Things I'm loving!

Things I'm loving! by thissouthernprep featuring longchamp handbags

Just a few things I find myself often drooling over... the Louis is VERY far off, but I'm seriously wanting a wallet, a new longchamp and a kate spade watch. WISH I had a birthday coming up!!  But for now as a grown up lady, I must choose what to save for, and then be patient!!!

Kate Spade Earrings

My newest obsession would have to be earrings.  For years I have faithfully worn my pearl studs almost every day.  They are casual, and dressy.  I even have an over-sized pair, and two colored pairs (black and gray).  Then came my wonderful Tiffany bow earrings from my Fiance this past valentine's day.  Finally, a pair of earrings I loved just as much, and that gave a different look!  Soon after, my mom gave me a pair of gold ball studs, the same size as my favorite pearls.  I had three pairs of earrings I would actually wear!!

Then I discovered Kate Spade Jewelry.

My Lovely Fiance treated me to these.

I picked these lovelies up last night, before I went to Michael's country club for dinner.  I felt so Glam!  They are huge, but so freaking fun to wear!  I plan on grabbing a few other colors, I love wearing something a little different and out of my comfort zone!  I'm done wearing the same old thing all the time :).

And I got these maybe two months ago, and wear them a lot!  I absolutely adore having a variety of earrings to wear now.  The Kate Spade ones are also incredible reasonable priced.  Perfect for a small pick me up when one needs retail therapy!!

And here is a pair that isn't Kate Spade, but my lovely Fiance got these for me for our 4 year anniversary!

I love these because they are subtle, and can be both casual or dressy.  These also easily take place in an outfit where I would normally choose pearls.

I am so happy to have all these new earrings to wear!  After so long wearing the same pair, I think I've become kind of obsessed!  I will even skip wearing a necklace to emphasize my earrings!!!!

And finally, another Kate Spade purchase I adore that is not a pair of earrings!!

(I could not find a good stock photo)

This is an iphone case that LOOKS LIKE WICKER.  I love it so so so much!!!  Kate spade also has wicker purses that I ADORE.  I hope to snag one once they go on sale since 400 is a little bit much for a wicker bag... Still the case makes me VERY happy.  I adore Kate Spade!!!

This is how big the Gumdrop earrings are, big and I love them!!

xx

Happy Mothers Day + Pimento Cheese

Happy Mothers day to all you wonderful Mommy's out there!!  I will see my mommy next weekend, but saw my FMIL today, along with my FFIL, and FBIL, and hopefully my FSIL (I hope they get married, she's so sweet).  So basically all my close in-laws!  I made curry chicken salad and pimento cheese (my fave things to make for lunch!  Both recipes are very simple.

Have you ever had Pimento cheese?  It is a very southern dish.  I fell in love with it my first trip to the Masters in Augusta, GA, and have loved it ever since!

I was too lazy to take my own photo, but this looks pretty close to mine!!  

My Recipe:

two bags of shredded cheese (I use Chedder and Pepper Jack usually)

1. Small Jar of pimentos 

Mayo (however much you prefer to hold it all together)

Chili Powder

Hot Sauce (however much you prefer)

Mix it all together, with salt and pepper, get it to the taste you prefer by adding more or less seasonings and voila!  Yummy with crackers and with bread!!

xo

Time to catch up!

So here we are, the recently engaged couple, and a photo in front of the door to the home we are in the process of purchasing!  Life has been quite busy for me lately, see my little ID card in the photo?  My new job takes up a lot more time, and leaves me pretty tired after work... 8-5 is hard!  Especially when you are really using your brain!  However, it is nice to be a professional, and I get to commute to work with my Fiance!  Ahh!!  I absolutely love calling him that!

So sorry I have forgotten to blog... or to catch up with other blogs, I am going to work on that right now!!!  Feels like all I do is work, wedding plan, and house hunt etc... however closing day is in less than two weeks so maybe I will have more time after that?!  Either way, I will be sure to do my best to remember the lovely world of blogging!  

Big news!!!

I know I have disappeared as of late, it's tough to find time to blog... But life has been good, hope it has been for you too! I do have some news...


I'm getting married!!! So now This southern prep must plan her very southern and preppy wedding!

Xo!

My Valentine's Gift!!

