Let's Be Preppy!

#FabFeb

2012-02-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ladies and gents, from many people asking to bring back #FabFeb, and what it really is, I'm officially announcing it's back for ROUND TWO! I'm going to repost the exact same thing from last year around this time to re-introduce it!

I know February isn't the really most loved month by folks. You're possibly in the middle of the semester, things start to get rocky, spring is right around the corner but somehow not here yet, you might be reminded of all the reasons to NOT be or TO be single, New Years resolutions might just be starting to wear off, you might be pressured to have a special date with your sweetheart, you might (quite frankly but never in my case) get sick of the color pink, there are a multitude of reasons to not really like the month of February. BUT, in an effort to start my better attitude campaign, I'm trying to get #FabulousFebruary off the ground! Think of it, for you Twitter people, as an extended #FF (follow friday) full of positivity and encouragement! We're (or whoever wants to participate) will just use the #FabulousFriday tag whenever you come up with a pearl of wisdom, delightful tidbit or just something fun you want to share! If you're in, be sure to tweet at me so I know who to tell everyone else to lookout for! Leave a comment here or tweet @letsbepreppy today!

Welcome back to #FabFeb! I'm looking forward to this month!!

xxKatie

My Next Roadtrip: Clemson, SC

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

While I will be bringing all the Gamecock pride that I can handle, I'm heading off to Cleeeeempson, SC this weekend!

I'll be heading to the backwoods to go visit this wonderful Clemson Tiger (there are a few that I like...wouldjabelieveit?) for the weekend! Kate came to visit me for the Carolina/Clemson game (we all know how that turned out...) and we had a great time! We'll be a house divided, but I'm really looking forward to my next roadtrip! Y'all know how I love a good roadtrip and with that, roadtrip playlist!

I've never been to Clemson, so I'm looking forward to it! I know I have some fabulous, preppy Tigers out there, so what are some of the must-do's while there? Any tips or suggestions?

I have a big ol' CLEMSON written in my planner, and I even added a little tiger paw right next to it--in orange too! Again, wouldjabelieveit?I do have to say, GO GAMECOCKS, but I'm pumped to be headed on my next trip!

xxKatie

Oh the Places You'll Go

2012-01-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not talking about the famous Dr. Seuss book, but rather one of my new favorite Lilly prints!!

Where's your patch?

The Maryland patch features black-eyed Susans, our state flower, and crabs! I'd like to think too, that the blue and yellow is a little homage to Navy too!

The South Carolina patch has the yellow Jessamine, our state flower, a pig for barbeque, a Clemson Tiger paw (eww--but pretty cool for Tigers at the same time!), and the Great Carolina Wren, which I'm going to think of as a Gamecock! ;)

Where's your state on here? Do you love the special symbols and meanings?

xxKatie

Good Advice

2012-01-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

A good friend of mine once said, "Everything sounds better if you add 'dot com' to the end of it". She meant like statements, punch lines to jokes, you get the idea. BUT BOY OH BOY WAS SHE RIGHT! I just love the way let's-be-preppy-dot-com rolls of the tongue!!

Somebody out there has owned www.letsbepreppy.com for a few years now, and I finally snatched it up!!!

What that means now though, is that I have to alert everyone who sites the old URL on their sites, in blog rolls, links, all the good stuff, to the new www.letsbepreppy.com! It's pretty easy and I spent a good chunk of yesterday finding alllllllll about the in's and out's of this new URL!

I am SO excited to share the big news with y'all!! Welcome to the NEW www.letsbepreppy.com!!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Bare Legs

2012-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

January 28 by letsbepreppy featuring monogrammed canvas bags

Yesterday I was able to rock this little number! I couldn't believe how nice the weather is! Usually I have a conundrum with this dress. The sleeves make it too hot for the summer, and the length and color make it too summery for chilly weather. Yesterday, however, was PERFECT weather for it! I added my jacquard Murfee and Platinum Jacks to it for a BIG sidewalk sale at work! I know it's pretty early in the season to have bare legs, but hey, I'm trying to welcome the warm weather, right!?

Anyone else out there have a dress that's extremely hard to wear? What's the weather like by you?

xxKatie

Crafternoon: Canvas + Rhinestones

2012-01-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

I saw this craft on Pinterest a few days ago and decided that I NEEDED IT.

Unfortunately, it was "uploaded by user" so there's no tutorial, no guide, no supplies listed, no estimated time of completion, etc.

Well, I started it last night, and it's my crafternoon project today/the rest of the weekend. I thought the "celebrate" was a little cheesy, so I decided to do something else instead! I want it to be a bit of a surprise so I'm not going to spoil it just yet. It's coming along and really looks fun so far, but I'm going to share all the steps in one BIG post so that y'all have a MUCH better idea of how to do it--it's NOT easy, but it's fun and I know I'm going to feel very accomplished when it's done! So far, two of us have worked on it and are about 1/2 way done covering it with the rhinestones...

I know a bunch of people repinned it from me, so I'm interested to hear if anyone else has done it. (Sorry about the picture--since it was uploaded, the bottom portion of it doesn't load on Pinterest and it's just grey bars, but you get the idea!)

Anyway, I can't WAIT to show y'all mine and will be VERY excited for the big reveal!!!

Best of luck crafting if you decide to do this! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share your results!!

xxKatie

Longest Week

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

This is how I feel.

This has been THE LONGEST week ever. I am SO tired! I think it's just that week right before all my class' first exams start, where I've settled into my schedule, and I'm starting to understand the demand derivatives for Cobb-Douglas economic functions for utilities (catch that?).

Anyway, I'm going to use this weekend to VEG out, sleep in (as much as I can), and bask in saving all my homework until Sunday night. Needless to say, I'm SO happy that this week is O-V-E-R and I can relax today!

Has this week been as crazy for y'all as it has been for me? Are you feeling like that little guy up there? If you answered yes to any of the above questions (anyone else taking Marketing Research?) I hope that you'll get a chance to unwind and take a break this weekend too!!

xxKatie

Let's Flamingle!

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

This set of cocktail napkins from the Lifeguard Press line of giftables for Lilly Pulitzer is one of my favorite items from the collection!!

How stinkin' cute is that tagline:

Let's Flamingle!

These would be SO MUCH FUN to have at a party! I even think it would be fun to paint on something and frame or use as a decoration! I'm loving the "Fan Dance" print, but my fave from this Spring collection is easily Chum Bucket! I hope that Lilly included it a bunch in their upcoming shipments of clothing. I'll let y'all look it up and enjoy it too!!

What are you favorite items from the Lifeguard Press collection? Which one is your favorite print? Have you gotten a chance to check it out in a store yet?

xxKatie

Cute as a Button

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

I posted this on facebook yesterday and must have stumped everyone!

My new color of choice is Essie's "Cute as a Button"! It's very pink in the bottle, but a little bit more coral on your nails. I really like it and it's a fun, hop into spring color. My fabulous, fashionable little sista Grace got me this nail polish as a stocking stuffer and I was so excited to test it out over the weekend.

I'm totally the customer who walks into a nail salon WITH her own color. I just get too overwhelmed when I have to pick from the 100's of unorganized colors from the wall at each place. Am I the only one like that?

Anyway, this color is really cute and I recommend it for anyone looking for a bright, resort-y color hopping into spring! Just remember, it's cute as a button!

xxKatie

Organization Nation

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

I saw this pin on Pinterest awhile back and pinned it so that I would remember it, the usual Pinterest MO. I have SO many pins, and not many "done's" on Pinterest, however this is one I've actually put into place!

In my room at school, I have two closets--one small one with a single door, and my real closet that has French doors. In my small closet, I store jackets, t-shirts, extra PJ's, decorations, gifts for people, costumes, and my laundry. It's about a foot away from my bathroom, so I figured I would use the door for something too! I decided to convert it into storage for cleaning supplies a la Pinterest!

Mine isn't totally full obviously, but only because my organizer doesn't fit the fatter, 32oz bottles. Most of the slots are different bathroom cleaners, room sprays, and there's even some shoe protectant in there too! I'm very pleased with the outcome and what it looks like--hidden and out of the way!

Also, since this Christmas was the Christmas of shoes, I needed a different storage solution for my shoes. Naturally, I followed suit and got 2 more shoe organizers to hold them too. I'm not exactly sure why I've never used these in the past, but they are great! I've stored all my shoes in big plastic bins since my freshman year, but I'm much happier with this solution.

This one holds all my Jacks, neutral shoes, espadrilles, and metallic shoes.

This one holds my dark shoes, more business-y shoes, and sneakers.

The rest of my flats, boat shoes, boots and flip-flops are still in the bin where they'll stay until I need to wear them on certain days!

How do you organize your closets? Do you use these shoe holders for anything other than shoes?

xxKatie

FavoREDs

2012-01-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've always been a big red fan, but having a shade of red has made my collection expand a good bit! Here are a few of my favoREDs:

My red Longchamp from our New York trip!

Red Starbursts! I do love pink too, so it's a tie, but I figured it would make a fun feautre!

The song AND the cups!

Helly Hansen, obviously!

OPI's Big Apple Red

Are you a red fan? What's your favorite red item?

xxKatie

B&B

2012-01-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Was this the "B&B" you were thinking of?

I have seen a few commercials for the recently re-released "Beauty and the Beast" in 3-D!

Has anyone seen it? I've only heard great things! I loved B&B when I was little and I clearly remember my first Gameboy Color game being a B&B game!

(By the way, I LOVED it and was devastated when I accidently reset all my high scores...)

I can't WAIT to see this movie--who also recently turned 21! Have you seen it in 3-D yet? Did you like it?

xxKatie

Preppy Vines

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

One of my fabulous friends, Colleen, surprised me with such a fun gift all the way from California!! She gave me a bottle of the Preppy Vines' "Popped Collar Pinot"!

To make the fun gift even BETTER, she gave me a "Redneck Wine Glass"--how perfect for a 21st?

Have you ever seen one of these? How much fun are they?

Happy Birthday to me!! Thank you thank you Miss Colleen!

xxKatie

Thursday Thoughts

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

I loved this the minute I saw it and HAD TO pass in on to y'all!!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Pink Blazer

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

January 10 by letsbepreppy featuring faded jeans

Pink Blazers seem to be the "it" thing--they're all over Pinterest! I saw this blazer while we were shopping before Christmas at H & M. My jaw just about dropped! My mom wasn't as big of a fan as I was, but I knew of a few outfits that it would be PERFECT with! My first inkling was to pair it with a white button-down like this. Then my mind drifted to all the other combinations I could pair it with! One dress came to mind IMMEDIATELY:

Right?! How perfect is that?!

