Oh Dear...

Hello, friends. I just logged into Blogger for the first time in ages and sincerely hope that you haven't missed me too much. I'm ready to make a return to blogging consistently, something that I've really missed. I've got a ton of post ideas that I'll be queueing up this weekend for the next couple weeks! For now, let's just do some quick life updates.

Prom was a ton of fun, for the second year in a row! Because I'm on student council, I've gotten the opportunity to attend prom for the past two years for free. And because we don't actually go to prom, all the girls just wear cocktail dresses.

{Me with two of my best friends, Poms teammates, and fellow board members!} 

{Friends!} 

{Some of the Poms seniors with my best friend and I}

The weather is finally getting consistently nice and warm...it's about time! Summer is my favorite season–for clothing and in general–but I've been putting off buying all my clothes, so a shopping spree is definitely in order!

At the top of my must list:

This top from J.Crew and this tunic from Lilly!

And while we're shopping, it's also time for a new watch and a bag for summer, so if y'all have any suggestions, they'd be much appreciated! Especially for the watch...I've been wearing a huge, white resin Michael Kors for a year or so now, and it's time for a change! I definitely want something with an actual strap, preferably a light, neutral leather.

I'm currently in the middle of hell week, as we call it at my school. The week before finals is always packed with projects, papers, and presentations. I'm finishing up my final English paper tonight, and I am beyond excited to be done!

XO

New Goodies from J.Crew

Wow, these past few days have just flown by. I spent a lot of my weekend at school for rehearsals for our huge Variety Show, working with the TV crew and dancing with Poms. The show opens tomorrow night, and since I know I'll be super stressed all week, I planned ahead to give myself a little pick-me-up. This weekend, I decided to treat myself in honor of J.Crew's phenomenal President's Day sale. I was in huge need of some new "going-out" tops, and I'm so excited for these to come in!!

Sera Top

Blythe Blouse

Tilda Oxford Rhinestone Top

This top was my huge treat to myself because it wasn't on sale, but I am so in love with it!!!

I also really wanted another pair of colored jeans, because I adore my mint Toothpicks. This olive green pair won my heart this time.

In other news, the Turnabout dress I ordered came, and I was completely unsatisfied. Like, not even a little bit. Thank goodness for backup plans! As always, I'll be keeping my actual dress a secret to y'all :)

XO

My First Lilly Sale!

Yesterday morning was quite the morning for me. I was up at six-thirty with the sounds of my younger sister getting up and ready for school. I didn't even wake up grouchy; I was just excited to shop my first Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale! I parked myself on my bed with my laptop and opened up the Lilly website, patiently waiting and watching the live countdown on the homepage. At seven on the dot, I refreshed the page, looking for the sale tab. As it reloaded, no sale tab.

 What?!?!?

Of course, this was not the end for me. I opened another tab, reopened the site, and, praise the Lord, the sale tab was there! Having heard all the stories about the site crashing in the past, I worked quickly, picking my way through dresses, tops, sweaters, and skirts. Even with the huge sale prices, my original cart still came out to about $700. No way I was getting Mama to pay for $700 of Lilly goodies, no matter how much I begged, pleaded, and promised years of servitude and meticulous housework. Not that I was really up for groveling at seven in the morning. So instead, I started whittling, keeping in mind that I really didn't want to blow my entire fall budget, regardless of how much I wanted everything.

Here's what I ended up with:

Tate Skirt in Hotty Pink Seersucker: $108 $29

Jarvey Skort in Resort White Fresh Cut: $88 $19

Patricia Sweater in Hotty Pink Argyle AND True Navy Argyle: $128 $25 each

I placed my order with no problem, and within a minute or two, my phone dinged with the familiar sound of a confirmation email. Success! I was so glad I didn't have any problems, because the minute I got my email, the site totally crashed! My heart goes out to all of y'all who had problems with the site, I know how rough that must have been!

I had originally wanted to get a dress or two, but since I wasn't really in looove with any dresses from this past season (except the Adelson, which I already have in the Lilly State of Mind print!), I skipped on that. Plus I'm already pushing to wear Lilly for Homecoming...

Did you luck out at the sale yet? Or did you have some tech issues?

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

They're Having a Sale!! The Completely True Story of How I Spent (Almost) All My Birthday Money at J.Crew

Hi, my name is Gabbi, and I'm a J.Crew addict. That's how I'm supposed to start, right? Because I have a problem, that I'm sure is shared by many of my fellow preppy girls: I can't get enough J.Crew (and Lilly, but that's a whole different level). And if they're having a sale, and I have a newly full wallet, I should probably stay as far away from a J.Crew store as possible. But that's the first (okay, second, technically) place that newly-licensed Gabbi decided to go the day after her birthday.

