Your Thoughts {Quick Survey}

Changing from "The Blonde Prep" a few days ago to "Fran Acciardo", although it was something I expected I'd do for a while, was pretty spontaneous and I didn't try to build up any anticipation at all. Honestly, I never discussed that this might happen on the blog at all I don't think! I was studying for a midterm, needed a study break, and bought a domain. Oh, that's normal, right?

That said, I do wish I could have a little of your feedback on the new site. After all of your kind words and willingness to reach out after this post, I really have been so grateful for each reader and your ability to make me feel really appreciated and acknowledged, despite how large the internet and blogging world itself can be. 

If you have a minute, I would love if you'd take this quick survey. I just want to get a better idea of the content you guys like, don't like, want more of, etc! There is some room for additional comments as well. As always, don't hesitate to drop me an email (theblondeprep@gmail.com) or tweet as well. I love chatting with you all!

SURVEY HERE

Thank you all in advance! 

xoxo

Welcome to Fran Acciardo

Since starting this little space on the internet in eighth grade, both myself and my purpose and goals for my blog have evolved quite a bit. Over the course of high school I felt myself growing out of "The Blonde Prep" and itching for a more "grown-up" blog that I wouldn't feel restricted me as much. Changing my blog name and rebranding has been on my mind for roughly two years, and after toggling between a few other potential handles or just going the simplistic route and choosing my name, I ultimately decided that sticking with my name is the best option for me.

I love blogging with a passion. Blogging really consumes a lot of my time in the most worthwhile way, and I wouldn't trade the opportunities and experiences that come as a result of it for anything. What I've learned through something that I started out more or less as a joke has impacted me more than I could've imagined, and I am so grateful for each and every one of you for joining me on this adventure!

Right now, as I talked about a little bit when I shared my college experience thus far, I am working on myself and determining the best route for me to get to a place where I am truly happy with myself and my life. Being spontaneous and making decisions like this one are the little stepping stones that build up that path for me, a path which I hope you are all as excited as I am to venture down.

Have a great night! Let me know what you think of "Fran Acciardo"

xoxo

Bloggers Who Brunch

It's no secret that every blogger out there is guilty of going to brunch far too often, taking too many pictures of their food, Instagramming it, and then later posting the outfit they wore to brunch too, making a whole event out of their morning. I must say, brunching is definitely in my top 3 things to do just in life in general. After all, I'm a self proclaimed brunch addict.

Today, Caroline, Sammy, Renee, PJ, Meg, Jessica, Macy and I are all sharing our favorite local brunch spots and what we wear to brunch!

3 Blogger Outfit Posts I'm Loving

A Piece of Toast

Yep It's Prep

Damsel in Dior

Considering the weather in Wisconsin as of late has consisted of snow in April, I've relied on some of my favorite bloggers to provide me with sunny, spring style inspiration, and I have been loving some of the looks that people have been wearing lately! Distressed denim, fun espadrilles (I'm really loving this pair... they're only $70!), flowy dresses, and the list goes on.

Hopefully the weather warms up a little by the end of the week as I'll be heading to New York on Friday and I would love to spend a weekend in the city when it actually feels like spring! Have a great Monday ;)

xoxo

3 Blogs I've Been Loving Lately

Lately I've been on a Pinterest craze, and I think one of the most frustrating things is loving a particular photo and not being able to track down the source. Obviously then, one of the best feelings is being able to find not only original photos, but beautiful blogs behind the pretty outfits just loaded with content. This week I discovered a few new-to-me blogs that I can not stop obsessing over!

Recognize any of these photos?

Prosecco and Plaid is seriously the most #goals blog I've ever seen! Not only is Jessica from Newport, Rhode Island (aka my second home!) but her travels and impeccably classic yet chic style is everything I could want in life. Ugh, and her hair! Totally inspiration for my new short 'do.

Dallas Wardrobe is another blog I've been loving because Amy's outfits are rooted in preppy styles, but always with a fun flair, especially when she rocks her signature red lip! Dallas Wardrobe is one of those blogs that really gives me inspiration to restyle pieces I already have in my closet and create a fabulous ensemble.

See Want Shop is another current favorite of mine. Lisa's snapchat is really what I'm obsessed with, because her snap stories are gorgeous and her life is like a living Instagram feed (someone please take me to Australia!). I love her casual and breezy style... it's like she's a year-round beach goer and I'm into it.

Have you been loving any particular blogs lately? I'd love to add yours or a friend's to my reading list!

xoxo

What I Bookmark {Collab}

I'm excited today to share some of my current reads from this past month (and long before, too!) as a part of a fun and unique collab. One little goal I had for the new year was to try to incorporate more daily reading into my life... whether it be blogs, books, websites, or magazines. I just wanted to expand on the content I was already digesting and broaden my horizons, and I feel like including more reading in my life is a great way to do that.

Books

Lately I've been trying to get into Bossypants by Tina Fey. The book itself, don't get me wrong, is hilarious, but setting aside time to actually read is difficult for me. In the summer I used to be so good about finding a few page turners and blowing through them, but I haven't been able to do that in what seems like forever! It makes me a little sad that I feel like I never read anymore, and most people my age can probably agree with me when I say it seems like no one just "reads for fun" without feeling like that either have way better things to do with their time, or just no time for it at all, and no one even does it anymore! 

However, aside from novels, I am a huge fan of coffee table books. So basic, but #sorrynotsorry. This Hamptons book is the latest edition to my collection, and I have to admit I haven't looked through it too, too much since I got it, but I think it's the perfect mix of reading material and photographs. The Kate Spade book and the Eloise: Ultimate Edition are of course notable favorites in my collection as well! I'm super interested in snagging either this Gray Malin book or this Slim Aarons book sometime soon, too.

Blogs

Just as a little disclaimer, these following blogs are not all of my daily reads, but just the ones I am collaborating with today!

Citrus and Style, of course, is written by both my IRL (in-real-life) and blogging best friend, Caroline. I know we both talk about each other a lot on our platforms, but we really are best friends and I love her content!

A Sunny State of Mind is another one of my daily reads, written by Meg, who is absolutely the cutest person. We text all the time, and she's a fellow foodie just like me, so you already know we are destined to be BFFS.

And last but certainly not least, Macy blogs over at Peonies and Passports and I check her blog daily too! We did a fun collab last week that you can see here (and her post here) in case you missed it. Not only is Macy gorgeous, but her photography is just as fabulous.

Websites

Some of my favorite daily content comes from the websites often featured in my issues of "This Week's Top 10". These sites include Cosmopolitan, the Every Girl, Refinery 29, the Glitter Guide, Town and Country, and the Coveteur.

Cosmo is probably the most lighthearted, right there with Refinery 29, but all of the sites above are wonderful when it comes to producing articles that I actually find helpful and interesting. 

I love the stories on Cosmopolitan and the advice, and from the Coveteur,  Refinery 29, and the Every Girl  I learn so many things that are just helpful with random things in life, whether it be health, fitness, fashion, or beauty. Of course, Town and Country provides some wonderful content that has slightly more worldly value, like a more sophisticated version of People. Glitter Guide is just my go-to for things like home tours, little fashion inspirations here and there, and the like.

What are your favorite books, blogs, and websites as of late? Please share!

xoxo