Graduation Dress Help

Hey guys,

In about two weeks, I will be graduating from college! I'm so ready to be done, let me tell you!

Anyway, I've been trying to decide on a graduation dress. Of course, I've been eyeing some Lilly Pulitzer dresses but I can't decide. So if you can help me pick one, that would be awesome!

First, is the Shianne V-Neck Dress for $148:

Then, the Briella Fit and Flare dress for $188 also really tempts me too.

The third dress is the Bella Fit and Flare for $188.

 

Another dress that I really like is the Becky Dress for $188.

 

 

The Ollie Fit and Flare is gorgeous, but I kinda worry about wearing a bra with it. It's also $198

 

 

Next, is the Lexington dress for $198.

 

 

Finally, if I decide against Lilly Pulitzer and want to go a more affordable route, I have this cute Target chevron dress already.

 

 

So tell me what you would wear! I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

My Senior Year Apartment

I’ve been missing here for the last few weeks. It makes me kind of sad because I’ve just been so busy with school, sorority recruitment, and basically just enjoying the beginning portions of my last semester of living away at college. September is literally my favorite month, and I can't believe it's almost over! Where in the world did it go?

For the most part, I think my bedroom in my apartment is completed and I wanted to share it with everyone! Of course all rooms are always works in progress, but so far I'm in love with all of the space I have and how it's coming together. If you follow my blog, you know that I've been obsessing over decorating this space for months, so it's so much fun to see how it's come together.

 

We'll start with the view from my door! This is my bed. As you can see, I have the black and white chevron bedding from Urban Outfitters. So far I love it. It's a heavier fabric (more of a denim) and it holds up so well. I have red sheets from Kmart (finding red sheets are so hard!).

I hung up a vinyl monogram decal above my bed, and I love the interest it gives that wall. It's so classy!

 

My mom made the three dot pillows on the bed. One of my favorite details on the red and white polka dot ones, is that they are lined with crochet lace trim!

 

Looking at the nightstand (by the way, all the dark wood furniture was included with my apartment!), I have a chalkboard that I'm attempting to do some awesome chalk art on. This was my first attempt. My lamp came from Target two years ago and of course I have my alarm clock. Sorry for the cords you see, those are my phone charger and the cord to my little mini fan. It gets so hot sometimes!

From my past rooms, you probably remember my PB Teen dottie bins. One holds my Bath and Body Works collection (wallflowers, soaps, Scentportables, and other random odds and ends). The other holds my DVDS.

 

Here's another look that shows a few of my sorority paddles.

 

I've learned that I am most definitely not a handy person when it came to hanging my curtains. Keeping the intense eastern sun out of my face in the mornings were a huge priority, but hanging these curtains was way passed my limited about of DIYer skills. But, they are still hanging, not too crooked, and hung almost perfectly where they touch the floor. I bought them from Walmart.

 

 

Looking at the other wall beside my bed is familiar wall art: IKEA Wildflower wall decals! I had them in my room last year and adored them, so this year I bought another set. I just love them! You can also see Dottie, my ladybug Pillowpet hanging out on my red storage cube.

 

Turning around, here's the look at the other side of my room. I have my dresser and desk over there. And in case you are wondering, the leopard print box underneath my dresser is my nail polish collection! This proves to be the most convenient hiding spot for the box!

Here's a closer look at my dresser:

 

 

My TV is a Christmas present a few years ago from Target. I hung up chalkboard bird garland from World Market (I think they are adorable). I have a mason jar with fake fall flowers, a pumpkin candle from Bath and Body Works, my bird tray with my favorite perfume. And a bird from with a picture of my dog (also from World Market). In case you are curious about my dresser organization, the top drawer is dedicated to underwear and socks. Second drawer is pajamas and camis. Third drawer is shorts. Fourth drawer is jeans and pants.

 

Beside my dresser is my desk. Of course I have my laptop and my printer. But I also have a couple of Vera Bradley magazine holders that hold my textbooks. A red desk lamp, a couple decorative cupcake photo holders, chevron frame, Anthropologie mug with pens, and my Victoria's Secret mini dogs hanging out on my printer. Of course I also have a Pumpkin Cupcake candle too!

 

I also have above my desk my Vera Bradley ribbon board in Poppy Fields (boy do I miss this print!). I just have some photos and important things displayed there.

