Seeing Spots

I'm on a polka dot craze right now. Thankfully, I blew through my monthly budget on cab rides... which means I have no money for clothes! Double thankfully, I went shopping with Stephanie and gave her strict orders to not let me buy anything. Triple thankfully, I actually walked out of the store empty handed.

So during the event I hosted at Madewell I kept gravitating towards the polka dots. And they were honestly everywhere. We swung by another event going on at J. Crew (which apparently wasn't actually even happening....?) and found a lot more polka dots.

The one thing that I had the hardest time not buying was this pair of pants!!! Hello, they're so cute! (PS there's Steph in the background!) Also, I had a dress on so I threw on a t-shirt to try the pants on, so disregard the shirt.

I can't find the polka dot version of the pants online, but they do have other cute patterns. They're the Cafe Capri. I think they run a little on the big side, so I suggest trying to go down a size.

More Polka Dot Favorites:

J. Crew Retro Dot Tunic

Madewell Chambray Drive-in Shirt

Madewell Spot Show Cardigan

J. Crew Linen Dot Popover

J. Crew Polka-Dot Popover

Dropped Dots Dress

J. Crew Polka Dot Short

Current/Elliott Polka Dot Stiletto Crops

J. Crew Big Shot Circle Skirt

I also tried on these shoes:

The Polka-Dot Sidewalk Skimmer

So much fun!

The Dots and Stripes Telegram Clutch

Who else is loving dots?!?!?!?!?!

(Clearly I've gone crazy for polka dots.)

xoxo

Five for Friday

It's been a long week. Everything has been taking a toll on me lately! Little sleep, lots of work, high stress! I've been embarking on the "job hunt." Cue the scary music. Actually, it hasn't been as bad as I thought it was going to be. Those cover letters are a little tricky.

With everything that's been going on, I thought it would be a fun post to do the top five things helping me get through!

kate spade watches

I love my gold/white polka dot watch. It's all sorts of fun. I just get so happy when I look down at my wrist, especially when I'm typing up a storm on my computer. Woo! The only problem is that I want all the colors...... like the yellow one.

draw something

This app is driving me crazy. I forget about it and use it for a mini distraction. Sometimes I need a break, but don't have time to really take one. Spending three minutes drawing a stupid picture is perfect. I think it's hilarious when I have no clue what California Funk is drawing... sometimes he does a great job drawing, but I don't know it at all!

[I accidentally tweeted my username... but if you know what I'm playing under, please don't request a game. I'd honestly love to play a game with everyone but I signed in that night and there were too many games to play! I felt terrible quitting every game!!!!]

button ups

My go-to outfit recently. Layering a sweater over makes me feel like I actually took time to get ready in the morning. In reality, it took two minutes. Seriously something about wearing a collared shirt that screams effort (with very little actual effort required).

meditation

Okay.... random. I have been downloading meditation apps and podcasts. No idea if it's actually working or not, but it seems to be. It could be a placebo effect or the fact that I listen to it at 2am... but I wake up and it's hours later with my headphones still in. I definitely feel more relaxed.

colored jeans

This is along the same lines as the oxford shirts. Perfect way to look like you took some time with your morning outfit choice. Plus, the bright color is just so springy. Unfortunately, DC weather has turned chilly once again. (So unpredictable.) Wearing colored denim is like the spring version of the chino shorts. Love it!

What's on your Friday Five list?

xoxo

Earrings

I'm not one to play favorites, but this may be my most favorite post ever. I really really really love this. Please tell me I'm not the only one!

Here's the thing... I used to always wear pearl studs. The only variation would be the size of the pearl. But somewhere down the line, I started branching out with my earring choices and now I am hooked. Holy Moly. Can't get enough.

(I blame Hannah... she's rubbing off on me!)

Oh, aren't these earring choices downright yummy??? They're like little teeny tiny (unfortunately non-edible) pieces of candy!

I absolutely can't choose between these ten. As in, I believe I need them all! Right?!? Someone justify this for me!

Left Column (Top to Bottom):

Guinevere Owl Earrings

Juicy Couture Pineapple Earrings

J. Crew Floral Bud Earrings

Crystal Lights Earrings

J. Crew Bellflower Earrings

Right Column (Top to Bottom):

Kate Spade Sweet Zinnia Earrings

Kate Spade Yellow Sweet Zinnia Earrings

Juicy Couture Tropical Fish Earrings

Kate Spade Posy Park Earrings

J. Crew Flower Patch Earrings

Do you wear fun earrings? Where is your go-to place for perfect earrings? 

xoxo

Sponsor :: Accessory Scout Auctions

College Prep's latest sponsor is Accessory Scout Auctions. This is a fun way to shop... and I know that you're going to love the jewelry featured. There are some truly beautiful (okay, okay... everything is beautiful) pieces! I love everything, but here are some photographs of recent things featured.

