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Fashion

Bows and Kites Giveaway Winner: Catie Scott

Congratulations Catie Scott!

Congratulations to Catie Scott – our Bows and Kites giveaway winner!

Congratulations Catie Scott!

Congratulations Catie Scott!

Catie won two adorable bows which she plans on styling by putting one in her hair for the summer and one as an accessory her Longchamp bag.

Thank you so much to everybody who entered this fabulous giveaway and Bows and Kites for sponsoring it! It was so fun to hear how everybody planned on styling their bows and get excited.

Stay tuned for more great giveaways to come! (hint: there may or may not be one tomorrow…!)

Connect with Catie!

 

Madeleine Signature

Fashion

Outfit of the Day: March 11th

Necklace from The Flourish Boutique

Today’s outfit is all about having a little fun while still looking professional. I adore this lavender blouse from White Plum. It’s elegant and light – a nice lady-like touch. The statement necklace from The Flourish Boutique adds a fun pop without being too distracting. I firmly believe every woman needs a black skater skirt in her closet and this one from Nordstrom is the perfect essential. You can throw it on with almost everything!

Flats: Steve Madden via Nordstrom | Blouse: White Plum | Skirt: Nordstrom | Necklace: The Flourish Boutique | Watch: Kate Spade via NordstromOutfit of the Day March 11

 

I love the lace back!

I love the lace back!
Necklace from The Flourish Boutique

Necklace from The Flourish Boutique

Outfit of the Day March 11

You can't take yourself too seriously

You can’t take yourself too seriously

I received the blouse from White Plum and necklace from The Flourish Boutique free of charge. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.

Lifestyle

10 Killer Interview Tips

Interview Tips

Interview TipsIt’s almost spring which means it’s time to start that summer job hunt if you haven’t already. An interview is key – it will make or break you. If you’re lucky enough, you will land one of these bad boys and they can be pretty intimidating. But have no fear! Here are 10 ways you can nail your interview…

1. Arrive early

This means you need to be walking into the office, café, wherever the interview is, at the very least ten minutes early. Be sure to factor in traffic and parking! If you’ve never been there before, do a test drive the week leading up to the interview. Look up directions and know where you’re going ahead of time so you won’t get lost.

2. Dress to impress

You can never be overdressed for an interview. Always lean towards the more formal side unless the interviewer has specified otherwise. You can never go wrong with some straight-leg slacks, clean blazer, white blouse, and maybe a statement necklace for a little fun pop of color. Stay away from cotton, denim, wild prints, sleeveless tops, loads of makeup, and cleavage.

3. Have your resume printed and in a folder

This is something people commonly overlook. Just because you applied for the job and got called back for an interview does not mean that they have your resume on hand for reference. This way, when talking about your accomplishments or experience, you can easily point to them on your resume. The folder will keep the page flat, clean, and free from wrinkles. It’s best for interviewer to hang onto the resume after the interview, but sometimes they don’t have a bag or anything to hold your resume in – the folder provides them with that.

4. Do your research

Know the company’s mission statement, understand the specific requirements of the position you applied for, and know the interviewer’s background and position at the company.

5. Shake their hand

Okay, you may think I’m silly for even having to remind you of this, but when you first meet your interviewer, make eye contact, shake their hand firmly, and smile. So many people get discouraged because the interviewer doesn’t stick their hand out first. If that happens, take the initiative. This will prove your confidence and professionalism. First impressions are vital in an interview. Stand up, look them in the eye, and reach your hand out.

6. Ask questions

Interviewers love to ask “So, do you have any questions for me?” Sure, you may not really have any questions, but you should have a couple in your back pocket for times like these. Ask about the company culture, the interviewer’s position in the company, what they’re looking for in a new hire, etc. This will show your interest in the company and the job. Don’t ask questions that could be answered by a Google search though!

7. Have specific examples ready

When you’re talking about your skills and qualities as an employee, be ready with a few concrete examples that support your statement. If you claim to be a problem solver, provide a specific example of a time you came up with a solution to an issue. Without evidence, it’s just empty words.

