Top 5 Need to Buy - April

The start of a new month means another wish list for the month! I've been absolutely loving all the trends lately and can't wait to incorporate them into my spring and summer wardrobe. Here's my April wishlist: 

1. Lilly Pulitzer Pillow: I'm a huge fan of throw pillows and when Lilly Pulitzer  released their own somewhat recently, I knew I needed to get my hands on them. As someone who usually just buys throw pillows from Marshall's, I'm still trying to justify $35 for a pillow especially when I'm a broke college student. This pilllow is even prettier in person and would look perfect with my bedding at home and school.

2. Brandy Melville Denim Skirt: I'm slowly starting to love that denim skirts are becoming trendy again and I think the best way to incoproate the trend is through a white skirt, at least for me. White will be perfect in the summer and doesn't quite remind me of awkward middle school days. I also love that this one is button down.

3. J. Crew Factory Shorts (1) (2) (3): I love how classy J. Crew shorts and I can't wait to get my hands on more. These scalloped ones will add an interesting touch to any outfit, while the plain chinos are great for any outfit, and the last pair will be super confortable. 

4. Lilly Pulitzer Enna Top: To say I'm obsessed with this top would be an understatement. It seems to be quickly selling out so if you like it, you'll want to try to get it on your hands soon! I love that it incorporates the off the shoulder trend and even has pom poms. I was so disappointed when I went to In the Pink  (a Lilly signature store) and they didn't have it. 

5. Ray Ban Polarized Aviators: I've been wanting Ray Ban aviators for quite some time and I think it's time to finally invest. I tried on polarized sunglasses last semester and was obssessd. If I'm going to invest I deifnitely want them to be polarized. 

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Tuesday Top 10 #3

I'm so excited to be back with another Tuesday Top 10 with items perfect for spring! I'm absolutely loving all the trends lately and can't wait to share them all with you! Let's get started: 



1. "Wish You Were Here" Sun Hat: I must say this would make for some great Instagram pictures... anyways though this would be so cute for beach days to keep your face protected from the sun and would even be cute with a sundress.

2. Silk Romper: I love not only the style of this romper but also the floral pattern, perfect for walking around the city or for a spring date. 

3. Tassel Lace-Up Sandals: Lace up has been a huge trend for multiple seasons now and I love that these sandals would add a pop of color to any outfit.

4. Lilly Pulitzer 'Enna" Top: This is probably my favorite item out of the 10 and the one I'm most likely going to buy. Off the shoulder is super trendy and I love that this is white making it super versatile.

5. Heeled Sandal: These would be perfect with a dress or even jeans! They're a bit more fancy than a flat sandal but more causal than wedges, making them a perfect go to sandal for spring and summer. 

6. Benefit Highlighter: Highlighting has been huge lately and this creamy highlighter will be perfect for the spring and summer months.

7. Mirrored Sunglasses: Mirrored sunglasses have been huge and I love that these aren't aviators. I'm a huge fan of tortoise shell sunglasses, so I'm obsessed with these. 

8. Lace Up Heels: I love that these are super chunky and seem more comfortable and somewhat more causal than the pink pair due to the chunky heel. This nude color is much more wearable thank the pink and will even be good to transition into fall. 

9. Tassel Beach Shorts: Tassels have also been huge lately and I love that these shorts incorporate the trend. They'd be perfect to throw over a bathing suit for a day at the pool or the beach. 

10. Scalloped Bikini: Although this may give you some weird tan lines, it's still so cute. Not only do I love the color, but I also love that it's scalloped and a halter top.

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Spring Essentials

Although it may still be cold here in New England, today is in fact the first day of spring! I couldn't be more excited for the warmer weather that'll hopefully be coming soon! Here's what I'll be buying for spring and what I consider my essentials:

Jack Rogers: the perfect sandal for any and every outfit

Chino Shorts: the perfect shorts to stay cool but still lookp put together

White Jeans: the perfect pants when it's still a bit chilly

Printed Tote: perfect for keeping all your essentials in and adding a pop of color to any outfit

Sunglasses: to keep your eyes protected and these mirrored lenses are super trendy right now

Croakies: to keep your sunglasses handy but not stretched out on top of your head or thrown in your bag

Crop Top (similar): perfect for high waisted pants/shorts or for going out

Nike Roshes: the perfect sneaker to match any shorts and t shirts

Vans Slips On: the perfect shoe to slip on with anything from jeans to dresses

T Shirt Dress: perfect for throwing on when you don't know what to wear but still want to look put together

Chambray Top: perfect for layering or wearing on its own

Big T Shirts: super comfy and this monogram one gives a more personal touch

Pom Pom Key chain: perfect to add to any neutral bag for a pop of color for the spring

Krass & Co. Shorts: cuter than the average running shorts and extremely comfy (message me for a discount code !!!)

