Apartment To-Do List

Hi guys!

I may have been only out of summer school for a couple of days, but already I’m planning for the apartment I’ll move into here in the coming months. I’m super excited, let me tell you! Mostly because I love decorating new spaces!

Awhile back, I was visiting my little (who currently lives in that future apartment) and I snapped a couple of pictures of my soon-to-be room so I can have an idea of the space I'm working with! As you can see, I've been having quite a bit of fun with my new favorite app, A Beautiful Mess!

 

 

 

So from the pictures above you can see that I'm going to have lots of space (a full size bed, a room that is an L-shape, a walk-in closet, and a huge bathroom all to myself!). The tricky part about all that space is making a big impact without sacrificing a lot of money or style.

As of now, here's a little checklist of things that I'd like to buy, make, to do to my future college room to make it feel like home:

-I need to buy some cozy, soft bedding that makes a statement! The bed is the first thing you see when you walk in, so the more colors/impact it can make, the better!

-Lots of cool wall art/décor that doesn't fade into the plain white walls.

-Lots of fun pillows on the bed

-2-3 lamps in the room to bring in lots of light

-Maybe some curtains to bring in more color and keep some of the eastern facing sun out.

-Put the dresser back in the bedroom, and make a nice area for putting on my makeup and storage of my perfume.

-Create a relaxing, nice study space at the desk.

-Include personal touches like a monogram decal and frames around the room.

-Try to keep the room warm and inviting

-Have a set color scheme that doesn't sway too much.

-Include lots of storage in the closet and in the room for my school stuff, makeup, clothes, accessories, DVDs, and other endless odds and ends.

That's about it for the checklist right now. I'm really stuck on bedding and a color scheme for the room.

I'm stuck between a nice, clean cottage color scheme of gray, yellow and white. And between a red, black, and white color scheme. Also yellow, gray, black, and white is an option as well. I have the most things in red, black, and white, but I really love gray and white.

Let me know if you have any ideas for my room or suggestions for a color scheme! I'd love to hear!

Take a look at some of my bedding contenders and mood boards too! I need all the opinions I can get!

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.

 

 

 

More Bedding Contenders!

Hi everyone!  

So as you probably know from a couple of posts, I'm pretty torn when it comes to my bedding for my apartment next fall. I'm extremely indecisive and there are such cute bedding options out there.

Well, to add to my confusion, there are a couple more contenders....



Chevron



Poppies

 

I have always loved the combination of yellow and gray. They are super fresh and clean, not to mention always popular.

I love the fabric of these two.

I'm torn though because this option is more expensive, and I don't know much about this brand.

But I'm such a huge sucker for gray and yellow.

Feel free to weigh in your thoughts on my great bedding struggle.

May Lusts

Hi guys!

I can’t believe how fast May is going! I’ve already finished my first week of summer school (only six more!). Isn’t that exciting? Anyway, between studying and writing papers for my classes, I’ve been lusting over some really fun things this month. With summer coming and me wishing my hair would grow magically overnight, there are a ton of hair products listed, in case you were wondering! Anyway, let’s take a look!

Brush, MakeupBag, Miss Freeze Hairspray, Market Peach Candle, Summer Boardwalk Candle, Wayto Grow Shampoo & Conditioner, Lock Luster Oil Treatment, True Blue SpaShea Cashmere Shower Cream, Dream Angels Multi-Way Bra, & Chevron Bedding

 

Forever 21 Mint Paddle Brush

Okay guys, isn't this the cutest brush ever?! I think so! Previously I thought my polka dot one from Ulta was the cutest, but this one now is officially the cutest. It also comes in coral and black (also both super cute as well) and for less than $4. I'm pretty sure I might buy the coral and mint ones because I can't choose between them! Plus, my brush at home loses at least two bristles a day, so I think a new one is justified, right?

Forever 21 Makeup Bag

Speaking of cute cheap things from Forever 21, every single one of their makeup bags wants to come home to me. This one with the hearts and the mint green (I'm really loving mint green, huh?) is calling me, along with about five others! And who can say no to bags that are so inexpensive and so cute?

Not Your Mother's Miss Freeze Hairspray

So I have been really wanting to try a new hairspray (hopefully something inexpensive) and this one has been calling me. Unfortunately I already purchased the She's a Tease hairspray from the same brand (I'll let you know my thoughts), but if that one doesn't work out I definitely have my eyes on this one.

