Surprises at Brooks Brothers

It used to be that when I thought of Brooks Brothers, I thought bland and old and stuffy. I never pictured myself wearing anything BB, because it was just too stiff! But lately, I have seen some–dare I say it?–cute things at Brooks Brothers!

This dress is adorable! Definitely something you could wear all through spring and summer. It's super fun and girly. I love that they styled it with this belt too!

And there's the dress I like, again. With this fantastic cardigan! And they're calling it "The Cheerleader Cardigan." How perfect. Okay, I know, I'm a Pom, but I don't see any "Pom Pon" cardigans this cute being made in the near future :)

Is anyone else loving the abundance of navy and pink? Me too. This belt is to die for and it come in a bunch of adorable color combos.

My other favorite is definitely the yellow and navy.

This crossbody is perfection.

Words don't even describe how much I love it. Too bad it's way out of my current price range for a bag...I'm in love!

Those are just a few of the things that I really like right now at Brooks Brothers. They're definitely busting the stuffy stigma!

XO

North Shore Prep

Spring Staples

I honestly cannot tell y'all how happy I am about this weather. The winter was super mild (no complaints!) and I've been so happy to pull out all of my favorite spring items early! Each year, I have a list of things that I consider must-haves for that Spring (that post coming soon!), but I definitely have my favorite things that I always fall back on.


Chino Shorts
I've been wearing chino shorts forever. Now I'll admit, I definitely rocked the Abercrombie & Fitch ones in middle school with pride. Yikes. (But really, didn't we all??) Nowadays, I prefer to choose from J.Crew's wide array of offerings.


I'm totally loyal to the 3" chino short. Basically, I live in these shorts from the minute the thermometer hits 75 degrees all the way through mid-October.

I have them in a bunch of different colors already, and just ordered them in purple!


J.Crew also makes these shorts in a 4", 5", 7", and 9" inseam.


Drapey Tanks
 With the temperatures rising constantly, the first thing on my mind is staying cool. That's why my go-to top is a floaty tank like these (more often than not with a bit of a racerback) when it really heats up!

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tank

Frenchi Silky Sleeveless Top

Lush Sleeveless Chiffon Blouse

Lilly Pulitzer Allison Top

Sunglasses
Every year, I tell myself, "This is the year I will get good sunglasses." It never happens and I end up getting at least three pairs of cheap sunglasses because they break, I lose track of them, etc. So for real this year, I will be getting quality sunglasses. I've decided on Ray-Ban Wayfarers in black. Classic.

But it was definitely a tough choice to make between Wayfarers and Aviators!

I think I'll get the Wayfarers as my "good" pair of sunglasses and get some inexpensive aviators to wear on the side.

KW 'Fame' Sunglasses


The juniors' department at Nordstrom has some really cute and inexpensive sunglasses in a variety of different styles. I've relied on them as my official cheap and cute sunglass shop.

I grabbed a pair of these for my friend as part of her birthday gift. They were perfect as part of a larger present and she loved them!


What I really like about Nordstrom's juniors' department, is that they usually have a great promotion going on with the sunglasses this time of year. When I was in there the other day, all the sunglasses were 2 for $20! Perfect for stocking up in different colors and styles!


Sperry Top-Siders
Sperrys are my go-to shoe in the spring. If it's not quite warm enough for sandals, or I'm too lazy to paint my toenails, or, in my case right now, I just haven't bought new sandals yet, Sperrys are the answer.


Right now, I have A/O's in classic brown and metallic gold. I'm thinking white for my next pair!

The only thing I don't like about Sperrys is breaking them in when they're brand new. Hello, ankle blisters! Make sure you've got band-aids on hand for those first two weeks or so. Ouch! After a while though, they fit to your feet perfectly and are definitely the comfiest shoes in my closet.


What are your spring must-haves?


XO

North Shore Prep

North Shore Prep Playlist #2

XO

North Shore Prep

The Smart Girls Group

I have some fantastic news for y'all!! Recently, I've been working on a new project that I'm thrilled to let y'all know about.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you:

The Smart Girls Group.

The Smart Girls Group is more than anything a movement to empower girl that they are all smart in their own ways and "the real smart girl" is on that shares her smarts with others. Our goal is to provide a place for girls to spread their smarts, whatever they may be, find tools to succeed, and to be encouraged by other smart girls. 

That place is TheSmartGirlsGroup.com, where there will be all different smart spaces, including our monthly guide. This magazine, called The Smart Girl's Guide, is written by our "Smarts Sharers" and the columns range from current affairs to style to health to college prep. It is relatively short, only about 30 pages long. We decided on this size because this way, a reader can easily print out the entire magazine or specific articles. Plus, we want every busy girl to have time to read it. Some of the Smarts Sharers include...

Emily from the Wide World of E, our Smarts Starter

Royar from Young Southern Prep

Hannah from The Pink and Green Prep

dWa from Prep in Your Step

and Christina from Prep International!

One of our photographers is:

Mackenzie from Twirl and Curl

The guide is by no means preppy, though; rather, it is a well rounded handbook for how to be the real smart girl. These girls, as well as others, come from all over the continent and we guarantee that any girl who would like to get involved in the movement is welcome to. We promise, we will find them a position. 

