Rush Bag Prep for 2024

 Hey there princess!

With Rush 2024 on it's way, I know that a lot of girls are prepping their Rush bags for the week. I went through Rush in Winter 2009, and became a Kappa Alpha Theta at Baylor University. My experience was incredibly positive, and I am aware that things today are different than they were back when I went through Rush. 

When I went through Rush we all wore our winter coats (Baylor Rush still takes place in January) and purses aren't allowed in the room. My solution was to keep a lipstick, pocket mirror, ID, and my Motorola Razr in my coat pocket and leave it outside of each room (Baylor also doesn't have houses). Below are some ideas of what I would use as a Rush bag if I were to go though Rush today, and some essentials I would keep in the bag. Please keep in mind that I am not being paid to advertise any of these items, they are just things I really like!

RIBBON STRAW ZIP-TOP TRAVEL TOTE

MONOGRAM MARY FRINGE BAG

ITALIAN CANVAS ZIP TOTE

CANVAS ZIP-TOP TOTE

These are just a few examples of some bags that I think would be great for Rush (and for college students in general) because they:

A. All have zippers

B. Are all customizable 

In a sea of girls tossing around a bunch of identical bags that they bought on Amazon Prime day all over the place, you want to make sure that your items are secure, and that your bag is easily identifiable. 

Now.... as far as things to put in your bag...

There is one item that I think is absolutely essential, and that I will recommend again and again and again, and that is this Chanel lip product (my favorite shade is Sensual Rose). I have worn these liquid lipsticks for YEARS, and I am not kidding when I say that they last ALL DAY. It is a great product, and is pretty much the only thing I will wear on my lips. 

LE ROUGE DUO ULTRA TENUE

Tide Pen Stain Remover for Clothes

Hand Sanitizer (this one is super cute and trendy)

Tic Tacs (I like these mini boxes - perfect for any purse/travel bag)

Band-aids (get your skin tone - this is not the time for Hello Kitty. You want your personality to stand out, not your blisters)

Cough Drops (you will lose your voice by the end of the week, DO NOT CHEW GUM)

I love Airborn - try your best not to get sick!

These claw clips are cute, and can keep your hair from getting frizzy/sweaty walking from one party to the next. Get this set of four so if someone asks to borrow one, they can just keep it and you'll still have extra!

LES BEIGES

l absolutely love this pressed powder. There is a mirror in there as well so you can check your makeup throughout the day. Keep in mind the coverage is light! 

Sparkle on!

What I Would Wear to Rush in 2024

 Hey there princess!

I went through Rush in the Winter of 2009, and was absolutely thrilled to be part of the Kappa Alpha Theta new member class that year. My time in Theta was some of the most fun of my life, and I love looking back through that special Rush experience at this time every year. 

I remember spending months looking through shops and trying on clothes with my mom so that I looked absolutely perfect every single day from my clothes, to my shoes, to my accessories. If you're interested in hearing all about that experience, please let me know! I would love to share!

If I were going through Rush as a freshman today, I have selected a few different items that I think would look timeless and lovely on any young girl today. When selecting outfits, I think it's important to choose something that is classic, something that you can see yourself wearing again and again, and something that can help you stand out in the other girl's memories. I have linked a few things below, and I would love hearing all about what you are wearing!

Simon Miller Albers Knit Mini Dress

Corey Lynn Calter Sleeveless A-Line Mini Dress

Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese Audrey Drop-Waist Midi Dress

Hutch Halter Allover Bows Stretch Crepe Mini Dress

Sachin & Babi Georgia Square-Neck Striped Taffeta Mini Dress

Lilly Pulitzer x Badgley Mischka Willa Halter Dress

Maeve Ribbon Pencil Midi Skirt

Some tips before you head to campus to start going through rush:

DO: Try on all of your outfits at home before you leave. This means the whole outfit including shoes. Walk around in your shoes, and make sure that you have all of the right undergarments selected for each outfit. Make sure your bra straps don't show, and be sure to pack shape wear.

