Finals Week Is Upon Us

Buzz Coffee in Greenville, NC; wristlet: TJ Maxx

Ah, my first college finals week is coming up, and I know it feels very depressing because they are right after Thanksgiving break.

I will show you my tips for getting through finals, from experiencing AP and IB final exams.

1. Review vocabulary.

If you do not know the vocabulary, it merely means that you are not understanding the material. My favorite website/app to use is Quizlet, and what I do is to create your own flashcards or use another person's set. Then I go on "Learn," and go to options and I just do multiple choice questions, and that way I learn better.

2. Wear something comfy.

Because staying in a room during finals takes hours, comfy clothes are recommended. You don't want to continually be itchy from the fabric of your favorite blouse then not able to finish all 55 test questions on time. I recommend a t-shirt and leggings, and bring your toastiest sweater because you could be testing in cold rooms.

3. List out the exams.

List the exam times, locations, and materials for each class on a piece of paper, on your message board, or in your planner so you can get prepared to kill the test.

4. Meal for Champs.

This is a great opportunity to splurge on a meal, whether it is getting extra expresso shots, adding extra fruit/meat, going to an upbeat coffee place, or buying an expensive snack that you have been eyeing on, you deserve it for all of the hard work that you have done.

5. Find your niche.

Find a comfortable place to study. Do you like noisy rooms or quiet rooms. Cold or warm? More or less people? Small or big? Find a room where you can study well.

6. Write it out.

Before an exam, I like to write out formulas, facts that I may forget, and things like that on a piece of blank paper or test if the professor allows. Then when you get to a tricky question that has that stuff, I can go ahead and go over the notes to make it easier on me.

7. Put some respect on it!

Before an exam find an uplifting quote, whether it is from a religious text or online. This fills your head with positivity. Listen to some music, meditate, exercise, pamper yourself.

Your goals for the finals: kick some serious butt!

How do you prepare for finals?

xoxo, Desi

One Shoulder Showstopper

 

Jumpsuit: SheIn, Shoes: Charlotte Russe, Gold Choker: Forever 21, Earrings: TJ Maxx

I was trying to find a nice outfit for my initiation dinner, but I was not feeling a dress. But when I saw this jaw-dropping jumpsuit online you know how it is with me and my money...

This SheIn one shouldered flare jumpsuit was one of the most beautiful purchases I have gotten in my entire life. The one shoulder neckline had a layer thing. Then the dress cinches you really well at the waistline oh my goodness. Now the fun part: the flare legs were a little cropped, but it gets better. They are a high low type of deal, and I love it!

Since the dress was all black, I had to put in something just as spontaneous as the dress, but not in competition. These fabulous Charlotte Russe pumps add some flirty foral impression, but does not draw away from the frilly dress.

Also I had to add some elegance with a gold chain necklace from Forever 21 and metallic earrings from TJ Maxx to add to the outfit. 

Here you have it folks: extra elegance. What is one showstopper piece in your closet?

My Curtsy Obsession

Throughout my life, my peers always complimented me as a person with an amazing fashion sense. As blogging and Youtube are always great ways to show off my style in order to make money, it takes over hundreds of viewers and subscribers in order to make a living. And you know it takes a while(as in months-years), especially being a broke college student adulting around. 

A great app that lets you show off your style to make money in the matter of days and weeks is Curtsy! You make your closet a store, and girls near you rent your clothes. All you need to do is:

1. Upload the Curtsy app

2. Create an account

3. Tap the post button with the camera

4. Insert a picture of the item for rent

5. Input details about your product (price to rent at, color, style, sizing, occasion, etc.)

And your item is available for girls to rent!

I haven't had girls renting my products yet, but hopefully someone appreciates my closet enough for someone to have a piece of my style.

Go through my Curtsy here (link only works on mobile, not computer/laptop) and you get $10 credit!

Happy renting, Desi out!

Gameday Getway

Top, skirt, and earrings: Forever 21; Necklace and sunglasses: Catalog Connection; Purse: gifted; Shoes: TJ Maxx, Choker and pin: from my sorority

I had a fun gameday: the tailgates were LIT, I experienced a first home game win, and most of all I was  killin' it in this off-the-chain outfit!

This was a purple out; however you don't see that much cute purple in stores. Until I went to Forever 21 and saw with light purple cropped long sleeve top, I HAD to cop it. 

I went full on baddie in this super cute quilted leather skirt, big hoop earrings and hardware toed booties. Then I went a little gaudy with the gold wrap beaded necklace and crossbody purse. I had to put on a pair of stylish shades for this sunny day.