Michael and I already exchanged gifts, mostly because I was SO excited when his gift came in the mail, and he decided to give me mine before we went to dinner at our friends house yesterday.  Are we odd for not waiting until V-Day?  We'll do chocolates and what not on the day of, but we're always bad about giving our gifts early!!

Michael received this lovely Smathers and Branson wallet, that I have been so excited about!  It is adorable in person, the leather smells terrific, and has that slightly weathered look that real leather has.  I absolutely love it, and just couldn't wait to give it to him!  Michael is a golfer, hence the golf pattern, but there are many adorable designs.  Perfect wallet for a perfectly prep gent!  Find it here.

As for me...

Michael did very well, choosing these adorable Tiffany Bow Earrings.  I am so happy with them!  I hadn't even noticed them before, and was blown away by how perfect they are for me.  He told me that this way I'll always be able to wear my cute bows, even at the bank!  I am very grateful that he has always been so fantastic with jewelry, I am one lucky girl!!!

On the actual day of we have some fun plans, a guitar concert (classical) during lunch that his old instructor is giving!  And then a lovely dinner together and a romantic movie!  I just love spending time together, but every day ideally is a romantic time together!  

Have a lovely Valentine's day!

XX,

Brooke

Animal Love, and Animal Rights.

I am not normally one to rant on the internet about my feelings.  I'm especially not one to rant on facebook, and yet last night I did.  It wasn't about politics, or religion.  It was about animal rights, the one thing I cannot ignore.

The story was that a sorority sister was moving, and had to get rid of her cat.  This sort of thing always upsets me, but it is a reality.  I think she waited a bit to long to try and find her cat a home, as her deadline was tomorrow.  So after a post or two, another sorority sister began posting about how this kitty would be "turned out" if there wasn't a spot for her in time.  This upset me, and I luckily ran into the cat owner and let her know I was available to help in any way I could, and to let me know if something fell through.  The next day sorority sister number two posts a silly picture, labeling the kitty as a future "dumpster kitty" and I absolutely lost it.  I was horrified and disgusted that she could degrade this creature, who didn't deserve any of this and I let her know how disappointed and disgusted I was.  And no, I wasn't very nice about it either.  I don't curse, but I let her know exactly how truly horrible and wrong it was to say that it was the only option when I had specifically offered to help.  Such cruelty to animals I cannot tolerate in any way.  I have been rescuing animals since I was 5.  We would spend hours trying to catch kitties that had been "turned out" and were terrified and moments from death, we lost many animals, and our hearts broke every time.  But I will never stop believing that animals are the greatest source of love we can have in this world.

I hate when something like this happens, and I see the person in a very different and negative light.  There's really not much that can be done of it, the girl wrote to me such a self righteous message, and roommates of hers boasted of what a responsible pet owner she was, etc.  All I cared about was the cat, she was all that mattered.  Thankfully a home was found for her, I just couldn't believe how it all played out.  How differently you can see the world than someone else, it's just unbelievable.

Thanks for listening, it's been a long week.  However in a good news I was offered a position at the Bank I interviewed with and I am very, very excited.

XX,

Brooke

Valentines Day Wish List!!

So here are a few things I am hoping for, for V-Day.  Also, I think they are generally cute ideas, so you can steal from my list!  I love watches, as well as simple Tiffany pieces.  Oh, and that lovely ring is what I'm hoping for, although not such a big stone, I very much prefer smaller stones (half carat or less, I wear a size 4.5 in rings...).  I have tried on my PERFECT ring at the local Tiffany's, and I may mention a little too often for poor Michael.  I also love Smathers and Branson goodies, and the elephant is super cute and necessary for me to own soon!

Also by Smathers and Branson is this adorable little wallet (again, ELEPHANTS!).  I mean, this is an Elephant drinking a martini!  And, the Elephant is PINK!!!  I want this so bad...

And I also REALLY want a new watch.  And these grosgrain ribbon watches made by A. Tierney, are adorable and affordable at 38.00.  One of these and the little wallet would be pretty AWESOME.  But we shall see, it's just fun to wish, as long as the gift is thoughtful I will be happy--I love celebrating LOVE.

XX,

Brooke

Weekend Update!

