Does your desk space need help?

College Candy has teamed up with organization expert Pete Walsh to bring one lucky reader a lovely new workspace!  Winner gets a new desk, message board, file tray, cord management station, portable inbox station, expanding files, writing board, notebooks, letter tray, ottoman with hanging files inside, and more!  

Head on over to College Candy to find out how to enter right now!

Cute, Clutter-free Apartment

 

I came across this little apartment via Apartment Therapy.  I love how crisp, clean and clutter-free it is.  The space itself is gorgeous---hardwood floors, white walls, thick moldings, built-in shelves.

 

These dark gold vintage chairs are fetching, yes?  

 

I like the idea of placing a desk near the entrance way.  It's a perfect place to set your keys, cell phone, etc and hang your purse.  

 

What a relaxing bedroom!  The hanging paper lanterns give whimsical, cloud-like feel.  I also like the layered rugs.  

 

And don't even get me started on the milk-glass vase!  Lovely. :)

Check out the original post at Apartment Therapy to learn more about this space.

Her Campus

Hey lovelies!

In case you've been wondering where I've been lately, I owe you an explanation.  I'm will be serving as the Her Campus Campus Correspondent for my college, Iowa State University.  In case you've never heard of Her Campus (shame on you! go check it out!)... it is an online media platform and magazine written by college journalists for college women.  Each branch updates readers on school news, profiles campus celebrities and cuties, highlights events and shares relevant stories that are personalized for women at that particular college.  All that content is a supplement to HerCampus.com, an online magazine for all college women.  

As Campus Correspondent... I've been busy getting the word out, messing around with social media, recruiting and building a staff, getting organized, brainstorming ideas and preparing content for the February 8 launch!  This is all very exciting!  A little overwhelming, but so far I haven't been stressed out.  I thrive on this kinda stuff.  

I know that in the past, I've managed to post pretty much daily on Lovely Undergrad.  Lovely Undergrad will by no means fall by the wayside.  But my publishing schedule will be undergoing some changes.  Expect 4-5 posts a week versus the typically 6-7.  Once I get myself into a routine, things should pick up again.  

So anyways... I hope your Spring Semesters have started out well!  Keep stopping by.  Be sure to check out Her Campus and see if your college has a branch.  And check out Her Campus Iowa State on February 8---when all my hard work will pay off!!

Win Free Textbooks for a Year!

Interested in winning free textbooks for a year?  That's a big lump of money saved.  CollegeCandy has teamed up with BookRenter for a giveaway of FREE textbook rentals for an entire year---valued at $1,000! 

So head on over now and enter. ;)

Scarlett O'Hara, Part III | Fashion Muse

It's the final installment of the Scarlett O'Hara-inspired fashion series.  And I've definitely saved the best for last...   ;)

It is time to showcase Scarlett's ultra-sexy red gown that Rhett makes her wear to dinner at Ashley and Melanie's house.  It is form-fitting, sparkly, feathery, and the most seductive shade of scarlet. Be sure to wear lots of rouge.  (Rhett's orders.)

Look red hot for any event by employing Scarlett's bold use of crimson.  The first dress really embodies the spirit of Scarlett's gown: form-fitting, sparkly, and even poofy sleeves!  Sex it up with sky-high heels and bright lipstick and you're ready to paint the town red.  The second dress screams "satin seductress" and pairs perfectly with silky pumps and a vintage-inspired clutch in the same hue.  To really stand out in a crowd, opt for a modern interpretation of Scarlett's eye-catching dress, like the third one here.  Accessorize with red stain wedge heels, silky elbow-length gloves, and plenty of rouge.

Scarlett's red splendor can be employed in everyday situations, too.  The first look pulls together dark skinnies, a form-fitting red top, crimson booties, and a pretty scarf---ideal for meeting your girls at the coffee shop for a red-hot gossip sesh.  The second look, perfect for class, mixes roughed-up skinnies, a red v-neck sweater, flats, and a canvas tote that Scarlett would surely approve of.  Lastly is a look fit for the clubs or a night of bar-hopping.  Wear your darkest skinnies with a red sequin-embellished top and sky-high scarlet booties. 

Hope you enjoyed the series!  Do you channel your inner Scarlett O'Hara when it comes to fashion?