Gamedays in college are a great opportunity to dress the heck up in school colors and be a little fancy (you can't get to much of it) with your outfit.

How do you dress up for ganeday?

Chunky Sweaters Came in a Little Early This Year

Sweater: TJ Maxx, Skirt:Boohoo.com, Necklace:Versona, Boots: Target, Earrings: Forever 21, Bag(not shown much): Nine West

Gucci Mane's bricksquad came in a little early this year when 10/17 came around, it became cold. And after scoping through TJ Maxx and finding out that up-ed their sweater game this year, I HAD to put my sweaters to good use.

This sweater is literally one of the best tops I purchased this year. It is a dolman sleeve, and I could throw it with any bottom to make it look good.

The envelope skort has come to play in order to add a pop of color to this outfit full of tans. The over-the-knee boots add extra warmth and style without freezing me legs to death.

Then I had to have my metallics with this Kendra Scott-inspired necklace and HUGE gold hoops. I don't know about you, but I am obsessed with huge hoops that scream BADDIE across it.

Who is pumped for sweater season? Comment what is your favorite sweater for this season.

Just a Little Glimpse of Summer

Top: a friend's closet, Jeans: Target, Shoes: Wish, Bag: Stein Mart, Hoops: Belk

Please don't tell me that I can't wear white jeans after Labor Day. I am so shook that this look is inspired by Show Me Your Mumu because of the boho vibe, and apparently this particular brand is known for its lavish flare pants. I recently liked Mumu's post on Instagram (@showmeyourmumu) about cutting of the hem of your favorite flare jeans, and I am LIVING.

This top has a unique choker neck design so I don't have to wear a necklace, which is rare for me because I love to have something around my neck when I dress up. I love this flowiness under the bust, which is really popular among girls dressing up on the go.

Cutting off the hem of the flare jeans is the best decision of my life. Not only it is great for petite frames like me, but it adds a dimension to the look. Then I have to complete this look with an edgy sandal from Wish which is cheaply made, but worth it because it is very trendy and it adds something unique to the outfit.

This look is great for out and about whether you are going out to eat, or to a casual party.

What fashion rule would you break?

Desi out!

Gingham Moments

Top: Charlotte Russe, Skirt: Forever 21, Necklace: Forever 21, Shoes: Wish, Earrings: Belk

With the end of summer and the beginning of fall, different pieces, prints, and fabrics change. But one of the things that should be appropriate year round is gingham. This off the shoulder long sleeve blouse sums up the reason. The thing in particular that I like about the blouse is the ruched sleeves. The sleeves add a unique dimension to the blouse that show elegance and that extra-ness.

I kept the girliness of the top with a sweet salmon pink skirt.  Who knows?  Pink and blue is that perfect summer-to-fall combination of colors, especially with navy blue.

However, the girly look here has some edge. I toughened things up with these accessories: black platform sandals, gold chain choker, and huge gold hoops.

This look is perfect for going out to go dancing, and I literally had a fun time wearing this ensemble.

How do you transition your look for fall?

Desi out!

Welcome to G-Vegas

Top: Belk, Shorts: Catalog Connection, Shoes: Madden Girl, Necklace: Versona

On August 16th, I stepped foot on the campus of East Carolina University. After settling into my dorm it was a really hard time not being by family that I dearly love, but at the same time I now have the freedom to do things I wanted to do. However, that freedom enables me to make mistakes and learn from them.

So from all of that commotion, I have a new roommate not only because my old one paid the enrollment fee pretty late, but I got accepted into the Business Living Learning Community. Her name is Claudia from Virginia, and I am pretty pumped about living with her.

My dorm room colors remain the same from the last few blog posts, but my roommate has yellow instead of pink. At least my dorm room came together and we are really happy with the outcome.

The last picture is what I wore for Thursday night in college, where I checked out this crazy good Mexican restaurant, Chico's. I am really impressed with their chips and dip, and the crunchy chicken tacos were banging. Back to the outfit, the colors of the top and shoes were determined by the colors of the skirt, and with a really cute Kendra Scott-esque necklace I am really impressed of how the ensemble worked out.

I can not wait of what these 4 years will take me, and I hope it is for the better.

Desi out!

How Do You College?

Top and wrap choker: Forever 21, shorts: Old Navy, shoes: Chacos, bracelets: unofficial campus bookstore, earrings: Belk

Arrrgh! I went through college orientation at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, and I am so excited about being there in the fall. After going through the worst speaker on the first day, trying out Sup Dogs (the chicken fingers are so tasty), getting a first strike in bowling in so many years, and meeting new friends, orientation became a rewarding, fun experience!