Anyway, I've been dying for nice weather and an event that warrants such a formal, structured dress and a blazer so I can pair them together!!

Do you like the pink blazer trend? Do you have one? If so, what do you wear it with?

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

1. I am thankful for the outpouring of love that I got on the day of my birthday. My family is the bomb and my friends--y'all know who you are--made my 21st the best birthday I've had!

2. I am thankful for sweet people who constantly think about me and my well-being. Whether that's my parents, God-parents, older fabulous Manhattan mentor, or close friends, knowing that you all have my back is the biggest gift.

3. I am thankful for Great American Cookies--never underestimate the power of a GOOD snickerdoodle, or 5.

4. I am thankful for a trip to Raleigh that I just finally planned officially last night!! Can't wait for that weekend in February!!

5. I am thankful for my new major. Economics is very hard, but I did my first homework assignment successfully and I have a new-found confidence in that class! Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, GAME ON!

6. I am thankful for the closet organization that I did on Sunday. I'll be posting pictures of the way it turned out, and I am so happy!! I even used a Pinterest idea in part of it!! Where's that "Done It" button on Pinterest now?

7. I am thankful for the direction that this semester seems to be going in. It makes me happy to feel like this since it's only the second week of the semester!

8. I am thankful for Twitter. Sometimes I wonder where all my random thoughts/annoyances/etc. went before Twitter existed. So thanks to everyone who reads them and doesn't get too sick of me!

9. I am thankful that spring time is right around the corner! I am so ready for shorts weather!!

10. I am thankful for long drives (or more typically, the 5 mile drive to/from campus to my house) that I can sing at the top of my lungs. Fellow drivers, I'm not offended if you laugh, I probably would too!

xxKatie

Colored Chinos

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday in Church, the girl next to me was wearing a GREAT pair of colored chinos. They were a salmon pink color, very loose fitting, but still looked totally appropriate and classy for mass. Her amazing pants got me thinking all about colored chinos for spring. They're certainly a favorite of mine, but I don't have any in my closet!

These are your basic chinos from J. Crew. Clean cut, straight, nice looking, basic color.

I love this look from Lands' End Canvas--they're only $16.99!! I might need to order these ASAP!

These are the Bennett Chino from J. Crew. They're a little skinnier than my ideal colored chino, but a fun style nonetheless!

Even Rock and Republic, famed for their jeans, is getting in on the action!

I'm really waiting to see all the different colors to come out once Spring is in full season swing. I would love a pair of light/Carolina (the other one) blue, light kelly green, and an awesome salmon pink/nantucket red pair! I gotta keep my eyes peeled!!

xxKatie

Cookbooks

2012-01-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

So I don't really cook often. That doesn't mean, however, that I don't like cookbooks! Here are a few of my favorites, and ones I'd like to try!

Greek Revival is written by USC's own first-lady, Mrs. Moore-Pastides! A portion of this cookbook goes to USC scholarships.

Of Tide and Thyme is the Annapolis Junior League's Cookbook--I've thumbed through this many times!

Cooking Rocks has some of the first recipes I ever tried on my own, including Honey Nut Chicken!

I would LOVE to try the Momofuku cookbook! All the desserts in here sound AMAZING!

100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know piqued my interest on Pinterest! I added it to my Books board, and I really want to buy this!

What cookbooks do you love? Anything you rely on?

xxKatie

Happy Birthday Grace!!

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy 18th Birthday!!

I love you!!

You could say it's changed a little...but not the height!!

I'm sorry this is a day late, but Blogger was big time malfunctioning Thursday night!!

I love you! You're the most stylish, fun, fabulous, prettiest, best to hang around with, and "the nicest, sweetest, coolest girl at the pageant!" (Miss Congeniality if y'all didn't catch that!)

xxKatie

Giveaway: Loggerhead Apparel: WINNER!

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Our lucky Loggerhead Apparel winner is:

Miss Celeste!

Celeste, please send me an email to letsbepreppy (at) gmail (dot) com! I'll be sure to put you in contact with all the right people!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

xxKatie

Cakepops

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I tried making cakepops for the first time during my birthday weekend!

They were fun to make, but not as easy as I thought!! I didn't follow any specific recipe, but instead, just went with a lot of the reading I did on everyone else's cakepop endeavors!

We used one box of cake to one can of frosting. We used two bags of white chocolate to coat the pops and middle size skewers. I was the musher and combined the cake and frosting and balled them up for Miss Skyler to coat. They ended up significantly larger than we expected which is my fault and I just didn't realize how big they were!! Anyway, it was a blast to make!!

Got any cakepop making tips? Have you ever made them yourself?

xxKatie

Week 1

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

It is week 1 of the semester.

I don't think I've ever been more excited for any single semester of college! I was excited for my real first semester of school, but a totally different, anxiety-filled excited as a freshman.

This week I'm adding on a new, second major.

This week I'm going to continue to celebrate my birthday.

This week I'm making major major commitments to school and work and I'm pumped.

This week I'm doing school supply shopping.

This week I'm organizing my entire month.

The first week of the semester is one of the most important. Finals week takes the cake for importance, but starting off on the right foot is like eating breakfast--important, and you can feel it about 75% of the way though if you didn't do it right.

So here's to an AWESOME first week--it certainly started off great! Here's a sneak peek from my birthday:

xxKatie

B-School Colors

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Essie's new collection is perfect for all my fellow Business majors out there! Inspired by the business world (and I've heard maybe even the "Occupy Wall Street" saga) you'll love all their names! From left to right:

1. Navigate Her

2. A Crewed Interest

3. To Buy or Not to Buy

4. Tour de Finance

5. Olé Caliente

6. Orange It’s Obvious!

I pinned these guys a few days ago without knowing their individual names but the collection is just too much fun!!

xxKatie

P.S.: A big thank you for all the "Happy Birthday" tweets and comments! Y'all are SERIOUSLY the bomb!

Outfit of the Day: 21st BIRTHDAY

2012-01-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

January 8 by letsbepreppy featuring a yellow gold bangle

This is my (finally) 21st birthday outfit! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my one-shoulder dress from Lilly Resort 2011. As soon as this dress came out, I knew it was right for me! I added in the crossbody bag that I got for Christmas and the "Gild the Lily" bracelet I got yesterday!

Here's to a fun and fabulous 21st! As I like to tell all my friends, Miss Lilly Pulitzer says, "Too much is never enough!" ...wink wink!

xxKatie

Gild the Lily

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

This was one of the beautiful gifts that arrived for me in the mail from one of the sweetest friends I have.

I wasn't entirely sure of the meaning of this idiom, so I gave it a little Google search. I read the meaning and almost started crying. My favorite of the meanings was,

"To make superfluous additions to what is already complete".

Thank you thank you Sarah and Kate Spade for the wonderful beginning to my birthday weekend!!

xxKatie

Christmas Shoes

2012-01-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone's heard the very sad Christmas song, "Christmas Shoes"...but this is MUCH happier! For me this year, it was the Christmas of Shoes. I got a bunch ranging from dressy to outdoorsy:

BCBGeneration Tedolie

Enzo Angiolini Elaya Pumps (These I actually got myself to wear on Christmas Eve)

Jack Rogers Collegiate Colors Navajo

L.L. Bean Duck Boots

Jack Rogers Platinum Navajo

Did you have a "theme" to your Christmas? Were there any similarities in your gifties?

xxKatie

There are Macys coupons available for shoes.

Giveaway: Loggerhead Apparel!

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Loggerhead Apparel, the fabulous company I posted about a few weeks ago and I have been working together to give y'all a giveaway in honor of the BCS Bowl Week!

We are giving away one of the Bellwether Polos for you! Not only do they come in these fun shades, but dare I say it, they have a collegiate line for Carolina and Clemson!

Since BOTH South Carolina teams made it to Bowl Games this year I knew it was just perfect timing to do a giveaway with Loggerhead!

Now a little bit different than most of my giveaways, this is open to both guys and gals! So be sure to check it out if you're in need of some new merch!

Here's how you can enter:

1. Follow Let's Be Preppy (1 entry) Did all of you know that you can do this from twitter? So easy!

2. Like Let's Be Preppy on Facebook (2 entries)

3. Like Loggerhead Apparel on Facebook (3 entries)

4. Follow Let's Be Preppy on Twitter (4 entries)

5. Follow Loggerhead Apparel on Twitter (5 entries)

6. Tweet at @letbepreppy and @LoggerheadApp about the giveaway! (6 entries)

Good luck! This giveaway will run until next Wednesday at 11:50pm!

xxKatie (and the Loggerhead team!)

Weekly Gratitude

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

So behind on this!! Yikes! Time to refocus and get ready for the week ahead!

1. I am thankful for YOUR SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS! The Capital One Bowl was ridiculously fun once the Gamecocks realized it was a Bowl game and could seriously change their collegiate careers, 2011 season and fan feelings all with one game. We just finished an 11-win season for the FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY!

2. I am thankful for the wonderful break that Christmas provided me. It was restful, relaxing (most times), and a much needed month off.

3. (With that said...) I am thankful that I get to go back to school on Thursday. Which is the day after tomorrow. Cue packing frenzy!

4. I am thankful that my birthday is on SUNDAY! I've been counting down since, oh, January 9, 2011. 21 club here I come!

5. I am thankful for the WiFi I'm currently using in the Orlando airport. I wish all airports provided you with free service like this. It's such a treat to be able to use you computer for a few minutes without having to pay ridiculous fees like $9.95 for 24 hours. I hope I never have to be in an airport for 24 hours!

6. I am thankful that it has been a relatively mild winter. I really really hate the cold! Like really really hate it. I was so uncomfortable in NYC when it was windy and freezing. This mild winter has been such a blessing!

7. I am thankful for the FAAAAABulous new Essie color I tried out: Fruit Sangria! Love it!

8. I am thankful that I am starting second semester junior year. I can't believe it, but I am. It is WILD! Now on the lookout for internships for the summer. I have a list of a few that I'd like to apply for so we'll see where it takes us! (Shameless self plug: anyone in Charleston looking for a Marketing/PR/social media intern?)

9. I am thankful for Southwest Airlines and the ease with which I've traveled this break. It was easy to book and both ways we were on time! It makes such a big difference when traveling is easy.

10. I am thankful that I am about to board my flight! Hopefully I'm home around noon!

xxKatie

Playlist: Bowl So Hard

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

So I made my own adaptation of the Jay-Z and Kanye song just for the bowl game! I'm officially on my way by the time that y'all will be reading this!

