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!

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

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 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