Hicksville, Long Island

We pulled over on the side of the road the other day and found this Italian family owned nursery.

My mom asked if I wanted to stay in the car, I declined and said it would be a perfect spot for blog pics!

We laughed and she went on to say that "blog pics" is all I think about these days!

Which is kinda true...

But come on!

Look how well my dress matches the flowers!!

J Crew orange maxi dress

J Crew blue mirrored sunglasses

sterling silver monogrammed pendant (similar)

Jack Rogers Hampton sandals in platinum 

So Funny Story...

I have two funny stories to share with you today!

They both happened on Saturday.

I went to Old Westbury Gardens, a favorite spot of mine, for a little photo shoot Saturday afternoon.

There is a big sign at the entrance that says,"no photo shoots and no outfit changes..." Well, I was a bit rebellious and broke both of those rules.

And maybe it would have been better if I changed in the bathroom, but that was too far away from where my photographer and I were shooting!

So I did what I could and found a bush or a high wall and quickly changed.

I had one pretty close call...

I was completely topless and I could hear a family walking towards me...

Thankfully, my mom was on look out and hollered at me to hurry up, and I quickly threw on my next dress.

Shout out to all my years of being in the theater department with my super quick changes, all that experience really helped me in this situation.

And then there is the next story.

It wasn't funny at the time, but now it's hysterical.

And it actually happened when I was wearing my new pretty dress.

I picked up my friend Marykate for dinner at around 6:45 ish.

We parked in a parking lot down the road from the restaurant because it was free parking and it also meant I didn't have to parallel park on the street, because let's be real, I haven't parallel parked since my road test which was over a year ago...

So we walked into the restaurant, picked a nice shady table outside facing the street and ordered our dinner.

We were in the middle of conversation when all of a sudden I see a tow truck coming down the street and a car on the back of it with University of Kentucky and Wake Forest University stickers on the back. I thought, wow that's funny, that looks very familiar to my car....

So then I follow the car with my eyes and see the front license plate, dented.

YEP!

That was my car!

I knew it was my car because I hit a tree stump and the front license plate got dented...

So by this point I was freaking out.

I was in shock and didn't know what to do.

I thought oh my gosh my parents are going to kill me, they are never going to let me drive the car again, I am going to be grounded for life, omg.

And then I thought, hmm maybe I don't have to tell them.

But these were all thoughts in my head and I really didn't know what to do.

I thought about calling my parents and telling them, but decided against that idea, and instead called my sister and brother-in-law.

They calmed me down and told me it would be okay.

My sister told me to go walk to the parking lot and find the name of the towing company.

I told her, sorry, I can't do that, my pasta just came.

And let's be honest, I really wanted to enjoy my pasta.

Which I ended up not really enjoying because I was so upset.

So instead, my brother-in-law called and found the company that towed my car and asked how much it would be to pick it up and when I could get it.

$282 and Sunday morning at 8 am.

After I heard that news, I was like crap, I obviously don't have that kind of money on me and I have to tell my parents.

I was so nervous to tell my parents but came to the conclusion that it would be okay.

I knew that they wouldn't yell at me or ground me because it was just a silly mistake.

No one got hurt, I wasn't in a car accident and the car didn't get stolen.

I would probably just have to pay for the towing myself.

Marykate called her mom to come pick us up, and then I anxiously waited to get home and tell my parents.

I knew I would tell them in a joking manner, as I normally do, and try to laugh about it. 

So I walked in the front door, they were sitting outside on the patio drinking (thankfully).

I walked outside, immediately, they asked how dinner was, I choked out, "It wasn't that good because I got the car towed..."

My mom just kind of laughed in shock, my dad started shaking his head, and then I was like crap, they're upset.

Some tears started to fall down on my face and then they told me it was okay, it wasn't that big of a deal.

My dad said, "The only thing that would have made this worse is if you saw the car on the tow truck..."

But oh I did... And then I told them the whole story.

We all laughed.

It was a great relief that my parents weren't upset.

I was more upset at myself because I had to pay $300 to get my car back.....

Very aggravating but it happens.

So much for the "free" parking spot...

So far that has been the most expensive lesson I have learned.

So WARNING to everyone!

READ THE SIGNS!!

And good thing I was wearing a light, easily breathable dress because I was sweating my brains out when I had to tell my parents that the car got towed....

I bought this dress from ZARA for work.

I bought a lot of dresses from ZARA actually, but I had to return pretty much all of them because they were too short!!!

Their fit models obviously aren't very tall so I had difficulty finding dresses from them that weren't up my butt...

I was disappointed by ZARA, so I guess I just kinda have to stick to J Crew!

