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New York, New York! | Starting anew in the Big Apple

Posted in Lifestyle
on 07/13/2020

Hi hi friends! It’s been much tooo long since I’ve written but let me tell ya I had a GREAT excuse. About a month ago, I packed up my bags and moved to New York City to pursue new opportunities. I’ll just start by saying it has not been all sunshine and rainbows people. It’s actually been a lot of sweat, some tears (ok actually more than I’d like to admit). Shoutout to all my friends and family who have checked on me these past few weeks – y’all are the glue that is holding me together! In classic LGIP fashion, I thought it was only right for me to do a little tell-all post about the big Big Apple move!

SOME THINGS I HAVE LEARNED:

Brooklyn Target is worth the trip — they have everything there as opposed to the City Targets in Manhattan. Also the Target app is my new favorite thing because you can earn points and get coupons! Y’all know my love for ballin on a budget.

Pizza is an elite cheap meal but we’ve always known that right?!

Reusable bags are a must for the city. Especially when you buy way too much to carry and your paper bag breaks and you drop your vodka sauce on the street. Speaking from personal experience here!

I love Dirty Martinis. Also for some reason I could not find plain olive juice in New York City so I’m spreading awareness and telling y’all to order online before you are disappointed like me.

Trader Joe’s is my new boo. BUT I will say sometimes they don’t have everything so finding your local small local grocery or bodega will be a savior.

Growing up and leaving home never gets easier. I’ve tried to keep as busy as I can but sometimes it’s hard not to miss home. Getting out of the house has been my biggest therapy for all my anxieties.

Most of all, I have learned its ok not to have it all together. This time is extremely rough for everyone, myself included and it’s been a challenge not to let it all control my thoughts 24/7. The job hunt especially is something that’s taken a toll on me. Finding a job in this economy is tricky, and I often feel down. Being told you’re not good enough or qualified enough for a role in mass quantities sucks, it really does, but the only way out is to persevere. I’m not immune to the problems in the world, but to me, at this point in my life, the job hunt is a focal point. Moving to the city without a job has made me extremely anxious but I know I’m not alone in that. I’m just hoping things will be looking up soon! I have applied to more jobs than I’d like to admit so somethings gotta bite soon right?! Something else I’ve been learning a lot about (especially these past few months) has been relationships (friends, family, boys, etc). I’ll probably do a deep dive post about that one soon because boy do I have a lot to say. I’ve found myself recently letting certain relationships in my life take up more mental capacity than they deserve. It’s a two way street, and I’m still learning how to navigate that  point where I shouldn’t have to  compromise anymore to make it work? Hope this is all making sense but like I mentioned, more to come on the deep stuff.

SOME FAVORITE NYC SPOTS SO FAR (STILL SO MUCH LEFT TO EXPLORE):

DRINKS

City Vineyard (Hudson Yards)

McSorleys Irish Pub (East Village)

Grand Banks (Hudson Yards)

The Back Room (Lower East Side)

August Lora

Dutch Freds (Midtown)

EATS

Tacombi (West Village, best tacos ever)

Pisillo italian panini (Fidi) 

Bel ami (Upper East, french pastries/food and coffee)

Juliette (Williamsburg, brunch/drinks)

Stromboli’s (East Village, loooove a good slice)

Mimi Chengs (East Village, dumplings)

HANGS

Tompkins Square Park

Sheep’s Meadow in Central Park

The West Village in general (my favorite place to talk a stroll)

Victoria’s Secret Museum

Brooklyn Bridge/DUMBO

The Highline

Flat Iron and Madison Square Park

Hudson Yards

Ashley Longshore Gallery (inside DVF in Chelsea)

Chelsea Market

 

TALK SOON.

The best way to shop online for formal dresses

Posted in Fashion
on 03/14/2019

Hiii friends! I question I get all the time from my friends and insta followers is: where should I go to shop for formal occasions? For us college aged girls, it’s probably formals, semi formals, but this could even work for weddings too (bridal showers, couples showers, wedding events galore!)

