Gift Guide 2014

Heres a few gifts ideas for a girl in your life! 

Target Faux Fur Scarf

Moon and Lola Brockton Necklace

J. Crew Factory Herringbone Vest

Black Hunters

Buxom Lipgloss Set

Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler

Moon and Lola Mug

Freshman Year: Part One

WOW.

I can not believe the first semester of my freshman year is already ending! It seriously flew by. It seems like just yesterday I went through some of the most stressful and nerve wracking days of my life... moving in, then going through recruitment, and still figuring out how college life really worked. Lots of the things have happened in this seemingly quick first semester. I am a Tri Sigma, I got the best big in the entire world, I made two super great friends (not to mention all my amazing sisters I have gotten close with), been to a few formals (always a blast), went to Dallas market, learned how to sew(!!!!), and fell in love with Stephens College. I was SO nervous for college, I was so scared I wouldn't like it and would just want to go home every weekend. But it turns out that it's quite the opposite. I am in love with Stephens and Columbia. I rarely want to go home, and when I do let's be honest its for my dogs (Sorry family). I can't imagine myself anywhere else and that is the best feeling. I have already learned so much I didn't already know about the fashion world. I am really glad I have my fashion Instagram. I feel like that gave me a great little boost of knowledge before coming here. I wish I still posted as often as I used to, but I still love doing it. I love knowing this is exactly where I should be and I can't wait to see how much I learn these next three and half years.

Faux Real?

This fall I am completely obsessed with fur (faux of course) and I recently ordered this forever 21 fur coat. I am so in love with it today! I wore it with an oversized sweater, leggings, and a statement necklace today. This look was super easy and comfortable for class yet not my typical sigma tee! I originally bought this for a formal I am going to this Saturday, but it is a lot more versatile than I thought! This saturday I plan on wearing a simple black one shouldered dress and I think this coat with make the entire look very classy and sophisticated. This coat was semi expensive for forever21, but still relatively inexpensive for a nice jacket. It was $55 and I also got 20% off so it was a little less than that! Here is the link to the jacket if you are interested! I am loving the faux fur trend, not only this jacket, but I have also gotten a few fur scarves and vest already this season! I wasn't lying when I said I'm obsessed! Thanks for reading... Brianna

Chilly Day Oufit

Here in Missouri lately it has been sooooo cold! I mean like highs of twenty degrees! Brrrrr. Winter came so fast this year. When walking to class I always try and wear as many warm layers as possible. This outfit would be an ideal outfit for walking to class during a cold day. The patagonia pullovers are so soft (This one is on my christmas wishlist this year!) and super warm! I love J. Crew's puffer vests as well. They are super cozy, but you can also dress them up. They are a great investment for winter. I have two so far and I wear them so often. Pair your patagonia and vest with warm leggings... maybe even fleece or fur lined... and some chunky socks and boots. Since I don't like doing my hair (or washing it for that matter), I love hats! Plus this adorable tartan hat finishes off the outfit nicely and makes it seem a little more put together! Below I linked where you can get everything! Happy shopping!

Brianna 

Pullover HERE / Vest HERE / Hat HERE / Socks HERE / Boots HERE

Instagram

Many of you are aware of my fashion instagram account (HERE) and that I love doing it! It has definitely become a passion of mine and even though I am not able to post as much due to college I always try to post! Everyone always asks me, "How did you get so many followers?" and I really don't have a good answer for them. Luck may play a part in it? Since I am so involved in the world of instagram, especially the fashion part of it, I really don't even consider 9k followers that many (I know that sounds stupid, but it's true!). I follow lots of other fashion accounts on instagram and many of them have anywhere from 10k to 200k! Not only has my personal style really grown from my instagram, but I have gotten to know some amazing people from all over! My followers are always really encouraging and many of the accounts I follow I get inspiration from for my outfits! I rarely get rude or hateful comments... pretty sure it has only happened like twice! Instagram is an amazing way to get inspiration from others and even make friends! Getting started on instagram was the hardest part especially since I wasn't consistent at first. When I first created my account I did not tell a soul. I was sort of embarrassed by it. When people from my high school started to find out I kind of freaked out, looking back I shouldn't have been embarrassed! After I started to be proud of it I got so much positive feedback from people at my school! Once I started postly more regularly and getting someone to take my pictures versus taking them in a mirror or laying my outfits out on the ground I started getting more feedback on instagram. I think the thing that helped me gain the most followers is when brands would "repost" my photos of me wearing their clothes on their instagrams! Benefit cosmetics even reposted me before wearing their lipgloss! I kind of freaked out considering they have OVER A MILLION FOLLOWERS!!!! I've loved seeing how much my instagram has grown in just a short year and a halfish and hopefully it continues to grow!
Thanks for reading!
Brianna


Here's some of my recent photos....