 

 

Beside my desk I put up my full length mirror, bought another storage drawer set to hold my school supplies, and on top of that I have my makeup collection. So essentially, this is my makeup area.

 

I'm lucky enough to have a walk in closet too! Here's a quick look. It's not the most organized, although I do like the hanging shelves for my cardigans and shoes.

I'm also lucky enough to have my own (huge) bathroom. I seriously don't even know how to handle this much space.

 

 

I absolutely adore my shower curtain from Ikea. I wanted to match my red dottie rug and towels that I bought from Walmart a couple of years ago. No matter where I looked, nothing matched. But Ikea had this super cute one.

I also really like having my wire shelf in my bathroom too. It hold three dottie bins that hold haircare products, makeup removing things, and body washes.

Overall I love my room! It's so spacious and it's fun to have a room to myself. I love having a walk in closet too.

What are you loving about your dorm room?

 

Just a Peek

Since there’s still a few finishing touches left for my new room at college, I thought I’d give you guys just a sneak peek of what it looks like…

 

Hopefully you like it! Of course it has chevron and dots!

First Day of College Advice

With college quickly approaching for a lot of people, I thought it would be fun to whip up a little post about my advice for your first day of college classes. I think a lot of emphasis is often placed on moving into the dorms or getting acquainted with aspects of college life, and people don't often talk about school or classes.

Looking back to my first day of college, which literally feels like forever ago, I was really nervous because my first class that I ever attended was World Geography 210. And being the anxious college freshman that I was, I was terrified because it was a 200 level class! I thought for sure I would be the only freshman in the entire class of 60 and that it would be hard and intimidating and the professor would look something like Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World.

Let me tell you, boy was I wrong. At least three fourths of the class were freshman first of all, so they were just as nervous as I was. My professor was pretty much the most awesome professor you could have on the first day. He looked like the lead singer of the band the Bare Naked Ladies first of all (no, seriously he did). He was wearing distressed jeans with Converse and a T-shirt. No bow ties. No stuffy accents. He actually opened up with a bunch of jokes and showed the class a list of classes that we could be taking if we had gone to other colleges around the country (he then inserted a list that showed some classes just dedicated to Lady Gaga and to other random stuff).

Then he explained the class. He told us that geography is all around us, and then showed us a map of the US and all the area codes that Ludacris raps he has hos in. I seriously didn't expect my first class of college to be like that.

It was awesome and I can't explain how fun and exciting it was to be in a new environment, one where teachers can wear tennis shoes and cuss in.

While you may not have a professor that first day as laid back and awesome as mine, I did think there were some important things you can keep in mind.

-Even upperclassmen arrive to class on the first day. Living on campus, about five minutes away, I'd say the best time to leave was about 20 minutes prior. This allows you to be on time and get a spot.

-Find your classes the day before so you can just go to class without being flustered. I've learn from experience, because the time that you don't go before looking for your class, it will be the most confusing and hard to find room on the entire campus.

-Don't bring your textbook to class, unless your teacher tells you otherwise. You might be thinking I'm crazy, but I'm serious. The first day the teacher will read off the syllabus, probably do some sort of ice breaker, and that will be about it. Bringing your textbook is just a pain that first day.

-Wake up a little earlier. Despite the stereotypes that college students just roll out of bed, on the first day no one really does. Dress up! Wear that new cute top or a sundress. It's your first day of new impressions.

-Eat breakfast/bring a snack, especially if you have a long day ahead of you.

-Listen to your professor that first day and decide whether you mesh well with his/her teaching style and what the course is about. Some professors are super disorganized and just let the class lead itself. Others have every due date set in stone before the first class is in session. Pick what works for you, the add/drop deadline is generally a week into the semester.

-Introduce yourself to the people you are sitting next to. Trust me, they are probably intimidated freshmen too (or maybe just a friendly sophomore) and won't think you're weird at all. Those first attempts of getting to know the people around you are the most important because they could help you arrange study groups or have a group to work with on projects.

-Wanna know a piece of advice on professors? 9 times out of 10, they will take notice of you going up to them the first day after class and introducing yourself. Seriously, it looks super good on your part. Walk up to them (unless they look like they are in a hurry to get to the next class, then you probably won't want to bother them) and just say "Hi, I'm (insert name). I enjoyed class today and can't wait for the rest of the semester." And already you've made a positive impression.

I hope this advice helps! Good luck on all your first days out there!

