Friday, August 14, 2015

Recruitment Ready: My tips and tricks!

So, it's around that time where everyone will be going back to school. That also means that recruitment is right around the corner. As someone who has been on both sides of recruitment I know a few tips and tricks to help you A. find the perfect chapter for you and B. help you not loose your mind. 


For more in-depth information about the actual recruitment process click HERE to see the post I did last year! Also, here is a post on my recruitment do's and don'ts from Sorority Stylista

As for now, I am going to give you a 3 simple tips to have the best recruitment experience. 

If your going through recruitment..... 

A. "You do you"...... Okay so I know this may seem silly but I'm being serious. When I went through I saw a lot of girls worry about what houses their friends liked and so on and so forth. Or who they thought were "the cool girls" or "the popular and pretty sorority". Personally, I think the best thing you can do to find the best house for YOU is do only focus on yourself. Sure, it's okay to talk something through with a gal pal but don't focus on what houses your bff wants or your roommate. Trust me when I say that it's fun to have friends in other chapters! It's not like the movies where so and so hates another sorority just because (well at least at Iowa State). Again, I'm not saying you can't chat with your friends about what houses you like. But, I am saying that just because your friends had bad convos at a house doesn't mean you can't like that house. At the end of the day its your decision, college experience, and chapter that you are joining. So don't let outside opinions affect your decision.
B. Keep an open mind...... I was lucky enough to go to a school where I didn't know much about their Greek life. I didn't know girls in every sorority from high school and I didn't have any pre-conceived notions about any of the chapters. Most people aren't that lucky I realize, so it is important to keep an open mind. Just because you know one girl you didn't like from HS in a house doesn't mean that the chapter isn't right for you. A. that person might have changed since being in college and B. one person doesn't define a sorority.
C. Try to remain stress free....... If I have learned anything during my recruitment process is that everything happens for a reason. Whatever chapter you end up in it's all for a reason! So, don't get frustrated or upset when you don't get called back to a house you really loved. Chances are you just weren't fit for that house. At the end I can say almost everyone ends up somewhere where they are happy (whether they know it or not!). So, try your best to remain stress free and just go with the flow. The "process" really does work and everything will work out in the end how its supposed to!

My bid day with my Big!

What are your recruitment tips or questions? Leave them in the comments below! 
XOXO
Miranda 


Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Agenda Battle: Ban.do

The next agenda in my Agenda Battle is the Ban.do agenda. These have been all the rage over Instagram lately! I actually won one of these agendas through a giveaway on The Pink Caterpillar's giveaway. So be sure to check out her blog and give her a follow!



But, this agenda is the perfect agenda for anyone who is bold, colorful, and fun! I got the floral cover but there is another more subdued cover available as well. 

Here is what you need to know about the Ban.do agenda.... 

  • Each week has two pages and is broken up by day 
  • There is ample space to write down and structure each day how you want it 
  • It is available with a bound or spiral spine 
  • It includes adorable stickers and fun holidays marked throughout 
For this agenda I am planning on using it to organize my blog posts and other types of tasks like that. This planner is nice because it doesn't have lines on the days, this gives you more freedom to organize each day how you want it. Personally I prefer a planner that gives you a page per day just because I am a planner freak and I need to schedule every minute of my day. But, if you are looking for a good first planner or work planner I highly suggest this one! It just doesn't give me enough room to schedule classes, meetings, homework, and club assignments. But then again, thats what happens when your involved and to busy for your own good!

Do you have the Ban.do agenda? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 

Sunday, August 9, 2015

FLASH SALE ALERT!


I have to say rain boots are a girls best friend. Especially if you are heading off to college rain boots are a must have! I always wear my rain boots whether it is a crummy day full of rain or in the winter time. So in my opinion investing in a good pair of rain boots is a wise decision. But, where can you get a deal on a good pair of rain boots? Well look no further then Neely by VNB! 

Right now Neely by VNB is having a fabulous flash sale featuring 40% off rain boots!

To make things better, for the next few Sundays keep checking back at Neely by VNB for a different flash sale every sunday. Can it get better? Yes! They also are going to have sales on top of the sunday flash sales. 

Right now they are also having 20% off their ankle booties and boots!

So, if you are looking for some new accessories for the upcoming school year or just want to refresh your wardrobe head over to Neely by VNB to check out there great sales! 

Be sure to check out Neely by VNB every sunday for a new flash sale!!! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Jadelynn Brooke Rep!!!

Hello everyone! Today I have a super exciting announcement! 



I am officially a Jadelynn Brooke rep! If you aren't familiar with the brand they make the most adorable graphic tees, tanks, and long sleeves around. If you love anything preppy, colorful, and happy this is the place to shop. I have always loved Jadelynn Brooke because all of there products just make you want to smile. So, I cannot wait to get started and to rep this awesome company this year. 

Now what does this mean for all of you? Well eventually I will have a rep code where you all can gt 15% off your purchases on their website (www.jadelynnbrooke.com). But, until then, be sure to check them out and follow them on social media! They post the most adorable things that will make you smile :) 

Here are some of my current favorites off the site! 

  
These tees are PERFECT for fall! Uh hello football season is the best season. 

 

I'm loving these tees especially since I leave for study abroad very soon! 


