The Perfect Graduation Gift

With graduation season coming up, it’s time to search for the perfect gift! We’ve put together a list of items that every girl should have during her transition to college. Whether you’re asking for the perfect gift from your parents or looking for your BFF’s graduation party, we have it here!

From The Parents

Classic Piece of Jewelry

This piece should be timeless, so try to stay away from jewelry that is too trendy. Nothing says “Southern Belle” quite like a strand of pearls. My parents congratulated me with this David Yurman ring in my birthstone and I wear it almost every single day.

The Perfect Bag

An essential addition to any outfit. I suggest a neutral color cross-body. The hands-free bag is perfect for gamedays and a neutral color will go with any college colors. 

Go-to brands: Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Tory Burch

The Perfect Sandal

Once again, I suggest a neutral color pair of sandals- these are perfect for all occasions! Piece of advice: do NOT wait until rush or your first gameday to break these in. You will be sorry.

Go-to brands: Jack Rogers Classic or Lauren, Tory Burch

Keurig

Perfect for those early mornings, late nights, and anytime you’re just too lazy to make the trip to Starbucks. Get yours here!

Money 

And of course, who couldn’t use a little extra spending money? Thanks to Pinterest, you can find a number of ways to get creative when giving this gift! 

For The Bff's

ID Wristlet 

Most college campuses require a student ID to get in buildings- this gift is stylish and practical for everyday use.  

Go-to brand: These Lilly Pulitzer cases are just what any girl would need!

Towel Wrap/Towel Set

This is a great gift for getting a large group of friends! Believe me, there are some days you will have no motivation to take this off.

Go-to brand: Don't be afraid to search around on Etsy for this item!

Umbrella

There is nothing worse than walking out the door and realizing you just wasted the last thirty minutes doing manual labor blow-drying your hair. Keep dry on the way to class and brighten up any gloomy day with this colorful Lilly Pulitzer umbrella!

Monogrammed Goodies 

There are a number of fun, inexpensive items every girl should have. For the perfect touch, add the quintessential Southern Belle statement, a monogram. 

Think: cosmetic bags, croakies, scarves, tanks, coffee tumblers, hats, etc.

Go-to brands: Marley Lilly has just about everything you could think of!

Congratulations on graduating and get excited for the most exciting four (or five) years of your life!

-Chloe :)

So the CMT Awards were last night....

If you've followed me for five minutes on Twitter, you are well aware that I love a good awards show. And in case you missed the CMT Awards last night, don't worry, I've got you covered with everything you need to know. 

Red Carpet
Favorites: Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves and AnnaSophia Robb
In a night filled with "Are they really wearing that?!" moments, these three stood out in the right way. 

Finding a nice balance between casual fun and easy elegance, Carrie looked fabulous. When does she not?

I really liked this look on Kacey. She usually looks pretty good but this was awesome. 

No clue why she was there but she looked amazing. And I really want those shoes. 

Least favorite? There are literally too many to name... This seems like one of those award shows where no one is really sure of the dress-code so they just hope for the best. Some of y'all are in desperate need of a new stylist (or just a stylist in general). 


What could have been...
Kellie Pickler looked amazing and really showed everyone (I'm talking to you Miley) how to rock short hair. Her Dancing With The Stars body is absolutely banging and I don't blame her for wanting to show it off. Someone forgot to tell her about her dress's kangaroo pouch though...

Love her, wish I loved the dress. 

The Performances
Darius Rucker: He completely won me over on his version of "Wagon Wheel." I was on the fence about this version but after this fun performance, I am totally on board. (Like any self-respecting college student, I heard this song about 79,000 times while I was in college and will always love the OCMS version.) 

Who knew Lady A was on this song too?!

Darius showed everyone what two decades in the music industry looked like. He had everyone, including the stars who usually looked bored, on their feet and singing along. Not to mention, his vocals always sound amazing. You can keep your color guard Taylor, Darius is the one who's bringing down the house.

Taylor Swift: Like most of the songs on her latest album, I didn't hate the song (I even kind of like it. Gasp, I know.) but really with the staging?! First of all, we get it... the song is called "Red," the album is called "Red," your favorite lipstick is red, etc., etc., etc.

Her make up looked great and her hair was significantly better than what happened on the red carpet but that dress is awful. Awful. 

Side note: It wouldn't be an awards show without Swifty white girl dancing...

I just can't with that hair...

