Shoes or Men?

"I decided, the only way to move on from one addiction was to move on to an even bigger one...shoes. A couple of blocks, and way too much money later, I realized I had just entered an interesting chapter in my life. I had outgrown the boys of my past, and not quite grown into the men of my future."

-Carrie

Valley of the Twenty-Something Guys 1.4

First of all, sorry I have been such a bad blogger! I have had a crazy weekend of traveling, sporting events, and a half marathon (update later this week)! Fashion Friday from last week will probably be on Monday or Tuesday while I try to catch up and still pass my classes!
Back to SATC quote Sunday though: This quote is so relatable for women of all ages. Every stage of life provides guys with different challenges, and as we all know, women mature faster than men. Hopefully some of these college guys will be a bit less "frat star" and maybe deflate their egos a bit next year. If not, girls night is always a great alternative...or shoes. Carrie and I definitely see eye-to-eye on retail therapy.

xoxo,
SSP

Why Buy This: Sweat for Less

So, I love workout gear. I have been known (like every other girl on grounds) to wear my workout clothes to class with exactly zero intention of going to the gym afterwards. Although, these days I actually do have to run almost everyday so it usually does have a purpose.
As much as l love workout gear and now that I am training for a marathon and need more, I love to shop (we all know this) and most brands tend to break my bank account. I love norts, but unless I am buying them from the outlet, I tend to avoid dropping that much on a pair of running shorts. What is my solution to this? Target. Well, Target is really my solution to any and all clothing and shoe desires. I always go in for one item and leave with 10!
I love their C9 (champion) workout gear. I have been wearing it for a couple of years now and I really don't notice a difference in the quality. Over winter break, my brother forgot his workout leggings (is that what guys call them? I feel like that might be wrong) for our trip to Upstate New York (smooth move, bro), so I stopped by Target to get him a pair and he even said they were as good as the Under Armour ones!

Sweat for Less by sugarsnappearls

C9 by Champion / C9 by Champion / C9 by Champion® Women's Compression Capri Tight - Pink Bloom XL / Champion / C9 by Champion® Women's Seamless Fashion Cami - Assorted Colors / Activewear shorts / Sheer socks / C9 by Champion lining shoes / Water resistant watch / C9 by Champion Girls' Endurance Tee

Anyways, I love their workout gear, they have so many colors and styles to choose from and they all fit a college girl's budget. Before this post I didn't know they sold sneakers, I might go get a pair for my day-to-day shoes since mine are on their last legs! I am actually going to wear one of my running skirts from there for my half marathon on Sunday! Are any of y'all running the Nike Women's Half in DC? I am so excited, and a bit nervous since I kind of slacked on my training. 

What is your favorite workout gear item? Any other affordable brands that you prefer?

xoxo,
SSP

What Not to Monogram

Thanks to my momma for the idea for this week's Monogram Monday. As we all know, I follow the wise words of Reese Witherspoon (do not mention her arrest...she is still perfect in my mind) when it comes to monogramming, "if it isn't moving, monogram it." However, there really are some exceptions to this rule.

Hair Initialing

Well, I really hope that none of you ladies shave your heads just to get your initials put in your hair, but whatever floats your boat. There is no need to reassure people who you are by doing this. Plus, most people I know who get things shaved into their hair are 10 year-old boys who want to display their baseball all-star numbers.

Monogrammed Toes

This one was a bit of a debate for me. It is not so much that I think this is bad, as it might be taking things a bit far and a waste of money. Why pay for stickers on your toes only to have them chip and be useless in a week or so? Instead, put that money towards your next pedicure!

I like the nail color and flip flop though

Monogramming Yourself

"You know your addiction has gone too far when..." Seriously, this is excessive. Are you not planning on getting married? Because if you do, your monogram is going to change. If you are married, that wedding ring on your finger should suffice so that people are aware of your status. Monogramming yourself is excessive. If you must insist on monogramming yourself, how about we avoid the tramp stamp?

Why? Just why?

At the end of the day, it is a personal decision about what you want to monogram. Some people think I am totally ridiculous for monogramming everything that I do and for wanting to monogram more than I have, and that is fine. Let's just try to keep our addiction within reason please.

