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