Spring Into Style

It's been sunny in Tacoma, WA since February, but I know my sisters in the rest of the country haven't been so lucky. Now that it's March hopefully everyone is starting to get some sun. When the sun comes out so does Spring fashion. Nothing is better than a cute dress or a floral top after months of dreary grey skies. Here are a few outfits to boost your Spring wardrobe!

1. For class...
Boho is back! Rock this Spring trend with a pair of paisley printed pants. Let your pants shine with a simple white tee. Grab a boho-inspired feather necklace and some wedges and you're ready to go. This outfit is on trend, but also casual enough for everyday classes. You'll be turning heads in the library with this fresh attire.

Shirt - Pants - Necklace - Shoes

2. For those rainy days...
Don't let a little rain ruin your style. Embrace the rainy days with a cute pair of rain boots. These navy ones will look great with any outfit, especially these bright pink pants. Grab a light sweater and a scarf to keep you warm on those chilly early spring days.

Boots - Pants - Sweater - Scarf - Bag

3. For the weekend...
Florals are a classic Spring trend, but it can get boring. Mix it up with an edgy spin. This floral skort is popping with color. With a black crop top and some killer booties, your ready to dance the night away. Add a 90s chocker and some retro sunglasses to complete the look. This definitely isn't your grandma's floral.

Top - Skort - Necklace - Booties - Sunglasses

In Cold Weather For Recruitment? Here's How To Stay Looking Hot

We all see those Instagram pics of our older friends going through recrutiment at schools in Arizona, Florida, and California in the fall. The hot weather calls for adorable floral rompers, open-toed wedges, and sun-kissed tan legs. But for those of us in colder climates or who go through recruitment in the spring, we are thrown a bit of a curveball in our easy, breezy outfits.

Here's a few helpful hints to make the supreme outfit hunt go a bit more smoothly: 

Tip #1: If it's cold out, don't skip the sweater in an effort to look cute. Cold weather is the perfect time to rock that edgy leather jacket or the darling shearling collared coat you got for Christmas. As much as you may want to wear your cute brandy tank dress, you're not going to enjoy being the girl waiting outside the house freezing because you didn't want to wear warmer clothes. 

Tip #2: If it's raining out invest in a bubble umbrella. The shape of the umbrella will not only keep the rain off the top of your head, but will protect the entire front and back of your body from the windy rain. Wouldn't want to ruin that perfectly curled hair!

This one from Target is totally affordable and will keep you looking adorable. Trust me, you'll be the envy of every other rushee. 

Tip #3: Have one really great conversational piece. Wearing some funky polka dot tights (woohoo sale!), a rhinestone headband, or a daring lipstick color is a great way to break up an awkward conversation and it's a sure way for girls to remember you in the sea of hundreds of PNM's. 

Tip #4: Don't dress how you think they want you to, dress how YOU want to. Yes, there is the stereotypical sorority style: Kate Spade dress, Tory Burch bag, monogrammed necklace, pearl earrings, and Lilly planner. If this outfit is actually you're style, then rock it! But don't go spend money on clothes you're not going to feel comfortable in. Recruitment is the time where sororities get to know you, and your style is a wonderful reflection of your personality and interests. 

Editor's Note: This article was written by one of our new writers, Kendall. Please show her some love in the comments on behalf of her first post! 

A Few Things to Remember in 2015

Each new year, we set resolutions to make ourselves better. Each new year, we strive to be healthy or to study more. Each new year, we often forget a few things that stress us out in our resolutions. Here are 6 things to remember with your New Year's resolutions.

1. A cupcake won't break your diet goals. Nor will that slice of pizza you are craving nor the candy bar that you throw into your basket at the grocery store. Eat that cupcake! Treat yo self!

2. One bad grade doesn't make you a bad student. Make up for it next time by studying extra hard for your next test and make sure to get all of your other assignments in on time!

3. Looking perfect everyday is impossible and striving for that isn't worth it. Instead shoot for being pulled together when you need to be pulled together and as long as sweatpants only make their appearance every once in a while you're okay.

4. You will go over budget. It's fine. Cut back and adapt accordingly when you do. Try to avoid going over by limiting how often you eat out and if you won't ever wear something you bought out with friends, return it!

