Sneaker Peak

Christian Louboutin shoes / Lanvin leather sneaker / Isabel Marant ankle strap shoes / Yves Saint Laurent lace up sneaker / Yves Saint Laurent suede sneaker / Golden Goose laced shoes / Jimmy Choo sneaker / Miu Miu leather shoes / Rick Owens Sneaker in Pearl & White

I find myself in unfamiliar territory, friends, both literally and figuratively. Since moving to Berkeley, my preferred mode of transportation has changed. I walk EVERYWHERE. I love the pedestrian lifestyle and exploring my neighborhood and nearby San Francisco, but here's the problem: as per doctors' orders, I am supposed to be wearing custom supports in my shoes. I have pretty much ignored this medical advice in favor of aesthetics until now, but it has become difficult to ignore the complete lack of support in almost every pair of women's shoes. I am currently in the market for a pair of casual, non-athletic sneakers that can fit both my supports and my feet, and preferably don't look like sneakers. I am, ironically, out of my comfort zone here, so I asked John Henry, my 13 year old cousin and sneaker guru, for advice on a specific pair. All he could ask was, "Are they cool?" I thought, "They are sneakers, so of course they are not cool." I needed to adjust my approach. I started the research process of googling, shopping, and scouring blogs. The above designer options are lovely, albeit impractical due to certain concealed wedges and hefty price tags. I began shamelessly staring at feet (I bumped into an angry San Franciscan last week while distracted by a pair of red suede Isabel Marants). I can now say with confidence that high-tops are not for me. I'm already on the short side, and they cut me off at the ankles. And having established for myself that athletic sneakers never look good with non-athletic clothes, here are a few things that I think can actually make sneakers look cool: 1) sneakers look like sneakers, and unapologetically owning that fact is best; 2) sneakers in bright colors automatically look more deliberate; 3) non-athletic materials, such as suede, make it known that you are not on your way to the gym; 4) casual sneakers look best with cropped jeans or any pants that show a little ankle. Below are a few affordable options that I have been considering, and when I have settled on one, I will be sure to let you all know. I really just want to make John Henry proud.

Kate

New Balance shoes / NIKE / adidas Orion 2 Shoes

Fall Focus

Two major things have happened recently to make me rethink my approach to fashion. The first is my recent unemployment. When the 2011-12 school year ended, so did my teaching career and my income. The former was my own choice, the latter an unfortunate consequence. The results: no need for a professional uniform so greater freedom in dressing, but accompanied by financial hibernation. The second event was my recent move across the country. I relocated from Massachusetts to California about 4 weeks ago. Blog posts were difficult in August because many of my things were being put into boxes on the east coast. Blog posts in September were (and still are) difficult because many of my things remained in boxes on the west coast. However, those boxes made me realize how many things I own versus how many things I need or even want. Because I couldn't afford many new things and no longer wanted many old things, I decided to refocus. 

Enter the above visually approximate list of things I love for fall. (These are not all pictures of the actual items, just similar ones.) It is a combination of perennial go-to pieces that I already own and cherish, recent thrifty and deliberate purchases, and some new items which are still in the research (pre-purchase) phase. In an attempt to save money and appreciate the things I have, I find myself picking out the same few articles of clothing each morning: a perfectly draped v-neck t-shirt from the Gap that’s been a favorite for many seasons; a pair of cowboy boots given to me as a very special gift about 7 years ago; the same orange-red lip stain that I wore all summer. I recently acquired some leopard print pants and a basic pair of black pumps for future job interviews, a past-season neutral nail polish picked up for half-price at Marshalls, a pair of brown loafers because I love anything menswear inspired, and an oxblood cardigan because the weather in the East Bay requires layers and they might as well be this season’s hottest color. I am considering the purchase of the burgundy Le Pliage bag by Longchamp; the leather version is shown above, but I actually want the simple nylon version because it is more cost-effective and lightweight. Although I love my 7FAM skinny jeans, I would eventually love a cropped version from J. Crew to wear with flats (like the loafers).

