Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Thursday Trend: Rompers

I know rompers, jumpsuits, playsuits, whatever you would like to call them have been around for seasons on end. I have had several rompers and even recently took the plunge into the jumpsuit of wide leg pants. Which I find to be, in the words of Catherine Guidici/Lowe, "grown sexy." I love the simplicity of getting dressed and the look of this trend. I was lucky enough to score one of the Lilly for Target jumpsuits, which will be perfect for throwing on in the Florida summer to combat all of that air conditioning and it is machine washable! Which is a huge win in my book.




I rounded up some of my favorites below. I am really wanting to take the plunge on a tie dye romper (the long sleeve one is calling my name) but I keep asking myself how many rompers is too many rompers?? I may or may not be the girl in a romper every Saturday night.





Are you sporting this trend?

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Favorite Affordable Finds

Sorry for my lack of consistency lately. The week really got away from me and there are lots of changes going on around here! I promise I will be back with regular posts before too long. I was running around this week looking for some wardrobe supplements that would not break the bank. I hit Old Navy and Target and found some super cute affordable pieces that I love. Lets get right to them..

I snagged this dress for just $15 in store. It is a perfect, washable, throw on and go dress for summer! They had it in an adorable peach stripe and some solid colors as well.

 I also purchased this peplum top for about $15. It is really light weight and breezy for summer. I paired it with some metallic sandals, a Kendra Scott Rayne necklace and a gold clutch for an outdoor dinner with the girls on Friday night. 

I have been eyeing a good pair of mules lately and they are so on trend right now. But I was not sure that I wanted to spend $100 + dollars on a pair because lets be honest, I don't wear heels often and I am not sure they will be in heavy rotation. I snagged these at Target for just $35. They also come in black. I cannot wait to pair them with white jeans and bright tops.


With wedding season approaching I also needed a versatile pair of strappy neutral sandals. I think these will be perfect. At just $30 if the dreaded drink spill (s) land on my shoes, or even if I forget my shoes when I inevitably take them off and opt for flip flops (tell me I'm not the only one this has happened to?), no one can be too upset. These will go with a lot of dresses and they seem super comfortable so far!

What are your go to affordable stores?

Monday, April 6, 2015

Whimsical Accessories

My wardrobe and accessory collection are largely on the practical end. I gravitate towards classic, staple pieces that I know will go with everything or never go out of style. Sometimes it is fun to have a piece that is only meant for certain occasions. I have been eyeing a Kate Spade cruise ship shaped clutch for many months, perfect for that every 3 year cruise vacation, possibly some beach vacations, and other water venues but not very good for everyday. I have my fair share of Lilly Pulitzer clothing pieces and I'd love to wear some random accessories and bright colors everyday but thats just not in the cards for me professionally. I think a fun outfit can really put you in a better mood! How can you be in a bad mood when your bag is shaped like a snail?! I have rounded up some of my favorite whimsical/fun accessories.

Do you gravitate towards fun pieces or wardrobe staples?


Thursday, April 2, 2015

Thursday Trend: Sneakers

Today's Thursday Trend is sneakers. I realize this is not necessarily hot off the press but I think it is a trend that has some staying power.  A few seasons ago, retro-runners were all the rage. Needless to say, I quickly jumped on board with some New Balance runners. I am not a high heel girl, unless it is the most special of occasions. I am about flats all day long. Lately I have seen the more traditional runners turn to slides in an equally comfortably-chic take on this trend. I really like the effortless put together look of these sneakers. Not to mention the added bonus of not having to worry about your feet hurting all day. I think these are particularly great for commuters and running around on the weekends. You know I am dying for this gold perforated pair!

Are you sporting any fashionable sneakers these days?