8. Avoid rambling

Don’t lose track of time when you’re talking. Yes, the interviewer is ultimately there to hear about you. However, they’re not there to hear a monologue. Avoid bragging about yourself for too long. Say everything with purpose and keep it concise.

9. Email them immediately after

Send them an email within 5 hours of finishing the interview. Thank them by name and reiterate why you want the position. This should be a total of five sentences tops.

10. Send a handwritten note the next day

Yep, you are thanking them twice. Sending a handwritten note takes much more time and thought. It will genuinely set you apart from your competition!

I hope these tips help you nail your next interview and land the job! Comment below if you have any other tips.

Fashion

Outfit of the Day: March 6th

Without Bellamis

It’s finally beginning to feel like spring time! In honor of that, I broke out some of my favorite spring pieces today. I love white jeans because they brighten up any outfit. When paired with bright colors like this blouse from White Plum, it all makes for a fun and happy look. I paired it with some brown strappy wedges from Kohl’s and this stunning statement necklace from The Flourish Boutique. I love how the necklace provides a little sparkle and really polishes off the outfit!

Outfit of the Day March 6th

Ignore the phone in my pocket! I forgot I had it there. Whoops!

I love White Plum because they have really gorgeous items that are comfortable. This blouse can be easily dressed up or down, yet it’s not constricting. It’s perfect for work or going to brunch with a girlfriend on the weekend. They even have a whole collection of adorable print leggings (I mean, who doesn’t love leggings!). The Flourish Boutique has really beautiful pieces that transition well between day and night, which I love. I’m all about versatility! Especially when you’re a broke college student like me, you look for anything that has multiple uses. That’s why I adore this necklace – it’s fancy enough to be worn at a cocktail party, but subtle enough to be worn to work or running errands. If I wore this to work on a Friday, I could easily just throw on a dress and some heels for going out that night. Outfit of the Day March 6th Outfit of the Day March 6th Outfit of the Day March 6th

Connect with The Flourish Boutique

Connect with White Plum

What’s your favorite spring piece? Comment below!

White Plum provided me with this blouse. The Flourish Boutique provided me with this necklace. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.

Lifestyle

Proud and Pretty in Pink

Proud and Pretty in Pink Body Image Workshop

Confident Women are Changing the World Proud and Pretty in Pink

The organization Proud and Pretty in Pink aims to tackle two of the most prevalent issues for adolescent and young adult women: sexual health education and body image awareness. The organization strives to inspire, educate, and empower women.

Created by founder Chelsie Mogan-Prince with her sister Chandra Mogan, Proud and Pretty in Pink aims to tackle these issues head-on. They work to help women overcome these unrealistic expectations of beauty and learn about sexual health in a comfortable setting. They host programs and workshops with schools, sports teams, sororities, churches, etc.

“Sometimes it doesn’t matter how many times girls hear how beautiful they are or that they’re good enough.  We have to inspire the self hate out of them.  We have to open their eyes and impact their minds.  We are prepared to do just that.”
– Chelsie Mogan-Prince
Proud and Pretty in Pink Founders Chelsie Morgan-Prince (right) and Chandra Morgan (left)

The lovely Proud and Pretty in Pink founders Chelsie Mogan-Prince (right) and Chandra Mogan (left)

Proud and Pretty in Pink has an event coming up in Culver City, California on March 16th from 11am-3pm focusing on body image. They have celebrity guests from Team True Beauty – Shantel VanSanten of “One Tree Hill,” Angelique Cabral of “Enlisted,” and Laura Linda Bradley of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the event. From talking with Chelsie and seeing the success of their previous workshops, I highly encourage anybody from middle school through college to attend. Get your tickets soon though (buy them here!), because they only have 60 tickets for sale and are expecting to sell out. Tickets are just $25 and you will receive a cute t-shirt and swag bag as well! For more information about the event, check out the video below or their blog.  I can guarantee each woman who attends this workshop will feel significantly more confident in herself.

