Ten Minute Morning

So, I woke up to one of those rainy, I just don't want to get out of bed days. And then I didn't get out of bed until the very last moment and had to rush to get ready for my day full of classes and meetings and a lunch date. This is usually the time when I grab the "go to"outfit, which are a little too casual for meetings and lunch. So, here are some ideas of some basic outfits you can throw on and look polished all day!

1. I am currently wearing black skinny jeans, nude flats, a chambray shirt, a Lilly infinity scarf, my Michele watch and monogrammed necklace! Even though I had MAYBE fifteen minutes to get ready today, I feel confident and polished in the casual look. And for the rain, throw on some Hunter rain boots to combat the dreary day!

Chambray | Scarf (Lilly scarf)

Black Jeans | Tory Flats

Necklace | Michele Watch

2. This is more of a formal fall look. Even though spring is fast approaching, I still love to throw on a cozy plaid shirt and be done. Dress it up by tucking in the shirt with a brown belt, pearls, dark skinny jeans and brown boots for a put together look that looks like you spend a lot of time thinking about! Maybe this will be my tomorrow look :)

Shirt | Pearls

Jeans | Belt

Bracelet | Boots

xoxo,

Molly

Stressed?

So it's Monday of week eight in my ten week term. Basically, I have two exams, two quizzes, three final projects, two final exams, and two fundraisers standing between me and spring break. However, all that work needs to get done in the next two weeks!! I am super stressed to say the least.

When I get stressed (around the same time each term), I struggle to combat it. This week and last, I have been trying to take some time to NOT do all of the above work (crazy, I know), and take some time just for myself. I suggest you do the same! & Check out some foods to fight stress too :)

Dark Chocolate | Chamomile Tea

 Milk (Almond Milk for me)

Salmon | Walnuts | Spinach

Sunflower Seeds | Blueberries

I have been drinking much more tea, I find it so relaxing and love to curl up before bed with a cup of sleepy tea and a book. I read every night and it seems to be helpful and nice right before bed. I know that if I didn't my psychology books would be the only things I read. Also, get some SLEEP! I wish I could say that I sleep eight hours per night, but I try to when I get this stressed. And finally, I set aside three times per week to go to the gym for an hour. It takes a lot for me to get there, but afterwords I always feel better and am ready to get some work done!
How do you like to relieve stress?

xoxo,

Molly

What to Wear: Philanthropy

I don't see it as a coincidence that I am a Delta Zeta; it was more of fate (not to sound corny, anyone in a sorority knows that they are where they belong). But, our philanthropy is supporting children with speech and hearing impairments. Fun fact: I have been diagnosed with a hearing impairment since age two. So, I really take Delta Zeta's philanthropy to heart.

Today, we are having an event with Build-a-Bear where my sisters and I are making bears and adding plush hearing aids to them. I know that when I was advised to get a hearing aid in elementary school I was freaked out and said no!! It's important for kids to know that it's not a huge deal and that they deserve the same opportunities as everyone else!

Dressing for events like this sounds easy, just throw on letters and go! But, pictures will be taken (maybe you'll be seen in next years recruitment video) and you will want to look your best, even in letters.

I always start with dark denim and either flats or boots, depending on the weather. Tory Burch and Steve Madden are some of my favorite shoe options! My favorite letters are on American Apparel v-neck shirts, one size too big for the comfort level. Feeling too casual in just a t-shirt (or maybe it's a little chilly), throw on a blazer, a cross body bag, and a scarf and look polished and perfect for any philanthropy event!!

V-Neck Letters | Jeans | Kate Spade Earrings

Tory Burch Purse & Flats

Steve Madden Boots

Blazer | Lilly Pulitzer Scarf

xoxo,

Molly

OOTD: Friday, Feb. 22

You know it's been a rough week when you use all of your "go to" outfits and by Friday your option is a sweatshirt and jeans. I have to admit that for my first class I did rock an old college hoodie, jeans, and boots. However, in my break for brunch, I decided to embrace the chilly day with some style (and maybe put together a new "go to" look).

This is the part where I stand in front of my closet waiting for an outfit to jump out at me.