Our position titles are not like ones you would see on a typical brand. There is no Founder/President, Vice President, etc. Instead, we have names that really explain the positions. For example, I am a Smart Sharer. Our photographers are Smart Shooters. 

One position that we didn't mention about was the Smart Story Sharers. This is anyone, anyone at all, who shares The Smart Girls Group story; how we are a community of encouragers and motivators that are out to empower smart girls to pursue their passions. We ask you to be some of our first Smart Story Sharers. Please, tell others about our movement. Tell your daughters, nieces, friends, cousins, anyone who would get something out of our little project. If you or someone you know would want to get involved, just contact us! We have an opportunity for you to spread your smarts, even if you are a little bit lost about what they are exactly.

The first issue of The Smart Girl's Guide goes live April 1!!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter!!

XO

North Shore Prep

Friday Favorites: Pants

Good pants are hard to find. We've all spent hours searching the racks for the perfect cut, length, and fit. When I find a pair of pants that fits perfectly, I stay loyal to those pants. So, here we go. 


North Shore Prep's favorite pants.


Favorite Jeans
I could have divided this into even more categories. I could have gone into my favorite jeggings, my favorite boot cut pair, my favorite wash. And had those all been different brands, I might have. But I am totally loyal to True Religion Brand Jeans.


They're a bit pricey, yes. But I wear my pairs quite often and definitely have gotten my money's worth. They fit so well, it's like they were specially designed for me. I've had problem in the past with jeans having too low of a rise for my body, but even True Religion's lowest rise sits comfortably on my hips and doesn't give off the illusion of the dreaded "muffin top."


My favorite pair of True Religions is the Casey Legging Jean. Denim perfection. Seriously.

The dark wash makes them perfect with anything, and the skinny leg means I can wear them with boots, flats, and heels alike.

And did I mention they're super comfy too? Jackpot.


Favorite "Real" Pants
Hands down, this one goes to J.Crew's Bennett Chino. They're buttery soft, and the fit is just right. I ordered them online on a whim and was thrilled to see that they ran very true to size. I usually have trouble with pant sizing across brands, but no such trouble with Bennett. I. Love. These. Pants. 

I currently have them in Sweet Caramel (pictured above), aka the most perfect neutral ever, but can't wait to get another pair in Poppy.

My only complaint is that they don't come in more colors. I'll have to see what Scout, Waverly, and Minnie can do for me on that front. Suggestions, anyone?


Favorite Leggings
Okay, before I unintentionally launch a "Leggings Aren't Pants" Debate, I am going to come right out and say that yes, I do wear leggings as pants. Lazy days that aren't quite sweatpant days just call for leggings with an oversized cardigan or sweatshirt and boots. Sorry I'm not sorry. There are definitely things that should not be worn with leggings as pants. But, when done right, leggings can be very good pants.


My favorite leggings are from ECI, which, according to my research, are no longer available for purchase. Bummer. But for what it's worth, I found these babies by accident at Nordstrom Rack, so all bets are off.

I have, however, heard some very good things about LuLuLemon's Wunder Under Pant.

Maybe I'll try these out when I go through my ECI's.


Favorite Sweatpants
Continuing the lazy trend, let's talk sweatpants. As a personal rule, I try not to wear them out of the house. But, during my most stressful weeks, I give myself Sweatpant Thursday. Try it. It really works wonders for my mood.


My absolute favorite sweats are from an Adrenaline Dance convention. They're bright gold and so soft. But you can't buy them unless you go to an Adrenaline convention. Meaning that for most of my readers, they're pretty much impossible to buy. But I'm pretty sure that I really love them because they're from Adrenaline.


I am equally in love with my Campus Pants from Victoria's Secret PINK.

They're perfectly oversized, perfectly soft and cozy...all around perfect sweatpants.


Favorite Yoga Pants
It had to be done. Saying that I, as a high school student, didn't wear yoga pants would be a bold-faced lie. But I count yoga pants as sweatpants, and I avoid wearing them out of the house, except on select Thursdays, of course.


My favorite yoga pants are Dance Department Bootleg Jazz Pants from Discount Dance Supply.

They fit so well and retain their stretch and shape. I've had mine for over two years and they still fit like new. And they haven't faded!!


What are your go-to pants?


XO

North Shore Prep

GCB

I loved Pan Am. I was sad to see it go. But the Sunday night time slot after Desperate Housewives will still be viewed by yours truly. Why?

GCB.

I adored the pilot episode last night. It was bubbly, witty, and I'm a huge fan of Kristen Chenoweth, who shines as queen bee Carlene Cockburn.

I can't wait to see what else GCB has to bring!

Will you be tuning in?

XO

North Shore Prep

Books of My Month: February

I haven't been able to read much this month. What with Nationals and V-Show and catching up on schoolwork, reading (and blogging) got pushed to the back burner.

I did read Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger. I loved The Devil Wears Prada, and I really enjoyed this one too. Not as much as Devil, but it was quite witty and enjoyable.

I'm also chipping slowly away at Rebecca Wells's The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder. I'm not very far in yet since I've been mostly reading it here and there when I get a few spare moments, but what I've started of it, I really like!


What are you reading?


XO

North Shore Prep