Guest Write: Megan & Emily of Sundae Sisters Co!

If you haven’t seen the most adorable sister duo, then look no further than Megan and Emily! Megan and Emily co-founded their own sticker line where they sell their stickers on Etsy and locally within the Raleigh-Cary area. Megan has become one of my good friends at Meredith College, she is also my best friend Laurie’s Lil Sis through Meredith’s Big Sis/Lil Sis program! I have also learned a lot about her sister Emily who has Down syndrome and is breaking barriers everyday as a person with the disability. Today, I am letting both Megan and Emily take the wheel as I will be interviewing them about their journey with Sundae Sisters Co, life as sisters, and future aspirations for their business.

Tell me a bit about yourselves!

We are Sundae Sisters Co! I (Megan) had the idea to change my old Etsy shop to better include Emily. With Covid, she did not get as much work experience through her school and was also having trouble finding a job. Individuals with special needs are already severely un-employed, but adding a global pandemic on top did not help. So I started designing stickers and Emily does all of the packaging. We started around Mid-May and have sold over 250 stickers!

Megan, I know you are currently in college. What school do you attend and what are you studying?

I am a rising Sophomore at Meredith College in Raleigh,NC and I am studying Child Development in hopes of becoming a teacher.

Emily, I know you recently just graduated from high school – congrats! What are your next steps?

I will continue packaging for Sundae Sisters Co, which I love doing. I check everyday to see if I have new orders to package. I was also recently hired as a volunteer for Esteamed Coffee in Downtown Cary,NC! I will start training this summer. I also love participating in Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh programs such as yoga, ballet, and social skills. I am also on a competitive cheer team at Inspire Athletics, we are called the Superstars.

Share a fun fact about each of y’all!

We share this fact because we are both huge Disney fans! If you ever are going to Disney World or Disneyland, contact us for tips! Megan’s favorite rides are Everest and Flight of Passage. Emily’s favorite rides are Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Flight of Passage.

Tell me a bit about Sundae Sisters Co and the mission behind it!

Our mission is to spread happiness and kindness to others through our designs while also showing the importance of employing individuals with special needs. Many businesses don’t employ people with special needs because they don’t see all or their abilities, so we want to show people that they are valuable employees.

What made y’all choose to start Sundae Sisters Co?

I (Megan) have always loved being crafty. I already had an Etsy shop but kind of sold very random things. I also knew Emily was graduating soon and with Covid, she was going to have trouble finding a job. So I rebranded my Etsy to better include her with something she could easily ship, but also something I love to sell! It’s a win-win for both of us because we both have an outlet we enjoy within the business.

So, tell me about y’all’s design process – how do y’all brainstorm your super fun and adorable designs?!

 We get a lot of requests which we love getting, please send them in! We also get lots of inspiration from social media and pictures we take. We love taking pictures of plants and different landmarks.

Speaking of designs, please tell me both of your favorite designs!!!

Megan’s favorite design right now is the Retro Van Sticker because she loves the colors! Emily loves the Lucky Few sticker which is a symbol for Down Syndrome!

Stickers from the Vaccinated Line releasing this Tuesday July 13
Stickers from the Collegiate Line releasing on July 27

I know you both work together as a team to execute both designing and sending off stickers to their new homes. How do y’all make the magic happen?!

Megan handles designing the stickers, printing (which we do in house), listing each item, and keeping everything organized. Emily is in charge of all shipping which includes writing each thank you note by hand, gathering the stickers for each order, packaging, weighing, adding the stamp, and putting it in the mailbox! She also will sometimes prep things like envelopes or supplies for our vendor events.

You both have visited local farmers markets, such as in Cary, to showcase your business. Do y’all have any dream markets that y’all want to showcase at?

There are lots of different markets in the Triangle, it’s overwhelming sometimes. We loved being at Food and Flea in Downtown Cary in June, we hope to be back a few more times this fall just in time for the holidays! We would also love to have our stickers sold in local stores in boutiques, that is something we are working on now!

Megan & Emily selling stickers at Food and Flea in Cary, North Carolina

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that y’all donate some of your profits to a different charity each month. Giving back is SO important. How does charity play a role in Sundae Sisters Co’s mission?

So many charities have benefited our family, such as North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance, Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh, Miracle League, Esteemed Coffee and more! We think it is so important to give back to the community as they have given to us. We are trying to donate every month as well as have a sticker that donates profits to a specific charity each month.

