20 Sunglasses Under $20

Klutzy people don't do well with expensive things. White clothes, for example, tend to have a shorter lifespan and phones seem to be made for dropping. I am absolutely one of these people. No, seriously, ask my Momma and Shannon, who witnessed me trip over a laptop cord in my kitchen and completely bite it as they couldn't help but laugh at the total ridiculousness of the situation. Since I don't have great luck with the finer things in life, I tend to try to find cute items that I am worried about ruining at a fraction of the cost of the designer prices. Yes, I also engage in this because I am a broke college girl and unlike Carrie Bradshaw, Vogue does not feed me more than food does...

Recently I have been on the hunt for a cute pair of sunglasses that won't break the bank. I had a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers but a few years of rough wear on those have resulted in me being back in the market for some sunnies. This time, I decided I would rather have a cheaper pair that I was less concerned about ruining, though I do still need to invest in a case!

If you are on the hunt for affordable glasses, look no further because I have done the hunt for you and here are some of my favorite, affordable pairs:

Nordstrom (L-R): Fantas Eyes 'Rewind' Sunglasses; Icon Eyewear Glitter Wayfarer Sunglasses; Fantas Eyes 'San Juan' Aviator Sunglasses; Icon Eyewear Butterfly Sunglasses

From Target (L-R): Women's Vis A Vis Sunglasses; Xhilaration Tortoise Surf Sunglasses; Aviator Sunglasses- Grey; Merona Plastic Square Sunglasses

H&M (L-R): Sunglasses; Sunglasses; Sunglasses; Sunglasses

Forever 21 (L-R): Classic Round Sunglasses; Heart Shaped Sunglasses; Iconic Aviator Sunglasses; Retro Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Which is your favorite pair? I bought the Rewind Sunglasses from Nordstrom but these are all great choices! Happy Shopping, Barganistas!

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

Sweet and Simple Flats

Who doesn't love Target? I mean, I could (and sometimes do) spend hours perusing the place. Over the weekend, I was in the store and they had just put out a lot of their early spring line and I scored some great flats for walking around grounds.

One of the best things about my school can also be a total pain in the butt. I go to a historic university, where the Lawn we walk on every day is a world heritage site. It is beautiful and elegant and sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am to attend UVA. So how can that be a pain? Oh, well, it's the little things like having your basketball game moved from 7pm to 9pm because President Obama is bringing the French President to visit Monticello and the visit will mess up traffic patterns. Personally, my biggest woe is that the brick sidewalks do a number on my shoes. Honestly, just walking as much as I do can mess with my shoes, but the sidewalks don't help, and they don't discriminate between a $40 and $20 pair of flats. 

Luckily, I found the Madeline flat at Target and I am so excited to share my find with y'all. They're so cute and simple, perfect for any outfit needs at school. And the best part? They come in navy!

I have been searching for a pair of navy flats for a while...
sorry for the excitement

They're super cute and comparable to the J. Crew Classic Leather Ballet Flat, but for a fraction of the price. I have them in navy and coral and can't wait to use them as we transition to spring...at some point. Also, I know I can't be the only one who is getting increasingly tired of pulling out the same beaten up pair of riding boots day after day.

how cute is the gold?

What is your go-to school shoe?

xoxo,
SSP

P.S.I originally titled this post "Simple and Sweet" instead of "Sweet and Simple," if y'all were wondering why I need coffee to function, that is a prime example right there. Happy Monday...

Mantle Decorating...Like My Momma

First, PSA: If you go to UVA and have not gotten a ticket for Concert for a Cure, come to the lawn and buy one today (plus, I'll be there from 12-1). Seriously, do it. So many a capella groups...it's gonna be great. Anyways, back to the blog...

I'm ready for Fall, y'all. No seriously, I just need more pumpkin, cinnamon, sweaters, and duck boots in my life right now. Can you make that happen? Great, thanks.

But seriously, I love Fall so much and these last few days have been such a tease compared to the weather for the next few. Well, that can't stop me from enjoying my free Pumpkin Spice Latte today (thank you gold card!) or decorating for Fall. I know this is a total mom thing to do, and several of my friends have already pointed out that this is further proof that I am my Momma's daughter. Regardless, I have decorated the mantle in my room for the season and all I have left to do is to find a cute dish to store my candy corn in!

Decorating a mantle can be a bit daunting, especially on a college girl's budget. I am lucky enough to have gotten a fabulous mirror from my Momma that she wasn't using and it fills the big space above it perfectly. The nice thing about the mirror is that it can stay there year-round and go with whatever theme I put on the mantle.