 

Apartment Mood Board

Now that I've finally purchased the Urban Outfitters chevron duvet (at a deeply discounted price thankfully!), I've been playing around slightly more seriously about what I want my apartment to look like. I'm pretty sure since most of my stuff is red, that it's going to be red, black, and white. But I've really been loving vintage and more feminine details though, so I've been working on ways to get more of a cottage feel to it.
 

I'm not totally sure how I'll incorporate that vintage/cottagey feel to the room, but here is my latest mood board playing around with some things I already have, and incorporating items that I've been lusting over. Using the Urban Outfitters duvet as a starting point, I knew I want to incorporate red into the room for warmth and to cheer it up. And of course the easiest way to do that in a dorm room or apartment is through the accessories.

 

Using the Urban Outfitters duvet as a starting point, I knew I want to incorporate red into the room for warmth and to cheer it up. And of course the easiest way to do that in a dorm room or apartment is through the accessories.
 

In this mood board you'll see the Vera Bradley Poppy Fields Ribbon Board (which sadly is discontinued, but you might be able to find it on Ebay). Not only is Poppy Fields one of my most favorite VB prints of all time, but it also is a great sort of cottagey/vintage look that I love, that also incorporates red. I see this going over my desk and holding important pictures, notes, and coupons for me.

You'll also notice the polka dot pillow. I know that somewhere polka dots are going to be incorporated. I have to PB Teen dottie bins that might live on top of my dresser or nightstand. I also have a small accent pillow that my mom made me that could reside on my bed (or I also have the Aztec pillow from Ikea, but I'm not sure if that print will look good with the chevron).

It's kind of hard to see in the picture, but at the top are these adorable twig frames with birds on them from World Market. I actually already purchased one last month because I love the shabby chic/ cottage vibe. I see this residing on my nightstand with a picture of my dog or maybe my boyfriend in it.

It's hard to miss the giant scrolly Ikea mirror. I love the vintage look of it, and I hear it's lightweight, making it potentially good for hanging in my apartment. I think it's important to have light reflecting in my drab space too. I envision this over my dresser.

The bird garland from World Market has been calling me for months. The birds are chalkboard and I love how fun these are. I'm not totally sure what to do with them, but one potential option could be to hand this over my full size bed in place of a monogram. Though I'm not sure if this is long enough, so we'll see.

The chalkboard from World Market sneaked its way into my monthly lusts. I love this chalkboard a lot and I can envision cute quotes, notes, and pictures on this. I'm not sure how heavy it is, but I love the white vintage-y frame. Plus the price just can't be beat.

So that's the image that I have in my head currently, but nothing is ever set into stone. Let me know if you have any ideas for my apartment!

What I Wish I Knew: My Freshman Year of College

Hi guys!

I know it’s still early in the summer, but if you are an incoming college freshman, and super excited like I was, you are more than likely halfway done shopping for dorm stuff, have your classes picked out, and are counting down the seconds until you arrive on campus. I was kind of excited to say the least.

Anyway, as I’m sitting here, the summer before my senior year of college, and before my very last semester on my college campus, I thought it would be kinda fun to write things that I wish I knew before I went to college. Sorta like a letter to the 18 year old version of myself. Hopefully this also helps those of you who are about to start your journeys at college.

These are things that I would tell the 18 year old/freshman in college version of myself:

1. Don’t freak out about everything. It’ll all get figured out, whether you freak out or not.

2. Organization is so important! Keep calendars, agendas, and lists of upcoming assignments (way too many times I was caught with forgotten assignment or test due the next day).

3. Organization is also really important to actually fit all your junk in your dorm room.

4. Lining your desk and dresser drawers may sound unimportant, but they really make your life more colorful. Especially when you use cupcake wrapping paper.

5. Coupons are a college student’s best friend. Get coupons for places that aren't even super college related like Bath and Body Works.

6. Forget hoodies and yoga pants. Be that girl in your 9 am Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays that wears sundresses and cute outfits with hair and makeup done. College is not an excuse for barely getting dressed.

7. Dress up to make yourself happy, no one else.

8. Painted nails instantly make you feel put together, even when everything else is a mess.

9. There will be plenty of times you’ll want to kill your roommate.

10. Make friends everywhere you can. In classes, on your floor, in other buildings (how else will you figure out where to live for your sophomore year).

