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

Who Wears Short Shorts?

I hardly ever wear short shorts. 5'' shorts are my game, and I rarely ever buy anything shorter than that. I did find though, a FABULOUS pair from Target in the store last time I went:

I snagged these shorts to wear on those occasions when you want dressy, possibly going out shorts. I prefer dresses to go out, but I remember a few times over the summer last year and in the early fall, where I really wished I had a pair of black shorts to go out in. I envision these shorts with knockout wedges and some cute top with a big, chunky, statement necklace.

Thoughts?

I'm really excited about these shorts! They also come in a few different colors that I might have to go back and check again:

This color is called "Calistoga Blue" and I'm slightly obsessed.

"Bright Coral" is also calling my name.

These shorts are fun because they have a bit of stretch and even some sheen to elevate them a bit. Best part? ...they're $17.99. Yep. Just under $18 for these awesome shorts!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Over the Top

Over the top is the name of the game in this OOTD!

I ordered the Lilly Pulitzer Malibu Blazer and Juliana Dress for when the corporate team came into Pink Sorbet for a big meet and greet! No one had really thought about adding the striped blazer over the striped dress, but we all agreed that it really worked!

I'm excited to add the blazer over navy shorts and pair it with wedges once the weather gets hot. I think that would be a super fun outfit once it gets nice out again!

Do you remember "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"? This dress could be a substitute for those pants. It works on gals of every size. I have it, and I've seen shorter girls look KNOCKOUT in it as well as girls of different sizes! What the best part really is, is that the fluorescent part isn't really close to your face. The stripes set them apart, and the neon doesn't wash you out like it can sometimes.

I've also been in search of a good professional bag. I have a black one, but often times, black doesn't always match my professional outfit. I found a great tote from Target:

This Merona Tote was a great score and it fits everything I need it to! I was in a time crunch to find something that worked ASAP, and I'm definitely still on the lookout for a more long-term option. I would LOVE any input!

xxKatie

Princess Wedges

It's no secret we all love Princess Kate. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. She's a great style icon that we can all emulate and is becoming a trendsetter for 20-somethings everywhere. It's about time we have a great style icon to look up to for our generation.

Last summer the Duchess of Cambridge was spotted pre-Olympics in the cutest wedges! As per her usual (or more correctly probably her stylist's usual...) Kate was in a nude shoe. Well, you can be Kate in your own nude wedges!

Target has made their own Princess Kate wedge that is beyond budget-friendly and comfortable!

I bought them myself after seeing one of the people I follow post them on Instagram! You can't see it, but this neutral color has some very light and feminine strands of gold weaved into the espadrille part of the wedge. It really elevates the look and makes it fun and festive. I love these wedges and I know I'm going to get a ton of wear out of them!

If you're in the market for a new pair of versatile wedges, these Target ones are definitely the ones to snag! Since they are from Target, I would suggest heading into your local Tarj to see if they're available. My Target only had one pair in my size (multiples of smaller sizes, only 1 10, sorry Columbians!) so you'll want to check ASAP.

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Preppy Profesh Cropped Pants

I've written about my amazing steal of a deal blue blazer before and it's one of the BEST deals I ever got! I love my Ralph Lauren blazer and don't get to wear it as often as I should! While it's not exactly the same thing, there's a close Ralph Lauren knit match here!

I wore LOFT cropped pants for the first time too! My mom and I stocked up on business essentials and these cropped pants were part of the haul. They have the most comfortable wide band around the top with a secure button and hooks. They have a great amount of stretch and I know they'll keep their shape. The cream crepe top is LOFT as well!

For NYE, I snagged this pair of Jessica Simpson heels that I was wearing too! They are seriously the most comfortable nude heels I own and fellow Tweeters agreed. I look for every opportunity to wear these heels that I can! They're ~4 inches but you'd never know when they're on. They also have a great grippy rubber bottom that feels secure. HUGE plus, no toe cleavage. 

Awaiting me when I arrived back in South Carolina was my Bauble Bar necklace that I ordered as a birthday gift to myself. I LOVE the large monogram they offer! It's substantial feeling but they clasp is EXTREMELY difficult to do on your own--attempt at your own risk! I am also admittedly not good at putting necklaces on so I found it tough. The gold is shiny and not a gaudy shade. I've worn it a bunch and I've seen no turning color or showing of the inner material.

I wore this OOTD to a pre-party for TEDxColumbiaSC. Our city was lucky enough to have a group of individuals who were willing to organize a TEDx event for the city and I had the unique opportunity to attend the lecture. The pre-party was held in the lobby of an IT office who so graciously offered up their space and we gladly networked and chatted with the speakers. I'll do a full recap later this week of the big show, but all in all I was SO glad to have attended the lecture!

xxKatie

All Eyes On...

