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!

Must Have Monday

Lilly Pulitzer / Scarve / Leather belt / Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses / 2014 Large Agenda / Boys Pullovers: Overdyed Shep Shirt Pullover for Boys 2T-7– Vineyard... / Girls Outerwear: Westerly Vest for Girls – Vineyard Vines / Tervis University Of Alabama Double Wall Insulated Tumbler 24-oz (Set... / Tory Burch Josephine Dress

The Perfect Accessory: Bows

In my spare time, crafty little me, I make hair bows. I've made all colors, shapes and sizes. I'M OBSESSED. OMG. Some of my creations:

If you want to buy one (for $5) or learn how to make them yourself, comment below!

One More Week...

One more week and I finally come "home" to SMU. My dream, goal, and vision throughout my formative years. And there it is. One. More. Week.

The Shep Shirt

I have to say, I'm not really a sweatshirt kinda girl. Like, at all. But when it comes to Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt, I must make an exception. This sweatshirt, terry cloth, comfortable masterpiece is fantabulous. It's classy, yet understated. Such a perfect Fall pullover! They come in all colors, ranging from the classic Vineyard Navy, to something girly like Flamingo, to something wild like the Lobster Shep Shirt. There's something for everyone!

Check out more at vineyardvines.com

DIY: Elastic Hair Ties

Hey y'all! I'm once again getting crafty in order to brush away that pre-school boredom! I made a hair bow from this CUTE discount ribbon, and most importantly elastic hair ties.

Ok. So y'all know about those super expensive elastic hair ties that have become real popular? You know, the ones that are supposed to leave no kinks or knots in your hair? Well, those "4 for $12" deals are complete rip-offs! Honestly, these hair ties are soooo cheap and easy to make, it would be an absolute sin to buy them!

Materials:

• 1 yd of elastic (any color)
• 12 in ruler
• scissors
• lighter

1) Unravel the elastic

2) Measure the elastic 8-10 in in length (depending on amount and thickness of hair)

3) Cut the elastic into carefully measured pieces 

4) Melt the ends of the pieces with the lighter to avoid later fraying

5) Fold each piece in half and knot on the end

6) Ta-da! Boutique worthy hair ties!

Orientation

OMG y'all. I just went to orientation in Dallas. I. Love. It. Oh my gosh.

This was one of the best weekends of my life and I can't WAIT to come back for school in 2 weeks. Go 'Stangs! Pony Up 2017!

DIY Hair Bows

Hey y'all! As a Pinterest addict, I stumble upon some really great ideas. Also, I love hair bows (I mean, what prep doesn't?!) I don't like to spend a whole lot of money on something that seems so easy to make, so I search Pinterest to see just how crafty I can be!

Pinwheel Hair Bow

Materials needed: 

grosgrain ribbon 
24 gauge craft wire 
hot glue gun 
hair clip of choice

1) Cut the ribbon  

Adjust for size you want. For beginners, cut a piece of 1.5 inch grosgrain ribbon to 23 inches.

2)  Fold the ribbon 

• Make your first loop down with the ribbon making a long tail in front.
• Bring your ribbon "tail" up while keeping a grasp of your first loop.
• Bring your "tail" down to start making a second loop.
• Bring the tail up from the bottom of your newly formed second loop.

3) Create the center
Pinch and fold in the center twice this is what creates the nice crease. This may take a few times to get a neat fold.

4) Wrap the center
While holding on to your center fold tightly get out your craft wire and tightly wrap it around the center. You can also use thread or fishing line. I prefer wire as it provides a little extra control. If you are going to make a stacked bow I suggest handsewing your layers together.

5) Making the tails
Flip your bow over and even out your loops and then cut your "tails". I like the triangle but but you can use straight lines. Then take a lighter and quickly run the flame over the ends of the ribbon. This will heat seal it and prevent future fraying.

6) Make the center ribbon

• To complete the center knot get a smaller piece of ribbon. (use a 7/8 ribbon if bow is made with 1/2 ribbon).
• Cut a piece long enough for you to knot and work with.
• Loop it much like an awareness ribbon looks.
• Tuck one tail through the loop and pull.
• Once you have pulled it tight you may need to rotate the tails close to the knot so you have a smooth pretty tail coming from either side of the knot.

7) Add the clip 

Slide in your choice of clip.

8) Finishing touches

• Put a tiny dot of glue on the center of your bow and secure the knot in the center.
• Then fold each tail over one at a time securing it with hot glue on the alligator clip with the prong open.
• Trim the tail
• Repeat with the other tail. 
• Use your lighter once again to heat seal and exposed ribbon end that you just trimmed up on the back side.
• Adjust your "tails" so they are as you like them. 

Viola! Done! 

See pictures at: http://www.instructables.com/id/Pinwheel-Hairbow/?ALLSTEPS

For a more complicated version of a pinwheel/butterfly bow: http://www.girlythingsbows.com/perky_loops.html 
http://www.girlythingsbows.com/pinwheel_bow.html

More hair bow ideas in the link below: 
http://makebowsandmore.blogspot.com/2013/04/bow-tutorial-links.html

Style Update

Hey y'all! Lately I've been OBSESSING over a couple of items. I believe every girl needs to feel confident in herself, and what better way to do so than to have a great wardrobe!

I love, love, LOVE J.Crew chino shorts! They are super comfortable, reasonably priced, come in an array of colors, and different lengths according to your stature. I honestly have about 5 or 6 pairs of these and they are one the best investments I've made so far! 

The Lilly Pulitzer Elsa top. I cannot say enough good things about this shirt. First off, it's made of silk. Meaning it is breathable, light, and can be dressed up or worn down. Second. it comes in SOOO many colors/patterns. You honestly can find one to go with every outfit. Sadly, they are a little pricey (then again, what Lilly isn't?!)

Jack Rogers is known for it's Palm Beach/Navajo sandal. But another great item is their Marbella wedge sandal. This shoe looks great with any outfit and gives what would be a dressed down look a little extra flair. So cute and they fit much like the sandal does, so I find them fairly comfortable. 

A wristlet is always needed, whether you be at a tailgate (Boulevard for all my SMU readers!), walking around campus, or just running errands around town. All the girls in my city back home carried them. I have a Vera wristlet I got for my sweet 16, but I think I'll buy a Lilly one just before I go off to school!