Sew Cute: August 2014

Sunday, August 31, 2014

OOTD: Sweatshirt Chic

Casual Chic

Since school has started I have been trying to find new ways to be comfortable yet chic! So, for this first week look I wore this fun graphic sweatshirt with a simple navy skirt. I love the idea of dressing up a super casual piece like a sweatshirt. It gives me an element of comfort but I'm still cute and put together for class. I accessorized with bright pink accessories including a bold statement earrings, casual sneakers, and a bright belt.

Where it's from:

Sweatshirt: J Crew

Skirt: J Crew (Crew Cuts)

Belt: American Eagle

Shoes: Keds (vintage)

Earrings: J Crew

Glasses: Tory Burch

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

Watch: Michael Kors

Get the look:

Dress up your favorite sweatshirt with a skirt that fits your style. The first look features a boho twist with fun ankle booties and emerald stud earrings. The second look features mixing prints with a fun floral skirt, pearl studs, and simple flats.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Bid Day 2014

Bid Day 2014!

The main reason I have been MIA is for formal recruitment! Formal recruitment was such a great experience to go through again. It was great to talk to so many unique girls and I am so happy with the new Pi Beta Phi's that we have added to our chapter.

Our bid day tanks were Up theme. So we put a picture of our house with balloons in bright neon colors. I was OBSESSED with them! I love them because they are super unique to our chapter and to our individual house. We also wore super cute hair bows for a fun accessory.

This is a picture of my little angel Audrey and I. I was so excited to see her become a Pi Beta Phi!

We made mirror letters for this bid day! They were GORGEOUS and really stood out. Not to mention they add a perfect touch of sparkle.

Here are a few more pictures from bid day. We wait for our new members on the other side of our clock tower on central campus. It is super fun because our new members run through our Campanile and it is super exciting to see all of there faces!

Are you going through recruitment?

Be sure to check out my past posts on formal recruitment!

Recruitment Advice

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

I'm back!

Hello everyone!

These past two weeks have been PURE madness for me! Since I last saw you all I went through my first Spirit Week and formal recruitment on the other side and started my sophomore year of college. I am so excited to welcome the new Pi Beta Phi's to our chapter. It was a great experience to get to know these girls through recruitment and I could not be more excited!

With that being said, it is now time to get back into the swing of blogging and such so get ready for tons of new posts!

So happy to be back in action

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Preppy Diaries: Mountain Style

Mountain Prep

This look is from my recent trip to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. Most of the trip I stuck with outfits very similar to this one so I thought I would just share one. My trip mainly consisted of going out to eat and relaxing so I didn't need anything to fancy. So, I mainly packed chino shorts with a variety of tops. For this look I paired my favorite denim shirt with a pair of plum lavender chino shorts. I love this denim shirt because you can literally wear it with everything, and I have. It is for sure one of my best purchases. When it came to accessories I only packed my favorite pieces that could work with everything I brought. So I have a statement necklace, my watch, and a few Alex and Ani bangles on. Also, my go-to sunglasses with my Lilly Pulitzer croakies.

Isn't this view gorgeous! This was our view from our cabin where we were staying. It was unbelievable. And since I'm from the very flat Illinois I don't get to see mountains often. I could stare at that view all day.

Where it's from:

Shirt: J Crew

Shorts: J Crew

Necklace: J Crew

Bag: Longchamp

Bracelets: Nordstrom & Alex and Ani

Belt: Aerie (old)

Shoes: Jack Rogers

Watch: Henri Bendel

Sunglasses: Forever 21

This necklace is perfect to bring on trips because it can go with basically everything!

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Adorable Earrings

Etsy shop Sunshine + Curls

Hello everyone! Today is a very fun post because I recently reviewed a pair of earrings from the Etsy shop Sunshine + Curls. The lovely Savanna runs the shop and makes adorable hand made earrings. These earrings are perfect if you are a huge Tumblr or pop culture fan like myself.

I picked out these adorable "to sassy for you" earrings and I love them. They are super dainty and small but are really personalized and adorable obviously! Also these earrings are super unique because they are hand made. Whether you are a Harry Potter fan (yes she has earrings for that), the Fault in Our Stars fan (which you all know I am), or a sassy girl who wants a fun pair of earrings this shop is perfect for you!

Be sure to check out Savanna's shop Sunshine + Curls for some adorable earrings. Not to mention they are super affordable and would make great gifts!

I know I'm thinking ahead but stocking stuffers?

