Sunday, April 28, 2013

TOP 10 SHOPPING

My absolute favorite stores of all time:

10. ANTHROPOLOGIE 

 

 

 9. Forever 21

 

 

8. K la

 

 

7. J. Crew

 

 

6. Fab'rik

 

 

5. Dress Up Boutique

 

 

4. Vineyard Vines

 

 

3. Red Dress Boutique

 

 

2. Lilly Pulitzer

 

 

1. Francesca's

 

 

               Southern Love




SHOPPING FAVORITES!!!


All My Favorite Southern Style Boutiques!


RED DRESS BOUTIQUE: Located in Athens, Georgia. They constantly provide ahead of the crowd style with clothes that scream sorority! Be sure to get that dress you're in love with fast, because they quickly sell their items and they don't come back.


BLUE DOOR BOUTIQUE: In Columbus, Ga., this boutique has shirts, skirts, and dresses with very unique prints, and absolutely adorable fits. Has been one of my favorites for a while now.


LA POSH STYLE: Its one of my new finds, and so far they have not disappointed. Some of the dresses are a little more out their than my conservative taste prefers, but still a lot of cute options. 



E's CLOSET BOUTIQUE: E's closet is actually located in New York. They have a much smaller online collection, but the outfits will be sure to show off your most flattering curves.



MINT JULEP BOUTIQUE: Located in Foley, AL, this small boutique can provide you with fun, flirty attire for any day of the week.


DRESS UP BOUTIQUE: One of my hometown favorites! Located in Marietta, Georgia. This adorable boutique has even cuter outfits in store. I absolutely love this place!
 
 

These are the best boutiques to find your very southern dresses, and have been extremely helpful to finding recruitment clothes! Happy Shopping!! 

Southern Love, 




Friday, April 26, 2013

HOW NOT TO SCARE AWAY PNMs

There are so many things that sororities do that honestly just freaks the HELL out of our precious potential new members. Now I understand a lot of it is tradition or is really exciting for us, but it will put some very negative thoughts into girls minds. So here is my TOP
10 DONTs of sorority recruitment.

1. Door Stacks- I promise you, no one likes them. Its freaky. Having a bunch of girls stick their head out of a door singing as loud as they can, with big creepy eyes, and smiles. It doesn't show anything about your sisterhood except that you're really good at faking a smile.

2. Crying- Ok, well maybe its not as bad. Its just watery eyes or a single tear at preferential ceremony or the end of the skit, but they don't get it. None of these girls coming through understand what this sorority means to you. You can't define it, and they've never experienced anything like it. It will make them really uncomfortable, and leave a really awkward conversation.

3. Synchronized Laughing- You're watching your day one video for 6 parties now, and its getting really old, and you are forcing laughs at every supposed to be funny part. Trust me, it sounds fake, and its once again very creepy. Leave some
sisters out of the room at each party, so that no one sees the video more than two or three times that way fresh laughs will be ready at every party.

4. Matching (Attire)- If you look the same as everyone in the room, its really uncomfortable, and uptight. If you want all the sisters in a sundress, select four or five colors for the sisters to choose from, and have matching shoes. Or you can have outfit rules like any navy top and white bottoms and maybe a red accent. So cute. BTW wearing your sorority's colors is not necessary the best decision. Not every color flatters every girl.

5. Matching (Girls)- If your sorority plans exactly which PNM is going to talk to which sister please please please do not make the "God-squad girls" talk to the sisters who participate in bible study, and do not pick the homecoming queen to talk to the homecoming queen, and please do not let the softball player talk to the softball player. Find personality connections. If you see their Facebook photos include campfires and gym shorts, you know the girl is going to value nature, athletics, and is probably very down-to-earth.

