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

Recruitment Week!

Sorority rush week is officially over halfway complete! This year, my campus's Panhellenic Council decided to extend each round to two days each, making recruitment run from Saturday of one week to Sunday of the next with a break on Wednesday for the first day of classes.

I've loved getting to talk to each of the new PNM's and explain to them why not only do I love my sorority, but also why Greek life is so great as a whole!

As soon as Bid Day comes and rush week is complete I promise to write more consistently, especially with the start of the Fall Semester. For now however, here's a look at some of the recruitment activities I've been so lucky to be a part of this year.

Fooling around before Round 1

Love my roomies

My PC is ready for the babies!

Round 2; wearing our pink and white to support Breast Cancer Awareness

Think Pink

Crownin' Around

Let me know how sorority recruitment is for all of you!

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

Can't Wait for Bid Day!

As I was going through old pictures, I came across some pictures of my bid day! Can't believe it's been so long already! 

Figured I might as well embrace the "TBT" trend and show you some oldies :) 

When I found out my best friend joined the same sorority as me

We got a little emotional

And then we had our first "crowning" picture

The theme was "Be American, Go Zeta"

Sorry I've gotten so distracted! I promise my recruitment outfits post is coming soon!

xoxo

Sorority Recruitment Tips and Tricks

The ever approaching Fall semester brings with it the excitement and trepidation of sorority recruitment. If you're unsure if the whole process is right for you, or if you're just doing some research of what to expect, keep reading! Rush is definitely a blur of houses, outfits, and a seemingly endless loop of perfectly manicured girls smiling at you. Having been on both sides of recruitment, I understand just how important pushing through the long days and sometimes awkward conversations can be. This week is all about finding the house that you will call home for the next four years, as well as the place that you will foster friendships that will last you a lifetime.

Below are my tips and tricks to having the best sorority recruitment week you could possibly have!

1. Take a Deep Breath and Relax

Everyone is nervous, not just you. Just because the girl next to you may exude confidence and poise, it doesn't meant that she's not silently freaking out a little on the inside! Nerves are a natural part of this week. After all, meeting all these girls and trying to figure out where you fit in can be overwhelming and intimidating. Furthermore, if you are paired with a girl that you find overwhelmingly pretty or cool and you're scared that you will say something that will make her instantly hate you-- don't be! The girls who are rushing you have butterflies in their stomach too. None of them want to scare you away or do something stupid that will be shared by PNM's-- potential new members. 

2. Know yourself

Trying to change your personality to fit every single house you walk into may seem like a good idea, but in reality, you're sabotaging yourself. You aren't meant to fit in at every house, that's why they are all diverse and made up of different personalities. Instead, you should focus on the conversations that flow easily and the girls you consistently get along with from round to round. As a note in knowing yourself-- be confident enough in your connections and decisions that you pick the house that is going to make you feel happy and included for four years, not the house that has "the hottest girls on campus". Reputations change, your comfort level won't. 

3. Dress the Part

Most schools put together a pamphlet of some kind that outlines what each round is about and what you should wear. Make sure you follow those guidelines!! Trust me, you are not making yourself look trendier or more fashionable if you decide to wear heels around the first day to dress up the t-shirt provided to you. It doesn't look cute. It looks like you are trying too hard to play a part. I'm not saying to completely change your style for a week- if you want to wear patterned shorts instead of khakis the first day, do it. Mold the guidelines to fit your own personal style; don't completely ignore them. 

*** outfit ideas for each round to come! ;)***

4. Write It Down

I know this one sounds silly, but taking notes honestly helps tremendously. The first one or two days you will be visiting every single sorority house for a short amount of time. It's important that you remember how you felt after each house. Whether a notebook, piece of loose leaf, or in the notes section of your phone, be sure to record how you felt and how your experience was from house to house. After long days Alpha Chi Omega and Chi Omega can sound pretty similar, and you don't want to confuse one visit with another!

5. Talk to Your Pi Chis/Rho Gamma/ Group Leaders

These girls have all made the decision to disaffiliate themselves with their chapter, and delete all social media in order to help PNM's have the best, most unbiased recruitment week possible. They also spend their summer going through a training process in order to counsel you and help you with decisions throughout rush. Don't be afraid to text/call/talk to them about questions you have. Whether it be what to wear a specific day, if your dress looks cute or not, if your make up is running, or more seriously if you think a house would be a good fit for you or not, they are ready and excited to help you! Think about it: these girls went through the same experience you did, and they have a very good grasp of how the recruitment process works. They are going to be some of your biggest supporters for this week, don't be afraid to lean on them for advice.

6. Pack a Snack

There's no way to avoid it. The days of recruitment are long. Often times, your usual meal schedule will be disrupted. I suggest packing a snack such as a granola bar or cereal or fruits to keep you going! If you're prone to getting cranky when you're hungry, make sure to eat!! You don't want to ruin a conversation at one of your favorite houses because you are more concerned with your next meal than with what the girl is saying to you.

7. Don't be Influenced by "Tent-Talkers"

"Tent-talking" basically means gossiping about a house you just visited, or how your rounds are going with girls who are waiting outside with you from house to house. Even if it is your best best friend, try to resist! It sounds cheesy, but the recruitment rounds are designed so every girl gets a clear idea of where they would like to be and where they don't fit in. You don't want to mess up someone's decision by saying "Oh I hated that house!" or "Join this with me!" Recruitment is meant to be an individual experience, so don't interfere with someone else's or allow yourself to fall into someone else's influence.