Here's my Capital One Bowl Game Playlist:

(Warning: this is a pump-up playlist after all, beware of some lyrics!!)

1. My Time by Fabolous and Jeremih

2. My Kinda Party by Jason Aldean

3. Carolina by Eric Church

4. All I Do Is Win by DJ Khaled

5. On to the Next One by Jay-Z

6. "Ball So Hard" by Jay-Z and Kanye West (that's not the real name...)

7. Bang Bang Pow Pow by T-Pain featuring Lil' Wayne

8. Dixie Lullaby by Pat Green

9. Love in a College Town by Luke Bryan

10. Good Morning by Chamillionaire

11. Get Buck in Here by DJ Felli Fel

12. Rock Out With You Gamecock Out by Dinobrite Productions

13. You Be Killin' 'Em by Fabolous

14. If You Ain't Here to Party by Luke Bryan

15. This is Why I'm Hot by Mims

I'm not 100% sure if you'll be able to hear the Gamecock song or not, but check out the rest of the playlist here on Spotify! (Shout out to whoever suggested I start posting my playlists!!! Kudos!)

xxKatie

NYE

2011-12-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

This NYE scene from "Sex and the City" is one of my favorite New Years Eve scenes in any movie! I feel like it is a very realistic depiction of all different kinds of NYE's that everyone has and I LOVE the Celtic Auld Lang Syne being sung in the background. (A few parts of the clip are a bit more risque than others--it is SATC after all!)

I hope everyone has a wonderful NYE! As for me, I'll be watching the ball drop and sleeping since my big plans are heading down to Orlando for the big Capital One Bowl Game on the first of January! Please everyone be safe! If you haven't heard yet about the AAA Tipsy Tow, please check here to see if it's available in your city!

I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for me, my family, my friends, all you followers and your loved ones!!

xxKatie

A Woman Like You

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

I first heard Lee Brice when I saw Luke Bryan in concert a few months ago! He was one of the opening acts and funny enough, is actually from a few towns over from Columbia! He's from Sumter, SC and even has a song called "Sumter County Friday Night"! So cool! Anyway, "A Woman Like You" is one of my new favorite songs! I couldn't believe it the other day when I saw a tweet from CMT talking about a video for this song. It's a cute video but I just LOVE the song--you must Google the lyrics, they are adorable! Anyway, give this song a quick listen and add it to your regular playlist for sure!

xxKatie

Lash Love

2011-12-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Awhile back, I won a giveaway with Miss Sarah from "Too Much is Never Enough" and she was giving away tons of Mary Kay products. I won a mascara and was pretty excited just to see what it was all about. I was totally expecting a travel size mascara, not the full size.

Well, let me tell you, "Lash Love" Mascara by Mary Kay is easily the BEST mascara I've ever used. The only drawback for me is that it's not waterproof, but the minute that MK comes out with a waterproof version it will be PERFECTO! Anyway, I've always used drugstore brands of mascara, posting about some of my favorites here. I've dabbled in Clinique and Lancome brands from department stores and I've liked them as well. I have extremely long eyelashes so it's really easy for mascaras to get very clumpy on me.

With Lash Love, I have had more people than EVER come up and ask me if I'm wearing fake eyelashes! It really has become my absolute favorite mascara! My Mom even said something about it so many times that we got her her own tube as a Christmas gift!

I wear mine in the "I (Love) Black" (the "Love" is actually a heart in the name) shade but they make a brown shade for those of you who prefer brown for lashes. Anyway, I totally recommend Lash Love for anyone in the market for a new mascara or looking to switch!

xxKatie

City Day!

2011-12-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today, my Mom, sister and I are three ladies on a mission!

A shopping mission that is! We're off on our adventure to New York City!

Have any good restaurant recommendations that we need to check out? We're big "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" fans in our house so we scoped out a few of those features in NYC!

Definitely let me know what your city favorites are!!

xxKatie (+ fam!)

Orbitz coupons are always available; visit NYC soon!

OOTD: Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

December 24 by letsbepreppy featuring fine pearl jewelry

In my house, the way Christmas works is that we do Christmas Eve mass at 6, dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and then have all day on Christmas to lounge around and cook our Christmas dinner. We get really dressed up for Christmas Eve Mass and spend all day Christmas pretty much in our jammies! I wore this dress that I LOVE for Mass with sheer black tights from Target and heels that I just got from Nordstrom Rack. (LOVE N-Rack! So many good finds there if you're willing to look!) I added my cream colored quilted Lilly coat which worked well since it wasn't too too cold for Christmas Eve!

Thankfully we didn't get any snow or slush like we have in years past. I'm NOT a snow fan by any means and I can remember one year when my Dad had to escort all of us ladies from parking lots to restaurants or inside Church...yuck! I couldn't have asked for a better weather situation this year!

I also curled my hair, which didn't turn out as well as I had hoped! Here's for more practice with that!! I wore it pulled back in a beige headband that I've had for a few years and just seems to match everything.

What did y'all wear for Christmas? Do you usually get dressed up or is it more casual? Do you do all the big stuff on Christmas Eve or Christmas?

xxKatie

Roadtrippin'

2011-12-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

The rest of my break is pretty much scheduled and set! With the exception of 3 days until I go back to school, I will be in states other than MD! Today we leave to go see my Mom's side of the family in New York. We'll be there today and the next three days.

This picture was taken a million years ago, but this is the older half of the cousins that we'll be seeing!

I have about half of the day on the 30th, all of the 31st and then the next day, at 7am I leave for Orlando for the Capital One Bowl to cheer on the Carolina Gamecocks!

Miss Colleen and I will be some of the Gamecock fans traveling to see the Gamecocks in their last game of the 2011 season! I can't wait to see them for the last time as a junior!!

I get back around noon on the 3rd, and I will be leaving for school most likely on the 5th or 6th (can you believe we're already talking about JANUARY!?) to head back down to South Carolina!

Then I'll be so lucky as to be reunited with THIS crew for my big day shortly after that!! I can't wait to see them again and celebrate my birthday!

When does everyone else go back to school? I'm definitely on the earlier side of things!!

xxKatie

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to the entire LBP family!

xxKatie

Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

I got such a kick out of the Santa and Siri Apple iPhone commercial about Christmas Eve!

This was an old Christmas card from our family! My mom always crafts up cards to send out and this one was from many a year ago. We made that sand/snowlady at our beach house in Bethany Beach! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Eve that is safe and happy! Today is a great day to be thankful for health, family, being together, friends and everything else that we're privileged enough to have!

Merry Merry Christmas Eve y'all!!

xxKatie

New Year's Eve (the Movie!)

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

I know with Christmas in T-minus 2 days, everyone's brains are on that, but I'm referring to "New Year's Eve" the movie! I saw it as part of a work Christmas party (so that counts as Christmas-y, right?) and wanted to share--without spoiling--it with y'all!

This was my favorite storyline of the movie! It was sweet and silly and fun to watch. Zac Efron is as cute as ever however in a few parts he looks a little over spray-tanned! Anyway, tan or not, I loved watching these two go back and forth for their plot line.

Although sometimes annoying, the Katherine Heigl/Bon Jovi (random?) was my next favorite plot line. They were the funniest pairing of people and the fact that Bon Jovi was even in the movie was funny in my opinion!

Third favorite wasn't this pair, but just the idea of Ludacris being an actor. This rapper-now-apparently-actor had a total of maybe 20 lines in the movie. It was just surprising to see him as an actor in a movie like this! Here's to a big cast, right?

Have you seen NYE? Did you like it? For me it was a fun way to kick off the holiday season!

xxKatie

Designs by Amanda Bee

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

My VERY talented friend, Amanda Bee, has been painting these designs very recently! If you follow me on Pinterest, I'm sure you've seen a bunch of them since I'm pinning them all too! The one above is my absolute favorite she's done so far, but check out some of my other picks too:

Maryland by Amanda Bee

Loafers by Amanda bee

Crosshatched by Amanda Bee

Knotty in Blue by Amanda Bee

Monkey's Fist by Amanda Bee

Argyle II by Amanda Bee

Colorful by Amanda Bee

Umm how amazing right? You MUST check her out!! See more of her full-size designs on her blog!

xxKatie

LBS

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

LBS: Little Black Shoes

If there's an LBD, there sure can be LBS too!

Cole Haan: Violet Pump 90

Kate Spade: Elate

Sam Edelman: Portney

Me Too: Jeanette

Cole Haan: Eve Air OT Pump

Elizabeth and James: Lilly

Nine West: Escher

Kate Spade: Gillian

How much fun are they? The holiday season is the PERFECT time to don some black shoes that steal the show!! Hopefully inclement weather doesn't impact your shoe wearing plans! One year it was so slushy and cold my dad had to escort all the ladies through the muck to the sidewalks to church and the restaurant! I hope that never happens again!

Do you have a great pair of LBS?

xxKatie

Ol' Chap-py

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

There are a multitude of reasons I don't really like winter. The obvious: it's cold. The not so obvious: everything GET SO DRY. I always seem to forget that. My hair gets dry and static-y, my skin gets dry and my lips get so chapped! Thankfully the wind isn't too bad at school, but at home since we're so close to water 99% of the time, it can get pretty windy too.

One of my absolute favorite, cannot go without is chapstick! I've tried a few and Burt's Bees is a great go-to. It's tried-and-true, works every time and makes your lips all tingly. A new favorite of mine is the Eos brand! I have the strawberry daiquiri flavor and summer fruit flavor and I've gotten my two at Ulta and Target respectively.

They're really funny, egg-shaped domes of chapstick but they are AWESOME! My favorite is the Strawberry flavor, but my sister swears by the mint one! I'm not quite ready to trade in my BB mint one yet, but I'm willing to give this one a chance for sure.

Have y'all ever tried these? Do you love them as much as me? I just HAD to share them with y'all if you haven't had a chance to check them out yet!!

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Phew, it's been too long since I've done one of these. Yikes!

1. I am thankful that yesterday was the 4th Sunday of Advent! I like Advent because it keeps me in line with Christmas. The 4th Sunday means we're getting so close and it's time to get excited!

2. I am thankful that I made it home safely. Thanks to Colleen and her fam for adopting me for a night on my way back!

3. I am thankful that I have off for pretty much a month. I've been home for 1 week today and still have 3 more weeks to enjoy.

4. I am thankful for close friends who can get me through tough times. Especially the ones who can tell me exactly what I want to hear at first, and then what I need to hear when the time comes. They let me cry on the phone to them, send them the hate texts that I'd otherwise be un-wisely sending, and complain to my little heart's content. I can't thank you guys enough for the last week.

