Bag Lady

Do you ever get so excited about something that you just can't sleep? I mean, like something that is far off in the distance or a gradual change? If you do, you understand how I am feeling writing this post. 
I am planning to be 100% moved into my apartment by August 17th and I am so excited for this chapter of my life. Basically, preparing for it is consuming all of my free time and thoughts. What am I going to wear? How am I going to decorate? Am I prepared for my classes? How much will books cost this year? If there is a question, I have asked it.
Well, since I know it is consuming my time, I imagine some of y'all are thinking about it as well. Right now I have a to-do list so long that I may have an anxiety attack if I write it down, but I know that slow and steady wins the race (well, to an extent).
First up on my list is the trusty school bag. Bags are such an important part of the day-to-day routine, whether it be to the office, class, or shopping. As a result, they're 100% worth the investment in a quality piece that will last through the abuse. Personally, I have been alternating between my North Face backpack and Longchamp tote since high school. My tote has definitely seen some better days and now that I don't want to use it every day, I am in the market for a new bag.

Longchamp Le Pliage Large Bag

I just know I can't go wrong investing in another one of these. They are more than worth the money and I may get a new one regardless! I have the Navy one and would definitely reccomend the darker color for longer wear.

Tuckernuck Sunday Bag

I first saw this bag on The College Prepster (she's giving one away right now!). I just love the size and obvious durability of it. It is also a great bag to transition to a weekend getaway (to Blacksburg for a football game?). Oh, and did I mention the monogramming is free?

Vineyard Vines Tote

I love these totes. i have one but my dog got to one of the straps a couple of years ago so I am wary about making it a daily bag. These have nice structure and, again, the canvas is nice to clean. Plus, you can get them with your school or favorite sports team (how do I choose?) as the print at the top!

Michael Kors Tote

I know a lot of people who love these. Personally, it is a bit pricy but that leather does provide a great and polished look! They also have a smaller size I have seen a lot of people getting to take around as a secondary bag.

North Face Recon Backpack

Apparently this is one of the more "masculine" backpacks but I really don't care. I have this bag in black and plan to keep it forever. It is a great bag for those days where you have a lot to carry and aren't worried about it pulling up a skirt in the back (been there, got that t-shirt).

LL Bean Canvas Tote

Any of these bags are awesome. Monogram away and choose a fun color. They're affordable and cute...what more could you want?

What is your go-to school bag?

xoxo,
SSP

P.S. Go check out the J. Crew Factory Sale going on right now...40% off is a great way to stock up on those back-to-school necessities!

Apartment Decorating with Anthropologie

With the summer days dwindling (nooooo!) and the school year on the horizon, I have been turning my attention to a little apartment decorating. I am so excited to finally have an apartment at school. It is the cutest place with plenty of space for my awesome roommate and I, plus it has a great location. Now, as I have mentioned before, I was a dorm kid last year so I have a lot of prep to do for this apartment here. Since I am doing so much for my apartment, it is basically all I can think (and probably blog) about. 
Does anyone else love interior design and well really just houses as much as I do? Seriously, I could spend hours looking at floorplans and peoples "dream home" boards on Pinterest. 
Anyways, I recently went on the Anthropologie website looking for a knob for my coffee table and got sucked into their wonderful world of home goods. I loved so many of their things but these are a few of my absolute favorites. The whale bookshelves put the biggest smile on my face and that rhino is just so different than anything I have ever looked at. Plus, what isn't there to love about those chalkboard kitchen canisters?

Anthropologie: Apartment Style by sugarsnappearls

Mirrored Dresser / Victorian Whale Bookends / Savannah Story Bust, Rhino / Chalkboard Storage Jars / Capri Blue Candle-In-A-Jar / Ceramic Frenchie Stamper / Ayaka Mug / Villa Capri Knob / Imphal Blockprinted Pillow / Quatrefoil Outdoor Rug

xoxo,
SSP

Life Under Construction

Have you ever felt like your life is under construction? Like you need to make some major changes and don't know where to start? That's exactly where I am right now. I don't know how to describe it, but I started realizing it last week. Maybe it's because I have been working non-stop and my off-hours are that much more precious now, maybe it's because I am disappointed with my school year last year and am going to make a serious effort to change my experience and studying for this upcoming year. You know, maybe I just finally hit rock bottom.

