Preppy Girl's Guide to Spring Break Essentials!!

Hey Preps!
     It is FINALLY that time of year again, counting the days until Spring Break! I am totally excited. My Instagram feed is about to get SO good! Get ready for some colorful, pastel, classic pics. My family and I are going to Charleston, South Carolina for the break. I am planning on finding some beautiful backgrounds, visiting unique spots in the city, doing some major shopping and going on adventures with my family. Here are some of the things I am for sure going to bring with me.

1. J.Crew Cropped Pants

I found these on Poshmark during the Winter. Poshmark is a website/app for finding amazing deals on name-brand items, and finding old styles that you can't buy anywhere else. I personally love this site because it is so helpful. I can still wear tons and tonsVineyard Vines, J.Crew and Lilly Pulitzer without spending a fortune. Anyway, these pants are so darling. I love the tiny polka dots and the simpleness of the style makes them easy to put with other pieces. In Charleston, it is cooler in the Spring (depending when you go), so they will be perfect for one of the days. If you're going somewhere super warm, I would not recommend these because you'd get quite hot.

2. Lilly Pulitzer Shift

The classic Lilly shift is always a must. Let's be honest, even if you were stuck on a desert island, you'd still probably need one of these. Lilly shifts are great for any occasion. Specifically dinner on vacay!! I love packing shifts as dinner outfits while on a trip because 1. They are so stylish and fun! 2. So comfortable, while still looking put-together 3. WHY WOULDN'T YOU?! These are eye-catching, simple and sassy. While a Lilly shift is a splurge, I highly recommend getting one because you could wear it for anything.

3. Nail Polish

Yay! Spring is the season of pastels. Well I mean, while living the preppy lifestyle... EVERY season is the season of pastel clothing! But right now, I am talking about nail colors. Every girl needs a mani-pedi before vacay! Whether you do it yourself or go to the salon, pastels are the way to go during the Spring. I personally like the look of white toes, they make you look much much tanner. But for my fingers, I always like pastel pink or pastel turquoise. They look so vibrant, and get you excited for Springtime (or vacation or Spring Break or Summer, whichever you want to be excited for!).

4. Pearls

I feel like this is an obvious one. Every preppy girl owns a strand of pearls! And of course you need to bring your pearls with your during Spring Break travels. These can easily dress up any look and they tend to look really great with your Spring outfits. Whether you have just a simple pair of pearl earrings in, or a bold pearl necklace on, you will look beautiful (like always)!

5. Vineyard Vines Travel Jewelry Case

For your jewelry, you're going to need to put it in something! So, heres a perfect, tiny jewelry case for a short week of travels. I love this little case, it is great for just throwing a few extra pieces of jewelry for your trip, rather than lugging around a large thing of jewelry you won't even end up wearing on your vacation.

6. Marley Lilly Suitcase

Lastly, you're going to have to put ALL of this stuff somewhere. This suitcase is absolutely PERFECT! I got this for Christmas and am so obsessed with it. It is the perfect size for all of your stuff and you look so fabulous rolling this bad boy around the hotel, airport, or relatives' house. It is so durable, and if you are traveling on airplane, you can easily find this when it comes out on the baggage claim loop. So cute, so personalized!

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Current Trends: Yay or Nay??

Hey Preps!!
     There are honestly so many big trends out there, and not all of them are cute... Today I am going to be giving you my thoughts on the trends and whether or not they should be a thing. Let's take a look!!

1. Bell-sleeves

These are actually super cute! A great look and overall pretty classy. But are bell-sleeves practical? If I am being honest-- they are not practical even in the slightest bit. I mean if you like getting your sleeve dipped in ketchup on accident or zipping your purse shut on your sleeve, that is up to you. You do you girl, but personally I think bell-sleeves are impractical. Obviously they are so different and chic, but do they have a real purpose? Not my favorite trend, despite the look of the shirts and dresses themselves. They look great, but very hard to wear.

My opinion: Nay, this trend should probably go soon...

