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Hey! Remember when I went to College Fashion Week? Find out more about the event!

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This post is sponsored by Her Campus Media and its College Fashion Week brand partners. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Sparkle and Shine possible!

Hey babes, miss me?

Let’s be honest, I know you have.

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Source: Jezebel

Life has been so totally crazy cause I started my big girl job as an Account Coordinator for the PR firm Access Emanate in NYC! (Post coming soon to tell you all about it – don’t worry!  As well as many other posts as I get my footing as a full-time working gal and part-time blogger) Because this post isn’t about that, it’s about my incredible experience at New York College Fashion.

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So for the longest time, during my commute to and from the city, I would try to put into words how much of an amazing time I had at New York College Fashion Week with my mom. Each time, I struggled – there are no worries to describe one of the most fabulous nights of my life with fellow bloggers, fashionistas, and some amazing brands!

If many of you know me, you know I’ll probably be late to my wedding (is the phrase wedding? Or is it funeral? If it is- that’s rather depressing. Either way, I’ll probably be late to both tbh), but my always early mom came with me. This meant I had plenty of time to stop by the different booth of the fabulous sponsors (Thanks, mom!)

If you followed along on SnapChat or Instagram, you were able to see so many of the awesome sponsor booths – such as Maidenform, European Wax Center, Boxed Water, Hanes, and Bertha Watches. There was so much time to interact with the vendors, learn more about their products, meet other bloggers, and eat some yummy Insomnia Cookies and candy!

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And when I did not think I could be enjoying the night anymore, it was time to kick off the show – where I got to sit front row as a VIP Press AKA coolest moment in my twenty-two years of life!

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The show itself was absolutely incredible! The models were all real college girls and they absolutely nailed it  – they looked so gorgeous and so confident. I love working with Her Campus because of how much they always empower women to be proud of themselves, love themselves, and be confident. In a room full of bloggers and Influencers who took opportunities upon themselves, real-girl college models, and upcoming-and-coming fashion designers, this empowerment was an incredible force!

The girls modeled in  four different shows (Study Chic ft. My Social Canvas, Festival ft. Foray Collective, Girl’s Night Out ft. Bow & Drap, and Rush ft. Ali & Ariel and Frill Clothing), which represented the many different moments in a college girls’ life. Just another way Her Campus keeps it real with us- they get what life is like!

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And of course my favorite look that repped Alpha Delta Pi!

Completing the looks were accessories from Rebecca Minkoff, shoes from Vince Camuto, perfume from Perfumania, and the perfect blowout from DryBar. No need to be Gigi or Kendall for that sound like a dream. And let me tell you, readers, those finishing touches all made the looks absolutely perfect. Just look at the pictures – they were stunning!

Hope you don’t think the fun is over…. Because it isn’t! What does every press get at events? Swag bags!!

I was so excited to get my first ever press swag bag, and let me tell you, Her Campus sure did not disappoint! Some of my personal favorites are pictured below – including  a FitBit Flex 2, Vince Camuto perfume, a free blowout from Drybar, and this super cute Rebecca Minkoff makeup bag!

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Here’s to this press event and many more experiences, thanks to Sparkle and Shine, now that I am back on my blogging grind! Hope you’re as excited as I am because I am back, baby!

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I’m Off to College Fashion Week Tomorrow➺ Learn More About the Event!

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This post is sponsored by Her Campus Media and its College Fashion Week brand partners. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Sparkle and Shine possible!

Happy Friday, babes!

So for today’s post, the title pretty much says it all….. tomorrow I am going to NYC’ venue 404 to see Her Campus’ College Fashion Week. I’m super excited for the opportunity to attend the event as a VIP and wanted to fill you in on CFW, the sponsors, and more!

Of course, attending a fashion show has me super stoked. Who wouldn’t be?! But Her Campus makes sure that the event is empowering and fun for collegiettes, in order to celebrate their bodies and fashion. Self love totally rocks and Her Campus makes sure to celebrate that at CFW, which showcases talent of upcoming fashion entrepreneurs. The shows’ four collections – Rush, Festival, Study Chic, and Girls Night Out – feature the talents of  My Social Canvas, Foray, Ali & Ariel, Frill Clothing, and Bow & Drape. Plus, all of the runway models are real local college girls of all different backgrounds, shapes, and size. HOW AMAZING?!

