New Year Resolutions and How to get Motivated!

We made it! It's officially 2017. A brand new year.  A change to wipe the slate clean if you so please.  I always get excited for the new year.  I know there is a lot of negativity around setting new years resolutions, but in my opinion, it is admirable to try and better yourself! I shared a few more thoughts about new years negativity in my new Odyssey article.  If you would like to read it click here!
Anyways, I thought I would share a few of my resolutions and how I motivate myself to fulfill them!

My first goal is to bullet journal.  A few years ago, I made the goal to become more organized and really utilize a planner.  Since then I become a devote planner user, and have never been more on top of things in my life.  This year, I really want to bullet journal.  Not only about assignments and tasks that I need to fulfill in that day, but personal and spiritual goals that I'm trying to achieve. I purchased a notebook at target for only $3 to really jump start my bullet journal journey. I'm not sure where this journey is going to take me, but I'm excited to get started! 

Sometimes, goals are hard to achieve because life takes over and we lose track of them.  That's why I'm a huge believer in writing your goals down! Go to target, buy a notebook, write it on your calendar, write it on a sticky note and stick it somewhere, whatever you do    Write   It   Down!

I can't stress that enough. Maybe it's because I'm a visual person, but writing things down really helps me to visualize my goals.

Another goal for the new year is to really take my blog to the next level!  I've recently bought a camera and have been experimenting with it! I'm also in the process of buying a blog theme for this site! Blogging is something I love to do, and this year  I am really going to try and take more time doing what I love! I'm planning on using my bullet journal for some blog ideas as well! 

I also picked up this adorable note pad to jot down some ideas.  Like I said, writing things down is such a key for me! There is nothing worse then forgetting an idea that comes to you at the strangest time.  So this year, I'm writing every idea down! 

All in all, new years is such an inspiring time! New years is a time to start fresh, and become inspired again! I hope your new year if full of blessing and love! Happy 2017 everyone!

Until Next Time

Pinky and the Prep

Julie

Simple Fall Outfit of the Day

Hey ya'll! I hope you all are having a great day, and great start to fall!  This Saturday I was able to take a break from homework and explore my downtown area a little! My girly's and I found some cute painted and brick walls and decided to have an impromptu photo shoot! I thought I would share with ya'll this super easy and cute fall look!

Since I live in Kansas, it's still fairly hot... but that doesn't stop me from feeling those fall vibes!!  I decided to go with olive and maroon (classic fall colors ) but with summer cuts.  I started with this awesome army green vest.  This was the inspiration for my outfit.  If you follow me on Instagram (@pinkyandtheprep) you might of seen me haul this vest on my insta story.  I originally bought it to wear with a back long sleeve top, but it was WAY too hot for that.  I tried it on with this light weight maroon tee and I fell in love!  I bought both the v-neck tee and vest at Charlotte Russe.  Of course I had to pair it with my favorite pair of skinny jeans from Charlotte Russe! I can't stop wearing these things! They just fit so well, and are so soft!  I finished off the look with these adorable and comfortable booties from Gliks.  They have a small heel which makes me feel great! I added my gold Michael Kors watch, and my matching Kendra Scott necklace and stud earrings, which were all purchased at Gliks.

Thank you all so much for joining me today! Also! I am excited to announce that I am now writing for The Odyssey Online! If you all would like to see my articles, you can add me on Pintrest (@pinkyandtheprep) and I will post my articles there! My first one is fall fashion related!! I hope you all have a blessed rest of your day!

Until Next Time

Julie 

Pinky and the Prep

Back to School Fall Look Book!

Happy back to school time everyone! Even though it is still in the high 80s where I am, I am still craving some fall weather.  Fall weather also means fall fashion! I don't know about ya'll, but I LOVE fall fashion! Scarfs, sweaters, boots, and vests! I put together a small fall look book of some simple and  cute outfits that I will definitely be rocking on campus this year!

