College Resolution: Freshman Year

Hi everyone,

I can't think of a more appropriate time to be writing this post! Sadly, the long days of summer have came to a close and the beginning of fall is now here. There really is no difference in Florida's fall compared to the summertime. It is still as hot as the sun outside, it’s 100% acceptable and comfortable to still be wearing summer clothing, oh and not to mention it's the season for iced pumpkin spiced lattes! Or try something fun: order a hot one, step inside your car, and turn the AC on full blast! That's a floridian’s “Fall”! Instead of getting the beautiful, picturesque scenery of the leaves changing,  we get the possibility of potentially having to prepare for a catastrophic hurricane,  so that's always fun!

Anywho,  at the start of each school year, I like to think about all the possible things  I can do in preparation to succeed. Two weeks ago, I started my first year of college. I knew coming in it was going to be a bit of a change and quickly realized it is a massive jump into independence and taking responsibility for myself. I wanted to sorta challenge myself at the start of this new chapter of my life, and set up a few “resolutions”

1. Getting Straight A’s

I made a lot of mistakes in early high school and middle school in regards to my poor study habits and not wanting to do my homework. Such “pre-teen angst” I had lol! I had a sort of rude awaking when I realized that my laziness affected my classes, and where I could apply to college. Long story short, at the start of my junior year I became a much more diligent and proactive student, so last two years of highschool I got very close to getting all A’s on my report card. Since I have kind of a “fresh start” academically, why not start college  with all I got? Fingers crossed I will stay on top of my assignments and not fall into procrastination… which I tend to do!

2. Travel

Yes, yes,  traveling is on my “resolutions” list for the new school year, even though it's not all that academic. I’m not sure if all of you know, but, I have decided to be one of the small   percentage of college kids to stay close to home for fiscal reasons. Being in debt worries me, and the thought of having to take out tons of student loans is not something I want to be starting my life of with. The extra money I am saving in tuition can transfer to my travel funds!

Just because that plan isn't for me doesn't mean that it isn’t  for other students! I rather show up to my classes, work, and be able to book a flight if I want to! I already have plans to go up to Boston with my best friends in December, I am counting down the days until that trip, hopefully I’ll finally see snow! (I am such a Floridian.)  I also planned my classes so that I will always have fridays off, so as long as I request off from work, there should be plenty of opportunities! I strongly believe that traveling, no matter where you go, is another great source of learning that is incredibly fun. It’s also a huge plus to have friends at schools out of state that I can always visit!

3. Staying Organized, For Real!

I hope I'm speaking to the masses on this one. I feel that it is so easy for me to visualize myself being an organized person. Afterall, I have a pretty cute agenda, color coded pens, and folders for each class, but after a few days I'm back to being a bit of a mess! I realized a flaw within myself when it comes down to the fine details; I rather quickly get my task done, than spend the extra few minutes making sure that everything is where it needs to be. This school year I really want to make sure to consistently stay organized with all my assignments and due dates, and never lose anything or get a zero because I forgot to write down the date!

What goals are you setting for yourself for this year?

XOXO,

Jillian

My Favorite Dresses of the Summer

Dresses are one of my closet staples.  They make me feel so put together, effortlessly!  I have been living in these three dressed this entire summer and probably will be until the temperature dips to anything below 75!

This adorable drop waist dress from ShopBop is currently under $50! Everytime I wear this dress, whether to work or just going out, I get countless compliments! The dress makes me feel so chic and I love wearing the dress fully buttoned for a super polished look. Not to mention, the quality of the dress is incredible and I’m shocked at the new price of it!

The next dress I have been loving this summer is this one from Vineyard Vines! I’m a sucker for anything with tassels….sandals, earrings, you name it! When I tried on this dress at the Vineyard Vines in Grand Central Station, I knew I just had to have it! It fits like a glove, is super comfortable and I love the versatility of this dress!  You can take it with you to the beach (I usually just wear an oversized t-shirt to the beach, glamorous right? haha), or even dress it up with wedges! This dress is so breathable, perfect for the summer sun.

The last dress has to be one of my biggest scores ever! This adorable fit-and-flair from Club Monaco, was only $24! HOW COULD ANYONE PASS UP SUCH A GREAT DEAL?!  I purchased this adorable dress right before my graduation trip to NYC and before I started working at Club Monaco. The fit and the color of the dress is so classy and is perfect for work or to go out on the town!   

July Favorites

                                           


                                                       

Carla Colour Barton / Collared Drop Waist Dress/ Foundation Primer /Lantern Earrings /
 Half Moon Clutch / Top /  Sandal / Jumpsuit

To close this chapter of July, I wanted to share with you all a few of my favorite purchases I've made this month and a few that are currently on my wish list! Currently cuddled up in my house, watching re-runs of the Office for the umpteenth time on this rainy day, these products send me to a sunny state of mind!
Those adorable light pink sunnies, earrings and clutch are a must for my next months purchase! (Trying to budget my shopping addiction!) I have been looking all over for a dressier version of the classic "slides", which are so in right now, (I was debating weather to get the slides with pearls on them, or settle for something more classic!) I found a pair similar to the ones above. The shade light pink slides would look perfect with the jumpsuit from Club Monaco, which has to be one of my favorite pieces in my closet at this moment!