Bath and Body Works Market Peach Candle

When the Market Peach and other fruity scents came out like two months ago, I wasn't really on the whole fruity bandwagon. I mean, when I think of spring smells, I think of blooms and lilacs and more florals, not fruit. But now that it's getting really hot and transitioning into summer, I definitely am loving the fruity smells, particularly Market Peach! It is pretty much my favorite scent right now from Bath and Body Works and I would love to get my hands on the 3 wick candle! I have the Wallflower in my room up at school and it smells so fun and sweet!

Bath and Body Works Summer Boardwalk Candle

Okay, so if you haven't smelled this yet, you totally need to! I first smelled it without reading the description, so I was shocked when I realized it was caramel corn! I was expecting some weird beach scent or something. But no, this sweet amazing fall-like scent is awaiting! I love love love it! I'm a fall person at heart, give my Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and Pumpkin Cupcake anyday and I'll be a happy girl. But this candle is one that can definitely help me hold out for fall!

Not Your Mother's Way to Grow Shampoo and Conditioner

Reading the reviews of this online, they say it smells amazing and sweet. Which of course calls me! Plus it promises to help make your healthy, eventually helping it to become long and strong. Ummm....all those things sound amazing! Unfortunately, every time I attempt to buy this in Ulta they are sold out! Cue my sad face. Anyway, I'm still holding out and would love to try this stuff out!

Not Your Mother's Lock Luster Oil Treatment

Continuing with the hair trend, I am super curious to try out this oil treatment by NYM! First of all, it's like $6. A product with macadamia oil and argon oil for under $10? Sign me up for that! Basically it's supposed to help condition hair and make it moisturized and healthy and happy.

Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Shower Cream

So for some odd reason my hands have been ridiculously dry recently. I can't explain why. And my regular lotion was not cutting the mustard, so I went to an old tried and true favorite: my Shea Cashmere hand lotion. As I was using this, making my hands feel super moisturized without being oily, I fell back in love with the scent and basically everything about it. So now I would love to get my hands on the shower cream so my itchy, irritated summer skin can feel smooth and nice! Plus smell amazing!

Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Multi-Way Bra

A few weeks ago I went to buy a new everyday bra. One of the associates recommended this one and I fell in love! I have since bought two, but the hoarder in me would love another one (or two?). Basically, these are the best bras I have ever worn. It's super comfortable, it provides support, lifts, and is just a gorgeous bra in general. I'm in love!

American Made Chevron Bedding

I recently found this on Pinterest and fell in love with this beautiful bedding! I've always loved the color combination of yellow and gray because it's so clean and fresh and modern. This set is calling me like crazy! So if you want to help me out, let me know if you prefer this one over my other choices for next year's apartment? I'd seriously love you forrrever!!

So that's my lusts for May! What things do you have your eyes on?

 

Senior Year Mood Boards

Hi everyone!

So I’m still completely stuck as far as what bedding to get for next year, but to visualize it a tad bit more, I whipped together some mood boards super fast. And I’m still completely confused.

Let me know which one you like better!

The first one is centered around the Walmart comforter with daisies, zinnias, and poppies. The main colors are going to be yellow, gray, black, and white. I'll incorporate chevron and dots into the room, as a well as a black monogram wall decal. 

The second option has chevron as a bigger focus with the chevron duvet cover from Urban Outfitters. In this option, red, black, and white are the main colors. I'll have red sheets from Target, use my Vera Bradley Deco Daisy pillows, and incorporate dots as well. 

The second option has chevron as a bigger focus with the chevron duvet cover from Urban Outfitters. In this option, red, black, and white are the main colors. I'll have red sheets from Target, use my Vera Bradley Deco Daisy pillows, and incorporate dots as well. 

Wanna see a couple of other bedding contenders? Take a look here and now see how utterly confused I am! Also, take a look at a little to-do list I made about all the things I want to incorporate in this room!

 

Let me know which one you prefer! 

So I Need a Little Bit of Help...

With my bedding choices.

If you know me, I’m incredibly indecisive. Especially when it comes to bedding. And even more so when it comes to finally deciding if I’m going to have bedding that has red in it or yellow (for reasons that would take too long to explain, I’m not a fan of red and yellow together…it instantly makes me think of McDonald’s).

So I need some help.

You know how I was planning on doing the chevron duvet in black and white from Urban Outfitters with pops of red?

Urban Outfitters

 

Well, then I saw this comforter (at Walmart of all places), and was instantly drawn to it. The cool thing about this on (besides being about $150 cheaper), is that I could still use a black and white chevron in throw pillow and other details around the room).

 

Which would you pick?

Senior Year Apartment

Hi guys!

I don’t know about most colleges, but at my school, the time to decide where to live for next year has come and past. It seems like the rush for housing seems to come earlier and earlier.

