Author: PaigeMarie

Fall Accessory Must Haves

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Fall Accessory Must Haves

Let the wardrobe updating begin…

Coats + Jackets

Having the perfect top layer to not only finish off your look but to add to it is essential. It’s okay to have that everyday go-to jacket/ coat, but try changing up your looks this year by adding a few more to your wardrobe. If you’re looking for a reason to justify the purchase, remember that jackets/ coats are timeless staples that can be worn year after year. Here are the ones I’ve got my eye on this season…

Boots + Booties

There is nothing I love more than a good boot to complete my look. Pair your booties with jeans, leather leggings, mini/midi skirts and even dresses for new outfit ideas. You can never go wrong with a neutral boot, but if you’re looking for something different, croc is in!! Croc is the print of the season, so make sure to get yourself a pair before everyone else does!

Hats + Add-Ons

OOOHH do I love a good hat moment. I’m going to a winery with my friend’s family on Saturday and decided to use it as an excuse to buy myself a fedora hat, because I have been wanting one for so long. Adding a hat to your look adds a bit of boho chic and can really spice up a simplistic style. As far as hair clips go… GET THEM. Trade your pony tail for a hair clip this fall to create that effortless “up-do” look.

Purses + Bags

I’m a sucker for a good purse. Cross-body, backpack, canteen or mini, we need them all. I’ve got my eye on croc print paired with gold buckles/ chains for this season, so here are some of my favorites…

Pinterest Inspired Look Book

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Pinterest Inspired Look Book

Long time no talk!! These past few weeks have been absolutely crazy. I traveled to Dallas to visit my boyfriend for a week, got home, and immediately moved back to school for two long weeks of recruitment. Then, as soon as I thought I’d be able to catch my breath and blog again, I realized that school started and I had to get my life organized. I’m over the excuses- the blogs are BACK!

I’ve been contemplating what to post now that my “Back To School” series is over, but I think I came up with a good one for you guys. I have been binging tons of Look Book Youtube videos and have been feeling inspired to make my own. I found some of my favorite Pinterest styles and recreated them with pieces I already owned. I had fun making this post, because styling is something I’m passionate about- and getting to make my own look off of someone elses was a really creative experience. One of the perks of living in a sorority house with 80 other girls is that there are 80 other closets to dig through when you can’t find the perfect look in your own. With that being said, shoutout to two of my sistas for their pretty pieces that helped complete this post!

If you’re ever struggling with what to wear and feel like you have nothing in your closet, try recreating someone else’s look. It will give you a whole new perspective on the pieces that you own.

Look 1

This was by far my favorite look to recreate. I paired the Polly Tee White with my Snakeskin Midi Skirt (not sold anymore) to recreate the effortless chic, street-style look. I completed the fit with a thick, gold Chain Link Necklace to add to the statement effect that the outfit creates. If I were to pair this with shoes, I would pick white platform sneakers.

Look 2

I loved the mix of comfort and style in this look, but wanted to make it my own with a dainty twist. I paired this Shein Puff Sleeve Crop Top with Ultra Highrise Straight Jeans. Pairing straight jeans with a flirty top gives your outfit a sense of contrast and really changes up your look. There are tons of ways to spice up this fit, including belts, chunky necklaces or even square-toed heals, but by keeping it simple, it remains casual for all events.

Look 3

This is a look that I will 100% be wearing out this semester. So comfy but flirty and really shows off your confidence in your style. Denim on denim has been contemplated for years, but I am here to tell you that it’s a movement and you should definitely join in! I paired these Frayed Mid-Rise shorts with a black off-the-shoulder tank and over-sized denim jacket (top and jacket are no longer sold).

Look 4

Finishing the Look Book off strong with this style. This look was so edgy and fun to create… I paired this Satin Midaxi Skirt with a distressed graphic tee and leather jacket (top and jacket are no longer sold). This is not something I would normally wear, but I am glad that I recreated this look because I LOVED it.

For more Look Book content, here are some of my favorite Youtube videos at the moment- Recreating Bella Hadid Looks and How To Style Model Off Duty Looks.

I hope you guys enjoyed my first post back, because I had a lot of fun making it! See you soon XOXO

How To: Planning & Organizing

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How To: Planning & Organizing

Staying organized during the school year is SO important. It can get difficult juggling your school work, social life and possible work schedule, so I thought I’d share some of my tips & tricks for staying organized at school. Disclaimer: I am what some might call “extra” when it comes to organizing my schedule, so feel free to modify any of my steps!

