Bananas for Banana Leaves

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{photo sources: 1, 2, 3}

We have a pattern crush on banana leaves!  The classic design-- originating from the 1940's-- is having a trendy moment this summer, and it's prettier than ever.  The tropical print looks fresh on everything from phone cases, to stationery, to bikinis.  The bikini is a total steal, found at Target!  Co-Founder Ali couldn't wait to get her hands on the iPhone case, and even showed it off on our Instagram the other day.

Banana leaf prints look great when styled simply; pair it with black, white, or tan/nude shades.  Or, take inspiration from the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel (where the walls are decorated with wallpaper in the pattern), and pair your print with a shade of light pink!  You can also add a taste of the trend to your home, with pillows in the print from Kate Spade.

We're totally bananas for banana leaves.  What's your favorite print for summer?

TSS Favorite Swimsuits of the Summer!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

It's swimsuit season!  There are so many different styles of swimsuits that are currently trending right now! Weather you love the high-waisted bottoms, or love the one pieces, we're obsessed with them all! 

Here are our top 8 favorite swimsuits of this Summer! 

TSS Favorite Things {May}

This month for our Favorite Things we are featuring Hayden Reis tote bags! It is the perfect summer accessory and we really have enjoyed our totes. So who is Hayden Reis? Hayden Reis is a colorful collection of chic, functional and playful sailcloth totes and accessories that are proudly made in the USA. The line, created by fashion-forward Florida native Emily Stroud, was designed to solve a familiar fashion dilemma. You are a lover of designer handbags, but occasionally you need a tote bag that is big enough to carry the kitchen sink that is stylish at the same time. After all, no well-dressed gal wants to damage a Louis or get grime on a Gucci. Karen recently used her Big Island Black & Sand White Zipper Tote in Cabo, Mexico for a wedding and she said it was the perfect beach tote bag because it was durable and surprisingly spacious. The material is water-proof and the designs come a plenty! When you're getting ready to take a trip to the pool or beach, consider Hayden Reis!

Flaunting Off In The Flaunt Shop

Sakura: Polka Dots and Bows Bikini, Karen: High Waist Bow Bikini, Ali: Yacht Club Bikini

Finding the perfect bathing suit can sometimes be pretty difficult. The pattern has to fit your style, the cut of the suit should flatter your body and the material should feel comfortable. The Flaunt Shop was our happy solution. We first heard about The Flaunt Shop from one of our It Girls because they had a clothing line that she adored. When we came across The Flaunt Shop and discovered that they had a swimsuit line we were immediately impressed by their selections (we have a thing for the nautical look if you haven't already discovered, haha!). There is truly a style fit for anyone. From sexy cuts to girly patterns you can find a bathing suit that suits your taste. Each of us are different heights and sizes so we wondered how our bathing suits that we ordered would fit. Across the  board we were really satisfied with each of our suits. The bottoms fit securely, not exposing our behinds too much. The tops came with straps so if the bandeau look wasn't fitting we could adjust. Our favorite part of our suits from The Flaunt Shop was the material. It is so comfortable that we wouldn't mind falling asleep in it at the pool or on the beach! It's not everyday that you find such an All-Star selection of bathing suits at a reasonable price. Luckily, you can start shopping for The Flaunt Shop bathing suits now since summer is around the corner!

Getting Glam {with The Stylist LA}

Dress: Caletto Maxi. Earrings: Forever 21 (old) similar here. Lips: Makeup Forever: Aqua Rouge. Photography: Nikki Closser Photography

Every girl should take glam photos at some point in her life, right?! These were Karen's thoughts exactly as she brainstormed ways to make turning 26 years old memorable. After finding a fabulous photographer in the Seattle area, next came finding the perfect outfits. Karen wasted no time browsing The Stylist LA's closet for some super trendy, photo perfect looks. The Stylist LA is just like your best friend's closet. You can pick up a nice outfit to wear for a day, and then return it! Taking glam photos in dresses that are gorge and you didn't have to spend hundreds of dollars on them for one simple picture is well worth the money if you ask us. Karen opted for a sleek, chic, and sexy look in the Caletto Maxi in black. We love how she paired it with red hot lips from Makeup Forever to go with the glam look. 