I change cosmetics usually when I need a new one, mostly because I can't remember what current product I have unless I am over the moon about it. Mascara is something I definitely change a LOT. I also feel like you never really see the same types from brands as repeats on the shelves.

Recently, this L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara caught my eye. I've always read that these ball-ended mascaras are well reviewed. I found that this mascara has way increased control in where and how you could apply the mascara. I really liked the consistency of the mascara itself also. The main drawback to this telescopic type was that it could get clumpy. Not an awful clumpy, but I definitely noticed it if I didn't get all the excess mascara off from the day before. It always looked best on "fresh"/freshly-cleaned lashes!

I lost the tube of the ball-ended mascara and in an "essentials" trip to Target when I got back to Columbia, this L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black seemed to be a decent replacement. Both of these telescopic mascaras focus more on length of lashes instead of volume, which I think is what I like. I am a HUGE fan of this second telescopic mascara choice! It really shows up well on lashes and the rubber applicator doesn't get messy or smear on your skin as much as a fat brush. You also get far LESS excess mascara on the wand which I love.

I am a big fan of these L'Oreal drugstore mascaras! They are worth looking up if you're running low in your tube or just want a change of pace!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Preppy Profesh Dots Dots Dots

When my mom visited a few weeks back, one of her main goals was to get me some great work clothes! This OOTD features a few of those pieces!

I am in LOVE with these pants! I can't get enough of them! They are black with neutral colored dots all over, but from far away you'd never know! We snagged these from Loft, and they have a similar pair here. Other similar pairs here, here, and here! They are VERY on-trend this season!

I paired them with an Ann Taylor top that we got from AT in Charleston on the MAJOR sale rack! I know a lot of y'all had been interested in it and I found it! Ta-da! Find it here!

I thought that this went well with gold so I added Tory Burch Reva flats and a big, round gold watch from Target!

I wore this one day to my internship at the end of October and even considered adding nude pumps too. I think that these pants can really do a lot and I think my next endeavor with them will either be a black top or a cream/neutral party cardi!

I love these polka dot pants and can't wait to wear them more!

xxKatie

Bracelet Mania

What are some of your go-to Christmas gifts? Enamel bracelets are among my favorites. There are so many choices and you can even personalize them for a more special gift!

C. Wonder has these enamel bracelets that are PERFECT for a gift for friends and sisters. I love the way this stack looks when they're all together. Shimmery, shiny, and colorful enamel, what's a better combo than that?

This Target bracelet looks like a much, much more expensive designer known for clover bracelets and necklaces. It's only $40 from Target--can you believe that?!

Although a little later in the season, this Gameday bracelet is PERFECT! It's even on sale!

Kenneth Jay Lane is always a favorite, and this floral and pearl design is a KJL classic. I imagine this with anything from a black shift to your favorite Lilly!

This "Heart of Gold" one from Kate Spade is perfect for anyone close to your heart! What a sweet way to tell someone you're thinking of them!

What do you like to give as gifts? These are some great suggestions if you need a little help during this upcoming holiday season--it'll be here before you know it! Isn't that how it always happens?!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Preppy Profesh: Metallics and Neutrals

I wouldn't normally post OOTD's this fast, but everyone was wondering where this outfit was from! I have good and bad news--good news: it's all VERY affordable, bad news: it's all a little bit old...

Sweater: H&M (similar here)

Skirt: Target Merona (similar)

Flats: Target (similar)

Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace: J. Crew (similar)

One of the great things about an internship is practicing for a real job. Not only practicing work skills like computer programs or networking, but practicing what to wear. Some days are a hit, some days are a miss. Today was both. My boss told me that I looked great--total plus! I didn't realize though, however, when I was getting dressed that it was chilly outside! I had bare legs when covered legs may have been more suitable.

I also work for a relatively conservative non-profit, so I tend to always dress conservatively. I also almost always have a cardigan because where I work is ALWAYS cold. Our office building is huge and they keep it cold ALL the time. On the days I forget I'm always telling myself, "DON'T FORGET NEXT TIME!!!!" because it's so chilly! I sit and work at a computer for the majority of the time that I'm there so a cardigan is a great addition to have!

This outfit was definitely good practice for dressing for an office. While it's not "business professional" (to me that's a hard and fast SUIT rule), it's definitely more "business casual" or my new name for it "preppy profesh"!!