Zara floral dress

J Crew blue mirrored sunglasses 

Vince Camuto studded sandals 

Two Piece Set

I have always wanted a two piece set.

They always look so effortless and adorable.

I used to think that so much of the same pattern on my long body would be too much, but this set is perfect!

I also am not a big fan of crop tops but I think with the high waisted shorts it is perfect.

If you have a shorter torso than I do, your midriff will be showing even less than mine.

When I got this set in the mail I sent pictures to all my friends saying I loved it but I wasn't sure where I would wear it, or if it was really me.

And it's not really me.

When have you ever seen me wear something like this?

Never.

But I really love it.

It is a bit retro because of the tie front and puffy shoulders, but that makes me love it even more.

I recommend going up a size in the top if you don't want too much cleavage. 

Now that I found this set I want to buy more!!

I will try to resist!

Here are some of my favorites:

Zara crop top and shorts ON SALE

ASOS off the shoulder crop top and matching skirt ON SALE

ASOS tie front top and matching shorts

ASOS pink off the shoulder top with matching shorts

ASOS gingham crop top and shorts set

Frolic 2017

Congrats class of 2017!!

You did it!

Welcome to the beautiful world of college!

You're going to love it!

On Friday, the class of 2017 graduated from my high school.

It's crazy to think that a year ago Saturday, June 24, I graduated from the same school.

I remember every detail from my graduation.

I remember how perfect my makeup looked despite the tears and the heat.

I remember finding my family in the audience.

I remember walking up to receive my diploma, having my last name mispronounced and getting a diploma case from the wrong school....

Yep, you heard that right.

And finally throwing my cap off into the air!

You can read all about my high school graduation HERE!

It was my biggest accomplishment at that point in my life. 

Now I have moved on to my dream school and am loving it more than I ever thought I would.

I still have some friends in the year below me, so I went and saw some of them sitting on the bleachers with their caps and gowns in the heat in front of my Alma mater.

It was a very weird seeing another class graduate.

I stood and watched for a few minutes.

But my main goal of visiting my old school was to see the Frolic.

As I explained last year, after graduation my school hosts a HUGE and very expensive party in the gym for every new alumni to go to so they don't drink and drive.

The school completely transforms the gym into something magical.

My year had the theme of Bikini Bottom, which was a little weak compared to this year's theme.

I have lots and lots of photos from last year's Frolic HERE!

This year's theme was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!

It was sooo over the top and amazing.

The gym was covered in candy as were the bathrooms.

It looked so fun and I'm a little sad that that wasn't my theme.

But that being said, I am so glad to have graduated when I did.

I am so glad to be at Wake Forest and I cannot wait to go back!

I am counting down the days to when I can see my beautiful campus again.

I feel a little bad for the class that just graduated because it was sooo HUMID on Friday.

It was hot when I graduated too, but not as bad as this.

It even started raining during graduation this year.

If I was actually graduating this year, I would have melted.

And I was melting just being outside. 

So imagine having a long polyester navy blue robe on....

Yeah, that's what I thought.

I opted for a full head to toe linen outfit on Friday, to resist the heat.

J Crew white linen off the shoulder blouse

J Crew 3 inch green linen shorts

J Crew tortoise shell and blue mirrored sunglasses

Tiffany pearl studs

J Crew green and gold bangle

Jack Rogers Hampton sandals in platinum 

My Biggest Fear

I am 18 going on 5.

I had two doctor appointments yesterday and I cried at both appointments.

Yep.

I am not proud that I cried but it happened and I'm over it.

I am not a very anxious, stressed or nervous person in general but when it comes to doctors visits I seem like a little child.

It's embarrassing really.

My blood pressure goes through the roof, my palms start sweating, my eyes well up with tears and I get all choked up.

I have white coat syndrome.

I know it sounds ridiculous, I am 18, almost 19, and I cry just about every time I go to the doctor.

I'm kinda pathetic. 

And let me give you some background information; I have never had surgery, I have a very clean bill of health and I have never even been to the ER before.

So honestly, there is no reason for me to get so anxious about visiting the doctor's office.

But for some crazy reason, that I don't know, I HATE the doctor.

So because I had two doctor appointments yesterday, I was just filled with anxiety and stress all day.

And finally at the end of the day I just broke down.

I was exhausted.

Mentally, exhausted.

Too much prodding and poking. 

I make this sound so dramatic, but I really had a rough day yesterday.

Lesson learned- max one doctor appointment a day, unless really necessary.

I put on a super cute outfit that I felt comfortable in, to wear to my appointments. 

I felt fine while taking these photos but then 3 minutes later when I got in the car to go to the doctor's office the real anxiety started to set in.