I am so inspired by y’all’s business! What would y’all say to someone who is looking to start their own business someday?

 Just go for it! Take it slow and don’t over-invest so you don’t get in over your head. Then re-invest the money you make or a portion of it back into your business to help it grow.

Y’all are both strong advocates for inclusion and acceptance of everybody. Tell me about your experiences as advocates!

I think our parents have always instilled in us that it is important to fight for what is right and to be inclusive of everyone, no matter their walk of life. Everyone is different and that is what makes us unique individuals. Being apart of the disability community is fun and exciting, but it can also open doors to show the hard parts of having a disability. This has made us want to fight even more to share the message that everyone should be included and given the same opportunities. For example, I (Megan) was inspired by NC State’s Victory Day game that they did with Gigi’s Playhouse. It was an inclusive night where individuals with  Down Syndrome got to experience practice and a game of football with the NC State Football team. So, I created my own version of that at my High School. Inclusion events like these become a ripple effect to show others that individuals with special needs are just like everyone else, they just want to have fun and make friends!

What is in the oh-so exciting future of Sundae Sisters Co?

Well, we hope to get lots more orders. Just these past few weeks, our orders have quadrupled. We would love to do more markets and maybe have a few more friends with special needs help us. If we grow even more, we would love to have others help us with packaging so they can learn work skills too. We would also love to have our stickers available in stores, this way we could get our designs and mission out to a larger community!

Lastly, if you each could tell yourself one thing before you started Sundae Sisters Co, then what would it be?

I think we both would never have imagined it being as successful as we have been in our first month of being open. We are so thankful to each and every person who has supported us; whether it was just a like, comment, sharing us on social media, placing an order or visiting us at a market.

I cannot wait to see ALL that Megan and Emily do moving forward and I hope you do, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries – Part 2

My life in Washington, DC is a much different life than the one I had in Raleigh at Meredith College. It is been such a transition these past few weeks. Life post-graduation can be extremely daunting. The transition from college life to post-graduation life is not one that is easy, but it is one that is also unavoidable. Everyone that I have talked to has said the same thing: the post-college life transition is not an easy one. I have most definitely witnessed that these past few weeks. It is weird not being able to have my friends and social life right at my fingertips – you spend a lot of time alone (something that I got more acquitted with during the pandemic), technology becomes your best friend, and adulting comes in the full-swing *whaaaattt?!*.

Raleigh is where my main social life has been in the past, so it is quite strange having to adjust to living near my family rather than my friends. I do not start my new job until late July, so I am in a holding period for sure. Also, I have some friends here in the area that I have yet to see (I am seeing a few pretty soon!).But, I am definitely looking to build my social life here in Washington, DC and I know that once I start my job and get settled in I will be able to more so!

On the flip side, I am grateful for my move to Washington, DC. Personally, I am all about continuous self love and growth. During my last few months in Raleigh, I knew that I was ready for something fresh, new, and different and that Washington, DC would do just that for me. Many of my friends in Raleigh love it there and are super content and I am oh so happy that they are! However, I knew that Raleigh was not where I wanted to be at this stage in my life. My friend Callie phrased it well – I crave excitement – and I surely do. Washington, DC will provide me with that excitement and hustle and bustle that I oh so love and enjoy.

Currently, I am planning some excursions and things to keep me busy before I start my new job. I am in the process of setting up my new apartment (which I will be sharing with y’all soon!). At the same time, I am planning some days to go into the city and explore a bit – the Smithsonian Museums are starting to open up again and I have reserved some tickets to a few of the sites to see AND for free. The same concept goes for some places in Virginia and Maryland, too. Additionally, once my apartment is set up, I will be hosting some gatherings like dinners with friends, a housewarming party, and a birthday party for my Shepherd-Chihuahua mix Rosie. I am also striving to map out the future of my platform here on The Pink Chickadee. Excitement is most definitely up in the air!