How to decorate a mantle on a budget in 5 easy steps:

1) get a space-eater piece

This can be a mirror (like mine; similar) or even a framed poster/print that you like. Just get something to take up the space above the mantle so that your decorations don't look strangely small.

2) get elements that aren't seasonal

I got apothecary jars (thank you for the term, Kathy!) from Home Goods for $12 a piece. These are perfect no matter what time of year. For now I have them filled with pine cones for Fall and I am going to add some fake snow to the mix for Winter. This $24 investment will get me through years of use.

3) pictures!

This is another element of my Momma shining through me, but I love having pictures on display. I've moved on from the corkboard displays of a dorm room to frames now, but the same idea stands. It gives a nice personal touch to the display, plus frames can add great architectural elements and varied sizes.

4) Fireplace Flowers

This probably only applies to us college girls who have fireplaces that aren't usable, but I love this look. I didn't just want to stare at an empty fireplace and these flowers that were on sale at Michael's were perfect. I just got a couple of bunches of their seasonal flowers to throw in there and will probably switch to poinsettas for the Winter.

5) Go to Michaels and/or Home Goods

I got the pumpkin on the ground at Home Goods and the mantle elements are from Michael's. Their home line is currently 60% off so I scored the pumpkins, roosters (again...influence of my Momma) and flowers at a great price. The fall leaves behind everything just make the bland whiteness of the mantle a little less boring and helps to make my smaller decorations look bigger against such a big part of the wall.

Other mantles I love (thank you Pinterest):

why didn't I think to monogram my mantle? 

Have you started decorating for Fall?

xoxo,
SSP

What's In my Bag and Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Marian for winning the Lesportsac Suitcase!

Use it in good health, doll! Thank you to everyone who entered. I realize the rafflecopter was a bit messed up, luckily I got the entries exported to Excel and was able to add any emailed entries that way, as well as all the Instagram entries! In case anyone was worried about whether or not this was valid, not only did she win my excel/random number generator version, but she won according to Rafflecopter too!
I love getting to share awesome stuff with y'all, so on that note...if you don't already follow me on Instagram, do it. When I get to 1500 followers, I will be doing another giveaway, this time of one of my favorite things!

On the note of Lesportsac, I am absolutely enamored with my signature tote they sent me. I have people asking me all the time where I got it and they're shocked to know it's Lesportsac (also, disappointed they can't get one yet). It is the perfect tote for school and work. Seriously, I have been hauling it from place to place this summer, job to job. As I have mentioned before, I work 70 hours a week...so yeah, I carry quite a bit of stuff. The bag is absolutely big enough to carry it all. An even bigger perk is that it is super cute and the material is practical for cleaning purposes. There are just enough pockets for convenience, but it is still open enough so that things don't disappear!
Okay, so here is my list of "Work Bag Goodies"

Wallet: Obviously this is a necessity. I have a zip-around Michael Kors that I love because when I just want to run into a store without my tote, I can put my phone in this. Of course, I have been and still am totally swooning over the Kate Spade wallets...just love all the colors!

Lunch and Snacks: Pack a lunch and snacks. It is so easy to walk down to the vending machine and get cheetos, but that hurts your wallet and figure. When you sit at a desk all day, you need to be more concious of what you eat, simple as that. I bring healthy food to munch on while working and make sure there is some good protein and carbs to keep me energized. 

Tervis or Camelbak: Hydrate people! Seriously, it is so important and it keeps your skin clear and body healthy. I bring my Tervis because I can fill it with coffee, juice, or water and keep refilling it. I also love my Camelbak though because I always seem to drink 10x the amount of water I otherwise do. There is just something addicting about that bottle!

Paper and Pen: As I have mentioned before, I am a straight OCD lady when it comes to to-do lists. I love making them and crossing items off. When I don't have this with me, I get so lost and confused!

Agenda: I keep a really tiny one in my work bag because basically all I write in it are my hours. I know it is important to keep track of your schedule, and like with a to-do list, tangibly writing it seems to make me remember it more!

Chargers: Having a phone or tablet die is the worst. Designate a charger and pair of headphones for this bag so that you never leave them behind ensuring a less painful 8 hour shift.

iPad: I love writing blog posts and lists in the notes section. It is so handy to have this since it acts as an eReader, game host, and notepad all in one.

Gum or Candy: Just bring a couple little things to pop in throughout the day in case you get a bad taste in your mouth or need a quick sugar jolt at 2:15.

Makeup Bag: This keeps deodorant, an extra necklace, perfume, and a face lotion for me. Since I work 2 jobs, I like washing my face and cleaning up a bit in between jobs. 

What is in your work bag? Any secrets or good ideas you've learned this summer?

xoxo,
SSP

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!

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

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

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