daytime dreamer

Hello, everybody! Today, I'm posting a look that is pretty uncommon for a high school student to be sporting (unless you are forced to wear a school uniform...I feel your pain!! :). 

But why, you ask, am I not enjoying the socially acceptable (sort of) laziness of teens everywhere who feel the need to go out in public in sweatpants, looking like they just rolled out of bed?
(**Note: This pointed question does not cover sleepovers with friends, late night snack runs, or sick days...just a disclaimer! ;)

I've always been a firm believer in putting your best foot forward in any and all of your endeavors. This includes maintaining a consistent presence throughout your physical appearance, body language, and verbal/written interactions with others. For me, this begins with the clothes that I put on in the morning, which helps me hone in on the mindset needed to propel my best self forward.

So, while it is not necessary for me to "dress up" for activities in everyday life, like school, I feel that it helps me to present myself as a professional individual who has goals and aspirations in life and is willing to work hard to achieve them. I called this look "daytime dreamer" because it is the first step in the course of reaching for the stars (and my dreams!).

To me, this look depicts an image of casual confidence. I don't know what it is about this jacket, but every time I slip into a structured, navy blazer, I feel like I can run the world (for a few seconds anyway! ;). This outfit is great for occasions where you want to look put together without trying too hard, like a school presentation or an important lunch date.

Just through the clothes I wear, I can solidify the image I want to portray and boost my sense of self-confidence, which, like many girls, is constantly plagued by societal pressures to look and act "perfectly," whatever that's supposed to mean. By wearing clothing that is comfortable and feels like "me," I am able to encourage myself to radiate positivity and exude confidence!

Let me know in the comments section what clothing item gives you that instant boost of confidence when you slip it on. Also, I challenge each of you to spread a little bit of your own confidence to someone else who could use it. Post a picture on Instagram using the hashtag, #poisedandpreppy, so that we can inspire one another by sharing our confidence via the Internet! :)

Blazer: J.Crew (currently on sale!)
Shirt: J.Crew Crewcuts (similar and bargain!)
Jeans: Gap
Wedges: Tory Burch
Purse: Thrifted
Watch: Michael Kors
Necklaces: Baublebar, Shop I Love Jewelry

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Thanks so much for checking my newest blog post, and I hope that each of you has a fabulous day!

P.S. Here are some promo codes for the P & P readers who made it to the very bottom of this post!

Benevolent Jewels: PPCODE20 for 20% off of your purchase

The Shiny Mix: PandP10 for 10% off of your first 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!*