Lilly After Party Sale

Would I be a real Lilly girl if I didn't participate in the sale? 

(the answer is no)

If you don't know about the sale, Lilly hosts two huge sales each year in addition to their warehouse sale. I have never been to the warehouse, but I've bought from the sales before and I always leave wondering why I buy anything full price. 

okay, I know the answer to that. I like having things now and when they're new. ugh.

Anyways, this is a great chance to stock up on basics or to redeem yourself if you regret not buying a print/dress from a previous season- that was me yesterday. In short, this sale has items for up to 70% off. It can be hit-or-miss, but you'd be hard pressed to not like at least one item. 

Without further ado, here's what I bought:

my first Elsa top! 

Margurite Dress in Navy

Margurite Dress in Lulu

Murfee Scarf in Gold Metallic

Yes, I got two of the same dresses in different colors- I'm liking the drapey sleeves lately and regretted not getting a dress in Lulu this past spring. So I went for it! Unfortunately, all of these items are now sold out, but keep checking back for any new merchandise added to the sale- there are still two days! 

  

Happy Shopping!  

The Lilly Holy Grail

There are a few Lilly items that are just so rare but so perfect. Top of my list? The collector Barbie and the Monopoly game. I've been searching online and just realized to look at Ebay! While the Monopoly game is still nowhere to be found, the Barbie has surfaced on Ebay and I'm dying. 

I have no place for it now, but someday when I have a big closet, it'd be the greatest little display to have by all of my Lillys. Am I crazy for wanting to put it on my wish list for my birthday/ Christmas?! I don't care- it's there and will remain there. I was always a "doll" girl growing up. I loved my American Girl Dolls and had probably 100 barbies. I'm sure there are still those awful little shoes laying around somewhere in this house... Anyways I think this is a beautiful merger of my childhood and the young woman/ Lilly lover that I am now. Maybe it's simply a justification for myself, but I'm going with it!

If anyone loves me oh so much and is looking for a heartfelt gift, this is it! 

*hint* I know you're reading this, mom ;) *hint*

Seriously, not a bargain but it'd be treasured. 

Summer in Lilly

Pre- Post: I am back from my brief hiatus! These past two weeks have been ridiculous. I've been studying to prepare for finals and have hardly had time to do anything for myself besides sleep and eat. This week is finals week, but I'm going to make myself take some time each day to blog and be creative. It'll be a great break from all the science I'll be cramming :)

..................................

So I don't know about y'all but this summer collection from Lilly is a little bit hit-or-miss. I think the spring collection was just too pretty to be followed, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. Regardless, I still have my favorites (Lobstah Roll everything... you think I'm kidding but I'm not) and I want to hilight a few of them. 

so glad I waited to get
a bikini until this summer! 

It's crazy that I don't have a million and two things that I love, but I also know that this isn't the last of the summer collection. I saw a preview of what's to come and .... there's a dress named Sarah that's a bit of a tunic style- definitely at the top of my wish list. I currently don't have a job, so my shopping is going to have to wait, but I see a trip to Lilly in the future :) 

He Is Risen!

Easter holds a special place in my heart for the obvious reasons.

It's a time of celebration for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day is such a great one to be alive and thriving. The combination of the spring season with the holiday that celebrates resurrection and freedom from sins is so refreshing.

This year we lucked out and got some of the best weather we've seen this spring. It was 74 degrees and sunny which was perfect after this atrocious winter. In fact, this  entire weekend was beautiful. I was able to break out the dresses that have been hanging in my closet anxiously awaiting great weather. As always, it was fantastic to see family and friends. I was able to catch one of my sister's track meets, interview for a summer job, see both sides of the family, and finish Hart of Dixie!

Unfortunately, I came back to a ridiculous amount of stress. These next few weeks are going to be full of exams and studying and lots of caffeine. I have a few exams that are terrifying, so I'll be taking everything one day at a time. It's crazy to think that I've almost got my freshman year of college under my belt. Seeing everyone was great encouragement to get through these grueling weeks, and before I know it I'll be home for summer!

Getting dressed up always results in pictures, pictures, and more pictures. My sister and I are always scoping out the best places for pictures (I like the natural light) and we end up getting some great pictures, both posed and candid.

From my family to yours, I pray you had a great Easter weekend and enjoyed time with family

-Sarah 

as always, the
graceful candid

Lilly Spring 2014

#HoorayForSpring

Okay so it's a little early to be talking about spring, unfortunately. On the other hand, it's always sunny when there's Lilly and guess who released Spring 2014 this past week? Just when I needed relief from this Polar Vortex, the beautiful spring prints and dresses became available to look at online. 