6. Booze, boys, bucks, o'Bama, and that other B. This is by far the dumbest rule I've ever heard in my life. But one thing is important, you should never bring up these topics as a sister. Asking "where do you like to go out" will make a PNM poop their pants. They think " I wonder if this girl drinks, I wonder if she means fraternities or just like outside my room, what if she means hooking up, I didn't think we were supposed to talk about this stuff what do I say.. yikes" Yeah just don't.

7. Booze, boys, bucks, o'Bama, and that other B (again). If they bring it up, don't say "we cant talk about that." They have believed they just ruined any chance to come back the next day, and because they asked the question, its clearly important to them. Answer whatever questions they have just don't state personal opinions, that's when you go downhill.

8. "Hi Welcome to Alpha Chi Omega" or whatever sorority you're in- Make every welcome a sincere one. I get so sick of the same robotic fake smiles, and every girl repeating the same line over and over again. Its very unnecessary, and starts off everything bad. Just be real.

9. Love Letters- Oh my god. They have talked to so many people, and they don't remember any of their names, if you leave notes on pref. nights with "I'm so happy I got to meet you, and you totally have a place here" leads to "uhh, who is she again? what does this girl want me to say about this letter?" Yes, please don't, IT IS CREEPY.

10. Guaranteed Little- By far, the worst thing you could ever say "I totally want you to be my little."
Uh, no. That's what I and every PNM is thinking. They don't know you, and to PNMs big/little is freakin' huge to them. They will never want you to be their big, or join your sorority because you are keeping them from having the choice of who they want as their big/sister, and they now officially hate you. Well not that dramatic, but kind of.

I know a lot of what is said is harsh, but its so dramatically true. Take the time to show the PNMs the real you, and the real sorority. They know you don't clap and sing sorority songs around the dining room all day. Show them the kind of girls you really
are.


Southern Love,

BID DAY!!!


Ok, obviously everyone's favorite day of the year! Well at least it's my favorite, and since my position in my sorority is in charge of planning bid day I will tell you all of my favorite bid day themes THAT AREN'T OVERDONE as well as some really good tips for running a successful bid day! 

MY FAVORITE THEMES:

"NEW BIDS ON THE BLOCK!"- have yourself a 90's party. Lots of neon, backstreet boys, and stereos. It's really cute and stands out as an awesome good time.
 COUNTRY ROOTS!- Southern themed. Lots of country music and cowboy boots. 
"ROUNDIN' UP THE PHINEST!"- This was really cute western style theme. Wanted signs and sunflowers. Made it very unique.

 "WELCOME TO THE BEST SHOW ON EARTH"- Carnival themed! You can decorate this so well. I suggest red stripes with light blue accents. Precious!

 "THIS HOUSE IS RIGHT"- Game Show Themed. All though its not the cutest sign or saying, its such a brilliant idea and you can spin off so many different game shows, and activities for the day.
"MI CASA ES SU CASA" - Who doesn't want chips and salsa on Bid Day? Plus Mexican Fiestas are filled with such bright colors. It would be too much fun.
"YOUR THE ONE THAT WE WANT"- 50's theme. Pearls, leather jackets, and lots of pink.
"KENTUCKY DERBY"- Big hats, lilly sundresses, and lots of ponies. So fresh and feminine.

"MAD ABOUT YOU"- Alice in Wonderland. So many different decorations you can do! Teapots, rose gardens, and lots of other precious decor.
SOME OVER USED BUT STILL CUTE THEMES:
America
NFL Draft
"Spring/Fall Collection"
Tiffany & Co.
No Place Like Home
Come Aboard/Nautical/Sail Away


IMPORTANT BID DAY TIPS: 
1. Choose a theme that represents the chapter. Make sure everyone can relate and enjoy it. 
2. General themes work great (70's, Beach, etc)
3. The first thing the girl is going to see when they accept their bid is going to be the shirts, take the time to make sure they are FREAKING AWESOME.
4. Have something to do the instant they get to the house. Whether just a dance party, cookie decorating, or eating, they have to have something to do. 
5. Assign a buddy for bid day. "Temp big" for the day if you prefer, but someone responsible for introducing the girl to the sisters, and keeping them entertained. 
6. Have lots of photo locations. Set it up like the themes. They are super cute and great for next season's recruitment. 
7. Have more fun than any other sorority on campus! Because it's freaking bid day!!!!


