Sisters Succeeding: Jordan Bosstick

Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, we all have different opinions and views on things- well we want you to meet Miss Jordan Bosstick.  Jordan is a recent graduate from Arizona State University that decided to start her own political social network called, Volkalize!  Volkalize is an unbiased, political social networking site where all point of views are welcome!  Volkalize has been doing amazing since her launch and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Jordan and find out more about her, her career, and how she stays fashionable without wearing conservative suits all the time!

Read her interview below and make sure to check out Volkalize.com!

1.What sparked the idea of starting Volkalize?

"I LOVE politics, but everybody knows the media is crazy biased. News is either right wing or left wing. It is SO hard to find news with both sides of an argument. So I decided to create Volkalize.com: an unbiased, political social networking site where all points of view are welcome, because anyone online can contribute to the debates. I believe in grassroots efforts and the power of spreading information through the Internet. Our tagline is ‘People Power Discussion’ because people create the topics, provide the facts and opinions, and are responsible for spreading political information virally through the Internet."

2. Who is your biggest fan?

"Definitely my Dad. He encouraged me to stay politically informed from a young age. He is very opinionated! Volkalize provides an outlet for politically opinionated people to create their own articles and debates, and my dad is literally OBSESSED. He posts articles all the time. I am turning him in to a social media expert!"

3. What sorority were you in and how have your sisters helped you with Volkalize?

"I’m a proud Arizona State University Kappa Alpha Theta! My sisters have been so supportive. All of them helped me promote the Volkalize.com launch last May.  Beyond actually using the site and promoting it on social media, just chatting with my sisters about business, politics, and life keeps me motivated."

     4. Your thought on Politics and the younger generation- what do you hope to achieve through Volkalize?

"The younger generation needs to become more involved. The government affects our education, healthcare, safety, money, and pretty much every other aspect of our lives. I get frustrated sometimes with the apathetic youth. We are lucky enough to be members of the free world, and we should act like it. I hope Volkalize.com inspires my generation to educate themselves, stay politically engaged, and encourage others to do so as well."

     5.  What are some things you like to do when you're not working?

"Horses, yoga, and Pilates. I work out at least 6 days week. It’s the hour I set aside for myself each day to sweat and focus inward. Wine nights with my boyfriend, Nico, also keep me sane during the craziness of running an Internet start up."

     6.  What are 3 different beauty products you can't live without?

"#1 CHAPSTICK. I AM OBSESSED. My new fav is Coola liplux (‘peppermint & vanilla’).

#2 I love my Skin Stick (‘meyer lemon’) -- It’s basically chapstick for your body. I take it everywhere. It smells like lemon and instantly moisturizes. A must have for anyone that has to travel a lot, like me. Traveling dries out your skin, so skin stick keeps my skin from getting crackly.

#3 The Dry Brush – I like to keep my hair long and healthy. Literally every day I wake up its dreaded. I only use the Dry Brush. I REFUSE to use any other brush they damage my hair."

     7.   Winter is approaching- what is your favorite winter wardrobe accessory?

"I’m in San Diego, so winter for me means 65 and mostly sunny. Boots, bourdeaux colored nail polish, and lots of leather detail for any outfit."

     8.   Politicians are dressed very conservative- how do you mix it up and make it fun??

"THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. People in politics need to style it up a bit. I like to give a business look a little edge. I love finding a blazer with some leather detail. I also add tons of jewelry and accessories. Think Helmut Lang if you’ve got the $$ -- But I find great edgy stuff online on Nastygal and Revolve."

     9.  What are some things you learned from being in a sorority that has helped you post college?

"In Theta at ASU we liked to keep it classy and stay professional. My sorority sisters taught me to surround myself with positive driven people, because the saying is true you are who you hang out with. All my sisters encouraged each other to strive for success in everything they do. We networked with each other and support each other in all of our business endeavors. I am so proud of all of my sisters."