& here's what I came up with: I obviously started with my favorite absolute favorite J Brand jeans. The straight leg and high rise is the most flattering for those blessed with curves. From there, I threw on a navy striped sweater and was quite bored (I wear it a lot). So to spice it up, I put a red polo under it!! Pair it all with cheetah smoking slippers and some fun gold bangles and be set. Now I can feel confident at my lunch date as well as through the rest of the day!

Other options if you don't have this exact concept sitting in your closet: pair any color polo with a slightly oversized stripe sweater. You can also wear brown boots instead of smoking slippers. Lastly, trade out the cross-body bag for something larger (like a Longchamp) if you're heading to class or a meeting where you need to store your laptop!

J Brand Jeans | Sweater | Polo

Kate Spade Watch & Bangles

Shoes | Michael Kors Purse

xoxo,

Molly

The Lilly White Dress

I am a sucker for anything Lilly Pulitzer. With their new line of white dress, I have fallen in love with ALL of them! I have been searching for a white dress for about a year now and have not been pleased. My mom bought me one and Target that has been doable for white events, but it's not my style.

This could be my favorite Lilly ever, which is saying a lot since I have been wearing Lilly my whole life. There is just something so classic, polished, and perfect in the Posey dress. Pair it with nude wedges and a fun belt and it can go from classic white to garden party!

Another option, the Lilly Sandrine dress. This neckline is one of my favorites for Lilly and the back is a surprise in itself! Also, who doesn't love the scalloped hem?! This is truly Lilly perfection.

A different feel to the other two white dresses, the Lilly Marta dress is perfect for any white dress occasion. I am a sucker for the sleeves and the oh-so flattering neckline. And add a colorful belt with fun bangles to take it from garden party to drinks with friends!

xoxo,

Molly

What's in my bag: Classroom Edition

These types of posts always seem to be my favorite! (I'm really nosy and love to know what other people keep in their bag). So I thought I would put together what I commonly carry in my tote for a day of classes! Today I happen to be in class and in meetings from ten in the morning until seven tonight. For days like this, I like to carry around all the necessities for any "OMG" moments!

Longchamp: I always carry around either my graphite or bilberry Longchamp large tote. It is large enough to hold everything I need throughout the day and looks so chic. And on the days I need a little more room or support, I carry around Lilly Pulitzer's original tote in the Delta Zeta sorority print!

Macbook Pro: Literally, I never leave my apartment without my computer. I take all my notes and make so many to-do lists throughout the day that I need to have this constantly on my body (with the charger as well).

Laura Mercier Lipgloss: I received this nude gloss as a gift over the holidays and always have it with me for some quick fix beauty. I don't use lipgloss or lipstick every single day, but sometimes you need a bit more shine than the eos gives. It's the perfect amount of glamour.

Brita Water Bottle: When I went to Argentina in September, I invested in a Brita Water Bottle so I would always be drinking clean water (I did NOT want food poisoning). This has kept me hydrated throughout the day and I can refill at any hydration station on campus!

Tory Burch Wallet: This is one of my favorites and is so easy to fit everything in and take out for a quick coffee down the street instead of bringing the whole tote!

Eos: I ALWAYS have chap stick and moisturizer with me, especially in the winter. I used to be obsessed with burt's bees, but have recently switched to eos and have fallen in love with all the different flavors.

Tissues: You never know when you're going to need something better than a napkin or paper towel, especially this cold winter.

Pencils, Sharpies, Pens: Some classes do not allow you to use technology to take notes, so I always keep a supply of pencils, sharpies, pens and highlighters on me just in case!

Lilly Agenda: This is a necessity, really. I have so many to-do lists and plans penciled in my Lilly agenda; I could not live without this one. You will realize how important this is for life, I promise this is worth the money.

iPhone: I have to throw my iPhone on here (with my Tory Burch case). I would be lying if I said I couldn't live without my iPhone; it's an addiction.

xoxo,

Molly

Obsessed: Alex and Ani

My aunt recently moved to Providence, Rhode Island; this is where I discovered my love for Alex and Ani! While shopping around in Newport after having dinner at the Black Pearl, we found Alex and Ani (everyone had on the bangles). I instantly fell in love; I have a bangle obsession.

Each bangle is expandable, so it can fit anyone!! And, they're affordable enough to collect! These are the five that I have and love to mix with a black and gold watch. I also have a little obsession with mixing silver and gold...