Hello all you bloggers out there!  It's been a busy/crazy week for me.  I had a job interview on Wednesday,  which I was incredibly nervous about.  It's at a big company I'd really like to be with, great benefits, and wonderful potential to move up quickly.  The interview went very well, I really connected with the team leader who interviewed me, I met a few higher ups, and they told me they would be recommending me for the position--which then means an intensive background check before an official offer.  So I am excited, and also anxious just to make sure it actually really HAPPENS.  Especially since they suggested I give my notice at my current job, which is bittersweet anyway... So that's been my week, and in a bit I will post some Valentine's day gift ideas.  Oh and happy super bowl weekend... I am not a big football watcher, but I'm sure I will catch part of the game (in my peripheral vision...).

XOXO

Brooke

My Interview Outfit

My Interview Outfit by thissouthernprep featuring a silk blouse

So it turns out that when interviewing at a bank, ones interviewing outfit is pretty specific!!  I had to go suit shopping this weekend, which was interesting!  And I found one similar to the one shown, only it is charcoal gray (not big on black), and my top is from the J. Crew Haberdashery line, it is pink with cream stripes, and a white collar and cuffs.  I think it is a subtle preppy pop! Otherwise I am going to be very simple, I wear my seiko watch every day though mine is two toned, love my bean necklace and think it's very subtle, plus pearls are simple (though Michael thinks they may not be corporate, so perhaps silver ball studs).  I haven't given an outfit this much thought in quite a while!  They say it really matters how well you dress!  Oh plus, I exchanged a patterned vera bag for this more professional looking satchel!

Anyway, I am very nervous and also very excited!  It'll be fun to be in uptown Charlotte, in business attire, discussing very businessy things!  I'm honestly just glad to have this opportunity!!

It's been a busy week!

Sorry I haven't been able to post this week, next week will probably be more of the same as I am in the job hunting process and it's taking a LOT of my time.  First there was the networking, resume work, and then came information about interviews!  I am looking at positions at a bank (corporate) and have had a LOT of studying to do!  I'm happy to say I now have a great deal of understanding about mortgage loans among other things!  It's very exciting, but doesn't leave much time for blogging.

Not to mention, if I do get a new job, my free time will greatly decrease, and my daily attire will certainly be changing!

Anyway,
On a side note I have been a bit irritated this week with certain blogs I've recently kept up with.  I dislike the tendency on some blogs to just post pictures of themselves with no real content.  Just a list of what they wear, I enjoy the occasional post of this (don't care about prices of everything though...).  I don't think this is what blogging is about.  I look to blogs I admire, like The Daily Prep, and I see a blog like that as truly authentic...  Anyway, just a mini rant!

XX,
Brooke

The Hunger Games Trilogy

I have been reading these books NONSTOP for the last two and half days.  It was very difficult to convince myself to sleep.  I don't know if you have read them, I really hadn't even heard of them until all the hype about the movie began, but I loved them.  They are very violent, but I adored the story.  Have you read them?  Did you like them?  

Now I just can't wait for the movie!!!

Job Interview Outfit Ideas

Job Interview Outfit Ideas by thissouthernprep featuring a cableknit sweater

I have currently just begun the process of searching for a new job, and it is just LOTS of fun... We'll see what happens, I'm really just networking to see what I can find, my goal is to go back to school eventually (either my Masters in counseling or Law school...) but until then I need to make more money!!  Anyway, I was trying to think of what I might wear to an interview, and to work in a professional setting.  With my current position it doesn't matter what I wear, it's been a while since I've dressed professional.  It's not easy to figure out a preppy twist to it all, since to an interview I would just want to dress classically.  The good thing however, is that a preppy wardrobe is full of classic items that can be dressed up or down.  Button downs that I often wear untucked with jeans, can be tucked into dress slacks or a skirt.  Hopefully I'll have an interview to wear some of my ideas to soon!!

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!!

Pippa says hello!!

xx,

Brooke

Recent Lilly Loves

I am a big fan of Lilly Pulitzer prints.  Mostly because they are very feminine, and often just sugary sweet.  Preppy dressing can at times be alarmingly androgynous, Lilly can break this sort of thing up quite easily.  A simple outfit of chino shorts, a polo and flats looks very feminine with a lilly tote.  I just adore it.  However the prices are always a tad high, so until I (or Michael...) become a millionaire I lust from afar, find things on ebay, and occasionally save up!!  Also, I wish I had actually found something in my size during the Lilly sale!!  Maybe next time!  Anyway, here are some of my favorites:

I am a huge HUGE fan of Valentines day... and I would adore wearing this!  And I would of course wear it other times, because I'm generally a big fan of Love :).