Want to join me at the event? To see if there are any tickets available for tomorrow’s NYC show (Oct. 1st from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.), head HERE. Not in the NYC area? There are shows in L.A.  on Oct. 22 and Chicago on Oct. 15!

All good fashion weeks need good sponsors, right? As if Her Campus didn’t completely nail the event with these upcoming designers (I’m already going through their sites to see what I can expect to see purchase at CFW), they knocked it out of the park with their sponsors! Let’s talk about them, shall we?

So, we know that I’ve been trying to be healthier, which is why I am beyond ecstatic that FitBit and their Flex 2 bands are sponsoring the event. The Flex 2 is 30% smaller than previously released models and the removable tracker can fit into bangles and pendants. Finally, a way to keep my FitBit fashionable?! Yes, please! Nothing ruins a good picture (like my pics with my BFFs at a Toby Keith concert) than the huge black band! Plus, you can easily style the bangle with a Bertha Watch, another CFW sponsor. You can choose from their Signature, Crystal, Classic, and Charmed collections to perfectly style your arm candy. LOVE IT!!

But wait… it keeps getting better. Fashion icons Rebecca Minkoff and Vince Camuto are also sponsoring the event and I am droooooling at the thought of it!  If you haven’t checked out their websites yet and added a ton of items to your shopping cart, you need to get on it! Rebecca Minkoff  has a wide range of apparel, handbags, footwear, jewelry, accessories (including tech), and athleisure, while Vince Camuto designs tylish, versatile office and off-duty shoes, handbags and apparel for the fashion-focused modern woman. Fingers are crossed that I get a swag bag that could potentially have one of their products in it. A girl can dream, right? 

Drybar, the original blowout bar, Perfumania, America’s largest perfume retailer, Haines, and Kind Bars round of the list of  CFW sponsors.

Sounds like heaven right? I’m so excited! And the best part of all? I get to experience it my mom!!!

Tickets sold out? Can’t make the event? Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat to check out live updates. 

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Welcome my sorority sister, Lianna, to the blogging world!

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Hey, readers!

A little over a week ago, I introduced you all to my sorority sister Tori and her Chloe + Isabel shop.

Well, Tori isn’t the only ADPi sister of mine who is being super cool this summer! It seems as though my school’s chapter of Alpha Delta Pi is continuing to reach for the stars, because our sister Lianna has started her own blog, Chic Freak.

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(OMG, How white girl am I apple picking in a flannel?!)

I’m so proud of her for starting her own fashion and lifestyle blog!

Check out what Lianna had to say about herself, our friendship, and Chic Freak:

Hello beautiful Sparkle and Shine readers!

My name is Lianna Regina, I’m 19 and from Monroe, Connecticut. Not only am I Sami’s sorority sister in the Theta Theta chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, I am the owner of the blog Chic Freak. Fashion has always been my top priority, and I probably shouldn’t be admitting this but it may have been my number one focus in high school.

I currently attend Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT and am majoring in Public Relations with a double minor in music and management. I had the pleasure of meeting Sami in the bathroom the week after recruitment with her asking “You’re in ADPi right?” It was the start of a wonderful, definitely never dull, friendship.

Starting a blog was something I always wanted to do. I tried endless times, but could never find something to write about that I was truly passionate about. Recently I was sick and didn’t want to sit in bed doing nothing all day, so I found that it was a perfect opportunity. I am just getting the hang of it and am very proud of every single post I write.

My blog is mainly about what I’m obsessing that day, which is usually what I’m wearing or something exciting that happened that day. I try to keep the common theme as fashion or something new and exciting that I think would be appealing to my readers. As time goes on, I hope to see my blog grow as I get into more of a routine. I feel that by running this blog, I am expanding my horizons in building a future for myself.

I hope you enjoy my blog!

I love seeing my friends jump into the blogging world. I have really found myself, found such a confidence, and have been able to show the world who I am thanks to Sparkle and Shine. I would love for everyone, especially my friends and my sorority sisters, to find the same happiness that I did.

Now, go make Lianna and I both happy by visiting her blog!

PS. Did you realize this post was coming because of yesterday’s Instagram post? If not, make sure you follow my Instagram to stay up-to-date on all things Sparkle and Shine!

