The perfect tote

The bag you chose to bring to class everyday is important. Whether you’re carrying a fun, colorful Lilly or printed Kate Spade tote, in a sea full of black Northface backpacks your style will shine through. Don’t be one of those black Northfaces, chose the bag that best represents you! I admit I am one of those girls who carries a plum colored Longchamp, but I love it. Even though you might see a million of them walking to class, at least there are some fun colors and it’s easy to liven them up with a monogram or cute bow. Here are some bags that are super cute but still practical to bring to class every day.

Monograms, fun prints, and little details make these bags special. A good canvas bag, such as this Marley Lilly or Vineyard Vines classic, are durable for all of your textsbooks but still has a cute personal and preppy touch. The Kate Spade and Lilly totes have bright, bold prints that’ll be sure to have your friends asking, “Where did you get that?!” Making a fashion statement is always a plus, don't be afraid to be different! I especially love the leather tote with scallop detail. It’s simple and understated but very classy. Perfect for formal chapter or internship interviews!

What kind of tote do you use for class?

In a rut?

Last weekend I wasn't myself. I was feeling depressed, everyone was bothering me, and I had no motivation to do anything. Some might call this a bad day, but I think I was stuck in a rut. It was an awful feeling and I just wanted to get back to normal. After spending a long Sunday in bed doing some relaxation and self-reflection, I finally felt that I was in the right mindset to get myself out of this gross haze. I've made a list that I know I'll look back at whenever I'm feeling down, and hopefully it'll be useful for you too.

1. Figure out what's getting you down - Identifying the root of the problem is the fastest way to think of a solution and start feeling better. Are you homesick after a few months away at school? Stressed about exams? Not taking enough time for yourself? Take some time to think about what's bringing you down and work on changing it. Maybe call home, break up studying into little bits every day so it's not so overwhelming, or take a nice long bubble bath and give yourself a manicure. You'll be on the road to recovery in no time.

2. Stay positive - Thinking about how miserable you are will only make you more miserable. Think about fun plans that are coming up this summer or a fun girls night you had a few weekends ago. Remember the way you're feeling right now will soon pass and that there are brighter days ahead.

3. Take a break - Take a day or maybe even just a few minutes to relax. Slowing down and making time for yourself is a great way to clear your mind and allow yourself time to perk up.

4. Do something that makes you happy - Similar to taking a break, doing something that makes you happy will not only take your mind off your bad mood, but it'll also be fun! Lay out in the grass with a good book, eat a piece of chocolate, or spend some time reading your favorite blogs (hint, hint). Doing anything besides focusing on your bad mood is sure to help.

5. Work out - It's no secret working out releases endorphins that make you feel great. After a workout you feel accomplished and your toned legs will make you feel extra confident. Getting out of the house and being active will help take your mind off whatever is bothering you and will naturally make you feel happy!

6. Retail therapy - Retail therapy really is a thing. Buying a small pick-me-up for yourself can instantly make you feel happy and excited to receive your new treat in the mail (I'm assuming you love online shopping as much as me). As long as you don't overdo it, buying a small new accessory or pair of shoes for yourself will give you something to look forward to. 

I hope this list can help if you're ever feeling down. Just remember, the sun'll come out tomorrowwww! The lameness of that reference should have you smirking already.

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling twenty... one!

With my birthday being two weeks before finals (EVERY year... sigh), of course I decided to write this post in order to procrastinate starting final papers. It was last Tuesday to be exact, so of course you could find me at the bars, for the first time legally, on Monday night. It was so much fun! My awesome boyfriend, little, roommate, and two other friends came out with me. Even though the bar was completely empty besides us it was an amazing night and I'm so thankful for my friends! I got some very awesome, and very sorority inspired gifts that I'd like to share with you.

Here's the haul all together-

The huge balloons are from my momma along with with chocolates and wine/shot glasses, my boyfriend got me a bouquet and a new Vera wristlet, my aunt got me a set of different Absolut shots and also a bouquet, and my little got me pink sparking wine. I was wayyyy too spoiled.

My mom picked out these super cute glasses by Lolita on Piperlime (another obsessed but that's a post for another day). The wine glass is covered in shoes and purses and is called Shopaholic, Too. The shot glass is called "21." Both have recipes on the side/bottom, very appropriate for a 21st :) They have a TON of other glasses on their website too, for every occasion possible. It's definitely worth a look if you're in need of a good gift. 

 

My big and I share a sick, sick obsession with monograms and this is what she got me. Monogrammed wine glass and a crew neck, both from Etsy! I'm so obsessed I can't handle it. I love monograms, they're the perfect way to customize any gift for a friend or even yourself! The monogram on the crew neck is white and pink chevron. Love love love. 

I might be a bit slow to post over the next two weeks but I'll do my best :)

What's your favorite gift you've received?

April Showers...

This weekend was the first this year that it was above 60 degrees. Yesterday it was actually in the 70s! To celebrate, my boyfriend and I took a walk around campus and a nearby cemetery (it might sound creepy, but it's actually really pretty). It was a lot of fun, but on the way home we got stuck in the rain. The downpour got me thinking I could really use some new accessories for the upcoming rainy season. I went to Polyvore to put together some cute must-haves for rainy days, and decided on monogrammed raincoats and fun jelly flats. My hair frizzes really badly in the rain too, so I also included some hairstyles to keep things in control.

North Face raincoats are my go-tos, I have one in white that I wear on rainy or really windy days. They are nice and light and go with everything. My sorority, Pi Phi, also has the last one with our letters on it. Definitely a must if you are Greek. And who can resist a monogrammed jacket? I LOVE the color. Jack Rogers and Tory Burch also make jelly sandals and flats which are perfect in the rain. And if it's muddy out, you can just wipe them clean!

What are some of your rainy day must-haves?

Pastel Nail Polish!

For the longest time I've been trying to find the perfect pastel nail polish for spring. I've tried a bunch of different OPI colors, including Bubble Bath and a couple others, but I still wasn't able to find the perfect shade or consistency. I have to be very picky with my colors because my skin tone is fair, and the wrong colors can make my fingers look redish or even blueish.

While browsing through Ulta I came across Butter London's new spring line and fell in love with Teddy Pink. It was a light pink with a little touch of purple, and it was perfect. However, I bought an orange-y pink last summer and didn't love it. First of all it's expensive, one bottle is $15! That's a little steep for me, but I'm usually willing to spend the money if the product is amazing. I found the polish is very watery and it usually takes 3 or 4 coats to get the same color as the bottle. And it chips very easily, even with a top coat. Basically, I wouldn't buy it again.

To solve my problem, I compared Teddy Girl to Essie's pinks to find a color that was similar. I found Fiji and it was just about a perfect match! I'm soo glad I decided to buy it, it's the perfect pink color and the consistency is amazing. I might even like it more than OPI (and I'm a huge fan of OPI). It's creamy and liquidy enough to make application a breeze. And I haven't had any chipping issues so far. With a price of $8, I was sold.

The picture really doesn't even do it justice, it's better in person. Anyway, I hope this helps in your nail polish endeavors! Definitely keep this color in mind for spring! 

Essie Fiji - On Amazon for only $6!! 

What colors are you loving for spring?