Browsing Tag:

on my radar

5 ways to grow your blog like a pro

Posted in Uncategorized
on 06/30/2016

5-ways-to-grow-your-blog-like-a-pro-1-lgip

Lately I’ve been scavenging the internet with every spare minute I can get trying to gather information about blogging and how to increase traffic to my blog and social media. My eventual hope for LGIP is for it to propel me into the fashion industry, so I may use it as a stepping stone for future endeavors. I wanted to compile a master list of helpful links for any blogger (whether you’ve had for blog for 3 months or 5 years).

// Creating an instagram feed that is cohesive by Marrianna Hewitt //

Marianna’s advice is golden. She’ll talk you through the use of editing apps on your phone such as VSCO (one of my favorites), Snapseed, and Darkroom. A must read if you’re looking for a feed to marvel the insta famous.

// Scouting photo locations by Hayley Jones //

If you’ve ever taken blog pictures before you know how hard it is to consistently find new and innovative places to shoot. Hayley has a great take on scouting locations like a pro. Take a peek to plan your next shoot’s locale!

// Skyrocket your Pinterest growth by Blogging for Keeps //

Blogging for Keeps has quickly become my go-to website for all things blog-sphere (er, is that even a word). Blair and Jess know how to use Pinterest in a way that’ll get your name out there and keep it out there. From setting up a Pinterest business account, to using rich pins with graphics — you’ll be a Pinterest rockstar in no time at all.

// Creating the perfect blog worthy photo by Paula //

Having some trouble getting the perfect blog pictures? Paula has you covered with this post. She covers the basics and shares some of her insight into how she edits her photos and stages them. I took a whole lot of tips from this one!

// How to find your own unique voice by Tanea // 

Finding my own voice is something I am still struggling with to this day. Tanea has a great way of explaining how fitting in with your niche is not going to get you anywhere — you must find where you can stand out (I know this sounds so cliche). Here’s 7 helpful hints to do so!

I hope y’all enjoyed this roundup of some links I’ve found to be extremely helpful. The fun of blogging is to be able to share the love! Let me know if y’all have found any other links that you find helpful!

madison

5 novels you should read this summer feat. Warby Parker glasses

Posted in Lifestyle
on 06/01/2016

When summer rolls around, I always leap towards the nearest bookstore to pick up a read for the summer. I immensely enjoy reading but I NEVER have any time during the school year to read for leisure (shout out to my boring textbooks). This summer I decided to make myself a little summer reads list, so here it is!

summer-reads-wp-1-lgip

 // The Vacationers by Emma Straub//

I started this book last summer, and picked it up a few times this school year hoping to finish it but to no avail. I finally was able to sit down and read it when I got home from school! Although the plot is pretty melancholy, I really enjoyed this one because each character has such a different way of thinking. The blurb on the back of the book reads that “this is a story of the sides of ourselves that we chose to show and those we try to conceal, of the ways we tear each other down and build each other up again, and the bonds that ultimately hold us together.” The way all of the characters develop throughout the course of the vacation was fun to follow! A great beach read.

// Little Bee by Chris Cleave //

After reading many mixed reviews about this one, I’m curious to see where I fall on the spectrum. The jacket claims “it is a truly special story.. Once you have read it, you’ll want to tell your friends about it. When you do, please don’t tell them what happens. The magic is in how the story unfolds.” It is the story of “two women’s tenuous friendship that blooms between two disparate strangers—one an illegal Nigerian refugee, the other a recent widow from suburban London.” I’ll let y’all know how I feel about this one!

// The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith//

I’m way late to this party! J.K. Rowling published another series under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, and it’s gotten a lot of mixed reviews just like “Little Bee.” I have actually started this one and I’m still in the stasis part of it, so no action has really happened. I tried to start reading Harry Potter but could never get into it so I’m hoping I’ll enjoy this one. Mystery novels are some of my all time favorites! “The Cuckoo’s Calling” is the first in the Cormoran Strike trilogy that follows a “barely scraping by… private investigator” who in the start of the first novel receives a case that “…plunges Strike into the world of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends, and desperate designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure, enticement, seduction, and delusion known to man.”

// Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures by Emma Straub //

Written by the same author as “The Vacationers,” Emma Straub has done it again. Glitz and glam can always capture my attention and this book does not seem to be lacking it at all. “Elsa marries and flees to Los Angeles… [and is] discovered by Irving Green, one of the most powerful executives in Hollywood, who refashions her as a serious, exotic brunette and renames her Laura Lamont. Laura experiences all the glamour and extravagance of the heady pinnacle of stardom in the studio-system era, but ultimately her story is a timeless one of a woman trying to balance career, family, and personal happiness, all while remaining true to herself.” The theme of staying true to oneself is something every woman can relate to. I cannot wait to pick this one up and jump back in time to the 1920s!

 // The Last Tycoon by Scott F. Fitzgerald //

We all know Scott F. Fitzgerald for his classic, “The Great Gatsby.” I’ve read it and loved it, like most. His style of writing left me wanting more. I’ve done some research on some of his other novels and this one is supposedly one of his best. Set in jazz age, it tells “details [of] the film industry in Hollywood, initially from the viewpoint of a Studio Executive’s daughter, Cecilia Brady, then later following her father’s rival, Monroe Stahl.” It is very similar to the Great Gatsby in which there is a ‘middleman narrator’ who is “enamored with the central character.” The book was left unfinished by Scott F. Fitzgerald’s sudden death. If this novel is anything like the “Great Gatsby” I am positive I will thoroughly enjoy it!

Honorable mentions (including previous books I’ve read):

The Heiresses by Sara Shepard (Obsessed with PLL? Give this one a read!)

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella (Great plane book!)

Something Borrowed, Something Blue both by Emily Giffin (Couldn’t put it down!)

Of course you’ll need some reading glasses so you don’t strain your eyes doing all of this reading! I’m teaming up with Warby Parker for this post to bring y’all some of my favorite frames for the summer! The Streeter is the pair I’m sporting in the picture and I’m obsessed with the statement they make! Warby Parker’s summer 2016 collection is so stunning and trendy. They really do have the perfect pair of glasses for anyone. Here’s a few pairs I’m crushing on (I threw some sunnies in there, I couldn’t resist)…

Do y’all have any summer reads planned?

xoxo-lgip-jpg

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Mani SUNday…? | OPI Suzi Shops & Island Hops

Posted in Beauty
on 05/15/2016

OPI Suzi Shops & Island Hops Mani Sunday

I’m living for this creamy pink polish right now. I’ve been trying to get out of my habit of doing dark purples and navy blues every single time I paint my nails. I’ve been very much into pastels for the summer, and this color caught my eye right away. There’s something about pink on the nails that seems so sweet to me!

The formulation is fantastic, as are all OPI polishes, and it only took two coats to get to the opacity I wanted. If you’re in the market for a creamy pink, Suzi Shops & Island Hops is perfect.

shop this mani

What’s on your nails right now? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo-lgip-jpg

On My Radar | April

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle
on 04/24/2016

On my radar for this crazy month of April is a mix of some beauty, fashion and fun. I’ve really been all over the place this month trying so many new things. I cannot think about April being almost over and May coming up right around the corner…. Summer come quick, but not too quick! Keep reading to find out what the heck I’ve been obsessed with this month.

current-obessions-1-lgip

// sam edelman ervan gladiator sandals // 

I’d be lying if I told you I haven’t been obsessed with these sandals for the past two months. Every time I see them mentioned on a blog, boutique or magazine I die a little inside. I am in love with the cork sole and the studded exterior. I could see myself wearing these with dresses, shorts, skirts, and even jeans. Eventually these babes will be mine!!

// head and shoulders lavender shampoo + conditioner //

As a someone who is extremely impatient, I so frequently get tired of my shampoo and conditioner. I recently switched to this one after noticing how dry my scalp was. I love the smell and it’s really helped me curb my dry scalp. Would recommend this!

// covergirl the super sizer mascara //

I am soo dang particular about mascara, so often times I end up trying quite a few before I find one I like. My friend Catherine recommended this one to me and her lashes are always bomb so I picked it up from Walgreens one day. Can I just say…. DAMN. I love this mascara – the formula is perfect and does exactly what I want (volume and length) and the black color is striking!

// i like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful and so unaware of it (the 1975’s second album) //

One of my favorite bands recently released their new album and I’ve been LISTENING NONSTOP!! I’m not even kidding y’all. The whole album has an 80’s sound and it is amazing. Some of my faves are “This must be my dream” (I listen at least four times a day), “The sound” (so catchy), and “Lostmyhead.” I’ll link the album on spotify right here.

// off the shoulder tops //

Festival season is here and I have seen this off the shoulder trend EVERYWHERE. I am on the hunt for some affordable off the shoulder tops to wear this summer. I linked some I like a lot below.

