Showing posts with label Vera Bradley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vera Bradley. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

My Summer Dorm Room


Hi guys!
Curious as to how I decorated my single dorm room for my six week summer school stay? Well, here's a quick look!
 
I used things that I already owned from over the course of the last three years, mixing some things in and out so I wouldn't get too bored with what I was using this past school year in my sorority house. The key was not to go too overboard, since it's only six weeks, but make it feel home-y and cozy enough so it's a refuge  from being in class for four hours everyday (summer classes don't play, guys).
 
As you can tell, I used my PB Teen dottie duvet cover with my basic red Walmart sheets. I think this combination looks really sharp against white walls. I added only two new things to this room: the Ikea throw pillow on my bed and a chevron frame from Hobby Lobby on my bookcase (which is yet to get an actual picture in it haha).
 
Because I wanted to make sure my ample supply of wall space wasn't too barren, I used ribbon and hung some of my favorite Instagram pictures from them with clothespins (an idea that is waaaaay harder than it looks, seriously I cheated and used tacs on the walls...shhhhh don't tell on me haha).

 
But it came together really nice! Plus this room was a gem to begin with! It has an adorable dormer window and a slanted ceiling, making me feel like I'm tucked into a little attic apartment. Plus it has a an accent wall and the walls are actually not white, but a kind of yellow, off-white.
So that's my room for summer school! I also have my own bathroom, a long hallway, and a closet too. Seriously, I'm so in love with this room.
 
 
 

Monday, June 3, 2013

Agendas: Lilly Pulitzer or Vera Bradley?


Hi guys!

I know it may seem a little early to be thinking about things such as agendas for next school year, but because Lilly Pulitzer recently started pre-orders on their agendas, and Vera Bradley came out with a trio a month or two ago, I think it would be fun to compare them, especially since I’ve used a Vera agenda twice and a Lilly agenda once.
Last year I struggled with this seemingly easy decision for months, trying to decide which adorable agenda to get for my junior year in college.
I absolutely loved my experiences with my Vera Bradley agendas the two years before it, always loving the cute prints, adorable little notes about how today is something like National S'more day (they have lots of those scattered throughout the month-long views. I received tons of compliments on them, and was super willing to pay the $18 (I just looked that up and I'm sure I paid along the lines of $25 for it, or am I just going crazy?). The cuteness level is sky high on these little gems.
Then last year I learned about Lilly Pulitzer (hey, I'm from Colorado, the nearest store is in Dallas as far as I know), and heard about the massive following of those agendas. So I decided to do something different and buy a Lilly one. I totally loved it, and still use it for my summer classes. Not only is it adorable, but I love how the months vary in different designs, that there are lines to write on for the day/week views, and that once again, the cuteness can't be measured. I received tons of compliments on it as well.
So if you are thoroughly confused now as to what agenda is better or what will make your college life easier and more colorful, don't worry. I don't think you could make a wrong decision. But from a person that has used both agendas, here are the positives and negatives to each agenda.
Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda
New Green Coronado Crab
 
I Loved:
-The variation month to month in design. I liked how October had pumpkins, May had flowers, and February had hearts in last year's. Maybe this is weird, but it made me look forward to every new month.
-It's super girly and fun. This can't be denied with all the flowers, pink, and cute little designs.
-It comes in hard-cover, which I didn't have last year. I think this is good and bad. As far as a good thing, I think it's more durable and easier to write on.
-There are so many views of days, weeks, and months in this, it's ridiculous. There's at least three different ways to view things, whether you are a big-picture person, or a day to day person.
-The stickers that come with it hard adorable. And there are additional sticker sets (Ummm...like the really cute Greek Sticker kit) that you can purchase usually for $6.
-This is a huge thing, and probably my favorite thing about this agenda: it has lines on the day view. I hate when my writing is crooked. Plus it kept it organized and less messy looking.
-There are four different sizes available, so there's one for everyone!
Didn't Love So Much:
-It doesn't come in soft-cover this year. If you are like me, and overpack your backpack, hardcover can be obnoxiously heavy when mixed with a Bio book that weighs ten pounds.
-Since I live in Colorado, the shells, lobsters, crabs, and beaches seem a little weird.
-I feel like with the cover print I had to settle last year and would have to settle this year.
-More expensive.
-There's a lot of features in it I didn't use.
-Too much white space in the day/week views. That's me personally though.
Now let's move on to Vera Bradley's...
Vera Bradley Student Agenda in "Go Wild"
 
