Graduating with Blessings

No. More. College.  As you try to make it "hit you" you ask yourself so many questions.  What was I like freshman year on move-in day?  Am I really that different?  Who am I going to stay in touch with?  Will I ever see these people again?  What have I actually accomplished here besides my grades?

This past week I have been seeing glimpses of ways I have helped people during my time at William and Mary.  Here are a few little photos of unexpected surprises and blessings from my last week here.

My Her Campus team was so cute and gave me cards and gifts and a seriously yummy cupcake (thanks, Abbey) at our last night together.  What's Her Campus, you ask?  Check us out.  One girl, Harper, did a water color painting of a photo of me and wrote a precious message.  I am so blessed to have been able to lead such a great group.

Harper is in the middle, between the blondes.  Abbey, the cupcake queen, is the blonde to my left. 

Some of the Her Campus team I led this year. HCLove!

Today I got a package slip in my mailbox, and the cranky mail room lady comes out with a beautiful yellow rose.  My stomach kind of flipped, but then I read the message and it absolutely warmed my heart.  Totally unexpected.   Those girls are sweethearts.

Lastly, the 10 year old girl I nanny 3 days a week this year made me an adorable sign with my name on it.  This was the 2nd sign after misspelling my name on the 1st sign.  If a child has ever made you something, you understand how priceless it is, no matter how many spelling mistakes.   This one is definitely going on the door.

All of these sweet acts of kindness and appreciation have made me feel like I have actually helped people this year, whether its the 10 year old I nanny or the team of writers I lead at Her Campus.  There is no better feeling than hearing that you have, unknowingly, made a difference in someone's year.  For that, I am blessed.

Love,

Dylan

A New Favorite Retailer: Tobi

After spending the past 24 hours preparing hardcore for a presentation on Community Supported Fisheries for the Virginia Sea Grant, I needed to de-stress and de-nerdify.  What better way than online shopping?  I recently came across Tobi, and I absolutely love it.  They have unique, trendy, affordable pieces that will make all your friends ask, "Omg, WHERE did you get that top?"  Admit it, we all love that question.  Not to mention, all new arrivals are 30% off, and the fit is easier to estimate because the measurements of the models are listed by each item. P.S. Fellas, they have a great Men's Section!Check out some of my favorite pieces from Tobi!  

In Plain Sight Maxi Dress- $51 

Totally perfect for the beach.  The black one would be sexy-cute for evening!

Becky Ankle-Strap Sandals in Aqua- $22

Such a trendy take on "blue suede shoes."  These would be adorable with white shorts!  Also, these sandals are a great way to do color blocking if you pair them with sunny yellow or magenta pink.

Kayla Open Back Bandage Dress- $45

This lavender pastel bandage dress adds some innocence to the typical Kim Kardashian bandage dress.  The combination of purple and white is ultra springy, and the back is so unexpected and flirty.  I would definitely go with a nude shoe here to not overpower the delicacy of the color scheme.

Unzig Me Top in Red- $22

As you can see, these tops are super cute tucked into high waisted pants or shorts, but they also look decent untucked.  What's your preference?  I think this red top would look great with high waisted denim shorts or jeans, too!

Rock Candy Bib Necklace- $14

Bib necklaces are my favorite.  Why?  It's an effortless way to accessorize. You don't even need to think about earrings or bracelets.  I love this combo of gold and turquoise.  The coral and gold one is adorable, too.  Which color do you like better?

Pom Pom Scarf in Taupe- $17

How. Fun. But, let's be real.  This is one of those pieces you buy, and it ends up sitting in your closet for 3 years.

No Crossing Maxi Dress- $43

TALL GIRLS-- this is the PERFECT maxi dress for you.  You won't have to worry about that awkward look when a maxi dress is slightly, but obviously too short and looks like.... a mistake.  The high-low hemline is trendy, but not "out there."  The neckline and back is double-t hott, but not trashy.  The only problem?  Deciding which color.

Off Your Ruffles Dress- $56

This dress is literally a breath of minty fresh air.  My only concern is the length.   Shawtys, this one is for you!

Trading Stripes Blouse- $27

This top looks like something I would have found in my mom's closet 10 years ago.  Back then I probably would have sneakily hid it in the guest room closet like I did with all of her "ugly" clothes, but now I would totally want to "borrow" it.

Thanks for sticking with me, readers!  I am now DONE with college, so I can now focus more on YOU!  Expect videos and posts coming up on outfits of the day, the "guy-situation", graduation, post-college plans and MORE.  Also...
1.  Comment below with any requests for posts or personal questions you have. 
2. Do me a favor and "Like" my Facebook page.

With Total Love,

Dylan

Please help us win the Contiki Vacation!

I need your help!!!! Her Campus (the online magazine I have a branch with) is sending TWO of its Campus Correspondents on a Contiki vacation to Europe!

I have done so much with Her Campus at my school, taking it from a dozen girls to over 75, hosting the first ever Her Campus Intercollegiette Conference, and more than anything, building a community of girls who are excited about Her Campus.  

I am graduating in 2 weeks, and this would be a dream come true!  So vote for my friend, Kelsey Waild, and me on this page.  It literally takes 5 seconds.  We are the last row at the bottom!

http://www.hercampus.com/travel/campustocontiki

Thank you thank you thank you!

Lovelovelove,

Dylan

Dear Jeremy Lin....will you be my date to formal?

My friend and colleague, Lina Yeh, is inviting Jeremy Lin to her sorority formal!  

Watch the video and help her bring Mr. Linsanity himself to Williamsburg, VA!

With Love & Support,

Dylan

Zara Children I Want to Adopt

Which one is your favorite?  I love the turquoise chiffon pleated skirt in the second row from the top.  Oh, and how can you resist this little dumpling right above?  Two words: Fricken. Cute. 

Well done, Zara!

Love,

Dylan

Outfit of the Day: New York & Company and Guess

Top from New York & Company, Spring 2012

Shorts from.... my closet?

Wedges from Guess, Summer 2011

For *more* photos check out the All Dolled Up facebook page here and don't forget to "Like" my page!

Happy Easter!  He is Risen!

Love,

Dylan

5 Truths About Young Women and Sleepwear

As I was looking through my "pajama drawer" I noticed the variety of options-- and I know I'm not alone.  We have the free t-shirts and high school hoodies for nights alone.  We have matchy matchy sets for when we need to look "extra cute."  We have a selection of Soffe shorts [in every color] that we claim are multipurpose-- for the gym and the bedroom.  And what about our Victoria's Secret PINK sweats?  What's that you say-- those are for class?? Not all pajamas are created equal.   I can guarantee women don't wear the same things to bed alone that they would wear in certain "other" situations, whether that be a sleepover or a cuddle sesh.  Ladies, deny it all you want, but we all know this is the truth. 

1. What you think you should wear for a "girls night in."

2. What you actually wear for a "girls' night in."

3. What your grandma hopes you will wear.

4. What you wear when he is over.

5.  What you wear to bed alone. 

"Love it" if this rings true.

Love,

Dylan