Scarlett O'Hara, Part II | Fashion Muse

For the second installment of Scarlett-inspired fashion, I'm focusing on the dress (and moment) that really made me fall in love with the movie.  (Curtains and sewing machine optional.)

That moment was when Scarlett turned green velvet curtains into a fashionable gown that brought out the emerald in her eyes and brought Rhett Butler (hopefully) to his knees.  And I can promise you that as a girl of eight, I re-enacted this scene time and time again with my Barbie dolls. 

This dress was made to be dressed up---after all, it is what Scarlett wore to Atlanta to catch the eye (and hopefully money) of a certain Mr. Butler.  In the first outfit, the focus is on the jacket-like aspect of Scarlett's green gown.  A velvet green blazer looks divine over a little black dress.  Matching shoes, a satin clutch, and emerald jewelry pull it together for a night out on the town.  For the second look, a vintage-inspired dress echoes Scarlett's hourglass silhouette.  With green suede pumps, more sparkly emerald accents, and a cute purse you'll be ready for a wedding or cocktail hour. To invoke Scarlett's green glory for a business-casual work environment, dress up a black pencil skirt with a green top and damask clutch.  Suede oxford heels call to mind the ladies' booties of eras past. 

It's easy to put a more laid-back spin on Scarlett's green fashion.  A green sweater, bag, and pair of Pumas are ideal for running errands or going shopping.  For class, stay cute and comfy in a green sweater dress, black tights, green flats, and a matching bag.  And for a night out or day on the town throw a vibrant chartreuse blazer over a frilly black tank, dark skinnies, and green booties.  A lush green scarf completes any of these looks.

Come back tomorrow for the final Scarlett-inspired fashion piece!

Scarlett O'Hara, Part I | Fashion Muse

On this date back in 1940, 'Gone with the Wind' was released into U.S. theaters.  I still remember the first time I ever saw it.  I was young (seven or eight) and watched it at my grandma's house.  Scarlett immediately captivated me.  And as for Rhett Butler, well... I've been hopelessly head-over-heels for him since.  Because GWTW is my most favorite movie ever, I've decided to pull a little fashion inspiration from Scarlett and share it on Lovely Undergrad as a three-part wardrobe series.  What girl wouldn't wanna dress like Miss O'Hara?

We'll begin today with Scarlett as the sweet (haha) Southern belle who flounces from party to party and flirts with all the county boys.  She's pretty, sassy, and boasts the smallest waistline for miles.  The attire of inspiration is Scarlett's frilly white frock with its billows of lace and bright red belt.  To channel some Southern charm and be the belle of your own ball, focus on feminine whites and cherry red accents. 

For a casual take on Scarlett's Southern Belle attire, start off with a white top that features lace, frills, eyelets, and other feminine features.  For a date, wear one of this season's form-fitting lace tops with a pair of dark skinny jeans, red flats, a floral purse, and a red beaded necklace.  For a casual country look, put on a summery white tank and cinch the waist (like Scarlett) with a red belt.  Wear worn jeans and strappy red sandals to complete the look.  If you're heading to class, wear a flirty white top featuring lace around the neckline.  Basic skinny jeans are comfortable while gingham flats and flower earrings add cuteness.

Scarlett's Southern Belle look is ideal for dressing up on a romantic date, at a wedding, or even for a fancy brunch with the girls.  The best part?  It's impossible to be too feminine with this one.  For these three looks, I went in a more ivory/champagne direction rather than white.  But paired with the rich scarlet hues, the contrast and original inspiration is still there.  When searching for the perfect Southern Belle dress, aim for the three L's: lacy, lovely, and ladylike.  The first dress shows the most skin, but it is still a modest cut.  The gathering of the skirt mimics the fullness of Scarlett's.  And the flowery red belt is a unique alternative to a basic one.  Rounded-toe Mary-Jane pumps, a pretty ivory clutch, and cameo necklace add more femininity.  The second dress possesses cute cap sleeves with the slightest puffiness, which imitates Scarlett's too-poofy-for-2011 sleeves. Coral is a toned-down substitute for red.  Ivory peep-toe pumps and sparkly bow earrings are beautiful compliments to the girly get-up.  Lastly, the third dress reflects the modesty of Scarlett's era with a neckline fitting for even church.  A bow-embellished belt and matching suede heels give the crimson punch while the silky clutch and ring keep things elegantly simple.

