Of Wisdom

Pearls! The ultimate preppy accessory.

There are many varieties of pearls and I suggest having a couple of go-to options for any outfit or occasion.

My most worn pearls are probably my extra long, small pearls that I tie in a knot. I wear these with cocktail dresses, casual skirts, and even jeans and a tshirt. I kept breaking ones that I bought at Forever 21 but these ones from The Icing seem to hold up well.



Another tried and true variation of the classic pearls is the Wilma Flintstone, chunky, choker variety. I wear these ALL the time and I think they make a great finishing touch. It takes classic pearls to a new level of funky sophistication. I got mine as a gift five years ago and I have worn them at least once each week since.




This summer I bought a reproduction of Jackie O's famous three-strand pearls,they are FABULOUS and perfect for chaneling! Chaneling is method of pulling the bottom strand of pearls over the top strand. It creates an unusual shape and adds some interest to the neckline. Jackie did this all the time and this reproduction is made specifically to "Chanel well".

Picture to come!

Novelty pearls such as long, chunky, varigated pearls or pearls with fabric woven in a la Betsey Johnson, are also a great addition to the pearl wardrobe. I also have black pearls, blue pearls, and light pink pearls that are an unexpected pearl look.



How do you wear your pearls?

MOST EXCITING NEWS

Tonight I was casually flipping through the September issue of Glamour when I came to a page on how to do the preppy look correctly. Of course I was over joyed since the preppy look is NEVER mentioned in fashion magazines that simultaneously display couture looks. I read the article and found out the most shocking, exciting, fabulous news that I have heard in awhile: THEY ARE RELEASING A SEQUEL TO THE OFFICIAL PREPPY HANDBOOK THIS SEPTEMBER!!!

I love the original from the 80s and cannot wait to see what "Muffy and Biff in an Obama world" look like!!!

More on this to come...

It's all in the details

I have never been a "go with the flow" girl. In fact, I'm envious of those types of people who do not require a plan or routine to function in every day life. My boyfriend is the definition of easygoing and while I am not always pleased with his aversion to plans, I think he serves as the chill Mr.Big to my calculated Carrie. Moving out of my parent's home and into a dorm, I had to learn to be more adjustable. Going from being an only child to sharing your teensy room with another human being requires compromise. So in order to be a happier and more agreeable person (mostly to myself) I have learned to appreciate the details in every day life. I have spent a couple of days studying what moments in the day make me smile a little bigger and feel free to put my hair down to share with blogland.

1) Get completely and mercilessly attached to a feel good song.
Having a go-to happy song to listen to while stuck in traffic always makes me want roll down the windows and blast it! I stalk iTunes every Tuesday afternoon, when the new releases appear. I usually stick to the homepage and, yes, the country section, something about Virginia was bound to rub off on me! Then I just buy things that sound promising and hope for the best once they come up on my iPod shuffle. Right now my favorites are anything by The Band Perry, Teenage Dream by Katy Perry, and Mine by Taylor Swift.

2) Do not take bling for granted
I have always cherished my staple jewelry pieces. My staples consist of four rings that I wear on a daily basis all given to me by important family members, my grandmother's diamond earrings, two Tiffany's silver bracelets, my sorority family bracelet, and my Skagen watch. Of course I mix up my jewelry regularly but these are the pieces that I wear five out of seven days of the week. I wrote my college essay about the importance of my rings and they have truly become a part of me. Putting them on each day is a favorite part of my routine.

3) Online window shop
Devote at least five minutes of every day to browsing your favorite online stores. I peruse Betsey Johnson and Rugby most often. Online shopping can provide the same sort of retail therapy that non-virtual shopping offers in the midst of a busy day filled with stressful tasks.

4) Surround yourself with photographs
In my bedroom at home, I have over thirty pictures frames full of memories of fun times with friends, family, and my boyfriend. I also have black and white vintage Vogue prints which add an artsy feel. This weekend I created a collage of pictures in different black photo frames to the wall above my newly desk-turned vanity. Pictures to come! Also, remember to update your pictures. I recently printed all new photos of my college friends and I to replace the high school friends. It's nice to see them when I am home for the summer missing them like crazy!

5) Make a change
While this post is about learning to appreciate the little things in your daily routine, I think one of the best parts of every day is to make a change to said routine. For example go to the gym instead of running outside, have three outfit changes for no reason at all, or move a piece of furniture. Change is good!

"Every man's life ends in the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another." -Ernest Hemingway

"From small beginnings come great things"

For years and years I have wanted to start my very own blog. Now seems like perfect time to blog about the things that I love in life-- the things that are most important to me, and the little details that make every day a little happier. I am about to start my sophomore year at the College, where I am a history and women's studies double major heading in the direction of pre-law. Besides taking on a challenging course load, I am training for my first half marathon (hopefully to be run in November!), fulfilling my duties as a vice president in my sorority, and taking on an law internship which will last about nine months.

This blog is the place that I will escape from my wonderfully overwhelming reality by talking about fashion and trends, posting interesting quotes, sharing favorite photographs, discussing my desire to travel to every single corner of the world, and in general my thoughts on life, love, and everything that sparkles.


"Fashion fades, only style stays the same" -Coco Chanel