One Happy Cat Lady

(Outfit of the Day:  Polo Ralph Lauren Rugby Polo, Lands' End Canvas Corduroys, Sperry Top-Sider Boots, Swell Caroline Anchor Earrings, Kiel James Patrick Bracelet)

Hey Preps!

I used to joke with my friends about one day being a cat lady (actually I still do), then one day I was with my sister at PetSmart, and the animal shelters from the Pittsburgh area were there with some of the animals that needed homes.  That's when I met Lilly.  She was a little black ball of fuzz and as I watched her play with her brothers, play by herself (yes, she's miss personality), and eventually get so worn out that she fell asleep in the litter box; all in a 15 minute span.  I knew I had to have her.  

So here I am, the proudest cat lady there is.  I love her to death.  However, last night...we had our issues.  I typically don't let her sleep in my bed...but since she was doing no harm fast asleep on my pillow when I decided I needed to hit the hay, I didn't feel as if I needed to kick her out of my room for the night.  Then it started...everywhere I moved, she had to snuggle right up against my face, snoring, and poking me with her whiskers.  I dealt with it for a little bit, but then the sweetie decided to purr at two in the morning.  She was just being her happy self, and I couldn't take it so I moved her downstairs...only for that to result in two hours worth or her crying outside my door.  No sleep for me.

This morning, I get into work, and I jam the copier four times.  No caffeine.  No sleep.  Not accomplishing what I need to.  I just wanted to throw my hands up and walk out the door.  Mondays I tell ya...

Constantly I find myself making excuses as to why I am allowed to feel sorry for myself.  I love personal training, but get taken advantage of at the facility I work, the area I live in isn't fulfilling for me, I have so much on my plate...blah blah blah.  Today I just told myself to quit it.  No more complaining.  

We often find ourselves in ruts because we may not be 100% happy with ourselves or our current situations.  Dwelling on those negative things can only create disheartenment.  If we are always focused on what is wrong in our lives, we are never going to be able to appreciate each day as it comes, or see the lessons in each situation we endure.  In life, we should focus on becoming a little bit better each day.  We should be able to see the beauty in the ups and downs...and start keeping our chins up a little bit more, and nixing the complaining before we even start.

I am not sure what you are going through right now in life, it could be hating your job, struggling with making a decision on what to major in, wondering whether you should make the big move, or recovering from heart break...but trust me, I have been through it all.  If I have learned anything, it's don't dwell on the bad stuff.  Sure, it's hard not to when it is something so huge...but when you do, you are doing nothing beneficial.  

Instead, focus on the good things in your life...look at the positives in your situation, and if you are not far enough removed from them yet, know that there will be a lesson you learn, or an opportunity you are given because of that situation.  Each time you fall down and get back up, you get a little bit smarter and a whole lot stronger.  

Just be the genuine person you are.  Laugh a lot, and know that every little thing...is gonna be alright.

Even if I end up being a cat lady for the rest of my life!

Have a blessed day y'all!

Anchor Yourself to Something Great

Hey Preps!

Kitty always has to sneak into the pictures...

He thinks he's a dog...I swear.

What are your goals?  Do you ever think about them? Sometimes I think we all have dreams that we are too scared to follow.  We get scared we will miss the mark, and fall flat on our faces.  Americans are great at making excuses, and putting on a front of who we want people to think we are.  We are all guilty of it...we want the perfect resume, and are scared to admit failure.  Worse than admitting failure, some of us are so scared to fail, that we don't even try to reach our dreams.  It's really heartbreaking to see.

I will be the first to admit that I hate failure.  I have slight OCD and really hate when I don't achieve a goal the way I wanted to.  Therefore, I feel as if I sometimes shortchange my dreams, and exchange them for second best.  Why?

Furthermore, I constantly struggle with talking about my real dreams.  I am terrified that if I talk about them, put them out there for all to see...that if I do fall short, I will look like I failed.  

So today, I am going to put a few of my life dreams out in the open.  Hopefully this will inspire you to do the same, and give you the heart and motivation to keep striving.  

This past weekend, I was at a Women in Business Conference at Colombia University.  We listened to a panel of entrepreneurs speak, and it was incredibly rewarding.  I have always wanted to own my own business.  I have no clue what that business would be due to the fact I am passionate about so many things in life.  Regardless, I have the heart to be out there in the real world making my mark.  I love working with people, and I can't imagine sitting stuck behind a cubicle desk my whole life.  Actually cubicles terrify me, and I am pretty sure I would be incredibly unhappy if I was squished in one for a career.  

Maybe I am not a normal human being.  I have no clue, but I hate being in solitude.  I would chose a room full of people over a cubicle any day.  Considering these characteristics about me, I know I need to apply this to my future career.  Where do I start though?  I have no clue.  

However the uncertainty is almost exhilarating, and I know that if you give me something I am passionate about, I will ensure that it becomes a success.  Sure I may fail a few times, but through failure, we grow. Failure allows you to step back and look at yourself or your business and see where it is lacking and improve.  

If we always look at failure as something that can help us change for the positive, maybe we would be more vocal about our faults.  Additionally, we might be able to be held accountable to our far fetched dreams.  

Sure, life doesn't work out the way we planned...but in my experience it works out in better ways than we can imagine. So, my advice to you today?  Find something you want to achieve, something you are passionate about...and go for it!  Anchor yourself to the positivity of doing something you love...and forget about the possibility of failure!

(Outfit of the Day: Sweater: Polo Ralph Lauren, Pants: Tommy Hilfiger Chinos

Sperrys, J.Crew Critter Bracelet, Etsy Sailor Bracelet)

Have a blessed day y'all!

One of the Boys

Hey Preps!

It is snowing (and has been for the past three days)!  Like I said in my previous post, I hate cold weather...but...that excludes lots of white fluffy snowflakes making those ski resorts ever so irresistible!  I just want to go outside and play all day! Who is with me?!

A side introduction there, but winter for a preppy girl means a few things.  It means Wellies with fleece socks, duck boots, and lots of chunky pieces that include sweaters, heavier polos, corduroy, and tights.  A girl has got to survive in these climates, and for me, surviving them means sitting by my heater most nights, and layering these chunky/boyish pieces.

Did she say boyish?  Yep.  Sometimes a preppy girl is stuck with the predicament of having to wear pieces that look like she's one of the boys.  How then, can she possibly keep her girly appeal?  So glad you asked, because I have the answer.

When Menswear Meets the Girly Prep by pittsburghprep 


Here is a perfect example of pairing menswear with feminine pieces.  Above the 'menswear' pieces are a Rugby Polo shirt, and penny loafers.  Both are known as classic masculine pieces that the ladies just couldn't resist to steal.


To prevent them from looking too manly, an easy way to balance these pieces is to add a classic corduroy skirt to the mix.  I once read somewhere (so it's credible, I just can't credit to the source) that men respect a woman more when she is in a skirt.  Now, I am not talking a hiked up mini skirt that shows all of your goods, I am talking a classic skirt like the one shown above.  So what perfect way to impress the gents than to pair some of his wardrobe favorites with a few girly ones of your own?

The other day, one of my best girlfriends who happens to be an amazing and creative photographer, Amy Rebekah Photography, and I had a play date together.  I put together some outfits, and she masterminded behind the lens.  Knowing I have been dying to explain this whole balance of the gender wearing stuff, I put together an outfit that exemplifies what I wrote about above:

(Polo Ralph Lauren Rugby Shirt)

(Kiel James Patrick's Jephson's Passage Traversed Bracelet

Lands' End Canvas Corduroy Skirt)

(Eastland Penny Loafers)

So ladies, are you willing to give menswear a try?

Hope y'all have a blessed day!

P.S. Be sure to check out Amy Rebekah Photography on Facebook (and expect a guest post from her shortly)!

Cold Blooded but Fashionable

Hey Preps!

OOTD: Sperry Sheer Water Boots by pittsburghprep featuring patch pants

It's January, and its 41 degrees here in Pittsburgh today.  Trust me, I am not complaining (matter of fact I am currently sitting indian style on my bedroom floor situated no more than half a foot away from a space heater).  Warm weather is better in my opinion.  I love the snow, and skiing is a lifetime passion of mine...however aside from skiing and the first snowfall, I could probably live without it.  Matter of fact, that is one of the deciding factors that ended me up in North Carolina for my first two years of college.  The winters here make me question my decision to move closer to home again.

For example, today the skies are gray, it's rainy, and in Kalyn terms; it's frigid outside.  I swear I have reptilian tendencies, one being I am cold blooded, the other being I am a good little swimmer.  Like a fishy (yes I know not a reptile...science major...I get it...but just hear me out) but more aggressive like an alligator who sneak attacks from behind.  RAWR! Ok, maybe that was a bit far fetched but that is the type of swimmer I was, a sneak attack from behind while you are slow on your flip-turn kind of competitor.  Anyways, the point is I am always cold.

So what's a girl to do when she always has cold feet?  Perhaps score a good boyfriend who is a good Christmas present shopper? Or be a good Christmas shopper for yourself if your not as lucky as I am.

Boyfriend decided to get me a pair of Sperry Top-sider Sheer Water Boots.  If you look at my last blog post you can see a pair of plaid ones I have.  They are cute, fun, but can only be worn with something simple.  So I was looking for a pair of boots that were similar to my Bean Boots, but a different color and Boyfriend beat me to it.  I love how they have the same feel as traditional duck boots, but are given a modern twist with the perfectly quilted material lining the top of them.

I am completely into things that are cute and, more importantly, practical.  These boots are both.  The quilted material gives them a regal feel while the rubber soles (a Sperry trademark) and grippy bottoms make them comfy, they are waterproof, and wool on the inside keeping my feet toasty and dry.  Nothing better than that.

Above, I made a Polyvore of an outfit similar to the one I am wearing today, I will describe it below:

  1.  Barbour Jackets are a classic staple.  Quilted, warm, and traditional, the Barbour Jacket brand is well known for their long lasting quality and fashionable attire.  However, what inspired me to wear this jacket were my quilted boots.  Don't you think they are a good pair?

2.  Polo Ralph Lauren designed a pair of corduroy pants that are inspired by riding pants.  Some may be skeptical, but I love them.  They add a twist to anything you pair them with...especially a quilted down jacket and duck boots.  Not lying, out here in Pennsylvania, this outfit is quite a common one worn among the preps.

3.  Sperry Top-sider Sheer Water Boots.  I explained above.  I love them, they are practical.  Wear them.

4.  I am a huge fan of finding vintage purses on Ebay, especially Dooney&Bourke ones.  The purse shown above isn't the least bit vintage, but I love the caramel leather color of it, and think it looks great paired with the coloring of the cords and boots.

5.  Michael Kors makes a great watch.  Any chunky watch would be great with this traditionally classic and practical "mucking" around outfit.  It just adds a touch of girly.  Agree?

Hope y'all had great breaks, and are getting back into the swing of things.  I am doing so at a sluggish pace!  Thanks so much for your support!

P.S.  get ready for some great posts ahead!

Poppin' Up With Excuses

Hey Preps!

Senioritis is in full swing.  I'm sick.  I'm busy with my job...and I look at the pages among pages of books I have to read before Thanksgiving break, and I could literally cry.  I'm talking rivers of tears here.  Somehow I'm not though.  Do you ever have moments in your life where everything goes wrong?

For example, today I knocked out a whole row of desks in class because my backpack got stuck on the back of the chair...while managing to try to get my backpack untangled, I hip-checked the desk beside me...it fell...and boom dominos...all the while I still am trying to get untangled.  My professor just laughed.  He knew.  He knew it was one of those days for me...actually he knew it was one of those semesters.  

I just curtsied as I ever so ungracefully picked up my damage and scooted out the door.  

One thing I have learned in my college career (yes, I actually have learned lots of stuff) is that sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself and move on.  There are going to be times in life where you are completely overwhelmed.  You have to do the best you can do, smile through it, and move on.  Those tough times aren't here to stay...even though sometimes it feels like it.  I am swamped this week with work, I am applying for jobs, have the GRE scheduled, and sure I am stressed...yet there are a lot of good things in my life. 

Why focus on the negatives when there is so much to be thankful for? Ya feel me?

That being said, those of you who read my blog frequently know that as a former prep school student, I can't help but pop my collar.  It's just one of those things I can't grow out of.  I was even photographed for an article in high school (they didn't tell me what for of course) titled, "The Pop has Gotta Stop".  Okay now, unfair use of propaganda without telling me!  Yet it didn't stop me...

I'm pretty sure Mr. Ralph Lauren would agree with the popped collars...ever look at his ad campaigns?  Collars on coats, polos, anything...they are popped folks. So what do I own from Mr. Ralph Lauren that encourages my popping addiction (that sounds like I'm popping drugs or something...NO)?

He created these amazing Oxford Polo Button-downs...with reversible colors on the collars of the shirts!! Sure, if you don't wanna pop, the collars folded over are the same color or pattern, but if you starch those collars, and pop like me...here is a fun excuse!

I got these at the Polo Ralph Lauren Outlet Store

Don't you just love them?

I do!

Hope y'all are having great weeks! Almost Thanksgiving break! Eek!