Why Buy This: Statement Necklaces

Happy Wednesday aka Hump Day aka you're over halfway done with the week!!! If you are anything like me, sitting inside while the weather is this glorious is torturous...I can't wait for the weekend! And what better way to celebrate surviving half of the week cooped up than with a little retail therapy?

I love statement necklaces. As y'all may have definitely noticed, I tend to go with basic outfits most of the time. I love staples because they can be re-worn so many different ways. The best way to dress up these boring outfits is with jewelry. Admittedly, I have not been the most adventurous with jewelry, in fact if you look at my necklace hangers, you might notice that almost everything has pearls on it. I have been trying to stray away from that, though! Statement necklaces are awesome and J. Crew has absolutely gorgeous ones, I mean, I just want them all. However, if I were to shop for my necklaces at J. Crew, not only would I never eat again, but I'd also need to work 2 jobs in addition to class. So, how can you get these fabulous necklaces without breaking the bank? 

Let me introduce you to Bauble Bar and GroopDealz. Bauble Bar has a ton of options ranging in all jewelry categories and I love to window shop there in my free time. GroopDealz is a bit different because it actually carries all sorts of items, but they usually have great jewelry at amazing prices (usually inspired by a more expensive version). I got my pave link bracelet that y'all seem to love so much from there for $25! Right now they have a J. Crew inspired Rose Necklace that I desperately want (but at this moment, can't afford). I want it in yellow instead of the coral that J. Crew carries though because I actually have a coral necklace (can't wait to debut it) that I picked up from Darling, a boutique owned by a Chi Omega alum here in Charlottesville! Back to GroopDealz though, this necklace is $20 and the one that J. Crew sold out of retailed for $148...it's a no-brainer! 

seriously, I LOVE this piece, and perfect for this weather!

What are some of your favorite statement necklaces? Any favorite places to shop for them?

xoxo,

SSP

Monogram Monday and Formal Wrap-up

Happy Monogram Monday! Before we talk about anything monogrammed, let me just rave about this weather. I don't know how it is where y'all are, but it is absolutely gorgeous out today. I called my momma earlier today to plan a FaceTime/Skype date to go through my closet (aka moving boxes that I never unpacked because I was going to be at school while we're picking a new house) so my aunt can bring some of my spring wardrobe down to school when she comes on Saturday! I was getting so tired of my wardrobe and OOTDs because it was the same dark colors and sweaters on repeat, but not anymore!
Anyways, Monogram Monday this week is kind of a throwback to my Coral Clutch post. When I was on the bus to formal on Saturday (more on that later), one of the girls asked me where she could get one. I started listing a couple of places she could get hers and I realized there are so many different online shops that I know about, but I haven't shared with y'all. So, I compiled a list of a few of my favorite monogram shops. They range in inventory and price, but they are all awesome.

Marley Lilly - the mecca of monogrammed goodies

My Capital Letters - obsessed with my keychain!

Southern Prep Co - really cute frocket monogrammed shirts

Sweet Tea Monograms - monogrammed PFG, yes please

Personal Threads - I need that pullover/bow combo

dress: borrowed from a sister // bracelets: fornash // ring: The Jewel Box // clutch: Cordial Lee // shoes: Guess

Yes, I brought my clutch to formal. It didn't really match my dress, but I brought it because I knew that no one would accidentally pick it up, thinking it was theirs. And, no, I didn't take my fish (that joke is here and way too many of my friends are now telling their friends). I got set up by one of my sisters and it was so much fun. Basically we got bussed out to Stonefire Station and had hors d'oeuvres and spent the evening swing dancing to a live band (hadn't done that in a year, and I was super rusty, whoops!).

my first impression of the new chapter back in the fall. love this girl (photo credit: Lindsay)

from High School to College (photo credit: Melissa)

wouldn't have been there without her, thanks doll!!!

I hope y'all have an amazing week!

xoxo,

SSP

Lilly Pulitzer Quote Sunday: A Tribute to the Icon

"Live every day like it's a celebration, and make every hour a happy hour"

-Lilly Pulitzer

This week, I decided the queen of prep deserved a proper tribute instead of SATC. 
I was completely shocked when I got the news today that Lilly Pulitzer had passed away at the age of 81, I guess I just thought she'd live forever. I actually found out from my brothers, who were kind enough to screenshot my reaction (boys, feel free to delete that at any point...). 
Today the world lost an icon. We lost the woman who taught us that being refined doesn't require a little black dress, and that prints at cocktail parties deserve a chance. She inspired people to take chances and brightened our closets, all because she opened a juice stand. 

Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau is a true icon. She shot to fame after dressing Jackie O (nee Kennedy) and was known for throwing fabulous soirees. There has never been a New York socialite more adored by southern ladies, and there never will be again. I am grateful to Lilly for making it acceptable to wear lions on my skirts (one of my favorites when I was little) and adding sunshine to my normally neutral wardrobe. 

Thank you for opening that juice stand in Palm Beach. Thank you for bringing so much joy to our lives. Thank you for your inspiration and your legacy. Lilly may have passed away, but her style will inspire forever.

Lilly at her shop in Palm Beach

"Jackie wore one of my dresses - it was made from kitchen curtain material - and people went crazy. They took of like the zingo. Everybody loved them, and I went into the dress business." - Lilly Pulitzer

my family understands ;)

If you missed it,  go check out the Lilly post I did on Friday!

xoxo,

SSP

Buy Fresh, Buy Local

"Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization."

-Daniel Webster

Today was my first Farmer's Market Saturday of 2013. Admittedly the weather was a bit chillier than I would've liked and I was going incognito in my yoga pants, baseball hat, and ray-bans, but it could not have been a better morning. I love the farmer's market, just walking around and chatting with different vendors about what they're selling while I sip my coffee. In the summer, Momma and I walk down to the one in our town on Saturday mornings and get some alone time to chat, which I love.
Plus, I think it is so important to support local farmers. First of all, you won't find produce much fresher than at the Farmer's Market unless of course you grow your own. Secondly, it is almost always organic (double check with them) and cheaper than the store. Finally, as the quote I chose above says, we would be nowhere without farmers! If you're looking for a market near you, here is a database to find them!
I took pictures as I walked around this morning, most of the fruits and veggies will be coming out in like a month or so, but I did get some great black raspberry jam that I am currently eating with some crackers as my lunch!
Confession, I also stopped by a little consignment boutique (Darling) that is owned by a Chi O alum because I had been dying to go and I got the cutest statement necklace. Can't wait to debut it...be on the lookout Instagram followers!

gorgeous green plants

one of the jewelry vendors...loved all the freshwater pearl action!

this might be my new favorite thing ever. Iced Peach Ginger Black Tea

few things make me as happy as fresh flowers

http://instagram.com/p/XxID6jyAWa/

lunch! seriously, this jam is amazing

Do any of y'all like farmer's markets? What are your favorite things to get at the Farmer's Market?

Also, if you missed yesterday's Fashion Friday post, go check it out, I know I posted it later in the day than usual. 

xoxo,
SSP

Fashionable on Fumes

As I mentioned earlier, this has been a crazy week for me and I am running on fumes. Quite frankly, I am just impressed with myself for deciding to put effort into outfit selection at all this week (excellent procrastination method if any of you want one).

Monday

The weather was gorgeous and I was exhausted from my weekend travels so it seemed like an appropriate time to break out the capri workout leggings and norts (changed for part of the day when it was warmer). I am so ready for some warmer weather. Seriously, it snowed in Blacksburg yesterday and while I was laughing at a picture of their mini-blizzard, it started hailing on me. Karma. 

Tuesday

I am obsessed with these Fornash earrings if you can't tell. I was bummed the weather was colder and nautical things just remind me of the beach so I had to break these out. Tuesday I basically spent the entire day in the library and both my laptop charger and iPhone charger decided to crap out that night...way more stressful than I realized it would be.

sweater: Ann Taylor Loft // jeans: Gap // shoes: Sperry // earrings: Fornash // bracelets: Fornash (here and here)

http://instagram.com/p/XmqOFpSAYP/

Wednesday

I have 5 classes on Wednesdays and I had pulled an all-nighter on Tuesday, needless to say, I was not about to wear real pants. I did decide to throw a scarf over my shirt and wear my staple pearls in an attempt to look nicer. Seriously, scarves are the best things ever, they transform outfits. I love them. Also, good call on the workout clothes since I stayed in the library until 4am...so much fun.

shirt: UVA bookstore // scarf: Mud Pie

http://instagram.com/p/XpZfjkSAbL/

Thursday

I was upset I had to wear tights with this outfit. Seriously, Mother Nature, get it together. I had 2 presentations and an exam on Thursday, so despite wanting to collapse on my bed, I decided to inhale some coffee and wear a comfortable dress. I love this dress, it was a total Target steal this fall and I get compliments on it all the time.