DON'T: Share your outfits with your friends. While you might be excited about your new clothes with your new roommate, or other girls that you know are going through Rush with you, please refrain. The last thing you want is to start stressing about comparing yourself to others. I have also had bad experiences in the past with girls asking to borrow my clothes and returning them in less-than-stellar condition.

DO: Make sure to get recommendation letters submitted to each sorority that you are going to parties for. You want to make sure to put your best foot forward, and rec letters are the top way to do this. 

DON'T: Wear perfume at parties. In a room packed with girls, you want everyone to focus on the awesome things you have to say - not feel overwhelmed by all of the different perfumes that don't mesh all together. Focus on a high-strength deodorant (it can be hot and stuffy in those parties, and you don't want pit-stains) and nothing with too strong of a scent. You want them to remember you - not your smell. 

Sparkle on!

Cinderella-Inspired Prom Dresses - Meet Me At Midnight

 Hey there princess!

Prom season is upon us, and I have seen so many gorgeous gowns on the market! Attending prom was such fun part of my high school experience, and I drew inspiration from my favorite Disney Princess, Ariel, when selecting my dress. For me, the goal when selecting a dress for any event is to choose something that I can look back at photos of in ten years and not feel completely mortified by how dated I look. Simple, classic, and elegant are all elements that make a dress a great investment. 

Looking at the options for this year, I thought there were tons of gorgeous gowns that would be perfect for a Cinderella-inspired look! Cinderella is such a classic princess, and the blue of her ballgown would look perfect on anyone! Pair it with some glass slippers, and you'll have any wicked stepsisters out there green with envy! Prom is such a special time - who knows, the next time you step into a floor-length gown may be on your wedding day! Make this dress count!

Don't forget to give the prince your digits, and try to be home by midnight!

Selkie The Ritz Dress

Mac Duggal Strapless Bow Mermaid Dress

Sachin & Babi Pryce Dress

Illusion Long Sleeve Embellished Gown

Badgley Mischka Collection Embellished Dress

Glitter One-Shoulder Ombre Gown

Marchesa Textured Organza Ball Gown

Mac Duggal Sequin Sleeveless V Neck Gown

Rickie Freeman for Ter Jon Ruffle Gown

Beaded Sequin Cap Sleeved Dress

Hey there Book Club!

Hey there princess!

I have something very very special to announce today. After months of hard work and preparation I am pleased to announce that I will be starting a vintage book club with you!



Image via @bluestockingbookshelf

Each month there will be vintage book packages available via my Etsy shop (click here) which you can purchase. Then, we will be going through the books together here on my blog. I can't wait to see what you all think of this project and how much fun we will have together.

We will be focusing on one specific book each month, and next Tuesday I will be announcing the text we will go through during the month of February and listing the books for sale on Etsy. Be sure to order yours in time to start the study with us on February 1st!

Man Crush Monday: John Wayne

Hey there princess!

John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison (1907 - 1979), was an American actor and filmmaker famous for his portrayal of the classic cowboy.



While working as a prop boy, Wayne was discovered by director Raoul Walsh who cast him in The Big Trail (1930) and gave him his new name. The film was a flop, but audiences loved Wayne and his career in B movie horse operas took off as a result. His first real success as an actor was with Stagecoach (1939), after which he was afforded the opportunity to star in numerous box office successes, even winning an Academy Award for True Grit (1969). He also earned the nickname "Duke."



Biographer Ronald Davis said, "John Wayne personified for millions the nation's frontier heritage. Eighty-three of his movies were Westerns, and in them he played cowboys, cavalrymen, and unconquerable loners extracted from the Republic's central creation myth." Certainly, Wayne meant more to America than a gunslinger on the big screen. He was a larger-than-life icon that symbolized the values and ideals of his country.



Get a guy like John:

• Aims high
• Shoots straight
• Has a faithful steed
• Works hard
• Has a cool nickname