Friday, February 27, 2015

3 Ways to Rock Denim-on-Denim

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You're in bed, wearing sweats, with a cup of coffee (or is that wine?), and you've been scrolling through Pinterest for the past few hours. Or days. This happens to me a lot - I'm wasting away my day (life) on Pinterest, and keep stumbling upon these perfect outfits on perfect models that I could never, EVER try at home. We've all been there, so I'm here to help.

In case you haven't noticed, denim on denim is a thing again. Before you freak out, remember to think Kourtney Kardashian instead of old-school Britney and Justin. Kourtney happens to be a fashion inspiration to me, and she's been spotted rocking this casual trend more than once. I pulled a few ideas from Pinterest to copycat - and here's the finished product.


I put two looks together with the same top and jeans - the first one with suede heels and statement earrings to feel a little more glam, and the second with a red scarf and booties that was a little more laid back.

If you want to pull off the "joutfit" (jeans outfit), there are a few important things to remember.

  1. Make sure your jeans and top are different washes of denim. Wearing the same shade will create the illusion that you are wearing a long, jeans romper, which probably isn't your best look.
  2. If you're intimidated by wearing all denim, put on a belt - either one with a larger buckle or in a bright color. Half-tuck your shirt into the belt to break up your outfit a little bit.
  3. Jazz up your outfit with a pair of colorful booties or a statement necklace. Without fun, girly accessories, I tend to think that denim on denim can easily look too casual and maybe a little bit farmer-ish.

Sound easy? I think so! Go ahead and take a risk...







Updated July 2015 with the most similar pieces I could find! Click through below for ideas!



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Thursday, February 26, 2015

What's in My Purse?

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I often joke that I feel like Mary Poppins - you never know what I might pull out of my purse next. In reality, I am just often on the go and not able to stop at home to get things that I need, so I stock up on anything and everything that could come in handy during my everyday life.

If one thing is underrated these days, it's the power of a handwritten mailed note. Whether it's a thank-you note or just a little message, nothing can top the feeling of opening an envelope that is personally addressed and contains a unique message - especially if it's on cute stationery. So, in true college-kid fashion, I found the cutest, cheapest notecards and envelopes possible. Guess where these are from?

 TARGET. And guess how much they were? $1. I got these and a pack of aqua blue ones (also for $1) and keep them in various purses so that anytime I go out I can drop a note off whenever I feel the need. I sincerely believe that handwritten thank-you notes will get you places. The amount of times I have heard my parents, aunts, and grandparents comment on the lack of a handwritten thank you note from a niece or nephew after they've sent a gift is something that has completely altered the way I view written communication.

You can get adorable stationery at Target, but I highly recommend using a small business if you are able to afford it. Personalized stationery makes an amazing gift, and you can snag it for a great price on Etsy. I ordered a monogrammed set for my boyfriend last year from CurioPress, and they were delivered almost immediately. Every college student and young adult absolutely needs a set of personalized or otherwise unique stationery, and needs to learn the value of a personalized note. It's worth the extra five minutes to jot something down on paper instead of sending an E-mail.


Try it! Trust me, I don't want to hear the generation above us mention it anymore ;)

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Sunday, February 22, 2015

Sunday Style Update

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College girl wardrobe staple #2? Cowgirl boots.

Not only are they essential for all you southern sorority ladies out there (tailgates, obviously), these boots are perfect for jazzing up a casual outfit or as a stand-in for your favorite brown leather riding boots. Lately, I've really had a thing for wearing them under boot-cut jeans. I guess this whole southern college thing is rubbing off on me?



I wore this outfit for an interview earlier today but with a forest-green Burberry jacket and no scarf. Subbed out the jacket for this fun scarf post-interview, curled my hair out of pure boredom... and here we are. I'll probably throw on some cords and wear it to chapter tonight, too. This outfit is undoubtedly one of my go-tos for class, work, family dinners... the list goes on.



I'll let you in on a little secret - I work at a resale store called Clothes Mentor. And before I worked at Clothes Mentor, I shopped almost exclusively at resale and consignment stores in my hometown, Portland OR. Some things I do believe ought to be bought new, but most clothing items can be found in nearly pristine condition for less than 50% of their original retail price at a consignment or resale shop. Try it. You'll soon find that the vast majority of my outfits are composed of items from solid/high-end brands that I snagged at a much lower price.


I'll hop off my soap box now -- Here's what I'm wearing:

Boots - Ariat from Boot Barn/ Jeans - Citizens of Humanity, from Buffalo Exchange / Sweater - LOFT, from Buffalo Exchange (similar). A Piko top would look cute with this too! / Scarf - mud-pie / Watch/Bracelets - Michael Kors (thanks, Bryan), David Yurman, Kate Spade (gifts from family) / Earrings - Francesca's (similar)

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

College-Girl Fashion Basics

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Let's start at the very beginning. I believe that basic staples need to be the root of all wardrobes, especially the wardrobe of a college woman. This is a look made of basics -  one that you could adjust to your taste or accessorize however you want. It's also an outfit that could take you to a casual internship, possibly a sorority chapter meeting, or class.

Even though I own my fair share of leggings, I think there is something to be said for people who look put together for class. Professors also tend to think there is something to be said for people who look put together for class. You may even find yourself paying closer attention.

