Matching the Flowers

Three day weekends are never long enough, but it's back to reality for me! Today's outfit is all about making me happy and staying comfortable...plus I match the hydrangea in our yard! Seriously, every element of this outfit is perfect for me. I have this theory that if you can, you should make anything you have to do as appealing as possible. Sure I don't want to spend 8 hours in an office, but I do want to wear pink, navy, and polka dots, so it's not all a loss (oh, and I want to make money...)

  Dress- Lilly Pulitzer // Cardigan- Talbots // Shoes- Target

Okay, and a moment of honesty from y'all please, what do you want to be reading and seeing on this blog this summer? I love reading your emails and comments with suggestions and your thoughts on posts and how they relate to you!

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

Summer Soles

I so wish I could wear sandals to the office over the summer. I mean, it just doesn't seem fair that I only get to show off my pedicure on the weekends! I have a great pair of close-toed espadrilles that I got last year and are perfect for days when I want to wear heels to the office, but most days I just opt for flats. I don't really have any summer flats, but after looking around on the internet, I am loving some of the fun colors and prints:

Addie Loafers

Printed Anya Flat

Peep-toe Flats

Cutout Ballet Flats

Lainey Perforated Flats

What is your go-to summer shoe for the office?

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

Fashion Friday: Work Horse Summer

It is finally Friday, and not just any Friday...LAST DAY OF WORK FRIDAY! Yes, today is the last of my double shift days...the dog days of summer are over and I am off to Charlottesville on Sunday. Seriously, I am beyond excited to be done with work and have made the money I did. It is so nice to know that I can afford food and books! Of course, thanks to the J. Crew Factory Sale and the screwup with that, my bank account looks less attractive, but moving on...
I decided this summer to take a break from Fashion Friday because there was a lot of re-wearing of outfits. Since I am done, and since I really did love some of the outfits I shared on Instagram, I decided to compile some of my favorites.

First Day of Work

love this dress and the starfish accessories. Starfish are such a perfect addition to any summer wardrobe and I have even been known to take them out in the winter. 

dress: Lilly Pulitzer // bracelet: Fornash // shoes: Steve Madden // nail polish: Essie

Navy Pants

These pants were basically my savior this summer. They're super comfortable and well within any dress code. I wish I had another pair like this...maybe next summer!

cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft // pants: H&M // shoes: Target // earrings: J. Crew Factory

Minty Fresh

I got this cardigan over spring break and am seriously debating a fall color in it. Does anyone have the fall ones? Seriously, these rock and I loved popping this color with the super neutral white.

cardigan: J. Crew // pants: Talbots // shoes: Jack Rogers // necklace: Fornash // nail polish: Essie "Geranium"

Gingham

I love gingham, stripes, and polka dots. This summer, working in an office, solidified that because they're totally acceptable prints for the office! Also, these flats? J. Crew Factory, give me all of them...please

top: J. Crew // pants: H&M // shoes: J. Crew // bracelet: C. Wonder

Canadian Tuxedo

This is as close as I get to a Canadian Tuxedo. I loved this outfit and these shoes are just to die for. I got them on sale at C. Wonder and wish I'd bought all the pairs they have!

top: Old Navy // pants: Talbots // shoes: C. Wonder // bag: Lesportsac // bracelet: C. Wonder

What were your favorite summer outfits?

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

Fashion Friday 07.19

Happy Friday, lovelies! I am so happy it is time for the weekend because I have some big plans for myself (i'll update y'all in another post this weekend) and my shift at Talbots tonight will conclude another 65+ hour work week...yeesh! 

...So, yet again technology beats Erin...my photos didn't save to blogger so I included the link to each picture on Instagram...whoops! When I get home (super late) tonight from Talbots I will re-upload them all. Sorry...guess all this working is getting to my ability to fuction haha

ain't that the truth?!?