You just can't go wrong getting glam with The Stylist LA!

Spring Style with ModCloth

 Watch | Sunglasses | Vintage Swimwear Book | One Simple Change Book

Wedges | Hat | Phone Case | Bag | Flats

There's nothing better than Spring- it's sunny, warm, and it's almost Summer!  If you haven't been over to ModCloth, you're really missing out!  ModCloth has everything from the cutest dresses to the cutest tech accessories!  ModCloth has such a unique, cute, and classy style that it just fit The Sorority Secret's style to a T!  We picked out our favorite pink floral dress from ModCloth and dressed it up (or down) with some of their fun accessories on their site! 

We thought it would be fun to have a pop of color here and there, so we added the fun bright Tiffany blue sunglasses and the bright yellow "Hello Sunshine" phone case!  And of course as the sun gets warmer, every girl needs the perfect sun hat so we added our favorite tan sun hat!  Depending on the occasion, you either dress it up with a pair of wedges or cute strappy flats.  

Check out all of their other dresses and accessories over at ModCloth! 

Hot Pink {with The Stylist LA}

Dress: c/o The Stylist LA.  Shoes: Steve Madden.  Purse: Saint Laurent.  Sunglasses: Forever 21 (similar here).

Necklace: Katie Dean Jewelry.  Lipgloss: Revlon Colorburst Hot Pink.

With warm weather right around the corner, we welcome the change in season with one of our favorite hues: hot pink!  It's eye-catching, it's bold, it's a statement.  For any occasion, hot pink is always a brilliant choice.

When it comes to getting the perfect dress for that special occasion, constantly shopping for new items can be challenging.  Instead of shopping in your girlfriends' closets, our friends at The Stylist LA are the perfect solution to getting the outfit you're looking for-- both quickly & friendly on your wallet.  They offer fabulous dress rentals at a great price (like Ali's Naven dress pictured above) and it's yours for 7 days.  Simply mail it back when you're finished!  And if you're not sure which dress to choose, they will even help with styling advice to pick the best ensemble just for you.  Plus, a fun fact-- the Founder of The Stylist LA is a USC Kappa Kappa Gamma alum!

We love the beautiful dress selection from The Stylist LA.  We look forward to sharing both Karen & Sakura's favorite dress finds as well! Be sure to check them out for your next event,
special occasion, or date night!

We're Currently Obsessed with Mint!

Dress | Sunglasses | Bangle | Tee | Nail Polish #1 | Nail Polish #2 | Skirt | Backpack | Pants

There's just something about the color mint. It's cute, Springy, and it's a great color on everyone!  Paint your nails with one of these Essie nail polishes or go super casual with the most adorable Marc Jacobs backpack shown above!  What are some other cute spring colors that you're currently obsessed with??

Meet Mackenzie

We love expanding our team and Mackenzie has just joined us as our Senior Assistant. We couldn't be more happy to have her onboard and we wanted you to get to know her too! Mackenzie is a Junior at the University of Washington where she is studying Communications. When she isn't at school, she is an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Her true passion is makeup and you will more than likely catch her doing her sisters'  makeup for special events like formals and date parties. Mackenzie hopes to one day be a professional Makeup Artist. Giving back is something near and dear to Mackenzie and she is actively involved in her church. This past spring break to took a trip to the Dominican Republic with some of her church members and Theta sisters to help those less fortunate. 

Please join us in welcoming Mackenzie to The Sorority Secrets' team!

Spring into Season with TSS {by, Audree}

Say ‘hasta la vista’ to your sweater and boots ladies because it’s springtime! Think bright, colorful, and of course floral. 

When transitioning from winter to spring, balance out your outfits with cuffed pants and a light sweater or jean jacket. Colorful skinny jeans and skirts are a must-have for spring, so match them with a neutral top or be daring with a floral print. Springtime is also the perfect season for color blocking. To successfully color-block, pair complementary colors or colors that are in the same monochromatic family and keep your color-block balanced with neutral jewelry and shoes. 