5. Sometimes it's hard to spend more time with family when you are away at school. Try scheduling 2 weekly phone dates with your family.

6. Being less stressed is a ridiculous mission that you will fail at! Volunteer or find other ways to relax that you can incorporate into your schedule. Goals like this are way easier to make happen!

Accept that everyone makes mistakes and that it's not that serious if you don't maintain all of your resolutions!

Leave a comment with your thoughts! 

New Year's Eve Attire

New Year's Eve is easily one of the biggest fashion events of the year. Everyone pulls out their glitziest outfits and prepares for a night on the town. I know how important that night's look can be so I have compiled a list of 3 easy outfits from stuff you have in your own (or at least a sister's) closet!

Look 1: Black skinny pants & glam black top

Monochromatic black is always the first easy answer to a NYE outing. Pants will keep you warm while you are walking (instead of driving - be safe) around the city and will also be way less of a hassle when you are dancing the night away. Add some chandelier earrings or a statement necklace and a bright red lipstick and you are ready!

Look 2: Sequin tank and blazer

This is perfect for a more chill evening in or an evening watching the ball or in my case peach drop over your city. It's warm but still festive and sparkly. Booties and jeans or even leggings will tie this look together!

Look 3: LRD - Little Red Dress

You can always opt for the classic black version of this outfit but why not mix it up with a pop of color (it doesn't even have to be red). This fabulous outfit option is sure to make you look and feel ready for the new year! Add whatever neutral accessories you want but be cautious of stilettos on a night like NYE!

Send us pictures of your New Year's Eve OOTD at sisterhoodredefined@gmail.com!

What to Wear to Meet the Parents

Thanksgiving week is the perfect time to meet your new boy's parents and have him meet your family. I remember when I was meeting my boyfriend's parents for the first time, I was so unsure of what to wear so I stressed all afternoon. I did what all of us would do and I asked my boyfriend. Naturally, he told me what ever I wore would be fine but that was absolutely no help at all. Fear not though because I am here to help!

I have compiled 3 outfits that are perfectly appropriate to meet the parents in. I hope something here is perfect for your outing with his family!

For the first outfit, grab a basic button down, Polo or otherwise, and tuck it into a skater skirt. Don some tights and throw on some basic boots. For the final touch, add a sparkly accent necklace to make this outfit perfect for a dinner out.

For the second outfit, start with skinny jeans and a loose oversized sweater. Add a quilted vest and fluffy scarf to keep it comfy and warm. With a pair of booties, this outfit is perfect for a bonfire

For your last outfit, start with a t-shirt dress in a fall color. Make it a bit warmer with a long cardigan. Add some tall socks and a pair of boots. With some big earrings, this is a great outfit for dinner at his house. The socks make it perfect to take off your shoes if that's how your SOs parents roll.

Any of these outfits are also perfect for dinner with your family or families of any of your friends!

Semi Formal Fashion

As we approach semi formal and winter formal season, we begin the ever constant struggle of finding the perfect dress. First of all, no matter how much you love the concept of a new dress for every event, shop your closet and closets of sisters before you go drop $100 on a new dress that you will wear for a few hours at the most.

This velvet green dress will not only keep you warm as you dance the night away but also won't break the bank at $15.90 from Forever 21. Style it with black booties and silver or gold accessories. 

This blue lace dress is fun, flirty and perfect to style up or down depending on how formal your semi is! For $29.95 from H&M, you get a lot of bang for your buck! Style it with some awesome pumps and big earrings.

This cute black dress is perfect for a less formal evening. Style it with some black tights to keep warm during a colder season, For $29.98 from Body Central, you can also save some money instead of dropping all your savings. Plus this is perfect to wear again! 

This classy little number is perfect for when you don't know what to expect at a Semi Formal event. If you know alumni will be there, this screams I can have fun but also can be a grown up. Reuse this dress for Christmas Eve with your grandparents! It's a little bit of a splurge for $58 from Francescas. 

Send us your semi formal pictures to show us what you end up wearing and we will feature you on Instagram! 