What is the most ridiculous thing you have ever seen monogrammed?

xoxo,

SSP

And I realize SATC Sunday was late last night so check it out here if you missed it!

Models and Mortals

"I take it back...beauty is fleeting, but a rent-controlled apartment overlooking the park is forever."

-Carrie

Models and Mortals 1.2

Let's be real, we watch Sex and the City for episodes like this one. This is the quintessential girlfriend episode. It is all about models v. real women, and in the end Big likes real women (spoiler, sorry). This is especially reassuring since I ate my weight in froyo/ice cream today (it's not my fault...there was free froyo at Arch's). 
So ladies, since Mr. Big likes real women (okay, Carrie is totally fabulous, but still) maybe there is hope for those of us who can talk sports, politics, or fashion all day, wear our hair in messy buns, and poke ourselves in the eye almost every time we use eyeliner.
So start off your week remembering you're fabulous the way you are and there is nothing wrong with being a mere mortal.

xoxo,
SSP

Dressing with a Purpose

This was a bit of a hectic week for me. I had so much going on, and looking at my schedule, that isn't going to be changing anytime soon. 

Monday

The co-chairs told Relay Exec to wear our relay spirit gear this week...so i took that to mean "leggings and norts with an oversized shirt," I should wear this every Monday.

Tuesday

April 16th is a hard day for the Hokie Nation. I wrote a post about what the Hokie Nation means to me, and I dressed in maroon and orange (I don't have any Tech shirts here for obvious reasons). Oh, and those are flowers on my sandals...that detail didn't really come out in the picture.

sweater: H&M // shorts: J. Crew Factory // shoes: J. Crew // bow: VT bookstore // bracelet: Fornash // ring: The Jewel Box

http://instagram.com/p/YK3DJXyAVv/

Wednesday

I scored a couple of dresses from TJ Maxx last summer for a great deal and this is one of them. It was such a wonderful day that I ended up sitting on the quad (is that what UVA calls them? honestly, i have no idea) by the corner and getting a great boatneck tan...whoops!

dress: TJ Maxx // belt: Francesca's // shoes: Jack Rogers // necklace: Fornash // earrings: Fornash // bracelet: GroopDealz (look at Etsy for similar ones)

http://instagram.com/p/YNKbnNSAfV/

Thursday

The return of the maxi dress! This is another dress from my TJ Maxx haul (I'm thinking I should try my luck again this year). My outfit drastically changed that night for the "Chi O Glow" date function because if it isn't neon, it shouldn't be on! I never realized how tan neon makes me look...maybe I should try to start pulling it off on a regular basis? Totally kidding.

dress: TJ Maxx // belt: Gap // bracelet: not sure, long time ago // shoes: Jack Rogers

http://instagram.com/p/YQADBLSATi/

Friday

Are you DTF? I'm down to fight. Relay for Life was yesterday and I had to be at set up at 12pm, hence me not putting up this post yesterday. I am so proud of our Relay for Life, we had to move it inside due to some crazy rain and we still completely obliterated our fundraising goal. We raised $138,025!!! I also drank more Cheerwine than is healthy, oh well.

shirt: UVA Relay for Life // shorts: J. Crew Factory // shoes: Jack Rogers (big mistake...ouch) // watch: NY&Co. // nail polish: Essie

http://instagram.com/p/YSkU3tSAcO/

Also, I am watching the West Wing as I am writing this and Leo just died and I am definitely not crying, absolutely not. And if I was crying, it would be because I am sleep deprived from Relay for Life...

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

SSP

Why Buy This: All Hail the Gold Card

Before I get into today's post, I just want to take a second to thank you for the kind words yesterday. I got a couple of Facebook messages, texts, and emails regarding that post and I am so glad that my message was received so well. 

Okay, on to a happier subject: Starbucks. If you follow my Instagram or have looked at my blurb, you would know that Starbucks and I have a great relationship. In the mornings, I make coffee in my Keurig, but by mid-afternoon I am in need of a caffeine boost. Since I visit Starbucks so often, I finally decided to download the iPhone app and earn my Gold Card.

Let me tell you, if you go to Starbucks, even only once every other week, you need this app. I just earned my gold card last week and I am already super excited. Plus, you can have people give you gift cards right to your phone...you can even pay with PayPal (hint: Momma). How do you get one? Just buy drinks with the same registered Starbucks gift card (iPhone app makes this super easy) and you will earn stars every time you do. Once you get 5 stars, you earn free refills on coffee and tea while in the shop and you get great discounts! 

