Recruitment Rundown: Advice from the Vignettes Girls

It's about that time of year again! In just a few weeks, girls across the country will be gearing up to go Greek. From perfect outfits to 30-second conversations to bid day excitement, sorority recruitment can be a time of mixed emotions and ceaseless stress- but it doesn't have to be! That's why the Vignettes girls have put together this Recruitment Rundown for, as you will soon be dubbed, the Potential New Member.

Here you will find all of the little necessities to make your recruitment experience the best it can be. We have paired the perfect pieces for every "round" style, so that you'll never have to doubt your outfit. From comfy and casual to sophisticated and semi-formal, we're giving you Vignettes-approved examples of your best bets for Philanthropy to Preference, and everything in between. 

However, recruitment isn't just about the clothes you wear, but the personality that shines through. We've asked all of our Vignettes girls for their best recruitment advice, proven to get you through the thick and thin of every round. With experience on both sides of the recruitment process, we know exactly what you're going through, and exactly what you need to know to survive the week! 

The Look: A Polished Pair of Shorts 
     Struggling to define the word "casual" on your recruitment schedule? We suggest ditching your denim and choosing something simultaneously put-together and effortless. Reach for bright, patterned shorts (not too tight or too short, of course) and a basic yet polished top. This is also the perfect look to pair with your recruitment t-shirt, need be. Add bright earrings and bracelets to give the outfit a fun and personal feel-these sorority sisters want to see the real YOU! 

Selden Hunnicutt, Delta Delta Delta, Vanderbilt University: "This may sound a bit crazy, but sorority recruitment can actually be... fun. While lining up outside of a house, you will always have some serious butterflies, but the minute that line starts moving, forget about them! The girls inside really want to get to know you and to see how you would fit in their chapter. Enjoy your conversations, chit chat, and SMILE! Let them remember you because you were warm and friendly, not because you were standoffish or nervous. When you let yourself relax a little, you'll find yourself walking out of the house a few minutes later thinking 'hey, that was easy!"

The Look: The Super-Cute Shift
     Probably the most common recruitment look, a sundress is your tried-and-true staple. Choose something cute but comfortable; you don't want to be tugging on straps all day! That's why we suggest an adorable shift with sleeves, like this one from Everly. It's colorful and cute, but it won't give you grief as you walk from house to house. Add a punchy necklace and a stack of bracelets for even extra pop!

Mattie Hyder, Alpha Delta Pi, Presbyterian College: "BE YOURSELF. I know it may seem obvious, but in my opinion, it is definitely one of the most important rules of rush! Many girls will try to rush the sorority their friends do and not the one that is their best fit. It is very important to find the sorority that fits you best because that sorority will be your new "family" at school. (They are your "sisters" after all). Don't be afraid to join a different sorority than your friends! Don't worry, they will still be your friends! Plus, you will be happier with a sorority that has more in common with you! Have fun, make new friends and be yourself!! Your new family awaits you! "

The Look: A Sunday Sundress
     Plenty of Panhellenic recruitment guides suggest a sundress that is "wedding or church appropriate" (read: an appropriately dressy DAYtime look). That's why we're loving this Jack by BB Dakota sundress-with a classic shape and unique print, it's a proper piece that will still pique everyone's interest. Throw on your bangles to really bring out the colors in your dress and, when in doubt, to use as a conversation starter!

Jaclyn Fraizer, Alpha Delta Pi, Georgia Regents University: "Recruitment is a lot like speed dating. You will walk into each recruitment party and talk to so many different girls in such a short period of time. Do not be afraid to talk about yourself and be confident. Use any down time you may have to bond with the other girls going through with you and in your Pi Chi group. I met one of my best friends at our recruitment open house. When I sat next to her that night, I had no idea that I would end up pledging the same sorority as her, and sitting next to her every Sunday at chapter for the following three years. I am a legacy and I joined the sorority I was a legacy for. I love the fact that my sister and I are now "double sisters." But each chapter is different at each school, do not join a sorority if that specific chapter doesn't feel right for you and if it doesn't feel like your own. Superficial piece of advice, get a fresh mani-pedi before recruitment because if you're anything like me, you will be talking a lot with your hands. Don't let your chipped manicure overshadow your sparkling personality."

The Look: Sophisticated Semi-Formal

     If your school's recruitment calls for a cocktail or semi-formal look, resist the temptation to go for the glitz and glam of high school prom. Instead, opt for a dress that is sparkly yet simple, like this powder blue dress with a beaded belt and open sleeves. You'll look glamorous and on-trend without going overboard- especially if you keep the jewelry simple. Even better, you'll feel classy and confident walking into your last round!

Aubrey Burnside, Chi Omega, University of Georgia: "To say that watching 2,000 girls, hobbling in wedges up and down Milledge Avenue, was “intimidating,” would be an understatement. Recruitment is without a doubt one of the most exciting and important times of your life. Not only do you learn a lot about yourself, but you make a decision that chooses the peers that become your lifelong friends. A few things to think about during rush are: use your own judgement, be outgoing, and most importantly enjoy yourself! Sometimes you might only spend 10 minutes with a girl and you want to make sure she remembers you for the bubbly, energetic girl you are. If you are having a fun time, she will be too! Make sure to not only connect with the older girls who are rushing you, but get to know the girls that keep coming back to your same houses because they could potentially be in your pledge class. The days are long and hot, so drink a lot of water and gear up for a crazy few days with a reward that is well worth it. Go Greek!"

