually looks on the show, being able to eat at the actual restaurant from the show is still a plus.

5―Vampire Stalkers/Mystic Falls Tours Store. Ran and owned by those who run the tour, this store sells a wide range of TVD and The Originals memorabilia such as T-shirts, hoodies, home and kitchen décor, etc. Also, they sell merchandise such as the character’s daylight rings/necklaces, character’s lanyards and ID’s, and signed autographs.

Have you visited or plan on visiting “Mystic Falls?” Show us your photos on Instagram by tagging @CFashionista!

5 Netflix Shows to Watch This Summer

With the busy semester behind us, chilling out is essential during summer. Whether you stay in pajamas with a cup of tea or have a movie night with the girls, one of the best ways to destress is to binge watch all the shows you’re trying to catch up on. Over the course of the school year (especially this last quarter), so many great TV shows and specials came to Netflix. Here are a few Netflix shows that I’m obsessed with and will be catching up on this summer!

1—The Get Down. When thinking about this series as a whole, the only word to truly describe it is “art.” From the acting, music, and visuals to the gripping story, everything about The Get Down will give you inspiration and feels. This show truly has it all.

2—Girlboss. Calling all Fashionistas! This real life “rags to riches” story set in the heart of San Francisco circa the Myspace era features Britt Robertson as entrepreneur Sophia Amoruso. If you’re a fan of the girl boss herself or of her innovative fashion brand Nasty Gal, add this empowering and upbeat show to your list!

3—Abstract. As an art major, I find endless inspiration in each artist featured in Abstract. Each unique artist from Es Devlin (Beyoncé’s stage designer) to Tinker Hatfield (the incredible Air Jordan designer) tells their personal story while sharing their magical work. I can’t exclude the beautifully artistic editing, animation, and cinematography featured in the documentary style series. For all the art and design lovers out there, Netflix’s Abstract will have you hooked and eager to create.

4—Dear White People. Filmmaker Justin Simien continues his film Dear White People with this highly anticipated Netflix series. There is no denying the power of television in starting a political conversation. Though the title can be controversial, the reality that this show exposes is all too real for people of color and can open up a bigger conversation among us all. If anything, this show reminds us to stay woke.

5—Master of None. The second season of Aziz Ansari’s series is just as hilarious, relatable, and witty as the first season. The show follows Ansari’s character, Dev, who is trying to make it as an actor along with his diverse group of friends in New York City. Their adventures and experiences highlight the experiences known to the majority of those who make up America—immigrants or children of immigrants.

The lack of diversity on TV has started to improve recently thanks to shows such as Master of None and Dear White People. What makes these shows so great besides being hilarious, heartwarming, and entertaining is their ability and consciousness to call out the huge problem of representation on television and to give voice to those who are marginalized by mainstream media.

What do you think about the recent rise in representation on television? What new Netflix shows are you loving? Let me know in the comments below!