Chelsie and Chandra’s dedication to this cause is so evident in everything they have done. If you’re unable to attend the event, you should consider having Proud and Pretty in Pink come speak with your organization. They clearly love what they do and would provide an incredibly enriching experience for all those who attend.

Here’s a quick video about the Body Image Workshop:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdlMBmeJ-bo&list=UUaoxfVf5EDgMumk-ehoxf5g&feature=c4-overview]

Whether you’ve struggled with body image or sexual health or not, it is undeniable that an education about both is crucial to the future of women. As women in today’s society, our idea of beauty is so warped. Bombarded with images of unrealistically “perfect” women in the media everyday, the feeling of inadequacy constantly nags at us. 

This expectation of beauty is to unattainable, yet so many of us go through extreme lengths to try to achieve it. Our insecurities manifest themselves in different ways – from developing eating disorders to depression to dressing differently to loading up on makeup. Regardless of our awareness of it, this ridiculous misrepresentation of beauty affects all of us. Proud and Pretty in Pink strives to empower women to feel confident with their natural beauty.

In terms of sexual health, many women have been woefully neglected in this area of education. Whether they have been taught the “abstinence only” method or maybe their mom simply refused to discuss it, so many women lack basic knowledge about their own bodies. From preventing STDs to understanding puberty to knowing the risks of unprotected sex, education about these issues is crucial for living a healthy life.

I love that Proud and Pretty in Pink are working towards helping women feel beautiful in their own skin and empowering them to take control of their lives. I can’t wait to see where this organization goes from here!

Proud and Pretty in Pink quote

Contact Proud and Pretty in Pink:

Check out their website here.

Connect on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Email them info@proudandprettyinpink.com

Email Chelsie Chelsie@proudandprettyinpink.com

I did not receive any compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

Fashion

Bows and Kites Giveaway

Bows and Kites

Bows and Kites is an adorable store that sells hand-crafted bows! Created by Paulette, a recent UC Davis graduate, each bow is made by her personally.

CLOSED

The giveaway is now closed. Thank you all who entered!♥

 

Paulette sent me way more bows than I asked for. She's amazing!

Paulette sent me way more bows than I asked for. She’s amazing!
Paulette remembered that I'm from Seattle and sent me this amazing Seahawks bow! So sweet!

Paulette remembered that I’m from Seattle and sent me this amazing Seahawks bow! So sweet!

Her sorority inspired her to name her store “Bows and Kites” since she is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta (our symbol is a kite!). She speaks very highly of her time in college with her sorority sisters at UC Davis. It’s always so exciting for me to meet not only fellow sorority women, but also other Thetas!

Paulette is doing such an amazing job running this shop while also working – it just blows me away! She also has an adorable blog where she explains how to get cheap deals on Lilly Pulitzer, posts pictures of her sweet puppies, and shares her beauty secrets. Check it out here.

Paulette kindly offered to send me some bows for myself which I am absolutely OBSESSED with! I’m a sucker for bows in general, but these are so beautiful. She even remembered that I’m from Seattle and sent me a Seahawks one. She also asked me which kind of clasp I like and made sure they were all that style.

She also provided me with two other bows to giveaway to my lovely readers! If you want to enter this giveaway, all you have to do is enter in your email.

To earn more entries in this sweepstakes style contest:

The more entries you have, the more likely you will be to win these amazing bows!

One lucky contestant will win these two lovely bows!

One lucky contestant will win these two lovely bows!

 

Contest rules:

Open to U.S. residents only. Begins at 8pm 3/2/14. Ends at midnight on 3/9/14. Winner will be contacted via email and have 24 hours to confirm. If winner does not confirm within 24 hours, the prize will be awarded to the second place winner. The use of multiple emails, usernames, etc. will result in the elimination of all entries. Immediate unfollowing will result in elimination of entries as well. Entries from private Twitter accounts will not count as we will not be able to verify them.

I was given all of these bows free of charge from Bows and Kites. Please read the Terms of Use for the giveaway. Open to U.S. residents only. All opinions are my own.