Monday

Not much to say about Monday except that I got a super cute cardigan at Talbots and I cannot wait to wear it! Of course, the AC in my store doesn't seem to be working so I have yet to debut it...ugh.

cardigan: Old Navy // dress: TJ Maxx // earrings: J. Crew // belt: Gap // shoes: Jack Rogers

http://instagram.com/p/byIopPyAf3/

Tuesday

I love this dress...in principle. Quite frankly, I don't love it as much when I wear it. My momma and I call it my Pride and Prejudice dress because it is very flowy with an empire waist and really, if you added some sleeves and took it from tea length to full length, it would work for the time period. Also, I watch the Colin Firth P&P...he's a much better Darcy than that guy in Keira Knightly's version.

dress: Banana Republic // necklace: Fornash // shoes: no idea...pretty old

http://instagram.com/p/b0uR3-SAWQ/

Wednesday

As mentioned before, it is basically a sauna in Talbots. I have to be work appropriate, but I really don't want anything heavy. This outfit was perfect with the flowy top and lightweight white jeans. Also, did you catch my piggy bank post?

top: Michael Kors // jeans: Talbots // shoes: J. Crew // nail polish: Essie Watermelon

http://instagram.com/p/b3RjMGSAXs/

Friday

I came home last night from work and found my fan fringe necklace had been delivered! I am so excited that I finally have it. I wear such basic outfits every day so it's nice to be able to change it up with a fun piece!

top: Gap // skirt: Target // necklace: Apple of my Eye Jewelry (via Very Jane) // shoes: Jack Rogers 

http://instagram.com/p/b8n6VgyAcF/

stay tuned for a weekend update!

xoxo,

SSP

Oh Hey Fashion Friday

Happy Mega Fashion Friday. I know it's been a couple of weeks since I posted one, but I had technical difficulties and then I was at the beach so it kept getting pushed off.
This week I worked double shifts every day except Wednesday and next week is a straight week of double shifts. Most of my outfits here are business casual because that is the easiest way to translate from office to Talbots. I will say though that I tend to change into Jack Rogers or some other sandal for work at Talbots because my flats are falling apart (mentioned in WBT Wednesday) and I haven't gotten to the store to get new ones yet. Also, a big thank you to K for taking my OOTD pics this week since I have yet to hang/locate my mirror.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I get the keys to my apartment in Charlottesville tomorrow and I am beyond excited!

Monday

Maxi dresses are the bomb dot com. Seriously, I don't know what I'd do without them. Of course, both my office and Talbots happened to be 900 degrees that day, but it was a comfy and cute outfit.

dress: TJ Maxx // cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft // belt: Gap

Tuesday

The office LBD and a happy cardigan. Keep it simple, but still fun.

dress: old // cardigan: Target (old) // pearls: Love the Pearls

Wednesday

I went really neutral with today's outfit. I really love when I wear a neutral with bright nail polish...love the way it stands out!

dress: Anne Klein // bracelet: Fornash // flats: Steve Madden

Thursday

I got so many compliments on this outfit. Sometimes the most simple outfits are the best. I love the dainty sleeves on this shirt...perfect for both the office and a retail job in a hot store.

top: old (H&M) // skirt: Banana Republic // bracelet: Etsy // shoes: Steve Madden & Jack Rogers // bag: Vineyard Vines

Friday

Guess who forgot to upload this pic to blogger early? Whoops. Oh well, here is the instagram link

http://instagram.com/p/bqdLp-SATI/

One of those Fridays

I got a couple of questions about this outfit so I decided to include it. I got this shirt at Old Navy in the spring and I love it! I was feeling a bit nautical in anticipation of the beach and decided to go all out.

A few Mondays ago

Dress, cardigan, and a belt. Can you tell what my easy, comfy go-to outfit is? Again, I need stuff that translates well between the office and more casual retail job and this fits the bill. Also, these are one of my favorite pairs of earrings...really anything Fornash is one of my favorite additions to my wardrobe.

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

Fashion Friday: National Wear Your Lilly Day!

First of all, Happy First Day of Summer...but more importantly, Happy National Wear Your Lilly Day!!! I loved seeing this in my Lilly planner and have been (im)patiently waiting for it, not that I need a holiday to wear some Lilly.

