So Simply Chic

Spring Break Essentials

2013-02-27T04:12:00.001-05:00

Well it's currently 3:30 a.m and I technically should be studying for my exam I have tomorrow...but instead I am blogging. I am using this time to let my brain soak in 11 chapters of nutrition that I crammed into my brain in the last 9 hours!

All that is getting me through these next two weeks is knowing that I will be leaving for a cruise in 17 days!!! I know, I know I keep doing posts about Spring Break..but honestly it's the only thing on my mind lately.

I put together Spring Break essentials that every girl needs to take with her to the beach to soak up that amazing sun that our bodies have been craving all winter long or even to carry to the pool where cabana boys will be waiting on you hand-and-foot ;)

Beach dress / Victoria's Secret bandeau bikini / Victoria's Secret victoria s secret bikini / Tory Burch / Scout tote bag / Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses / Lucky Brand hat / Vineyard Vines colorful hat / Burt's Bees burt s bee, $5.59 / Lavanila / Le tan, $23 / ONE by Maslin Zebra Hide Beach Towel

First things first. Every girl needs at least one new bikini for SB. I mean we have been working our booties off the in the gym since January, so what better way to show off that hot bod than in a new suit?! Victoria's Secret Lilly Pullitzer J. Crew all have such cute bikinis this Spring! (and you obviously can't go wrong with a low cost bikini from Target!)

A tunic or some sort of coverup that is easy to take on and off, but at the same time looks put together and is picture appropriate (because we all know that with Spring Break comes about a million and one pictures!!) So try to veer away wearing basic T-shirts and Norts as a coverup.. we wear plenty of those throughout the week days anyways, go for something a little more chic!

Also a great pair of flip flops are needed!! I know I blogged about these Tory Burch sandals in my last post, but I am so obsessed with them! I have them saved in my ShopBop cart online, I am just waiting a few days to see if I am still in love with them before purchasing them (which I more than likely will..it just makes me feel better if I sit on it for a little bit instead of making an impulse purchase per my normal!)

Wearing a hat can do one of many things. Wether it's tame your hair from the salty breeze, keep your face shaded from the sun, or you're wearing a fedora just because it looks so cute with your binkini..whatever the reason--a hat is an absolute must for your SB bag!

Let's start with the bag. Scout makes the BEST beach bags in the world. They are so easy to dust the sand off after a day at the beach or rinse off anything that spilled in/on the bag, that you can't go wrong! They come is so many different colors, styles, sizes, etc. (it's slightly overwheleming and I am so indecisive that I struggled to decide on which bag to get!!)

Whichever tote you decide to carry with you HAS to have sunscreen, chap stick with SPF, sunglasses, a beach towel (or two!!) and the latest Instyle, Cosmo, and Glamour! Once all those essiestial items are packed, you are all set to soak up as much of that sun that our bodies have been dying to get since the end of summer!

What else do you carry in your bag to the beach or pool?

Xoxo

My Current Favorites

2013-02-21T11:54:00.001-05:00

I don't know about y'all but this week has been absolutely crazy! No matter how much time I spend studying and reading I feel like I can't catch up! Spring Break needs to get here ASAP.

I figured today's post I would do my current faves!!

1. Sumptuous Extreme Mascara by Estee Lauder is the best mascara out there, hands down. I swear I have tried almost every mascara out there and this is my all time favorite! I layer my mascaras and this is the one I apply first. It makes your lashes look beyond amazing. It really makes your lashes look longer and the best part is how it's not too liquid-y or clump-y like some mascaras can be. I then add a second layer of a different mascara to make them look thicker and have more volume!

2. RB4125 - 710/51 | CATS 5000 Ray Ban sunglasses. I need a new pair of sunglasses before our cruise because I somehow managed to break mine two weeks ago. I pulled them out of my bookbag and the arm was broke off. So sad. I have had my eye on these beauties since the fall and I am so obessed with them!

3. Gilded brocade top from J. Crew. I absolutely love this top! Now that pistachio is a "it" color this spring (I love how basically last summer it was mint and now it's pistachio...same color, different name), this top is so perfect!