I have the tank top version of this and I love it! I wore it to an American theme party and it was perfect! This would also be a great tee to wear on labor day. 

What is your favorite Jadeylnn Brooke tee? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Agenda Battle: Simplified Planner

It's that time of year again... back to school! There is nothing I love more than shopping for new school supplies. Specifically agendas or planners. Now, I have been around the block when it comes to planners. I have tried Erin Condren, your basic Target planner, Lilly Pulitzer agendas, and now I currently have the Simplified Planner and the Ban.do agenda.

This series I am doing is called AGENDA BATTLES! Basically I am going to list my pros and cons of all the agendas I have tried. If you are looking to buy a new planner or just looking hopefully this will help you decide on what works best for your lifestyle.

I personally don't think there is a bad planner. Every planner helps you organize your life in some way. But everyone needs something different. As a full time student and over-involved person I need a lot of room and space to write down my plans, schedule, events, and to-dos. So keep that in mind while I am reviewing these agendas!!!
****NOT sponsored posts. All opinions are my own****



The first agenda I am going to discuss is the Simplified Planner. I recently purchased this for the next school year. My friends have had the Day Designer and this planner I think is very comparable. 

Here is what you need to know about the Simplified Planner: 

  • Each day has a page 
  • Each day has areas to write dinner plans, notes, a to-do list, and every time of the day to map out your schedule/ events. 
  • There is a separate calendar to highlight major events. 
SO FAR, I don't dislike anything about this agenda! I have used it a little to map out my future events and I am obsessed. I'm the type of person to have every minute of my day planned (I'm crazy I know). But, for anyone who has a busy schedule this planner would be IDEAL for you! Whether you are a student, business owner, blogger, or mom I think this would work for any person who is running around or is a list maker. In past planners I have had to keep separate to-do lists for homework assignments. With this planner it is built into the pages which is ideal. Say goodbye to a million sticky notes because this has plenty of room to write my to-dos and keep track of where I have to be. 


In summary: This agenda is perfect for a busy student on the go. If you like lists it's a must. It is more understated/ sophisticated in appearance/ style. Each day there is an inspirational quote! 


Have you had a Simplified Planner? Are you thinking of getting one? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Check back the next few Wednesdays for more Agenda Battle posts! 


Friday, July 31, 2015

OOTD: VV Chicago


Chicago is getting preppier day by day! Recently Vineyard Vines opened a Chicago and Oakbrook location. Seeing how I am OBSESSED with Vineyard Vines this is fantastic news! I first went to the Chicago location with my boyfriend from our trip to the city (check out the post on it here!). Since he is just as obsessed as I am it was quite a fun trip. 

At the Chicago location I ended up getting a nautical shep shirt as a gift for my birthday from my boyfriend! I love love it! We recently went to the Oakbrook location after getting dinner and let me say that store is heaven on earth. The store is HUGE! It has practically everything from the website in one amazing place. Don't get me wrong, the Chicago store is awesome but he Oakbrook store for sure has a wider selection and is overall larger. 


At our last visit to the Oakbrook store we my boyfriend and I picked up I whale Chicago shirts. I have been dying to get one but I haven't been able to find a shirt small enough. So, when I saw this XS I was dying! 

This shirt will be perfect just to lay around or for a casual look. 


For this look I paired my tee with simple white chino shorts and classic Sperrys. I also layered a ton of bracelets to dress up the look. I am also wearing my new rope bracelet from Ford Designs! I recently picked it up from an Instagram sale and I love it. It's a great nautical touch to any look. 



Where it's from: 
Shirt: Vineyard Vines (Oakbrook location also available in Chicago location) 
Shorts: J Crew 
Shoes: Sperry Topsider 
Belt: Target 
Necklace: Moon & Lola 
Bracelets: Alex and Ani, Lilly and Laura, and Ford Designs 
Sunglasses: Ray Bans 
Croakies: Vineyard Vines 


How would you style this tee? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Lilly Pulitzer Hits Chicago


It's the moment I have been waiting for.... the Lilly Chicago store has arrived! This past Thursday was the opening day of the Lilly Pulitzer Chicago which is at Oakbrook Shopping mall (a regular place that I shop). Recently I have been having good lucky because a Lilly opened, two Vineyard Vines locations opened, and a Kendra Scott is coming to the Chicago area. Does this mean Chicago is going preppy? We can only hope.

But, for now I will enjoy being one of the few preppy gals around town. 

After my trip to the aquarium with my best gal pal Maureen we stopped at Oakbrook to check out the store. I will admit I was expecting more for my first Lilly experience (customer service wise hate to say it) but I was so in awe with the store that I put that aside. Everything was bright, colorful, and gold!!! I was obsessed to say the least. I ended up purchasing two things: a giraffe print tank top (will be super cute with white jeans, shorts, or basically anything) and then a navy and white trimmed skort. It sounds weird but its totally adorable. I will be for sure wearing that skort to death. Navy is such a neutral that I thought it would be a good investment piece and something I could wear more then just in the summer time. 

For now I have splurged enough at Lilly so I think I will wait around to have some more $$$ for my next visit. 

What has been your Lilly shopping experiences? Have you been to the new Chicago store? Let me know in the comments!! 
XOXO 
Miranda