What do you usually wear to your work or internship?

xxKatie

A Stack: Pink & Gold

I like to stack while I'm at work! I like to include lots of different elements in my stack like you can see here: pearls, chain, thin bangles and lots of color!

This was actually one of my favorite stacks recently! I LOOOOVE the nautical rope bracelet with those knobby knots right in the middle--they stay on SO well. The pink bracelets are Lilly (available basket ones here...I think they were also in that big ole' Lilly Summer Sale) and the pearl and chain is from Atlanta market and in Pink Sorbet right now.

I also usually like to incorporate my watch from Target, but I wasn't wearing that on this day! Sometimes it hurts my wrist a little and I'm not entirely used to wearing it, so I tend to forget it a few times a week!

You can get it for LESS THAN $15!! I seriously love mine and I think it looks way more expensive than $15. I get a ton of compliments on it, and people are always asking where it's from! I like to say, "Le Tarj"AKA Target.

I'm totally not the inventor of the stack--I think Carly from College Prepster was the first person to make the stack really sing, but I'm sure glad she did!

What's on your stack? Any certain pieces that are always a part of it?!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Just Add Lemon

I love white pants. I am TRYING TRYING TRYING to wear them as much as possible before they're deemed "unfashionable" for fall. Although, I do believe that South Carolina deserves an extension because it stays so hot here!

Anyway, I wore this outfit a few days ago to work! It was actually the first time I ever wore these wedges. I have a few aunts who all live around NYC and they send me shoes that they decide they don't like anymore. This includes Stuart Weitzman woven heels, Frye boots, and this ROCKIN' pair of over the knee boots. Perks of having tall relatives with big feet! Usually these shoes are only worn a few times before I get them! Can you say lucky?! 

These wedges were one of those hand-me-downs! They're Tommy Hilfiger and they have the tiniest bit of lurex in the linen! I'm not sure why I haven't worn them before, and my boss even told me that I looked great that day which always feels good! I was also able to rock my new Target watch that I am LOVING!

The top I'm wearing has fish and sea animals all over it. It is one of my favorite prints and has the name "Just Add Lemon":

HOW CUTE IS THAT?!

The blue cardigan matched the blue perfectly so I had to add it in the end!

xxKatie

Cube-icals

I'm not usually a big believer in "College furniture" since it's typically not made to last. Think of those junky futons, bed lofts, and plastic storage. I do however, LOVE these storage cubes from Target. I have two sets of this 2x3 model and I think they're great! 

One of these I have laying down just like the one pictured and I have it inside my closet. I use it to store shorts, jeans and socks/undies/bathing suits. It is a great space saver and really efficient. 

I use another as a set of real drawers and have 5 cube drawers in it!

My room is mostly pink and green--all in different shades and I have drawers corresponding to the respective amounts of each in my bedding pattern! I picked up four more drawers last time I was at Target (remarkably, that was all I got--mission accomplished!) and immediately put them to use. They're mostly holding items that are always folded--t-shirts, sweatshirts and the like. I like they way they look and I like how they store. When these drawers aren't in use, they fold up and are collapsable!

These are great for any college dorm, college room or closet!

xxKatie

(Bathing) SUIT UP!

I'm a HUGE "How I Met Your Mother Fan" so I like to throw in any kind of HIMYM pun whenever I can.

Anywho, I'm headed to the beach today! Best. Feeling. Ever.

What's a must have at the beach? Bathing suits of course!

My absolute go-to for swimwear is TARGET! Y'all might laugh, but I swear they have ones that LAST, clean well, and fit great! Whoever they've got working on their suits they need to keep!

This one really has  Victoria's Secret look to it! The sheen adds a little bit extra to it as well!

Are you a mixer-and-matcher? Target has TONS of options for mixing and matching swimwear too! Integrate swimsuit pieces you already have with new ones for a fresh update!

I LOVE this one! It has a chevron-y look to it without being exactly horizontal. Plus you could push the strings down and wear it bandeau style as well!

Coral is so on trend these days! I love the delicate ruffle at the top. Try a tankini if you don't want to go full blast bikini but still want color!

One word: OBSESSED! Plus right now, pieces are only $10 each online!

If one-pieces are more your speed, this one looks straight out of J. Crew! I love thew blue jewel tone this one dons!

Do y'all have a place that you can rely on for bathing suits? Do you frequently visit Target like me?

xxKatie

On Trend: Colored Jeans

I didn't totally understand the colored jeans trend. I wasn't sure why people were flipping out over it and I just let it fall by the wayside. That all changed Monday!

