Outfit of the Day: Meet Sessilee!

This Sessilee Dress is one I normally wouldn't have picked off the racks for myself. We were trying different things on at work so we could really get a feel for fit and true sizing, and I got to try on the Sessilee Dress. It comes in a few different patterns and color ways, but this blue and white one was my favorite! I LOVE this dress! From far away, I think it looks like a romper which is fun and whimsical and TOTALLY unexpected. The navy makes this dress so wearable and the white accent elevates the print and shape. 

We didn't get a chance to photograph the back, but it looks like two pieces from the back! So cool, right?! I also love that you can pair this with navy, white, metallics, and I'd even toss in hot pink! It's a little tough to see in the picture, but there's also a zipper and drawstring that really add to the dress.

I am a big Sessilee fan (and I would sure like to know where that name comes from!) and hope y'all get a chance to run into your local Lilly Pulitzer store to check it out!

xxKatie

Giveaway: Chirp Your Colors with JP Crickets!

 

It's that time again y'all! Let me present you with JP Crickets!

This fun brand is all about showing your pride all the way down to your toes! JP Crickets is the go-to loafer that still boasts YOUR University pride! There are more designs that have monograms, logos and even custom designs too!

How perfect would these shoes be for a Gameday, party, or even networking event! I know USC has Gamecock clubs all across the nation for Gamecock alumni everywhere--you'd be the talk of the party in a pair of these! With Father's Day right around the corner too, they'd make an awesome gift for your dad--or grad!

Being the Gamecock that I am, I'm quite partial to this pair!

Although it's the-school-that-shall-not-be-named, I like the mule version of the loafers too! Even Clemson fans can share in the fun!!

In honor of my sister who's headed to Auburn University in the fall, these blue and orange ones are too fun too!

University of Georgia Bulldogs can even enjoy their shoe in linen for those HOT Georgia Gamedays!

 

All of these universities are included in their collection too!

Special for LBP readers, JP Crickets is offering $20 off anyone who would like to purchase a pair from their website (the only place they're currently available!!) directly with the code "PREPPY20"! How awesome is that?! PERFECT for gift-giving!!

Anyway, in order to enter the giveaway, you must do all of the following:

1. Leave ONE COMMENT telling how you would "Chirp Your Style" with JP Crickets!

2. Like JP Crickets on Facebook!

3. Follow JP Crickets on Twitter @jpcrickets

4. Follow JP Crickets on Pinterest!

5. Like Let's Be Preppy on Facebook!

For additional entries:

1. Tweet using #ChirpYourColors tagging @letsbepreppy AND @JPCrickets using this button: Tweet #ChirpYourColors

2. Use the #ChirpYourStyle on Pinterest after pinning your favorite shoes from the JPCrickets website!

Y'all, there are SO MANY WAYS to enter this giveaway! I am SO excited to share it with you, it's one of my favorite giveaways to date!

This giveaway will run for ONE week so get it while the getting's good!

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

I'm posting this a day early so that y'all can have a fun nautical treat tomorrow!

1. I am thankful for a BIG South Carolina win yesterday! 

2. I am thankful that my parents were able to come for a fun visit for this Navy vs. South Carolina game! We had an awesome time and got tons of time to hang out, cheer on our teams and have a blast.

3. I am thankful that after this week, the pressure will be off for most of my classes for a few weeks. I have 4 tests coming up and can't wait for them to be over. Add me and my test week to your prayers if you think of it!

4. I am thankful that I get today to study, load up on schoolwork and go grocery shopping. Sundays are always good for knocking tons of stuff out. Anyone agree?

5. I am thankful for everyone who was able to enjoy this weekend with us! It was probably one of, if not my favorite weekend of Junior year!

6. I am thankful my midshipman Dan and that he was comfortable enough to come and hang out with us Gamecocks!

7. I am thankful that I have my first tour on Monday! I cannot WAIT to get back into the tour-giving swing of things!!

8. I am thankful that many of my friends have upcoming birthdays! October seems to be birthday season for my group of friends and I am so excited to celebrate with everyone!

9. I am thankful for the spurt of cool weather that we were treated to over the weekend. It was GLLLLLLORIOUS!

10. I am thankful for that the school year seems to be fully underway. Classes are going well and I'm looking forward to what the rest of the year brings me!

xxKatie

Reunited and It Feels SO GOOD!

MY PARENTS GET TO SOUTH CAROLINA TODAY!!!!

