LIFE: Happy National Coffee Day!

It is certainly no surprise that I am something of a coffee addict. I mean, college + fashion + journalism + blogging = most stereotypical coffee drinker ever. Naturally,  I've spent the entire day looking up coffee themed products, and here are some of the ones that have tested my self control to it's absolute limits. You can thank me later, bank account.

letteredandlined

This is the perfect little print to educate those less knowledgable.

MooseberryCases

If I could have a case with my name + coffee + a pumpkin I would be the most basic white girl ever. And not even care.

WhoDoesntWantThat

Yup, no reason to not want this one.

ArmiTee

This is the perfect sleep shirt or lazy day outfit tee. It even says so right on the shirt.

ArmiTee

Equally as perfect.

HopSkipJumpPaper

Seth doesn't even like coffee, but he knows how much I do, so this would be perfect to hand to him on our anniversary.

Don't mind if I do. What's your favorite coffee drink? Or do you prefer tea?

Enjoy the day everyone, and drink a cup or two for me! 

INSPIRATION: Summer Essentials + Blog Sale!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

This week's inspiration post is a little bit different from normal because these are things I'm actually going to buy within the next couple of weeks instead of just lusting over the pretty colors and fabrics but crying at the price tag. Everything on this list in under $50 (except the Birks), and these are basically all of my summer essentials. However, there's a happy $250 sitting on my computer screen that I don't have, and that is where you all come in.

In an effort to help make moving a little easier, I'm clearing out my closet, dressers, shoe racks, and book shelves. By the time you are reading this I will have the blog sale tab updated in my navigation bar, but you can also find my gently used (and some brand new!) items I just can't cart around anymore. Everything is under $20, and most will be under $10 if I can help it. I want these things to go, so prices are set darn low. Lower than they would be if I put them up on eBay.

And yes- this is an international sale! All postage/ordering/faq stuff is at the top of the sale page, so make sure to read that before emailing me with any questions, but if I don't answer something there, feel free to shoot me an email at thestyleduckling@hotmail.com (I check it at least twice a day).

So help a girl out, find some fun new things at super cheap prices, and click here. Seriously. Do it. MY INTERNSHIP STARTS IN 2.5 WEEKS! So order fast, the sale ends May 29th.

PS- Tomorrow's update will include shoes and books. Make sure to read tomorrow's post for the link or bookmark my shop tab so you don't miss out! You can also follow me on Twitter @styleduckling because I will be tweeting every time I add a new item.

xoxo, Katie

INSPIRATION: The Final Reward

Sandals

Tumbler 

Nail Polish

Hats

Jewelry Holder

Headwrap

I can't be the only one who feels justified in spending money during finals week, right? Just a little something to make the hours of ulcer inducing stress and studying easier to swallow. I absolutely ADORE the NYX Butter glosses and somehow all three of mine have gotten lost this year. That justifies new ones, yes? The J.Crew hats are perfect for hiding greasy hair days from the lack of sleep and showering (if only the library had showers, right?), and while I'm not a big fan of monograms, who can resist a 35 oz tumbler? You read that right. 35 oz of pure iced coffee goodness (or water if you're into that kind of thing, I guess).

PS- I just realize this list makes me look like a Southern prep blogger, haha who knew I had it in me? Maybe the warmer temperatures are bringing out my inner state school sorority girl.

xoxo, Katie

INSPIRATION: Home Dawg

Am I a little over the top? Possibly. Is it a good thing? Absolutely.

My love for puppies and kittens knows no bounds; I've been trying to get my boyfriend to steal his neighbor's cat's kittens for about two months now (to no avail, sadly). Since I won't be able to have pets in my apartment this fall and I'll be living away from my pets this summer, the next best thing is to fill the rooms with pet themed home items.

1.  2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Of course I wouldn't put all of these in the same room (or would I?), but a cute reminder of our furry friends placed here and there isn't all bad. Especially if they easily fit into the color scheme or design. Every loves to cuddle up to a pillow with the shape of their favorite breed on the front!

No? Just me? Eh, oh well.

xoxo, Katie

INSPIRATION: Spring Handbag Wishlist

Neon satchel bag

Rebecca Minkoff

Ted Baker Wallet

Blue/Pink Tote

Brown Shopper

If you can't tell, I have a slight obsession with totes at the moment. I love the look of carrying a bag on my elbow rather than my shoulder or a cross body bag. However, I can't completely rule out the cross body look, and this super bright neon satchel fits the perfect bill. Statement purses are a super easy way to add more personality to an outfit, especially since almost all of my outfits have been super minimalist and (usually) monochromatic as of late.

