interior inspiration: mixed pattern outfit.

It was really fun to browse all sorts of interior spaces in hopes of finding inspiration for an outfit. One of the big "aha" moments I had was with pattern mixing. I'm a huge fan of mixing patterns regardless, but with outfits I've been more hesitant to take risks because of the smaller canvas size. Using an interior space as inspiration gave me the direction I needed to pull something together that is cohesive yet visually interesting. 

Oh - and this just in - totally fine to mix brown and black. 

tip: Keep pattern styles similar to each other when mixing. It will help tie all of the fabrics together without having to match the color palettes exactly to each other. 

interior / clutch / bracelet / sandal / blouse / skirt

outfit idea: violet tulip blouses and cutoffs.

In my exploration of Pantone's 2014 colors of the year, I've started to notice my initial need to pair these colors with something brighter. With this look, I decided to experiment with mixing casual and dressy components. The way to make it work was to find a shoe that blends the two together. And for some reason, this was a teal wedge. Can't explain why but if it ain't broke...

tip: Keep makeup natural when using bold colored accessories.

alexa chung / sandal / sunglasses / midi ring / blouse / shorts / bag

three ways: how to wear floral shorts.

It can be tough to come up with various outfits for one pair of flashy shorts. Especially when you buy them with one single event and one single outfit in mind. To let the piece out of your closet without people experiencing deja vu, try thinking of three different occasions and style around their needs. In this case, I picked wine tasting, a day party and girls night out. 

tip: Mix up activity types (i.e. lots of walking, casual mingling, dancing) to enhance creativity.

FLORAL SHORTS at topshop

look 1: top / purse / sandals look 2: blouse / sandals / bracelet look 3: blouse / earrings / pumps

trend alert: crop tops and skirts five ways.

I've been in love with the crop top trend for a while now and am so glad it's here to stay this year. Asos has by far the best selection - so much so I couldn't choose just one look. 

The key to pulling them off is remembering to stay a bit modest, especially for women 30 years and older. This means no belly button ladies - I mean it. 

tip: Use a crop top to sex up the hard-to-make-work midi skirt.

look 1: top / skirt / shoes look 2: top / skirt / shoes look 3: top / skirt / shoes

look 4: top / skirt / shoes look 5: top / skirt / shoes

outfit idea: combat boots and blouses.

I am on an all time, combat boot high. I wear them often. I wear them always. They go with skirts, shorts, jeans, leggings, dresses... It's the perfect accessory to make any outfit more casual and approachable. L. O. V. E.

necklace / blouse / combat boots / jeans / cardigan

golden globes outfit inspiration: cap sleeves 3 ways

The Golden Globes fashion was off the chain this year. Out of all the gorgeous silhouettes, colors and styles, what I was most inspired by the cap sleeve trend. Unlike the previous years, 2014 feels like the year of the bicep and I couldn't be more excited. Be sure to keep up on those arm dips, ladies!

 

julianna margulies

blouse / midi skirt / solange knowles / leather tote / watch / bracelets / booties

julie bowen

blouse / rihanna / bag / pencil skirt / heels

elisabeth moss

dress / clutch / biana balti / necklace / heels

dress for success pulls through.

A couple weeks ago, I spent my lunch break searching through seas of blazers and slacks hoping to find something fantastic. And that I did - times eight.

I headed to 4th Street Boutique, a store opened to benefit the program Dress for Success. Originally opened to sell donated surplus and non-interview appropriate clothing, 4th Street Boutique quickly became a high end thrift store that continues to fund the Dress for Success program.

My first time there, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was told it was very hit or miss so I went in strictly to check out the setup and type of clothing available. Instead, I ended scooping up everything from silk blouses to a vintage suit for a grand total of $29.00. And, in celebration of the Dress for Success program, I put together a few eight outfits that feature my finds in true business casual form.

A geometric print brightens up a gray sweater vest/pencil skirt combo.

I LOVE the tie front and silky material. 

[blouse: 4th Street, vest: Forever21, skirt: Limited, shoes: Max Studio]

a cozy 3/4 sleeve sweater is the perfect cold weather garment to wear on bad weather days

[turtleneck: 4th Street, t-shirt: American Eagle, corduroys: Gap, shoes: Old Navy]

wool plaid jacket easily transitions summer dresses into fall

[jacket: 4th Street, dress: Urban Outfitters, shoes: Forever21]

cuffed wide-legged khaki trousers should be a staple in any wardrobe.