Best Moment
Carrie Underwood absolutely blew everyone away with her emotional performance of "See You Again" that she dedicated to the tornado victims in Oklahoma. With the images of the aftermath on the screens behind her and the choir and how moved she clearly was, I don't understand how anyone wasn't tearing up by the end of it. 

This woman is perfect y'all. 

And not only did she give an incredible performance but...

She was the night's big winner!! Congrats to Carrie for winning Video Of The Year for "Blown Away." Love love love her!!

The show ended with a really fun performance from Florida Georgia Line and Nelly. The "Cruise" remix is much better live... 

For a country music show, there sure were a lot of non-country performers...

And Taylor Swift really enjoyed the performance. 

 Overall, the show left me wondering if I had seen any of the videos that were nominated and I came to the conclusion that I had not... Either way, I enjoyed the show but it was no Grammys. Tweet @ModernMagnolias and let us know your thoughts on the night! 

(PS- You can find my play-by-play of the show over on my twitter, @RulesForBelles!) 

Stay Southern y'all!

Caroline 

You NEED this for July 4th!

Red, White, and better than you is the theme this 4th of July. Sport this sassy, patriotic tank while celebrating the birthday of our beautiful country. Head over to www.futurefirstlady.net to purchase your tank TODAY!

Meet Lanie!

I know y'all loved yesterday's hat article as much as I did. Meet it's writer, Lanie!

Four Ways To Wear a Hat This Summer

via OscarPRgirl

Hats. Once an American staple, they are now typically only seen on the heads of British royalty, confident fashionistas, or those attending the Kentucky Derby. But why should they have all the fun? Luckily in the South, sunhats have survived the long haul but we typically reserve them for lounging by the pool or when we're vacationing on the Coast. When I wear a hat I immediately feel sassy and powerful. I imagine myself in a movie from the 1950's elegantly strolling down the street on the arm of Carey Grant or Clark Gable. Hats are one of the easiest ways to look put-together and chic, but they definitely take confidence to wear. PS- There are rules for hat wearing just like there are for wearing white! On May 15th you can begin to wear straw hats, and on September 15th you are supposed to switch over to felt hats.

Maybe Scarlett's secret was her attention-grabbing hat...

In my younger days I bought a fedora, but never wore it outside of my house because I didn't want the extra attention that a hat inevitably brings. My confidence has grown leaps and bounds since then thanks to the amazing Eleanor Roosevelt whose famous quote has now become my life's mantra- "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent". Just repeat this to yourself if you ever question whether or not you can 'pull off' a hat- you absolutely can!  

While being super fun to wear, many people feel lost when it comes to styling a look around a hat. There are so many different styles that it can be a bit daunting to choose. I've found four different celebrity looks that incorporate a hat and styled affordable looks around them!

Find the look details here. 

First off- the lovely Reese Witherspoon in a straw fedora. I love the glamorous safari look of this outfit. The olive green dress plays off the gold accessories in such an unexpected way that looks super chic. The fedora really pulls the look together and adds the perfect extra touch to the whole ensemble. Straw hats are super popular for the warmer months and their versatility makes them look great with just about anything.

Find the look details here. 

Oh Miranda Kerr, could you be any more fabulous? This look is full of simple pieces, but put together they look so chic. A good jean jacket and white blouse are absolute staples in any girl’s wardrobe. They can be the building blocks to so many great outfits. Without the hat the outfit would be great, but the felt hat adds a cool vintage vibe to an otherwise modern outfit.

Find the look details here. 

What's more American than a good old-fashioned baseball cap? This look is so quintessentially 'summer' to me. The combo of a great white tee (another wardrobe staple), navy shorts, white chucks and aviators make a perfect outfit for grilling out or exploring a new town. The baseball cap does the double duty of adding a tom-boy feel and hiding a bad hair day. The cap is the easiest hat to wear, but it doesn't mean that you have to look sloppy! Reese is the perfect example of wearing a baseball hat, and looking like a real person at the same time.

Find the look details here. 

This look is just chock-full of trends; neon color-blocking, a maxi dress and a panama hat. This look is so great for summer. The panama hat has been all the rage this spring and I'm sure that will continue into the summer. While Jessica's look is great the shoes seemed a bit 'matchy' to me, so I switched it up with a great flat summer sandal perfect for walking all over your chosen vacation destination. The panama hat is, in my opinion, the best summer hat because it's wide brim shades your face from harsh UV rays. Toss it on for the beach and leave it on for an afternoon of brunch and shopping.

I hope y'all give at least one of these hats a try! They really do look great on everyone; all you have to do is remind yourself that you are a sassy, Southern girl who can rock it! 

