Don't Knock It Til You Try It: Consignment Shopping

Okay, I will admit, I am not normally one who would go consignment store shopping or "thrifting". However, a few weeks ago I came across a consignment shop near my home and spotted an adorable Lilly Pulitzer beach bag in the window. I had gone consignment store shopping once before and got a pair of Lucchese cowboy boots for $9 (retail value over $350), but I had never thought of hunting for Lilly pieces. So, a few days later I went back and dragged brought my brother along to purchase the beach bag, only to find out that it had already sold.

However, sad feelings aside, my mom and I went back today and this is what we found!

This is a vintage Lilly Pulitzer jarvey skort. It's actually a size 8 (I am a 00 and still have "wiggle room") but this seriously fits me like a 2/4. And, for $25 I can get alterations done and it will still cost less than a new skort!

The Lilly Pulitzer capri pants look much darker than they actually are...but they are so cute! They have little elephants on them and I think they are absolutely adorable. These are a size 2 (and again, will be needing alterations). I don't know how much use I will get out of them, but for $20, I couldn't pass them up!

Both the pants and the skort have the old black and white Lilly label.

This is probably my favorite find of the day, it is a Talbots petites dress in a size 4 that was $29! This is a classic shift style with bright colors, making it look very Lilly-esque. 

I think the coolest feature about the dress is the pattern. It looks like mosaic tile!

Although these items need serious alterations, I just couldn't pass them up! I am very pleased with the consignment shop my mom and I visited today and will definitely be stopping by again soon.

Do you frequent consignment shops?

Have a wonderful day!

XOXO,

Lauren

Just Add Water

In the spirit of summer, I decided to write a post about the essential items brought to the pool, beach, lake, etc. Whether it is to complete your water wardrobe, or just a few essentials to pack in your pool bag, I have compiled a list of my current must-have items!

The perfect swimsuit

I am currently loving the Lilly Pulitzer Keene Bandeau in High Tide Toile. In fact, I just purchased it! Does this suit scream summer or what?! I personally love the bandeau style of bathing suits, and they have become increasingly popular! This swimsuit is definitely more expensive than I would normally spend, but I saved up and I can honestly say that it was worth every penny! It fits perfectly and is extremely flattering!


A fun coverup

Although I am guilty of wearing the same old t-shirt and shorts combo to the pool/beach, a fun, bright beach cover up is something I have been in the market for for a long time. I have had my eye on this Three Islands Beach Tunic for the longest time!

A Beach Towel

Okay, I am not an advocate to spend $95 on a beach towel, but if you're willing to, then I will definitely support you! In my opinion, you can't get much preppier than a Vineyard Vines beach towel. However, I just use ones that my family has had for years from our lake house (they are cobalt blue/white stripes) and they work just as good! I do, however, prefer really big towels that cover the entire lounge chair.

Sunscreen!

My very first job was at a tanning salon, so I know all about the dangers of the sun! I swear by this Neutrogena sunscreen for my face and use it everyday under my makeup (disclosure: I always get 80, and thought this bottle said 80 when I bought it, but I definitely read it wrong!) Since I accidentally got 30, I have been applying it on my arms and legs to try and use it up. I am a freak about burning, so I reapply sunscreen nearly every hour! As far as what I put on the rest of my body, I always get something thats at least SPF 30 and is water/sweat proof.

A cute beach bag

sCe from SummerWind mentioned Needham Lane on her blog a little while ago and I have been dying to make a purchase of my own! She also mentioned a coupon code on her Facebook page for these very tote bags and I think they are so darling! They are lined on the inside, which is great if you want to throw your wet suit in it, and it also has pockets inside to keep everything organized! I currently use a shopper tote bag I got ages ago from a store in Nantucket called Eye Of The Needle, but these shopper totes from Needham Lane are adorable!

Other than my essential items, I always bring sunglasses, a hat, reading material and a friend!

What do you all bring when you're surrounded by water?

Also, thank you so much to all of you who wished me a happy birthday yesterday on Instagram! You all really helped make my 20th birthday the best birthday yet!

Have a wonderful day!

XOXO,

Lauren

My First Post!

Hey everyone! I am brand new to the "blog-o-sphere" but after reading blogs for several months, I began to fall in love! I have been on Instagram (@Lmidd14) for a while, and  the blogging community seems so friendly and inviting that I decided to give it a try. I am not very good with technology though, so bare with me! To start things off, I am going to tell you all a little bit about myself (I am going to use my first name, but friends and family members will be referred to by the first letter of their first name):


-I am 20 years old...today!
-I was born & raised right below the Mason Dixon line and attend college in my home state…Virginia!
-I am a transfer student. I will be transferring to my university in the fall and I cannot be more excited!
-Being a transfer, I know all the ins and outs of the process, so feel free to ask if you have any questions!
-I am studying Communications with a concentration in Public Relations
-I hope to live in Washington D.C. after college
-I have an older brother, R, my two amazing parents who are my biggest supporters, and my wonderful Golden Retriever, Molly!
-My favorite place to travel is Nantucket
-My favorite foods are lobster and hardshell crabs

-Either I dislike technology, or technology dislikes me, I have not quite figured it out
-I love Nicholas Sparks books and any romantic movie…but what girl doesn’t?!
-I own every single episode of Bewitched
-I have OCD and get a little too excited about organization
-My favorite flowers are hydrangeas and peonies
-I love country music!
-My main style icons are Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn and especially Kate Middleton
-I love fashion and everything preppy, which is the main reason I wanted to start this blog


I plan for my blog to consist of fashion, my passions and my everyday life. If you have any suggestions to help start me off, it would be greatly appreciated!

XOXO,
Lauren