5. I am thankful for my family who is willing to take me back for an entire month!

6. I am thankful for my good heath this past semester. Miraculously I never got sick for more than about 3 days for the first time. I can't remember a semester since middle school that I didn't get sick during. Shocking!

7. I am thankful for the Christmas season, it is a great time to reflect and refocus on the important stuff.

8. I am thankful that I get to be in a few places over this break. I get to work, be home in Annapolis, head VERY South to Orlando, FL for the Capitol One Bowl Game, New York after Christmas to see the extended family, and back to Columbia before school starts to celebrate my birthday!

9. I am thankful for (on that note) that I turn 21 in 2 weeks and 6 days. Who's counting? Since I've been home (and sometimes at school) I feel like I am reminded left and right that I'm still in the under 21 club. Only a few more weeks!!

10. I am thankful that it is rarely as cold at school as it is here in Maryland! I keep calling it the North Pole just for fun!

(11. I am thankful that I didn't make a complete fool of myself about a week ago at The Container Store. As soon as I entered, it was so festive and people were wrapping gifts everywhere. I yelled out "IT LOOKS LIKE SANTA'S WORKSHOP IN HERE!" a little too loud and everyone turned and looked at me...still pretty silly! Oops!)

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Chilly & Work

2011-12-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

December 16 by letsbepreppy featuring tahitian pearl earrings

Usually I wear this outfit with a black turtleneck, but I made a little bit of a mistake getting dressed that ended up being kind of fun! I didn't realize it until I got to work and noticed it looked different than usual! I had to pair this outfit with tights because it is SO COLD here in MD! In some places yesterday it even SNOWED! I can't believe that!

Also fun, this dress is almost the exact shade of "Strawberry Margarita"! It was kinda fun! I've been getting organized about Christmas, figuring out what I'm going to wear and strategizing gifts. I've even been able to help my Momma out with some of the errands and post office trips. I now understand why Christmas shopping can be so hard!! I went into Kohl's looking for ONE, single, specific frame. I had never been in that Kohl's and I felt like I was on the "Amazing Race", looking for a needle in a haystack! I didn't know my way around, couldn't find it and got SO overwhelmed. After asking for some help, I finally found it and it was 50% off, and we had a coupon! It ended up only being something like $6.36. Thank goodness!

I hope everyone's Christmas and Hanukkah seasons are getting in full swing!

xxKatie

Loggerhead Apparel!

2011-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to introduce y'all to Loggerhead Apparel! Not only is this a fabulous product from the Palmetto state, but it's fun, serves a great cause, is made in the USA, AND is geared toward Gamecocks!

Sara sent me an AWESOME package full of Loggerhead swag as well as my own polo to don at any Gamecock event!

This is the Garnet and Black Loggerhead polo that I now proudly own! It will match great with any of my garnet skirts and just screams Gamecock. (There's even a line for Clemson fans, but well...it is Clemson after all...just kidding Clemson fans! The orange and purple stuff is pretty fun!!)

Not only did I get a polo, but I have a rockin' koozie, set of croakies and enough stickers to give all my friends! (Everyone be on the lookout when I get back to school--totally being serious you can have as many as you want!)

Anyway, Loggerhead donates 10% of all sales to sea turtle and ocean wildlife conservation causes. Not only do I love that being from Maryland where we're all about Bay conservation, but I know sea turtle conservation is a major initiative in Charleston too!

Once the bowl game gets a little closer, I'll be hosting a giveaway with Loggerhead Apparel too! Y'all will love it, I'm sure of it!!

xxKatie

Holiday Nails!

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

About two and a half weeks ago, I got my nails done in Essie's "Geranium" and it was SUCH a great holiday color! It's red and fun and definitely not as coral as it looks in the bottle. I LOVE it and highly recommend this shade to anyone looking for a very festive red. It held up great and didn't look dingy when I got my nails redone.

Just two days ago, I had them redone (is two weeks a normal time for y'all?) and chose OPI's "Strawberry Margarita" for my Christmas color. I'm sure y'all are thinking why didn't she flip flop them or just keep the red? Something about pink at the holidays is very me. It's just close enough to red to be festive but I think that pink nails are almost always appropriate. I actually thought that "Strawberry Margarita" would be an AWESOME color on my wedding day (depending on the flowers and bridesmaids dresses of course!) because it's bright and a great shade. A few of my Twitter followers said it's their go-to summer color, but I really think it's a good all year round color. I may have to go out and buy it soon!

I think my next nail color will be Essie's "Bachelorette Bash" for my birthday color! And to go with my dress, I'll either match my toes with this same shade or go VERY BOLD and do:

Essie's "Turquoise & Caicos" since my dress has so many shades of blue/Lilly's Lagoon Green!

Have any good holiday colors? Do share!!

xxKatie

Skyler's Closet

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

The main players:

Ikea

Blucher Mocs (circa 1982, add in the years of being worn in AND older than us)

Lilly Pulitzer Jaiden Blouse

The newest additions:

Lilly Pulitzer Eve Dress Striped

Target Pearce Pumps

J. Crew Waverly Chinos

The can't live withouts:

Lilly Pulitzer Murfee Scarf in "Show Me Some Skin"

Lands' End Hunter Green Puffer Vest (add a monogram, duh!)

Hobo International Lauren Wallet

Want her closet? Yeah, we all do! Tweet at her if you love it @SkylerElizabeth

xxKatie (and Skyler)

Colder Weather

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Every week as I either get ready for class or work at the store, I always tune in to watch the Today Show! I like Matt, Money 9-1-1, the Friday concerts and even Hoda and Kathie Lee. Sometimes they can be kinda annoying, but sometimes they're fun!

One time I did like them was the day Hoda introduced us to "Colder Weather" by the Zac Brown Band!

It describes my trek back up North to a tee! I could feel it during my drive get colder and colder and colder until today when I was a PREPSICLE! (I can't take credit for that one though, I wish! A girl I went to high school actually called me that!)

At one of my stops near the exit to Boone, NC, I even saw my breath!!!! I got out of the car in yoga pants, sneaks, and a long sleeve t-shirt to get gas and nearly FROZE! Quite the homecoming for this girl who wore shorts to her Friday final. Craziness!

What's the weather like for you at school vs. at home? Just like me? Totally the opposite?

xxKatie

Home! Home! Home!

2011-12-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

This is my hometown. It is crab pots, Old Bay, plebes, flip flops, American flags and hot dogs in the Summer. It is boat shows, the most magnificent trees turning, and Indian Summer, knee socks, Navy Football and colonial colors in the Fall. It is chilly, frozen anchors, quilted coats, Tall Jamaicans, heat all the way turned up and high school basketball in the Winter. It is shorts, boat shoes, the annual Sock Burning, .05K, and lacrosse in the Spring.

It is Annapolis, MD.

I am so unbelievably, ridiculously thankful to be home for a few weeks!

xxKatie

Dip & Done

2011-12-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I went to an organization's potluck on Wednesday night and since it was a potluck, we all signed up to bring different things. What a great exam breaker! It was held by two friends at their ADORABLE home and another friend did all the cooking! We ate yummy bacon-wrapped, feta-stuffed pork tenderloin and all the side dishes that everyone brought including two types of stuffing, salad, two kinds of roasted potatoes, and not to mention all the appetizers and desserts!

I brought two dips from Pinterest to the potluck:

Cheddar Bacon Dip

16 oz sour cream

1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Mix

3 oz bacon bits (from a bag, NOT bacos)

1 c shredded cheddar

I ended up doubling the recipe to suit the large group but we had TONS of leftovers that we were able to eat until yesterday. I served it with tortilla chips and pretzels and preferred it with the pretzels!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip

1 8oz package cream cheese, softened

1/2 c butter, softened

1 c powdered sugar

2 tbsp brown sugar (I used light)

1 1/2 tsp vanilla (I skipped this)

1 c chocolate chips

I c toffee bits (I skipped this)

Impatient me over here didn't let either the cream cheese or butter soften properly so this was a tad difficult to make for me. My poor mixer was on major overdrive trying to whip stiff cream cheese and butter. Also, this is best served after letting it sit out for about 1/2 an hour or so. Once it's soft it tastes better. We also found that it didn't really taste like chocolate chip cookie dough anyway, MUCH more like a cannoli filling! I doubled this recipe as well and it was a good size, but we still had plenty of leftovers.

Have any great potluck recipes that you like? Any go-to recipes?

xxKatie

Dear 16 Year Old Me

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

The summer before my freshman year of college I worked for a dermatologist and did a ton of research about Malignant Melanoma. My research was specifically all about how to reach high schoolers and college students about the importance and severity of Malignant Melanoma. This video on behalf of the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund is by far the best video on MM I've ever seen:

Y'all can watch it here! I'm trying to show as many people as possible since this video is targeting a significantly younger audience than most cancer videos. Thanks for watching!

xxKatie

My Exam Friends

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

TI 84 (painted with glitter nail polish, mind you)

The Hot Zone (I highly recommend this book!)

Principles of Finance, 4th Edition (I highly do NOT recommend this book!)

Snickerdoodles from the Great American Cookies are my study FAVORITE, couldn't have gotten through this week without them!

Under Armour Leggings (Judge away; my excuse this week is the time I'd usually spend picking out my clothes, I am utilizing better to study)

Management, 10th Edition

I've spent much more time with these folks than I'd have liked, but hey it is after all, exam season! I will be heading home Monday after a brief stop in Charlotte on Sunday. I cannot be more excited to be home with my family. The latter half of the semester has been nothing but (unforeseen) stress and I can't wait to take a break from studying!! I know I'm not the only one who is in that boat!!

Sending big, huge, all-consuming exam hugs out to all my readers who are in exam season!

Thoughts and prayers are appreciated!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Christmas Party

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

December 4 by letsbepreppy featuring a metallic mini skirt

I attended my first Christmas party on Sunday night! I stayed for only an hour in order to get back home to study, but I was thrilled to have been included! A wonderful new friend that I met this year held the gathering at her BEAUTIFUL apartment and introduced me to all her close friends! Everyone looked great and she served to DELICIOUS desserts! One was a French Silk Pie which I had never had before and was to die for. The other was a cheesecake that I was too full to try after eating the Silk dessert. I was able to chat with one other girl from work as well as the new girls who all welcomed me with open arms. We talked about friends getting engaged (and how far away some of us are from even thinking about that!), how yummy the dessert was, where to get parts of our ensembles, our host's newest pets, and how beautiful our surroundings were.