I have been stressed, overwhelmed and a tad depressed. My transferring to UVA was about as smooth as sandpaper and it was reflected in both my social and academic life last year. To top it off, I work 65+ hours a week (totally worth it for the paycheck though) so I haven't really recovered. Basically, have run myself into the ground and I am ready to pick myself up by my bootstraps and get to living life the way I want to.

This year is going to be different. I woke up this morning and pounded out a run, training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October. There is a list of things I want to do and how to change my life. I am purging both stuff (I have a lot of it) and bad feelings. It is time for a new me and there is no better feeling than knowing that I can actually do it. I have a lot to look forward to: new apartment, school year, relay for life committee, and more. It's never easy, but it is worth it.

Well, what does that mean for this blog?

There are no more designated days...except for Fashion Friday. Sure, there will be a Monogram Monday pretty frequently, and Why Buy This Wednesdays will be thrown in there as well. Overall though, it is going to be more about what I want to post and what I think y'all might want to read. Quite frankly, I feel pressured to give y'all a great Monday post or perfect outfits on instagram...why would I let myself stress over that? Guys, I have a lot of clothing, but, surprise, I re-wear outfits. I want to focus on life, not just what dress I am pulling out of my closet on a day-to-day basis. (That being said, I will still do a couple OOTDs a week :] )

I also want to know what y'all want to read! What brings you back to my blog? This blog would be nothing without y'all and I am so grateful for the support you offer. 

Oh, and don't forget to keep up with Sugar Snap Pearls on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Bloglovin!

xoxo,

SSP

Christmas In July

It's the most wonderful time of the year...the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! 

This is no ordinary sale, this is a sale that includes some of the hottest items for the fall, not just last season's leftovers!

Here's my wish list, what's on yours?

Kate Spade 'tidbit' Plates

technically these aren't on my wish list since I bought them already ;) but they are just too cute and the colors go perfectly with my room plan for my apartment!

Enzo Angiolini Riding Boots

love the brown and black combo!

Nike Sneakers

I need a new pair of day-to-day sneakers and these might just fit the bill with their friendly price tag.

Kate Spade Phone Case

I am getting my iPhone 5 on Monday and need a case for it, why not this adorable Kate Spade one?

Michael Kors Watch

Loving this bracelet watch...perfect for any arm party!

Kate Spade Studs

Nothing like a cute, fun pair of studs!

Ellen Tracy Trench Coat

A khaki trench coat is a necessary staple in anyone's wardrobe.

What are your favorite Anniversary Sale Items? And don't forget, there are going to be a few SSP announcements coming up!

xoxo,

SSP

Fashion Friday 07.19

Happy Friday, lovelies! I am so happy it is time for the weekend because I have some big plans for myself (i'll update y'all in another post this weekend) and my shift at Talbots tonight will conclude another 65+ hour work week...yeesh! 

...So, yet again technology beats Erin...my photos didn't save to blogger so I included the link to each picture on Instagram...whoops! When I get home (super late) tonight from Talbots I will re-upload them all. Sorry...guess all this working is getting to my ability to fuction haha

ain't that the truth?!?