This first outfit is one of my very favorites! It's so simple, and so comfortable! I started this outfit off  with one of my staple fall pieces, a v-neck tee shirt! This one is from Rue 21 and is so soft! It was on sale for only $12! I also picked it up in maroon and blue! Thrown over is just a lightweight heather gray sweater! This sweater is amazing. It is light enough to wear when it is still warm, and is perfect for bringing to class! Some of my classes are hot as can be, and some are freezing! This sweater is perfect for throwing over any outfit! Paired with this look is one of my new favorite pairs of jeans! They are just simple distressed skinny jeans also from Rue 21! ( Lots of my pieces are from Rue 21, because I hadn't shopped there  in forever and found some amazing affordable pieces!!) To finish this look off I threw on a comfortable pair of chunky black booties that I purchased at Macy's, my beloved white Kendra Scott necklace, and put my hair up into an effortless pony tail.

Outfit #2 is just as comfortable and easy as outfit #1!  I paired the same Rue 21 jeans with a quarter zip  three quarter length sleeve hoodie by Tommy Hilfiger. This hoodie is great because it's lightweight and perfect for the beginning of the fall season! It's also a little more dressy than your average hoodie! To finish this look off I paired it with the same booties from Macy's in a camel color. 

Outfit #3 is great for a chillier day! I again started with my current favorite pair of jeans from Rue 21 (seriously, these jeans are amazing!) I paired those jeans with a chunky three quarter length sleeve sweater from Tommy Hilfiger.  I love the ombreish feel that this sweater has! I paired this outfit with the same camel colored Macy's booties, and finished it off with my Kendra Scott necklace! 

My last outfit is probably the warmest and dressiest outfit of them all! And one of my favorites! I started with this awesome plaid button down shirt that I found at Rue 21 on clearance for $9.99! I  could not pass it up! I paired it with one of my favorite go to vest from last season found at Macy's. Once again I paired this look with my killer Rue 21 skinny jeans and some chunky healed booties from Macy's.  And I finished off the look with my white Kendra Scott necklace.

I hope you all enjoyed taking a peak into my fall closet! I also hoped you all got some inspiration for your fall wardrobes! Thank you all for joining me today! 

Until next time

Pinky and the Prep

Julie 

Current Summer Favorites

The weather is warming up, the rain is leaving, and the pools are open.. must mean summer is here! Since it is officially June, I decided not to do a May favorites but instead start with a current summer favorites! I hope ya'll enjoy and have a fantastic start of your summer!
First up is southern tee's.  Simply Southern, Southern Shirt Co, The Fraternity Collection,  Lily Grace, and Vineyard Vines are just a few of my favorites! They are comfortable, and super cute! They also make the perfect summer outfit.  For running around town, I throw them on with a pair of Nike shorts and call it a day. For a daytime outing, I'll throw one on with a pair of boyfriend jeans!

My next favorite has been boyfriend jeans, specifically distressed boyfriend jeans.  A few places I have purchased mine are Buckle, Gliks, and Forever 21!

Next up on my favorites is bralettes! Pictured above, I am wearing one of my favorite Free People bralettes. I love to wear mine with the Piko double V shirts! They dip low in the front and back to show off the bralette. 

Since I am not in school during the summer I have had a lot more "me time" to do the things that I enjoy! One of my favorite things to do is get my nails done! I've tried acrylics and regular polish, but for about 3 years now I have been a gel nail addict. This past week I was at the salon, and my nail technician suggested I try the powder dipped nails. Making a long story short, I have loved them so far! Later, once I wear them to their fullest and have them removed I will make an in depth blog post comparing them to gel and acrylic. 

Finally, my last favorite has been stacking dainty necklaces. This obsession may have been set into motion by my most recent Kendra Scott purchase. I bought one of the Elisa pendant necklaces. It is gorgeous, and pairs beautifully with other necklaces! I have worn it with almost every outfit and loved it! Can not wait to purchase more of these! 

Thank you so much for joining me today! 

Until next time

Pinky and the Prep

Julie 

Spring Fever Haul!

