Remix: Striped Shirt,Coral Coat

coat: old navy (on clearance for $16!!!) / top: gap outlet / jeans: 7 for all mankind / sunglasses: Oscar de la Renta via t. j. maxx / bag: Michael Kors via marshalls

I wanted to give you all a different option for this striped shirt, so here it is! This shirt is a go-to weekend look for me, so I'm sure it won't be the last we see of it at Tunic & Toga. I just got this coat this week at Old Navy on super clearance, and I am so in love with it! The collarless, 3/4 sleeve look is a little Mad Men (but what isn't these days?) while the coral color keeps it modern. I spent this lovely Saturday shopping with my friend and fellow nerd, Abby, and we saw this coral red everywhere. It's universally flattering, so give it a try!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Kate

Last Chance

top: gap outlet / skirt: forever 21 / scarf: street vendor in Rome, Italy / belt: j. crew / tights: old navy / boots: marshalls / assorted bracelets: gifts / bag: Francesco Rogani / sunglasses: Oscar de la Renta via t. j. maxx / earrings: t. j. maxx

It was FREEZING when I took these pictures, but this is one of my favorite looks and it might be my last chance to wear it before the weather warms up permanently. I wanted to get in on the long, pleated skirt trend a few months ago but I wasn't sure how often I would wear one. Instead of investing big bucks in a piece I wasn't sure about, I got this one for next to nothing at Forever 21. Now I wear it all the time! It draws a lot of attention and gets a lot of compliments (both of which I like). Maybe horizontal stripes with vertical pleats are a no-no, but I can't resist a stripe and I just love the way it looks. I hope you do too!

Kate

Crazy about Cobalt

t-shirt, shoes: banana republic outlet / pants: anthropology / sunglasses: borrowed from my dad

Just a quick post - I took these last week when the weather was warm and sunny.  These pants are super comfortable and easy to wear; I just have to make sure to let the waist detail show. In taking all these pictures, I've realized just how much blue I wear (even the lenses on these sunglasses are blue)! I usually make a conscious effort to buy things in colors that I don't already have, but somehow this beautiful cobalt has crept in and taken over my closet. What a happy accident! Watch for it in upcoming pictures.

Kate

Fruit Punch

I am OBSESSED with nail care, and I am super in love with everything by Essie. All the polishes are so smooth and there are so many colors to choose from! One of my favorites is red-y set ex, the perfect poppy red/coral blend, which my Nashville roommates described as "fruit punch." I've been looking forward to Spring to rock this color again!

The website says that it's "currently unavailable" but you can still find it at salons. If not, geranium is still available in stores and online. It's close, but a little more orange, which goes well with this season's tangerine craze.

Try it. You won't be disappointed.

Kate

Gray Day

sweater vest, hat: banana republic outlet / t-shirt: gap outlet / jeans: gap / shoes: marshalls / bag: Francesco Rogani / pearls: jcpenney / owl necklace: gift

Yesterday was a cloudy, chilly day so I took a cue from Mother Nature and dressed alike. In the winter, I wear this look with skinny jeans and black suede boots, but I always make sure to add a little height with the heel because the length of the sweater can be overwhelming without longer legs. I used long necklaces to balance out the sweater, too. This bag is one of my most prized possessions! I bought it when I was studying in Rome a few summers ago. I just couldn't resist investing in such a timeless, sophisticated, and practical bag. I've attached a few pictures below of the bag when it was brand new, the very day I bought it, so you can see how it's aged. (Click on the little pictures to see them larger and in greater detail.)

I think these jeans have just about had it (too faded, too low rise, lost shape, etc.), but I have to work with what I've got for now. Once my lenten shopping ban is lifted, you all can look forward to a post about jeans shopping. It's a dreaded chore for some, but I've got it down to a science!

Kate


 

Students' Choice

trench: banana republic outlet / top: gap outlet / jeans: 7 for all mankind / shoes: t. j. maxx / clutch: tila march / belt: j. crew / necklace: swarovski / sunglasses: ray-ban / ring: gift

Hooray for casual Fridays! Again, this is what I wore to work today. I wasn't going to post it, but enough of my students commented on my shoes or my blouse that I figured it must be post-worthy! These jeans are my go-to jeans; these sandals are my go-to warm weather heels for daytime; I am NEVER outside without these sunglasses; and this has been my signature necklace for the last year or so. It's difficult for me to find jackets or coats that actually fit (the shoulders are often too big, and it's expensive to get a jacket tailored), but this one fit perfectly from day one so I scooped it up without hesitation, and now I wear it all the time. It's nice to have some reliable pieces.

I gave you all a picture with the jacket closed and tied with a bow. This is an easy, chic, unfussy way to handle a belted trench. (The magazines all say so, too!)

Thanks, Amanda, for taking all the pictures!

Have a great weekend!

Kate

Just a Romp-er in the Park

romper, bag: marshalls / cardigan: j. crew (years ago) / belt: banana republic outlet / shoes: marshalls / mother-of-pearl bracelet: from a jewelry shop in Trastevere, Italy / other bracelets, ring: gifts / watch: skagen / sunglasses: ray-ban

CONFESSION: I own a lot of rompers. I love this one for so many reason: 1) it's very short, but it makes my legs look a mile long; 2) I'm a sucker for seersucker; 3) it cost under $20. This bag was another great find for under $20. Normally, I would wear this outfit with flat sandals for running around town. It's casual and cute, especially with the architectural detail at the neckline. I think March is a little early to be wearing something so summery - I only wore it for the photos - but with the weather still so beautiful, I couldn't resist sharing it while I had the chance!

I hope you love it!

Kate

Uniform

blouse: express (a million years ago) / dress: old navy (last year) / shoes: nine west (2 years ago) / bag: marshalls / watch: skagen / bracelets: gifts from my mom / necklace: a little shop in Venice, Italy / sunglasses: ray-ban / earrings: t. j. maxx

This is what I actually wore to work today, so I apologize if it appears a little rumpled. The weather this week has been unseasonably warm and amazing, so I was dying to wear a dress! I made this sundress work appropriate by wearing a white oxford over it. The dress has an empire waist, which makes me look like a toddler, so I tied the oxford at the bottom to lower the waistline, add a little visual interest, and still let as much of the pattern show as possible.  I love this print! It's a great version of the bold and abstract floral prints that are so popular this season. (And this dress was super affordable on my grad school budget last year.)

Also, a HUGE thanks to my dad for being my photographer for the afternoon!

Kate

Spectacular

I was in desperate need of some new glasses - I've had my current pair since 2005! - so I dragged poor Jacob with me to do some shopping. He was a good sport and took all these pictures. I have ordered a pair, and now I'm just waiting for them to come in. In the meantime, let me know which ones you think look best. Leave a comment!


Kate