Monogram Monday: Let Them Eat Cake!

To start this post off on a totally unrelated note to this post, I am wearing plaid and cable knit today and absolutely loving it. Seriously, nothing screams cold weather like this combo to me, now if only my fireplace actually worked (it's okay, the heater and a scented wax melt can make up for that, right?

Anyways, I turned 21 last Saturday and I had the best birthday! I got to go out the night before with one of my best friends here at UVA and my roommate and paint the town red...sorry, not regaling y;all with those crazy stories ;P

But Saturday I rang my birthday in with a pretty classy celebration at the International Gold Cup. 

Gold Cup is a horse race event that happens twice a year and is a bit much less of a hot mess than Foxfields in the Spring. I love the fall event because everyone breaks out their tweeds, furs, and boots and in the deep, rich fall colors...it's just perfect. We had the greatest time and I thought I'd share a few of my favorite photos, including a very special monogrammed item...

Nate and I

my wonderful Momma

love these ladies!

go Chi O

the toast!

and, of course, the monogrammed...

BIRTHDAY CAKE :D

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!

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

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

Monogram Monday: Take Me Out to the Ballgame

So in the spirit of finally getting to go to a regular season game yesterday and going to a single-a game on Wednesday, I decided to keep the baseball theme up for Monogram Monday. Have any of y'all seen monogrammed baseball hats? I am pretty much coveting one of these. Baseball hats are an integral part of lazy day outfits for me at school, plus I have to keep my face covered when I am in direct sun. Sure, I already have a collection of other hats, but this is so perfectly unique.
I am actually thinking of getting a navy one so that I can wear it to Yankees or Nationals games if I choose (though I have multiple hats for each team), but the bright colors are great too. As with several other Monogram Monday posts, I have a couple of different sources for these baseball hats. I include them all because The stitching, pricing, and shipping varies between them so I want to give you a few sources. Of course, if you check Etsy you will also find a ton of these caps!

Marley Lilly

As always, Marley Lilly delivers when it comes to monogrammed baseball hats. I already have a camo hat, but the monogrammed camo cap would be perfect for my sorority's annual "Rowdy Redneck" date function next semester!

MadAboutMonograms

If you prefer the circle block monogram (I know some initals look better in it), this is a great and super affordable place for that. I am loving the coral cap...such a great color!

Just for Me Sewing

I picked these hats because I love the leather strap on the back. I love little details like that and my long hair never seems to get along well with velcro closures.

Do any of you have a monogrammed baseball hat? 

xoxo,
SSP

Monogramming America

Are you ready for the 4th of July? Do you even need that holiday as an excuse to dress to the nines in your best American apparel? Well, luckily for you, Marley Lilly has all your Americana needs for the holiday...and of course, they're monogrammed (as always). i know the 4th is a couple of weeks away, but I want y'all to be able to order these in time to celebrate! Personally, I am going to be rocking all my best American gear (thanks Wally World) at the beach with all of my family on my momma's side and I just can't wait!

Monogrammed Double Wall Acrylic Cup

How perfect is this cup? They have several different styles but the mason jar mug is the best for a hot summer day. Of course now that I'm typing this I am thinking I need to make some of my homemade sweet tea...

Monogrammed American Flag Nautical Rope Bracelet

This bracelet reminds me so much of my favorite Kiel James Patrick bracelet but with a fabulous twist...a monogram! And of course, this one is perfect for the holiday, but why not flaunt your American pride every day?

Monogrammed America Sunglasses

Beach or lake bound? Don't want to take your designer sunglasses? I totally understand. I have been coveting their monogrammed wayfarers for a while, but I am loving these super fun ones! Sometimes you just need a loud pair of sunglasses, and these ones you are guaranteed to keep track of better since they will have your monogram on them!
Monogrammed Nautical Red Stripe Bathing Suit Bandeau Tube Top

Are you going to the pool, lake, or beach? Well then this one is a necessity. Unfortunately, until I get paid, I absolutely cannot buy anything (and still, even then, I shouldn't) but this is too cute to pass up. I love monogrammed bathing suits and this one just happens to be perfect for the 4th! Plus this totally makes you stand out from everyone with a generic American flag bikini (like me).

