Top 14 Posts of 2014

2014 was a year of growth for us! We loved continuing to share our best kept sorority secrets with you all and hearing a lot of your secrets. Your support of us is showing as we recently passed a major milestone: 3 million+ views! In lieu of that, we compiled your favorite fourteen posts of 2014. From beauty, to fashion, to tips and advice, you loved and read these posts. Thanks for continuing to make us your go-to site; we appreciate you!

1. Beach Waves Hair Tutorial {by Maddie}
2. Second Day Curls on the First Day!
3. 20 Best Friend Date Ideas
4. Top 10 Words To Cut From Your Writing
5. Campus Security 101: 5 Tips To Keep You Safe
6. Study Session Survival Guide
7. Recruitment Conversation All-Star Tips
8. 4 Travel Tips Every Wanderlust Should Know
9. Clip-In Hair Extension Secrets
10. Eyelash Extensions- Pros & Cons
11. How To Successfully Travel Internationally
12. 10 Ways To Nail An Interview
13. Spring Recruitment Guide
14. Music Festival Outfit Guide

Have a favorite blog post that didn't make the Top 14? Well, we would love to hear which post of 2014 was your favorite so leave a comment below!

Happy New Year!

All American Apple Pie Crust Recipe

[Picture Source: Pinterest]

We're all about the patriotic spirit!  In honor of one of our favorite holidays, the 4th of July, we decided to get a head start on the festivities by whipping up some All American Apple Pie.  Instead of getting a store bought crust, we decided to go the homemade route for something extra good. Former TSS It Girl Avery shared her favorite apple pie crust recipe with us, and boy is it ever delicious.  The best part?  It's buttery and flakey... melt in your mouth good!  The secret?  A secret ingredient-- vodka!  (For our readers under 21, please be responsible and ask someone of age to help out.)

Foolproof Pie Dough for a Single-Crust Pie (from Cooks Illustrated)

Recipe yields one 9-inch single crust pie
*Vodka is essential to the texture of the crust and imparts no flavor- do not substitute.  The dough will be moister and more supple than most standard pie doughs, and will require more flour to roll out (up to 1/4 cup).

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (6 1/4 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (3/4 stick), cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 1/4 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening, cut into 2 pieces
• 2 tablespoons vodka, cold
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

1. Process 3/4 cups flour, salt, and sugar together in food processor until combined-- about 2 one second pulses.  Add butter and shortening and process until homogenous dough just starts to collect in uneven clumps, about 10 seconds (dough will resemble cottage cheese curds with some very small pieces of butter remaining, but there should be no uncoated flour).  Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl with rubber spatula, and redistribute dough evenly around processor blade.  Add remaining 1/2 cup flour and pulse until mixture is evenly distributed around bowl and mass of dough has been broken up (4-6 quick pulses).  Empty mixture into medium bowl.
2. Sprinkle water and vodka over mixture.  With rubber spatula, use folding motion to mix, pressing down on dough until dough is slightly tacky and and sticks together.  Flatten dough into 4-inch disk.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days.  
3. Adjust oven rack to lowest position, place in rimmed baking sheet on oven rack, and heat oven to 425 degrees.  Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out on generously floured (up to 1/4 cup) work surface to a 12-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick.  Roll dough loosely around rolling pin and unroll into pie plate, leaving at least 1-inch overhang on each side.  Working around circumference, ease dough into plate by gently lifting edge of dough with one hand while pressing into plate bottom with other hand.  Leave overhanging dough in place; refrigerate until dough is firm, about 30 minutes.
4. Trim overhang to 1/2 inch beyond lip of pie plate.  Fold overhang under itself; folded edge should be flush with edge of pie plate.  Flute dough or press the tines of a fork against dough to flatten it against rim of pie plate.  Refrigerate dough-lined plate until firm, about 15 minutes.
5. Remove pie pan from refrigerator, line crust with foil, and fill with pie weights or pennies.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove foil and weights, rotate plate, and bake for 5-10 minutes additional until crust is golden brown and crisp.