Outfit details: jean jacket: Levis | blouse: thrift | skinny jeans: H&M | sandals: Charlotte Russe | clutch: thrift

When spring comes around, I instantly think of tea parties, brunches and fun social events. A bright dress paired with wedges and a sun hat will be your go-to this season. A dress that cinches at your waist is flattering on all body types and a nude wedge is the most versatile shoe to have in your closet. Pair the outfit with simple jewelry and let your dress speak for itself!

Outfit details: dress: Ross | wedges: Steve Madden | cuff: H&M

Brighten up the season with bold colors and feminine prints! Shop your local mall or favorite online stores for key pieces for the season and remember, color is always in style. 

Happy Spring!

Our Favorite Shades Under $150!

Marc Jacobs | Ray-Ban #1 | Madewell | House of Harlow | Ray-Ban #2 

Sheriff & Cherry | Tory Burch | Stella McCartney | Toms

The weather is getting warmer and the sun is shining stronger- it's finally time to get your favorite shades out!  Between all the brands that are out there, it's sometimes hard and difficult to find that perfect pair of sunglasses! We decided to save you the trouble and compiled some of our favorite shades right here on TSS for you!  The best part about it is that they're all under $150!

Check them out!

Flower Power

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]

Spring has sprung and April is right around the corner! As you can see on our TSS Instagram (follow us if you don't already!), we are obsessed with floral prints- it's colorful, bright, cute, and it's perfect for Spring! The best part about floral is that you can dress it up with a floral clutch like the Ted Baker London clutch above or you can dress it down with cute baseball cap like the J. Crew one above!  

What are some of your favorite stores that carry a lot of floral prints?

Happy Hump Day!

A Working Girl's Wardrobe Staples

heels, handbag, shirt {photo}

With summer peeking right around the corner, that means a few things:  graduation, internships, and job interviews.  Before you land that awesome internship, you will want to "wow" them with your fabulous resume... but dressing the part certainly doesn't hurt either.

So, how exactly does one dress for success?  In a laid-back or creative workplace, the fine line between "business casual" and inappropriate may be tricky for those who are uncertain.  In a more formal office, professional attire is a must at all times.  No matter how you slice it, some general rules of thumb should be taken into consideration:

• Too short?  Too tight?  If you're questioning it, then pass.
• Necklines: the best amount of cleavage is no cleavage.  Do you have to adjust the shirt (i.e. pull it up so it's not too low)?  If the answer is yes, change your top.
• Wear conservative & classy heels.  Save your platform booties for Friday night.
• Look polished, but not "made up".  Keep makeup and hair natural & fresh.
• Save the heavy perfumes for your personal time.  It's considerate to keep fragrance to a minimum in the workplace, to be mindful of those with allergies.

As 20-somethings ourselves, we had to make the transition from fun "party clothes" to "professional clothes" once we graduated college.  Yes, our wardrobes underwent the big girl makeover.  Yet knowing the right key pieces to purchase makes the process easier on both you & your wallet!  Here's a few of our favorite essentials:

• Classy pumps.  Choose a closed toe style, in either nude or black.  The heel should not be too high, and there should be no platform beneath the toe.  We love {these} from BCBGeneration!
• Black dress pants.  These should hit at your waist, and not fit too tight.  Your first pair should be seasonless; do not pick a fabric like wool or linen.  Get something you can wear year round!
• A black blazer.  Bonus points if this matches your black pants... you have a suit!  A blazer can be paired with anything; from shift dresses to jeans on casual Friday.
• Button down shirts.  Get the basic colors first: white, black, and blue or grey.  From there, feel free to add in some fun color or patterned options!  Make sure that the shirt buttons all the way up without "pulling" anywhere-- in which case, it's too tight.  Move your arms and "hug" your body when trying them on.  Can you move easily?  If it's too stiff, go up a size.  The Portofino Shirt from Express is one of our favorites!
• A pencil skirt.  Choose a staple color for your first one: black, grey, or navy.  The skirt should hit just below the knee, and you should be able to move easily in it.
• A polished handbag.  Find a handbag that has clean & timeless lines.  A structured bag is always a great choice!  Find a color that compliments your work wardrobe.  You can't go wrong with black or tan, but don't be afraid to try a color such as cobalt blue!  We love {this} one from Michael Kors!
• A shift dress.  The idea is something that "fits" without being too revealing or too fitted.  Consider something with a high neckline, for lots of versatility.  Calvin Klein makes great work dresses, and they often times can be found at discount stores! 

With the right pieces, you can mix & match each day!  Trust us-- investing in a few timeless staple items is worth your while.  We even shop at places like TJ Maxx to find office appropriate pieces for a great price!  From there, you can add on to your "working girl" wardrobe in the years to come.  It's best to look polished, and feel comfortable in the clothing you wear.  After all, the right attire helps you to exude confidence!

Katie Dean Jewelry {Giveaway}

 

               

On Sakura: Feather Ring | Grace Ring | One Love Rings On Karen: Arrow Ring | Say Your Prayers Hand Chain On Ali: Initial Necklace-Gold | Arrow Ring | Feather Ring

If you haven't seen or heard of Katie Dean Jewelry then you might want to jump on this train. We first found out about Katie Dean Jewelry through Lea Michele's Instagram. She was rocking the cutest piece of hand jewelry we had ever seen! We had to know just where she got it. Turns out, Lea Michele wasn't the only one who loved Katie Dean Jewelry. Several different stars like Kendall and Kylie Jenner and other famous celebs around LA had already caught on to the amazing jewelry that is Katie Dean Jewelry. So what makes her jewelry so unique? Everything. Think bohemian, earthy designs mixed with a feminine dainty twist. When you look at KDJ's pieces, you're looking at a piece of art. Each piece of jewelry has a one of kind flair to it. We have a thing for midi rings right now and KDJ offers the best midi ring designs like the Arrow Ring and the Feather Ring. Karen had been searching high and low for a hand chain and fell in love with the Say Your Prayers gold hand chain from KDJ--like Katie said, it's so amazing that you don't want to take it off. In fact, all of her jewelry you just don't want to take off.

Do you want to experience what all the hype is with KDJ's fab jewelry pieces? We have a special giveaway for you! The Sorority Secrets + Katie Dean Jewelry have teamed up to offer one winner their very own jewelry piece from the Katie Dean Jewelry collection. One winner will receive their choice of any piece of KDJ jewelry that is $50 or less. This is an Instagram giveaway and here are the official rules of entry:

1. You must be a US resident (this giveaway is not offered to those outside of the US).
2. You must read and agree to The Sorority Secrets' Contest/Giveaway Disclaimer.
3. Follow @katiedeanjewelry on Instagram
4. Comment on The Sorority Secrets' Katie Dean Jewelry Giveaway picture on Instagram telling us where you would wear her jewelry if you won. 

The contest ends on 3/28 at 11:59 PM PST and the winner will be notified via Instagram. Thanks and good luck!!

Music Festival Outfit Guide

[Nasty Gal- Flower Shorts][Topshop-Acid Wash Denim Shorts] [Topshop-Moto Zip Shorts]

[Thakoon Addition- Crossback Romper] [Rebel Yell-Venice Romper] [Angie-Print Romper]

[Topshop-Floral Cami] [Topshop-Flower Brill Bralet] [Rag & Bone- Daytona Top]

[Frye- Brown Combat Boots] [Sam Edelman- Darwin Combat Boots] [Lucky Brand-Combats]

[Urban Outfitters- Black Panama Hat] [Urban Outfitters- Suede Boho Hat] [Urban Outfitters- Panama]

The countdown to music festival season has begun! Whether it’s Coachella, Stagecoach, Outside Lands, or just an outdoor concert, music festivals are a great way to show off your style! This season, look out for floral, tribal prints, and crochet. Here are a few staple items to perfect your festival wardrobe: 

1.     High Waisted Shorts: Sorry boys, but this trend is not going away anytime soon! High waisted shorts are the perfect way to add an edge to any outfit. Go for a classic jean, or try one of the floral or tribal prints that are big this year. 

2.     Rompers: Rompers are the perfect way to enjoy a festival hassle-free! They’re easy to slip on, and unlike a dress, you can still dance without worrying about showing a little too much.

