Falling into Place

Well, after all the craziness of the first few months back to school, everything is slowly starting to fall back into place. I'm getting my classes in order, I finally (!) got my little and recently helped initiate her into Zeta Tau Alpha, and I'm on the hunt for a more steady job. Currently, I work at a club downtown on Thursdays and Saturdays, buttttt all the sorority events this year have wiped me out!

More than that though, I feel like this semester, everything is changing for the better. As some of you may know, recently my boyfriend of 2 years and I parted ways. As painful as the experience was, it definitely opened up my eyes to all the new fun and possibilities that college has to offer. Besides that, I feel like another year on my own in college has brought more clarity and certainly more wisdom. Growing up is a life long journey, and I can finally feel like I'm headed down that road, one step at a time. (pardon the pun LOL). It's an exhilarating feeling to know that I found some purpose. Not only do I know my away around campus/frats/parties more, but I am more on track with school and possible future careers. 

Here's a quick recap of some of the socials, big little, and other fun events that have happened in my life over the past month!

Family trip to Washington DC

GEORGETOWN CUPCAKES

My little waiting to turn around to me!

Meet my little!

Our theme for the night was TFM

Road trip to Nola

First letter of your first name social; "hippie" and "army"

xoxoxo

I Love My...

Currently, I'm LOVING my Lilly Pulitzer academic agenda. This school year just started, and I already feel like I'm drowning in work, between school, sorority, and extracurriculars. I love the Lilly agenda because its large enough to give me space to map out my days, but also incredibly fashionable. Granted, I am by no means a die hard Lilly fan, but I definitely appreciate a good organizational tool when I see one!

www.seasonsblog.com

I personally have #5, Tiger Lily, and I couldn't be happier!


1. Chiquita Bonita// 2. Coronado Crab// 3. Let's Cha Cha/
/ 4. Lulu// 5. Tiger Lilly// 6. Tusk in Sun



Which is your favorite?
xoxo

The "Little" Struggle is Real

The search to find a little is on! In my sorority, we spend four weeks integrating the new members into the chapter and helping them get acquainted with policies, procedures, and day to day life. This time is also spent getting a different "buddy, which basically means over the weeks, I am paired with four different girls to get to them better. Throughout this time period, the all consuming and extremely daunting though of finding a little looms. I'm definitely not the type to claim a girl, or compete with other girls in my pledge class for attention. For a process that is supposed to happen naturally, it's really starting to concern me. If any of you are starting to have the same struggles I am, here are a few ideas to get to know the new pledge class, and hopefully find the newest addition to your family.

1. Go out for ice-cream or frozen yogurt
Everyone loves a sweet treat. It's fun and easy, and a good way to relax and get to know each other.

2. Take them grocery shopping
Strange, but true. Every college student needs groceries at some point, and it's like a little glimpse into day to day random activities the two of you would rely on each other for (especially if she doesn't have a car!).

3. Hit the gym
Take a class together. Try out a new exercise. Scope out the sweaty frat guys. ;)

4. Invite them to lunch
Most sorority houses serve meals for their members. The first few weeks can be scary for new members, so offer to walk with your buddy to lunch and show them where the plates, utensils, etc are.

5. Take them out
Probably the most fun one, invite your buddy over and get ready to go out together! The two of you can pick out outfits and than head out for a crazy night. This also takes the pressure off trying to force conversation, as you will be in a group of people and can just be yourselves.

Do you have any good ideas? Found a little?

xoxo

Sorority Recruitment Outfits!

Oh. My. Goodness. I don't even know where to begin with why I've been so MIA. Between my last days of work, saying bye to friends, packing for school, and moving up I've been swamped. However, I am happy to report that my new apartment room is almost complete! I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as possible.

Anyways, with recruitment right around the corner, this post is long overdue. Without further delay, here is a guide to what to wear for each round of sorority recruitment.

Round One: Spirit Round
In most cases, this round serves a brief introduction to every chapter on campus. PNM's spend about 20 minutes maximum in the houses. During this round, you will interact with different chapter women in order to get a sense of what the chapter is about. Some houses even perform pop-up skits-- a short presentation where different members "pop-up" and tell you facts about the house.

What to Wear: Most school provide a standard T-shirt for all PNM's to wear. The round is meant to be casual, so khaki, jean, or printed shorts and sandals or other comfortable shoes is acceptable.

                                                   White shorts// printed shorts// jean shorts

Tip: DO NOT WEAR WEDGES OR HEELS. Not only will you be extremely uncomfortable by the end of the day, but you will also look the girl who can't follow rules and tries too hard.