Monday

Not much to say about Monday except that I got a super cute cardigan at Talbots and I cannot wait to wear it! Of course, the AC in my store doesn't seem to be working so I have yet to debut it...ugh.

cardigan: Old Navy // dress: TJ Maxx // earrings: J. Crew // belt: Gap // shoes: Jack Rogers

http://instagram.com/p/byIopPyAf3/

Tuesday

I love this dress...in principle. Quite frankly, I don't love it as much when I wear it. My momma and I call it my Pride and Prejudice dress because it is very flowy with an empire waist and really, if you added some sleeves and took it from tea length to full length, it would work for the time period. Also, I watch the Colin Firth P&P...he's a much better Darcy than that guy in Keira Knightly's version.

dress: Banana Republic // necklace: Fornash // shoes: no idea...pretty old

http://instagram.com/p/b0uR3-SAWQ/

Wednesday

As mentioned before, it is basically a sauna in Talbots. I have to be work appropriate, but I really don't want anything heavy. This outfit was perfect with the flowy top and lightweight white jeans. Also, did you catch my piggy bank post?

top: Michael Kors // jeans: Talbots // shoes: J. Crew // nail polish: Essie Watermelon

http://instagram.com/p/b3RjMGSAXs/

Friday

I came home last night from work and found my fan fringe necklace had been delivered! I am so excited that I finally have it. I wear such basic outfits every day so it's nice to be able to change it up with a fun piece!

top: Gap // skirt: Target // necklace: Apple of my Eye Jewelry (via Very Jane) // shoes: Jack Rogers 

http://instagram.com/p/b8n6VgyAcF/

stay tuned for a weekend update!

xoxo,

SSP

Keep the Green

Let me preface this post by saying that anything I may know about budgeting, I have learned by trial and error. By no means am I the poster child for money management, but I am trying to make it work, just like most of you!
If you are in college, or have graduated from college, you understand what it's like to be on a tight budget. Gone are the days of laundry being free or your fridge magically being restocked. You need some new socks for the snow storm tomorrow? Catch a bus to the store and pick them up for yourself. But for all the trials that come with this new responsibility, the financial freedom it allows can be so liberating.
Of course, it is only liberating if you keep the money in your account. Piggy banks are great and all (did you see mine on Instagram?) but they sure don't hold as much money as the bank does. So what do I do to keep some coin in the bank?

Recently I saw that Carly from The College Prepster had an app called Mint.com on her iPhone so I decided to check it out, and guess what? It ROCKS!
Seriously, if you don't already have this app, get it now. The whole purpose of it is to help you budget your expenses. Not only can you create an overall budget for the month, but you can also make one by category. So you can allot $100 for gas each month and another amount for groceries, etc. That way, when you are buying things, you know exactly how much you spent on particular categories to adjust your budget accordingly.
I am fortunate enough to be working 2 jobs and have an internship this summer so I will have a nice chunk of change to survive on this school year. However, I am trying to learn the lesson of "just because it's there, doesn't mean it needs to be spent." In fact, while I was (kinda still am) debating a

no...this is not my account info (I wish it was!)

My biggest financial problem has always been the budget. I don't buy hugely expensive things, but I rarely leave Target spending less than $70. Now, if I have a $100 Target trip (who doesn't love a good Target trip), I can plan accordingly for a few weeks to make up for the money I lost. Sure, it isn't a perfect system, but it's infinitely better than the (lack of) one I have going. 

How do you manage your money best?

xoxo,
SSP

Friends and Therapy

"Carrie: Hey, I don't need therapy. I need new friends.

Samantha: Look, we're as f'd up as you are. It's like the blind leading the blind."
2.13 "Games People Play"

How many times have we sat there with a pint of ice cream pining over a boy or emotional eating with a friend who is pining over a boy. I mean heck, this past fall one of my friends at school broke up with her boyfriend of a couple years. She wanted out but then realized how different single life is and was reeling a bit. So, we indulged in a little retail therapy...at Target (hey, we're in college, all right?). 
While there, walking around with our purchases, including sweating pints of Ben and Jerry's, she mentioned that she had always kind of wanted to dye her hair...
So we bought temporary hair dye and dyed our hair. 
Yeah, it wasn't the most rational choice. I am sure every therapist in the world would tell me that wasn't the right way to handle it...but, whatever. Sometimes we just need our girlfriends to help us work through issues and get back on the right track. 

