Clemson - A Love Story

When I think about Clemson I think about love. The people, the campus, the athletics, the town, the history, the traditions... everything about this place makes my heart so, so happy. It sounds super cheesy, but every day I spent as a  Clemson student was a dream come true.

I honestly don't know how to explain the overwhelming feeling that fills me up every time I walk on campus. I'm just filled with joy and awe that I got to spend three years living, learning, and making countless memories in this little college town. I met people and took classes that challenged and inspired me in the best way, and grew into a person that the 18 year old me wouldn't even recognize. Most days I couldn't wipe the smile off my face while walking from class to class admiring the beauty of my school and thinking about how darn lucky I was to be there.

Clemson absolutely changed my life for the better in a million and one ways. I became an English major and discovered my passion for writing. I took classes and met professors that pushed me to be my absolute best. I studied abroad and had an incredible time exploring Europe with my fellow Clemson students. I affiliated with my sorority which gave me some of my best friends/sisters. I fell in love with fitness and became a Zumba instructor, a position that pushed me physically and taught me so much about leadership. I spent three amazing football seasons cheering for my Tigers like a crazy person and got to experience some incredible games. I met people who will be my best friends for the rest of my life.

I will walk across that stage today with my head held high, and more love and pride in my heart than I know what to do with. It's so hard to close this chapter, but I have peace of mind knowing how blessed I am to have been even a small part of this wonderful university. It's all thanks to my Great-Grandpa who started our family's Clemson tradition back in 1919. Hopefully one day I'll get the chance to thank him for inadvertently leading me to this special place.

It breaks my heart that college has to end and that I can't just be Clemson student for the rest of my life. However, I know that Clemson will always be a part of me and that I'll forever be proud to call myself an alumni of this university. The absolute adoration I have for this place will never go away and I'll be back as much as possible. While my path may take me away from Clemson, a big piece of my heart will always remain in this special place. There really is something in these hills... Go Tigers!

PS: Special thanks to my talented Godmother who took these sweet pictures - I'll treasure them forever!

-Lanie W.

Boho at the Beach

So as I was going through my phone yesterday (trying desperately to purge some of the 1,000+ pictures I'm currently hoarding) I found some outfit snaps from the beginning of summer that I never got around to posting. It's so crazy that these pictures were taken almost two months ago - why oh why does summer seem to get shorter every year? This was my last "real" summer to relax, travel, and do nothing since I'll (hopefully) have a career the next time this year, and I definitely enjoyed being able to go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted without having to worry about school or work. However, all good things must come to an end. We wouldn't appreciate our down time without the busy times in between.

I wore this outfit to dinner one night during our beach vacation and really loved it's easy simplicity and balanced mix of preppy and boho. My white Old Navy skinnies are definitely a huge summer staple since they pair with just about anything (like this embroidered blouse at J. Crew Factory). I'd be lying if I said this outfit hasn't been in heavy rotation throughout the past few months #outfitrepeater. If it ain't broke, don't fix it - right?

Sigh, I've already lost so much of the tan I had in these pictures. Summer is definitely winding down, but I'm determined to make these last two weeks count. Here's to soaking up the last couple weeks of freedom before starting my new job at Disney! If you need me I'll be pool/beach-side with a book in hand. xo

-Lanie W.

Off the Grid

Ah Monday, we meet again. This weekend was filled with fun outings and I'm sad to see it go. Friday was spent in Charleston hanging with my Godsister Charlotte while she modeled in a Rich Girl Rags photo-shoot (more on that later!) and exploring new areas downtown. Saturday evening I got to see my bestie, Emily, who was in town for the weekend. Her cousin's band (Stray Local) was playing at a local restaurant and it was so fun to catch up while enjoying a drink and good music.

On Sunday my Mom and I braved the (ridiculous) crowds for some tax-free weekend shopping. I snagged some really cute things, but the most exciting purchase was finding my graduation dress at Kate Spade! It's my first piece of KS clothing and it's safe to say I'm in looove - can't wait to share pics with y'all soon!

One of the more practical things I scored was a black skirt at J. Crew Factory, and it made me realize just how little black clothing I own. I hopped on Pinterest to look for ways I could incorporate more of this staple hue into my wardrobe and stumbled upon this cheeky black and white grid pattern trend! It's definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I'm really digging this simultaneously retro yet fresh take on a classic color pairing.

I how love this pattern seems so simple but really pops when styled the right way. It looks great alone as the focal piece of an outfit or mixed with other patterns. Of course after a little digging I found photos featuring two of my favorite style icons, Blair Eadie and Olivia Palermo, rocking this bold look. These ladies can do no wrong I swear.

What do you think? How do y'all incorporate black into your wardrobe? If you have any tips for a #navyornothing kind of girl I'd love to hear em :) Hope your week starts out on a happy note! xo 

-Lanie W.

Pre-Fall Favorites

Happy August everyone! We've officially entered the last full month of summer - a month that's going to hold an unparalleled amount of major life changes for this girl. For starters, I graduate from the best college ever exactly one week from today (I'll spare you the nostalgic freak out for now, but just know that it's coming). That in itself would be crazy enough, but a week later we move my younger brother up to Clemson to begin his Freshman year and I move to Orlando to begin my five month internship at Disney. Phew. Basically, I need all the prayers and good vibes possible for me to make it through the month in one piece!

With the end of summer looming retailers are decidedly focused on fall clothing. It always frustrates me that they release these pretty cool-weather items that I won't be able to wear until October at the earliest, but I digress.

Of course my tried and true favorite, J. Crew, is already killing it and making me want to spend all the money I don't have on their new arrivals. From Factory to the regular store I'm crushing hard on the mix of sporty/feminine styles and colors they're currently focused on. Mossy greens, dusty greys, and misty blues mixed with neutral accessories and dainty gold jewelry make old standards feel fresh. Here's a look at my favorites thus far-

|| Factory || 

|| J. Crew ||

Those owl loafers and high-waisted jeans are calling my name (along with everything else #letsbehonest). What pieces are you in love with? Tax free weekend in SC begins today so I just might have to snag a few of these while the prices are reasonable. Happy shopping! xo

-Lanie W.