4. Thora flip flop from Tory Burch is the most PERFECT sandal for summer/cruise. I will consider this to be a need and not a want because there really isn't a more perfect flip flop. I think this will be my next purchase (along with the sunglasses because hello, I can't manage without a pair!)

5. Caroline Burlap Logo Ballerina Flat These are great Reva's for the spring! I love the burlap and the camel leather together! I have the black and gold Reva's but I don't have a pair with camel leather and I love these so much more than the basic camel leather.

6.Classic Wide Bangle
This bangle is so perfect for summer! However before I buy it I need to try it on because I have small wrist and it's so hard to find bangles that don't slide off and look super awkward on my little wrist. I am falling way into in love with all of J. Crew's new Spring jewelry line.
7. Crinkle city mini I feel like everyone has this skirt in at least 2 different colors it seems like. They are the best skirts EVER. In the summer it makes for the most easy outfit to put together because you can throw on any sort of top, this skirt and jacks and be out the door in 5.

Well I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Xoxo

Spring Break- where are you?

2013-02-18T09:11:00.001-05:00

Hello lovelies!

Guess who's finally back and getting back into the blogging loop?!

Now that I am settling into my routine with school (only took two months) and everything else, I finally think I am able to pick up blogging again and I am so excited!

Since I stopped blogging, my friends and I booked a cruise for Spring Break!! The countdown is 28 days, and with this horrible winter weather I can't think of anything else but tanning in the Caribbean. In exactly one month from today we will be boarding the ship in Florida, and saying that I can't wait is an understatement

Now that I am craving the sunshine more than ever, I am going to bundle up in ten different layers before heading to the gym since it's 40 degrees outside!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Xoxo

Lately

2012-12-22T15:30:00.001-05:00

To blog or not to blog is the question I have been pondering lately.

Ever since November so much has changed that I haven't really made the time to blog and I didn't really know if I wanted to anymore. But now that this semester is over I feel like I am sort of starting fresh and mine as well pick up blogging again. I really love blogging so I can't see the reason to stop now!

But enough with my excuses for not posting!

Here is what I am currently loving to catch you up on my life-

This view:

This picture does no justice for how pretty the Blue Ridge really is. There's nothing like the mountains to keep your sanity in check.

This weather:

Up until yesterday the weather has been so wonderful! The fact that I can wear capris and a light sweater in December makes me happy!

This quote:

Sequins:

(here's the dress I wore to our semi before we left for Winter Break!)

Bonfires:

There's nothing like gathering around a bonfire with family and friends during the winter months.

I know Christmas is right around the corner and I hope everyone has their shopping done already! I went to Charleston all day yesterday to finish mine up, last minute of course, and it's like 100 pounds off my shoulders!

Did anyone else finish up last minute shopping this weekend?!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Xoxo

Time Flies

2012-11-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

Is anyone completely shocked that tomorrow is Decemeber?

Where did the time go this year?!

Being in my college apartment we have minimal Christmas decorations consisting of a fake Christmas tree, lights on our porch, and our stockings hung. My roommate and I do plan on making it more festive because we are holding a gift exchange next week at our apartment! I think because of our lack of decorations, it really doesn't feel like Christmas. But I know as soon as I get home and walk through the front door and smell that Frazier-fir , it will instantly feel like Christmas time! I cannot wait to go home!

I hope everyone watched the annual lighting of the tree in NYC on Wednesday! I am so jealous of one of my best friends because she flew up there on Wednesday and got to see it being lit! I am determined to do that at some point in my life!!

Here are a few pictures via Pintrest to get everyone (including myself) into the holiday spirit!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Xoxo

I am still here!

2012-11-29T19:20:00.001-05:00

Well let's just say that the last few weeks have been an absolute whirl wind.

I debated how personal my blog needed to be and couldn't decide on whether I wanted to share the reason for my lack of blogging but I decided that after all I did make my blog to share tidbits of my life and figured I mine as well share the good as well the bad.

