Business casual? No problem!

I really like being involved on campus, but that involves a lot of interviews, dinners and events that require formal (and professional!) attire. I was thrilled to get an interview this week for a campus organization I'm interested in, until I realized that all of my business casual things were at home! Luckily one of the perks of being in a sorority is having 40 closets to borrow from, so I was able to scrounge something up pretty easily. Anyway, this is what I came up with:

I decided to go with the simple button-down (in KU blue!), black skirt and black pumps look. Here's some foolproof rules about business dress that I've learned throughout the years and from the career-focused honors society that I'm a part of:

-When in doubt, go more formal, not less formal. Showing up a little overdressed isn't too big of a deal, but showing up underdressed tends to be embarrassing and unprofessional.

-Think simple. No big jewelry, no dark make-up and no crazy hairstyles. You want to stand out from the crowd, but not so much that it detracts from the most important thing - you! Try spicing things up with lip color or a subtle pattern.

-Invest in a portfolio. It can hold your resume, keys, cell phone, money and lip gloss - what more does a girl need? This way you won't have to carry around a huge purse.

-Finally, be modest. If you would wear it to a club or party, it almost certainly is not business casual. Avoid cleavage, short skirts or sky-high heels! Save it for the weekends :)

Do you have to dress business casual very often?  I'd love to hear some of your go-to tips!

Dress to impress?

Over the years I've learned that I almost always have a better day when I make an effort to look nice. Rolling out of bed, throwing on some Nike shorts and putting my hair in a messy bun may let me sleep a little longer (definitely one of my favorite things), but I spend the entire day in a slump because of my lack of effort in my appearance.

Today's ensemble (or at least it would be if money were no object!):

 
Going to Class by lindseyyylove featuring a long sleeve cardigan

Not everyone has this inclination, however, since most everyone in my classes wears the standard t-shirt and flip-fops combo. I have my casual days too, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I feel like an idiot for making an effort!

Do you dress up for class, or are you more of a shorts and t-shirt person? I'd love to hear your tips for staying cute on campus!

One of my favorite trends right now...

We all know that styles tend to resurface long after they've gone out of style (high-waisted pants, anyone?), but what I've noticed lately is that fashions that were in style when I was a kid are coming back as well! On campus I see Chuck Taylors, stone washed jeans and - my personal favorite - bows!

Hair bows, bow patterns and bow jewelry are one of fall's hottest trends. Just check out some of Kate Spade's fall selections:

 

I especially love all the bow patterns that I'm seeing on clothes. I just found this cute top at Forever XXI which I love. The best part is that it can be dressed up to wear out at night but also dressed down to wear to work or class - and it was only $16!

 

Anyway, here are some of my other favorite bow trends. Enjoy!

Back to school!

I leave for school on Thursday, and while I'm sad about leaving my friends, family and boyfriend, there are some great things about the school year!

New classes: Call me a nerd, but I love taking interesting new courses each semester. This fall I'm taking Intro to Public Policy, Western Civilizations, and my first real journalism class!

Going to home football games: My school is big on traditions, so home football and basketball games are big events!

My pledge mom and I at a home football game :)

Sorority functions: I always loved dances in high school, even though they were always considered kind of lame. Now I love going to my sorority's formals and date parties!

A group of my sorority sisters and me at our annual
80s wedding themed date party!

Fall fashion: Fall is my favorite season, and I can't wait to start unearthing the boots, sweaters and jeans from the depths of my closet!

What are you most looking forward to this fall?

Take it easy!

Dream Outfits: Sorority Recruitment Edition

It's back to school time, and for me that means sorority recruitment! This will be my first year being on the "inside" of the process, and I'm definitely excited to get started. First, however, I have to put together my outfits for each day, according to the guidelines given by our recruitment chair. My actual outfits are a lot less glamorous (think recycling things from my closet, Forever XII purchases, etc.), but here's what I would wear if money were no object:

Sorority tee + white bottoms + brown sandals by lindseyyylove featuring a white skirt

White oxford + navy bottoms + red accessory by lindseyyylove featuring summer skirts

Solid, bright colored dress by lindseyyylove featuring pave pendants

I could not choose between these two dresses - what do you think? I also couldn't resist the Kappa Kappa Gamma key and fleur-de-lis jewelry :)

Black Cocktail + Pumps by lindseyyylove featuring one shoulder short dresses

Do any of you have to get specific outfits for your sorority rush? My chapter is pretty flexible, but I know some houses are super strict!

Thanks to Sweet Confessions for following!

Happy Friday Eve, everyone :)

The Trendy College Girl's Must-Have List

I’ll be moving into my sorority house for the first time this August (only 11 days away!), and I’ve been compiling a mental list of things to bring with me on move in day. There are plenty of college checklists out there (like this one from Bed Bath and Beyond), but somehow I don’t think I’ll need blackout window panels or a bookcase. Here’s my list of must-haves for the trendy college girl:

Shower/Bathroom caddy: Perfect for the trek to the communal bathroom each morning! These from Pottery Barn Teen will hold everything you need.

Hanging organizers: Whether you need to organize an excess of purses, shoes or jewelry, shelf space is limited in dorm rooms and hanging organizers can save you a ton of space. This one from Bed Bath and Beyond can hold up to 26 pairs of shoes and is great for other accessories too.

Drink tumbler: This all-purpose drinkware will serve you well through long hours of studying, whether it’s filled with water, soda or coffee! I like this one from Amazon because it holds 24 oz. and the design is super cute.

Rain boots + a cute umbrella: Look sharp on your way to class – even when splashing through puddles! I love all of Target’s rain boot and umbrella designs.

Strands of lights: Whether you hang them along the ceiling, bed frame or mirror, some twinkle lights can add ambiance to a bland dorm room. Surviving College Life has a cute idea for sprucing up a bedroom with accent lights.