A Very Lilly Fall

September 1st.

Fall has officially arrived. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back. The last of the cookouts will occur tomorrow. And, designers have released the best of their fall collections. I'm always curious to see what Lilly does in the fall- the classic Lilly colors and prints just don't work with fall. I've been pleased with what I've seen so far, and am ready for sweater weather to wear all of this good stuff!

Indiana fall doesn't really lend itself well to dresses. Some can be pulled off, but typically pants are needed during the fall months. Unfortunate, yes. But luckily vests and sweaters are fun and fashionable. As Lilly Pulitzer has released most of the fall collection, I thought I'd hilight a few of my favorites.

As I said before, I love sweater weather.

I love Lilly sweaters because they're cute and dress while still keeping the fall breeze at bay. As per usual, my eye goes straight to the navy! I'm not sure why, but I'm a navy-aholic. Both of these sweaters have caught my eye.. and yes the peplum does come in navy... but for once I enjoy the look of the striking pink much better. I'm always for a little color blocking, so Debra Sweater is a winner. Peplums are always great, so I love the Aurora.

Navy lace must be a thing for me this year.

Both of these dresses have me lusting for a reason to wear a dress! I love the Remmy Dress because of its sleeves. Again, the crisp fall air calls for sleeves or a jacket. But, there's something about the Rhea Dress that makes me feel like going to a Gatsby party! I love that the lace isn't over-powering, but that it has a bit of 20's flapper inspiration while staying modern. You know me and functionality- it'd work for a Gatsby party perfectly, but it'd also work for so much more! Overall, I think I prefer the Remmy just because I think I could wear it alone with some tights and be just fine. The Rhea would take some thought into the right kind of sweater.

The Harris Coat.

I'm usually not the type to go crazy over outerwear. If it's cute, okay. But I often think that trying too hard with outerwear makes it look gaudy. This, though, is the epitome of function-fashion balance. It's gorgeous! Again, the navy and gold. I could cry it's so beautiful. I think its a good thing that I don't live close to a Lilly store, because I'm 99% sure I'd have to buy it if I saw it in person.

the Lilly fall collection makes the chilly weather seem a little more welcoming

Recruitment Wear

Being a college freshman, and a prep, recruitment time is the best time. 

Rushing a sorority has been one of the things that just goes with the idea of college. As a little girl at football games, I couldn't wait to be one of the pretty girls hanging out with the well-dressed guys at the tailgates. My mom used to take me to her house every time we visited Purdue. I'd meet the girls, and more often than not, some of my mom's pledge class women. 

Greek Life and college go hand-in-hand.

Recruitment is hard. That's nothing new. 

It's intense speed dating that your entire college career depends on. Sounds serious, but it's absolutely the truth. The house you pick as a freshman is yours for life. The sisters in your pledge class are the ones you'll be making the majority of your memories with. You'll be living, eating, breathing with these girls. And, at least here at Purdue, you only have a week and a half to figure out which chapter is for you.

Pressure.

For me, I've been trying to be as relaxed as absolutely possible. That means that I plan out my outfits and hairstyles ahead of time. Being the listmaker that I am, I've prepared questions to ask and little tidbits about myself that are easy to forget... number one being that I'm a lifestyle and fashion blogger! (seriously, when you're focused on school activities and classes, it's easy to forget the parts of your life that aren't the most visible on campus) I know that recruitment gets more pressuring as you go farther South- the one thing I like about being more North- so these outfit ideas may or may not work for your personal rushing specifications.

1st Invitational

Every school does things differently. Here at Purdue, the first invitational is split up between Friday night and Saturday. The fact that they jam-packed the first two weekends of school is a bit stressful, but I can appreciate the fact that we'll have bids and everything before the first round of exams happen. 

Dress-wise, this is a very casual round. Looking cute is necessary, but it's important to also be comfortable. They're long days with lots of walking and- quite literally- sitting pretty. Tonight, I'm planning on a maxi dress. Something that is classy but comfortable. 

Tomorrow is supposed to be in the nineties, so a cool sundress is my go-to. For both, I'll probably be wearing my Jacks or flats of some sort.

2nd Invitational

Here is where we start to get down to business. At this point, it's pretty obvious who wants you and who doesn't... hopefully it's the same houses that you want! It's essential to dress to really impress. You want to look polished and show that you can clean up and look professional, but still cute! I'm planning on wearing a basic Lilly Shift. Nothing to standoff-ish, but enough to impress the girls who recognize it. To everyone else, I'll simply be wearing a really cool dress. To the Lilly lovers, they'll just get it. Another point is to wear a dress that really shows who you are. Let it express your fashion taste! In a house full of girls, fashion is important (or maybe not? you'll find out!). 