All in all it was a great break from life for a little while and allowed me to have a fabulous Sunday night to enjoy! Thanks MC for a great Christmas Party!

xxKatie

Favorite Jeans

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

I think these are absolutely by far the BEST jeans I've ever bought! I bought them awhile ago when I was at home, but I hadn't gotten a real chance to wear them until recently. BUT WHOA!

They are Citizens of Humanity Ava jeans and straight-leg in the Faith wash. I looked them up online to see what they reviews were since I was such a big fan, and I'm totally not alone. Other people all over have agreed how great these jeans are!

They can be dressed up, dressed down, tucked into boots or even worn over heels as you can see above. I don't think I can sing their praises more! Y'all know how I can be with clothes too, but I would tell everyone right now to go buy them. One of my friends has the same pair (her jeans might be a little lighter) and she's only 5'2'' and they look great on her. I think it says a lot if the same cut of jeans look good on someone who's 5'2'' and someone like me who is 6'1''. I'm partial to dark jeans myself, but I know these come in many different washes.

The Faith wash came a little destroyed in places, and even since I've worn them a few times, I can see they're naturally distressing further. I haven't washed them yet, and that will tell a lot more about how the feel. The only drawback is that they can get VERY linty. I'm not sure if that's because of the nature of the jeans or the nature of what they're touching. Lots of other fabrics do tend to stick with it, but that's certainly nothing a little lint roller of piece of tape can't fix!

Anyone else have these jeans? Don't you just LOVE them?

xxKatie

HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY DADDY!

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Daddyo!

I'm sorry we couldn't be in the same state to celebrate it, but I can't WAIT until we can once I'm back!

xxJR Junior

Starboard Clothing Co. Giveaway: Winner!

2011-12-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Britton is today's lucky winner!

Britton, send me an email to letsbepreppy (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll get you in contact with all the head honchos!

Thanks to everyone for all the fun entries in my 7 for 700 string of giveaways! All the wonderful tweets, emails and facebook posts have made my days! I hope y'all enjoyed it as much as I did. I'm also very excited about getting back to regular posts too!

xxKatie

MyMemories Suite Giveaway: Winner!

2011-12-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

The MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking Suite winner is Sarah from "A Break in the Silence"!

Sarah shoot me an email at letsbepreppy (at) gmail (dot) com so we can get you all set up!!

xxKatie

P.S. Also a HUGE SHOUTOUT to MY DAD! Happy Birthday Daddyo! Expect a full post soon! xoxo

Port Winsor Giveaway: Winner

2011-12-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am so pleased to announce that the winner from today's giveaway is "Hannah"! If you could shoot me an email at letsbepreppy (at) gmail (dot) com, that would be wonderful! We'll get your earrings and gift certificate on their way!!

xxKatie

Port Southern Giveaway: Winner!

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Our Ultimate Prize Pack winner is:

"Kimber" from Gamecocks Down Under! GO GAMECOCKS! (Especially after all the craziness on facebook and twitter last night! Yikes!!)

The two Swag Prize Pack winners are:

"Annamarie" from Last Days as a Ms...

"Sky" from Debit Card Moratorium

If you ladies will all shoot me an email at letsbepreppy (at) gmail (dot) com, we will get you all set!!

xxKatie

BestGear + Barbour Giveaway: Winner!

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to announce that the winner of this FABULOUS scarf is Taylor from City in the South!

If you could send me an email to letsbepreppy (at) gmail (dot) com, we'll get you all set!

Happy December y'all!

xxKatie

Southern Beaus Giveaway: Winner!

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Southern Beaus winner is Miss Holly from Hey, Hey Holly! I was so excited to see Holly's number come up from random.org because she is one of my favorite bloggers!! I wish I could explain all the craziness that comes with tabulating winners of giveaways, but it gets CRAZY! So many spreadsheets and organizing. Anyway, Holly is the big winner!

Miss Holly, if you could, send me an email at letsbepreppy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Be sure to keep Southern Beaus in your memory next time you need a tie!

xxKatie

Southern Snob Giveaway: Winners!

2011-11-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Again, major thanks to Southern SNOB for awarding 7 winners prize packs!

Here are the LUCKY winners (according to the username--and blog listed--that you used to enter and random.org)!!

1. Leslin of "Southern Waters"

2. "Sassafrat"

3. Katelyn W. of "Living Life in Limbo"

4. "Carolina on My Mind"

5. ACaverly

5. Royar of "My Life as a Young Southern Prep"

6. SLE of "Northern Native"

7. eTm of "Simply Southern Me"

If all of you could send me an email at letsbepreppy (at) gmail (dot) com that would be wonderful! I will put you in contact with the right peeps at Southern SNOB and you can get all the goodies!!

xxKatie

707: Starboard Clothing Co. Giveaway!

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Starboard Clothing Co. is teaming up to giveaway a product that hasn't even been OFFICIALLY announced yet! It's still a little bit of a secret, and I can't wait to help share it with y'all!

HATS!

Starboard Clothing has just come out with some awesome looking hats and will be doing a giveaway for these brand new beauties! They are making the hats in red, white, blue (above), and green too! How cool is that? They're made of a super comfy premium cotton twill, ideal for wearing anytime you need to block out the sun, or just show your Starboard style!

In order to enter today's giveaway here are all the ways:

1. Follow Let's Be Preppy (1 entry)

2. Like Let's Be Preppy on Facebook (2 entries)

3. Like Starboard Clothing Co. on Facebook (3 entries)

4. Follow Let's Be Preppy on Twitter (4 entries)

5. Follow Starboard Clothing Co. on Twitter (5 entries)

6. Tweet at @letbepreppy and @StarboardStyle about the giveaway! (6 entries)

Best of luck in the last giveaway!!! This giveaway will run until 11:59pm on Sunday! Can't wait to see who wins for the last day!!

xxKatie

706: MyMemories Suite Giveaway!

2011-11-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to introduce y'all to MyMemories Software Suite! It is absolutely perfect for anyone just about to get married, celebrating anything special, or maybe even those who just won a a MASSIVE rivalry college football game!

MyMemories digital scrapbooking software is all about keeping your memories in one place!

Not only are they giving us a Suite to giveaway, but they also have a promo code for EVERYONE else who doesn't get the entire suite! If scrapbooking is up your alley and you're crafty but are looking for a way to put it all online, this is the thing for you! The official LBP code is: STMMMS90650

Feel free to use that as an extra $10 off!!

In order to enter this giveaway you have all the following options:

1. Follow Let's Be Preppy (1 entry)

2. Like Let's Be Preppy on Facebook (2 entries)

3. Like MyMemories on Facebook (3 entries)

4. Follow Let's Be Preppy on Twitter (4 entries)

5. Follow MyMemories on Twitter (5 entries)

6. Tweet at @letbepreppy and @MyMemoriesSuite about the giveaway! (6 entries)

Good luck y'all! This giveaway will run until 11:59pm on Saturday! Can't wait to see who the TOTALLY lucky winner of this giveaway is!!!

ALSO GO GAMECOCKS!!!! 3PEAT!!

xxKatie

705: Port Winsor Giveaway!

2011-11-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

I cannot say enough "Thank You's" to Port Winsor! The gals there have been so much fun to deal with and fit in BEYOND perfectly with my 7 for 700 Giveaway!

Port Winsor is home to FABULOUS tunics and accessories for everyone!

This Wellesley Tunic is my favorite of all the choices!

The wonderful Port Winsor crew is offering a giveaway of brand new custom earrings they released LAST week that look like this:

AND a $50 gift certificate toward any tunic in-stock!

In order to win the earrings and the gift certificate, you can enter in all the following ways:

1. Follow Let's Be Preppy (1 entry)

2. Like Let's Be Preppy on Facebook (2 entries)

3. Like Port Winsor on Facebook (3 entries)

4. Follow Let's Be Preppy on Twitter (4 entries)

5. Follow Port Winsor on Twitter (5 entries)

6. Tweet at @letbepreppy and @PortWinsor about the giveaway! (6 entries)

Good luck y'all!! Also, you can keep entering all the other giveaways this week too! This one will end Friday night at 11:59pm! I hope everyone is still loving all these giveaways as much as I am!!

xxKatie

704: Port Southern Giveaway!

2011-11-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

"Fine Clothing with Southern Hospitality" is the slogan of Port Southern. Not only is Port Southern both of those things, but they're a friendly company too! I had so much fun emailing back and forth with Elizabeth and she was gracious enough to offer LBP readers a few options!!

One winner will get the ultimate Port Southern Prize Pack:

1. Dress

2. Hat

3. Koozie (they come in 2 colors!)

4. Croakies (they come in 8 colors!)

And TWO winners will get another Port Southern Swag Prize Pack:

1. Hat

2. Koozie

3. Croakies

You have TONS of ways to enter this giveaway again today!

1. Follow Let's Be Preppy (1 entry)

2. Like Let's Be Preppy on Facebook (2 entries)

3. Like Port Southern on Facebook (3 entries)

4. Follow Let's Be Preppy on Twitter (4 entries)

5. Follow Port Southern on Twitter (5 entries)

6. Tweet at @letbepreppy and @Port_Southern about the giveaway! (6 entries)

Good luck y'all!! And don't forget, you can keep entering all the other giveaways this week too! This one will end Thursday night at 11:59pm! Hope each and every one of you had safe and happy Thanksgivings!!

xxKatie

703: BestGear + Barbour Giveaway!

2011-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

In the blogging world, you tend to make friends and online colleagues, and BestGear is one of my favorite blogging friends! We connected through Facebook awhile back and I was so excited when they wanted to get on board with the giveaway!

BestGear is pairing up with me to giveaway an AWESOME lambswool pink Barbour scarf to a very lucky (and soon to be very cozy) winner!

How absolutely snuggle-y does that look!? It would be perfect to pair with a dark pea coat or add on top of a dress!

You have a bunch of ways to enter this giveaway too! Don't you just love that? Bettering your chances with every option!

1. Follow Let's Be Preppy (1 entry)

2. Like Let's Be Preppy on Facebook (2 entries)

3. Like BestGear.com on Facebook (3 entries)

4. Follow Let's Be Preppy on Twitter (4 entries)

5. Follow BestGear on Twitter (5 entries)

6. Tweet at @letbepreppy and @BestGearcom about the giveaway! (6 entries)

Good luck! And don't forget, you can keep entering all the other giveaways this week too! This one will end Wednesday night at 11:59pm! Good luck!!

xxKatie

702: Southern Beaus Giveaway!

2011-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ashlyn, a fellow Gamecock and bowtie aficionado approached me to pair up for the 7 for 700 giveaway event and I couldn't be more excited to share her goodies with y'all!

