Recruitment Conversation All-Star Tips

{photo credit: ASU Delta Gamma}

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Nope, not the holidays... recruitment!  That's right, Bid Day and meeting the new additions to your chapter are right around the corner.  But before that can happen, recruitment needs to happen first.  It's time to get dressed up, sing songs, possibly lose your voice, and spend a few long days & nights with your sisters!  In all seriousness, recruitment really is our favorite time of the school year.  And, we can't forget what's most important here... the potential new members (aka PNMs).  Yes, it can sometimes feel like friendship speed-dating.  But, you're on a mission to make a connection; you're on a mission to find your new sisters.  Keep our key tips in mind, and you'll feel like a recruitment conversation all-star in no time!

#1: Make a Connection
When talking to the PNMs, your goal is to get to know them.  Make a connection!  Find out who she is, beyond just her major and what hometown she's from.  What are her interests?  What's her group of friends like from high school or back home?  What activities or hobbies does she enjoy?  Share a laugh together, break the ice.  Let her feel invited to share more about herself with you.  Tell a personal story, and encourage her to do the same.  Get to know who she is beyond the surface.  Your warm & friendly attitude will help for both of you to feel more comfortable and natural, in a setting that can sometimes feel otherwise.

#2: Ask Thoughtful Questions
Ask open-ended questions.  The PNM's replies should require more than simply a "yes" or "no" answer.  Take that question, and roll with it!  Lead it into a conversation.  Talk to her like a friend, where you each share your thoughts.  Nobody likes to have questions fired at them (which feels more like an interview) so talk about each topic a little before moving on to the next.  If you can tell she's not enthusiastic about the topic at hand, be prepared to lead into something else.  Find common ground.  Don't focus on "selling" your sorority too much; focus more on getting to know her.

#3: Topics, Topics, Topics
Okay, you're meeting a girl you have never met before, and you have to talk to her for anywhere from 5-20 minutes straight.  Piece of cake!  Have an idea of what you want to talk about, and where to take the conversation if it needs some help.  You want to have the best conversation possible with each PNM, to get to know her without the little factors (like feeling nervous) getting in the way.  Since you've been through recruitment before, you be the pro & guide her.  Here are a few favorite topics:

• Ask her where she's from.  Lead it into a conversation about where she's traveled to, or any other places she has lived over the years.
• Ask her how recruitment is going, how she's liking it so far.  What made her want to join a sorority?  You can share how you felt going through recruitment (keep it positive & neutral), and why you wanted to join a sorority.
• What made her want to come to your university?
• Is she living in a dorm?  An apartment?  Does she have a roommate?  Ask her how she likes it.  If you lived in a similar dorm or apartment, you can share about it too.  If the topic goes well, you can ask her how she decorated it!
• What are her friends like back home, or from before coming to college?  This can lead into talking about how your organization can provide great friendships.  Make it personal-- mention the friendships you have made, and what they mean to you.  And in general, friends are a safer topic than family.  
• Did she play any sports or do any activities in high school?  Talk about it.  For example, if she played volleyball & your chapter has an intramural team, she would probably love to know!
• A sincere compliment on something she's wearing is great when you truly mean it.  Be mindful to not talk about shopping/clothes for too long, and lead into another topic that will help you get to know each other in a more meaningful way.  
• A good icebreaker: favorite places to eat around campus.  
• The "what's your major?" question is bound to happen, but try to not rely on it too much (especially after the first day of recruitment, she's been asked many times by then).  Your topics should be a well-rounded balance of school, fun, and friends.  After all, your organization is well-rounded too!
• Partying, guys, bad words, etc... avoid them, as you probably already know!  Gracefully change the topic if it gets brought up.  There is so much more to friendship & sisterhood other than these topics, and that's what you're trying to get to know about her in a short amount of time.
• Is the PNM funny & quirky, and you're funny & quirky?  By all means, be yourself!  Keep the conversation appropriate, and you're golden.

#4: Find A Happy Medium
Recruitment conversation is all about balancing happy mediums.  Talk about her, talk about you/your organization, laugh together, get sentimental together.  In other words, don't make it all about you or take yourself too seriously.  Stay away from the negative, focus on the positive.  Yes, complaining that your feet hurt counts as negative; be present in the moment of your conversation, instead of worrying about your feet.  Have fun and be natural, and follow your chapter's guidelines as well.  Find a balance, like the conversational flow between two friends, which brings us to our next tip...