And can we just take a minute to appreciate this Rebecca Minkoff bag? Literal perfection. Structure, black and white, AND handles? It doesn't get much better. I would (almost) kill for this bag. What I would love even more to put IN the bag is this French Bulldog Ted Baker wallet. Ever since I got my Pollee bow flip flops from Ted Baker I've been obsessed with the brand. Throw in a collage of french bulldogs? I'm sold. So if anyone knows where to find it (I searched high and low!), please please please let me know. My boyfriend needs a Facebook message with the link very badly, haha

xoxo, Katie

Spring Trend Favorite: Collarless Jackets

I'm not sure if it's the fake sense of sophistication or the fact that I snagged a really fantastic Michael Kors one over spring break (I promise I'll post it soon), but I am absolutely obsessed with collarless jackets at the moment. I was first introduced when Laura from Buy Now, Blog Later featured a super chic tweed version from ASOS- adorable AND professional. Now that I've really honed in on the internship and job search (a couple leads, but I'm not talking about them until anything is final. I'm quite superstitious about jinxing things like this) I have had the urge to add work appropriate and mature pieces to my closet.

Collarless jackets seem like a no-brainer for this type of criteria. They're easy to dress up with a pair of slacks and professional heels, but casual enough to wear with a plain t-shirt and boyfriend jeans. I've picked out one of my favorites floating around the blogger-sphere and styled it for professional use and casual use. Am I the greatest or what?

H&M jacket White House|Black Market Levity Jalone Charming Charlie

Target Charming Charlie Forever21

The top options is super simple, perfect for a conservative office while still maintaining a sense of style and individuality. Take that same jacket and throw it over a solid maxi dress for an evening dinner and it's the perfect way to cover up once the chill sets in. The navy is a great base for showing off other colors and can be worn with silver OR gold jewelry. I think I see a few more navy pieces taking a hold in my wardrobe this summer.

CollegeFashionista: A Round Up

This isn't a usual post, but I'm just feeling quite elated at the moment. As most of you know by now, I also have been writing for CollegeFashionista this semester where each week I find fashionable students around my campus and report their outfit, specifically their accessories. It's been a strange transition from writing about and photographing my own outfits to other people's outfits, but it's been a huge learning experience that I really do think has helped me. Now I don't get so hurt when people criticize me, haha

So I just wanted to share a few of the people and articles that were well received. At this point, I have had 4 articles featured on the homepage, and 9 published over all. Not too bad, not too bad.

All my articles can be found here, or by clicking the picture. Also, if any of you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, the application for Fall 2014 can be found on the website too! Let me know which of these is your favorite, and also any photography or shooting tips if you have them. I'm always looking to learn a little more!

xoxo, Katie

May Your Monday Be a Little Brighter

Coming back from spring break is hard. Not only does it mean heading back to the freezing cold Midwest for classes, but it also means that internship applications begin to be responded to. It's generally a depressing and nerve-wracking time (especially since I'm getting sick now too- thanks a lot, airplane travel). To potentially lighten the blows of tests and rejection, I'm attempting to cheer myself up with adorable and pretty things. Hopefully this brightens your Monday a little bit, because I'm not really sure about mine. Pinterest will be my best friend today, so if you're not following me you definitely should go do that. Now.

xoxo, Katie

I just really really REALLY want a pet :(

Anything with sugar and lemons I am all about. 

How adorable is this? Plus the artist is amazing.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

I absolutely adore this, and most of her prints start at only $10. I need one in my life asap. Find her Etsy shop here! 

Beautiful ice cream is always a good idea- especially it if involves cake.

PS- I also just realized it's been a whole 10 days since my last post- whew! Time flies when you're busy. Be on the lookout for posts with pictures from my spring break outfits and adventures later on this week.

Lust List #5- Spring Time

I like to do this thing where I pretend I'm edgy and grungy, but in reality I just love all things white, pink, and cute. Who am I kidding with this outfit? I'll never be Avril Lavigne. (Weird that I've mentioned her in the last two posts...maybe I need to widen my early 2000s music references a little.)

So in full springtime and girly spirit, these are some of the most adorable things I wish I had money to buy.

I have to admit- I went on a bit of a Primark binge. I can't get enough. It probably has something to do with the fact that we don't have them here in the States but still! It's just not fair that they have so many cute things I can't buy.