Ashlyn is a third-year retailing student and the founder of Southern Beaus! She makes and sells the bowties and even clutches too on her etsy site! She has even been featured in one of my favorite reads--Southern Weddings!

We are pairing up to giveaway one of her bowties! I feel like this giveaway couldn't come at a more perfect time, with Christmas right around the corner, her ties will make for a great gift for your Southern Beau!! Here are a few of my favorites:

How LBP perfect is this one!?

I think Saturday's Gameday is CALLING for this one!!

This one would be perfect to match to a pink semi-formal dress for those of you with semi right around the corner!!

I think my favorite part about these photos is that they're taken on the Historic Horseshoe at USC, they're our most hallowed grounds on campus and the picture perfect setting for almost anything!!

Anyway, here are ALL your ways to enter!

1. Follow Let's Be Preppy (1 entry)

2. Like Let's Be Preppy on Facebook (2 entries)

3. Like Southern Beaus on Facebook (3 entries)

4. Follow Let's Be Preppy on Twitter (4 entries)

5. Go to Southern Beau's Etsy Store and pick out your favorite Beau and leave it in your entry comment (5 entries)

6. Tweet at @letbepreppy and @SouthernBeaus about the giveaway! (6 entries)

Again, there are 6 ways to enter today's giveaway!! Good luck! You have until Tuesday night at 11:59pm to enter this Southern Beaus giveaway! Keep your eyes out tomorrow for yet ANOTHER giveaway for this week!

xxKatie (& Ashlyn!)

701: Southern Snob Giveaway!

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Southern Snob is one of the coolest upcoming brands that you need to be aware of!

SNOB is all about the embodiment of Southern life and giving back. SNOB stands for Sportsman, Naturalist, Outdoorsman, Boater.

Not only are we doing a giveaway with Southern Snob, but I've had the privilege of meeting two of the great brains behind this project last Sunday. We had a great time and I learned all about the brand and it's goals. They have so graciously offered to do SEVEN giveaways! Yes y'all, that's SEVEN WINNERS! We are doing an entire gift pack crafted specially for the readers of Let's Be Preppy:

1. Shirt

2. Shotgun Shell Shotglass

3. Koozie

4. Stickers

5. Decals

In order to enter this amazing giveaway follow these steps:

1. Follow Let's Be Preppy (1 entry)

2. Like Let's Be Preppy on Facebook (2 entries)

3. Like Southern Snob on Facebook (3 entries)

4. Follow Let's Be Preppy on Twitter (4 entries)

5. Follow Southern Snob on Twitter (5 entries)

6. Tweet at BOTH @letbepreppy and @thesouthernsnob (6 entries)

There are 6 possible ways to enter this giveaway--and we're picking 7 winners!

You have until Monday night at 11:59pm to enter this Southern Snob giveaway! Keep your eyes out tomorrow for yet ANOTHER giveaway for this week!

Thanks for reading Let's Be Preppy and giving me the opportunity to even have 700 posts y'all!!

xxKatie

7 for 700: A Week's Worth of Giveaways!

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've been BURSTING at the seams to share this exciting week with y'all!!

In honor of today's 700th post, this week I will be having 7 days worth of WONDERFUL giveaways for both GUYS and GIRLS! I have 7 very excited vendors to share with you--and some are even giving away MULTIPLE items!

Everything will officially kick off tomorrow, but I just couldn't wait to share this with all of you on such a special 700th post day!

xxKatie

Super Woman Sunday

2011-11-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

I need to keep this in mind as the week approaches! I only need to get through 2 days. 2 DAYS and then I can go home! Take that wonderful drive to Charlotte, fly home and I'll be back to a few days to recharge and see the fam and try to finish the semester strong.

Anyone else need to channel your inner Super Woman?

xxKatie

Quack Quack

2011-11-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Quack Quack!

Duck Boots are a tried-and-true prep staple!

These duck boots are on my Christmas list in navy! But my question to those who currently own them is what size do you wear and what size does that translate into in your boots? It advises me for my 10.5 to go all the way down to a 9! That's a big jump, but I was just curious how to size them!

I love this height of the duck boots, the 6'', because they're functional and not overwhelmingly high up! I also like the navy because I wear navy more than black and I already have my brown cowboy boots.

So my question to y'all is about the sizing and if you like your duck boots?

Everyone in the reviews seems to RAVE about them and how much they love their boots and how they've owned them practically forever!! Thoughts?

xxKatie

Guilty Pleasures

2011-11-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

As a busy college kid (which many of us are, but if not "busy person" works JUST fine) I don't have much free time. I'm usually studying or thinking about studying or preparing to study, in meetings, working or actually in class. There isn't very much time for "extra" stuff. I do, however, have a few guilty pleasures that I will indulge in every now and then when I have the time. Here are a few of them:

1. Toddlers & Tiaras

I know, I know, crazy Moms and kids, but at 10:00 on a Wednesday night, YEAH, I'm gonna tune in if I don't have a test the next day. NOT sorry. It is fun to watch, I like to see if I can pick who wins and laugh at the Moms. Plus I love MAAAAKENZIE!

2. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Again, I know they're so bad for you but that's why they call them "guilty" pleasures. There are 2 KK's within a respectable distance from my house and JUST so happen to have late-night hours.

3. Sunglasses

I love sunglasses. They're my accessory of choice. In SC, 8 or 9 out of 10 days are sunny and the sunny mornings are the worst! Talk about bright and early!

4. iTunes Songs

This one my Momma hates, but music is something I rely on daily. I like Pandora but sometimes I'm just in the mood for ONE specific song. I also don't illegally download. Pretty much every song on my iTunes is from a burned CD from a friend or purchased by me. Music helps me calm down, get excited, work on my moods, I think almost anyone would agree!

What are your guilty pleasures? Now you know a few of mine!!

xxKatie

Campus Prayers

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Being on a college campus, you hear about all kinds of rumors and different scares that happen on college campuses near and far. I have a lot of college-aged followers and so I get a special glimpse and what happens across the country. As I've seen, there have been a lot of pretty scary things going on on different campuses so I'd like to keep a few different schools in mind:

James Madison University

East Carolina University

University of Alabama

Do you know anyone who goes to these schools?

Let's all keep them each in our thoughts and prayers!

xxKatie

College Clothing Alternatives

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Just yesterday a facebook friend of mine posted a list of "Alternatives" to VERY collegiate looks (you know, "Norts", Uggs, Vera Bradley...) and I didn't really like their items. I thought they were too much of a departure from the original looks! Here are my choices to eliminate all the repeats walking around on campus:

Go from Uggs to Riding Boots

Any time it's appropriate to wear Uggs, I promise it will be equally appropriate to wear riding boots. You can tuck them into jeans, wear jeans over them and they'll keep you warm!

Switch it up from a North Face Denali Fleece to a Pea Coat

Pea coats come in just as many colors as North Face Denali Fleeces do and some are even insulated for extra warmth! You can find wool ones that will be even warmer than just a simple fleece.

I beg you to swap Norts for Anything Else

You can wear skirts, printed shorts, jeans, ANYTHING ELSE! I don't hate Norts at all, I'm actually wearing them now, as I type. But I'm getting ready to go to bed. I wear Norts as PJ's, not to class. I don't understand the Norts-to-class phenomenon! It is just as easy to put on real clothes as it is to put on Norts!!

Try instead of a Vera Bradley Wristlet going for a heartier Leather Wristlet

Both my roommate and I freshman year had Vera Bradley wristlets, everyone did! It was so easy to pop your Carolina Card out of the plastic pocket and store everything we needed in them. However, they show dirt like CRAZY! And everyone has one, so while you might be the only one with your pattern, everyone has the same style! Try a leather wristlet that will last longer, stay nicer looking, and has the same ease of use that the VB one has!

Do people on your campuses have all these things? Do you see them everywhere? I sure do!!!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Ponchos

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

November 10 by letsbepreppy featuring ballerina shoes

So my Momma bought an oatmeal-colored poncho (but it has sleeve holes) from Nordy's Rack a few weeks ago. It didn't quite fit her right so she asked me if I wanted it and I figured I could take it and see how to wear it. I paired it with skinny jeans (since it was so loose on top), my Target flats, and a white turtleneck and voila I was good to go!

I really like it and wonder what different directions I could take it. Could I go with a black or brown turtleneck and boots?

Help me out! I could use the poncho-loving advice!!

xxKatie

Hibernation

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Last week was crazy.

I mean CRAZY. I don't think I've ever been so stressed in my life. There was so much going on, I was stunned. A few nearly sleepless nights, and cramming for tests and prepping for homecoming, BUT now it's over.

I think I'm ready to hibernate.

Instead of "Spring" I'd just like it to say January 7th. That way I'd be awake in time for my birthday--January 8th! I could primp and get all set and be ready for my birthday.

I do, in a sense, feel like I'm about to hibernate though. All I have to do is make it through the end of the semester--through exams, finishing up group projects, and crossing the fall semester finish line. Then, I can take it easy for a month, end that month long break with my birthday and start (literally, the next day) the new semester feeling invigorated.

To all my fellow college readers, how many of you feel like you're ready to enter hibernation mode?

xxKatie

Some Sunday Inspiration!

2011-11-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday!

I found this online and wanted to share it with all my wonderful followers! It is true for ALL of you! Here's to wishing everyone a great week!

xxKatie

100x And So On...Here's To Milestones!

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone remembers the grade they were in when they celebrated 100 days of school. I was in first grade is Mrs. Arnold's class and everyone had to make a shirt that somehow celebrated our first 100 days of school!

I made a shirt that said "I (heart) 1-A" in gemstones...really my mom made it. It was teal and I was SO PROUD. Other kids had 100 pennies, 100 candies, 100 this and 100 that. I didn't think I'd EVER in a MILLION years do anything else 100 times.

Then I got to my 100th post. Then I got to my 500th post. And my 600th post. And so on and so forth. Each time, I was more shocked than the last that I was able to do something X amount of times.

Well last night, ladies and gentlemen, sometime while I was asleep, YOU crossed a milestone that in a MILLION years I never thought would happen.

You hit and crossed 500,000 page views.

That's half of a million.

That is no small milestone.

That is quite, huge, actually. I can say in my life, I've never actively done anything 500,000 times. Yeah ok, breathing and blinking and taking steps, but I wasn't really thinking about that.

I saw it before I went to bed last night, I was 53 pageviews away from hitting the big number. Thanks to everyone in weird time zones, everyone on their computers late at night, and the few insomniacs that I have who read. Without every single one of you, we would have NEVER gotten here.

