American Eagle Gift Card Giveaway

Hello everyone!

I'm very happy to announce the month of May's giveaway -- a $50 gift card to American Eagle! I know, AE was all the rage in middle/high school, but now that we're in our college and post-grad years, we don't frequent this popular teen retailer as much anymore. However, there are some really great pieces in the store. Check out this pleated skirt that I picked up! 

Adorable, right? This skirt as well as many more fun, fashionable, on-trend pieces can be yours -- just enter the giveaway! Instructions on how to enter are below:

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Good luck! You have until May 25th to enter. 

Graduation

You guys -- I did it! I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University this weekend with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications. I’m thankful for my amazing group of friends and family who supported me throughout every step of my college career; I wouldn’t have made it without you guys!

Here are a few things I’ve learned during my college experience:

1. No dream is too big. Ever since I was in high school, I dreamed about going to New York Fashion Week and working in the fashion industry. After multiple people telling me how hard it was to break into the industry, I almost abandoned my dreams. However, on a whim, I decided to apply to some NYC internships, and I landed my first internship at Michael Kors, one of the most notable American designers. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make your dreams a reality. The sky’s the limit! All you need is the drive and a great support system.
2. Break out of your shell. I’m not just talking about your freshman year either – keep trying new things and meeting new people. I suddenly had to transfer to VCU after two amazing years at Drexel. I joined a sorority, knew hundreds of people and definitely had my social circle set. Then all of the sudden, I had to up and leave and start all over at VCU. I kept making new friends and trying new things up until graduation week. Don’t become too comfortable or content in your group of friends, always be willing to meet new people and try new things.
3. Learn to manage your time. This was something I definitely struggled with my freshman year, but became a pro at by the time senior year came around. Don’t sit on Facebook for three hours then complain how you have so little time to study. Do you have some spare time on a Wednesday afternoon? Use that time to study for your exam on Monday so you can enjoy your weekend with your friends. Get organized. That’s half the battle for being a successful student.’
4. It’s okay to make mistakes. You’re going to make plenty of them while you’re in college. I’ve learned some of the most important life lessons outside the classroom. Learn from your mistakes, don’t repeat them, and try not to let them bring you down so much. A screw up in college is much more acceptable than a screw up in the real world.
5. Live it up. College is your time to try new things, pull an all-nighter, make those spontaneous road trips, spend all night laughing with your friends – you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and at times you’ll want to pull your hair out. Hands down, these college years have been the best years of my entire life. Don’t hold back. Anything that you want to do, go for it. 

I’m going to miss college, however it’s time to make my dreams a reality. I’m looking forward to the future and what it has in store for me. Again, thank you to everyone who’s supported me during this journey. I hope I’ll make you all proud out in the real world! 

P.S. - want to know how I made my graduation cap? Head over to Within Color for my tutorial!

Friday Fancies: Mother's Day Attire

Happy Friday! While I'm super excited for graduation tomorrow, I wouldn't have even made it this far academically without a certain special lady in my life -- my mother! She's been my best friend, my biggest cheerleader and the best role model I could ever ask for. I'm excited to spend all day Sunday with my mother, and this special holiday requires a special ensemble!

1. Valentina Mini Convertible Bag, Botkier

2. Floral Embellished Skater Dress, Topshop

3. Gold Pave Disk Studs, Baublebar

4. Pave Crescent Bangle, Baublebar

5. Leather Sandal, Zara

I have to give my mother credit for my sense of style; after all those years of dressing me up in the frilliest dresses possible, I have turned out to become a huge girly girl! We plan on going to dinner later in the evening, so this is definitely a fun, feminine look that I would wear (and hopefully be as stylish as my momma!) My mother is always telling me to bling it up a little more, so I'm sure she'd approve of the amount of sparkle this dress has. 

P.S. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

split decision

If you follow me on Instagram you know that I lightened up my hair, so posting these older photos with my dark hair seems a bit odd to me! I'm also getting used to the idea of not being in classes, so much more free time to focus on blogging! I'm only 2 days shy of graduation and I'm incredibly excited.

We're finally going to see some warmer weather this weekend here in Richmond! I shot these that one week when it was 90 degrees out and boy, I miss that weather! Here's to summer making an appearance sometime soon!

photography by: www.pamelagomez.com

GIVEAWAY: Dolls In The City "The Experience" Tour Tickets

For more details and to purchase tickets, check out www.iheartpuckercake.com.

Calling all RVA fashionistas/beauty mavens!

This is an event you won't wan't to miss! Next Friday, May 10th from 6 PM to 9:30 PM, Doll Factory will be hosting their Dolls in the City "The Experience" tour. This event will create an ambiance for like-minded women to be pampered, mix and mingle for a great cause all while promoting local business owners and galleries. 

The first installment of Dolls In The City, which was hosted at ARTworks, was a huge success. What sets Dolls In The City apart from similar trade shows and beauty events is that they aim to provide an experience for business owners and guests alike. 

Doll Factory is a lifestyle brand currently offering handcrafted natural body care products.  Leslie (Owner) also developed a brand called Pucker Cake which is a line of natural lip products. 

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We've partnered with Doll Factory to give away two tickets to the Dolls in the City Tour! To enter, make sure to get all your possible entries in below. The contest ends Sunday, May 5th and winners will be announced on Monday, May 6th.

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