Fleur de Lis: Traditionally used to represent French Royalty, the Fleur de Lis is a symbol of perfection, enlightenment, and life. The three petals are associated with the protection of the Holy Trinity. Wear the French Royalty Bangle as a representation of your faith in the changes and regeneration of life.

Delta Zeta: Women are bonded in the deep, mysterious ways of nature. Intuitive and open hearted, they keep the Earthly balance that comes with consistently nurturing loved ones. Committed to tradition and upholding the spirit of philanthropy, sorority sisters are lifelong friends that ignite positive change.

Birthstone: October, known as the love stone, allows the wearer to continually give affect and express adoration, Wear the Rose birthstone to motivate kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.

Fleur de Lis | Delta Zeta | Birthstone

Silver Beads | Black and Gold

xoxo,

Molly

Travel: Paris

Paris, France is my favorite city in the whole world. If I knew French, I would want to live there! However, my mom recently bought a learn French in ten days car CD and every time they asked to go from English to French, I would repeat in Spanish. Looks like I'll be tackling the world one language at a time!! (It's a good thing I recently went to South America!!)

Taking a trip down memory lane, it's been three and a half years since I have been in Paris. I was only there for a long weekend during my month abroad, but it has left such a lasting impact that is indescribable. I am obsessed with everything dealing with the Eiffel Tower or Fleur de Lis. 

The reason for this trip down memory lane: my parents are currently in Paris right now for my mom's birthday!! I couldn't be happier (and a tad jealous). The photos they have been sending me are unreal and make me miss Paris more than anything. I met some of my best friends on that trip and we can still reminisce about napping in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, having lunch in the park by the Eiffel Tower, climbing the Eiffel Tower, spending ALL day in the Louvre, etc. 

So I'm sharing some favorites I have that has brought Paris to Pennsylvania!! I have this photo framed in so many locations (on my desk, on my book shelf, in a scrapbook, and in a collage). Along with that, I have a small Eiffel Tower on my desk and Eiffel Tower pillows and the Eiffel Tower Tiffany's charm. However, I really need these Eiffel Tower place card holders (only $12 at Target!). And my Fleur de Lis obsession is just the same. I recently got a Fleur de Lis bangle from Alex and Ani to go with Fleur de Lis book ends. I have even thought about getting the Fleur de Lis tattooed on the back of my neck to symbolize perfection, enlightenment, and life. And the toile memo board will be my next purchase! It would go great with my red toile placemats! It's just natural for me to bring Paris with me everywhere; I'm obsessed.

Eiffel Tower Place Card Holders | Eiffel Tower Canvas 

French Script Pillows | French Toile Memo Board

Alex and Ani Fleur de Lis Bangle

Tiffany Eiffel Tower Charm

xoxo,
Molly

Wrap Snap & Go!

So for Valentine's Day I decided to try something different with my naturally wavy hair. I straighten it sometimes, but usually let it wave naturally. However, I have decided to embrace Valentine's Day with some real curls!

Note: my hair does not stay in curls. Curlers and curling irons do not work. I'm not even sure how many bottles of hair spray I used way back when for prom! It just doesn't work, and I like to pretend that it does.

However, I have been using Wrap Snap & Go! since I was in elementary school and never really got the hang of it. Up until recently I would try sleeping in them with wet hair, and my hair would still be wet the next morning and the curls would fall once my hair was dry.

Then, over the summer I attempted the Wrap Snap and Go! again, sleeping in them with dry hair and the next morning I had curls!! To get the desired look of naturally polished slightly curly hair I flipped my hair over and shook the majority of the curls out (they fell by lunch, I forgot the hair spray). So last night I tried again and was a bit more successful! Although, I sprayed the curls while still in the Wrap Snap & Go! coils and after I took the ringlets out, mistake! I should have shook the curls out to the desired style and then sprayed!! Oops!

Here are how the curls held up throughout the day! I still loved them and it was much easier than blowdrying my hair again or attempting any other sort of style, I just unraveled my curls!! Next time, I definitely recommend flipping your hair over and shaking the ringlets out before spraying hairspray in order to have a more "every day" type look. This was just a bit too fancy, but it's Valentine's Day and looking preppy and polished is never a bad thing.

