Interview Time!

First of all happy Friday everyone! We made it! This week all I can say is that I deserve some ice-cream and a good book as compensation for the stress I endured. Anyways, I thought that for today's post I would interview one of my good friends aFk and ask her some questions about her preppy lifestyle! But before I do, I will introduce my subject!

aFk

This is my fav gal aFk! She is an absolute gem and I am so happy that I am interviewing her for today's post. I know that I have mentioned this in previous posts, but we are literally two preppy peas in a pod. Her wardrobe is always to die for and I always find myself lusting after one piece or another. She has a slight obsession with monogramming things, and when I say slight obsession I mean she monograms anything that moves. She currently lives in South Carolina where she is attending culinary school. She hopes to open her own bakery someday, and has promised to send me free goodies as soon the day it opens! Well that's it for the introductions, let's get to the questions!

QUESTION #1: What are some items that every preppy girl should have in her closet this summer? Are there any staples that you can't live without?

"I think that every girl should have a few Oxfords, a good pair of flats (I love my Tory Burch ones), various Jack Rogers, some good belts (my fav are the skinny leather belts from Jcrew and quite a few chinos from Jcrew. They should also have an assortment of Lilly dresses, a collection of cardigans, and at least one good pair of jeans. Some of my favourite jeans are Joe's, Seven For All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity. The items that I mentioned above are staples in my closet and I don't know what I would do without my trusted Jcrew chinos! I also think that every girl should have a statement piece, and my maxi dress is just that. It is my favourite because I bought it when I was with lRn and because it is one of the bolder items in my closet! It is such a fun outfit to break out for special occasions" 

QUESTION #2: What does being preppy mean to you?
"To me preppy means staying true to the classics! It means that my look is timeless. Fifteen years from now my oxfords will still be in style . It means buying good quality items because you want them to last forever. I mean what little girl wouldn't want a Lilly dress that her mother purchased years ago (and with quality items this sort of thing is definitely achievable)! It is about your attitude and the way that you carry yourself. For instance, there is no sense in dressing well if you have a poor attitude!"

QUESTION #3: What are your favourite preppy stores to shop at? What was your last purchase?

"One of my favourite stores to shop at is Jcrew! Every time I am in there I seriously want to buy everything in sight! I also love Ann Taylor, Nordstroms, and small local boutiques. The last item that I bought was a pair of yellow chinos from Jcrew (go figure!)"

QUESTION #4: I asked aFk to put together her ideal preppy outfit and here it is:

-Pink Naomi top (Jcrew),
-White matchstick jeans (Jcrew)
-Gold thong sandals (Tory Burch)
-Drop pearl earrings
-Watch (Michael Kors)
-Cuff (David Yurman)
-Cross body (Kate Spade)

QUESTION #5: What are some preppy items that you are currently lusting over?

"I am currently obsessed with Michael Kors watches! I am absolutely dying to have one! lRn has a Tory Burch side bag that I want! I would also love a different VV tote, and as I said above I lust over just about anything and everything that I find in the Jcrew store!"

I hope you all enjoyed hearing aFk's preppy essentials! What are some things you think that every prep should have?

xoxo,
lRn

While The Parents Are Away, The Kids Will Play

So this summer as you guys all know I have been really busy working! I work at BCBG but in addition to that I also babysit! The activities that I do with the kids varies on a day to day basis. One day can consist of just staying at home and making crafts or baking cookies, while another day I may be required to take them to karate practice, the local amusement park or a doctor's appointment. That being said my agenda for the day usually dictates what I wear! Here are a few looks that I have put together that showcase my babysitting outfits from day to day!

OUTFIT #1:On the far left is pretty much my everyday outfit. This look is super easy to throw on. The cotton Polo t shirt keeps me cool in the summer when I am running around after the kids and Jcrew Chino shorts are my favourite! As for the shoe, what outfit would be complete without my trusted platinum Jack Rogers! 

OUTFIT #2:The second outfit is something that I might wear if I was required to take the kids somewhere important like the doctors office, preschool or even out to dinner. This Jcrew ruffle top is super simple but I love how I look put together at the same time! I also love my dark Jcrew toothpick jeans for occasions like this! Sometimes I will even roll them up to make them into capris! As for my sandals I often alternate between my Jacks and my black patent leather Tory Burch ones.

