Spring Cleaning (DIY Hunter Boots Clean)

So my best investment in college has defiantly been both my Bean Boots and my Hunter Boots.
I lived in these puppies the entire winter battling snow, slush, ice and rain. Unfortunately, my original gloss tall hunter boots got some wear and tear, but no worries.. it was an easy DIY fix
all you need is a couple household items.

      
• olive oil
•  & a soft cloth

Directions:
I simply just rubbed my boots in a circular motion until they were spick-and-span. I didn't have to use much olive oil. After this, I used a clean wet cloth to rub the excess oil off and TADA! glossy new boots!

Before

Left has been cleaned

                                                               
                                                            Clean and Sparkly

I was so satisfied with my results a quick and easy fix!

Have you tried to clean your boots another way??

This Lilly Pulitzer for Target Debacle thats got my head spinnng

So as many of you may have heard on April 19th, Lilly Pulitzer will partner with Target to sell a variety of pieces in store and online. The line will include house-wears, accessories, clothes, and etc. Sounds like a dream come true right?

Well for some this is a nightmare....

Lets start off by explaining how Lilly Pulitzer even became Lilly Pulitzer,

• She turned juice stained shifts into cute little dresses at her juice stand.. ...   A JUICE STAND PEOPLE
• With the help of a high school friend Jackie Kennedy Lilly's Dresses became a phenomenon.
• Lilly Pulitzer became a resort wear icon to the colorful and preppy audience.

In the last ten years however Lilly has become a social fad adopted by many people who label themselves as "preppy" From sorority girls to southern belles, Lilly Pulitzer is an expected wardrobe staple.

With the news that Target and Lilly were partnering up, I expected an exciting response. I mean Lilly is pricey, target is the best.... like hello.... match made in heaven.
However social media comments have been absolutely ridiculous, people are saying that this is going to cheapen the brand, you know the one that started from a juice stand.. And that they wont feel the exclusivity that only those who can afford Lilly share.

GET YOUR ELITIST HEADS OUT OF YOUR DERRIERE

I have bought several Lilly pieces, on sale and regular price, I have spent quite a few dollars on these pieces. But never in a million years would I post about how " I don't wanna see someone poor wearing Lilly because its only for people who can afford it" how ridiculous are these people.

 Lilly is pricey but its not nearly as pricey as some of the other brands that have partnered with target,, lets look at companies such as Missoni, DVF, Tory Burch. These are all established designers whose sale prices look like Lilly's most expensive prices. How do these people have the audacity to get angry about this partnership?

I've also read many remarks about how "real" Lilly wearers are angry because they think that the expansion of the brand will shatter the intimacy within the group of Lilly lovers. And that it will be too large to appreciate.                         I get this....to a point.

 It is nice to have something you feel a part of and I often get compliments when I wear my Lilly garments out. However, whats so wrong about spreading the love? This brand is something to be celebrated and now those who haven't gotten access to it before can now finally reach it.
For example my closest Lilly store is 45 minutes away, my closest target... 5 minutes. This accessibility will help spread the brand name and make Lilly more popular.

Another complaint I've heard is... "People won't even know they are wearing Lilly Products and they wont appreciate it!" Or "They will think that their Lilly for Target is just as good as my "Real Lilly!" If your so worried about this know that Lilly is using exclusive fabrics for the collaboration so you'll know the difference, but it shouldn't matter. Maybe everyone could be a little nicer and know that this will only expand the brand's audience and hopefully open more Lilly Stores..

THIS will only help the brand DOES NO ONE GET THAT!!!

I'm beyond excited for this collaboration and don't understand all the negativity circling this topic.

What is your stance on this controversial topic?

DIY Valentine

So Valentines day is approaching and personally diy gifts are my favorite for this holiday. After birthdays, Christmas, and anniversary's I'm usually all out of gift ideas. So for Valentines day I turn to something a little more from the heart and a little more crafty.

Here are some personal favorite DIY ideas:

1. Countdown to Valentines Day

I did this two years ago. Leading up to Valentines Day I had fourteen different gifts all with something punny. It gets your gf/bf something to look forward to each day. Drew was always excited to see what was next.

2. Man Bouquet/Bucket

Filled with things like cigars,candy,little notes,and Hershey kisses, this can be a fun comparison to a bouquet of flowers

( I actually did this for our 3 year anniversary 2 years ago)

3. Things "I love about you"

I've done this as well but adapted,I used a deck of cards and wrote 52 different things I loved about my boyfriend. You can also write it in letter format or put it in a jar like this one....

4. Date Ideas

I think this was one of my most favorite DIY's I wrote 50 different date ideas on pop-sickle sticks and then whenever we were stumped we would go to the date jar!

5. Dinner in and a low key night

Last year we got bombed with snow around Valentine's Day so driving wasn't an option. So Drew and I ordered in takeout, dressed up, and had a nice dinner together in my apartment. It was such a relaxing and fun valentines night. If I had more time to plan I would have made dinner for him something that anyone appreciates... a nice home-cooked meal.

What are you doing for your special someone this year?

Thrifting Tips and Tricks

So I've had many people ask me how I find such good deals at thrift stores. Several people tell me they  get too overwhelmed and feel like things are cluttered in thrift stores.

So I'm here to share some of my secrets!!!