Since I'll be visiting fewer houses on Sunday, I'm planning to also wear my Lilly McKim wedges. They're extremely comfortable and dress up my outfit a little bit.

Pref Day

If there wasn't any pressure up to this point, there is now. As calm and collected as I've been through the recruitment process thus far, I know that Monday I'll be a nervous mess. Hopefully I can channel the nerves and jitters into excitement and personality. And, if not, hopefully my top houses at this point will understand my nervousness. 

This day is the day that you pull out all the stops. Wear your best cocktail dress and some heels. Side note- make sure none of your clothing is brand new. Imagine walking to houses in heels that need breaking in or a dress that itches... test it all out and make sure that you'll be able to rock the dress! I'm planning to wear my Lilly dress that I wore for graduation. Luckily, Rush was early enough that I am able to still wear my summer dresses. 

If you don't have a dress in mind, I'd again suggest one that you feel comfortable in and that just boosts your confidence. Wear a dress that you love and that loves you! Bright colors are great for this day, as most sororities embrace color all year round. Something stylish- peplums are great for all seasons and are timeless, but so in style right now.

Whatever your plans are when it comes to sorority recruitment and college, I hope you are able to do what you love! It's a lot of work, but it'll all be worth it in the end. 

Have a fantastic Labor Day weekend!

here's a little humor... that isn't really funny because it's actually so true.

[Fall]

It's horrible to think that summer is coming to a close...

really, it isn't. We still have a month of summer! But fashion likes to get us thinking about fall during the warmest months of summer.

Fall lines are coming out. Fashion magazines are hilighting the fall looks.

And, honestly, it makes me excited for crunching leaves; reds, greens, and blues; football games.

Like any fashion-forward girl, I've got my fall classics already. What I need now, are some fun pieces that can carry me from summer to fall into winter. It's a tough bill to fit, but there are a few looks that I am loving for early fall all the way into snowy December.

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If you're like me, you lust over the perfect pair of riding boots. Last year, I bought a pair of Ralph Lauren riding boots that were black. This year, I'm on the prowl for some tan or brown boots. Yes, Tory Burch would be my ideal pair, but the price tag is a little.... scary. To say the least. These Michael Kors boots are about half the price of a pair or Tory Burch boots, and I think I might actually like them a little better. I'm all for simplicity, and these just aren't as showy as TB's. 

Shirt dresses are going to be a favorite of mine this season, I feel. I've grown to love dresses, and these easily transition from summer to fall with a change of shoe choice. Add some leggings in the winter and a trench coat- you're nice and warm for a walk in the snow! I've now purchased two of these dresses- one from Gap and this Beckett dress from Lilly's fall line. I also love how these can be belted or dressed up with jewelry. Versatility is key, people! 

The J. Crew excursion vest. I have been excited to buy one since I fell in love with them after they were taken out of stores this past winter. I know, I have impeccable timing. It's driving me crazy that my local stores don't have them in yet.. I don't even think they're online at this point! But, when they are, you best believe that I'll be first in line to buy one... or probably one in every color.

I love accessorizing in the fall, too! I adore wearing scarves and hats. I love knee socks. 

Honestly, I love everything about fall.

Southern State of Mind

I'm from the midwest, but I firmly believe that 

I was a fully-fledged Southern Belle in my other life.

I've thought and thought about my destiny to end up end the South and I've come up with a few reasons why I am truly, 100% always in a Southern State of Mind.

1. I automatically feel more at home below the Mason-Dixon Line

2. Big hair not only looks good- it holds the best secrets

3. Wearing a dress is a daily occasion

4. I want to be in the sun or by the ocean more than anything else in the world

5. My body runs on Sweet Tea, not water

6. The Civil War was really the War of Northern Aggression

7. "Roll Tide"

8. A Sorority is just that - a sisterhood - more than it is a change to get sloppy

9. Seersucker, pink & green, and nautical navy makes up at least 50% of my closet

10. I am 100% a hostess and have learned from the best- my mother.

Even though I'm not from the South, I hope and pray that I'll find a husband either from the South or willing to move that way. My dream is to have my kids address elders as "yes mam" and "yes sir", grow up with the SEC, and love the sunshine just as much as I do.

For now, though, I'll stay dreaming of the South.

Black?

Not sure how you guys feel about color and wearing certain colors...

But I'm not really a huge fan of black.

While Black can be chic and trendy, I'm much more of a navy blue girl. I think that the dark color (but still a color) is a good staple to have. I assure you that I am extremely guilty of buying all navy blue. But black, black is just too much! It makes me feel old and sophisticated. I guess that's not always bad, but I like to have fun and be happy; black, to me, is not happy. 

