Why I Started Shopping at The Dollar Tree + Items I Primarily Buy From There

I have always been a sucker for a great bargain! When I was in high school, I used to LOVE shopping at the thrift store and getting the best deals on ALLL name brand items. I did the same for sale items in stores, too, including Kohl’s, Marley Lilly, Kate Spade, and even scored a pair of Hunter Boots for under $120 my Junior year of high school on Amazon during a Black Friday sale. Above all else, I LOVE a good deal and The Dollar Tree is NO exception to getting a great deal!

Surprisingly enough, when I was in high school, I was never really shopped at The Dollar Tree, however, that has changed since and so has what I shop for and where, too! I started shopping at The Dollar Tree during my Senior year of college which for me was about 8 months ago – HAHA! – when my friends Kaylee and Julia gifted me adorable Christmas gifts – wine glasses – which to my surprise were from The Dollar Tree. Around the same time, a YouTube video popped up from Kathryn at Do It On a Dime who spills the tea on ALL of The Dollar Tree goodies to pick up. I started watching some of her many many videos and needless to say, I became obsessed with her channel and extremely eager to make a shopping trip to The Dollar Tree.

When learning more and more about the offerings of The Dollar Tree, from wine glasses to cleaning supplies to holiday decorations and even pouches, I began to start thinking of SO many ideas for my apartment. Around this time, I was also getting ready to move into my apartment in the Washington, DC area since I was soon graduating from college in North Carolina and making my big move up North. I had a job lined up with great pay, but I was also not starting it until the end of July 2021, so I had over 2 months before I started working that I would be decking out and setting up my apartment before starting to work. That being said, The Dollar Tree was a great and affordable option to find apartment essentials of ALL kinds that got me EXCITED. Not only was I finding a great deal on even name brand items, but I was also buying practical items.

Since my The Dollar Tree obsession has started and blossomed, there are so many items that I primarily pick up regularly from there. In fact, I go to The Dollar Tree for certain items before I even check out other stores like Home Goods, Target, and Walmart. The other week, I went on a not so little shopping spree to The Dollar Tree and the cashier and I were discussing how we both believe that everyone should “come here [The Dollar Tree] first,” as it “may not have everything you need, but it will have quite a lot.” The cashier has seen people of all ages shop at her storefront – college students, high school students, parents, Senior citizens, and people starting out are all amongst the crowd of shoppers.

Items I Primarily Shop for at The Dollar Tree:

  • Holiday decorations for EVERY holiday (thanks Kaylee for this one!!)
  • Organizational items (bins, baskets, buckets, etc.)
  • Tea towels
  • Party supplies and decorations
  • Balloons
  • Wrapping paper and other gift wrap
  • Tumblers and mugs
  • Pouches
  • Cards
  • Mail packaging items
  • Banners
  • Wine glasses and champagne flutes
  • Travel size toiletries
  • Tissues
  • Sponges
  • Hand Soap
  • Craft supplies

Here’s to many more Dollar Tree shopping trips in your future!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie!

To say that life is crazy is an understatement at times. Recently, I have been babysitting my dog Rosie – a Shepherd-Chihuahua mix from Puerto Rico – and it has been nuts! Rosie is an extremely energetic, high maintenance dog that is also in her terrible 2’s. Needless to say, she takes after her Mama aka me! Although Rosie has been consuming my life for the most part over the past week, there has also been some other things going on in my world as well.

What’s Been on my Mind?!