#5: Be Friends
Once you break the ice, treat the conversation as you would with an old friend.  Give the PNM your genuine undivided attention.  Let the topics flow easily.  Be authentic.  Connect with good eye contact.  This will help both of you to be your true selves, and will also help both of you decide if your chapter is her home sweet home.

#6: Be Kind
No matter what, there's one rule of thumb-- be kind.  Be polite, be respectful, be gracious.  Treat each PNM you meet with genuine kindness, and you're already an all-star.  Great conversations make you & your house stand out, and leave a positive lasting impression for everyone!

Sure, recruitment can be stressful at times.  But more than anything, remember how much fun it is too!  It's an honor to recruit the new members that will carry on your chapter's legacy long after your graduation.  Enjoy the little moments, and each conversation.  You'll be celebrating with your new members at Bid Day before you know it!

(p.s. don't forget to check out our Master List of Bid Day Themes!)

12 Must Try Lip Shades

Are you trying to step your lipstick game up? Adding color to our lips never gets old and we always find ourselves in the beauty section of every department store trying out new lip colors. Earlier this week it was National Lipstick Day so we took to the "Instagram streets" to hear what some of your favorite lipstick shades are. You all shared some awesome shades, especially from one of our favorite makeup lines (MAC).  We cannot wait to try them out! Find the full list below and if you want to share more lip colors and brands to try, then leave a comment below.

1. Capricious by MAC
2. Fleshpot by MAC
3. Pretty Please by MAC
4. Rebel by MAC
5. Russian Red by MAC
6. Twig by MAC
7. Ruby Woo by MAC
8. Faux by MAC
9. Spice It Up by MAC
10. Pink In Paris by YSL
11. Pirate by Chanel
12. Sienne Brûlée by Mary Kay

Smooches!

Styled From Summer to Fall

Jeans, Floral Dress, Striped Maxi Dress, Hat, Plaid Shirt.

With the fall season right around the corner, we're getting super excited for a few of our favorite things... leggings, chunky knit sweaters, and pumpkin spice lattes.  But before we get ahead of ourselves, we're still enjoying the last few moments of summer!  That being said, now is a great time to start shopping for pieces that will carry you into fall.  Um, hello Nordstrom Anniversary Sale & end of season summer sales!  Here are a few key pieces that make an easy transition from now through October.

Jewel Tone Denim
We're loving these J. Brand jeans (on sale at Nordstrom until August 3rd!) in the pretty deep plum hue.  Wear them now with open toe shoes & your favorite tee or tank.  Wear them later with boots and a sweater or cardigan.  Deep colors are surprisingly versatile... try them out with floral print tops or chambray button downs too!

Short Floral Dress
A floral print mini dress in fall-friendly colors (this one also from Nordstrom is perfect, and 50% off) can shift from season to season.  Wear it now with flat sandals, add a denim vest if you want to mix it up.  Wear it come September with ankle booties, tights, and your favorite leather bomber jacket!

Striped Maxi Dress
Stripes are one of our favorite prints... they're in style year-round!  We like to give stripes a nautical feel in the summer months, and an edgier feel come cooler months.  This Vince maxi dress (on sale for 60% off) is a summer staple.  Once fall approaches, maxi dresses can still make a statement!  Think in layers, and your maxi dress transforms into a fabulous long skirt.  Add a long sleeve shirt (sweatshirt or sweater) on top of the dress.  An off shoulder shirt would be especially cute over the Vince dress, revealing the striped straps beneath!  Or, add a button down shirt (worn loose or tied at the waist-- in plaid if you feel daring).  Pair it with booties and a felt hat for an added touch!

Felt Floppy Hat
Speaking of felt hats, a floppy felt hat is a great accessory in both summer & in fall.  We love a simple felt hat (like this one by David & Young) to compliment any outfit.  Wear it now with flowy bohemian tops, and wear it later with just about anything!

Plaid Shirt
Tartan plaids are back for fall, in a big way.  Think classic & sophisticated when styling this year's plaid trend, instead of punk rock.  We love this slightly sheer chiffon plaid blouse from Forever 21.  Pair it with denim shorts or tucked in to a skater skirt for now, and wear it with jeans come fall.  You can even dress it up to turn it into business attire!

What are some of your favorite pieces to wear from summer to fall?  Share with us below!

TSS Favorite Things {July}

Sakura- Hat | Lipstick | Flats

Ali- Shoes | Makeup Palette | Earrings

Karen- Juicer | Sunglasses | Lotion

July has been a wonderful month for us and we've had so much going on!  We're currently working on some fun & exciting stuff for TSS on the back-end that we can't wait to share!  Still in this crazy month of July, we still found time to go shopping and give you our must-haves of July!