Now for the other yummy part-- the filling!  This filling will help to cut the time in half when making the rest of the pie, plus it tastes just like homemade!

Enjoy your All American Apple Pie!

Get To Know Our New It Girls!

May Designs: Giveaway & Promo Code!

 Planners: May Designs

Well now I don’t know about you guys, but the only way that I am able to accomplish anything school wise is to motivate myself with my planner… so naturally, I have to have the cutest planner out there. I’m obsessed with finding something that is unique and usable. Although I have used Erin Condren and Lilly Pulitzer planners in the past, my whole life changed when I stumbled upon May Designs products!

Who doesn’t love personalized everything!? I know that if it wasn’t weird, I would tattoo my monogram on my own body. This is one of the main reasons May Designs is the epitome of perfection for me. Every planner can be personalized for exactly what you want it to be! But wait…they don’t stop at planners. You can order personalized plain and lined paper notebooks, so you can stay stylish and be the envy of every girl in your class. And if that’s not enough, you can also order a budget journal, or exercise and diet diary! These two are my personal favorite of the bunch because they really keep you on track and make it easy to set goals and stick with them. These May Books are the perfect size and can fit them into any purse, backpack, or can even slip into the same case as your ipad mini!

If the beautiful books didn’t get ya, then than personalized paper products totally will! I LOVE to write personalized cards to anyone and everyone. They are just so much more fun then writing an email...am I right?  Sending out cutely decorated cards, really makes a statement and the more memorable you can be the better!

Even more exciting, the ladies of May Designs are doing BOTH a Giveaway & a Promo Code for TSS readers!  Enter the Promo Code sororitysecrets13 at checkout for a 15% discount, now through Sunday 10/13/13.  In addition, one lucky winner will receive a custom May Designs book!  Here's how to enter:

Step 1: "Like" May Designs on Facebook (click here to "like")

Step 2: "Like" The Sorority Secrets on Facebook (click here to "like)

Step 3: Comment below, telling us how a May Designs book will help to keep you organized!  Be sure to leave your email, so we can contact you if you win!

Good luck, and be sure to use our Promo Code sororitysecrets13 on your May Designs 

purchase now through Sunday for a 15% discount!

 *Contest ends 10/16/13.  Winner will be notified via email*

A Touch Of Grunge

Shoes: Converse.  Shorts: Urban Renewal.  Sunglasses: Ray Ban.

Grunge has come a long way since the 90's, and we're loving the little touches of it that we're seeing in fall fashion.  Plaid, army fatigues, and distressed anything (denim, leather, vintage tees... you name it) are turning up everywhere.  For a spin on the usual plaid shirt styling, try it tied around your waist for a carelessly cool vibe.  It's disheveled, it's fresh, and it feels new all over again.  Plus, with some added feminine touches, it can be surprisingly girly!

Now, we could go pairing this outfit with some combat boots... or even better, some chunky-soled Dr. Martens.  But if you don't want to go that far with the look, we suggest pairing it with some cute & classic Chucks.  They're the perfect simple addition to complete the ensemble, as shown by It Girls Cristina and Allie.

This fall, we're throwing on our flannels and getting grunge-chic.  Can't wait!

Back To School 2013: Free Spirit

Dress: Forever 21 (similar here).  Boots: Tory Burch (here & here). Purse: Prada.

Life is but a bohemian dream, and we're loving It Girl Allie's free-spirited ensemble.  Paisley (an ancient pattern that became popular in contemporary fashion during the 1960's & 1970's... fun fact!) is the perfect print for a flowy boho-inspired dress.  The vintage pattern captures the bohemian mood, and the deeper colors feel fall-season appropriate.  The burgundy lace headband ties together the boho vibe, and those adorable equestrian-inspired Tory Burch boots add a modern touch to the whole outfit.  Adding your own modern take with a boho outfit is always a great idea; it makes it feel current, plus makes it more wearable for daily life (unless you're at a music festival, we wouldn't want to feel like we're wearing a costume).  Plus, we love the rich cognac brown color of the boots; so perfect for fall!

