Currently Craving: Statement Necklaces

I cannot get enough of statement necklaces. My favorite place to shop for necklaces lately has been Forever 21. Sure, their jewelry is not going to be the best quality you can find, but their prices are great! You can get a variety of pieces to work with any outfit you wear, whether dressy or casual. All of these are under $25, and most are $15!

Pearls 1 / 2 / 3

Rhinestones 1 / 2 / 3

Chains 1 / 2 / 3

Colorful 1 / 2 / 3

Dainty 1 / 2 / 3

<3 Katie

New Year's Eve Sparkle

New Year's Eve is the perfect night to wear the most bedazzled, glittery, sparkly outfit you have in your closet. I have two options- one is a little more casual with jeans and a shimmery blazer, and of course, the other is a sequined LDB!

Dress- Bisou Bisou for JC Penney, Heels- Sole Society

Earrings- Forever 21, Bracelet- Glam Grab

Blazer- Juicy Couture (on major sale!), Tank- Old Navy , Jeggings- LC by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's , Heels- Zara

Necklace- Forever 21

Which look would you choose?

I hope everyone has a safe, fun and happy New Year's!

<3 Katie

Work Wear: Suit Up

I remember the very first suit I bought. It was my senior year of college, and I figured I needed one for upcoming job interviews. I got a gray blazer and matching Editor pants from Express. I later went back and bought a pencil skirt in the same gray shade and fabric. I used to wear that thing with solid white or black tees underneath and black pumps. Now, one word comes to mind - boring!

Now that I've been in the working world for for a few years, my take on the classic suit is a little different. Who cares if both pieces are the same color or fabric? And why wear a solid color underneath when you can do a fun print? While you're at it, go ahead and throw on a tasteful piece of statement jewelry. I've also upgraded my black pumps for something a little more fashion forward, and I still look just as put together as I did in that gray suit.

Jacket- Gap, Top- JC Penney, Skirt- Loft, Shoes- Zara, Jewelry- Forever 21

<3 Katie

Five Favorites: Sweaters

I get so excited for sweater season every year that I can't help but pick up several new ones. Here are my favorites from this fall/winter season.

Polka Dot Sweater- Gap (out of stock)

Black Sweater- JC Penney

Blush Studded Shoulder Sweater- Forever 21 (out of stock)

Heart Sweater- J. Crew Factory (out of stock)

Camel Waffle Sweater- J. Crew Factory

<3 Katie

Christmas Cozy

For me, Christmas Day requires a comfy, cozy outfit. This year, I chose a printed sweater, jeggings (they have some stretch to them so I can eat a lot of yummy food!) and my favorite tan boots!

 Sweater: JC Penney, Jeggings- LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, Boots- Rack Room Shoes, Watch- Fossil

Wrap Bracelet- Glam Grab

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

<3 Katie

Christmas Nail Art

I am all about seasonal nail art, so I set about finding some inspiration for Christmas nail designs I wanted to try.

Fair isle inspired nails were by far my favorite nail design for this Christmas season. Here's how mine turned out. My favorite were the poinsettia nails!

What I used: Essie Going Incognito, Essie Bordeaux, Orly White Tips, striping tape for the poinsettia nails, and L.A. Colors white striper paint.

Inspiration: The Nailsaurus, Nailed It.

Next, I had to try this Christmas tree tutorial from Blue Tape and Nails. This one was really easy and turned out super cute!

What I used: Essie Topless and Barefoot, Essie Going Incognito, Milani Gems glitter, and Finger Paints Key to my Art for the gold tree topper.

Inspiration: Blue Tape and Nails

Last, for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I decided to do peppermint striped nails. I try this just about every year, but this year my striping tape made it SO much easier!

What I used: Milani Ruby Jewels, Orly White Tips, striping tape.

<3 Katie

Christmas Wish List

Santa, will you bring me...

Target Shirtdress

Essie Polishes in Beyond Cozy and Leading Lady

Old Navy Cargo Vest

Lauren Conrad Beauty Book

American Eagle Sweater 

Love Ring

Society6 iPhone Cover

<3 Katie

Currently Craving: Velvet

Velvet is a tricky fabric to work with, but can look really tasteful if you pick the right colors. Stick to black and darker jewel tones for a classy, luxe look! Here are some of my favorite velvet pieces.

1. Nasty Gal Velvet Envelope Clutch- $38

2. Lulu's Royal Highness Purple Velvet Skirt- $44

3. JC Penney Olsenboye Velvet Peplum Top- $17

4. Rugby Ralph Lauren Skinny Velvet Belt- $49.99 (on sale!)

5. Dorothy Perkins Grape Velvet Skinny Trousers- $35

6. Lulu's Bliss 15 Triple Strap Pointed Heels- $32

7. J. Crew Velvet Schoolboy Blazer- $178 (select colors $79.99)

8. Juicy Couture Peek-A-Boo Minidress- $74.95 (on sale!)

9. Echo Velvet Loop Scarf- $38.99

10. Juicy Couture Deco Glam Shelby Satchel- $84 (on sale!)

11. Mango Peplum Velvet Skirt- $29.99 (on sale!)

Which is your favorite?

<3 Katie

Boys Section

I've never contemplated shopping in the kids section, but I decided to try it out the other day. I was browsing Zara and wandered into the girls' section, only to end up at the boys' clearance rack. Which is where I found this plaid shirt. It actually fits perfectly, is great quality, and it was only $20. Works for me! It was a little weird trying to button it when I first put it on. Why is it that guys and girls clothes have buttons on opposite sides?