My Look:

  • Romper: Lauren James (scored during one of their $10 sales last year)
  • Scrunchie: Lilly Pulitzer free Gift with Purchase
  • Earrings: Sugarfix by Bauble Bar (bought 4 years ago)
  • Tote: Etsy (currently unavailable)

XOXO – Katie <3

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Interview with Small Business Owner Cassie of Cassies Designs

Hey y’all! Spread some confetti in the air, because, today, I have a very special post with a real special friend of mine: Cassie of the Etsy shop Cassie’s Designs. As of right now, we are doing a SUPER FUN monogrammed champagne flute set and $15 Target gift card giveaway on both of our Instagram pages ALL WEEK! Cassie and I met while interviewing for the Honors Program at Meredith. She was, in fact, the first friend that I made at Meredith. Over the past three years, we have grown closer as friends who share a love for our sweet school Meredith College and both have their own side hustle’s. Through it all, she has truly been a special friend and more importantly a blessing in my life. I hope that y’all enjoy learning more about Cassie’s story to becoming the one woman show behind Cassie’s Designs and can gain a bit of wisdom from this strong sister of mine!!!

Tell me a bit about yourself!

My name is Cassie and I am the one woman show that operates Cassie’s Designs. I am from a small town in North Carolina called Walnut Cove. I graduated from Meredith College in 2019 with my Bachelors of Arts in Criminology and minors in Sociology and Pre-Law. Go odds! Currently, I attend Wake Forest University, where I am obtaining my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My ultimate goal is to open a therapy farm for at-risk children and adolescents. When I’m not crafting, or schooling, I enjoy taking my pup on long walks, reading, watching The Golden Girls on Hulu, and cooking. 

Share three words that describe yourself!

  1. Creative
  2. Empathetic 
  3. Humorous

What products do you sell?

I sell t-shirts, dog bandanas, wreaths, face masks, wine glasses, champagne flutes, hoodies, ornaments (essentially anything that is customizable).

What made you choose to start Cassie’s Designs?

  1. I actually started Cassie’s Designs in my closet in 5th grade. Ha! In addition, I attribute the founding of Cassie’s Designs to my late Nana. She would always encourage and inspire my creativity. No project was too big or too small for her, she did whatever it took to help make my dreams come true. 
  2. Moreover, I’ve always enjoyed making items and giving them to people. More recently, I bought a Cricut Cutting Machine for my time as a Resident Assistant at Meredith. After dabbling with the machine, my desire to craft grew and I realized that my ideas and items could be utilized by everyone.

Where do you get inspiration for the merchandise that you sell?

I’m inspired by everything. Ha! I’m inspired by my family and friends. I’m in a lot of online groups that give me ideas for new projects. I draw inspiration from books, TV shows, Pinterest, you name it!  In addition, sometimes I just buy materials with no ideas in mind, but as I begin crafting, it all comes together.

What are some of your goals within Cassie’s Designs?

  1. Gain a mass following (not only to sell items, but to promote social justice).
  2. I want to learn how to sew and do embroidery. I have a sewing machine, it’s just learning how to use it, that’s the challenge. 
  3. I want my Etsy shop to be successful. I’d really like it if the majority of my sales came through there.

What are your career goals outside of Cassie’s Designs?

My ultimate goal is to open a therapy farm for at-risk children and adolescents. I firmly believe in the power that animals have on our ability to cope with challenging situations in life. I feel that I’ve always had this gift where people feel safe and open up to me more than the average person. We never know how our words impact others, so it’s important that we make every word count.

How did founding Cassie’s Designs help you achieve your goals?

It’s really important to me to be a strong and independent woman. Running Cassie’s Designs is all me. I pride myself on being someone that others can look up to. Having my own business makes me feel a sense of independence and pride that no one can take away from me. It also aligns with my ultimate goal in life which is to help people. 

Is there any product you would like to release/sell?

I really want to make and sew custom pieces of clothing. As a woman in the plus size community, I feel there are not enough viable options for bigger women. The clothes are always overpriced and aren’t made well. I’d love the opportunity to make others feel beautiful and to love their bodies just the way they are.

In times where you feel like you’re just going to give up, what helps you to keep going and preserve?

I always just feel this spark of optimism anywhere I go. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always held the mentality that tomorrow is a new day and if plan A didn’t work, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet. Sweet Red wine from Aldis is also a nice pick me up after a long work day!

If there’s one thing you could say to somebody looking to start their own small business, what would it be?

Make sure to have variety in your products. You want to appeal to a wide variety of people, so there is something for everyone. And always, always, always take pictures of your work!

Lastly, share the first thing you want to do once quarantine is over!