Y'all, it was like Christmas come early, I'm telling you. When I found out so many things I wanted were already on sale, I went bonkers. And when I found out that everything on sale was another 30% off...well, God bless the poor lady helping me.

from my Instagram

Bless her heart, she should have just given me a cart. It would have saved her a whole lot of trouble running back and forth.

I ended up with two pencil skirts, a button down, and a popover. The popover was the only full price item I got, but really, I had to.

I'm kind of obsessed. This shirt is perfect for summer, light as air and way comfy, but still polished. Definitely my new favorite.

If you think you also should be a member of J.Crew Addicts Anonymous, this fantastic sale is still going on in stores and online, with the code MUSTHAVE.

Also, if any of y'all remember my post about The Frat Collection, I also have a discount code for their website. Use the code URI at checkout for 10% off!

XO

Lilly on Rue La La

Did any of y'all get anything from the Lilly sale on Rue La La today? Last night, I decided I was determined to get at least one thing, so I set up every reminder...and ended up shopping on my phone during my Chemistry final exam time. I even finished early so I could get on as soon as possible...Priorities, right? I got on about an hour in, so there were still some pretty good pickings.

I ended up getting this adorable pink seersucker sundress. I'm completely obsessed with the embroidered details!

I also got this super cute skirt! And I love that the model is wearing Jacks!!

It was the first time I had ever really ordered from Rue La La, so I'm hoping everything goes through okay. Looking back, I kind of wish I had gotten another dress (the Francos are so cute and the tiny picture on my iPhone app just didn't do it justice), but I'm so excited to get my new Lilly!!

XO

North Shore Prep

Jack Rogers on Rue La La

My first pair of Jack Rogers Navajos finally came in on Tuesday, and I am completely obsessed!! They're so cute, so comfortable, and the platinum color I got goes with everything. I was so excited to see that there's a Jack Rogers boutique today on Rue La La! Maybe I'll spring for a second pair...

Hamptons Navajo in Platinum

And if you aren't already a Rue La La member, click here for your invite!

 Happy Shopping :)

XO

North Shore Prep

Back to School: Shoes

Confession: I hate fall. Hate the colder weather, hate the thought of starting school again. But I love fall fashion, and I love fall shoes. Here are some of my favorites for this new school year.

Sperry Top-Sider Women's Authentic Original Boat Shoe in Classic Brown Leather

The must have shoe. I almost considered not even putting it on the list, but I love them so much -- and pretty much live in them until it gets way too cold! -- that I had to include them.

Minnetonka "Kilty" Suede Moccasin

I just got a pair of these for the first time ever after hearing tons of people rave about them. Add me to that list, because I'm hooked. They're so comfy and cute for fall.

Hunter "Original Tall" High Gloss Rain Boot

These are perfect for colder, wetter days. Just pull them on with a pair of skinny jeans and you're good to go. 

Frye Dorado Inside Zip Riding Boot

These boots are classic, and equestrian style boots are huge for fall. The Cognac color is perfect with a pair of jeans, and I like the Black with a pair of dark tights and a black skirt for a night out.

Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flat

The flat that goes with everything. Enough said.

What are your favorite shoes for fall?

XO

North Shore Prep

Outlets

Firstly, my sincere apologies for my unexplained absence. My cousins are in town and this week has just been SO hectic. I'm predicting a return to regular posting Monday.

But while I'm talking about my cousins...they are seriously so cute! The girl, J, is 9 (or as she always says, nine-and-a-half!) and the boy, N, is 7. We've been having so much fun this week going to the park, walking Lola (my maltipoo:) See my profile picture...what a cutie!), and yesterday involved a surprise trip to the Premium Outlets! Because of where I live I can easily get to the ones in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin (it's right on the Illinois-Wisconsin border) and the ones in Aurora, Illinois. Yesterday I was at the ones in Aurora, which I actually like more. More stores and more savings make for a very happy North Shore Prep.

The first store our shopping militia (Mama, Titi B, J, N, and me) hit up was PacSun. I got this sweater, but in cream with navy stripes.

But what I really wanted to tell you guys about was my absolute HAUL at the J.Crew Factory Store. Which, oh my goodness, you can shop online. With FREE. SHIPPING. But anyway, I got so much stuff, it's crazy.

This tissue tee, which I love. I walked in, saw it, and knew I'd be walking out with it, no question.