I know I know, it's only the first day of Feburary...but I am having a major case of spring fever.  These past couple days have been in the high 50s and I have been loving it! As much as I love Christmas and winter weather, all good things must come to an end.  With that being said, spring is one of my favorite times of the year; the flowers are bluming, the skies are clear, the weather is getting warmer, and summer is on its way!! With all this warm weather, I was inspired to do some spring shopping! 

First off is something I bought right after Christmas at the Macys After Christmas Sale. When I saw this bag, I immediately knew I had to have it.  It was marked down from around $300 to a little over $100 with tax. This dusty rose color is going to be huge this spring... and any shade of pink is right up my alley!!

           The next thing I want to share was actually a late Christmas gift from a friend! These bags were so cute I knew I had to put them away and save them for spring! The first is a Vera Bradley makeup pouch (left side).  First of all, can I just say how adorable this print is!?! And second of all, I love Vera makeup bags.  They always have a super thick linning in them that protects the inside of the bag from any makeup spilling!  The other piece of Vera Bradley she got me was a travel jewelry organizer (right side) in the same adorable print!  In the spring time I do a lot of traveling with my winter percussion group.  While I don't take a ton of jewelry on thoes trips, I do take the essentials.  This bag is going to be perfect!  And of course I will be taking it with me on my spring break trip! 

          Next up is something you might of seen on my Instagram (@Pinkyandtheprep). It was a little bit of a splurge for me.  Back when I was 13 my parents bought me a Michael Kors watch for Christmas.  I wore that watch every day!  Five years later, I am still wearing that watch.  The Michael Kors watches are a little bit of an investment, but they really do last.  I think I will continue to wear the one gifted to me by my parents for years to come.  WIth that being said, I really wanted a new one.  My original watch was rose gold, but I found my self wearing more gold than rose gold.  This weekend I finally pulled the trigger and bought the watch I had been lusting over for years and I am in love!! Next to the watch are a couple beaded braclets I have been loving paired with this watch. 

             Flash sales are my weakness I have to admit.  When I saw this bag go on sale for almost 50% off I knew I had to jump on it.  Continuing with the pink theme, I also purchased this bag in the dusty rose color I have been loving. This bag is going to be perfect for spring and summer nights out! And can be talk about how cute the scallop detailing is!? 

             A spring fever haul would not be complete without some clothing. I stopped by Maurices and Gliks over the weekend and found some great pieces for spring! First up at Gliks I found this adorable pink poncho.  I thought this would be the perfect transitionpiece from winter to spring! Not to mention it is super soft!

             Next up is another transition piece.  If you have read my blog before you know I am obsessed with Piko tops.  Well I finally got my hands on a Piko dress... and let me tell ya, they are just as comfortable as their famous tops! I thought this would be perfect with tights while its still cold, and then when its gets warmer I can throw a bright kimono over top! 

           Speaking of kimonos, I also picked up two of thoes.  One at Maurices (left) and one at Gliks (right).  I have a feeling kimonos are going to big this spring! I am in love with the fringe on the left one! The right one is a sheer lace, so I can put any color under neath and add a feminine touch with the lace! 

             Also at Maurices I found this adorable top.  Although this top is a little more on the summer side, I thought it would be really cute under a sweater for cooler spring days! The pattern and bright colors just pulled me in!

             Lastly, I have been loving this vest.  From fall to winter, vests are one of my number 1 items.  This vest is the perfect transition piece from winter to spring.  This vest is by Tommy Hilfiger. 

         I hope you enjoyed my Spring Fever haul! Fingers crossed that this warm weather continues!! 

Until Next Time

Julie

Pinky and the Prep

Rejuvenation and Relaxation!

Stressful weeks and busy weekends have been my reality ever since I got back from Christmas break. Having a little "me time" during these weeks is crutial. Here are my top five tips to staying relaxed during a hectic week! 

1) Bubble Baths

Although bubble baths can be a little time consuming, there is nothing that makes me feel more rejuvenated. Epsom salts, bubble bath, bath bombs and  bubble bars are some of my favorite goodies to put in my bath. There is something about soaking in a warm tub for 20 minutes that makes me feel so peaceful. 