I have to point out the irony of the facebook event created for the USC vs. Navy game...Navy...Cockpit...not as funny of a joke!!!

Anyway, my smack-talking parents get into town today! After the USC/UGA game my dad sent me a text, "Congrats on the win. 2-1 after next week," and then my mom sent a package full of Navy swag! I cannot wait to see my parents around 6:00-6:30 today! All of my friends know how excited I am to see them and most of my friends have gotten to meet my parents! 

Of all the Navy/USC debate points and smack-talking that's been going on, I do have to admit this is my favorite tidbit I've seen so far:

Unfortunately, my sister won't be making it down for the game! I miss her oh so much but she will be visiting when the Gamecocks take on Auburn in about 2 weeks. 

I am so excited to see my Momma and Daddyo and cheer on the Gamecocks! We will be QUITE the house divided!!

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

1. I am thankful for Bodypump. I did it Sunday night and it was a great reality check into how out of shape  (my arms especially) I am. I am making a commitment into going 3 times a week to get my bootay in shape!

2. I am thankful today is my first tour! I am SO excited to get back into the swing of things! This week will be great to finally hit my stride and get into a real rhythm!

3. I am thankful to be working! I am lucky enough to have gotten a job that I am already loving here at school! The ladies I work with have really taken me under their wings and teaching me things I haven't quite learned about Columbia yet!!

4. I am thankful that my parents are coming to visit me soon for the Navy v. USC home opener game! I got a little homesick over the weekend for   a little while and I can't wait to see them!

5. I am thankful to be reunited with my fabulous roommates! It has been so much fun to see them and hang out with them. And I'm pumped we're friends with our neighbors--it's like having 5 roommates instead of 2!

6. I am thankful that it is going to stay summer here for much longer. At first I though I'd hate it being so hot here, but no, this weather rules. 

7. I am thankful I am still staying in touch with my friends from home, the summer, and even last year. Y'all have no idea how much it means to me and how grounded it keeps me. I love each and every one of you!

8. I am thankful that I have FINALLY found some decor for my room!!!!!! I have been on the lookout for something to hang on the walls and I have finally found something that I like and fits me so well! I am getting 4 11x14 posters BUT that's the only detail I am going to give y'all for now! Oh yeah, and it'll arrive with the arrival of my next paycheck! I've desperately needed something to hang to make it feel a little more like me, so this will be the perfect touch!

9. I am thankful for my calendar and agendas that were both organized yesterday!! The new calendar is hung appropriately and color coded for each event coming up!

10. I am thankful that CAROLINA FOOTBALL is right around the corner! We are 12 days away from our season opener!!

xxKatie

Celebrations! Celebrations!

Tonight we're celebrating my Mom's 50th birthday with a party at the Naval Academy! We are so excited! All us girls will be in Navy/Blue Lilly dresses and my dad will probably be in "boy uniform"of a polo and khakis. We are so excited and have been looking forward to this night for awhile! My sister designed the invites which are too cute! This is the outside of the FABULOUS facility:

Just so you can picture where we'll be celebrating!

This is the outside from the ribbon-cutting ceremony! We won't have those ugly chairs outside since it's tonight!

We will be listening to this:

Momma's wearing this:

And she'll obviously be the belle of the ball!

I am SO excited for tonight!! We ordered a fabulous cake that I cannot wait to see and I would describe it more BUT Momma's an avid reader so I don't want to spoil the surprise :) Check my Twitter for some pictures as soon as I see it after work!!

Woo hoo party time!!!

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

I figured it would be IDEAL to post my Weekly Gratitude post in it's scheduled time since it's the 4th of July. We're goin' RED, WHITE, AND BLUE style (with a little bit of humor thrown in...) for the usual WG:

1. I am thankful that we get to celebrate our 235th 4th of July today! Let's party like it's 1776!
2. I am thankful for all our soldiers, reservists, fighters, firefighters, police officers, and other civic workers who keep our country safe. You do a lot for us (and myself included) don't thank everyone in that category enough!

3. I am thankful for Betsy Ross and her AWESOME design skills and sewing abilities. Homegirl got it done for us. Looks like some of our founding fathers were impressed too.
4. I am thankful for Thomas Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of Independence. I am thankful for John Hancock for having the biggest signature (and giving us the idiom of the "John Hancock"). I am thankful for (while we're in the Declaration frame of mind) Charles Carroll for reppin' Maryland and Catholics, and being the longest-living signer of them all!
5. I am thankful for Toby Keith (cue historical change) for giving us "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue"..."Hey Uncle Sam put yo' name at the top of his list...!"

