The Best Excuse To Buy A New Outfit: Gameday

Football season in the South: where the final score is almost as important as what you’re wearing and your mama’s tailgate looks straight out of an article from Southern Living. 

People from other parts of the country can say what they want about the South, but y’all, they KNOW we do Gameday better. For Modern Magnolias, going to a football game is not only to see the game, it’s the social event of every Saturday in the fall. It’s where we get to see and be seen, so you know you want to look your best while sporting your favorite team’s colors. Here’s a breakdown of some of my favorite brands that will make you the best
dressed college football fan in the South.

1. Judith March- judithmarch.com

via Genealogy Dresses

via Genealogy Dresses

You cannot go wrong with Judith March for Gameday. Classic styles, always with a touch of sass... perfect for every Modern Magnolia. 

2. Ellen and Ollie- ellenandollie.blogspot.com

via Genealogy Dresses

Though I have yet to purchase an Ellen & Ollie dress, I am seriously dying over how cute they are! Super simple, yet super fun, with absolutely perfect colors for nearly any team. And y'all, the founder of the line is from South Carolina! She's a Modern Magnolia for sure. That purple and orange number will be in my closet very, very soon. 

3. Tracy Negoshian- www.tracynegoshian.com

via Tracy Negoshian

The fact that there is a GAMEDAY section on their site... I'm sold. These dresses are not only super cute but SUPER comfortable- which is important on long days of watching football socializing.

Check out these brands and others at some of my favorite websites for Gameday dresses: geneologydresses.com, scsugar.com, sidelinesweetie.com and shopentourage.com (they have stores in Athens, Clemson, Kennesaw, Statesboro, and Carrollton). And don’t forget to shop at boutiques and stores in and near college towns. They usually have the best selection for the PERFECT colors for your team! 

So go out and buy a new dress (you deserve it) and tweet us a picture of you in your Gameday outfit this Saturday (@ModernMagnolias)! You may just end up on the blog! Happy tailgating! 

Stay Southern Y’all,

Mary Lauren

It's Finally Time To Tailgate!

After months and months of waiting, COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS FINALLY HERE!!! Excited doesn't even begin to describe our feelings right now. We can't wait to see what happens when Jadeveon Clowney takes the field tonight- hopefully it will be similar to the last time...

It's still painful/amazing to watch...

As excited as we are for the game, we are probably more excited for the tailgates!!!!!! We've got four of our favorite bite-sized recipes for y'all so you can blow everyone's socks off when you show up on Saturday.

1. Mac n' Cheese Bites

via PantryChef

Time: 20-25 min.
Servings: 48 mini macs

1/2 lb. elbow macaroni
1 1/2 tbsp. unsalted butter, plus more for brushing
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. milk
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1 c. deli-sliced American cheese, chopped
1  egg yolk
1/4 tsp. paprika

Preheat the oven to 425°. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni about 5 minutes. Drain pasta. Spray mini muffin tins with non-stick spray. Sprinkle muffin cups with 2 tbsp. of the Parmesan.  In a large saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in  flour over medium heat for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and cook, whisking constantly, until boiling, about 5 minutes. Add cheddar and American cheeses and whisk until melted. Take the saucepan off the heat and whisk in the egg yolk and paprika. Fold in the drained macaroni. Spoon macaroni into muffin cups. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tbsp. of Parmesan on top. Bake the mini macs in the oven for about 10 minutes, until golden. Let cool for 5 minutes. Yum!

2. Tea Time Tassies

via Check It Out

Mini Pecan Pies
1 frozen pie crust (thawed and rolled out into as close to asquare as you can get it)

Once you've rolled out your crust, cut out an even number of squares (about 1 inch squares) I got 16 squares out of my crust. Use mini muffin pans that have been sprayed and floured and form little pie crusts in each space using your pie crust squares. Bake the crusts for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Pecan Pie filling:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup chopped pecans

While the crusts are baking, combine the butter, powdered sugar and corn syrup in small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently. Stir in chopped pecans, turn off heat and mix well. This recipe is good for 16-20 mini pecan pies, double the recipe for 36 or 40 mini pies.

Pour your pecan mixture in each baked crust, bake for another 5-8 minutes. Let the mini pies cool a bit before removing from the pan.

3. Sausage Biscuit Bites

via Plain Chicken

In case you have an early kick-off, these bite-sized breakfast treats are absolute perfection! (Plus this recipe is SUPER simple!!)