Step 1: Purchase both a social and academic planner

I like to have separate planners, because my school work takes up the majority of my planner leaving no room for my social/ work commitments. Having them separated makes checking your planner 10x easier. When picking out what planner best suits you, its important to be picky. Check out what features the planner has and decide what you’re looking for. Does it have a full month layout? Individual day planning? Hour by hour scheduling?

My Recommendations

Can be found in most university bookstores or online.

Can be found at Target or purchased online.

Step 2: Write down EVERYTHING

Here are some shots of my academic planner from this past February. One of my favorite tips is color coordinating your assignments by class. For example, in the pictures you can see that all of my Economics assignments are written in pink. Color Coordinating makes reading your monthly to-dos more efficient.

As soon as I receive the class schedule/ syllabus I write down every assignment/ due date, so that I am always aware of what’s ahead. *You need to check your teachers due dates periodically in case of last minute adjustments*

Always cross off your completed assignments so you know what you have left for the week (& because it makes you feel accomplished).

Step 3: Electronic Reminders

Using electronic reminders on top of paper planning is always a good idea! I use Reminders on my IPhone for high-point assignments/ projects, and Google Calendar for mandatory social/ work commitments. All that is doing is backing up your self-scheduling and keeping you on top of your obligations if you forget. Here is a screenshot of my google calendar for the month of July. As you can see, I have my work shifts, summer assignments and important social events (flights). Tip: using gmail automatically adds any scheduling to your google calendar!

What To Keep In Your Backpack

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What To Keep In Your Backpack

Just a quick one today guys! Planning out what you’ll need in your backpack is something that is almost always overlooked. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have all the essentials in your backpack. Being stuck 15 minutes away from your dorm with your next class in 5 and an emergency at your hands is never the position you want to be in!

The Basics

  • Notebook
  • Planner(s)
  • Pencil/ Pen Case – Get yourself a cute one, mini makeup bags work well as pencil cases if you’re looking for more options.
  • Mini Stapler – You will find that a lot of professors do not provide staplers and will not let you turn your assignment in without, so having a mini stapler on you is an essential!

The Electronics

  • Computer – You will need your laptop with you everywhere on campus- in class for notes, studying (or online shopping) between classes at the student center, or printing at an on-campus printing site.
  • Computer Charger
  • Phone Charger
  • Headphones – There is no worst day than the day you forget your headphones back in your room…

The Necessities

  • Wallet/ School ID Card – Your School ID gets your everywhere on campus, so forgetting that is like forgetting your phone. Lots of students keep their ID’s behind their phone on a wallet phone case to ensure it’s always on them. Without your ID you can’t get into dorms, dining halls, some on-campus buildings, and you can’t student charge something if needed.
  • Water Bottle – If you go to a school where you’ll be walking long distances to class in 100 degree heat like me, you’ll NEED a water bottle that keeps the water cold on you at ALL TIMES. I would recommend using a Hydroflask.
  • Mini Umbrella – Having a mini fold up umbrella on me has saved me so many times.
  • Pick-Me-Up Bag (Chapstick, Makeup Wipes, Perfume, Deodorant) – Like I said, I go to a school where it’s HOT, so in order to keep myself looking (& smelling) somewhat good, I have a mini survival kit on me at all times! You never know what cute boy is going to be sitting next to you in your Introduction to Sociology class, and you definitely don’t want your smell to scare him away.
  • Sunglasses
  • Mini Tissues
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Extra Mask
  • Lady Needs Bag (Tampons, Panty Liners) – Ladies, you know the drill. This isn’t your first rodeo so don’t make the mistake of forgetting the essentials.

Backpack Recommendation

I am a huge fan of The North Face backpacks. I have used them for all of my schooling, and the quality is unmatched. I bought one going into my freshman year of high school, used it all four years and still, as a sophomore in college, use it for work everyday. They are higher priced, but the quality is 100% worth the expense. Here are some of my favorite styles…

The Do’s and Don’ts of Sorority Recruitment

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Sorority Recruitment

With sorority recruitment coming up I thought it would be a good idea to contact some of my friends for advice on going through it! Recruitment can be intimidating and stressful, but in the end it is incredibly rewarding. You’ll find your best friends and maybe even your future bridesmaids. It’s important to know that there is always a home for you, and if you trust the process you will find it! These are do’s and don’ts from some of the best girls I know at 8 different universities in 8 different sorority chapters!

