The Striped Shirt

Hey y'all! I just received my shirt from Striped Shirts. SO. Cute. Laura really knows what she's doing. The fabric is super soft and breathable, yet it's a heavy weight tee: something that can beat the heat of summer and remain warm enough for the cooler winter months. They come in all colors, so they're absolutely perfect for college. For example, I got the red & blue striped shirt for SMU but they have blue & yellow (for my beloved wolverines) or purple & white (for our rivals across the way at TCU). They come in every size imaginable, starting from 6mo old to adult XL. Perfect for family photos, or just a cute casual tee to wear out. 

I plan on wearing this tee with white shorts and a monogrammed necklace and gold gold Jacks throughout the warmer parts of September here in TX. Then, when the weather cools down, cuffed jeans, a white sweater, and brown Sperry loafers. This really is an all-year top. I recommend it completely. 

To buy one, please check out the website: stripedshirt.com

Must Have Monday (Belated)

Must Have Monday by savannahransome featuring a pink purse

Lilly Pulitzer top / Sweat shirt / NIKE activewear shorts / NIKE activewear / Banana Republic pink purse / Michael Kors jewelry / 14k earrings / Ray-Ban sunglasses / Lilly Pulitzer stationery / Lilly Pulitzer Thermal Mug / Maroon Monogrammed Hair Bow / Pink Digital Monogram - Classic Script

How to Not Be THAT Freshman

My uncle sent me this email yesterday, at the start of my freshman year, to prepare me to fit into the university. He found this article on: http://www.hercampus.com/high-school/preparing-college/how-not-be-freshman

First off, the sooner you realize you're social standing as a college freshman, the better. It's the way of life. You start off at the bottom, with the least perks, and the least recognition. You once again must earn your stripes and prove to your peers that you have a presence worth acknowledging.

First
NO LANYARDS

Lanyards aren't colligate cute! They never have been. They never will be. Those things (no matter wear you bought them) scream freshman. Even worse, do NOT wear a lanyard around your neck. You will be labeled and judged. But really. Instead, if you are concerned about keeping your ID car and keys safe, I suggest buying either a Lilly wristlet, a Vera ID holder, or a fabric key fob.

Second

SPORT THAT COLLEGE GEAR

You are a UNIVERSITY student. Not a high school student anymore. That means ditch the "Class of Blah Blah Blah" and upgrade to your school colors, mottos, and spirit wear. Nothing screams freshman like reliving the glory days on a 75% cotton & 25% polyester shirt. Just saying.

Third

NO MAPS

Use a mobile app if you lose your way. A big ole fold-up campus map is awkward and looks out of place. Self sufficient people use the mobile app, while those a little less tech savvy, don't be ashamed to ask an upperclassman where something is. Really. It's not a big deal.

Fourth 

THE EARLY BIRD DOESN'T GET THE WORM

Come to class ON TIME. Not early. You won't get extra credit for being the first one there, and you'll look sufficiently awkward when you're there 20 minutes early. Come to class. Act cool. Don't make yourself crazy with trying to get there exact at whatever time class is. Be respectful of the professor. Show up and act interested. 

Fifth 

MODESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

Yes. Congratualtions. You made it to college. But you aren't the only one. Every single person in your class was the "brightest and best" their high school had to offer. You aren't that special. Really. Once you accept that no one is comparing ACT/SAT scores, the better. It's not a contest anymore, and frankly no one cares that much to hear it. 

Sixth

PARTY SMART

There are parties at any college. Heck, I've been to a few myself. And I'm not here to lecture on the dangers of underage drinking. I'm here to give tips on how to make good choices and be safe. The key to not making a fool out of yourself and earning an awful rep, is balance. Don't drink to excess. Don't binge because everyone else can. Learn your limits. You take a risk drinking under the age of 21. Don't forget how to act in public. You want to show class and some semblance of dignity. Drink water in between drinks. Keep track of how much alcohol you've consumed. Watch your drink if you are a girl. In unfamiliar situations, trust only yourself. Otherwise, have fun. Cut back. Enjoy college. Smartly. 

Seventh

MAKE YOUR SCHOOL "HOME"

It's all right to miss your parents. That's natural. You're away from home, on your own, for the very first time. You can still call them and tell them about your day. You can still ask them for favors. Just because you don't live in their house anymore doesn't mean they aren't a part of your life. Just don't call them all the time, crying, wanting to come home. Your school is now your home. Your classmates, your family. Find your niche and be happy. Make the most of the experience and grow as an individual. That's really what college is trying to teach you: to be a self sufficient, had-working adult. 