Find me on twitter: @LanieW! 

A Blue Bentley and Bad Rapping- The Bachelorette Episode 2 Recap

Via ABC

Ah, yet another episode starting with the bachelorette, in this case- Desiree,  going on and on and on about how she’s ready to take the next step, meet the love of her life, is ready for her fairytale ending, blah blah blah. What’s new? But as it’s only the second episode in, Desiree is still optimistic and believes in the process. Bless her heart.

Brooks was chosen as her first one-on-one date. Desiree sweeps him away to a- wait for it… BRIDAL SALON, where Desiree tries on wedding gowns and Brooks tries on tuxedos.  This whole part of their date creeped me out... like hello? That’s bad luck and severely premature.  I get that they were doing it for “fun” but why not go to a theme park or do literally anything else?  They finish the date hanging out on the Hollywood sign and candlelit dinner on a bridge, exclusive to them. Totallyyyy realistic. Not…  All in all, Brooks is total friend zone material.  Next.

Via ABC

Next was the group date, where they did a rap music video with…. Soulja Boy. Wait, who is he? That’s the question I asked myself until I vaguely remembered that extremely annoying “Crank That” song that made him famous. Anywho, it seemed like they all had a genuinely fun time and got to let loose with Desiree but if this group date taught us anything it’s that none of this season’s contestants are future rap stars. 

The second one-on-one date this week was with Bryden, the Iraq war veteran and a favorite from the premiere. Desiree introduces him to the California type of life with a picnic on the beach & drinks at a local restaurant.  Bryden opens up about a severe car accident he had (Is it mandatory to have a life changing experience to be able to be a contestant on these shows??!?!) and how recovering from it inspired him to join the military.  They finish out their date in a hot tub where Desiree says, “Kiss me already!” Awkward.

Another part of the show allowed us to see the tension in the house with Ben vs. the other guys.  In my opinion, I think Ben is fine and absolutely precious.  There is a rumor circulating that he is a bad seed, but he’s innocent until proven otherwise…right? Those other dudes are just jealous because Ben is suave, charming and strategic. (CAN I GET AN AMEN?!)  I mean I may be biased due to my huge attraction and sure, I might eat these words of praise towards Ben later in the season, but for right now: I’M IN LOVE.

Will, Robert and Nick M. are sent packing at the conclusion of the Rose Ceremony.  All in all, it was a typical Bachelorette episode filled with boy drama, boy tears and boy egos.  It’s my Monday night guilty pleasure but I think: myself as the Bachelorette + 20 Vineyard Vine models = much more successful show… Let’s get on that, ABC.

See y'all next week!
@Future1stLady1

Sweet Summertime Playlist

These are a combination of oldies but goodies + new jams. All these songs make me want to be poolside with a big, monogrammed floppy hat and an ice cold drink. Enjoy!

1. Just A Sip - Luke Bryan

Pretty sure everyone can relate to this one. It all starts  with... Just a sip.

2. Dust On The Bottle - David Lee Murphy

Easily one of the best classics. Something about this song makes me want to be in dancing in a country bar!

3. Get Your Shine On - Florida Georgia Line

Best song to blast while driving with your windows down. Trust me.

5. Sure Be Cool If You Did - Blake Shelton

Oh Blake, you really sing my soul.

6. Only Prettier - Miranda Lambert 

A bit of an old tune, but it's a perfect song for a girls night out wth your besties.

7. Carolina - Parmalee

This song instantly makes me want to be on the North Carolina coast with a Vineyard Vines male model... Basically.

8. One Honest Heart - Reba McEntire 

If you haven't screamed this song at the top of your lungs or performed it at karaoke, what are you REALLY doing with your life? 

4. Here's To The Good Times - Florida Georgia Line

Something blissful about a great song that hasn't found its way to the radio just yet... yet being the keyword.

9. Strawberry Wine - Deana Carter

An oldie but SUCH a goodie.

10. Sun Tan City - Luke Bryan

I wish I could be in SunTan City with you, Luke Bryan.

11. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd

This song is the perfect transition from the hot summer to early fall football tailgate. Love. Love. Love.

12. Wagon Wheel - Old Crow Medicine Show

Because what fabulous night DOESN'T end with this song? (And love Darius but nothing compares to the original, right y'all?)

13. Summer of 69 - Bryan Adams

I dare you to go through this whole song without doing the air guitar. It's impossible.

These are some of my summertime favorites but what are yours?? Tweet me and let me know! Be sure to use #ModernMagnolias and you could be featured in a future post!