Do’s

Mizzou Gamma Phi Beta

  • “Don’t be afraid to go deeper in your conversations with the active members. It’s okay to be vulnerable and open yourself up to others. This will help you truly see if that house is right for you.” – Ali Phelps
  • “Be yourself when going into every house and when talking to girls ask what you want to know about the house to see if it’s the right fit for you. If you’re questioning anything make sure to talk to your Panhellenic Counselor, they’re there to help you during this time.” -Maddy Ljunggren

Kentucky Tri Delta

  • “Wear comfortable shoes!! No one wants to be stuck running from house to house all day in shoes that are hurting their feet!” – Teagan Noesen

Michigan Zeta Tau Alpha

  • “Look for girls who have similar interests and hobbies as you! One of the reasons I chose my sorority was because a sister I talked to loved the same true crime shows/podcasts liked.” -Sofia Terenzio

Iowa Pi Beta Phi

  • “Have genuine conversations with the girls in each house and have fun during recruitment! The process is so exciting and rewarding in the end!” -Brenna Mays

Mizzou Chi Omega

  • “Stick to your values. Don’ let the glitz and glam of recruitment blind your from seeing the purpose of the sisterhood! If you find girls who you literally want to be in a few years, from social to academics, chances are you’re in the right place!” -Laurel McCandless

Iowa Alpha Phi

  • “Keep the conversation going, ask questions and be engaged. It will make the conversation interesting for both you and the member of that sorority.” -Jane Merczel

Iowa State Kappa Delta

  • “Be open to meeting new people and stepping out of your comfort zone!” -Julia Evans

Auburn Gamma Phi Beta

  • “Pack a mini deodorant in your bag, it’ll keep you smelling good and protect you from stress sweat!” -Aubrey Celmer

Indiana Phi Mu

  • “Wear clothes that make you feel confident! Look good, feel good!” -Lauren MacLennan

Bradley Chi Omega

  • “Ask questions! Don’t rely on the girls to ask all the questions. They’ll love that you can take initiative and are curious about their house!” – Tracy Bachman

Don’t’s

Mizzou Gamma Phi Beta

  • “Don’t try to glamorize yourself to the girls. Be true to yourself and they will be able to see your potential.” -Ali Phelps
  • “Don’t make yourself seem like someone you’re not. Don’t listen to other’s opinions on houses, if you like the house then it’s for you!” -Brittany Grim

Kentucky Tri Delta

  • “Don’t compare yourself to other girls, whether it be your outfit, makeup or which houses your friends are getting back! Everyone’s experiences are different, if you trust your gut you’ll end up where you’re meant to be! & don’t forget to grab Starbucks for energy, even a couple times a day won’t hurt!” -Teagan Noesen

Michigan Zeta Tau Alpha

  • “Don’t be worried if you end up with your second choice. Don’t waste away the first few amazing weeks as a new member wondering what it’d be like if you got your first choice. Remember that they CHOSE you and ultimately you will realize how perfect of a fit you truly are.” -Sofia Terenzio

Iowa Pi Beta Phi

  • “Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be yourself because if you don’t then you wont be in the house that is right for you! You want to surround yourself with people who share your interests, goals, and overall make you a better person! Best of luck!!!” -Brenna Mays

Mizzou Chi Omega

  • “Try not to let the opinions of others change how you feel about houses you may love. Everyone’s recruitment experience is different and we all see chapters in a different light. Follow your gut (and utilize your Panhellenic Counselor) and you’ll find your home!” -Laurel McCandless

Iowa Alpha Phi

  • “Don’t be closed minded while going through recruitment. Be open to all of your options. Be yourself, and you will end up in the most perfect fitting house for you!” -Jane Merczel

Iowa State Kappa Delta

  • “Don’t be afraid to be yourself when going through recruitment, everyone has been in your shoes.” -Julia Evans

Auburn Gamma Phi Beta

  • “Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes! As cute as they may be, it will be a long process going through rush as is and blisters won’t help!” -Aubrey Celmer

Indiana Phi Mu

  • “Don’t go into recruitment with preconceived thoughts about any chapter. It’s not fair for you or the girls already in that chapter, keep an open mind!” -Lauren MacLennan

Bradley Chi Omega

  • “Don’t talk about the three B’s: Boys, Booze and Bars. You can talk about that once you’re in house but during recruitment it makes you seem like that’s why you’re joining, and that’s a huge turn off to the recruiter!” -Tracy Bachman

Dorm Room Essentials

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Dorm Room Essentials

The time is finally here… IT’S OFFICIALLY BACK TO SCHOOL SEASON! After months of quarantine and cancellations, if there is one thing to look forward to it is heading back to school. Although school may look different this year, your dorm doesn’t have to! Decorating my dorm room was something that I had been excited to do months before move in day, and now that I am on the back end of dorm living I am excited to share my essentials with you guys! This isn’t going to be a complete list, but instead a list of the essentials under every packing category. Almost all of these items can be found through Target or Amazon.