Favorite Stores

I am a fashion major so I love clothes and shopping! I try to stick to a budget since I am a student, but I do have a few stores that I adore that are a little more on the expensive side for a college gal. Here's some of my favorite store either for shopping on a budget or maybe not.... ;)

J. Crew Factory

I mean duh... it's J. Crew for less. They always have some sort of percentage off! Also, you can usually get better deals in store!

Nordstrom Rack/ Hautelook

I just got a great pair of black real leather boots for $100! They always have great prices. PS right now their clearance is an extra 25% off!

Marshalls

Similar to Nordstrom Rack, just not online! I LOVE Marshalls. I can usually find really nice quality pieces for a ton less than a normal retail store!

Target

Target you just rock. That is all.

Fraternity Collection

I love their tee shirts! I have more than I would like to fess up to... (eight oops)... but they are so cute and comfortable! 

Jadelynn Brooke

Another one of my favorite brands for cute tee shirts! They have adorable sayings and are just stinking cute!!

Lauren James

This cute tee shirt brand also has dresses, shorts, and skirts. My favorite thing from Lauren James is their seersucker athletic shorts. I love wearing athletic shorts in college and this makes me feel not so bad since they are a lot cuter than typical athletic shorts!

Kate Spade

This is one of the more expensive brands obviously; however, their outlet stores have amazing prices, they typically have a sale link on their website, and their surprise sales (some things are 75% off!!!) are always amazing. I tend to shop outlet and surprise sales!

June and Beyond Boutique

This is the boutique I work in and I love everything we get! It's really really hard working their and not wanting to buy everything. Some of the brands we carry are Fraternity Collection, Moon and Lola, Gentle Fawn, Kut Denim, Farrah B jewelry, Bluepepper, Kerisma.... SO many more but just to name a few off the top of my head! Feel free to shop via our instagram! It is linked above.

Thanks for reading! Maybe you found some new places to shop!

Brianna

Ruby!!

Meet Ruby! A four month old brittany that quickly came into our lives and melted our hearts. Let me start from the very beginning to explain how she came to us. 

Once upon a time in 2000 my family decided to get a brittany spaniel puppy. My dad wanted to use her to hunt and she also rapidly became a spoiled house dog! Zoe was a great hunter, but when she turned 11 my dad thought it was time for her retire from hunting. We then decided to get another brittany puppy, Indie. She was crazy (in the best way) and always made me smile. I loved coming home from school knowing my dogs would be there at the door to greet me. Sadly, last year shortly after Indie turned two she was hit by a car. I never imagined how hard it would be to lose something you love so much and honestly it was one of the hardest things I had ever had to deal with. Our family was devastated. To try and cope with the pain of losing Indie we contacted the breeder we got Indie from to see if she had any puppies for sale. We couldn't stand having a home with out a puppy. Our breeder did not have any puppies, but lead us to an organization called American Brittany Rescue. On this website we found Cooper. He had been surrendered by his owners at two years old the same night Indie died. We didn't want Indie to die in vain and we felt that she had somehow lead us to adopt Cooper. We ended up with the best dog, Very well mannered and knew his commands, unfortuntately when we tried the whole bird dog hunting thing he was not a fan. That is when we sent cooper to "bird dog school" for two months (don't worry he came home on weekends!). In just two months Cooper became an amazing bird dog. This is where Ruby comes in! Coopers trainer at school had puppies. When we suddenly caught "puppy fever" a few weeks ago we learned that he had one puppy left from his last litter. Last night is when my parents told me about her and then this morning we went to get her! Kind of crazy. I love how spontaneous my parents are. So now we start a new journey with Ruby, Cooper, and Zoe. We sure do love our brittanys. 

