Sneakers or tennis shoes?

t-shirt: gap (old) | jeans: american apparel | shoes: new balance | necklace: thrifted

As soon as I saw Kim Kardashian had posted a photo in grey New Balance sneakers, I knew for a fact that I had to get mine on my blog ASAP (*insert Mean Girls quote here*). Is is still lame to like the Kardashians? Or can I have a pop culture indulgence without fear of ridicule? Either way, I'm still going to rave about how crazy gorgeous Khloe looked in her Complex Magazine shoot. Now I've officially gotten off topic...

Casual Coffee Catchup OOTD

Two of my favorite things in the world: coffee shops and casual dressing. When traveling to a new town, I make it an immediate point to Google the coffee shops, assess their various merits, and then make a stop as soon as there is time. As I'm tying this very post I am sitting in a coffee shop in a Wisconsin town of less than 5000 people. And I must say, this espresso chai latte has crept into my top five favorite drinks. How have I gone this long without the perfect combination of tea and espresso?? More to come on that particular coffee shop later.

The shop in these photos is one my friends and I frequent more than we'd care to admit. The quirky staff, inexpensive bakery goods, and general friendliness make it the perfect stop during a hectic day.

STYLE: Furry Fall Wishlist

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

I know that in a couple of weeks I will curse myself for ever thinking of this, but I actually am somewhat excited for the cooler temperatures. Of course, not for the chapped skin and shriveled up cold feet (I hope I'm not the only one that happens to), but for the accessories! Seriously, there is no better season for accessories than A/W. The jewelry is sparkly, the scarves are chunky, and the textures are to die for.

One of the textures I'm most excited for is fur. It's such a controversial thing that some people aren't even willing to wear faux fur, but I am all about it. Hoods, scarves, mittens, throws, pillows...you name it, I probably want it. Naturally I've been scouring the Internet for my favorite accessories.

Are you looking forward to fur/faux fur? Are you anti-fur? Enjoy!

xo, Katie

STYLE: Tough Girl

Jacket- Forever21 (similar) | Tshirt- PINK | Jeans- Hollister (old) | Boots- Lands' End (similar) | Flannel- American Eagle (old)

Somehow, I seem to have landed in a time warp where everything is a complete whirlwind, I have no idea what is going on, and suddenly a month has gone by and it seems like all I did was blink.

Seriously, people, that has been my past month.

While this blog has been sitting lonely and vacant, collecting cobwebs and floating around in the internet, I have been (somehow) surviving my last first month of school. Ever. I actually have no control over my life at this point it feels like, and while so many wonderful things are happening, it is also happening frighteningly fast.

I've taken up a job as the Opinions Editor at my school's newspaper (which you'll be extremely familiar with if you read Elana's blog, Room-334), taken on the (nearly) impossible task of resurecting the dying fashion club on campus, continued to write for CollegeFashionista, and still maintain some semblence of a social life through Seth and my friends.

Can you see why I've gone a little crazy?

So please forgive me that I haven't spent time on my creative outlets, because I haven't even truly had time to breathe, let alone take outfit picture and write a blog post about it. However, now that things are settling into more of a routine, I think I can start to dust off my keyboard and slowly start relearning how to write a blog post.

Because clearly I'm just typing anything that comes into my head at this point in hopes that it at least appears that I know what I'm doing.

xoxo, Katie

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

OOTD: Katz Dress

Dress- H&M (borrowed)

Cardigan- French Connection

Necklace- H&M

Shoes- Lucky Brand

Bag- DIY

Ring- Forever21

This is probably the last set of pictures you'll see of my campus for a little while. I am officially back home and soaking up a couple days of freedom before heading off to work for my old summer job for a couple of weeks. After that begins the intern journey! I'm so nervous and excited at the same time. I have so many diy and decorating ideas for my room, so get ready for those as soon as I get them into place.

I'm really going to miss having Mary and Elana (whom I borrowed this dress from) around to always be ready to take some outfit pictures. When I'm home I practically have to get on my knees and beg my sister to take them, and I have absolutely no clue what Wisconsin holds for me. I'm just hoping that someone there will also have a fashion blog (or photography background) and I can bribe them with baked goods. I mean, that always works for me.

PS- I pulled this cardigan out of the back of my closet and I just fell in love with it again. Why didn't I discover this earlier back in the fall when mauve and cardigans were much more appropriate? Oh well. Also, I'm realizing I have no idea what to do with a cardigan. My experience with them is minimal at best. Tips for styling, anyone?

PPS- I'm realizing that I ALWAYS seem to have a PS. Maybe I just need to make this a real thing from now on.

xoxo, Katie

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

Happy Easter Meester!

However you celebrate, Easter is a fantastic time to let out my inner New Englander! I just love the structured dressed, the pleats, the color, the high necks...it's all so classy. Here in the Midwest there are few opportunities to wear such dresses (barn parties don't exactly lend themselves to heels and a dry clean only dress), so I had to jump on the chance as soon as I found it! Definitely my new obsession for spring. I've been eyeing up some Lilly Pulitzer dresses, despite my lack of funds...

Hot Pink Bow Dress- Lauren Conrad for Kohl's

Purple Suede Heels- Vince Camuto, thrifted

Chain Necklace- Forever21

Leopard Cardigan- Apt9, Kohl's

Originally I planned to wear my navy blazer with this dress, but it's a boyfriend style and once I got home to try it on I realized it's too long for this dress :( A leopard cardigan fit quite nicely over it, however, and added a bit of print! This outfit isn't my usual style, but spring is all about freshness and warmth, and a new girly wave in my wardrobe seemed to just ease it's way in without me even noticing! Don't worry, my usual quirky style isn't buried too deep.