Best Trends

jumpsuit: Cynthia Rowley via t. j. maxx / clutch, necklace: t. j. maxx / watch: coach / shoes: zara / sunglasses: ray-ban

Of all the trends circulating this season, the jumpsuit is my favorite by far. I've had this one in my closet for a few months now waiting for the weather to warm up and collecting the proper accessories, so I was chomping at the bit to take these photos. I tried to style this outfit with every blazer or sundry outfit topper I own - I am trying to style these clothes, not just wear them - but in the end I felt like the jumpsuit deserved to shine in all it's glory. I further embraced the minimalism with a simple tank watch, silver bar necklace, and envelope clutch. Clearly the jumpsuit is the focal point here, but I also managed to incorporate a number of other trends (color-blocking, silver metals, neon). I would not consider myself a trendy dresser, and I advocate for fit and shape over what's popular, but when it works, it works.

And SPOILER ALERT: This is NOT the only jumpsuit I own.

Kate

Summer Bronze

dress: old navy / belt: banana republic outlet / bag: t. j. maxx / shoes: aldo / sunglasses: ray-ban / watch: michael kors / bracelets: assorted gifts / necklace: betsey johnson

I like the bronze colored stripes on this dress as a sophisticated alternative to summer brights. Gold jewelry and brown leather accessories keep the look warm and casual, perfect for running errands and relaxing with friends and family on this sunny holiday. (Special thanks to Joe for snapping these photos!)

Happy Memorial Day!

Kate

Something New

Bags are my weakness, and I've been looking for the perfect brown leather everyday bag for a while now. When I found this on the racks at T. J. Maxx, I was overjoyed! It's a warm brown tone that will only look better with time, and it's the perfect size. I love the detachable cross-body strap and the zipper detail. The best part was the price. I got it on clearance for 75% off of the "compare at" price. I use my big blue studded bag during the week because it fits all my books and teaching supplies, but I look forward to the weekends so that I can use this bag!

Now I know I got a bargain here, but am I crazy to see some similarities between my bag and the Balenciaga City bag or Mulberry's Alexa? Let me know what you think!

Kate

Cloche Call

dress: banana republic outlet (old) / hat: goorin brothers "lonsdale" / clutch, shoes: t. j. maxx / necklace: betsey johnson / bracelets: forever 21, assorted gifts / watch: michael kors / lipstick: revlon "lilac champagne"

I got this dress on super sale over 3 years ago (think single digit dollars, people), wore it a few times, and then made a terrible laundry mistake. I accidentally washed this dress with a bunch of towels. It took me 2 years to get around to buying an electric depiller and another 6 months to get around to putting batteries in said depiller. Finally, I took advantage of my rain-induced house arrest last week and removed all the towel fuzzies from this dress - no small task. I don't really like to wear dresses, but this one gets a pass. The next morning it took me about 2 seconds to get dressed, and like many girls, I am a sucker for the novelty of dress pockets.

I got this hat on my last trip to California. I have always loved hats, and I am trying to incorporate them more into my daily life. I thought this one added to the overall sweetness of the outfit.

Kate

Keep it Simple

jacket: theory / top: marshalls / jeans: j. crew factory outlet store (love this similar pair) / shoes: zara / wallet: coach / watch: michael kors / necklace: betsey johnson / sunglasses: coach via t. j. maxx

This outfit consists merely of a blazer, shell, and skinny jeans. I love that kind of simplicity, but I also love that this isn't just any blazer, any shell, or any pair of jeans. This satin, collarless jacket is the best fit I have yet to find in a blazer, and because of the shine-factor, it's unexpected for day and perfect for night. This shell (also worn here) is covered in dull white sequins to add texture. These jeans are the perfect pop of color, and they have quickly become my favorite pair of pants. There really isn't much to this outfit, but it's all in the details.

Kate

'37 Chevy

sweater: old navy / jeans: Lucky Brand via t. j. maxx (try these or these) / scarf, bag: t. j. maxx / sandals: marshalls / watch: michael kors / sunglasses: ray-ban

These are a few of my favorite weekend pieces lately. Since the weather has been so blah, I've been adding this amazing scarf to every outfit to warm and cheer me up. This is my first pair of boyfriend jeans; they are a little wide and a size bigger than I normally go, but they are a nice change from super tight skinnies. This sweater is the perfect shape and it goes with everything... so let's hope that I can successfully remove the orange lipstick stain I got on it while taking these pictures.

This car is my Dad's pride and joy, so I'm sending out a special thanks to him for taking these pictures and letting me feature the car!

