Fall semester is nearly upon us…VT here we come! Hokie fans, parents, and students…send the ones you love back to school with a classic monogrammed gift. Licensed by Virginia Tech to use their logo and mascot, we can help you show off your college colors and arrive at school with cool monogrammed pieces! Typical turnaround time is 2-3 days and the sky is almost the limit in terms of what you monogram: initials, names, nicknames, jersey numbers, etc.

Zippered Cosmetic Bag $19.99

Every girl needs a cosmetic case. Seriously. They come an array of colors (we think the black and bright green look especially great in contrast with the Hokie Bird!

Monogramed Market Tote $39.99

It’s 2011, and everyone’s “going green.” Guys and girls alike have to purchase those supermarket necessities…so why not do it in style? This market tote comes in navy, lime, turquoise, hot link. brown, black, red, and of course…orange. Add the Hokie Bird logo to an orange one for tailgating!

Terry Bathrobe $69.99 / Apron $34.99

Super luxe terry bath robe feels like a hug from home! The apron has a layer of Teflon protection – grilling accidents be damned! Add a Skull and Crossbones image and monogram “Cap’t Cook!”

Bibs, blankies, diaper covers... $12.99 and up

…Put a Hokie Bird on it – Gifts for future VT fans!

The Frugal Fashionista

Believe it or not, I actually do like to write about things other than fashion! I love warm Virginia afternoons, country rides, and berry picking. Yesterday I went on a spontaneous adventure to Pungo Blueberry Farm with my mom, youngest sister, and nephew. We left at 5pm, and reached the farm at that perfect time of day when the sunlight is soft and mellow. Berries are a mere $1.89 lb…so support your local farms, enjoy picking your own produce, and create a fun memory with your family!

We arrive…

The adventure begins!

My mom, in her signature camo hat with rhinestone brooches, and my berry-stained nephew, Edward.

“Joy is the best makeup. Joy, and good lighting.” -Anne Lamott

A farming fashion statement…Wellington boots!

My lovely little sister

And as always, we got a little carried away…

Just recently I started “going raw” for most meals, so this morning I made a breakfast smoothie with berries from our bounty, a frozen banana, walnuts, and coconut milk…delicious!

~Runway the Real Way

$19.99 at A. Dodson's

Big colorful watches have been an on going trend this year. But why are people going so crazy over this accessory? Well a lot of designers have this style, some more expensive than others. The ones shown here from A. Dodson’s are on the less expensive side. They can add more style to a simple day look, such as, a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. You can also pair it with other accessories and a dress for more of an evening look. So to keep it short and sweet for you, these watches are fun, inexpensive and great for day or night!

The Frugal Fashionista

My mom is the Thrifting Queen, and I grew up marching through Salvation Armys, learning to  search out treasures with a trained eye. Most women lament, “But I can’t ever find anything good at thrift stores!” and ask me how I do it. Here’s how you too can take on any thrift store with confidence!

Rules I thrift by:

1) First of all, wear a tight top and leggings or biking shorts under a flowy skirt…this way if a thrift shop is devoid of dressing rooms, you can easily try things on without stripping down!

2) Be methodical. I search through every section of the store, flipping hangers one by one. Color, pattern, texture, fiber content, and of course style are the things I look for. Using these factors, if something catches your eye, throw it in your cart to be evaluated at the end. I try to stick to quality materials: cottons, silk, rayon, wool, and linen.

3) Keep an open mind! A garment might be too large and not perfect on its own, but when slightly altered, mended, or paired with another item, it could make a fabulous ensemble.

4) Always look for sale signs upon entering…these are usually posted at the front door or hang from the ceiling.

Here are my finds…

Doesn’t look like much, right? Though not my size, the reversible colors caught my eye, so into the cart it went!

When I tried it on, I was inspired to turn back both corners of the slits and pin them up. This revealed the reverse color and even created a vintage peplum. I knew the volume needed cinching at the waist, and remembered this leopard belt at home (know your closet!). The tag was white, so I paid only $2…

The nautical stripes, quality cotton, and vintage style of these pants intrigued me. It is helpful to know your eras: wide, cropped pant legs and a high waistband=1930′s/40′s.

Because these were so long on me, heels were a must! Someone taller could get by with flats, and I also could hem them a tad.  To avoid looking “thick” and bring definition to your shape, choose a slim fitting top when your skirt or pants have more volume.

The vibrant, diagonal stripes on the skirt below were just too gorgeous to pass by, so I cheated on my own rule…it’s 100% polyester! As I said, keep an open mind This piece stands on its own, so I simply paired it with a few bright accessories.

Being on the east coast of the fine Commonwealth of Virginia has its perks. Among them is an almost undeniable right to enjoy this coastal cocktail while sitting surfside, boatside or lakeside. Shake one up and toast the coast with us!

Coastal Cocktail Margarita

The Coastal Margarita

2 tablespoons tequila

2 tablespoons orange liquer

2 tablespoons fresh Key lime juice

1 teaspoon agave nectar

1. Pour salt in shallow dish. Rub rim of a chilled margarita glass with a lime wedge and dip rim of glass in salt, if desired.
2. Fill cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add tequila and next 3 ingredients. Cover with lid and shake. Strain into prepared glass.

* recipe courtesy of Coastal Living

~Runway the Real Way

Wearing braids in your hair isn’t just for grade school anymore. All kinds of sophisticated and fun summer hair trends involve “the braid.”  Whether it’s an evening out or a day at the beach, you can make this work look for any occasion. Here are three ways that you can try this style.

Waterfall Braid

This braid is great for day or night. It is also fairly easy to do on your own. Just take a small front section of hair and start a french braid. As you continue around to the back, split the bottom piece of hair in half every time before you cross it over. This gives the “waterfall” effect. Stop the braid where you feel it looks best and then secure with a bobby pin.

Mermaid Locks

This look is a fun way to do the braid trend. Just put a put a few messy waves  in your hair and then add a couple small braids where ever you would like. Use small clear bands to tie the ends.

Sweet ‘n’ Side Swept

If you have been searching for an easy way to wear your hair on those hot summer days, this is the look for you. All you have to do is make a braid that frames your face and then put the rest of your hair in a side low pony tail.