OUTFIT #3:Look number three is all about comfort! This is something I would wear if I was crafting with the kids at home or if I was taking them to the country club to swim. I won't be too hot in this outfit and if I get wet or messy it's no big deal! If I am not wearing an actual workout shirt I will often wear a Hanes cotton v neck. They are so soft and great for days when crafts might get a bit out of hand! On my bottom half I will often either wear a tennis skirt or norts, it really just depends on what is clean at the time! Last but not least I am obsessed with Rainbows and don't know what I would do without them. They are my go to flip flop and I have them in brown and tan. I will usually just slip on whichever ones I find first!

JEWELRY:I put my everyday jewelry on here because regardless of where I am going I will always be sure to be wearing these items. Plain pearl earrings (every preppy girls staple). My Tiffany tennis bracelet is always on my wrist. I feel naked without it, I even ride with it on. I also wear a Tiffany ring on my right middle right finger and then a promise ring on my left ring finger. The Tiffany ring just says T and Co on it and then my promise ring is something that my parents and I had made (it was an 18th birthday present).

Those are a couple of looks that I really enjoy! What about you guys, do you have any go to outfits?

xoxo,

lRn

Rosie Pope

Babies, babies and more babies! A few days ago I went to go visit an old family friend kTl and her newborn baby. He was so cute! We talked for a good two hours about anything and everything. She is such a good mother and her style is fabulous! I must say the first thing that I noticed when I walked in the door was her cute but laid back outfit! She looked wonderful and I honestly couldn't even tell that she had just had a baby. I think one of the things that I admire most is that she didn't let her pregnancy affect how she dressed! So that being said, our topic for today is one of my favourite tv shows, Pregnant in Heels! 

I don't know if any of you have ever watched the show, but it is great! I love how cute Rosie always looks and it doesn't hurt that she is absolutely hilarious.

The show basically centers around her and how she helps new mummies, she helps them get adjusted to life with a young one. She is basically like a guardian angel and is there to fulfill any of their crazy requests! For example, on today's the show a gay couple (who might I add were absolutely fabulous!) wanted Rosie's help to find a signature colour for their daughter on the way. However the colour under no circumstances could be pink because that colour belonged to their first daughter Keke. So Rosie  worked her magic and brought in these paint specialists who had the family squirt all different types of paint on a huge canvas on the floor. Apparently this was supposed to subconsciously help them pick a colour!  Weird I know, but I think the real concern should be that their new born is going to have their own signature colour. I mean a signature colour,  Really? Like I said these parents are crazy (it might also have to do with the fact that this was in LA). Now as much as I love the couples on Pregnant in Heels, I must say my obsession with being a cute mummy to be started with these lovely ladies:

Charlotte York of course is on here because she is the epitome of a cute mummy to be! I mean how adorable is that pink jacket!

What type of person would I be if I didn't mention the lovely Bree Van De Kamp from Desperate housewives! I mean her style was classic throughout her whole pregnancy! I loved how she wore dresses a lot of the time. 

All I can say is that I hope I am as fabulous as these women when I am at that stage in my life. 

xoxo,

lRn

Friends Forever You And Me

Have you ever thought about what life would be like without your friends? How much less fun every day would be if you didn't have someone to call or text? Well today I was thinking about just that and I realised that without my friends I would be completely lost. They encourage me, listen to me, make me laugh and most importantly help keep me grounded. I know that I don't tell my friends each and everyday just how much I appreciate them and I should! But here are some photos of the important people in my life (some may be old!)

sLm

This picture is from my first night at University! sLm and eFn were my next door neighbours! We all decided to go to the Welcome back barbecue together that night because we didn't really know anyone (they are both southern belles from Texas). Who knew that we would become such good friends 9 months later. This was the day after bid day I think! Who knew we were KKG's and KAT's in the making!