Round Two: Philanthropy Round
In this round, you will spend about 30 minutes in each remaining house on your list, getting to know chapter women better and learning about the house's philanthropy. Most houses have crafts laid out for you to work on together. This round is meant for you to understand what each particular chapter stands for, and for both the chapter women and yourselves to gauge if you would be  good fit to the house.

What to Wear: This round is also very casual. A simple sundress, skirt and top, or nice shorts is acceptable. Again, sandals or comfortable shoes is expected, and heels are not permitted.

                                                             Green printed dress// Mint Dress

Tip: Don't feel pressured to make the craft; it's completely optional. If you are really getting into the conversation at one house, don't feel the need to break it up for the craft. The house WILL NOT judge you for it.


Round Three: Video Round
During this round, each sorority will present a short video that highlights what their house is all about. As a PNM, it's very important to pay attention! Take note of the activities the girls participate in, and see if you can imagine yourself in the photos as well. You will spend about 40 minutes in each remaining house, so be sure to use the time wisely to grow your connections in the houses.

What to Wear: A light sundress or outfit that you would wear to a summer wedding are appropriate for this round. It is okay to wear heels or wedges, as long as they are comfortable.

                                            Green and white flowers dress// Coral lace dress

Tip: Pack a pair of flip flops or sandals to wear in between parties to make walking a little more comfortable and easier to manage.


Round Four: Preferential Round
The last and final round of recruitment is the most important one. In this round you will spend 50 minutes in your final houses. You will be allowed to perform part of each chapter's rituals as well as spend time talking to a chapter woman. This is the final round, so make it count! If you are pref-ing at a house, they definitely want you. This round is about figuring out where your best fit is and what your heart wants. Remember, these will be your sisters for the next four years, so be sure to take it seriously.

What to Wear: Cocktail attire works well for this round. Flats and sandals are absolutely not permitted, as heels are expected during this round.

Gold Dress// Ruffled Dress

Tip: Practice walking in your heels before rush. During this round, chapter women tend to call you from outside, and you don't want to trip and fall! This is the most important round, so be prepared!

Have any questions or want to send me pictures of your rush dresses? Comment and follow!

xoxo

Rain Rain Go Away

You would think a typical week in Florida would be hot, hot, hot. Recently though, not so much. Every day has been a monsoon at one point or another. You don't quite know exactly when it's going to start pouring, but every day it does.

This past week was also the start of my second temporary job during the summer, so I was pretty busy! My old high school coach asked me to come back and act as a soccer coach for his yearly soccer camps that he holds during the summer. This year, I was assigned to the 9-11 year olds... needless to say, I was exhausted.

Throw in a car ride home in the pouring rain, and 5 o'clock traffic, and I was pretty much the most miserable 20 something on the roads. However, waiting in stand-still traffic got me to thinking about all the cute rainy day accessories I wish I owned. I envisioned myself in a great pair of Hunter rain boots and a killer rain jacket.

These are some particularly fabulous accessories I wish I owned.

               Bubble Umbrella//Burberry Umbrella//Floral Printed Raincoat//Dotted Raincoat//
                             Tory Burch Jacquard Rain Boots//Jimmy Choo Hunter Rain Boots

What rainy day accessory do you use the most?
xoxo

Summer Classes: Part 1

For most new college freshmen, summer term is their first taste of college life. At my school, Summer B is the most popular summer session. It is the term that most people go to to catch up on classes, meet new people, and let's be honest, party. I have decided to make a mini-series of blog posts about what to pack, expect, and other little how-to's for summer classes.

For Part 1, I think it's important to know what to expect--especially if you are thinking of joining Greek life in the fall. Below are five pieces of advice I have for every new student during summer term.

1. College is a whole new world
I know this sounds very obvious, but it's true. College is not like your high school days. There are no curfews, no parents to decide when you come home, and no set schedule that dictates your days. During summer term, this is especially true because most people are only taking one or two classes. Be prepared to have a lot of free time... plan accordingly!

2. Be social
Summer term is a great time to check out the different organizations on campus, Greek or otherwise. It's also a great time to meet new people, and make friends with members of your freshman class. You never know, the girl down the hall could end up being your new pledge class sister. Be friendly. Be social.