Thursday, March 26, 2015

Thursday Trend: One Piece Swimwear

This week I'm talking about the one piece swimwear trend. I have noticed these suits all over magazines, stores, and of course blogs. I think the great thing about the one piece suit is the combination of comfort and chic. This is something that arguably never goes out of style but is not always at the forefront. These suits are great for water activities, playing paddle ball on the beach etc. I am all for the bandeau to avoid unsightly tan lines but once in a while fashion and function are nice to have on hand. Here are some of my top picks for summer. I picked up the blouson style J.Crew suit in black and if you read yesterday's post you know that Trina Turk Kon Tiki is my new favorite! (I hope you are not sick of seeing it yet!)


What do you think about this trend?


Thursday, March 12, 2015

The Backpack Comeback

Another trend I have been noticing resurfacing is the backpack. Practical and these days, stylish. I can remember the days of the mini backpack, I think I bought mine at Ross and it was a flannel Navajo print. Unfortunately I couldn't find any photo evidence of that.

I know in college and law school there was always the debate of fashion over function and I opted for the tote bag unless serious studying was going to take place and then a North Face backpack it was.

Some of these leather backpacks are adorable and I think they would be great for travel. There is nothing worse than having to go back to the hotel because you forgot something or, even worse, getting rained on because your cute crossbody could not hold your umbrella.

What do you all think of this trend? Are you sporting a trendy backpack these days? Check out some of my favorites below.



Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Wish List Wednesday!

I hope everyone is having a great week, we are rounding the corner toward the weekend! Here are some items on my radar this week...




Buckle Tote  // Sandals // Clutch  //  Jumpsuit //  Foundation  // Brushes 


I am in need of a black leather work tote and I think this one will do just the trick, except I am tempted to get it in the red color. I use my Longchamp Le Pliage most days but a more structured bag would be nice to have. I love the little buckle detail on these straps.

That jumpsuit would be so fun for spring and summer, my only hesitation is that it is clearly a statement piece and at that price a little impractical.

If you have not tried real techniques products yet, you are missing out! I have this eye set and they will change your eye makeup routine permanently.  Who knew you could get that perfect of a crease? Their new bold metals collections is gorgeous and I'd love to decorate my vanity with a few.

I have been hearing rave reviews of this Benefit Cosmetics foundation and I am dying to try it. I use the Hello Flawless Powder and really love the buildable coverage. I think the combination of these two would be great for full coverage. It doesn't hurt that Benefit has the cutest containers and names for all of their products.

And leopard and sparkles are just musts in my life.

Whats on your radar lately?

Follow me on Instagram @Lifeaskatel (button to come soon!)



Monday, March 9, 2015

Sail to Sable Spring 2015

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I was a little under the weather yesterday so I will recap the weekend for you tomorrow! Have a great start to your week!


My closet is seriously overflowing. In my attempt to clean out I am trying to mainly focus on work attire and classic, staple fun pieces. The work attire is purely out of necessity. With the Florida heat returning at any moment, I am drawn to cute summer dresses. Sail to Sable recently released their latest spring delivery and I am loving it! They are great quality and perfectly classic.


How cute is this for brunch with the girls or dinner with his parents? I wish this came in a blue combination as I'm not really one for wearing pale pink.


I am eyeing this maxi for summer weekends and our upcoming Caribbean getaway.


I think this navy piece is timeless, perfect for all ages, and a great summer wedding dress. This dress also provides the perfect opportunity for outfit repeating as so many shoe/accessory combinations are possible!

Have you tried Sail to Sable? What pieces catch your eye?

Friday, March 6, 2015

Friday Musings

TGIF! But seriously I am so excited about this weekend....Sunny and 77? I will take it. My least favorite thing about the office job is wasting all the daylight hours trapped inside. I am  eager for daylight savings time so that it will be light outside when I get home from work! Hopefully we can take full advantage of the gorgeous weather this weekend and get some pool time in. Here are some  random musings for your Friday…


Lunchtime shopping trips.

