Week in Review

This is my second installment of these "Week in Review" posts.  So, just like last time I'm going to list my top -ings for this past week.

Preparing
Preparing for school, that is.  School starts one week from tomorrow for me and I've decided I'm not really looking forward to it.  I would much rather spend my days well quite frankly, being a lazy bum than doing mundane classwork, but nonetheless it will begin either way and I've been both shopping and gathering supplies (see my Getting Ready For School post).  In addition I've been thinking about what outfit to wear for the first day of school.  I'm sure I'll post my #ootd when it comes the time.  Basically I'm physically prepared for senior year, although I'm not quite sure if I'm mentally prepared.

Major #tbt from 6th grade graduation (I'm on the right)

Reconnecting 
This past Friday I did a lot of reconnecting with an old friend that I've had since elementary school.  Recently we've fallen out of touch.  A.k.a. we haven't talked since before Christmas.  It was so nice to see her again.  There was so much to talk about and catch up on, such as our plans for this year and a lot of talk of college.  She has two younger brothers who are getting so big.  Let me tell you little kids grow so fast, especially if you don't see them every day.  Friday was great and one of my favorite days of Summer.  I strongly urge you to go and see that person you've fallen out of contact with.  Believe me, we all have someone.

Reading
I've been doing a lot of reading newspapers and magazines this week, but not in the typical format.  Instead I've been using a recent favorite app called Flipboard.  It is an accumulation of a bunch of your favorite magazines and newspapers.  I use the top stories part of the application which allows me to skim through short pieces from Vogue, The Economist, USA Today, and many others.  It is a great way to learn about the happenings of the world quickly and conveniently.  Since I'm always on my phone anyway (guilty as charged), I like to do a little bit of catch up during car rides or when I'm waiting on my family or friends to go somewhere.  Definitely a must have for any smartphone.

So that's my short Week in Review.
What -ings have you been loving these past seven days?

xx Brigitta

The September Issue

Have ever wanted to work at Vogue, or at the very least wondered what happens behind the scenes of the biggest fashion magazine in the world?  Look no further than The September Issue.  This film documents the putting together of the 2007 September Issue of Vogue which believe it or not begins more than 5 months in advance.  The movie is stunning and provides great insight into the inter-workings of the fashion world.  As they say its the "real Devil Wears Prada."  I highly, highly recommend it.

xx Brigitta

p.s. The only flaw of the entire documentary is that its not on Netflix.

Out of Stock

Three fateful words that no one wants to read.

OUT OF STOCK

I'm currently faced with a dilemma.  As made evident by my last couple posts, school is starting back up and I've been dying to purchase a new backpack.  Not knowing exactly what I wanted, I googled "preppy backpacks" which lead me to a Pinterest page which then lead me to this beauty.

The Neon Colorblock Backpack from Vineyard Vines

Literally perfect in my opinion (minus the really steep price tag but nonetheless).

Only one issue: It is OUT OF STOCK.  Yes, those three words in that order.  A shopaholic's worst nightmare.  I really don't want to settle for a mediocre JanSport (my second option, although not quite my style).  So my decision is to wait.  Vineyard Vines will email me when it goes back in stock and hopefully I don't die of anticipation before then.

xx Brigitta

p.s. If you know of other preppy backpacks please comment them down below.

Getting Ready For School

As much as I love denying it, school starts back up in 10 days.  Instead of moping around I've decided to make the best of my situation by de-cluttering my desk and ordering some adorable school supplies.

Here is my school supply checklist:

• Spiral Notebooks (with homemade monogram stickers, of course!)
• Folder for loose papers
• College Ruled Paper
• Lilly Pulitzer Agenda
• Pencil Pouch
• Mechanical Pencils
• Wooden Pencils
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Flash Cards
• Calculator (Mine is the TI-89.  I'll need it for Calculus 3)

Going into my senior year I'm hoping I can get away without needing bulky binders and one million spiral notebooks.  At my school after about a month you usually don't need half of the supplies teachers tell you to get on the first day.

xx Brigitta

p.s. Normally Cute Backpack would also be included on my list of Must-Haves but I haven't come across the perfect one yet.  I'll be sure to keep you up to date on that matter.

Preppy Girl Tag

I decided to write out my favorite tag video from YouTube. The Preppy Girl Tag of course!

1. What is your definition of preppy?
  Preppy to me is structured, classic, and elegant.  Basically dressing like you go to a prep school.

2. What is your all time favorite brand?
  I would have to say J. Crew and more specifically J. Crew Factory because I find it has a more casual style and definitely better prices.

3. Show us your favorite Lilly item/ What is your favorite print?
  I only have one Lilly Pulitzer clothing item (at the moment) which I love to death.  It is the Delia Shift Dress from the spring collection this year.  Yes, the same one that everyone and their mother has.  As for my favorite print, either Lobster Roll (Spring 2014) or Jellies Be Jammin' (Summer 2014).

