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college

Fashion

Guest Post: Building a Professional Wardrobe in College

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Hi lovely readers! So as you may know, this week is my finals week and also the week I am moving from California back to Washington. Needless to say, I will be VERY busy.

 

Unfortunately, I will not be able to be creating my own content this week, so I have a fantastic lineup of guest posts for you! I hope you check in everyday to read their posts and learn more about some other incredible bloggers that have been so generous in helping me out.

 

The following post is by Samantha of the blog Samantha Reads. I hope you love her post as much as I do!

 

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Hi wonderful readers of Small Town Roots & Cowboy Boots!

 

I’m Samantha, and I run the blog Samantha Reads. First off, I’d like to thank Madeleine for having me guest post today.

 

As we all probably know, college is a time of transition. You’re out of your safe hometown bubble, but you’re not quite in the “real world” yet. This is probably one of the last times in your life it will be acceptable to wear yoga pants on a week day, so take advantage of that! But we should also be using our collegiate years to build a professional wardrobe so we’re not stuck spending all the money we don’t have come graduation on blazers and pencil skirts.

 

That’s why I’ve taken some time to pick out versatile campus to office pieces that are casual enough to wear in college, but professional enough that they’ll also work when you graduate.
Midi Pencil Skirt, Zara, $59.90
A pencil skirt is key for the professional set, but basic black can be a little boring for a college campus. This bright blue adds some excitement to the work day uniform, and could easily be worn for a night out at school paired with a crop top.
Lace Jacket, H&M, $24.95
Even if you’re still in college, every girl needs a good blazer, but there’s no rule it needs to be plain. This one’s still in a neutral hue, making it office-friendly, but the lace will make you stand out in the crowd.
Pleated woven pants, Forever 21, $22.80
Say goodbye to the ill-fitting dress pants of offices past. These cropped, pleated trousers emphasize your shape in a way that’s still perfectly work appropriate, but could also be paired with a printed tank for class or hanging out with friends.
Harper Geometric Textured Dress, Francesca’s, $68
Dresses are a great choice for building a professional wardrobe. Worn with a blazer, this shift is perfect for the workplace. Worn without, it’s perfect for a school event or just brunch with friends.
If you like what you see, feel free to follow me on my own blog or on Twitter for more tips!
Xoxo, Samantha
Fashion

Ultimate Guide to Formal Dress Shopping Online

Formal Dress Shopping

Formal Dress Shopping

It’s the best time of the year: FORMAL SEASON! That’s right! Whether you’re in a sorority or plan on getting yourself invited to a fraternity’s formal, this is your ultimate guide to finding the perfect dress online at an affordable price (tips, tricks, and favorite stores).

Here are some rules of thumb:
  • Look at the size chart every time and actually know your measurements. You won’t know how the dress will fit until you actually try it on, but this is the best way you can guestimate
  • Check the store’s return and exchange policy – many require you to pay postage. Look for stores (like the ones listed below) that offer free returns and exchanges.
  • Try to find stores with free shipping or discounts for first-time users
  • Google search coupons and promo codes for that store (RetailMeNot.com always has great ones!)
  • See if any sisters/friends want to buy with you if there’s a large shipping fee

tobi logo

Tobi is GREAT! This is my #1 recommendation by far. I ordered my semi-formal dress from here along with another dress as a backup. Not only did they ship incredibly fast (within a week!), but the dresses were such high quality. I love Tobi because they have something for everybody – from super scandalous cut-out dresses to modest work-appropriate dresses.

The main reason I ordered through them was because they offer free returns and exchanges. Also, they offer 50% off your first order AND free shipping! You just can’t get a better deal than that.

I do have to say though, their dresses do run small. I am usually a size small/medium in dresses, so I ordered a medium to be on the safe side. My dress was skin tight – which was fine, just not what I had anticipated. I would recommend ordering a size up. Worst case scenario, you can exchange it for free for the smaller size!


Nordstrom LogoI will always stand by Nordstrom. With free shipping and free returns, you know they are dependable. They are known throughout the industry to have the highest quality and customer service.

Mod Cloth

 

ModCloth is another super cute online shop with free returns and exchanges. Their dresses are unlike any you will see. If you buy a formal dress from here, I doubt anybody else at your formal will have the same one!

urban-outfitters-logoWho knew Urban Outfitters had free returns and exchanges? Not me! They have super cute dress options as well especially if you’re going for the more boho look (I’m looking at you, Little!)

Where are your favorite places to shop online?

Lifestyle

Healthy and Cheap College Food Essentials

Eating Healthy in College on a Budget

Eating Healthy in College on a Budget

It can be extremely difficult to eat healthy in college, so I’ve pulled together some of my favorite tips to share to make the process easier!

All of the items you see below were under $150 and can fit in my dorm shelf and mini fridge. I promise, eating healthy in college (even living in the dorms) is possible. I’m super busy all the time with two jobs, an internship, this blog, sorority life, and a full class schedule. If I can do it, you can do it!