8. Avoid the 3 B's
There should never ever be a conversation that revolves around any one of the Three B's-- boys, booze, and bids. Don't bring up which frat has the hottest guys, or how many shots you can take without throwing up, and especially do not ask how each sorority determines who gets a bid from them, or how close you are to getting one. It's very inappropriate and a sure way to get you dropped off their list completely. 

Have any questions about recruitment? What are your tips and tricks?

xoxo

Check out what to wear during recruitment!
http://sororitychic.blogspot.com/2013/08/sorority-recruitment-overview-and.html

Sorority Game Day& Outfits!

There's less than a month until the first game day! The prospect of frolicking around Frat Row going from pre game to pre game and then finally to the stadium to cheer on my team in the student section makes me giddy with excitement. If you don't know what I'm talking about, visit a friend at an SEC school. You'll get it.

Here are few pictures from my favorite games last year. Consider this post half throwback half examples of outfits. I hope y'all enjoy my brief trip down memory lane!

What do you like to wear to football games?

xoxo

Thinking of Going Greek? The Truth About Greek Life and Joining a Sorority

As every new school year begins, thousands of incoming college freshmen contemplate the ordeal that is sorority recruitment. While some girls come from families of sorority sisters and know exactly what they want out of Greek life, there are plenty of hopefuls who aren't quite sure if going through the whole process is for them. I can assure you that the rumors about "paying for your friends" and being stuck up and snobby are not true. Going Greek was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I want to shed some light on what being Greek actually means with all of you.

Myth #1: Going Greek means I have to pay for my friends
This is completely untrue. Yes, everyone has to pay dues to their house, but they most certainly do not have anything to do with making friends. Your dues go toward housing maintenance costs, food if your house serves it, certain fees for nationals, and various other little things. There is definitely no fee for "friendship making". Rather, you make your friends by going to different sisterhood activities, and participating in events. For new members, there is usually a retreat, (mine was too a river to go tubing) which is an awesome time to get to know the girls in your PC. After all, you are going to potentially be with these girls for the next four years, so you should try and get along.

Myth #2: All those girls do is dress up and go to parties
There is so much more to Greek life, or student life in general, than just going to socials. Socials are get-togethers that are planned by one sorority and one fraternity's social chairs. They are responsible for picking a theme, planning a night, and booking a location. Common themes are Risky Business, Hippies, Rescue Me, and so on. The themes are meant to be funny, and easy to throw together an outfit for. The most common misconception about socials is that they are just a giant wild college party. Admittedly, fraternities usually throw a pre game beforehand to get everyone in the mood, but the actual social is held at an approved location (a bar or club downtown). It is a registered event, which means underage drinking is strictly prohibited, and the social has been approved by nationals. Your executive members will normally be at the door checking people in and offering rides home to anyone who needs.

Myth #3: If I join a sorority, I won't have any time for school work
College is all about picking and choosing, and just as if you weren't in a sorority, there would be parties and other distractions. Sororities do not promote blowing off school work to go out, go to socials, formals, or any other event. They do not even condone missing a class to attend chapter. School always comes first. In fact, most chapters pride their members on their GPAs and encourage tutoring and study hours within the house. My chapter has a person whose sole job is to monitor GPAs and find tutoring for anyone who is slipping below the acceptable average. Additionally, at the end of the semester, we throw a catered party for the sisters with outstanding GPAs. While it may seem like an incentive program, it is really just a reminder that doing well is much more important than attending every.single.party.

Myth #4: Those girls are so self-absorbed and only care about their sorority
Greek students are actually some of the most involved students on campus. Typically, the GPA for Greeks is much higher than the rest of the campus. At my school, for example, Greeks hold all but one seat in Student Government, organize the Pep Rally and Homecoming events for the school every year, and hold most of the executive positions of the most esteemed Honor Societies on campus. One of my own sisters is even the Student Body President this year! Greeks are all about helping Greeks, and joining a sorority actually opens up so many doors to get involved. Older sisters post clubs and organizations that they are involved in to our Facebook group almost daily. Personally, I got way more involved on campus than I ever did previously. I even hold some of those higher positions now. I can honestly say that without my sisters, I wouldn't be nearly as involved as I am. Yes, we do care about our sorority, but we are by no means self-absorbed.

Myth #5: Girls in one sorority aren't allowed to be friends with girls in a different sorority
I can assure you, there are no rules that state that members are not allowed to be friends with members of other chapters. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Most campuses promote "Pan Love" or the idea that all the chapters of the Panhellenic Council should get along. While not everyone is going to be best best friends, a lot of girls have friends outside of their chapter. My big's best friends are all members of different sororities, and couldn't get along better. My roommate freshman year was in a rival sorority, and we are still close friends. Greek life, and college, is all about making friendships that will last a life time, no matter what group you are affiliated with.


Ultimately, Greek life and "Going Greek" is all about what you make it. I hope you all try it, instead of passing up the opportunity to make some of the greatest friends, and have the most rewarding college experience you possibly can.

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