I Was Stuck in Colder Weather

Sorry I have been MIA. I don't have a good excuse, but I promise to try to be better. I really need to just get my ducks in a row and I have been floundering a bit these past few weeks. Maybe I will blame it on the cold weather getting me down, it's hard wearing a parka every day ;)

Here is an Instagram roundup of some of my outfits from the past few weeks though. I cannot believe this weather right now, but I am definitely not complaining. I love not wearing my parka...like, I really love not having to lug that around every day. Enjoy this Fashion Friday and don't forget to tune into the USA v. Canada hockey game at noon...time to get redemption for the women's team's heartbreaking overtime loss yesterday! Oh, and today's outfit comes courtesy of my brother, Kyle, thanks for the Rowdy Gentleman shirt!

shirt: J. Crew // necklace: Loft (old) // earrings: Kate Spade
http://instagram.com/p/i1OyeayAYT/

all J. Crew: cardigan // shirt // bracelet (old)
http://instagram.com/p/i1OyeayAYT/

shirt: J. Crew // earrings: Kate Spade
http://instagram.com/p/jB7crFyAZJ/

shirt: Lilly Pulitzer // necklace: Purple Peridot
http://instagram.com/p/jEyR3KSAfm/

shirt: J. Crew // pants: C. Wonder // shoes: C. Wonder //
necklace: Loft (old)
http://instagram.com/p/jrUEzMyAVO/

shirt: not sure // vest: momma // necklace: The Lucky Knot //
bracelet: Laila Rowe (old)
http://instagram.com/p/kFaBB1yAdu/

shirt: Old Navy // sweatshirt: Old Navy // vest: J. Crew //
necklace: Purple Peridot
http://instagram.com/p/kFaBB1yAdu/

jacket: J. Crew // shirt: H&M // jeans: Gap // boots: Etienne Aigner
http://instagram.com/p/kkrfNMSARk/

Of course today is Friday and that means it is Fan Friday with Venus Trapped in Mars. And this could not be more perfect because today is a rematch of the gold-medal game from 2010. For some people (myself included), that is still a sore spot and makes this game even that much more important. Tune in at noon today to watch the game and cheer for the United States. You don't know anything about hockey? That's okay, just cheer for the red, white, and blue! And, I realize not everyone is from America, but I have to show some American Pride today.

{via}

If you want to know more about the game, here are some links to get you up to speed:
What does this game mean to the US team?
Game Preview
Top 5 USA v Canada games of all time
Yesterday's Overtime Loss for the US Women's Team

xoxo,

SSP

The Final Outfit Post of 2013

Happy New Year's Eve! I am writing this post from an amtrak train heading from Utica, NY to NYC...oh and then back on home to Washington, D.C. Because I have to head back to school tomorrow for my January term to start on the second! This also means that I am super lucky and will be spending the rest of the train ride reading about the evolution of modern China...try not to be too jealous.

I cannot believe that the year is coming to a close, like how is this possible? Of course, I will continue to write 2013 until...March? (I know I am not the only one who does that) So I was thinking with the end of the year I should do one final Fashion (not) Friday post to end the year. This is not a compilation of the year, but if you want to see some of my other posts you can always search "Fashion Friday" on the blog to find more :)

shirt: J. Crew // necklace: Francesca's 

sweater: American Eagle (old) // Necklace: j. Crew

dress: Gap // belt: Lilly Pulitzer // nail polish: Essie Midnight Cami // cup: Alice and Olivia for Starbucks

shirt: Target // necklace: The Lucky Knot // earrings: Kate Spade

sweater: J. Crew Factory // jeans: Gap // bracelet: J. Crew Factory

dress: Target // necklace: Etsy // nail polish: Essie Cashmere Bathrobe

shirt: Loft (old) // vest: TJ Maxx (old) // necklace: The Lucky Knot & my standard pearls //
bracelet: C. Wonder // nail polish: Essie To Buy or Not To Buy

Happy New Year's Eve and check in tomorrow for a post about what my resolutions for 2014 are going to be. 

XOXO,

SSP

Fall Fashion with a Coffee in Hand

First of all, thank you to everyone for such wonderful feedback yesterday. I love that it resonated with y'all. Thank you for reading my blog and supporting me, it means the world to me. Now, back to this post...