2 (10 count) cans flaky biscuits (Grands Jr.)
1 lb. sausage (Tennessee Pride)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400.
Mix uncooked sausage and cheese gently until well blended. Shape into 40 balls of equal size.
Remove biscuits from cans and separate each biscuit into two layers, making 40 total biscuit layers. Press one layer of biscuit into cup of lightly greased mini-cupcake pan. Repeat with remaining layers.
Place sausage-cheese ball in each biscuit cup.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until biscuits are browned and sausage balls are bubbly.

BONUS!!

via Leanne Bakes

Click here for the recipe for these yummy donut holes! You'll be everyone's favorite if you roll up with these babies. 

The No White After Labor Day Rule

via Obaz

Growing up in the South, there are quite a few "rules" that I've grown up with (hence, why I started my Tumblr page three years ago...). They cover topics ranging from undergarments to how to address your elders and they all have a reason they became a rule in the first place. One of the most serious, and contested, rules regards a certain color and when you can and cannot wear it... I know you KNOW which rule I'm talking about- no white bottoms before Easter or after Labor Day.

In my house, this rule was more of a commandment. The option to wear white absolutely and unequivocally ended the day after Labor Day. The summer clothes were "put away" and it was time to transition to clothes more appropriate for the fall, even though it was still 90 degrees outside. Transitional pieces of richer, more vibrant colors and heavier fabrics welcomed football games, shorter days, bonfires and pumpkin spice lattes.

via lovely-peppa

I never questioned this rule- I still don't. Crisp, white bottoms belong to the summer. I will never feel differently. No matter how many times I see bloggers and editors throw this rule out the window at various fashion weeks. After all, they don't live in the South...

Emmanuelle Alt at Paris Fashion Week via thepetticoat

I finally decided I wanted to know the origins of this rule. I had always been told that we bring the white back on Easter as a sign of resurrection, cleanliness and renewal- rebirth. I love the symbolism. I understand that this is purely a Southern thing- other parts of the country bring white back on Memorial Day apparently. (You learn something new everyday right?)

Putting the white away has a much more practical explanation. In the Antebellum period, this wasn't so much a rule but a smart and very common practice. When you're wearing a hoop skirt in the middle of winter, you wanted to have a dark, sturdy fabric that wouldn't ruin in the mud. (Yuck.) This practice continued into the Twentieth century, still for practicality's sake.

Can you imagine Scarlett wearing this around Atlanta in the winter?? It would have been ruined! via Sew Indigo

After awhile, fashion editors and socialites collectively agreed that this was a rule, not a suggestion and the rest is history. Because when fashion editors talk, we listen...

Over at Social Primer, they offer another explanation. KCR credits Brooks Brothers. (Check out his post here!) Regardless of the origins, this rule IS a serious rule. Don't break it!!!!!!!
So the countdown to putting your white bottoms away has almost run out. That being said...

WINTER WHITE IS FAIR GAME!!!

Winter white (a.k.a. off-white, cream, ivory, egg shell, etc.) is perfectly acceptable and quite lovely. I LOVE LOVE LOVE soft neutrals in the drab and dreary weather so don't be afraid to rock an off-white pea coat!!

via The Hunt

 In fact, I am currently on the hunt for the perfect Ivory blazer. I'll let you know when I find it!

#HotMessExpress- MTV Video Music Awards Edition

There is literally no way that you haven't seen images of Miley Cyrus from last night's Video Music Awards. The Internet literally exploded when she took to the stage to out-weird Lady Gaga, a feat we had always thought impossible. All it took were some really creepy/frightening dancing bears...

via Buzzfeed

But let's back up. Can we talk about her red carpet outfit choice?

via Buzzfeed

I just do not understand this at all. It genuinely looks like she found her Bedazzler under her bed and grabbed the first pair of leggings she could find and went wild. Selena showed up in Versace and Miley chose to look like Angelica Pickle's doll, Cynthia... bless her heart, y'all. 