3.     Crop Tops: If just a bikini top is a little too revealing for you, pair a crop top with high-waisted shorts or a skater skirt to complete your outfit.

4.     Boots: although strappy sandals or a pair of Converse are a consistent trend at festivals, for those that can stand the heat, boots are a great addition! Try out a classic pair of combat boots this summer.

5.     Hats: add a little something to your outfit while protecting your skin, with a cute wide-brimmed or floppy hat!

All Things Pink & Red!

[Beanie] [Sunglasses] [Clutch] [Heels] [Plate] [Book] [Cookie Jar] [Sweater] [Candles] [Necklace]

Love is in the air! Check out some of our favorite red & pink items that are currently trending right now! Some of them are even less than $10!   We're currently obsessing over the adorable chalkboard cookie jars that are from Target.  It's adorable, handy, and you can use it all year long.  Check them out!

Happy Shopping!

TSS Co-Founder's Inverview: Ali

On Ali: J. Brand Jeans, Equipment Blouse, Givenchy handbag, Mac Ruby Woo lipstick.

1. Where do you currently reside and what do you love most about it?  I live in hot but beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona.  I was born in Toronto, Canada (dual citizen over here) but have lived in AZ for most of my life!  Definitely the best part of living here is being close to my family & friends.  Everyone lives right around the corner from me!

2. Describe your closet.  Color, patterns, stripes!  And solid black or grey.  I love a pretty printed top (especially of the silk or flowy variety) and a pair of J Brand jeans.  That's my uniform.  Add in a sparkly statement necklace, or an eclectic scarf.  A well-tailored blazer and a few maxi dresses top it all off!

3. What was your favorite part about being in a sorority?  Meeting new people.  Not only did I meet lifelong girlfriends (and soon to be bridesmaids!) in my own sorority, but I met a lot of great people involved in Greek life as a whole.  Even after graduating, it's so cool to see how the Greek connection introduces you to new friends as well.  It's instant common ground.

4. What did sorority life teach you that you applied in the real world?  So many things!  The biggest lesson I learned was while I was Recruitment Chair.  I stressed so much about making every little last detail perfect, I lived/breathed/slept recruitment.  But you know what?  It all came together beautifully, and I didn't need to worry as much as I did.  My sisters helped me every step of the way.  With hard work & support from my sisters, we did it!

5. What are 5 beauty products that you can't live without?
St. Tropez bronzing mousse:  Listen, ladies.  In college, I swore by the fake bake (sorry, Mom!) and now I won't touch a tanning bed with a 10-foot pole.  I do like having a sun-kissed glow; this stuff is my tan in a bottle!  Check out my post on St. Tropez for application tips.

CND Vinylux Nail Polish:  I also did a post on this product, it's my manicure life saver!  For the girl who likes to change her polish more frequently than gel nails, but doesn't have time for constant chipping, this is my happy medium.  Try Romantique & Wildfire, my staple colors!

The Balm Bahama Mama bronzer:  I discovered this thanks to my favorite beauty blogger, Maskcara.  It's the perfect color for contouring!  (p.s. her video on HAC changed my life!)

Milani Eyebrow Pencil:  Brows are EVERYTHING.  I have naturally sparse eyebrows, so this gives me the fuller look that I love!

Mac Dollymix Blush:  I've worn this blush color for years.  Maybe it's the hot pink color, maybe it's the rosy cheeks it gives you (or maybe it's both).  It's pretty, and pink.

6. What do you love most about working on TSS?  Getting creative!  I get so inspired thinking about new perspectives, new content, and new products.  Brainstorming for the projects we work on (like the You Can Sit With Us video) excites me.  I love feeling like we can make a difference, big or small.

7. What is the best advice you were ever given?  At ASU, my professor in a design class told us a quote that stuck with me.  "Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up" (said by Pablo Picasso).  This can be taken literally, and in a broader sense.  Never lose that sense of childlike wonder.  Never be too "grown up" to lose sight of pursuing your wildest dreams.  Embrace your mistakes; they could create a masterpiece.  I could go on for days about this quote; I truly love every interpretation behind it!