After hitting 30 stars, you earn your GOLD CARD! Gold Card members get a free drink or food item every 12 stars, plus the benefits of the green card. Oh, and they get super cool gold card to put in their wallet so that everyone can know that they are a super cool gold card member (I'm just a little excited).

But seriously, if you like Starbucks, this is such a good deal. Why keep buying full priced Starbucks without the benefits?

Plus, it is warm enough to start ordering all those iced beverages. My favorite is a Venti Iced Green Tea, unsweetened, no water (ZERO CALORIES and Green Tea rehydrates you!) or an Iced Chai with skim and light ice. What are your summer Starbucks drinks of choice?

xoxo,

SSP

We Will Prevail. We Are Virginia Tech.

"We are strong enough to stand tall tearlessly, we are brave enough to bend to cry, and we are sad enough to know that we must laugh again."

-Nikki Giovanni

When I wrote my post about transferring, I thought that would be the hardest post I would ever have to write, at least for a while. I was wrong.

Yesterday morning I woke up and looked at my calendar, realizing it was the eve of the April 16th shootings at Virginia Tech. With a heavy heart, I prepared for my day and dressed in Relay for Life spirit gear because this week I am focusing on fighting for a world where we celebrate more birthdays. Later in the afternoon, I saw a photo on my twitter timeline of the Boston Marathon finish line. I thought, I hoped it was a sick joke. Minutes later, I was watching live coverage on CBS.com, horrified by the senseless violence that had just occurred.

On the eve of the anniversary of the deadliest school shooting in history, still grieving from the Sandy Hook shootings, I watched as people rushed through the streets to help those wounded in a terrorist attack. I do not pretend to understand these events, just as I did not understand the shooting of Officer Derrick Crouse in December 2011 as I sat on lockdown in my dorm room with my best friend. What I have come to understand is how a community can unite amidst pain and sorrow.

I had planned to write this post before yesterday's events. I am not here to write about tragedy, but about community. This is about the enduring spirit of the Hokie Nation. This is not a nation defined by tragedy. It is nation that can sell out a 66,000 person stadium and has the greatest entrance in college football (0:45 second mark-ish). A nation that bands together to give back to their community, fight cancer in the largest collegiate relay, and care for each other. It is true that once you become a Hokie, you never want to be anything else. It becomes a part of who you are, you will forever bleed orange and maroon. 

As y'all know, I left Virginia Tech behind to pursue an education at UVA this year. It hasn't been easy for me, I miss Virginia Tech and I feel a bit lost at my new school. This weekend I got a phone call from my brother informing me that he had gotten into the Honors dorm that I had lived in last year. I cried. I cried tears of joy for him because I know he is going to have the most amazing experience, I cried because I am jealous, and I cried because I realize that the limestone building of East Ambler Johnston is his home now, not mine. 

Though my life has taken me on a different path, I am forever a part of the Hokie Nation. I laugh with them, I cry with them, I jump with them. Tears fill my eyes watching Nikki Giovanni's speech and goosebumps cover my arms reliving the Miami game. I strive to embody Ut Prosim in my day-to-day life and I'd like to think I am a better person for it. 

I will wear my maroon and orange today. I will listen to Enter Sandman on my way to class. I will think about how I live for the 32 who had that chance taken away from them. If there was ever a nation that could handle tragedy, it is Virginia Tech. I wish I had the blog post Adam wrote after Officer Crouse's shooting last year because he put it beautifully (of course, he's an author). Virginia Tech was not built on an ancient indian burial ground and it is not cursed. Virginia Tech is resilient and looks out for their own and everyone around them. The Hokie Nation understands pain more than most and uses that to comfort others in need. They embody community in every sense of the word. I was blessed to start my college experience at Virginia Tech and I am blessed to have the opportunity to be a Cavalier the University of Virginia now. I like to think my struggles will all pay off and I know that I have the support of my friends as I find my way.

Next year I will still be a Cavalier at the University of Virginia, K will be a Patriot at George Mason University, and N will be a Hokie at Virginia Tech. We will be spread across the great state of Virginia, but when we get together on game day, it will be in Blacksburg. We may be a house divided, but we are all a part of Hokie Nation.  