  • The Dollar Tree being a holiday extravaganza – the other day, I took a pit stop at The Dollar Tree. I had been hearing practically everywhere that this discount store was starting to carry Christmas merchandise, so I *had* to check it out! While there, I got a bunch of Fall/Halloween finds and even some Christmas finds! I also got some gifts for family and friends and even Rosie. It was a very exciting trip and I feel very stocked up for the upcoming festivities, too!
  • Transitioning to a Hybrid Work Environment – if you have been following along on my Instagram, which I would LOVE to have you apart of my Instagram community (@_thepinkchickadee), then you know that my company has been reevaluating our working situation since I started there at the end of July. After talking with others on my projects at work, I have learned that I can work fully remote if I so choose to or I can go into the office. My company will not be in the same way that it was pre-COVID-19 moving forward as many will be able to work remote or telework if they so choose whenever they do choose to. But, that does not stop us all from being able to go into the office if we so decide! I went into the office last week and LOVED it and am excited to go in more. Personally, I am super excited about being able to go into the office and have been making the transition to go in 1-2 days a week, specifically when other coworkers are going in as well.
  • Party Planning AGAIN – I am in the process of starting to plan a small Halloween Dinner Party! I have learned the power of using a phone to send out Evite’s and how much easier it is for everyone else’s sake as well. Before the pandemic, I used to LOVE planning events at my apartment – I hosted a Friendsgiving, Blog Launch Party (read about that here), and Galentine’s Fries Before Guys Party amongst many others – and am really excited to be able to do it again in hopes of planning a Bonfire and Friendsgiving and Christmas Party, too!
  • Car Breaking Down – The other day, I was taking my car out (currently, I am using a family car until I pick out my own) and unfortunately it had some issues. I was taking the car out as I was leaving my Mom’s house and was stopped by a lady in my Mom’s neighborhood just as I was leaving this past Sunday about my car having issues that she noticed. I ended up calling my Mom and Step Dad and we thought I was fine so I went to The Dollar Tree nearby for said haul mentioned above. Then, after many phone calls, we ended up deciding to bring the car in that day. It was stressful and sucked for all parties involved, but fortunately, the car got fixed and is up to speed now. Needless to say, I am extremely thankful that it is!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things!

  • The Meredith Market – My alma Mater, Meredith College, has a sweet shop run by our Mae Grammar Alumnae House called The Meredith Market. As a donor and a proud one at Meredith, I was able to enjoy a sale on some of the shop’s merchandise. I ended up finding out that The Meredith Market is carrying some adorable new finds for preorder, including a North Carolina t-shirt in our school colors maroon and white and a custom LL Bean canvas tote with our school logo – the Meredith Lux. I ordered the t-shirt this time around along with a desk engraved Meredith Lux and a Meredith Lux car sticker for my future car. I also plan to order the LL Bean canvas tote in the coming months too!
  • Dancing with the Stars – I have really enjoyed watching Dancing with the Stars recently! Like every Bachelor Nation show aka The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise I have started watching every episode of this show every week on Hulu. Traditionally, I never really watch shows the exact time that they’re live on television (although I am watching the season finale of Bachelor in Paradise as I write this!), but Hulu allows me to watch at my own pace and catch up when I do choose to. I have raved about Jojo Siwa and did last week in my post on this season of Dancing with the Stars along with the former Bachelor Matt James *surprise*! I’m so excited for next week’s two episode series since it’ll be Disney themed in honor of Disney’s 50th Anniversary.
  • Quality time with Rosie – I have loved getting to spend some quality time with my dog Rosie, since Papa has been gone this week. Rosie is Papa and I’s dog and we both love and care for her regularly very much. Since she is a lot of work even more than other dogs, it takes two to do it all. This week, I am taking it all on myself. While it is a whole lot of work, it has overall been super rewarding and most importantly special. The quality time is priceless and I cherish it so so so much!

Recent Purchases & My Wish List Items!

  • A “High Maintenance” toy for Rosie – while at The Dollar Tree the other day, I came across a toy that said “High Maintenance on it and was *of course* pink! I could NOT resist, so I got it for Rosie and she has loved it. Rosie is one to destroy all of her toys in one sitting so Papa and I never see it just to buy her new and fancy toys that will only stay snazzy for a split second once she gets it.
  • Glitter and Daisies Aurora Ears – So, my good friend Holly who runs Glitter and Daisies – a Disney ears shop – is donating a fraction of her proceeds from sales of her Aurora Ears Collection to the American Cancer Society. I most definitely had to get a pair this month as I have been wanting to but had yet to since the shop’s opening! Check out Holly’s shop here!
  • FREE Cookbooks – Last weekend, my neighborhood was having a yard sale. My Mom and I went for a walk around the neighborhood and even scored a few things along the way. One of the things that we both scored were multiple cookbooks for FREE! I got some of the Southern Living cookbook editions from the 1980’s and the 1990’s aka a blast from the past. In my free time, I have been listing out some of the many recipes that I want to try from them all and can’t wait to try them soon!

