Formal Season: The Short Story

It's that time of year again, y'all! The season of formals, galas, weddings, and proms is upon us! Today is all about the short dress for a big event!A big trend I've noticed in college is rocking cocktail dresses to formals and events instead of attempting the (often impossible) task of tracking down a long formal dress.

Whether your excuse to dress up is a big fete or a small soiree, here are a few of my favorite formal dress choices for your event!

I have to take extreme precautions to actively NOT order this Tibi ruffle dress. I am IN LOVE with it. I have a formal event coming up (more to come!!) and would LOVE to wear this dress. This dress would be a phenomenal dress to have in your closet because of its wearability. There are so many ways to change this dress and the shape works for so many different options!

I think this Isaac Mizrahi dress SCREAMS party! The bow and shimmer makes it perfect for your dressy event and I love this look for a prom or formal. Pop your date in a pink bowtie and you are ALL set!

In the most recently Lilly shipment, the Rosaline in this delightful pink and orange combination showed up! I haven't tried this dress on because I'm afraid I'll like it too much...

This Tibi shift is one of my faves I've seen recently. It's shift shape is appropriate for all kinds of events, and I see your date in a white dinner jacket to complete the ensemble! The pale pink can be dressed up and down and the sheen looks great with any color metallic.

This silvery-champagne Aidan Mattox stunner reminds me of something we'd see Kate Middleton in pre-pregnancy. I would advise a little bit of a tan in this dress since it's so neutral, but I see this dress looking great for a wedding or formal. If you wanted to get adventurous, adding a metallic or patent belt around the waist!

I know, I know, I said short story, but I had to include one long dress! I actually saw this dress on an episode of Castle (anyone else watch it!?) and through some investigation, I finally found who made it! This Laundry dress really caught my eye on TV and this is a dress I absolutely want to add to my collection. I wish I had formal events to go to more often to make this even more practical, but it's calling my name so loudly that I might have to get it anyway!!

What's your big event this spring? What are you donning for your formal event?

xxKatie

Carolina Cup Week: The Hat

It's no secret that Carolina Cup is an event where a mantra is "Go big or go home." This is perfectly understood in your choice of a hat!

Last year I had that pink striped floppy hat, and two years ago I had a plain straw hat from Belk with a bow that I added myself:

It actually came initially attached with the most heinous zebra-y/giraffe-y scarf that I took off and then added the bow in place of! Keep that in mind while searching for hats--most attached scarves are removable with scissors and a little elbow grease!

The most important part about your hat is matching it with your dress of course! There are so many different options for Cup hats that you can choose!

Marley Lilly has certainly become a force to be reckoned with as far as Cup hat choices go! They have SO many different color options that you are bound to find one that will match your dress. They even offer monogramming too to make it personal!

Target has great options in-store if you need a hat in a pinch! What's great about a plain, straw hat like this one, is that you can add a ribbon to match your dress. Like I said, that's what I did two years ago and it was great! I tied a false bow, and glued it down with fabric glue--I even added a few staples in invisible spots to make it REALLY secure!

Yet again, the bigger the better! This hat from Amazon has my name all over it! I'd even love to rock this one AFTER the Cup!

What does your hat look like? Are you added fun accessories like a bow or sash?

ANYONE have any good suggestions on how to avoid hat head also? LET ME KNOW!

xxKatie

Carolina Cup Week: The Bow Tie

Carolina Cup is not for the long tie. Sorry to those guys who insist on no-bow ties, but it's just the way it is. You wear a bow tie. Not only that, but you wear about as festive of a bow tie as you can find. This might mean:

Southern Proper's Topless Beau

High Cotton Ties' Spring Four Way Bow Tie

Social Primer's Sea Island Bow Tie

Southern Proper's Mint Julep Beau 

Lilly Pulitzer's Resort White Spring Fling Bow Tie (Lilly or louder, right?!)

Bow ties are the single most important MUST-HAVE for the guys on the day of Carolina Cup! For the gals, you must insist that your date dons his best beau so that you can boast  you've got the best lookin' date of them all out there!

xxKatie

Giveaway Monday: Southern Beaus

I love finding new brands, and I especially love finding new brands that have owners that are tied to the University of South Carolina. Ashlyn, owner of Southern Beaus, is a fellow Gamecock! She has so graciously offered to giveaway any bowtie to a reader who wins this giveaway!

With Carolina Cup right around the corner, I don't think this bowtie giveaway can be more perfect!

Ashlyn sent me this clutch a few weeks back and without spoiling my Cup dress, this matches PERFECTLY. I don't know she knew, but she did and it was too perfect! I am SO excited to have this with me on the big day!

In order to enter the Southern Beaus giveaway use Rafflecopter, and if you can see it, click on the title of today's post!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Entering!

xxKatie

Put a Bow On It: Scarf Edition

I've recently Instagrammed a few OOTD's (outfit of the day's) with scarves tied like a bow! A few of y'all have inquired about how to do it and even tried it on your own!