I Loved:
-Of course the prints. If you love a print, you get a lot of it. My current favorite is Go Wild, which looks so cute!
-The cute little pictures of what special random day it is. The illustrations are the cutest.
-How colorful the day/week views are. I loved it.
-Available in soft-cover
-Inexpensive (compared to Lilly)
-Smaller in terms of thickness. Both are the same in other measurements. But this is lighter
-Cute stickers that coordinate with the print.
-New agendas have slightly more variation.
-Comes with a bookmark to keep place.
-Month tabs on sides make it easier to see
Not So Lovely:
-Usually there's only three colors. This year because they came out early with a spring 2014 agenda, there might be six.
-Previously, there was hardly any variation between months. They would just take the primary print, and then it's secondary print (like the little print inside of the VB bag or wallet) and alternate. The spring ones now have slightly more variation. So if you buy a Go Wild agenda, you will also have a few months with Lilli Bell and Plum Crazy. I like having my December be kind of Christmasy and so on, so this was the biggest draw back for me.
-No option for hardcover.
-There's one size, which maybe too big for some and too small for others.

I'd like to add that the newest Vera agendas now do have lines to write on the for days, so that's a huge addition! It's super cute!
 
So I hope that kind of breaks down my thoughts on them. I think you can't go wrong either way, and both make fantastic agenda for college students. While Target has some super cute ones, and of course many Universities give away free ones, I think you can't beat a Lilly Pulitzer or a Vera Bradley!
As for me, you may be wondering which one I'm picking up for my final year of college. In that case, I'm definitely leaning toward the Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda in True Navy Tiger Lilly:

 
Feel free to tell me which agenda you prefer and why? Any specific print you are loving?

Be sure to take a look at my full review of my large Lilly Pulitzer agenda for more details!
 
 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

April Lusts


Hi guys!

It’s time again to take a look at things that I’m currently eyeing. It’s always interesting to see how my wants change over the course of a month. 1.



 
 
1. Essie First Timer
I saw this color recently on Youtube and decided that it looks super fun and pretty for spring and summer. It's a sort of like turquoise mixed with mint. Hopefully I can find this!
2. Vera Bradley Euro Wallet in Go Wild
As you know from last month, I've had my eye on a new wallet, hopefully in the really fun print Go Wild. I love the subtle leopard print! I decided I wanted this wallet because it is compact enough to fit inside the mini hipster. But let me know if I should match the print to the purse, or switch it up and have two different prints going on.
3. Vera Bradley Mini Hipster in Go Wild
This looks like the perfect summer purse. Hopefully I can fit all my stuff in it.
4. Forever 21 Bow Tank
I've been eyeing this tank for what seems like forever! I think it looks adorable! Plus I totally have an obsession for bows right now!
5. Monogrammed Bow Phone Case
This case contains two things that I love: bows and monograms! Isn't it cute? Plus, the price is really good!
6. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
So when I first saw this palette I wasn't impressed. It's pretty much the most boring palette that's ever existed. But right now I'm really interested in neutral, natural looks with my eyeshadow, so this seems perfect. Plus I need to use my Ulta rewards points, so I could get at least $8 off of this.
7. Vera Bradley Drawer Organizer
Recently I came up with what seems like the most ingenious idead ever: using a drawer organizer for pretty and functional makeup storage! And of course it would be perfect with this one from Vera Bradley! (Nate Berkus at Target also has the cutest little yellow one too for $18 less...)

I think that pretty much sums up everything I've been lusting over this month so far. What things have caught your eye? I know I'm currently obsessed with cute tank tops! Even though the weather in Colorado is anything but springy...

Thursday, March 21, 2013

March Lusts


Hi again!

I thought once again I’d share some things that I’m lusting over this month. For me, I always find it really fun to have things that I’m excited about or striving to get, even if I never get them (ugh NARS Deepthroat blush haha). So here is a bunch of things that I’ve been eyeing this month!

