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

Wish List Wednesday

It's been a few weeks since I did a post like this... And in the case that I have any readers who really, really love me, I've gotta keep them coming. Right?

That's my rationalization, anyways.

I'll get right to it!

Okay, please excuse the picture quality (lol but not really). So I've had this slight obsession with leopard print for the last year or so. It's such a classy print that livens up any outfit and looks awesome with fall and winter colors. It does the impossible of making black and brown work together, and this bracelet would look fabulous around my wrist.

It's every preppy girl's dream to have a Lilly Jeep. 

In general, I think a Jeep would be an absolute blast to drive around in. The top off, the salty air blowing through my hair. There wouldn't be a care in the world in this car. The only sad part is that it's very rare for someone to personally own one of these beauts. In the case that you do, and you'd like to get rid of it, I'm your girl. 

While I love this Kate Spade watch, I'm wishing for time more than anything. I'm not wishing for more hours in the day or more years to my life. I'm wishing for time to slow down when it comes time for me to relax. I don't mind one bit the speed at which time moves when I'm busy and productive. What I do mind is the fact that time seems to blow by 10x faster the minute I sit down with a good book or for a phone call with my Grandma. All I want is more relaxation time- more time to laugh and smile and not have an agenda. That'd be great.

Okay so the big, tangible wish list item now is this Tory Burch Tote. It's beautiful and elegant. I love the slight color that is still subdued enough for the winter. It's magnificent. And if it isn't on my shoulder by Christmas, I hope Santa and his Elves leave it under the tree for me :)

Jack Rogers. Tortoise Shell.

If we're being honest, there's nothing more that needs to be said here. Unfortunately, I could never pay $148 for a pair of shoes that I will never wear. Here in the midwest, fall is definitely not sandal weather. And I don't think they'd work for any other season. Also, I'm living on a college girl budget. So until I'm working and vacationing to Palm Beach in the winter, these will have to remain on my wish list...

Wish, wish, wish. That's a girl's job. And while I don't like the fact that I can almost always think of 3-5 things that I want, I think that (if nothing else) this is a fun series of posts that I can look back at and remember the types of things I was into at various times of my life. But, if I ever want to be able to afford these Wish List items, I need to get back to the books and make a living on my own.

Sayonara!

Sparkle Bright!

Memorial Day Weekend is always spent with family, food, and lots of pool time. Of course, my very near graduation has been a frequent subject at family gatherings and I expect no less for the following days. Today, my aunt was talking to me about my plans and just college life in general and I came to a very odd (for me) realization:

I need to make certain that what I do in college sets me up for my future.

A lot of times, college is talked about as a fun time or a time that all adults wish they could go back to. But, the thing is, college is a serious resume- building time. It's the time where you make your greatest friends, reach a great mental capacity, and hopefully have fun doing so! The collegiate world has so many opportunities and activities to offer and I can't wait to find my niche and to grow through those activities. 

I am a type-A planner, who has to make sure that everything happens just right. But, I'm not the type who "sells" myself very well. That's got to change in college. Whether it's interviewing for a school, leadership position, internship, or job, I've got to be able to set myself apart. I need to be a diamond in the rough... or at least a diamond amongst gems. This is something that is hard for me, but it'll surely be something that I'll be working on! 

sparkle in Kate Spade

I find it extremely challenging to set myself on a pedestal and essentially make myself better than others, but I 100% understand the need for it in the corporate world. 

So, here's to the new Sarah

Oh, Gatsby!

It's finally the day: the release of the Great Gatsby film!

When you read this, I will be watching the movie (midnight release, yes!)

Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of this all is that the media is embracing 

such a fantastic work of literature!

From the NYT's special featuring various forms of cover art to the movie soundtrack, this movie has been made into such a big deal! But, with Tobey Maguire and Leo DeCaprio, how can we not obsess? The time period, the fantasy life, and the actors- they're all lust worthy!

While the book is always better than the movie, in my opinion, I'm oh so excited to escape into the world of Gatsby that I haven't entered since the first time I read the book.

The anticipation is almost unbearable!

p.s. this Kate Spade clutch is to die for!

Tech Savvy

Is it wrong that I want an iPad just so I can buy cute accessories for it?

definitely lust-worthy

Okay so that's totally not the only reason but seriously! Look how cute this Kate Spade case is!

If you follow the blog, you know that I've been lusting over an iPad. I know, it seems like old news but I really just can not decide if it's worth the money! I just got a beautiful new MacBook, I have an iPhone... I don't really know how much I'll use an iPad. But, at the same time, I know that I'll use it if I get it. 

It'll probably come down to how much money I get for graduation and if I can afford to buy one. And then, if I can... the question is do I get the full size or the mini? 

Apple is killing me with all these choices!

I need help! Would an iPad, mini or full size, be of use to a college student?

Should I go for it?

p.s. is this not the cutest flash drive? and in Purdue colors, no less?

Graduation Gifts

Today marks 4 weeks (or 19 days) of school left!! 

College kids are finishing up finals or are already home, and high schoolers are nearing their last days! The class of 2013 is entering its final days of high school-

  graduation and open houses are quickly approaching!

Whether you know hundreds of graduates or just 2, there's nothing like commemorating the accomplishment with a perfect gift! While money is always, always appreciated, putting some thought into a gift that your grad will love is so much more heartfelt and gives them a way to take a bit of you away with them!

Hint to your favorite cousin or crush that you want to keep up the correspondence with this adorable Lilly stationery set. This set works for a variety of occasions; she'll hardly be able to resist writing you! I know I wouldn't be able to! No student can have enough pens, and this Lilly one will keep note taking light and pretty! You can never go wrong with Lilly or writing materials. Put the two together and you've made the best gift-giver list!

