YouTube Series to Watch: Inside The Wardrobe...

Like most millennials, I have spent more days than I'm willing to admit scouring the depths of YouTube. In this, I have found amazing fashion videos that are inspiring and noteworthy. It is about time that I share this YouTube knowledge of mine. In this new series, I am going to share some of the best videos/series I have found on the internet that I keep going back to.

The first series that is being highlighted comes from one of my favorite YouTube channels, British Vogue. They're content is original and has given me insight into the industry that cannot be found anywhere else on the internet. By far my favorite series of theirs is Inside the Wardrobe. Starting out as a way to see how French women get their style, this playlist has turned into a nice peek into some of the best dressed women's closets. 

Fashion stand outs such as Mirada Kerr, Camille Rowe, and Olivia Palermo share their best buys, favorite pieces, and best shopping tips. I have watched every video at least three times in order not to miss a great outfit, a vintage bag, or a customized piece (who knew that Suki Waterhouse also loves a good monogram). Whether you're trying to be more Parisian in your style or want to dig around in celebrities' closets, this YouTube series is for you. 

xoxo,

Maggie

chic sun protection

So, if you can't already tell, I am quite pale. For years this bothered me, but then about two years ago I had an epiphany to embrace this to the max. This means I am the queen of sun protection! While everyone is looking nice and tan in their Instagram pics, I'll be having nice, damage free skin for years. Even if you are someone who tans nicely and doesn't sunburn the second you walk out of your house, sun protection is an essential year around practice. Here are my tips to making sun protection chic. 

hats // Everyone loves a good hat. And by everyone, I mean me. I own a wide range of hats for sun protection: wide brim, baseball, floppy. Not only do hats shade your face, they protect your scalp. Sun spots on the scalp are some of the hardest to detect and ultimately can cause the most damage. Just do your self a favor and start a nice hat collection.

light weight button downs // I absolutely LIVE in my extremely broken in denim button down. When there is a nice summer breeze in the air, I throw it on over a tank top to block the sun on my arms, shoulders, and back. I keep it in my purse throughout the summer so I can throw it on at a moments notice. The best materials for the summer are chambray, 100% cotton, and linen. 

swim shirts // I know that this totally sounds like something your mom forced you into when you were younger, but hear me out. I can't really be completely exposed to the sun at the beach for more than say, four hours. Problem is, I would love to be out longer than that! I throw on my lightweight swim shirt from Land's End to solve this problem. It's breathable but can get wet. This is also great for water sports such as paddle boarding. J. Crew also sells a great swim shirt. 

Even when taking all these precautions daily, I still wear a broad spectrum 30 SPF sunscreen everyday. You can never be too safe, kids!

xoxo,

Maggie

cozy dorm room

I pride myself on my ability to make a dorm room feel like a home. Not to brag, but last year I made my incredibly small room feel cozy, homey, and relaxing. While you might get a few looks on move-in day when you bring in a lot of things, it's completely okay because you'll have the best room in the building. Here is how I make a small, cinder block room feel like a home.

find your aesthetic // Yes, I know, aesthetic is the most over used word that is now losing its meaning. But hear me out! Decide what exactly makes you feel at home and at ease. For me its bright colors, patterns, and lots of texture. To achieve this, I had a couple of rugs, many (many) throw pillows, a bright color scheme, and paintings on the walls. 

rugs // Unless your one of the lucky ones with hardwood floors in your dorm, you probably are going to end up with a cold hard tile of some horrible color. Rugs are going to cover up the tile, add warmth, and absorbs noise (your neighbors below will thank you). I got the orange polka dot rug at Ikea and another plush gray rug at Target. Any decent rug can be purchased anywhere really; I suggest also looking at Big Lots and Wal-Mart. 

headboard // Universities typically offer the wall or a slatted frame as a headboard. One of the best parts of my dorm was my padded headboard. It was comfortable to sit up against and made my bed feel more complete. Mine was purchased from Decor 2 Your Door, but if you're crafty there are plenty of tutorials on Pinterest to DIY.