While buying everything in sight was fun in the spring when I started my blog, it is neither desirable nor practical for me right now. Future posts may include even more recycled pieces from my wardrobe to give you (and me) a more realistic approach to fashion. I am personally looking forward to the challenge, and I hope you will all bear with me!

Kate

More Bang for you Brush

Here is a blog post three weeks in the making. I have been using the combination of the Olay Professional Pro-X brush twice daily, organizing my research and gathering the data to report to you all. Conclusion: I like it. Ideally I would own one of the famed Clarisonic brushes, but because of its hefty price tag, that isn't a possibility right now. Instead, I have invested my hard-earned money in the more accessible Olay version. I was skeptical of the little brush's abilities at first, but I can now say with confidence that my skin has been clearer, softer, or more evenly toned. My other products absorb better after using this brush, as well. I can't compare the results to any produced by the high-end brush, but I can say that this one has been worth the money.

Note: The brush comes with an Olay scrub, but I have been pairing mine with the pink grapefruit scented Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Foaming Scrub.

If any of you have any experience with the Clarisonic brush, please share your opinions in the comments below!

Kate

100

dress: old navy / shoes: marshalls / clutch: j. crew factory outlet / watch: michael kors / sunglasses: coach via t. j. maxx

It was about 100 degrees here on Saturday when I wore this dress to my Uncle Al's 100th birthday celebration! It was a great party filled with touching toasts, shared stories, and a jumble of generations. I wanted to dress up a little bit for the occasion but still allow myself to walk around and mingle with relatives, so I went with a low wedge heel. (I have a gold and cork wedge sandal in my closet in California that I would have liked to wear with this dress, especially since these brown shoes need to be retired soon.) I limited my jewelry to one piece, a watch, to keep cool. An orange lip brought the color up to my face and finished off the look.

Kate

Cruisin'

jeans: j. crew factory outlet / tee: forever 21 / jacket: gap (from 2001, no joke) / sandals: aldo / belt: j. crew / bag: t. j. maxx / necklace: marshalls / watch: michael kors

What to wear (and eat) at the car show with my family. I'm really loving the half-tucked look lately. It's casual and effortless, which is exactly what I am going for in my day-to-day this summer. Most of these pieces are frequently recycled in my wardrobe and on the blog, but this necklace is a recent acquisition. It came in a variety of colors, but I went for this red with the hope that it might work with my fall wardrobe as well. I'm excited to be thinking about fall already!

Kate

Polka Dot Jumpsuit

jumpsuit: forever21 / shoes: marshalls / blouse: express / clutch: j. crew factory outlet store / necklace: betsey johnson (made longer by adding a bracelet) / watch: michael kors

Ok, I'll just say it: July has been a blogging disaster. I never intended to take a two week (or longer) hiatus from blogging, but somehow it happened. Don't worry, you didn't miss much. I have been on a steady rotation of gym clothes and bathing suits for a while now. It's been too hot to wear anything else, and since I'm unemployed, there has been no reason to wear anything else. Summer has always been my least favorite season (the heat! no school! no schedule!), and summer clothes are likewise my least favorite. I want to layer and play around with looks, but that's hard to do when everything sticks to you. I'm also not willing to pay as much for a tank top as I would for a sweater. 

But let me tell you about something that makes me supremely happy: this jumpsuit. It was finally cool enough today to wear it, and I jumped at the chance. (Puns also make me happy.) Mixed with gold jewelry, it has a very glamour-circus vibe that just speaks to me. I might eventually have it fitted and made shorter, but right now I like the airy feel. 