But a few weeks ago my boyfriend of over five years broke up. Not only did I lose my boyfriend, I lost my best friend which made it by far the most difficult time I have ever went through in my life. If anyone has ever went through a heart break after a long term relationship, you know how empty, lonely, and how different life is after. Words cannot describe the emotions that I went through, and still going through. Everyday is so different. I don't have the same routine that was I so used to with good morning phone calls, sweet text through out the day, and phone calls to say good night. It's all so different and it's hard to move on with my daily life.

Luckily I have the best friends in the entire world and have been there for me every step of the way. I really don't think I could have got through this miserable time without them.

Not only have I been dealing with that, but school has been absolute insanity and will be until after exams in two weeks. The only good thing about being so busy with school is that it takes my mind off of everything.

I do want to keep blogging but it honestly might be another few weeks before I am consistently posting again just until I am done with school and I can get my life back in order because it feels like it has been tipped upside down.

I still am reading my followers blog posts! I am trying so hard to keep up with everyone despite the craziness in my life at the moment!

Until next time,

Xoxo

Prayers Please

2012-11-05T08:21:00.003-05:00

The last few days, I have been going through one of the hardest times in my life. I will not be posting for a week or so. I am sorry for my lack of posting but there are things going on that I need to focus my attention to. I won't give any details right now..maybe ever but please just pray for myself that I will be able to get through this hard time.

Xoxo

Happy Halloween

2012-10-31T21:51:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!

I just got done taking a Calculus exam I have been studying 24/7 for the last 3 days

(which explains my lack of posting)

So let the Halloween festivities begin!

Xoxo
M

Stella & Dot [Holiday Collection]

2012-10-28T21:27:00.003-04:00

Where did the weekend go?!

I had such a great weekend that I am sad it is over, but a few of my classes are cancelled this week so I have lots of time to study for upcoming tests!

I don't remember the last time I did a post about Stella & Dot, but I figured since the new Holiday Collection is out I should show you some of my new favorites!

Stella & Dot by makenzieb featuring a zip wallet

Click HERE to view my website (I am a stylist for those who don't know!) to shop online!

Also if anyone is interested in earning free jewelry and wants to host an online trunk show, let me know!!

*

Or if anyone is interested in earning easy money and wants to sign up to be a stylist, please feel free to email me with any questions(sosimplychic@hotmail.com) and/or go to the website and read online how simple & easy it is!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Xoxo
M

FREE BUTTON/BLOG SWAP!

2012-10-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

Today I have a little treat, so to speak!

I got this idea from Lindsay at Every Day Life (you should check out her blog it's super cute!)

Exciting News, I'm offering an opportunity to promote your blog on So Simply Chic for FREE in November! If you are like me, you are always looking for ways to get your blog out into the blogger world more and I can help you with that by offering to sponsor your blog on my blog for FREE!

I will keep your button on my side bar for the entire month as well as do a spotlight post. All that I ask in return is a button swap... my button on your blog and a shout-out (mention) in a blog post of your choosing directly linking to my site in November or a spotlight post about my blog!

Who might sponsor my blog? You! Bloggers, fashion and beauty stylists. Let me help you expand and grow your customer and readership base!

Just head up to the top to 'sponsor' and get started :)

Here is my button below! Feel free to grab!

*All blog button swaps subject to blog approval. I reserve the right to remove your sponsorship if I determine that your blog content is unacceptable to me or if you do not fufil your agreement to display my button, and include sosimplychic.blogspot.com in one post.

Any questions at all feel free to email me at sosimplychic@hotmail.com

Xoxo
M

PS Head on over to Style Me Swanky and check out her amazing Graphic Image giveaway!

WILW

2012-10-24T13:51:00.002-04:00

Happy Hump Day!

Yesterday I played graphic designer and changed a few things around on my blog (even though I didn't have the slightest idea as to what I was doing). I am contemplating on paying to have a professional actually redesign my blog but I am kinda on the fence about it.

*For those who had theirs done professionally, is it worth it? Or do you have tips to do it on your own?*

I figured I would throw in a WILW since I haven't done one in FOREVER!!!!

(sadly I wish I was getting married so I could do a Wedding Wednesday, that seems to be so popular in the blogosphere..but I have a few years before that will happen!)

[bows]

They are so feminine and classy, I just can't get over them!