11. There’s no better way to meet people and feel involved than joining Greek Life.

12. Don’t worry about college boys, first kisses, or going on dates. What’s meant to be will be.

13. As you walk to class, take in the fall the colors of the trees. In the spring take in the bright yellow daffodils.

14. Live on both sides of campus! Especially central campus! They aren’t as weird as people say!

15. Go to Tobey-Kendel for Panini day.

16. Study in common spaces! It’s the only way to focus. And meet people!

17. Online classes suck. End of story.

18. Spend money on bedding. It’s the biggest impact in the room and it’s your way to cocoon from the world.

19. Take pictures of everything! You’ll one day wonder what you room looked like, what your roommates looked like, and how long your hair is.

20. No matter how tempting it is, 9:30 AM and 3:45 Tuesday Thursday classes are never fun. Don’t do it.

21. And no matter how annoying your hair is, don’t trim it! Your 21 year old version of yourself will wish you hadn’t.

22. As tempting as it is, you don't need to buy every random dorm item Target and Bed Bath and Beyond advertise.

23. Plan in advance what you want to wear to sorority recruitment. Wear cute sandals, spend time on your makeup, and let your personality shine. Also write down a backup list of questions to ask the sororities when things get awkward.

24. Rent your textbooks. Just do it. You won't get a dime back when you try to resell your textbooks.

25. Studying at the library is the best place to actually focus.

26. When it's snowing outside, wear waterproof mascara, especially when you are walking across campus.
 

 

A Review of My Large Lilly Pulitzer 2013-2014 Agenda

As you know, I'm obsessed with my Lilly Pulitzer agenda. I can't wait to use it not only because it's super cute, but also because it's great for keeping me organized for college.

I thought it would be fun to take a look at the inside of this year's agenda, especially for those that are wondering about whether they should buy it or not.

First of all, my agenda is the large size agenda (with the hardback cover) in True Navy Tiger Lilly. I love the design on the cover (with all the little tigers) and love the sturdy feeling of the hardcover.

 

 

Inside the cover is a little white folder page (I like to keep little notes or important papers in this when I attend my sorority chapter meetings) and then there's a page covered in cute little pictures. The little bunny is definitely my favorite!

 

Then of course, there's a page that tells the story about Lilly Pulitzer, which I think is super fun to read when you are stuck in a really boring 2 or 3 hour class. That's from my experience at least.

 

 

Then the next page shows a quick look at every month for the next 17 months. Which can be pretty handy if you are wondering about a date in the future. I don't find that I use this feature a whole lot though.

 

 

 

Following the multiple month views, is the entire month at a glance pages. So basically it shows all 17 months up close so you can plan things like sorority recruitment, finals, vacation breaks, and other things that help when looking a month view. Once again, these are super helpful for me, because at the beginning of each month, it has one of these too.

 

 

 

Next up is a cute little page that has lines where you can write Days to Celebrate. So if you need to remember all of the birthdays of those important people in your life. This also is something that I didn't use last year.

 

 

A sort of helpful page that follows this is the important dates page, which includes even the Kentucky Derby in true Lilly fashion.

 

 

 

Then multiple note pages follow.

 

 

 

A new, fun page that is included in this year's agenda is the horoscope page. Once again I see this being something really fun to read in a boring class. But the illustrations are adorable and it all keeps with the cute, light-hearted theme of this agenda.

 

 

 

Okay, so now comes the fun, meaty part of the agenda: the actual months and agenda portion. Each month opens up with a cute little design page (my favorite parts) and a little quote. Below I show all 17 months, so if you want to be surprised, don't look too far below!

 

 

 

Following the design page, there is a month-long glance at the days. Once again, I think this comes in handy when you need to map out your time or plan for stuff in advance. So I like to include philanthropy events, recruitment events, sisterhoods, big tests, papers, and cancelled classes to this page. This is a really handy part of the agenda.

 

 

 

And following that is the more detailed, day views. I love that each day has a lot of lines to write down assignments and due dates. One thing I wish they incorporated was a box for notes. So instead I usually just post a sticky note on the right side of the right page and right down my to-do lists there. Of course my sticky notes are Vera Bradley because they have to be cute!

 

 

So that is the conclusion to the tour of the agenda. I think it's a great investment for the money and something I'd recommend all college students to have. Plus the designs always brighten my day too.

 

And like I promised, below are all the month designs! There are some really cute ones this year! Which month is your favorite? Personally I love the September with the foxes!