// luster now! instant whitening toothpaste //

After a random trip to Walmart in need of some toothpaste, I walked away with this. It promises whiter teeth after every brushing. I’ve been seeing some results from it, and I’m happy about that. Ya girl drinks too much coffee (caramel macchiato erryday) so I’m always concerned about yellowing teeth. I would recommend for the price!

// alex and and charm bracelet //

I have one alex and ani bracelet and I want to get a few more so I can stack them with my watch. I love gold jewelry, so I’m leaning towards an Alpha Phi bangle so I can rep everywhere I go.

// saint laurent espadrille wedge sandal //

The espadrille is back and better than ever y’all. This year especially, I have been super into shoes. I love these for the spring and summer to pair with a dress or some shorts. They are so stinking cute. The only downside? The $500 price tag. I guess I’ll need to start saving or find a cheaper alternative… :/

current obsessions for april

Any thing y’all are obsessed with that I should know about? Share with me below! Until next time my loves…xoxo-lgip-jpg

Cheers to 2016! | LGIP New Years Resolutions

Posted in Lifestyle
on 01/03/2016

cheers-to-2016-lgip

Hey y’all, this is my first post of 2016 ahh. I thought it would only be fitting to talk with y’all about my new years resolutions (actually I’d like to call them goals because that is more what they are) and some things I hope to accomplish this upcoming year.

// Make a blog schedule and stick to it //

Last semester, I really struggled to keep up with my blog schedule. I had originally hoped to post three times a week, but I think that at the time that was too much for me. Getting adjusted to college and sorority life was hard on my time management skills. This year, I’d like to have new posts up on Sundays and Wednesdays. I can plan content ad take pictures in between/ahead of schedule. If I can plan out my whole month in advance, it’ll help me bunches as well!

// Work out at least once a week //

Classic. Yes, I know. I think that working out once a week is a very attainable goal. I feel like since I’ve been at school, my diet has gone down the drain and I have started to eat poorly in addition to not working out. I would just like to keep myself at an ideal healthy weight and start to tone some muscle!

// Take fashion risks //

I’d definitely like to try and take some risks with my style and mix things up a lil! I really tend to play things super safe, which is fine, but taking risks will push me out of my comfort zone, which is something I think would be fantastic for me. I’ll keep y’all updated on this one!

// Continue to put away money for my college fund //

As I earn money here and there (since I don’t normally work but on breaks), I want to start putting away a small fraction of it for my college savings. I’ve depleted some within my first semester, but I need to be saving for upcoming semesters sorority as well as my extra fees.

// Grow my business as well as my blog //

Through social media, as well as word of mouth, I hope to continue to grow my blog as well as Etsy shop, the brunette and co. I would love to be able to utilize my blog as an outlet to propel me into the fashion industry. Brunette and co. will help me learn time management, money management as well as marketing skills I will be able to apply to my career.

// Become more involved in Alpha Phi //

Being on our executive board as Director of finance will help me get involved through service. I really hope that I can meet some more sisters whom I don’t already know, and make a positive impact on the Greek life experience of other sisters.

What are your new years resolutions for 2016? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo, louisiana girl in pearls

On my radar

Posted in Lifestyle, Uncategorized
on 11/05/2015

 

One // Layering Necklaces

Layering necklaces is a huge trend this year. I have been super into layering my Kendra Scott Elisa necklace with my simple Alpha Phi bar necklace. I just love the way it looks when I wear it with anything because it draws interest. Check it out the the pic above.

Two // PHHHOTO

How fun is it to make your own GIFS? I’ve been loving Photo because it’s so fun and different from any other social media I’m on. (I tried to insert my gif into this post but it didn’t work so here’s a nice still pic of my eyeball).

  Three // Suede everything

This suede dress is probably one of my all time favorites for gameday. The detail on the top is so simple, but it really takes this dress to a more feminine level. I love the way it fits too- not too tight or short. Suede booties are super trendy for this season too. There’s so many colors and styles out there right now, it’s crazy. I love a simple black suede bootie because it’s sure to go with everything. You can get mine here.

  

Four // The O.C.

I recently just discovered that the CW has an online streaming service kind of thing called CW Seed. After taking a peek at the shows that were on it, I immediately knew I wanted to watch the O.C. When it was on air, I was too young to watch it but I’ve always heard so much about it. Plus Adam Brody (Leighton Meester’s husband), Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson star in it- so you can’t go wrong, right? After the first episode, it kind of reminds me of a One Tree Hill and Laguna Beach mix. I cannot wait to keep watching!