2) Face Masks

Behind bubble baths, face masks are another favorite. These take virtually no effort. I put them on while doing homework, or while I read just before bed. I've recently been obsessed with sheet masks. I had been hearing a lot about the "I'm Real" face masks and wanted to try them out. I went to Shepora and each one was $7.50. Being curious, I typed them into Amazon and found the entire collection (11 different masks) for $11!! I highly recommend them! 

3) Reading 

In the past, it's been hard for me to find time to read for pleasure. For New Years, I made it a priority that I was going to spend more time reading for myself, and I'm glad I did. Putting my phone on do not disturb, and just taking some time to read really reduces my stress level. I'm always looking for new books so let me know if you have any suggestions! 

4) Manicures 

A good manicure can fix about anything! Just kidding... But really, who doesn't love a good manicure? Whether you do it your self, or get it done at a salon, taking the time to get your nails done is a great way to relax. And hey, you'll have a killer manicure after you're done! 

5)Tea

This one I can't stress enough. While I love coffe, I have really switched over to tea. I drink tea in the morning, and I drink nighty night tea right before bed. A warm glass of tea is the perfect way to calmly end my night. Right now I've been loving mind green tea, and camomile at night! 

I hope you enjoyed my top 5 tips for staying relaxed during a hectic week. I hope that your week and weekend are full of fun and relaxation!!

Until next time,

Julie

Pinky and the prep

25 Question Tag!

Since I am currently on winter break, I have had a lot more time to catch up on some of my favorite blogs. Several of my blogger friends have done the 25 question tag and I though that would be a fun thing to do on a relaxing Sunday! 

1) What is your middle name? 

Marie

2) What was your favorite subject in school? 

I have always loved my English classes, but I also loved anthropology, psychology, and astronomy. 

3) What is your favorite drink? 

I'm a huge tea drinker. I love happy tea, green tea, and anything with mint. I also love coffee! 

4) What is your favorite song at the moment? 

This is a hard one, but I've really been loving the Artic Monkeys recently. Snap

out of it is my current favorite. 

5) What is your favorite food? 

Again, this is a hard one but I'd have to say chicken Cesar salad, or pasta. 

6) What is the last thing you bought? 

I just got done shopping for my uncle, but that last thing I bought for my self was a Pom Pom to hang off my purse!  

 7) What is your favorite book? 

I loved the twilight books and Harry Potter  but my favorite has to be the Hush Hush series. I'm currently reading Guilty Pleasures and am really enjoying it! 

8) Favorite color?

That's an easy one... Pink!! 

9) Do you have any pets?

I have a dog named Rolex, he is a silky terroir (: and I just recently got a hedge hog whose name is Puff Daddy! 

10) Favorite perfume? 

Viva la juicy 

11) Favorite holiday? 

Christmas all the way!

12) Are you married? 

No, enjoying being 18 (: 

13) Have you ever been out of the country, if so how many times? 

No, but I would love to study abroad in college. 

14) Do you speak any other language? 

Not fluently, but I am currently in Spanish 4 and plan to continue studying it in college.

15) How many siblings do you have? 

I have one older sister who is also my best friend (: 

16) What is your favorite shop? 

Gliks and Francesca's are at the top of my list currently. 

17) Favorite restaurants? 

Peel and wasabi are my current favorites. 

18) When was the last time you cried? 

So long ago I can't remember

19) Favorite blog? 

I love way too many to pick one! 

20) Favorite movie? 

Love actually, Taken, and the Titanic

21) Favorite tv show? 

Greys anatomy 

22) Pc or Mac? 

I've never had a Mac so I'll have to say pc.

 23) What phone do you have? 

I have an iPhone 6.

24) How tall are you? 

I am 5 feet 8 inches 

25) Can you cook?

Yes, but there is definitely room for improvement!

I hope you guys enjoyed learning more about me. I tag everyone who wants to do it! 

Until next time,

Julie

Pinkyandtheprep 

Top 15 of 2015!

Technically it is now 2016 ( yahoo! ) but I thought now, during the first hours of 2016 was a good time to reflect of my favorite items of 2015. It was a hard decision rounding them all up, but I think I have a pretty good group! 

