Work Wear: Paisley Polka

 Blouse- c/o Oasap, Skirt- Forever 21, Heels- Zara, Necklace- BaubleBar (similar), Watch- Fossil, Bracelet- similar

I have been looking all over the place for printed pencil skirts and found this adorable one at Forever 21 of all places! I love the mix of colors it has in it. Being pattern-mixing obsessed, I paired it with my Oasap polka dotted blouse. This blouse is perfect for summer because even though it is long sleeved, it has the strap and button combo on the sleeves so you can roll them up above your elbow.

I've worked at the same place for 3 and a half years now, but I started out in the hospital where open-toed shoes are a big no-no. A year and a half ago, I transitioned over to IT and work in a different building where the dress code isn't as strict. I am so glad to be able to wear these chunky heeled sandals to work since they are perfectly comfortable and perfectly summery. Now, I wouldn't wear just any pair of open-toed shoes to work. Here are my rules of the road:

1. Get a pedicure. Whether you do it yourself or go to a nail salon, make sure your feet are looking their best. (And that includes those crusty heels...yuck.)
2. Don't go too strappy. Make sure the shoes provide some coverage so that your foot isn't completely bare.
3. No flip flops. I hesitate to wear them even on casual Fridays. Save those for the weekend.
4. Choose something close-toed if you have a big meeting with a new client or higher ups you don't work with every day. Those are times to make a professional first impression, not to expose your neon toe nail polish.

How strict is your work dress code? Can you wear open-toed shoes?

Don't forget to check out my group giveaway if you haven't already! 

You can win 1 of 3 gift cards to do some summer shopping!

Linking up with Tara, Bethany and Meghan for Three-fer Thursday, and Agi!

<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

Hey, It's OK...

My favorite feature in Glamour magazine is the "Hey It's OK..." page towards the front of every issue. This page is a list of silly phrases that Glamour editors are telling us it's ok to do! My favorite from the June issue? "Hey, It's OK...to throw a baby shower for Kate Middleton. So she won't be in attendance? That's fine." Today I decided to come up with my own "It's OK" list that applies to my life as of late.

...to eat dessert before dinner. Or, instead of dinner.

...to spend hours on end watching your favorite reality cooking show. (Mine is Chopped. Love it!)

...if you decide to lay out at the pool instead of go to the gym when you get off work early.

...to leave your clothes in the dryer for weeks after they're dry. Sometimes I just really don't feel like folding!

...to eat healthy during the week but splurge on the weekends. Everybody deserves to give in to their cravings once in a while!

...to DVR every show you ever watch so you never have to watch commercials.

...to take a nap in your car at lunch. Yeah...sometimes I am just that tired.

...to go to a movie/restaurant/concert/event solo when you're friends aren't interested. Don't miss out on something just because you have to do it alone!

Do you have any "It's OK's?" Share them in the comments below!

Miss yesterday's giveaway post? Check it out here to enter to win 
1 of 3 gift cards to Lulus.com, Victoria's Secret, or Sephora!

<3 Katie

White Denim

Shirt- Marshall's (similar), Jeans- Charlotte Russe (similar), Sandals- Zara, Wrap Bracelet- Forever 21, Sunglasses- Forever 21

We're almost to the point in Texas when wearing jeans is miserable. I've lived here practically my entire life, yet every summer when the heat wave rolls it, it just about kills me. Thank goodness for parking garages and A/C! You're going to start seeing me in lots of skirts and shorts pretty soon. Now, short and skirts mean I am in desperate need of a tan! I don't tan very easily in the sun (and yes, I wear sunscreen!), and I can never find any lotions or other self tanners that seem to be worth the hassle. Any suggestions?

Linking up with Kayla and Amber!

<3 Katie

Giveaway!!! Summer Essentials Shopping Spree

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is for one $150 giftcard to Lulu's, one $50 giftcard to Victoria's Secret, and one $50 giftcard to Sephora. This giveaway is open internationally to people 18 years and older. If the winner of the Sephora giftcard does not live in a country which Sephora ships to, a Visa gift card will be substituted. The giveaway will run from Monday, June 3rd, 2013 12:01 AM CST to Monday, June 10th, 2013 12:00 AM CST. All entries will be verified. The winners will be announced on the affiliated blogs after the winners' entries are verified. The winners will be contacted via email. This giveaway is not affiliated with Lulu's, Victoria's Secret, Sephora, Facebook, Bloglovin, Instagram, GFC, Twitter, Google, Pinterest, or any other social media platform.