Just Keep Swimming

It's February, I know. It's cold and snowy, and so not swimsuit season. But Spring Break is coming up for a lot of us, and warm weather and sun has been on my mind thanks to my new airbrush tan. (Which I love! Ladies, if you're on the North Shore, I totally recommend Toucan Tan. I'm not orange at all–which was a huge fear of mine–but have a natural looking glow. I even got asked if I went somewhere over Presidents' Day weekend!) Here are some suits I'm loving for Spring Break:

J.Crew Hot Dot Pleated Bandeau Top and Bikini in Ivory

I also love it in purple!

Vineyard Vines Polka Dot Whale String Bikini Top and Bottom in Vineyard Navy

Victoria's Secret Belle Bandeau Top and Matching Bottom in Scuba

J.Crew Seersucker Banded Halter Top and Bikini

I love J.Crew's simple but fun suits!!

Victoria's Secret Madi Push-Up Bandeau Top (in White Floral) and Matching Bottom (in Neon Coral)

I'm a huge fan of a fun printed top with solid bottoms. This combo from Victoria's Secret is perfect!

Becca by Rebecca Virtue Color Code Sliding Triangle Top and Tie Side Hipster Bottom

Becca has my absolute favorite basic bikinis. I already have the Color Code set in turquoise and purple and I love them. I'm hoping to get another in black or pink this year!

Juniors 2-Piece Bikini in Black/Multicolor from Target

There are a lot of really cute, inexpensive suits from Target. It's a little hit or miss, but if you look around a little, you can find some good stuff!

Where are your favorite swimsuits from?

XO

North Shore Prep

Check, Please

One of the most important things I look for when I'm shopping is versatility. I want pieces in my closet that I'll be able to wear multiple ways, with multiple things, and for a pretty long time without getting bored.

That's why I love gingham. It's so versatile!

Take a simple gingham shirt (like this one from J.Crew). With just a few simple changes, it can go from classic to polished to laid-back!

Pair it with simple pearl studs and a pearl necklace or a small pendant.

A stack of gold bangles would be the perfect touch with rolled sleeves.

As you can see from this last look, I'm already anticipating Spring's warmer weather! A small hair bow and stud earrings are all you need here.


How do you wear your gingham?


XO

North Shore Prep

North Shore Prep Playlist #1

I've never really done this before (except for Christmas, and I don't really count that), but I've been listening to some really great music lately. So here we go, North Shore Prep Playlist #1!

Happy Listening!!

XO

North Shore Prep

Nationals Recap!!

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I spent last weekend in lovely Orlando, Florida for the UDA National Dance Team Championship. I had a fantastic and fun time with my team, and we got 15th in the NATION in the High Kick category!! I'm so proud of these girls and so glad we had such a fantastic season!

When we arrived Thursday, we spent the day at Magic Kingdom. We had so much fun just hanging out and relaxing before the hard work began. Then Friday, we spent the day at EPCOT practicing hard from 9 to 3.

Saturday, we had Semi-Finals at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Our Kick costumes were gorgeous! Of course, I loved the pink and green:)

Our Pom performance was also great!!

We advanced to Finals in Kick and got to dance again Sunday at the HP Fieldhouse in the the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

We had a great performance and placed 15th in the NATION!!!!!

Monday, we flew back home after spending some time tanning at the hotel's pool. It was hard to leave, but I'm so glad we had such a great season and such a great time at Nationals. We've grown so close these past few months, and these girls are such an important part of my life. This was a special season for me, since it was my first year on Varsity (and as one of three sophomores!!) and I'm so excited to see what next season will bring!

XO

North Shore Prep

Books of My Month: January

This month, I had the opportunity to read a lot more than I had been. It was one of my unofficial New Year's resolutions to read more for myself–as in, not for school. So no, Great Expectations, you don't count. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews

I love, love, LOVE Mary Kay Andrews. So it was really no surprise that I really enjoyed Blue Christmas. It was a super quick read that I actually ended up reading after Christmas (poor planning on my part. Oops.), but still had fun with.

Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews

Surprise, surprise. More Mary Kay Andrews:) I loved this one. It was just what I needed to take my mind off how cold it's been on the North Shore lately!

Little Altars Everywhere by Rebecca Wells

I loved Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Loved it. I had super high expectations for Little Altars Everywhere, and I felt a little let down by Ms. Wells. Don't get me wrong, it was fabulous. But Divine Secrets was just...divine.

It's only three books, but it's a start for me! I've just recently gotten back in the habit of reading for myself, and this monthly blog post is really going to help I think!

Have you read any of these?

XO

North Shore Prep

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

Thoughts for the Week

I've never really done a post like this, but I've seen some really nice things floating around that I wanted to share with y'all!

Romans 12:9-13 is my favorite Bible verse. In it's full text, it reads: "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

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These last two are my mottos for the week. With Poms kicking into high gear (Nationals in 11 days!), getting back to dancing seriously, and starting a new semester, I know that there will be challenges. I really do believe that with struggle and strength, how you carry yourself through your struggle affects the outcome.

XO

North Shore Prep