I graduated exactly a week ago today, and am clearly still in grad mode. This post is all about gifts for grads — some a bit pricier while others are more reasonably priced. 

Passport holder & travel journal | If you’re (very lucky) grad is jet-setting off on the trip of a lifetime, this is the perfect edition to an amazing grad gift. It is gold. And Kate Spade. And awfully adorable. It will definitely glam up those boring and plain passports. The travel journal gives your grad a great way to keep track of all her travel memories.

Monogram Necklace | This is the gift that I am getting for graduation and I couldn’t be more excited. It is classic, feminine, and is something that I can wear every day. I am SO picky though, so I am looking hard for the exact necklace that I want before we purchase.

Photo Book | Now this is a true gift if you ask me: a photo book filled with pictures and memories that your grad made throughout college. If you are crafty, you can make a hand-crafted scrapbook; however, iPhoto, Shutterfly, and other photo sites allow you to create photo books online and have them printed. This is a great gift that your grad will carry with her forever.

David Yurman Bracelet | This is a pricier gift, as David Yurman bracelets start at about $400; however, it is definitely something that your grad will love. Every college girl either has or wants a Yurman bracelet; I got mine as a Bat Mitzvah gift and wear it every single day.

iPad | While many high school grads get a new laptop for college, an iPad is a great college grad gift. It is something that they can use at their new post-grad job, as well as when they are traveling. And I couldn’t resist including the Kate Spade iPad sleeve!

Watch | A classic graduation gift. Every grown up girl needs a grown up watch that she can wear to the office.

Stationery | Another grown up gift for your grad; every young lady needs her own set of stationery. I personally love Kate Spade stationery — it is customizable, ladylike, and still super feminine and fun.

Dogeared Necklace | I did a post a while back on Dogeared Jewelry, and it is continuing to win me over. They have a graduation section on their website that I absolutely love; it is inspirational, motivational, and perfect for your recent grad, as it is a constant reminder to dream big, reach for the stars, and chase their dreams.

Ever since I saw the first trailer for The Great Gatsby, I began thinking about when I read the book during my sophomore year of high school. Typical of a young high school student, I don’t remember paying much attention to the book while reading it; it was more like page skimming rather than reading. Thus, it is unlikely that I really enjoyed the book. The same is true for To Kill A Mockingbird, which I read in middle school. 

This got me thinking: both The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird are classic, renowned books that have been around for years, and there is no reason why if I read them today I wouldn’t enjoy them. I then started thinking about other old, classic books that I would like to read — some of which I have read in the past, and some of which I haven’t. So I present to you, my summer reading list:

So just like that, I am officially an alumna of the University of South Carolina. It feels like just yesterday I first stepped foot on this beautiful campus, and just like that, it’s over. I have come to the realization that I am very ready to be done with school, but saying goodbye to this place that I’ve come to call home and the people that I’ve come to call family is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. However, on a positive note, I was able to spend a wonderful graduation weekend in South Carolina with my family and friends. 

What I wore:

Graduation brunch and pictures at William’s Brice Stadium:

Kimchi Blue dress (old) Similar

Jack Rojers Nantucket Gold Navajo sandals 

Fabulously decorated grad cap

The big day:

Emma Graham color block dress (old) Similar

Jack Rogers Classic Navajo Sandals 

Grad dinner and downtown celebration:

Eyelet dress from Petal (the boutique where I work) Similar 

Jack Rogers Classic Navajo Sandals 

What we did:

My parents arrived in South Carolina early afternoon on Friday, and we went to a pre-graduation brunch at my friend, Sam’s. Unfortunately, because there are so many people who attend USC, we have three separate graduation ceremonies: one on Friday and two on Saturday. The majority of my friends were graduating on Friday, so they left around 1pm to get to their graduation. While I would have loved to graduate the same day as all of my friends, this gave my parents and I prime opportunity to break into the football stadium for some fabulous graduation pictures (just kidding, somebody let us in…)! The pictures came out amazing…it was so crazy being the only three people in a stadium that holds over 80,000 (let alone stand at the 50 yard line!).

The big day was Saturday, May 11^th, and we started the day at an honors hooding and cording ceremony. Yes, people, hard work really does pay off! After some more pictures on the historic horseshoe, we grabbed a quick lunch at one of my favorite places in Columbia, Gourmet Shop. They have amazing wine, sandwiches, and salads — it’s definitely a place I’m going to miss when I leave! The ceremony was at 3pm, and afterwards we stopped by my good friend Ryan’s graduation party before heading to dinner. I was even able to take my parents to some of the local college bars in downtown Columbia! They sure were in for a treat!

On Sunday, we drove down to Charleston to spend the night in what I consider the most beautiful place in the country. It’s a beautiful, historic city that is right on the water, with some of the best shopping, eating, and sightseeing around. We spent the weekend eating some of the most delicious food (we seriously ate our way through the city), shopping on King Street, exploring the city, and even apartment hunting — yes, I’m considering moving there!!

Where we ate:

Pearlz Oyster Bar - Columbia, SC

Saluda’s - Columbia, SC

82 Queen Street - Charleston, SC

Muse - Charleston, SC

I had an amazing weekend celebrating with my family and friends. But now that the weekend is over and the parents have all trickled out of town, it has hit me: college is really over. Within the next few days many of my friends will begin leaving town; it’s going to be so strange not living within a 5-minute radius of all of my best friends, but I know there are big things that will be happening for all of us in the future! There are countless things I am going to miss about the University of South Carolina, but I am so thankful to have found another place that I can call home. Forever to thee. 

J.Crew is having a 20% off women’s dresses sale, and it is only lasting two days! This calls for some serious browsing….and maybe shopping (eek!). I have recently decided that if I had to pick one store to shop at for the rest of my life, it would be J.Crew; the brand is classic and put together while still trendy, fashion-forward, and unique — exactly how I describe my style on a daily basis. The dresses that I’ve listed below represent J.Crew style perfectly, and happen to be my five favorites. 

1. Ratti Electric Kiwi Dress

2. Collection Neon Tweed Dress

3. Collection Silk Maxidress

4. Camille Dress

5. Swoop Dress in Punk Floral

This week’s STYLE ADVICE is all about breaking into that spring and summer wardrobe, starting with the fabulous high-waisted shorts. This Fashionista pulls off the look perfectly, pairing her high-waisted shorts with a basic white blouse; she adds pops of color in the belt, bandeau, and purse. My favorite part of this trend is that you can make it a DIY project! Click to keep reading…

While I have tended to veer away from Forever 21 as of late (both the website and the store give me a massive headache, and I’m definitely much more of a Zara and H&M girl), I tend to have great luck with purchases there right around this time of year. I love all of the prints, textures, and classic summertime pieces, all of which can be dressed up or dressed down. And even better, everything below is under $25!

Floral Brocade Dress / Striped Fit & Flare Dress / Retro Geo Shorts / F4985 Aviator Sunglasses / High-Rise Lace Shorts / Mod Print Capris / Rose Print Skinny Jeans / Studded Faux Leather Flats