1. Location, Location, Location

• Many people have taken thrifting as a "fad" while others like myself enjoy it as a hobby. So the more popular ares will likely have fewer hidden jewels and will be completely picked over.

2. Good Label, Bad Label

•  Okay so here is my method, If I buy something from a consignment store, it's going to be a nice brand or it's not worth it. If it isn't constructed well, there is no point. Because it might be already to worn to survive any more laundry days. So to look for these brands I literally just look at the labels in the clothes as I flip through them rapidly. If it isn't something that catches my eye, its not worth it. 

3. Check the Off-Season Racks

•  I've already written a post about how much I love off-season shopping, and the same works in consignment stores. I often look for things such as shorts in the winter because many people get rid of their off season clothes when they are switching their closets over for the new season. So thus these racks are often jam packed with over looked goodies

4. Be Patient!

• You have to devote time to thrifting. I've had luck and not had to look hard, but often when I've found my best garments they have been searched for thoroughly.

Some of my favorite finds have been:
Ralph Lauren Evening Gown ( post to come soon!!!)
My Patagonia Rain Jacket
Ralph Lauren Puffer Vest
Jack Rogers
Lilly Pulitzer Blouse and Shorts
Jcrew Seersucker Cocktail Dress
Banana Republic Blouse
Marc Jacobs Purse
Kate Spade Clutch

At The Desk of "The Practical Prep".

Currently seeking some inspiration and whenever I get into blogging mode I always like to have a certain spot to contain my thoughts. My desk is a montage of some cute quotes, fun cards, stickers, and bright colors that bring me joy. Here is a inside look at what my desk looks like.

Desktop Wallpaper courtesy of Carly from The College Prep, American Flag courtesy of moi!

I love having my Lilly tumbler around for easy hydration! And a picture of Drew to make me smile...Is that corny? Along with my Kate Spade box full of stationary for quick and easy thank you notes, and a monogrammed pad for times when I need to jot down thoughts!

I always have my  most recent nail polish out on my acrylic tray (Monogrammed of course!), my OPI fast drying drops, and my sparkly nail file to fix those stubborn broken nails.

Some of my favorite brands, a  Lilly quote, last years Dance calendar, 'A LA ME on the front! And a note from my cast from my choreography piece last fall.

THRIFT FIND ALERT!!!! *** WARNING!!!! MAJOR DEAL*****

Okay wanna hear something CRAZY! I was shopping at my local Goodwill, I have one in particular that I literally ALWAYS find something at, and BAM! out of no where I find a ......

                              BRAND SPANKING NEW PATAGONIA RAIN JACKET.....IN MY SIZE!

This was one of those times that I literally couldn't stop laughing, this jacket usually runs about
    $ 130-140  so you can imagine my joy when I found it. It was in perfect condition and upon further inspection, it was noted that it had never been worn. And guess how much it was...

7 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!

Did you hear that

7 dollars!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Okay rant over now! Here's What it looks like!

Now I'm just waiting for a rainy day to style it with my Hunters!

To Outlet? Or Not to Outlet?

The Practical Prep here! I have gone on quite a few post-Christmas shopping trips. Recently Drew and I headed down to Williamsburg to the Williamsburg Prime Outlets to do some shopping. While I was there I was thinking to myself.. Are outlets really worth all the hubub?

My Answer. Kinda

I usually find one or two things when I go down there, I usually take a trip after thanksgiving to look at possible Christmas gifts. Last year, I bought all of my friends Kate Spade socks and bangles from the Kate Spade Outlet. However, When I ventured to Marshalls I found the same socks for about 4 dollars less. And Kate Spade Bangles, you can find for the same price at your local Nordstrom Rack. This is the same for Ralph  Lauren shirts.

Now I did buy one Ralph Lauren Pink V-neck tee when I went on the most current trip. And Drew racked up on sweaters, long-sleeve tees- and v-necks. But I honestly think you can find most of those things at Marshalls and Tjmaxx..

However, My best find was at.... Jcrew Factory Outlet. I do believe that Jcrew has one of the best outlet stores. On top of most of their sales I can add my 20% student discount by showing my ID so that makes it even more fantastic of a deal. When I went to Jcrew Factory Outlet this time they were having a 50% off clearance for the entire store. can someone say HALLELUJAH!!! I found two awesome basic shirts for 5 dollars.... did you catch that... 5 dollars.. I could have spent hours in the store but Drew and I had limited time so I just bought a couple basic tees and departed.

Jcrew's clothes are not the easiest to find other than at consignment stores, so I think this outlet store is worth the travel, especially when they are having a store sale or clearance event.

Another advantage I personally have at these outlet stores are the GAP brands. With my employee discount I get an additional 30% off at  GAP, Old Navy, or Banana Republic. So when things are already marked down 80% off I feel like I'm stealing it!!! I bought a really cute sweater for around 10 bucks and its already become my new favorite.

All in all I say outlet stores are only sometimes worth the trek. I am an avid shopper at stores such as Marshalls and TJ Maxx who usually carry many of the brands I like to wear at cheaper prices than the outlets. The only downfall is that they do not have as large of a variety nor do they have as many size options. So my advice...Look at the stores before hand and see if they have a additional promotion going on then take the trek and HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

 This is my new fav sweater! styled with my Jcrew Bangle, Jcrew Scarf, black jeans, and new Boots!

And these were the 5 dollar basic tees, originally 30 dollars! I got one in white and one in a tan color.