1. Stripe Skirt- Primark

2. Barbie Sweater- Primark

3. Overalls- Primark

4. Lipstick- Tom Ford "Spanish Pink"

5. Glitter Mouse Mirror- Primark

6. Pillows- Primark

7. Sweater- Primark

Oh, and also not to toot my own horn, but my article was featured on the homepage for CollegeFashionista today! Eeep! This is the second time they've chosen my article and hopefully not the last. You can check out the first one here and the most recent here. Happy reading:)

3 Trends I Hate...and How to Wear Them

Head Chains
If anyone is into a good statement piece it's me. I love a good oversized watch or giant chunky necklace. These just go too far for me. I feel like they're just too over the top, and I know for a fact I'd probably whip my head around too fast and it would smack me in the eye or fly off and smack someone ELSE in the eye. Recipe for disaster. There's a more subtle (and secure) way to wear jewelry on your head, and I really love the jeweled and beaded headbands. Most of the ones I found were for bridal, but who says you can't wear them every day?!

Sneakers
I'm starting this one off with a disclaimer- I actually like the wedge sneaker. I know, I know, so many people hate it, but I think it's the tacky ones that give everything else a bad rap. I found some pretty bad ones for this picture. One of the easy ways to avoid worrying about if you're wearing a good pair of not is to just avoid the wedge and go for the slip on! It's supposed to be huge this spring and summer (I'm all for it), and snagging a cheetah print or leather pair will keep you from looking like a 2002 Skater Boi a la Avril Lavigne.

Military Inspired
And last but not least, the creme de la creme of hated trends- camo. I'm not sure if it's because I live in the Midwest where camo has been around all my life (and in the worst possible ways) or if I just have a natural aversion, but I hated this from day one. Instead of opting for the hunter-chic look, find a pair of olive pants. This skinny pair has spring ready ankle zips AND slim cargo pockets. Need I say more?

What trends from this past season or coming seasons do you absolutely hate? Have you found any good alternatives? Share in the comments!

Latest Obsession- cheetah

If you follow me on my Instagram, you would know that for Christmas I received a Betsey Johnson cheetah print infinity scarf and could not be more in love. Is there any print you CAN'T mix cheetah with? Stripes- yes. Plaid- yes. Floral- yes. Not to mention it looks fabulous with an all denim ensemble. Therefor, I would like to present everyone with my favorite cheetah print items that I've been lusting over!

Heels - Coat - Cardigan - Bag - Scarf

Cheetah can be difficult to work with. If you're not careful with it, it can come off as cheap and slightly...hussy. This can serve as an easy guide to keep those nasty opinions as bay.

Also, I'm running a giveaway for the month of January in case you didn't see it in my last post! I'd also like to mention that the rules have been slightly amended if you DID happen to read it before, so double check those because now you can pick from more than just the items I chose!

Find it here!

Trend Alert- Geometric Cardigan

Top Left- Karmaloop

Top Right- Duffy Ny

Middle- BooHoo

Bottom Left- Urban Outfitters

Bottom Right- New Look

As temperatures continue to drop (the windchill was 0 today..perfect), all I can think about is snuggling up in a big giant sweater, drinking coffee, and continuing to procrastinate studying for my finals. So far, I've been quite successful in all three of those endeavors, and what better way to procrastinate than shopping online for a sweater to snuggle up in! I've been loving the aztec/geometric/tribal print cardigans as of late, and I'm thinking I need that one from Karmaloop..or maybe the Duffy NY one...or maybe all of them...

Disclaimer

Express Yourself

Because I am sure absolutely no one at the Express marketing department has every come up with this tagline, I thought I would offer up my services (I'm still looking for a job, and there are more gems where this came from, Express people).

Cheetah Sequined Sweatshirt

Gold Sequined Skirt

Faux Fur Lined Parka

Faux Leather Circle Skirt

Faux Leather Moto Jacket

"I Hate Running" Sweatshirt

Over the weekend, I happened to find myself in the money hole that is Express. Literally, I could spend $500 without blinking in that place. Something about the sophisticated lines and textures that still take trends and current fashions into account just draw me in like a moth to a flame and I'm done for. Particularly during the holiday season, Express pulls me in with their sequined dresses and metallic skirts just begging to be worn to a Christmas cocktail party (if only I knew people who threw Christmas cocktail parties). 

These 6 items were at the top of my "I wish I had money for this list" while I window-shopped, so I thought I'd spread the love in case anyone is looking for present ideas for loved ones or needs some inspiration for their own holiday wishlist.