Kate

Miracle Worker

Philosophy When Hope is not Enough

Other than my recent experiments with lipstick and my ongoing obsession with mascara, I don't wear much make-up. Instead, I try to focus on skincare. I ordered this a few months ago after reading about the benefits of vitamin C serums. I chose Philosophy's When Hope is not Enough over other products because it was affordable (which I could not say about many of the other options), from a trusted brand, and described as "a multitasking-treatment." Within days my skin looked brighter, had a more even tone, and felt hydrated (and no, they aren't paying me to say this!). I use it morning and night. I love love love this product and will be ordering my second jar soon.

Any skincare products you all swear by? Let me know!

Kate

The Short List

shorts: Poleci via t. j. maxx / sweater: gap / belt, sunglasses: t. j. maxx / shoes: jessica simpson / bag: vintage, gift / necklaces: betsey johnson chain link, j. c. penney pearls / watch: michael kors

Around the time that I graduated from college, I had a fashion epiphany: shorts are chic! No longer reserved for pre-teens and athletes, shorts could be dressed up or down, fun or formal. Lengths, colors, and styles varied. My imagination ran wild, and soon enough I had amassed a collection. Cut to present day. I very recently fed my addiction with this pair: navy blue, pinstriped, pleated, perfection. The modest length and roomy fit make them work-appropriate. I added a celery green sweater to lighten up the color palette, and a yellow belt for a little pizzazz. I love the look of menswear but I am still very much a girly-girl so I layered some necklaces. In the winter I will wear these with tights, but for now I am really enjoying the bare legs.

Kate

Tangerine and Knots

skirt: t. j. maxx / chambray shirt: j. crew factory outlet store / shoes: jessica simpson / clutch: tila march / sunglasses: coach via t. j. maxx (try these) / necklace: betsey johnson / bracelets: forever 21 / watch: michael kors

Major price pride, folks: this skirt was $10. I found it in the juniors section, and it was a rumpled, wrinkled mess on a hanger. Still, I was drawn to the color and the versatile length (perfect for work and weekend). I tried to toughen up the sweet style by adding a somewhat masculine chambray shirt, tying it to emphasize the waist. Nude sandals elongate the legs, and a fun patterned bracelet ties it all together by picking up the color of the skirt and, coincidentally, my toenail polish.

I have big plans for this skirt, friends. Can you say petticoat?

Kate

Edgy Kate

jeans: marshalls / top: t. j. maxx / shoes: zara / belt: j. crew / watch: Michael Kors / bracelets: assorted gifts / sunglasses: ray-ban / earrings: t. j. maxx

I have a not-so-secret desire to be edgy, rock-and-roll. So much so, in fact, that a fews years ago I dressed up as "Edgy Kate" for Halloween, and an alter ego was born. I have just been waiting for the weather to warm up a little to shoot this outfit, and I am so glad that it finally did, at least for a minute! On weekends I wear these jeans with casual striped t-shirts and draped sweaters, but I really think this is how they were meant to be worn. They just BEG for glamorous extras, like gold jewelry and these strappy heels. Wayfarers and a messy up-do complete the look.

But the irony here and with Edgy Kate in general? This blouse is by Talbots.

Kate

Elephant Pants

sweater: old navy / pants: t. j. maxx / shoes: Dolce Vita via t. j. maxx / bag: Francesco Rogani /necklace: Venice, Italy / bracelets: forever 21 / watch: borrowed from my dad / sunglasses: t. j. maxx

My Dad just told me that these pants were called elephant pants “back in the day.” How did he know that!? All I know is that I love how soft and pajama-like they are. The shape is a trendy nod to the ’70s but the polka dots are fun and modern. I kept the overall look loose but not big with this draped sweater. I tucked it in but opted out of a belt (for the first time in my life) because I didn’t want to compete too much with the unstructured vibe. A tiny pop of green in the necklace was just enough for me, although I could have added a bright lip as well. A hot pink might have been fun!

Kate

Inner Hippie

jeans: Joe’s Jeans via marshalls / sweater: marshalls / shoes: marshalls / bag: t. j. maxx / sunglasses: ray-ban / lipstick: revlon hot coral

On this lazy Sunday afternoon, I decided to channel my inner hippie. This is not a look towards which I usually gravitate, but I am kind of loving it. Really, what’s not to love? It’s casual, neutral, and easy. The sweater is loose and lightweight, which makes it perfect for these transition weeks before New England realizes that it’s May. These wedges are great for a pop of color and added height so that I can pull off these flared jeans. The best part is that I found these jeans at a great price (compared to normal designer denim prices).

You might have noticed the BRIGHT CORAL lipstick I’m sporting in these pictures. I have never been a lipstick girl (Burt’s Bees lip balm all the way), but I was inspired to try some out this weekend. This shade is amazing! It’s practically neon in person, and it’s bold without being a harsh red lip. It might become my new signature look.

Let’s get ready for another week!

Kate