Layering Required

Coat- Old Navy, Chambray- Old Navy, Jeans- c/o Aeropostale, Blazer- Target, Belt- Target, Boots- Sole Society (on sale $36!), Necklace- Lulu's, Bag- Michael Kors

Texas weather is crazy, y'all. Its kind of hard to keep up with. On the cold days I've been really enjoying layering my outerwear, as I did here with my blazer and blanket coat. I like that the blazer peeks through just a bit from under my coat. Gives a bit more dimension to my outfit.

I haven't talked about my new bag yet. This was my Christmas present from my parents, and its my first designer bag! I had been eyeing it for months, and of course this color sold out in November. I looked all over eBay and Poshmark until I found this one, brand new, for over $100 less than the original price! I am so in love- the color, the size, the structure- it is the perfect everyday bag. The shoulder strap makes it even better. The problem is...now I'm eyeing the blue one! And that color is also basically sold out!

Linking up with Three-for Thurdsay | Spotlight of the Week: Jacqueline & Elle | Tres Chic Thursday |  Mix and Match Fashion | Working Girl With Style

Fedora

Dress- Lulu's, Vest- Sears (similar), Boots- Sole Society, Tights- Target, Bag- Michael Kors, Hat- Target, 
Sunglasses- Forever 21 (similar), Watch- Fossil, Bracelet- J.Crew Factory

A couple weeks ago, I took a trip up to downtown McKinney, TX to explore the shops in the square. It was one of those days in Texas that is at least 20 degrees warmer than the day before, so I pulled out this floral dress and winterized it a bit. It was warm enough to not need a jacket, but I still wore tights to keep my legs warm. My fur vest was the only other piece I needed to be comfortable while walking around outside.

To be honest, this hat came off right after we finished shooting these pictures- it was just too windy! But I am really glad I purchased this hat on a whim. It was a really great way to try out the fedora trend at a reasonable price. Maybe next time I'll wear it all day if I can just get it to stay on my head!

Linking up with  Style Sessions

Holiday Lookbook: Cocktail Party

Dress- Lulu's, Coat- Asos, Heels- GoJane

  

When I shop for fancy dresses, my eyes always gravitate toward the full sequin sheaths that are, of course, made of spandex and skintight. Sequins+spandex does not work for my body type and I always end up looking bigger than I am. With this LDB, I still get the effect of sequins on the fun criss-cross straps, and the thicker black fabric is actually slimming. I feel much more confident in this dress than in those full sequin numbers! The beauty of wearing a black and gold dress is that you can have fun with your outerwear, which is why I chose to wear my leopard faux fur coat on top. Faux fur is really in for party wear this season! (See here, here, and here.) I finished off the look with glittery gold heeled sandals.

Bracelets- J.Crew Factory. Francesca's

   

No need for a necklace with this dress, and when attempting to wear dangly earrings, it was just too much. Instead, I focused on sparkly arm candy. I couldn't do without earrings completely, so I wore my favorite little gold hammered studs that I got on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence this spring.

Clutch- Francesca's

  
A little gold clutch went perfectly with my outfit. The embellishments on the front flap make it feel a little special. It also has a gold chain strap, so I don't have to carry in in my hands all night.

I see a lot of updos and think, "I'd like to recreate that." But when I try, it's a major fail! Enter this 

super easy look that only requires a curling iron, a few bobby pins, and hairspray. All I had to do was curl my hair as usual, then pull all the hair to one side. I pinned it to the side with the guidance of this youtube video (she has AMAZING hair tutorials) to make sure I got it right. The spray and you're done!

Sleek eyeshadow palette in Original, NYX blush in Spice, Benefit They're Real Mascara, Revlon lipstick in Wine with Everything, 
Revlon Fantasy Lengths Lashes in Flirty

I wanted to stick with something easy but impactful for my makeup as well. I started with a highly-pigmented teal shimmery shadow and applied it all over my lid. I created a rounded shape along the top edge just above my crease with a stiff brush. I skipped eyeliner so the teal shadow would really pop, and I applied some false lashes after clipping of the last 1/4 inch so they didn't completely overwhelm my eyes. I also popped a light gold shimmery shadow in my inner tear duct. Next I applied my favorite cinnamon colored blush to the apples of my cheeks. I finished with a wine colored lipstick.