THE BEST TIPS + TRICKS FOR ONLINE SHOPPING

My favorite places are the sale racks. I just can’t pass up a good sale. I can’t! I always check places like Saks off Fifth, Neimans Last Call, and Revolve sale! You can find amaaaazzzing dresses for half the price! I love a designer dress, but sometimes the splurge is just too much for my poor lil credit card, so that’s when I hit the sales! It may seem daunting to go through pages and pages of dresses, but think of it as thrift shopping. Sometimes ya just gotta dig!

I’ve also had success on sites like Poshmark. If you can find a trustworthy seller, then you’re good to go! I’ve gotten name brands like Lovers + Friends and For Love + Lemons on major sale. Normally I can even find them with the original tags still attached, which is obviously the best deal of them all.

dress | runs TTS, I’m wearing a small

shoes | run TTS, these are my favorite shoes for dressing up! I wear them to everything and they come in tons of different colors!

Here’s direct links to my favorite places to find dresses for formal occasions:

Revolve

Saks Off Fifth

Neimans Last Call

ASOS

Free People

Show Me Your Mumu

Poshmark

Fashion BNKR

Have a formal event coming up? Let me help you find a dress! I swear I have over 100 saved in my cart between all the stores I online window shop at lol.

5 NYE outfit ideas you have to try

Posted in Fashion
on 12/29/2017

Hello hello my friends! Hope y’all had a great Christmas and will have an even better new year! I for one, cannot freaking fathom how 2018 is just around the corner. I’ll most likely be curled up on the couch with my dog watching a movie with some champs, but for those of you going out, I know how stressful NYE outfits can be. You want glitz, but not too much glitter, fun, but not something too over the top… I feel you on finding that balance. So I’m share with y’all my secret.

My go to for any party outfit goes as follows…

statement piece + basic = PARTYPARTYPARTY

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black turtleneck // fringe skirt (similar) // chunky heel (THESE ARE AMAZING)

It’s no secret I am obsessed with my black turtleneck haha. I’ve featured it on another recent post too. I just love how chic it is paired with a skirt. So bottom line, go get yourself one (you will never put it down). How amazing is this fringe skirt? I found it at our last call Dillards this summer and got such a great deal on it! I thought the black on black was “dressy” enough for NYE but also super comfortable and at least a lil bit warm.

Here’s a few ideas for y’all if you’re not into the fringe skirt + turtleneck combo. I tried to have a look for any NYE plans (house party, going out, freezing temps, warm temps… you get it).

I would so do (1) black culottes (I am about to buy bc #obsessed), fun top, chunky heel for something more dressy. If it’s warm where ya are (2) a black jean skirt with a fun statement belt, chunky sweater, booties would be so casual chic. For those who wanna be a lil flashy do a (3) sequin top, black flares, chunky heel. You can always do that “classic” NYE look with (4) a fun dress with a fur jacket. If you’re a romper gal, do (5) a basic romper with some statement jewelry — earrings, necklaces, bracelets really just whatever you like best.

Y’all let me know what your plans are below! Are you going out or staying in?

catch ya on the flip (aka 2018)

Madison

Black, leopard and a little bit of patent leather | Dressing for a Southern Winter

Posted in Fashion
on 11/22/2017

IT’S BEEN A LONG 21 DAYS SINCE I’VE LAST POSTED, Y’ALL. To be honest, those few weeks have been some of the hardest times of this year. But hey, I am back! Thank you lord for Thanksgiving break, although it may only be two days for me when I factor in my work schedule. Nonetheless, I am thankful to have some sort of break. The end of the school year is coming WAAYY too fast.

Let’s dive into this post — featuring a super simple, super chic neutral look. It’s so perfect for the Louisiana “winters” we have (cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon).

turtleneck // leopard mini // black crossbody bag (same style, different print) // cabby hat // patent leather booties

Black and leopard… WHAT A COMBO. I picked up this skirt from work a few weeks ago but I was saving it for a black turtleneck. I finally found this one at Brandy Melville while I was in NYC. I threw these patent leather booties on to lighten up the look! Neutrals are my jam always. I am so happy leopard is coming back into style cause man I was missing it from my 2005 days.