So how would I style these adorable earrings? Well here is a look that I pulled together inspired by the fun saying on my earrings! Plus a little pink never hurt anyone.

I wanted this look to be super sassy and girly to reflect these fun earrings. So I paired a boyfriend jean with a fun striped top to mix boyish charm with girly touches. A floral flat adds an extra feminine touch along with a bright pink bag. I wanted to tie in the pink of the earrings with the accessories to complete the look!

Tip: When wearing adorable earrings like Sunshine + Curls wear your hair in a pony tail! This way you can show off your earrings for the world to see.

Other shop favorites:

TFIOS "okay" | I ship us | Joseph Gordon Levitt

A big thank you to Savanna from Sunshine + Curls!

Friday, August 8, 2014

Back to College: Basics You Need to Bring

Welcome back to my back to school series on Sew Cute Style! Today, I am talking about packing for college. This is one daunting task. But, there are some things that you for sure need to bring. These are classic pieces that you will need in your wardrobe as a college student. No matter you major or interest these things are must haves!

A nice pair of jeans. This is kind of a no brainer but every college girl needs a nice pair of jeans. And by nice I mean one solid wash, no rips or tares, and a classic straight leg. This way you can match anything that you might need to wear. Some clubs may have you represent them by wearing a t-shirt or polo. The last thing you want to do is wear ripped crazy jeans while being in a kind of professional setting. In other words, get one nice pair of jeans! These jeans will take you far.
Tall boots. I found myself wearing so many boots while I was at school. In high school you can kind of wear whatever shoes because you are inside 99% of the day. However, once you get to college you are in and out of buildings and walking a lot. So, bring at least one pair of neutral tall boots. You can wear them with dresses, skirts, or pants so they are a great staple to have.
Button down shirt. Even if you think you aren't going to need one, still bring it. You never know if you will need to look good for an interview or a job fair. Pack one simple white button down oxford to be safe. I mean I wear them on a daily basis but I know most people don't. But, this shirt will come in handy if you are trying to land an internship or a job.
Ballet flats. Also a great thing to have is ballet flats. Sometimes you just don't want to wear heels. I get it they can be painful. However sometimes you do need nice or professional shoes. Ballet flats are a great alternative to heels. Not to mention they take up less room to store then heels.
Running shorts. Running shorts are great for working out or if you are literally running to class. Either way they are very useful to have. If you find yourself running late for class throw them on with a t-shirt and sneakers and all is forgiven. Or you could wear them to the gym like most people. (That is if you have time to or use the gym.....)
A professional skirt. Bring at least one skirt that is professional. Sure you need fun flirty skirts for going out but if you actually need to get down to business you can't wear those. Find a classic pencil skirt that you can match with a blazer and nice top you may already own. This way you have a go-to look in case of an interview.
Simple cardigan. A simple cardigan is a great piece to have. You can simply throw it on over any look and it will match. Some classrooms can be super cold so I suggest carrying it around with you.
Sneakers. Bring sneakers! Even if you think you won't work out or whatever they are an important thing to have. Wether you are walking to class, working out, or doing community service gym shoes are a must have to bring to college.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Update: Where I have been and where I'm going

Hello everyone!

This past week I was away on vacation in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. It was a super nice getaway and the views were breath taking to say the least. With that being said, you don't get a lot of wifi in the middle of the mountains. So, that is why I have been MIA if you will for the past week basically.

Check out my adventure to the Smokey Mountains and Tennessee here

But, I am back! However, these next few weeks will be very busy for me as it is time to move back to school and start formal recruitment. So, brace yourself for a little less blog posts then I usually do. Whenever I get a break I will be sure to keep posting though.

But I am very excited to start the new school year! There are a lot of very exciting things I will be doing this year and this coming semester so be on the look out.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Follow Me Around: Smokey Mountains

Smokey Mountains

Here are some pictures from my awesome trip to Tennessee and the Smokey Mountains. I also visited a friend in Knoxville so some of these shots are from there. I fully embraced the southern lifestyle while I was there. I could honestly see myself living there in the future! Who doesn't love sweet tea, slow pace lifestyle, and biscuits? (The trip made me question why I didn't go to school in the south!)

Some shots of Market Square in Knoxville. It was full of cute little restaurants and boutiques. Adorable is an understatement! The city was super cool because it was very souther and preppy but also very eclectic and boho. In other words it was a very cool place!

Here are some views from our super cool cabin we had for a few days. I have never seen such a beautiful view. These mountains are gorgeous. However, driving up the hills to get to our cabin was a bit of a nail bitter.