What looks are you excited to try for the fall back to school season?

It Girl Trend Report: Favorite Nail Polish

Nail polish is like a perfect little accessory that can complete any look.  We are all nail polish fanatics over here at TSS, and couldn't wait to share our favorite summer polish selections with you!

Classic bright pinks & corals are a summer staple color for us.  "OPI Shootout at the O.K. Coral looks good on everyone, and enhances your tan in the summertime," Marisa says.  Similarly, Cristina loves Essie's new summer neon pink color called Bottle Service.  "Fuchsia is my favorite color-- it's super girly, and can also have an edgy feel.  When I think of summer nails, this is my go to" Cristina tells us.  Avery also picked a coral pink shade, called Kerfuffle by Butter.  Avery also adds that this coral tone can really amp up your tan... we couldn't agree more!  In the softer pink family, we love Allie's pick-- Ballet Slippers by Essie.  "I love the clean, natural look of a nude polish.  It's always appropriate for any outfit or occassion," Allie says.  For a family occasion or even a job interview, we think that Ballet Slippers is an excellent choice!

Serena & Victoria are both loving the creative nail art looks this summer.  Serena tells us, "since I'm a nail polish fanatic, it's hard for me to pick one color!  My two favorite brands are Julep and Essie, so I picked one from each brand.  This is Julep in Susie, and Essie in Set in Stones."  We love Serena's glittery fade at the tips of her nails, so pretty!  Victoria agrees that "for a pattern, go bold or go home!"  Her favorite shade, OPI Bubble Bath, makes a great base color.  She then added Sally Hansen Snappy Sorbet & OPI Paint My Moji-toes Red to create a geometric pattern.  Victoria suggests using a toothpick or even tape to help make your geometric patterns come out clean & precise.

What are your favorite summer nail looks?  Any favorite new polishes you think we should try out?  Tell us below, we would love to hear from you!

DIY: Glitter Starbucks Cup

During the hot summer months, we need to remember to stay hydrated!  To make drinking your H20 more fun, what better idea than to drink it out of a pretty water bottle?!  Thank you to our TSS It Girl, Avery, for telling us how to make our very own glitter Starbucks cup!  "I have not been drinking enough water in the dry Arizona heat, so I figured I would drink more if I was obsessed with my cup," Avery says.  We love this fun, easy (and so pretty!) DIY project... and can't wait to make our very own!  Here's to a healthy & hydrated summer!

How To Make A Glitter Starbucks Cup:

You will need a venti reusable plastic Starbucks cup, glitter of your choice, and spray adhesive.

Step One:  Remove the inside layer of the Starbucks cup.  We don't need it at all in this process until the very end.
Step Two:  Spray the inside of the outer layer with the spray adhesive.
Step Three:  Add loose glitter.
Step Four:  Find a lid (a piece of cardboard or a firm paper plate will do) and cover the cup opening.  Shake until the glitter is dispersed throughout.
Step Five:  Repeat steps 2-4 until you are happy with the coating of glitter inside your cup.
Step Six:  Let it dry, put the cup back together, and enjoy your sparkly new cup!

Want to show off your glitter Starbucks cup?  Share your pictures with us on Instagram, mentioning @thesororitysecrets!

Senior Superlatives: Rachel

As spring semester comes and goes, our beloved senior class graduates from college and embarks on their new journey into the real world.  Just the same, there comes a time when our TSS It Girls finish their senior year, and begin their newest career chapters.  It's bittersweet to say the least-- but we are so proud of our It Girl Interns, and all of their accomplishments!

Today's post is dedicated to a special It Girl who has been there since the very beginning-- Rachel.  Our resident Delta Gamma from Arizona State is so full of fabulous fashion, that her Senior Superlative title was pretty easy: Best Personal Style!  Yes, Rachel always showed up to our office decked out from head to toe in colorful scarves, maxi dresses, and fabulous footwear to boot... and her Superlative title is well deserved.  We are grateful for all of Rachel's hard work, dedication, and endless laughter that she has brought to the TSS office this past year.  Thank you for being wonderful you, Rachel!  We know that you are destined for greatness!