And while Miley was ruining the song of the summer, Blurred Lines, the audience was reacting and BOY did it reflect our thoughts exactly. For example:

via Buzzfeed

Ranging from subtle contempt to clear discomfort, this group gets better...

via Buzzfeed

Poor baby Niall was clearly traumatized. But the hands down BEST reaction was from Will Smith and his kids. I still die every single time I look at this picture because it is just that accurate. 

via Buzzfeed

Like, same Willow, s a m e... And while I don't really care for Taylor Swift at all, her and Selena Gomez were absolutely priceless watching the #HotMessExpress leave the station.

via Buzzfeed

And like I said last night- 

Somewhere, Billy Ray Cyrus is crying... #VMAs #VMAreact
— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) August 26, 2013

via Twitter

No sign of Miley losing her title as the Conductor of the #HotMessExpress anytime soon y'all...

#MMLovesFashion: Let the countdown begin

I know what you're thinking, all anyone is talking about is the countdown to college football (8 days!!!!) but we are counting down something else. It involves the place where #WhiteGirlProblems disappear... Target. 

via someecards

Our countdown is for September 15- when 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target hits stores! 

A few years ago when Target started collaborating with high-end designers, we never imagined what we were in for- Rodarte, Mossimo, Nieman Marcus and the fabulousness that was the Prabal Gurung collaboration. 

Little did we know, the best was yet to come. One thing that we didn't love about these previous collaborations was that the designers made some great pieces but none of them looked like the pieces that they were typically known for. And then... along comes Phillip Lim. 

via Tumblr

In Vogue's monster September issue, a pull out booklet for the collaboration finally gave us a glimpse and then the entire 100-piece collection hit the Internet and we haven't been able to stop doing our happy dance. Featuring everything from mens and womenswear to shoes and purses to travel accessories, all starting at $19.99. Hello, is this Heaven? 

What are we looking forward to most?

This entire outfit is fantastic! This trench is $79.99 and we are seriously dying to get our hands on it.

I love this tote so much I had to circle it in my issue of Vogue. 

Even though you can't tell by the picture, the zippers go down the sides of the tote instead of the front. 

While not an exact match, Target's large tote looks very similar to some of Lim's previous (and very high-priced) handbags. And $54.99 is the deal of the century compared to $895.00, am I right? 

So we'll be lined up outside of Target in 23 days so we can get our hands on this absolutely fabulous collection. We have a feeling we'll see some of y'all there too... 

Watch this vid for a look at the NYC preview!

via

(We're pretty excited, if you can't tell...)

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before College

via Fashionisto

1. Set up your school email on your phone
Seriously, do it right now. Professors communicate mostly through email. Get in the habit of checking it as soon as you wake up in the morning. On one magical day in your college career, your professor will decide to cancel your 8AM. Save yourself from walking across campus to figure it out! 


2. Print out your syllabus, and bring it to the first day
The first day is primarily for the professor to go over the syllabus, come prepared so you know what you're in for! Some professors will even assign reading to be done before your first day of class, don't pull an "Elle Woods" and get kicked out of class for coming unprepared! 


3. Before the first day, walk around the campus and find your classes

 "It's better to get to the party late than to never get there, but it's better to get there on time, meaning, of course, just ever so fashionably late." -Raphie Frank

Well, your Econ lecture hall of 150 people is not a party.  Don't be "that girl" who strolls in fifteen minutes after the class has started. Some professors will spare you the embarrassment, and others will call you out right on the spot. Save yourself the humiliation, take a couple of friends and walk around campus to find your class buildings! 


4. Download a map of your campus on your phone
Avoid looking like a total freshman with your nose in a map! As a Junior, I still use the map on my phone from time to time when I need to stop by a random building!


5. Buy an umbrella 
I know this one seems obvious, but really, I did not realize how much it rained until my Freshman year. Just a rain jacket will NOT suffice, invest in a small umbrella! Walking from class to class in the pouring rain will do a number on your hair! Avoid sitting through your next class in soaking wet clothes, bring the umbrella!


6. Don't be afraid to eat lunch alone
So we all know that episode of "Full House" where DJ has to eat her lunch alone in a bathroom stall because she has no friends (EW!). That's really not the case in college! People are always in a hurry, so don't be afraid to grab lunch by yourself and catch up on some reading. If you're not quite up to the challenge, talk to some friends and figure out if y'all have similar schedules to grab lunch!


7. Rent your books online 
The bookstore marks up book prices by about 29349823%. Avoid the bookstore at all cost. Look online for books at websites like Amazon and Neebo, you can rent the books for the semester for half the cost. Save the money for what really matters... gameday dresses!  