     10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

 "In 5 years I hope Volkalize.com will be the main platform for political discussion. I’d like to get more politicians using the site to communicate directly with their constituents. We just got our first Congressional Candidate - Carl DeMaio – using the site to chat with his constituents in San Diego."

     11. You love to workout- what do you do and how do you have time to workout in your busy schedule?

     "Running a business, trying to stay fit and healthy, and have a social life takes serious planning. I’ve picked up most of my tricks from The Skinny Confidential. To be honest, it just takes commitment and the willingness to work out early in the morning or late at night."

       A special thank you to Jordan for taking the time to interview with us!  Be on the look out for more upcoming information on Volkalize! 

     Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Celebrity Artist, Haley Buckner's 10 Must-Haves

My 10 Must Haves:
1. Moisturizer - If you have nothing else in your routine, at least moisturize. It will keep your skin looking youthful.

2. MAC Fix + Spray - It makes foundation look more like skin.

3. Beauty Blender Sponge - Get it wet with warm water before applying foundation and your skin will look perfect.

4. Urban Decay Primer Potion - A thin layer helps eyeshadow stay for hours.

5. High quality makeup brushes - If you invest, they last forever.

6. OCC Lip Tars - A little bit goes a long way and if you want, you can mix them together to create any color you want.

7. Loreal Voluminous Mascara (SALE!) - The best, hands down.

8. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - It's all your neutral blending colors in one.

9. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - For those days that you want a lightweight coverage.

10. Clarisonic Brush - Exfoliate.. It's worth the investment for radiant skin.

1. What do you love most about doing make up?
Meeting famous people and getting to work with them is so much fun and it really inspires me, but the greatest part of my job is that I get to help people feel beautiful. The most rewarding experiences I've had are helping people who have cancer and have lost their hair from chemotherapy. Teaching them how to naturally fill in their eyebrows and apply false lashes seems like such a small thing, but when they look in the mirror and are overjoyed because they feel like themselves again touches my heart in the biggest way.

2. How did you get started? What got you to the next step?
I always loved beauty, so I started working for Mac when I was 18 in Reno, Nv. It's where I learned the most about skin and makeup techniques. I dreamed of working with celebrities so I knew I needed to sacrifice being close to the ones I loved and move to a bigger city. A few years later I moved to Vegas and worked in Caesars Palace where I met so many people and was blessed with amazing opportunities.

3. What is one thing (foundation, mascara, eyeliner, lipgloss, etc.) that you feel every girl should always wear? why?
Every face is different, so I don't think every girl should always have a specific product. It's important to capitalize on your best feature. If a client sits in my chair with lips like Angelina Jolie I make them the primary focus of the makeup. If someone has long lashes and beautiful eyes, I think they should accentuate them with a great mascara.

4. What's in, what's out?
There are always changing trends in makeup. As artists we are always changing looks on our clients, but in my opinion a classic red lip is never out. Skin is also always important, and for summer a bronzed look is usually desired.

5. Who/Where do you look for inspiration?
I'm continually inspired by fellow makeup artists. I've worked with some of the best artists in the industry and when I see them do something mind blowing it makes me want to continue to push myself to be on that level. Since day one my biggest inspiration has been Mac Senior Artist Victor Cembellin.


A special thank you to Haley for her time and sharing us her beauty tips & secrets.  For more information on Haley, visit her site at www.haleybuckner.com and follow her on Instagram! 

Top 5 Favorite Things of a Southern Sorority Girl

Meet Kate, she's an adorable Southern gal from Dallas, Texas.  She's a Kappa Kappa Gamma at UT Austin and is a Public Relations Major that became mildly obsessed with blogging after creating a blog for a school project.  We sat down with Kate to find out the ins and out of being a Southern girl and what she loves about fashion, blogging, and all things Southern!

Her Instagram account is filled with bright colors, bows, and her Southern Style.  Kate decided to share with us the Top 5 Favorite Things of a Southern Sorority Girl along with her TSS Interview!  Make sure to follow Kate's blog, A Lonestar State of Southern and follow her on Instagram!