Okay, so 2 major things I want to do. One, is to go to all the concerts that I had lined up before Corona hit. Two, I want to go out to a bar. Ha! Since my birthday was in the height of Corona, I never got to experience that 21st birthday bash.

Feel free to follow Cassie’s Designs on social media and shop her super adorable designs!

Lastly, enter our giveaway on both of our Instagram pages!

XOXO – Katie <3

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How College is Different During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the way that college life looks. While it will only be temporary, it is definitely an adjustment. As someone who has been on her college campus living in her on-campus apartment before classes start for a week now, I can definitely say that college campuses look quite a bit different during a pandemic. Today, I will be sharing how college campuses differ while in the coronavirus pandemic.

Visitor Restrictions

Attending a small college with only two entrances for cars means that pandemic or not there are only a few ways to enter the campus. Upon entering campus, everyone is stopped by Campus Security, and the back gate entrance is locked. Whereas, in the dorms and on-campus apartments, the only off-campus guests that are allowed are move-in helpers. Moreover, the number of guests per dorm room/apartment is also greatly capped. Upon coming to campus, my classmates and I that are living on campus had to sign a contract that said that we would abide by the guest restrictions. By limiting the amount of visitors on campus, my school can better contain and limit the spread of Covid-19.

Mask Requirements

Whoever thought that in the year 2020 that masks would be the new black was seriously one in a million! I surely never anticipated that I would be wearing a mask practically everywhere I go these days, but it definitely IS the look of the year!!! Similar to going to the grocery store or my version of paradise aka Home Goods, wearing a mask is required on a college campus. At my school, there are signs literally EVERYWHERE telling students and faculty to wear a mask upon entering buildings and in areas where they cannot social distance. Research has shown that wearing a mask helps to contain the spread of Covid-19. Luckily, wearing a mask can be fashionable, too! Brands such as Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley, Target, Kendra Scott, and several Etsy shops each have such adorable masks that one can wear to spice up their back to school wardrobe on and off a college campus. While we have to wear a mask, why not make it fashionable, even on a college campus?!

Social Distancing Protocols

The fact that a car can only run as long as it has a gas pedal and a steering wheel is similar to the fact that containing the spread of Covid-19 entails maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart while wearing a mask. Likewise, on a college campus, it is required that all student take precautions in following social distancing protocols. Most colleges have markers in order to ensure that students remain six feet apart from one another. My college, like many others, want to make sure that their on-campus residents follow social distancing protocols both on and off campus. My college has required that all students limit their off-campus travel, especially outside of my college town of Raleigh, North Carolina. If a student leaves the college town, then they must register with a specific site and list the things that they have done while there, in order to determine whether or not they need to self-isolate when they get back. That way, we all may be safe while on campus.

Contact Tracing

While the car may need a steering wheel and gas pedal to start, it also needs gas in order to start. The same goes for contact tracing on a college campus along with wearing a mask and keeping social distance, in order for a college to run smoothly during a pandemic. My college like many others is requiring all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to download the Campus Clear app. On the Campus Clear app, everyone who comes to campus essentially is screened for Covid-19 symptoms daily. Using Campus Clear requires its users to say whether or not they have coronavirus symptoms or has come into contact with someone who has Covid-19 and notes whether or not they are good to go. If a student is experiencing coronavirus symptoms, then they will receive instructions in the app on how to proceed. At the same time, if someone has tested positive for Covid-19, then those who may have interacted with them will be notified to self-isolate and asked to get a test as well. My school also has a building designated for students who have to self-isolate. Knowing that my school and many others are taking contact tracing seriously is extremely vital in keeping everything on a college campus up and running.

Classroom Layout

In order to promote social distancing, all classrooms have been laid out in a way that also promotes social distancing. While on campus, I have visited an academic building where everything has been drastically changed, in order to promote social distancing. For example, common areas are closed and tables that once had four chairs at them may only have one or two. As for in the classroom, desks and chairs are also laid out much differently in order to allow for students to maintain their social distance. At my school, desks and chairs have been rearranged in order to promote this. I found the social distancing classroom setting at my school to be rather friendly, while I know that some other schools’ classroom settings may not be the same. Whereas, my friends at larger universities were telling me that they have seen every other seat be blocked off or wrapped in bubble wrap. However schools choose to layout their classes to ensure that students keep their social distance, it must be done in order to keep others safe.