N and I at a game last year (yeah, it's a photo of a photo...scanner broke)

After writing this, I had N read it for me, and we chatted about what the Hokie Nation means to us. I wanted to include his thoughts on the subject:

At the end of the day, I am blessed to be a part of the Hokie Nation, a great nation inside the greatest nation on earth. What it means to me, is having the best community and support group. It is about being a part of something bigger than myself. Hokie Nation is without a doubt one of the greatest groups I have ever been a part of. God bless [everyone reading this], God bless the Hokie Nation, and God bless America. 

xoxo,

SSP

Monogrammed Jewelry Tray

Ever since, the Monogram Monday post about my monogrammed rain coat it has rained almost every Monday. Sorry for wishing for rain that day, C-Ville peeps! I do like getting to wear my raincoat though...
Anyways, this week's Monogram Monday is dedicated to my favorite little jewelry tray. For my High School graduation, my aunt gave me a monogrammed acrylic tray and it has become the best part of my jewelry collection. I wear the same few pieces (almost) every day and this allows me to store them where I can easily access them when I am running out the door in the morning.

http://instagram.com/p/YIN0-WSAQX/

These trays come in all shapes, colors, patterns and sizes. Mine came from a store in Raleigh, but you can order them from Design Darling (also a fabulous blog), Etsy, Marley Lilly, etc.
I love getting to store my jewelry in a monogrammed tray since none of my jewelry is monogrammed...yet. Maybe over the summer I will be able to afford something...maybe.

xoxo,
SSP

The Age of Un-Innocence

"Welcome to the age of un-innocence. No one has 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and no one has 'Affair[s] to Remember.' Instead we have breakfast at 7am and affairs we try to forget as quickly as possible. Cupid has flown the co-op."

-Carrie
Sex and the City 1.1

I did it. I finally broke into my Sex and the City box set of DVDs. No, I have not finished The West Wing yet (so close, so dang close), but I was feeling a need for 30 minutes of advice from Carrie while I got ready on Saturday morning, and that is exactly what I got.

How true is this quote? I think she hits the nail on the head. I wish life was more like the black and white classics that I love, but it isn't. I will not "always have Paris" with someone, it's more like "We'll always have that one night at that one fraternity party..." so yeah, not exactly romantic. 

Of course, who needs a man when you get to spend your weekend with a stud like this? Am I right or am I right?

I hope y'all have an amazing start to your week!

xoxo,

SSP

Adios, Winter

It is finally warm! I literally tore through my wardrobe at school on Monday and ripped out all my winter gear. It is sitting in a pile (on top of a bag it didn't fit in) on my floor, but I just couldn't handle looking at one more wool sweater this late in the year!

Monday

Happy Warm Weather Monday! Oh my gosh, it was glorious out. I went with jeans because I have long Mondays so I knew I'd be outside before it warmed up and after it cooled off, but I could've easily gotten away with shorts. 

top: J. Crew (similar) // jeans: Gap // bow: I made it! // flats: Target // bracelet: Fornash

http://instagram.com/p/X2G3iTSAWV/

Tuesday

This Lilly Pulitzer Cassie Shift is one of my favorite dresses. It is just so comfy and I love the green, especially because I can pair it with pink and really feel like a true Lilly girl. I also got my easter package on Tuesday (finally...stupid dorm mail room). I loved my momma's version of easter eggs. I mean J. Crew chinos and Jack Rogers? I can't ever get enough. The best part is that I spent the morning on the phone with momma lamenting that I didn't have summer stuff so I was going to have to go to Target or Old Navy, so this package was perfect and much needed!

