How I Edit My Instagram Photos

To be completely honest I'm horrible at instagramming (is that a word haha)! I always struggle to take the perfect instagram photo and edit it to perfection. At times though, I'm proud of my posts. My cousin the other day was asking me how I edit my instagram photos because she said they look so nice! These are my tips to editing an instagram photos. I'd love to give you tips on preparing the actual shot but to be totally honest I'm so bad at that! Anyways, here's how I edit my instagram photos! Be sure to follow along on instagram @sprinklesofkate!

The Apps
I use two key apps to edit my instagram photos. My first favorite app is Snapseed! This is honestly the best app for editing dark photos because it lets you brighten them super easily. I also like to crop my photos in this feature. Another favorite app is the classic Vscocam. The F2 filter is a top pick of mine.

The Shot
Shooting an instagram can sometimes be stressful because it's difficult to get the perfect shot. Shoot in square mode because it prevents you from having to crop things out later. Try to make things look as pretty as possible and have natural lighting!

Here's a little before and after of some pictures. Look at what a difference brightening the photo made!

Before                                                  After

How do you edit your instagram photos? I'd love any advice!

Xo

Blogger Bliss {Classy Girls Wear Pearls}

If you're not already obsessed with Sarah Vickers just take one look and you will be. Her style is so classic and actually to die for--can I raid her closet? Not to mention her adorable fiancee Kiel James Patrick who is just about the coolest person ever! Aside from her gorgeous collection of clothes her and Kiel's overall lifestyle makes me the most jealous. They seem to tour the east coast and travel to beautiful location after beautiful location! All of their photos have this vintage effect to them too. Sarah Vickers is so classy and her style is absolute perfection!

Xo

The Bean Boot Guide

As I've mentioned before I wear my bean boots like crazy. Currently in Chicago it's been around 70 degrees (what?!) so I haven't been wearing them totally recently, but as it cools down I'll bring them back out. I'm so glad that I decided to purchase bean boots as I have been hesitant to order them for a while. I receive so many compliments when I wear them and other people always ask me about them because they want to buy them too! If you're debating about purchasing I suggest you go right ahead because you won't be disappointed! However, there are a few things you need to consider when purchasing your bean boots. Here's my bean boot guide!

+1. Pick your height

The height of the boot determines how far the boot reaches on your calf. I chose the 8 inch boots because I live in a pretty snowy climate and I wanted to be able toe easily tuck jeans or pants into the boots. I debated purchasing the 6 inch boots and I think I would have liked those just the same, but the 8 inch seemed a bit more practical.

6 inch // Perfect for fall wear. They reach to a little above your ankle, but still work well with jeans (usually cuffed). 

8 inch // Easy for fall and winter wear. Reach about 2 inches above your ankle and pants/jeans can be easily tucked in. 

10 inch // Perfect for a snowy climate. These boots are made for walking and walking in all terrain. These will act as snow boots for the winter!

+2. Pick your color

I opted for classic navy because I'm a firm believer in #navyornothing. I truly didn't even debate getting the tan ones, but I've seen the tan ones and they are still super cute. If you wear black often or plan on pairing your bean boots with a black ensemble tan may be your pick. I'm totally about mixing navy and black though!

Those are the two main determining factors of picking out your bean boots, but if you check out L.L. Bean they usually have a few seasonal styles of the bean boots that tend to be super cute!

Do you have bean boots?

Xo

Kate Spade Watches

I have never been one to wear a watch, but as I am getting older I feel like having a nice watch is a necessity. I've been adoring Kate Spade's watches for some time now and with 25% off a large selection of Kate Spade watches at Nordstrom right now it is the perfect time to pick one out! I am obsessed with the second one because I love gold and tortoiseshell! Gold is always my go-to for jewelry because I tend to like it better! I'm seriously obsessed with all these watches!

one // two // three // four

Which watch is your favorite? I also love the first one #navyornothing!

Xo

Current Wishlist

I was totally on a roll with my insta recap posts as Friday's official post. But, of course, I suck at instagramming so I didn't even instagram this week. Can someone please teach me how to instagram? Anyways, I have a bit of money to spend now that my birthday has passed and I'm looking into what to purchase. I haven't done a current wishlist in some time now so I thought I'd share what I'm currently coveting. Let me also just say how random this is. All of these items don't go together whatsoever, but I just love them all!

J.Crew striped tee // Tuckernuck needlepoint hat // Kate Spade tortoiseshell watch // Zara checked scarf // L.L. Bean camp socks // Kendra Scott earrings // Kate Spade phone case

Have a great weekend! 

