Memorial Day Weekend Style Guide

Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone! Of course I managed to accidentally take off of work for next weekend rather than this weekend, so I don't have any exciting plans for this weekend. However, next weekend I'll be traveling to the one and only Atlantic City, NJ! I'm glad I accidentally took off for next weekend rather than this weekend, since the weather doesn't seem too ideal for a beach trip here in the Mid-Atlantic.

Even though I still have another week until I depart, here are some essentials that I would pack for any beach trip this summer:

1. June Dress, Indah

2. Dawson Large Round Tote, Tory Burch

3. Round Sunglasses, American Eagle

4. Danilla Underwire Bandeau Swim Set, Billabong

5. Dania, DV by Dolce Vita

I had the pleasure of seeing this Billabong bikini in person and its stunning! It has metallic embellishment and is just incredibly glamorous. I love that the metallic details in these flip flips match the bathing suit and this breezy cover up will take you from the beach to sightseeing with ease.

1. Initial Necklace, Naschelle

2. Kanza Wrap Bracelet, Chan Luu

3. Wild Devine Dress, Free People

4. Mini Affair Crossbody Bag, Rebecca Minkoff

5. Jedda Snake Sandals, Michael Kors

Okay, had to find another outfit to slip my Rebecca Minkoff bag into! I've been living in maxis so far this season; just throw one on and you look effortlessly stylish! Since this maxi is already quite the statement dress, you don't need to go overboard in the accessories department. Add a dainty little initial necklace, a funky wrap bracelet and a sleek metallic sandal and you'll be sure to turn heads while on your vacation. 

1. Aztec Cupped Shift Dress, Topshop

2. Sunburst Button Earrings, House of Harlow

3. Tripp Metal Bangle, Tory Burch

4. Motion Wedge, Chinese Laundry

5. Valentina Hipster Bag, Botkier

I'm loving the cutout trend, so this Topshop dress in this funky print is ideal for a night out on the town. Continue with the cutout theme with a criss cross wedge and a geometric bracelet. Throw on a fun pair of studs and a sleek crossbody bag and you're all set to dance the night away!

AE Gift Card Giveaway - Ends May 25th!

Part two of my fabulous American Eagle outfit series! Last week, I posted a fabulous pleated skirt that I picked up at AE. This week, I'm showing off this great little white dress. This would be so perfect for festivals this summer! 

Want to own these pieces yourself? Make sure to enter my American Eagle Gift Card Giveaway below -- one lucky reader will win a $50 to AE! Make sure to get your entries in by Saturday, May 25th at 11:59 PM!

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Good luck!

Post Grad Goodies

Since I just graduated last week, I decided to take a few shopping trips and treat myself! Can't let that grad money go to waste, right? I've picked up a few great wardrobe staples that I've been dying to share with you all (and one fun trendy piece along the way too!)

1. Diamond Mini Affair Crossbody Bag, Rebecca Minkoff: I'm obsessed with this bag. I've had my eye on it for a few months now and its amazing! The cognac colored leather goes with everything and I love the quilted detail on the bag. So timeless!

2. Classic Q Card Case, Marc by Marc Jacobs: While I love my full sized Coach wallet, I needed something smaller to hold my cards for the tiny crossbody bags that I wear out. I'm a big fan of this Marc by Marc wallet; it has so many slots and can hold cash as well. It fits into all my going out bags too! This is a much needed upgrade from the Vera Bradley wallet I've been rocking since my freshman year of college!

3. Runway Chronograph Watch, Michael Kors: I've been wanting this watch for years! So happy to finally own it. I feel like a good watch is something every college graduate needs. Now I don't have to rely on my iPhone to check the time. I'm starting to feel more like an adult with this piece!

4. Mirror Print Hi-Waist Shorts, Ark & Co: Okay, so this isn't a staple piece at all, but just look at how fun these shorts are! These will get plenty of wear this season.

5. Afternoon Dress, Madewell: I'm kind of obsessed with Madewell dresses, and this little number is no exception. Such a classic, basic dress that can be dressed up or down with ease. The best part about it is that it's appropriate to wear to my future big-girl job as well. 

What recent purchases have you been raving over?

P.S. - don't forget to enter my American Eagle Gift Card Giveaway!

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!