Tassel Backpack: perfect for carrying all your essentials without having to worry about carrying something on your arm

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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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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:

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Top 5 Need to Buy - July

Hi everyone! Since it's the beginning of the month, it's time for another "Top 5 Need to Buy!" There's not really much stuff I've been eyeing lately,  but here's what I do have my eyes on: 

1. LUCKY BRAND BASEL BOOTIES: I really need some ankle boots for the fall (bean boots don't look good with everything) and I fell in love with these when I saw them at Macy's. I have some giftcards to spend at Macy's and I'm 90% sure this is what I'll be buying. 

2. LILY AND LAURA BRACELETS: I saw these last year on vacation but never bought them, but I think this year I'm going to. I think they are perfect for arm candy and layering with my Alex and Anis. Not entirely sure what colors I want yet because they have so many options. 

3. J. CREW FACTORY CHINO SHORTS: I'm really in need of shorts that are classier and longer. I really haven't been loving high waisted shorts lately and I always feel uncomfortable wearing them, so I think these shorts would be a great solution. 

4. ALEX AND ANI COMPASS SLIDER CHARM BANGLE: I love how this Alex and Ani charm doesn't dangle. I've really been wanting some gold Alex and Anis and this one is at the top of my list. 

5. LILLY PULITZER RIGHT RETURN 17 MONTH AGENDA: I've had a Lilly agenda the past 2 years and plan on buying one again this year. I usually get the large agenda, but I love this pattern so much that I might settle on the jumbo size.

Shop the Widget Below: 

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Lilly Pulitzer Graduation Gift Ideas Under $50

It's that time of year again: high school graduation. And this means time to think of meaningful gifts to celebrate the accomplishment. You could simply give the grad money (who doesn't love that) or gift cards to dorm shop (Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Walmart, etc), or you may want to give a more meaningful tangible item. Here's some of my favorite Lilly Pulitzer items under $50 that will be perfect for the grad as they get ready for college or what ever their future endeavors may be: 

Multiple prints available making the perfect 

gifts to give to multiple graduates!

1. Key Fob: perfect for car keys, house keys, or dorm room key. 
2. Tumbler: perfect for carrying water to stay hydrated throughout the day, much cuter than your typical water bottle.
3. Agenda: perfect for staying organized between class projects, homework, extracurricular, sporting events, other campus activities, and/or work schedule (my favorite size is large, but the agenda does come in two other sizes)
4. ID Case: perfect for carrying around the essentials such as your phone, keys, money, etc 

--> if you want to make the gift a bit more personal, include a framed photo of you and the grad &  a card with a handwritten message!

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Prep for Less: Tips & Tricks for Saving Money

I've decided to start a new series on my blog titled "Prep for Less." I wouldn't say I'm the most preppy person in the world but I do love the style and have preppy ascents to my outfits. 

When I think preppy I think of the ultimate three: Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, and J. Crew.  I know first hand how much these places can drain your bank account. Here a list of my top 10 tips and tricked I've learned over the years when it comes to saving money shopping: 

1. Invest in the basics rather than fashion and trendy items! Blog post coming soon about what I consider prep basics & essentials!

2. Wait for sales! Try to eliminate paying full price for anything. Lilly Pulitzer offers a sale twice a year, Vineyard Vines offers sales more often than Lilly -especially on their sale items, and J. Crew is always offering different sales. These sales are perfect for scoring killer deals and saving money! Who doesn't love percentages off especially when its 40% off or more?

3. Everything doesn't need to be brand name! There are plenty of places other than J. Crew that make similar clothing for a fraction of the price. Blog post coming soon about stores to shop in order to save money!

4. Shop the sale section! Just because it's the sale section doesn't mean you can't find amazing and trendy clothes and accessories. There's always so many options online in sale sections that you may not find in stores! Vineyard Vines usually offers a larger sale section online than in stores. Check Lilly Pulitzer specialty stores for sale sections that Lilly Pulitzer doesn't offer online. 

5. Take advantage of student discounts! Student discounts are an easy way to save money on every purchase in store. Vineyard Vines offer 15% in store student discount and J. Crew & J. Crew Factory offer 15% in store discount for students and teachers with an ID.

6. Don't pay for shipping unless necessary. If you know a store often offers free shipping then wait until then, it's an easy way to save money.

7. Buy neutrals instead of a bunch of colors when investing. For example instead of buying a Kendra Scott necklace in a bright color, buy a more neutral color that is versatile and can be worn with many outfits.