For those of you who have tried, you know, it's SO EASY. If you can tie your shoes, you can tie your scarf. You literally follow the exact same steps:

The steps go L-R top then L-R bottom!

Step 1: Lay your scarf with equal tails on each side. 

Step 2: Make a simple knot, like the first step when you'd tie your shoes.

Step 3: Pull one loop through, then followed by the other side. Again, just think, shoe tying!

Step 4: It will be lopsided. Choose to adjust or tie again!

Step 5: Adjusting

Step 6: Pull the loops to be wider so you can really see the bow!

Voila, you've just tied your scarf in a bow! Really, I follow the EXACT same steps like you would tie your shoelaces, so if in doubt, keep that in mind!

Give it a shot, and if you wear your scarf in a bow, tag me on Instagram @letsbepreppy so I can see your scarf bows! I'll post the best ones!

xxKatie

Christmas Wardrobe Staples

I wear very similar things most of the time. I stick to shapes I like and colors and textures that I'm used to. That being said, my Christmas outfit is usually along the same lines, although it does differ every year! There are a few holiday staples that you'll want to keep handy as you run from soiree to event to dinner during this Christmas season!

I am starting at the bottom, but these are actually my Christmas shoes this year! I found them at a clearance sale at the beginning of the summer at the most fun accessory store next to the store I work at, and there was one pair left in my size. I took it as fate and snagged them! I've been saving them for something special and Christmas seems perfect. They are Libby Edelman "Nalini" Suede Bootie. Find a pair of shoes that will work with multiple outfits. Stick to black and nude patent or suede!

Finding your frock is always a tough decision! I usually like to go with metallics or jewel tones. This year, my dress is royal blue and emerald (to kick off the color of the year!) but last year I wore a gold shift. I like this strapless one especially if you're on the party circuit (and it's on sale!)

I am still a big fan of my metallic Christmas dress from last year and I always look for more occasions to wear it!

Find a fun and festive statement necklace! I love this BaubleBar gold bib necklace because it can jazz up an LBD or work great with a red or green party dress! (Not on BaubleBar yet? Get your invite today!)

Top off your look with the perfect Christmas color for your nails! Tons of people RAVE about "Bordeaux" as a go-to holiday color, so clearly this is the winner!

Do you have your holiday outfits picked out? Are there certain colors or Christmas items you stick to?

xxKatie

Tied With a Bow

My family isn't really too keen on Black Friday shopping, but this year we happened to be shopping ON Black Friday because it was the only day that my mom, my sister and I all had together before she left and I left to go back to school!

We didn't go to Target or WalMart or anything crazy, but instead just walked around downtown Annapolis. Of course, we had to go into the Pink Crab, and I actually found a top (shhh, I don't know about it!) that had sold out in South Carolina so that ended up making it's way home for Christmas. (AGAIN, SHHH! IT'S A SURPRISE!)

I think that big bow ring that, a gift with purchase from the Pink Crab (and I'm assuming all the Lilly stores), was my favorite part of Black Friday! There's a matching earring set too:

These come in all gold (AMAZING) and navy too!

One of my favorite parts of Christmas time, and especially working during Christmas time, is wrapping gifts! These bow accoutrements are right up my alley--too cute!

xxKatie

Bows on Toes

"Bows on Bows" was a post that my friends enjoyed talking about for awhile and even ended up as chatter at a bar one night, so I figured I'd bring it back since it was popular!

Bows seem to be a big trend this year--color me a fan! I love bows whether they're an addition to a piece, an extra decoration or on the tips of your shoes!

Starting off with a BANG, these Ferragamo flats are the flats that made bows on shoes a staple. It doesn't get more classic than Ferragamo patent flats and these will ALWAYS be in style. Treat them right, and they will certainly treat you back! How could you not start with these shoes when you're talking about bows on toes?!?

I am SMITTEN with these bow pumps by Butter! I love the shimmer yet neutral characteristics about them and they are just girly enough! These would be great for Christmas, a wedding and anything and everything in between!

The reigning Queen of Flats, Tory Burch herself has even come out with a bow laden shoe great for fall and winter! This caramel color will look great with any bottoms of your choosing for fall and winter. I get so much use out of my TB Reva's that I'm sure I'd be able to find a time for these to add into the rotation!

What's not to love about these Kate Spade pumps? The mesh is a new look, but these would be TDF for the spring and if I was bold enough and confident enough, I would L-O-V-E to wear these to Carolina Cup or the Kentucky Derby!

These flats are so darling and have LBP written all over them! I'd pair these with SO much of my closet, not to mention basically ALL of the newest Lilly Pulitzer Resort 2012 sportswear. I'm obsessed with the multi-layer bows on these toes!

I have had a few pairs of Enzo Angiolini pumps in the past that I have LOVED. These are great work pumps that would go with so much since it has both black patent and neutral tones on it!

