metallic silver + mustard yellow

Herro, you guys! Ugghhh, this weather is killing me!!! I need Vitamin D in my life, like, now. Due to these lovely torrential downpours, I've had trouble shooting outfit photos outside. (Plus, I want to go to the beach, have picnics, and go tubing on the river!).  Especially with all of the spring clothing collections being released and tantalizing us on Instagram with warm weather adorableness, spring cannot come fast enough for me!

Anyways, today is (hopefully) one of my last posts featuring my winter wardrobe. I am in love with the combo of this mustard yellow, wool pencil skirt and the metallic silver tank and sweater set. I'm not entirely sure how practical this outfit is, but it sure is fun to style and accessorize! This outfit gives off the demeanor of elegance and grace, while also effortlessly combining dainty pieces with modern ones in a fabulously chic package. Translation: It makes me feel like a lady!!

**Warning: This post is extremely photo heavy because... well, I got a little excited, okay?! ;)

Sweater Set: my Mom's closet (sorry, ladies!!)
Skirt: J.Crew (different color)
Pumps: Isola
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Bracelets: J.Crew Factory
Earrings: Target

Even though I'm young, I do like to get all gussied up every now and then. I've always been attracted to styles far beyond my age, but at least now, I'm big enough to find them in my size! To glam up this outfit even more, try adding an intricate belt or dainty, black and gold necklace to make it really stand out amongst the crowd.
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Thanks so much for reading through today's blog post! How's the weather in you corner of the world? Let me know in the comments how you're incorporating a little bit of spring into the dregs of your winter wardrobe! Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@poisedandpreppy) and Pinterest (Poised and Preppy) to see even more glimpses into my spring fashion. Thanks so much for your time, and have a great day!

**Poised and Preppy is not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this post. I do, however, have a coupon code with Benevolent Jewels (PPCODE20), which gives you 20% off of your purchase!

how to: stay organized!!!

Herro, everybody! Do you ever just have those days where you feel like the world is spiraling out of control around you, and there's nothing you can do about it? Time management and general organization are two key traits one must adapt to regain control of his or her life. Being a student, this  method of attacking life has been ingrained in my brain by teachers, mentors, and parents. In today's post, I wanted to share with you all my system for staying on top of the ball with my academics, extracurriculars, family, and social life.

1 // lay the foundation. 

For me, it's important to have a basis for my organizational system where I record anything and everything about myself. I'm definitely a pen and paper girl, so naturally, I have found an agenda to be the most useful source for efficient planning. Recording and scheduling help me keep each aspect of my life categorized and under my control (which is not as hard as it sounds! :).

During this school year, I've been using the Lilly Pulitzer Jumbo Agenda 2013-2014, but it tragically broke apart a couple of weeks ago (you can imagine my panic ;). So, I ended up investing in the Emily Ley 2014 Simplified Planner from their last batch of the year (don't worry; the 2015 version is coming out this fall!). After playing around with it for a couple of weeks, I've finally found a system that works really well for me.

**Side Note: If you're interested in a side-by-side comparison of the two planners, let me know in the comments section. Does anyone else get weirdly excited over organizational supplies, or is it just me ;)?

I love that this planner incorporates work or school to-do's, family life and chores, and social events all into one page. It has been SO helpful to have it all in one place rather than flipping back and forth between multiple calendars. Additionally, the margins provide ample space for notes, to-do's, and even a few errant doodles! 

2 // help yourself out with constant reminders!

When I get fo' realz busy, Sticky Notes are my savior! Like most people, I have a tendency to become extremely slightly scatterbrained. Therefore, I need loud and vibrant reminders about the 1,001 things on my to-do list. That's where the Stickies come in! I don't really have a particular brand preference; I'll just use whatever I have lying around (which is a pretty significant amount considering I tend to accumulate them...not sure why??). They have become ever so helpful and a part of my daily organizational routine!

3 // prep the night before...

Every night before I go to bed, I try to take 10-20 minutes to update my agenda, pack up my textbooks, lay out my clothes for the next day, tidy up my room (there's a 50-50 chance of this one happening...), turning back my bed, etc. This helps not only with my actual preparedness for the day ahead of me, but it also puts my mind at ease after a long, hard day of work and reenergizes me to tackle the challenges of the next. 

