Channeling Kate

When I was in Florence, my roommates and I frequented Zara. Having never been to one before, you can image how easily and quickly I became obsessed with its cute, on-trend look and ever-changing displays. On one faithful trip to Zara, I came across the most beautiful coat I'd ever seen. Perfect for spring or the cool nights of summer, the minute I saw this floral jacket I knew it was something Kate Middleton would wear, and y'all know from previous posts how much I adore her style! Initially the price was a tad out of my budget, especially knowing I still had much travel yet to do in Europe. So I walked away, but vowed to not forget such a perfect jacket. 

When we were in London, I saw Zara was having a sale and decided to pop in, just to see if the coat was there. It was, but at the conversion rate from pounds to US dollars, I might as well have bought it in Florence at full price! So I walked away once again, relatively content… Until I saw a girl wearing the coat on the Underground and she just looked so cute! 

Once we got to Paris, we passed by a Zara on the Champs Elysees and I decided that if I walked in and the coat was there and in my size than I would buy it. Sure enough, there it was, the only one left, and in my size! I'm so happy I was patient, and now I have a fabulous coat to add as a statement pice in my wardrobe. I love it styled here more dressed up, but I think it would look great with skinny jeans, a tank blouse, and sweet flats. 

To channel my inner Kate Middleton, I stuck with a monochromatic look to let the color and textures of the coat pop. Classic pearls tie the look together. Now I just need her hair and the rest of her wardrobe… :)

Outfit Details
Piko via Caralase Dress / Zara Jacket / Vintage Heels / Premier Designs Jewelry

Hope y'all are having a great Tuesday!

--Caroline

Decor & Style Girl Crush: Joanna Gaines

So I've recently become 110% obsessed with the show Fixer Upper on HGTV. Featuring the adorable husband-wife duo of Chip and Joanna Gaines, they transform old houses into things of beauty. I love Joanna's decorating style, I love that the show (unlike others on HGTV) features realistic project timelines & budgets, I love their cute chemistry on camera, and I love Joann'a style. Again, I'm 110% obsessed! From a design standpoint, it inspires me to get my real estate license and delve into fixer uppers, and from a fashion standpoint... well I basically want her closet.

(Photo credits: here and here)

I love the way she pairs boots, jackets, dresses, and basic tees, all in a completely un-borning and stylish way. Love it! :) Check out her blog here, their company page, and find them on HGTV here. 

Do you have a girl style crush? Have you seen Fixer Upper?

--Caroline

Style Icon: Pippa Middleton & The Shirtdress

The Middleton sisters, Kate & Pippa, are at the top of my lost of style icons. Their classic yet modern style is something to replicate, and they just always look so put together. Today I'd like to focus on Pippa, and her ability to rock a shirtdress!

Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Shirtdresses have always intrigued me. They are casual, chic, and very un-fussy. To style a shirtdress like Pippa has, keep accessories simple. A nice structured bag, glamorous sunglasses, and simple jewelry are all you need for this classic look. To transition your shirtdress from day to night, add a little more bling, switch out your flats for simple pumps, and opt for a statement clutch. And voila! The perfect dress for daytime is also a great option for nighttime! 

Some fun shirtdress options...

Banana Republic / Target / Zappos / Ruche

How would you style a shirtdress?

--Caroline

Global Style Inspirations

Anthropologie is the greatest thing. Not only are their clothes super cute, their home stuff is adorable, and their store displays are so inspiring. Yes, their regular priced merchandise is a little out of my price range, but their sales are sometimes great! I love dreaming and looking through their inspirational outfit ideas. Now that spring break is over, I am already looking ahead to my trip this summer with my family--a cruise on the Rhine River in Europe! I'm so looking forward to it, and these cute global-inspired looks from Anthropologie's latest look book are leaving me wanting to travel! 

Aren't you inspired to just take off on the first flight out of town, out of the country? 

--Caroline

Straw Fedoras & My History With Hats

I've always thought I'm not one of those people that can wear hats. They just seem to look "off" on me. Perhaps that's just my acute attention to detail kicking in, or maybe I really can't pull them off. Regardless, I think they can be styled really well, and give an outfit a little extra je ne sais quoi. 

When I studied at SCAD in Savannah, I actually owned a hat and wore it a couple times (that is a big deal for me!). Lucky for you, I dug up picture evidence.

Looking back I actually like the overall look I was going for with this outfit. Maybe not that skirt, but in general I love the flowy, spring & summer casual vibe you get from this outfit. It inspires me to revisit the classic warm-weather staple, the straw fedora. 

Top / Bottom Left / Bottom Right

For inspiration on how to style these easy-going hats, I turn to my fellow bloggers.

I love how Emily from Bows and Depos styled her fedora here and here.

Jade from A Spoonful of Style rocks her fedora two ways here and here. 

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to put on a straw fedora and sit by the beach! I'm still in Tallahassee for another day or so before I head to the beach to see Kyle. 

Have a great day, my stylish readers!

--Caroline

Sometimes I Wish...