pouf // This was probably the most popular item in my room. The pouf traveled around my suite so everyone could enjoy it during our Cards Against Humanity nights. For a small room it's the perfect seating because it takes up little to no room and can be moved around. Mine was purchased online from a retailer in India, but they also can be found at Target, on Amazon, and Wayfair. 

lamps // Overhead fluorescent lights are the absolute worst things ever. They're unflattering, feel artificial, and are hash. During the day, keep your blinds open and enjoy the natural light. As you see from my photos, my window was quite small and didn't offer much light. To solve this problem is used lamps to light my room. The soft light gave a calmer feeling to my room. All my lamps came from Ikea because I swear to god they are the masters of lighting. 

gallery wall // I have several Pinterest boards dedicated to my love for gallery walls. Creating large gallery walls in my dorm room successfully covered up the cinder blocks and added a lot of personality. My gallery walls consist of canvases, prints, a clock, cork boards, pictures, etc. 

desk organization // Having a perfectly organized desk makes going there to study a lot more relaxing. A desk full of clutter is added stress. My suggestion is a desk hutch. My dad made mine so I was able to customize it to my taste. The Container Store is a great store that sells desk hutches that fit the generic dorm room desks. 

So hit up Pinterest, communicate with your roommate, and get shopping! 

xoxo,

Maggie

Pamper Night Must Haves

There is nothing I enjoy more than a pamper night. The absolute worst part about living in a dorm is not having a relaxing bathtub. But when I get the luxury of being home or being in a hotel, I love to take advantage and pamper myself. Here are my must haves for a relaxing pamper night.

1. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores // I am only on my first bottle and I already consider this a holy grail product. They are not kidding with clear improvement; the second I wash it off I notice cleaner pores and brighter skin. At the end of a long day I love how much this mask wakes up my skin. 

2. White Sand Body Scrub // The body scrubs at Bath and Body Works are fantastic (I also suggest trying their sugarcane scrub). Unlike a lot of their products, their is not an overpowering scent. This is great during the summer time when exfoliating is important for prepping skin for the sun. 

3. Bunch of Carrots Bubble Bar // Everyone has heard of Lush's bath bombs, but have you ever tried their bubble bars? Run the bar under running water and it creates a beautiful, picture perfect bubble bath. Most are unscented, so it can also be paired with salts, a bath bomb, or oil. 

4. Shea It Isn't So Foot Cream // I love this line from Bath and Body Works, their True Blue Spa line. Their lotions are very rich and perfect for after a bath and post exfoliation. I love lathering my feet in this cream then putting on socks to let the lotion soak in over night. The next morning my feet are soft and ready for summertime sandals.  

5. Lavender Oil // Back in the days I would good about going to yoga class, my instructor would always put a few drops of this in our palms to breath in.  Originally I got this for that purpose, but then I discovered putting a few drops in my bath. The smell is amazingly relaxing, and after the bath fills the whole house. 

6. Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt // Any old epsom salt would do, but I like the scents of the Dr. Teal's. I actually put epsom salts in every bath and foot bath I take to relieve any muscle aches and pains. During a pamper night though, I take it one step further by adding the scented one. 

7. Volcano Candle // What more could I say about this candle? It's perfect and probably the only candle you need in your life. If there is a fan club for candles, I'd be the president of the Volcano Candle Club.

8. Satsuma Body Butter // Most scented lotions irritate my skin and give no results, but this one is different. The think consistency moisturizes my skin leaving it soft and glowing. The intense orange scent is my absolute favorite. All Body Shop body butters are classic and amazing products, but this one just takes the cake for me. 

What are your pamper night mush haves?