Thanks for reading:)

Brianna

Dealing with stress in college

As fun as college can be, most people go to actually learn something (weird, right?) and with all this learning comes a lot of stress sometimes. Dealing with stress can be really difficult especially in college. Here's just a few ways I deal with stress...

1. Make a list.
This helps much more than you would think. It allows you to see everything you need to do and then when you are don't with something you can physically mark it out. It makes me feel much better when I have multiple homework assignments.

2. Make time for sleep.
This might be more preventative, but I promise if you do not have enough sleep you won't get what you need to done and even if you try to do it, my bet is that it won't be your most quality work.

3. Have snacks ready.
Food makes everything better let's be honest.

4. Short naps are never a bad idea.
Just don't oversleep!

5. Drink hot tea!

6. Ask a friend or classmate for help!

7. Go to Target.
Sometimes I really just need to go to target and get a little present for myself. Not a crime.

8. Clean your room.
Having a clean room will decrease stress so much.

9. Don't wait until you have no clothes to do laundry.

These are just simple things I do when I get stressed and also to prevent stress!
Thanks for reading!
Brianna

Fall Outfit Inspiration

For this weeks fall outfit I decided to stay with the casual and cozy outfits. This is also the type of outfit you could throw on to to go to class with out looking like you tried too hard or an outfit for a night out! By pairing a cozy flannel shirt with a J. Crew vest you will be able to stay warm with out looking bulky! Add darker jeans and light brown leather booties to dress it up a bit! An  alternative look could be leggings and riding and boots to make it a bit more casual. Fur is very popular this fall. By adding a fur scarf it makes the look more glamorous and fashionable. You also add jewelry, I think gold jewelry with this outfit. This outfit is super easy! Like the last fall look all these pieces can be so easily mixed and matched with other pieces in your closet to create many different fall looks!
Thanks for reading!
Brianna

Greek life!

SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA

       When I first came to college I wasn't really sure if I wanted to be in a sorority or not. I just kind of assumed "Oh, well I am going to a an girls school that's basically a sorority already." That was a completely wrong assumption... just because its an all girls school doesn't mean it's anything like a sorority. Going greek in college is the best decision I've made since coming to Stephens. I am so proud to be a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. It is amazing gaining so many amazing sisters that you can always have fun with, vent to, or just having someone to eat with at lunch. I can't imagine what my college experience would be like if I hadn't joined tri sigma. I have met amazing girls and I know a lot them will stay my friends for a very very very long time. The bond you have with your sisters is not something you are paying for. We are not paying for our friends. We are paying to keep our organization going (and for all the cute shirts duh haha). I am so glad I went greek and it will/has definitely enhance my college experience.
Thanks for reading...
Brianna

                                                            Me and my perfect big<3

                                 Some of my first friends at Stephens and then we became sisters!

Mystic..

I absolutely love being tan. It makes me feel so much better about myself. I think it is really true when people say that being tan makes someone look ten pounds thinner. I try to be tan year round just because it makes me feel a lot better; however, I have never been in a tanning bed and I hardly ever lay out in the sun. When I do lay out I have layers of sunscreen on. So how do I stay tan? Mystic tans... or spray tans. They are so easy. At first it's a little bit scary stepping into this box and letting a machine spray you, but you can't mess it up unless you don't follow directions (which are super easy by the way). They are more expensive than just using tanner, but it is so easy and takes about five minutes. I always get medium with all the additives (which includes a scent, bronzer, and accelerator). Tan and Company has mystic tans for a decent price. I usually go before I go to bed, wake up and I'm tan! Its magical really. My tans usually last about five days, but if you start using a self tanner towards the end (something like jergens natural glow even) you can get it to last about a week and half! Tan company has a membership for spray tans that is forty dollars a month for unlimited sprays and I should probably just do that, but I am poor college student who can't make that commitment. Ha! 

So yes. Go get a spray tan. I promise it will make you feel good. Especially since it's getting cold. Skip the tanning bed and do mystic! Its easy, healthy, and gives you a great tan!

Thanks for reading...