Graduation is a big moment in our lives; and sure, at times it can be a little scary.  But don't forget, life after college is truly only the beginning of a beautiful journey.  Besides, it's not 4 years- it's for a lifetime!  Congratulations again, Class of 2013!

It Girl Trend Report: Source of Energy!

As busy girls on the go, we're always looking for new energy boosters.  During the long mid-afternoon hours, we're often reaching for a little pick-me-up.  We turned to our It Girls to see what powers them through the day... from caffeine to nutritious snacks, there are lots of options to choose from!

Both Serena & Marisa enjoy our energy boosting staple: iced coffee!  We totally agree, plus iced coffee is a yummy treat on a hot summer day.  Serena adds, "I usually mix it with a half cup to a cup of almond milk.  It's only 40 calories, and I love the subtle nutty flavor!"  Another easy caffeine boost is the ever popular, tried & true Red Bull, as seen in Alyx's pick.

For a natural boost without caffeine, Rachel loves the Suja juice cleanse.  "It gives me the energy I need, tastes great, and nourishes the body," she says.  Organic cold pressed juices such as Suja can be a great source of vitamins & nutrients as well.

As for Victoria, she goes back to basics for a jump start!  "I'm going back to what I've used since middle school to give me energy: apples & almonds," she says.  "Whether I didn't have time for breakfast in the morning, was out playing golf, or just needed a pick me up, I always carried these two in my car," adds Victoria.  Another recent discovery of hers is Shot Bloks by CLIF.  Victoria tells us that, "Shot Bloks restore the sugar and sodium levels in your body to give you energy.  Needless to say, I now keep an apple, almonds, and Shot Bloks in my purse wherever I go!"

What's your go-to energy boost?  With all of the products out there geared towards energy, we're always up for trying new things!

It Girl Interns Trend Report: Mascara

Clockwise from top: Benefit, Smashboxx, Julep, Dior, Victoria's Secret, Maybelline. 

In our daily makeup routines, applying mascara is like the cherry on the cake.  Any makeup look isn't quite complete without it, and adding a few coats can make a huge difference.  But with all of the mascara selections out there, it's hard to know which ones are the best!  We turned to our It Girls, to see which mascaras they love the most.  Ranging from drug store brands to designer, there's a little something for everyone!

An affordable classic is Victoria's pick, Maybelline Great Lash.  Don't underestimate the price, as this little pink tube has long been praised by beauty experts as one of the very best.  We're also big fans of makeup products by Victoria's Secret, including Rachel's pick.  Alyx's selection, by Dior, is her absolute favorite.  "The brush is perfectly shaped so that you don't need an eyelash curler," Alyx says.  

Serena has 3 mascara favorites that she likes to use; including Benefit, Smashboxx, and Julep.  Plus, she shared her tips with us, on how to get the most out of your mascara!  "Always start with clean lashes and layer the coats on," she says, which is an important first step.  Next, "begin at the base of your lashes and gently wiggle back and forth as you move the wand up your lashes.  Repeat if desired!"  Another tip we love, is to "use a lengthening mascara on the very tips of your eyelashes to make sure your whole lash is coated-- this really adds length to your lashes, because the lacquer can extend over the tips of your lashes a bit," Serena adds.

What is your favorite mascara brand?  We would love to hear about the mascara you love to use! 

It Girl Trend Report: Beach Essentials

Since school is (almost) out for everyone, one thing is on our mind... sunshine and summertime!  Pool parties, beach bonfires, and warm nights await us.  Those summer days wouldn't be complete without a few style essentials, to keep us looking cool with the sand between our toes.  We asked our It Girls to tell us all about their favorite beach staples, in this week's trend report.