Spring and Summer Shoes

When warm weather comes, I typically throw on my Rainbow sandals and don't remove them until the first leaf falls. This year is different though. I am loving the trends for the spring and summer footwear. This past year I fell in love with Birkenstocks and I'm never looking back. Beyond my Arizonas, I am loving laces and gladiator sandals, combine them and it's even better. Espadrilles and ballet flats continue to be a springtime staple, but switch them up with laces and straps. Here are the shoes I will be living in (or dreaming of) during the warm weather days.

Lace-Up Pump // Cutout Booties // Huarache Sandal 

Gladiator Sandal // Lace-Up Espadrille // Tall Gladiator Sandal

Embellished Lace-Up Sandal // Birkenstock 

Block Heel Sandal // Quilted Sneaker // Strappy Flat

What are your staple shoes for the spring and summer?

Spring and Summer Accessories

Spring is here, though some days in North Carolina, it feels like summer. With each new season comes new inspiration. This season, I am loving layers: layering necklaces with other necklaces and maybe even throw in a square scarf. Add another layer with a floppy hat (multitasking as a cute accessory and sun protection). Round lens glasses are all the rage, along with bags with fringe. And the perfect thing to pair with the great sunshine... a patterned throw blanket to lay in the grass. So bask in the sun, and spice up your springtime outfits with these accessories. 

Bucket Bag // Cactus Necklace // Panama Hat

Round Ray-Bans // Collar Necklace // Beaded Bracelets // Half Moon Necklace

Multistrand Beaded Necklace // Blanket

Charm Statement Necklace // Square Fringe Scarf 

What are your go to accessories for the spring?

Somehow every year, Pantone hits the nail on the head with the colors that we will love for the upcoming year. This year's colors are rose quartz and serenity. A big jump from last year's marsala, rose quartz is a slightly deeper ballet pink and serenity is a soft sky blue. These two pastel colors look good on all skin tones, can be worn in a variety of ways, and can even be extended into hair color. This year, Pantone predicts we will be pairing these colors with silver gray, olive green, fig purples. Here are some of my favorite pieces sporting rose quartz and serenity. 

Nail Polish // Lipstick // Purse // Coat

Loafers // Beanie

Jeans // Sweater // Phone Case // Ring

Coat // Sandals // Necklace

Sneakers

Nail Polish // Eyeliner // Sunglasses 

Hat // Purse 

How do you plan on wearing rose quartz and serenity in your wardrobe this year?

2015 was a fantastic year. I graduated high school, did a little bit of traveling, start college, and all in all just felt myself grow. Here are some of my favorite things that made this past year so memorable.

Moving to Raleigh, NC // I love change and this was an amazing change. I started college at NC State in August and that meant moving to Raleigh. Leaving my hometown was certainly a big difference, but I love all the opportunities that Raleigh has to hold. I'm right at home in a large city. The parks, the shopping, the culture: it has so much to offer. Also, as a lover of good public transportation, this city makes it so easy for me to get around. Which is also a bag thing considering I spend half my time in Cameron Village. 

Mindy Kaling // What a woman/writer/comedian/actress/my current life coach. Right when I start school, I read her first book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me and Other Concerns. Each chapter inspired me and had me laughing until I cried. This Christmas I received her latest book Why Not Me. This quick read convinced me that she is my role model of the year. And did I mention fashion icon? Gotta love a woman that matches her Birkin to her shoes. 

Birkenstocks // If you told me that my favorite shoe of the year would be Birkenstocks I wouldn't have believed you. But here I am, writing this after going out today in my socks and stocks. They're comfortable, versatile, and classic. I love these copper ones because they add a metallic flair, and another great choice are the all white Arizonas which I hope to add to my collection soon.

Watercolor // I have been very into painting for the past couple of years, but this past year I was all about watercolor. It is relaxing and easy to clean up. After long weeks of studying, I love to spend my weekends painting picture after picture. (Also, I loved feminism and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt this year hence the painting.)