Lifestyle

Greek Stationary from Greeked

Stationary from Greeked

Continuing my recent obsession with Etsy, I stumbled across the store Greeked. The owner, Lisa Arnett, created this spin-off from her other Etsy stationary store, Skel Design, to have a Greek emphasis.

Greeked offers extremely cute to-do lists for almost every sorority. For an office supply addict, this is one of the best things ever. I love making to-do lists. There’s something about crossing items off that’s extremely satisfying.

Please check out Greeked on Etsy here.

Please also check out Skel Design here.

 

Skel Design creates super cute prints like this one!

Skel Design creates super cute prints like this one!

Stationary from Greeked Stationary from Greeked

Lisa was kind enough to throw in the “Keep Calm and Get it Done” notepad as well in the package she sent me. It was such a generous surprise! I loved it!

When I emailed Lisa, she was genuinely interested in my life. I really enjoyed working with her and it was fun to hear about how she was a Delta Gamma at UCSB and her daughter is an Alpha Phi at UT! I love meeting other sorority women!

I would highly recommend ordering through her because she clearly values customer service and everything shipped so quickly.

Here are some more examples of their Greek stationary:

Greeked sorority designs Greeked sorority designs

Please check out Greeked on Etsy here

Please also check out Skel Design on

Greeked provided me with the four notepads “Big,” “Little,” “Kappa Alpha Theta,” and “Keep Calm and Get it Done” for free. I was also provided the “When I laugh with my family…” print for free. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.

Lifestyle

Blogger Spotlight: Annie Hornung of In Rainbow Order

Annie Hornung - Author of blog In Rainbow Order

A Chapman University alumna and Kappa Alpha Theta member, Annie Hornung recently launched her blog In Rainbow Order. A beauty, fashion, and lifestyle blog, Annie posts about her favorite products, most recent obsessions, and fun tips on how to live a more happy and healthy life.

Annie Hornung - Author of blog In Rainbow Order

10 Facts about In Rainbow Order author, Annie:

How did you get started blogging?

After graduating in December, one of the first things on my to-do list was to start a blog. I launched In Rainbow Order shortly after the start of the new year.

Where do you hope your blog goes from here?

More than anything, I want my blog to be a community. As much as I love to share my ideas with others, I also have a lot to learn from my followers. I want to start discussions and collaborate with other bloggers to create content that is meaningful!

What are some of your favorite blogs to follow?

Cupcakes and Cashmere is probably my favorite blog of all time, and Emily Schuman is one of my biggest inspirations. Temptalia is also a great beauty blog for in-depth product reviews and high-quality swatches.

If you could have dinner with one person in the whole world, who would it be and why?

There are so many celebrities and world leaders that I would love to meet, but I think I would choose my grandmother. She passed away when I was young, and I’ve always wished that I could have a conversation with her as an adult. 

What are your five fashion staples? (things you can’t live without!)

  1. My favorite pair of jeans from Madewell
  2. My Tory Burch riding boots
  3. Tory Burch Reva flats
  4. Neutral camisoles from Nordstrom BP (I layer them under everything!)
  5. Colorful scarves

What are your beauty staples?

I could not live without my beautyblender, Clarisonic Mia, and Wet Brush. My skin is one of my biggest insecurities, so a good facial cleanser and moisturizer are at the top of my list, too.

What’s your number one most played song on your iTunes?

Ordinary Love by Ben Rector. His newest album, The Walking In Between, is fantastic.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Reality television and, more specifically, The Bachelor. 

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

I don’t read as often as I should, but The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is a recent favorite.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

A friend once shared the following quote with me: “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” It’s such a comforting reminder, and one that I always refer back to!

Annie Hornung - Author of blog In Rainbow Order

I’ve had the incredible privilege of knowing Annie on a personal level. She is one of my closest friends, my mentor, and my sorority sister. We’re also from the same tiny hometown which is pretty incredible considering we met over 1,000 miles away from home!

