Summer Blazers

Summer is here! That means it's time to get ready for the beach, roll your windows down, and get ready for those summer jobs and internships. Going from norts and an oversized tshirt to professional can be a rough transition. However, black norts and a tuxedo t-shirt are not going to cut it come time to head into an office. Personally, I love dressing up (shocker), but I also love investing in pieces that I can dress up and down. Since I am going to be graduating a year from now (a reality I refuse to fully grasp yet), I am thinking about the items I buy and how they will transition into the next stage of life. 

Plus, a blazer can allow you to wear the same outfit to the office as you will later that evening for a Girls Night Out. Obviously, you have to still make sure your hemline is long enough and that it is a modest outfit overall, but a light blazer and accessories dress up basic sundresses and pants.

  

Of course, a blazer doesn't have to mean that the outfit will go to the office. In fact, shorts and a blazer can be a super cute combo for those cloudy or breezy days when you are milling about town!

If you are looking for blazers on a budget, Target has a good selection, but you can find blazers through so many retailers. Keep in mind, when shopping for a blazer, the fit should be flattering, but comfortable. There is nothing cute about a blazer that is too small or one that swallows you whole.

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

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

Good Luck, Chuck

Yesterday I was at the sorority house looking at formal dresses and shoes with one of my sisters and she mentioned that she was getting white converse to wear with rolled up pants, etc. and it got me thinking about the shoes I bought to go fishing in Tampa, and how I should incorporate them into my outfits. Now, I don't have actual Converse sneakers, though I do love them, but my $17 Target shoes are an acceptable substitute for how often I'll realistically wear them and the chances that I spill something on them.

I love this relaxed look that these shoes give an outfit and there quite practical for walking around grounds all day! Or studying in the library all day...seriously, though. Fun story, my friend Meghan and I showed up at the library this morning before it opened, how sad is that? At least we came bearing Starbucks and Bodo's, right? Yay for productivity!

Today I went with Ponte pants and my sneakers for the library, but I think that they can have a cute, feminine look with a skirt or dress as well. Wearing them with rolled up jeans is also perfect for transition weather to Spring as the morning stay chilly until the sun comes out.

How do you style your converse?

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

Loafing Around

One of the advantages of having a preppy, classic sense of style is that staples in your wardrobe become popular every couple of years and you almost look trendy...kinda. I have had that Ralph Lauren classic streak in me since before I could say prep thanks to my momma. I love dressing with classic style because it makes me feel better about investing in quality pieces that I can a lot of wear out of. This year I am so excited to see the smoking slipper and loafer inspired flat making a big splash in the shoe world. These are the perfect shoe for college because they're sturdier than a regular flat and work so well with both jeans and skirts. Seriously, these last way longer on the uneven brick sidewalks of UVA than any pair of regular flats ever will.

Since they have gained such widespread popularity, you can get them at almost any price point and pattern now. So, while I still pine after Stubbs and Wootton slippers that I will actually never be able to afford, more affordable options are out there that are friendly to a college girl's budget.

Adrienne Vittadini Chiquita Flat (DSW)

Franco Sarto Gerry Loafer (DSW)

Kelly and Katie Dandy Leopard Flat (DSW)

Steve Madden Tweed Flat (DSW)

Stubbs and Wootton (one day...)

Do you have any favorite fall flats?

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

Fall Essentials: Kicking it Off

I don't know if I have mentioned it before, but I have kind of been in the process of a closet overhaul since high school. It wasn't that I had bad style back then...I've been preppy since the day I was born (yeah, I did have the embarrassing denim skirt and popped polo phase...who didn't?), but I sometimes bought cheap, trendy pieces that sat in my closet making it look infinitely more full than it was. 
From now on, I am all about the reusable, multi-outfit essentials (plus the occasional fun piece...they're necessary). I decided to share some of my favorite additions for fall, even if it is still hot outside...but it's okay because the Pumpkin Spice Latte is backkkkk!

Factory Accordion Pleat Mini

I did not buy this in every color...okay maybe I did. Whatever, I am in love with this skirt. It is a great wool blend that is perfect for chilly fall and winter days. I am debating returning the gray one because it feels a little "Catholic School Girl Uniform" to me, but they really are the best. Skirts that sit higher on me tend to be more flattering and I just love the way these fit.  The skirt doesn't have a lot of give and I wanted it to look a bit more A-line so I went with the 6 instead of the 4. (this skirt order was a fiasco for me and I literally ended up with 16 of them....you probably think I am kidding, but I'm not)

Penny Loafers

Okay, I love these and while I don't have them, I am desperate for a pair. I don't know if I prefer the darker burgundy or tan, but they're a great shoe. The advantage of these is that they're more substantial than a flat, but can easily be worn with a skirt too...perfect for those of you trying to cram a wardrobe into a dorm room. My desire for these may also stem from my love of Nancy Drew books when I was younger when I read them all (in numerical order because I can't deal with reading books out of order).