Sakura was determined to find a new lip color and found Twig by MAC!  It's a great color and goes wonderfully with MAC's lipliner called Whirl.  It has that perfect "Kylie Jenner" matte look and it's definitely a must-have color.  Ali is Miss Fashionista and you can never go wrong with black wedges!  These Halogen wedges goes perfectly with everything and you can dress it up or down!  Karen's been committed to eating healthy and let's just say, she's doing a fabulous job!  Getting a juicer can be a bit pricey, but with a great juicer like Breville, it's worth every penny!

We hope everyone had a wonderful month!

Groovebook...What's That?

Are you sort of obsessed with your Instagram photos? Do you wish you had them in physical photo form so that you can easily look through them without scrolling deep into your Instagram archives? Or, do you simply wish you could turn your photos on your phone into a complete physical photo album? We just discovered the perfect solution: Groovebook. This is possibly one of our most favorite discoveries. It is definitely a secret steal that you will want to take advantage of. Basically, this is how Groovebook works:

Step 1: Download the App to your phone.

• Click here for the App Store. 
• Click here for Google Play.

Step 2: Choose from up to 100 photos on your phone to include in your Groovebook.

Step 3: Upload the photos

Step 4: Confirm your choices and submit for your Groovebook!

The photos get printed in a stylish book for only $2.99. You can subscribe to get them monthly and you can cancel at any time without any penalties. Such a good deal, right?!

Check out the customer reviews! We really loved the feedback from this Groovebook user:

Love this app 

     

by Diana 2050

I was blown away by the quality of the first book of photos that I got and immediately ordered three more books. My fifth book has just been ordered and I can't wait to get those pictures. All within about 5 weeks. The actual quality of the photos is really good there's no fuzziness no haziness like I have received at a lot of the kiosks and at some online places. It will be very nice to be able to take a picture of someone, add it to my Groovebook and then request multiple copies right then and there on the spot so I don't have to remember who I promised copies to.

In reading earlier reviews I did notice that someone had complained about the photo paper being thin. While it is a much lighter weight paper it's nice for me because it makes my Scrapbooks a little lighter and easier to work with or hand to someone to look at.

I just upgraded the app and the newest upgrade added an account summary or purchase summary which tells you when the book was shipped out. Can't beat that!

Let the picture printing begin!

10 Apps We Can't Live Without

It's the simple truth: some apps just make life better.  Whether they enhance your life through photography or music, our phones would be lost without them!  We've compiled a list of apps that have become our favorites... and we're sure that they will be your favorites, too.

1. Afterlight

If we had to pick only one photo app to use, this would be the winner!  Afterlight is our go-to, all bundled up in one pretty app.  Crop, add borders, add filters, add exposure, brighten, sharpen, add light leaks... you name it, Afterlight does it.  Everything can be customized as well.  Under "light leaks," tap the rainbow color icon for more color options.  Use the adjusting bar at the bottom to lighten or increase the intensity on all features.  Play around on this app, and you will discover all of the beautiful custom edits you can do!

2. Word Swag

When adding text to a photo, look no further than Word Swag.  The font choices & layouts are of graphic designer quality, sure to showcase your message in style.  Use one of their provided backgrounds (they have plenty of cool ones) or upload your own photo to add text.  If you're stumped on what to say, they even have suggestions!  Like Afterlight, be sure to explore the various options and customizations to make the text uniquely yours.

3. Spotify

If you're not using Spotify, it's time to check it out.  And it's worth every penny for the upgraded version without advertisements (Spotify Premium) as well!  Every song, at your fingertips, all the time.  Create playlists, follow playlists in any music genre, and explore all artists.  Take it with you on the go, and sync Spotify over Bluetooth in your car too.  If you're looking for a place to start, check out our Summer Playlist and our EDM Workout Playlist! 

4. Dropbox

Too many pictures (or videos) your phone taking up space?  Don't want to delete all of them, just in case you ever need one of them?  Dropbox is your answer!  Download the app to your phone, and sync it with your photo album.  Once synched, delete photos on your phone with ease... knowing that they're stored right on your Dropbox app if ever needed!  Bonus: if you install Dropbox on your computer too, you can access the same photos from there as well.

5. Pinterest

We love Pinterest, it can entertain us for hours on end.  If you're not pinning from the app on your phone, it's time to give it a whirl.  Pinterest is faster, easier, and a whole new experience when viewed on the app!

