My Chickens

Earnest Lee is a famous artist in Columbia, SC. On my bucket list for college, I wanted to acquire a few Earnest Lee paintings for myself. He's famous for his chicken paintings, and is even dubbed "The Chicken Man" around South Carolina.

These chickens were the ones that ultimately made it home with me! I knew I wanted a chicken with Gamecock colors, and I knew I wanted a pink chicken (to be the Katie chicken) and I figured a palmetto would complete the collection and always remind me of the state of South Carolina.

I was SO excited to start my little art collection with my chickens! They will forever remind me of Columbia and my graduation.

xxKatie

It's a Wrap: The Carolina Ball

So a week ago today, I attended a wonderful event, The Carolina Ball! It was a great time and I ended up running into a bunch of people I knew.

My fabbbbbulous date Hannah and I were able to go to the ball! We both wore floor length dresses, taking the night to get all dolled up! How often does that really happen!?

I got my dress from Tradesy online! I felt like I was channeling my inner Rachel from "Friends" with this 90s-loving choice. I never, ever, ever want to take this dress off. I LOVE it!

 The band, Blind Manifest, was great! They amped up the crowd, danced and interacted and really kept us going. I really enjoyed listening to them, and gave us an awesome variation of music: slow songs, fast songs, beach music, covers, everything!

The decor at the venue was minimal, but it didn't need to be very fancy. The venue, 701 Whaley, is a beautiful spot on its own and really doesn't need much to make it look good. There were simple swags throughout the main hall we were in and it looked perfect.

All in all, we had fun at the event! I hope that this continues to be an annual event and grows bigger and larger for Palmetto Health Children's Hospital! FTK!

xxKatie

Cinderella's Shoes for the Ball

With the Carolina Ball right around the corner, a big concern is what dancin' shoes should a gal wear?

Do you go with sassy pumps? Flats to show off your fancy feet?

What is a girl to do?

Before my big dress reveal, I will say that my dress is black, so my shoe choice most likely will be black as well. I have a good feeling I will be wearing these:

Why my black Jacks aren't QUITE "formalwear", I do trust them very much and my dress entirely covers my shoes. I hope to do a LOT of dancing and so I know I want my shoes to allow me to do so!

If I were wearing a short dress, I would absolutely wear my Jessica Simpson Calie Nude Pumps! I actually have a banquet that I will be attending on Wednesday and I'll be donning these with a blue, short cocktail dress. I am so excited to be pulling these out of my closet, I love the way they feel on and how they REALLY extend the look of your legs.

These stunning gold Tory Burch heels would match almost anything in your closet! I have tons of different options that these heels would look great with. The heel and ankle strap make it dressy enough to go from gala to wedding to bridesmaids brunch to the Carolina Ball!

What do you usually wear to your most formal events? Do you usually stick to one certain pair? What are your best dancin' shoes?

Hopefully I won't be Cinderella of the Carolina Ball myself and lose my shoes!

xxKatie

LBP loves TCB: The Carolina Ball

We have been working on this partnership for a few weeks and I am SO excited to finally be able to tell y'all about it! I have officially signed on as a media sponsor of the event and it's going to be great! It's a week from TODAY so hop on board.

The Carolina Ball is a gala that is being held next Thursday here in Columbia and I am thrilled to be going! Remember when I talked about all those formal dresses--yep, I've got gala on the brain.

It sounds like it's going to be a blast based on the description alone:

A group of friends collaborated to create a formal philanthropic event for the community to come together in support of an amazing cause. The inaugural Carolina Ball, sponsored by Breakers Bar and Grill, will be held on April 25, 2013 at 701 Whaley in support of Palmetto Health Children's Hospital. With this cause in mind - along with live music and an open bar - this black-tie affair will be a night to remember. 

Anyone remember what I was just involved in with Palmetto Health Children's Hospital? DANCE MARATHON of course! Why not be a part of another big party to celebrate such a wonderful place right here in Columbia?!