KerBear

This is one of my best friends Kerbear (that is not her real name that is just what I call her) I miss her so much and now that we go to school in different states it is hard to see her! This was us at our senior prom!

aSd

 This is my friend aSd! I don't know what I would do without her! She is my go to girl whenever I was stressed at school! We met during bid day too! KAT sisters!

aFk

This is me and my fav gal aFk! She and I are two preppy peas in a pod! I love her and let me tell you I don't know what I would do without her! (Life would probably be so boring but when I think about it my parents credit card bill might not be so high...)

gSm & Lilly

One of my best friends gSm. This is us on our senior trip! We had so much fun together as you can tell from us giggling and I miss her a lot! She goes to school in South Carolina but I never feel too out of touch because we always Skype and call each other!

fWm

This is my other half. fWm and I met during our sophomore year of high school! We actually met during a new student orientation. She had just moved here from Switzerland too! We weren't friends in Geneva but it turns out that our schools were right down the street from each other. Our schools were both international the only difference was I was in the french section at my school so all my classes were in french and she was in the english section at hers!

eFn

Last but not least this is eFn! She is literally the goofiest person I know. She gave me so many laughs this year! From taking selflies on my phone in the laundry room to wearing my clothes to class without my knowledge. I distinctly remember hearing one of our floor advisors compliment her as she walked down the hallway to our rooms. As she walked down the hall towards me I came to realise that the outfit she was wearing was mine....That happened a lot but what are friends for!

Aren't friends the best,
lRn

Having A Whale Of A Time!

Hi everyone, sorry about not posting regularly for the last week. I got really busy with work and then other things with friends. Anyways I am back and hope to be posting regularly from here on out! On today's agenda is Vineyard Vines. They are one of my favourite stores and I can always count on them for the basics. Here are some items I am in loving!

Navy blue baseball cap!

Not a great picture but you see the cap!

I currently have this cap. I bought it 2 years ago when I went on my senior spring break trip with my friends to Atlantis! It has served me well and is a little more worn than I would like but I love it and would definitely recommend this cap to anyone!

Mini Whale Tote

 I have this tote except mine is in the regular size. I love this tote and use it to carry my books to class! I can't tell you how many compliments I have received on this specific bag. People always ask me where I got it! It is definitely one of my favourite vineyard vines items.

Navy critter shorts

Who doesn't love critter shorts! These navy blue gems will go great with a white polo or even a tank top. These whales definitely jazz up your typically chinos.

Seersucker Skirt

I am loving the pink bow on the side. This skirt would be great for a dinner date or even to wear to class on a hot summer day!

Madras leather flip flops

I am loving the madras on these flip flops! I had a pair of these a couple of years ago. I picked them up when I went to watch the Rolex three day event in Kentucky. I bought my regular size at the time, but they ended up stretching out so they became way too big in the end. If I ever bought another pair I would probably order a size down and see how that worked for me. So what are you waiting for! Run over to your local Vineyard Vines store or go online and look for some great items for yourself! Today is the last day to take 25% off using the code friend12 at checkout.

Happy Shopping,
lRn

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge

Today it's all about The Royal Family! I seriously cannot get enough of them, especially the newest addition Catherine! I think particularly in today's world, that every young girl needs someone that they can look up to, and she is the perfect role model. From the day she and William announced their engagement I knew that she would make a wonderful princess. She is extremely poised and gracious, knows how to speak well and has great fashion sense! And by fashion sense I mean that her wardrobe doesn't just consist of  short shorts and tank tops. She is an all around good girl, and in a world full of Snooki's and Kim K's I really think it's safe to say that Catherine is a breath of fresh air. 

Waving to the masses

Looking beautiful in pink

I really like how Kate has made looking classy cool again. Her conservative, yet flattering fashion choices really go to show that looking classy does not mean you have to look old. I also have always thought that wearing an outfit that most of my peers deem "conservative" is much better than wearing next to nothing to be cool.

Completely covered up and still stunning

Couldn't have picked a better outfit myself!

