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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

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! 

Friday, October 4, 2013

Our Favorite Recruitment Videos

We're feeling totally inspired by all of the creative recruitment videos out there.  Some are sentimental, a lot of them are hilarious, and others just flat out make us want to dance!  All in all, these videos are a celebration of the sisterhood that we love so dearly.  It's clear that chapters all across the country have a lot of talent when it comes to putting together clever videos.  Plus, the music selection is pretty amazing too!

We browsed through YouTube and hand picked some of our all-time favorite Go Greek videos around.  Feast your eyes... these are a must watch!  In no particular order, here we go:

1. Chi Omega, University of South Carolina
To start, we love all of the sisterhood going on in this video!  The laughs, the smiles, and beautiful pictures capture the spirit of this chapter.  What really makes this video special is the heartfelt interviews sprinkled throughout, describing various chapter members' personal experiences in Chi Omega.  And just wait until you see all of the positive energy in the last minute of the video... we're blown away!


2. Kappa Kappa Gamma, Baylor University
This one has been out since 2011... but we still can't get enough!  These girls can dance, rhyme, and bust a move.  Honestly, how brilliant are these lyrics?!  This song is so catchy, we're probably going to be singing it all day long.


3. Kappa Alpha Theta, Indiana University
Just the first few seconds in, we were sold... their house mom might be the most adorable person ever.  We love the originality of this song!  Plus, the shots of everyone letting loose and letting their personalities shine can't be beat.  Totally an authentic-feeling peek into the lives of these fun ladies!


4. Alpha Phi, University of Missouri
The intro to this video is all about the candids; the singing & dancing in the bathroom is totally something we would do!  About halfway in, we love the change in tone, when the ladies describe "what Alpha Phi is."  A safe haven, living with my best friends, and future bridesmaids... many of the things that we cherish as Greeks!


5. Delta Gamma, Florida State University
This video. WOW.  We laughed, we cried, we got goosebumps.  And when we say we cried, we mean it... TSS Co-Founder Ali definitely shed some tears when the girls ran to each other after receiving their bids.  The spirit of bid day, captured on film!


And there you have it, some of our favorite Recruitment videos of all time!  No matter what the letter, we truly are all Greek together.  Does your chapter have an awesome recruitment video that we need to see?  Share it with us below, we would love to watch!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

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!


Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Bright Pink Power Hour Fashion Event

  
We are so excited to be exclusively invited to the Bright Pink Power Hour Fashion Event going on in Washington next week! However, you all can have a chance to go as well! Westfield Southcenter and Girl Power Hour invite you and your girlfriends to a fabulous night of fashion and fun! 

On Thursday, October 10th from 6–9pm in Tukwila, WA they will be transforming Macy's Court into the ultimate girl’s night out with drinks, sweet treats, a live DJ, beauty bars and more!

We've set up an exclusive promo code that our readers can use to save $10. Simply
purchase your ticket today in support of Bright Pink at https://pinkpowerhouratwestfieldsouthcenter.eventbrite.com/ and use promo code SECRETS to get $10 off the ticket/s. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door. You must be 21 years old or over. 100% of ticket sales benefit Bright Pink- the only national nonprofit focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women, while providing support for high-risk individuals.

Ticket price includes:

  • drink ticket
  • quick bites
  • sweet treats
  • beauty bars from Nordstrom, Macy’s, Gene Juarez, LUSH and Aveda
  • fall fashion show at 7pm
  • photo booth
  • must-have swag bag, includes $20 Guess shopping card
  • The Bright Pink Book of 30 exclusive retailer offers
  • Westfield Style Magazine
  • and more

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting Bright Pink. Raffle prizes include a spa day for you and a friend at Gene Juarez Salon & Spa ($500 value), Michael Kors Hamilton Tote, and a $500 Westfield Southcenter Shopping Spree!

Take advantage of this secret steal! We will be attending this event so we hope to see you there too!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Runway To Reality: NAILED IT by Becca


Runway To Reality: NAILED IT!
New York Fashion Week had tons to offer this year in the beauty category and from Kate Spade to Phillip Lim it’s clear that the future of beauty is nails.  Here are some tips and tricks on how to get the looks gracing the catwalks of NYFW!

The Feather Mani – Start by painting your nails with your favorite color. I chose “It’s Totally Fort Worth It by OPI. While nails are still wet, select a feather and lay it flat on the desired nail. (Feathers can be purchased at your local craft store. I got mine at Michaels for $1.93!!! ) Trim feather to fit nail and finish with top coat and you’ve got a classy and sassy manicure!