4. Who is your favorite preppy YouTuber?
  I'm going to be cliche' here and say Sarabelle93x just like literally everyone else says.  She is the one who introduced me to the "preppier" style.  Brands like Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines I had never heard of before her videos.  Since then I've been watching other preppy YouTubers and other favorites I would like to mention are glamourkate08 and PrepInYourStep.

5. Jack Rogers or Sperrys?
  Sperrys.  Although I like Jack Rogers I don't actually own a pair.  On the other hand, I wear my Sperrys multiple times during the week in the school year because they are easy, casual, and match with literally everything.

6. Jeans or Khakis?
  Jeans.  I do love Khakis but when faced with the choice I have to go with Jeans.  Just like Sperrys they are more casual and match with everything I wear.

7. What is your opinion on oxfords?
  I love oxford shirts.  If I could only wear one shirt for the rest of my life it would be a button up, no questions asked.

8. Duck Boots, Riding Boots, or Hunter Rain Boots?
  I own 6" Duck Boots and navy Hunters.  Since I don't own riding boots they are clearly out of the question.  I would have to go with Duck Boots because they are such a unique pair of shoes and it doesn't necessarily have to be raining or snowing to wear them.

9. Navy or Black?
  Navy.  Hands Down.  Its scary how much navy is in my wardrobe.

10. On a scale of one to ten, how much do you love J. Crew?
  Um... 20

11. What is your favorite Ralph Lauren clothing item?
  I have two items from Ralph Lauren.  They say if you love something buy it in multiple colors.  Right?  I own the Ralph Lauren Sport Polos in both white and blue.  They are the bomb diggity.  Definitely one of my more recent obsessions.  My summer wardrobe can be summed up in three words: Printed Chinos and Polos.

12. Pearls or Bows?
  Pearls.  I may or may not wear my pearl earrings every single day.

xx Brigitta

p.s. I don't know if the Polos linked are exactly the ones I own.  Those were the closest ones I found online.  Personally mine were purchased from Marshalls and T.J.Maxx.

The Week in Review

This week was just a typical summer week filled with laziness and relaxation.  Here are my top -ings.

Brother's Closet

Organizing
My parents are paying me to paint the eleven closets in the house and with that comes unloading and reloading their contents.  Since I don't have photographic memory and most of the closets are just filled with a humble jumble of things that are semi-related, I've also taken on the task of reorganizing them.  I love organization and making my home look like it belongs in a real simple magazine or my closet look like one of the top pins on Pinterest.  This has made the whole painting project slightly more enjoyable (esp. for the closets that require three coats! ugh).

The Berry Pie 

Baking
Although I didn't do one of these posts last week I can tell you the number one thing on that list would've been Cake Bossing (that's a verb... right?).  Let's just say I've watched one too many episodes of Cake Boss on Netflix.  Its only 20 minutes long and there is no story line to follow so you can jump in whenever.  Of course in all honesty, I binge watch it.  Therefore the episodes are in order and I spend a lot more than 20 minutes watching people decorate cakes.  This has definitely inspired me to fine tune my baking skills.  This week I made rice crispy treats covered in homemade fondant (easier than it seems), brownies, and there is currently a berry pie in the oven.  Baking is one of those things I do when I have nothing to do.

All 1000 pieces together

Puzzling
Whilst reorganizing the closets I stumbled upon some 1000 piece puzzles and decided to pull one out and venture upon its completion.  Along with my dad's help and a little boredom and a lot of Gossip Girl it was complete within 3 days.  It was surprisingly really tricky yet fun and rewarding to finish.

Can we talk about Blair's perfect outfit?

Gossiping
They say the first step is admitting you have a problem.  Yes, I may have watched all 21 episodes of season 3 of Gossip Girl in 3 days.  Yes, I do realize that is absurd.  To justify, it is summer and without a job I can use my time however I please.  Honestly Gossip Girl is the best show ever created, shot in the best city in the country, with the best wardrobe department on TV.  Really, you should just watch it, because who doesn't want to be Blair Waldorf.

Family on one of many hikes this summer

Hiking
Last but not least I've been hiking.  Since I live in Florida, by hiking I mean walking/jogging various nature trails.  This past week at a local park I found a new trail that is called The Workout Trail.  It is composed of 20 stations with various exercises such as push ups, crunches, and jumping jacks.  I believe being surrounded by nature makes exercising substantially easier.

So that's my week in review.
What -ings have you been loving these past seven days?

xx Brigitta

Senior Year

Eek!  The Common Application opens today which means senior year and all the stress that comes with it is officially upon me.  I am honestly excited for the whole figuring out my future process but there is quite a bit of anxiety along with the excitement.  My college applications have to be perfect and the best overall representation of myself.  So as I embark on this journey wish me luck in highlighting my strengths, downplaying my weaknesses, and standing out in the best possible way.

xx Brigitta

p.s. Good luck to my fellow seniors.