Fall Clothing Essentials

As much as I don't want to face it, summer is ending and falls right around the corner. I've put together my fall essentials, but keep in mind I'm in college so this is geared more towards college students. Space and budgets are limited in college so it's important to bring practical and versatile clothing. With that being said, let's get started: 

links provided under each category & description

Shoes:
sneakers: for running around campus & working out 
sandals: for casual wear or can be dressed up
flats: for class presentations & interviews
slip on sneakers: for class/running around campus or casual nights out
booties: for casual wear or can be dressed up for the perfect OOTD
heeled booties: for class presentations/interviews or for nights out 
riding boots: for casual outfits or can be dressed up 
rain boots: for rainy days (obviously)

Outerwear: 

vest: for layering and chilly fall days
light jacket: for the early days of fall and transitioning into winter
rain jacket: for rainy days and for more sporty days
shep shirt: for chilly but comfy days (my favorite thing in my closet)

Dresses: 

t shirt dress: for class or dressed up for events or going out
flowy shift dress: for going out / date nights (are those still a thing? lol)

Shorts:
Denim Shorts: for hotter fall days and casual wear
Chino Shorts: for hotter days but to still look put together & classy
Running Shorts: for lazy days and the gym
High Waisted Shorts: for crop tops and going out

Pants:
Ripped Jeans: for casual days but not as boring as regular jeans
Dark Wash Jeans: for casual days & can be dressed up or down 
Black Jeans: for causal days or can be dressed up
High Waisted Jeans: for crop tops especially when going out
Joggers / Sweatpants: for lazy days and to be comfy around the dorm
Leggings: for lazy days to class or can be somewhat dressed up

Tanks:
Linen Tank: for casual days or can be dressed up with a bold necklace
Ruffle Tank: for dressier days, presentations / interviews, or for going out
Flowy Cami: for dressing up or going out
Lace Tank: for class or dressing up or going out
Cropped Tank: for going out

Tops:
Scoop Neck: for anything, if long enough perfect for leggings
V-Neck: for everyday casual wear
Stripped Tee: for causal days but not as basic as a plain t shirt
Graphic Tee: for causal days or going out
Crop Top: for going out
Stripped Long Sleeves: for anything
Flowy Long Sleeves: for leggings and comfy days
Cropped Long Sleeves Top: for going out

Button Downs:
Chambray: for layering especially with vests
Gingham: for layering especially under sweaters or can be dressed up

Sweaters: 

Over sized Sweater: for casual days & perfect with leggings 
Cable Knit Sweater: for chiller days and perfect for layering
Over sized Cardigan: for layering on chiller days

Thanks for Reading!
Let me know some of your fall essentials!

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DIY: Patterned Frame Under $10

Hello everyone! I'm so excited to share with you my first DIY post that's super easy and cheap (should be under $10)! A lot of people have old Lilly Pulitzer agendas laying around collecting dust and this is an easy DIY to put the adorable patterns to good use. (Disclaimer: some months won't be big enough for all frame sizes so just lay your frame on the sheet beforehand or you can do a collage style frame!) If you don't want to use Lilly prints or don't have an old agenda, then you can use scrap book paper or go on tumblr/pintrest and print out pattern or images you'd like to use! Make sure to check around your house for supplies before shopping to make this DIY even cheaper! Let's get started with this super easy DIY:

Supplies:

Picture Frame --> check in the wooden craft aisles for different options (should only be around $1 per frame) || Pattern/Image || Scissors || Paint Brushes (2) || Pencil || Mod Podge || Paint 

1. Lay out your supplies making sure to lay something underneath to protect the surface from paint and Mod Podge. 

2. Take the back off the frame and lay the frame on the paper adjusting it to make sure you like how the pattern will look on the frame. 

3. Trace the frame on the pattern making sure to make lines straight. Make sure you trace the inside and outside of the frame. Don't cut the pattern out yet. 

4. Paint along the edges of the frame, including the inside edges (this'll make it look nicer). It's ok if you get paint on the top of the frame because it will be covered with the pattern. 

5. It should look something like this. While the paint is drying, go ahead and cut out the pattern you traced before, it's extremely important to cut along the lines so the pattern will be the perfect size for the frame.

6. Once the paint is dry, it's time to put the pattern on the frame. Spread Mod Podge evenly along the frame then lay the pattern on the frame and wait for it to dry! Once dry, put whatever photo/quote in the frame and the DIY is complete!