Virtual EVERYTHING

Since containing the spread of the coronavirus involves A LOT of social distancing, many college-related events have transformed to a virtual format. Classes, socials, club fairs, block parties, meetings, career fairs, and even sorority recruitment have all likely switched to meeting on Zoom or Google Hangouts. I have had training sessions, meetings for clubs/organizations as well as my thesis, and classes through a virtual format. Since large gatherings are not recommended at the moment, it is best not to have them. Most colleges are also strictly following the CDC’s, their state’s, and their local area’s guidelines as they pertain to keeping us safe. For right now, that means that most college events will be held virtually.

Outdoor Events Over Indoor Events

If an event can be done safely while social distancing, then it will 9 times out of 10 be done outdoors. In past years, many events that I have attended on my college campus have been either held virtually or outdoors if in-person. If a college chooses to have an in-person event outdoors, then it will most likely require all of their students to wear a face mask and maintain social distance at ALL TIMES. For instance, I attended an event on-campus earlier this week that was held outdoors where all of us were required to both wear a mask and stand 6 feet apart. At that event, each of us were split up into smaller groups to meet up with others. We also received goodie bags which were distributed to us 6 feet away from someone else’s goodie bag. Although this event looked a whole lot different than events in the past, it still felt SOOO good to see others in-person that I hadn’t have seen in a LONGGG time. Definitely take advantage of outdoors in-person events if you can, just wear your mask!

Online Campus

With the coronavirus still impacting practically every aspect of our lives, it unfortunately means that many students will not be able to be on campus in-person. Students will be attending classes and apart of campus from EVERYWHERE. With that all being said, it is important to know that virtual platforms such as Zoom, Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, email, and forms of messaging will be a vital part of the college campus scene. These virtual platforms will allow us college students to come together in ways like never before. The sense of community that us college students have felt on our campuses will transform to the digital world – I have seen it happen on my own campus and will continue to throughout the year. Knowing that the digital world is thriving on my campus, I rightfully assume that it is on many other college campuses as well.

Varying Social Distancing Definitions

With college students coming together after being apart from one another for about 5 months, there is most definitely differences in how they view the importance of social distancing. While me and most of my friends take social distancing very seriously, there are also many college students who do not. There will be parties and classmates of yours that will not wear a mask or practice social distancing when off campus. There will also probably be times that all of us college students do not feel comfortable when asked to partake in an activity. Even though our definitions of social distancing may be different, it is most important to remember to do YOUR PART in maintaining your social distance. Most importantly, you MUST do whatever makes YOU feel the MOST comfortable during these trying times. DO NOT do anything that you do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. Trust me, it will pay off in the long run!

Social Distanced Hangouts

With social distancing measures still in place pretty much everywhere, that means that many of us college students have to get creative with our hangouts and gatherings. College campuses have to regulate social distancing measures. That being said, picnics, walks, and outdoor activities will become the latest and greatest way for college students to hangout on campus. A friend of mine who attends a much larger university than mine also said that some of the restaurants at her school have been closed, in order to maintain social distance. Knowing that many colleges are taking social distancing very seriously, us college students will have to get real creative with our hangouts. If you need any ideas, please feel free to check out my post 11 Social Distancing-Approved Gatherings for inspiration!

Staggered Move-In’s

To promote social distancing and safety on college campuses, many of them are opting to stagger college move-in’s. At my school, we usually have one big day for Freshmen move-in. On the contrary, this year, that move-in has been spread out to three different days. As previously mentioned, each student is allowed only two moving helpers who all are required to wear masks when moving in. The same goes for my on-campus apartment. That way, everyone can strive to stay safe!

Zoom Fatigue

Now the struggles of college life during a pandemic: getting SICK OF ZOOM!!! I don’t know about you, but I get real tired of sitting at my desk ALLL day long on Zoom calls (I wish I was feeling 22 LOL!!!). Like myself, many college students get real tired of staring at a screen on Zoom all day everyday. It is definitely a STRUGGLE and y’all THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!!! Though some days feel much longer and more like a hassle than others, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that many others feel the same exact way.

Greater Emphasis on Social Media

With many colleges having a major online campus presence, many colleges will be placing a greater emphasis on their social media. I am extremely involved in a few on-campus organizations. Many of them have emphasized that social media will be a key way in reaching students on campus in ways that they have not like ever before. As online events take precedence over in-person one’s, the usage of social media will not only help promote those events, but also keep students engaged and have a sense of belonging on their campus even though it may look a bit different at the moment.