Also, I just want to mention how annoyed I am that it's almost too hot here in Texas to wear a sweater. (But the outfit needed it!) Come on weather! Us Texans want to wear cute winter clothes too!

 

Sweater- Forever 21, Shirt- Zara boys, Jeans- Forever 21, Booties- Wanted

 

 Necklace- Francesca's, Watch- Fossil, Belt- Forever 21, Bracelet- Glam Grab

Of course I also wore this to work with my favorite pleated skirt...

I will definitely try shopping in the kids section more often! There are good deals to be found.

<3 Katie

Watercolor Dress

I love a good deal. This little gem of a dress was a $15 find on the clearance rack at H&M. I took some inspiration from Sydne Style to create this outfit.

 Blazer- Forever 21, Dress- H&M, Belt- H&M Shoes- Asos

 

 

 Necklace- Forever 21

 Clover Bracelet- Glam Grab, Studded Bracelet- Forever 21, Earrings- Target

 <3 Katie

A Little Retail Therapy

Every girl deserves a little retail therapy every now and then. Here are some things I picked up for myself while finishing up my Christmas shopping over the weekend. I was able to get some great deals!
 

Target Earrings- on sale, $4.48!, H&M Rhinestone Top- $9.95, H&M Watercolor Dress- $15, JCP Snakeprint Top- $10

Its easy to overspend when treating yourself, so here a a few rules to follow to stay within your budget:

• Have a specific amount in mind that you want to spend.
• Use cash.
• Keep tags on and receipts until you decide to wear the item. You are more likely to buy impractical or ill fitting items when emotions are involved.

Hope you find these tips are helpful! Stay tuned tomorrow to see how I styled my new H&M dress.

<3 Katie

3 Ways to Wear: Mint Jeans

In the spring, I bought a pair of mint colored jeans that I absolutely love. I didn't want to stop wearing them during fall and winter, so I made it my mission to find ways to wear the pastel color despite the change of season.

My jeans are no longer available in Zara stores, but here are some affordable options: Old Navy, Forever 21, Macy's.

Weekend Wear:

 Sweater- Gap, Blouse- Forever 21, Jeans- Zara, Booties- Wanted

 Watch- Target, Pearl Bracelet- Forever 21, Stud Bracelet- Forever 21

A Night Out:

 Blazer- Forever 21, Top- The Limited, Belt- Forever 21, Pumps- Target

Necklace- Forever 21, Watch- Fossil, Bracelet- Forever 21

Edgy:

 Jacket- ?  Top- Urban Outfitters, Tank- Old Navy, Boots- Charlotte Russe

 Wrap Bracelet- Target

In the spirit of pastels, I wanted to share my mint ruffian style manicure with you! This is such an easy style to do, and I love the mint and silver color combo.

China Glaze Re-Fresh Mint and Orly Shine

How do you feel about pastel jeans for winter?

<3 Katie

Designer for Less + $25 off Sole Society!

My budget doesn't allow for designer items, so I love to find similar items for less. The designer pieces below are some I have been eying during the fall and winter seasons. I was able to find some look-a-likes through online browsing, and some I stumbled across by accident!
 

 Celine Luggage Tote / Bag Inc Lana Leather Shoulder Bag / Daily Look Structured Handbag

 Valentino Slingback / Valentino Ballerina / Sole Society Margie / Shop Ruche Studded Flats

  Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel / VJ Style Fashion Zip Satchel

 

 Kate Spade Double Bow Studs White Black / Kate Spade Gumdrop Studs Teal Black / Target Bow Studs White Black / Target Round Studs Teal Black

I have been wanting the Shoemint Margie's for a while now, but they have been sold out in most sizes. Yesterday, they came back in stock and I snagged the last pair in my size! Score!

Also, I am excited to announce that I have a Sole Society coupon to offer my readers! Simply follow this link and get $25 off your first pair! Be quick to make your purchase- this offer is only available until December 17th. Happy shopping!

<3 Katie

One Look, Two Ways

Do you ever have those days where you walk into your closet and have no idea what to wear, regardless of how many clothes you have? Well, that happened to me the other day. My outfit ended up being a mix of colors I wouldn't have normally put together, but I ended up loving it! Who knew mint and mustard could be cute?

For Work:

Top- Forever 21, Skirt- H&M, Shoes- Forever 21, Watch- Fossil, Bracelets- Forever 21, Necklace- Forever 21

 

For Play:

Jeans- Target

All I had to do was switch the skirt out for some jeans in the same forest green shade and I was ready to go out for a casual dinner.

Hope you enjoyed!

<3 Katie

Five Favorites: Accessories

It was really hard to narrow down all my shoes, bags, and jewelry into just five favorites, but here are my current top five...

Bracelet / Booties / Bag / Stud Earrings / Necklace

Bracelet- Pave Links Bracelet from Glam Grab. I seriously wear this thing every day. And it was 70% less than the J. Crew version! I cannot say enough good things about Glam Grab. Just like them on Facebook and you will see what I mean...

Booties- My first and only Shoemint purchase. These are so well made and I got them 50% off with a first time buyer coupon code.

Bag- Little did I know when I bought this bag that it is a look-a-like to the 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel. I love this color for fall and winter, and it almost works as a neutral!

Stud Earrings- These little diamond shaped studs came in a multi pack from Target for only $7.99. LOVE them! Almost a daily wear for me.

Necklace- I love all things mint! Especially this little statement necklace from Forever 21. You know you love an accessory when you start to plan outfits around it!

What are some of your favorite accessories?

<3 Katie