8. Take advantage of the school's resources
Most colleges have many resources that help you transition into your college classes. Be on the lookout for tutoring sessions, supplemental instruction, and group study sessions. For the more difficult classes, utilizing these resources can make the difference in an entire letter grade! 


9. Speak up
Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to professors and ask them questions after class/during office hours. Standing out to your professors can make a huge difference in your semester. Professors are more likely to round up a student's grade on the edge if they see the student has put in the extra effort! 


10. Plan ahead
Grab your Lilly agenda and start penciling in all of your tests, projects, etc. (Professors usually put major due dates in your syllabus!) It helps you plan ahead and see what weeks will be your busiest so you can prepare yourself in advance.

Good luck with your first week of classes!
-Chloe

#MMbacktoschoolstyle

Can y'all believe another school year is almost here?? I feel like I say it every year but this summer has seriously flown by. As a kid I always wished fall weather would start when school began so I could wear my cute new jeans, boots and sweaters. Unfortunately, the South is usually frustratingly hot and muggy until October (#firstworldprobs). So what's a fashionable Modern Magnolia to do?? Well no worries y'all, we're here to help! We put together a  few no-brainer outfit combos to wear during those first few hot weeks of the semester!

1. Chinos + 3/4 Sleeved Striped Tee

Outfit details here

J. Crew Chinos get my vote as the best shorts of all time. They come in just about any color you could want and are very comfortable while still looking put-together. Crisp chinos look great paired with a three-quarter length striped tee (a wardrobe staple!). The 3/4 sleeve keeps you warm in overly air-conditioned classrooms but will still be cool enough to wear traipsing to classes across campus- perfect for late-summer/early-fall weather.

2. Sleeveless shirtdress + Simple Sandals

Outfit details here

Sometimes it's just too hot for pants y’all. On those days a dress is my go-to outfit choice! A sleeveless shirtdress is breezy and ladylike at the same time, but best of all it makes you look like you put a lot of thought into your appearance. I know I feel much more focused and prepared when I make the effort to get dressed in the morning! I can't imagine getting very much out of class when I look like I just rolled out of the bed! A swingy dress is just as comfortable as a t-shirt and running shorts and looks so much more polished! Pair with a comfy pair of sandals and you're good to go!

3. Cotton tee + A-Line Skirt

Outfit details here

Pink and navy is one of my all-time favorite color combinations- it's the perfect mix of girly simplicity. A solid color skirt is a must-have item that can be paired with pretty much any top you own! I love pairing my navy skirt with solid t-shirts for an easy yet cute look. Throw on your Jacks and you've got the perfect outfit to get you through a long day on campus!

Post a picture of YOUR spin on our first day looks to Instagram with the hashtag #MMbacktoschoolstyle - can't wait to see how you style them! Hope y'all have a fabulous start to your semester!

#FootballFriday- Pump Up Music

Here's some pump up music to tide you over until you're walking into the stadium in a couple Saturdays!




These songs could get anyone ready to run full-speed into another human being. And if that wasn't enough, watch this video...

Seriously y'all, WE CANNOT WAIT.

Hit the books in style

As the summer winds down, it's time to start thinking about heading back to school- as depressing as that sounds. As sad as heading back to school is, back to school shopping is one thing #ModernMagnolias love love love. One of the most important items that you'll have to get is the bag you're going to tote around campus day in and day out.

Depending on the semester and how many classes I had, my bag would range from a simple tote bag to a heavy-duty backpack. I've put together some of my personal favorites. Check them out below!

For the books by rulesforbelles

If you'll need your laptop, I definitely suggest a more sturdy backpack. If you do go with a tote, don't over-do it. You don't want to hurt your back or shoulders!

What do you use to haul your daily necessities around campus?

#MusicMonday- The Civil Wars

Joy Williams and John Paul White, the duo known as The Civil Wars, are currently involved in their own civil war- they aren't even speaking. Which is sad because they should be out promoting their amazing, new self-titled album.

via Billboard

You can hear the growth and turmoil in the music and it is heartbreakingly beautiful. The Civil Wars seem to capture the magic of yesteryear's music while remaining relevant- they manage to give the idea of the "new South" a solidified sound. And we can't get enough.



Joy sounds like an angel and John Paul sounds like a real man, not a boy who thinks he can. We highly recommend "Same Old Same Old," "The One That Got Away" and "Tell Mama" (a lovely cover of the Etta James classic).