The Look: A Not-So-Basic Black

     Wanting to stand out in the sorority-hopeful sea of black? Look for dresses with special detailing to leave a lasting impression during Preference Round. We're obsessed with this number thanks to its elegant sheer skirt of black stripes, which really pop against the nude lining. Classic pearl earrings and neutral bangles add a bit of sparkle without detracting from the glamour of this get-up.

 Sadie Rhodes, Kappa Kappa Gamma, University of Mississippi: "As cliche as it might sound, my advice for girls going through recruitment is to be yourself. The recruitment process is pretty much about finding your home away from home. Whether your school is an hour from home or 16 hours from home, you want to choose a house that you can go to and feel welcomed, comfortable and included. In order to find a good match, you have to be yourself. The house of girls you pick will become your family and lifelong friends, so choose wisely. Also, make sure you get a good 8 hours of sleep the night before and eat a good breakfast and lunch. Recruitment takes a lot of energy and takes up most of your day! You want to make sure you have plenty of stamina to get through every house smiling and showing interest and then already be excited to meet the girls at the next house. Good Luck!"

The Look: Bid Day Beautiful
     You made it! On Bid Day, celebrate your new sisterhood in a fantastic white frock. Be it lace, peplum, A-line, or ruffled, choose a style that suits you; after all, you'll probably be taking tons of pictures! Give the dress that extra something with a bright necklace or big stack of bracelets and you'll be the focus of every photo. Even if your schedule doesn't call for a white dress, it isn't a bad investment; many sororities require white for future rituals (shhh!).

Need a refresher course on your school's recruitment style suggestions? Check out this list we compiled for reference! 

Best of luck to all girls going through recruitment this fall! 

à bientôt... See you soon!

Summer Sounds

A good playlist is like a good dress- it makes us feel amazing. Music has become our best accessory; we change it to fit our mood, draw inspiration from it, and experiment with it. At Vignettes, we're convinced that music makes the moment, hence our carefully crafted shopping soundtrack.  Although we're constantly on a hunt for ways to refresh our musical wardrobe, the tried and true remain everyday classics (hint hint: we're ALWAYS going to LOVE the 70s). Here we have a sampling of some of our favorite numbers to add a dash of happiness to your road trips, soirees, and everyday routines. 

The Theme: embracing your inner girl- strength, softness, romance, and all. 

The Feel: brighten-your-day, feel-good, belt-it-in-your-car kind of style

Summer Showers Playlist

Sounds like the perfect accessory, huh?

à bientôt... see you soon!

Fashionable Fathers

Today is a special day for us girls at Vignettes.  It's a day that we get to remember and honor the first male "love of our life" - our dad! We've asked our resident PR intern, Selden Hunnicutt, to spotlight her relationship with her dad, Greg, and his influence on her fashion perspective.  Happy Father's Day from all the 'Daddy's girls' at Vignettes!

It's a fact: dads know everything... or, at least, they give us that impression. From football technique to the proper way to parallel park, our fathers are always at the ready with a lesson to teach or a knowlegable helping hand. My freshman year at college required many a phone call home to consult my father about every ailment, technical issue, or tough professor. There he was, ready to impart his seemingly infinite wisdom that I was eager to accept in my struggles with a newfound responsibility. If, in my 19 years worth of trials and tribulations, he has ever not known what to do, he has certainly faked it well.

One thing I am certain that Daddy does not fake is fashion. To say we develop our sense of style with the guidance of solely our mothers is an insult to our fathers; they, too, have an influence on the clothes in our closet. Is that dress too tight? Are your shorts too short? Dads retain the exclusive right to act as the moral compasses of our wardrobes. We may not always heed their paternal concern, but their advice lingers in the back of our minds on every shopping trip.

Yet, our fathers do more than patrol our style; they teach it to us. My Daddy's choice in clothing has instilled three major tenants in my fashion philosophy:

1. Classic is always in style. My father has his perennial favorites, and he's not apologizing for outfit repetition. Every Christmas Eve he dusts off a wine red velvet sports coat to pair with a dark green tie, and each Easter Sunday he dons a seersucker suit. Button-down shirts, khakis, and boat shoes will be eternally acceptable and are therefore his everyday uniform. Keep the classics in your closet and you'll always have something to wear.

2. It's all in the details. Be it the tassels on his loafers, the print of his tie, or the embroidered Union Jack on his newest pair of shorts, Daddy knows that the best pieces are those which have a little something extra. Find those small accents and embrace them, because they can really make an outfit stand out.

3. "Comfortable" and "stylish" can be used in the same sentence. If it's hot, wear seersucker; it looks good AND it's lightweight. Your shoes don't have to kill your feet; I guarantee you can find an even better pair that doesn't always give you blisters. Fashion shouldn't involve so many Band-Aids. 

Happy Fathers Day to all of the dads out there; you've influenced us more than you'll ever know! 