1. Oversized Shirts

AKA my college uniform. I am a little bit confused as to how wearing tshirts the size of trashbags counts as socially acceptable, and I’m ALL for it.

2. Caffeine

I used to pride myself on not being one of those “coffee addicts.” This 5’2” girl wasn’t going to risk stunted growth, and it’s obviously way healthier to stick to water, right? Whelp, that mentality lasted all of two months, and now it’s part of my daily routine! No coffee, no talky. For real.

3. Rent the Runway

With date functions and formals always around the corner, Rent the Runway is my lifesaver. I love the huge selection of gorgeous gowns that are in price range and conveniently delivered to your doorstep. Three cheers for whomever came up with that fabulous idea!

4. Lilly Pulitzer Planner

Oh yes, I am that girl. And if my large planner in “Lulu” wasn’t colorful enough, the month views are an explosion of highlighter and colored markers reminding me of tests, functions, and babysitting commitments. 

            

5. Student Discounts

I can’t believe that I didn’t know about the wealth of stores that offer hefty student discounts until this semester! Jcrew, Madewell, Ann Taylor LOFT, Topshop, Urban Outfitters, and Pizza Hut (oops… how did that slip in there?) offer anywhere from 10-25% off. As if I needed more of an excuse to go shop!

1. What or who inspired you to start your blog?

"It all started last spring as an assignment for one of my public relations classes. We were told to create a temporary blog about whatever we fancied. Once I started writing about my love for Texan culture and Southern style, I couldn’t stop! This past summer, Lonestar State of Southern quickly become one of my favorite hobbies. Who would have thought school work could turn into something so fun?!"

2. Who is your celebrity style crush?  

"Reese Witherspoon. I have such respect for her classic style, and how she doesn’t feel the need to wear two feet of clothing in order to make a statement. Her quote, 'If it’s not moving, monogram it!' says it all."

3. So you're a Southern Belle- tell us what your favorite part about living in the South!

"My favorite part? There’s no way to narrow it down to just one! So I’ll cheat… My favorite part is that the stereotype of the South is completely true. Everyone here says 'y’all', cowboy boots are accepted dress shoes, and boys learn to open doors as toddlers. The culture here is warm and loving, the sky is huge and beautiful, and tea comes in 'sweet' and 'un'. What’s not to love?"

4. What's your favorite part about being in a sorority?

"Prepare yourself for the cookie-cutter response, but my favorite part is the relationships I’ve made through Kappa. College is such a unique experience, and having a group of ladies to figure it all out with has made a vibrant one We are all so different, and thank goodness for that! We bring different talents and interests to the table, balance each other out, and always have too much fun together!"

5. How does your sorority sisters support you and your blog?

"Everyone has a kind, encouraging word, and no one makes a big deal about it. That is what I love about Kappa. Everyone is supported in their interests here. whether that’s biking to Alaska to raise money for cancer victims, putting together $40,000 to build a school in Uganda, or writing a light hearted blog about life and fashion. There’s a shared joy in everyone’s different accomplishments, and that underlying theme is something I treasure the most about this group of girls."

6. What are 3 things that you always carry in your purse?

 "Warby Parker glasses (I’m under the age of 75 and have cataracts. Like, what?), my Lilly Pulitzer agenda, and a little slip of paper from freshman year. My freshman year of college, a stranger found my phone that I had left in the library and took the time to and turn it in and place a note where I had left it. It says “If you lost your phone, I turned it into the front desk downstairs! Have a great day!” in pink writing. I will never forget how moved I was by that seemingly small act of kindness. It’s my favorite reminder to take the time to love others!"

7. Who's your 3 favorite fashion bloggers that you religiously follow?

"1. Caitlin of Southern Curls and Pearls. We’re best friends. She is gorgeous, southern, and unpretentious. She has a fuzzy cat, flawless taste, and the ideal closet of a modern southern belle. Ok I should clarify the best friend thing… She actually doesn’t know that… so maybe don’t pass that on?