So Kate here's to you! Thank you for being the wonderful woman that you are and for showing us that looking classy is a look that any young girl can achieve! William is lucky to have you! What do you guys think? Do you agree?

xoxo,

lRn

My Make Up Bag

This week, for my first post, I thought i'd start by talking about make up. I am quite weird when it comes to make up I have been told. For the longest time growing up, especially in middle school, I did not wear make up. Firstly, I didn't know anything about it and secondly because I wasn't allowed. My mother was not fond of her 11 year old daughter potentially traipsing around school looking like a girl from Toddlers and Tiara's. So by the time high school rolled around I wasn't really concerned with wearing it. I also went to an all girls private school (uniforms included) so that might have played a part in my nonchalance regarding make up products. Thankfully that no make up phase in my life is over and I am proud to say that I am now a make up fiend. Here is part of my routine and some of the products that I wear from day to day.

Moisturizing is key! I use the Clinique one that you see above! Another one of my favourites is Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Complex lotion!

After moisturizing my next item is cover up for the bags under my eyes! I highly recommend the Smashbox brand! It blends in great with my tinted moisturizer and is my go to stick!

Tinted Moisturizer

Next is foundation or something along those lines. This tinted moisturizer is wonderful. I always get compliments on how pretty my skin is when I use it. Your face has a natural glow to it when you put this product on and because it's so light it is super easy to wear everyday! Plus it has SPF 20 already mixed in so as far as sun protection goes you are good to go! I also alternate between this tinted moisturizer and a heavier foundation from Bobbi Brown. Bobbi Brown was the first make up that I ever used (it is my mothers go to store) and so in the winter when I am looking for something heavier I find myself switching back depending on the day.

As for blush I tend to go with Bobbi Brown! I have it in the apricot colour shown above! Sometimes i'll also use a blush from Smashbox. It is actually just a really glimmer eye shadow but I loved it so much better as a blush so I use it as that instead. Sadly they don't make it anymore so I think that I will have to ration.

As for Mascara I have been using Sephora's Outrageous Volume. It has worked really well but to be honest I don't really mind where I buy my mascara from. I personally think they all work pretty much the same and some of my favourite brands happen to be ones that come from the supermarket! I think Covergirl's lash blast is phenomenal!

The most recent addition to my make up collection is Bare Minerals. I bought it to wear in the summer time when temperatures reach around 90 degrees. I love my tinted moisturizer as I mentioned above but sometimes powder is nice especially when it is super hot outside! I'll let you guys know my final verdict on it in a few weeks!

Eye stuff in here

Inside my big bag

The Kate Spade small case and the monogrammed bigger one

So that was a little introduction to what is in my make up bag! Obviously I didn't mention every single  items in my bags because we would be here forever! But I am always open to adding more products to my routine so if you have any suggestions let me know! I must say though that the biggest thing I have to say regarding make up is always go for the subtle look! My mother always stressed to me growing up that make up should always enhance not take away from your beauty.  I always aim to look "natural". I don't want people to be able to tell that I am wearing a ton of make up! So when looking for make up brands, always go with items that enhance your face! What brands do you guys like to wear? Any products that you can't live without?

xoxo, 

lRn

Movie Nights

Ah TGIF! I don't know about you guys but I am so ready for this week to be over and for then weekend to begin! This week was filled with pony camp at the barn, my riding lessons and stuff at work. Phew! I am pooped! I can honestly say that all I want to do this weekend is veg out and watch movies! Here are some of the movies on the list!

Who doesn't love Lizzie McGuire

I put Lizzie McGuire on here even though I watched it last weekend because I enjoyed re-watching it that much! I love Lizzie and still crack up at some of the lines like I did when the movie first came out. "You Lizzie McGuirer are an outfit repeater" is an all time favourite!

Forrest Gump is always a crowd pleaser

Forrest Gump is on the movie list for this weekend because I love this movie to bits and pieces and could watch it everyday for the rest of my life and never get sick of it! His willingness to do anything for just about anyone brings me to tears every time I watch it. I think my favourite part of this movie is when he is sitting on that bench (the one in the picture) and is just telling anyone that sits down part of his life story. I mean if my life was that interesting I would too!

My favourite movie!