The Carolina Ball stands for all kinds of things I love:

1. Helping out a children's hospital

2. Standing up with peers to do something good. Really, really GOOD.

3. Getting dressed up

4. Dancing with live music 

Check out their website to buy your ticket (ASAP y'all, they're filling up fast) and the official event invite to get all the deets! We'll be comin' atcha with more information as the big soiree gets closer!

Be there or miss out big time!

xxKatie

Giveaway: My Capital Letters

Today's giveaway is with My Capital Letters! Right here in my backyard in Columbia, SC, I am SO excited to be doing this fun giveaway!

We are giving away a vine monogram anchor key chain! How cute is this?! Nautical and personalized, this is right up my alley. You can pick any color from their choices too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy entering!

xxKatie

Carolina Cup Week: Today's the Day!

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!

Can't wait to see everyone's well-dressed, hat-covered, CAROLINA CUP LOVING faces!

For tips, tricks, and photos, follow me on Twitter (@letsbepreppy) and Instagram (@letsbepreppy) for updates all day long!

xxKatie

Carolina Cup Week: The Course & Races

Carolina Cup takes place at a quaint racetrack in Camden, SC at Springdale Race Course. It's about 35-45 minutes out of Columbia and attracts attendees from Florida to Virginia! I've actually met students from as far away as Virginia Tech and Florida State University. I've heard rumors of a bus of Arizona fraternity brothers making it for the weekend this year as well!

Taken from the Carolina Cup website, here's a little bit of the Cup history:

Springdale Race Course is situated just on the outskirts of town, and hosts two of the most important steeplechases on the yearly calendar – the extremely popular Carolina Cup in the spring and the prestigious Colonial Cup in the autumn.  Interestingly, in a state where pari-mutuel betting is not allowed, more than 60,000 people routinely show up and have a wonderful time at the races. Clearly, going racing in the South is not just about the chance to win a bet.

Camden is well known as a training center for racehorses from the Eastern part of the U.S., and throughout the world. With its spacious, well maintained grounds laid out in the European training style, there are a variety of places in which to train and exercise the substantial horse population. Hall of Fame trainers have habitually sent their horses to Camden for a winter rest, or some rehab following an injury. It is also where young Thoroughbreds can begin their early training in a relaxed atmosphere away from the sometimes frenetic and more confined space of the racing facilities in major urban cities, such as New York and Miami. Many champion racehorses have called Camden home at some point during their careers, including the incomparable Ruffian.

There are also several areas of Springdale including the Grandstand (pictured above), Infield, Rail areas, Paddock and College Park. When you think Carolina Cup, depending on your age, you'll think of any of these locations. College Park is the big college area filled with tents while the Grandstand is your nicest area of the course. 

Where is your group staying? Do you want to see any of the races?

xxKatie

Posh Pets

I'll be the first to admit that photo shoots are FUN. You get to pretend you're in another world for a few hours with people making you fabulous and showcasing knock out clothes. I was a part of a photo shoot organized by blogger, The Shop Tart, Columbia, SC aficionado for a local magazine!

photo via the Shop Tart

As you can see pets were involved! My animal was a grey cat named Insley, who we joked, had a perfect name to be a contestant (perhaps a VIP cocktail waitress?) on the Bachelor!

I was decked out in merchandise from the store and got the special opportunity to be a part of this shoot with a close friend of mine who works at the store next door to mine!

We were joking that we had great outfits that represented out respective stores but they were also outfits that we'd normally wear in real life!

I can't wait to see the final choices from the shoot. I was able to snag a few for my own Instagram--you can even see Insley poking out of my bag--too cute! Sweater, tote, cuff, and shoes all still available. I'll post the fish critter jeans as soon as they're live online!

Big thanks to Columbia Metropolitan Magazine (see you in March!), The Shop Tart and Pawmetto Lifeline and Pink Sorbet!

xxKatie

Winston's Wish

To say I'm lucky at my job is a MAJOR understatement. I've met some of the most interesting people, learned so much about the city of Columbia, SC and what it has to offer and even more about the state of South Carolina. Among the most special opportunities I've had at Pink Sorbet was being a (very small) part of Winston's Wish.