York Fit & Flare

AshLynn Keyhole Maxi

Iona Shell

Skipper Printed Popover

Marlissa Strapless Maxi

 I love the colors this spring- pinks and purples and blues. So pretty and.. well, springy! I love the options that aren't shifts. Yes, call me crazy but I have enough shift dresses from Lilly and have been looking to change it up a little bit, and I'm so glad that the maxis are offered in such perfect prints! I also love the printed popover because you can never have too many 1/2 zips :-) 

I've never bought a shell from Lilly, but there are two prints in the Iona and they are gorgeous. I'm imagining them with white jeans or shorts this spring and summer, both looks I'd love to try out. Since I've never bought a shell before, any opinions on how they fit/ are they a good buy?

This week's release was just a "preview", as more looks will probably become available throughout the spring months. From the looks of it, Lilly would be so proud of the company she poured so much of herself into. I will most definitely be taking a trip to my closest Lilly store (which is 3 hours away...Ugh the Midwest) hopefully soon to see these marvelous prints in person.

p.s. I looked through the new arrivals and added everything I like to my shopping tote....... uh $650 later I think I'll be saving up for a while for those beauties

Cute vs. Functional: the iPad Edition

so, an iPad is at the top of my Christmas list

I know, I've been talking about getting one for.. forever. Hopefully I've been good and Santa will be able to fill this void in my life, because how can I live in this modern world without a tablet?! 

Your guess is as good as mine.

So, naturally, I'll have to have a fabulous case for this new addition to my life. And that is where the million-dollar questions comes in: to go for looks or safety? I mean, of course I want a case that will protect the screen and everything in transport. But, I'm really not a fan of the giant Otterbox cases or anything like that. The Apple smart cases are just... so generic. Luckily, my girls Lilly and Kate have my back! 

I really like this Kate Spade Folio

But, of course this sleeve is so fun! 

Or, I could go for cute and functional with this Lilly case

the only problem with this one is that I'm not a huge fan of any of the prints offered...

So, that's my dilemma! 

I am calling all iPad owners to tell me what they've found to be the best option-

or, more importantly, do the cute cases do the job?

Lilly Resort 2013

okay this collection officially makes me want to go on vacation

Of course, leave it to me to gravitate towards the navy and purple... but in my defense a lot of the items are in this color scheme. Since I won't be traveling anywhere this resort season, I tried to be practical and pick my favorite items that I could actually use an wear! The two dresses are incredible. I love the maxi so much and I think it'd work perfectly for all seasons. The travel pants are now in more colors, which is perfect. I have a pair and they're the most comfortable, wonderful pants/leggings I've worn. 

I never would have expected Lilly to fail, 

but I really love everything in this collection.

especially the tiger sweater

the Perfect Fall Outfit

I woke up and checked the weather: 53 degrees.

fall has arrived.

And I couldn't be happier. Obviously, I've been anticipating this for a while. 

Saturday at the football game I wore jeans and a nike half zip- that was the first sign. 

Then today I woke up and just knew. There was that feeling of fall in the air and the smell of pumpkin spice latte's coming from every Starbucks cup. I love fall clothes and weather and everything,

  as I'm sure you know by now.

But something crazy happens in the fall. Mondays get... better. Getting ready becomes more fun.  The food becomes yummier. And the coffee.. oh the coffee shines in the fall. I was so excited to pull out my leggings and tunics and riding boots! My wardrobe is rally very simple- jeans/leggings, a button down or sweater, and boots. Accessorize with scarves, jewelry, and hats and you could wear the same outfit two days in a row but look completely different!

In the spirit of this wonderful season, I've given you my go-to outfit:

J. Crew Funnel Neck Sweater / Lilly Pulitzer Travel Pant

Kate Spade Phone Case / J. Crew Necklace (Similar)

Lilac Longchamp Le Pliage / J. Crew Bracelet (Similar)

Marc Jacobs Watch / Tory Burch Riding Boots

I basically live in this outfit. Maybe with a button down layered under the sweater on a cooler day or dark wash jeans to feel a little more put together. I like to switch up my Longchamps depending on the day and my outfits (I have 3 different colors!), as do I enjoy changing my iPhone case. But fall is about cute but warm clothing, and this tends to do it for me!

What is your fall go-to?

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 Fashion Favorites

...anyone who said I wasn't good at alliteration is lying :)

Anyways, regardless of how anti-fall the weather has been lately, I think that everyone is ready for fall. From the colorful trees to the crisp air to the football. I love hot apple cider and going to the apple orchard. I love that my birthday is in October. I love Thanksgiving and bonfires and scarves. 

I love everything about fall, really. 

I think that Indiana is it's prettiest in the fall. I think that fashion is at it's peak in fall. I seriously can't wait to bring out my Burberry scarves and my riding boots. I love wearing dresses with tights and booties. I could go on and on about what makes me excited for fall. But, being the girl that I am- the fashion stands out. Designers love fall. The colors are so much fun and I think that everyone can make a fashionable, classy fall wardrobe no matter what their budget. 