So with this new vigor, I wonder where the next 500,000 will take me. I wonder what the next big milestone that we'll be hitting will be.

Here's to milestones!

xxKatie

Visitors!

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

I seriously think my apartment has had more visitors this semester than any other or all others combined! It's so much fun to be the college that everyone roadtrips to and that they come to for games!!

See that bottom row? I'm on the left, and the rest of the bottom row, we'll they're on their way to visit me! Us three are the oldest of all the cousins and both Ryan and Samantha have now graduated college!

Samantha is in the middle and Ryan is on the right! They are both en route from New York to come to Columbia to the USC/Florida game!

I can't remember the last time that Ryan, Samantha and I were all in the same place so it should be a fun time to have some visitors!

I'm looking forward to a mini-family reunion!

xxKatie

Celebrities

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am so sick of celebrities.

(And yes, I realize by writing this post, I'm merely just showing more of Kimmy here...)

I have heard enough of her wedding. I don't care if Kris is immature or if she's going to give back her small mountain range of a ring. I admit, I'll watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians if nothing else is on but I am SO OVER all this stupid celebrity gossip!

In college, I have far more pressing things to worry about like registering for classes (ahem, that's today 50 minutes from when this post goes live...yikes!), how I can possibly learn enough about Finance before my final in a month, when my next Medical Anthropology test is, and how to motivate 80 people to go to homecoming events this week! I think we all have much more pertinent information in our lives instead of listening to MORE celebrity drama!

I wish I could just watch the news in the morning as I got ready for class or work and get to see "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" with the other important news of the world that happened overnight while I was asleep and NOTHING more about celebrities!

Anyone else feeling a little bit of celeb overload? I promise I'll stop my celebrity lecturing now!

xxKatie

Devon Baer Designs

2011-11-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

This tunic line is so much fun!

(How GORGEOUS is she?! A great designer AND model? Talk about a double dose!)

Really, the best way to describe this tunic is pretty! It's so feminine and delicate and I feel like I'm about to go to Palm Beach in it! I tried it on with my jeggings but I'm positive it would look just as great with white jeans too!

I am wearing a size Medium in the tunic and it fit me really well! It's a great tunic length and the shoulders hit me in the perfect place. (I'm sure my Mom is cringing at this photo how it's kinda in my closet, but hey, y'all get to see part of it now! And even my big mirror all full of different bumper stickers I've collected!)

I also think this tunic would look great with all kinds of different accessories. The mint green would look great with silver and the salmon/pink would look great with gold so I seriously don't think you can go wrong with any colors!

You can check out all the different designs on Devon's Etsy page! She's even about to release a Holiday line in about a week, so keep your eyes peeled in the next few days! Also to see the holiday line items and the most up to date photos, check out her Facebook page too!

I can't wait to wear my tunic out and about!

Are y'all DBD fans? Do you own any pieces?

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

1. I am thankful for my parents for listening to me complain about the coming week. It's homecoming week here at USC and is very fun, but I'm a homecoming chair, so it's also very VERY stressful and intense. Major props to Brandon, Jenn, and Sara who have all been in my position in the past.

2. I am thankful that this week will be over soon enough. See above point ;)

3. I am thankful that I've found two GREAT fall nail colors to choose from on Sunday! Check them out:

Geranium

Size Matters

4. I am thankful for the WONDERFUL employees/volunteers of Charleston Fashion Week! They have been SO helpful with rescheduling with my schedule and both friendly and flexible. I imagined they would have been rigid but instead CFW was great! (My manicure will occur after the audition so a potentially bright nail color isn't distracting!)

5. I am thankful for the retreat I was a part of on Saturday. It was so nice to be away and out of Columbia in the cool weather as well as on the water. Water and being close to water helps calm me and I believe does wonders for the soul.

6. I am thankful that it's really starting to get cold here in Columbia!! I can transition into full-blown tights and boots and dresses! It's so exciting!

7. I am thankful for all the exciting events coming up before the semester ends! I'm also thankful that this semester of tough lectures and tougher exams is coming to an end. To think that first semester of my junior year of college is almost over BLOWS MY MIND!

8. I am thankful for all the new candles in my room. I find it relaxing and calming which is ironic because my Momma HATES candles! I can't think of very much she hates more than candles!

9. I am thankful that I am almost done using my BlackBerry!!!! I hope I can get an upgrade over Christmas break or after the new year and I can say sianara (how do you spell that??) to this stinky phone!

10. I am thankful that I get to see some of my cousins this week! I haven't seen them in a few months and they'll be spending some time down in my neck of the woods from New York!!

xxKatie

Giveaway: Lemon & Lime: Winner!

2011-11-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to present THREE winners a wonderful Lemon and Lime choice!! So, with no further waiting, here they are:

Miss Jessica from Pre-Med Prep!

Miss Tennessee Girl!

Miss Ashley from Behind the Scenes!

If y'all three lovely ladies will shoot me an email to letsbepreppy (at) gmail (dot) com, I'll be sure to put you in contact with ALL the right folks!!

Thanks to all who entered and random.com for helping determine the winners!!!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Cognac Inspired

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

October 28 by letsbepreppy featuring travel tote bags

I don't mean the drink silly!

I mean the shade of leather! Duh.

I love this shade of brown for boots and belts! It's so versatile and works great with navy, black, white, pink, khaki, and everything else. I love to pair cognac with gold accessories and pieces. I got my boots from Bandolino a few years ago, but they come out with an updated riding boot every fall/winter season! I LOVE mine since they have a no-skid rubber bottom and really have molded to my feet. Part of the bottom is starting to peel off of mine, so I might have to get it re-soled over Christmas break depending on how much more I wear them. (I'm guessing I'll have to go do that since I wear them a few times per week...)

What kind of brown do you wear in the fall and winter? Do you transition to a darker shade when it gets colder? Do you mostly just stick to black? Do you just have different colors for different outfits? Let me know!!

xxKatie

Seven

2011-11-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

There are few things in life that I can ALWAYS say yes to under nearly all circumstances.

Yesterday, one of them just happened to land on my doorstep.

A double-flavored Caroline's Cake was sent to my apartment a la my wonderful Mom.

1/2 of the cake is Caramel:

1/2 of the cake is Seven Layer Delight:

I tried to find a zoomed in picture so you could see all the alternating layers.

All seven layers of cake on BOTH sides is too good to put down! The arrival of all these luscious layers brightened my week and made the rest of my finance studying not AS bad. (It was still pretty awful...finding beta is only tolerable for so many hours...)

Anyway, needless to say even though I arrived home around 12:15pm for the first time since about 9:00am, I cut myself a slice and poured myself a cup of milk.

DELISH!

xxKatie

P.S.: Make sure to enter the Lemon & Lime Giveaway!

The Whitaker

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

This is my official 21st birthday dress!!

I couldn't wait to show y'all! I don't think I'm going to wear a belt with mine, but I'm going to pair it with these shoes from Resort a few years ago:

I am so excited because I think this is the perfect party dress! It's fun a colorful and what better a way to celebrate my birthday than in a Lilly of course!!

xxKatie

Capri Blue: Volcano

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Oh. My. Lawd.

I got this candle from a store at home over my fall break and I am in love! I don't have this huge size, but when I go back home over Christmas, I fully intend on buying this big one. I have a smaller one but oh my goodness it is so great.

Capri Blue was a candle company I had never heard of until I smelled this wonderful candle. Worst part: I can't really even tell you what it smells like. Does anyone else ever have that problem?

I have this smaller size, it's probably 4 or 5 ounces. Keep your eyes out for the Volcano scent, that's the one I have! All the other scents seem to have good reviews too. I'm a Volcano fan though!

It's part citrus, part sweet, part AMAZING. I am IN LOVE with this new scent and I fully intend on snatching up as many as I can!

Anyone else ever used this candle? Do you love it as much as I do?

xxKatie

DIY: Nautical Flags

2011-10-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

I painted this on Sunday and I'm so proud of it!! I was feeling inspired from a pin I saw on Pinterest:

I didn't have any canvases but I did have little square pieces of wood that I used instead. They looked like this before I painted them:

You can see the outlines of the different flags I had in mind.

First I did all the pink sections of the flags. I ordered some Preppy Plates from Rue La La a few weeks ago and they're pink and navy so I figured I'd go with a pink and navy color combo for my bathroom!

Blue was the next step! As y'all can see, the natural wood was light to begin with so it's still peeking out at this point!

Finally I did the white. Getting all those clean lines was SO HARD. I'm not really very artistic. I can paint in lines like nobody's business, but when it comes to real artistic talent (and really patience) I'm a little lacking.

I ended up hot gluing all the panels together to create 1 piece. I figured it would be easier to hang, etc. I glued 2 rods to them for support. (Tip: the "rods" are two shoe stretchers that come in shoes when they come out of the box! I didn't have anything else so I had to get a little creative in finding support!)

I hung it up in my bathroom and was so proud! Then I realized that I hung it upside down...

MUCCCCCH better, now it spells "Katie" instead of "Eitak" upside down!

This craft was SO EASY as long as you have the little wood pieces. I got them at Hobby Lobby for $.90 apiece. I might Modge Podge over the paint so that it lasts longer but that'll be for another day!

Good luck crafting away! I hope I've inspired some of y'all!!

xxKatie

P.S.: Be sure to enter the Lemon & Line giveaway!!

Giveaway: Lemon & Line

2011-10-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

The wonderful folks over at Lemon & Line are giving away 3 bracelets for LBP readers!!

Vineyard Collection

Newport Collection

Nantucket Collection

How much fun are these? You can even choose different sizes so that it fits you best!

In order to enter:

1. Like Let's Be Preppy on facebook

2. Like Lemon & Line on facebook

3. Pop over to the L&L website and add your favorite color combination in the comment

4. Add ONE SINGLE COMMENT with your entries!

GOOD LUCK Y'ALL!

xxKatie

Happy Halloweekend!

2011-10-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Baby Bop Katie

Happy Halloweekend everyone! Since Halloween falls on a Monday, most college students are ringing in the holiday through the entire weekend! Unfortunately, I have a test the day after Halloween so I am staying in for the majority of the weekend but I've enjoyed seeing everyone's different costumes and seeing what they're all making into costumes!

What are you going as this year? I've heard so many fun ideas! What are some of your favorites?

xxKatie

Happy Birthday Emily!

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

To one of my oldest and longest friends, Happy Birthday Emily!

I saw this yesterday and thought it was fate because it was the perfect birthday greeting for you:

It's been among the craziest of friendship years for us, but I know your 20th is going to be great!