College life most definitely looks different right now due to the coronavirus pandemic. Even though college life has witnessed its several changes since March 2020, it does not mean that the authenticity of the college experience is completely taken away from us college students. It just means that us college students have to find new ways to socialize and engage with one another while remaining safe. During this time, each of us has a special story and experience to share, whether or not we are a college student or even living on campus as a college student, and we will remember these trying times and look back on them many years later. I hope to look on these times with a bittersweet smile on my face and I hope y’all will be able to too.

XOXO – Katie <3

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25 Budget-Friendly Preppy Back To School Staples

1 – Hairband

Hairbands are such a fun way to spice up any look. From embroidered to studded with pearls to solid colored to printed, the options for a cute hairband are ENDLESS! Luckily, there are many ways to style a hairband for a fraction of the cost. I have purchased hairbands from Lilly Pulitzer, when studying abroad in Belize, and Old Navy. Whatever your style is, a hairband is such a fun way to spice up your back to school wardrobe for a fraction of the cost.

2 – Fun Necklaces

Like hairbands, fun necklaces also come in a variety of gorgeous styles! I have found my favorites at J Crew Factory, Talbots, Target, and while thrifting. Each of these stores has super great sales and deals, as compared to many other places. That being said, getting a fun necklace is a great way to find a great find at an even greater price!

3 – Department Store Finds

Whoever said department stores were not fun to shop at clearly never loved finding a great deal! Belk, Dillard’s, Macy’s, JC Penney, and Kohl’s alike all offer AMAZING deals at a steal of the cost. Each of these stores has great in-house brands and name brands for clothing. Belk offers preppy brands Crown & Ivy in-house and Lilly Pulitzer as a name brand on their website. One of the best things about department stores is the COUPONS! Most of the time, department store merchandise may appear to be overpriced, but the coupons and plethora of sales that they offer significantly reduce the prices and BRING ON THE DEALS!!!

4 – Scrunchies

I like to think that if Gossip Girl were filmed today, then Blair Waldorf would have worn scrunchies over hairbands. Although hairbands are super in-style at the moment, scrunchies are definitely also having a big moment. I have found some of my favorite scrunchies at The Dollar Tree and Walmart for under $5 of all places. Target also has some great scrunchie scores as well. The super fun hair accessory is such an affordable and fun piece to spice up your ponytails/buns in the classroom!

5 – Outlet Finds

Outlets are definitively the new black!!! Practically every preppy fashion house has an outlet, which usually offers great deals on their clothing at a fraction of the cost. While the clothing may not be the latest and greatest, it usually is still pretty on trend with the latest styles and in some stores I have seen the same designer finds in both the outlet and flagship shops. Stores such as Vineyard Vines, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Old Navy, Ralph Lauren, Francesca’s, Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, J Crew, and Vera Bradley ALL have outlet stores. The best part: most of these outlet stores have AMAZING sales that are even better than their non-outlet counterparts. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling plenty of great deals coming your way!

6 – Blanket Scarf

Love me a blanket scarf! This Fall and Winter staple is such a great addition to any wardrobe. You can either dress it up or down for the occasion, and they’re great to wear to and from classes. Stores such as Old Navy, Forever 21, H&M, J Crew Factory, and Target each have several adorable blanket scarf options to fit your Back to School wardrobe’s desires. However you choose to dress it, a blanket scarf will be an affordable staple for your wardrobe this season and many more moving forward.

7 – Fun Stationary

Having fun stationary is always a great way to start off your classes with a bang! Not only will your stationary have some bubbly pops of colors, but they will also be uniquely your own. Walmart, Target, Staple’s, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and Ross ALLL offer super adorable stationary at a fraction of the cost. However you choose to style your stationary, getting your necessary back to school classroom staples with a fun pop of color is such a fun way to ring in the new school year!!

8 – TJ Maxx/Marshall’s/Ross Finds

When in doubt, go to TJ Maxx (or Marshall’s or even Ross)! Each of these amazing stores carries everything from clothing to shoes and accessories to home decor and even stationary for ALL at a fraction of the cost! I have found Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Calvin Klein, Jack Rogers, Rebecca Taylor, Michael Kors, and Kate Spade pieces here at a much more affordable price than in their flagship stores. Sometimes, the prices are even better than the outlets! It is all just a luck of the draw to see what you find on your TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Ross hunt. That being said, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Ross are definitely the places to go!!