Xo

Blogger Bliss {The College Prepster}

I'm sure I'm not the only one that is obsessed with Carly from The College Prepster. I had the opportunity to meet her this summer at the Smart Girls Summit and she is even prettier in person! And my mom was sitting next to her boyfriend Garrett and chatting it up (what a cutie he is!). She's such an inspiration as a blogger and she has definitely remained to her true self as expressed in her blog. Her blog is one of the only (dare I say) "professional" blogs that I actually enjoy reading. Other "professional" blogs just aren't my favorite because they seem to be less personal. It only helps that she features her adorable pup Teddy on her blog often! Needless to say, Carly is definitely one of my all time favorite bloggers!

How cute are her and Garrett? 

Xo

{Outfit} Burberry Wrap

So now with the weather cooling down I find it difficult to dress up unless you're wearing tights and a sweater dress. I had to dress up for a luncheon I was going to so I opted for a basic black dress and a statement necklace. Although we were inside most of the time it was still chilly inside and when I went to shoot some pictures outdoors. This Burberry wrap was the perfect way to keep warm while still looking super cute! This black dress is such an essential because it can be worn so many ways! Let me know if you want to see a one dress, three ways post where I still this dress a few ways! 

Burberry Wrap // Gap Dress (similar) // Tory Burch Flats // Banana Republic Necklace (similar)

Xo

The Tartan Scarf

I've never been much of a scarf person. I'm not totally sure why though. Scarves are super cute in the fall so I definitely should wear them more often! I've had my eye on a few different scarves this season and I think I should go right ahead and purchase them. I'm sure I'll wear them! Tartan scarves are my current favorite and I've been seeing them everywhere! Take a look at a few of my top tartan scarves and easy ways to style them.

Shop tartan scarves:

Xo

Kendra Scott

via

I recently discovered Kendra Scott and I totally fell in love. All of her pieces are so incredible and unique. Her earrings are to die for and her necklaces are so gorgeous as well! Take a look at my favorites! 

one // two // three
four // five // six
I want them all! The only problem is that they are pretty big earrings and I'm not totally into the oversized earrings look. But, if I'm looking to try that out Kendra Scott earrings will for sure be my first pick! I'm obsessed with the navy ones and the hot pink ones! So cute!


 Xo

5 Tips for Productivity

Companies like Kabbage (Kabbage provides small business loans to small companies) got me thinking about productivity! I tend to be an extreme procrastinator, but I'm totally trying to change that. During junior year of high school it is crucial to be productive and get things done as best and quickly as you can. I also enjoyed reading Hunter's take on 5 essentials for productivity. Here's mine!

1. A Good Work Space // I tend to work best either at my desk in my room or at the library. When it comes to school work, the library is my personal favorite because it's quiet and leaves little room for distraction. All I have to do is plug in my music and I'm set to get things done.

2. Music // When it's dead silent I am definitely less productive than when I have light music in the background. I don't like anything too wild that makes me want to get up and dance, but Maroon 5's new album is totally a favorite.

3. Hydration // Water is always my favorite companion when I'm working because it keeps me hydrated for long hours. I'm not a fan of coffee, but if I'm in need of a little energy boost I love passion tea lemonade or Gatorade.

4. Have Supplies // Whether it be cute pens and paper or a fun agenda make sure you have the supplies necessary to help you succeed! For me it's just a lot of paper and a pen that writes well that keeps my thoughts flowing.

5. Grab A Snack // We're all in need of a little brain food usually, but be sure to make it something that's actually helping you stay productive. Opt for a banana and peanut butter or some trail mix to help keep you full, but not give you a sugar crash later. 


What are your tips for productivity?

Xo

Instagram Recap

This week has just flown by. School has been a bother as usual, but with this weekend I'm hoping to get school off my mind for a bit. I'm trying to keep my streak and will hopefully shoot an outfit post or two (if I could only find a photographer...). Here's my instagram recap of the week.

+1. A huge thanks to all of y'all for the amazing birthday wishes! I can't believe I'm 17, but I'm super glad I got to celebrate my birthday in style and with my family! And with a trip to Michigan!

 +2. I snapped this photo while exploring the pumpkin patch in Michigan. I was obsessed with my outfit and wanted to give a closer look. Can you believe the scarf was only $5?

 +3. Another shot from the pumpkin patch! Sorry for the overload of those, but I was obsessed. Nothing screams October like Halloween pumpkins! We snagged a few while at the pumpkin patch, but I have some easy DIY pumpkins coming your way soon!