dress: Target // boots: Etienne Aigner // necklace: Ann Taylor

http://instagram.com/p/XsHyvUSAaz/

Friday

Finally Friday. I survived this week. Of course, I thought I would relax all day...then I looked at my pesky to-do list, darn it. Perfect timing for the weather to start to become gorgeous today...perfect day to pick up my training for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC. Are any of you running it?

sweater: J. Crew Factory (it's on sale now!) // jeans: H&M //  cami: Ann Taylor Loft // shoes: Steve Madden // necklace: Fornash // arm party: NY&Co. & similar bracelet
http://instagram.com/p/Xuw-3DSAe7/

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend. I have my Formal tomorrow. Yes I am going, no I am not taking my fish (please read here if that confuses you). 

Also, I would LOVE some more post topic ideas. Please comment or email me if you have any!

xoxo,

SSP

Why Buy This: Re-Lilly Feature

Okay, I am so sorry for not posting this on Wednesday. I have had the most hectic week...seriously, I didn't realize how bad the week would be until Monday night and am currently running on coffee and fumes. And then, when I finally did have time to post it, of course Polyvore was down so I couldn't put up pretty dresses and that's no fun!
This week's WBT Wednesday isn't about a particular item of clothing, but rather a mecca of Lilly Pulitzer. If you are not already familiar with the Re-Lilly group on Facebook, let me introduce you.
I love Lilly, I love the prints, the colors, and even the basic pieces they sell. The only problem is that a college girl like me cannot always ever afford to drop that much on a sundress. Enter Re-Lilly. This place has all things Lilly, from cups to shoes to dresses. People sell both new and gently used items, all are in great condition and it is organized so well! Not a fan of Lilly or just want to look at other designer brands? Well, they have a group for that too (The Pink Closet)
Why am I bringing up this site now? Well, I know that Carolina Cup is over and Keenland is about to start and for my fellow Virginia (primarily, UVA) ladies, Foxfields is right around the corner. I definitely didn't budget my money well enough to head over to my local Lilly store and pick something up, but I don't need to with a site like this! I have been scouring the site for a couple of weeks now looking for a few dresses that I really want for Foxfields (I already have my monogrammed hat, don't worry) and I am just going to keep looking. 
Here are some Lilly Pulitzer things I am loving right now...and always:

 Lilly Lovin' by sugarsnappearls featuring lilly pulitzer

Lilly Pulitzer sleeveless dress / Lilly Pulitzer silk top / Lilly Pulitzer cotton blazer / Lilly Pulitzer striped shorts / Lilly Pulitzer ankle tie sandals / Lilly Pulitzer / Lilly Pulitzer bracelets bangle / Lilly Pulitzer / Lilly Pulitzer wide belt / Lilly Pulitzer / Lilly Pulitzer Coffee Mug - Travel Mug | Lifeguard Press / Lilly Pulitzer 2013 Agenda

Seriously, go check it out! What are some Lilly items on your wish list? What are your favorite Lilly items and dresses? Any ideas for me for Foxfields?

xoxo,
SSP

Easy, Peasy Printable Monograms and Giveaway Winner

First of all, congrats to Betsy B. for winning the My Capital Letters Monogrammed Keychain Giveaway! I hope you love yours as much as I love mine! If you didn't win, you should definitely buy one for yourself anyways (happy belated easter present to yourself? totally necessary)! Again, I could rave about mine till the cows come home, I love it and all of their products that much. 

So last week was all about winning a free keychain, and this week we are keeping with the free theme. Plus, if you get this free monogram, you can totally splurge on a keychain and we can be twins ;) If you do get one, send me a pic!
A while ago I came across For Chic Sake and I saw that they had free printable monograms but I never did anything with it. Well, today I decided to try one and let me tell you, they are amazing. Seriously, it is so simple to do if you follow the directions and they look adorable. They are prefect for binders or folders or even picture frames like they have on the website! 

look how cute!!! (nail polish is Turquoise and Caicos)

They also have calendars for each month (here's the April Calendar) which are so cute! Seriously, go check these out, and the rest of the site. I used a couple of their Christmas backgrounds this year, love it. 

Happy Monday and Happy April!

xoxo,
SSP