What’s on the Docket?!

  • Weekend in Raleigh – This weekend – tomorrow actually when y’all see this – I am going to be hopping on a plane to RDU with my Jean jacket and a shift dress. Get the reference – hah! Katie’s edition of Miley Cyrus’s Party in the USA! My Meredith College friends and I are going to enjoy some much needed time together simply catching up, especially at the Meredith Reunion Brunch where I few of us are going to be meeting up at. Although it will be for just two days, I am still very excited to be back in the City of Oaks!
  • Day trip to Charlottesville, Virginia – Since it seems to be that going to just Raleigh this upcoming long weekend wasn’t enough, my Papa and I will be taking a day trip to Charlottesville, Virginia on Indigenous People’s Day. I booked us tickets to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and I am so excited. I went there when I was 11, so I don’t remember much from it and am ecstatic to be going back again at an age where I can remember it all!

Now that I have shared a bunch about my life and it’s correspondences at this time, I would now LOVE to hear about yours. Comment down below something that you are looking forward to!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Pantry Organization for Under $25

In my college apartment, the best version of a pantry that I had was my bar cart right beside the ledge at the end of my kitchen space. Now, in my post-grad apartment, I have been lucky enough to get a tiny pantry of my own! Starting out, I knew that I did not want to spend a lot of money on organizing my pantry. But, Pinterest would have told me otherwise – haha! Influencers such as loyal Dollar Tree lover Kathryn of Do It On a Dime have presented ways to organize and still have a gorgeous pantry while keeping it on a budget. So, taking inspiration from others and channeling my own personal home decor style, I uncovered my own pantry organization and did it affordably, too!

As always, I will share where I purchased each product used in my own pantry to organize it and links if applicable. I will not be sharing the grocery items that are in my pantry. If I do not share the exact product, then I will share a similar one or where to buy it for yourself.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

My Pantry

Where I Shopped

  • Over the door rack: The Dollar Tree
  • Polka Dotted Apron: Kate Spade Home
  • Navy & White Apron: My Grandma’s
  • White Apron: A Childhood Design
  • Pink Wired Can: Family Piece
  • White Plastic Milk Bin: Walmart
  • Pink Plastic Milk Bin: Target
  • Teal Tray: The Dollar Tree
  • Teal Ice Bucket: The Dollar Tree
  • Seashell Jars (3): Family Piece
  • Hot Pink Locker Bins (4): The Dollar Tree
  • Aqua & White Chevron Cubbies: Amazon (different style here!)
  • Clear White Storage Containers: Family Piece (similar 4-set here!)
  • “Crunchy” Canister: Rae Dunn
  • “Treats” Canister: Rae Dunn
  • Pig Bag Clippers: The Christmas Tree Shops

I am oh so excited about my pantry AND how little money I spent on it! Hopefully, y’all can find some affordable ways to stay organized in your own home and pantry, too.

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Housewarming Party!

Love me a great party!!! I have always had a passion for hosting. In fact, I hosted quite a few parties at my college apartment. However, unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I was not able to host there much during the final year and a half of college. So, given that COVID-19 has subsided and I have moved into the Washington, DC area, I decided to host my very own Housewarming Party! Today, I am giving you ALLL the details on it!

For my Housewarming Party, I decided to host it out on my patio (you can check out my Patio Reveal here!), especially since I was dog sitting. For food, I served chips, crab dip, queso, soft-serve pretzels, shrimp, and *of course* strawberry margaritas. As for decor, I got the majority of it at The Dollar Tree, unless I had it from before. Below, I will list where I purchased ALL the items used.

Where I Got My Decor!