Hope it helps! 
Southern Love, 

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Making Your Facebook Sorority Ready

 Here comes the DOs and DONTs of Facebook... 


Your PHOTOS:

NO ALCOHOL. Bottles that is...You will come off as a crazy party girl, and no sorority will want to deal with that. Solo cups are indeed for the classy ladies and totally Facebook appropriate.

NO TONGUES. If you have a single photo with your tongue sticking out of your mouth. Put it back in. Its not cute, and not cool, and not funny.

NO MAKING OUT. Pictures of you and your boyfriend making out and humping each other all over Facebook does not make you seem more desirable, and does not make you look more in love with your boyfriend. Kisses on the cheek are precious, and so are hugging photos, but lip-to-lip contact needs to stay entirely offline.

NO BODY SHOT SELFIES. Some selfies come out cute, but even those are pushing the line a bit. If you are sticking out your boobs or not wearing shorts big enough to cover both butt cheeks, not only are sorority girls judging you but the whole world is judging you. You're not hot, you're a slut which is exactly what the guys commenting on that photo is thinking. The don't think "Damn you're sexy" which is probably what they wrote on your Facebook, they think "damn, I can't wait until I meet this girl, because it's going to be so easy to get into her pants. 

Your STATUS:

NO SARCASM. I know people think they are funny to say "girl you so dumb" to your best friend who made a stupid mistake. But no one online knows that you're joking and will take it initially as rude and insulting. 

NO RELIGION AND POLITICS. Just don't. You alone are not going to start a movement on Facebook or Twitter so don't post your opinions. Also, lots of Bible verses are great and all, but you'll immediately be matched during recruitment to someone who is probably in charge of their own Bible study. So you can decide if you actually want to talk about that the entire time. 

NO BITCH FIGHTS. Don't try to call out your enemies for being the pain in the ass that he or she might be. You look a) psycho or b) very childish, and once again that's not a good first impression on you.

WHAT LOOKS GREAT:

PHOTOS WITH FRIENDS: You're at the beach? photo op! you're at a party hanging with your best friends? photo op! You're doing anything with friends? Take a damn picture. You want to show how social you are, and how you're easy to get along with, and love to have fun.

FUNNY POSTS: Videos, imgurs, tumblrs all the above that will make us laugh. Show some personality.

CRAFTY: Find something that is cute, girly, yummy, or anything that is freaking adorable.


This isn't about being a superficial snob, or being judged for being yourself. 

Making your Facebook look sorority appropriate is about getting past the first round of recruitment without everyone trying to kick you out of their list solely based on something they saw on your Facebook that you don't get the chance to explain who you are as a person. Think they talk to possibly over a 1,000 girls in one or two days and conversations only last 5 minutes with each person. How else are they supposed to lower their list by 200 girls with a five minute convo?

Southern Love,


The Recruitment Basis for Potential New Members



GET READY FOR RECRUITMENT!!!!!!!!!!


 So here's the basics of all sorority recruitment for PNMs. 

ROUNDS OF RECRUITMENT:

Round 1- Depending on the size of your school round one will last either one or two days. 
This day you will visit every house, and talk to girls that will already be paired to you. 

*Yes, sororities do creep on all your social media sites to learn about who you are, and what sister would be best to talk to you. If you go to a large school, they may already cancel you out based on your Facebook, so read my blog post to come about how to make your Facebook Recruitment ready. 


During round 1, conversations will repeat themselves from house to house. The basic convos of "What did you do this summer?" and "What's your major?" will come from every house. Enter into every house with a smile as if you never have been asked these questions in your life. Prepare some really unique answers that go into detail. This will help carry on the conversation, and trying to find something to connect with at each house. 

