Current Obsession: Lilly Pulitzer iPhone Case

I'm always on the lookout for new phone cases, but I never actually get any. It's just like I see them and go "Oh, that's so cute!" and never follow through. I shattered my Tory Burch striped one that I loved in the airport in Orlando coming home from Nationals and I've been using a silicone case from Kate Spade that, while it's super cute, has become super stretched out, to the point where people have started to ask me "Is this a case for a 5?" No, it's not, and I have an iPhone 4, y'all. These have been desperate times.

The other day, I got a pretty big shipment in from Lilly (squeee!! More on that later!). Included was a new case in the Chin Chin print, which I am in love with.

So much pink and green = happy Gabbi. And how presh are the pink elephants? My favorite animal in my favorite color. Sigh.

{Sidenote} While we're loving the case, let's love on the Chin Chin print. It's like a secondary obsession.

{Nina Dress}

{January Skort}

Besides the cute print, there are more reasons this is possibly the best case ever. It's all one piece, like your typical soft case, but hard and super protective. It's also lined with silicone for extra protection, but because it also has a hard shell, it won't stretch out! Best of both worlds, no? I love that it's one piece because that means it's super easy to take off and change out. A one piece case also means that I won't have to deal with gathering multiple pieces when I drop it (on the reg, mind you). And speaking of dropping it, the case has passed the drop test and seems to be durable and relatively shock absorbent without chipping. Win!

I'm seriously considering getting a second one in the Water Wings print:

Soo summery! It just makes me want to be on a beach!! Weird feelings from a phone case but I'll take it.

What's your favorite case? Do you love Lilly cases too?

XO

Friday Five

1. My apologies for the lack of posts recently. I'm still catching up on things from Nationals (I'm almost done!) and I'm trying to get everything together and under control. But I will be posting more in the near future and scheduling a few posts to keep myself current.

2. My Turnabout dress shipped yesterday! It wasn't supposed to ship til the 18th, so I'm super excited for it!!

3. As many of y'all know, I've been writing for the Smart Girls Guide since April of last year, which has been incredible for me. I loved writing the Organization of the Month column and had so much fun researching new charities and organizations that worked to make the world a better place. But when Emily, our Smarts Starter, offered me the chance to move over to writing the style column, I jumped at the offer! Our February issue is out now and you can check out my article on getting over your second semester style slump!!

4. I had a fantastic Valentine's Day yesterday! At my school, student council sells individual carnations in the days leading up to the 14th. You can buy them for one dollar and send them to anyone's first period class that morning. I got so many thoughtful carnations from my great friends!

My sweet boyfriend also got me a gorgeous bouquet of roses that he gave to me when we were out last night! They're absolutely gorgeous.

5. I'm currently completely obsessed with Bruno Mars' album, Unorthodox Jukebox. My favorite tracks are definitely "Moonshine," "When I Was Your Man," and "Natalie."

XO

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2013

It's here!! I'm in love with basically the entire collection, so I did my best to narrow down to a few favorite pieces.

1. Lacina Dress This shift is so classic Lilly. I'm making a push for this to be my new go-to shift!!

2. Joslin Dress A gorgeous, yet still playful, dressier number!

3. Freja Dress My favorite piece in the entire collection, hands down. If Lacina is my go-to shift, Freja is my go-to everything April to October dress. I'm in love.

4. Payton Dress Another stunning dress that would be perfect for a cocktail party or spring dance/formal.

5. Sloane Short My picture really doesn't do them justice. Do yourself a favor and click that link and zoom in. I don't think I've ever seen a pair of shorts this visually/texturally stunning.

6. Didi Dress Tickles my maxidress fancy, and would you look at that beading on the collar? I die. This dress reminds me of walking barefoot on the beach at twilight. Oh, you too? I thought so.

7. Walsh Short White eyelet. A must-have for spring and summer.

8. Delia Dress Ah, yet another rendition of the lovely Delia. The lace (if you can even call it that) flowers on this one are beautifully unexpected, and I'm already picturing this color combo against my tan and sun-lightened hair.

9. Briella Dress I'd say it was begging for a statement necklace, but this print packs the biggest statement of all. But a multistrand pearl something-or-other is the perfect complement.