Electronics

  • Power Strip
  • Extension Cord
  • Headphones – I never used my AirPods in high school, but used them everyday in college! Walking to and from class, studying in quiet places, calling my mom when it was too cold to hold my phone on my walk home etc.
  • Portable Speaker
  • Fan

Bedding

  • Mattress Pad
  • Throw Blanket
  • Throw Pillows

Closet

  • Shoe Rack
  • Over The Shoulder Hamper – My PBTeen one made walking to and from the laundry room 10x easier!
  • Tide Pods
  • Drying Rack
  • Travel Bag/ Suitcase – Make sure to leave a bag for weekend traveling, or holiday breaks.
  • Full-Length Mirror

Desk

  • Mini Stapler – Absolutely ESSENTIAL
  • Envelopes/ Stamps
  • Thumb Tacks
  • Planner – Honestly couldn’t live without it! I owned 2 planners, one for assignments and one for social obligations.
  • Makeup Mirror
  • Band-Aids

Kitchen

Go to Target for all kitchen essentials!

  • Coffee Mug
  • Plastic Cups
  • Plastic Plates/ Bowls
  • Plastic Silverware
  • Water Bottle
  • Brita Filter Pitcher

Storage

  • 3 Drawer Organizer Storage
  • 3 Tier Roller Cart
  • Makeup Organizer
  • Jewelry Rack – I’m obsessed with my Urban Outfitters one!

When decorating my dorm, almost all of my decorations were from Urban Outfitters, Target or PBTeen.

Here are some photos taken on Move-In and Move-Out day.

Move-In Day

Move-Out Day

How To: Being Confident In Your Bikini

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How To: Being Confident In Your Bikini

Before I begin, I would like to give a HUGE shutout to my beautiful best friends for modeling the photos for this post!! I have been so excited to shoot these photos, because I know first hand how difficult it can be to confidently pose in your swimsuit. I have provided ample poses, props, and tips/tricks for the perfect summertime shoot!

Just a quick reminder before we begin… you are beautiful just the way you are, and there is no reason to compare yourself to anyone else!! Learning to love your body builds confidence in yourself, and it is that confidence that will radiate through your photos!

The “Oh So Casual” Lounge Chair Shoot

If you’re searching for that perfect ~unbothered~ look, lounge chairs are the way to go! Start by clearing all bags or poolside accessories out of the shot to make the picture as a whole appear more professional. Next you are going to want to add a prop- my favorite being your best pair of sunnies! Adding sunglasses gives your hand something to touch in the photo. My favorite tip when it comes to lounge chair photos is to never have both legs at the same angle. Having one leg slightly bent while the other is either flat or at an almost 90 flexes your calf muscles and elongates your legs. If you take one thing away from this pose, please let it be to ALWAYS point your toes!! Pointing your toes again elongates your legs and just makes your shot look nicer!

The “Sittin’ Pretty” Shoot

Sitting poses tend to scare people away, including myself at times, because I don’t feel like they compliment my stomach area. Knowing the tricks to them changes the game! If it is your stomach area that you are mainly concerned about, then placing your arm in front of the camera can cover the areas your are not as confident in (examples in photos 2,4 and 5). Keep your sunnies out for these sitting photos if you are having trouble with what to do with your arms (examples in photos 3 and 4).

The “Leanin’ On Me” Shoot

There is not much that goes into railing photos, but using them as a prop is the best way to utilize them. Show your personality a little bit in these types of photos! You can never go wrong with the “casual gazing into the distance pose” (example in photo 3) and its the perfect way to feature the back of your outfit without emphasizing that you’re trying to show it. Standing pictures do make it hard to cover up areas that you’re less confident in, so I would recommend adding shorts or a wrap skirt for some extra coverage!

The “Chillin’ In The Tub” Shoot

Having a closer up shot like these is perfect for showing off your poolside accessories! These pictures include thick gold hoops with oversized sunglasses. Adding hoops to your swimsuit shoot adds so much to the photo, and shows that you know how to style your suit. Other possible add ons would be hair scarves, floppy hats or even a drink in your hand! Take advantage of your accessories and use them for arm placements (example in photo 2).

The “Catchin’ Some Rays” Shoot

This pose is UNIVERSAL! As you can see here, there are 4 different girls featured and the pose looks amazing on each of them! The key to this pose is arching your back and resting your hands over your head. What that does is emphasizes your ribs and stretches out your body. Like previously mentioned, try different angles with your legs to see which shot works best for you! These pictures are definitely more revealing, so if you are not looking for that sexy bikini pose then I wouldn’t recommend it!