I love the styling of the jewelry too. 

Beautiful!

I love how simple and elegant and dainty this little one is!

Here's how the Accessory Scout Auctions works...

How to Buy:

“Like” Accessory Scout Auctions on Facebook.

Photos of new items for sale are posted Sunday night at 8 P.M. CST. Prices and quantities are listed in the description. Shipping is included in the posted price! Remember to click refresh!

To purchase, comment with SOLD, your email address used with PayPal account, OOT if you live outside of Texas, and quantity (if you want more than one) For example:

SOLD, jane@gmail.com

If you live outside of Texas, please include OOT for Out of Texas to avoid being charged sales tax.

SOLD, laura@gmail.com OOT

Bid quickly! If you win an item, you will receive an invoice through PayPal within 24 hours of the auction. You have 24 hours to pay the invoice through PayPal or the item is given to the next bidder. Items are shipped to you as soon as payment is received. Due to Facebook privacy settings, you may not see all entered bids. Winner lists will be posted after the auction. ALL SALES ARE FINAL!

For best results, use a computer, not a smartphone and click refresh. Make sure your PayPal ship to address is current.

Contact accessoryscout@gmail.com if you have suggestions, comments or questions.

Have fun and happy shopping!


*****


Have fun bidding!

Graduation Dresses

Well... this is weird.

After years of being ready to graduate, it's finally actually happening.  I just keep thinking to myself, "This can't be real!" Last year, living in a house full of seniors I had convinced myself that I was graduating with them. Of course, that was not the case. But it is now my turn and I frankly couldn't be more excited!

I'm sure I'll miss somethings about Georgetown and college in general, but I truly feel ready for the next stage of life. Maybe I'll come back and read this post (and surely future posts and likely past posts) and think about how much has changed and how much I didn't know and how I should have relished my time on the Hilltop.

But the thing is that I've put in the time. Whether I like it or not, graduation is inevitable. (What will be the fate of "The College Prepster" once she's out of college?!?! No idea yet!)

The whole graduation ceremony is already beginning to stress me out... but not for nostalgic reasons. Mostly, the logistics of families, schedules, dinners, reservations, parties, friends.... ugh. I am looking forward to and not looking forward to picking out a dress for graduation. Not sure what I'm planning on wearing yet, but I'm sure that a bunch of you college seniors (and high school seniors) are in a similar boat. 

Here are some of my preliminary top picks:

[Note: I'm partial to navy because it's one of Georgetown's colors!]

Mirrored Truths Dress

I love the neckline on this! I'm always hesitant to wear strapless dresses when I know a bunch of pictures will be taken. Not a fan of when the dress doesn't quite make the frame! I also like how the dress is longer.

Sincerely Paris Halter Dress

I most definitely couldn't pull this one off unless I got a spray tan (ha...), but I think it's a darling shape. It has little postage stamps and postmarks all over it. And, hello, I'm dying to go to Paris.

Watercolored Gems Shift

How pretty is this dress? I love the bright turquoise blue... but since the print is on a white background it isn't so intense. I also like the shift shape without being dramatically "Lilly."

Basket-Weave Shift Dress

I love how simple this J. Crew dress is, but I would definitely wear a pretty coordinating belt. Or I'd throw on a super bold statement necklace, like this one.

Lace Shift Dress

This dress is more subdued, but I like it. A lot. It reminds me of the dress I wore to my high school graduation!

(It's totally okay for you to be jealous of my sock tan...)

Seersucker Cotton Sundress

This is Jessica Simpson! I know, I couldn't believe it either! If you have a later graduation date, the seersucker is perfect. I love the pink piping.

Circle Eyelet Dress

So I think this is basically the spring/summer version of my Anthropologie dress! I kind of want it... really bad!

Bouquet Dress

I think I need to see what the fabric is like in person, but the little detailing around the waist is really sweet! I think the dress, in general, would flatter a lot of body types.

xoxo

Sponsor :: Froggy Bottoms

Today I'm really excited to introduce one of College Prep's newest sponsor, Froggy Bottoms.

These clogs are cute. Whenever Soccer Mom forces me to help her outside with planting things (surprisingly, her thumb gets greener with every season), I end up wearing an old pair of sneakers because they get so dirty! Maybe these clogs would allow me to be more supportive and helpful for Soccer Mom!

I love the plaid on the inside!

The frogs are remarkably adorable too!

I think these would make perfect Mother's Day gifts if you have a mom or grandmother that likes to garden.

Even though I have a "thing" about being/getting dirty, I do put the crazy aside when I'm helping my mom garden.

That's a worm.