1) 

I was gifted the naked 3 pallet last year for Christmas and I have been in love with it since. The shadows are pigmented, there are mattes and shimmery ones, and most of them are super wearable shades. I'm even wearing some of them tonight! 

2) 

My curling wand has been my go to hair tool for 2015. I have just been loving curls! I bought this curling wand out of the blue at Target one day and I was immediately hooked. 

3) 

I feel like 2015 was the year of dry shampoo. Being a high school senior, dry shampoo has become a life saver. I have tried numerous different kinds, and I always seem to come back to Batiste. The scents, the texture, and the power of this dry shampoo is just amazing! If you haven't found a dry shampoo you love, I highly suggest picking this one up! 

4)

Gel nails have been a life saver. I chip nail polish like its my job! Gel polish doesn't damage my nails, is chip proof, and usually lasts 2 weeks. And it always looks flawless and shinny, which, who doesn't want that!? 

5)

Ridding boots have been a huge fashion must have for me. From the first day of fall to the last day of winter, riding boots are usually what's on my feet! Naturalizer has been my favorite brand of boots for the last few years. They are even filled with fur! 

6)

Next up is arm candy. This trend has been a love of mine for years, but I feel like 2015 was the year I really kicked it up a notch. Alex and ani, micheal kors, and Gliks are just a few of my favorite places and brands where I buy my bracelets. My outfits no longer feel complete without a wrist full of jewelry! 

7)

Planning! Keeping a detailed planner has been something I've done for almost 4 years now. Each year I dig deeper into the world of planning. This year was no exception! I repurchased the iconic Lilly Pulitzer planner and I honestly don't know what I would do without it! It has helped me be a much more organized and efficient person! 

8) 

Jack roger sandals were something I had heard about for years. I had tried them on in stores a couple times and never thought they were all that comfortable. Last spring I finally pulled the trigger and purchased a pair. It took about a week, but once I broke them in, they were one of the most comfortable sandals I had ever bought. I wore them day and night, they matched practically everything in my wardrobe! There is no doubt in my mind that I will be buying another pair this upcoming Spring. 

9)

Last Christmas was when I really started getting into monograms. Monogram stickers for my planner, car and phone case. Monogram jackets, hats, and necklaces. I went monogram crazy this year. I feel like it is one of the cutest ways to personalize your stuff! 

10) 

"Southern" or "preppy" tee shirts have been one of my guilty pleasures. They are comfortable and easy to throw together, but I feel like they look a little bit more put together than a regular tee shirt. Simply southern, southern shirt company, and Jayden and Brooke are some of my favorite "southern" shirt brands! 

11)

The Lilly Pulitzer brand for Target was also a huge favorite this year. While I don't really wear it during the winter, it dominated the summer. The dresses, the shorts, the shirts, and even the accessories filled my summer wardrobe. I can't wait to pull these items out when spring comes around! 

12)

Piko tops are more of a recent find but I felt that they were too important to leave out. These shirts have to be the softest shirts I have ever felt. I saw them for the first time in Gliks and I was hooked. I bought them in all the neutral colors I could find. They are amazing for layering under vests and sweaters, throwing a scarf over, or even a big statement necklace. Piko shirts are an item that I'm sure I will be rocking in 2016. 

13)

Vests are next up on the list! Fall and winter are the times I wear vests the most. I feel like they are flattering on all body types, and add a little class to any outfit. My favorite place to buy vests are Gliks and Macy's. 

14)

One of my more odd favorites has been crafting. While I'm not very artistic, I have found that crafting is a great creative outlet. And it is also a fun and relaxing activity to do on a girls night! 

15) 

As cliché as it is, my last favorite is instagram. The friends, memories, and opportunities I have gained because of Instagram is more than I ever imagined. I am excited for another great year of Instagram! 

I hope you enjoyed looking back on 2015 with me. I would love to hear what your favorite items of 2015 were. I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year. Here is to 2016!!

Until next time,

Julie

Pinkyandtheprep