The “Personality Pix” Shoot

These are my FAVORITE pictures! You can have so much fun with personality pictures and they never appear too posed. Use foods, drinks or any prop of your liking to make your shot casual.

Self Love Baby Self Love: Skincare

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Self Love Baby Self Love: Skincare

Oooh babbbyy, it’s skincare time! I am not going to pretend to be perfect when it comes to my skin, because I’m not… but on a perfect day, these are my skincare ESSENTIALS! I have relatively oily skin that is VERY sensitive, so my skincare products reflect that. Most of my facial products are from USANA Health Sciences skincare line- Celavive, so you cannot find them in store, but you can find the products and more information on them through this link.

Due to the sensitivity in my skin I try to use all-natural products with minimal to no fragrance. USANA and Lush are perfect for my skin and have never irritated or negatively affected me! I HIGHLY recommend both of them! The products that have skin types listed next to them have an alternative option for dry/ sensitive skin types.

It is incredibly important to take care of your skin as well as be comfortable in your skin. Taking care of yourself is the first step towards confidence and self love! Always remind yourself that your skin is a constant work in progress, and consistency is key! Here are some of my tips and tricks towards beautiful, healthy skin!

Morning Facial Routine

Nighttime Facial Routine

In Shower Products

Post Shower Prodcuts

  • Jergens Ultra Healing Body Lotion
  • Tend Skin This is an ESSENTIAL for my skin! I am Italian so I have thicker hair and razor bumps are inevitable. I use Cotton Swabs and dab the Tend Skin on irritated areas after every shower to dry out the skin before irritation spreads.

How To: Styling An Oversized Tee

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How To: Styling An Oversized Tee

I am OBSESSED with a good oversized tee!! There are so many ways to style them and they can truly work for any occasion! If you’re looking for oversized tee’s, I would recommend Urban Outfitters. The tee’s are higher-priced but the graphics and quality of their products are unbeatable. Some of my favorites are Sublime T-Shirt Dress in orange, Project Social T Tiger Overdyed T-Shirt Dress, and the Van Halen T-Shirt Dress in yellow. Below are some of my favorite ways to style my tee!

Add a Bottom

Tucking your oversized tee into your bottoms shows off your waist-line and makes your figure appear smaller. I added a 90’s washed denim short to the look to keep the outfit casual. For an even more casual look, add a pair of biker shorts! Biker shorts are super comfortable and very trendy. For shoes I would pair this outfit with Converse classic Chuck Taylor All-Stars in black or Nike Air Force 1 to stick with the more edgy, skater look.

Add a Belt

Belts are the perfect accessory for dressing up an oversized tee. In the photos I added Princess Polly statement belts- the Highway 61 Belt and the Artemis Belt in silver. I would dress these looks up with healed booties (Therapy Black Patent Allow Boots – ON SALE, Therapy Snake Alloy Boots – ON SALE or Wanna Croc ‘N’ Roll Faux Leather Healed Boots). An oversized tee with a statement belt and booties makes for the perfect edgy-chic look for a girls night out!

Add a Jacket

There is nothing better than an oversized jean jacket layered over an oversized tee. Adding a jacket is an easy way to either dress down (jean jacket) or dress up (leather jacket) your look. You can pair booties or sneakers to your look- it all depends on the jacket style you add on and what look you’re going for!

Add a Layer

I LOVE a good layer! I layered the Ambercombie & Fitch white Long-Sleeve Seamless Bodysuit under the tee to avoid bulky layering and creasing. Keeping your under layer neutral allows your tee to be the statement of your look. For this outfit, I would add chunky, stacked necklaces and Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star’s (linked above).

For All The Quarantine Shopaholics

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For All The Quarantine Shopaholics

If there is anything that I have been doing too much of during quarantine, it has been online shopping. Of course I have been updating my wardrobe for the spring/ summer seasons and even buying ~quarantine outfits~ because what else would I be doing with my free time and dwindling bank account! There is nothing I look forward to more than deliveries.

Here are some of my favorite places to online shop…

When shopping for the upcoming seasons, I like to research upcoming trends. Pinterest moodboards are a great way to see some of the new styles that will be popular in the next season. Search the company or brand that you like on Pinterest and take a look at their mood boards/ inspiration posts so you can grasp what styles their upcoming collections will be revolving around.

If you are looking for discount codes/ coupons, a good way to find them is to find out who their influencers are. Check out the brands Instagram page and look around for their influenecer’s pages. Their pages will most likely have discount codes in the descriptions of their pictures featuring that brands products. You can check out my Who I’m Watching & What I’m Listening To blog post to find influencers as well.

Happy shopping!