This is Soccer Mom's garden... it used to be a random mess full of weeds and abandoned plants, but Soccer Mom took control and now it's a cute garden.

The best part is that we get caterpillars and can watch the butterflies hatch!

Note: these are actual pictures I took from the garden!

A real frog!

Soccer Mom is obsessed with these guys.

Because it is AWESOME is it to watch them emerge from the cocoon!

New Chapter

So I may or may not be officially freaking out right now.

(Truth: I am.)

One of my best friends from Tampa is ENGAGED!

Susanna (known as Bebe in some old College Prep posts) is seriously one of the sweetest people I know.  I love her so much and I am so so so excited for her.  I am a little concerned for all the guys from our high school... every single one of their dreams to marry Susanna have been squashed.  (Susanna was very much that girl that everyone loved.)

We went to different elementary schools, but became fast friends in middle school.  We've been on a ton of school trips together (Italy, Nashville, Chicago, San Antonio, Philadelphia... and I think a few more that I can't even remember!).  We have spent so many nights together up late gossiping and watching movies.  Everything.

My favorite time that we spent together though was after our eighth grade dance.  We went to her family's condo at the beach and watched television and movies all day.  We literally woke up the next morning and didn't move until dinner.  And we would have stayed in her room through dinner, but her mom made us get out!  It was one of those days where the most mundane thing ended up being absolutely perfect.

SO beautiful!

On a class trip to Nashville for a yearbook conference.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the two of us.  (Actually my favorite picture was taken a moment before this one, but we lost control of the dolly and our faces are hilariously embarrassing.)

From the infamous surprise trip to Auburn.

I can't wait for the wedding!

Note: I'm also freaking out because this means I'm actually old enough to have friends getting married.  WHOA.  When did this happen???  I still act weird and crazy around boys.... BAH!!!

xoxo

University Chic Twitter Chat

I'm really exciting to be hosting a Twitter chat with University Chic tomorrow night!

I'm really excited! I've hosted a Twitter chat with College Fashionista before and I loved it. This one should be super fun. We'll talk about blogging and fashion. I can also answer questions that you guys have!

Every tweet in the conversation should have #uchicjobtips in the tweet so everyone can follow along. The best way to join a twitter chat is to use a platform to track the tweet hashtag. The best one I've used is called Tweet Chat!

PS I'm going to be on GW's campus somewhere while tweeting... Where's the best place to go? Anyone want to join me at a coffee shop or something?

PPS There's still some time left to enter the giveaway I'm judging with University Chic. More information here.

*****

Check out my interview on InternQueen.com!

Beautiful Watercolors

Why do I love watercolors so much?!?  Oh well, no apologies from me!

 After receiving an email from with Laura Trevey, the owner of this Etsy shop, I knew I had to share the watercolors on here.  I am absolutely dying over here!

Here are some of my favorites:

How pretty are these Essie nail polishes?  Perfect for any polish addict.

Oh, and I'm so into trenches.  Love the pink.  (And I am more than a little jealous of this girl's hair.)

My family calls Beetles "Funny Cars."  My parents had a yellow "Funny Car" when we lived in Atlanta.  These little guys have so much character, and Laura definitely captured it here.

And, of course, who doesn't love a good lobster print?  So bold and bright!

xoxo

PS Laura has a blog and I just love seeing where she draws (pun) her inspiration from!

madewell :: event this thursday

(event details at the bottom of the post)

I saw these "True Love Shrunken Oxfords" on the Madewell Tumblr and the email campaign and on my friend's Instagram... and I want one.

Or two.

Or three?

Apparently, they're amazing.  Everyone that I've talked to has sung praises for the shirts.  I'm all about the button ups recently.  They're the easiest thing to throw on when you're feeling exhausted.  (True story, if I'm wearing an oxford, I've likely slept three hours the night before.)

The colors of these oxfords are so pretty and remind me of yummy little pieces of candy!!!  I'm thinking that we should all treat ourselves to one for Easter (or make up some other excuse...).  Because they're amazing.

Want to buy them in store versus online?

(And you just happen to live in the DC area!)

Come to the private shopping party I'm hosting!!!!!

It's this Thursday (March 29) at the Georgetown location.  I'm super excited!!!  Hope to see you there!

xoxo

PS Tell your friends!

Giveaway :: Turkish T

Use the code Prepster at checkout and receive 20% a Beach Candy towel!

Now that spring is here and summer is right around the corner, we must prepare for the beach!!!

When Turkish-T emailed me, I knew this was going to be a great giveaway.  Is it a towel?  Is it a blanket?  Kind of both!  They have tons of colors and different kinds of stripes.  This giveaway is the "Beach Candy" basic Turkish-T.  The stripes are yummy yummy yummy!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway