What I Learned From Parson's

A little bit over a year ago, I remember showing my mom a 3 week summer course at Parson's in New York City. My eyes were wide with excitement, hoping she would let me go. 6 months later, I was boarding a plane to New York to study at the fashion school of my dreams. 

My parents and family members asked how I had heard of Parson's. Easy enough, I do my research on people. I read something fashion-related everyday, whether it's blogs or Vogue. I'm obsessed over learning about the industry and the people who have 'made it' in that world. Parson's has notable alumni, such as Olivia Palermo, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Tom Ford, etc. Powerhouses. Those were the leaders Parson's created and for all intents and purposes, I wanted the insight scope to create my own path to success. 

First off, I was so nervous. I remember sitting in the auditorium for orientation and thinking, 'my little southern self doesn't know anything about fashion.' Parson's is a school that attracts many international students which is so awesome. I had made friends who were from China, Paris, Brazil, and Canada, as well as in the United States. The talent there was unreal and I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to survive. I was only 1 of 3 people I knew from the South. 

As nervous as I was, I didn't realize how important this experience was until I was back home, reflecting on it just like I am now. I truly miss my summer in NYC and my tiny dorm room.

Surround yourself with the right people:

At Parson's, it was one of the first times in my life I felt like I was surrounded by the right people. People, my age, who had the same dreams I did and the same drive to want to make it come true. Everyone in my class was so supportive of each other and our work. It was very different from high school because I wasn't having to deal with drama. I looked forward going to class everyday. The friends I made there were amazing and I still keep in touch with them to this day!

Keep a portfolio of your work:

If you're an artist in any way, you have probably heard of the importance of a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your work. Our portfolio was our 'final exam' at Parson's. It becomes very handy for future interviews! Plus, it is great to look back on what you did at that time. Progress is everything.

The opportunities are endless:

I remember considering attending Parson's for college. I thought to myself, 'wow, I could really start my career by going here.' New York City in general is SO FULL of opportunities. I say it in all caps because it's so true, if you have the right connections. My professor had referred some of his students to top designers and companies like Donna Karan and J. Crew. 

Many people ask, 'so if you're into fashion, why don't you go to school in New York?'

Great question, and it comes with an answer.

I have always, always loved the South. I wouldn't have wanted to grow up anywhere else. From going to football games at UGA to wearing cowboy boots in the fall and eating good BBQ, I'm not ready to leave that yet. I also want to join a sorority and go to football games which is a huge part of the southern lifestyle. Plus, I want to focus on southern fashion. I feel like it disappeared but it's coming back again. Look for my name out there soon :)

xoxo, 

Carly 

Knowing Your Worth

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Hey y'all!

I haven't decided how frequently I would start posting again. It's hard for me to have a new post every single day, but I will try my best to post something at least once a week. 

This topic in particular came to be after a phone call with my best friend. I did something cool for one of my guy friends and I was irritated at the result. Naturally, talking situations out with my friends helps tremendously. I kept asking myself, 'why do I continue to be nothing but good to people who don't do the same for me?' It's something we all struggle with. Whether it's that one friend, coworker, or anyone in your life who continues to disregard a kind gesture, #ifeelyou. 

It made me start thinking about my value, wondering how much is 'too much' to invest in others. Frankly, we are all caught up with the idea of someone or something. There's a point though, where it can become degrading if that's your main focus. I'm getting off on a tangent here, but I mainly wanted to express my thoughts on how sometimes, it's okay to cut people off who don't value you. It's exhausting to continue giving everything to someone who doesn't do the same for you back. Know that you are worth the kindness, love, and attention. 

It's All About Perspective

One of the things within blogging I struggle with is taking pictures. Having someone take pictures of me in general is awkward, let alone OOTD pictures. I consider myself a photogenic person but I've never liked having all of the attention on myself. With that being said, I want to make some personal #photographygoals for my blog!

1. Take more pictures

I really struggle with this. I see something once and say, 'that's it.' Done, I don't need to remember this place nor this moment. At the beginning of my senior year, I vowed to take more pictures since it was my last year of high school. Yeah, that's coming along great. With second semester a few weeks in, I plan to try again for this semester!

2. Take better quality pictures

Whether or not I stick with blogging in college, I need to get a better camera. I currently use an old Canon my mother used to own. It's slow, freezes up a lot, and doesn't capture the image like I want it too. Maybe 2016 will be the year I invest in a camera! Any recommendations?

3. Take the picture, even if you've already seen it

Over the summer during my three week stay in New York City, I was able to explore the city more in depth and take pictures, obviously. That was my 4th trip to the city and somehow, I still had the feeling I was missing something while I was reminiscing through photos. My logic now is, it doesn't matter how many times you've seen that building/road/view/sunrise/or sunset, take another picture. I'm so surprised at how taking pictures of the same thing overtime can be different. For example, I've been to The Plaza Hotel all 4 times I've been to New York. But you know what? My perspective has changed, my life has changed, and I have changed since the first time I took a photo of The Plaza to the most recent time. I know that example may sound really weird but it's so true. Even when you visit a familiar place, life is different and that's just how it goes. 

Do you guys have any tips for good photography?

xoxo, 

Carly

Fall Layering

Cooler temperatures will be hitting very soon, for the Fall season is upon us. In Northeast Georgia, the temperatures will start going down a little bit in the middle of September. Fall is my favorite season! The fashion during this time is what I am most comfortable with wearing- all of the neutrals, chunky knits, riding boots, and vests. One thing I haven't mastered yet is layering. I can be kind of confusing for me, because I see it done well but when I try, it doesn't look as good. After doing some research, I found three common layering ideas. 

 

#1: The tank
A tank can be styled in all seasons. Channel those late-summer, flowy tanks by pairing it with a button down (don't button it up) or a lightweight jacket. 

#2 The button down
I will be wearing this more when the winter season hits for sure, but for fall, I would wear it with a cozy cardigan or under a sweater. If you want a preppier look, definitely opt for the button down and sweater and for a relaxed look, go for the button down and cardigan!

#3 The vest
One of my favorite pieces beginning in the fall are vests. It's the extra detail to any outfit. I would pair this lightweight vest with a piko top or a shirtdress. J. Crew has great puffer 
vests if you wanted something more heavy. 

* All pieces are from Nordstrom BP

xoxo

Warm-Weather Fitness Tips

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Spring is officially a day away! I'm thrilled to finally have warmer weather. With warmer weather, comes prom and bathing suit season. I've already started prepping for prom (I'll share my dress in a later post), and of course, the pressure to work out is on. If you hate going to the gym or exercising in general, there is always an alternative to be active and  healthy. 

I have a lot some great places to hike at in my area, such as the Talulah George and Panther Creek, which also attract rowers and kayakers! I also love running and walking, so I make it a point to get outdoors and go for a nice walk, with or without my phone. 

Regardless of your fitness goals, do what works for you and enjoy it!

xoxo

DIY: Painted Keys

Is your keychain filled with keys and you don't know which go to what? I'm sure everyone has that problem, especially if you drive. Today, I will be sharing how I painted my two house keys so I can tell them apart!

Step One: Select how ever many keys you have. 

Step Two: I chose nail polish for my colors but you can choose whatever you like! (Essie polishes)

Step Three: Choose a color (Essies: ' Double Breasted Jacket' pink and 'Orange, It's Obvious' orange)

Step Four: Put tape in any direction or pattern you would like. 

Step Five: Paint the keys with the color of your choice! After it dries, remove the tape and you are good to go!

What are your suggestions of color-coding your keys?

xoxo

Straw-lecious

Is anyone else's mouth watering while staring at this picture? But seriously, this cake looks amazing. Don't worry, I got you covered on recipes. 

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Enjoy!

xoxo

ACT or SAT

One of the things I am getting a feel for this year is testing. Lots of testing. Furthermore, testing for the SAT and ACT. I've taken both of these tests, and am about to take the SAT again in the coming weeks. As a high schooler myself, I wanted to know what was the difference between the two? Which is better? Which is harder? What do colleges like to see? Now, I'm no expert on the subject, but I have learned a little bit about these tests!

1) ACT is harder, SAT is easier

To me, I have noticed the content of these tests are different. They ask along the same line of questions, but one is more rigorous than the other.

2) SAT is longer than ACT

Timing plays a huge roll in my testing. Generally, if the test lasts for a little over 3 hours, I lose complete focus because my brain is so exhausted. The SAT lasts anywhere from 3-5 hours and the ACT is under 4 hours usually. 

3) ACT has science, SAT does not

For all of you aspiring scientists out there, there is a test that has that! Surprisingly, the science portion was my highest score on my ACT, english being my second highest. It consists of graphs, tables, and some elements from the periodic table.