+4. Of course you all know how obsessed with my bean boots I am. To be completely honest I'm not sure how I survived the past fall seasons without these boots! Clearly I've been wearing them a ton and this probably won't be the last of them that you'll see on instagram.

How was your week? + Happy weekend!

Xo

The Pumpkin Patch

I mentioned that when I was in Michigan we visited the cutest pumpkin patch! I haven't been to a pumpkin patch in the longest time and I was so happy when my birthday wish came true and we went to one! It was honestly so cute and reminded me of the movie Halloweentown! Of course I took a few pictures of the pumpkin patch just because it was so fun!

 This photo was too funny not to post. My cousin came out of the"haunted house" laughing and my brother came out on the phone. Needless to say I don't think it was that scary haha.

How cute is this place?

Xo

{Outfit} Elbow Patches

sweater // jeans // scarf // boots

Wow I'm on a roll with these outfit posts. I think I've come to the realization that photo shoots are always the most fun in the fall!

This past weekend I went on a mini trip to Michigan for a few days for my birthday. Michigan could not be prettier in the fall and it was the perfect landscape for a few outfit shoots. 

I ordered this sweater from J.Crew Factory earlier this fall and I'm in love with this sweater. It is probably my #1 worn piece (besides my J.Crew vest of course)! I love how plain and simple it is, but has the little detail of the elbow patches. I finally decided to wear my boots this fall and to my surprise I'm actually loving them. They're honestly so cute.  I also scored this scarf from Forever 21 for only $5! What a steal!

Xo

{Outfit} Bean Boots

I've talked about my bean boots before, but I am absolutely in love with my bean boots (just to keep you updated). Honestly I wear them with everything! They are perfect for walking around because they are comfortable, durable and weather proof! They match with everything and every time I wear them I receive so many compliments! I decided to style them with a #navyornothing outfit! Navy gingham shirt and navy vest = perfection! I'm totally loving this look!

And thank you all for the birthday wishes and for making my day so special! 

Thanks to my favorite cousin and photographer Carly!

via Instagram

What do you think of this look?

Xo

17

Today I turn seventeen! I actually feel so old. When I turned 16 I didn't feel old (although I felt much cooler because I could drive), but now I'm old! My family and I headed off to Michigan to celebrate my birthday and I couldn't be happier! I love Michigan in the fall and I'm so excited to share some photos with all of you soon!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Xo

{Outfit} The J.Crew Quilted Vest

Quilted Vest // Plaid Shirt (similar) // Denim // Sperry's

I finally took the plunge and purchased the famous J.Crew quilted vest! I was a bit hesitant to purchase one, but once I received it I fell in love! I've found so many ways to wear it! It's currently my #1 piece for fall! I paired it with one of my favorite J.Crew button up shirts that I've worn to death since last fall. Dark denim and Sperry's are my other go-to essentials for fall so it only made sense that I added them to my ensemble. 

I've been trying to find scenic locations to take pictures for my blog and this local college campus was the perfect setting. I'm convinced that college campuses are the prettiest places in the fall! Huge thanks to Ava for helping me take these photos!

Tomorrow I'm headed to Michigan to celebrate my seventeenth birthday on Monday and I'm so excited! I'll snag a few photos of course because I'm sure the scenery will be perfect for photos! Have a great weekend!

Xo

Instagram Recap

Every Friday I've been doing sort of random posts, usually something that has to do with links for the weekend. But, I wanted to try something different and do an instagram recap. I'm actually really bad at instagramming and truth be told I hardly ever do. I'm trying to improve this and if I do an instagram recap every week on the blog it might motivate me to actually instagram. Anyways here's a little recap of my week through instagram.

 +1. I figured it was time for me to do more outfit posts on this blog so my pal Ava and I, {read about her here} went on a little adventure to take some fun pictures for fall. We took pics of my outfit and I'm loving how they turned out. Stay tuned for an outfit post soon!

+2.  Have you checked out The Undeniable Report? I made a post for these DIY notebooks and I'm loving how cute they turned out! They are so easy to make and they are so adorable! Go check out the post here!

 +3. When I had my blog designed I thought having business cards designed was such a great idea! I love having business cards because when people ask me about my blog I have something to give them so they can easily find my blog!

+4. If you can't already tell I'm obsessed with stationary. I picked up these new favorite cards of mine at Marshall's and I love them for the message "don't ever let anyone dull your sparkle" on them. It's such an uplifting message and it doesn't hurt that the cards are so cute (hot pink & gold sparkles, yes please!).

Have a great weekend!

Xo