I love that the whole collection has a very late-50's/early-60's vibe, like a real return to Lilly's roots. Everything, especially the dresses, is something I could see myself wearing over and over for years to come! And seeing all of these fun prints and bright colors just makes me want summer even more!!

What are your favorites from the Spring collection?

XO

Friday Five

1. I'm currently dancing at the state dance team competition! Prelims are today and if we rank in the top ten by the end of the night, we'll be dancing at finals tomorrow!

2. Dry shampoo is my new lifesaver. I've been using a volumizing kind from TRESemmé and it has changed my life.

3. I've found a dress for the Turnabout dance in March! I'm borrowing it from a friend and I don't want to say too much about it...but it's pink!

It's also super body-con, which brings me to my next item...

4. I've decided that after Nationals, I'll be going on a cleanse. I wanted to do one as a New Year's Resolution, but January is such a stressful time for me already with finals and being in the full swing of competition season that it just wouldn't be healthy or safe. The last half of February is pretty mellow though, and it's right before Turnabout, the Poms Fashion Show, Spring Break....basically perfect timing. I'm definitely planning on posting extensively about my experience on the cleanse.

5. Less than a week (six days!!!!) until Nationals. The next Friday Five will be posted from DisneyWorld! WHEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Have a fabulous weekend, y'all!

XO

Friday Five

1. Three weeks until Nationals. I can't even tell you how excited I am.

2. I am obsessed with this song. And this one. They've both been on repeat in my house for the past week. I think I might have a problem.

3. Along the lines of me having problems, finals are just around the corner! Stress is surprisingly not too high, even though I have to totally ace most of these exams. Fingers crossed, books out.

4. Is it bad that I'm already starting to think about dresses for the Turnabout dance that isn't til March? Oh well...I'm currently obsessed with this one; it's so different from anything else I've worn to a dance! We'll see how it turns out...I have a feeling that I may be a little short for it!

5. Last weekend I blew out another hair dryer. I was so sad, because I loved that one and I had only bought it in November! Luckily, the company has a great warranty and exchange policy and they agreed to waive the shipping on the return and send me a new one! 

I may or may not be posting frequently next week, depending on how finals are going. Have a lovely weekend, y'all!

XO

Homecoming Dresses

It's about that time for a lot of us to start looking for homecoming dresses! My school's homecoming is in a little less than two weeks, so I already have a dress, but if you're in a pinch or have a little more time, I love these too!!

BCBG is always a popular choice for homecoming, and I really think they nailed it with this one! I love the ruffled skirt, the draped one-shoulder neckline, and the color. It's so unique and I think it would flatter so many skin-tones and hair colors! If I hadn't already gotten a dress, this beauty would be mine. Turnabout?

Another winner from BCBG. This dress is so classy and sophisticated, you'll be a standout amongst a sea of tight, strapless dresses. And I'm loving lace right now!

I really don't think J.Crew gets enough credit for their great selection of homecoming and cocktail-worthy dresses. Really. This dress is gorgeous and it comes in thirteen (!) colors.

Another brand that is underrated–or maybe just lesser known–is Emma Graham Designs. This dress, with a big bow in the back, is just presh! And it's likely that no one will have seen it!!

What would this list be without an LBD? I'm getting major Blair vibes from this one, anybody else? Red lipstick, pearls, and nude heels and you're good to go for the night.

I'll be keeping my dress a secret from y'all until the day of homecoming, so sit tight! What are you wearing?

XO

LBD

Everyone knows that a perfect, versatile LBD is a staple in every well-dressed girl's wardrobe. Something you could wear to work, to class, to a party one night, and to lunch the next afternoon. That being said, I feel the need to confess something. My closet is lacking this perfect black dress. Yes, of course I have black dresses. A black cocktail dress, a black maxidress, and some tiny thing I probably shouldn't have possession of are all currently residing there. But my beautiful, perfect, "make me feel like Audrey or Jackie one minute and like Blake Lively the next" dress is mysteriously not there. And so begins the hunt for my LBD.

1.
So simple, classic, and chic.

2.
Loving the slight kick at the hem.

3.
The buttons are a great twist!

4.
I looove the Peter Pan collar, but this alice+olivia number is quite pricey.

5.
All this dress needs is a statement necklace and some sunnies.

6.
I love that this dress nips in at the waist for some shape and structure.

7.
This dress is actually perfect. I love the neckline, the fuller skirt, the half-sleeves. And apparently so does everyone else: it's completely sold out! However, I am almost 100% positive that this is the dress for me, and so the waiting begins!!