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Thanks so much for taking the time to read today's blog post! Let me know if you have any other major tips for general organization because I am always searching!! I really appreciate any and all feedback I get from you all. I hope each of you has a fabulously blessed day! :)

**Poised and Preppy is not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the brands included in this post. I do, however, have a coupon code (PPCODE20) with Benevolent Jewels to receive 20% off of your purchase.**

in the life of P & P!

Hello, everybody! I hope you all had a fun and refreshing weekend (I know I did!). I'm not sure about anyone else, but to me, the spring season always brings with it a little extra hustle and bustle than the fall. There's SO much going on, and it seems like I don't have time to do it all (typical... ;). However, I thought I'd do a quick round up of my recent #ootd pictures from Instagram (if you don't already, follow me at @poisedandpreppy!).

1 // getting ready for a girls' night on the town

I wore this look out with a couple of girlfriends to go get Mexican food and see Divergent (such a good book, btw!). It's so nice to take a night to kick back, laugh a lot (until you get shushed in the movie theater!), and just relax with great friends. I swear they're the only thing that keeps me sane ;)!

 glamming up with a lil' lipstick

xoxo, p & p

i kinda feel like minnie mouse with the black and white polka dots and red flowers...see the resemblance? 

loving this $15 Target alternative to the $130 J.Crew necklace!!

Sweater: Belk's

Necklace: Target

Bracelet: J.Crew Factory

Purse: Rebecca Minkoff

Lipstick: Maybelline Color Whisper 'Pin Up Peach'

Blush: Nars 'Deep Throat'

2 // mixing it up at spring barbecues 

After my Saturday soccer game, we headed to a family friend's birthday barbecue. The weather was breezy, balmy, and beautiful. There were also lots of yummy treats (coconut bites, Brazilian sausage, and Reese's cupcakes...oh my!). I so enjoyed being able to slow down and relish the company of friends I don't get to see very often. Plus, I got to wear shorts for the first time this season!!

so excited that the weather is (finally) warming up :)

those are actual jean shorts you see!

this ella moss top is ethereal... makes me feel like a fairy!

Blouse: Ella Moss (old!)

Watch: Michael Kors

3 // attending fancy evening functions

That night, I had the pleasure of attending a full night of socializing, munching, and (amazing) singing. It was too fun to play dress up for the night and really made me appreciate the life I'm able to live. Weekends can just put you in the best mood, can't they? :)

saturday night 'cessories

i love love love the simple yet sophisticated nature of this erin dress...so chic!

Dress: Erin

Necklace: Groopdealz

Watch: Michael Kors

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Thanks so much for reading today's blog post! If you're interested in my day to day posts, then please follow me on Instagram (@poisedandpreppy) and Pinterest (Poised and Preppy). Let me know in the comments what you're most excited to do during this spring season; I'm always looking for fun ideas! Thanks for your time, and have a fabulous day!!

**Poised and Preppy is not affiliated with any of the aforementioned brands in this post. I do, however, have a coupon code with Benevolent Jewels (PPCODE20) to get 20% off of your purchase.**

spring forward, already!!

Hey, y'all! I'm here today with warm, spring NC weather and one of my favorite outfits to date! This C. Wonder tunic pairs with the navy fluted skirt (so in love!!) and the striped wedges in such a perfect and magical way (okay, I'm getting a wee bit out of control...<3). Therefore, this post is going to be pretty photo heavy (#sorrynotsorry)! 

The combo of this orangey-red (aka the 'scarlet red' crayon color) and navy screams for snacking on scrimps and cocktail sauce while lounging by the pool. All of the gold accents add to the nautical vibes of the outfit. And last but not least, those navy striped, woven wedges could not be more fitting for a summer picnic complete with a fireworks show!

In case you couldn't tell, this magnificent, sunshiny weather has me daydreaming of spring and summer days spent tubing or sun basking on a motorboat or having sunset dinners on the back of a yacht (à la Revenge!). This outfit definitely took some inspiration from the fashionable Ms. Emily Thorne of the Hamptons, but I digress. 