4) SAT has a mandatory essay, ACT does not

I love, love, love the essay portion of the SAT. It's the first section of the test, and you have 25 minutes to complete it. The reason I love this so much and have gotten a good score on this portion is because every week in my AP Lang class, we write a multiple page, 35 minute essay. Talk about practice! Also, if you sign up to take the writing portion on the ACT, colleges like for you to submit that score as well (some schools require it.)

5) SAT has 10 sections, ACT has four

SAT: 3 critical reading sections, 3 math sections, 3 writing sections (including essay), and 1 experimental section. Normally they are not in that order.

ACT: 1 english section, 1 math section, 1 reading section, and 1 science section. 

6) What do colleges like to see?

Colleges will let you submit either score, typically which ever you have done the best on is the one you submit!

7) How are the tests scored?

SAT is a range of 200-2400 points.

ACT is a range of 1-36 points.

8) What content is on each section?

SAT

   

ACT

9) How is the SAT essay scored?
The scoring here can be a little tricky. You will receive a score of 1-6, with twelve being the highest. Meaning, if you got a 6 on your essay, they add 6 more and you get a 12. 

1 = 2

2 = 4

3 = 6

4 = 8

  5 = 10

  6 = 12

I hope this helps!

xoxo

How to Style Hunter Rainboots

If you follow me on Instagram, you will notice I posted a pair of black Hunter's I received for Christmas! I've been dying for a pair. Black is my favorite color and for me, I can style a lot more with it but I definitely like some of the other colors as well. I personally feel like you can wear these boots in rain or shine. They are very versatile, and you can really style it with anything. I pulled a few ideas from Pinterest in case any of you are lacking outfit-inspiration.

--- I adore this look!

Xoxo,

Carly

Tips and Tricks: Studying for Finals

Well, it's that time of year again. Not only is Christmas coming in 3 weeks (ahh), the ending of a school semester is also approaching. At my school, we only have 4 classes per semester and they will switch in January to a brand new schedule, unless you take AP classes and that is all year. If you're like me, this can really be a stressful time. Even with the holidays, I still find myself very stressed out and very ready for Christmas break! I'm going to share with you all a few of my studying tips for finals week!

via Pinterest

1) Create a schedule: Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. Seriously. You do not want your week to be madness. Layout a study plan and everything else you want to accomplish for the week ahead of time.

2) Be positive: I am definitely struggling with this one this year. I have not been doing so well in one of my classes and it really is taking a toll on my overall mindset. My friends and parents have been supportive and remind me that it is only one grade. It does not define who you are and do the best you can!

3) Ask for help: This is a biggie if you don't understand something. Even if you don't want to ask your teacher, as a friend or a classmate. Someone will help you and might explain it in a way you can understand better.

4) Find a way that helps YOU learn the material: Sometimes if a teacher gives us a powerpoint with all of the notes, I will rewrite the entire thing because I think that helps me in remembering the information when it is in my own handwriting. Flashcards are excellent too in memorizing the material.

5) Reward yourself: At least Christmas is coming up and you can indulge into all of the sweets and foods without feeling guilty (maybe after the fact). This year, after my exams are all over and I am out of school, I am going to make an effort to embrace the holiday season and help others. I'm baking cookies for our local homeless shelter and helping out with Adopt a Child. I love giving back and helping people in need, especially this time of year. I know when school gets out for break, I will not feel as stressed which will impact my overall mood!

Happy studying!

xoxo, 

Detox Water

via Pinterest

This morning, as I was filling up my Camelbak water bottle, I had an idea to put one strawberry in my water. I cut one up into five slices and threw them in. Let me tell you, it was delicious. I'm a sucker for flavored water in any sort of way, but I thought instead of resolving to a packet full of sugar and calories, I resorted to something very healthy. I am now obsessed, and I will continue to use different fruits in my water. 

I gathered up more recipes of fruits you can put into your water to serve as a detox:

- Cucumber & Fresh Mint

- Apple & Cinnamon Sticks

- Blueberry & Strawberry

- Orange, Cucumber, Lime, & Lemon

- Lemon, Cucumber, Fresh Mint, & Fresh Rosemary

- Frozen Grapes, Frozen Strawberries, & Fresh Mint

- Watermelon, Pineapple, & Apple

- Honey Dew, Cantaloupe, & Watermelon

- Watermelon & Peach

- Strawberry & Fresh Mint

- Fresh Mint, Fresh Lavender, & Lemon

- Peach, Strawberry, & Raspberry/ Blackberry

- Kiwi, Raspberry, & Peach

- Blackberry & Fresh Sage

- Strawberry & Orange

- information via Pinterest*