Anyway, I love planning what my room will look like. As you probably already know from previous posts, I love trying to come up with new fresh looks for my dorm rooms. It’s something like a fresh slate that always gets me super excited!

For next year, my living situation will be much different than years past. Next year I will be living off campus in an apartment with one of my littles! I’m super excited for this change! Seeing as how it will be my last semester at my college campus (I’ll be student teaching next spring, hopefully in my hometown), this will be a great transition into adulthood. The other things about this that I can’t wait for: my own bedroom and bathroom! Guys, this will be the first time in my life that I’ll have both!

So you can imagine my excitement!

Another reason I’m really excited: that means I have lots of planning and decorating to do! While it’s still early on, here are some things I’m hoping to see in my future space! Here are some things that are bringing me inspiration for next year:


Sources: Duvet, Monogram, Home Print, Inspirational Poster, Chalkboard (Urban Orchard Interiors), Dottie Mugs

There Seems to be a Pattern...

It’s funny how when you love something, you buy thing that have the same characteristics, sometimes without even noticing it, sometimes, fully aware of the similarities. Usually for me, it’s Vera Bradley or dots, or lace, or something along those lines.

Well, on a trip to Kohl’s today, I picked up this super cute tank top. I love flowy tops, but it was the pattern of this one that instantly caught me eyes. Yep! Those are in fact Scottie dogs. And little red hearts. And Scottie dogs with hearts attached to their collars. I knew I had to have it. 

When I got it home and laid it out, I instantly noticed that it looked pretty similar to something else that I absolutely love.... 

My fleece Scottie dog blanket! I love Scottie dogs, and I especially like one that are red or black or have some sort of hearts or polka dots. 

I think it would be such a cool idea for HGTV to do a decorating show based on the things people have in their closets. I would watch it. 

Anyway, do you notice themes of things you love? Like Scottie dogs? 

High Five for Friday!

It's Friday again, so that means it's time for the High Five for Friday!

 
1. Tomorrow is move-in day at the sorority house! I'm a little nervous, excited, and can't believe that I'm about to start my junior year of college! Ahhh, when did I get so old!!

2. My trip to Sephora I took yesterday! I don't see how anyone could ever not like that place. I think I spent over an hour in there, messing around with all the makeup. After all that testing and playing, I picked up two things that I've been eyeing for quite some time: Philosophy's I Love Candy Corn 3-1 Cleanser and Tarte's Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer. I'm in love with the smell of the Candy Corn! If you haven't already noticed, fall scents are my weakness, and this is one of them (although it had some serious competition with the Cozy Cabin gift set, that Pumpkin Spice Late scent is AMAZING!).

{Isn’t the packaging of the Candy Corn adorable?! I can’t get over it!}

3. Fast shipping! I was so worried that the new (and super affordable) cute bedding I bought last Saturday wouldn't arrive in time before I moved. However, it came only five days after I ordered it! From Canada! Isn't that damask cute, though?! I can't wait to see it on my bed! (this bedding shows that there's been a slight change of plans in the decor of my room this fall, so stay tuned haha).

4. This dottie bin from Hobby Lobby. How adorable is this? And I got it for like $12.50, half off! This is either going to store textbooks or snacks in my room.  

5. Some new school clothes! This has been collectively building, but of all the things I've bought, this lace dress has been my favorite! I needed a black dress for sorority recruitment, and when I spotted this one, I fell in love! And because it was only $25 (for an ALL lace dress!!), I actually bought a white one too, for sorority rituals as well! This just in...it's currently, at the time of right now, on sale for $20!! Click your way over to Target, because that is a deal!

 

Hope you have a great weekend! Wish me luck for moving in tomorrow! And for all of next week, which is my sorority’s work week!

Dorm Room Don'ts Part 1

Around this time every year, you hear A LOT of tips and advice on dorm room decorating and college life. Rarely, do people tell you what not to do. So to help make the process a tad easier on everyone, I'm going to offer things that I personally think are dorm room don'ts (such an awkward word...okay, it's not a word, but still).

 Don't buy every item available at Bed Bath and Beyond.

I know what you are probably thinking: "What does she have against Bed Bath and Beyond?" Overall, I think they are a great one stop shopping trip for college. I love the fact that you can reserve items (more like register for them, like you would for a wedding registry) in your hometown and pick them up in your college town. But it's the attitude of college students that buy all of their dorm stuff at BB&B, Target, Walmart, etc. First, when you buy all your decor items at these super common and accessible places (yes, that's what makes them convinent, but that's why the rest of the world shops there too), be prepared that at least one other person on your floor will have the same stuff. Or all of your roommates in some cases.