Fall is here and I am definitely feeling it. Tights have come out, momma is driving down with my late fall/winter gear today, and I am perpetually wearing a scarf. Just because it is cold out doesn't mean that we can't dress cute! In fact, I love the look of a comfy, worn-in sweater in the winter. Today's Fashion Friday includes some of my favorite fall looks thus far. As always, follow along on Instagram for regular outfit posts! Also, I realize there is only one picture included here where I am not holding a hot beverage...
I love coffee and it loves me, okay? no judging...

J. Crew Factory vest, pants // DSW shoes // sweater (old)

J. Crew Factory shirt (similar), bracelet, scarf //
Eddie Bauer vest

sweater (old) // Old Navy tights // J. Crew Factory skirt

J. Crew Factory jacket (similar), scarf, shirt //
H&M cords (old) // boots (old)

Ralph Lauren sweater (old) // JCF skirt //
Old Navy tights // Shop Ruche shoes

JCF sweater (old), skirt // DSW shoes

What are your favorite fall outfits so far?

xoxo,

SSP

P.S. sports fashion note: not a fan of the NBA Christmas Day jerseys, but this promo video is awesome

Time for Tights

Cold weather and skirts are not my favorite combo. However, hours of class spent in jeans doesn't exactly scream comfortable to me either. I think I've mentioned it before, but I am really not a fan of pants. I mean I wear them regularly, and I am starting to think that Ponte pants are the best thing since sliced bread, but I prefer a skirt or dress. So, since I am not willing to give up my skirts just because of the weather, tights are the next best thing. Some people think that tights are a nuisance or reserved for the office or for grandmas, but that is not the case at all! Tights allow you to change up parts of an outfit with colors, patters, and prints. Most importantly, they save your legs on a cold day walking around campus allowing you to keep those adorable flats in rotation. And they aren't just for fall, trust me they can keep you warm in the winter.When the weather gets really cold, I double them up or I throw on a pair of Under Armor leggings under them. Yes I know this is more bulky, but it's warm, and college campuses are cold so I think that is pretty self-explanatory.

time for tights by sugar snap pearls (links to tights on site)

Also, make sure you buy a good, quality pair of tights, especially for those classic solids. A cheap pair will have to be replaced constantly and often loses their shape, even if they don't pullpolyvor. Oh, and the thinner they are, the colder you are. I was talking to my friend who religiously wears tights and she reminded me of the best brand, one that can seriously last years, so I highly recommend Hue tights. 

xoxo,

SSP

p.s. I hit 30,000 views on my blog this week. Thank y'all so much for loving this blog as much as I do. Your sweet comments on here, email, and instagram are the highlights of my week!

Fall Getaways

I am almost Blacksburg-bound people! I am so excited to spend a couple of days with amazing friends and my brothers and of course Hokie Football. Weekend getaways are the best, but I always struggle to pack for them. What if the weather changes? What if we go (insert activity here) and I don't have (crucial item)? There are endless struggles with packing and I certainly get my overpacking gene from my Momma. I'm not kidding the woman brought a full suitcase for Parents Formal last weekend.

My trip this weekend is less than 48 hours, but the list I am giving would be perfect for a Friday afternoon-Sunday evening trip. Also, I tried to include as many suggestions as I could from J. Crew Factory because again, it is 50% off today...yeah, crazy amazing. You would be hard pressed to find this quality at this price elsewhere. Enjoy!

The Packing List:
Good Overnight Bag: I absolutely love the Carry-On bag Lesportsac gave me. If anyone is looking for the perfect weekender, this is it! (Lesportsac)

Sweater: it might get chilly (especially in Blacksburg) (JCF sweater)

Button-Ups: regular and Chambray...they go with everything (JCF Camp Shirt)

Riding boots/Duck boots: Change this up based on the weather and what you're doing, but I can say that I have never regretted bringing my Duck Boots anywhere

Ponte Pants: I may never wear real pants again (JCF Gigi Pant)

Jeans or Cords: Real pants are always a good idea too

Skirt: It's the perfect item to dress up or down. Bring one in a neutral color and mix and match it with other items you bring for the perfect outfit for any activity (JCF accordion pleat mini)

Field Jacket: I am loving my new J. Crew coat, it is perfect for this weather and so cute. (JCF Field Jacket)

Vest: Puffer vests are one of my favorite things about fall that I left off of my list. I wear mine all the time, also, Eddie Bauer has them on sale sometimes for amazing prices so keep an eye out! (Eddie Bauer Vest)

Necklace and/or Scarf: Bring a fun piece of jewelry with you. Just one that can add a little flare to your outfits, shockingly enough my tortoise flower necklace is my neutral travel go-to ;) (JCF necklace)

Flats: This should go without saying. A neutral flat will get you far in life. (Steve Madden)

Comfy Stuff: Relax, wear something comfortable, I know you'll want to on the drive back!