The jumpsuit is unlike anything that I own, but goes perfectly with my wardrobe, while still being a piece that is a bit daring, and still being classic with the white linen. Working at Club Monaco has been a blast, I love being able to try on what is in store, so when my paycheck comes in I have so much to buy!  The ruffled stop is casual enough to wear during the day with shorts, but also looks amazing with jeans and heals!

Every time I wear the English Factory drop-waist dress I get so many complements! I love how put together it makes me feel, I feel so eurpoean couture in it haha! I love to pair that dress with my gold Jack Rodgers, or flats when Im going to work. For such a good price for that dress, it has been one of my favorite purchases!

Last but not least is the Smash-box Primer. I'm not a makeup guru by any means, but this stuff does the trick if you cant get rid of your big pores, like me! My skin feels like satin after I apply the primer to my face, and keeps my skin looking flawlessly even throughout the whole day.


XoXo,

Jillian

Things To Do The Summer Before Starting College

Hi everyone!

I don’t know about you, but the summer before your freshman year of college can seem a bit emotionally draining. Knowing that you're leaving your friends, family, and hometown behind to start a new and thrilling chapter of your life seems a bit scary right? I have a few tips on how to soak up every minute of your last “high school summer” and have it be one that is productive for the year to come, and make it memorable.

1. Make Plans for Everyone in your Life

Call up a friend you havn’t seen in years, have lunch with one of your family members, set aside time for the ones in your life. Be sure to reconnect with those close relationships or even any relationship in your life to create lasting memories you will take with you to college.

People are moving in all different directions, now is the best opportunity to spend time with those individuals. This season of my life has been especially challenging for me.  My close friends are moving far away or out of state, and having to expect a major change with making new friendships next year. Since I will be staying local, luckily I will still have Kyle and my family by my side.  It’s gonna be such a big change not being less than 20 minutes away from the people I spent every moment with. Don’t hold back on spending every miniature of those you love.

2. Get a Job!

If you haven't realized already, college is insanely expensive. Spending money on books, coffee, dorm necessities, tution, the list goes on and adds up so quickly. Having a job before your freshman year will help you save for you college expenses while teaching you budgeting tips you’ll need for the next upcoming years.

Having a summer job gives you great exposure to balancing your time and managing your planning, which is crucial for your college years. Even if you don't find a job, look for an internship with something you are passionate about. Your college will see how you have used your summer to pursue more “hands on” learning and this will make you stand out to your professors and future employer especially when you are applying for a bigger and better job.

3. Dorm Shop

This sounds like a no brainer if you're living on campus, so look for mood boards or any inspiration to help you plan want your new dorm to be like. I mean, this will be your new little “home” so make it personal to you and that it makes the whole transition seem inviting. Even if your staying at home, a fresh start is always nice. Gut out your room and get rid of all the useless junk like textbooks or anything that caused clutter. Add some new finishes to your room or redo the whole thing!

Xoxo,

Jillian

Life Lately | July 2017

Hi everyone!

I wanted to update you all on everything that's been happening in my life lately! I always want my readers to feel completely personal with me and I hope you all realize that through each of my blog posts. I never wanna seem like some robot haha. Like every kid who just got out of high school, I was desperate to find a job. My parents kept bugging me about finding a job and they were right, I need some extra change in my pocket for college, my blog, etc.!

I knew that I wanted to start working in the retail field and lucky for me, one of the largest outlet malls is a hop skip and a jump from my house. I landed a job at Club Monaco and I have been loving every second of it. Right as I saw them building the store, I knew I wanted to work there. It's incredible that people travel all across the globe to come down here to shop! Getting to interact with people from other cultures while helping style them motivates me each and every day.

I have had so many fun adventures this summer, with still more to come. As you all know, I started off my summer by going to NYC. There is still so much of New York I need to experience, you can't possible check everything off your list in just one trip! I visited St. Augustine to catch up with one of my closest friends and have spend a few weeks down in the Florida Keys. (The Keys has to be my absolute favorite spot to vacation!) I need to start bringing my laptop with me on these getaways so I can multitask between blogging and traveling!

I'm trying to find the perfect slip on sandals that I've been seeing all over Instagram.  They are the perfect shoe for my summer closet. If any of you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know! This week I will be sharing with you all my picks from the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale and I can't wait to see all that they have to offer for this yearly sale!

I have so much in store for you coming up on the blog, I hope you enjoy! It was great catching up with everyone.

Xoxo,

Jillian