Happy Birthday!!

xxKatie

P.S.: A fun giveaway is coming tomorrow! Keep your eyes out to enter!!

Outfit of the Day: Back on Track

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

So just as a bet to myself, I wanted to see how many days in a row I could complete Polyvores for my OOTD's! I had been VERY successful over the summer, but unfortunately a few days ago I stopped recording them between test mania and going home for fall break I got a little away from it and managed to accidently skip a few days. I cannot for the life of me, remember what I was wearing for a few of the days, so I'm going to start again! I started officially on October 25 again and have two days under my belt. Here's to a successful run (again)!

Anyway, here's my OOTD from yesterday! I was able to wear my lagoon green Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Top. The Elsa is SO versatile and I have it in this shade and white. They match SO much stuff and I look forward to getting a printed one from Resort 2011!

October 26 by letsbepreppy featuring pearl stud earrings

I also have recently gotten into Jeggings. I never thought I would. I don't like tight clothes. I shy away from tight shirts and I do NOT under any circumstances wear leggings as pants in public. I hardly ever even wear yoga pants out and about. I just prefer shirts and pants that aren't as tight as some peoples' preferences. I did though, cave and buy a pair of Target Jeggings on sale! They're a dark wash with a little detailing around the knees but otherwise are very plain. The stitching is reminiscent of True Religion Jeans but the pockets are plain. I did have to go 3 sizes up but I noticed that they were mismarked, so be sure to try on your Jeggings at Target! As I told my co-worker today, I can't believe that I've been stuffing bootcut jeans into boots now! Jeggings make it so easy!!

So how do you feel about Jeggings? Are we pro or con?

xxKatie

Designer Boat Shoes

2011-10-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Just yesterday I saw on Twitter that Milly NY would be designing and pairing up with Sperry to design some B-E-A-UTIFUL boat shoes! I am so excited to show them to y'all! According to the site, they will be released in February! Check out the beauties:

See the "M" charm?

I think I need these for Summer 2012!

Imagine these with a Lilly shift on a rainy day or with jeans for fall and winter!

Recognize this print from earlier this year? Yep, it came in salmon pink too--looks great in navy on sneaks!

Last but CERTAINLY not least, these are my favorite product of the entire line! They're so nautical with the navy and gold with the brown. I love love love them!!

There are more heels and shoes too but all these boat shoes were the ones I couldn't resist sharing! Aren't they so great?

xxKatie

Whalegate Tour!

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the Tasteful Tailgate, I was able to check out Vineyard Vines' Whalegate Tour!

VV will be in Columbia for the Carolina-Clemson game! I am so excited since I'll be coming back for the game (officially) early from Thanksgiving break. There are two events that will be going on at USC and I can't wait since I'll be back for BOTH! I can't wait to see the patchwork SUV again like at Carolina Cup:

This is one of my FAVE pictures from Cup and how great is that SUV? The VV tent was one of the first places we were able to check out and we loaded up on Vineyard Vines swag!

You can check out the rest of the tour here!

Did they make it to your school? Is yours on the list? I sure do just hope they're cheering GO GAMECOCKS!

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

1. I am thankful for my family and their welcoming me with open arms at home!

2. I am thankful for my close friends who I was able to reconnect with if only for a few days!

3. I am thankful for my FAB new bracelet! It's kind of an identity bracelet but not the typical kind: it's pink AND a giraffe...talk about my identity! I'm a big Fornash fan!

4. I am thankful for the ease and speed of traveling in and out of Charleston. It was a breeze and really makes a HUGE difference in traveling back home.

5. I am thankful for my new phone battery (did I say this last week?) because it's making a huge difference. Now if the Blackberry system could catch up with patching the holes!

6. I am thankful that I got to spend time with my Grandparents. Our snowbirds were on their way from outside Augusta, Maine down to Zephyrhills, Florida!

7. I am thankful that Annapolis is the best haven for clearing my mind. Fall break seems to always give me a new perspective and allow me to wrap up the semester with a better attitude.

8. I am thankful that I'm back in Columbia and very luckily have no tests this week! What a great feeling.

9. I am thankful for everyone's kind words yesterday and this entire time with all my big news! Y'all are the best.

10. I am thankful that I'm past the midpoint of the semester, as are most of my college followers! Here's to ringing in the rest of the tests, quizzes, projects and everything else we tackle during the rest of the semester!

xxKatie

Big News!

2011-10-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

So awhile ago, I tweeted about a big chance I had taken. I didn't know where it would be going and I think my tweet startled a lot of people (including my Mom and sister Grace). I promised y'all that it was a good thing but didn't spill any deets besides that!

I didn't really tell anyone what I was doing, I just asked for a few extra prayers and good thoughts on my behalf! I must say thank you to everyone who said me friendly tweets and even inquired about what I was doing! Your happiness was contagious and I'm SO excited to finally tell you!

I have officially booked my first runway show, working with Columbia Style Week in June! This was a two-part deal though too. I also applied to walk in the runway shows affiliated with Charleston Fashion Week. I made it through the application round and will be going to the audition in a few weeks!

I won't know about Charleston Fashion Week for a few more weeks but I was so excited to have made it to the second round! I applied for both of these totally on a lark and had zero expectations of what could happen! Never in a million years did I think I'd book one and get to the second round of another!

I just wanted to thank everyone including ALL my Twitter followers, Bayside Bride, Natalie Franke Photography, good friends and family, and all you lovely readers for all your encouragement and excitement for me! Here's to a VERY exciting couple of weeks!!

xxKatie

Do Something Saturday: UCPN Ballerinas

2011-10-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

My Aunt Patricia suggested that I show y'all these wonderful ballerinas! She works with United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau in New York. I couldn't help but share them with everyone! They are currently up for an award for Mercedes Benz USA and I wish them all the best of luck! To follow the little ballerinas, "like" Mercedes Benz USA on facebook and you can track their progress!!

Best of luck UCPN Ballerinas!!

xxKatie

Throw Some Glitter, Make It Rain

2011-10-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

In the words of one of my favorite pump-up artists, Ke$ha, "Throw some glitter make it rain..."! I was just shopping yesterday at home and I was making the rounds to the usual places. One of my favorite places to raid is our local Ulta. Ulta has great sales and freebies for most popular products. Just yesterday I qualified for a free OPI topcoat or basecoat AND a freebie from Bare Escentuals. Ulta is also great because it's one-stop shopping. I made my way over to the Ulta brand cosmetics counter to check out what they had and it was full of bogo's. I opted for a 2/$6 for items that were usually $6 so it was basically buy one get one free. I picked up this nail color:

Pinata-Yada-Yada

It is a $6 alternative to one of my most lusted after colors out there, Happy Birthday by Deborah Lippman of Lippman Collection:

I just can't really bring myself to spend nearly $20 on nail polish...ok it's actually $18, but I digress. I was so excited to have come upon this other color that seems to be very similar! One of the big differences in the Lippman Collection color, atypical of other glitter polishes is it's very large pieces of glitter. Pinata-Yada-Yada has those exact same ones! There were a BUNCH of the bottles just like the one I snatched up (probably 9-10 left after mine) but it's not listed on the website so run to your Ulta to see if it's there!!!

I know it's not always the classiest, but glitter is SUCH a guilty pleasure of mine...if only you could see my toe right now!!

xxKatie

Playlist: Midpoint

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Well, it's that time of year again--the midpoint of the semester. This is where you realize that either you can take a little break in studying or you really need to ratchet it up for the rest of the semester. It's never really a good time, am I right? The midpoint of the semester alllllways seems the hardest and everything seems to pile on. At least that's how it's been for me every year of college since I've started. Anyway, to combat the Midpoint Blues, here's my playlist! It's a mix of all kinds of new stuff and fun stuff and as usual, some throwbacks!

1. Stronger by Britney Spears: This song was one of the first "Making the Video" episodes I ever saw--did you know she broke her foot making this video? She tripped on the chair!)
2. After Midnight by Matt Mason: Keep an eye out for him! He just signed a deal with CMT and was on tour with Luke Bryan. Very cool!
3. Won't Be Lonely Long by Josh Thompson: Again, saw him with Luke Bryan and this was definitely a crowd pleaser. My guess is you've heard this on country radio and just didn't know it was him!
4. Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heros: This is TOO CATCHY! I love it! I listen to it on repeat in the shower and rock out!
5. Dirt Road Scholar by Dean Brody: He is my new music OBSESSION (besides Luke Bryan, because whenever I see any of his album covers I just smile and swoon). I have 7 of his songs that I downloaded at the same time and he's my new go to country guy. (Also, any Kappa Delta followers will like this one!)
6. Fly Me to the Moon by Grace Potter: She did a cover of this OLD SCHOOL tune for Pan-Am and I downloaded it, love it!
7. Runaround Sue by Dion: Biggest throwback of the bunch, but I've been putting this on repeat on a CD I have in my car. Holy moly this has gotten more plays than most!!! ....Gotta keep away from Runaround SUE!!

8. Don't Go Knocking On My Door by Britney Spears: Another choice from the "Oops I Did It Again" CD, but this one comes on right after Stronger. Yes, that means exactly what you're thinking: I still own the CD (my original) and still listen to it. My tweet above from a few days ago should explain it all.
9. In the Still of the Night by the Five Satins: I always think of Dirty Dancing when I hear this song but I just can't get enough!
10. This Old Heart of Mine by the Isley Brothers: Another old school one, but a lot of these are all on the same CD and this is another one that gets played a LOT! I just imagine it at a wedding and love it!

What are you current music choices? I need a few more to add to my library--I just recently cleared out some of my iPod and a few more songs will fit!!!

xxKatie

#AnnapolitanProblems

2011-10-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

I'm comin' home, I'm comin' home, tell the world I'm comin' home!

Today I head back up NAWTH to pretty pretty Annapolis, Maryland for Fall Break. I haven't breathed the Bay air or really worn a coat yet. I'm SO looking forward to getting back home to my old stomping ground, see my family and hang out at all our "places".

Here are a few things I'd like to do while I'm home:

1. Drink hot and cold Jamaicans

2. Visit the Crab

3. Hit up Lemongrass for some Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Chicken Ka-Pow

4. Cheer on the Midshipman against ECU

5. Lay in my bed

6. Not wear a coat

7. Wear cowboy boots in Annapolis

8. Soak up as much REAL nautical-ness as I can

9. Go to CPK, a Rudder family fave

10. Pay a visit to my Alma Mater, THE one-and-only Severn School

I will be departing from Charleston around 7:00 and landing around 8:30, and I can't contain my excitement!!!!

xxKatie