Monday

Goodness was I tired on Monday. Plus I realized that I really needed to do laundry because I wasn't loving anything I had. It was a double-shift day so I knew I really needed to be comfortable but still have the Talbots and professional look. Luckily, I am allowed to wear crops to my day job and I have two pairs of comfy ones from H&M a couple of years ago. Also, did you catch the 4th of July Monogram Monday?

sweater: White House Black Market // pants: H&M // shoes: Ann Klein // ring: The Jewel Box // watch: NY&Co. // yeah, McDonald's breakfast (what beach body?), but seriously, any drink, any size is $1 and the sausage biscuit was too hehe

Tuesday

I worked from 7:15am-9:30pm. I am not kidding, I bounced job to job all day. As rough as it was, I knew I was making money so I couldn't really complain. This is the dress that I was talking about in my "Working Girl's LBD" post. It really is the greatest dress and was totally manageable for such a long day.

cardigan: Old Navy // dress: Macy's (old) // bracelet: Fornash // shoes: Target
http://instagram.com/p/asqYkyyAWx/

Wednesday

I rocked a Lilly shift and flats to work and then changed into my jack rogers for my haircut! I finally got to the salon (life just kept getting in the way, that and money) to get rid of any and all dead hair. Since I told the lady I wanted to err on the side of safe rather than sorry, she cut almost 6 inches of hair! Of course, my hair was super long, so now it's just long. I also finally restarted my love of iced coffee at the local coffee shop next door. I usually try to stick with iced green tea (unsweetened, no water, light ice) from Starbucks because it's a bit healthier, but I just really needed that big caffeine boost. 

dress: Lilly Pulitzer (not pictured) //  shoes: Jack Rogers // nail polish: Essie Cute as a Button" // iced coffee: Cafe Amouri
http://instagram.com/p/awWJFpSAfz/

Thursday

Remember that one time Momma and I tried a detox? Well I told her I would start the Dr. Oz 3-day detox with her and quit already. I love green juices and even did a juice cleanse over winter break, but this was gross. I'll write another post about all my favorite cleanse juices and smoothies later. Also, I am writing this while watching the Heat-Spurs game...ugh, stressful. #TooInvestedInSport and, yes I was pulling for the Spurs :(

cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft // shirt: Old Navy // pants: H&M // headband: Vineyard Vines // shoes: Target // bracelet: Etsy // earrings: J. Crew
http://instagram.com/p/ax5CswyAWo/

Friday

Happy National Wear Your Lilly Day! Normally I would want to wear my favorite Lilly, but since I had work I just went with this shift. Also, I am thinking of trying an Instagram video OOTD post at some point...hmmm. 

dress: Lilly Pulitzer (duh) // belt: Gap // bracelet: Fornash // earrings: J. Crew // shoes: Target
http://instagram.com/p/a0aOSLSAY4/

Coming Up:

I get my first day off in over 2 weeks on Sunday! I am so excited for this weekend. After work tomorrow I have F (little cousin) for a sleepover and then on Sunday, I finally get to go to a Nationals game and see one of my good friends. Ahhh, I can't wait!

Are any of you participating in National Wear Your Lilly Day? What are y'all wearing?

xoxo,
SSP

P.S. Don't forget to switch to bloglovin, since Google Reader is going away in a couple weeks!

The Working Girl's LBD

Okay, so the whole 2 job plus an internship thing may have been a bit much for one summer, but I am trying to make it work. I have so many little tricks and tips to share with y'all that I have picked up so far and I can't wait to post about them.

The first Working Girl tip I have is a perfect Why Buy This Wednesday. I am talking about the LBD, no, not a sexy cocktail number (though those are just as necessary) this is the work dress. The work LBD is the most crucial part of a wardrobe, right up there with the black (pencil) skirt. This dress is so easy to build off of and dress up or down. If you get the right fabric it is way more comfortable than any dress pant you'll ever own and keeps a feminine touch. Plus, these dresses are great to go right from work to happy hour!

Even if you aren't in the workforce, get this. It is crucial to have a business casual outfit (or two) in college, especially if your sorority has formal chapter every week like mine. Throw a cardigan, blazer, or nothing on over it and add a great necklace. The best part about this dress is that with accessories you can wear dozens of outfits without ever repeating. 

Personally, my go-to work LBD is quite old. It is actually from my freshman year of high school when my grandmama passed away. I chose it because it was something that I thought I would wear again, and boy was I right about that. Admittedly, it is getting a bit ratty and I know I am largely going to have to retire it (or get it some backup at least) soon. I featured some work LBDs here and while they may not seem like a super steal to some of you, if there is a dress worth the investment, it's this. Seriously though, mine is the perfect piece to transition from my office job to Talbots when I pull double shifts and I get compliments on the outfits all the time!
The dresses I chose here are all from Nordstrom because they have a great selection of styles. Seriously, I only featured a couple but they have pages of fabulous dresses like these!