So you guys lucked out and missed seeing my splotchy face and messed up makeup!

Woo!

J Crew stripped bell sleeve shirt

J Crew 3 inch Chino hot pink shorts

J Crew gold tassel earrings (similar)

Jack Rogers Palm Beach white sandals 

Father's Day 2017

Yesterday my family and I celebrated Father's Day with our annual Father's Day celebration/Jack's Birthday Party.

It was a really nice day.

The day started out with my dad opening his presents, which consisted of a lot wine and funny cards.

My dad also brought out some Father's Day cards that Peter and I made when we were little. 

My penmanship was pretty good back in the day, if I do say so myself!

And what an artist I was... not really.

After some reminiscing I joined my father outside for some daddy-daughter time, which consisted of reading our books on the patio in the shade.

It was very humid yesterday but that didn't stop us from taking in the nice weather.

We continued taking in the nice weather when we went over to my sister's house for the family function!

It was fun as always.

We played my favorite game of RUNNING BASES!

If you read my blog post on Memorial Day weekend, we didn't get to play because of the weather, and I was so disappointed. 

(Read that blog post HERE)

And my brother and nephews almost tried to get out of playing it again this time because of the "weather," but it wasn't raining or snowing or anything!

It was just hot!

And they were being dramatic.

I told them that I live in North Carolina, and this heat/humidity in NY is nothing!!

So I got what I wanted, as per usual, and we played.

I came in second place and I showed everyone how much better I have gotten over the years of throwing a tennis ball...

So HA!

I knew going into the party that I wanted to play running bases, thus I knew I needed to wear an outfit appropriate for my favorite game! 

I wanted to wear a dress but at the same time I knew I was going to be running around, so I settled on shorts. But I wear shorts around to run errands so I wanted to be a little more dressed up, so I decided on a romper.

Perfect combination of a dress and shorts!

Shout out to Luchie for my "outfit pics" <3.

I think most dad's are very difficult when it comes to taking pictures, as in they NEVER want to be in them!

I know it's a Father's Day post but there is no pictures of my dad!

Don't worry there are pictures of us on my insta! (@tallandpreppy)

J Crew navy blue printed romper (similar)

Tiffany pearl studs

purple tassel necklace (similar)

Jack Rogers Hampton sandals in platinum 

New Jersey Bridal Shower

I landed Saturday night at 11pm from Florida, arrived back at my house at midnight and then woke up the next morning at 9am and drove to New Jersey.

What a weekend I had.

We went to a bridal shower in Toms River, New Jersey for my first cousin's fiancé. 

They are getting married in September.

His brother is also getting married this summer. 

So two brothers and two weddings within 3 months of each other.

I am very excited for both weddings.

I already have a gorgeous dress picked out for the wedding in July. And I can't wait to wear it!

The bridal shower was very nice. You might have seen some photos on my Insta story. The theme of the shower was sunflowers, because that is the bride's favorite flower.

There was a table of lemon and sunflower desserts and treats. I obviously dug in.

We knew that there would be too much traffic going towards New York from the Jersey Shore on a Sunday night, so we decided to spend the night in New Jersey.

We drove up to Long Branch, which is town hour north of Toms River and on the shore.

As you can see from the photos, this part of the shore is stunning.

The outfit I wore in these photos is the outfit I wore to the bridal shower.

It was like 95 degrees but I settled on my classic white jeans.

And then the outfit worked out perfectly to wear to dinner in Long Branch.

We went to dinner at Rooney's. 

It was right on the water and was very pretty.

My mom, grandma and I all had fish and it was sooo yummy!!

If I'm ever back on the shore I would definitely go back.

Banana Republic lavender blouse (similar)

Gap high waisted white skinny jeans in tall

Tory Burch double pearl studs

Hermès light pink and gold clic clack bangle

Quay white marble oversized sunglasses (similar)

Jack Rogers Hampton sandals in platinum

Cole Haan blue color blocked bag

A Cleanse in Marco

I'm back!

Sorry, if you missed me, but I was doing a little bit of a technology cleanse down in Florida.

But not really, because I was posting lots of Insta stories, photos on my Instagram (@tallandpreppy) and spending lots of time on FaceTime.

But now I am back in my home state and am ready to start blogging again!

I went to Florida with my two very best friends, Michelle and Giorgia. 

I have been saying we would go down to Marco for years now, and then one day, recently, I said let's just do it!

In the past, when we said we wanted to go, we could never pick a time where we were all not busy, but we found a short span where we all weren't working and with cheap air fares, and we booked our trip!