Cute and Fun Ways to Wear Your Letters

Being in a sorority it is inevitable that you will be wearing your letters the majority of your time. While it is comfy to throw on a t-shirt with a pair of norts and chacos and head to class, sometimes it is nice to dress up and show off your letters in a higher fashion way.

A cute casual way to show off your letters is with a pair of skinny jeans and boots. You will be just as comfortable as if you were wearing leggings or norts but will look 100% more put together.

If you live in an area where it isn't quite cool enough to commit to jeans and boots, you can simply grab a pair of cute shorts and tuck your letters in. Adding a belt will complete the look and you will look good while staying casual and comfy

For a slightly less casual look, add a sleek pair of skinny pants and pumps with your letters. By wearing black on black a simple t-shirt will look high class and fancy. 

A skirt, boots, and a belt are the perfect items to match with your letters if you are heading to a philanthropy concert or any outdoor event. You will look cute without going overboard and still be able to show off your sorority. 

Beyond the Leggings

No one warned me that joining a sorority would mean that my entire wardrobe would double from t-shirts alone. I have so many sorority t-shirts that I have to devote an entire drawer exclusively to them. The problem with having this many t-shirts, though, is that I tend to get into and leggings and t-shirt rut mid-way through the semester. It’s an easy go-to outfit and the shirts are just so cute I can’t bear to not wear them. If you’re anything like me, you’re dying to step up your wardrobe. Here are a few tips on how to wear your plethora of sorority t-shirts in a new way.

Add a skirt…

Skirts are just as easy to put on as a pair of leggings. By tucking your latest philanthropy shirt into a cute skirt, you are showing the entire world that you’re proud of your sorority and that you can actually look like a put together adult. As the weather gets colder, opt for wool skirts and/or tights. Pick a skirt that fits your style, whether that is a classic black skirt or a more funky floral skirt. If you’re really feeling ambitious, go ahead and add a statement necklace.

Funky Skirt

Layer under a jacket…

It’s easy to throw on a sweatshirt of a fleece, but why not elevate your style a little bit. Adding a cool leather jacket or a cozy sweater is the perfect wardrobe decision in the fall. Cardigans can class up your favorite new bid day shirt, especially when paired with a bright pair of pants or well-fitting jeans.

Cozy Sweater

Buy something new…

If you’re looking to buy some new sorority apparel, you’ll be surprised by how many unique options there are these days. Why buy another boring t-shirt when you can have a vest, a button down, or even a cute tote bag. You can add your letters to almost anything these days. Get creative! Watch heads turn when you walk into chapter with your brand new cardigan embroidered with your sorority crest.

Chic Vest

10 DIY Halloween Costumes

As you know Halloween is coming up soon! If you have not already decided what you are going to dress up as you have come to the right place! Today we are sharing our top ten favorite DIY Halloween costumes.

10. Black Cat 

Black tights, a black t-shirt, and cat ears are all you need to be a mysterious cat for the night. Use eye liner to add wiskers to complete your outfit!

9. Hot Sauce

Whether you're feeling mild, hot, or on fire, you can't go wrong with Taco Bell sauce! Just alter a big t-shirt and write a catchy phrase on it and you are good to go. 

8. Marry Poppins

You can be everyone's favorite character with items that are already in your closet! Just wear a white button up with a shirt and add a cute little bow tie to finish your look. Carry around an umbrella so everyone know who you are! 

7. Mini Mouse

You can't go wrong with being the ever so classic Mini Mouse. Wear a red skirt with a black blouse and black Disney ears for your outfit and use eye liner to add a black nose to you face and you are all set. 

6. Deer  

If you wear a completely brown outfit and add some "deery" makeup, you will be fighting off the hunters all night long. 

5. A Pineapple

This summer was all about pineapples and citrus fruits! Relive those times with a simple yellow dress and a stem made from green paper!

4. 50 Shades of Gray

Pay tribute to your favorite book without breaking the bank. Collect paint samples in all shades of gray and attach them to a gray outfit for this fun costume!

3. Social Media

If you want to be tech savvy this Halloween then just be technology itself. Gather a group of friends and make t-shirts representing all of your favorite social medias.