6. PayByPhone

Paying for parking, but would rather not swipe your card at the meter?  Pay with ease using your credit card on your phone, using PayByPhone.  It's secure, and helps to save you time as well.  

7. Venmo

Need to pay your roommate for rent?  Does your bestie want to pay you for last night's pizza delivery?  Venmo is your answer, allowing you to pay or collect money from others with ease... no checks or cash required.

8. Yelp

Looking for a great restaurant or coffee house nearby?  Want to see what other people thought of those chicken enchiladas (with pictures too)?  The Yelp app is here to answer these questions, on the go.  Yelp is also great to use when you're traveling to a new city, and looking for suggestions of places to go try!

9. Etsy

If you enjoy shopping on Etsy, you're going to love the app!  Browse and discover new shops and items, and make purchases within seconds.  Add items to your Favorites list if you want to save them for later.  We love browsing Etsy for unique gifts, especially gifts that can be customized! 

10. Instagram

Because well, it's Instagram.

What are your favorite apps?  We would love to discover more!

Why We Love Entrepreneur Barbie

Nurse Barbie
Doctor Barbie
Firefighter Barbie.

Entrepreneur Barbie.

According to Entrepreneur, 41 percent of women are now their family’s primary breadwinners. Which only makes it fitting that Barbie makes a new addition to her over 150 fantasy careers with Entrepreneur Barbie!

You've probably seen on our social media outlets our recent love for the newly launched Entrepreneur Barbie. As young girls, we played with dolls and we were especially fond of the Barbie collection. Barbie has definitely expanded over these last couple of years to include more racial diversity and now career diversity and we couldn't be more happy. As young business women and entrepreneurs we recognize how much of a positive influence we have on society in reshaping the way women are seen in the business world. "We are BOSSES" as Co Founder Karen likes to put it and we are forces to be reckoned with.   For Co Founder Ali, being an Entrepreneur was a "childhood dream" and to have her very own Entrepreneur Barbie sitting on her office desk is a really humbling experience since Barbie has been such an influential figure. It's cool to call the shots in the business world while rocking your highest heels and cutest dress. Entrepreneur Barbie is a figure that's saying, "Women have a place in the business world". The great thing about Entrepreneur Barbie is they come in many different ethnic backgrounds and you can order them straight off of Amazon! Click below for some of our favorites!

Barbie Entrepreneur Doll

Barbie Entrepreneur Asian Doll

Barbie Entrepreneur African-American Doll

Barbie Entrepreneur Hispanic Doll

Also, don't forget: Who run the world? GIRLS.

Eyelash Extensions - Pros & Cons

Every girl loves long, thick, luscious lashes, but some people are just not blessed with them!  Glue-on strips may work on a girls night out to hit the town, but who has the time to put them on everyday?!  The lash serums are great, but there's obviously side effects to it, and once you stop using them they'll go back to your natural length.  Eyelash extensions have been around for several years and they're now popular than ever, but like any other lash lengthening solution, they have their downsides.  Some people love them, and some people couldn't handle them!

If you're considering getting lash extensions, you're gonna want to read this!

Pros
1. You never have to wear mascara again!
2. You can go shower and even swim with them on and still have beautiful long lashes.
3. You never have to curl (and ruin!) your lashes ever again!
4. You don't have to worry about them coming off- they'll last you a good 3/4 weeks!
5. Say goodbye to raccoon eyes.
6. Have long, thick lashes semi-permanently!
7. You get to relax and snooze at your lash appointment for about an 1-1.5 hours.
8. You can wear mascara if you want a dramatic look for a night out!
9. They look so natural!
10. They come in different length, color, and type (mink or silk fibers).

Cons
1. It's just another thing that you need to keep up with.  They're just like getting your nails done!
2. You can't use oil-based products- especially makeup removers.
3. Depending on where you get them done, they can get pretty pricey!
4. Make sure to do some research on a technician before you go with them, they can ruin your lashes if it isn't done right!
5. Can't rub your eyes.  If you have allergies, eyelash extensions may not be a good decision for you.
6. Once you get your lashes wet, you have to brush them out.
7. If you go too long without getting a fill, your lashes will grow out and all the lashes can get twisted.
8. Your lashes won't necessarily get ruined, but if you don't take care of them, they can wear down your real lashes.