Wrap Snap & Go! at Walgreens $10.99

Wrap Snap & Go! Tutorial Commercial

xoxo,

Molly

Bundle Up

Last winter, I was lucky enough to not have to buy a new winter coat for my new lifestyle in Philadelphia. I was sliding by on pea coats and rain coats! However, this winter has been and still is freezing!! Last weekend it snowed!! Basically, I can't stress enough the need for a nice winter coat. Whether you're walking to class or walking to the gym, you need to be warm while still locking polished and put together.

For Christmas I got this coat from Land's End and could not be happier! I struggled and struggled on the color (going between black and this evergreen forest). However, I have a black pea coat, a black North Face, two black dress coats, and a number of black sweatshirts; it was time for some color in my wardrobe other than my tan trench coat (also from Land's End). And let me say, it paid off! I wear this coat every day and get at least one compliment per day on my coat!! I could be wearing my pajamas underneath and no one would know since the coat looks so polished alone, and even more so with a scarf!! Also, not only can the hood be taken off, but the fur lining and the belt come off as well (not sure why you would take the belt off though).

And I forgot to mention, it is currently on sale!! Check it out here!!

Wondering what to wear with this fabulous winter piece? Check out some of my favorites below for some inspiration! :)

1. Land's End Coat

2. Cheetah Scarf

3. Gap Scarf in Tartan

4. Monogrammed Scarf

4. Hunter Boots

xoxo,

Molly

Dinner Deal: Valentine's Edition

As if we all don't know, this Thursday is Valentine's Day. February 14th does not have to be "single awareness day." This Hallmark holiday is supposed to represent love and reminding your loved ones that they are loved. In celebration of love, I recommend you wear red or pink, pick up some conversation hearts, and celebrate with the people you love! Here are some good celebration ideas:

With your girlfriends, Galentine's Day:

Gather your closest friends and spend time with them on this regular Thursday night. Go out for happy hour, have a themed dessert party (the theme being pink champagne!), or get take-out and rent a feel good movie. To take it to the next level, go to CVS and get some cute Valentine's Day cards you used to give out in elementary school and attach one to a bottle of wine for a great hostess gift! Make it a great girls night!

With your special someone, date night:

Get dressed up, throw on some red lipstick, and hit the town! Date night can be anything from a local coffee shop to your dining hall with some candles to a fancy dinner in Center City. Make it even more special, choose some where neither of you have been before! It's always fun to try new food and make new memories :) 

The Deal of the Day:

Click Me!!

Stumbling around Google and Facebook today led me to this fantastic date deal! $35 for $100 worth of dining credits and two movie tickets! It's the best dinner and a movie deal I have ever heard of. Whether you're going with your best friend or boy friend, this deal is worth it. 

Final note: if you are planning on going out this Thursday, make reservations today!! In a Zagat survey, 44% of respondents stated that they plan on eating out this Valentine's Day. Don't forget to make reservations today to be one of the 44%! 

xoxo,

Molly

Go Red

With February being "Go Red for Women" for heart disease (the number one killer for women) and Valentine's Day in the middle of the month (this week, eek!!) it can be hard to fit reds and pinks into a winter wardrobe! During the winter I strictly stick to black and neutrals, which is odd since I only wear bright colors and Lilly during the summer. However, today I have decided to embrace color in small ways. If retail stores can start selling their spring line, then I can start wearing brighter colors!

Another perk of wearing red, Macy's will give you 20% off of your purchase! I recently bought brown riding boots and surprisingly got 20% off for wearing a red vest! I took this as a sign the I need to start breaking out the pinks and reds, even if it's just in accessories.

Nail polish is the easiest way to add a pop of color to any outfit!! OPI has always been my favorite with the quirky polish names! Today I have on The Trill of Brazil; yesterday was You're a Pisa Work. The best part about nail polish, it can be changed daily!! And I know I always feel better after a mani/pedi. Just like nail polish, jewelry is a versatile statement that goes great with black!! Before you leave the house, throw on some red and gold bangles or a statement necklace with that great LBD and some red lipstick and you'll be ready to go for any occasion in February. 

Last but not least, let's talk about monograms. I can never pass up a good monogram and C. Wonder has become my latest obsession since the grand opening in King of Prussia. Everything is so perfect, polished, and preppy that I just can't say no!! This clutch is the perfect size, a great pop of color, and since it's only one letter you can make it your first or last name! It's just too perfect to pass up this month. Go Red!!