Here's some pictures of the finished project! I used stationary from Marshall's in the frame! Perfect DIY for a gallery wall!

Let me know if you try out this DIY and if you do make sure to tag me in photos on Instagram or Tumblr!

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Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/samchmiel/

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OOTD: Kimono & Half Bun

Hello everyone! I'm back with another outfit of the day and this one was perfect for a summer day that wasn't too hot! I wore this outfit for shopping and running errands, some how I managed to shop for close to 10 hours, clearly I'm a shopping addict. It was super comfy and light weight for all day wear! I never found myself too hot or too cold which can be an issue when running around town!

Tank: GAP similar

Kimono: Marshall's similar

Jeggings: American Eagle (on sale now!)

Sandals: Loft

Purse: Marshall's similar

Necklaces: Charlotte Russe & Kendra Scott

Bracelets: Alex and Ani & Cape Cod

Sunglasses: Aerie similar 

Click the links above or shop the widget below: 

Thanks for Reading!

Let me know what your favorite outfit is for shopping & running errands!

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Prep for Less: Free Stickers

Hello everyone! Not only is this prep for less but this is literally prep for free. I'm obsessed with covering everything I own from my folders to my agenda to my laptop with stickers. Here's a look at my laptop and how I use the stickers, I didn't pay for a single one! Keep reading to find out how I got some of them and how you can too!

If you don't have stores around you (example: vineyard vines) it may be hard to obtain stickers, believe me I feel your pain. I sometimes feel awkward and like I'm annoying the employees when I ask for stickers so I've decided to put together a list of places that all you had to do is fill out a sticker request form. You don't even have to email them asking! The only annoying part is it usually takes 2-4 for delivery, but hey you're getting them for free! Here's 5 different "preppy" companies (click the names of each for links directly to the sticker request forms):

1. VINEYARD VINES 

2. SOUTHERN TIDE

3. JADELYNN BOOKE

4. LUXLEY & BERNARD 

5. PATAGONIA 

Thanks for Reading!

Let me know if you end up getting any and if so which ones!

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Disclaimer: Cotton Sticker from Southern Shirt Company. American Flag and Donut stickers from Brandy Melville, free in stores and I think they might be free with orders.

OOTD: Lilly in the City

Hello everyone! This outfit is from a few weeks back when I was in Ocean City, New Jersey hence the title name. This dress is perfect for causal wear and the best part is I found it for less than $20 at Plato's Closet. I wasn't crazy about it at first but I knew I needed it since it was so cheap and Lilly! 

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer

Sandals: Loft 

Shop the widget below for similar, casual dress styles 

perfect for everyday wear:

Thanks for Reading!

Let me know which dress is your favorite!

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Top 5 Need to Buy - August

Hello everyone and happy August! As stereotypical as this sounds I really can't believe it's already August and back to school season already. A new month means a new month's wish list. This month's is geared more towards things I'm looking to buy with school in mind aka why a pillow made the list this month. Let's get started: 



1. Neoprene Laptop Sleeve: My backpack doesn't have a pocket for my laptop and I noticed it was starting to get scratched so a laptop sleeve is something I really need to get ASAP. I really like the simplicity of this one and the color is adorable.

2. Monogram Pillow: I've been trying to buy a lot of cute throw pillows for my bed (maybe it'll actually motivate me to make my bed) and I think a monogram one is perfect for a personal touch. I may already have a monogram for the wall, but one can never have too many monograms, right?

3. 'Constellation' Crystal Ear Crawlers: I saw these earrings on tumblr and instantly fell in love. They seem rather big but on the ear they look super small and delicate. I love that these make a statement but aren't over the top and are still good for everyday, causal wear. (on sale until 8/3)

4. Darla Wallet: I used to carry my keys & ID on a lanyard but it got pretty annoying. I saw a similar wallet at the outlets last Thanksgiving and I've been kicking myself for not buying it. It's perfect for just carrying a small amount of money, debit card, IDs, and the keyring makes it perfect to carry around your keys as well. I'm not sure why, but I've been loving the color pink lately. 

5. White Jeggings: For some reason I've never bought a pair of white jeans, yet I'm constantly thinking of outfits with white jeans. Honestly, I'll probably continue to wear them after labor day despite the stupid white rule. American Eagle fits me the best and luckily they always have jean sales for back to school. 

Thanks for Reading!

Let me know what is on your August wishlist!

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