Leggings: Dos and Don'ts

I'm in a major love hate relationship with leggings.  On one hand, so comfy. On the other hand, leggings can go bad so fast. Like, lightning speed fast.

For those of us in college, leggings are a staple! Leggings, riding boots, and a nice flannel are the perfect combination for a long day of classes.

My favorite leggings are from Zara, check them out here!

 sweater || scarf || boots 

*only similar products, originals are old*

plain tee || flannel || boots

Thoughts on leggings?
xox
Char

Christmas in the dorms

As my friends slowly pack their bags and take their finals, I've started to notice how the dorms are emptying! It's weird to think that these people that I have spent every single moment of the past five months with won't be anywhere near me for the next month!

Obviously, with my anxiety, I had to get my christmas shopping done. As soon as possible.  I started with Caroline, Erin, and Kaela, then on to Caroline and Julia, then Jenny, then the family. And for those of you reading this in one of those groups, don't think I'll be giving anything away. (sorry bout it) 

The minute Jenny and I got our emails from the student packaging center, we rushed over to Russell.  After walking home in the cold, we went to my dorm room and immediately swapped gifts.

This is where it gets weird. We both got each other bracelets. Mine from C.Wonder and hers from Kate Spade.

The results couldn't be anything but beautiful.

From Char to Jenny

 Equestrian Stirrup Link Bracelet || C.Wonder

Horse Head Bangle || C.Wonder

From Jenny to Char

 Partners in Crime idiom bangle || Kate Spade

Partners in Crime idiom bangle || Kate Spade

The best part of my christmas present is that Jenny got the matching one in gold for herself and Taylor! It's true, we are partners in crime.  

What are you getting for your friends and family?

xox

Char

Style (with a twist)

Yeah, so basically, I'm a walking accident. 

In the past year, I've worn two different slings, gone to three physical therapists, and had shoulder surgery.  Now, I am wearing a nice black ankle brace.  It's ridiculous how it happened, especially since I tripped and rolled over my ankle over absolutely nothing.  I swear, nothing can be blamed for my clumsiness.  (is that even a word? just go with it.)

So, for those of you who are as accident prone as myself, here are some pictures on how I've styled my many braces!

Love this picture because cheering was such a struggle but a good source

of entertainment!

black dress, black sling, what else do you need?

*Happy Birthday Wyatt*

 I could wear a button up, leggings, and boots everyday.

Day after surgery, on to the blue sling

Luke Bryan Concert

Because I'm obsessed with Garnet and the Gamecocks 

Long day of classes requires a big sweater 

First night of Lamp lighting for DZ!

Right now, it is super frustrating not being able to wear my boots especially since it's getting cold out.   I cannot wait to get out of this ankle brace!! 

xox 

Char

The art of Gameday Dresses

Gameday in the south is quite an event.
Whether you're tailgating in the frat lots or watching the parade of players into the stadium, eating your heart out or drinking it down, watching from the student section or on a small television hooked up to a generator, it's an experience to experience.

A girls biggest concern on a saturday morning is what to wear. Isn't that always a concern? 

Here at South Carolina, tradition is to wear black dresses and cowboy boots. Why, you may ask? Nobody actually knows.  At this point, I've been through about 5 black dresses, worn one twice, spilled god knows what on my cowboy boots, and scrubbed off too many tattoos from my face.

Sorry for the picture overload in advance...

 || Stacy ||

 || J.Schamay & Carol at UGA ||

|| Taylor & Jenny ||

 || Future roomies and Caroline's dad ||

|| Kaela, Caroline & Erin ||

My favorite dresses are from Hope's, Tobi, and J.Crew.

Any suggestions?

xox

Char

What one day of rush has taught me

1. Wear comfortable shoes.  

Yes, those new Tory Burchs are adorable, but breaking them in the first day of rush is not the best idea.  Take it from the idiot who tried.  Also, everyone will be wearing some form of Jack Rogers or Lilly Pulitzer sandals or Tory Burch or any major designer.  That's what the sorority girls are expecting! You aren't special in that sense so just go with the most comfortable pair.  

2. No short-shorts.

You are trying to represent in the best way possible in a short 20 minutes.  If you wouldn't get away with them in high school, don't try to get away with them now.  Try sticking with fingertip length or brands that run longer such as J. Crew or Lilly Pulitzer.  I would avoid denim at all costs, it just looks cheap.  

3. Bring a rain jacket.

Here, in Columbia, it rains at least once a day.  Just go with the safe bet and bring a rain jacket or umbrella.  Don't mess up your hair just because you hoped it wouldn't rain!

4. Water, water, water.

Don't be that girl who passes out from dehydration.  Just don't.

5. Don't be nervous.

That first house will be the worst.  The butterflies and nausea will kick in right as your Pi Chis or Gamma Chis yell "one minute"! Ask the girls around you to check your makeup, straighten your name tag, and rock it.  The girls inside are just as nervous as you because you could be their future little! Be yourself and you'll end up in the right place.

Travel Essentials: San Fran edition

I love love love to travel

But then again, who doesn't? Just yesterday I returned from San Francisco with my best friend after wondering the city and nearby suburbs for a week.  Being in San Anselmo, who would have known I could feel so out of place in such a friendly environment.  Common were the hemp skirts and braless crop tops, but I'm sorry.  I will never be a hippie or aspire to dress like one. I just can't pull it off.  So as we wondered through the endless amounts of granola people, I carried my travel staples. 

At top left: Kate Spade Carmine Street Stacy Wallet

At top left: J.Crew Factory iPhone 4s case

At right: Longchamp Le Pilage in Cobalt

The Longchamp is the perfect travel companion due to the size and durability.  The leather is not the kind you are constantly worrying about but still looks incredibly new after a week dragged around a city.

My newest obsession is my Kate Spade wallet.  I love the bright color and the many credit card slots and ID slip.  

I always need a new iPhone case, this one I have bought multiple times on sale because it matches a new manicure perfectly.  And why not use a new phone case as a reason to get a good gel mani?

Hopefully this is the beginning of a summer of travel before off to Columbia in the fall!