Round 1 is supposed to be considered casual, and some places suggest wearing shorts. All the sororities will more likely be wearing shorts and a shirt with their sorority's letters. My suggestion is to never wear shorts during the entire recruitment process. If you dress better than everyone, you look better than everyone, and will be a more desired candidate. Today you should choose a casual sundress or Lilly skirt.

Round 2- For most colleges, round two is focused on the sorority's philanthropy. Look up every sorority's national philanthropy, and think of a story or connection as to how their philanthropy can relate to you.
 *For example, a Phi Mu might say "Our national philanthropy is Children's Miracle Network, and every spring we throw a dance marathon to help raise money." My response would be "Oh I love hanging out with little kids. In high school, I babysat my neighbors' kids all the time. They were so funny, they used to blow bubbles into their cereal bowls, and it would always get all over their faces."

Yes I understand that the story was super dumb, but it will keep a conversation going. Also, a lot of times on philanthropy day they will have a "craft" that will benefit each sorority's philanthropy. 
While doing the craft DO NOT say any of the following things or the person you're talking to will not have a good impression:  
"Does this actually get donated?"
"Do I have to do the craft?"
 "I don't really want to do the craft."
 No one is going to want to do it. Be for real. Also, a lot of times the people do not care if you actually do the craft, but if the girl transitions the conversation to crafting DO NOT deflect to a different subject. Laugh and say something like "Oh dear, I'm not very good at crafting but we'll see how this goes." 

Today's outfits are very hard to decipher. Some places say it's even more casual than Round 1, but my suggestion is to stick to a skirt. I suggest short A-lines. They are always a big hit no matter the shape of your butt, and are really cute even if they are plain colors.

Round 3- Skit Rounds. Some are really funny, and some might make you tear jerky, but they are a break from having to talk to girls so just relax. Round 3 is when you start having a much longer time with the girls, and talking to them may be a little more uncomfortable if you're not ready. Today's conversation should leave a very strong connection to the girl(s) you are talking to. Be prepared to open up. Talk about your hometown, your friend groups, and what you like to do on the weekends. Still keep conversations light, don't go too deep into details, but find something close to relate on. People make connections by someone opening up and being vulnerable.
The attire for round three should be spring time dresses.

Round 4- This is the final round. Its preferential ceremony. Sometimes these can be creepy serious, or seem really insincere, but what is extremely important to remember is that most ceremonies are scripted by nationals. So don't freak out if you end up in a dark room and the only light around you is a candle. 
This will also be the longest conversation, and a lot of time the sorority's will preach to their sisters to do what they call "heart-selling." Now in my opinion, it's stupid and sucks, but they will go on and on about how much they love their sorority, and what a meaningful experience it has been being in the sorority. If someone does this to you, just be sweet and smile, and don't judge their sorority based on this one conversation.
For preferential ceremonies, some will tell you to wear all black, and its a very good decision if you're not comfortable standing out, but if they don't tell you to wear black, you should definitely wear a color that is soft, and not too bold. My freshman roommate wore a creamish/pink colored dress, and it definitely put her in front of the crowd. Another thing to take note of is how formal your outfit is. ITS NOT PROM. No bedazzling. Pearls are nice or a simple silver or gold necklaces. No sequences on your dress and no crystals. Simple is key on this night.

I'll leave you with some final PNM tips:

1. Wear your hair differently at least once.
2. Unfortunately, the first round sorority's will judge you on what you are wearing especially if you go to a large school, because they will have no other way of making their selection pool smaller.
3. Don't bring up fraternities AT ALL
4. Smile Smile Smile
5. Remember the girl's name that you are talking to and use it when talking to her.
6. No heels until round 3
7. Get some sleep
8. Get ready for BID DAY!


Good Luck and Southern Love,