8. Who is your celebrity style crush?  Can I pick three?!  Miranda Kerr, Kate Middleton, and Blake Lively can do no wrong in my book.  When it comes to Kate, nobody can rock a Jenny Packham gown with such elegance.  With Miranda, I would do anything to play dress up in her closet.  Her street style is impeccable!  And Blake will forever be Serena Van Der Woodsen to me... one of my favorite fictional characters.

9. What are your top 3 stores to shop?  Nordstrom, especially the Savvy department, is my spot.  I love "treasure hunting" (as I like to call it) at TJ Maxx & Marshall's.  I'm also hooked on the accessories & bright colors found at J. Crew!

10.  What do you like to do on your day off?   Relax!  We love going to movies and trying out new restaurants.  And since I'm getting married this May, wedding planning is also on my agenda!

11. What else do you do for work?  A little over 3 years ago, my fiancé and I started 224 Apparel, a Greek Licensed clothing company.  I've always been entrepreneurial, and I fell in love with designing Greek apparel when I was in college.  I knew that I had to do something creative to be happy, and I dreamed of being my own boss.  I work hard everyday to follow my dream!

12.  What are your interests/passions?  I'm a total art nerd.  I have artists on both sides of my family, so art was a huge part of my growing up!  I'm beyond excited to go to Paris for the first time this summer on my honeymoon with my fiancé.  He better get ready for hours upon hours with me at the Louvre nerding out (...hint hint when you're reading this, babe!)

Say Yes To The Dress- Formal Edition

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With spring formal coming right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect dress. Whether you attend your sorority formal, get invited to a fraternity's formal, or are fortunate enough to go to both, dress shopping can become expensive and difficult to fit in your college budget. 

Here are a 3 easy ways to save money and have fun with your sisters while finding the perfect formal dress.

1. Ask around and borrow a sister’s dress: 
Many of your sisters have extra dresses they've previously worn that are just lying around. We girls love being complimented on our style, and wearing someone's dress would be the ultimate compliment.  Dress sized all run differently, so you never know who might be your size and your style, which makes branching out a great idea for more options! 

2. BYOD (bring your own dress) Party: Host a dress exchange! Invite your pledge class or your entire sorority to get together and bring cute dresses they've worn to formals or events. Girls can trade dresses, sell for a good price, or loan to one another. This is a fun way to get your sisters together for a night of bonding while also finding the perfect dress! 

3. Rent the Runway: My newest obsession is Rent the Runway. They have everything, from dresses to clutches, I have had so much fun renting all sorts of things from their website. Their website is easy to navigate and has hundreds of styles to choose from. Whether you are looking for long and elegant, short and fun, or chic and sophisticated, Rent the Runway always has you covered. 

Be Radiant in 2014!

[Jimmy Choo] [Essie] [DVF] [Victoria's Secret] [Michael Kors] [Tory Burch] [Rebecca Minkoff] [Gucci- similar]

Emerald was so 2013. According to Pantone, the leading industry corporation of color, Radiant Orchid is 2014’s color of the year.  This is the perfect color to kick off the year; it’s bright, flirty and makes a bold statement!  The best way to incorporate orchid into your wardrobe is with a statement accessory, such as a bag. From a clutch, purse or tote, a colorful bag is the great everyday accessory. The wonderful thing about orchid is that it’s a great color year around. It will brighten up your winter and fall wardrobe and looks great with your colorful spring and summer outfits.

If you’re not ready to commit to a bag, try little pops of orchid in your wardrobe. A pump, dress or even a floral scarf will be an excellent way to show your fashion forward self this year. 2014 is a year of expression. Whether your personal style is preppy or boho chic, orchid will spice up any outfit. But this doesn’t have to stop at your closet doors, bring this captivating tone into your beauty regime! Sephora is starting the year with a large collection of radiant orchid products for your eyes, lips, cheeks and nails. This versatile hue works for most complexions so you will have no trouble finding a shade to compliment your skin tone and personality.

So my challenge to you this year is to wear color. Be bold, be expressive, and be radiant! Radiant Orchid is so 2014 and a marvelous addition to any fashionista’s everyday life. Share with us below your favorite orchid accessory!