So here we go. I think you should have a basic chambray dress. (Actually I am a firm believer in chambray everything). Mine is from Old Navy (hi, college budget), but here's a link to something similar. Belt the dress. Throw on a long cardigan - mine's from Ross, to be honest (similar cardigan found here). Boots. Everyone ought to have a pair of brown boots. I got mine at 6pm.com, which has become my source for all things discounted. They're Sam Edelman from a few years ago and are amazing, but if you need a similar pair of basic riding boots, click here.


Want to switch it up? Here are a few easy ideas -- 
  • Blazer instead of a cardigan
  • Solid or patterned tights for a cold day

So now you have an outfit (or three) that could take you just about anywhere -- that looks a lot more grown-up and put-together than leggings and a big sweater (even though there is nothing wrong with that). Dress it up, dress it down... All for a reasonable price.



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Wednesday, February 18, 2015

How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle in College

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I've always been an athlete, which meant I thought that I could eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. When college rolled around, I spent my freshman year drinking a lot, having sweet tea every day in the dining hall, and frequenting the dreaded dessert bar after meals with the swim team. A few months later, none of my clothes fit. Does this sound familiar to any of you?

The summer after freshman year, I cleaned up my diet and kind of worked out. I was on the swim team again sophomore year, and after the season was over I started lifting weights and doing T25 video workouts a few times a week. I wasn't super committed, but I was able to keep the majority of the weight off. The summer after sophomore year, I was lifting in the gym 4-6 times a week and eating only whole foods. This year, I've been in the gym anywhere between 3-6 days a week and eating pretty well - but every week I feel like I learn something new about my diet and find a fun new workout to add to what I already do. So this is a work in progress - but I'm feeling better now than I have since I began college.

Here are my tips to improve your lifestyle, one day at a time.

  1. If you have to unwrap your snack, it probably isn't made with whole, nutritious ingredients. I guarantee that you will end up with more energy and honestly probably less digestive issues (sorry) if you're eating stuff that's made with whole ingredients. You also will find yourself eating less packaged crap like 100-calorie chip bags and sugary granola bars. Prepare real meals and snacks ahead of time and you'll find more money in your wallet and less chick-fil-a receipts in your car before you know it ;)

  2. Figure out what kind of exercise makes you EXCITED to work out. I like to lift weights, and I genuinely think it's changed my body in a good way and challenged me in a way that other types of exercise hasn't. If you love yoga, running, zumba... that's awesome. Try stuff until you find an activity that can become a treat instead of punishment. You won't work out unless you like it. Trust me.

  3. Don't reward yourself with bad food or booze. Starting to clean up your nutrition needs to become an entire lifestyle and outlook - taking the stairs won't burn a million calories, but the fact that you had the choice and consciously chose the active route is something that will begin to influence every other decision that crosses your path. We're all entitled to have fun, but make sure that your "cheat" meals and drinks aren't a reward for hitting the gym earlier.

  4. Calorie counting is a thing, and you do have to reduce your caloric intake in order to lose weight. Calories are made up of protein, fat, and carbs - so what you have to do to stay healthy while losing weight is figure out a good balance of those three things. I usually just look for food with as much protein as possible because of my activity level - then for carbs I opt for whole grains.

  5. Keep a food journal for a few days. Write down what you eat, how much, and when. You may see a pattern in your snacking habits, which could then help you put a finger on when and why you tend to eat bad food. I've been using MyFitnessPal to get a general idea of what I'm putting in my body, and it's really helped me kick some bad habits - nothing feels as bad as putting a meal in MyFitnessPal and seeing your daily calories absolutely skyrocket through their suggested limit. I'll admit that I don't always stay on top of it on days I know that I'll drink or go out, but awareness is always a good thing.

PS: If you have ever read my past blog posts on Sorority Stylista, some of these tips may sound a bit recycled. Sorry - but they work!

All of this said, it is NOT healthy to become obsessive with your workouts or food intake. I am not a personal trainer or a dietician, just a college girl who gains weight easily and has finally figured out how to balance fun and health.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Meal Prep: Healthy Eating Made Easy

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My latest trick? Prepping full meals in Tupperware containers to be eaten later in the week when I otherwise might reach for some cold pizza or a handful of chips. I work a lot during the week and also have a part-time internship, so being able to bring a nutritious and filling meal with me all over town keeps me from spending money I don't have on fast food.

Last week I made two chicken breasts, a bunch of asparagus, and a cup of wild rice. I divided it all into five containers and was able to grab one of of the fridge whenever I needed a meal. This week? Salmon burgers from Whole Foods, a bag of sweet potatoes that I could steam in the microwave, and more wild rice. It took me a total of 15-20 minutes to prepare and according to MyFitnessPal it's just barely over 400 calories for an entire meal with a ton of protein from the salmon burger. I was stuffed after I finished my serving for today.

This is easy and really pretty affordable. What do you need?

  • Tupperware containers. Super cheap at Walmart for a pack of 5.
  • Protein - to be the base of your meal, like my salmon burger here.
  • A vegetable of some kind. Sweet potatoes, spinach, asparagus... You have a world of options!
  • Pasta or rice or some other carb/filler- preferably some kind of whole grain.

See? For a Tupperware it doesn't look so bad. 15 minutes and meals for the whole week. For a college kid without much extra time, or really any busy person trying to eat a little healthier, this wouldn't be the worst idea. Give it a shot - What's in your to-go lunch this week?

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