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“Dirty Rush” – True depiction of sorority life?

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This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions are my own.

Thank you to Total Sorority Move, Total Fraternity Move, and Shelton Interactive for the opportunity.

Oh hello, my fabulous readers!

Have you been looking for a summer book to read? Well drop whatever you’re doing – and yes, I mean everything- because I have just the book for you!

Babe Walker and Taylor Bell have brought to the world the most hilarious book out there (after Babe’s other books, of course). It’s what every girl who read the TFM book is looking for. It’s called Dirty Rush and will have you laughing until you loose five pounds.

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The novel follows Taylor Bell as she goes Greek.

Taylor never wanted to go Greek – and she especially never wanted to go BZ. The legacy wanted to not fall into the footsteps of her sister, mother, and grandmother of becoming a Beta Zeta. However, after meeting the most fun girls she has ever met, Taylor decided maybe Greek life isn’t what she thought it would be.

Well, Taylor seems to be very wrong… very, very wrong. I mean more wrong than wearing white before Memorial Day weekend or trying to rock a Juicy Couture velour sweatsuit in 2015.

Taylor’s fairy tale of Greek life becomes an X-rated Kardashian-style nightmare before you can even shotgun a beer. After a very risque video of what seems to be Taylor has gone viral, all of the hard work (partying) she has put into becoming a BZ may have been worth nothing.

Overall, Dirty Rush left me flipping every page and wondering what was going to happen next. It was a pretty easy read because I was constantly curious as to what was going to happen next. The entire time I was laughing til my water-proof mascara was streaking down my face. I recommend it for anyone who wants a good laugh and not necessarily someone who is looking for a true portrayal of Greek life.

Greek life for me hasn’t been an X-rated Kardashian-style nightmare- sorry readers. However, I can connect to Taylor on one level – that it is my sorority sisters who will always have my back – no matter what kind of trouble, heartbreak, or adventure I find myself facing. Taylor is quick to call up a sister, at any time of day or night, and they will be there. Her sisters will be there with love and unconditional support. They are there for more than just throwing what you know on Instagram pictures or long heart-to-hearts in frat bathroom’s that you’ll barely remember the next day.

They’re there for the long-haul and all the Grateful Deads.

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Because remember, sorority sisterhood blood is thicker than even the most expensive vodka.

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Office Depot: My Go to Place for School Supplies

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This is a post on behalf of my contractual membership with “Seventeen Magazine” for the Seventeen Magazine Social Club.

17 social clubOne of my favorite parts of Fall, besides Halloween, Uggs, and hot chocolate, is getting new school supplies for the school year!

Thanks to my partnership with Seventeen Magazine, I was able to get my new school supplies at Office Depot. Let me tell you readers, they had super cute supplies!

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I’m now able to tackle junior year of college with super cute Teen Vogue folders and my all purpose four color pen.

I’m very anal about my planner – each item has a specific color. Blue is for sorority events, black is for blogging, black with yellow highlighter is Resident Life work, red pen is important dates, red pen highlighted in pink is important class days – like tests, quizzes, and paper due dates, and green is anything else. Instead of having to switch up my pens, I now have one pen to write it all in!

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Whenever I am doing work, the fun patterns of the folders instantly add a pop of color to whatever room I’m in. One of my residents, Taylar, caught me doing work before with my folders out. She couldn’t help but to give me a compliment!

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After going to Office Depot with my credit from Seventeen Magazine, I don’t think I will ever shop at any other office supply store again. They had so many super cute supplies that my sorority girl self could indulge in. I didn’t have to get just plain folders for all my work, I could get ones that allowed me to express myself.

Next time you need some school or office supplies, head on over to Office Depot! You can also order online and get free shipping on orders of $50 or more OR receive one hour free in store pick up.

Happy shopping!

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Shop Right with Shoplet & Shoplet Promos

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This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions are my own.

No summer garden party is complete without the perfect cup. Thanks to Shoplet, I was able to get the cutest bejeweled tumbler!

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From Shoplet, which opened in 1994, I received the  Nicole series Vortex 16 oz Tumbler in turquoise. The cup held the perfect amount of water, the lid was leak proof, and it draw in many compliments.

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You too can sparkle and shine thanks to the bling on this tumbler!