Helpful Tips

• Average lash length is size 12.  They look natural, but long and pretty!
• Salons are going to be more expensive than independent technicians.
• Going to get them filled every 3 weeks is the perfect amount of time.
• Take a break from your lashes every now and then. 
• Full set appoints last about 2 hours, and fills usually last about an hour.
• Some people are allergic to certain glues, so make sure to ask your technicians about the glue that they use and previous experiences with other clients.
• Make sure your technician doesn't put anymore than 3 lashes per lash!  
• FYI, they're addicting.  Once you start, you can't stop!

Again, eyelash extensions aren't for everyone so try them out and see how you like them!  

Chic For Cheap: Fashion On A Budget

pictured: peplum bustier // envelope clutch // floral blazer (similar here) // necklace

Shopping for quality pieces doesn't mean you need to break the bank.  Often times, it's all about knowing where to look-- and what little details to look for-- that make all the difference.  We're all for finding fabulous pieces at a great price!  Just because something was cheap, doesn't mean you look cheap.  Below, we've compiled our favorite tips for fashion on a budget!


Tip #1: No Labels.
You don't need designer items to look cool.  If something is trendy, buy it for cheap (it's not worth the investment, trust us).  If you're a label lover, save your splurge for something timeless that you will use for years to come.  There are plenty of stylish finds at a great price, and there's no need to overspend on a single item.

When shopping in budget-friendly stores, go with the "no label" rule of thumb.  Look for items without visible branding or labels on the outside.  Same goes for jeans... the less labels on pockets or by the belt loops, the better.  There are plenty of inexpensive jeans out there with no labels on them, that look a whole lot like their designer counterparts.  When it comes to a tee or tank, you can never go wrong with plain & simple.

A Big Don't: knockoff handbags.  Instead of faux, look for a beautiful no-name bag within your budget.  Go for real leather, clean lines, and you guessed it... as little branding on it as possible.  For vegan leather, it should look & feel like the real deal.  Nothing beats quality, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a quality knockoff.  A pretty mystery brand piece is much more stylish, and you'll have people asking "where did you get that?!"  You're creating your own trend!  We love the envelope clutch pictured above.

A Big Do: faux diamond stud earrings.  Go for a sparkly & modestly-sized pair; it's hard for the untrained eye to tell the difference.


Tip #2: The Details.
Ever notice a striped tee, and the stripes don't match up at the seam on the side?  It's those little details that make something either look "cheap" or luxurious.  Not all budget finds pay attention to these details, while many higher-end items do.

If you're buying something with a pattern on it, make sure that everything is in check.  Stripes & plaids should match up at the seams.  Floral patterns shouldn't have big gaps in the pattern in obvious areas (i.e. stomach or chest).  Also with floral patterns, make sure that the flowers are placed in flattering areas.  For example, two big flowers placed symmetrically on either side of your chest looks like, well... awkward!

The solution to this?  Look at what you're buying.  Inspect the side seams, notice the patterns.  Let's say you found a cute striped shirt, and you know that you want a size medium.  Look through all of the mediums on the clothing rack, and find one that looks like it's made the best!  We find many great patterned items at fast-fashion stores like Forever 21... and all it takes is a little careful inspection.

Speaking of seams, make sure they lay flat.  Seams and hemlines should not be bumpy, uneven, or poorly stitched.  Fabrics should feel substantial; not easily torn or snagged.  If the fabric looks like it will 'ball up' in the wash, chances are you're right.  Clothing should have longevity, and not be disposable.

Helpful hint: patterned items are best to be bought in person, and not online, so you can check for these details.


Tip #3: Where To Go.
Fear no store.  You can shop in any-- and we mean any-- store, and usually find something great.  You just need to know where to look, and how to stay true to your personal style.  That cheesy-feeling accessory store in the mall for example; it just might have a fabulous piece of costume jewelry!

We love everything from the sale rack at department stores, to haunts like T.J. Maxx and Marshall's.  Places like Forever 21 can't be beat for trendy items on the cheap.  There are also several stores that offer great coupons, such as Kohl's and Express.  Keep an eye out for pieces you need, and steer clear of anything that doesn't feel like "you".  Just because it's a good price, doesn't mean you need it.

A Big Don't: don't buy something just because it's on sale.  Buy something because you love it.  Even if it's on sale, you love it, but it doesn't fit... don't buy it.  You won't wear it, and you won't feel your best in it if you do.  You may find a name-brand pair of heels for 50% off.  But, they hurt and pinch your toes.  You'll feel (and look) much better by wearing those trusty ankle booties that you already have in your closet instead.

A Big Do: wait for the sale.  Drooling over a full-priced item?  Find out when it's going on sale, and check back later.