[monogrammed clutch]

I am IN LOVE! I found it as a little boutique downtown called Razzberry Fizz for $26 including the monogram and they had it ready for me to pick up the following morning! Their site is definitely worth checking out!

[this weather]

(please excuse my smudges on my mirror...I didn't realize how bad it was until this picutre!)

It is October and it's 80 degrees out. I wore a light J Crew sweater with J Crew skirt and a thin scarf to try to look fall-ish even though it felt like summer

[Piperlime's birthday]

yay for an additional 20%-25% off!

I am debating whether to get these boots and this jacket:

Tinley Road CIty Side Zip Coat // Steve Madden Colaterl

Hope everyone has a great day!

Xoxo

Fall Trend: The Embellished Collar Shirt

2012-10-22T12:01:00.003-04:00

Hello dolls! I hope everyone is having a great start to a new week!

Because I have so much free time now that I dropped to 11 hours, I just got done applying at two boutiques downtown in hopes to fill my free time with something more productive then Pinterest and online shopping, but it doesn't look to hopeful because no one is really looking to hire anyone. Atleast I feel better about myself for trying and putting forth the effort!

When I was shopping in Atlanta and Asheville last weekend I couldn't help but notice how many beaded, sequined, and embellished collared blouses all the stores had. What I love about this trend is that you can throw on a collared top and not have to worry about matching a necklace or a scarf since the neckline is so dramatic already (which would be great for traveling to save space and you don't have to worry about untangling necklaces when you get to where your going or even packing them!)

By simply styling an embellished collar shirt with skinny jeans and flats or even pairing it with a skirt, tight and boots; it could work for the daytime. If you wore heels, a bun and a red lip, you could easily transform the top for night! It's one of those pieces that's so versatile that depending on how you style it, it would work for any occasion!

all images via Pinterest

Here are a few I found that I am in love with! My favorite is either the emerald with sequins or navy with the white scalloped collar!

Collar by makenzieb featuring sequin tops

J.Crew slim shirt / Sequin tee / Orla Kiely , $335 / Max C , $40 / Sequin top / Love peter pan collar shirt, $26 / Peplum top

Do y'all love this trend as well?!

Xoxo

Sunday Quote

2012-10-21T22:59:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

I thought this lovely quote is a great way to start a new week!

Xoxo
M

Friends & Family

2012-10-17T17:57:00.001-04:00

Yes, I am aware that EVERYONE has already posted about Shop Bop's friend and family sale...but I figured I would too just for the heck of it and I honestly don't have time to conjure up a blog post idea

In case you haven't heard use code: WEAREFAMILY for 20% off at checkout!

If you are ordering, hurry because today is the last day!

Here are a few of my picks that I am lusting over that I normally wouldn't get, but throw in 20% off and it becomes a possibility!

F&F by makenzieb featuring a leather shoulder bag

KORS Michael Kors knee high leather boots / 3.1 Phillip Lim leather shoulder bag / Clare Vivier clutch purse / Ring / Tory Burch / Juicy Couture

Fall Break [picture overload]

2012-10-16T21:36:00.000-04:00

I will go ahead and apologize for the picture overload but I had so many pictures from fall break that I probably should have split it into two different posts!

But let's start with our day trip to Asheville, NC

Best cookie EVER from the Chocolate Lounge!!

Gingersnap dipped in chocolate..yum yum!

Maple Latte from the cutest bookstore downtown!

Then was our day trip to Atlanta! We didn't make it downtown because of traffic but we hit two malls..which was obviously the most important part of the trip.

I bought my first pair of Tory Burch Reva's!

As you see below, I may or may not have wore them out of the store...

and of course had to stop by Godiva and get a pumpkin cheesecake truffle!

We luckily made it home with enough time to fit in a bike ride before dinner. We rode around downtown Clemson then went to the lake. The weather was absolutely gorgeous!

Today a few friends and I went hiking, apple picking, and sight seeing! The leaves were so beautiful and the waterfalls were so relaxing

500 pictures later, you have a recap of my fall break! (phew!)

