Sweaters and Shorts

Fall is here! ...at least for a couple of days. I love fall fashion and everything that it brings, but early fall is always hard to dress for. Personally, I love sweaters and shorts. It's the perfect transition outfit for those chilly mornings and warm afternoons. These outfits are also helpful for you summer lovers who are not ready to part with hot weather and summer whites...baby steps, y'all. 

sweater set 2 by sugarsnappearls

Sweater / J.Crew chino shorts / J.Crew patent leather flat shoes / Longchamp tote bag / Tory Burch golden bracelet / Tory Burch bracelet

sweater shorts 1 by sugarsnappearls

H&M angora sweater, $32 / J.Crew j. crew shorts / Rocket Dog shoes / 3.1 Phillip Lim tote / Adia Kibur necklace

Who else is ready for fall? I decorated my mantle last night and I already have some candy corn...sorry not sorry ;) 

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

Apartment Style: Hall of Mirrors

Welcome to Apartment Style Part 2! Last night I took a trip to IKEA with my Momma and stocked up on some more apartment essentials. Tomorrow we are C-ville bound to build my walk-in closet...too excited!!!
While my room is big and has a lot of natural light, I know that most rooms aren't. Last year my dorm room came equipt with one dim light and a pathetic excuse for a window. At night the cinderblock walls and dim lighting made it look more like a cell than a dorm room and that is just no fun to come home to. Well, have no fear because there is a great way to combat that...with mirrors. On that note, click on this link to have a little JT serenade while you enjoy this post ;)

okay, not this extreme...

Mirrors reflect a ton of light and give a small space the illusion of being bigger. There are so many different ways to incorporate mirrors into your apartment, all you have to do is search a little. Obviously a full-length mirror is ideal to pick out outfits every day, but there are also cute mirrors that add a little bit of fun to a space and contribute to the open and bright atmosphere you're looking for. 

who needs a headboard when you can do this? makes the bed bright and happy and gives it some personality!

If you have room to do this, do it. Seriously I love these big mirrors. I think they look great hanging or just propped up. They add a great amount of light and with an interesting frame they become a great focal point of the room.

IKEA

This mirror has great character and is a good size to still be useful. I saw this yesterday and if I didn't already have a couple little mirrors from Target, this would definitely be on my list. 

Well this totally adorable. What a cute take on a gallery wall. While my gallery wall isn't going to look like this, this makes me want to throw one or two into my gallery scheme.

xoxo,
SSP

Lesportsac Giveaway!

Is there any better feeling than finishing the work week and knowing it's Friday? Probably not, unless you get the chance to win something on top of that! Well, how about I help make this a great Friday and give you the chance to win a brand new Lesportsac rolling suitcase? Yes, we have teamed up to give one away and the giveaway will run from today through 12am next Friday, and the winner will be announced then.

Recently my cousin, and fellow chi omega, who is interning with Lesportsac in New York City (lucky duck!) sent me a couple of bags to try out. Guess what? I am in love. Seriously, I may never put my new signature tote down. They are such well made bags and their new prints are fun and sophisticated. I am so excited to test out my weekender and purse as well!
I know that at school I always want to be able to leave for the weekend to visit my friends, cousins, and now my brothers, at their schools. The problem had always been finding a bag that stored well in my dorm room, but was also practical for the amount of stuff I take on a typical weekend excursion. Lesportsac sent me the perfect weekender in their Lacey Lana print that I am planning on getting a lot of use out of this upcoming year.
Of course, I can't just keep all this great stuff to myself, so Lesportsac and I have teamed up to give you a 22" rolling suitcase in Aberdeen Stripe, one of their fall prints that has yet to be released! This suitcase is a great size and the nylon is so easy to clean. Plus, the soft exterior means there is plenty of room to cram all of your travel needs in it, with extra storage in the 3 exterior pockets! There is even a pouch that snaps into the bag which is perfect for toiletries you don't want to spill onto anything else. This perfect bag retails for $275, but one of you lucky readers is going to get it absolutely free! 
a Rafflecopter giveawayAlso, my Instagram followers can gain extra entries by following the directions on this post! Feel free to post it up to once a day to maximize your chance of winning!

good luck!

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

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!