2. Ruffle-wrap dresses

I am a bit obsessed with these. They even have then in tops and skirts, if you don't want a dress. I really like these because they are so easy to style and honestly look flattering on every body type. These ruffles are so darling, and the bow in the front adds a bit of extra flair.

My opinion: Yay! Perfect for everyone and so girly.

3. Chokers

No. I do not like chokers. They seem uncomfortable and do not look good. If we are being honest here, I don't think that anyone should be drawn to a piece of jewelry with the name 'choker' that just doesn't seem right. They look super tight and uncomfortable. Some are cute, but even with their look, who wants to be choked.

My opinion: Nay. Chokers have to go.

4. Platform shoes

I honestly don't know how to feel about this one. Some are okay, some are hideous. I am not usually drawn to these types of things, but I have found a pair that is alright. I have only seen one pair (by Steve Madden) that is relatively girly, the rest are a bit odd looking. I know that a lot of people can pull them off though, so maybe I just can't.

My opinion: Yay or nay? I am honestly too indecisive on this one to even count it as either... probably a nay...

5. Tassels

This is an ultimate yay! I truly love tassels, they make everything better. I think that everyone can rock tassels. Sometimes adults say they are too old for tassels, but no they are wrong. Anyone can style and rock them.

My opinion: Obviously yay!

6. One-piece swimsuits

I love that this trend is a thing. I always felt like if I wore a one-piece I would look like a little kid. But let's be honest when you are in the waves at the beach, no one wants to be worried about their bottoms falling off. One-pieces are so much better, and honestly they have come out with some super chic and classy ones. First off, Lilly just released a bunch, also Aerie has some darling ones as well as Solid And Striped.

My opinion: YAY!!

7. Cold-shoulder tops/Off the shoulder

These have never been my fave. They never seem to be comfortable or fit right! Always slipping up or moving around, off the shoulder just doesn't work. Cold-shoulder? Nope, not a favorite either. I have never quite understood why you need cutouts on your shoulders...

My opinion: Nay... gotta go.

8. Fringe jeans

Honestly... LOVE 'em! I really was unsure about these at first but now I want a pair. These are cute so you can wear sandals or flats without cuffing your pants.

My opinion: Yay!

What are your opinions on all these trends??

#socutesoprep

10 Preppy Bathing Suits

Hey Preps!!
     With Spring Break coming soon, some of us will be going to warm places by the ocean or with pools. That means it is the beginning of darling swimsuit season! Below, I have found 10 preppy bathing suits, perfect for Spring and Summer (not including Lilly’s perfect swimwear line!).

Gingham Tie One Piece Green Striped Lemon One Piece Red Ruffle One Piece Coral Striped Bikini One-Shoulder Striped One Piece Red Ruffle Side One Piece Seersucker Bikini Pink Scallop Bikini Plaid Ruffle One Piece Striped Ruffle Bikini 

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15 Striped Items You Need in Your Closet

Hey Preps!!
     If you've seen my Instagram posts (follow me @socutesoprep), you'd know that my absolute favorite thing to wear is stripes! I simply adore stripes, they are so easy to pair with bright colors and make all your looks extra classy. Since stripes are such an essential in my closet, here are 15 striped items that everyone needs in their closet. I found these online and they will be linked below in pink. Enjoy these classic pieces!

Funnelneck blouse   Red ruffle sleeve   Bow shorts   Rugby shirt   Off-the-shoulder sweater   Cropped pant   Ruffle longsleeve   Patch dress   Ruffle skirt   Ruffle button-down   Block heel   Classic long sleeve tee   Flounce sleeve top   Tie neck blouse   Peplum blouse

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30 Under $30

Hey Preps!!
     As we all know, preppy style can be very expensive. But, not all pieces have to be expensive! I was inspired by Daily Dose of Prep's blog post about preppy clothes for less, so here are some more deals. Below I have 30 pieces that are under $30, as well as the links to find them. Check out these amazing pieces for under $30! (If you click on the words in pink, it will take you to the website for whichever item you click.)