I took a few pictures with my cabby hat (which I get so nervous to rock) to show y’all how to edge it up a bit. These are absolutely everywhere (thank you Niall Horan for bringing this trend BACK) and I am starting to like hats? Never thought I would say that haha.

get the look

On a side note: peep my hair. Goodness gracious, it’s looking rough. That half and half thing? Not digging it. Bought myself some hair dye today so I’ll report back tomorrow with the results. Wish me luck!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y’ALL!

xo, Madison

Life Lately | July Edition

Posted in Lifestyle
on 08/02/2017

Hey hey, happy August! I’m headed back to school this month and I can’t say I’m mad about it. I absolutely adore being on a set schedule so I’m so pumped to get back into the swing of things! Before I jump into August, I’ll recap my month of July for y’all.

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When you’re home and have to make your parents take your insta pics for you >>> It makes me chuckle asking them, but hey #doitforthegram right? This sweater arrived right in time for the fourth (after I had been lusting after it for about 2 months) so of course I had to wear it for two days straight. It’s really comfy and I love it with jean shorts, but I’m sure y’all can catch me styling it in the fall with some flares.

life-lately-3-july-lgip

LGIP turned two this July! I wrote an ode to my trials and tribulations over these past two years. Read it here. But on the real y’all, it’s been rough keeping up with everything but I am proud of myself for somehow managing?

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When it’s your besties birthday, ya gotta celebrate like there’s no tomorrow. We hosted a lil party in honor of Cara at our apartment and of course I took it upon myself to decorate (Photo Booth and all). Man do I have so much fun getting dressed up and going out with my friends! Anyone with me on this?

So I was bad a few times this month (I’m talking to you ice cream, cookies, and trail mix with 50000 M&Ms in it) but this time was soooooo worth it. Pinkberry dates when I’m home are a must.

Just checking in to say I’m still obsessed with this t-shirt. Yes, you’re reading it correctly, it does say FRIES. And it’s stinking comfy. No shame here. You can 100 percent catch me wearing this one every chance I get.

When I have the chance to head to NOLA to see my bestie, I gotta take it! It had literally been forever since we had been able to see each other so we had the best time catching up and gossiping (as always) :-)

Our family beach trip this year was this week/last weekend but sadly I could only stay for two days. I was in my happy place sitting on the beach reading a nice book. This one piece is so fun and I love wearing it whenever I get the chance (which is rare).

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My music favorites for this month:

Birthday by Kings of Leon

(Nice to meet you) Anyway by Gavin DeGraw (an old BOP. Listen and you’ll love it.)

How not to by Dan + Shay

The Fighter by Keith Urban

My beauty favorites for this month:

I seemed to run out of half the products I own this month, so I went a little crazy on my Ulta run. I’m loving these drugstore gems currently.

I’ve been lusting after this month:

Superga platforms (I am dying for these… they’ll be the perfect class shoe and they’re under 100! Too good to be true.)

Free People cropped jeans (Bout to hop on this train with a little apprehension, but nonetheless they’ll be so fun for fall.)

Free People thermal (Once again, another find for class. Can you tell I’m ready to go back?)

Kendra Scott earrings (Got these in my RocksBox and I swear I wear them at least 4 times a week. They’re the best.)

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Cheers to August!

Madison

Life lately | March edition

Posted in Lifestyle
on 04/13/2017

Wellll I assumed it was better late than never to get my March Life Lately up. So here goes nothin. :-)

I love when I can actually have a lazy Sunday; it seriously makes my week so much better. Flipping through a magazine and jamming to Ed Sheeran’s album makes for the perfect day.

 Are y’all tired of me talking about this fringe top yet? I swear this is last time for a while… But I’m just so in love with it. Such a risky purchase on my part, but I’ve been longing to stray from my basics tees and tanks.

Honestly, we all need a little motivation sometimes! I’ve been getting my monthly dose from my planner. Each month’s got a cute illustration/quote — they make the perfect insta pics.

I’m a firm believer that all you need in life is a good taco!! Life is better when ya have a lil Mexican food in ya. I always love grabbing some tacos to satisfy my craving!

Our chapter’s annual Red Dress Gala was this month! I ended up rocking my dress from last year since time crept up on me this year so I wasn’t able to buy a new one. My Dad came to support me and we had a fab time hanging out with my gals and their parents.

Since our Red Dress Gala was this month, we ended up making a family weekend out of it! Sunday was a mom’s tea and pop-up shop event. I had to work the Hemline pop-up so my lovely Momma (who was the best sport) came to help me. We caught up over some lunch after, making it an overall chill Sunday.

Songfest (an LSU signature Greek Life event) was at the end of this month. I was so so sad I wasn’t in it this year, but I had to go to support my girls! We came armed with low sticks and signs galore. Hard work paid off and our girls won third place!!

Here’s an outfit of the day pre Songfest. I’ve found myself doing adult things on Sundays lately, so cute clothes have been needed lol. I styled my OTS top (part of my new FP set) with some white flares (did I mention how excited I am that they’re back??) and my TKEES. Shoutout to my pal LJ for the fringe hoops!

 

My music favorites for this month:

Hearts Don’t Break Around Here by Ed Sheehan

Rock City by Kings of Leon

All my Love by the Beatles

I’m linking my best playlist for y’all here.

My beauty favorites for this month:

Two Faced Born This Way foundation

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Philosophy Purity Made Simple

 

I’ve been lusting after this month:

TKEES in Sweet smoke (gloss)

Tie front tops

Quay sunnies

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madison-bronze-foil

Life Lately | September Edition

Posted in Uncategorized
on 10/09/2016

October here I come! September was mostly me getting back into the swing of things with school and such, so not too many exciting things happened.. (oops!) I will say that you can expect less lifestyle sort of posts from me from now on — I’m aiming to post more fashion related things on LGIP now. With that being said, let’s get on with it!

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Oh, what a night this was… Known as none other than Boys Bid Night (aka LSU Greek Life’s favorite night of the year). Our new members came to join us in getting dressed up + having the first night of fun with their new sissies!

game-day-lgip

Gameday is back + better than ever!! I’ve struggled each weekend finding an outfit considering I own nothing purple or gold. It’s been hot as hades for each game so far, so jeans have not been an option for me. I’m awaiting the cooler weather as patiently as possible.

big-lil-lgip

If you haven’t read my most recent post, go ahead and click here! My pledge class + I got our littles this month! We had such a fantastic time crafting for them + reveal was the icing on the cake! In all honestly, I was totally suffocating being wrapped up in this get up for twenty long minutes.

grub-lgip

Fall Grub was a success!! The theme was ESPhiN, so pretty much anything sports-related went! My date and I went as Tom Brady + Gisele, so I donned a VS robe for the night! Creativity levels were at an all time high that night as I saw some corn dogs (LSU fans are known as corn dogs, so we love to poke fun at it), field goals, famous basketball players, football players + a few WAGS.

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We had our very first Taco night in our new house this month! All of the proceeds go to the Alpha Phi Foundation, and we opened our beautiful new home up and served some tacos. These Alpha Phi baseball tees are my favorite shirt from this year so far!! It goes great with some jean shorts, athletic shorts, or yoga pants!

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If you follow me on my personal Instagram, or just know me in real life, you would know my unfailing love for One Direction. Niall’s new song is the sweetest thing I’ve ever listened to and I swear to y’all, I actually cried while listening to it #noshame.

See, I told y’all my September was boring… I can’t wait for y’all see some new fashion posts coming to LGIP this month!!

madison-bronze-foil

Styling white jeans at the end of the summer like a pro

Posted in Fashion
on 08/21/2016

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Y’ALLLLLLLLLLL OH MY GOODNESS. I’m so in love with this simple outfit, I HAD to share! For my big’s birthday dinner and a night out, I decided to pair my fave pair of jeans, these white flares from AOS, with this colorful printed Show me your MuMu top. White jeans have quickly become one of my favorite pieces to wear this summer. Y’all know that taboo about wearing white after labor day? I think that’s total craziness! White jeans can really go into any time of year. For the end of summer, I love pairing them with a pop of color on the top for some contrast. If y’all have been following along with me lately, you would know I also have been head over heels for chokers of any sort. This black choker is actually a thin piece of ribbon from the craft store double wrapped and tied into a bow. To avoid the dragging of these amazing jeans on the floor, I opted to wear my OTBT Bushnells (my all time fave shoe).

Here’s my foolproof formula to rock any pair of white jeans like a pro:

White jeans + a patterned top

Do y’all love the white jean trend as much as I do (cause I’m obsessed)?

white jean details

madison