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?

Headband Chic (giveaway closed)

We're all about the accessories these days.  And, there is nothing like a chic piece of headwear to complete a look from head to toe.  So when we heard about 5two3's headbands, we knew that this was exactly the accessory we were looking for to complete our summer ensembles.  They come in so many fun styles, patterns, and colors- there's one to coordinate with any look you're going for!

5two3 was started by two dear friends, Karah and Brittany, who met while working at a yoga studio.  They both love to design, sew, and they even share the same birthday- May 23rd (hence the name of their company)!  Not only are these female entrepreneurs inspiring, but they also do all of the designing and sewing themselves.  "We choose unique designs that we want to wear ourselves," Brittany adds, "our goal is to make people's heads happy!"  Another fun fact about 5two3?  Brittany is a Pi Beta Phi alum from Arizona State!  We love hearing about fellow Greeks who chase after their dreams.

The girls from 5two3 were so kind as to do both a giveaway, and a promo code to our readers!  Enter promo code SECRET1 at checkout, for 15% off your entire order- hurry, expires May 28th!

One lucky winner will get to pick one of the 3 adorable styles we pictured above.

Here's how to enter:
Step 1: "Like" The Sorority Secrets on Facebook (Click here to "Like")
Step 2: "Like" 5two3 on Facebook (Click here to "Like")
Step 3: Leave a comment below, and tell us where you would wear your 5two3 headband!  Make sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win!

Good luck, and thank you to 5two3 for the headbands!

*Contest ends 5/16/13.  Winner will be notified via email*

Free Spirit

Hat: Target (old, similar here).  Jean Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch (old, similar here).  Tank Top: Alternative Apparel (similar here).  Skirt: Charlotte Russe.  Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden (old, similar here).  Necklace: J. Crew.  Lipgloss: Revlon.

Free, free falling.  A worn-in jean jacket can compliment many different looks, adding a casual layer to feminine pieces.  This jacket in particular, Ali has actually had since she was a freshman in college!  It's very loved, to say the least.  Like a favorite pair of jeans, you can't really go wrong with this denim staple.  We love pairing tan shoes with this black skirt, to play up the laid-back feel.  A pattern tank adds a bit of color, and the turquoise necklace adds a bright pop to the look.  Simple, natural makeup and hair top it all off.  This look has us feeling carefree, and ready to take on the day.

Boho Leopard

Top: Forever 21 (similar here).  Jeans: J Brand.  Necklace: Forever 21 (similar here).  Bracelet: Chanel.  Hat: Grace Hats.

Leopard is one of our favorite neutrals.  Sure, it's a fun pattern, but it actually goes with just about everything!  Styling it with a colorful accessory and black denim is a chic way to wear the print.  Ali loves the bohemian feel, and this floppy hat adds boho personality to the outfit.  We added gold link chains to glam up the look.  Plus, the shirt and the necklace were both found at Forever 21... score with some affordable finds to create this look yourself!  Mixing inexpensive items with nice staple pieces, such as the jeans, makes it easy to try out new looks.