1.      Old Navy Bird Scarf

On a recent trip to Old Navy, this scarf instantly caught my attention. The floral and the birds in the print are so cute and perfect for spring. I can’t decide though between the neutral gray one or this beautiful, striking blue version. Ugh, the choices!

2.     Bath and Body Works Lilac Blossom Candle

One of my all-time favorite scents, I’m definitely looking forward to getting the candle version of this. Nothing screams spring more to me, than lilacs (seriously, when I have a house, my backyard will have these bushes all over them!

3.     Bath and Body Works Wild Peach Poppies Shower Gel

There is something about poppies that instantly makes me happy. I just love those flowers, so it makes sense this shower gel caught my eye. This scent is like the perfect combination of fruity and flowery, so hopefully soon I can get my hands on this!

4.    Vera Bradley Turn Lock Wallet in “Go Wild”

My best friend in the entire world gave me a $10 gift card for Valentine’s Day for Vera, and when I saw this wallet the other day, I was very tempted to get it. I don’t own anything in Go Wild yet, but I love how this print is neutral, but super fun with the subtle leopard spots. So cute!

5.     Macadamia Deep Repair Masque

This was featured in last month’s lusts, and I’m still lusting away. What’s keeping me from buying this is definitely the price tag. It’s a little steep. But like I’ve said before, I’m in the process of trying to grow my hair out, so maybe that will help me finally just buy it. I’ve never smelled this product, but I just imagine it smelling amazing. If you have tried it, let me know if you’d recommend it!!

6.    NARS Deepthroat Blush

This blush is a given on my monthly lust posts. I’ve been lusting over this since last summer, and I’ve still yet to buy it.

7.    Old Navy Eyelet Dress

Old Navy’s spring stuff is just so cute! This dress caught my eye both online and in store. It’s super cute! I tried it on and everything, but couldn’t decide whether I wanted to make it mine or not. I love sundresses, and this is perfect for spring.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

January Lusts


Hey everyone!

With more time spent on Pinterest lately, and watching my favorite Youtubers and reading blogs, there are some things that I’ve definitely loving right now, all of which I wish I could get my hands on. With Christmas right behind us, and needing to buy books for the new semester here soon, it’s doubtful I’ll actually get my hands on anything of these. But a girl can dream? Right?

Anyway, here is the list of what I love right now:

NARS Deep Throat Blush

This was featured in my November lusts post, and here I am, still lusting away. Part of it is that I haven’t been to Sephora in months. But most of it is because I just don’t want to spend the $28 on just a blush! Ugh! I keep telling myself that NARS Orgasm is working out for me, and it’s a color that many would die to try out too, so I should just be happy with that, but Deep Throat is still calling me. Maybe this month? (probably not) If you have a favorite natural MAC blush you love, please tell me! I'm always so tempted by MAC blushes, but when I swatched Pink Swoon and Fleur, they kinda scared me because they were so pigmented. So help me out here! 

Stila Kitten Eyeshadow
{Source}
So it wasn’t until recently that I started hearing about this eyeshadow, but now it seems to be absolutely everywhere. It looks like such a pretty shimmery color and I would love to add it to my collection! Only problem, it’s $18! That practically as much as the blush that I don’t want to spend so much on! We’ll see. Since Stila is sold at Ulta, they actually have coupons, so I might actually buy it with my $3.50 off coupon or something.

MAC Technakohl Liner in Graphblack
Source
This is another product that I talk about almost non-stop. This costs $15, which is a tad steep for eyeliner. But I am out of my Physcian’s Formula almost, so maybe that will be a good enough excuse to pick some of this up.

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer
Source
This is a new lust of mine. I’ve actually been using the Sephora Perfecting Primer for about the last 6 months, especially when I just use my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. And while it’s worked pretty well, I wanted to see if there is a difference between a high end primer and the Sephora one (which is pretty inexpensive when compared to other brands). I worry a little bit about if this will break me out or make me oily, but I do love Tarte and I would love to try a new primer.

Scarves
I can’t get enough of them! I would really love more infinity scarves (I’m so addicted to them right now). I would love to get a few knit ones, a gray, red, and black one, and this white one I spied at Pac Sun a few days after Christmas (which they probably don’t have any more).