Brianna

Favorite Fall Outfit

Fall is my favorite season! Pumpkin spice everything, apple cider, bonfires, pretty leaves, but most importantly the fashion! Sweaters, layers, your favorite jeans, riding boots...Ahhhh I can't wait for it to get cooler here in Missouri! I don't have motivation everyday to look cute so the look I put together on polyvore (PS making outfits on polyvore is addicting!!) is perfect for a college girl. The best things about the pieces above is you can wear these so many different ways! They are pretty much all classics. The leopard print shoes are practically a neutral because they match everything! This outfit is super easy and comfortable to throw on for an 8am class or even great for a night out to dinner! I am going to try and post outfit inspo posts once a week so keep your eyes out for more inspiration! 

Thanks for reading! 

Dallas Market

Dallas Market

This week I traveled to Dallas, Texas for apparel market with the owner of the boutique I work in. For those of you that have never been to market it’s basically where stores pick out the clothes for the store. Not anyone can attend market…To get to go to market their is a process involving sending in your license, tax id form, picture of your store, and a few other official things. To get to go to market with a store owner you have to work in the store. I was fortunate enough to get to go with Paula who owns June and Beyond Boutique, and also happens to be a really good friend of mine. As much work as it is, it is also a lot of fun. By the end of the day we are exhausted, but I really love getting to go. The market center is fifteen floors of show rooms to shop in; however, apparel is only on about five go those floors. We pretty much have every show room we want to visit picked out before we get there because a lot of them do not fit our store or customer. It is really important to think about your customer and where our store is located while we are shopping. We can’t just buy something because we like it. We have to be sure that it will sell in the store. This is especially hard because of the fact that we are in such a small town and we try to cater to many different types of customers from 13 year olds to 75 year olds. Also being in a small town we try to keep the prices low, but we do like to have more expensive pieces for those customers we know will buy it and we also like to spend more on quality classic items that can be worn season after season. We try to mix fast fashion with classic items to appeal to the different ages/styles. On our way to Dallas I also did some research on the spring trends that will be prominent. The big ones are going to be: Big floral, suede, white, yellow, gingham, scalloped hem, black and white, fringe, ruffles, and crop tops. 

Here are some pictures I took while in Dallas…Enjoy!

One of my favorite show rooms... Buddylove Showroom! More fast fashion.

Picture from the fifteenth floor. Doesn't really look as big in this picture.

Loved seeing how the trends from the spring were translated at market.. Big floral.

 These mannequins cover the black and white, yellow, scalloped hem, and midriff showing trends.

 This is another one of my favorite showroom called Karlie. This showroom didn't have their spring line to show yet, but isn't their holiday collection gorgeous?! This showroom is more expensive, but still fast fashion.

I was in love with these rompers.

A vintage store we visited had multiple chanel suits. I wanted one soooo bad!

We picked up a new brand called Farrah B. (that's what the "Hey Ya'll" necklace is). I am in love!

Picking out Fraternity Collection combinations was so fun! I love these tees and we can hardly keep these in stock at the boutique.

BIG/LITTLE WEEK!

I apologize ahead of time if you are not in a sorority. You have probably already rolled your eyes at the title of this post, but ya know I am excited and it's my blog soooo... HA.
Big little week... for those that aren't quite sure what this means. It is christmas for sorority girls! One of your older sisters gives you gifts and notes/clues all week until "reveal" when you find out who your big is, some sororities call them moms also! Your big is basically your mentor for the next fews years and probably even after college too! We get to find out who our bigs are Sunday and I haven't been more excited for something in so long! I am extremely anxious, but I know I will love her already. I am sure I will post a million pictures on instagram when I find out so be on the look out for that :)
Thanks for reading!
Until next time,
Brianna xoxo

What they dont tell you when you come to college

Coming to college was probably one of the most stressful things I have ever done in my life. When I was moving in I was probably the biggest dormzilla in the entire world. Not only was I a complete drama queen, but I seriously under packed so bad. I didn't think that was possible for a girl to do, but I kind of forgot everything. I have been at college about two months now and looking back I think it's funny how scared I was! I have a small campus and I was nervous all the time I can not imagine going to a huge university and finding everything. So here's some things you really just have to figure out yourself when getting here...