Thanks so much to my guest photographers, Christoper (right) and Mikey (left) and John Henry, for taking these pictures! You did such a great job!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Kate

Summer Nights

chambray shirt: j. crew factory outlet / shorts: gap / shoes: aldo / bag: t. j. maxx / watch: michael kors / bracelets: assorted gifts

I apologize for the infrequency of my posts lately. My usual photographer (i. e. my Dad) is on vacation, and it's been difficult to get pictures taken. Hopefully, I can coordinate something soon. In the meantime, I will just try to enjoy some time off with no obligations. 

I hope you all had a great Independence Day!

Kate

Head-to-Toe Print

dress: marshalls (similar here) / shoes, belt, clutch: t. j. maxx / sunglasses: ray-ban / necklace: betsey johnson / watch: michael kors

The first time I saw this dress on the racks at Marshalls, I thought, "Why does this even exist?" A few weeks later, I bought it. It's an absurdly large animal print and lots of it. Luckily, it's done in neutral tones, making it easier to accessorize and wear. Here I've paired it with black, which is the obvious choice, but my gut is telling me to pair it with brown. I plan to do that (and post about it) as soon as I get around to hemming the dress a few inches to wear with flat sandals. The black accents make the overall look a little dressy, perfect for dinner. Brown accents would be more casual and would mean that I could wear this dress everywhere, everyday... which, of course, is my goal.

Kate

Tropical Staycation

dress: Lilly Pulitzer via marshalls / shoes: Guess via marshalls / clutch: j. crew factory outlet store / bracelets: forever 21, random acquisitions / sunglasses: t. j. maxx

I have never been anywhere tropical, but this dress makes me feel like even Leominster, MA is paradise. While the pattern and color palette are right up my alley, this shape is very different for me. I gravitate towards fitted silhouettes, but this floaty cut has a great resort vibe. I plan to wear it all summer long with gold flat sandals, a floppy hat, and gobs of sunscreen.

Kate

Floral Frenzy

First column: H&M dess, peplum top / Second column: shoes, sleeveless blouse / Third column: floral blazer, earrings, clutch / Fourth column: pants, floral nail polish

I can't get enough of floral prints, abstract or literal, and the brighter the better! I have had a few of these items "pinned" for a while (follow me on Pinterest), and while other pieces here are recent finds, I love them all (especially that clutch, which is out of stock, and I can't seem to locate it anywhere else). Keep your eyes peeled for an appearance by one or more of these pieces in upcoming outfit posts!

Kate

Love Love Love

Rebecca Minkoff Snake-Stamped Metallic Leather Laptop Case

I found this case at a local T. J. Maxx today for only $70. It's still a lot for a laptop case, but it is a mere fraction of the original price, and I am smitten. So what do you think, should I bite the bullet?

Kate

Neon Glow

Left to Right: Spoiled Nail Color in I Only East Salads, Jail Bait, Plastic Flamingo, Did I Dye It Too Blonde? 

I am always skeptical of trends, and this season's neon is no exception. I am shocked that so many people have bought into it! Although admittedly fun, highlighter yellow/pink/green/anything can be incredibly unflattering, and I know I'm not the only one who looks washed out in such an unforgiving color palette. If we must partake, I recommend indulging in something small and away from the face, like a belt, shoe, or bag. (Accessories are also easier to swap out from season to season so you aren't investing too much into a fleeting trend.)

Another super easy and affordable way to try neon is through nail polish. Yellow and green look best against tan or darker skin tones, while pink and orange are warm enough to flatter a wider range. I usually stick to Essie polishes for the high quality, but I did some math recently and realized that, at $8 a bottle, I've already spent a small fortune just on paint for my nails. On a whim (and a budget), I picked up a $1.99 wonder from CVS. I tried a turquiose color by Spoiled, and without a topcoat, my pedicure lasted for 3 chip-free weeks. SOLD. I purchased a neon pink called Plastic Flamingo last weekend for my toes, and I am so pleased with the results, that I am considering a manicure in the same shade. Cheap and durable? Now that's a glowing endorsement.