Such a cute print: "Hotty Pink Love Bug", and the makeup bag is so structured, I adore it.  And for 38, it's a possible treat!  

Another Valentines option, over a simple white or pink shirt.  I love this so much and again if it wasn't 118.00, it would be MINE.  I just have a hard time parting with that much for a scarf, but we will see!!!  I just adore it, so sweet.

ALSO, Lilly is currently hosting the Sorority Print competition and Phi Mu is in the second round!!  Voting ends Monday, so VOTE FOR PHI MU!!!!  The voting is done Via facebook, at the Lilly page.

XX,

Brooke

Happy Weekend!!

Taken at Cowfish, a very popular restaurant here in Charlotte which has sushi, burgers, and burgushi!  I had a bento box with a mini burger, a spicy tuna roll, edamame, thai cucumbers, and sweet potato fries, interesting right??

I've spent my weekend doing a good bit of organizing, and listing things on ebay, etc.  I also saw Beauty and the Beast 3D!!!  It was absolutely amazing!  If you are a fan of Disney (classic) it is well worth seeing this wonderful movie in this form!  Loved it :)  It was also a lovely weekend for socializing, enjoying delicious Sushi, and having fun with friends!  I love weekends so very dearly!  Hope you had a great one!!

Nina Garcia's Ten Wardrobe basics

Last night I was reading a book a friend gave me for my birthday: "The Little Black Book of Style" by Nina Garcia (of project runway and Elle Magazine).  And I was struck by her list of ten wardrobe basics, the barebones of a good wardrobe.  I wasn't sure if I would agree with anything such a fashionable lady had written, but I was pleasantly surprised.  These barebones are essentials for classically dressed women everywhere.  Once you have these things, that is when you build, buying that adorable madras skirt, those interesting indian moccasins, that funky, chunky, pearl wrap necklace.  First, the essentials like a white button down and a trench must be found.  She spoke of a mans button down, which I have heard of before, but Ralph Lauren makes the same button down in women's sizes... I prefer the classic fit, which is looser, but still cut for a woman's body.

There is the trench, a wonderful jacket that can go with anything and everything.  I found mine at the Gap outlet, and had an acquaintance ask if it was Burberry!  I felt like I finally "got it" after that.  She also mentions cashmere cardigans and turtlenecks, how they can dress up anything and always work well.  A men's watch, which is the trend right now, and I have not felt like trying it, but perhaps this citizen watch could work.  My watch is actually a super tiny seiko, and I like not being the millionth person wearing a Michael Korz mans watch.  Denim she describes as being effortless, and a way to dress something down.  Ballet flats are essential when heels won't work.  Which to me is 99.9 % of the time, so we certainly don't agree there.  But I do agree that a pair of classic black heels is essential, after being gifted those pictured, I now see that spending a bit more on them makes them far more tolerable, also they look great with the Little Black dress, a staple of every young classic lady.  Diamonds I would probably replace with pearls, as I view diamonds a bit like Holly Golightly as they are for older women than I.  And finally a great bag that is NOT an it bag or even close, and I couldn't agree more there.

Glad to know she is giving women advice that I can agree with!  She goes on to describe buying with drama... and having MANY heels, and that is where I stopped reading, but I appreciated the refresher on the essentials and found it inspiring.

XX,

Brooke

Vera Bradley Spring 2012

I am SO excited for the spring 2012 patterns from Vera Bradley...  Michael suggested a break from Vera back in August, and I have obeyed!  I received one bag for Christmas from a friend who didn't like me being banned :) but other than that, I have been very good resisting temptation!  However there are some new styles I absolutely need!!  They come out January 19th but are available on the website check them out here!

Mostly I am excited about the new styles, the "Laura" and the two new wristlets, and new "essential cosmetic" are calling my name.  However, hoping I'll like the summer colors too... Although the color Ellie Blue with the elephants is adorable, I picked up a bag in that back in August!  I wish I could find some cute photos that would actually load!  Anyway, you'll just have to check out the new styles yourself if you're interested!!