With spring well on its way, I've really been trying to think about the way in which I live my life and if and how I want to change it. Even though I'm technically "doing everything right" when it comes to school work, I want more. I don't want to steamroll through high school, textbook after textbook, without taking time to enjoy being (relatively) carefree while I still can. So, one of my goals this spring is to "blossom" in all areas of my life, besides academics: my family life, my faith, my friends, my service work, etc. I'll keep you guys updated on how everything's going from time to time, but I challenge each of you to find at least one part of your life in which you can culture yourself and blossom into the person you know you can be!

Outfit Details:

Top // C. Wonder (last summer!)

Skirt // J. Crew

Shoes // Target

Clutch // Michael Kors

*Fun Fact: My "clutch" is actually a MK cosmetic bag that came with an Estee Lauder purchase a couple of years back. Reduce, reuse, recycle, people!

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Thanks so much for taking your time to read this random and jumbled blog post! Let me know in the comments sections a) what your favorite thing about spring is, and b) how are you going to "blossom" in your life during this spring season. I hope each and every one of you has a extra fabulous day! 

*This post is not sponsored by any of the aforementioned brands. I do, however, have a coupon code with Benevolent Jewels (PPCODE20) that will give you 20% off of your purchase!*

P & P's Picks: February 2014

    Hey, guys! I'm so so sorry for the long break in blog posts. For the past week, I've had the amazing opportunity to go snow skiing in Colorado. Ever since I was little, my family has taken a yearly trip to our favorite skiing destination, and we always have a blast! But for the past few years, there's been one thing or another keeping us from going back. But this year, my family surprised me with a five day trip back to Colorado during my school's Spring Break ( I know... a Spring Break in February?). With the long plane rides, I had the chance to catch up on what's going on in the world of social media. Here are some of my favorite finds!

1 // John Legend's Love in the Future

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Oh my goodness, John Legend's voice is perfection!!! I was introduced to his music through his incredible 2014 Grammy's performance. I've heard his name for a long time, but I never took the time to look into him...which was obviously a big mistake! My favorite song from his new album is All of Me, a brooding ballad about his love for his new bride Chrissy Teigen (who is world-renowned supermodel and funny lady on her blog and Twitter). I literally listened to this song on repeat for a solid two hours on my plane ride home from Colorado. His newest album is definitely worth checking out!

2 // Fluted and Midi Skirts

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As I addressed in my last post, fluted skirts, as well as midi skirts, have become my fashion OBSESSION (if you're wondering whether it was necessary to have all caps, trust me it was!). I have always had a penchant for incorporating style from the 1950's and 1960's into my wardrobe, and I am so excited that the longer and fuller skirts are making a comeback in the world of fashion.

I particularly love the ways in which Caitlin of Southern Curls and Pearls and Mary from The Classy Cubicle (both are great blogs, btw!) style these two "trends" into outfits that are much more every-day wearable for practical women everywhere. I am itching to recreate the bottom picture for springtime (is anyone else getting particularly antsy for warmer weather to come knocking on your door?!).

3 // Waterlogue App

Ahh, this app is seriously perfection!!!! After hearing about it from other bloggers, I knew that I had to check it out. I probably spent close to 2 hours waterloguing (not a verb?) all of the photos in my Camera Roll. Above are some of my favorites! I love that everyday people have the ability to create true works of art from any old photo!

4 // Emily Ley blog and shop

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This woman is just plain incredible. I found out about her after stumbling across her Instagram page and (of course) fell in love with her adorable Simplified Planner. When I visited her website, I browsed through her other useful merchandise, which connected me to her blog. She really promotes her motto of simple living by sharing her life experiences of starting and managing a thriving online business while raising her adorable little boy Brady. She manages to incorporate simplicity into everything that she does, and she always maintains a positive outlook on life! Emily has really proved to be an inspiration to me throughout the past few weeks when I've been struggling to see a point to all of the work I put into making myself a successful student, friend, daughter, and overall person. It is definitely worth a few minutes of your time to go and peruse her fabulous website!

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And, that wraps up February's Picks from yours truly! These are all people/things that I have been loving over the past month, and I definitely couldn't resist the opportunity to share with all of you! Thanks so much for checking out today's blog post, and I hope each and every one of you have a great day!

*This post is not sponsored with any of the brands mentioned in this post. I do have a coupon code with Benevolent Jewels (PPCODE20) where you can get 20% off of your purchase!*