Graduation Pictures 101

Graduation season is here and it's time to put on our caps & gowns and take those pictures that we send to all of our relatives!  We have done quite a few photo shoots for TSS and some of us have also shot graduation pictures for others so we decided to compile our favorite photo shoot tips so you have a list of guidelines to refer to when you take your graduation pictures!

1. The Less Outfit, the Better: Typically you pay a photographer per hour/photo edits which means that even if you shoot in 10 different outfits, you will probably only get about 3 photos with different outfits on.  Pick your absolutely favorite outfits so you get more pictures in those outfits rather than other outfits that you don't care for as much!

2. K.I.S.S. Keep it Solid & Simple- Solid colored outfits turn out cleaner in photos than a patterned outfit.  Don't choose an outfit that is going to take the attention away from you, the grad. 

3. Simple Jewelry, too!- Along with Tip #2, keep your jewelry simple as well.  Don't be gaudy and wear chunky jewelry- remember the subject of the photo is Y O U.

4. Check Out the Photog's Previous Work- Different photographers have different style.  The angles, filters, and edits- these are all things that can change the appearance of your graduation pictures.  If you like a certain look and style, make sure your photographer has the same!

5. Freelancers>Studio- This is just TSS' personal opinion but we prefer freelancers over studio photographers.  Freelancers tend to take more time and effort into making your photographs extra perfect.  Freelancers are also not as busy as studio photographers so changes and accommodations are a lot easier.

6. Natural Make Up- People tend to say to wear more make up when taking photographs, but don't get that mistaken with an extra line of eyeliner or go for the "smokey eye" look all of a sudden.  Keep it natural, wear your make up how you typically would wear it.  People are going to want to recognize you in your graduation pictures- not mistake you from a heavy shadowed high couture runway model.

7. Bring Powder & Blush- Pretty self-explanatory. If you're going to bring touch-up make up, don't you dare forget your pretty pink blush and powder!

8. Get a Fresh Mani & Pedi- You might think your nail polish doesn't matter, but well... they do!  You use your hands a lot when modeling and if you have chipped nail polish- shame on you! A perfectly coated nail polish will stand out less than a chipped nail polish so make sure to have a fresh mani & pedi!

9. Bring Someone with You-  Your photographer's opinion might be different than your girlfriends'.  If your hair is messed up, your photographer isn't going to know any better how you typically wear your hair- so that's when a best friend comes in handy!  Bring a friend or two to help out with the shoot but also throw out some opinions and to make sure that you look your very best and make you feel comfortable!

10. Take Pictures Early in the Morning or Later Afternoon- These are typically the perfect time because it's starting to get bright or it's about to get dark.  Too much sunshine could ruin a picture because of the harsh lighting so you want it when it's a bit bright.

These pictures are going to be with your relatives and family forever so make sure that you use these tips when you take your graduation pictures to have it extra perfect!  Mention us on Instagram so we can see your graduation pictures!  @thesororitysecrets

Congrats, Graduates!

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*

Mother's Day Must-Haves

Michael Kors Large Selma Top-Zip Satchel.See's Candies-Happy Mother's Day Box.Pro Flowers-Bright Blooms. Papyrus-Mother's Day Paper-Scupltured Heart. Marc Jacobs-Daisy. Kendra Scott Jewelry-Harlow Frontal Necklace.

You're guaranteed to make your mother smile with these sweet picks we have chosen for this Mother's Day! While no gift can possibly express how much love you have for your Mom, these gifts are close enough, right?! You can never go wrong with a bouquet of flowers and chocolate. Let your Mom know how much you appreciate her through the gift of words in a pretty Papyrus card. Perfume, jewelry, and cute fashion accessories like a purse/handbag are the perfect gifts to spoil your Mom with. Whatever you choose, make sure it is given with LOTS of love.

Happy Mother's Day!

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.

Top Picks: Graduation Dress Special

From Top: Vince Camuto, Maggy London, Maggy London, Jessica Simpson, BCBG Maxazria, Eliza J.

It's that time of the year... time to send off our seniors!  With graduation right around the corner, we know what's on all of our seniors' minds (well, besides landing the dream job), and it's what to wear to celebrate your graduation in style.  Think lots of pictures, lots of family, and many dear friends.  You want to look and feel like the classy, post-college young woman that you are, ready to take on the world.  Such a grown-up young lady that you have become (as our parents would say)!

That being said, we hand-picked some of our favorite selections for you.  Mom & Dad will love seeing you in a sophisticated style, with a conservative touch.  A more conservative dress does not mean that you have to sacrifice style, as our selections show.  Bright colors and feminine details are everywhere in our picks.  Oh and did we mention- they're all under $200!  After all, you just graduated college, there's no need to break the bank.  These dresses are versatile enough that you could even re-wear one later on as well.  Hello, summer parties and weddings!

Class of 2013, you did it!  May the beginning of your career as a college graduate kick off in tip-top TSS style!

Mini Fiesta

Are you ready for one of the biggest celebrations of the year where sombreros, margaritas, and tortillas are the norm for the day?! We are! It's time for CINCO DE MAYO!! May 5th in the United States is a day of celebration for Mexican heritage and pride. If you're thinking of putting together a mini fiesta, here are some of the essentials you will need to make it un perfecto:

#1 Decorations

Where red, green, yellow, and orange are just some of the typical fiesta colors, decoration must haves include: fiesta table cloth, maracas, pinatas, fiesta colored paper lanterns, festive lights, fiesta colored streamers, napkins, plates, and cutlery. Use cute fiesta-inspired printables to decorate everything on your food table. Check out these cute, free printables here! Sombreros and 'staches are fun fiesta-wear so incorporate them in your decor too! There are always sections in every party store, like Party City, dedicated to Cinco de Mayo decorations so get creative!

#2 Food & Drinks

It's time for some south-of-the-border tasty fun! Food & drink must haves include: icy cold Mexican drinks, chips & salsa, guacamole, chicken-tortilla soup, 7-layer dip, chilli, quesadillas, burritos and tacos. Since tacos are more of a main course, set up a taco bar! Use colorful trays to separate all the toppings – cheese, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, olives, and choices of salsa. For dessert, have churros & sopapillas! Click here for specific Cinco de Mayo recipes!

#3 Entertainment

Although bringing in professional Mexican dancers would make for an authentic experience, save some money and select a station on Pandora or simply download traditional Mexican music from Amazon or iTunes!

We hope you are now ready to plan your next Cinco de Mayo mini fiesta!

ADIOS!

The Magical Skin Cream: Egyptian Magic

Egyptian Magic

We have had multiple "secret" submissions on this magical product so we had to try it out and without a doubt it is TSS APPROVED!  We know, we know- the label on the container seems a bit questionable but don't judge a skin cream by its label because this product is amazing!

After you wash your face before bed, get a tiny bit of Egyptian Magic on your fingers and massage it throughout your face; it will leave your skin a bit pasty and shiny.  In the morning when you wake up just wash your face with warm water to rinse it off.  Continue this process every night and you will really see the results after a couple of nights!  This cream isn't just for your face but you can use Egyptian Magic as an eye cream, anti-wrinkle cream, to remove scars and stretch marks! 

Egyptian Magic costs about $37.00 and you can purchase it at any Whole Foods store or you can find it online- Urban Outfitters even sells Egyptian Magic!  It's been a hot commodity and it has every right to be!  Many celebrities like Rashida Jones love this product too!

Try it out and tell us what you think!  Have your favorite "secret" beauty product? Share it with us by emailing us at secrets@thesororitysecrets.com!