2. Scarecrow

Take a cute spin on a traditional fall item. Pair your favorite plaid shirt with some skinny jeans and boots and add a few sunflowers to complete your outfit. Finish the costume off with cute scare crow makeup.

1. Starbucks

It has been said that the best crafts are made when you have coffee (Starbucks to be exact) but what if you are actually crafting Starbucks? A simple brown dress and white feather boa make this outfit simple and awesome!

Quick and Easy Make-up Routine

Happy Friday to you! I hope you have been keeping up with Sisterhood Redefined this week as we have had some spectacular posts!

Today I am sharing a quick and easy make-up routine to get you out of the door and off to class faster than ever!

First start with a clean face and apply a BB Cream. I choose a BB Cream because it is super easy to apply and gives a light coverage that is perfect for class. I personally love the Urban Decay and the Clinique BB Creams most but any will work.

 

Once you have applied a BB Cream, set it with a facial powder. This will prevent your face from appearing shiny. Bare Minerals has a great powder on the market!

To finish up your face, apply blush to your cheeks to give you some color!

After applying blush it is time to move to your eyes. I always put shadow one first and for class a neutral palette seems to work best. This way you are not overpowering your face for class. Tarte has currently come out with a limited edition cheek and eye palette that contains perfect colors for this simple class look. 

Eyeliner is essential to your everyday make-up look. If you are in a hurry, I find it easiest to use a pencil liner as opposed to a liquid liner because it allows more room for error. Stilla and Clinique both produce a great pencil liner that can be applied in only a few seconds. 

  

Finish your eyes off with a volumizing mascara to make your eyes and face appear alive (even if you did happen to pull and all nighter.) I swear by Bare Minerals Lash Domination because it does not clump up your lashes and the brush applies the mascara quite evenly. 

With this quick routine you will surely look fabulous for class and still have time to stop by Starbucks for your morning coffee!

What are your favorite make-up routines?

How to Dress For Your (First) Ritual

Despite the many differences between each sorority, one thing that I've found relatively similar is how we dress for our rituals. If you're a new member of a sorority or if you've just never really grasped the concept of ritual attire here are some tips on how to dress for your ritual.

White Dresses (or sometimes a white skirt and top are acceptable) are worn at rituals. The dress should not be tight or show too much cleavage. It should be modest. White Shoes are also required. In my experience I've found white closed-toed flats were the most comfortable and the safest bet when it comes to proper shoes. You wear white because the color white is a symbol of purity and you are supposed to come to rituals in your purest form. Which leads me to...

Minimal to No Make-up or Jewelry Again, you are supposed to be in your purest form, make-up and jewelry are not a part of that. If you are going to wear make-up, it must be very light and wedding/engagement rings are the only form of jewelry allowed to be worn.

When in doubt you could always google "Sorority Ritual Attire' and look at pictures of other sorority girls online in ritual attire or just ask a sister who has been through numerous rituals already. Here are some good examples:

What to Wear: Chapter Edition

Your sorority chapter meetings are like business meetings and most times you will need to dress accordingly. Personally, this is one of the things I love most about sorority life because it gives you a heads-up to what you'll be doing once you get into the real world. Here are some options for chapter attire that will pretty much fit a lot of people's wardrobe/personal style preference.

The first option is nice and simple. A nice pair of slacks can be dressed up so easily & a pants option is more convenient for the colder months of the school year. This is also a really neutral color scheme that anyone can get away with, it's not too bright or too dull. 

This is another option with a neutral color scheme (I just find neutral colors to be more professional). The dress is just super cute and so easy to throw on when you don't really have much time to think about what to wear to chapter or when you're just entirely unsure. Adding a blazer to a dress can make it so professional! I mean, adding a blazer to anything can give it an entirely different look but especially with a dress like this, it's like a go-to chapter outfit.

Lastly, this is for those people who do love that pop of color but still want to keep it professional. Pencil skirts and a neutral top is the way to go! Pencil skirts can be professional/chapter attire when worn the right way. Make sure they're not too tight, & to pair it with some really cute shoes like the ones in the picture and you should be solid!

Which chapter outfit is your favorite?