ModCloth "Uniquely You" Styling Competition!

Last week I recieved an email from ModCloth's leading stylist, Amy Hirt, asking if I would be interested in being part of a weekly styling competition, where the winner will be displayed on ModCloth's Polyvore page and linked back to the winner's blog. 

Does every blogger own the Zara skort? Is caffeine essential to life?

So here's how it works- every week I'll get an email with a special item from ModCloth's private label 

collection to style using up to 7 other items on ModCloth's website. This week featured the "Call of the Styled" coat (you can find it here!) and I ran with the first theme that popped into my head: the holidays. I'm easily excited by lights and shiny paper, so naturally the holiday season gets me a little bit riled up. Who doesn't love cut-out cookies, family, and presents?! If the holiday spirit hasn't quite hit you yet, however, a simple solid or heathered sweater would easily work with this outfit as well (if you want to be a Grinch that is...).

All of these items can be found on ModCloth.com, but since I'm feeling generous, I'll link them for you
Call of the Styled Coat
Snuggly Snowflakes Sweatshirt
On a Roller Derby Jeans
Footwork and Play Flat
Melie Bianco Full Course Load Bag
An Ornate Fate Necklace

Shop the Nordy Sale...College Student Style!

I officially have a serious problem. As the summer has snuck further and further away and we've inched closer to the end of the semester, my bank account has been dwindling down to bits of change the last few weeks. It's a sad (but honest) reality for most college students that the days of spending are summer, the beginning of the fall semester, and just after Christmas break (where we can all go back and earn a quick buck at home). What is most sad of all, however, is that Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale falls no where near any of those marks! *boo-hiss*

But never fear! I'm here to guide you to a few of my favorite items from the sale that are all *drumroll* LESS THAN $25! Yes-you read correctly! You could purchase one of these items with the money you made from just one session of selling your plasma to a blood bank.

Disclaimer- I would not recommend selling plasma unless you are a poor college student (and even then it is a questionable decision).

stone earrings | cheetah scarf | pattern tuxedo pants | track pants | stripe turtleneck | sweatshirt | leather pocket shirt | pj leggings | slim-fit sweatpants

For the price range that we're in, it's unreasonable to expect to see a Marc Jacobs bag floating around. However, this price range is spectacular for basics, lounge clothes, or accessories - perfect! My 21st birthday is coming up in less than a month (November 25th!), and I'm crossing my fingers that someone reads this and snags a couple of these before they're gone *hint hint friends and fam* ;)

Happy Nordy shopping!

How Would You Wear It?

Ever since I made this post, I've been obsessed with this neon sweater from Dorothy Perkins. I'm not sure if it's the combination of summery florescent green with the chunky winter-y knit or if I'm just obsessed with anything from Dorothy Perkins, but I feel either is a valid excuse. The only problem is that I can't decide how I would style it! 

I've come up with two different options that have very separate feelings about them. Tell me- which would you wear? Or would you wear a completely different combination? What would that be?

Track Pants- Nordstrom

Hair Clip- Forever21

Necklace- Kelly Wearstler

Shoes- Aldo

Shirt- Target

Skirt- Alice + Olivia

Necklace- J. Crew

Watch- Fossil

Shoes- Prada

Tights- DailyLook

Easy Fall Outfits for Class

As I'm coming up on my fifth week at a new college, I've discovered the truth to one very alarming and disheartening college cliche- no one dresses up for class.

Now, I'm not asking for dresses, suits, and ties here, students, but when it's considered "dressing up" to wear jeans and close toed shoes, we have a problem. There are plenty of ways to branch out of the running shorts and hoodies, and it doesn't have to be difficult. The best way to get started is to just stock your closet with simple basics that will be easy to wear and style when you're just getting started. Buying a crazy patterned shirt might seem fun at the time, but more than likely it will end up sitting in your closet until you have a special event because you won't know how to wear it for a casual day with friends or to go to class. That's where these items come in.

VS Pink Leather Leggings

Topshop Black High-waisted Pants

Rang & Bone Boyfriend Jeans

French Connection tshirt

Dorothy Perkins sweater (on sale!)

Dorothy Perkins sequin top

Aldo Heels

Converse sneakers

Tiger flats

All three of these photo sets could be mix and matched to be worn with any of the options. Pull one from each category and there's an outfit right there. Add a bag, a couple accessories, and you're ready to walk out the door in less than 10 mins without having to resort to sweatpants and a tshirt. The best part of all is that you're not going to be tugging at your clothes all day, worried about what people think of you. Because you know what they'll be thinking? "Dang, I wish I hadn't worn these same sweatpants again today..."