Apartment Decorating with Anthropologie

With the summer days dwindling (nooooo!) and the school year on the horizon, I have been turning my attention to a little apartment decorating. I am so excited to finally have an apartment at school. It is the cutest place with plenty of space for my awesome roommate and I, plus it has a great location. Now, as I have mentioned before, I was a dorm kid last year so I have a lot of prep to do for this apartment here. Since I am doing so much for my apartment, it is basically all I can think (and probably blog) about. 
Does anyone else love interior design and well really just houses as much as I do? Seriously, I could spend hours looking at floorplans and peoples "dream home" boards on Pinterest. 
Anyways, I recently went on the Anthropologie website looking for a knob for my coffee table and got sucked into their wonderful world of home goods. I loved so many of their things but these are a few of my absolute favorites. The whale bookshelves put the biggest smile on my face and that rhino is just so different than anything I have ever looked at. Plus, what isn't there to love about those chalkboard kitchen canisters?

Anthropologie: Apartment Style by sugarsnappearls

Mirrored Dresser / Victorian Whale Bookends / Savannah Story Bust, Rhino / Chalkboard Storage Jars / Capri Blue Candle-In-A-Jar / Ceramic Frenchie Stamper / Ayaka Mug / Villa Capri Knob / Imphal Blockprinted Pillow / Quatrefoil Outdoor Rug

xoxo,
SSP

Christmas In July

It's the most wonderful time of the year...the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! 

This is no ordinary sale, this is a sale that includes some of the hottest items for the fall, not just last season's leftovers!

Here's my wish list, what's on yours?

Kate Spade 'tidbit' Plates

technically these aren't on my wish list since I bought them already ;) but they are just too cute and the colors go perfectly with my room plan for my apartment!

Enzo Angiolini Riding Boots

love the brown and black combo!

Nike Sneakers

I need a new pair of day-to-day sneakers and these might just fit the bill with their friendly price tag.

Kate Spade Phone Case

I am getting my iPhone 5 on Monday and need a case for it, why not this adorable Kate Spade one?

Michael Kors Watch

Loving this bracelet watch...perfect for any arm party!

Kate Spade Studs

Nothing like a cute, fun pair of studs!

Ellen Tracy Trench Coat

A khaki trench coat is a necessary staple in anyone's wardrobe.

What are your favorite Anniversary Sale Items? And don't forget, there are going to be a few SSP announcements coming up!

xoxo,

SSP

In the Nude

Okay...this post is probably not what you are assuming based on the title. Yeah, it says nudity, no it doesn't mean you should go drop out of school and join forces with the naked cowboy...I am talking about nude flats. The nude flat is perfect for school or work, summer or winter, formal or informal...basically, it's perfect.

I live in flats and boots at school. Seriously, I love my flats because I am not coordinated, nor do I care enough, to kill my feet navigating the brick sidewalks at school in heels. They also translate really well into my summer wardrobe, making them an awesome investment piece. I got my nude flats from DSW during my senior year of High School and have completely worn them into the ground (same with my black ones...ugh). The other day I was looking at them and realized how badly I needed a new pair, and how badly y'all need these in your wardrobe. Girls who are heading off to dorm life, buy rain boots, nude flats, sneakers, and riding boots...that is all you will need (I mean, I had way more...but that's just me). I wear these flats all the dang time. I can throw them on and am basically guaranteed that they will match whatever I am wearing at the time. Plus, if you're short like me, you could use the slightly longer leg look they provide.

Personally, I am a huge fan of the Steve Madden Heaven flat. They are $40, and $40 well spent. These flats have survived 3 years, two of which involved traipsing around college campuses. My flats have paid for themselves ten times over and I am so sad to see them go (so is my bank account).
While I love these flats, I am actually thinking of investing in a different pair. I like pointed toe flats because they make my short legs look longer, so I have been looking at those.
Again though, I love these Steve Madden ones and even if I don't end up with the nude ones again,  they have a bunch of other colors that will probably end up in my wardrobe.

What is your go-to flat?

xoxo,
SSP

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

Pearls are a Girl's Best Friend

Marilyn may have preferred diamonds, but I believe pearls are a girl’s best friend. Pearls are classic, elegant, and unlike most jewelry, they get betterwith age and use.

Last Tuesday, I was lucky enough to get to go to an event at the City Club in DC with my Momma and one of her good friends, who I’ve known, basically my whole life. The event was called “Chanel and her Love of Pearls.” Yeah, this event was made for me, right?

Momma, Me, and Ms. B (l-r) at the event

While I was there, shopping and networking, I really thought about how amazing pearls are. If you are going on vacation and bring one strand of pearls and a pair of studs, I promise you’ll be fine. As many of you have probably noticed by now, I rarely change from my pearls and I seem to manage just fine ;)

"A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls." -Coco Chanel

Anyways, this pearl event was fabulous and the best part was the steep discount offered. The company that brought the pearls both produces and distributes them, meaning they are much less expensive than what you get at a retailer. They are no Mikimoto, but hey, they work and they don’t completely break a college girl’s bank account.