I had a pretty light court calendar on Thursday so I decided to swing by the mall during lunch in pursuit of some spring business wardrobe supplements. Namely I went to Loft in search of this dress. I think it is perfect for court free days in the office but it also lends itself to throwing on a black blazer and heading to a hearing. As anticipated I love it and need it in my life. It is not a clingy jersey stretch, hangs nicely, and is machine washable!  Loft is great for work pieces but they always have sales and everything is usually at least 40% off within a day or two so I refuse to pay full price.


These scallop shorts are also on my must have list. The white ones are cute and I took the picture to show you the detail and length (I am about 5'7") but the black ones are what I am after (they didn't have any in the store)  they seem to come in a thicker fabric so they should not be see through. Please ignore my hiked up mess of a dress. Scallop details are popping up all over the place this spring and I love it (some of my favorites: dress, bag, swimsuit, tee)



Jamberry Nails.




Has anyone tried these nail wraps? I have used the Sally Hansen Salon Effects but I had never heard of Jamberry Nails. Ross' mom was in town and recently hosted a Jamberry party at her house and sweetly brought me these two wraps to try. Ross hates the smell of nail polish and you are always banned to the porch if you insist on painting anything when he is around. The heating and stretching required to apply these sounds a bit ambitious but luckily for me Ross has seen them in action and may be a good helper ;) I will let you know how the application goes and if they stay in place. They are supposed to last 7-10 days so I may have to wait to try them when we go on vacation as neon pink floral nails clearly are not courtroom appropriate but sound really fun for the Caribbean?!


 Batiste.



Ok this is seriously an absolute MUST for me. I used to be a shampoo twice a day kind of girl (crazy right?) but then I studied abroad and lived in a "flat" with 11 other girls and only two showers and necessity trumped all, so I trained my hair to be less of an oily mess to minimize shower time. The added bonus was that my fried, dry hair became super healthy because I was not drying it, straightening and otherwise destroying it as often.

 I used to use the Redken dry shampoo and it is a great product but its pretty pricey. Batiste wasn't available in the US until somewhat recently and it is so so wonderful. I used to dry shampoo and need to employ some sort of updo but now I am sitting here with day three hair, wearing it down and looking better than ever. I even put it on clean hair sometimes just to make it more manageable. I find the best way is to spray it on and let it sit while I shower and put on my makeup and then I brush it through. Run to the store and buy this immediately. Ulta has it on BOGO from time to time and TJ Maxx has it for around $5.99 pretty regularly but the price is very buyer friendly even without any discount at around $8.00. I use the classic/fresh scent but it comes in a variety of options. I ran out last week and had to go a few days without and I did not feel like myself. Yes, these bottles are all mine because I can not risk running out again! Anyone else with me on this??


 Tieks Marketing Calendar


I ordered Tieks right before Christmas and they were supposed to come with a 2015 calendar or maybe they sent one to every customer? I am not exactly sure but they sent an apology on the tardiness and then this adorable little easel calendar arrived in the mail yesterday. How cute???

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Birkenstocks, Yay or Nay?

In high school there were two acceptable shoe choices: Dr. Martens or Birkenstock clogs. These days that would horrify me, back in 2002, I had Dr. Martens in brown and black and they looked wonderful horrendous with my private school uniform. I think these days the girls wear Tory Burch flats but those did not exist in my day. Birkenstock sandals are something I had a pair of in purple (remember that purple problem?) circa 1993. 

I realize that Birkenstocks are making a comeback and some would say they never left but I'll be honest, when they started gracing the JCrew catalogue a few season ago, they landed on my distant radar. I have seen them paired with chic maxi dresses for a casual look and the obvious jeans and shorts combinations. I probably wont be fashion-forward enough to pair them with short dresses or skirts but you never know!



Have I mentioned how much I love anything gold metallic??


This Gizeh style is also on my radar.
I mean if Heidi Klum (and a ton of other celebs) are sporting them….why not??