1. OPI The Trill of Brazil | OPI So Hot it Berns

2. BaubleBar Bangles

3. C. Wonder Clutch

4. Kate Spade Lipstick

5. Statement Necklace 

xoxo,

Molly

Gym: C25k

I have never been able to keep resolutions for very long. However, it has taken me about a month to stay true to the "I'm going to go to the gym more" new years resolution. I've learned that the ONLY way I will go to the gym is if I put it in my google calendar and planner. You need to be accountable for going to the gym just as you would be accountable going to class. From this, I have set aside four days per week to go to the gym.

Going to the gym is just my yearly new years goal, but it will help check some things off my bucket list! I have never ever been an athlete. Really, I was a swimmer and then a dancer. Running has never been my "thing"; my family actually makes fun of me when I try to run. So, this has brought me to wanting to run a 5k. In grade school and middle school we had to run a mile in gym, this was the extent of my running. But now, I am determined to run a 5k!!

In the beginning of February, I downloaded the C25k app (couch to 5k). I mean, if there were ever a program to get me running, that would be the one. In the past week it has actually been working! Now I just need to keep up with it for the next seven weeks. My best friend is the biggest motivator since she is doing it as well. It really is so much easier to go to the gym when someone else is motivating you to.

So here is a typical gym outfit for me. You always have to look good, even when it's at the gym and you don't think you could ever look cute. (Attention: cute guys like to work out and will most definitely be at the gym). You can never go wrong in a nice pair of yoga pants. I get mine from Nike or Old Navy has comparable and affordable options! Being curvy, I do not think that shorts are the most flattering, no matter how many pairs of monogramed norts I buy. Yoga pants or the capris are the best option for staying comfortable and looking good. 

Accessories are a must at the gym. Essentials include: your iPhone (or iPod), a cute water bottle (I am obsessed with the Lilly tumbler or my monogramed sorority tumbler), and a hat (you never know when you want to hide your hair while still looking presentable and preppy). I tend to throw everything in my Longchamp including some chapstick, which you should never be without. And please do not fret about makeup! I know leaving the house without it can be scary and I do not recommend heavy eye make up for the gym. However, BareMinerals is light and gives a completely natural look. I mean, I go to the gym to feel better and to stay healthy all while still looking presentable and polished.

Nike Pants | Gray Top | Pink Top

BareMinerals | Burt's Bees | Polo Hat

Sneakers | Lilly Tumbler | Longchamp

xoxo,

Molly

Denim for Curves

It's not a secret that women have curves and need to buy jeans accordingly. I was blessed with voluptuous curves that have resulted in my shirt size to be a 2/4 and my jeans size to be closer to a 6/8. Because of this, it can be hard to find the perfect pair of jeans! And let's face it, I live in jeans.

One of the biggest challenges I face is finding jeans that don't gap at the butt. To eliminate the gapping, the stereotypical "mom" jeans work the best. However, not all higher waisted jeans are "mom" jeans! I promise you are allowed to buy higher waisted jeans and still look young. Another problem is finding jeans to compliment curves! If you're going for a super skinny jean,  find a pair that are a little more high waisted. I have found straight leg jeans to be the most flattering and versatile!

I also find difficulty finding affordable jeans that actually fit! Jeans are one of my style staples and I have gotten to the point where I can justify spending more money on a pair of jeans that I know will be worn many times. Jeans are just something you can effortlessly throw on with a button down and jeans before heading to class, or a fabulous silk top, bauble necklace, and heels and be ready for cocktail hour.

These are my four favorite pair of jeans! J Brand jeans have always been my favorite from middle school. I have never had a jean hold up for so long without ripping or falling apart. You can never go wrong with Hudson. Even the detail on the pockets are adorable with the British flag! Charlotte Russe has great affordable jeans that are so skinny, comfortable, and durable that are perfect for tucking into boots. Lastly, Talbots has great jeans! I know a lot of people in their 20's and even 30's think of Talbots as "too old," but when I have found some great fits! The heritage is higher waisted and is very figure flattering. They have also recently come out with a curvy fit!! Since Talbots has a petite and missy section, it is so easy to find the right fit and length to be most flattering. It's all about the fit.

1. J Brand

2. Hudson

3. Charlotte Russe

4. Talbots

xoxo,
Molly