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week. I have a great week/weekend ahead because my boyfriend (whose 21st birthday is tomorrow) is coming up on Thursday to celebrate for the weekend and I cannot wait to see him!

Xoxo

Neutral and Noteworthy

2012-10-14T12:19:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! My trip to Asheville yesterday was so much fun, post to follow soon!

But now that we are full into the swing of the fall season, whites and other bright colors are slowly fading out of my closet and being replaced with warmer hues, such as mustard yellows, navy, oxblood and emeralds. Putting my Lilly dresses into totes was saddening, but there's no use to keep it in my closet if I can't wear it.

But with those deep colors, lot's of neturals are also being added. Here are a few picks I found that I am obsessing over:

Cynthia Ballerina

Gold Tweed Shift

White Wool Blazer

Madeline Sweater

Did everyone already transition their closet? Or are you still waiting till the weather is more consistently chilly?

Xoxo

Friday Five

2012-10-12T21:08:00.001-04:00

Hello lovely ladies! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend planned ahead. Tomorrow my roommate and I decided to take a road trip up to Asheville for the day! I have NEVER dont a spur of the moment road trip so I am super excited!

I figured I would keep today's post short and sweet with my Friday Five

[OOTD'S]

[Our pumpkins on the ride home]

[the most amazing salad in the world]

[ Our Jack-O-Laterns]

[Asheville, NC]

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend ahead of them! If anyone has any suggestions of places to eat, tour, etc in Asheville please let me know! I would love suggestions!

Xoxo
M

Catch Up Post

2012-10-10T10:49:00.001-04:00

Remember me? I maybe have posted 2 times in the last month...worst blogger EVERRR (and I apologize a million times)

This semester has been killer, but guess what?!? My advisor put me in an upper level class without taking the prerequisite come to find out..so I had to drop it last week and now I am actually under full-time credit wise...so now I have so much free time on my hands! I actually went and applied at a few places because I'm sadly bored now with all this extra time, so why not spend it making money?!?

I am also looking at doing an internship this summer in Charleston. I have been doing some research about the steps I need to take and where I would like to do one. I was wondering if any of y'all have ever done one and have any tips, advice, etc please let me know!

I would ideally love to have one at MUSC or CharlestonMag (CharlestonMag would be an absolute dream job!!) My major is finance and minor in marketing but I would really like to work somewhere that involves event planning and finance. So we will see how that goes!

Thursday starts fall break for me and I am so excited! My roommate and I have all sorts of fall events planned such as apple picking, hiking, going to a pumpkin patch & carving a pumpkin, and walking around on campus with our PSL looking at all the wonderful foliage, etc. I absolutely cannot wait!

Here's what it will look like

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far!

Xoxo

Tuesday-Smoozeday

2012-09-25T10:49:00.004-04:00

Well I have yet another crazy week! I literally have a major exam EVERY week and it is starting to kick my booty. It's so hard to keep up with blogging because I am spending 100% of my time with school work!

But I figured I would do a simple little post with pictures of the past two weeks that I have yet to share!

We had our first mixer of the year:
$5 Prom

Football games..well I didn't go in but this was on game day ;)

First Friday Parade which is a huge tradition at Clemson

The boyfriend came down to visit with some of my friends from home

And I found out who my big was..and turns out I got a little too!!!!

Xoxo

Oh Fall...

2012-09-18T19:05:00.001-04:00

These last few weeks have been so crazy with the amount of tests I have, ADPi functions, football games, parents weekend ( I could go on but I would hate to bore everyone).

I have to get ready for $5 prom which is a function we do every year and I promise I will do a post soon catching you up on my life!

Xoxo

Lusting for Vineyard Vines

2012-09-05T09:42:00.001-04:00

I am sure we are all victims to receiving about 10-70 (if not more) daily junk emails from stores announcing their latest sales, new fall collections, special coupons, etc. Usually I automatically delete them without even opening them but for some reason I opened Vineyard Vines because it said "New Fall Arrivals" and I got super excited hoping they would have lots of new items!

I was slightly disappointed because it's mostly the same stuff they have every year. Shep Shirt, Fleece Vest, Pullover, etc. But there were a few new pieces that caught my eye!