Covergirl polish in Constant Caribbean

For fancier occasions, I like to skip nail art and go with a solid polish color. I loved that this metallic teal polish matched my eyeshadow.

Shop the Look:

Don't forget to check out last week's casual get together and office party holiday looks! My last look will go live Thursday featuring a look perfect for for family Christmas gathering.

Linking up with  Style Sessions | Love It Link It | Trend Spin | Holiday Style

Best Party Dresses Under $50

Forever 21 Glamorous Sequined Combo Dress | Forever 21 Festive Sequined Mesh Dress | Old Navy Velveteen Shift Dress

Forever 21 Glamorous Combo Dress | Forever 21 Glam Hour Shift Dress | Old Navy Printed Wrap Front Dress

Aerospostale Long Sleeve Sheer Drape Dress | Lulu's Hot Off the Precious Burgundy Dress | Forever 21 Sequined Statement Shift Dress

JCPenney Love Reigns Iridescent-Lace Dress | ASOS Midi Dress in Oversized Animal Print

Lulu's Hostess Gift Grey Velvet Midi Dress | Asos Motel Dress With Contrast Lace Bodice | Lulu's Tour de Allure Red Lace Dress

Lulu's In Hot Dot-ter Long Sleeve Black Dress | Lulu's Final Stretch Royal Blue Dress | Dilliard's GB Strapless Sequin Dress

Day to Night: Lace LBD

 Dress- Forever 21, Sandals- Target, Belt- similar, Watch- Fossil, Earrings- Forever 21 (similar), Nails- Sally Hansen Pacific Blue

 

Heels- Lulu's, Necklace- Forever 21 (similar), Earrings- Dorothy Perkins, Bracelet- similar

Have you entered my group giveaway yet? Click here for a chance to win 1 of 3 giftcards to Lulus.com, Victoria's Secret, or Sephora!

Linking up with Amy, Amber, Christina, Tara, Bonnie, and Kristen!

<3 Katie

Summer Lookbook: Peppermint Stripes

I'm starting a new series today called Summer Lookbook! Every Wednesday throughout June and July, I'll be posting an easy summer outfit incorporating staple pieces from my summer wardrobe. I'll also show you two more ways to wear this look down below and links back to all the items so you can recreate this look!

Today's look is very easy to put together, and is great for hotter weather. A classic skater circle skirt pairs perfectly with a tucked-in sleeveless blouse. I chose to do a little pattern mixing here with a striped blouse and polka dotted skirt. Since my top and skirt are lighter colored, I added some kelly green with my necklace and bag for an extra pop of color. Sometimes I look a little hippy in skater skirts, so I wear mine a bit high-waisted so it skims right over my hips and doesn't make me look wider than I am. You can also put a belt on top to really cinch in your waist.

Blouse- TJ Maxx, Skirt- Lulu's, Sandals- Charlotte Russe (identical), Necklace- Francesca's, Watch- Fossil, Belt- Forever 21 (similar), Bag- Forever 21

I used Barefoot Blonde's twisted braid tutorial to do something a little different with my hair!

How You Can Wear This Look:

Don't already have the pieces to recreate this look? Here are two additional outfits I put together featuring a skater skirt and sleeveless blouse. Click on any item below to see where you can buy it!

If you have any questions on how to wear this look, feel free to email me or leave a comment down below! Stay tuned next Wednesday for my next Summer Lookbook featuring hi-low dresses!

If you love to shop, be sure to enter my group giveaway here for a chance to win 

a gift card to Lulus.com, Victoria's Secret, or Sephora!

Linking up with Alison, Lauren, Amy, Savannah and Kelly!

<3 Katie