Vera Bradley Double Zip Backpack in Island Blooms
Source
I recently checked out the Double Zip backpack in person and decided that after ranting about its smaller size, that it’s not too bad. However, if the Island Blooms Laptop Backpack ever is not sold out on line, I’d probably take that first.

Old Navy Rockstar Jeggings in Black
 
I’ve been wanting a skinny pair of black pants a lot recently, and I really want to check out these by Old Navy. I have a pair in the normal jean color and they are really good.

Chalkboard

Source
I’ve been seeing all these awesome huge chalkboards online, and I’ve decided that I need one. Well, need to build one. Only problem, how do I make my handwriting and drawing that good? This one from Littlebabygarvin makes me seriously want to have one! Plus, she is so artistic! I know my writing would never be that good!

MAC Studio Fix Powder
Source
So I'm pretty much obsessed with my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. But sometimes, I wonder if I should try out this out because it offers a medium to full coverage. Only thing I'm kinda concerned about is looking cakey and breaking out. I don't usually have very sensitive skin, but I don't want to learn that this bothers me after spending $27.

Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balm
Source
I saw these at Target in this big display, and I was totally drawn to them! I'm not a huge lip product person, but I feel like this type of style would be perfect for me! And the colors looked really gorgeous!

Covergirl Nail Polish
Source
This was also in the giant display at Target and these too were calling my name! The colors looked so lovely! The color above is Toasted Almond and it looks so pretty!
 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

My Favorite Vera Bradley Items


Hey guys! So if you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you will know that I love Vera Bradley. A lot. There is just something about the prints and the styles of the products that just make me happy. Some may say it’s old lady-ish or too floral or whatever, but when I look at it, I see cozy, fresh, pretty, and even young (seriously, tell me Va Va Bloom is an old lady print. It’s not.). Recently, I got to thinking about what are my favorite items I own from there. I mean, I have tons of stuff. Tons. Some hits. Some misses. But what Vera products I would repurchase again? What are the most useful? So here they are:

Laptop Backpack!
As you probably know, I have three already. I love my Vera backpacks. They are bright and cheery (always a plus when you’re going to a class you aren’t fond of), girly, classy, and so reliable. Yes, the bottoms get discolored and kind of worn. But it’s understandable considering the amount of use they get. And I definitely have my eyes on maybe another in Island Blooms…


Laundry Bag
So last Christmas I asked for this sorta on a whim. It was on sale in Mocha Rouge, and although I already have a college hamper I love, I got this anyway. Well, fast forward to this school year in my sorority’s house, and it has come in handy. I don’t always have time to do my laundry up at school this year (14 girls, 1 washer, and 1 dryer make it sort of rough), so this laundry bag has made lugging my clothes to and from school so easy! It’s so incredibly durable. And so large!


Large Duffle
This purchase was sort of just a random one. I had always admired them, but wasn't sold on one mostly because of the price. But when I found it on sale for $65 over the summer, I jumped on this one in Island Blooms. I go home a ton on weekends from college, and this duffle is the perfect thing for packing some clothes and my makeup. I have no clue what I would do without it. Plus, I think it looks really cute in Island Blooms.

Clutch Wallet
Even though this product is on its way out, it’s one that I love. I have in Happy Snails, and now Island Blooms. It is classy as a clutch, good size, and not too big for stuffing in a purse. It’s easy to get into, and even though I was worried about the kisslock, it’s been super reliable and durable.


Laptop Case
This was my very first Vera purchase. Back in high school when I received my first laptop for college, I wanted a cute case. Not one of those ugly black ones. My mom recommended Vera Bradley, which I knew a little bit about, but not a lot. Well, we were shocked by the prices. But we noticed that this print, Caffe Late, was on sale. Even though it wouldn’t be my first choice for a print, I fell in love with Vera after that. It’s been great for traveling with my laptop, and has been super durable.


Napkins
I have purchased many napkins, but I’ve never used them for their intended purposes. These come in handy! I’ve used many for sorority letter shirts and for making pillows for my bed at college. They are awesome deals and ways to make your own Vera Bradley items.  
 