Monogrammed Medium Patriotic Boat Tote

I live and die by my Vineyard Vines tote for work in the summer, but I had been thinking of getting a monogrammed one to give mine some rest. I love all the monogrammed canvas ones they have and this one is so unique!

Monogrammed 'Merica Hair Bow

I love, love, love hair bows. I love, love, love America. And of course, I love, love, love monograms. So basically this is the perfect accessory for me. These bows are so cute and can be worn whenever. 

Monogrammed Cell Phone Case: American Seersucker

Okay, this is a tad too cute. Ask my momma, I have been debating different cases for about a year or so. I have looked at this one because it has such a cute americana/nautical vibe to it. If you are looking for a phone case, I totally reccomend looking at Marley Lilly because they have tons of options. Of course (in the spirit of this post), I highly reccommend this particular one.

Promo Tank

Okay, admittedly this doesn't have your monogram on it, but it is cute nonetheless. I am obsessed with the chevron of this and if I didn't already have 2 tanks that are perfect for the holiday, I would be totally buying this. 

Are there any other monogrammed goodies you're excited about this summer? What are your plans for the 4th of July?

xoxo,
SSP

Monogram and Movie: The Great Gatsby

Happy Memorial Day!!! I have an American post but I am going to do that next week so that y'all can still order the stuff in time for the Fourth of July!

This week I am going to combine Monogram Monday with a movie review. I went to see The Great Gatsby with my friend Julia last week and I loved it. I am a huge F. Scott Fitzgerald fan as well as a Baz Luhrmann fan so I knew I had to see this. While I didn't love the long narration at the end and thought the character development was a bit debatable, the costumes, setting, and cinematography were awesome. I seriously loved that aspect of it. My friend, Julia, made a connection between the parties Gatsby throws and fraternity parties and I could totally see it...given, Gatsby throws much classier parties than any fraternity I've been too! 

So what does all this have to do with monograms? Well, a couple of weeks ago a friend posted a link to a Great Gatsby Monogram wallpaper app on my facebook wall. I love the Jay Gatsby style monogram, and now I have one of my own! Go check out the monogram generator and be sure to see the movie.

my Gatsby monogram

xoxo,

SSP

Monogrammed Dorm Room

This weekend, in addition to being completely sidelined by my allergies, I sent over half of my dorm room home with Momma. I am going right from my final on Friday to Raleigh for NC State's graduation and I absolutely cannot pack all of my stuff into my Toyota Highlander. Realistically, we were going to need two cars to move my room anyways (as you can tell, I have an excessive amount of clothing) so this just allowed me to see Momma for a bit. I know I saw her last week and I will see her again this weekend, but we haven't had any time to just hang out and finals always make me anxious and homesick.
First thing about Monogrammed Monday, Charlottesville peeps, I am sorry for being the reason it has rained almost every Monday since I wanted it to the day after Spring Break. I promise I won't wish for anything like that again. Anyways, today is all about a super easy monogram DIY. I love wall monograms and especially the lasered wood ones that are super popular now, but being a girl on a budget calls for more economically friendly options.
The monogram on my wall could not have been easier or more inexpensive to create. Seriously, it is the wood letters from Michael's and some paint. I wanted to add a personal touch to my room and all my accents are pink and green. Then I saw the Lilly paper lanterns at the bookstore and I decided they were necessary to frame my monogram. This acted as an awesome headboard since I didn't actually have one. Also, I added more decorations to the walls later because my room felt like a jail cell. Cinderblock walls, really? I am not going to miss this room, at all, mostly because I literally live at the farthest, most isolated point of grounds. 

old picstitch from right after I decorated 

I will do a dorm decorating post later in the summer when I have some time. For now, I have to turn on my self-control app and get some studying done for my 2 exams tomorrow!