Food sucks. 
Simple as that. Oh, and just because the food isn't great doesn't give you an excuse to eat pizza and french fries everyday.

Don't go out when you have an 8am.
Seriously. Get your butt in bed.

You will cling to your room mate at first...
BUT, you will both make other friends. I was super lucky and I have an amazing room mate. We get along great and still have own friends so we don't get tired of each other. We are different enough in just the right ways so that we mesh perfectly. Cheesy I know.

It won't take long to figure out the buildings.
It seems super scary at first because all the buildings have different names and all your classes are different places, but once you get the hang of it it's not scary any more. Be sure you know where your classes are before the first day of class!!!

DO NOT spend all your money the first two weeks.
I know every restaurant, boutique, Target, and coffee shop is so tempting and they have everything you need for survival, but trust me... coming from the girl that spent $500 dollars the first two weeks (how does that even happen I have no clue?) DON'T DO IT.

There's a lot of frat boys...
I go to an all girls school and I still see so many. Don't talk to every single one. They are most likely jerks and I know you won't want to believe it, but trust me. I didn't want to either. Don't go searching for a boy. They will come to you if they are worth it. Also, never hurts to play hard to get.

Make friends!
Put yourself out there. Talk to people. I promise it will be worth it.

Everyone does laundry on Sundays.
Pick a different day...

Plan your whole day the day before.
I promise your days will go a lot smoother if you do this. Get a planner write EVERYTHING down. It's easy to forget the important stuff.

Life of a Fashion Major

        I decided to major in something that I love. I obviously know that majoring in fashion isn't the safest choice, but I didn't want to do something just because it was safe! I knew I needed to do something that I was passionate about! People either think my major is awesome or they think that I am wasting my time majoring in something that they don't even consider a major. I love fashion and I want to pursue that as a career. If you love biology and want to pursue that as a career, then awesome! But just because my major isn't something at every school doesn't mean it's less important. Just imagine if no one majored in fashion and no one worked in the fashion industry. Imagine America or even the world with out a fashion industry! That would completely change our culture. Just like if people just stopped being doctors that would completely change our world (maybe a bit more dramatic, but I have to get my point across!!) Here's a couple more things you should know about being a fashion major....

It's not an easy major.
If you want to do fashion because you think its easy, you should reconsider. The fashion design students here have to work their butts off. Especially upper class men. They always tell us that they sleep in the sewing labs often to get their pieces completely. I am a fashion communication major, which requires a lot of writing. If you aren't a fairly strong writer then you probably shouldn't major in fashion communication. So basically.... NO, I didn't just come to college to party.

We don't always look cute.
I mean yeah we are fashion majors, but we have our lazy days too. It might be cuter than a typical lazy day outfit;) but hey we consider it lazy. I like to try and look like cute somedays, but somedays I can't ignore the fact that yoga leggings are calling my name. More power to ya if ya look cute everyday. I wish I could do it.

It really is about your connections & experiences. 
If you want to major in fashion I highly recommend getting as many different experiences in the different parts of the industry as early as you can! Experiences that have been amazing for me are working in a boutique, getting to go to market, having a fashion instagram (which has given me awesome contacts, enabled me to be featured on Seventeen Magazine's website, promote awesome products and designers, and so much more!!)


I apologize for writing about stereotypes a lot lately, but it seems to be something that I enjoy writing about. I love fashion and the fashion world and I can't wait to do the real thing. I prepared to, despite what people think, work my butt off to get to where I want in the fashion industry.
Until next time,
Brianna

Yeah, girls golf too.

        Four years ago when I started playing golf I never REALLY knew how male dominated golf is. It's a sport that many women aren't involved in and when they are its this weird thing apparently. I worked at a golf course the past two summers as a cart girl, and this recent summer as a cart girl and in the pro shop. It never failed that I would get at least one comment about being a girl and working at a golf course each day like they had never seen a college aged girl working at a golf course before (yes, i am aware this is sort of a rare thing). It became a normal thing I would always smile and be thinking yes, I am girl working at a golf course why is that so intriguing. Most of the golfers at the course were men and when I would be cleaning their clubs or checking them in some would try and make conversation. As soon as they figured out that I wasn't just working at a golf course, but I actually play golf then they were even more shocked. It was interesting being so involved in something that was prominently male dominated. It made me realize that even though most golfers are men that doesn't mean girls can't golf. I think more should honestly. I am not really sure why it's mostly men that golf. But that won't change the fact that even though golf is the most frustrating thing in the entire world sometimes I still love it. I'm still a college golfer and I'll still work at a golf course. Hopefully, more women will start to play, but until then... yes, girl golfers do exist.