 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Vera Bradley Laptop Backpack Rant


Recently, I checked out the Vera Bradley website and saw something that literally made my stomach drop. The laptop backpack, pretty much my favorite item, is now on clearance, meaning that they are discontinuing the style.

While I might seem a tad dramatic, this really does disappoint me. Why? Because this has been such a great backpack for me. I own three, as I have discussed before, with prints in Symphony in Hue, Happy Snails, and Provencal.
 
It’s one Vera item that I’ve always known will be great quality, and will score me a ton of compliments. It’s both beautiful and versatile. Perfect for all ages, not just college students.

Why did they discontinue it? I’m not sure. I think it’s probably because of the release of their campus backpack and their double-zip backpack this past fall. Or it’s because they are planning a new backpack that can actually fit 17 inch laptops in it.

But I think it’s more the first reason sadly. Don’t get me wrong, those backpacks look like they can get the job done, but neither looks right for me. One is way too big and the other seems too small.

So for now, I love on mine. And maybe eventually I might spring to get an Island Blooms version on sale.

What are your thoughts? Are you as sad and angry as I am?

Edit: I recently noticed that it looks like Vera is going to re-release the laptop backpack (maybe for the Spring collection). It's shape is different, so stay tuned. I'm still going to miss this version though.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

My Newest Paddles


So pillow paddle came and went a few weeks ago with my sorority, and I’m so in love with my paddles. Once you see them, you’ll know why. They are me.
 
Aren't they so lovely? My littles did so awesome! The one on the left matches my room perfectly! And the little sparkles and the bow on it, just make me so happy to look at! The other, the Vera Bradley paddle in Island Blooms, took me by surprise. Because she didn't use a napkin! She found a picture of the print online, printed it cardstock, and used Modge Podge to put it on the paddle! So smart!

Like I've said in previous posts, it's always important to make a paddle that means a lot to your big (or anyone) with personal touches. Like the red and black one that matches my room and the Vera one that matches my obsession.

What would be your perfect paddle? Would it be a Vera Bradley? Lilly Pulitzer? Sports related? Pearls and glitter?

Friday, November 23, 2012

A Very Vera Christmas!


Trying to finalize your Christmas list? Or decide what to get your Vera Bradley obsessed loved one? As one of many that loves Vera (and definitely has some items on her own list), I’m going to offer up some Vera Bradley gift ideas that I think will make your loved one (or you own) Christmas merry and bright!
Some of these gifts are definitely on my Christmas list, while others are ones that I already have and love! No matter what, Vera Bradley gifts are always some of my favorite gifts to recieve. 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Birthday Haul


 
So the Thursday before last was my birthday and it was probably one of the best of all time. I have an amazing family, friends, and sorority sisters, that's for sure! I wrapped up most of the celebrating this past weekend with my family.


On my birthday I was awoken with a delivery from my secret sis, who spoiled me with a venti caramel pumpkin spice latte and a blueberry muffin. I'm so lucky!

And I was also surprised with a flower delievery from my parents! I absolutely love the fall colors in this arrangment! It makes me so happy just looking at it!
 
Then on Saturday, I celebrated my birthday with my family, and it was definitely a fun time! I got a lot of awesome things, that I'll share with you guys! I'm super excited about everything that I got.
 
 
So here is everything I got. A lot, right? My family definitely spoiled me this year.
 
One of the first things you probably noticed in the full haul picture was my new Vera Bradley laptop backpack in Provencal! I absolutely love it! This print might not be for everyone, but it makes me so happy just looking at it, with it's bright mustard yellow! To go with it, I got a matching pencil case! Perfect for fall, right? Then I got some perfume that I've been dying for.
 

 
Then I got some perfume that I've been dying for. Sephora has an online special for Marc Jacob's Daisy, where you get a 3.4 oz of the Daisy perfume that is so popular, a rollerball of the same scent, plus one of the Eau So Fresh scent, and a lotion of the original scent. All for $88 plus free shipping, which is a steal. Just saying.
 


Continuing the fragrance trend, I got my all-time favorite, Country Chic from Bath and Body Works perfume. Which, I actually got for Christmas last year, but upon moving out of my dorm last May, was broken in a tragic moving accident by my dad. So I've lived the last five months without, and it was very sad. But now I have a replacement and I'm really happy.
 