Here are some good tips for having an amazing orientation:

1. Do not forget shower shoes if you are staying in a residence hall! Since I slept in the residence hall, I had to take a shower in a communal shower. The floors will be pretty gross (because, you know), and you need to protect your beautiful feet from getting fungus and all of the other pathogens.
2. Keep your orientation schedule. On the first day, I forgot to bring my orientation schedule, which left me lost all over campus. Plus, your phone won't be there for long because it will lose power in hours. Having your schedule with you on paper hell help you get to where you need to be and all of the events and what nots that you probably need to attend.
3. Bring a blanket and pillow. The residence hall bedding is really uncomfortable if you decide to sleep there, so how I had a good night's sleep is that I bought a really comfortable pillow and blanket.
4. Bring a backpack/tote that is big! You will be carrying heaps of paper, t-shirts, stickers, and other free stuff that organizations and programs give you during orientation. Also, bring a wristlet for getting food and other nice stuff.
5. Explore your college town. I went to downtown Greenville for dinner with friends at SupDogs, plus shopping for the cutest shorts at one of their cutest boutiques in town, Catalog Connection! Exploring your college town will make you knowledgeable of what businesses will be around in your college town for your time in college.
6. Don't forget to visit your dining hall. I ate at the West End dining hall for breakfast, and I had the best turkey sausage links ever! You also need to have a feel for the dining hall at school and to access what things you get to try out! I like drinking tea, and there is a place where you have your hot water for your tea.
7. Wear comfy shoes. It was hot, so I wasn't really feeling sneakers. However, I bought my first pair of Chacos just in time for orientation! They are really comfortable, and after walking for hours, I even had a tan from them. You will be walking so much that you will be tired minutes later.
8. Last, but not least, meet new people! I met some amazing people that love Lilly like I do, suck at bowling like I do, and some that are planning to be in the military. You can find so many unique things about them, and hey! You have made a friend that will be by you side during your college years.

Anyways, if you have not gone through orientation, these are very valuable advice from a person who has already gone through orientation. I am excited for August 16th, my move in day to college. 

By the way I posted a new video on my YouTube channel that will showcase my purchases from orientation and also in town.

Desi out!

Summer Favorites

On my recent trip to Chick-fil-a, I got to purchase their newest drink. And this was not the first time I purchased. Perhaps, when they first advertised the new drink it had my favorite things in a drink, so I had to go. And this drink inspired me to write a post about my summer favorites!

1. Watermelon Mint Lemonade from Chick-fil-a: If you read the first paragraph thoroughly this is the drink I am describing. Watermelon, mint, and CFA lemonade all in one is literally heaven on earth! They are great drinks to take pictures with during summer. Speaking of that...
2. Mango Black Tea Lemonade from Starbucks: Ah the last Starbucks trip before I graduated (and many more to come after that) I picked up this drink as a "pick me up" on the way to the movies with one of my high school friends. The taste is a bit mango-y with hints of black tea, but the sourness of the lemonade made this one of my favorite summer drinks.
3. Dermasil Dry Skin Treatment: This was a graduation gift from church, and I was so excited to try this stuff. I have combo skin, but I am more on the dry side than the oily, so this was perfect! I fell in love as I apply it on my face because my face became soft to touch, and it was glowing (no highlighter needed). I incorporate this product into my routine, day and night, because your face needs to be moisturized, amirite? Overall, I will continue to use it until I find a product that works just as good or better.
4. Milani Color Statement Matte Lipstick in (Dreamy or Naked): This color has hints of pink, but a pretty nude to compliment my skin tone as long as I have a darker lip pencil. For softer makeup looks, this is my go-to. Actually for summer this color is my new go-to.
5. Old Navy Tie-Dye Watercolor Tee: Wow, this top is actually on sale at Old Navy. I am obsessed with tie dye print that resembles watercolor (if I am too extra at describing prints), and also the color blue (for editing awesome summer photos scroll down on this post ;-)). I wore this for the last day of being a high school student and another event that I can't think of. But this top looks really amazing with a choker, long necklace, white bottoms, earthly brown shoes. Who knows, I would definitely put this into a fourth of July outfit. 
6. White Skort: I am slowly falling in love with certain pieces from Stein Mart it isn't even funny. Fun tip, if you are looking for a mini skirt/skort, the petite section of the store has a few gems. Just pick the size that fits your liking, and voila! I wore this with the tee, and it has plenty of compliments. I fell in love with the gold accents in the front, and bam! I have a summer skort that will go with many cute things. I am thinking of getting a black see through top and a black cami underneath to go with it along with grungy black shoes.
7. Easy A: Last, but certainly not least, I am a comedy and chick flick person when it comes to movies. Easy A puts the the two genres together. Trying not to spill the beans, but it is related to The Scarlet Letter, but in a modern twist: girl gets derided with a huge rumor that she was sexually active, then turns into a weird reputation. But for anyone who is in high school, PLEASE WATCH THIS MOVIE IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