Tip #4: Make It Yours.
Often times it's not just about the pieces we buy; it's how we style them once we're wearing them that makes the difference.  Take a blouse from "cute" to "amazing" by adding some layered necklaces & tucking it in to great-fitting jeans.  Find little touches of your personal style to add into your outfits.

Go with your style.  Are you more into a preppy, J. Crew look?  Take that same blouse & jeans-- add a colorful statement necklace, a vintage baseball cap, chic leather flats, and a monogrammed tote bag.  Keep your personal style in mind when on the hunt at budget friendly shops.  No matter the price of an item, you'll always look like a million bucks when you make it your own!

Another style tip that will always make you feel fabulous: confidence.  And by the way, it's free!  So go forth-- rock that t-shirt and jeans with your head held high and a smile on your face.  Dress for yourself, your lifestyle, and what you feel best in!

Where are your favorite places to shop for budget friendly fashion?  Share with us below!

Vote For Us: Best Brand Blog [Bloglovin' Awards]

Nominations for the 2014 Bloglovin' Awards are well underway and we need your help voting for us! Vote for us as the 'Best Brand Blog' for the 2014 Bloglovin' Awards. You can only nominate one blog per category and submissions end July 31st, 2014. Here's how you vote:

1. Visit this site: https://bloglovin.wufoo.com/forms/nominations-for-the-2014-bloglovin-awards/
2. Scroll down to where is says "BEST BRAND BLOG"
3. In the box where you put a url, put "www.thesororitysecrets.com"
4. Down below in the boxes put your name and email address and you're all set!
5. Share the Bloglovin' Awards Nomination link with your friends, sisters, and family and have them vote for us!

Easy enough, right?! The 2014 Bloglovin' Awards will be held on September 7, in NYC during Fashion Week. This is what it looked like last time. We would be so honored to be awarded this award so please vote for us!

xoxo!

Summer Beach Towels!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 

When you're out at the beach or just hanging out by the pool, your outfit is just so limited with your teeny bikini!  You might throw on a hat or maybe carry a good beach tote, but you can't forget about having a cute beach towel!  This season, we saw tons of stores carry their own line of beach towels and we love it!  Urban Outfitters carries some funny & sassy ones, J.Crew never disappoints us with their basic polkadots, and Kohls carries adorable vintage magazine cover towels! 

We compiled some of our favorite beach towels of this Summer just for you!

Know the Eight: 8 Signs That You're In An Abusive Relationship

1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

Beauty Cares, a non-profit based in NYC that is dedicated to ending the cycle of domestic abuse against women and children, reached out to us to share the 8 signs to know when you're in an abusive relationship and we couldn't be more happy to have received this information to share with you all. Knowing this information and preventing abuse before it begins is vital. We encourage you to share these 8 signs: 'Pin It', print it, email it, speak about it so you and your friends and family can be educated.

#BestFitEver with Abercrombie & Fitch

Disclosure: This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Abercrombie & Fitch for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% ours.

When it comes to jeans, we like to keep it simple- nothing crazy on the pockets, no studs, or crazy stitching!  Next to dark blue jeans, a pair of white skinnies are a must have in the closet, but shopping for jeans can be kinda tricky at times and really expensive!  That is until we found out about Abercrombie's amazing collection of jeans!

TSS Co-Founder, Sakura, found these amazing pair of white skinnies under the Super Skinny collection at Abercrombie & Fitch and fell in love.  They fit just right with a flattering waistband that lays flat and never cuts in!  It has a bit of a personality with the small distressed patches, but nothing over the top crazy and it goes with everything and anything.  Sakura styled her skinnies with a simple, black sleeveless button up with a pair of black pumps and a black purse.   Jeans can also last a really long time if it's a pair of good-quality jeans and these Super Skinnies will definitely be lasting a long time!  "I've had a few pair of white skinnies in the past, but for some reason, by the end of the day they loses their shape.  With the Super Skinnies from Abercrombie never loses it's shape because of the quality!" 

The great thing about keeping your jeans simple, is that you can get a whole new look just by throwing on a different top.  If you're looking for a more casual look, style your jeans with a cute graphic tee to add that boy-chic look!

Other than these Super Skinnies, they carry so many other amazing jeans like the Boyfriend Jeans, Jean Leggings, High Rise Super Skinnies, Natural Waist Jeggings, and even adorable Overalls!  The best part about all of these jeans are that they are super affordable at $35 for a pair of great quality jeans.  That's right, any jeans in store for $35.  They also carry so many adorable jumpsuits, dresses, and tops that you can wear with your new pair of jeans!  Now we know where to get jeans for the best value with the highest quality!