9 – Monogrammed Tees

If it’s not moving, then why not monogram it?! Monogrammed tees are such a fun and adorable preppy addition for any preppy lady’s wardrobe. You can dress it up with a skirt or dress it down with yoga pants/leggings or shorts. You can even style a monogrammed tee with your pajama pants! My favorite places to shop for monogrammed tees are United Monograms and Marley Lilly, as they’re always having sales and great deals on some fun monogrammed finds. However, Etsy also have some good deals depending on the shop that you are purchasing from. When in doubt, let’s monogram it!!!

10 – Kate Spade Surprise Sale Finds

Who doesn’t love a SURPRISE SALE?! I sure do!!! Luckily for all of my Kate Spade lovers, Kate Spade occasionally offers a Surprise Sale. Let me just tell y’all: the deals are AMAZING! I have purchased a pair of stud earrings for $21 as well as a billfold wallet for under $60. If you sign up for their email list, then you can get in on all the fun and stay up to date with the latest and greatest of the brand’s sales. If you LOVE Kate Spade, then most definitely shop their Surprise Sales – it’s like a Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Kate Spade edition!

11 – Silk Scarf

Silk scarves are such a fun way to spice up a tote bag or ponytail. Whether printed or solid, they’re definitely a super adorable staple, especially for the Back to School season. I have recently become obsessed with this new trend, as I can style a silk scarf in SO MANY different ways. Additionally, I feel it adds a nice European accent! A Hermes silk scarf anyone?! However you choose to style yours, a silk scarf is definitely a fun Back to School accessory for your wardrobe.

12 – Leggings

Leggings! Leggings! Leggings!!! Leggings are such a comfortable and versatile staple to add to your wardrobe, especially when in classes and studying. While places such as Lululemon and Lilly Pulitzer sell them at a steep cost, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross, and Nordstrom Rack each carry them at a fraction of the cost and with the same exact quality. Leggings are also such a fun staple that comes in practically every print and color. That way YOU can find the perfect pair(s) for YOU!

13 – Fun Earrings

I have been a major addict for super fun earrings at a steal of the cost! My favorite places to shop for earrings include: Target, TJ Maxx, Cora’s Den, Nordstrom Rack, Marshall’s, and Ross. Fun earrings are real great to style with a t-shirt and leggings in the classroom or with a dress for a night out/Zoom happy hour with the girls. Wherever I go, I am ALWAYS looking for some good deals on earrings, and I know y’all will too!

14 – Nordstrom Rack Finds

Nordstrom Rack is known as the outlet for the notable Nordstrom. Nordstrom Rack has AMAZING deals on everything from clothing to makeup to shoes and accessories. Through it all, Nordstrom Rack offers ALLL of the designer deals at a steal of the price! If you don’t have a Nordstrom Rack near your house, then hit up their website to also find some great deals like you would in store. As a Nordstrom lover, I have become an even bigger lover of Nordstrom Rack being the deal-seeker that I am!

15 – Kendra Scott’s Birthday Discount

Who doesn’t love celebrating a birthday with a DISCOUNT?! You heard me RIGHT!! Kendra Scott offers a 50% birthday discount to its customers throughout the month of their birthday. That being said, you can score all of your dream Kendra Scott finds at a fraction of the price. I know that you can use this discount online if you sign up for emails as well as in-store as long as the birthday person has their ID with them. Kendra Scott definitely makes celebrating a birthday be celebrating the right way!!!

16 – Monogrammed Wine Glass

Monograms are clearly a preppy fashion staple! Why not put it on a wine glass?! After a long day of classes and meetings especially through Zoom, it’s always super fun to pop out an ADORABLE wine glass to wind down. My favorite places to get monogrammed wine glasses are on Etsy. I have found some with and without Lilly Pulitzer prints, that way, you can customize your glass(es) to your liking. Why not wine(d) down in style?!

17 – Printed Umbrella

Rain is a reality in our day to day lives. Why not make those gloomy days a bit brighter?! Places like Target, Vera Bradley, and Hallmark offer adorable vibrantly printed at a great price. Why not bring the sunshine on a dreary day?!