Do you like the bows on toes trend? I do! I do! I do!

xxKatie

You're Invited: A Quick Reminder!

In honor of it being "National Bowtie Day" yesterday, I made this invite in an app!

I sure hope that everyone can make it to the party!

RSVP HERE!

I am SO excited and hope that y'all can come out! September is right around the corner--can you even believe it? Five years is almost already upon us!

xxKatie

Favorite Summer Earbobs

I've really gotten into fun earrings this summer! Here are a few of my FAVORITES:

I recently got these Gorjana earrings on Gilt and have barely taken them off! They're teeny-tiny and no bigger than than my pinky diameter!

I totally totally totally copied my sister with these earrings. She was wearing them and I was absolutely coveting them, so I went out and bought them. I have SUCH an affinity for Fornash designs I couldnt' help myself!

I also love these Fornash elephants! I got these last summer and wore them recently when I had a white tank and plain green khaki shorts and they were perfect! I'd say they might have stolen the show!

These J. Crew earrings I've had for awhile and unfortunately lost one of the backs but I love wearing them! I always get compliments on them and they're a great size for earrings--not too big. They do hurt my ears a little though if I forget to take them off before I go to bed!

My sister got me these Kate Spade bow earrings for Christmas awhile ago but I wear them as often as I can. They are SO me and an awesome match for so many outfits I have! 

Do you have a few favorite go-to pairs? 

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Bows on Bows

May 2 by letsbepreppy featuring leather tote bags

So last week, I started my internship! I am so excited to be working in an awesome environment very conducive to getting meaningful work done!

Monday-Thursday is business casual, no suits or anything. Personally, I think "business casual" is the most difficult dress code to stick to. You don't want to stand out by dressing up TOO much (read: I wore a suit blazer and structured dress to my interview...oops! Better to overdress and overprepare!) or look sloppy by being underdressed! 

I think for girls especially, the "business casual" line is tough. I wore this knit Target dress for my first day and it was appropriate for the office. It's a great length, and was one of those dresses I was iffy about in the store, but looking back, I'm SO glad I bought it! I added that black ruffle cardigan, BCBG bow wedges (that actually gave me about 4 blisters per foot...yikes!), and my Kate Spade bow earrings that my sister gave me as a Christmas gift a few years ago! 

I was asked to start posting more OOTD's, so I'll try to post more of my internship outfits! Our Fridays are casual Fridays and everyone wears jeans. In the marketing and communications departments, where I work in between, the ladies all dress up the casual a little with fun tops and cardigans. It's the perfect blend of casual and professional for a workplace!

I'm PUMPED and can't wait to share more about my internship as I work more! Here's to getting my feet wet in the "real world"!!

xxKatie

Formal Season!

There are few things in life that make me as happy as helping people get ready for formals! Whether that's helping my girlfriends primp and prep for their sorority formals or high school proms, or even helping the guys pick out cummerbund and bowtie sets, formal season is calling my name!

Just last Friday was a HUGE day for formals here at USC and I can't tell you how many people we outfitted properly! 

Girl formal season can mean so many different things to different people, but here are a few of my favorite looks for the guys:

Avery Cummerbund Set from High Cotton Ties

This is my absolute favorite look for formal season! Right now on their site, it's out of stock, so I guess I'm not the only one who liked it! Pink, green, gingham and reversible, what's NOT to like about this?!

Plaid Silk Cummerbund Set from Just Madras

I've seen this in person, and it is STUNNING! It would look great with so many different formal dresses, and has just a teeny piping of black in it to look perfect with any tux!

Rainbow Trout Cummerbund by Smathers and Branson 

There are a few friends of mine who'd wear this in a heartbeat for their formals or even proms! Too cute!!

Deep Pink Check Cummerbund Set from High Cotton Ties

This set is so perfect for custom monogramming! I usually suggest monograms in colors, but this one looks best with a black to really pop with a tux. Here's a bit of a lighter example, but still one of my favorites:

Fishbone Cummerbund Set from Vineyard Vines

I find that silk sets are dressier than the cotton combos, but this whimsical one is just too fun to pass up!

Mardi Gras Tattersall Cummerbund Set from High Cotton Ties

I know a lot of fraternity formals choose to go somewhere for a destination formal, so this could be perfect should you find yourself going to a formal in the Big Easy! I love how you can see the colors even from far away too!

American Flag Needlepoint Cummerbund from Smathers and Branson 

I'm totally a sucker for anything patriotic, so this one totally made the list! I'm definitely a fan of this one with some kind of solid red or blue bowtie to complete the look.

Spring Four Way Cummerbund Set from High Cotton Ties

This is my first runner-up for favorites! Think of all the different times you can wear this four-way combo from HCT! It's perfect for the summer, for weddings, proms and even formals too! It is so festive and fun and you can change it up so many different ways.

What are you wearing to formal or prom? Do you match your date or do you dress on your own?

xxKatie