  • Bar Cart: Home Goods
  • Luau Banner: The Dollar Tree
  • Gold Scalloped Ice Bucket: Kate Spade
  • Miniature Flamingo: The Dollar Tree
  • Flamingo Pink Cups: Home Goods
  • Silver Duck Ice Bucket: Family Antique
  • Aqua Bucket: The Dollar Tree
  • Pink Tablecloth: The Dollar Tree
  • Aqua Serving Bowl: The Dollar Tree
  • Pink Bowl: Home Goods
  • Pineapple Plates: The Dollar Tree
  • Luau Straws: The Dollar Tree
  • Flamingo “Welcome” Sign: NC State Farmers Market

Here’s to hosting many more gatherings very soon!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Perfect Patriotic Picnic

Love me a patriotic picnic! Long time NO chat!!! Life has been crazy busy recently with setting everything up in my apartment and moving things in there. Luckily for me, I am set up fully and am ready to get back on my blogging game aka one of my favorite things to do. Today, I am sharing my perfect patriotic picnic that was easy to set up AND only costed me under $10.

A few days ago, my friends and I had a patriotic-themed picnic. Initially, we were planning to go to a local park. However, plans can and will change. The day was rainy, so we ended up meeting at my friend’s house in her backyard with a canopy, instead. Her backyard had a beautiful atmosphere so it worked out beautifully. Before that, I had never thought about hosting a picnic in a backyard, so it was nice to switch it up a bit. Other picnic suggestions include – a local park, a garden, a lake, a museum park/garden, or even on benches in a town square. Whatever is close by can be made to be pretty great!

As for the food, each of us brought a few different things to share. I brought Vanilla cupcakes with all things patriotic – aka red, white, and blue colors only! On food only, I spent $5 on the cupcake mix and frosting. The sprinkles were already on hand.

When it came to the plates and decor, I had already had the picnic basket. Fun fact: it was a wedding gift to my Mom and Step Dad and they never used it, so they gave it to me. The plates and napkins were actually from The Dollar Tree and I purchased 1 set of plates and 1 set of napkins. So, I spent $2 on the serving ware and decor.

Overall, I spent:

  • Food: $5
  • Serving ware & Decor: $2
  • Picnic Basket: Free
  • Total: $7

My Look is From

It is always nice to be able to find effective ways to save and still have a great time. A picnic is such a great way to either explore a new place and save some money while doing it. Day trips and social outings can add up, especially when you want to do it all. BUT, we CAN do it all and on a budget!!! Hopefully, my perfect patriotic picnic has provided you with some inspiration on how to still have a fun time, yet do it all on a dime.

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Lilly Pulitzer Inspired College Apartment

Hey y’all! I am SO excited for today’s post, which is an Apartment Reveal of my on-campus college apartment!!! This is my second year living in this gorgeous apartment that I LOVE to call my home, but I definitely did some decorating here and there since moving in last week. Decorating is one of my favorite hobbies and if I could do it ALL DAY EVERYDAY, then I would. I get such an adrenaline from shopping for decor, especially on a budget. Keeping this in mind, the majority of things in my apartment are from Marshall’s/Home Goods/TJ Maxx, The Dollar Tree, Walmart, The Christmas Tree Shops, Amazon, Hobby Lobby, small businesses such as The Redheaded Camel, The Local Squirrel, and Pamlico Paper Company, gifted to me, things that I already had, secondhand finds, and DIY. My apartment was furnished for the most part, which is an extreme blessing! Hopefully, I can provide you with some decoration inspiration for your own place. Enjoy!!!

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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Fun Ideas To Spice Up Your Next Picnic

With our new and social distancing-embracing world, picnics have become a favorite activity of mine to gather with friends and family. Not only are picnics great to promote social distancing while still seeing those that you love and care about, but they can also bring us together to enjoy a nice meal or to simply catch up. Today, I am going to be sharing some fun ideas to spice up your next picnic, and make them OH SO special during this unique time!

1 – Pick a New Location To Picnic Each Time

Whether on your college campus, somewhere nearby, or both, picnicking at a different place each time allows for you and your crew to explore different places in your area while still enjoying one another’s company. Especially if you and your crew meet regularly to picnic and are able to get around to different places, then picnicking in various places nearby would be such a fun way to explore your local area while catching up with one another. That way, you and your crew can travel together nearby while enjoying each another’s company.

2 – Order Takeout

Just because you’re having a picnic does not mean that you have to have home cooked food each time! While sandwiches, fruit, and chips/crackers to nibble on may be the classic picnic staples, they don’t have to be. From the Cheesecake Factory to Taco Bell to a local favorite, the possibilities for takeout are ENDLESS. Since eating out at restaurants may not be the safest option for everyone, ordering takeout from your favorite places and having a picnic instead can be the next best thing for us all in the meantime!