Sleeveless Styles: Halogen Seamed Sheath Dress ($49.49) Chiffon Underlay Shift Dress ($139.00)

the dress I have is sleeveless and the biggest advantage of this is that it doesn't get too hot if you throw a cardigan on or bunch up. Most offices require some sort of sleeve, but adding a cardigan to get up to dress code is a way that you can change this look up so it's a win-win.

Cap Sleeve: Ruched Jersey Sheath Dress ($98.00) Pleated Fit & Flare Dress ($118.00)

Most of the dresses are either sleeveless or have longer sleeves, very few are a true traditional short sleeve because that tends to have a less formal look to it. The cap sleeve is perfect because it covers your shoulders enough that if you don't want a cardigan (dress code permitting), you don't need one. Also, the flowy skirt is a great piece for those days you go right from the office to happy hour!

Long(er) Sleeve: Twist Front Jersey Sheath Dress ($118.00)

Don't want to mess with a cardigan, but still want to rock your LBD? That is totally okay. There are several styles of dresses with longer sleeves that are appropriate for the office, just remember to add a necklace or bracelet for some color!

Fashion Friday: The Big 1-0-0

Happy 100th Blog Post to Me! Thank you to everyone who reads this, I love writing this and getting to know y'all through feedback and emails. It definitely wouldn't be as much fun to write this blog if it weren't for y'all so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I am so glad it is finally Friday! Okay, well I am actually writing most of this on Thursday during my break at work, but I know that by tomorrow I am going to be dancing around knowing I survived this week! I feel like I haven't stopped going since last Friday and let me tell you, I need this weekend ASAP (even if I am working on Saturday). Also, there was some technical difficulty with my pics today. I have some of the details up here, but the rest of the pics will be up this evening!

Monday

Monday was my first day of work at my day job this summer. I worked here with J last summer and am missing her desperately as I work here now. The pay is great and the work isn't too bad, but I am looking forward to the twins starting here so that I have some company! Since it was my first day at this job, naturally I wore Lilly. Also, that night was the boys' lacrosse party. I spent the whole evening playing with my little cousin and then prepping for what I knew was going to be a crazy Tuesday-Thursday.

dress: Lilly Pulitzer // belt: Gap // shoes: Steve Madden // nail polish: Essie Madison Ave-hue

Tuesday

Tuesday was actually my only relaxing day. I worked all day and then we cooked out at the new house after Momma and B met with the architects. I also had a bit of an outfit crisis when I realized that basically all of my office appropriate clothing was at the new house. Luckily I have a couple of those Lilly shifts at my house right now. Seriously, I wish I had bought this dress in every color it comes in.

dress: Lilly Pulitzer // necklace: Etsy // shoes: Target // watch: NY&Co.

hanging out with N on the patio at the new house

Wednesday

Double Trouble! I worked a grand total of 14 hours on Wednesday. I needed to make up for the time I was going to miss leaving early for K&N's graduation and was closing at Talbots. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be because I was a bit thankful to be on my feet after sitting at a desk all day!

cardigan: Francesca's // cami: Ann Taylor Loft // pants: H&M // shoes: DSW (momma's--old)

Another pic that didn't post but not on instagram :(

Thursday

Double Double! Another 14 hour day, but hey, I am making money right? I loved everything about this outfit and everyone was praising it when I went in to Talbots for work, but then I realized I made a fundamental retail outfit mistake...I had nowhere to clip the walkie! Luckily my manager just had me borrow a belt so I could remedy the situation, of course, now I totally want that belt (figures)!

dress: Macy's (old) // cardigan: Target // shoes: DSW // earrings: Target (old)

Friday

I can't believe it is finally here. The twins are graduating High School and I am so proud of them. I actually have a whole post dedicated to them and their fratastic style, seriously, they're part of the "Fratastic Four" at their High School coming out soon. Unfortunately I have to work today, I actually have to leave really soon so I won't be adding hyperlinks to this post until tonight. I went with jeans for casual Friday since I didn't want to wrinkle my Lilly dress for the graduation this afternoon.

dress: Lilly Pulitzer // earrings: J. Crew // watch: Target (old) // shoes: Target
Okay, so the picture doesn't want to post, but it is on my Instagram and I will add it to the post this evening!

the graduates and I

What are y'all's weekend plans?

xoxo,

SSP