Annie graduated a semester early this fall and immediately landed a full-time, paid internship with CRG Events in Seattle, Washington. Tomorrow (March 1st), Annie will be embarking on an adventure of a lifetime to Washington, D.C. to work as an Educational Leadership Consultant (ELC) for a brand new chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta at Georgetown University.

Words cannot describe how much Annie has inspired and encouraged me over the short year and a half that I’ve known her. An incredibly brilliant, selfless, poised, articulate, gracious, and ambitious woman, I hope that one day I can be like her.

Connect with Annie on social media

Blog Twitter || Personal Twitter || Facebook || Instagram

Great posts from Annie

At-Home Acai Bowl Recipe

Naked Palette Review

Top 13 Beauty Products of 2013

What I Learned in College

Lifestyle

Fraternity/Sorority Flags from GreekLifeStuff.com

Kappa Alpha Theta flag from Greek Life Stuff

Greek Life Stuff is the go-to place for sorority/fraternity flags! They have almost every single fraternity and sorority represented in their store. In addition, they have flags for co-ed organizations such as business or law fraternities. They even have a few other items available such as lanyards and beanies, but flags are their main product. Be sure to check out their main site as well as their Etsy shop!

Greek Life Stuff was extremely generous to provide me with this Kappa Alpha Theta flag for only $3 (the price of shipping). I am completely obsessed! Whether you live in Greek housing, the dorms, an apartment, or a house, it’s the best addition to any room. (They also stuck a Theta lanyard in the box too which was such a great surprise!)

Kappa Alpha Theta flag from Greek Life Stuff

I got the traditional Theta colors of black and gold, however they have options like pink to customize your flag how you want! There’s other styles available as well such as an American flag style with stripes and one with the crest of the organization.

I would highly recommend buying through them because they ship fast and are such a fun way to show your fraternity/sorority pride!

Fraternities they offer:

Alpha Epsilon Pi || Alpha Gamma Rho || Alpha Kappa Lambda || Alpha Sigma Phi || Alpha Tau Omega || Beta Theta Pi || Chi Phi || Chi Psi || Delta Chi || Delta Kappa Epsilon || Delta Sigma Phi || Delta Tau Delta || Delta Upsilon || Kappa Alpha Order || Kappa Delta Rho || Kappa Kappa Psi || Kappa Sigma || Lambda Chi Alpha || Lambda Phi Epsilon || Phi Delta Theta || Phi Gamma Delta || Phi Kappa Psi || Phi Kappa Sigma || Phi Kappa Tau || Phi Kappa Theta || Phi Iota Alpha || Phi Mu Delta || Phi Sigma Kappa || Pi Alpha Phi || Pi Kappa Alpha || Pi Kappa Phi || Psi Upsilon || Sigma Alpha Mu || Sigma Chi || Sigma Nu || Sigma Phi Epsilon || Sigma Pi || Sigma Tau Gamma || Tau Kappa Epsilon || Theta Chi || Theta Xi || Triangle || Zeta Beta Tau

Sororities they offer: 

Alpha Chi Omega  || Alpha Delta Pi  || Alpha Epsilon Phi  || Alpha Gamma Delta  || Alpha Omega Epsilon  || Alpha Omicron Pi  || Alpha Phi  || Alpha Sigma Tau  || Alpha Xi Delta  || Chi Omega  || Delta Delta Delta  || Delta Gamma  || Gamma Phi Beta  || Kappa Alpha Theta  || Kappa Delta  || Kappa Kappa Gamma  || Phi Mu  || Phi Sigma Sigma  || Pi Beta Phi  || Sigma Alpha Iota  || Sigma Delta Tau  || Sigma Kappa  || Sigma Sigma Sigma  || Tau Beta Sigma  || Theta Phi Alpha  || Zeta Tau Alpha

Check out their site here: http://greeklifeflags.3dcartstores.com/

Check out their Etsy store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WindyCityFraternity

I received this flag at a discounted price of $3 when it is regularly $24.99. Greek Life Stuff is an official Greek License Vendor. All opinions are my own.