Ringling

pants: zara / top: old navy / shoes: jessica simpson / bag: tila march / sunglasses: Oscar de la Renta via t. j. maxx / bracelets: forever 21

I am loving the coral color of this blouse and the playful polka dot pattern. Also adding to the fun factor is this elephant bracelet! It’s unexpected, adorable, and maybe a little quirky. The overall combination reminds me of a circus, which is just the excitement I need to start the week off right!

I’ve had these shoes for a while now, and I was so glad to be reunited with them in California (where they had been with Jacob and the rest of my stuff). They are so comfortable and versatile, so please forgive my excitement while I work them back into my wardrobe in as many outfits as possible!

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

Kate

Subtle Blend

skirt: banana republic (from spring 2008) / shirt: banana republic outlet / belt: banana republic outlet / shoes: jessica simpson / right arm bracelets: forever 21 / sunglasses: Coach via t. j. maxx

Everyone is mixing prints like crazy right now, and this is a very subtle and simple way to make the trend work-appropriate. A thin-striped shirt, like this one, is so close to a solid that it barely counts as a print at all. I am also looking forward to pairing this skirt with a neon top to play off of the bright green flowers, since neon is another trend this season (unfortunately).

This fickle New England weather has made it difficult to take many pictures this week. Here’s hoping for more sun and less wind and rain! I was a little spoiled by California last week.

Kate

Beltane Ranch: Part II

 shirt: j. crew factory outlet store / shorts: banana republic / scarf: gap outlet / shoes: Dolce Vita via t. j. maxx / sunglasses: ray ban / belt: j. crew

We were reluctant to leave Beltane Ranch, and I’m sure you can see why! It was so beautiful and so relaxing, just perfect for a quick getaway (within a getaway, for me). Incidentally, it also provided the perfect backdrop for one of my favorite outfits. This shirt is so easy to wear. It’s lightweight, goes with just about everything, and I can belt it. When the sun comes out, shorts are my go-to apparel. I am not a skirt girl (maybe from all those years of plaid, pleated school uniforms), so I own so many variations of summer pants and shorts. This particular pair was purchased years ago as knee-length walking shorts, and when that phase passed, I had them taken up to a 4-inch inseam. (Ladies, learn your favorite inseam to make tailoring easier!) I refreshed and reused my wardrobe… and I think Beltane would be proud.

Heading back to Massachusetts tomorrow and work on Monday. It’s been a really amazing week!

Kate

Beltane Ranch: Part I

top: j. crew factory outlet store / jeans: 7 for all mankind / shoes: marshalls / belt: j. crew / sunglasses: ray-ban

Polka dots: check. Tangerine (color of the dots): check. Dolman sleeve: check. Peplum: check. This shirt covers so many current trends! I played with color and tried to mimic the dots with the round green beads. I added a belt over the elastic waistline for some polish, and voila! The perfect outfit for sitting in the garden and enjoying the view.

Kate

Turquoise and Leopard

jeans, sweater: j. crew factory outlet store (similar color here) / shoes: Dolce Vita via t. j. maxx / sunglasses: ray-ban / watch: borrowed from my dad

Statement pants are a huge trend for Spring, and I have jumped in legs first! First, the red pants, and now these gems from the J. Crew factory outlet store (outlet savings AND a teacher discount). I wore these pants on the plane to San Francisco with a black long-sleeve tee, purple printed scarf, and the most adorable pair of studded black suede flats. That was my safe outfit, but I chose to go a little bolder and share this pairing with you all: turquoise and leopard… and why not? Time and time again, we hear that leopard can be a neutral, so I put it to the test. The silhouette is so simple – skinny pants and a crew-neck sweater – but the color and print bring it to life! I will issue this warning though: I got A LOT of curious looks going to breakfast and running some errands around Berkeley. Be prepared for the attention.

You may notice the lack of adornment and accessories. I only packed gold jewelry for my trip, and that pushed the outfit into gaudy, Peg Bundy territory. If I’d had some leather or bead bracelets, I think that would have worked well. I erred on the side of caution here.

I am loving my time in California with Jacob! We are staying at the most beautiful bed and breakfast in Sonoma tonight, so stay tuned for some scenic backdrops for future posts.

Kate

Abstract Ideas

dress: marshalls / blazer: express / shoes: Dolce Vita via t. j. maxx / bag: Francesco Rogani / sunglasses: t. j. maxx

I love a print, especially a bright, abstract one like this! The flare and movement of the skirt make it very feminine but the pattern keeps it from looking too girly. The keyhole detail in the back (which you can see a little bit in the reflection of the last picture) is cute, too. It's a versatile piece and (best part) it was only $25. Excellent.