Point number two, my biggest pet peeve are these pictures:

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Notice something? These rooms' contents are entirely from Bed Bath and Beyond. And would I call these dorm rooms well decorated? Not so much. It's entirely purchased without thought, without personality, and honestly, not very intelligently. What makes a space yours is what you put in it obviously. And I don't think anyone would describe themselves as being BB&B. I'm not saying don't shop there. But I do say, mix and match. Not every item in your room needs to be purchased at the same store. I actually highly advise against that. Pick out things that you like, things that are useful for you, and don't worry about not buying everything in this year's college line at Target. Every place has good pieces. I think Walmart is great overall for bulk. If you don't need something special, buy it there. Things like towels, plastic containers (like Rubbermaid).

Don't let big super stores bully you into thinking what you "need" for college.

{Source}

Just because it's on their snazzy looking college checklist, doesn't mean you need to buy it. Actually, I don't think you should use any retailer's checklist when it comes to shopping. Because honestly, this checklist tells me that I need an aerobed, futon cover, lunch bag, water pitcher/filters, hand vacuum, closet rod, bed lifts, air purifier, and about ten more things I have never needed, and will never need. Tell me, how many dorm rooms can fit all this stuff? And if your roommate does the same thing, you guys are in trouble in the space department (another reason why you should talk to them before moving in, if possible).

My best advice? I'm sure you can make a list of things you use daily, weekly, and monthly that you'll need. And I'm sure you have friends that are already in college. Ask them! Things like Ziplocks, band-aids, and disinfecting wipes are rarely on stores' lists.

More will come! Thanks for reading! And if you need help knowing what to pack, feel free to ask me!

My Dorm Wish List

Wondering what I hope to buy for my room in my sorority house this upcoming fall? Well, prepare to be excited! Because here it is. As a junior (!!!!), I already have most of the dorm room staples. You know, things like laundry bags, basic bedding, shower caddy, and all those important items.

However, I think every student should freshen up their campus collection every year. You don't need to break the bank or redo everything (unless you have the money and want to), but I think it's definitely more fun and exciting to get some new things. Subtle changes in your dorm room year to year are so easy and be extremely affordable. From making your own art, buying simply new sheets or towels, or new frames! So easy! Here are some things that I am personally drooling over, and hoping to add to my room this fall!

First, I would love to have some new sheets, hopefully these CUTE organic zebra ones from Pottery Barn Teen.

Aren't they so much fun? Actually it looks like they are brand new to PB Teen. They used to have a smaller, more subtle (is zebra ever really subtle, though?) pattern, but just checking into their site right now, it looks like these are it. But they are really cute, I must admit.

You can never have enough storage in college, and that's just one reason why I have my eye on PB Teen's dottie bins (medium size in black haha). I'm planning on filling them up with my lotions and body sprays (I know as girls we LOVE to show off our bottles of products, but seriously, if you hide them away it instantly makes you room look so much CLEANER and way more organized), as well as some DVDs.

Although I do really like these chevron fabric bins from Etsy. I'm so confused between the chevron and dottie ones...

What would you choose? I'd love some opinions?

In other areas, I definitely want some interesting wall art.

I think having my monogram on the wall as a headboard is such a cute idea. It would add so much interest and add a touch of flair that isn't often found in dorm rooms. Plus, it's so darn cute!!

I acutally have never used wall decals before, but this year I feel like experimenting a little with that monogram and with some of these cute little frames!

I hope to make a little collage out of these adorable little frames (while displaying pictures of my dog, guinea pigs, mom, sorority, and my boyfriend). Aren't they so cute! Eight come in a pack for $20, and some are actually quite sizable! You can find them at Dormify, Decor 2 Ur Door, and even at your local Bed Bath and Beyond!

So what do you guys think? Any dorm decor you have your eyes on these days?

Thanks for reading!

Chevron Crazy

I don't know about you, but I am loving chevron so much these days! It doesn't help that it is literally everywhere. So it makes sense that since it's such a popular print these days, that it's available for dorm decorating. Are you crazy for chevron? If so, I found some of my favorite back to school items that are sporting this fun zig zag pattern.

First up, these chevron fabric bins are definitely calling me. Not only are they so cute, but they also are perfect for holding DVDS, body care products like lotion, and whatever else you need to have corraled. And what makes them even better? Oh yeah, the chevron!

Definitely a popular item this fall, this chevron duvet is absolutely goregous! It's from Urban Outfitters, and honestly this is the best one I have found so far in terms of chevron bedding. It comes in other colors too, like yellow, brown, and blue (perfect no matter what your color scheme is!)

I'm obsessed with pencil cases (you seriously can never have too many in my opnion), and this one is a MUST. Carrying this in your backpack or purse, or even to hold some makeup would be so much fun.