6. I am thankful for Robert Mills. He was the designer of the Washington Monument in DC AS WELL AS the Maxcy Monument built on the Horseshoe of USC to honor our first university president, Jonathan Maxcy!
7. I am thankful for the Han Dynasty (206-220 BC) for inventing fireworks by burning bamboo!
8. I am thankful for Old Navy for annually releasing their American t-shirt and American flag bathing suit every year. In store only, that is.

9. I am thankful for Steven's Hardware in Annapolis for selling "Made in the U.S.A. American flags" and only ones made here.
10. I am thankful that I am an American and am able to safely, excitedly, and patriotically celebrate the 4th of July!

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitue

Already almost a month under my belt here at home. The weeks are flying by--I seriously do not know where my time is going these days!

(Picture, see WG #4)

1. I am thankful for the Naval Academy. It has a special place in my heart and will have one forever. I've had so many sponsor brothers and sisters (my number is in the teens) and I'm lucky to have met all of them. Just the other night my "youngest" (and by youngest I mean newest) brother had a few of his company-mates over and they had a wonderful time. It was great to meet them all!
2. I am thankful for new blog friends. You never know where they pop up and I know I have a few close ones.
3. I am thankful for this hot weather. With hot weather it brings sunshine, pool openings, and lots and lots of barbecues! Is there even a better way to spend the summer?
4. I am thankful I work in a dog friendly store/town. I've learned so much about different kinds of dogs just from letting them walk in!
5. I am thankful for eBay. I've been having way too much fun browsing their selections. I may or may not be online browsing for formal dresses that I don't need but it's still a heck of a lotta fun!
6. I am thankful for weddings. Weddings are giving me the best opportunity to work this summer in a capacity that I never expected!
7. I am thankful for Pinterest! It is the coolest online live thought board. I am beyond obsessed. Still...
8. I am thankful for hot dogs. I eat them for dinner if we're grilling, and sometimes for lunch from Pip's (my favorite place to eat when I work in Annapolis). I have eaten so many recently, there are few foods that say summer like hot dogs!
9. I am thankful for Facebook and Twitter (probably one of only a few people who are actually "thankful for it"...). They are allowing me to stay in contact with lots of my close friends in a more fun way than emails, texting or phone calls!
10. I am thankful for all the new experiences and friends that I'm getting and making this summer. I know I say it, but I really believe that Summer 2011 is set to be the best on the books for me!

xxKatie

Memorial Day

I hope everyone find themselves in good company on a day like this!

In the words of Brad Paisley on May 2, "If you see someone in a military uniform tomorrow, for heaven's sake give them a hug. Or a drink. Or a new car."

xxKatie

Croquet: The Annapolis Cup

Thanks to Skyler, one of my favorite people in the world back at home for reminding me of the fabulous Annapolis tradition of THE Croquet game of St. John's College vs. the Naval Academy. It is a hallmark event in Annapolis, as any native Annapolitan will tell you. It is a traditional event where everyone dresses to the nines and you strictly follow the Annapolis dress code. The St. John's College website describes the event for this year as:

The Johnnies and the Middies face off for this year’s 29th annual Annapolis Cup competition on Saturday, April 30, at 1 p.m. on the front lawn of the St. John's College campus.  Spectators picnic on the lawn, swing dance, dress in Gatsby-like fashions, and listen to the St. John’s Freshman Chorus and the U.S. Naval Academy’s Trident Brass Band.


Facts from St. John's College about the match:
1. St. John’s has won the Annapolis Cup 23 out of 28 matches; the Mids have taken the trophy five times.
2. The day before the match, the Johnnies have lunch with the Mids at the Academy mess hall, where the Imperial Wicket for the Johnnies formally challenges the Mids to a match.
3. Courtesy and good sportsmanship are expected of all players. No players may throw a mallet or hit a ball in protest or anger. No trash talk is allowed
4. The match opens with music. The St. Johns’ freshman chorus sings and the Naval Academy Trident Brass band plays. The Johnnies emerge in their surprise uniforms. At 1 p.m., the ceremonial first ball is truck and champagne bottles pop open.

Check out a FABULOUS slideshow with previous years' photos here!! The pictures are from my hometown newspaper, so I can't post them directly, but DEFINITELY check them out!!

xxKatie

Lilly Does PFG?