 Another present was this Tub O' Scissors. You know, that cool craft scissors that cut cute little edges on paper? Love them! A must for any crafter or scrapbooker or sorority girl.
 A couple more gifts I recieved were these adorable scarves from Target. I used to be obsessed with scraves in high school, but in college, I always thought that they kind of got in the way. However, now I'm retrying them out, and so far so good! Plus I think they are so cute, that it's worth it.
I also got a one inch curling wand, which I was beyond excited for. See, my hair refuses to curl. Ever. But in the two times I've used this since recieving it, I've had curls. That have lasted more than 12 hours. With minimal amounts of hairspray.
A much anticipated gift I recieved was Sigma's Mr. Bunny makeup brush travel kit. Yep, I finally decided it was time for a brush set. And that it wouldn't be MAC. Kind of earth shattering, right? I'll do a full review soon, but let's just say it's positive so far!
 
This Vera Bradley napkin in Island Blooms might seem completely random, but this is going to turn into a sorority block letter shirt soon! I love this print so much, and it only makes sense that I should have Vera blocks since I'm so obsessed.
 
My mom decided that I needed some yummy little snacks up at school, so she picked me up this Peanut M&M snack mix (which is like trailmix) that has little shortbread cookies, pretzels, peanut M&Ms, and almonds in it. I've been enjoying that as I watch Gilmore Girls to relax!

Knowing how insanely obssessed I am with Bath and Body Works and their fall scents, did you really think that I wouldn't ask for something from there for my birthday? Well, I did. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go to their White Barn Fall Festival (I was so excited for it too!) because of sorority recruitment, but I did hint to my mom that she could pick up some birthday presents that day during the certain times, and get the free Pumpkin Carving candle (which I DEMAND as a full line next fall).
Anyway, in order to get said free candle, my mom bought for me some fall Wallflowers: Marshmellow Fireside, Pumpkin Cupcake, Pumpkin Caramel Latte, and White Barn's No. 1 (Nutmeg and Spice). All so yummy and cozy!! Thanks Mom!!! I think she enjoyed the fall festival, just saying.
 
My mom also surprised me with this absolutely adorable sweater from American Eagle. I know, my iPhone picture doesn't do it justice. It's the lovliest lavender color, with a high/low front and back that's so in right now. I got five compliements on it this past week. So cute and comfy!
 

 Nothing is better than a cute cardigan, and I love dots! It's from Target and perfect for fall!!
Being obsessed with dots, I was also so excited to see this dottie shirt also from Target when I opened up presents! So cute!
 
Sorry for the super long post, but I'm so excited about all my new birthday stuff! I'm so loved and spoiled. But it definitely made a memorable 21st birthday!!


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

I Need It!


Being as Vera Bradley obsessed as I am, you are probably wondering why I failed to talk about the three new prints that just came out this past week. Even though their release wasn’t mentioned on my blog, don’t doubt that I wasn’t completely overcome with joy over them. I know a lot of people (especially college-aged girls) aren’t huge fans of the three new prints : Provencal, Portobello Road, and Canyon. But I must say…I’m completely in love with Provencal. I actually have been since this past spring during the spring preview when I just so happened to wander into a Vera Bradley store one of the weekends they had them all on display. Say what you want about how they aren’t young or peppy or punchy or cute, but that just means that when my birthday rolls around later this month, they’ll be in stock. See, that’s looking at the brightside.
{You can bet that this beauty will be on my birthday list!}
If you’ve paid attention to past posts, I have identified Happy Snails and Poppy Fields as my two favorite prints. However, I think Provencal might make a run for the top spot. It’s just so bright and happy, but at the same time, it’s not in your face like Va Va Bloom. Which, I like Va Va Bloom. Don’t get me wrong. But it’s just not me.
Until this point, I’d say my “signature” Vera Bradley print has been Happy Snails. I mean, I do have a purse, wallet, backpack, pencil case, shower caddy, magazine holders, and last year’s agenda in it. (Quite obsessed, huh?) But there’s something that just makes me so happy looking at Provencal….

 Do you have a favorite Vera print? What are your thoughts on these three late fall prints? Too mature? Too muted? Any direction you hope Vera Bradley goes in the future?