This sweater, which I love. I almost got it in black and grey too. I'm totally obsessed with the combination of coral and navy right now, as well as orange with navy. You'll be seeing a lot more of it, not from this trip, but from future ones, I promise :)

Shorts. I already have these in navy, khaki, and peach. These were the only black pair left in my size (fate? Absolutely.) so I figured I'd get white another day.

There's not much to say about this shirt, other than that it's super comfy and Mama got it in grey. Stealworthy? You bet.

The Schoolboy Blazer. If you don't own one currently, get on that, stat. I think I might be accidentally quoting College Prepster when I say that this blazer is love, but it's so true. Normally retails for $188, but with my discount and it's reduction to factory prices, I got mine for about $130. This is possibly the best purchase I've ever made in my life. It looks great with everything, and I am totally predicting that I'll be throwing this on over absolutely everything.

Mama got some things too, which I will definitely be, ahem, borrowing. We also went to the True Religion outlet where I scored a $273 pair of dark wash straight leg jeans for $129.99, and then Mama shut me down for the day. But on my trip back, I'll be checking out Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, 7 for All Mankind, and Coach Factory Store.

When shopping the outlets, it's very important to make use of all your resources. Join the VIP Club and print out your online coupons and your voucher for a coupon book which you can pick up from the manager's office. Said book got me 10% off at J.Crew. In addition, most stores are running promotions all the time to increase savings. At J.Crew, my sweater was 40% off, the tissue tees were 20% off, and all shorts were 30% off. Can you say huge savings? Have a plan of action, and don't go to stores you haven't previously decided on before showing up. It's really easy to impulse buy at an outlet as it's easy to believe you're saving tons of money.

What are your favorite outlets and factory stores? And what are your tips for shopping the outlets?

XO

North Shore Prep

Post Birthday Shopping Spree

As a gift for my birthday, my parents very generously gave me a (read, much-needed) gift card to  J.Crew. Shopping time!!

I love these shorts! I already own them in khaki, navy, and that fantastic honey tangerine color, so I figured it was time for some more...playful colors. I chose African Violet...

...and laquer yellow. It's like sunshine on a short!

This dress should be a staple in every closet. So versatile!

Same goes for this sweater. It's light enough that you wont boil in the summer heat, but it'll still keep you warm when the sun goes down--and keep your arms safe from mosquito bites!

I'm really into this sweater with those yellow shorts, wedges, and a braided brown leather belt.

What do you like to spend your birthday money on? And what are your summer must-haves?

XO

North Shore Prep

It so does not feel like summer on the North Shore

Even though I've been out of school for four and a half days, I'm still not feeling too summery. Maybe I just haven't fallen into the swing of things yet (I'm still waking up automatically at six--YIKES) or that it. Is. Not. Warm.

Yes, you read that correctly. As I write, it is 74 degrees and partly cloudy outside my window. And while I should be craving a raspberry iced tea with a splash of Perrier, I'm more in the mood for a hot chocolate. Or, better yet, a White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks. Venti, please. I'm freezing. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but you get my point.

Welcome, friends, to the absolutely unpredictable weather of the North Shore, where you can expect sunshine and temperatures in the mid-80's and be rewarded with low-70's and clouds. I don't know if I can deal with this anymore.

Anyway, to get myself in a more summery mood, I did what any smart girl would do. I went shopping.

Before you guys get your hope up though, this was not one of those hijack-Daddy's-credit-card-and-go-absolutely-crazy-and-spend-five-thousand-dollars-in-one-store type things. Because as much as I love those, I do like to practice a little bit of self control every once in a while. This was definitely one of those times. I got what I absolutely needed: shorts.

And where else would a preppy girl like myself go for shorts? Yes, J. Crew, I'm talking to you. (Besides Lilly Pulitzer, where I still MUST go. Hello, Walsh Shorts with, my goodness, are those sailboats? http://www.lillypulitzer.com/view-all/walsh-short/invt/13201/&bklist=icat,4,shop,sportswear,womenspants) I honestly couldn't decide between about 15 pairs of chino shorts in assorted colors, and have you seen the ones with the rhinestone minnows? OBSESSED. But the minnows will wait until the next time I babysit. Instead I grabbed a pair in khaki (classic), navy (also classic), and this adorable pair in honey tangerine, which I'm currently wearing.

(J. Crew 3" Chino Short in Honey Tangerine, $42.50)

And there were tank tops on sale---2 for $20, it's almost like stealing!---so I picked up some of those too.

Oh, look! That's a $15 Von Maur gift card from my birthday, last July! I can hear headbands calling my name.

XO

North Shore Prep