 2.  Molly of Bridget’s Own Diary. All jokes aside, I actually am super lucky to know this pretty lady (and fellow Kappa!) in real life. Her blog has style, soul, depth, and so much feel-goodness it’s hard to handle. She’s also the cutest thing to walk this earth, and one of the most thoughtful girls I know.

 3. Sarah of Classy Girls Wear Pearls. No explanation needed, right? Has anyone figured out yet if she and the Kiel James Patrick group are actually real?"

8. Southern Gentlemen- fact or myth?

"Fact! To anyone doubting their existence, take heart! I met mine in Seaside, Florida the summer before my freshman year of college. He wears Vineyard Vines, loves Jesus with his whole heart, and two years later still opens every door I come across. It’s tricky to find them on your typical college campus, but they’re out there I swear!"

9. How do you balance everything between school, sorority, and blogging?  Do you have any other things you are involved in?

"I wouldn’t be able to without my faith. Because of my faith- school, sorority, and blogging are all just icing on the cake! Those three parts of my life become joys instead of things that need to be juggled when I remind myself that I am loved unconditionally, and that nothing I’ve ever done or will do in the future can change that."

10. What's your 3 go-to stores?

"Eighty percent of the dresses in my closet come from Zara. That is one store that fits perfectly and without fail. Madewell always has the best sale items, and… wait I only have one left? Can LillyPulitzerJCrewStBernardsSportsH&MCWonder count as one? :)"

Isn't she just so stinkin' cute?  Now we know what it's like to be a Southern Sorority girl, live in the South, and date Southern boys!  Thank you, Kate- we loved having you on TSS! 

Sisters Succeeding: Kat Tanita from With Love from Kat

                       

This West coast girl makes her big move to New York City shortly after graduating from college to pursue her dreams in fashion, design, and blogging.  After 2 short years of being a New Yorker and now a full-time Fashion Blogger, invitations to New York Fashion Week, showrooms, and luncheons with other NY fashion bloggers is an everyday thing.  

The Sorority Secrets sits down with Kat Tanita to get the ins & outs of being a Fashion Blogger and how sorority life helped her get to where she's at today.  Read Kat's Interview below!

"Looking back, I think I was subconsciously prepping for the career I have now since I was in high school.  Before writing With Love From Kat full time, I worked at Calypso St. Barth and Saks Fifth Avenue, interned at interior design firms in college, and then, after earning a degree in design, did PR and social media for a start up jewelry company in NYC.  With Love From Kat showcases my passion for decor, fashion, and travel.  New visitors to my blog can expect to see plenty of photos showcasing my signature style which fuses elegant-yet accessible high/low fashion, along with regular decor inspiration, travel advice and collages featuring my latest must have items.  It's a site that provides good living for the savvy, sophisticated girl."  

1. How long have you been blogging?
      "I've been blogging for almost 3 years.  I started blogging right after graduating from college."

2. What/Who Inspired you to start a blog?
      "In college I was a design major so I was constantly working on different art projects.  When I graduated, I found myself missing the creative outlet that my classes provided.  I started researching blogging (the first blogs I looked at were Cupcakes + Cashmere and Fashion Toast) and realized that a blog would be the perfect creative outlet for me."

3. What sorority were you apart of and what was your favorite part about being in a sorority?
       "I was a Kappa Alpha Theta in college.  I loved being a part of such an inspiring, smart group of women!  It was a great way to meet people and made my college experience so fun."

4. What's your favorite part about being a New Yorker?

    "New York is extremely stimulating - there is literally always something to do, something to see, someone to meet!  Everything about this city inspires me - I couldn't imagine living anywhere else!"

5. Who's a blogger that inspires you?

     "I'm really inspired by Carin Olsson of Paris in Four Months.  She's incredibly mature and sophisticated for her age and moved to Paris to follow her dreams.  She documents her life traveling through Paris and all over the world with the most beautiful photographs."