We flew my favorite airline, JetBlue, down to the sunshine state.

Except Florida didn't really live up to it's name like it was supposed to.

It rained two and a half days out of the four days we were there. 

So that was pleasant.

The wifi or cable wasn't working and there was serious flooding for the first couple of days. So we were stuck playing many games of monopoly, doing various difficult puzzles and baking lots of sweet treats.

I have to say, I actually thoroughly enjoyed not having wifi or cable. It was fun to play games and just be silly.

And it was more of a technology cleanse than I thought I was gonna have.

In between the rain we would go for a little walk down to the water and stick our toes in the 75 degree Gulf.

And then when it finally stopped raining, we made our way down to the beach with our lunches and basked in the sun for hours.

Every night we cooked ourselves dinner and ate our various delicious desserts!

After dinner we would all curl up on the couch and watch our new favorite tv show- Jane the Virgin.

The one night we went out to dinner, we Ubered over to the Esplanade for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Mango's, and left kind of disappointed. 

It wasn't very good and was a bit overpriced. 

I have been going there for years and have never been disappointed, but this time I really was.

So, I don't think I will be going back there anytime soon...

And the photos above are some from our trip to Mango's.

My mom called me one day while we were on the trip and asked how we were all doing, and asked if we had run out of things to talk about.

I told my mom, nope, surprisingly not, and I said they are my best friends, so of course I have endless things to talk to them about.

We didn't stop laughing the whole trip.

Michelle and Giorgia know me the best out of any two and it was just the best vacation!

Round two next year?? Yes please!

Joe Fresh orange basic tank top

J Crew white linen embroidered shorts

Vince Camuto nude studded sandals

Cole Haan blue color blocked bag

Ray Ban pink mirrored aviators 

LOTS of more photos and videos of our amazing trip are up on my Insta, @tallandpreppy!

Tourist in my own Home State

If you know me, you know I kinda hate looking like a tourist, let alone being one.

But this weekend I really embraced my inner tourist with these two lovely ladies.

I have seen a good amount of Manhattan but apparently not all of it, and Em, Caro and I discovered some more of it.

Our first stop of the day was to Grand Central Station.

Grand Central is an iconic landmark, that the city almost tore down.

The ceiling is beautiful and I would highly recommend going to visit it when you visit New York.

After gazing up at the masterpiece for a bit we took the 6 train all the way uptown to 77th street to visit the MET!

I don't really frequent the Met or Central Park very often, so it was very nice to visit.

I haven't been to the Met in years, thus I felt like a tourist.

We took the classic "Gossip Girl" pictures on the steps and then finally made our way inside the immense museum.

I forgot how big it is.

You could honestly spend days in it.

I mean, we couldn't find the exit...

By hour 2 of being in the museum we were getting a little hangry, Caro's feet were hurting pretty bad so it was time to leave. It took us a bit to find the exit, but once we did, we were on our way to Chop't. Chop't is a salad chain restaurant. 

It was pretty good!

We desperately needed some greens after the carbo load we had the past couple of days: bagels, pasta, bread, cake, pizza...

We then shuffled back down 5th Ave to Central Park.

I don't think Em quite grasped how big Central Park is.

I mean it's HUGE.

Acres and acres.

After taking more photos, of course, we found a sunny grassy spot and plopped down.

We basked in the sun for a while, took more photos, SHOCKER, and then caught the 5:18 train back home.

We ubered from Central Park to Penn Station, and it was really nice because Em and Caro were able to see Saint Patrick's Cathedral, the 5th Ave shops, Radio City Musical Hall and Times Square (again).

The fun didn't stop there...

Our train ended up being delayed, classic LIRR.

And then we grabbed some Mexican food and some fro-yo.

We were so tired from all the walking and, let's be honest, eating, that we took a hike at Sands Point Preserve yesterday, ate some pizza and then cuddled on the couch for the rest of the day!

Tour guide E is tired, but don't worry it's Em and Caro's turn next!!

Next stop: Boston!

Don't worry, Em, Caro and I are already planning our New York trip for next year! Stay tuned!!

My outfit:

J Crew white linen off the shoulder top

J Crew blue 3 inch printed shorts

American Eagle denim jacket

Ray ban pink mirrored aviators

Jack Rogers Hampton sandals in platinum

J Crew blue tassel earrings

Hermès clic-clack pink and gold bangle

Caro's outfit:

Bobbles and Lace off the shoulder printed romper

Ray ban folded tortoise shell Wayfarers

Jack Rogers Hampton sandals in gold

Em's outfit:

Target white t-shirt

Marshall's dark gray shorts

Levi's denim jacket

Vans light gray tie sneakers