This one goes out to all my Southern ladies. We all know what a good PFG looks like:

They're so popular down here just to be worn on a daily basis. I can usually pass a few boys a day wearing these with Stand Up Shorts (anyone else...?) and it's pretty typical. They've even come out with school ones and they sell Gamecock ones in our bookstore (#Southern). I'm a fan of the PFG shirt and I think they generally look nice, especially the white ones. Speaking of white ones, when I went home for Thanksgiving, we went to go pick up our mid and literally the first person I see on the Navy campus wasn't in uniform, wasn't dressed up, but was in a white short-sleeve PFG and a Gamecock visor...so not surprised!!

Anyway, on my Christmas list is the Lilly "version" of the PFG. I use that term "version" very lightly, but the shirts are very similar! The Lilly "Eliot" shirt is one of my favorites from the last few collections and I've spotted a few on sale and the Eliot made it onto my list:

I love the two pockets and adjustable sleeves! It's got a relaxed, breezy, easy fit that makes it very similar to the PFG, but it has fab prints and a more feminine shape which makes it especially Lilly! I love the Eliot, what about you?

Fun little fact: Alpha Delta Pi here at USC (I think) recently had a function and their t-shirt used the PFG triangle logo and it might be one of my fave sorority function shirts I've ever seen! Whoever their t-shirt chair is did a great job with that design!

xxKatie

Back Home!!

So I'm finally back home after an exhausting but absolutely WONDERFUL week at school. I had such a great time with Megan, Aly, and the rest of my fabulous crowd that was with us. I can't say enough nice things about how great it was to see everyone and it makes me miss being in Columbia and seeing everyone's bright, shining faces everyday. I'll write a real trip wrap-up one of these days, but I'm SO busy for the next week working at the Naval Academy.

My sister and I are both working with the incoming freshman (could you imagine starting school now...!?) and issuing them all of their supplies necessary for Plebe summer as well as the rest of the school year. It is such an interesting and fun job and we always walk away from the week with tons of stories!!

On another note, today we were watcing Say Yes to the Dress, (as usual...) and one of the consultants said a quote that I LOVED and reminded me of many of my preppy (blog) friends:

"When a girl wears the pearls,  you know she's ready to buy her dress." 

It made me chuckle a little thinking about all the people they must see and how true that statement is! The customer above had the pearls, and I'm sure she was gonna buy her dress too!! I hope everyone is having a nice ending to June! I can't believe how fast this summer is blowing by!!

xxKatie

PS: MY SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS WON THE COLLEGE WORLD SERIES! It's our first National Championship (beyond Women's Indoor Track) ever!!!! GO COCKS!

Victoria's Secret

So in preparation for spring, and summer and warm weather in general, I very "logically" decided to buy a swim suit, coverup, and then some actually logical items like jeans and a cute white top. I bought this coverup that I'm in love with:

And it just arrived today! As I was thinking about writing a post about my purchases it hit me like a ton of bricks! Since the top of this coverup is cinch-y, why not take the white ribbon out of it (everything slides through cleanly since it's not sewn into the top) with a preppy grosgrain one?! A fun pink and green polkadot or pink stripe? All the possibilities!!  If you're looking for a coverup, this one is AWESOME, its SO soft since part of it is silk and the rest is stretch spandex and soft modal cotton! Snatch one of these up soon and they come in black, pink, white, and a bluish/greenish color! Very beachy!!

I think I've got a problem with thinking about the warm weather. Spring fever (or I should call it Spring [semester] fever since it is still January after all) has hit me for the first time in my life!! It's very exciting though! Also, Target has tons of Valentine's day decorations out, and they have WONDERFUL pink and green wiggly frames that I have on my desk too! They are so adorable and the perfect addition to a pink and green office!

On another note, I redid my little desk nook! I hung up a bunch of photos in 3x3 white frames that I picked up for $2.50 (for a pack of 3) at Target! I also got this poster:

for my desk! There's a huge poster sale going on in our student union so I thought this was good since I'm both a student nurse AND a Navy fan! That's now hanging up on the side of my desk wall.

I hope everyone else is enjoying this springy weather as much as I am, especially my South Carolina blogging gals!

xxKatie

Top 10 of 2009!

