Sweet 16!

I'm finally 16! This is really the first birthday ever that I've really felt different. And it's not the "lie-and-tell-people-you-feel-so-much-older" sort of different. I just feel a lot more mature and pulled together and secure in my life.

And I got my license!

Mama took the obligatory "first time driving alone" picture before I went out to dinner with my friends.

After we left the DMV, we came home and I was surprised by my family with cupcakes and their gifts.

I had the chocolate one with raspberry frosting, natch.

Mama and Daddy got me a gorgeous bracelet from a local family owned jewelry store. It's the same place I go to get my pearls restrung and have other repairs done...they know me well there.

They picked the pink "sugar cube" design for my "sweet" 16, which I think is just presh. You can't really tell in the picture, but each cube is covered in crystals!

After I celebrated with my family, I was off to a delicious dinner/girls' night out at The Cheesecake Factory with some of my best friends. We had so much fun, and it was definitely a reminder that I have the best friends I could have ever asked for!

Considering how I celebrate my whole birthday week, I'll be carrying the party on all through the festivities of the 4th (my favorite holiday, for obvious reasons) and my visit to LSU! I won't be posting for the rest of the week, but you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram (gabberella796) to stay updated! There will be a huge, all-inclusive post when I get back!

XO

North Shore Prep

Monogram Jewelry

Of course I love monograms. Monogrammed bags, monogrammed towels, monogrammed scarves, and sweaters, and Jack Rogers sandals, and...jewelry. Lately I've been seeing more monogrammed jewelry than usual, and I'm loving it!

For Christmas, I got this necklace from my parents (with a G, obvs!)

I know it's a single-letter, so technically that's only an initial...but you get my point.

It's so simple and easy to throw on on a day I'm not wearing my pearls. I love it!

Swell Caroline has a ton of adorable monogram jewelry. My favorites are:

The Monogram Necklace (Triple Letter)

I love that you can completely customize it, from the color of the chain to the color of the background and the monogram. I really like the white on pink and the pink on green (surprise, surprise :) ).

Cutout Monogram Necklace

I'm so obsessed with this one!! It's so gorgeous and walks that fine line between subtle and statement.

Now I saw these earrings floating around online and made it my personal mission to find them, and I did!

Script Monogram Earrings

They're from Max and Chloe, and there's a lot of other adorable pieces on their website. Added to my favorites? Maybe.

Marley Lilly has a fantastic selection of monogrammed everything, and jewelry is no exception.

This monogram bracelet is definitely on my list!

I don't wear rings often, but if I did...this would be my pick!

How do you feel about monogrammed jewelry?

XO

North Shore Prep

Official Obsession: Turquoise

Ever since Essie's Turquoise and Caicos polish made its way onto my nails two weeks ago, I've been drawn to anything and everything turquoise in color. Something about this shade of blue-green just screams summer to me. Scream away.

I love this dress simply because of all the potential it has. I could see myself throwing this on over a bikini to head to the beach, or dressing it up with a cute necklace and some wedges and going out or to a party. And you gotta love Nordstrom prices. $39? Sold.

And speaking of bikinis, how about this one from Victoria's Secret? I'm lovin' the dots!

This Lilly cuff is at the very top of my jewelry must-have list. I don't think I even have anymore to say, I'll let this one speak for itself.

XO

North Shore Prep