Now, that's not to say that I'm opposed to a fabulous lbd. I think black boots are great and versatile. And a black car is a great car. I'm just saying that when it comes to day-to-day outfit choices, black is too drab.

Maybe it's just a summer vs. winter thing.

What colors do you veer towards or away from?

Top 5: April 2013

I cannot believe that April has come and gone! I'm entering the final days of high school and life as I know it. The sun is shining daily and my porch has become my go-to hangout. I am in no way complaining, but it just feels as if life is passing by so so quickly! 

As per usual, I am going to look back on my top 5 favorites of this month!

Lilly Pulitzer

Dresses!

As a kid, I was never a huge fan of dresses. I think it was because I was more the type to run around with the boys than to look cute for them. This year, though, I've been looking for any excuse to wear a dress! The warm weather is perfect for cute sundresses and they show off my runner's legs! Plus, they're oh so comfortable and flattering! I'm kicking myself for not liking them before and have been buying up so many dresses lately. Now, I'm just looking for places to wear them.

Natural Hair

So I have this awkward hair that's straight with a teeny-tiny bit of wave. And there's only some wave if I put product in and DON'T comb it. But, it'll dry basically straight with a comb through. I've pretty much hated this about my hair, because it never looked super put together. Lately, though, I've been embracing the natural wave of it. I hardly use my flat iron and I let it air dry, which has resulted in my hair being so much smoother and healthier. 

Senior Prom

Family!

My family is a close family, but it's never been like this before. I think I'm just enjoying my last few months at home with my mom and dad before I'm on my own... eek! But seriously, I give up everything to be with them. I make an effort to have dinner with them a majority of the nights each week and to tell them daily that I love them. They're the most supportive, loving, selfless people I know and would give me the world if they could have given me the world. If I want it, they do their best to make sure I have it even if I have to wait. If I need help, they do their best to help me or find someone who can. My sister and I are their top priorities and I pray that I can one day be as wonderful to my children. 

North Carolina

Kinda weird, I know, but I've been planning and thinking ahead for my future. While I have two years of undergrad at Purdue, I will be applying to pharmacy schools in a couple of short years. Purdue does have a fantastic pharmacy program that I will apply to, but I have always been a fan of the south and the east coast; I've always wanted to leave the midwest. University of North Carolina dawned on me as the perfect school! It's ranked in the top of the country, is very well known, has 4 seasons that aren't as extreme as the midwest, and embraces the best of the east coast and south. I've only been to the beach in N.C., so a visit to Chapel Hill is in store!

LEM

It's been a while since I talked about my best friend. She's a favorite every month, but deserves a spot this month. We went to the beach together and it was fantastic! On top of that, she and I have become so incredibly close and she gets me through just about anything. She's really sick, so prayers to LEM! And, her birthday is Thursday... and the only thing I like better than online shopping is online shopping for someone else! I can't wait for her presents... (some Tory Burch and Marley Lilly, maybe?)! I just can't imagine what I'd be without my best friend. 

Another month has come and passed with all sorts of new experiences and memories. April has been an enjoyable month, but I'm ready for May and summer!

It's Going to be a Lilly Summer

Can I just talk about how in LOVE I am with the 2013 Lilly Pulitzer summer line that has been released thus far?! It's beautiful! I love the new prints and can't wait to be able to wear everything! I know that everything hasn't been released yet, but I'm liking what I'm seeing! So far, I have a few must-haves that will definitely be on a hanger in my closet... soon!! 

 First things first: this for 4th of July is beautiful. These are the classic Callahan Shorts in the print She's a Firecracker. I'm going on a cruise over the week of the 4th of July and I'm thinking that these are a must have! I love how fun these are; they scream party and fireworks!!

Alright now the Janice dress is stunning! I love the gold trim on the front and the green/blue will be awesome with my strawberry-blonde hair. It's not usually something I'd go for, but I've fallen in love! No stopping me from finding every excuse to wear this beaut!

Okay this popover is probably the best thing I've ever seen! I was planning on buying one of the 1/4 zips in a solid color, but I'm so glad I waited to find this one! It's so bright and cheerful- perfect for cool summer nights following a big day at the beach. The print is fabulous (season favorite?)!

I have to say that I really do like the looks of this season. Spring was cute, but too much neon and brights. I love that these are still bright, but are mixed with subdued hues or gold. Looks like I know where lots of my graduation money is going!

And, hey, gifts are appreciated and can come in the form of merchandise or gift cards! ;)