Fish Geo Skirt

(I love the orange and white because it's my college colors and would be perfect for a football game!)

Westerly Vest

Riptide Cable Sweater

Shep Shirt

I have the pink and grey and I LOVE it!! I think the navy and light blue would be a great color combo to add to my closet!

Also while browsing online I saw their Fall Tour this year! Sadly they aren't making to any of our games, but here is where they are going and maybe they will be coming to you!

Well I am off to the gym then I am forcing myself to study 24/7 until tomorrow at 12:30 when I have my first accounting exam...not feeling very confident right now but wish me luck!!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Xoxo

Fall Trend: Elbow Patch

2012-09-03T23:01:00.001-04:00

It is officially fall in my little world. Starting September 1st is officially when I think fall should begin. Starbucks has their Pumpkin Spice Lattes, stores start to carry fall merchandise, and I start burning pumpkin spice candles.

With all this comes all my fall clothes..however it's hard to even consider jeans, scarves and boots when it's been 90 plus degrees. (plus FINALLY my Lilly came in from when they had that major sale so I at least have to wear everything once before putting it up till spring) But one can dream until the weather cooperates.

One thing I am obsessed with is elbow patches.

via

Here are some that I found and absolutely adore!

The Elbow Patch by makenzieb featuring long sleeve cotton t shirts

Chunky cable knit sweater
$160 - topman.com

Stripe shirt
topshop.com

Avant Toi navy blue top
$555 - jades24.com

Long sleeve cotton t shirt
oasap.com

River Island Grey Marl Elbow Patch Jumper
$35 - riverisland.com

Caramel Baby and Child Sweater with Elbow Patches
editnewyork.com

What fall trends are you dying to try?!

Xoxo

Catch Up Post

2012-08-31T14:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! I don't know about you, but this has been one crazy week! As you saw in my last post, I am offically a ADPi member! I couldn't be any happier! I just want to say that I did question whether or not going through rush as a junior as was worth it, but I do have to say it was one of the best experiences I have ever been through. For anyone who maybe is a sophmore this year and missed rush but really want to be a part of it, go for it. I did it and I honestly think it's better because at this point you know who you are as a person and what you want out of life. If anyone has any questions about rushing as an upperclassman, please feel free to email me!

*****

Here are some pictures from bid day:

Also here are the outfits I wore going in order from orientation to pref:

Sorry about the picture overload but I was going through my iPhone and realized there are so many things I have not shared throughout the week!

Like this one: This is Alphie the Lion (ADPi mascot). He was my good luck charm all the way through recriutment and got me through the most crazy week of my life!

But so far today has been a catch up day. I have cleaned my room/apartment, washed my car, did my laundry, laid by the pool and blogged! It's not even 2:00 yet! But boy does it feel good to get everything organized and back to normal!

Anywho, I have no idea my plans for this weekend, I guess it's more of a play-it-by-ear kinda weekend!

Until next time,

Xoxo

Alpha Delta Pi

2012-08-29T23:47:00.001-04:00

Finally rush is over and I can happily say that I have found my home in ADPI! I can barely type this right now because I am still on such a high from the happiness from today!

Sorry I have been MIA but if any of y'all have went through recruitment week, you understand how time consuming and exhausting rush is. There isn't even time to eat let alone sit done and try to blog! But it has all paid off and I am so so happy!

Back to my normal posting soon, promise!

Xoxo

Nervous Nelly [beginning of rush]

2012-08-22T08:50:00.000-04:00

Today is such a big day for me, first day of classes as well as first day of rush. To say I am nervous for rush is an understatement. The reason I am nervous is due to the fact that I don't know what to expect. I heard that over 1,000 girls are rushing this year which is about 400 more than last year. But I am super excited to meet all the great girls that will be there and hopefully find a sisterhood that I belong to.

Our rounds are as followed:

Wednesday: Orientation

Thursday: Round 1

Friday: Round 1

Saturday: Round 2

Sunday: Round 3

Monday: Round 4

Tuesday: Round 4

Wednesday: BID DAY!!

Keep your fingers crossed for me all week please!

Xoxo