Whether graduating from college or high school, grads have a whole new world ahead of them. For the avid writer, note-taker, or list-maker (hello, me!) this Kate Spade travel journal commemorates the leaving of one life to the entering of the next. It's cute and fashionable while also completely functional. Since it's technically a travel journal, it has pockets inside, which will work perfectly for any busy girl who needs a place to keep her syllabus, calendar, or just some miscellaneous notes. This is an awesome, inexpensive gift that will make an impact on your grad and keep her thinking of you every time she opens it.

Every girls needs a College Prepster monogrammed bracelet! Marley Lilly has the one, and it is a perfect grad gift! Jewelry is always perfect for the preppy girl, and a monogram makes anything better! This bracelet is the epitome of the preppy girl and will be a great outfit staple for going to class, going out, or meeting with a professor. Stylish, sophisticated, and classic, you can't go wrong with this one. 

For the reader, the funny one, or the guy who's too smart for his own good, That Book about Harvard is a perfect buy! At less than $15, the price is just right. This book will make you laugh at the horrible things poor Eric went through his freshman year at the esteemed Harvard University, though it's lighthearted enough not to instill fear into the incoming college freshmen. I plan on purchasing this book for many of my guy friends. While books aren't always the most exciting gift, encourage your grad to give it a chance. I promise you that they will be hooked after the first page. The laughs will be great and the fact that you provided them will be even better! 

Happy Gift Giving! Don't forget to tell your grad "Congrats!"

New Specs!

If there's one thing that I absolutely hate about myself, it's that I can't see worth anything! I probably have the worst sight for an 18 year old and I loathe that fact. It's so annoying to always have to be wearing glasses or contacts! In fact, while I was on vacation I tore one of my contacts and conveniently forgot to bring a backup pair. I was stuck for 3 days with a torn, itchy contact. I don't know if anyone else struggles with this besides me...

One thing that has grown on my is my glasses. I used to hate how I looked in glasses (probably because I always picked out the ugliest pair in the store... ugh! What was I thinking?!), but my lazy days in high school have enabled me to love the way I look in glasses. Seriously, I could be in the most uncomfortable outfit and still feel a little better if my contacts weren't in. It's nice to be able to give my eyeballs a break throughout the week and wear my glasses. A cute pair never hurts, either!

Kate Spade Glasses

So, yesterday I bought these beauts. They're kinda crazy for me, but oh so cute! One way to look good, even on your "lazy day"? Kate Spade glasses, oh yes. I have to wait a week to get them in, but I cannot wait!

Love those 4 eyes!

Spring Cleaning

There's nothing quite like the fresh smell of spring outside... but why not bring that freshness in? One of my favorite things to do in the spring is the clean! i know, this sounds crazy, but cleaning is peaceful and fun. Turn on some music, open the windows, and get going! My spring cleaning list ranges from my furniture in my room to my closet to my car to my wallet. It's a time of rebirth and organization to prepare for the best time of the year: summer!

My Room

While I don't have much to change up, I do what I can in my room. First things first, I take my heated blanket and flannel sheets off of my bed.. no need for those anymore! I put fun, springy pillows around and try to brighten the place up a bit. One of my favorite things to do is go shopping for new candles! I love going to Bath and Body Works and Yankee Candle to find yummy scents that will bring the smell of spring inside. 

My Car

I should probably clean out my car more often than I do, because I just cleaned out my car and found Christmas Trees from a holiday benefit I hosted in early December. Yes, I need to make a point to clean my car more often. Besides the Christmas Trees, I make sure that any loose papers, water bottles, cups, travel mugs, CDs (yes, I still use CDs because I don't want to invest in a new adapter for the iPhone 5), trash, anything that doesn't belong there HAS TO GO. While at Bath and Body Works, I make sure to pick up yummy air fresheners for my car. I love any beachy or floral smells! I also vacuum and windex all of the insides of the windows. To top it off, I go and get a nice carwash. 

My Closet

Perhaps the largest cleaning happens in my closet! This was the first thing I did when I got home from Florida, and is usually what prompts the Spring Cleaning monster within. I love taking all of the sweaters and flannel off of my hangers and replacing them with colorful Lilly Shifts. Just having a more colorful and fun closet boosts my spirits in the morning. I also make a point to tackle my shoes. I can finally put away my big, bulky Uggs and boots... but I make sure to leave out my Hunter rain boots for the days of spring showers :) 

My Wallet

My wallet is probably the scariest and most fulfilling part of Spring Cleaning. Mostly because I have multiple wallets for various needs: quick run to the store/ for food, shopping spree, stay in my car, etc. It's kind of frightening to see how many receipts I have stuffed in each one.. I shop way too much! But, I always end up finding a $20 bill I forgot about, or, even better, lots and lots of change. I have of $30 in change!! Talk about fun stuff! So, basically I clean out any old cards, used up gift cards, and receipts. 

The biggest thing I do for my "wallet" is to budget out the next couple of months. I think through how much money I can "expect" to get and what my necessities will be. One major change for me this year is the fact that I won't be working in college. I figured that I should probably start saving a portion of my income for my college expenditures. Because, we all know that I'm going to want at least one thing from the fall lines at Lilly, Kate Spade, etc, or a Starbucks every now and then. Saving now will allow for splurges during school for a quick morale boost.

Spring is a time of rebirth and a celebration of life. I don't know about you, but I can celebrate life a lot easier when it's an organized life! 

What's top on your Spring Cleaning to-do list?