 I love this Preppy Dorm Room set of art! Of course the Home Sweet Dorm one is a cute chevron pattern. I abolutely love this set. It's wall decor that elevates a dorm from looking like a dorm, to looking like a magazine type space.

This wall caddy from Etsy would be great for college students, especially ones that live in dorms with bunk beds. It could hold magazines, books, and anything else under the sun. Best part, the bold chevron pattern!

This Urban Outfitters rug is super adorable! It comes in a variety of colors (I love the yellow one!) and could definitely add more interest and a pop of color to any dorm room. Isn't it just perfect?

This is yet another fabulous rug from Urban Outfitters. If you wanna follow the chevron trend, but want more interest besides the busy little zig zags, this rug is perfect! I absolutely love the floral and think it would be perfect covering those cold, harsh floors that many dorm rooms have!

I love this dry erase message board that also sports this popular pattern. This etsy shop has great patterns and also carries calendars! Perfect for the busy college student.

This is honestly just the tip of all the wonderful chevron out there right now! So if you find any other lovely back to school items sporting these happy zig zags, let me know!

Inspiration

So last night I was looking at another site that often gives me ample amounts of design inspiration Decor 2 Ur Door. (since I got my iPhone a year ago, text wording is weirder than ever, I don't think I've typed "ur" in years) Anyway this site has some awesome design ideas for a more traditional dorm room and while I don't find myself wanting to purchase anything, they literally have given me so much inspiration in the past.

Here's a tour of their site and some of their awesome rooms!

 This. Is. So. Perfect. I love this red damask look. From the black, white, and red theme (my favorite!), to the dottie and chevron pillows, this look is just so pulled together and I absolutely love the layering! Who doesn't want this to be their bed in their dorm room? Plus, Decor  2 Ur Door has a great idea for making headboards for otherwise plain old dorm beds. How cute?

Here's another look I'm in love with. I love this black and white zebra look. Unlike a lot of dorm rooms that feature zebra, this is done in a super classy kind of way that I love. Plus, I'm totally loving the monogram wall decal frames above the bed. So cute.

 Look at this black and white damask room! Once again, beautiful. And I love the frames and mirror (maybe it is, maybe not haha) above the bed.

Look at the gray textiles? Definitely not something you'd think you would find in a dorm room, right?

Definitely not your average dorm room, right? Hopefully this will inspire you for in your decorating whether for a dorm or not. I know it has inspired me greatly!

College 2012: Target Style

So last week I took a little trip to Target for some beauty essentials. While I was there, I was so excited to see that they've started getting some of their college stuff out! Target is definitely my favorite inexpensive place for back to school stuff, and they always prove to be stylish as well!

As always, it was the bedding that first caught my attention. I love this bedding! It could be great for a girl or a guy, and it's a lot like chevron in a way. It's graphic, bold, modern, and very clean-lined. Plus the colors are so cheery!

Another bedding set that I instantly fell in love with is this black, red, and orange floral one. Once again it's bright and graphic and very cute. I love that this year Target isn't overly pink. While I do appreciate some pink, it's definitely annoying when every single store just carries pink and purple for girls and blue for guys! But it's like Target read my mind, because I actually didn't see any pink in store.

Isn't this blue floral bedding set so lovely? I think so! The blue is bright and happy and the floral pattern is very bold and graphic (I'm using bold and graphic to describe everything haha).

Since orange is apparently just an "in" color these days, I wasn't too surprised to see that Target used the color. I love this set as it's just so fresh and citrus-y feeling.

The frames that go with the college collection also caught my eye. This adorable frame that say "I love us" definitely calls me. I can just see it on my dresser showing off my boyfriend and I. By the way, doesn't the guy in the picture look a lot like Drake? Maybe he's now one of those picture frame models?

I thought this frame with the yellow and gray flowers was also so pretty. So fresh and fun feeling!

This frame isn't technically part of the college collection, but I already have big plans for it in my room this year. I love Umbra, they constantly amaze me, and I love the collage feel. (sorry for any of the pictures being blurry! In my excitment taking pictures with my iphone is not the easiest haha). 

Aren't these wall decals adorable?! I love the dandelions so much!

This frame is perfect for displaying pictures of your family! It has a cute little clip at the top that reads "Family" and at the bottom says "my family is weirder than yours." How cute haha!

Finally this frame with extra space to write on with a dry erase marker is such a great idea! Nothing like writing down your to-do list, favorite quotes, or important reminders besides your favorite picture.

So overall I love Target's stuff. I know they are getting more and more out, so if you head to Target I'm sure you'll see a lot more than what I posted.