Pet Friendly Campus

Today, I sat down at my desk trying to brain storm a topic for my blog post today... meanwhile a very sad and lonely pup was howling in the room down the hall. I found the poor guy very distracting, but it reminded me what a unique school Stephens is. I love how Stephens has such an amazing pet program. Especially our pet fostering program, where the local shelter lets dogs and cats live with Stephens students until they get adopted. It's a great way for students to get involved and help in the community and it's a great way for pets to get socialized with people and other pets. This makes them that much of a better pet for their future family! Of course the pet friendly option also has it's cons (because everything has to right?). A lot of girls think "Wow, pet friendly! That's awesome! I am going to bring my dog and it will be so much fun!" But it is A LOT, of work! Freshman especially don't realize that when you aren't in class you're most likely going to be doing something class related. Yes, college is SO much fun, but you have to do the work before you think about having fun. Having a pet when you have three papers due the next day might be stressful sometimes when all you want to do is focus on school. I considered bringing my dog next semester, but I honestly don't think I could do it. I wouldn't be able to give him the attention he needs and I would feel so bad if he was in my room all day by himself. I don't think most girls realize how bringing a dog to college with you is like bringing a baby. Yes, you have to wake up earlier to take them out. You always have to make sure that you get back to your room so that you can walk them. If you don't have a room mate you definitely can't really stay anywhere, but in your dorm. Even if you do have a room mate you shouldn't expect them to take care of YOUR pet! Of course they will probably help out, but don't expect it.  I absolutely love how Stephens is unique and is a pet friendly campus. Stephens really tries to make you feel comfortable here even if that means bringing your furry friend with you.
Thanks for reading!
Until next time,
Brianna

Women's College?

      When people ask me where I go to school and I tell them that I go to Stephens College, the typical reaction is, "Wait, isn't that an all girls school?" with a mildly concerned look on their face. Nine of ten of these weird looks come from boys. So here's a little info about all girls schools.

No, we aren't all lesbians.
Contrary to the typical stereotypes, most of us don't come here to only be around girls the whole time. I mean sure theres always going to be some, but that is at every college! Not just women's colleges! I like boys and I got to women's college (right next door to University of Missouri by the way... theres a few boys there..) Some girls here like girls, and that's cool too!

There's no one to impress. 
If I want to wear yoga pants and a tee shirt to class, I will. If I want to wear a pumps the next day, I will. At bigger universities dressing up is rare. At Stephens no one is going to judge for actually trying two or three times a week. (Might be because I'm fashion major..) But seriously, no one cares what you look like. We all know the struggle of waking up or even just the struggle of doing life some days. Not only do I not need to worry about my appearance all the time, but I never have to worry about being nervous to speak up in class. A lot of girls may not think of this, but whether you think it affects you or not, it most likely does.

We kind of live in our own little pink bubble.
If you have no interest in seeing boys, you really don't have to. But then again, if you do... Mizzou is right next door. If you don't always stay on Stephens campus I promise you will meet boys. Just because you attend an all girls school does not mean boys suddenly drop off the face of the earth. I love the bubble, its the thing that protects you on those days you feel crappy.

No, our classes aren't a joke.
Just because it's all girls doesn't mean it's going to be a breeze. Yes, we have fun, but we also work our butts off just like any other college.

It doesn't make you weird around boys. Promise.
A lot of people think women's colleges do not prepare you for the real world because in the real world you won't be around just girls all the time, but I think I am a lot more confident. I think being at an all women's college gives you that extra bit confidence you need for the real world, whether that be talking to boys or applying for a job! I am a Stephens women and I am proud of that. I love going here and I love telling people all about Stephens. Stephens women are brave, confident, motivated, and ready to take on anything!