"I favor pearls on screen and in my private life" -Grace Kelly

Princess Diana had many pearls she cycled through

"Pearls are always appropriate." -Jackie Kennedy

That being said, if you want to wear pearls without worrying about losing them, go for some good glass pearls. Seriously, $10 at Macy’s and you won’t be brokenhearted when they disappear, that’s what I do! However, if you want the real deal, searching Etsy has resulted in some promising and affordable options as well. It all depends on what you want to spend, and what you want for your money. 

What is your go-to accessory?

xoxo,

SSP

SATC Sunday: Perfect Afternoon

"Miranda was a big fan of the Yankees. I was a big fan of being anywhere you can smoke and drink at two in the afternoon without judgement"

-Carrie

This quote is perfect to today. I got to go to the Nationals game with one of my good friends, Rebecca, this afternoon and we had a great time. Most of you probably don't know this, but I am a sports-aholic. I seriously could watch sports all day, every day. My perfect afternoon is a baseball game. Actually it is really just a perfect day for me. My brothers and I are (hoping) to go to the Nationals Single-A team's game on Wednesday after work, depending on how moving is going at that point. The game would be even more perfect if Bryce Harper plays a rehab game that night. 

This is another crazy week leading up to a glorious week at the beach with my family next week, but totally worth it to get my vacation time in!

What is your perfect lazy Sunday afternoon?

xoxo,
SSP

Book Worm: Summer Reading

I have loved to read all my life. I used to "read" books in my crib and sat in the corner of my kindergarten classroom with Magic Tree House books instead of Hooked on Phonics. Growing up, my Momma didn't filter what I read, her policy was simply that if I could understand it, I could read it, and if I couldn't understand it, I wouldn't want to read it anyways. Unfortunately, school tends to kill any reading for pleasure. Even if you are reading an amazing book, picking it apart in class is enough to give a book the death sentence. I read so much for classes these days that I never get to read anything I want to. Since I am so behind on my reading, I am taking this summer to finally catch up on it. I already whizzed through the second half of a book I had been reading on my kindle and now I am mapping out the rest of the books I want to read. 

I have been keeping a mental note of recommendations and took a look at the New York Times Best Seller List to compile some books that I want to pick up or download. 

Game of Thrones -George R. R. Martin 

I downloaded this in iBook form instead of Kindle accidentally and so regret it. I love still having my kindle so I can read it outside in the sun, something that is really hard to do on the iPad. These books are so well-known and I keep saying that I want to read them before I see the show.

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead -Sheryl Sandberg

I am dying to read this book. I have heard amazing things about it and I really want to see what all the hype is about. For those of you who don't know, Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and she was on the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world. Tip: I just picked this book up at Costco for $13.99! They have great deals on books, perfect for the summer book worm!

The Bride Quartet (and others) - Nora Roberts

Everyone needs a romance book for the beach and tanning. When I am with my girlfriends chatting and not really paying attention to my book, I need reads like this series. My cousin and aunt recommended it and if my cousin actually read this series, you know it has to be worth it (she hates reading). I am headed to my favorite used book store later this week to stock up on a couple of other of Roberts' books that I will blow through while laying out.

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey - Lady Fiona Carnarvon

Downton Abbey fans, you have to pick this up. I came across this at Costco and got so excited. It is about the people who inspired the hit show, primarily Lady Almina, who Lady Cora is based off of. I am so excited to read this book! It is written by Lady Fiona who is married to the current Earl of Carnarvon and lives in Highclere Castle (the setting of the show)!

Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

This book has plagued me for years. I don't know why, but I just cannot seem to get through the unabridged version of it. I actually read the abridged version last year hoping it would help, so I am going to try it again. Tolstoy weaves such an incredible tale in this book and Anna's utter despair. I try to read at least 2 classics a summer, but with the struggle I have with this book and it's length, this may be the only new one I add. Plus, it is free on kindle! There are lots of other free classics on Kindle if you'd like to try one!

Other Books: No Higher Honor- Condoleezza Rice; When a Crocodile Eats The Sun- Peter Goodwin
Seriously I will read and/or re-read a dozen plus books this summer if I get the chance. Personally, I recommend all Nelson DeMille and Vince Flynn novels, especially DeMille for those of you who appreciate a lead character with a sarcastic side like his protagonist, John Corey. Summer is also a great time to re-read some of those books that you hated from High School, who knows, maybe you'll actually love Beowulf ;) 

If you want some other recommendations comment or email me, I'd love to help. As always, I want to know what your recommendations are too!

xoxo,

SSP