à bientôt... see you soon!

That's So Retro: 70's Inspired Looks

Confession time: We at Vignettes are a bit obsessed with the 70's. The music, the clothes, the decor- take a look around our store and you will find that we're constantly taking cues from the decade of disco. While we'll happily admit that the zippered jumpsuit should always remain a relic of days gone by, we're also excited to see several old trends resurfacing in refreshed form. Just as they were 40 years ago, our pants are wider, our shorts are shorter, and our platforms are higher- and we couldn't be more pleased. To help you embrace the return of retro without retrogressing, we've assembled a few looks that not only incorporate 70's style, but are totally wearable on an everyday basis. Check it out!

1. Palazzo Pants- A throwback to the drama of the bell-bottom pant, these flowing wide-leg pants are so fab. Boasting bold stripes and floral prints, they're sure to catch anyone's eye as you strut down the street. To accentuate the high-waisted look we chose cropped tops with lace and crochet detail to soften the look, and accessorized with bold jewelry to add playfulness. Take your outfit to new heights with a pair of sky-high platforms, perfectly topping off this on-trend look! 

2. Bohemian- Find your zen within and become the haute hippie you are inside (and maybe once were back in the day). The updated boho chic look is all about tiny florals, earthy tones, and delicate details. We took two approaches: a flowing maxi with greens, oranges, and browns, and a loose floral-print peasant blouse with faded denim shorts. Note the beaded jewelry, which incorporates natural materials and adds strands of color, as well as the crochet detailing on the blouse and the shorts. These elements give the outfits a relaxed look without screaming Woodstock, making it easy to embrace your flower child spirit any day of the week.

3. Hot Pants- We wear short shorts! Every generation of girls has enjoyed showing a little leg, but recently styles have turned back to a 70s silhouette- short, fitted, and with the classic high-waist. We gravitate towards shorts with punchy colors, such as orange, or with a retro rainbow stripe. Try mixing textures (like linen and lace) or pairing solid shorts with something unexpected, like this cool Southern and City fringe and floral jacket. When it comes to jewelry, play up the fun of the outfit with chunky necklaces and sparkly bracelets. With this look, you'll look and feel worthy of the front cover of the yearbook!

To try on any of these looks, stop by Vignettes to check out our collection of 70s-inspired clothing!

à bientôt...

Vignettes Essentials: Beach Edition

School’s out, sun’s out, and it’s time to take a breather. A classic spot to let your hair down and celebrate the summer? We vote the beach. There’s nothing like real salt water to give you that vogue surf hair or the sight of your favorite seaside restaurant to give you a hankering for fresh seafood. From sunning on the sand to cleaning up for a night out, we’ve got you covered with a packing list to keep you looking and feeling like the beautiful beach babe you really are. Check out the Vignettes essentials before you set off for the shore.

1. Jump into the beach spirit with nautical jewelry, 

like this one-of-a-kind starfish necklace.

2. By the ocean, by the pool, inside where its cool- a good read is a must-have. We love People StyleWatch- it features some of the great brands we carry at Vignettes!

3. Warm weather means the perfect chance to try out a DIY mani-pedi. The fun colors and cork tops by Megan Miller Collection make these your perfect polish picks.

4. Let your true colors show in a pair of fun sandals, like these from Sunny Feet. Not only will they brighten your beachwear, but they'll show off that new pedicure.

5. We're all about white dresses at the beach. Why? Not only do they look crisp and clean, but they emphasize your hard-earned tan! Check out this simple one from Everly.

à bientôt...

A Vignette of Vignettes

pronounced [vin-yets]

By literary definition, a vignette is a short impressionistic scene that focuses on one moment or gives an effective impression about a character, an idea, or a setting, and sometimes an object. However, a vignette applies to far more than a novel; it is a definition that stretches into many realms of creativity. Whether literature, architecture, or fashion-related, a vignette gives just enough information for the mind to then fill in the blanks, thereby using one's own creativity to imagine the larger whole.

In fashion, it is the individual elements - the shoe, the necklace, the skirt, etc. - that make up the whole, or the entire outfit. Our own sense of style offers a glimpse of our personality to everyone we encounter. Although it may be just a small snapshot of who we truly are, what we wear speaks volumes. 

At Vignettes, we are devoted to helping you give your own impressions by offering an incredible collection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories. We also offer a unique array of home accents, furnishings, and gifts that allow you to incorporate your personality into your own decor.

Your selections not only allow you to expand your wardrobe and decorate your home, but also play a part in creating your own “vignette.” The way you pick prints, pair patterns, and add accessories offers a snapshot of who you are and what influences your style. At Vignettes, we carry shelves stocked with the perfect pieces to mix and match to mold your own stylish and inspired image.

A vignette isn’t just about what you have in your closet or home, but also how you style those items. Our work at Vignettes goes beyond the racks and register. With this brand new blog, we want to help you add individual touches to your personal “picture.” Through posts on fashion and lifestyle tips, tricks, and trends, we hope to not only offer you a vignette of Vignettes, but to give you the tools to design your own. Stay tuned- you won’t want to miss a moment!

à bientôt... see you soon!