Follow @abercrombie on Twitter / Follow @abercrombie on Instagram

Top 10 Words To Cut From Your Writing

In a world of social media posts, emails, and essays, there's one thing that you can do to make your writing stand out above the rest: keep it short & sweet.  Trimming out the "fluff" and filler words is helpful for many reasons... it keeps your writing to the point, and it also makes your statements more powerful.  Ever had to write a paper or a resume where you're trying to stick within a certain word count?  Those unnecessary words could be holding you back.  Read below for our list of words to cut from your writing, and give your message more meaning!

1. Amazing.  Using the word "amazing" isn't as amazing as it sounds.  This word is so overused, that the intention behind it is often not conveyed.  Be more creative; not everything is amazing.

2. Awesome.  In a similar category as "amazing," "awesome" lacks descriptiveness.  Plus, this word can also be used with sarcasm intended, so the meaning behind your writing might be misinterpreted. It also can sound immature... as in, "yeah bro, that's awesome!"  Drop this word.

3. Very.  If you're trying to be very convincing with your statement, using the word "very" might not be the best way to get your point across.  Instead of saying "it was a very hot summer day," simply stating "it was a hot summer day" works just as well to give the message.

4. Really.  Similar to "very," this is also a weak word that isn't needed to place emphasis on your statement.

5. Perhaps/Maybe.  Why are you uncertain?  Be bold with your words, and drop these words that make you seem unsure.

6. Literally.  Okay, I literally can't even.  Besides the fact that this statement makes no logical sense (yes, it's true!) using the word "literally" doesn't help to clarify anything.  Compare "I literally had the most delicious cupcake" to "I had the most delicious cupcake"... which cupcake sounds more delicious to you?

7. Just.  This word is simply a filler that can be cut.  Saying "I feel" instead of "I just feel" is a more powerful statement.

8. Honestly.  Using the word "honestly" doesn't make you sound more honest.  Instead, it makes the reader question if everything else you're saying is untrue.

9. Actually.  When something actually is a certain way, using the word "actually" isn't needed.

10.  Nice.  This word is so commonplace, that it sounds somewhat empty and lackluster.  Instead, try to pick a word that is more specific and engaging.

Take a step back and look at the words you use, and see if these little fillers can be removed.  You'll find that your message feels stronger, and more powerful!  

What other fluff words can you avoid?  Share with us below!

Cate McNabb Cosmetics Giveaway WINNERS!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Cate McNabb Cosmetics Giveaway. We loved reading what lip products you loved from their collection and hope that even if you're not a winner that you try them out soon! Please find the list of winners below. If you are a winner, please email us at giveaway@thesororitysecrets.com with your best mailing address, your final choice of lip product, and full name so Cate McNabb Cosmetics can ship you your winning lip product. Don't forget to snap lots of photos in your Cate McNabb Cosmetics lip product and Instagram direct message it to us for a possible social media feature. xoxo!

1. Katherine Brunty
"I have been dying to try a new Cate McNabb product! I am totally in love with the lipstick; my shade? BAKED! It being summer, this is the perfect shade along with a sun kissed bod and your staple, white flowy crop and denim shorts! To pull the outfit together, pair it with a turquoise, chunky, statement necklace, and your lips will look fab!"

2. Nora Mihalick

"So excited to share my favorite Cate McNabb Lip Color! :) After deciding between two fabulous lip gloss colors, I have decided my absolute favorite would have to be Belle Red.

The reason I love this color so much is because I think it is a color that can be worn during the day, or when going out at night. Being a new college grad and opening my own yoga studio, I need a colored gloss that can go from the studio to happy hour and look great throughout the day. I think that Belle Red is just that colored gloss to do the job! Not only will the color look great with yoga pants and yoga mats, it will also look great with a cute pair of wedges and a sundress to go out at night."

3. @ktaie (Kiana T)

"Cafe Au Lait; I've been looking for a new nude gloss!!"

4. @jerikendal ( Jeri Shanks)

"Obsessed with Wednesday Pink!"

5. Najada Hester

"My favorite color was Sakura's pick. The Cherry Bomb Lacquer is a great color on me, that I have found so far since I started trying to wear make up a couple of months ago. I would pair it with the outfit below to make a bold but cute outfit. The reason I love this color is because it is a bold color and almost everyone can pull it off. This color can make anyone standout just with it being so bold. Thank you and have a nice day!!"

6. Lynzee Halvorson

"I would choose the Wednesday Pink Lip Gloss for a relaxing day at the beach when I am going for the more natural look but want to add a little color and a glossy lip!"