18 – Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Finds

Who doesn’t LOVE a good party AND a good sale, especially with Lilly Pulitzer involved?! Lilly Pulitzer is one of many preppy ladies’ favorite brands. Twice a year they do an After Party Sale which is the ONLY time that Lilly Pulitzer has a huge sale each year. Shorts, dresses, Luxletic, tops, and everything in between are ALL sold with major markdowns, which makes for none other than a partyyy!!! As many of y’all know, Lilly Pulitzer’s clothing comes with quite the hefty price tag. Meanwhile, the After Party Sale offers several of Lilly Pulitzer’s hottest finds of the previous season at a fraction of the price. If you love Lilly Pulitzer, then definitely check out its biannual After Party Sale for some AMAZING deals!!

19 – Printed Tumbler

From monograms to solid colors to everything in between, a printed tumbler is definitely the way to go to show off your personality and in a preppy fashion. Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Simply Southern, and Lilly Pulitzer all offer adorable printed tumblers usually for under $20. One can also show off their school spirit in style, as most high schools and colleges also sell school-spirited tumblers; however, these are usually upwards of $25. Tervis is also a top tumbler brand, collaborating with many colleges/universities and carrying tumblers in several prints. Like school-spirited tumblers, these usually cost upwards of $25, which is worth the investment for day-to-day use. Tumblers definitely make for a personalized and fun style to carry with you from the halls to the classroom.

20 – Secondhand Finds

If you LOVE to shop secondhand, then look no further than your local thrift store! Thrift stores of all kinds can provide you with some AMAZING deals, especially on super cute, preppy, and name brand finds. Over the years, I have found Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, BCBG, J Crew, and Express at my local thrift stores. With Covid-19 keeping many of us at home, there are also several online secondhand shopping options, such as Ebay, Poshmark, Mercari, and ThredUp. Usually, secondhand stores carry even name brand clothing at a STEAL of the price! I have found Lilly Pulitzer shorts at a GoodWill for $4 along with J Crew and BCBG pieces for under $10 on ThredUp. When you #ShopSecondhand, you are also helping think green and save our planet. Name brand clothing at a steal of the price with good intentions for our planet?! How could you NOT #ShopSecondhand!!

21 – Persoanlized Stickers

Who doesn’t LOVE a cute sticker?! Fortunately for us all, websites like Amazon, RedBubble, and chains and local businesses alike are all now selling stickers. The majority of stickers that I have seen are sold for under $10, which makes for a great deal for something that you can put on your phone, folders, notebooks, or even calculators. The best part of it all: the stickers that you have are uniquely your own. Express yourself!!!

22 – Cute Phone Case

Like a sticker, phone cases come in all colors, prints, and styles! Luckily, there is several options and usually at a very reasonable price point. I ALWAYS spot some cute phone cases in the checkout line at Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. Target and Amazon, I know, also have super adorable phone cases as well. Like a sticker, a phone case can be personalized to be uniquely your own.

23 – Crown & Ivy at Belk

Whoever said department stores lack cute and preppy clothing clearly has never shopped in a department store! The Crown & Ivy in-house brand at Belk is NO EXCEPTION!!! Crown & Ivy is a super adorable brand filled with all-things preppy. Personally, I find it as a mix between Lilly Pulitzer, J Crew, and Vineyard Vines with its vibrant prints and Southern preppy flare. Since the brand is exclusively sold at Belk, Crown & Ivy is consistently included in Belk’s regular sales and discounts online and in-store. Keeping this all in mind, Crown & Ivy finds will definitely keep you in style for many years to come!

24 – Printed Socks

I am a sucker for socks!!! Like myself, I know many others who are also obsessed with socks. Over the years, I have purchased printed socks from Vineyard Vines, J Crew Factory, and Old Navy. From animals to polka dots and stripes, printed socks come in all prints and styles. They definitely make for a fun Back to School edition!!!

25 – Fun PJ’s

The BEST way to wind down after a long day is to curl up with a blanket and put on some super fun pajamas! Stores like Old Navy, Vineyard Vines, and Target sell adorable pajamas for a great price. Moreover, a pair of fun pajamas is also a great way to match with all your crew for a girl’s night in. Whether for a late night of cramming or a night with the girls, a pair of fun pajamas are an excellent affordable staple to add to your wardrobe!!

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