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!

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

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

Easy, Peasy Printable Monograms and Giveaway Winner

First of all, congrats to Betsy B. for winning the My Capital Letters Monogrammed Keychain Giveaway! I hope you love yours as much as I love mine! If you didn't win, you should definitely buy one for yourself anyways (happy belated easter present to yourself? totally necessary)! Again, I could rave about mine till the cows come home, I love it and all of their products that much. 

So last week was all about winning a free keychain, and this week we are keeping with the free theme. Plus, if you get this free monogram, you can totally splurge on a keychain and we can be twins ;) If you do get one, send me a pic!
A while ago I came across For Chic Sake and I saw that they had free printable monograms but I never did anything with it. Well, today I decided to try one and let me tell you, they are amazing. Seriously, it is so simple to do if you follow the directions and they look adorable. They are prefect for binders or folders or even picture frames like they have on the website! 

look how cute!!! (nail polish is Turquoise and Caicos)

They also have calendars for each month (here's the April Calendar) which are so cute! Seriously, go check these out, and the rest of the site. I used a couple of their Christmas backgrounds this year, love it. 

Happy Monday and Happy April!

xoxo,
SSP

Monogram Monday GIVEAWAY

As I mentioned in my Fashion Friday post, I got a monogrammed keychain last week from My Capital Letters and I am absolutely in love with it. I had been looking for one for a while now, but couldn't find one that I really wanted, until now.
This keychain is exactly what I was looking for. It is the perfect size to be noticeable, but not overbearing. Plus, having this on my keys was super helpful this weekend when I was home and needed to grab my keys off of the rack among all of the other lanyards hanging up! This keychain is not only super cute, but it's really well made! The double layer gives the scripty "vine" font a bit of extra reinforcement that I was looking for.

Seriously, how cute is that?

http://instagram.com/p/XI0tM2SAfj/

I have already gotten so many compliments on it and I have only had it for a couple of days! Now that you know how much I love mine, don't you want one, too?
Well, Happy Monday, lovelies! You are going to get a chance to win one for yourself because My Capital Letters has generously offered to give a Monogrammed Layered Keychain in Vine Font (the one I have) to one of my readers!
The giveaway is set up through Rafflecopter and there are several opportunities (including one that you can do every day!) to increase your chances of winning! There is also an Instagram entry if you repost my photo with the hashtag #SSPGiveaway!!! The giveaway will run through 12am April 1st and I will announce the winner in next week's Monogram Monday post!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
My Capital Letters has more than just these keychains though! Check out their website for all sorts of Monogrammed goodies, like this Mom keychain...it could be a great Mother's Day present! Or the monogrammed mirror that would make a cute addition to a dorm room or apartment! I think that I am going to have to figure out how to incorporate this into my room next year!
When you do look, please use my college rep site www.sugarsnappearls.mycapitalletters.com!
If you are interested in becoming a College Rep for My Capital Letters, like me, there is a form you can fill out on here, too! Just say that you heard about it through this blog post!

Good Luck and Happy Monday!

xoxo,
SSP

Rainy Day Monograms

I am so excited to finally debut this. I wore it last week on my rainy day in Florida and it took all my self-restraint not to just show it off then. Of course, I was secretly hoping for a rainy day today so that I could actually show it off...well, I got one. I woke up to snow! Yeah, March 18th in Virginia and it's snowing? Clearly Mother Nature is lost or spiting me for wishing for a drizzle. In fairness, it is drizzling now but it is really cold too. I was not feeling like another "How to Style Duck Boots" outfit post plus I had a 9am exam so running leggings and a sweatshirt it is. At least my rain coat looks cute...even if it is tucked under my Eddie Bauer Down Vest.
Anyways, back to the coat. I got this one from Marley Lilly. I have raved about this site before and I will again. As great as it is to find stuff on Etsy, Marley Lilly has the most comprehensive site for monogrammed goodies I have ever seen and their customer service is outstanding (I had a slight thread color panic on my derby hat last year). I got the Eddie Bauer rain coat, and while I love it, I would recommend the heavier one if it is going to be your primary rain coat just because I prefer a bit of weight to mine usually (but this one is great!). If you order the coat, you have the option of getting the chest, hood, or both monogrammed, obviously I chose both. I think any of the options look good, it's just a question of how obvious you want the monogram.