What is the craziest thing you have done to cheer a friend up?

xoxo,
SSP

Oh Hey Fashion Friday

Happy Mega Fashion Friday. I know it's been a couple of weeks since I posted one, but I had technical difficulties and then I was at the beach so it kept getting pushed off.
This week I worked double shifts every day except Wednesday and next week is a straight week of double shifts. Most of my outfits here are business casual because that is the easiest way to translate from office to Talbots. I will say though that I tend to change into Jack Rogers or some other sandal for work at Talbots because my flats are falling apart (mentioned in WBT Wednesday) and I haven't gotten to the store to get new ones yet. Also, a big thank you to K for taking my OOTD pics this week since I have yet to hang/locate my mirror.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I get the keys to my apartment in Charlottesville tomorrow and I am beyond excited!

Monday

Maxi dresses are the bomb dot com. Seriously, I don't know what I'd do without them. Of course, both my office and Talbots happened to be 900 degrees that day, but it was a comfy and cute outfit.

dress: TJ Maxx // cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft // belt: Gap

Tuesday

The office LBD and a happy cardigan. Keep it simple, but still fun.

dress: old // cardigan: Target (old) // pearls: Love the Pearls

Wednesday

I went really neutral with today's outfit. I really love when I wear a neutral with bright nail polish...love the way it stands out!

dress: Anne Klein // bracelet: Fornash // flats: Steve Madden

Thursday

I got so many compliments on this outfit. Sometimes the most simple outfits are the best. I love the dainty sleeves on this shirt...perfect for both the office and a retail job in a hot store.

top: old (H&M) // skirt: Banana Republic // bracelet: Etsy // shoes: Steve Madden & Jack Rogers // bag: Vineyard Vines

Friday

Guess who forgot to upload this pic to blogger early? Whoops. Oh well, here is the instagram link

http://instagram.com/p/bqdLp-SATI/

One of those Fridays

I got a couple of questions about this outfit so I decided to include it. I got this shirt at Old Navy in the spring and I love it! I was feeling a bit nautical in anticipation of the beach and decided to go all out.

A few Mondays ago

Dress, cardigan, and a belt. Can you tell what my easy, comfy go-to outfit is? Again, I need stuff that translates well between the office and more casual retail job and this fits the bill. Also, these are one of my favorite pairs of earrings...really anything Fornash is one of my favorite additions to my wardrobe.

xoxo,

SSP

In the Nude

Okay...this post is probably not what you are assuming based on the title. Yeah, it says nudity, no it doesn't mean you should go drop out of school and join forces with the naked cowboy...I am talking about nude flats. The nude flat is perfect for school or work, summer or winter, formal or informal...basically, it's perfect.

I live in flats and boots at school. Seriously, I love my flats because I am not coordinated, nor do I care enough, to kill my feet navigating the brick sidewalks at school in heels. They also translate really well into my summer wardrobe, making them an awesome investment piece. I got my nude flats from DSW during my senior year of High School and have completely worn them into the ground (same with my black ones...ugh). The other day I was looking at them and realized how badly I needed a new pair, and how badly y'all need these in your wardrobe. Girls who are heading off to dorm life, buy rain boots, nude flats, sneakers, and riding boots...that is all you will need (I mean, I had way more...but that's just me). I wear these flats all the dang time. I can throw them on and am basically guaranteed that they will match whatever I am wearing at the time. Plus, if you're short like me, you could use the slightly longer leg look they provide.

Personally, I am a huge fan of the Steve Madden Heaven flat. They are $40, and $40 well spent. These flats have survived 3 years, two of which involved traipsing around college campuses. My flats have paid for themselves ten times over and I am so sad to see them go (so is my bank account).
While I love these flats, I am actually thinking of investing in a different pair. I like pointed toe flats because they make my short legs look longer, so I have been looking at those.
Again though, I love these Steve Madden ones and even if I don't end up with the nude ones again,  they have a bunch of other colors that will probably end up in my wardrobe.