  
Five // Planner

The life of a college student is crazy. Sorority, School, Friends- it’s so hard to keep all of my shiz together. I’m constantly writing everything down in my planner so I don’t forget. Plus washi tape and some colored Sharpie pens make this cute, yet functional.

  

Six // “Perfect” by 1D

I’M IN LOVE. As of I didn’t already love One Direction enough, this song stole my heart. It’s got such a catchy hook and the reference to T-Swift (as shown in pic above) makes me swoon.

xoxo, louisiana girl in pearls

On my radar

Posted in Lifestyle
on 08/04/2015

 

One // Bauble Bar Monogram Necklace

If you know me, you know I love a good monogram necklace. I’m currently wearing this one, but it’s showing some signs of wear and tear, so I’m thinking of getting a new one. This one would be a perfect option for me to dress down. I’m thinking of the tortoise or the tiger lilly color, but I’m not so sure which one I’ll get. If you sign up for Bauble Bar’s email’s, you’ll get a 20% off coupon- which I’ll def use on this!

Two // Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Damn. I had seen the movie twice, and then I decided to read the book. I’ll admit, it was a little slow starting off, but once Amy got to the point she started her present day diary entries- I was hooked. This book really makes you think- are the people you know authentic or are they just putting on a front? I loved the contrasting themes of Amy’s reality and Nick’s reality. Y’all do yourself a favor and check this book out! I’m giving it a 9/10 (only because of the slow start).

IMG_6640

Three // “Settle Down” by the 1975

Ugh, I’ve been so into the 1975 lately! I love their sound and their songs are so freaking catchy! “Settle Down” is my current favorite.

celeb fashion fails

Four // 48 Things Celebrities Wore 10 Years Ago That They Wouldn’t be Caught Dead in Now

 I saw this link on Facebook, so as usual I had to click on it. Little did I know I was in for a serious laugh. The article features stars like Brit Brit, Paris, Nicole Riche, and Kim K wearing hilarious getups such as silky dresses with thick belts, platform boots and tiny scarves.

DSC_1003

Five // To-do Lists

To-do lists are my favorite way to get all my thoughts down. With the amount of stuff I’m doing this week, I’ve definitely got to write everything down! Plus it’s too fun to be able to check everything off after I’ve done it.

What’s on your radar? Tell me below in the comments!

xoxo, louisiana girl in pearls

On my radar

Posted in Lifestyle
on 07/26/2015

This week has been a constant blur of work, blogging, and eating (I mean can it get any better?!). I’ve been keeping myself pretty busy by researching blog ideas- I’ve found one I think is so interesting- a weekly sort of round-up, if will. I’ll share links, movies, photos, books- pretty much anything I’m currently finding intriguing/interesting this week!

 

One // Eye-Catching Shoes That Made the Outfit

Abigail Spencer is totally rocking this vintage 1960’s vibe. Her graphic shift dress with exposed zippers paired with her emerald green and white Malone Souliers is making me swoon. I’m definitely taking some outfit insp from this one!

Two // 3D Printing Clothes

Y’all I think is just about the coolest thing I’ve seen. A fashion student printed a ready to wear collection entirely using a 3D printer. Her designs are so simplistic but so chic. And, the movement of the clothes- wow.

Three // Stitches by Shawn Mendes

It’s official, I’m obsessed. I’ve always loved Shawn Mendes and after seeing him on Taylor’s 1989 tour- I fell more in love. He is so humble, and did I mention he is adorable? This song has been stuck in my head all week, it’s so dang catchy!

Four // Gigi New York Desert Rose Zip Pouch

I’m in need of a new wallet, and I was browsing on Gigi NY’s site, when I stumbled upon this bad boy! It’s so adorable and it’s ON SALE (possibly some of my favorite words)! This color is perfect because it’s a neutral and will match with any purse I’m currently using! I think I may have to splurge and purchase this!

 

Five // Lemon Water

Yes I know this is random, but hey, it’s a favorite! I’ve been drinking lemon water by the gallon lately (I’m not even kidding). It’s super good for you! Lemon water acts a natural detox, as well as helping with blemishes, freshening breath, and it’s helping me cut coke out of my diet too (acts as caffeine)

What’s on your radar? Tell me below in the comments?

xoxo, louisiana girl in pearls