The Carolina Panthers // Do I need to clarify that I am not a bandwagon fan? Follow me on Instagram (@magshill) and you will see my weekly throwbacks to all my years as a Panthers fan. I'll admit, it was hard to be a fan during their 1-15 seasons, but I was there. This year has been so rewarding and exciting. Sometimes, it doesn't seem real. Between Cam's dabbing, my lil Luke doll, Jonathan Stewart's music videos, and their constant ESPN coverage, I'm having the time of my life following my team. For extra love, I highly suggest adding the Panthers on Snapchat; you'll thank me later. I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store for my favorite team. 

What did you love in 2015?

16 Goals for 2016

Instead of resolutions, this year, I decided to makes goals. With the help of these sixteen goals, I hope to say yes to new adventures and make 2016 my best year yet. I plan on keeping my blog reader's updated with my progress.

What do you hope to accomplish in the new year?

Gift Ideas for the Sorority Woman

As a sorority woman, I know that most love to wear their letters everyday. There is a huge market out there for sorority apparel, jewelry, and accessories. Here are some great ideas of what to get the sorority woman in your life for Christmas.

Bar Necklace // Notecards // Ornament // Bracelet // Ring // Shorts

What are some of your favorite ways to wear your letters?

Miscellaneous Gift Ideas

Have a person you don't know what to buy? Going to party and need to give the host a gift? Just need some last minute gift ideas? You're in luck! Her are my six miscellaneous gift ideas for this holiday season. You can't go wrong showing up with any of these great gifts.

Marble iPhone Case // Volcano Candle // Kate Spade Book

Key Chain // Monogram Mug // Rose Bud Lip Balm Set 

What are your favorite last minute holiday gifts?

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

'Tis the season for one of my favorite holidays. How could you not love a holiday that includes food, football, and family?! Whether you're having a relaxing Thursday or a nice holiday dinner, here are some great outfit ideas. 

Links:

Pajama Top // Pajama Pants // Slippers

If you're like me, Thanksgiving is for relaxing with family watching the parade and, this year, the Carolina Panthers game. This festive yet comfy outfit is perfect for enjoying pumpkin pie in front of the TV. 

*the pajama pants are currently buy one get one 50% off

*the slippers are currently 30% off

Links:

Plaid Shirt // Faux-Leather Mini Skirt // Pointy Flats // Gold Studs

This is the option for the person that wants to get a bit more dressed up but still wants a relaxed outfit. When I saw this faux-leather mini on J. Crew I absolutely knew that it had to be paired with a boyfriend flannel. The contrast but between the two fabrics and the structured skirt next to the loose shirt is unexpectedly interesting. 

Links:

Dress // Tassel Bracelet // Scarf // Booties

This outfit is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. For colder weather, just add some simple tights. The simple shirt dress is perfect for eating lots of stuffing and mashed potatoes. 

This year, I am thankful for y'all! Thank you to everyone who has been reading my blog! Get excited because I have some great Christmas related posts coming up! 

Happy Holidays! 

November Playlist

Here is what I can't stop listening to in the month of November.

What do you have on replay this month?

Winter Skin Care

I love everything about winter. I love that I can wear scarves everyday, the air gets crisp, and all the wonderful holidays that come around. There is one thing that I do not enjoy during this time though, and that is dry skin. After many years of dealing with dry skin, I have come across several must need products to get me through the cold months. 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

I have easily been using this moisturizing for five years and have probably gone through three bottles. It is light and does not feel heavy on the skin but does its job effectively. There are no perfumes and is kind on my sensitive skin. Honestly, I don't think I have to go on about this product because, as one of the best selling moisturizers of all time, it is pretty well known.

Rosebud Salve

You will see that there is common theme with these products and it is that my sister makes great suggestions. She swears by this lip balm and now so do I. It keeps my lips from getting chapped and also has a great rosey tint. While I use it mainly as a lip balm, it can be used for rough hands, blemishes, and burns.

Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

I suffer from extremely dry cuticles, and anyone else suffering knows how awful it is. This is another suggested product from my sister. Throughout high school, I kept this in my backpack and during down times would rub this onto my cuticles. It repairs the cracked areas and keeps them soft and moisturized. 

Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion

My other three products have been favorites of mine for years, but this one is a recent discovery of mine. After a lot of research, I have found that this is the best all over, skin care lotion. It has no scent, goes on lightly, and has almost instant results. I apply this after I shower, before I go to bed, and whenever needed. I have seen a dramatic difference in my skin.

How do you keep good care of your skin during the winter?

What's Hot Now

Here is what I'm currently loving in the month of November.

Kate Spade's Madison Ave. Collection // If my style could be summed up in a single collection, I think it would be this one. I first came across the collection when I saw this picture of Karlie Kloss. Besides the fact that I absolutely adore Kloss, I loved the clutch she was holding and had to find out more. Between the big bows, over the top hats, and clean silhouettes, I just can't get over how much I want it all.  

Dior and I // On November 14, Dior and I is coming to Netflix. I'm a sucker for a good fashion documentary and from the reviews I've read, this is said to be one of the best. My sophomore year of high school, I studied the Dior house and became enamored by the revolutionary style for women in a time when we needed it the most. Don't miss this documentary! 

Glamour's Women of the Year // There's nothing I love more than women supporting women. This year, Glamour honored amazing women such as Misty Copeland, Caitlyn Jenner, Reese Witherspoon, and Victoria Beckham. All of these women are strong, beautiful, and inspiring. Check out all the honorees and their stories.

What are you loving this month?

Get Cozy

As the temperature keeps dropping, I keep reaching for big, cozy knits. Lately, I have been living in warm cabin socks, oversized pullover sweaters, and my moccasin slippers. This cute and comfy style is so versatile that I can wear it for both class and when relaxing. Here are some of my favorite cozy-cute pieces for this season.

Boot Socks // UGG Slippers // Knit Scarf // Cable Turtleneck // Free People Pullover

The Arie boot socks are currently buy one get one 50% off.

The Free People pullover is 40% off at Nordstrom until November 15.

Ankle Booties at Target

The amazing shoe selection at Target is not breaking news. Recently though I made one of my weekly Target trips and wandered into the shoe section. I was amazed by the number of amazing ankle booties they had in stock. Everything from chelsea boots to heeled booties is currently on their website. Here are some of my favorite for this season.

Left column: 1 2 3 4 

Right Column: 5 6 7 8 

Which pair do you love?

Fashion Icon: Iris Apfel

"There is no road map to style. It's about self-expression and above all, attitude." -Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel, 94, has style no other. She put together some of the most exquisite outfits by pairing stacks of $4 bracelets from the streets of Harlem and one of a kind Valentino. There is absolutely no one like Iris. The owner of what is considered the greatest collection of couture costume jewelry, she has been at the center of one of the biggest shows the MET has ever hosted.

Iris

After a long period of waiting, her documentary, Iris, is finally on Netflix. She loves her collection almost as much as she loves life. Everyone from Jenna Lyons to Linda Fargo absolutely adore Iris. It is obvious that she never wears a bad outfit. The film is inspiring because she shares her positive outlook on how her exquisite outfits make her feel. She says she never felt pretty but to her that never mattered because she had style and that is more important. After watching, I wanted to go out and start a collection of my own; Iris started hers at the age of 11. 

Who inspires you?

Rainy Day Essentials

"One day it started raining, and it didn't quit for four months." -Forrest Gump

Everyone on the east coast totally understands what Forrest meant. Hurricane Joaquin has caused me to wear rain boots everyday for the past week! Luckily, I love my Hunters and Bean Boots. Having adequate rain gear is essential, and it's also essential that it's fashionable. Whether you're a college student walking to class or just someone who has to go outside this weekend, here are my essentials for any rainy day.

Hunter boots // Totes umbrella // Bean Boots // DKNY raincoat // Kate Spade umbrella // Calvin Klein raincoat 

What are you fashion essentials for surviving the rain?