[trousers: 4th Street, blouse: Gap, sweater: Forever21, 

shoes: BCBG, flower pins: vintage, bird pin: Forever21]

words cannot express how adorable this outfit is. tailored pattern helps create curves.

[pencil skirt: 4th Street, blouse: Gap, sweater: Forever21, shoes: Max Studio]

the matching suit blazer dresses up jeans and a t-shirt for casual fridays.

[blazer: 4th Street, t-shirt: Gap, jeans: Gap, shoes: Max Studio]

this multi-colored blazer is the perfect 90's throw back. 

keep the look updated by mixing in simple patterns and modern silhouettes.

[blazer: 4th Street, t-shirt: Old Navy, necklace: Forever21, jeans: Gap, shoes: Max Studio]

the 3/4 sleeves on this rust blazer makes it appear boxy even though it's far from it. 

pair with polka dots to compliment its classic lines, adding

slouchy suede boots to modernize

[blazer: 4th Street, dress: Forever21, boots: DSW]

P.S. I had no idea how many articles of clothing I've picked up at Forever21 over the years. So many there was at least one thing in each ensemble! I think it's because the stuff is so dirt cheap I just can't say no. Next time however, I'm hoping to pay more attention to avoid a Forever21 overdose.

Happy Friday!

NOTE: This post was not sponsored by 4th Street Boutique or Dress for Success and is 100% my personal opinion.

Boots, booties and photography lessons.

Attention readers: please feast your eyes on the gorgeous new blog banner just north of this post. I created this beaut after a quick point-and-learn sesh I gave myself last night.

Allow me to backup. One of my biggest lifelong goals is to have someone come up to me and say, "Wow, Kate, you have such an eye for taking photos." It's actually right behind being able to "throw something together". But, after browsing through my posts (and getting countless "lock it up" messages from my BFF Michelle) I could see why the "wow, Kate" statement hasn't surfaced quite just yet.

Then, just yesterday, I came across this post by Centsational Girl and decided that now was the time to in fact, lock it up. By no means do I have anything (let alone it all) figured out but the sesh did make me just cocky enough to play around on Picasa and create the lovely rectangle that is featured before you today.

So congratulations to myself for becoming one step closer to fulfilling a lifelong goal.

...

And now that I'm done bragging and feeling great about myself, let's move onto to something more important. Like boots.

That's right, not only am I presenting the banner masterpiece, I'm listing my top 5 must-have boots for the fall and winter seasons all courtesy of DSW. In order of necessity...

The Mia Pampa Desert Wedge Bootie

Not only do I absolutely NEED this pair of boots, I will go so far as to say I 150% must have them. So versatile, you can pair them with a pair of cropped slacks, skinny jeans, a tweed blazer, A FLORAL DRESS... The list just goes on and on.

The Mix No. 6 Taylor Bootie

Not only does these scream Y.U.P.P.I.E. and will look adorable with your everyday pencil skirt, they also offer an unexpected twist to the skinny jean/peter pan collared shirt combo. Add a multi-colored vest over top and you've got yourself one adorable little getup.

The BassWomen's Hadwin Duck Boot

I dont' know why but I just really, really, really want these. I feel like they are more stylish than rain boots or Uggs but are packed with just as much comfort and functionality. All you'd need would be some leggings and a bateau neck sweater to finish off a look - maybe adding some leg warmers or wool socks for added texture and warmth. There are a pair of Sorel's available if you're looking for something with a little more color and a little more clunk.

The Coconuts Duncan Boot

Wow, I just realized I have been introducing these boots like a mother/daughter fashion show. But you know what? It's kind of working for me. Anyway, I LOVE the ribbed top with the side zipper because I think it's the perfect accessory for some thick tights and your fave sweater dress. Or really any dress. The more layers with these boots, the better.

The Charles David Tory Bootie

These bad boys have some serious swagger. For the record, I was trying to find a taller pair that I liked but ended up falling in love with these instead. Especially the lace up and suede/leather combo, making them feminine and masculine all at the same time. Soften the look with fuzzy turtleneck or prep it up with a blazer or something striped. Regardless, you don't need much else to stand out in a crowd.

This post is 100% my own opinion. I was not paid by DSW in any way, shape or form and just happen to love, love, LOVE the store and variety of options available in it.