3 – Make Breakfast Favorites

Okay ladies, let’s make a picnic toast with some mimosas!!! Breakfast for a picnic?! I think YES! From biscuits to pancakes to waffles and everything in between, breakfast is such a staple meal of the day that can be a super fun way to have a picnic with your crew. Let’s just say that I made waffles for a picnic with some friends, and it was a HIT!! You can even spice it up a little more by having a mimosa together, just as if y’all were at your favorite breakfast joint.

4 – Fun Dining Ware

Nothing says a cute picnic like fun plates, napkins, & cutlery! Luckily, places like The Dollar Tree, Walmart, The Christmas Tree Shops, and Target all sell super adorable and affordable party dining ware that can be used for picnics as well. I’ve LOVED finding super cute and fun dining ware, as they do add an extra fun twist to any picnic, and I know you will too!

5 – Bring Something Homemade

There’s nothing better than going to a picnic and showing up to seeing something homemade from the heart. I LOVE making something of my own for a picnic, as I feel it adds an extra touch as if I’m hosting someone in my own apartment. Like being in the kitchen, you can make just about anything to bring on a picnic, just be sure you can transport it. From pizza to a cheese board to pasta and even soup, the possibilities for homemade recipes are NEVER-ENDING!

6 – Do a Craft Together

Nothing says a fun time like a craft party! I know I LOVE doing crafts, especially in social gatherings. While picnics may be the new normal in terms of social gatherings for the time being, it does not mean that we cannot do the activities that we love such as crafting while at it. Craft parties have always been a favorite of mine, through doing activities such as wine and designs, card making, and scrapbooking. Why not do a craft party picnic style?!

7 – Potluck Style

Similar to any social gathering that is not social distanced, why not make a picnic a potluck picnic?! Depending on the size of your crew that you’re meeting for a picnic, it can be pretty tricky to transport everything for your picnic all on your own, which will make having a potluck a much more practical way to go. Likewise, doing a potluck style picnic will also allow everyone that you’re meeting up with to feel included and apart of the picnic. A potluck style picnic is definitely a fun way to go, with it allowing for easy transport of goodies and everyone in your crew to feel included.

8 – Have a Photoshoot Too

A picnic AND a photoshoot?! Let’s give it a GO!!! Since social distancing has brought about several changes in the ways that we gather with our friends, a picnic AND photoshoot will allow you to capture those memories while still gathering. Y’all will simply be gathering in a different way!

9 – Play a Card Game

Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme, and Apples To Apples, OH MY! The number of card great games out there is INSANE. This high number of card games will allow you and your crew to eventually find one that y’all will enjoy while picnicking together and making memories all at the same time.

10 – Get in a Walk, Too!

Why not get in a workout too?! There are SO many places that offer walking trails and areas to picnic. If you’re like me, then you may be the type of person who goes for a long walk and then gets hungry and vice versa. Going for a walk and exploring the scenery and enjoying some time setting and taking everything in for a nice picnic is most definitely the best of both worlds! Why not take full advantage of your local parks?!

Social distancing or not, picnics are an excellent way to gather with those you want to see. While picnicking may be the latest and greatest way to catch up with your crew amid the coronavirus pandemic, there are definitely SO many ways to make your picnic super fun and uniquely yours. The most important thing is that you and your crew are able to catch up and make memories together, even if they are done in a different way for now.

XOXO – Katie <3

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What I Wore During the Month of July

For today’s blog post, I got inspired by one of my favorite bloggers, Annaliese at Southern Belle In Training. Each month, she posts her outfits of the day for work, and I thought that it would be fun to do too for each weekday/class day that I have! I have ALWAYS loved sharing my outfits on my platform on my Instagram stories, and I know some of y’all enjoy seeing them too. Hopefully, I can provide you some outfit inspiration along the way! Cheers 🙂

