Talbots Finds

I received my Talbots' catalog in the mail this morning and I'm loving some of their new arrivals.  I feel like it is a toss up with Talbots.  Sometimes I think they have really classic and cute things.  Other times it feels a little... old.  But not this time around.  Here's what I have my eye on:

Tuxedo Shirt

Plaid Jacquard Pleated Skirt

Gilded Lace Sheath

Italian Flannel Skirt

Velveteen Dress

I like all of these pieces because they are classic, but not drab.  And I adore the nice rich green! Very fall. All items can be found at Talbots under new arrivals.

The Key Prep on Campus,

-G

Get Your Political Party On!

 

No worries, you will not find any political commentary here.  But with all the election commercials, debates, and soundbites I just get so excited.  I've been a closeted poltical junkie my whole life.  And I have found some of the cutest political swag.  RetroCampaigns.com has classical poltical t-shirts. In my opinion vintage + politics = perfection.  Here are some of my favorites.

 

 

 

If you're looking for something with a little more party than political, these koozies from Haymarket Designs are presh!

For the Dems

 

For the Repubs

There you have it. Bi-partisan "party" politics. What fun political swag have y'all found this election cycle?

The Key Prep on Campus,

-G

Dress Code: Fall

If you haven't been able to tell already. Fall is my favorite season. One thing I love is dressing for Fall weather and events. Here are some of my favorite Fall dress codes.

Game Day by guiltybliss featuring a scoopneck dress

A fun little number for football games other than just the team t-shirt. In Crimson and Cream of course!

Game Day by guiltybliss on Polyvore.com

The usual guy game day attire. A classic you might say.

Class by guiltybliss featuring michael kors handbags

Something for class other than Nike shorts. 

Rainy Day by guiltybliss featuring a brown umbrella

Rainy days are so much more fun with bright accessories and the right frizz control.

Rush- What Do I Wear?!

Here are some examples I made of what would be appropriate to wear during Formal Recruitment. Now not every school has the same schedule or events, so make sure to check your school's schedule and adapt the days I've listed.  Some campuses are more "frills" leaning meaning everyone including members are a little bit dressier or they are "no frills" meaning things are more relaxed and could be categorized as informal formal recruitment.  (I won't get into the other meanings of frills or no frills. It's way too confusing and not really important for PNMs. If you want to know you can e-mail me.)  These outfits are definitely more geared towards a frills recruitment, which is essentially any large university south of the Mason Dixie line or in California.  You probably know whether your school's Greek system is competitive or what their trends are, so I'm sure you can judge how dressy it is. These examples are on the dressier end.

Day 1- Casual Day
Almost every rush will have one day that is casual. It is usually the 1st day sometimes the 2nd. There is usually some rush t-shirt that will be provided to wear or you'll wear your schools shirt.  The key to this day is to not mistake casual for sloppy.  Just because you don't have to wear heels doesn't mean you can just throw anything on.  Accessories are always important, but especially today. This example has pearls. Now for some it might seem weird to wear pearls with a t-shirt, but honey get used to it if your going to be in sorority. If you plan to wear tennis shoes they need to be almost new. No scuffs or dirt.

Casual Day by guiltybliss featuring Oasis accessories

Day 2 - Philanthropy
The 2nd day/round of recruitment really differs more than any other day at each campus.  Sometimes it will be the casual day because you will be making crafts etc for the sororities' philanthropy.  If not it gets a little bit dressier.  Wearing a casual dress is great with flats.  Again make sure you complete the outfit with accessories. Make-up doesn't need to be super elaborate.

Philanthropy by guiltybliss featuring Mystique sandals

Day 3- Skit Day
This is the round that things start to get dressier.  This is something you would wear if you had a ceremony to attend.  Heels are recommended. However, this is usually the day house tour occurs so you will be going up and down stairs and walking around.  You need to know how to walk in your heels well. If that's going to be a problem wedges are always a good alternative or dressy flats. Also, out of all the outfits your rushers will remember it will probably be this one because it's a longer party and things seem less crazy when on house tour in regards to having a "real" conversation.

Skit Day by guiltybliss featuring Paris Hilton shoes

Day 4- Pref Night

This is the last round and the dressiest.  Must wear a dress and heels.  Think along the lines of a cocktail dress.  Side note: you will not be talking to any boys during a recruitment party. (Granted they will likely be sitting across the street in the yard on a couch. But they are not important, so they don't count.)  Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to dress sexy for this round.  No one wants to see your whoo ha or your boobs.  Keep it classy.  

Pref Night by guiltybliss featuring Temperley London dresses

Now again all these looks can be adapted for your campus or style. It's just important to remember to dress comfortably-ish (lets face it... rush is so not comfortable. It's not fair to let you think it will be.), present yourself as put together, and express your own individual style within the dress code.

Next post will deal with general recruitment tips including appearance, what to bring in your tote, and conversation pointers.

Vera Bradley Maddness!!

I love Vera Bradley. There is no sugar coating this addiction.  Some people can recognize certain designer shoes or clothes from miles away.  This is how I am with Vera prints. (Yes, we are on a first name basis.)  I can tell you the name, if it's retired, and what year it was introduced. It's a little obsessive and weird I know, but I can't help it. My first introduction to Vera was in my sorority. I think it should be included in the initiation requirements: learn purpose, pay dues, attend new member meetings, and purchase your first Vera Bradley bag.  So, I thought I would share some of my favorite prints that are currently available.

Loves Me - So cute! Love the pink and orange against the navy. Also, 10% of proceeds go the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.

Hello Dahlia!- I like how big the flowers are in this print and that they all aren't the same. Also, the colors remind me of Fall. 

Imperial Toile- I love toile, so I was very excited to see this print.  It's hard to tell from this picture, but it's a dark chocolate brown and ivory.  There is also an accent of pink that isn't shown. 

Bali Gold- A little bit of an older print that just retired in May, but I still love all the bright colors. Most items in this print are currently on sale.

For more information about these prints and to order visit http://www.verabradley.com/

To Bow or Not to Bow?

Ok, so I've been a big fan of bows since I was kid.  They are just fun, carefree, and young. Which leads me to my conundrum. How old is too old to wear bows in your hair?

When I started college I retired my bows and ribbons thinking that it was childish. But then everyone started wearing bows again! So, I jumped on board and started sporting bows and bow-bands.  Now that I'm a quasi-adult I still want to wear bows but I'm left with the feeling that they are again too childish for my age.

So, I ask you. How old is too old to wear bows? Does it depend on the occasion? Does it depend on the bow? Let me know your thoughts!