It may be a little early for this post, but I don't know how much time I'll have within the next few days since I'm working a bunch! Here mine go:

Katie's Top 10 of 2009

In no particular order:

1.         Biggest Overall Moment of 2009: Going to college: In this year, I’ve managed to graduate high school, apply and choose a college, attend said college, and go through the up’s and down’s always associated with first semester. Plus, I can sit here and say that although the beginning may have been rough, I’m sticking around to be a proud Carolina Gamecock!

           Internet Moment of 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0. On many blog lists of the “Top ___ of 2009” people seem to always include a youtube video. This one takes the cake in my opinion. You know you’re doing something right when The Office copies your wedding.

3.          TV Moment of 2009: Debut of Glee: This show crushes my TV quota for the year. I don’t download TV shoes from iTunes ever, and yet, I found myself downloading “Sectionals” (the episode) in order that it might hold me over until next season. Sorry Degrassi, Glee is just too good—I’m sure my dad would never think I’d like a show more than Degrassi since it’s on literally 24/7 in my house if I’m home!

4.          School Moment of 2009: Becoming an Ambassador: At school I’m now one of the tour guides who work at the Visitor Center. It is a pretty big deal at USC and so I’m super proud. This organization has played a major role in my decision to stay at school.

5.          Most Type-A Moment of 2009: H4H trip: I singlehandedly organized and carried out a Habitat for Humanity trip to Cary, NC. I was so proud of the 20 other classmates that joined me on the trip. It has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and I would love to do one again. I can say on behalf of every member of the group that we had a great time and would go back in a heartbeat!

6.          Sports Moment of 2009: USC over Ole’ Miss: What a game it was! Ole’ Miss was ranked 4^th when USC played and beat them. It was the highest ranked team that USC ever beat. (Meeting Eric Norwood in person takes a close second place as far as best sports moments go in 2009)

7.          Personal Moment of 2009: Au Natural: I’ve taken my hair from bleach blonde “highlighted” to basically my natural color. And as my aunt Jeanne said, “Welcome back to the club”. It feels good, I must say!

8.          Occupational Moment of 2009: Working at the Naval Academy: This summer I worked at the Naval Academy during the first few days of Plebe Summer and I couldn’t be more thankful. Aside from working for Lilly, this has been the best job I ever had. Those new plebes were some of the most anxious, nervous, apprehensive, excited people I’ve ever met, and I cannot wait to go back next summer to be a friendly, smiling face to try to make them a little happier and their day a little brighter!

9.           Family Moment of 2009: Getting to know my sister: During the two years my sister and I overlapped in high school, we really got to know one another. I am so thankful that we did because I realize that it’s getting tougher and tougher now that I’m in college. The first night that I came home for Thanksgiving break she sat in my room for 2 hours and we talked about everything. I’m so proud of her and I’m so happy that she’s my sister. (My mom’s probably awww-ing right now, but I needed a family moment of 2009!)

10      Funniest Moment of 2009: The infamous Skype video: My roommate Kathleen was skypeing with a mutual friend of ours silently while I just happened to be dancing—just like nobody’s watching—to “Sexy B---h” thinking she would expect it. Well the joke was on me when I turned around to see the friend and his roommate watching. And laughing. A lot. Needless to say I turned PURPLE, and the friend and I never addressed it. (Kathleen, I hope you enjoy being included in this.)

         What were your top 2009 moments?! My 2009 was great, and I can't wait to see what the new year has to bring along with its arrival!

          xxKatie

Pink Friday

I hope everyone had fabulous PINK FRIDAYS! I did a little shopping today, but nothing major at all! I had to make today's post about how spoiled I am, considering that I had to wear a real winter coat for the first time this season today!! I couldn't believe it, but my Denali North Face fleece wouldn't cut it.

It was super windy today so I needed some protection from that especially. I can't believe how much I've seemingly taken the weather for granted! I know once I get back to school--for all of 9 days--I'll really appreciate how nice it is! Can you get over that, I mean I go back for a week and then I take 2 exams and come home. I also just realized that I'll be home for the Army/Navy game too! It's basically a holiday in my house!

We're BIG HUGE Navy fans in my house since it's my dad's alma mater. Plus, "Go A--Y" (you know what I'm trying to say) just doesn't roll off the tongue like "GO NAVY" does!

I hope everyone had wonderful holidays and that you managed to stay safe and sound! Now onto the Christmas music and decorating!

xxKatie

P.S. EVERYONE BETTER BE CHEERING THE COCKS ONTO VICTORY TOMORROW! U-S-C GOOOOO COCKS!