Winston's Wish is a very special support organization for those with autism and their families. I didn't know anything about Winston's Wish until I got to Columbia, and even more specifically until I worked at Pink Sorbet.

This year the store has paired up with Winston's Wish AND Lilly to create the coolest, "most awesome" (that's one of our favorite phrases in the store) scarves that you've ever seen with some of the proceeds going to Winston's Wish:

Not only can you see the store and children playing throughout scenes in the scarf, but you get to see Winston himself too:

Famous for his bowties, he's featured prominently in the scarf:

Can you spot him? Look towards the top in the middle! You'll see him smilin' away in his darling seersucker suit and bowtie!

Here's even more of the story to go along with the special scarf!

I am SO excited to even have the chance to be associated with this awesome foundation, cause, and store. It has truly opened my eyes and I couldn't wait to share it with y'all!!

xxKatie

(All photos from Winston's Wish and pink sorbet facebook pages respectively)

Sweet Treats From Lady Antoinette's!

I had the special treat a few weeks ago of trying one of Columbia's newest bakeries, Lady Antoinette's!

They had TONS of fresh desserts, and y'all know that's right up my alley. For those of you who may not know, I have a HUGE sweet tooth! I also had never had a macaron before. I feel like they're the favorite food of most bloggers you talk to. Now I know why!

Lady Antoinette's is nestled inside a bridal salon actually. I got the grand tour by a friend of mine who works as a consultant in the bridal shop. It's beautiful, full of gold leaf wallpapered rooms and beautiful decor. There are marble floors, grand staircases and dresses galore! After making my way around Bella Vista, I made my way into Lady Antoinette's, the real reason for my visit.

I chatted with the friendly staff and they made their recommendations and told me what had been popular. Beignets and macarons were the hot ticket so I ordered a beignet and 2 vanilla and 2 lemon macarons. I couldn't help myself but to eat a vanilla macaron the MINUTE I got into my car!

These macarons are different than most because they're kinda big, but MAN OH MAN are they delicious. (As I type this, I'm thinking to myself about my next trip back...) I at the pink vanilla one first, naturally, and loved it! They're not too sweet and the cream inside is light and fluffy. I then ate the lemon one. To. Die. For. That was actually my favorite thing that I got! It was yellow, but not scary-highlighter-yellow. It was GREAT!

For those of you who are in Columbia, be sure to make your way down to Lady Antoinette's soon! 

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

Mother Daughter Day-te

Yesterday my Mom and I spent the day walking around Charleston since she came down for the weekend! We had a blast checking out everything that Charleston had to offer and even felt like we knew our way around since it was neither of our first time there!

We got to Charleston and went to the open market by the Daughters of Confederacy Museum. After we worked up an appetite, we went to Amen Street for lunch! It came highly recommended after my parents ate there last time they were in town!

In an area chock-full (or perhaps, Chuck-full) of history, this place didn't seem to disappoint with it's own historical story. It even filled up with Gamecock fans getting ready for the game as we left!

We shopped our tails off looking for interview and business clothes for me--it was a lot harder than we thought! Other highlights included:

St. Phillip's Church 

My goal was to get the best Charleston gate shot too!

Strolling toward the water and waterfront park

We certainly had a great day and returned to Columbia full-bellied and happy campers! My wonderful visitor is here until Monday which I'm sure will come too soon as family visits ALWAYS do!

Don't you just love a quick, rather spontaneous, day trip? I sure do!

xxKatie

Giveaway: Personalized From Me To You Crossbody Bag

I am pairing up with Personalized From Me To You to giveaway the best Gameday bag you could possibly design! This crossbody can be customized with tons of different colors AND different monograms!

How cute is this?

That's how mine turned out! I have the black bag with a gold script monogram! It really matches EVERYTHING! I used it this weekend and the best part was that this crossbody bag was wide enough to fit my Hobo wallet! That huge wallet never fits in anything and this one has a zipper wide enough to fit it to make getting everything ready so easy!