The Half Moon Glitter Mani – Inspired by the nails on the Oscar De La Renta Runway at New York Fashion Week, this Half Moon Glitter Mani is sure to add Pizzazz to any dreary day! Start with a base coat of your favorite color. I used Chanel, “Black Satin” and Essie “Blanc”. Next dab glitter polish at the base of the nail in a half moon shape, I used Deborah Lippmann “Happy Birthday” and OPI“ Which is Witch?” Finish with clear top coat then let dry and show the world your sparkle!

Tip: When using glitter polishes, dab the polish instead of painting it on for maximum glitz!

The Fibre Optic Mani – This darker version of the girly, pink glitzy nails shown by Jenny Packham is perfect for fall. Start with a black base coat, I used Chanel, “Black Satin”. Next, dab Fibre Optic Polish from nails inc. London over the entire nail; I used “Mayfair Mews”. Finish with clear top coat and let nails dry for 15 minutes for an out of this world look! 

Tip: When using polish with glitter or texture let nails dry for an extra 5 to 10 minutes as the polish will be thicker.

 If none of these manicures strike your fancy try one of the shades of the season!
Iridescent Grays – Try Essie "For The Twill of It" or Deborah Lippmann "Wicked Game"
Electric Violets – Marc Jacobs “Ultraviolet”, Zoya “Mira
Orange Reds – OPI "Red My Fortune Cookie", Dior “Trafalgar"

Happy Painting !

Monday, September 30, 2013

DIY: Photo Collage Monogram


Between move in, recruitment, big/little reveal, and initiation, there is no shortage of sorority crafts to be made. This is a fun, simple, and inexpensive way to add a personal touch to any of your upcoming crafts. You could make a monogram for your bedroom, spell out your chapter's name to hang in the chapter room, or even apply the same process to a picture frame or paddle! The best part is, it cost less than $15 and all of the supplies can be purchased at your local craft store.

Did you know that both Michael's and Hobby Lobby have free apps for your phone? You can look up and instantly download coupons, and the stores will scan them right from your smartphone. I saved 40% on the large wooden letter that I purchased from Hobby Lobby! 

All you need is:
-Mod Podge (the 4 oz. bottle is more than enough for this project)
-Acrylic paint (2 oz. Craft Smart acrylic paints are only 69 cents each at Michael's)
-2 Foam paint brushes
-Scissors
-Pictures printed from your computer at home

Step 1: Print out your favorite pictures. If you are making this for yourself or your little, these can be specific to a certain event or just from your whole experience in your chapter. Now in my senior year, I decided to make this one as a keepsake for myself with my favorite memories. If you are making them for your chapter house, you can do a collection of all pledges classes throughout the years! Be sure to use regular printer paper, not photo paper, and choose pictures in a variety of shapes and sizes. I did this example in black and white because I think it gives a cleaner look, but you can do it in color as well!

Step 2: Cut out all of your pictures and lay them out on your letter. Your pictures will probably shift, and not end up exactly like you have planned out, but this helps give you a starting point. If you are a perfectionist, like myself, this may drive you a bit crazy at first. However, that is one of the best parts about this project. You don't have to worry about straight lines, smudging paint, or uncooperative fabric. Collages aren't meant to be perfect, and I guarantee that you will be happy with the end result! 

Step 3: Starting at the top, remove one picture, cover the back completely with Mod Podge, place onto the letter, and Mod Podge over it. You will continue this same process until all pictures are glued to the surface. Don't be a afraid to overlap them, or fold them over the sides. Don't be afraid of the Mod Podge! It will dry completely clear. Just be sure to coat it evenly and don't leave any thick white lines. There is no right or wrong way to do this. You may have to shift and adjust your photos as you are gluing them down. The paper will become wet from the Mod Podge, and therefore very flexible to smooth over the edges.

Step 4: Once the Mod Podge is completely dry, which should only be a few minutes, flip the letter over. In any color paint of your choice, paint one coat on the back. Let dry. Now, carefully paint the first coat along all of the sides. If you accidentally get some paint on the picture side, don't freak out! It should wipe right off with a damp paper towel. Let the entire first coat dry and repeat. 

Step 5: Once the paint is completely dry, paint one more coat of Mod Podge over the entire piece, including the back and sides. 

Step 6: You can add any personal touches to the edges such as rhinestones or flowers, or leave it as is! 

Ta da! Your letter is now ready to give as a gift or hang on your wall! 



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