8. If you can fit in kid sizes take advantage of it! If you are around the size extra small or small, you will most likely fit in a kids extra large in Vineyard Vines tshirts! Instead of spending $42-$48, it'll only be $26.50-$29.50. An easy way to save money especially since Vineyard Vines often sells the exact same designs in kids sizing!

9. Buy used! This may seem like a weird idea, but you can find a lot of good finds on Poshmark when it comes to Lilly Pulitzer! You'll be able to get past patterns and styles for a fraction of the price. Wash it and you'll  be good to go! Although I've never bought from Poshmark, I have bought a Lilly dress used!  was able to buy a Lilly dress for $18 from a store in my area where you can sell your old clothes! I couldn't believe it when I saw it and it was my size, I don't think I'll ever be able to beat that deal. 

10. Shop at outlet stores! The stuff will still be trendy and in style but for a fraction of the price! My blog post about stores to shop will include my favorite outlet stores!

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Top 5 Need to Buy - June

I've decided to start a new monthly series on my blog titled "Top 5 Need to Buy" basically the top 5 items I'm going to try to save enough money over the course of the month to buy. I'll probably do shopping besides these items since I have a shopping problem, but these are the items that cost a little more and I've been thinking about before buying them. Most months, I probably won't be able to buy all 5 items, but it's a nice goal to have. I hope you enjoy this months top 5 need to buy & as always links will be provided under the pictures!

1. Jack Rogers Palm Beach Whipstich Thong Sandal - White I'm in desperate need of new everyday sandals and I figure it's time to finally invest in a pair that'll last me years. There seems to be no one better for the job than Jack Rogers. I've decided on white ones because they are most practical for me. I'm always switching between silver and gold, therefore, I don't want to commit to silver or gold for my first pair. 

2. Kiel James Patrick Lanyard Hitch Cord Bracelet I absolutely love KJP bracelets and I'm not positive if this is the one I'll buy but it's definitely a contender. Let me know what your favorite is in the comments below!

3.Lilly Pulitzer Skipper Printed Popover - Blue Heaven I'm completely in love with this popover. Usually the Lilly Pulitzer patterns for the popovers are a little too bold for me, but this one is a bit more muted and better for everyday wear. It'll be perfect for chilly summer nights and a great transition piece for fall. 

4. Bauble Bar Engraved Coordinates Bar PendantThe picture isn't for the actual product, but I figured close enough! I need an everyday gold necklace and I figured I already have a silver monogram so I might as well switch it up and get this coordinates necklace instead of another monogram. I can't wait to buy this in the near future and get my favorite vacation spot engraved -Wildwood, New Jersey. 

5. Vans 'Classic' Slip-On Sneaker (Men) • Vans I've seen a fewer YouTubers buying these and I decided they'd be a great addition to my wardrobe and would make the perfect every day sneaker for year round. White converse have been huge lately, but I want to switch it up a bit. 

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Let me know what your top 5 need to buy for June are! 

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Pool Bag Essentials

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far if you're on summer break and if not, only a couple more weeks to suffer in school! It's finally starting to get warm enough for pool days. Here's what I keep in my pool bag:

Pool Bag: Vera Bradley --> check out the retired 

patterns or the outlet store for a better price!

Towel: no idea where it's from

Sunscreen: Copertone Sport --> I love spray sunscreen for 

pool days because it's easy to reapply over and over

Flip Flops: Old Navy

Bikini: Target from last summer

Hat: Vineyard Vines ---> perfect for messy hair

Sunglasses: Forever 21 --> cheap in case they get lost or broken

Croakies/Sunglass Strap: Lilly Pulitzer --> makes it easy to keep 

sunglasses around your neck

Koozie: Vineyard Vines & Lilly Pulitzer --> keeps drinks cooler in

the hot summer heat

Makeup Bag: Vera Bradley

I don't typically wear makeup when I'm swimming but here's some

makeup I'd bring in case I have plans after:

Deodorant: Dove

Lotion: Bath & Body Works 

BB Cream: Maybelline --> lightweight with some color and coverage

Mascara: Last Blast by Covergirl

Eyelash Curler: Revlon

Lip Balm: EOS with sunscreen

Sanitizer: Bath & Body Works

Powder: Rimmel London Stay Matte --> perfect for hot summer days/nights

Kabuki Brush: Eco Tools

Lip Balm: Baby Lips by Maybelline --> perfect amount of color

Hair Essentials:

Brush 

Bobby Pins

Creaseless Hair Tie

Book: Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen --> light reading while

tanning or in the pool

Wristlet with Money for Snacks/Drinks: Lilly Pulitzer 

Key Fob: Kate Spade

Here's an inside look at the bag! There's 6 inside pockets and 2 outside ones, perfect for staying organized!

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