What is your go-to flat?

xoxo,
SSP

Monogrammed Wall Art

So my family moved right before we went to the beach and I get to start moving into my apartment on Saturday so I seriously have decorating on my mind. I am working on my room at home and once I have it finished I will do a little room tour of my "intoxication" green room...yeah, it was between that and "appletini" green (I'm sensing a theme here...) Anyways, I was looking at the daily deals on Very Jane this morning and I came across this fabulous steal. Naturally I am going to have my monogram on display in my room, well, both of my rooms and this is such a great way to do it. I am not actually getting this one (yet?) because I am in such an early stage of unpacking and decorating, but if you are interested in adding a little personalization to your room, this is a great way to do it! Or of course if you want to make sure your room stays yours while you're away at school ;) quite frankly, I'm not, but that's just because I am so excited to have an apartment at school (yay no more dorms!) 

Do you have anything monogrammed in your room?

xoxo, SSP

SATC: Family is Forever

"The most important thing in your life is family. There are days you love them, and days you don't, but in the end they're the people you always come home to."

-Carrie

Well, it is back to reality for this blogger. At 3pm I will be starting my shift at Talbots and really closing out of my week of bliss and vacation. I had the most amazing week with my family. It was just a great week of relaxation and, of course, some friendly competition with Cards Against Humanity and volleyball. I am not really ready to go back to reality, but I am going to do it just the same because that's how the world works!
I am so blessed to be a part of the family I have. They really have made me into who I am today: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I can be myself around them and know that they love me just the same.

xoxo,

SSP

Pearls are a Girl's Best Friend

Marilyn may have preferred diamonds, but I believe pearls are a girl’s best friend. Pearls are classic, elegant, and unlike most jewelry, they get betterwith age and use.

Last Tuesday, I was lucky enough to get to go to an event at the City Club in DC with my Momma and one of her good friends, who I’ve known, basically my whole life. The event was called “Chanel and her Love of Pearls.” Yeah, this event was made for me, right?

Momma, Me, and Ms. B (l-r) at the event

While I was there, shopping and networking, I really thought about how amazing pearls are. If you are going on vacation and bring one strand of pearls and a pair of studs, I promise you’ll be fine. As many of you have probably noticed by now, I rarely change from my pearls and I seem to manage just fine ;)

"A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls." -Coco Chanel

Anyways, this pearl event was fabulous and the best part was the steep discount offered. The company that brought the pearls both produces and distributes them, meaning they are much less expensive than what you get at a retailer. They are no Mikimoto, but hey, they work and they don’t completely break a college girl’s bank account.

"I favor pearls on screen and in my private life" -Grace Kelly

Princess Diana had many pearls she cycled through

"Pearls are always appropriate." -Jackie Kennedy

That being said, if you want to wear pearls without worrying about losing them, go for some good glass pearls. Seriously, $10 at Macy’s and you won’t be brokenhearted when they disappear, that’s what I do! However, if you want the real deal, searching Etsy has resulted in some promising and affordable options as well. It all depends on what you want to spend, and what you want for your money. 

What is your go-to accessory?

xoxo,

SSP

Monogram Monday: Derby Hat

Happy Monday from the beach! I am so excited to be here...despite any sunburn that my Irish skin may have ;) Since I am at the beach, I decided to feature one of my favorite beach accessories.

I have 2 monogrammed derby hats...no, this is not excessive. These hats are perfect for keeping the sun off your face in a cute manner. Of course, you can always go for the monogrammed baseball hats or another preppy brand (like my VV hat), but these are perfect full coverage hats. I actually bought my second one during a Marley Lilly flash sale this spring, anticipation wearing it to Foxfield. Unfortulantely, I was running the half marathon that weekend, but my hat did make it to the event...just with someone else.
Anyways, I love this hat. Marley Lilly has a bunch of variations of these hats and cute sashes to go with them, they even have a monogrammed seersucker one! 
Also, with the 4th of July in mind, check out the Marley Lilly monogrammed Americana goodies...I know you won't get them in time for the holiday, but being patriotic is always in style!
Do any of y’all have monogrammed derby hats? What is your go-to sun covering at the beach?

xoxo,
SSP