6. The ups and downs of being a fashion blogger?

     "There are so many ups to being a fashion blogger.  My favorite part is getting to meet people that I've looked up to for years - magazine editors, authors, photographers and designers.  I love what I do and besides being occasionally tired I can't really think of any major downs to my job!"

7. NYFW just ended- what is your favorite part about attending NYFW?

    "NYFW was a whirlwind!  I absolutely loved attending the Rebecca Minkoff show - she had live music and every outfit that came down the runway was completely wearable.  I also loved catching up with blogger friends who flew in from around the country."

8. Tell us your Secret Steal?

      "I am a huge fan of consignment and vintage stores!   And I love a good sale - Shopbop and Nordstrom always have great sale items."

9. What has sorority life taught you that you have applied in the real world?

      "Being in a sorority taught me how to get along with all different kinds of women.  I feel like I can relate to almost anyone in some way or another which is a crucial skill to have in the fashion industry - or any industry for that matter."

10. If you can have anyone's closet- who would it be?

       "I would love Rachel Zoe's closet - can you imagine?!  Or Olivia Palermo's closet - she does such a great job of mixing high and low fashion."

A very special thank you to Kat for sitting down with us and sharing us her story.  Remember ladies, every girl can succeed, just have to follow your dreams and {keep going}! 

Happy Thursday!

{Special Interview} Meet Bella the Founder of Origami Owl!

Origami Owl

The Sorority Secrets had an opportunity to go visit and interview Bella, the 16 year-old founder of Origami Owl at their cute office (also known as, "The Nest")!  Origami Owl allows you to create customized lockets with different charms and gems to tell your story.  The great thing is, they have Greek letters too to create sorority lockets!  These lockets are great for gifts to give to your friends, mom, family members, and your sorority sisters!  There's Independent Designers all over the country that hosts parties to gather their friends for a night of fun to create adorable, fun lockets!

The story behind this vast growing company is truly one-of-a-kind especially because it all started with a girl and a dream she had.  Get to know Bella and find out what her dream was that started a successful jewelry company!

Any words of advice for you aspiring young female entrepreneurs?

"If you can dream it, you can achieve it- you just have to go for it!"

What began your journey to start Origami Owl?

"My parents told me that if I wanted a car when I turned 16, I had to work for it and get it myself.  I started saving money by babysitting but it just wasn't enough so I started created customized jewelry.  Eventually making jewelry made me think of how I wish I can allow everyone to customize their jewelry so I thought of charms in a locket! Origami Owl started off as a small kiosk in a mall to now its bigger than I have ever imagined it to be!"

Why "Origami Owl"?

"When my mom and I were brainstorming for a name, I remember we were in my room.  I was looking around and I had Origami everywhere!  I also happened to love Owls so we came up with Origami Owl and it just stuck! We loved the name!"

What are your favorite style staples?

"I love to mismatch! I love stripes with dots, dots with stripes.  Yellow is my favorite color so you can always find me wearing yellow probably with my favorite lipstick Candy Yum Yum from MAC Makeup.  I also have an obsession with cheetah print!"

What can we find in your makeup bag?

"Besides my Candy Yum Yum lipstick, I always have my Studio Fix makeup and my Naked Eye Palette by Urban Decay!"

How do you balance work and play?

"Well it's really difficult because I love to be at The Nest and work with everyone, but school is still very important to me.  School comes first to me, but besides work and school, I am apart of my school musical and I love it!  I love to sing and dance and I just love being apart of my school musical program!  I try to be at The Nest for work whenever I can when I'm not at school or practice!"

What are the top 5 songs on your personal playlist?

  1. Hall of Fame- The Script

  2. Stay- Rihanna

  3. Firework- Katy Perry

  4.  22- Taylor Swift (I love Taylor Swift!)

  5. We Found Love- Rihanna & Calvin Harris

We want to thank Bella and the team at Origami Owl for having us at The Nest!  Make sure to order your customized Living Lockets and check out www.OrigamiOwl.com!