Be sure to return tomorrow for more Scarlett-inspired fashion!

Pretty Planners for a New Start

Here's a round-up of pretty planners to get your new semester/new year off to the right start. Which one do I have? The pink U-Chic planner. :)

Hello, Spring Semester 2011!

(image via: here.)

Tomorrow (well, technically today---since the clock just struck midnight) begins my Spring 2011 semester!  First of all, I want to apologize for a lack of posting this weekend.  I had to take a little break.  You see, I've had a bit more than usual going on: a very exciting opportunity to prepare for (which I'll give the deets on soonly, I promise!) and attempts to get my apartment re-organized before classes get too hectic.  I succeeded in the first. And while my laundry has been sorted and desk cleaned out---there's still much organization to be desired in my bedroom. 

I just wanted to let you know that: No, I have not dropped off of the face of the earth.  And I have plenty of super-duper start-of-the-new-semester posts lined up for you this week!  So check in everyday. ;)

Here's to new profs, new friends, new ideas and new beginnings!

Much love for my lovely undergrads!!

Textbook Bang for Your Buck

 (image via: here.)

Want to know a fast way to kill the uber-excited mood I'm in about starting a new year and new semester?  Shopping for textbooks.  UGH.  Some of you may have ordered/bought/rented yours as soon as the previous semester ended, but I'm not so on the ball.  However, my procrastination about buying textbooks has been on purpose this time.

I'm asking around/waiting around to find out which textbooks I really need and if there are any I can get by without.  There are few things I hate more than dishing out $95 for a textbook and only opening it three times throughout the entire semester.  I know a few students who have taken what I'm taking next semester (with the same profs).  There's one book that I've been told by several people that I definitely won't use.   And I know of two that I definitely won't be able to do without.  

For the ones that fall in between, I've been warring it out---bookstore vs. Amazon vs. e-books.  The bookstore is the most reliable and the most expensive.  Amazon is so goshdarn convenient and affordable, but I always worry that someone will send me the wrong version.  And while I'm just dying to fully convert to e-books, not many of my textbooks are available in that format just yet.  So the battle rages on.

However, I came across a very helpful website that has lessened my stress level a little.  Usually, I go to several websites, type in the ISBN, find the cost of the textbook, write it down, and compare it to others.  This gets old.  And it is time consuming.  This website does that search/compare work for me.

At Cheap-Textbooks.com, you simple enter the ISBN of a textbook you want.  In about 5-15 seconds, you have a price comparison of condition/price/shipping of that textbook from places like Chegg, CourseSmart, Half.com, eCampus, and Amazon Marketplace.  Just find what you're looking for when it comes to price and condition and click the "Buy Now" button, which conveniently takes you to that website so that you can purchase the book. 

It's that easy to ensure that you're getting the most textbook bang for your buck.

2011 Aspirations

 

(I reeeeally want this print from Valentina Design on Etsy.)

So... New Year's Resolutions are cliche, I know I know.  Well, Carly over at All this is Grace and Charm (a lovely blog I recently started following) inspired me to be "moderately less cliche" by posting my aspirations for the New Year instead.  Oddly enough, thinking up aspirations for 2011 was much easier than trying to set resolutions.  So here are some of the things I aspire to do/be these next 12 months:

Unexpcted Color Inspiration: Pink + Gold

Who knew that hot pink and goldenrod paired soooo well together?

 

There's lots more to this fresh-faced apartment. 

Check out the original post at Freshome.com.

Tonight: Greek + Pretty Little Liars

 

Need something good to watch?  My favorite show 'Greek' returns tonight!  (It's been far too long and I can't wait to see what's up with Casey, Cappie, and the gang.)  Plus, there's an all-day marathon leading up to 'Pretty Little Liars," which is as addicting as it gets.  

I know where this semester's Monday nights will be spent... plopped down in front of the tv. :S

Have a Lovely 2011

 

Dear Lovelies,

I hope that 2011 brings you laughter,

love, happiness, and adventure.

Cheers!