Lilly For Target Pop-Up Shop

I have been looking forward to the Lilly for Target collection since it was announced. As a big fan of both brands, I was thrilled to hear about this collaboration. I know it was met with some criticism but I think it is a great idea for Lilly to release a line of super affordable clothing, accessories, and home wares.  The exclusive Target prints are so pretty and, as a college student, I am totally in favor of $24 bathing suits and $38 shift dresses! 

I had the opportunity to stop by the Lilly for Target Pop-Up Shop in Bryant Park today after class. Unfortunately, a 9 am class meant I couldn't get there until 1:00 but when I arrived I was in a preppy paradise! They set up the chairs, umbrellas, and hammocks from the collection around the park so people could sit and enjoy the beautiful (warm!) weather today.  A juice stand was providing samples, and the fountain water was pink! There were models throughout the park wearing the collection and Lilly print designers were stationed throughout as well painting various prints. 

I only had to wait in line to get into the store for about 30 minutes, once inside, there were about 5 racks of clothing and several shelving units holding the homewares and bright beach towels. Since it had been open since 8 am, the clothing was very picked over. They had a lot of plus sized clothing left and several racks of children's clothes.  They had sold out of several items so I wasn't able to see every piece that will be offered, but from what I saw the quality seems great.  My one concern with the line was that the clothing would feel cheap, but the shift dresses, jumpsuits, and shorts I saw were all well made and a comfortable fabric.  The nail polish and lipstick colors are vibrant and great for summer, and the phone cases come in several cute patterns for $15, they are much thinner than the ones they sell at the Lilly store, and not as protective. I only bought one item and decided to hold off on buying more until Sunday when there are more options available.  I went ahead and got the set of 3 votive candles I had my eye on since the look book came out! I am dying for the set of 4 mugs as well but it looks like I'll have to wait until Sunday for those! I am very glad I went today, even if I didn't do much damage ;) it was great to see the collection and experience the pop-up store. 

{Lilly for Target - Glass Votive Candle Holders, Set of 3}

♥ Caro 

Sorority Secrets: Big/Little Week

A few weeks ago I was paired with my perfect Little sister in my sorority! If you are confused about what I mean by this, check out the post I did about sorority families here.  The week before Big/Little reveal is like Christmas in October! It is an awesome week full of presents and secret clues, plus adorable fake Facebook pages where the Bigs get to find every embarrassing selfie of their Little to post in anticipation! Last year when I was getting my Big sister, reveal was on my birthday – this means the week leading up to my birthday was full of candy and surprises! Needless to say, it was a very fun time! This year I am a Big so I got to sneak into my Little's room everyday (with a little help from her roommates!) to leave presents, candy, and clues for her to find! The Big/Little reveal is supposed to be a surprise, but some times girls can figure out who their Big is. My Little had a good idea who I was by the time reveal came, but you're still never sure until you see them on reveal day! I had to be super sneaky all week and pray I didn’t run into her with a mysterious box of doughnuts or bag of presents.  Some schools consolidate this week into one day, I personally love that we have a whole week to spread out the surprises; it makes the process last a little longer and it is so fun to spoil your new Little sister! It was a crazy week full of crafting (not to mention scheming to get the Littles away from their rooms for a few minutes) but in the end it is totally and completely worth it! 

Most days I left an apparel item, little trinkets, and a craft I had made - plus a few clues of course! Some of the clues were lies to throw her off and some were true, it was up to her to figure out which was which! ;) 

Halfway through the week I decorated her room with the help of my Big and Grand-Big! We put streamers and balloons EVERYWHERE! And her Grand-Big (my Big, Laura) got her some yummy cupcakes!! 

On the final day I crafted this initial letter for her by painting the Pi Phi Lilly print on it! I was so happy with how it turned out, I painted a pin box in the same pattern so she would have somewhere to put her sorority badge upon initiation! Over all it was a very successful week! I never got caught and reveal was SO much fun! I am so excited to finally be a Big sister to my gorgeous and sweet Little! 

If you liked this post, be sure to check back tomorrow for a post all about Big/Little reveal in Central Park!! ;)

♥ Caro

What's In My School Bag?

I have been back in school for about a month now and I am enjoying being back on a schedule and keeping busy.  Though sometimes the stress takes over, for the most part my classes this year are exciting and interesting.  I don't mind going because I enjoy the lessons and the professors are great.  Three days a week I have studio acting classes that last all day, the other two days of the week I am on campus and in academic classes.  It is really nice to interact with people in different majors and have an opportunity to take different classes. I thought I would show you what I carry in my school bag on the days I have academic classes! 

I use my Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon tote as a book bag since this year all of my text books are online. Cute and versatile - I got it in red.  It's a great size, holding everything I need comfortably.  I also love that it's nylon so I don't have to worry as much if I get caught in the rain.  

13" Macbook Pro with Retina Display

Kate Spade La Pavillion Laptop Sleeve 

Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda in Jellies Be Jammin’

Multicolored Fine Point Marker Pens

Pink and Black Le Pens

Hand Sanitizer

Orbit Wintermint Gum

Lilly Pulitzer Pencil Case

Cough Drops

Hobo Wallet

Scripts to memorize for class

Amazon Kindle in a Dianne von Furstenberg Case

Two Subject Notebook

♥ Caro

Crafternoon: U Gotta Regatta Canvas

I have always loved Lilly and monograms. This summer I have been very in to crafting, it has been my fun “after work activity” and I have had such a great time making canvases for my friends and my dorm room! I actually made this first for a friend when it was her birthday and loved it so much I knew I would have to make one for myself.  Here’s how I did it!

Supplies

Canvas (any size)

Pencil and Ruler

Black Paint Pen (I used the Sharpie brand and love them)

Paint (3 shades of blue, yellow, then any other fun colors for your sails)

Small paint brush

Total Time: about 60-90 minutes

Step One – Monogram

I printed off my monogram the size I wanted it and colored pencil on the back so that I could trace the outline and have the pencil monogram remain.  This is a great technique and I use it a lot when I am crafting – it’s super easy and for a perfectionist like me, very helpful.  Measure the canvas to get the monogram in the middle, outline it and then take the paint pen and fill it in!

Step Two – Sailboats

Fill in around the monogram with sailboats.  I make mine different sizes and play around with triangles, it also looks good to have some go off the canvas. I use the darkest blue for these outlines.

Step Three – Fill It In

All of the boats have yellow bottoms and some of them have partial yellow sails.  I typically do this first.  Then you can go in with the other colors and create patterns on your sails.  I tend to use one color at a time. 

 You should end up with something like this, sails colored in and a blank background.

 Step Four – Waves

Now fill in the waves! Like the sails, I use one color at a time and start from the top working my way down, they can differ in thickness and length.  I typically start with the lighter blues, ending with some accents in the same dark blue as the boats. 

In the end, you have an adorable canvas to hang in your room! I hope you enjoy this Crafternoon! If you make one for yourself, I would love to see it! Tag me and let me know on Instagram @handbagsandheartbeats 

♥ Caro