In order to enter, we're going to use Rafflecopter for the first time! Be sure to check this single post in order to enter--click the title of this post to see the widget!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xxKatie

South Carolina Lovin' with Maya Brenner Designs

My doorbell rang yesterday which is very atypical for our house. That never really happens. We always know when to expect visitors and our neighborhood doesn't have a lot of kids, so hearing the doorbell is definitely weird.

A small box arrived addressed to me and absent-mindedly I couldn't think of what I could have POSSIBLY ordered other than more school books!

Inside this box was a teensy black box that I opened up and suddenly remembered what had been shipped to sunny South Carolina!

Maya Brenner Designs so graciously sent me this South Carolina necklace that I cannot wait to wear with one of my outfits! I LOVE that it represents my school, my current state, and where I hope to end up after graduation! All 50 states are represented AND DC too!

You can add a diamond into your necklace anywhere along the border--if you live along your state's border you can add it right where you live!

Silver options are available too! I prefer the gold to match my daily two rings, but the silver is beautiful and goes great with just as many outfits!

MBD even has different countries!

Do you like to personalize with a letter or initial instead? Well you've got plenty of options now!

You better believe that my new necklace is going to be added to the daily rotation and plenty of Outfit of the Day's (OOTD's)!! I can't wait to style it with my Lilly dresses and professional outfits. Imagine the Gameday possibilities!!!

Go check out your state! What's your favorite option? Are you a gold or silver wearer? Which do you prefer?

xxKatie

ESPN College Gameday

The long-awaited OFFICIAL announcement was made a few days ago by ESPN and College GameDay! They are en route to Columbia, SC!

If you live under a rock (or just aren't of the football persuasion) you wouldn't know that the USC-UGA game will be among the biggest, most important football games that us current Gamecocks will ever attend in our Gamecock careers.

This ESPN College GameDay marks the 5th time that they will be in GAMECOCK COUNTRY!

via

I say this every year because every year there's a BIG game that somehow gets topped the next year, and I swore it wouldn't happen this season, but NO, the Gamecocks are at it again:

Freshman year: USC vs. Ole Miss (biggest upset we'd had until...)

Sophomore year: USC vs. Alabama (officially crushed #1)

Junior year: USC vs. Clemson (I've never been a part of a more energized student section)

Senior year: USC vs. UGA

I love that this series of different games has also been a different opponent each year. Traditionally, we've played UGA much earlier in the season, but I am so excited!

There will be so much going on during the day and weekend and I think I can speak for most Gamecocks in saying that we are SO ready for it to already be SATURDAY! Too much waiting and anticipating (considering we've been waiting for this since oh, last season ended...) to even believe!

If you will be in town here's a schedule of game-related events:

1. Southern Proper & Gridiron Belles/SoLeague Magazine Shows at Pink Sorbet on Devine Street Friday

2. Vineyard Vines Tailgate (location, TBD but check facebook!)

3. Jason Aldean/Billy Currington Concert @ 5:00 day of game at Gamecock Walk

More events to be added as I hear!

xxKatie

Tailgate City, USA: Tailgate Tips

Tailgate Tips

The queen of etiquette, Emily Post, once said, “The joy of joys is the person of light but unmalicious humor. If you know any one who is beguiling and amusing, you will, if you are wise, do everything you can to make him prefer your house and your table to any other; for where he is, the successful party is also.”

We want to share with you some etiquette tailgate tips!

1. Do invite all of your friends—tailgates are not the time to be exclusive. The more the merrier—especially on Gameday!

2. Don’t block the road for other cars or pedestrians. Keep those clear for everyone else trying to tailgate and enjoy the game!

3. Do have a good playlist of songs. You want it to include 90’s music, a few slow dance songs once in awhile, crowd pump-up songs, and lots of songs people know all the words to!

4. Don’t bother other tailgaters around you. Keep your games of cornhole, tossing the football, and chair set-ups within your allotted space.