Toiletries: self-explanatory...I hope
Game Day Attire: I will be rocking some serious Orange and Maroon tomorrow

What are your weekend getaway essentials this fall?

xoxo,
SSP

Fashion Friday: Class Time

It's been a while since I had a Fashion Friday on here. Back to school attire is pretty much variations on the same couple of outfits for me. I like to keep it because I am not a morning person, but I never want to be late to my 9am. 

Personally, I am also a big fan of choosing my outfit the night before, even if it's just to brainstorm it while I'm falling asleep...just some sort of preparation that will save me time in the morning. 

As y'all may have noticed from my Instagram, I have become a big fan of statement necklaces with simple tops. I prefer to invest in basics that can be worn in different styles and then get fun accessories to go with it. At the same time, I like to save money and though some of my necklaces are designer-inspired, they're the knock off version and I am more than okay with saving that money. 
Also, shameless plug for Concert for a Cure again...all y'all cavaliers best be there tonight...it's gonna be awesome!

Polka Dots and Tortoise

Old Navy dress // Etsy necklace

This is my favorite fall necklace...get ready to see it a lot. Also paying $25 was way more favorable than paying $130!

Bows on Bows

Loft shirt // Talbots belt // J. Crew Factory shorts

I love this girly Loft shirt and it have this belt from Talbots in leopard too???so excited to break it out!

Fringe

Lilly Pulitzer dress // GroopDealz necklace

This is the perfect example of my love for these necklaces. It took no time to throw on a navy shift and the outfit was immediately pulled together with one accessory!

Hot Pink and Navy

J. Crew Factory shorts, shirt, and shoes // Etsy necklace // C. Wonder bracelets (similar) // Essie Sugar Daddy 

Favorite color combination and favorite flats? Perfect outfit for me

Letters!

I love my sorority. But let's be real, the point of this picture is the puppy. Say hello to Luther!

Matching my Bedspread...

J. Crew Factory skirt and shoes

Polka dots again! I should probably dedicate a post to my love of polka dots. They just make me happy automatically...hence my polka dotted comforter. 

xoxo,

SSP

Fashion Friday: Work Horse Summer

It is finally Friday, and not just any Friday...LAST DAY OF WORK FRIDAY! Yes, today is the last of my double shift days...the dog days of summer are over and I am off to Charlottesville on Sunday. Seriously, I am beyond excited to be done with work and have made the money I did. It is so nice to know that I can afford food and books! Of course, thanks to the J. Crew Factory Sale and the screwup with that, my bank account looks less attractive, but moving on...
I decided this summer to take a break from Fashion Friday because there was a lot of re-wearing of outfits. Since I am done, and since I really did love some of the outfits I shared on Instagram, I decided to compile some of my favorites.

First Day of Work

love this dress and the starfish accessories. Starfish are such a perfect addition to any summer wardrobe and I have even been known to take them out in the winter. 

dress: Lilly Pulitzer // bracelet: Fornash // shoes: Steve Madden // nail polish: Essie

Navy Pants

These pants were basically my savior this summer. They're super comfortable and well within any dress code. I wish I had another pair like this...maybe next summer!

cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft // pants: H&M // shoes: Target // earrings: J. Crew Factory

Minty Fresh

I got this cardigan over spring break and am seriously debating a fall color in it. Does anyone have the fall ones? Seriously, these rock and I loved popping this color with the super neutral white.

cardigan: J. Crew // pants: Talbots // shoes: Jack Rogers // necklace: Fornash // nail polish: Essie "Geranium"

Gingham

I love gingham, stripes, and polka dots. This summer, working in an office, solidified that because they're totally acceptable prints for the office! Also, these flats? J. Crew Factory, give me all of them...please

top: J. Crew // pants: H&M // shoes: J. Crew // bracelet: C. Wonder

Canadian Tuxedo

This is as close as I get to a Canadian Tuxedo. I loved this outfit and these shoes are just to die for. I got them on sale at C. Wonder and wish I'd bought all the pairs they have!

top: Old Navy // pants: Talbots // shoes: C. Wonder // bag: Lesportsac // bracelet: C. Wonder

What were your favorite summer outfits?

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

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