7. @chelsayylane (Chelsea Lane)

"@chelljones91 because Be Mine is obviously our color!"

8. Kristen Yurkowski

"I'd want to try the Clementine Lipstick; I haven't any orange colors and would love a punchy orange to try this summer! I think I'd style it with a nude eye, but I'm not sure. I'd love to just play around with it!"

9. @annabarnes1 (Anna Barnes)

" In LOVE with Cherry Bomb Lip Lacquer. Simply the perfect pop".

10. @annetaylor_ (Adreanne M.)

"Pink Lemonade Lip Lacquer!"

Our 6 Favorite Pinterest Accounts to Follow!

Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 

It's no secret... we love Pinterest!  Simply put, Pinterest is every girl's "la la land".  Some may think pinning is a waste of time, but it's actually a very useful tool for organizing & inspiration!  Whether you're planning a dinner party, wedding, or need some home decor inspiration, Pinterest is every girl's best friend.  When it comes to perfect Pinterest boards, we got our 6 favorite Pinterest accounts to follow and we're excited to share them with you!

1. The Coveteur-  If you haven't heard of the Coveteur, you're in for a treat.  The Coveteur gives you a behind-the-scenes access to every A-list celebrity's closet you can think of!  Not only are their photos amazing on their site, but their Pinterest board is just as amazing!

2. - B A I L E Y - A mom blogger from Sacramento, CA that has the most amazing Pinterest board... like, ever.  Bailey has a board for basically everything and anything you can think of and she has impeccable taste in photography!

3. Natalie Hughes- Want a super girly Pinterest account to follow?  Well, Natalie's your girl!  Natalie is a freelance journalist living in London and also handles Christian Louboutin's social media!  Her pinterest boards are filled with glitz, glam, and tons of pink!

4. ban.do- You've most likely seen some of their super fun, super cute products all of Pinterest & Instagram!  They're known for tons of colors and quirky sayings on their product like their tech accessories, planners, koozies, you name it!  Their Pinterest board definitely reflects their products with pin boards full of bright, fun colors!

5. Style Me Pretty- Every girl needs to be planning their fairytale wedding whether they're engaged or not!  Style Me Pretty has all the boards & pins you need to plan your dream wedding!  She also has great pin boards on interior design!

6. The Glitter Guide- For those of you that love everything from bloggers, fashion, interior design, party planning, cooking, and more- The Glitter Guide is the perfect site for you!  The Glitter Guide's Pinterest account is filled with all goodies all girls love!  The Glitter Guide has over 1 million followers and if you don't follow them, you definitely need to!

What are some other Pinterest accounts you like to follow?!

How To Order Healthy When Dining Out

It's day five of your diet and you are finally realizing that you have been doing a great job with your cleanse/diet because you have been HIDING OUT. Yeah, YOU! In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is not healthy (or realistic) to stay at home in order to avoid that juicy McDonald's burger or tasty Wendy's french fries. It's okay to eat out with your friends or family; you just need to know how to pick the right things on the menu. Here are some healthy eats and tips that you can use that won't sabotage your diet:

Every menu has a salad option so instead of that juicy, 3,000+ calorie burger, opt for a decent salad. If a plain salad seems too light include some protein with your salad by asking your server to add some grilled chicken or even salmon. Include light dressing and vegetable toppings and you will surely be feeling both satisfied and guilt-free.

Is that loaf of bread and butter really needed before your meal? Often times when food is placed in front of us, we have the tendency to munch on it. Bread can be carb overkill so politely ask your server to remove the bread and butter from the table. If you really can't help yourself, munching on the wheat bread as opposed to the French bread is a healthier option.

Rice, bread, and pasta is major carb overkill. Greens and lean proteins like grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, and calamari are your friend!

While sodas, juices, and adult beverages might wash your food down better (we're not so sure it makes a difference haha) it sure does add a lot of calories to your meal. Water is your best friend when dining out--you can do no wrong gulping it down. If you're looking for an extra punch of flavor, ask to add a lemon, lime, or strawberry to your water.

If it is becoming difficult to sift through the menu, ask the server for the separate healthy menu if they have one. If not, ask the server to list the food choices that are the healthiest. There are also lots of apps out there that can count the calories in food for you so you can make a better decision on what you would like to eat.

Any way you slice it, having a healthy attitude towards food is what's most important.  If you're craving something like pizza, it's totally okay to indulge once in a while.  Everything in moderation is key!

Happy {healthy} eating!