  • Shirt: The Redheaded Camel (shop her super cute designs here)
  • Shorts: J Crew Factory (same style here)
  • Dress: J Crew (purchased from ThredUp for under $10!)
  • Necklaces: Bought at Nordstrom Rack years ago
  • Flats: Elie Tahari (got them a few years back)
  • T-Shirt: from school
  • Shorts: Vineyard Vines (purchased on clearance at the outlet)
  • Necklace: Kendra Scott
  • Earrings: Kendra Scott (shop similar colors here!)
  • Sandals: Michael Kors (got a few years ago at TJ Maxx)
  • T-Shirt: from school
  • Scalloped Skort: Lilly Pulitzer (shop the same style here!)
  • Sneakers: Nike
  • Dress: Tommy Hilfiger outlet (bought YEARS ago)
  • Earrings: Purchased at a local boutique in Placencia, Belize
  • Sandals: Jack Rogers
  • T-Shirt: from school
  • Skort: Lilly Pulitzer (shop the style in different prints here!)
  • Sneakers: Nike
  • Top: Shop similar style here!
  • Necklace: Cora’s Den
  • Skort: Crown & Ivy at Belk (bought 3 years ago)
  • Top: Thrifted at Goodwill
  • Skirt: Lilly Pulitzer (got off of Poshmark)
  • Pearl Strands: Nordstrom Rack (purchased YEARS ago!)
  • Romper: Lilly Pulitzer (got off of Poshmark)
  • Scrunchie: The Dollar Tree
  • Romper: Lilly Pulitzer (purchased in the Summer Remix print last year!)
  • T-shirt: Jadelynn Brooke (purchased on sale!)
  • Skort: Athleta (thrifted)
  • Dress: BCBG (got off of ThredUp)
  • Earrings: Target (got on clearance)
  • Necklace: Lilly Pulitzer (got as a free gift with purchase)
  • Hair Tie: The Dollar Tree
  • Top: Marshall’s (purchased a few years ago)
  • Pants: Sewn by my Grandma years ago!
  • Dress: Lilly Pulitzer (purchased a few years ago at Belk)
  • Earrings: Target (bought last year)
  • Scrunchie: Got for free at school!
  • Dress: Thrifted last year
  • Flip Flops: J Crew Factory (shop similar prints here!)
  • Dress: Lilly Pulitzer (bought a few years ago for a steal at TJ Maxx!!)
  • Scrunchie: Walmart
  • Necklace: Cora’s Den (linked up above)
  • Top: Shop similar style here!
  • Necklace: Bought in Krakow, Poland at the city’s Easter Market 5 years ago!
  • Skirt: J Crew (thrifted a few years ago)
  • Hairband: It’s actually a SCARF & I’ve had it for YEARS now!
  • Dress: Haley & The Hound
  • Earrings: Purchased from a Native American artist in North Carolina
  • T-shirt: Simply Southern (gifted a few years ago)
  • Skort: Lilly Pulitzer (purchased on sale 3 years ago!)

XOXO – Katie <3

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DIY Monogrammed Lilly Pulitzer Notebooks

Hey y’all! As a new school year approaches, it just may be time to upgrade your typical notebook to start it off fashionably strong. This past semester, I decided to spice up my notebooks with my own preppy twist that I wanted to share it with y’all!

Materials

  • 1-5 subject spiral notebook (I usually buy mine at the cheapest price from either Walmart or Target)
  • Modge Podge (I got mine from the Dollar Tree)
  • A computer with Microsoft Word

Directions

  • Look up your favorite Lilly Pulitzer prints online and add them into a Microsoft Word or Google Docs document and create a collage out of the prints online the size of a page or one print per page (whatever your liking may be!). I decided to use Postcards From Positano, Peel N’ Eat, Hangin’ Around, & Who Let The Fronds Out.
  • Add a text box into an existing document and place it over each printed page (or create text boxes in a new document if using old planner pages). Proceed to type your information in the text box and customize the font and size of the font to your liking.
  • Print the pages and prepare each page to place on each notebook.
  • Using modge podge, seal each page onto its corresponding notebook.
  • Place each monogrammed decal on each notebook; I purchased mine from a classmate of mine Destiny Eudy). However, there are many great deals on Etsy too!
  • Enjoy!

Bravo! You have made your own monogrammed Lilly Pulitzer notebook! I hope you enjoy going back to school/class in a bright and bubbly fashion.

XOXO – Katie <3

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