Summer Staples

Summer Staples by annabeth2 featuring Tory Burch

I can't believe summer is almost here! I have been swamped with finals so I decided to take a study break and make a new post. As soon as my tests are finished, I will be doing some much-needed summer wardrobe shopping, which is why I came up with six staples that I need in my closet asap!

1. Light crewneck sweater

Sometimes summer nights can be chilly, which is why I love bringing a sweater to throw on over a tank or dress. Usually I stick to simple white and navy sweaters in the summer but I am loving this coral color from J. Crew Factory!

2. Fun sunglasses

Obviously everyone needs a pair of sunglasses to survive the summer! Since I bring mine everywhere in the summer, including the pool and the tennis courts, I usually gravitate towards inexpensive pairs so I am not upset if they break. Lately I am loving the cat-eye style like these BP. shades from Nordstrom — and they are only $12!

3. White dress

There is no better summer fashion than a simple white dress. I am loving this Necessary Clothing dress - it's a trendy twist on a preppy classic!

4. Seersucker shorts

Seersucker is by far one of my favorite prints to wear in the summer, especially in white and light blue like these L.L. Bean shorts.

5. Statement bag

Summer is the perfect time to sport a bold and colorful handbag! In the hottest parts of the season, it can be easy to sacrifice fashion to stay cool but a fun purse can help you still make a statement! I am especially obsessed with this flamingo-print bag from Kate Spade!

6. Espadrilles

Fashion steal alert! All year I have been lusting over the Chanel espadrilles. However, I recently found these Tory Burch espadrilles, which are just as cute and more affordable! I love the powder blue and navy ones but they also come in black and white, just like the Chanel ones!

What are your summer staples?

xo, Annabeth

Spring Break Travel Essentials

Who is ready for spring break? I know I am! On Saturday, my mom and I are going to Los Angeles for the first time, and we are so excited for some much-needed relaxation and exploring (aka stalking all of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the Kardashians and honestly any celebrity that comes into sight!).

But before I go on any trip, there are a few travel essentials I always make sure I have:

1. Books and magazines

I always use vacations as an excuse to read something other than what has been assigned for school. I always pack a variety of fashion magazines as well as a thriller novel like one of Stephen King's to keep me entertained.

2. A hat

A hat is a great fix when you don't want to do your hair and makeup before an early morning flight. A fun sunhat or sporty baseball cap is the perfect finishing touch to any travel look.

3. Fresh manicure

As a college student, I usually try to save money and do my nails myself. But when you are going on a trip why not treat yourself? I recommend a gel manicure so it won't chip all week. Also, if you are breaking out the sandals over break, be sure to get a pedicure as well.

4. Lotion

Whether you are skiing in Colorado or tanning in Mexico, it is very easy for skin to dry out while traveling. I use a lotion with SPF so it doubles as sunscreen and makes my luggage a bit lighter!

5. Candy

I am always sure to have candy on hand while on roadtrips and airplanes. It helps pass the time and can be a quick pick-me-up if you have to wait a while for your next meal due to traveling. My personal favorites are Sour Patch Watermelons, Starbursts and gummy worms.

What are your travel essentials? Also, see below for my spring break style wishlist!

xo,

Annabeth

Spring Break Wishlist by annabeth2 featuring black shoes

My Favorite Spring 2015 Trends

When I check the weather forecast, there seems to be no sign of spring anytime soon in Illinois. In fact, it looks like winter may never leave, with predicted snow, freezing rain, and below zero temperatures in the days to come. But March will be here soon enough which means time for spring shopping! I don't know about you, but looking at spring colors and outfits make these dreary winter days a little better for me! Below are my favorite trends for this spring.

xo, Annabeth

1.Gingham



Gingham has been one of my favorite prints since I was a little girl and I was so excited to see it on the spring runways this year. Typically gingham can be found on little girls' Easter dresses but I love that the print is getting a makeover in different styles. The two-piece sets above definitely make the print more mature and fashion-forward.