Smoothie ingredients

Smoothie ingredientsMake a healthy snack or meal replacement with a quick and easy smoothie. Use almond milk for protein, frozen berries, a whole banana, a spoonful of almond butter, and a handful of spinach. I promise, you won’t taste the spinach AT ALL! It’s the easiest way to get a healthy serving of fruits and veggies.

Healthy snacks

Snack idea

I love tuna and crackers for a quick, protein-packed, snack!

Snack idea

Take these to-go packs of ranch and a Ziploc baggie of carrots when you’re on the run. It’s so easy to take these in the car, on the way to class, or for your lunch at work.

Snack

I always crave fresh fruit while I’m at college. Unfortunately, most dining halls do a terrible job at providing fresh fruits or veggies. Berries go bad pretty quickly, but I’ve found grapes to last a little longer. They’re also easy to just throw in a Ziploc bag and take with you – no slicing necessary.

Two go-to lunch/dinner options

Lunch/dinner

You can make little roll-up sandwiches super quickly by spreading on some cream cheese, layering on turkey and spinach, and then rolling it all up. I take these in little bags for my lunch at work. They’re filling and delicious.

Lunch/dinner

I’m not vegan, but I am obsessed with these vegan chicken patties. They are SO good! They taste like chicken nuggets while still being healthy somehow. I have a huge stash of about four of these boxes in my freezer because I eat them so much. I love throwing a patty and some instant brown rice into a Tupperware for lunch at work. You can just put it in the microwave for a minute and everything is hot and ready to eat!

At least one breakfast option

Breakfast

I honestly cannot stress the importance of breakfast enough. Especially for college-aged kids – we need fuel in the morning. So many of us are running off to class and then work and then other clubs/activities and then finally working on homework. Since we can’t always rely on being well-rested in the mornings, our bodies crave fuel. Make sure you have one breakfast staple on hand. I like having yogurt with some protein-packed cereal – you can easily plop some into a paper bowl and take it on the go if you need. EAT BREAKFAST! Your body will thank you.

Super quick microwave meals

Microwave

Yeah, I know. This isn’t ideal. However, eating something is much better than eating nothing. We all know that Easy Mac and Cup-O-Noodles isn’t the best choice for our bodies. I’ve found Annie’s organic mac n’ cheese and Barilla’s pastas to be the best alternatives. Sometimes, we are just too tired to even think about making ourselves something healthier. Trust me, the idea of just heating something up always sounds appealing. Just make sure when you do eat these quick, microwavable meals that it’s not all the time and they’re not completely terrible for you.

 

One thing you can make that feels like a “real” meal

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Cooking in the dorms is virtually impossible. However, I have found there are a few creative ways that you can whip together something that resembles a “real” home-cooked meal. I use a hot pot (like this one) to boil water. Once the water is boiled, I add in quinoa and olive oil. Quinoa is so versatile, but I love putting lime juice, corn, black beans, tomato, and avocado in it. A light and healthy meal, it doesn’t take that much time to make but let’s you feel like you’re actually cooking. I usually make a medium sized batch of this and put it in containers for lunches for the rest of the week. To hear more about the recipe, check out my other post here.

 

Your favorite goodies

Goodies

Yep, you’re allowed to pig-out every once in a while. Having some of your favorite goodies on hand allows you to feel comfortable and like you’re not completely depriving yourself. I really think it’s important to have some of your favorite things nearby especially if you’re feeling down or homesick.

A few more tips:
  • Pack snacks in Ziploc bags for portion control
  • Never eat in bed
  • Don’t eat while watching TV or when you’re bored
  • Put smoothie ingredients in Ziplocs and store them in the freezer – the fresh spinach and fruits will last much longer
  • Almond milk can be stored on your shelf until you open it. After that, put it in your fridge
  • Drink green tea in the morning. Put lemon and Stevia in it
  • Drink water!
  • Don’t drink energy drinks
  • Brush your teeth right after dinner. You’ll be less tempted to late-night snack once your teeth are clean

 

Was this helpful for you? What are your go-to healthy college foods?
Lifestyle

#TransformationTuesday: Losing My Freshman Fifteen

Transformation Tuesday

Today I thought I’d tell you all a little bit about my switch to a healthier lifestyle that took place last year. After gaining the expected “Freshman 15,” I was feeling really out of sorts. My energy and self-confidence were both at low points.

When summer hit, I was ready to shed those fifteen pounds with a renewed sense of determination. I began attending exercise classes at my gym and participating in some sort of physical exercise for at least thirty minutes per day. I began eating healthier – more fruits, veggies, lean protein, and water.

It’s been hard keeping it up since I’ve been back to school, but it’s so rewarding to be able to maintain a healthy weight. I was never overweight in the first place, but after dropping fifteen pounds, I look much more healthy and fit. I have more energy and feel so much better – mentally and physically.

I’m still a work in progress. I want to run a half-marathon by the time I graduate college. I’ve got a long way to go, but sharing images like this helps me stay motivated. I hope someday to inspire others to live a healthier lifestyle. It is such hard work, but it is beyond worth it.

Would you be interested in hearing more about my journey to a healthier lifestyle? Comment below!

Transformation Tuesday

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