Surprise, I'm doing a lot of thinking again! lol. Seems like my "deepest" thoughts occur at the beginning of the week... New week new mindset maybe? Regardless, here are some wishes I have for everyday life lately.

Sometimes I wish... (let's be honest here--always I wish) there were more hours in a day. But at the same time...

Sometimes I wish... American society wasn't all about putting as much as we can on our plates. One of my TA's just got back from a trip to Haiti and she was telling a couple of us in class that the transition back to U.S. mindsets is so hard because of the difference in pace. In Haiti, there is no push to be go-go-go. You get what you can done in the day and you stop before sunset for dinner and that's that. No late nights trying to cram everything in; it sounds nice to me!

Sometimes I wish... (always I wish) I could transport with the snap of a finger to wherever Kyle is just so I can see him and give him a hug. Teleportation like that would make people in long distance relationships everywhere so so happy!

Sometimes I wish... people would not be so judgmental. This is such a problem in girl world. You don't know what I've been through today, yesterday, or the rest of my life, and I don't know that about you. So let's just be nice to each other. Let's love each other. I have believed this for so long, that women should not be putting each other down but instead lifting each other up. There is no need for judgments and negativity here on Earth. 

Sometimes I wish... I was Kate Middleton. My friend Kelsey and I were talking about this yesterday. A) She's a princess. Literally. B) Her hair is perfect. C) Her closet is amazing and she gets to wear pretty dresses like these on a regular basis!

Anyway, thanks for letting me spill my thoughts again to y'all. Maybe I need to start a "Thoughtful Tuesday" linkup? Hmm...

Have a great day, y'all!

--Caroline

Liebster Award

I've only been blogging since June 2013, so it was such an honor to be nominated by Hazel from Hazel Hearts for the Liebster Award the other day!

If you haven't heard about the Liebster Award before, here's the low-down...

1. You must link back to the person who nominated you.

2. You must answer the 11 questions given by the person who nominated you.

3. You pick 11 nominees with under 200 followers to answer your questions.

4. You cannot nominate the person who nominated you.

5. You must tell the nominees that they have been nominated by you.

Hazel had the following questions for me:

What is your favourite shop? This is a hard choice between Marshalls/TJMaxx and Target... Target has literally everything one could need. But Marshalls/TJMaxx are my go-to when I want to take a shopping break but am not looking for anything specific. I've found many a great find from Marshalls/TJMaxx!

If you had to choose between lipstick and mascara, which would you pick? Mascara. I don't love my lips, so I don't highlight them often.

Do you prefer to dress casually or dress up? Depends. I consider myself a chameleon of sorts... You want to go on a hike? Cool. You want to casually shop around town? Cool. You want to go to a black tie dinner? Really cool. I love dressing up, but I also like being casual and fun. So both? lol!

What is your beauty bad habit? Not flossing every day. This is something I've been struggling to do, and I go through phases where I'm good at it and then phases when I'm not so good at it. 

What is your favourite perfume? I don't wear perfume daily because I'm mildly allergic to scents, but on special occasions I love any perfume by Tocca. I got a sampler from Sephora one time and fell in love! (Similar here!)

What is your earliest beauty-related memory? Probably having my mom do my hair and makeup for dance recitals! Although I quickly picked up doing parts of it myself... I'd rather stab myself in the eye with eyeliner than have someone else accidentally do it!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I love the Southern U.S., but I also love Colorado... Ultimately I don't care as long as I am with those I love! I am of the mindset that home is the people you are with, not the place itself. 

Do you prefer winter or summer beauty and fashion? Summer! Everything is so laid-back and carefree in the summer. Plus I think summer tans make everything a little sweeter :).

Is there anything you would love to do but haven't yet? Travel! I've barely left the United States, but I can't wait for my European Cruise this summer with my family. I also would love to go to Australian and train through the interior, as well as go on a spa vacation in Tahiti. Or Fiji. Oh what the heck, let's be honest I want to go to both!

Would you prefer to go out or have a quiet night in? Quiet night in. I'm all for going out to dinner with girlfriends or on a date with my man, but staying out until the wee hours of the morning is not my thing. I'll do it every once in awhile, but on the daily I like to relax at home.

What is your favourite beauty or clothing brand? I like to shop a variety of places, so I have quite a mix but most of my closet comes from LOFT, J. Crew, and Gap/Banana Republic. 

Without further ado, I would like to nominate the following bloggers for the Liebster Award! Go check out their blogs!

Lauren from Bold & Blonde

Christina from The Quarter Life Closet 

Kate from For The Love Of Fancy

Melody from Sweet Like A Song

Dana from Pink Champagne Problems

Kristin from Crumbs & Curls

Ashley from History In High Heels

Chantel from A Glitter Affair

Bre from Baubles & Bubbly

Danielle from A Little Bit Of WoWe

Heather from The Heathered Life

My questions for these lovely ladies are...