5. Do plan food. The worst tailgates are the ones where the food has run out. Plan on feeding your crowd plus any unexpected guests that they might have!

6. Don’t intimidate other team fans. The occasional jest is OK, but stick to cheering FOR your team!

7. Do remember that the goal is to make it to the game. Tailgates are a great pregame custom, especially in the South, but you also want to be able to cheer your team on once the game starts! Remember there would be no tailgate without a game!

8. Don’t make your tailgate hard to find. If you’re inviting new tailgaters or people unfamiliar with the area, give them directions that are straightforward and easy to understand!

9. Do start your tailgate early enough to enjoy each other’s company! You want ample time to park, get set up, and get the grill going. This can be especially important if you live in a college town that has different traffic patterns on Gameday!

10. Don’t forget your tailgate essentials: pop up tents, tables, cutlery, sound system, chairs and your spread are all things you’d hate to forget at home!

Keep these etiquette tailgate tips in mind while you’re prepping for Gameday!

Tailgate City, USA: The Spread

For the next few days, I'm kicking off this Tailgate City series!

Thanks to Swoozie's, we had a FULL tailgate spread over the weekend. The spread is the most important part to your tailgate. The spread is any and everything including tables, food, plates, cups, platters and everything in between!

Swoozie's sent us SO much fun Gamecock stuff! We had plenty to use, share, and keep using for the rest of the season!

Before we set up our official spread, I was playing around as we unpacked the car. Here's the best Heisman I could come up with with that HUGE Gamecock burlap football!

Not only did we have an awesome, full spread, but it was ALL Gamecock Gameday themed!

These buckets were a HUGE hit along with the Gamecock 1801 platters! Since it was LBP's birthday, I got some cupcakes that people enjoyed munching on all day long!

Ever seen a redneck wine glass? Our whole crew was sporting them all day!

Swoozie's even included a personalized one for me!

This was DEFINITELY the most fun I've ever had at a tailgate! I love being a Swoozie's Sweetheart and I can't wait to bring y'all more fun things as a partner with them!

MAJOR thanks to Swoozie's, Ashley with Swoozie's and the entire crew for helping me host, organize, and work our entire tailgate! Happy tailgate season y'all!!

xxKatie

Happy Birthday, LBP!: Swoozie's Sweetheart Style

Today is the day for the Swoozie's Tailgate!

I am a PROUD Swoozie's Sweetheart and I am hosting my first official Swoozie's event with all things USC that you can think of (read: "Cock"-tail koozies!)!!

It will be a blast, and if you're around tailgating, look for us in the Andrews Lot by Williams Brice--you won't miss us!

Follow our whole day on Twitter (@letsbepreppy) and Instagram (@letsbepreppy)!

Look for a full update next week with an awesome recap of EVERYTHING from this weekend from outfits to recipes to fun products!

GO GAMECOCKS!

xxKatie

The Beginning of the End...

IT'S OFF TO GAME NUMBER ONE OF SENIOR YEAR WE GO!

I can't wait to cheer with all my fellow Gamecocks, put on my black dress, stand up for almost 4 hours, let half the stadium split between GAME and COCKS, and kick off senior year the right way!!

Here's to an awesome season with the SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS!!!

Gamecock Love and all of mine,

xxKatie

SouthernLeague Magazine: The Gameday Bible

With Gameday RIGHT around the corner, literally, it's ALMOST the weekend, what should you consult for some pregame notes? Need inspiration for a Gameday outfit? What about songs for your Gameday playlist?

There are so many different stories that are perfect for football-loving, cowboy boot wearing, bow-tie tying, college kids! 

 I have prepped a few more super fun pieces for the magazine, and can I tell you, if the first copy is any indication of how good the rest will be, you'll LOVE what's coming up soon!

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

A Well-Worn Southern Tradition

Times Have Changed, So Have the Rules

Tailgate Tunes

There are so many fun things to choose from especially since we're getting so close to everyone's favorite season: FOOTBALL SEASON! (Formerly known as fall...)

xxKatie