Ponte Pants and Leggings

Ponte is basically a gift from God. I'm serious, if you haven't tried these leggings yet, do it now. They're so comfortable and much more substantial than leggings (great for girls like me who have a butt!). I got the J. Crew Gigi Pant, but they're a bit long so I need to get them hemmed (also order a size down!). I also ordered the C. Wonder Jodhpur Legging in their (awesome) labor day sale in navy. I figured a Navy legging was good for me to have, plus I love the patch on the inside of the leg...cute detail!

Fall Coats

I didn't get much use of these my freshman year at Virginia Tech since it goes straight to winter with that wind chill, but I got so much use out of my LL Bean Barn Coat last year. While I'd love a Barbour, there is no way my budget will allow for that expense until I graduate and get a big girl job. I also picked up a cute J. Crew jacket (similar) in their August sale and am really excited to have it to add to my fall wardrobe. 

Button-ups and Popovers

I love button-ups and have started to develop quite the collection. They're perfect for jeans, skirts, or any bottom you pair them with. They add an effortless level of completion to any outfit. Popovers are also great, I got my first one recently and I am thinking of adding more. They're a little less formal and perfect to pair with leggings.

I'll do a couple more fall essential posts in the coming weeks...I just couldn't wait to share some of my favorites! What are your staple fall pieces?

xoxo,
SSP

Note to Self: Kate Spade Does it Again

I admit, I used to not see the purpose behind an iPad. I mean, come on, it's basically a giant phone that people try to pass off as a laptop, right? Wrong.

Since getting my iPad for Christmas, I have learned just how awesome they can be. Seriously, I would be lost without this gadget. It acts as a notepad for class, book, game host, and so much more...oh and it's totally travel sized. I actually have a keyboard for my iPad so that I can just take that to class instead of my Macbook Pro. Some days there are just too many things to carry for too long to want to deal with a full-fledged laptop. While my keyboard is totally awesome, I was lacking a certain stability element.
I needed a case. Basically, I got my heart set on a Kate Spade one that said "Eat Cake for Breakfast," but knew it was totally out of the question to spend that kind of money on a case. So I waited...and I waited. I didn't know what I wanted, but I did know that the dinky sleeve I had it in was tempting fate.

Finally, I came across a Kate Spade sale at the outlets and snagged a portfolio. This is the perfect case because it doesn't require snapping in like the Lilly Pulitzer one, but it is still cute and protective. I love that it totally blends in with my school supplies as well. 

Also, I have the Kate Spade gold polka dot case for my iPhone...my laptop seems lonely. Maybe I should get a sleeve so it feels better ;) Seriously, I just love her stuff...all of it!

What is your favorite tech case?

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

Back-to-School Best Dressed

"I like my money right where I can see it, hanging in my closet." -Carrie (SATC)

If any of you feel this way, or are just in the business of back to school shopping, keep reading. Right now is the prime time to stock up on all those back-to-school necessities because it seems like everyone is having a sale! I have already hit up the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and J. Crew Factory, but I know there are more and I wanted to share them with y'all so you can stock up without going broke!

J. Crew Factory Sale: 40% Off the Entire Website/Store

end date: August 4th

I got a couple of items that I had been needing to add or replace in my wardrobe at a great discount. I also got the ponte pant, which I will definitely be reviewing at a later date for y'all...I think they may be the best things ever!

H&M Online Shopping: It Exists

end date: Never!

Okay, any other H&M fans out there? Recently the giant H&M closed at Tyson's (my mall) and I was so sad because that was where I went for affordable basics and comfy sweaters. Now, I don't have to worry anymore because you can finally online shop in the US! This is big, people, really big.

Rue La La: Lilly Pulitzer and Jack Rogers

end date: opens today at 11am

If you aren't a member yet, this is me inviting you! Seriously, just join, it's free and you get access to sales like these...you need to have one of these invitations though. They will have LILLY PULITZER and JACK ROGERS today at 11. Stock up for next year if nothing else. You know you won't regret it.

C. Wonder: 50% Off Markdowns

end date: none posted

All markdowns are 50% off! I have scored a couple key accessories, a pair of driving moccasins, and a great, tailored button down. Their store is so happy and bright, I just love going there and the prices are such a steal in this sale, my shoes only cost $25...and retailed for $100!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

end date: August 4th

If you haven't hit this up yet...you really should! They have so much! If you want to see my favorites, check out this post from a while ago.

Are there any sales that I missed and should add to this list? Have a great time shopping ladies!

xoxo,

SSP