Stripe Ruffle Top    Tie-wrap Top   Gingham Anchor T-shirt     Pineapple earrings     Tortoise Shell Necklace    Pink bell-sleeve top    Pearl Skirt   Scalloped sandals     Gingham Sandal      Plaid Baseball Hat     Tan Sweater    Ruffle Bodysuit   Gray and Pink coat     Green vest   Printed fit and flare   Navy skirt  Cheetah pouch   Dangle earrings   Pink one shoulder dress   Femme tee   Gold Bracelet   Blue tie tank     Tortoise shell sunnies   Ruffle bikini   Gingham bikini    Tassel earrings    Kendra Scott nail polish  Suede vest   Tan cross body     Flower bangle

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Current Favorites-- January 2018

Hey Preps!
     Happy February! It is the beginning of a new month, and that means I have a finished list of my favorite things from January! Here are a bunch of my favorite (random) things from January 2018:


- Once Upon A Time

    I am still watching this show on Netflix, but I first got attached to it in January. It is all about the fairytale characters living in the real world, and it is SO good! This is one of my favorite binge-watching shows, and I definitely recommend it.

- Lilly Popover

I goth this last year at the after-party sale, and it is one of the best sweatshirts I have ever bought. It is so stylish even when you are being cozy and comfy. It adds a bit of flair to every outfit you wear, so you can bundle up in style.

- Rings

I know this is a very broad favorite, but I have been really into all rings lately. I wear five each day. I layer two on my middle finger, one on my pointer finger and two on my other ring finger. I love the way these look, I think they make your hands look so much better... That sounds so weird, but it is almost like it makes your hands look girlier. I love them.

- Lash Paradise Mascara

I don't tend to wear makeup, but this January, I started wearing a bit of mascara. I think this is the perfect mascara for me. It lengthens your lashes, but doesn't look like too much. It gives you a subtle makeup look. It is my favorite makeup product.

- Blankets

Again another broad favorite, but this January was so cold and filled with snow, blankets were perfect for this month. It was so nice to cuddle up by the fireplace and watch Netflix on a snow day.

- Hair Masks

I don't know if it is just me, but during the winter, my hair gets super dry and staticky. I was at CVS one day and found this amazing hair mask! It is perfect for all hair types and makes your hair soooo soft, so now I am obsessed.

- Golden Grahams

My January breakfast favorite. This cereal is so good. It is whole grain, but isn't bitter and so filling. I love this cereal.

- Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer

Every night, after I wash my face, I use this moisturizer. It makes your face so soft. I really recommend this moisturizer because it is so good for your skin.

- Dried Strawberries

Lastly, this was my top January snack. You can find dried strawberries anywhere, CVS, Trader Joe's, Harris Teeter and more! It is easiest for me to find them at CVS, and they are so good.



These were my January favorites,, and to be honest January went on for so long. So it was really great to have found some of this stuff to make me enjoy it! Happy February, preps!!!

#socutesoprep

Layering Tops

Hey Preps!
     Since Winter is so cold, now is the time to layer your tops. Here's how to put together some great layered looks!

First, you'll want to choose a base. You're going to want to use a collared, button down because you can roll the sleeves and expose the button down a little more, as well as the collar sticking out.

 

Then for the second layer, you can use a sweater, cardigan, zip-up or other cute tops. Sometimes this step is difficult-- trying to make sure the outfit isn't too pattern heavy, and that the colors go well together.

Now, you're going to have to choose your bottoms. Since it is Winter, I'd recommend some sort of long pants; jeans, khakis, colored pants, but you could go with a skirt or shorts depending on the occasion.

Lastly, it's time to accessorize! This is definitely my favorite part. Some people tend to forget that accessories don't just include jewelry, you can add a vest, belt, hat or anything else you can think of!

Voila! A perfect layered look!!!

#socutesoprep

Antiquing in Layers

Hey Preps!!
     This past weekend, I checked out an antique "farm." This place has all kinds of antiques and re-done furniture in a bunch of barns and farmhouses. There were so many cool pieces, I had to take some great pics!
     I love the layered look I styled for this shoot. With different shades of blue, it makes my outfit look very wintery. I will link the same or some similar pieces below, so you can find these for yourself!

 

polo button down          striped boatneck                    puffer vest

#socutesoprep