2. Blush Pink

This color just makes me happy. It is girly yet subtle and reminds me of the blooms on my mom's rose bush. A blush pink jacket is the perfect transition piece between winter and spring.

3. Bold Florals



I know what you are thinking...florals for spring? Not too original. However, I could not leave them off my list of trends because this season's florals are big, bold and colorful. If you wear florals this season, make sure they make a statement like the designs above.

4. Powder Blue

Powder blue is by far my favorite trend this season, simply because blue is my favorite color! Usually I choose navy and deep shades of blue when shopping, but this light blue is just the closet refresher I need. Not to mention it looks great with just about every color!

Shop the Trends: (click picture for details)

Black + White

Shop this look: Black tissue Turtleneck // Moon and Lola Necklace // Forever 21 Plaid Skirt 

Black Suede Boots (similar) // Navy Rebecca Minkoff Wristlet (similar)

Just another chilly, overcast winter day! I think the colorless weather has influenced my wardrobe this week since I have been gravitating to all things black and white. To make this outfit a bit more exciting, I added a pop of color with a navy wristlet. Also, how can you not love this plaid skirt, which is only $19.90 at Forever 21!

For more black and white inspiration, check out the items below!

xo, Annabeth

Black + White by annabeth2 featuring a black leather purse

February Faves

February Faves by annabeth2 featuring tin candles

Happy February 1st everyone! When I go shopping in February, I always look for pieces that will freshen up my winter wardrobe but also transition well into spring. Lately I am loving soft pinks, florals and fun textures like snakeskin!

xo, Annabeth 

Back to School Must-Haves

Back to School by annabeth2 featuring Daniel Wellington

It's that time again! I am so excited to back at U of I for the spring semester. It is great seeing all of my friends, starting new classes and working at the newspaper again! I just wrote my first story of the semester which you can read here.

For this blog post, I am sharing my top nine must-have items for back to school!

1. Contigo Purity Glass Water Bottle
My New Years Resolution is to drink more water. I hate to admit this but sometimes it will be late in the afternoon and I will realize I did not drink anything that day. I know this is very unhealthy and something I need to change (although if I was lost in the desert with a group of people, I would probably be the last to die of thirst!). My goal is to have at least three bottles of water a day, and I figure this cute water bottle will motivate me to do it!

2. Unique and Colorful Pencils and Pens
One of my favorite parts of going back to school is going school supply shopping! The website Design Darling has a great selection of fashionable supplies for school, the office and home.

3. Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote
This will forever be my favorite bag! It is sturdy enough to hold my laptop and other school stuff but looks great as an every day purse. I have had it for almost three years and despite all the places it has been, it still looks brand new. Mine is a grey-blue color, but right now I am absolutely loving bright blue for the upcoming spring season!

4. Moleskine Notebooks
These are the BEST notebooks ever! I use them to take notes during all of my interviews for the newspaper and I love that they come in a variety of sizes. The large size is perfect for note-taking and while I usually buy navy notebooks, I am loving the new 'Orchid Purple' color!

5. West Elm Anchor Sheets
I am in the Delta Gamma sorority so these nautical sheets are great (and who doesn't love anchors?).

6. Lilly Pulitzer Umbrella
Since I am a car-less college student, I know it is important to keep an umbrella on hand, and Lilly Pulitzer's colorful patterns can brighten up any dreary day.

7. Daniel Wellington Watch
If you have teachers like mine who do not allow electronics in the classroom, be sure to add a watch to your shopping list. My Daniel Wellington watch is one of my favorite purchases because of its simple design that goes with every outfit.

8. Pink Scalloped Desk Organizer
I am obsessed with this desk organizer, also from Design Darling. It has such a fun pattern and will help me stay organized this semester.

9. L.L Bean Boots
I recently bought a pair of L.L. Bean Boots and I am not sure how I survived without them before! They are perfect for rainy days and trudging through snow.

What are your must-have items for school?

xo, Annabeth