STYLE: Lands' End Haul

It is undeniable that one of the best parts about working in fashion is getting a discount on all the clothes you were going to buy anyway. I mean, apart from the fact that you're doing something you love every day...disclaimer: no one go into the fashion industry just for discounted things. It's not really that big of a deal.

But actually it is.

So anyway, since my internship ended on Wednesday (see some of my tweets about it on Twitter or view my farewell blog post here), I spent the week prior finding anything and everything I felt that I needed before I left. Most of the items there tend to skew a little older (and by that I mean 35+) but there are quite a few classic things that never go out of style, regardless of age. Take the puffer vest above. It's technically a "uniform" piece, but who doesn't love a good down vest to throw over a sweater on chilly fall nights? It's going to be absolutely perfect. 

Another easy item was the pair of flip flops. They were on super clearance as all the fall collection items have already gone online, but a pair of tan leather and gold flip flops are going to be perfect for any summer. I've already worn them a couple of times, and they do rub a bit if you're going to be doing any long haul walking, but they're perfect for when you want a laid back sandal. I used to just go crazy and buy 10 pairs of $1 flip flops at the Old Navy sale, but by next summer I'll be 22 and out of college (as if that is so old) and I feel like I need to at least own a pair of nice flip flops that don't reflect the dirt cheap price. 

Moving on to something a little more seasonably appropriate, this pair of suede booties could not be passed up. These aren't something I would usually pick up, I don't have the money to spring for the full priced version (even though the quality is completely worth it), but these were actually a pair that they used for a photo shoot so their price was majorly discounted! Some people might be weirded out by wearing shoes someone else has already worn, but my theory is that if a model wore them, then I'll look more model-esque by virtue of having the same pair. This somewhat flawed logic is also supported by the fact that I'm 100% certain she didn't wear them for more than a couple hours. So whichever camp of logic you fall into, it's a win.

And my last, and potentially favorite, purchase is this adorable iPad case. Some of you who follow me on Twitter might already know that last semester I won an iPad through a contest at school, and I've been avoiding carrying it anywhere because I hadn't found a case I really cared much for. I don't like cases that make things significantly heavier, but also wanted something that would protect the front and back panels. Voila! This hilariously adorable penguin case pretty well just fell into my lap, so I couldn't pass it up. The materials are a little heavy for the summer months, but come October the velour backing and thick stitch front will fit quite nicely into a brown leather handbag.

That is all I have to show for my shopping trip through the company, but not for a lack of findings. I just knew I wouldn't have too much space in my car to pack much else. Either way, I'm quite pleased with what I have, and I'll be repping Lands' End across campus this year, that is for sure!

xoxo, Katie

STYLE: The Big Game

I would be hard pressed to be able to count the number of times the start of the football season will soon be upon us. Little did I know when I attached myself to my boyfriend how intense his love for Bears football would be, but it didn't take THAT long for me to catch the bug a little bit (ok, it's taken me almost a year, but common, you can't expect too much out of me). When Fanatics emailed me asking me to create a game day outfit for my favorite football team, I knew immediately that I had to do a good job. I would be disowned and left out of all the good game day food if I didn't do the jersey justice. Hopefully this outfit will do the team proud.

Thankfully I wasn't forced to work with a men's jersey (there is literally no flattering way for a woman to wear one of those...unless it doesn't involve pants), but even with the updated women's cut I wanted to take it a step further. A toned down pair of camo pants in a super skinny fit are feminine, but still mean business, and a pair of orange sneakers were literally the perfect fit. Let's be real, ladies, no matter how sexy you look in those heels, they just aren't going to end well after those beers at the tailgate. Adding a white leather jacket might seem a little risky, but getting one for $30 from H&M will mean that it wipes clean and won't be a tragedy if it collects a little hot dog mustard.

Probably my favorite piece from this outfit is the Alex and Ani bangle. Ever since I saw some of my fellow interns wearing all of their different versions, I've been dying to get my hands on a couple. This Bears version is one I might just be able to talk my boyfriend into buying for me...

All in all, I'm actually dying to buy this outfit now. Hang out with the guys, but still look like a girl with minimal effort and maximum comfort. What do you wear on game days?

xoxo, Katie

 

Disclaimer: No compensation has been provided for this post.

STYLE: Pre-Wedding Shopping Haul

Why hello little readers of mine (all 12 of you left at this point if I'm lucky). Over this weekend I had quite a bit of shopping to do. My step-sister is getting married in The Big Apple this coming week, and the whole gang is flying out there to celebrate. Naturally then, I needed to make sure I looked the part of a fashion student and part time blogger if or when people asked me what I was up to! The above picture is a reflection of the places I went, and while I don't think it's necessary to air out the undergarments I purchased, I will highlight the other treasures I found.

At some point in stumbling through the Internet I think I watched some video about "fashion people" and how they make fun of people who wear ALDO shoes. Am I making this up? Has anyone else seen it? Well that was quite some time ago, but for some reason it had stuck in my much younger mind and I'd subconsciously avoided the place since then.

Well the allure of 50% off clearance shoes was too much to walk by despite my irrational aversion, and I am so happy I crossed that barrier. These bad boys were a complete steal, and the last pair in the entire store. Consequently they are a little bit scruff on the upper section (some sort of very finely cut and brushed suede) but how could I pass them up? I feel so fancy and posh (apparently I'm British now) walking around in these. I have yet to ACTUALLY wear them, however, so the true test is still to come.

So even though I know he was only trying to make a couple extra bucks, the salesman slipped these bad boys into the front of the shoes and I just went for it. I mean, it can't hurt to have a little extra cushion, especially since I'll surely be wearing them for at least a couple of hours at a time. 

The next little gems on the list are my purchases from H&M, and while it may look like I purchased a t-shirt, and Muppet, and a clutch from the 80s, you are oh so wrong.

That maroon blob is really a t-shirt "dress" with the fancy little pre-cuffed sleeves. I put quotations around the word dress simply because it is definitely intended to be a dress on most people, but on me it is of questionable length, especially when I move my arms at all. I might risk wearing it as a dress, but more than likely it'll be thrown over a pair of leggings and layered with necklaces for a super comfy lounge day that doesn't look so sloppy.

Secondly, this jacket is now the #1 reason I can't wait for chillier temperatures. It's a cardigan/collarless jacket that is just so fluffy and textured that it will make just about any outfit feel a little more elevated without being uncomfortable. I've seen more than a few fluffy cardigans floating around the bloggersphere, and I needed to get my hands on one before the weather cooled off. Also- it was only clearance! $40 cardigan for $10 + the 15% student discount. Yes, please.

Last, but never least, is this clutch/bag I also snagged from the clearance aisle. The one side is a velveteen/faux fur and the other is a pretty nice quality faux leather. The zipper is pretty sturdy for H&M standards, but I'll definitely be taking off the gold rope chain. It makes the bag look cheap with the bright gold color, and I really wanted this for a clutch to carry to the festivities anyway- it's a win win!

So I hope you all enjoyed reading a little about what I've bought recently. I actually have another haul coming up last in the week of some things I've bought from my internship company before my discount runs out. Can't pass that up right? But I'm finding it so difficult to photograph clothing hauls! It all just seems to come out looking amateur and rather unprofessional. Please leave me any tips you have in the comments!

xoxo, Katie