Shoplet is a great company to get products from. The company, which features over 500,000 products, is philanthropic. Philanthropy is a something drilled deep into my heart as a sorority woman, so I love knowing that my purchases are going to more than just the company. Shoplet is currently partnered with Trees for the Future, with a goal of planting 1 million trees.

Kermit the Frog said it’s not easy being green, but Shoplet finds a way to do so. They are a green company and encourage their customers to buy green. The site has a feature which allows you to choose to “Shop Green” and view only the green products on the site. The average customer’s cart is filled with 70% green items!

In 2012, Shoplet expanded to Shoplet Promos, which allows their business customers to continue branding themselves. Shoplet Promos offers over 7,000 products and can be branded with an image, a company logo, or any other custom design. And just like Shoplet, Shoplet Promos also carries green items! Some popular items that I really enjoyed, besides my fabulous tumbler, was their wide variety of office supplies.

Go green and go shop at Shoplet and Shoplet Promos!

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Set YOUR Collegiate Standard This Summer

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This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions are my own.

I’ve been home from college for about a month now and there is nothing I miss more than my Alpha Delta Pi sisters. I miss everything from doing ritual with them to impromptu diner runs and hour long heart to hearts to sharing clothes for the perfect weekend outfit. My sisters truly live for me each and every day.

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Thanks to Collegiate Standard, these ladies won’t to be too far away from my heart because I will be wearing my letters, proudly, on a necklace!

necklace 5The lavaliere features a Swaroski Clear Crystal with sterling silver letters and a sterling silver chain. To see the exact one featured here, you can check it out HERE on the Collegiate Standard website!

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necklace 2After reading this, does The Collegiate Standard ring a bell to you, readers? Well, they’ve worked with Sparkle and Shine before. Just like in that post, The Collegiate Standard and I are working together to help YOU set your own collegiate standard this summer.

Sorority girls spend a lot of money – between dues and daily Starbucks trips, money seems to disappear in the blink of an eye. That’s why Collegiate Standard and I are giving you the coupon code SAMI10 to save 10% off your entire purchase! That 10% saved just may be your next Mocha Frappachino!

The Collegiate Standard offers rings, necklaces, and other pieces of jewelry for not only sorority women, but fraternity men. Being a member of a Greek organization means wearing your letters with pride, so whether you are male or female, you can wear your letters with pride thanks to The Collegiate Standard!

Now head on over to The Collegiate Standard, enter coupon code SAMI10 at the end of check out, and wear your beautiful officially Greek Licensed jewelry with pride!

PLUS, did I mention you’ll be getting free shipping AND money from your purchase will go towards the Greek organization your piece of jewelry is purchased for. Now head on over there now!

 

 

 

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The World Needs More Airheads!

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Let’s get real here – we’ve all acted like an airhead at least once in our lives.

Let’s be even more real here – at least once this past week.

Drive away with coffee on top of your car? Walk into a glass door? Lock yourself inside a room?

Yup, been there, done that.

Except now, thanks to those embarrassing moments, you can be featured in an Airheads Commercial!

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On February 24th, Airheads launched their first-ever mass marketing campaign celebrating the real life, daily mishaps that make us all laugh. However, instead of celebrities starring in their commercials, Airheads is asking YOU to be featured in future advertising for the campaign!

Airheads recently scoured around Vine looking for some of the funniest videos to be featured in the current commercials, but now they want YOU to be featured in the future commercials!

To potentially be featured in future advertising for Airheads, all you have to do is submit a video of you being a complete airhead on the campaign’s Tumblr page. All videos submitted that capture the funniness of true airheadedness will be featured on the site. The top three videos will be used in upcoming TV commercials.

Sounds awesome right?! Well, here is how to enter:

1. Upload an Instagram video, Vine, or YouTube video of your airhead moment.

2. Tag the video with #AirheadsNeeded

3. Visit Airheads’ Tumblr page and upload your video to enter to win:  http://goo.gl/kYKoB1

If you want to know more about the chewy, tangy, bright colored candy – check out their website here.

Sounds awesome right?! Now, get out there and capture those hilarious moments!

If you enter, readers, comment below and let me know! Or, let me know what your favorite flavor of Airheads is!

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DISCLOSURE: This is a compensated sponsored post . However, all opinions are my own.