Later in the day, the weather was so nice (and it was free cone at Ben and Jerry's) so all I wanted was some ice cream froyo. Well, my friend and I were trying to decide where to get dinner and we ended up settling on $5 all-you-can-eat froyo at one of the local shops. Bikini season? What's that?

dress: Lilly Pulitzer (similar) // sandals: Jack Rogers // bracelet: Fornash // 

ring: no longer available (similar) 

http://instagram.com/p/X451-SSAas/

Wednesday

On Wednesdays, we wear pink. Well, actually I just really wanted to wear my new shorts. I have a habit of not being able to hold off on wearing new stuff...it's just too tempting! I also rocked some really attractive skull and crossbones bandaids on my toes from trying to break in my new Jack Rogers yesterday for a couple of hours (love those shoes, hate breaking them in). Oh, I also earned my Starbucks Gold Card on Wednesday...seriously, it never would have happened if I hadn't gotten around to using my iPhone as my card. I am so excited!!!

top: Gap (similar...such a steal!) // shorts: J. Crew Factory // shoes: Jack Rogers // watch: NY&Co.

http://instagram.com/p/X7K3kCSAWF/

Thursday

Yay for boring Thursdays! I spent a lot of the day watching the Masters. Seriously, watched it in my room before class and then in my psyc lecture a few of the guys were watching it on their iPads and laptops. If you don't like golf, then you think I am totally crazy. If you do like golf, I know you payed just as much attention in class as I did.
I also finished my blog makeover! (more on that here).

top: NY&Co. // skirt: Target // shoes: Jack Rogers // bracelet: Fornash // nail polish: Essie "Madison Ave-Hue"
http://instagram.com/p/X98hGnSAVp/

Friday

I woke up at 6am with the intention of going for a run, only to discover that it was pouring rain. As upset as I was about not being able to go on my run, I was more upset about what it meant for the outfit I had planned. Luckily I decided to go back to sleep (after sitting up for an hour lamenting about my outfit and watching The West Wing), and when I woke up, the sun was out again!
The rest of my afternoon is devoted to homework and the Masters and I get to have dinner with my littles tonight! Not a bad way to end the week, at all.

dress: Old Navy //sandals: Jack Rogers // rain coat: Marley Lilly (not pictured)// necklace: Darling // bracelets: Fornash
http://instagram.com/p/YAxeh4yAaa/

xoxo,
SSP

Blog Overhaul

As some of you may have noticed, I have been in the process of overhauling my blog this week. I am so excited to finally be done with that after having my friend, Bry, do a couple of quick head shots for me this morning!

Quick intro to the new gadgets:
-Bloglovin': Well, this isn't new, but it is a great way to keep up with your favorite bloggers because you can even have them send you an email each day to get post updates!
-Other Social Media: I have a facebook page, instagram (which is way more popular than this blog haha), and I am a total pinterest addict.
-New Header: Serious shout out to Katie's friend, Maggie, for introducing me to Gimp. It is basically a free version of photoshop and I finally got to create the blog header I had envisioned all along.
-New Profile Picture: Thank you Bry, for helping me with this one. I basically awkwardly stood in the grass for a minute or two before I was anywhere near ready for these pics. Posing for these was definitely not the same as taking one of my OOTD pics in the mirror. Oh, these outfit details will be in my Fashion Friday post tomorrow :)

absolutely love these trees outside my dorm

She was really excited to catch gem this on camera

What do y'all think of the changes? Any suggestions?

xoxo,
SSP

Why Buy This: Statement Necklaces

Happy Wednesday aka Hump Day aka you're over halfway done with the week!!! If you are anything like me, sitting inside while the weather is this glorious is torturous...I can't wait for the weekend! And what better way to celebrate surviving half of the week cooped up than with a little retail therapy?

I love statement necklaces. As y'all may have definitely noticed, I tend to go with basic outfits most of the time. I love staples because they can be re-worn so many different ways. The best way to dress up these boring outfits is with jewelry. Admittedly, I have not been the most adventurous with jewelry, in fact if you look at my necklace hangers, you might notice that almost everything has pearls on it. I have been trying to stray away from that, though! Statement necklaces are awesome and J. Crew has absolutely gorgeous ones, I mean, I just want them all. However, if I were to shop for my necklaces at J. Crew, not only would I never eat again, but I'd also need to work 2 jobs in addition to class. So, how can you get these fabulous necklaces without breaking the bank? 