Marley Lilly: Monogrammed Black Cherry Eddie Bauer Rain Jacket

Also, don't forget to look out for next week's Monogram Monday...I know y'all are going to want to win the giveaway!

"My rule is, if it it's not moving, monogram it" -Reese Witherspoon

xoxo,

SSP

Coral Clutch at the Park

I am so excited to finally debut this clutch. Seriously, I have been waiting for today and it took all my self-restraint not to use it yesterday. Today we watched the Yankees take on the Cardinals back at Steinbrenner Field, our last game there this year because tomorrow we make the 1.5 hour haul to Port Charlotte to see them at the Tampa Bay Rays park (no idea about the name).
You may notice that I am wearing wedges and shorts. I had mixed feelings about this style until recently. I think that it is a really cute look that makes your legs look long and lean (short girl win!) but you ahve to be careful with it. There is a fine line between cute and trashy. These J. Crew Boyfriend shorts aren't too short or tight, so it works. Anyways, I am so excited to debut this bag and basically carry it every chance I get. Did I mention that I snagged it for $23 (including shipping)?!?! Yeah, mega win in my book.
Oh, and this picture was taken in front of the Lou Gehrig sign in the area where they display the retired numbers. Reading all those names reminds me we have had some talented players on the Yankees! 27 rings and counting!!! 

top: Lilly Pulitzer (couldn't find it online) // shorts: J. Crew // sunglasses: Ray Ban (Lilly croakies) // clutch: Cordial Lee (facebook) // bracelet: GroopDealz // shoes: Nine West (similar)

http://instagr.am/p/WuaGpayARb/

dinner outfit (Lilly dress, Fornash jewelry, Target shoes)

Oh, and before all you ladies discover the talented Yankees prospects I've seen at Spring Training, I have dibs on Corban Joseph (plus he has a cool name). I'm just saying...

xoxo,

SSP

Monogram Monday: It's Happening

Last week I debated if Monogram Monday was a thing, or if we could make it a thing. I ended up deciding that, regardless of its status, it should become a thing. So here we are, today is the second Monogram Monday and I am really excited about it. Sadly, I am not wearing a monogram today (I really need a monogrammed necklace!), but I have plenty of other monograms and ideas.
Today's monogram isn't one item in particular, but actually about how easy it is to monogram everything. I can draw a circle block monogram, but if you ask me to do any other style, my lack of artistic ability comes out and it's just a big scribbly mess. How do I overcome this so that I can monogram everything that isn't moving? Enter the vinyl monogram sticker. It comes in all fonts, colors, and sizes. It can be applied to almost any surface, and they are super inexpensive.
I am not exaggerating about this either. You can monogram everything from your wall to the home button on your iPhone. Personally, I have my laptop, planner, water bottle (well, had...I lost it this fall) and backup iPhone case done with these vinyl stickers. I also monogrammed Lilly Pulitzer shopper totes for my littles during Big Sis Week. Yep, I overcame the time crunch and gave them personalized goodies. These things are the bomb dot com.

Favorite Monogram Sticker Sites:

Etsy Marketplace (knock yourself out)

Lulu and B (great iPhone button ones)

Marley Lilly (is any monogram list complete without this gem?)

my laptop monogram (old pic...the stickers around it have changed a bit)

Now that I am talking about them, I am thinking it is the perfect time to order a couple more. As Reese Witherspoon says, "If it isn't moving, monogram it."

xoxo,

SSP