Last but not least, Under The Tuscan Sun is on the list because it is my favourite movie of all time! If my life could be like any movie I would definitely choose this one. I love love love everything about Italy from the laid back lifestyle to the chic fashion. This movie captures everything that I love about this wonderful place which is probably why I enjoy watching this movie so much! If you guys have any movie suggestions that I should add to my list let me know! Oh and don't forget that no movie night is official without popcorn, ice cream and twizzlers!

xoxo,

lRn

Ah Ah I Work Out

That song used to be one of my favourites to jam to while going for a quick run before work or exercising on the elliptical at the gym. I can't say that working out was my favourite hobby in the world beforehand but that all changed recently! A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across hot yoga when I accompanied my best friend to a lulu lemon sponsored yoga event.

Yikes!

My teacher Heidi

At first I must say we were a little overwhelmed, I mean hot yoga is no joke and the women there were contorting their bodies in all sorts of positions (as you can see from the picture above). But, now that I have been doing it for a couple of weeks I can honestly say that it is one of the best workouts I have ever done. It works every part of your body and what I like most is that I am toning my body with my own body weight! Also it never gets boring, we use different things like blocks or straps to help us when we are trying new poses. I think though, what I like best about yoga is ALL of the cute outfits! I mean are you guys seeing what I am? I foresee a much needed lulu lemon shopping spree in the near future, wouldn't you guys agree? I mean look at all of these cute options!

This is THE mat...need I say more?

This tank is too die for

Pink my fav!

Leggings!

Every girl needs another gym bag right?

I mean the lulu lemon mat is definitely at the top of my list. It is top notch in the yoga world although I am torn between this one and a brand called Jana. I use the Jana one in the studio all the time and it's perfect! I never slip and its plushy enough that my hands don't get sore from staying in my downward dog for extended lengths of time. The tank like I said is super cute. It is also made from a light material so it's perfect for the 90 plus degree room that I am in. I love love LOVE the lightweight jacket and tried it on in person when I was at the mall and it is definitely a must have! As for the leggings and the bag, a girl can never have too many right? What ways do you guys like to stay fit! I love hearing suggestions and am always open to trying new things!

xoxo,

lRn

Just Call Us the Saddle Club

Horses. Horses. Horses. I swear that is all that I think about sometimes. As you guys know I am an equestrian which is just a fancy way of saying that I eat, sleep and breathe anything involving a saddle. Today, like almost every other day was surprise, surprise spent at the barn. I must say this time of summer is always my favourite because in addition to my lessons and flat work I help out at our summer camps! Our summer camps start in June and end in August and we do all sorts of camps, last year we did a camp for kids with terminal illnesses like cancer and that one was by far my favourite. This year our theme was Summer Olympics and let me tell you the kids couldn't wait to get started!

The Olympics!

At camp we do so many fun activities. The kids learn everything from the parts of the horse, to different types of feed and much much more! Every camp session there is a day when we let the kids be a little silly and paint the horses! It's the most fun part of camp all week and the ponies don't mind one bit (they are all given bathes afterwards of course!)

This is Doc, isn't he precious!

Our barn is one of a kind, and I am sure every horse person must say that but I really think mine takes the cake. The barn is such a great place to be and the people here are basically my second family. We do everything together from horse showing down in Kentucky to having barn campouts! I think the atmosphere really has to do with the owner. Her name is Childress Rodgers (we all just call her Chile) and she is the reason why the barn is what it is. She grew up riding horses and got her very first pony at the age of the 3. She didn't stop riding until the doctors forbid her to do so in her late sixties and seventy some years later she is still going strong. She comes to the barn everyday to watch our lessons and cheer us on. She knows everything that there is to know about horses and is currently training another baby. She has won all sorts of awards and her pictures from her youth really speak for themselves.

This is Chile back then at a double A show

Some of her awards!

I think everyone can tell how special our barn is from the moment they walk in the door. Maybe it's our personal calendar that hangs on the wall with all of our photos in it or perhaps it's the old pictures that line the door from years past. Somehow you can just know that every single person that ever came in contact with Chile has a special place in her heart.

Saddles galore

Some of our pictures

Our calendar that we make every year

So many riding things in my trunk!

Horses everywhere

Hopefully you guys have a better idea of what a day in life of a rider looks like. It's fast paced and unpredictable but I love it and wouldn't change it for anything. I hope that when I am 70 I am still able to cheer on my grandchildren at their horse shows!

The view is always better from the back of a horse

xoxo,

lRn