Let me introduce you to Bauble Bar and GroopDealz. Bauble Bar has a ton of options ranging in all jewelry categories and I love to window shop there in my free time. GroopDealz is a bit different because it actually carries all sorts of items, but they usually have great jewelry at amazing prices (usually inspired by a more expensive version). I got my pave link bracelet that y'all seem to love so much from there for $25! Right now they have a J. Crew inspired Rose Necklace that I desperately want (but at this moment, can't afford). I want it in yellow instead of the coral that J. Crew carries though because I actually have a coral necklace (can't wait to debut it) that I picked up from Darling, a boutique owned by a Chi Omega alum here in Charlottesville! Back to GroopDealz though, this necklace is $20 and the one that J. Crew sold out of retailed for $148...it's a no-brainer! 

seriously, I LOVE this piece, and perfect for this weather!

What are some of your favorite statement necklaces? Any favorite places to shop for them?

xoxo,

SSP

Monogram Monday and Formal Wrap-up

Happy Monogram Monday! Before we talk about anything monogrammed, let me just rave about this weather. I don't know how it is where y'all are, but it is absolutely gorgeous out today. I called my momma earlier today to plan a FaceTime/Skype date to go through my closet (aka moving boxes that I never unpacked because I was going to be at school while we're picking a new house) so my aunt can bring some of my spring wardrobe down to school when she comes on Saturday! I was getting so tired of my wardrobe and OOTDs because it was the same dark colors and sweaters on repeat, but not anymore!
Anyways, Monogram Monday this week is kind of a throwback to my Coral Clutch post. When I was on the bus to formal on Saturday (more on that later), one of the girls asked me where she could get one. I started listing a couple of places she could get hers and I realized there are so many different online shops that I know about, but I haven't shared with y'all. So, I compiled a list of a few of my favorite monogram shops. They range in inventory and price, but they are all awesome.

Marley Lilly - the mecca of monogrammed goodies

My Capital Letters - obsessed with my keychain!

Southern Prep Co - really cute frocket monogrammed shirts

Sweet Tea Monograms - monogrammed PFG, yes please

Personal Threads - I need that pullover/bow combo

dress: borrowed from a sister // bracelets: fornash // ring: The Jewel Box // clutch: Cordial Lee // shoes: Guess

Yes, I brought my clutch to formal. It didn't really match my dress, but I brought it because I knew that no one would accidentally pick it up, thinking it was theirs. And, no, I didn't take my fish (that joke is here and way too many of my friends are now telling their friends). I got set up by one of my sisters and it was so much fun. Basically we got bussed out to Stonefire Station and had hors d'oeuvres and spent the evening swing dancing to a live band (hadn't done that in a year, and I was super rusty, whoops!).

my first impression of the new chapter back in the fall. love this girl (photo credit: Lindsay)

from High School to College (photo credit: Melissa)

wouldn't have been there without her, thanks doll!!!

I hope y'all have an amazing week!

xoxo,

SSP

Lilly Pulitzer Quote Sunday: A Tribute to the Icon

"Live every day like it's a celebration, and make every hour a happy hour"

-Lilly Pulitzer

This week, I decided the queen of prep deserved a proper tribute instead of SATC. 
I was completely shocked when I got the news today that Lilly Pulitzer had passed away at the age of 81, I guess I just thought she'd live forever. I actually found out from my brothers, who were kind enough to screenshot my reaction (boys, feel free to delete that at any point...). 
Today the world lost an icon. We lost the woman who taught us that being refined doesn't require a little black dress, and that prints at cocktail parties deserve a chance. She inspired people to take chances and brightened our closets, all because she opened a juice stand. 

Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau is a true icon. She shot to fame after dressing Jackie O (nee Kennedy) and was known for throwing fabulous soirees. There has never been a New York socialite more adored by southern ladies, and there never will be again. I am grateful to Lilly for making it acceptable to wear lions on my skirts (one of my favorites when I was little) and adding sunshine to my normally neutral wardrobe. 

Thank you for opening that juice stand in Palm Beach. Thank you for bringing so much joy to our lives. Thank you for your inspiration and your legacy. Lilly may have passed away, but her style will inspire forever.

Lilly at her shop in Palm Beach

"Jackie wore one of my dresses - it was made from kitchen curtain material - and people went crazy. They took of like the zingo. Everybody loved them, and I went into the dress business." - Lilly Pulitzer

my family understands ;)

If you missed it,  go check out the Lilly post I did on Friday!

xoxo,

SSP

Buy Fresh, Buy Local

"Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization."

