"Preppy" Essentials

          I love fashion. Who doesn't love fashion? I love getting to wear different styles according to my mood. One of my favorite styles to wear could be considered the "preppy" style. Many of my followers have noticed my somewhat recent love for the preppy style. Really, I hate to stereotype styles. If you are feeling more studious, clean cut, happy and bright then dress more preppy! Here are a few items I think you should have in your closet to complete the preppy look.

Danielle's Preppy Essentials

1. Chino Shorts - if any of y'all are like me, living in Florida you can still wear shorts to this day. Chino shorts are the high waisted shorts of preppy style. These are my favorite shorts to wear because they aren't super tight and go great with so many different outfits. I probably have about 8 or 9 pairs of chino shorts ranging from neutral to colorful colors. Most of mine are either from JCrew, JCrew Factory or Forever21. I have seen some chino shorts at Target as well!

2. The Oxford - an oxford is the number one staple to have in your preppy wardrobe. Oxfords are classy and clean cut. I love pairing oxfords with staple necklaces tucked into a skirt or chino shorts. If you want to be a bit more casual, you could wear an oxford with jeans and riding boots (or cowboy boots if you want to channel your inner southern side). 

3. Pearl Earrings - my favorite pair of earrings are my pearl earrings that I got for my birthday. Pearls go with absolutely anything - gold, silver, rose gold, you name it! I'm a studs kind of girl, but I know they have drop earrings with pearls at the end if you're into that. I had a pair of fake pearl earrings from Claire's for the longest time, for my birthday I got a pair of real pearl earrings and have loved them ever since. So it's your choice, they both look amazing the real might last longer though.

Hope everyone is having a TERRRRIFFIICCC Tuesday!

xoxo,

Danielle 

The Perfect Dress

With the holiday season just around the corner, we all know that there will be events from left to right. Whether it be a family gathering, winter dance or a Christmas party, it is necessary to have appropriate attire. I for one am someone who really doesn't like to wear the same dress twice. When I say this, of course I am going to wear it again to dinner or just going to the mall, but when big events come around, I like to get a new dress. Now, I'm a high school student, there is no way I can get a new Valentino dress every time an event comes around.

One of my favorite stores to find holiday dress would have to be H&M. I found a perfect black dress for only $14! I definitely will be wearing it to a holiday outing paired with some nude flats or gold sandals for comfort. 

Windsor is another store with good quality clothing yet great prices. I know many people who have gotten their homecoming dress there. Not only do they have gorgeous dresses for more dressy events, but they have casual dresses. Windsor also has the cutest jewelry, I always run straight to the jewelry area when I get there. 

My number one rule when picking out a dress:

You must feel CONFIDENT!

Look in the mirror:

Do you feel comfortable? 

Is it okay to dance in? (at least for me, because I LOVE to dance)

Do you feel pretty?

When you walk around, do you feel confident and great in it?

If all of these answers are yes, then go for it!

If I don't feel good in a dress, then I don't dare buy it because getting dressed up for events, etc. is all about feeling elegant and dressed up for the night. 

My favorite style of dress is the "Fit & Flare". These dresses are flattering on absolutely everyone and you don't have to worry about eating too much. :P The fit and flare dress is fitted on top and then flares out at the waistline or sometimes higher giving a flattering silhouette. 

Here are a few fit and flare dresses that I think would be great for holiday events!

Camp Nostalgia

             Ahh, the sweet smell of campfires and nature. If anyone has been to sleep away camp, you would know exactly what I'm talking about. My camp friends and I like calling camp "the bubble". No phones, no tv, no outside communication rather than the old snail mail. Not going to lie, while I do have a strong love for social media, it's quite refreshing not having to worry about how many likes you got on your recent photo or if your favorite youtuber uploaded a new video. Back to the snail mail, I absolutely enjoy writing letters (besides the aching pain of my hands after writing so much.) Every night before bed, I would write letters to family and friends along side all of the other girls on my hall. It's quite peaceful really, hearing the calming sound of my plug in fan and the smell of everyone's freshly washed hair at night. 

          I think what I miss most about camp are the friends I made. We have an ongoing group chat always updating eachother and giving advice. Lights out at 10:00, flashlights on at 10:05. As immature as this might sound, this was my favorite part of the day. We would share funny stories, play pranks on other people (harmless of course) or just talk. You really do meet the best of friends at camp. I have met people from all over including Puerto Rico where one of my best friends lives! I love befriending the counselors, they are so passionate about the lord and are always willing to talk. I just feel so safe while at camp.

Now just because it is camp, doesn't mean I don't excited for my outfits! Not your typical day to day style, but I like to call it "camp chic". I just love waking up on a chilly morning in NC for breakfast. I get to slip on a big tshirt with a patagonia fleece overtop, nike shorts peeking out just a bit, while staying comfortable yet campy with my black strappy chacos. Most of the time I'll ask my roommate to braid my hair. One of the major bonuses of going to camp is everyone knows how to do so many unique types of braids. I try not to wear makeup, I mean it's an all girls environment. I may as well give my skin a break! Somedays I still like to dab on a little blush or concealer.

Everyday Camp Outfit ("Camp Chic")

Sleep in Saturday

           With all of the hustle and bustle of high school, I always try to find myself some "me time". Recently, this has been quite difficult due to clubs, cheerleading, performing arts class, grades, my youtube channel, and trying to maintain somewhat of a social life. My mom claims I'm a busy bee with no free time on my hands. Some could say that's true, others could say I have "FOMO" (fear of missing out). I came across this term from a friend of mine's blog, click here to check it out! Basically, I am interested in so many different activities. I really enjoy playing sports, acting, dancing, filmaking, writing, fashioning.. is that a word? ;) Anyways, this weekend I decided just to give myself a little "me time". 

With the somewhat cooler weather have blessed with in Florida, I have been taking full advantage of it. I got to sleep in which is a rare occasion for me on Saturday mornings due to morning practices, brother's soccer games or just hanging out with friends. Currently, I am sitting at the dining room table, eating some tasty scrambled eggs accompanied with a hot cup of chamomile tea (my favorite). 

After I finish my first blog post, I'm going to pick out a simple outfit for this lovely, cool Saturday morning to go to my hair appointment. On some Saturdays, my mom and I love to have a girls day which I have a feeling what today might be. 

All in all, It's always a great idea to give yourself some time alone or with your family. 

One of my favorite things to do on chilly nights is steep a cup of my favorite tea, light one of my favorite seasonal candles and watch gossip girl or go on pinterest for hours while listening to pandora (and probably instagram it too). Simple things like this always bring me happiness.

Hope everyone has a lovely "Sleep in Saturday"!

My Saturday Morning Essentials