I went to Target (shocker!) and tried on a few things and didn't really find much during that trip, but I did find these AMAZING colored jeans! I bought the Pale Ruby shade, and know what the best part is? They're ONLY $24.99!

My second favorite color was the mint green which is very trendy too! The other two colors on the rack were red which was a little too bright for me and a teal-y blue that I knew I didn't have anything that matched. These two pale colors were definitely worth a trip to check if your Target has a pair!

I wore my new pink jeans while I was traveling yesterday with a white polo and navy blue cable knit sweater. I LOVED the look and will have to post a photo next time I wear them!

I definitely recommend running out to your Target to see if they're available!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Target Steals! ( + more of my faves!!)

May 7 by letsbepreppy featuring longchamp tote bag

"I'm in LOVE, I'm in LOVE and I don't CARE WHO KNOWS IT!"

...in love with Target! ...But y'all already knew that! Right?!

Who isn't already in love with Target! The paisley shorts from my May OOTD are from Target and I do not stop getting compliments on them. They TOTALLY look like they're the J. Crew 5'' chino shorts and they fit great. They are true to size, if you're looking to get them online and have a high cut at the top. I often tuck mine in with big belts, like I did that day and wear them with basic tops so they can speak for themselves!

I got mine on a day when they were on sale, but I'd pay the $18 price tag for them. The colors are spot on and trendy for this season, but they're still paisley and have a classic cut. I also believe that they're good for any age!

Speaking of Target steals, has anyone checked out their ADORABLE boutiques they've recently added?! I'm OBsessed with The Webster originally hailing from Miami. 

I didn't see these shoes in-store, but ohmygoodness they're amazing! I love neutral wedges--and talk about neutral, these would go with almost anything! The coral is equally amazing and would match SO much of my Lilly stuff!

This cardigan looks so upscale for Target--I'm very impressed!

I am in LOVE with this dress! I actually bought it from Target without trying it on, and unfortunately needed to return it for a smaller size. I was outta luck though, none in my size left! Oh no!! Lesson learned--try it all on in the store! I thought this dressed looked like Tibi or Milly and the material was TDF. If this dress is in your Target, be sure to snag it quickly!!

Do you like all the "curated shops" at Target these days? This bargain hunter sure does and I can't WAIT to see what else we're lucky enough to see at the ones in the future!!

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

Bold Moves

Stripes are bold. Horizontal stripes are very bold. Horizontal stripes on a bathing suit are about as bold as you can get. All those fashion advising shows say to avoid horizontal stripes because they can make you look wide. I don't always believe this though!

I know it's pretty early to be looking at bathing suits, but I saw this one online at Target and LOVED IT! I thought it was fun and nautical and very summery! I love this color as well as the navy blue and I think that they would make great summer additions to anyone's wardrobe!

I love Target bathing suits! I love their fit, look, material, everything! I can't wait to see the rest of their bathing suits for this spring and summer!

Where do you rely on for swimwear? Do you have a favorite place or places?

xxKatie

Ol' Chap-py

There are a multitude of reasons I don't really like winter. The obvious: it's cold. The not so obvious: everything GET SO DRY. I always seem to forget that. My hair gets dry and static-y, my skin gets dry and my lips get so chapped! Thankfully the wind isn't too bad at school, but at home since we're so close to water 99% of the time, it can get pretty windy too.

One of my absolute favorite, cannot go without is chapstick! I've tried a few and Burt's Bees is a great go-to. It's tried-and-true, works every time and makes your lips all tingly. A new favorite of mine is the Eos brand! I have the strawberry daiquiri flavor and summer fruit flavor and I've gotten my two at Ulta and Target respectively.

They're really funny, egg-shaped domes of chapstick but they are AWESOME! My favorite is the Strawberry flavor, but my sister swears by the mint one! I'm not quite ready to trade in my BB mint one yet, but I'm willing to give this one a chance for sure.

Have y'all ever tried these? Do you love them as much as me? I just HAD to share them with y'all if you haven't had a chance to check them out yet!!

xxKatie

Skyler's Closet

The main players:

Ikea

Blucher Mocs (circa 1982, add in the years of being worn in AND older than us)

Lilly Pulitzer Jaiden Blouse

The newest additions:

Lilly Pulitzer Eve Dress Striped

Target Pearce Pumps

J. Crew Waverly Chinos

The can't live withouts:

Lilly Pulitzer Murfee Scarf in "Show Me Some Skin"

Lands' End Hunter Green Puffer Vest (add a monogram, duh!)

Hobo International Lauren Wallet

Want her closet? Yeah, we all do! Tweet at her if you love it @SkylerElizabeth

xxKatie (and Skyler)