-Daniel Webster

Today was my first Farmer's Market Saturday of 2013. Admittedly the weather was a bit chillier than I would've liked and I was going incognito in my yoga pants, baseball hat, and ray-bans, but it could not have been a better morning. I love the farmer's market, just walking around and chatting with different vendors about what they're selling while I sip my coffee. In the summer, Momma and I walk down to the one in our town on Saturday mornings and get some alone time to chat, which I love.
Plus, I think it is so important to support local farmers. First of all, you won't find produce much fresher than at the Farmer's Market unless of course you grow your own. Secondly, it is almost always organic (double check with them) and cheaper than the store. Finally, as the quote I chose above says, we would be nowhere without farmers! If you're looking for a market near you, here is a database to find them!
I took pictures as I walked around this morning, most of the fruits and veggies will be coming out in like a month or so, but I did get some great black raspberry jam that I am currently eating with some crackers as my lunch!
Confession, I also stopped by a little consignment boutique (Darling) that is owned by a Chi O alum because I had been dying to go and I got the cutest statement necklace. Can't wait to debut it...be on the lookout Instagram followers!

gorgeous green plants

one of the jewelry vendors...loved all the freshwater pearl action!

this might be my new favorite thing ever. Iced Peach Ginger Black Tea

few things make me as happy as fresh flowers

http://instagram.com/p/XxID6jyAWa/

lunch! seriously, this jam is amazing

Do any of y'all like farmer's markets? What are your favorite things to get at the Farmer's Market?

Also, if you missed yesterday's Fashion Friday post, go check it out, I know I posted it later in the day than usual. 

xoxo,
SSP

Fashionable on Fumes

As I mentioned earlier, this has been a crazy week for me and I am running on fumes. Quite frankly, I am just impressed with myself for deciding to put effort into outfit selection at all this week (excellent procrastination method if any of you want one).

Monday

The weather was gorgeous and I was exhausted from my weekend travels so it seemed like an appropriate time to break out the capri workout leggings and norts (changed for part of the day when it was warmer). I am so ready for some warmer weather. Seriously, it snowed in Blacksburg yesterday and while I was laughing at a picture of their mini-blizzard, it started hailing on me. Karma. 

Tuesday

I am obsessed with these Fornash earrings if you can't tell. I was bummed the weather was colder and nautical things just remind me of the beach so I had to break these out. Tuesday I basically spent the entire day in the library and both my laptop charger and iPhone charger decided to crap out that night...way more stressful than I realized it would be.

sweater: Ann Taylor Loft // jeans: Gap // shoes: Sperry // earrings: Fornash // bracelets: Fornash (here and here)

http://instagram.com/p/XmqOFpSAYP/

Wednesday

I have 5 classes on Wednesdays and I had pulled an all-nighter on Tuesday, needless to say, I was not about to wear real pants. I did decide to throw a scarf over my shirt and wear my staple pearls in an attempt to look nicer. Seriously, scarves are the best things ever, they transform outfits. I love them. Also, good call on the workout clothes since I stayed in the library until 4am...so much fun.

shirt: UVA bookstore // scarf: Mud Pie

http://instagram.com/p/XpZfjkSAbL/

Thursday

I was upset I had to wear tights with this outfit. Seriously, Mother Nature, get it together. I had 2 presentations and an exam on Thursday, so despite wanting to collapse on my bed, I decided to inhale some coffee and wear a comfortable dress. I love this dress, it was a total Target steal this fall and I get compliments on it all the time.

dress: Target // boots: Etienne Aigner // necklace: Ann Taylor

http://instagram.com/p/XsHyvUSAaz/

Friday

Finally Friday. I survived this week. Of course, I thought I would relax all day...then I looked at my pesky to-do list, darn it. Perfect timing for the weather to start to become gorgeous today...perfect day to pick up my training for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC. Are any of you running it?

sweater: J. Crew Factory (it's on sale now!) // jeans: H&M //  cami: Ann Taylor Loft // shoes: Steve Madden // necklace: Fornash // arm party: NY&Co. & similar bracelet
http://instagram.com/p/Xuw-3DSAe7/

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend. I have my Formal tomorrow. Yes I am going, no I am not taking my fish (please read here if that confuses you). 

Also, I would LOVE some more post topic ideas. Please comment or email me if you have any!

xoxo,

SSP