1. Do you have a favorite outfit memory? (ex: I can remember the outfit I was wearing when I asked out my boyfriend!)

2. What has been your favorite fashion "score"?

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

4. Why did you start your blog?

5. If you had to pick your favorite clothing/accessory item, what would it be and why?

6. What is your favorite thing to cook/eat?

7. What do you like to do when you aren't blogging?

8. Is there anything you haven't done yet in life but want to?

9. Where do you find yourself shopping the most?

10. Do you prefer to dress casually or dress up?

11. Which season is your favorite for fashion & beauty purposes?

Thanks again to Hazel for the nomination, and congratulations to the ladies I've nominated! Spread the blogger love! :) 

Happy Thursday, 

--Caroline

Steal Her Style: Jessica Alba's Pink Chiffon Skirt

I came across this picture a bit ago of Jessica Alba . It may be from back in September 2013 at New York Fashion Week, but I am just now seeing it and I can't take my eyes off of it! I am a sucker for flowy skirts! They are just so beautiful and timeless, especially when you wear it like Jessica here, paired with simple black pieces. And her hair... Can I literally just be her for a day so I can look like this?! But don't you worry-- I've found some pieces to recreate this look, each piece under $70!

Cropped Sweater / Skirt / Purse / Top Heels / Bottom Heels

And just because I can, here are some other pictures that exemplify my love of flowy skirts...

Have great Tuesday!

--Caroline

Instant Style: Printed Jackets

I grew up around jackets. And no, it's not just because I live in Colorado. It's because of my awesome mom (hope you're reading this!). My mom is all about jackets. She has this nice assortment of cute jackets, all different colors and patterns. It carries over into sweaters too, but it's the jackets that stick out in my head. 

Before I went home for Christmas, I stumbled upon some awesome inspiration pictures on Pinterest featuring printed jackets, and I thought, "Man, I love jackets!".  And then I went home and my mom is looking all stylish in her tweed jacket, her corduroy jacket, etc, and I thought, "Man, jackets are so stylish!". And then I was in the mall the other day and looked at a lot of jackets and thought "I am obviously now obsessed with jackets! I need some!". 

(I'd like to make a note here and admit that this is not the first time I've gotten crazy over a single piece of clothing. I'm a frequent obsessor of fashion. Since I've started this blog, there has been the romper, the bootie, and the vest that have driven my shopping habits. So yes, I'm sometimes obsessive. Now you know!)

On a more serious note, what I love about jackets is that they pull together any outfit with great ease. Take the examples above... Cute jackets were just thrown over basic tops and simple dresses. Think about how basic these outfits would be if it were not for the jacket. And we aren't just talking printed here! A solid jacket or blazer works wonders on any outfit, tying it together or adding a pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic outfit, for example. The jacket brings out the fashionista in all of us!

I have on the way this adorable jacket from LOFT (it's sold out already online), and I'm lusting after the black and white jacket from Banana Republic (below, top left) after seeing it in store. I'll definitely be saving up for it! In my opinion, jackets are a great investment piece. The more you pay, the better quality and longevity of the jacket. This certainly works for more classic cuts and patterns, as opposed to of-the-moment trendy versions that you might not want to stick around. 

Banana Republic / Nordstrom Piperlime / Banana Republic

So now I'm not only romper, bootie, and vest girl, I'm also jacket girl. Oh well, you'll thank me later :) hopefully.

--Caroline

Style Icon: Reese Witherspoon's Fall Style

I was taking a study break the other day on Pinterest and pinned a whole bunch of fall & winter style ideas when I realized that many of them were of none other than the beautiful and classy Reese Witherspoon. She has long been an icon and inspiration in my style book. Her outfits are classic and effortless, and she has never seemed like the type to buy and wear something only once. I love this, because it makes her look repeatable! While I am obsessed with her year round style, I have to say she does the cozy fall look so well. 

1. The summery striped blazer, cuffed jeans, and red heels make this look a great transition outfit, perfect for fall days in Florida where you need a jacket in the mornings and evenings but not so much in the afternoon. Loving this blazer and these suede heels. 

2. Let me just say that I am loving all this hunter green I'm seeing! It's so flattering, and so fall I'm not able to resist it! It looks great with the cognac and dusty orange colors she has it paired with here, and also looks great with... pretty much anything. I picked up this scarf the other day at World Market, and this cardigan has been in my closet for a couple weeks now. Loving these cognac booties (and every color they come in!). 

3. This seemingly monotone look is polished and comfy all at once. I love the length of the sleeves (don't ask why that caught my eye! lol). This neutral top would look great with dark denim skinnies and these sophisticated booties.  

4. Those booties! In case you haven't noticed, I'm on a bootie kick, and I love how she styled them! Check out this shirt and these booties for a similar look. 

5. What do you do with a printed summery dress in the fall? Throw a sweater over it, add some riding boots, and rock it like Reese! I picked up this sweater at Gap and am loving it so much I got it in another color. Last year, I purchased a pair of Bandolino riding boots from DSW, and I couldn't be happier with the quality. This one and this one are great basics!

Obviously I'm loving deep emerald and booties, but what fall styles are you craving this year? 

--Caroline