I was contemplating southern preppy style versus northern, and one thing I thought of was Vera.  While Vera is seen north of the mason dixon, I feel it works a lot better in the south.  The quilted cotton bags work well in the hotter climates, where leather and other materials just fall short.  They are light weight, bright, and feminine.  I think they work very well for the climate and lifestyle of the Carolinas.

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

I am a big fan of all things pumpkin in the fall and winter.  There is just something warm and cozy about the flavor, and I am always a big fan of chocolate, so this recipe is a no brainer with me.  Plus, it is the best pumpkin bread I have found.  After a week it will still be moist!

Ingredients:

3 Cups white sugar

1 Can pumpkin puree

1 Cup veg oil

2/3 Cup water

4 Eggs

3 1/2 Cups Flour

1 Table spoon cinnamon

1 Table spoon nutmeg

2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Bake at 350 for 1 hour (depending on oven temps you can look at the top of the bread to determine if it needs another ten to fifteen)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Grease and flour three 9 by 5 loaf pans.

2. In a large bowl combine sugar, pumpkin, oil, water and eggs.  Beat until smooth.  Blend in flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.  Fold in chocolate chips.

3.  Bake 1hr or until inserted knife comes out clean.

These breads make a great gift, and they also freeze very well!  Let me know if you make it/like it!!!

XX,

Brooke

Vintage Dooney and Bourke!

My friend is very into shopping at thrift stores in her free time--something I often benefit from!!  I simply do not posses the same level of patience, I enjoy finding a bargain but I get tired of thrifting pretty quick!  I do however enjoy consignment stores a good bit more... Anyhow, I told my friend H, that I was hunting for Vintage Dooney and Coach, and look what she found!!

Dooney and Bourke BOAT SHOES.  Holy cow, I can't believe she found these, and they are in great condition!!  They are very stiff too, I'm guessing they weren't worn very much!  I'm excited to wear them, although I'm not sure how to rock them, I believe it'll be easier in the summer, whatever way I'm very excited!!

The bag is a little bigger than the one I borrowed from Michael's Mom, although it does not stand up, oh well it's in great condition, as is the wallet!  Oh I am so thrilled :)

XX,

Brooke

Beautiful Southern Day!!

This week has been the first cold week we've had so far in NC, with temps in the twenties in the mornings rising only a bit when the sun comes out. I'm not sure I could survive in New England!! But today however is gorgeous! I am loving this balmy 61 degree day!!! Finally a warm day to wear a bright yellow polo I got for Christmas!!

I love this warm weather, but I hope it snows soon! Also I'm back to work after a glorious two weeks off...

XO,
Brooke

Happy New Year!!

As I reflect on 2011 and dream about my hopes for 2012, I thought I'd try to capture my year in pictures (somewhat).  2011 was a pretty good year, it was my first year entirely out of school, Michael graduated, got a job, and we finally got our own place!!  We also got two wonderful kitties, I got a new car... many nice things have happened!!  But I have high hopes and expectations for 2012!!  This is going to be a good year for me, I can just feel it!!

Early January sporting some bangs!

In April Michael lettered me, right before he went Alum!  This is a big deal in the Greek world, it means I'm allowed to wear Pi Kappa Phi letters and must be treated with the same respect (or more) that a brother gets.  Pledges will always see my name in the list of ladies they must know of!!  It was just a wonderful memory, and a great way to enjoy our last college formal.

May Michael graduated!!

 Spring/Summer I began to learn to play golf!

4th of July spent on the boat, wonderful!!

This wall seperated the Pi Kappa Phi and Phi Mu houses... And greek row was sadly torn down this summer, so we took some photos together before it was gone!!  Many memories of walking to this area of Campus.  I remember running down when I got my bid... and the magic of it all.  And then later on, often walking with Michael hand in hand to Chapter every week.  I will never forget those houses!!

In August my cousin got married!!!  Also in the picture is her brother :)

September: A nice night out in Flat Rock!!  

October: We met Charlie, who came to us so skinny!!

He filled out nicely!!  

November: We meet out little Pippa!!

December: I turn 24!  Wow I am old!!

Oh and Christmas was also lovely :)

All in all, it's been a lovely year!  I'm always excited about new beginnings, so I'm happy it's a new year.  I plan on really working on improving myself, inside and out.  Being more positive, and happy.  I also want to blog, read, and take more pictures!!

XX,

Brooke