What do you think of this trend? Are they "fashionable" enough for your taste?
Those gold Arizona sandals are a summer must for me!

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Rose Gold Everything

I am absolutely adoring the rose gold trend. Something about it is so feminine and fun to me. My only hang up on the wearable pieces is that I am a big fan of two-tone (silver and yellow gold) jewelry and I haven't decided how I feel about mixing the rose gold with the other two. I used to be a strictly one metal at a time girl but when my favorite ring happened to be gold and my favorite earrings silver, I learned to love the two-tone variety. I am not sure if I prefer silver and rose gold or yellow gold and rose gold or all three at once.  Here are some rose gold pieces that have been catching my eye...


Michael Kors Watch //Kate Spade Serving Set // Ted Baker Wallet //Druzy Earrings // Kendra Scott Bracelet //Crew Cuts Pull-On Boots // Miansai Bracelet

That Ted Baker wallet is so cute, a bow, metallic elements and an ultra feminine light pink? Yes please.

I absolutely love the purple and rose gold combination of the Michael Kors watch. My friends joke that I have been in a "purple phase" most of my life. You know the one that 5 year olds grow out of? Never happened for me. I once was at the beach and called out on this problem as I had my purple phone case, purple towel and purple bikini, yikes. Oddly enough, my favorite color is blue! Regardless, this watch would be wonderful for casual weekend wear.

I think that this watch might end up being the solution to my mixed metal dilemma. It would definitely eliminate any question of what  to mix when and it is unlikely I would feel the need to wear all purple when sporting it.

Are you loving this trend? What do you think about mixed metals?

Friday, February 27, 2015

Ballet Flats to Die For


Happy Friday Everyone!! 
I am not a frequent wearer of high heels. It probably started when I reached 5'7" at the awkward age of  11 and continued with the fact that I hate to be uncomfortable. I have been an avid wearer of Tory Burch Revas for many years but if we are being honest as much as I love the look, they kill my feet! Which brings us to my two favorite ballet flats as of late…




Salvatore Ferragamo My Joy Flats. These are not an every day purchase, but my sister found an amazing deal on these in my size and they are the single most comfortable flat I have ever worn. I will need them in every color, fortunately for me and my bank account, they don't come in a huge variety. Who doesn't love a cute bow on a classic flat?





 Tieks. These are a close second in the comfort and wear-ability department. On my first wear I sported them all day without incident. They come in the cutest little teal box with a sparkly flower, hand written note, and a bag to put your terribly uncomfortable heels in when you need to make the switch mid-evening. I typically wear an 8 or 8.5 and took an 8 in these and chose the camel color. I will be adding more colors to my collections ASAP.




Have you tried either of these? What ballet flats do you love?






Thursday, February 26, 2015

Cashmere, Cashmere, Cashmere

I have been investing in a few pieces of cashmere the last couple of winters. Although, living in Florida it really does not seem practical to buy expensive winter wear, we travel to Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois fairly regularly to visit family and friends and even in Florida we see temperatures in the 40s, even if those temps are fleeting. We have several fall weddings next season and I am always trying to preempt any wardrobe crisis that would force me to pay full price (shopping is easily justified around here). Right now is the perfect time to stock up as most winter items are on sale as spring collections are flooding the stores. I recently picked up two cashmere pieces from Nordstrom.


This Halogen Cashmere Sweater is a great piece for the price. It does feel slightly itchy as stated in a few of the reviews but it is a good buy in my opinion. I chose this heather camel color and think it will be perfect with jeans under a leather jacket in the fall. 

I am so pleased with this Nordstrom Cashmere Scarf purchase. The reviews were fantastic and they did not lead me astray. The material is so incredibly soft and luxurious. You need this, probably in multiple colors. I am considering stocking up for my gift closet as I think anyone would be delighted to receive this as a gift!(You can thank me when you have just the right (affordable) thing for your mother-in-law next Christmas)

What cashmere pieces do you love?