Fairytale Friday: Tiana

Since this week's princess had THREE movie outfits, it was a little more difficult to put the outfits together but never fear! The Fairytale Friday is here!

Dress- Modcloth | Necklace- Shopbop | Hat- Swell | Lipcolor- Bobbi Brown

I love the era Tiana is placed in for clothing. It's all so fun! Her down-to-earth nature kept her in a fairly simple outfit, though, so this is just a slightly updated no-fuss kind of look.

Dress- Dorothy Perkins | Shoes- Chinese Laundry | Earrings- Tarina Tarantino | Lipstick- Smashbox

A royal party deserves jewels and glamor, right?! Exactly. That's what I thought.

Necklace- Max and Chloe | Shoes- Tory Burch | Lipstain- Tarte | Dress- Modcloth

Lastly, I got something of a fairy vibe from her green dress. I'm not sure why. I tried not to make it too Tinkerbell-esque, and I think the shoes are what keep it from looking that way. They're era appropriate and look so good next to the warm pearls of the necklace.

Stay tuned for next week's Fairytale Friday post! We're moving toward most of the modern princesses now, so feel free to include which you'd like to see next :)

Fairytale...Friday?: Belle

Ok, children, I realize it is a Tuesday. However, in an effort to pretend that a new week isn't underway  and that I don't have grown up responsibilities, I'm posting last week's "Fairytale Friday" today. 

And that is that.

This week marks the last of what I consider to be the "classic" Disney princesses. That's not to diminish the princesses in the coming weeks, but Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, and Belle are the five that started the "princess franchise"...plus Belle happens to be my favorite :)

Dress and crop top - Newlook | Loafers - Valentino | Bag - Dooney and Burke | Earrings - Tory Burch | Bow- American Apparel | Lips - Nars "Isola Bella"

The point of these outfits is to make a wearable version of the princesses, and with pinafore dresses being "in" at the moment, it was just too perfect for Belle in her peasant outfit. Really, just about everything has a reason in this outfit. Her bag was originally going to be a tote, but I thought "you can't carry very many books without your arm falling off in a tote bag!"; Hence, the backpack. Her lipstick is a simple no-fuss peachy nude as Belle isn't the type to fuss with much, and her shoes are low-heel, easy slip-ons for the very same.

Dress - Ted Baker | Shoes - Dorothy Perkins | Earrings - Bloomingdales | Nail Polish - Chanel

I'm not sure which I love more: the butter yellow midi dress or the glitter sparkle heels. Either way, I had to include them. And wouldn't you know that it is ridiculously difficult to find a rose statement necklace? I looked for at least two hours trying to find one, but alas, I suppose it wasn't meant to be. 

Now, I can't make any promises, but I'm going to be needing quite a bit of distraction this week so it is more than a possibility that there will be a Fairytale Friday post ACTUALLY on Friday this week. Someone call the newspaper! Hopefully I'll be speaking to you then :)

Fairytale Friday: Sleeping Beauty

Long time no see! It's hard to believe it's already been more than 4 weeks since I last posted a Fairytale Friday, but with my summer classes starting, going on vacation, and working, and so many other pretty big changes, it just seemed to slip right through the cracks! Thankfully I'm better prepared now, and hopefully there won't be another one of these horrible lapses! But enough apologies, now on to the good stuff.

Top- allsaints | Skirt- allsaints | Collar- Etsy | Bag- Kate Spade | Shoes- Zara | Lipgloss- Nars | Bracelet- Macy's | Earrings- Dorothy Perkins 

Dress- Valentino | Shoes- Tory Burch | Bag- Zara | Earrings- Miss Selfridge | 

Necklace- Forever 21 | Ring- Guess

I've been absolutely adoring the way that maxi dresses/skirts look on everyone else lately. Unfortunately, I still have yet to find one that is long enough for my ridiculous height. I'll just have to figure out how to add about 6 sizes to the runway versions so they're made for taller people..haha

I know that it's Saturday when this has been posted, but I've just been so off with everything that I figured it wasn't worth it to wait another 6 days and possibly have something else come up. I think that from now on I'll just post these "Fairytale Friday" posts somewhere between Thursday-Saturday so that it's just less stressful on me if I should forget. Hopefully everyone is ok with that considering it's going to be that way regardless :p Have a great first official weekend of summer!