I've thrown together all of my favorite designer looks this fall and put them into one huge collage-

inspiration for you and me!

Get Dressed Up!

- PurduePrep

Back to School: Class Organization

I guess I'll join the ranks of bloggers who help give tips on how to stay organized and study. 

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not very consistent from year-to-year when it comes to my organization and study styles... it's an ever changing system that evolves along with my changing habits and needs. Also, I recognize that everyone has to do what works for them! Trust me. I used every resource available to see how others organize for college and then I condensed the best ideas I could find into what has been a pretty organized classroom style.

You can love or hate my way of doing things, I just want to be a resource to those who may be in my same position and not know where to start.

The number one most important place to start is with an agenda. I don't care if you use one from Kate Spade, Target, or your school (Purdue always has a "mortarboard"). As the typical preppy girl that I am, I chose a Lilly Pulitzer planner... or at least for my "social planner". It's my own little label for it, and it doesn't really mean anything other than I don't put every little bit of homework in it. I use this planner for clubs and activities on campus as well as marking when I have exams and big assignments due. It helps me to get a visual picture of everything that's going on as well as any reminders that I need to make sure I look at over and over. I chose the large agenda, which is the perfect size to hold everything but also isn't a huge deal to take everywhere with me.

My assignments, on the other hand, are all logged in my MayBook. It's all cutesy with my monogram and all that, but it's my bible. I write down any reading, homework, or studying I need to do. I jot reminders to myself in it and use it simultaneously as a check-list and assignment book. It's so nice to be able to physically check assignments off and to have a visual picture of all that I need to get done for the day. So far, it's been instrumental in keeping my stress level low and my productivity high. 

When it comes to actual studying and assignments, I'm very very articulate. Please bear with me as I explain this whole process... or don't. If it doesn't seem like it'll work for you, you certainly don't need to use it. My labeling and process is a bit OCD but it works, so I have no interest in changing it.

1. My Binder and Notebooks
As you could see in the initial picture, I have a master binder. It holds all syllabi and notes that I need for class. In addition, a lot of textbooks are being created without binding, which was a bit annoying at first but now I love it! I'm able to carry around only the chapters/pages that we're focused on at the moment for easy reference at any time. I keep all of my classes in this one binder and I take it with me everywhere I go. I have a second binder for if I feel the need to separate to a MWF and TTH binder, but the single one works great as of now. I do have separate notebooks, which I use to take notes in class. I have two three-subject notebooks that I take with me on their respective days.


2. Evernote
Evernote was a bit tricky to figure out, but it's been a beautiful relationship between me and Evernote since school has begun. Here's how I use it: Any reading assignments that I have, I read and outline in this App. I use it as reference for homework assignments and any reviewing of concepts, which I do on my phone before class- It's awesome that Evernote syncs to all of my devices! In lecture, I'll take notes and relate back to my personal notes. I write down any questions and then go to the book and my notes for answers. So far, I've been able to answer all of my questions through this method. Then, I add my in-class notes and questions/answers into the Evernote notes. Wa-la! I have a complete outline and notes for any topic we've covered and they're all conveniently accessible on any device.

3. Homework

Homework is always done on legal pad paper. Since most of my homework is actually done and turned in online, any questions that arise during homework or any points that I want to make a note of, I write on the legal pad. The paper stands out in my binder and notes so that I can easily find any questions once I'm with my professor. The questions and notes here and notes taken after I've read and outlined, so these are usually more specific questions or more specific questions that weren't really "outline" material. These questions are usually the most important, because they require abstract thoughts and material application that is instrumental in mastery. Having it on bright paper also makes my brain take special note of what I'm writing there and it works to subconsciously work out the questions (I know it sounds crazy, but no kidding! It's scientifically proven. And just earlier this week I wrote down a question during the day and as I was laying down to go to sleep I had a major "ah ha!" moment as the answer became apparent- my brain had been working on the answer all day as I was going on with my business!)

4. Attending Class
Organization and serious studying can only get you so far. Your professors and teachers are paid the big bucks for a reason- they know what they're talking about! They're passionate about their topic of study, and whether you agree with their thoughts or not, they can be a huge source of inspiration and support. Showing up to class can be hard when you don't have the threat of a call home. 7:30 classes are rough- luckily I only have one this semester- but getting up and getting going will show commitment on your part. Even in lectures of 250- 300 people, the professors will know if you're there or not. Maybe not right that day, but when your homework grades start to drop and your exam scores bottom out... they'll know. Show that you appreciate their dedication and preparation by showing up. If the lecture content really that bad, you can get on FaceBook or something (although I'm not recommending that by any means!).

Back to School gets me just as excited as the next person.

I love buying pens and notebooks and all that fun stuff. But, school is just as much work as it is fun. Keep on top of everything and stay organized, and you'll have more time for the fun stuff!