And a bonus, here you have it:

• If you want to improve your likes on IG, Twitter, and all that jazz, I suggest you hit up VSCO cam. If you like to pay for stuff of the phone (or waiting until it becomes free), I recommend getting a C1 filter. HB1 and A5 are also good alternatives. I like to keep the temperature on high, and selecting a blue shadows and highlights tint. For the highlight and shadows tints, I usually go on the higher side of the tint, but if it is necessary to add color I will go on with the highest.

These are all of my favorites, and I am excited to scope for more. Desi out!

#CollegeGirlz: Dorm Stuff Part 2

On the recent trip to TJ Maxx, I have found many stinking cute room decor and essential bedding stuff (the things that make it comfortable). I found something faux fur, so that's checked off the list.

Then the mattress pad, mattress protector, and the pillow protectors are checked off the list, too.

Now all I need for bedding is a memory foam topper, a couple of blankets, and maybe a quilt to go over or under my comforter. The pillow protectors are satin, which is a beneficial fabric for my hair. I long for a pink pom pom blanket, but I also would like a white/cream or grey faux fur blanket and maybe a white waffle blanket. I apologize for needing many blankets because I get really cold quick! There are many options to choose from, oh my! Also, I will need desk lamp/mirror all in one, so I will head to other stores for better deals or cuter ones. Then maybe for this weekend or so, I plan on starting on the headboard for my bed, and I wanted to have either a solid or a fun print (or a textured fabric headboard is really cute).

This sums up my second dorm room haul, and I will post more stuff as it is coming along. Desi out!

They Always Say Congratulations

On the night of June 8, 2017, I have officially graduated high school. This is a really beautiful milestone to make in your life, and all through these 4 years of crazy situations, I am glad to make it through. From taking tiresome online AP classes to participating in many orchestral ensembles to serving my school in the student government I cherished many moments that embed in my life forever.


Now to graduation day

Dress:Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Charlotte Russe 

The weekend after graduation, I had a graduation lunch with close friends and family at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Top and skirt: Forever 21, Shoes: Belk (G by Guess), Necklace: Versona, Choker: TJ Maxx, Earrings: Belk

Now I am opening my new chapter to college, and I could never be more excited! For those who graduated, wells wishes on your future endeavors. It's L17!

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#CollegeGirlz: Dorm Stuff Part 1

Ah, my first college post on my blog. Well, I will be attending East Carolina University as a freshman in the fall. For the fall semester, I will major in marketing and minor in music performance. Then hopefully in the spring semester and beyond, I will major in music performance and minor in marketing. I still want a career in marketing though, but since music is my passion, why not major in it?

That is the basic college info.

Now onto the post that is more important than this basic college info, I will be talking about my early dorm stuff. I am so excited to tell you what is going to be in my dorm, and to show you the outcome. Hopefully I end up on HGTV, if I must.

Hopefully, I will have the roommate I wanted, and her name is Bailey from Smithfield. I chose her as my roommate because we have similar music preferences (we can talk about our BTS army draft for days), she is a great person to talk our high school experiences, we have plans to rush a sorority, we LOVE fashion and makeup, and overall she is a great person with work with and to go on wild adventures with!

Our room theme is "luxurious on a budget," which is inspired by the lavish dorms at Ole Miss and also After Five Designs. The color palette for the room is white, grey, and taupe with touches of pink and gold. I started looking for dorm pieces at Target and I am excited to show you everything!

The first one is a candle holder, which is powered by batteries. Initially, we are not allowed to have candles at our dorm, but when I saw that the candle holder had a "imitation" candle I picked it up. I really think that it is neat, but when I get the batteries and finally get to work it, I will tell you what the product really does.

Since most string lights use iridescent light, which is prohibited from our dorms, LED lights have to do. I came across the pink lights that are powered by batteries. Using string lights make the room (especially the walls) look colorful without painting the walls (which is a major taboo).

Lastly, I have fabric to use for a DIY pillow project. This is originally a tablecloth, but it should serve for many decorative purposes.

Overall, I am proud of what I accomplished so far when it comes to getting stuff for my dorm at college, and I am looking forward to getting more things! Desi out!