3. Beware of dirty rushing
It's a few weeks into classes, and you're beginning to wonder why certain older girls of XYZ Sorority are being soooo friendly with you... You are being dirty rushed. On one hand, it could be flattering that these girls see something in you that they definitely want in their new pledge class. On the other hand, it limits you to checking out what any other house could be like. Be careful with what you say, and try to keep an open mind. Otherwise, the weeks of rush will have you seriously confused about what house you truly like, and what girls were nice to you over the summer.

4. Step out of your comfort zone
This ties in with my first piece of advice, but is still worth mentioning. College, especially summer term, is a time to experience new things. Go out with the girls from your floor. Don't be afraid to go to a few parties and have a good time. Make the most of your summer days, before you have to focus on more than Marriage and Family or Introduction to Bugs.

5. Be Yourself!
Once again, this sounds cheesy but is so so true. Yes, you want the sorority girls to like you and remember you in the fall. This doesn't mean that you need to dance on a bar to get their attention. Be yourself whether in class, at the pool, at a party, or just wandering around campus. The people you meet are most likely going to be your peers for the next few years, and may even become your sorority sisters. You want to be around people you truly like and who like you for you, not the overdramatized, overdone version of you.

Be sure to check back for my next post in the mini series about what to pack for summer classes!
What are you looking forward to most about summer term?

xoxo

Let's go to the (South) Beach, Let's Get Away

Sorry for the lack of posts these past two days but I was MIA in well, MIA. My family and I took a little trip down to South Beach to shop, eat, and enjoy some sunshine. I love Miami, and in particular the South Beach area because it's so eclectic. As soon as you take a few steps on the sidewalk you are assaulted with the sounds, smells, and sights of the dozens of cafes that line the street across from the entrances to the beach. 

My parents and I ate at a little place called The News Cafe. The combination of news publications from around the world, the funky atmosphere, and the delicious menu made me fall in love with the place. I had a bagel and the biggest bowl of fresh strawberries you could imagine.

While we were eating, my dad got a pleasant surprise. He was awarded the title of "Best Sportscaster" in the Miami area. The look on his face when he found out that he won, after not even knowing that he was in the running, was one in a million. 

After our breakfast, the three of us walked further down the street, and visited Versace's old mansion on South Beach. After many failed renovations-such as a nightclub, cooking club, and museum- the house is now closed off. However, you can still the beautiful architecture of the original design. I wonder what the inside looked like back in the day...? It must have been so elegant and beautiful.

Finally, we drove over to Lincoln Road Mall, to grab a Frozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity 3, and than strolled around the shops.Not bad for a lazy summer day.

What do you do on your summer days?

Where is your favorite place to people watch?

xoxo

Wonder what clothing every sorority girl should own? 

Check out my last post: http://sororitychic.blogspot.com/2013/06/sorority-clothing-10-items-every.html

Speaking of inspiration...

    In my opinion, inspiration is everywhere. Whether you're vacationing to a faraway country, or staying at home this summer, there are so many different avenues to explore. All you have to do is look. For me, this means hopping on the highway and cruising to one of many beaches just miles from my home. Sure, I love going to the volleyball nets to play with friends and work on my tan; more importantly though, I love the feeling I get while enjoying the sunshine. There's just something about the beauty of the nature, the endless expanse of mysterious ocean, or the vast spread of sandy shores. It always gives me the urge to explore and discover new things.

     If the seaside isn't an option for you, go to the city! Look at the architecture, study the people walking around. Often times, there are some unique sights you wouldn't normally give any attention to. Yet, if you just slow down, maybe grab a coffee at a little cafe and people watch, you're bound to come across something that is well, inspiring. I can't  count the number of times I've seen someone in a beautifully put together outfit walk by and thought, "Why didn't I think of trying that?" There is definitely no shame in seeing someone else's look and making it your own.

     And finally, if all else fails, grab a laptop and surf the web. Let the pictures you come across take you on a "mini-vacation". I've never been to Paris, but I still love to dream of visiting and immersing myself in Parisian culture. On the other hand, I have been to the fabulous New York City, but I am dying to go back. Sometimes, I find myself watching totally unrealistic but still fabulous shows like "Gossip Girl" and imagining that I am Serena or Blair reigning over the steps of the Met or being whisked away in a limo to some fancy event. I mean, who wouldn't want to experience that? More realistically though, I enjoy reading magazines or reading blogs that feature street style in big cities. I think these are wonderful places to get inspired and try out new things. 

     I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is a whole wide world out there, and as people, we should seize every opportunity we have to experience it. Along the way, hopefully you can pick up some inspirations from the art, culture, fashion, architecture, and lifestyle that surrounds you. 

xoxo

Some things that inspire me: