Winter Essentials: to Keep You Classic and Cozy

Hey Preps!

Yep. It's finals week.  I'm sick, tired, delirious, and look like a mess...

Pretty much locked myself in the library today.  I feel stupid.  I mean, how much can I honestly forget in three months? Somehow I managed to forget a lot...and here I am...in this hot, stuffy, overpopulated facility that doesn't let you even have a sip of water (which I learned today when I was thoroughly scolded for taking a gulp) or speak.  Listen: I have ADHD...I have to have a slight distraction in order to stay focused.  For example, a water break helps me to piece up my studying between gulps...that way I can refocus on the next thing.  Usually I listen to acoustic music as a little bit of a background noise...but today all I hear are sick college peers sniffling next to me.  Do not sniffle on me kid, okay?

So, I have resorted to chewing my pen and hitting it on my head.  Yes, it is the only thing helping me to focus.  Sure kids think I'm weird...but I feel as if my reputation of being a weirdo has already been enacted, so I'm going to keep on doing it.

In midst of a study break, I managed to make a quick Polyvore of some winter essentials that I think we all might be needing come January.  I don't even want to think about January, and school, and cold icy wind tunnels that consist of my walking commutes to my classes...but apparently January seems a little less depressing than this Philosophy final that I am about to embark on:

Winter Staples by pittsburghprep featuring kitten heels

Tommy Hilfiger wrap top
£205 - houseoffraser.co.uk

J Crew cable knit sweater
$228 - jcrew.com

J Crew j crew cardigan
$168 - jcrew.com

Tommy Hilfiger pea coat
£250 - houseoffraser.co.uk

J Crew tweed jacket
$300 - net-a-porter.com

J Brand skinny jeans
$180 - barneys.com

J Crew long pencil skirt
$128 - jcrew.com

Lands End skirt
landsend.com

Tory Burch kitten heels
£415 - net-a-porter.com

Boots
$164 - llbean.com

J.Crew wedge heels
$138 - jcrew.com

Lands End ballerina flat
$15 - landsend.com

Lands' End sunglasses
landsend.com






I really don't have time to explain my Polyvore, but I will say that in winter my goal is to stay warm, practical, classic, festive, and dry.  


To those of you taking finals, best of luck! To those of you finished taking finals, congrats!  To those of you not in college, be glad you aren't in my Philosophy class!  

Have a blessed day y'all!

Flaunt It With Flats

Hey Preps!

Currently at work in glasses.  Everyone keeps telling me I look like a professor/smart.  Thanks? So are you telling me I look dumb without them?

First impressions are a big deal.  I remember my freshman year of college, I got dressed up the first day of school.  Curled my hair, picked out my outfit days ahead of time....and as a science major, I look back on my decisions and wonder what my professors thought.

I have been underestimated many times because of my appearance.  I later even had a science professor tell me they underestimated me (until I Aced the first test). So now, on the first day of class, I rock my glasses.  I don't wear anything that makes me stand out, because I don't want to be thought of in a way that belittles my intelligence.  

As a girl who dresses in a more modest and classic way, I sometimes struggle with finding something that adds a little flare to my outfit.  Especially during the week when I am not always trying to make a fashion statement.  

I want people to look back and remember who I was as a person, not my outfits. I need comfort that still looks classy and polished...and I need my preppy style toned down a notch.  My 'go-to' outfits usually consist of a cardigan and corduroys or cute trousers in the winter.  Yet, I don't want to look completely boring, so yes...I spice it up with headbands, scarves...and my flats.

I have found that the easiest way to add that flare I so desire in my wardrobe is by adding a pair of fun flats.  A few of my favorites are shown above (but not limited to).  They are versatile, and can dress up a pair of jeans, or can be worn as a comfortable alternative to heels.

What are your favorite flats to flaunt?

Thanksgiving is so soon!

Y'all better be listening to Christmas music!

Buy Me Shoes or Purses...I Will Love You Forever

Hey Preps!

Yesterday, it finally started to feel like spring!  It reached 70 degrees, and then it down-poured...thundered...and now it's cold again.  When is it going to be warm?  It is now April, and my itch for spring the began in February...is now desperation.

To relieve some of my Lack of Spring-itis, I decided to make Polyvores of my top picks of shoes and bags this coming spring! 

Spring Purses by pittsburghprep featuring striped handbags

Vera bradley tote
zappos.com

Marc by marc jacobs handbag
$250 - net-a-porter.com

Ben de Lisi striped handbag
24 GBP - debenhams.com

Kate Spade vinyl tote bag
$225 - nordstrom.com

Nautical tote bag
$25 - cherryredboutique.com

Lilly Pulitzer floral tote
$148 - saksfifthavenue.com

Kate spade handbag
$125 - endless.com





Nautical seems to be a huge theme this spring (which I loooooove because of Pat).  The Vinyl Tote Bag by Kate Spade would be perfect to take to the bay since it is durable.  I of course love Pink and Green, so between the Lilly Pullitzer tote and Kate Spade handbag, my niche will be perfected.  

Spring Shoes by pittsburghprep featuring lilly pulitzer shoes

J crew shoes
$98 - jcrew.com

Topshop shoes
$38 - topshop.com

Lilly pulitzer shoes
$198 - footcandyshoes.com

Leather boat shoes
$75 - sperrytopsider.com

Sperry slip on shoes
$75 - sperrytopsider.com

Kate spade shoes
$225 - couture.zappos.com

Kate spade shoes
$225 - endless.com

J Crew ballerina shoes
$58 - jcrew.com

Hunter rubber rain boot
$125 - bloomingdales.com

J Crew sport shoes
$78 - jcrew.com



Yesterday my "to the gym" attire consisted of Naval Academy Shorts, a workout top, and Wellies.  I could just live in Wellies, although I'm glad it doesn't rain every day.  For those who prefer to stay dry without rain boots, the J. Crew rubber ballerina shoes are waterproof...as well as the L.L. Bean Coastal Skimmers that I post about way too much (and wear just as often).  I also of course added duck boots.  I love mine, and love the fact they can get muddy.  I'm ready to splash in some mud puddles!


As for flats, spring is the time where you can make them stand out a bit more.  This is why I chose Kate Spade flats.  They definitely will get people looking at your feet more often...not sure if that's a good thing or not.  You decide.


Next on the list, Sperrys!  Do I even need to say more?  They are comfy, slip-proof, cute, and come in so many styles and patterns.  For example, the Seersucker Anglefish pair above.  How cute!
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So as we are once again expecting snow in PA,  these spring staples are what is going to be getting me through this chilly Tuesday.  Wishing you all a warm and fun-filled spring day!  

Spring Shoes!

Lilly Pulitzer sundresses, and plaid Vineyard Vines pants
God Bless you warm weather!

Hey Preps!

How good does it feel to say the word, "spring"?  Gosh, I think I thoroughly abused it today.  Although it was a rather mild temperature here in Pittsburgh, I still managed to wear pink via my new light pink boyfriend blazer.  However, the fact that wearing white, pink, and green all at once just thrills me.  Thrills me to the point that I just want to whip out all my sundresses, and wear them this whole week, just to honor my favorite "word of the day".
 Sadly, that is not possible given the fact it is expected to snow yet again later this week.  How horrible is that? So instead, to give the first day of spring full credit, I came up with a list of shoes that are a must have in the warmer months approaching!

• Thou must have flats.  

This particular pair is from J. Crew, and are rainproof! How practical is that? Plus the remind me of Jellies, which I practically grew up in.  Love the peachy color of these!

Another pair of flats are Allez! Flats found on Eliza B. 

What is so neat about these, is you can personalize the colors, patterns, and fabrics of them! So go check them out and play around on her website to make your favorite color combination! 

• Thou must have boat shoes.

These are probably the most practical shoe I own.  A few posts back, I discussed the history of Sperry Top Siders.  Within the history, you will find that these shoes are made to ensure traction against all elements (such as wet and slippery surfaces of boat decks).  The sole is flexible and this shoe is comfy...and can be worn with an array of different outfits from casual shirt dresses to bermuda shorts.  Also, I recommend a Madras pair! I posted about mine earlier...but you wouldn't believe the compliments I get from them!

• Thou must love espadrilles (particularly wedged).

 

Espadrilles that are wedged...found on J. Crew's website.  I think wedges are perfect with chino shorts or a sundress.  I wore mine daily on the cruise! I also recently caved in, and bought myself a pair of TOMS shoes.  I'm not sure if they are considered preppy or not...but they are so comfy and help a good cause.  

• Thou must go back to the days of saddle shoes. 

I have mentioned this before, but as a little girl, my mom always had me wearing saddle shoes.  You know, the ones Madeline wears in her books!  I am particularly fond of them due to the fact I learned how to tie my shoes while wearing them.  18 years later, now they are back! In a little bit of a more sophisticated way...they are called Oxfords now...and take after menswear in my opinion.  However, something about them still makes me reminisce of the good ole days.  I like this pair in particular because of the cut out part...giving them a little bit of a sandal like feel.  

• Thou must LOVE penny loafers.

My first day of Kindergarten was a success thanks to these pups paired with a plaid jumper (uniform).  I used to hate them when I was younger, because they were required of me to wear.  However, now I definitely have a loving relationship with them.  These definitely can be worn both spring or fall.  In the spring I tend to pair them with khakis or chino shorts.  I also have an oxford polo dress that they look adorable with!

• Thou must have flip-flops

Particularly a pair of Eliza B.  personalized flip-flops!  This is a pair I bought last year.  I play college lacrosse, and love pink and green...so these couldn't have been a better fit!

• Thou must keep one's feet dry on rainy days.

Isle Jacobson rain boots and Wellies will be what I use to keep my feet fashionably dry this April!

Minus a few other spring favorites of my own...this list makes up what you will be seeing me in the warmer months!  I am more excited to wear spring shoes than anything else, and cannot wait to break mine in...today!  Hope you all had a great Monday (this post was meant for yesterday)!  What shoes are you dying to wear this spring?

Nautical Trends to Fall In Love With

Right now, I'm eating chocolate. Not just any chocolate, but a Harry & David milk chocolate truffle...
(It's been one of those days).

Going to college in the south, is now considered a luxury to me. Walking in snow to class was forbidden at my old college, and classes were cancelled if we had an inch of snow.  It was glorious.  Now I find myself trecking through mounds of icky snow due to uncleared walkways.  Occasionally I fall due to ice, like I did on Monday.  Completely new experience to me, and I doubt I will ever get used to it.  So as I eat chocolate, by my heater I have turned on full blast, it's time to stop complaining and start blogging. 
Things that are great in my life:

• I have the best boyfriend alive. I'm sorry ladies, but it's true. He's the best.
• He made me a power point full of reasons why he loved me, it's hilarious, I will try to share it
• His texts are the thing other than my faith, that keeps me positive every day. Like this picture message he sent me today:

(His Arabic homework, which he put the Silly Band
that he wears, and that I wear to remind us of each other
...with I love you in the middle..I melted)

• The fact that in two short days, I will be in Annapolis with my boyfriend. I love Annapolis almost as much as I love him. 

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Annapolis is perfection when it comes to a small town with great business.  It is quaint, traditional, with tons of heroic history within it.  The bay is beautiful all times of the year, and there is always something new to experience every time I visit.  The fact that it is a town known for it's sailing, and The Naval Academy... it is appropriate for me to say that my recent obsession is the Spring 2011 fashion trend that is nautical themed! If you look past my old posts, you can see my obsession with this trend started early on.  It is so exciting for me to see that this trend is really taking off, stores like Forever 21, Express, and H&M are taking notice.  I am thrilled! Below I have put together a Polyvore for your enjoyment :)

I love my sailor (nautical themed) by pittsburghprep featuring sailor dresses

Send-Off Kiss Dress, $53
Natural Sailor Shorts, $160
Old Navy Girls Nautical-Stripe Fleece Peacoats, $25
BOAT SHOES at Express, $50
LIMEDROP PLAIN SAILING BRACELET, 73 AUD
Bazzill > Cardstock > Blue > Light Blue > Navy > Typhoon Bazzill..., $0.59
ASOS Nautical Cord And Twisted Metal Wristband, $7.76
Times Square Sailor Kiss Picture
Anchors Aweigh! Sail Into Style With These Nautical Fashions - SICKA...
I love my sailor > War & Peace > InternetBumperStickers.com Store

Let me know what ya'll think!
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Today I am thankful for heaters, chocolates, my family, and those serving in our military.

TGIF = mushy mushy blah blah.

Fridays are just so divine.  Looking around the classroom of my 10:30 am Spanish class, you can just see the eagerness from every student to be done-zo for the week.  This morning, I woke up to an e-mail announcing that my morning classes were cancelled due to the snow. Down south, classes would have been cancelled due to an inch of snow...Pittsburghers however, have to endure 10 plus inches of snow, and 12 degree weather for my unversity to cancel.  Yet, the fact I was able to lounge around, eating a huuuuge breakfast, just made my morning go so much better.

It is now officially the weekend in the life of Kalyn.  However, I know that it will go by way too quickly. Lately, I have been brainstorming ideas for blogs.  As you know, my blogs do have a lot to do with personal style in a way that applies to my own life.  So as I was browsing through old pictures, I came up with one that is very mushy and puke-romantic filled, but will involve moments that I will never forget. 

Last night, I was snuggled up with my puppy, watching Grey's Anatomy, and there was a statement made that really hit home for me.  Please forgive me because I am about to murder it, but it went something like this: "sometimes we don't see the purpose or significant of details, people, places, in our lives until years later...but they are what shape us as individuals, and thank God they happened". 

One of my earlier posts, I explained the way I met my heartthrob of a boyfriend, Pat.  What I can't get over, is how we worked.  I mean, I met him on a cruise ship during spring break for heaven's sake! Not to mention the fact that I denied him the offer to dance with me...annnd avoided him the next day as I made my final exit off the ship.  Somehow, I was found and convinced to drive nine hours up to a ball at Navy.  Then, somehow after three months of not seeing each other in person, we reconnected, and fell in love.  Oh, and also, the whole barrier of the fact that when I moved closer to home for school, he decided to spend a semester away at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  {which meant three weeks apart for a semester}
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Announcement: MY BOYFRIEND IS NOW A THREE HOUR DRIVE AWAY! I saw him last weekend, and I am seeing him this weekend.  It's like Christmas all over again!  ________________________________________________________________________________
But...the time we spent apart helped our relationship to grow in so many different ways...and it was really amazing to be able to visit him in Colorado.  So as one of my posts today, I would like to share some pictures from our adventures out west. 

My first visit to see Pat, at The Garden of the Gods

He thinks he's funny

I never wanted this moment to end

This is why I love him :)

If engineering doesn't work out for him, he could always be a photographer...ya think?

You all are probably disgusted by now

At the Broadmoor Hotel, by the lake...breath taking...(my photography skills this time)

His way of forcing me to eat a marshmallow...my second visit

The guys exchanging at Air Force from Navy(and their pretty ladies)...they called themselves Nu Beta Chi (NBX)

also known as "Navy Bro Exchange" ...they booked a cabin in the mountains for us,

and included the Lacrosse pinnies...typical...there is a past blog about their style.

View from the mountains, outside our cabin

The Cabin

On our way to Helen Hunt's Falls...last day in Colorado :(

My ballet flats were not the best hiking boots, but they are cute!

The Falls

Our last day together, sitting by the falls...a perfect moment.

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I am thankful for Fridays, good breakfast foods, ballet flats, and the people and moments that make life so meaningful...hope you all have a supaaadupaaa weekend :)