So Sorry!

Hey y'all! I'm back! This week has been CRAZY. I moved down to Texas on Friday, my 18th birthday was Monday the 19th (Woohoo!) and Move-In was today! Sooooo hectic! But, I promise I'll be back blogging ASAP. Tomorrow, I go on Mustang Corral out in Hill Country so I'll be AWOL for another few days!

Mommy & I in the new dorm!!!!

Everyday Makeup

In the words of Miss Hepburn herself "I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls."

Making yourself feel pretty is one of life's greatest gifts to women. I love, love, LOVE makeup. I like feeling pretty and accentuating my features. I like having people notice how nice my eyes look, or how pretty my complexion is. 

But I'm also a minimalist. Your natural beauty is what should always shine through. There is just something far more beautiful about a person if they bear their flaws, yet show off the things about them that they're proud of. 

I'm a HUGE fan of BB Cream. Simply because it does so many good things for your face: protecting it, moisturizing it, covering up blemishes, and healing it from natural imperfections.

A little (I stress LITTLE) eyeliner is good for the face. It can really bring out a person's eyes and give them that extra boost of confidence when needed. I prefer pen just because it goes on smoother, but with a nice sharp pencil, a thin and precise line can be drawn just as well as a pen.

Mascara is tricky. You don't want it to clump or look to harsh (especially if you have fair skin and light hair). But the good news is that mascara comes in ALL colors and there's one just for you out there. I like Great Lash because it's relatively cheap and stays on all day!

The prettiest lips are those well nourished. Chapped lips are a pain in the butt and are unsightly at times (especially if you're also on acne meds that dry your skin out) But there are SOOO many good product to use for soft lips. EOS are awesome and are so easy to carry with you (and taste really good too!). Then, when the lips are healed, lip gloss can be applied. Sticky, ooey-gooey gloss can be a pain when it comes to having long hair. Trust me, I know. But new glosses/balms are unsticky and have a lovely tint to them. 

What are your favorite beauty products? 

What to Wear to Block Party

So, come August 31, I'm going to Mad Decent Block Party (which is like the dubstep version of Warped Tour) with some of my fellow Mustangs. I'm not personally much into dupstep. As in I don't follow it at all. But I love meeting new people and what better way to do so than to go to a concert?!

My next order of business was picking out an outfit. I can't go to a concert looking completely out of place as much as I will be on the inside. (There was no way I was passing up an opportunity to go shopping, either!) Therefore, I did my research and came up with a few options.

It's gonna be really hot in Dallas that day, considering it's August... and at 2pm-10pm... with a bunch of people 18+. So crop tops work really well. Also, it's one of those events that you can wear REALLY wild prints.

Same thing goes for shorts. Something breathable. Something wild. Something crazy. High waisted shorts are really in right now, too.

It's sunny and hot in a crowd of people. Not to mention, that hot TX sun beating down on you for 7 hours... it's smart to wear something that'll protect your eyes, your skin (especially your face) and keep yourself cool by tying your hair in a top knot with a bright scarf or bandana. 

Due to the crowd size, flip flops and open toe shoes are NOT advised. Instead, wearing a light sneaker like Vans or Keds (maybe even Sperry's like me!) solves this problem and maintains a casually stylish overall look. 

What to Wear to Boulevard

Ok y'all. At SMU we have a tradition of not simply "tailgating", but rather Boulevarding (named after Bishop Boulevard where the festivities take place). This year's first game is against Texas Tech, which I'm STOKED about. Mustang through and through, we'll crush em'.

Regardless, Boulevarding is much more than the pre-gaming and gaming. Just like all other southern schools, tailgating means more than simply partying (though we do that well). It's in fact a fashion show to parade out the array of spirited and well-dressed students the school has to offer.

Therefore, there is an unofficial dress code for the first game day. You MUST show up in a white dress. No "ifs, ands, or buts" about it. And if you don't wear white, it's official: the right to call yourself a Mustang has been revoked.

Of course I'm only joking about that last part, but in all seriousness, white dress attire is almost required!

You can't not have a little color in your wardrobe. I mean, what's the point of living in constant sunshine if you wear only bland colors? Plus, southern girls keep it classy with monogrammed pendants and pearl studs. It's also supposed to be over 100, so aviators are a must. 

Keep it small. Keep it classy. No one wants to lug around a tote all day. 

Cowboy boots are a total must! I see girls wear these all the time. They add that southern flair to a classic outfit. And they're soooo comfortable!