One of the biggest trends?  Cute swimwear.  We loved Alyx's tribal pattern 2-piece from Karma Loop, and Rachel's black & white striped option is always classic.  Next up is accessories, from sunglasses to hats.  Ray Bans seem to be the It Girl brand of choice- so many cute styles!  Hats, from floppy to straw, offer style as well as sun protection.  Also, leave it to our It Girls to think of something useful, such as an insulated lunch bag.  As Marisa says, "This is one of my favorite beach items to bring with me... they come in all sorts of cute patterns, and they keep food and drinks cold!"  Serena's adorable Lilly Pulitzer bag is also practical, because "the inside (of the tote) is lined with plastic, so getting sand out is easy."

Palm trees, sea breeze... yes please!  Summer is almost upon us, and we can't wait to hit the beach in style.

It Girl Trend Report: Fab&Fit

Working out and being fit is something that should be a priority for everyone.  Sure, we may feel lazy and unmotivated but sometimes a cute pair of running shoes or a cute workout gear can really boost your motivation to workout- we like to call this being “Fab&Fit”!  We personally like to get our motivation from our dearest friend and blogger, Lauryn Evarts’ blog, “The Skinny Confidential”.  (Meet her here!)

For this week’s It Girl Intern Trend Report, we asked our It Girl Interns to snap a picture of their favorite workout item!  

What are some of your favorite work out items?  Instagram and mention us! @thesororitysecrets

It Girl Trend Report: Mint

There's just something about the color mint that everyone loves.  For this week's It Girl Intern Trend Report, we had our It Girls send us a picture of their favorite mint colored items!  If you didn't get a chance to meet our It Girl Interns, make sure you do!

Do you have a favorite mint colored item? Instagram it this week and mention us to get a repost!
Have a minty week!

It Girl Trend Report: Floral

Shoes: TOMS. Flowers: Pike Place Public Market. Thermal Mug: Lilly Pulitzer. Agenda: Lilly Pulitzer. Shirt: Forever 21.

*prices subject to change

We are so excited to be introducing our first It Girl Trend Report for the week. Every week, our It Girl Interns will be showing us their favorite items according to what is trending. This week, we were absolutely in love with the floral patterns we have been seeing as you saw in our post earlier in the week, that we had each It Girl send us their most inspiring floral images. 

Have a cute floral image worth sharing? Hashtag #thesororitysecrets & #floral so we can see what floral  things inspire you this season!

TSS It Girl Interns!

They come from all across the USA. Different sororities, different universities. After searching high and low, we have selected our official It Girls for Spring/Summer 2013! We are so excited to share more about our It Girl team, and have our readers get to know each of them. One thing is for sure, each one of these girls is a very special part of the TSS family!

In case you were wondering, what exactly are It Girls? Well, they are representatives & interns of TSS... each with an eye for fashion, beauty, current trends, and a love for their sorority. They keep us up to date with what's happening in their city and on their campus. Sort of like our very own trend reporting team! It Girls, we are so lucky to have each and every one of you! 

Lots of features to come, showing off what these fabulous ladies have to offer. Think you have what it takes to be an It Girl? Keep an eye out... our team might be growing very soon! 

Tangerine Dream

Dress: Urban Outfitters (similar here).  Jean Vest: J. Crew.  Shoes: Nine West (similar here).

Scarf: Forever 21 (similar here and here).  Watch: Michael Kors.

Our TSS It Girl, Rachel from Arizona State University, sure knows how to style an outfit.  She was even selected by the Phoenix New Times, to write an article about her fabulous sense of style!  Check out her feature below... we are so flattered that The Sorority Secrets inspires her as well!

Rachel's Article:
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/jackalope/2013/02/rachel_barbos.php#more

So, what is a TSS It Girl you may ask?  Well, we have selected a few stylish collegiate women from across the country to represent The Sorority Secrets, to tell us what's trending on their campus.  We are SO excited to share their "secrets" with you!  Expect many more style posts from our It Girls, coming very soon!