Ten Things to Pack for Spring Break

One week from today I will be on a plane heading south to the sunshine state for some baseball and the beach. Spring break cannot come soon enough because I am so tired of seeing wool sweaters and snow. Technically I have enough time to pack next week, but I know that if I don't start planning now then I will end up with some random items taking up valuable space and leaving behind some essential item (last year it was my Yankees hat). Plus, I am beyond thrilled to have an excuse to go through my spring clothes! I haven't laid out any outfits yet, but there are a few things that I know are crucial to pack after 4 straight Florida spring break trips.

{get everything here}

One: Cute, Lightweight top

This can be used for day or night, but the key is that it is lightweight. If you're going to a game, like me, opt for cotton because at least it will dry if you sweat a bit (which you will).

Two: Neutral Flats

I love wearing my jacks when the weather is nicer. However, a cute pair of flats is perfect for going to and from the airport. They can also be a nice change of footwear for a chilly evening or just to take a break from sandals.

Three: Hat

Another one that doesn't need much of an explanation. I showed a baseball hat because they're easier to pack in a suitcase than a sunhat. 

Four: Sundresses

I don't think this needs an explanation. Bring a few of these because they take up no space and are perfect for any occasion because you can dress them up or down.

Five: Makeup with SPF

I always wear makeup with SPF because my face is pretty sensitive, but it is especially important to protect your face if you are going to be in the sun all day.

Six: Bathing Suit

Don't be one of those people who goes to the beach, forgetting the one essential item.

Seven: Statement Earrings

It is hot in Florida, at least it is hotter than Virginia. I usually opt for fun earrings over a fun necklace because I don't want anything sitting on my neck that doesn't have to be there. Plus, bracelets and necklaces have been responsible for their fair share of unfortunate tan or burn lines.

Eight: Sandals

Get a pedicure (or give yourself one) and throw on those sandals that have been sitting in the back of your closet all winter. Is anyone else beyond excited for sandal season?

Nine: Sunglasses

Don't get crows feet from squinting your eyes. The sun will reflect off the sand and water so it will be even harsher than usual.

Ten: Cute Sweatshirt

The Florida evenings are much chillier than the days. I always bring a cute sweater or sweatshirt when I go out to dinner because the breeze really gets to you. It is really nice to be able to sit outside for meals in Florida, but, especially by the water, it is chilly enough to want a sweater and jeans.

xx

erin

Favorite Fall and Winter Booties

It's beginning to feel a lot like Fall! Ahh, I am desperate for a little fall weather in my life. Today I am breaking out my new booties to wear to work and I couldn't be more excited. The great thing about booties is that they are just as easy to style as riding boots, but the short length makes them perfect for transition weather. I actually wore mine with a skirt to chapter last week and today I am wearing them with my favorite pair of jeans and a button down.

You may recognize these booties from my fall staple outfit post, which is definitely a sign of how much wear these are going to get in the coming weeks. I love mine from Sole Society, and though I was a little nervous about ordering from a site for the first time, the product is great and I definitely recommend it! If you're looking for a pair of simple statement booties, check mine out! There are also so many other great options out there that fits anyone's budget or style.  Here are a few of my favorites from around the web. Although, in the interest of being honest, I am not a big fan of combat boots, but I included them here because some people can totally rock them...just not me.

Sole Society // Steve Madden // TOMS
Diba // C. Wonder // Sole Society
Rag & Bone // Madden Girl // Lucky Brand

What are your go-to fall booties?

xx,

Erin

Late April Showers

Oh wow, what a weekend I had. Foxfield was on Saturday, and if you have texted me since, I probably didn't get it seeing as I have to go pick my phone up from their office today (THANK YOU to the nice stranger who turned it in!). I had such an amazing time with my friends at the races, but a long day in the sun tuckered me out and I have been laying low since then. Oh, and studying. Foxfield comes at the perfect time because it is right before finals are upon us and instead of just meandering into the library in the evenings with Meghan and others, we are going to start having to compete for a table...

As much as I dread finals, I am looking forward to Beach Week and the summer that comes right after it. Right now though, instead of dreaming about the water in the ocean, we are about to face some water from the skies. Yeah, finals season is going to start with some rain, not that it's the worst thing in the world, but I could use a little sunshine in my life this time of year (and apparently a new umbrella...)

Dressing for rain storms in the summer is about striking that balance between heat and humidity, the need for rain boots, and still trying to look cute. Personally, I don't think a little rain should stop anyone from dressing how they want to, and dressing for rain in warmer weather just means trading your jeans or and sweater in for a sundress or shorts and a blouse. I have worn shorts with my rain boots, but normally I am more comfortable wearing a sundress, of course, that is a personal preference.

Happy Finals Season!

xoxo,

SSP

Maxed Out: Styling Maxi Skirts

Happy Opening Day, Happy 21st Birthday Meghan, Happy Warm Weather Day...HAPPY DAY! Y'all, this is actually one of the best Mondays ever, and you know I mean it because I do not like Mondays, ever.

Over Spring Break my momma and I ventured down to Old Town Alexandria for a day of shopping and came across an awesome sale at the Gap outlet. One of the items I got was a cotton maxi skirt and I only wish that I'd realized how awesome these are sooner! These skirts are perfect for transitioning weather as it was chilly when I left this morning (40 degrees) but by the mid-afternoon when I walk home it'll be 70 degrees! Maxi skirts are so easy to style and you can change up the look of them so many different ways. Oh, and whean I was looking for skirts for this post, I came across Target's collection of them for around $20...how great is that? If you don't already have a cotton maxi skirt, go get one now. They're the perfect solution for looking more put together than you feel on a Monday morning!

And just in case you need a bit more convincing, these skirts can be styled as more than just a casual, running errands look. You can also throw on a nicer blouse and dress it up for a nicer event, even the office! These skirts come in cotton, chiffon, silk, etc. and the possibilities for styling them is endless.

Any other maxi skirt fans out there?

xoxo,

SSP

Fur Sure

Well then, I guess if it is going to be cold, it might as well be snowing too, right? I mean, it is impossible to hate a pretty walk to class...unless you can't see it because your eyes have frozen over. You know what the cold means though? Faux fur vests! I love faux fur vests, I have had one for probably about 3-4 years now and I have never regretted it. It seems like everyone and their mother has one now, and with the instant chic vibe they give any outfit, can you blame people. Personally, I have two, one that I've had for a while and another that my Momma decided she didn't want anymore while I was a freshman at Virginia Tech and now she kind of wants it back, but I'm not relenting ;)

today's outfit

Here's the thing with these vests, you don't have to break the bank to get one. I think I spent $40-$50 on my first one because I got it at TJ Maxx! They're affordable, chic, and versatile. Here are some ideas for how to style yours: 

 

 gosh, can I just have Olivia Palermo or Rachel Zoe's closet? 

How do you style your faux fur vest? Also, I really want a pair of wedge booties like in the Polyvore set above...I feel like everyone wore them during recruitment this year, so cute!

xoxo,

SSP

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!