Enjoy! xx.

#FootballFriday- The Johnny Football Circus

FOOTBALL SEASON WILL BE HERE IN 21 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!

via Tumblr

I don't know if there is anything #ModernMagnolias love more than football season- though monograms and sweet tea come close. In the South, we know how to do quite a few things right and football season is at the very top of this list. So starting today, every Friday, we are going to talk about every aspect of our favorite sport! And today, we're making sure y'all are ready to talk about the upcoming season with the best of them. And if there's one story-line you need to know about this off-season, this is it.  

The Johnny Football Circus

via Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Since A&M's win in the Cotton Bowl, it seems like Johnny Manziel has done everything but actually play football (other than that time he made a really awesome video with Dude Perfect).

But seriously, he did everything from hanging out court side at a Clippers game to spending Mardi Gras with Justin Timberlake- it's safe to say, we're pretty jealous. Unfortunately for Johnny, the entire football world has been watching his every move and they're getting kind of suspicious...

 From gambling in a (18+) casino...

via Twitter

...to becoming besties with Drake...

RT“@Drake: You handled yourself well today. Proud of you brother! @JManziel2”NWTS — Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) July 17, 2013

...Johnny has been participating in a lot expensive, usually 21 and over activities. Also- when does this kid do schoolwork?! I know, I know... these points have been made over and over and over again.

Now his eligibility is being called into question after ESPN reported he accepted a "flat fee" for signing autographs. 

via Joe Schad

Can we take a moment to talk about the fact that if this is "proof," Johnny has to be pretty dumb since HE'S WEARING A FREAKING A&M SHIRT... 

That being said...

Now it's time to get down to the real business at hand- playing football. How is this circus of an off-season going to affect Texas A&M's season?? Well it obviously can't help... Not to mention, A&M faces LSU and Alabama after both those teams have bye weeks.

And Nick Saban casually has his team's loss to the Aggies on a constant loop in their weight room...

via JoeWallace1

And the Bama defenders already have clear anger management issues.

via Tumblr

So that should be super fun. Go ahead and mark your calendars for September 14th.

Unfortunately, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks are not on the A&M schedule so we won't be seeing a Manziel vs. Clowney match up. To say we're bummed about this is an understatement.

via Tumblr

Just in case you forgot about it, here's our favorite hit from last season. Go ahead and admit it... it's yours too.

via Tumblr

Needless to say, all eyes will continue to be on the Justin Bieber of college football. We'll be sure to update y'all on this circus.

RIP Beyonce's Hair

Late last night/early this morning, Queen B posted this selfie to her Instagram:

While she looks fabulous with any hair, I would just like to take a moment to remember all the amazingness that was her hair.

How is her choreography going to work without her hair?! 

Beauty DIY

Like basically every girl I know, I love love love Pinterest. On more than one occasion, I have casually clicked over to the site and then three hours later found myself with a fully decorated nursery for my imaginary fashionista baby... Pinterest is obviously the black hole of girl world.

Recently, I found some pins that I have been dying to try. These really easy, at home beauty treatments are AWESOME. You should definitely give them a try!!

1. Lauren Conrad's Pretty Sweet Lip Scrub

via Lauren Conrad

Ingredients

• One teaspoon brown sugar
• One teaspoon honey
• One teaspoon olive oil or petroleum jelly

Instructions

• Mix brown sugar and honey together to create a paste.
• Thickly coat lips and leave for a few minutes.
• Using your finger, gently scrub until all the dead skin has been buffed off.
• Immediately dab on olive oil or petroleum jelly to moisturize. 

2. Blackhead Mask

via Pinterest

Ingredients

• Two egg whites
• Half of a lemon

Instructions

• Mix egg whites and lemon juice together.
• Apply to your face (avoid your eyes!!) and let it dry.
• Rinse off with warm water.

This is FABULOUS for removing blackheads and, if done regularly, shrink pores and minimize acne scars. 

3. Dr. Oz's Teeth Whitening Home Remedy

via Pinterest

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of baking soda 
• Half of a lemon

Instructions

• Mix the two ingredients together. (You definitely won't need this much baking soda... probably not even half this much.)
• Apply to teeth with a q-tip or cotton ball.
• Leave for no more than one minute!
• Brush teeth to remove. (This is important! You don't want to leave the acid from the lemon on your teeth too long.)

Enjoy!! xx.