Where did you get your LBD? Any and all suggestions are much appreciated!

XO

Rue La La Surprise

I don't know about y'all, but unfortunately, I thought the Lilly Pulitzer sale on Rue La La the other day was kind of a dud. I wasn't expecting the fall and winter items that were available, but I really wanted some cute, fun prints. I didn't find that in the actual Lilly sale, but I was surprised while digging through the huge dresses sale!!

I found this adorable Franco dress from Lilly Pulitzer that was an absolute steal!! And I'm obsessed with the tie-back.

Too presh!!

Did you get anything fun from Rue La La lately?

XO

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012

I'd been anticipating the arrival of the Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 collection since Resort 2012 was launched. Finally, the wait is over!!

This season's dresses–especially the shifts!–are my absolute favorite part of the collection. The Ricci Shift (above) is probably my favorite, but it's really so hard to choose!

But then again, there's also the Adelson Shift...in two gorgeous prints!

I love, love, love the vintage feel the pieces have. It's classic Lilly at her finest.

The Mariana Dress is a bit dressier, but still retains the classic Lilly Shift vibe.

The Whinnie Dress would be perfect for a dressy spring or summer party!

It's definitely a contender for my Sweet Sixteen!

And don't even get me started on the Lottie Dress! This one is the perfect winter-to-spring transition piece. I could totally wear this for the Turnabout dance in early spring.

The Roslyn and Tate skirts are simply precious! 

I'm sure y'all can tell at this point that the Lilly's State of Mind Patch print is my favorite of the season!

As the weather heats up, these Callahan Shorts need to find their way into my closet, ASAP.

For cooler spring days, the Patricia Sweater is perfect with shorts or a skirt.

Pink and green argyle = any prepster's dream combo!

How darling are the flowers and ruffles on the Allison Top?

Of course, spring isn't complete without a great tunic!

On a totally unrelated side-note, there are only three days until I leave with Poms for the UDA National Dance Team Championship! I'm so excited!!

What are your favorites from Lilly?

XO

North Shore Prep

In Closet Innovation

Last week, I ordered two dresses from Lulu's with the intention of choosing one to wear to Homecoming next month, and saving the other for another dance later in the year or for a wedding in March.

The first one I tried on and loved. It looks perfect, and I can't wait to wear it to the dance. I'm keeping that one a surprise for y'all :)

The second one however, I wasn't too thrilled about. Not as a dress, at least.

Corazon Strapless Navy Blue Dress

When I tried it on, it was way, way, WAY too short. Not good. Not classy. At all.

I was really disappointed, especially because I had been really careful looking at the size chart, and was sure that I'd gotten the right size. I didn't want to pay for shipping to return it, and I didn't want to return it either. I wanted a second dress, and I wanted this one. Which got me thinking, maybe it isn't meant to be dress...not for me at least.

So I threw on jeans with it and it looks adorable! I'm obsessed with my new top:)

All this made me realize that our closets are a whole lot bigger than we think they are. Sometimes changing things up is as simple as putting on a too short dress with jeans, but a visit to a good tailor can make an adorable new skirt from a dress, and even add polish to your basics, like jeans and jackets, to make your wardrobe suit you.


XO

North Shore Prep

Forever Plaid

Sometimes I find myself feeling that plaid is hard to wear without looking like a cowboy or a uniform-wearing student at a private school. But then I come across pieces like these that put all my fears at ease.

Here's the same plaid skirt styled three different ways.

I think the trick to keeping the plaid skirt current is by mixing up how you present it. A sweater, skirt and flats is predictable. A sweater, skirt and riding boots, on the other hand is fun and unexpected. The blazer and skirt and button-down and skirt combinations are a little traditional, but the colors keep them fresh and effortlessly chic. The subdued colors in the skirt's pattern are especially important here in place of a more dated bright red plaid.


More looks I like:

Boy Shirt in Quincy Tartan with Sash Skirt in Dark Navy

Tartan Hobo

Jetway Plaid Hartford Dress

Madras Plaid Silk Halter Dress

XO

North Shore Prep