Chucks

A thick layer of “frat sludge” covers every fraternity basement at Wake Forest. This grey-tinged mixture of alcohol, mud, and god knows what else leaves less-than-desirable stains on footwear. So what’s a party girl to do?

Invest in a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors. At least, that’s the solution Wake Forest's Greek women turned to. 

With sororities on campus embracing their newest members, expect to see a few more pairs of chucks running around the frat scene. 

As a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, I don our signature blue chucks. At least, I used to until four years of sludge turned them an awful dirty gray color. Now I'm stuck debating if it's worth it to buy a new pair with one semester of college left.

Readers, what do you think? Will I wear my favorite chucks in the real world? Or should I leave this tradition in college alongside 8 a.m. classes and all night dance parties?

Flannel, Formal, and Fall Leaves: A Life Update

It's nearing the end of fall semester, and I've been so busy with school and the Wake social scene that I've neglected my blogging. I hate to make empty promises, but as I enter the home stretch of this semester, I'll make an effort to post more frequently. In case you've been itching for an update, here's what I've been doing in my absence from the blogosphere.

(Me and my friend Aveen in our flannel waiting to go out on the boats)

Mountain Weekend
Visualize a serene mountain setting with cozy cabins, picturesque rocking chairs, and a lack of cell phone reception. Now impose over that peaceful scene a crowd of rowdy college students sporting flannel, blaring music and generally disrupting the crisp, cool Rocky Mountain air.

Two weekends ago I attended a fraternity formal in Fontana Dam, North Carolina, where activities included everything from floating pontoon boats to swing dancing at the formal. Needless to say, my weekend attire ranged from sweatshirts to stilettos. It was a nice break from campus life, but far too brief. Missing a weekend of studying threw me into an academic whirlwind once we made it back to Winston-Salem.

Public Art Final Projects
This semester I enrolled in a public art course to finish up my Studio Art minor. Basically this class is run as a guided independent study with an exhibited piece of public art as the final project. Naturally, I decided to go about my project the difficult way, and am in the process of creating a series of temporary public art pieces  inspired by the poetry of Wake Forest Alum, A. R. Ammons.

Last week, the library held a symposium honoring the poet, and I was fortunate enough to read a poem aloud during the final lunch. On the tails of the conference, I displayed my first work of art, a piece inspired by Ammons' poem "Rapids," pictured above.

Wake readers, keep your eyes peeled for the remaining works in my series. They'll be popping up on campus soon alongside the other final pieces from my class.

Semi-Formal

Right before Thanksgiving break my sorority had our last event of 2010, semi-formal. After internally debating my outfit for what seemed like days, I settled on a Plenty by Tracy Reese dress that I've had for a few years. Filled with dancing and food, formal was great. I couldn't have asked for a better night, but I am so happy to have a brief hiatus from Wake Forest for the next couple days.

(This print is part of Anderson Design Group's "Spirit of Nashville" Series)

Thanksgiving Break
After a day of traveling, I'm so excited to be back home in Nashville. I can't wait for all my family and high-school friends to get into town!

Readers, has your fall been flying by? Can y'all believe it's Thanksgiving tomorrow?

Lilly Pulitzer Designs Sorority-Inspired Prints

Yesterday, Lilly Pulitzer's Facebook page showcased a sneak peak of the brand's fall collection. Included in the line are four mini-collections inspired by different national sororities. As a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, one of the sisterhoods included, I cannot wait to see the completed product. Far too often sorority paraphernalia is in-your-face and cheesy, but Lilly's designs appear to be slightly more subtle. In addition to KKG, Kappa Delta, Tri-Delta and Delta Zeta will also be featured. Each line will include a tote, carry-all, pencil pouch, wallet, scarf and cosmetic case with prices ranging from $28-$148. The Lilly sorority collections as well as the complete fall line will be available in stores in August.

Click below for images of the Kappa Delta, Tri-Delta and Delta Zeta collections.

 Kappa Delta

Tri-Delta

Delta Zeta