Kate

No More Pencils, No More Books

First Column: Madewell bralette (similar here) / Birkenstock "Madrid" sandals (blue and purple) / Dannijo turquoise necklace / Second Column: silk top / boyfriend jeans (sold out, try these) / Third Column: CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara / iPhone case / Superga sneakers / Essie nailpolish in clambake / Soft Joie striped tank

In honor of my last week as a teacher, I have compiled (in picture form) a few of the reasons that I'm looking forward to summer! In honor of my having been a teacher, I will be looking for budget-friendly alternatives to some of these pieces. 
What's on your wish list this summer?
Kate

Tangerine and Dots

skirt: t. j. maxx / top: j. crew factory outlet / shoes: t. j. maxx /belt: banana republic outlet / bag: t. j. maxx / necklaces, bracelets: assorted gifts / watch: michael kors / sunglasses: t. j. maxx

Just a quick backyard shoot. I've worn this skirt here and this top here, but I went for a little orange-on-orange action for this outfit. Tucking in the shirt hides the peplum and gives it a whole new look. The long necklace in the second picture was borrowed from my nine-year-old cousin, who was hanging out while my dad snapped these pictures; it was a souvenir from his field trip to Sturbridge Village earlier in the week.

In case you were wondering, I went with the increasingly popular "wet look" for my hair in these photos. I just added tons of gel to my wet hair post-shower and tied it up in a bun. Not only is it all the rage, as they say, but it's super easy when you're looking to shave a few minutes off of your morning routine.

Have a great weekend!

Kate

Orange Kool-Aid

top: forever 21 / pants: anthropology / shoes: marshalls / bag: t. j. maxx / watch: michael kors / necklace: betsey johnson / sunglasses: ray-ban

CONFESSIONS: 1) I wore this outfit to work with my flat, brown sandals. I like heels for pictures, but even a wedge is too treacherous for all the stairs I climb between classes. 2) I bought this top as a beach cover-up, and I have been wearing it primarily as a real top. It's a long tunic style, so I have to tuck it in, but how's that for mileage? 3) Until very recently, I HATED the color orange. You'd never know it now. I, too, drank the orange kool-aid this season.

Kate

Motorcycle Tweed

dress: old navy / blazer: zara / shoes: nine west / wallet: coach / necklace: t. j. maxx / watch: seiko / sunglasses: ray-ban

I am smitten with this blazer. The white tweed is classic, but the edgy motorcycle cut is super modern. It's perfect for summer days at work when the A.C. is cranked up. I paired it with a floral sundress and studded peep-toe heels to keep the sassy-sweet combo going in a seasonal way.

Kate

Behind the Scenes

Just a fun, quick look at blogging from behind the scenes! One Brian snapped pictures of my outfit while the other Brian documented the whole scene. It's rare that I have two "photographers" with me, so this was a real treat. Thanks again, Brians, for taking pictures Tony Hawkster!

Kate

Home Sweet Home - Nashville, TN

dress: old navy (last year, but similar here) / chambray shirt: j. crew factory outlet / shoes: aldo / belt: j. crew / bag: t. j. maxx / watch: michael kors / bracelets: assorted gifts / necklace: betsey johnson / sunglasses: ray-ban

I spent this past weekend visiting some of my very best friends in Nashville, TN, where I lived for a few years during grad school. Nashville feels more like home to me than anywhere else I've lived, and this quick getaway was exactly what I needed for that extra boost to finish out my year of teaching in Massachusetts. We ate, caught up, sat by the pool, saw The Avengers for the third time, and ate some more. Seriously, I am still full from the weekend. Brian and Brian, my former Nashville roommates, snapped these photos of me at the Parthenon in Centennial Park. It was a beautiful day with good friends at a Classics-themed location. What more could a girl want?

More on the outfit: the eyelet dress is light and airy for a hot Tennessee day, but the chambray shirt keeps the sun off my skin and keeps the white dress from being too sweet. A practical hands-free bag did the trick when we stopped for popsicles. I kept the jewelry light because, again, it was hot.

Kate