I know that so many people are afraid of a bold print, especially on a dress, but most prints and patterns are much easier to wear than you might expect.  My advice is to give it a try! Add some color and pattern into your life! Start with something small like a scarf and work your way up to a whole dress. You will be pleasantly surprised by all the positive attention you get from others and how good you'll feel about yourself. Exciting clothes always make me feel confident and put me a good mood... and don't we all want that when we get dressed in the morning?

Travelling today! California or bust!

Kate

The Sweet Life

shoes: Dolce Vita via t. j. maxx

I found these shoes last week at T. J. Maxx, and I just couldn't wait for a full post to share them with you! They are so comfortable, and the placement of the ankle strap is very feminine. I just love them. Keep an eye out for them, as I am sure they will be appearing regularly in my photos.

This week is school vacation week, which means that I will be traveling to the San Francisco area to see Jacob! I am looking forward to relaxing, catching up on some sleep, and seeing him, obviously. But also I can't wait to wear some less professional, more laid-back ensembles. It's going to be a good week! Stay tuned!

Enjoy the weekend!

Kate

Glasses and Belts

dress: marshalls / chambray shirt: j. crew outlet / belt: Betsey Johnson via t. j. maxx / bag: Francesco Rogani / shoes: Enzo Angiolini / earrings: a dear gift / watch: seiko / bracelets: assorted gifts, borrowed from my sister / glasses: these

This is my first new pair of eyeglasses in 7 years, and of all the pairs I tried on (you may remember from here) this was the clear winner in my eyes. I like my glasses to be unapologetic and to make their presence known. I wear contacts most days, so if I choose to wear my glasses out of the house, I want everyone to notice them! I think these do the job, and they were the right shape for my face. Overall, I am very please. Oh... and I can see things better, too. As far as the clothes go, you might have noticed by now that if I can belt an outfit, I WILL belt the outfit. It instantly adds polish to a slightly oversized shirt, like this one. This dress was $20 at Marshalls. It came with a really offensive pseudo-rock-and-roll elastic belt, but I forgave it for that, ditched the belt, and now I layer it with anything else I can find in my closet. With a simple black cardigan, I look sophisticated. Add some chambray, and I think I look pretty modern... if I do say so myself.

Kate

Thanks to Amanda and Derek for taking these pictures!

Hair Repair

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

My hair has been so dry lately with all the blow-drying I have to do to look professional for work. (Those kids are critical!) When my hair started to border on unmanageable, I knew I needed to do something about it. I bought this because the price was right and I generally trust Neutrogena products. It says to use this mask, which has the consistency of a super thick conditioner, once a week, but I used it two days in a row the first week to jumpstart the process. I looooove it and I can really see a difference. My hair is softer from root to end and there is less static. I will definitely be sticking with this product.

I'm no good with hair (styling, care, etc.). Do any of you have some tips for me?

Kate

Cozy Red Glamour

sweater: gap outlet / jeans: marshalls / shoes: t. j. maxx / bag: marshalls / watch: borrowed from my dad / assorted bracelets: gifts, borrowed from my mom / sunglasses: t. j. maxx

This is my first April in Massachusetts in over 7 years now, so I had forgotten what "Spring" weather was like here. Because it has been windy and chilly, I am using this as an opportunity to get a few more wears out of my favorite sweaters and this pair of suede booties. The neutral color of this cable-knit makes it easy to wear and an obvious pairing with my new red jeans. I piled on the gold jewelry to add some glamour and balance out the coziness of the sweater. Pastel denim is really popular right now, but pastels are just not for me. Instead, I stick to brights and saturated colors. I'm excited to add some patterns into the mix with these jeans eventually, but I kept it simple for my first go.

Cross your fingers for good blogging weather this week!

Kate

Easter Dress

dress: t. j. maxx / trench: banana republic outlet / tights: marshalls / shoes: nine west / bag: Francesco Rogani / necklace: swarovski / watch: skagen / assorted bracelets: gifts / sunglasses: coach via t. j. maxx

Every year, I join my little cousins for the tradition of dyeing eggs (see photos below). So for my Easter outfit, I was inspired by Easter egg colors! Because the turquoise of this dress is so bright - and because it's still too cold in Massachusetts to go bare-legged - I needed light-colored tights for balance. I found this great mauve pair with a floral pattern up the back. They are subtle and perfect for Spring. Black shoes, like black tights, would have been too heavy, so I went with a grey snake print for my feet. I added the jacket just to keep warm, but I do love how the understated trench really lets the color of the dress pop.

Happy Easter, everyone!

Kate

Scarfari

scarf: t. j. maxx / sunglasses: ray-ban / trench: banana republic outlet

This scarf is my new obsession. I love the whimsical twist on an animal print. I don't wear much red because I don't love the way it interacts with my skin tone, but this shade is so vibrant and the green zebras really break it up. (I never thought I'd type that sentence.) With the classic khaki trench it's the right mix of playful and exotic to keep me warm during this fickle spring weather.

Kate