Currently Craving...Kate Spade

Kate Spade has been catching my attention a lot lately with her handbags. The bags are so simple, yet so chic. The clean lines and structured silhouettes look so sophisticated and elegant, but the wide array of candy colors and prints in which the bags come add charm, whimsy, and a touch of girly-ness. I'm currently craving a number of her bags (and so much more)- see here, here, here and here.  I especially like the crossbody bags like this one. I've always had a soft spot for crossbody bags. I think they are like the bluetooth of the purse world. Shopping (and other non-shopping errands...) are so much easier when you aren't lugging around a giant bag! What's that you say? Do I really love crossbody bags simply because they make shopping easier? I'll never tell!

The bag pictured above is my absolute favorite from the website right now. It's called the New Bond Street Florence in Hydrangea. The color is so pretty- it would be a striking pop of color with a neutral outift (think a gray tee with dark skinny jeans. Yes, please!). I don't think it is actually a cross-body, but it looks like the shoulder strap might be long enough to wear it that way. Works for me!

*Photo from KateSpade.com

Hair How-To: Loose, Beachy Waves

*I posted this same post back in December, but I've gotten a few emails about how I get my hair beachy-curly, so I thought I'd repost- especially since warm weather is getting closer! (Yayyy!)

 

I am already looking forward to summertime- warm weather, breezy beach hair, and pool time! Even though it is only February, tousled waves complement nearly any outfit, no matter what time of year. Plus, you'll save so much time/energy with this hair routine that you can spend extra time planning your perfect outfit. Great hair and a great outfit, all while being ready on time? Yes, please!

As soon as you finish washing your hair, spray with a beach spray. I use the one above, but I think it may have been discontinued. My other favorite one is by Frederic Fekkai (it's called Summer Hair Beach Waves, I think), but it is only sold seasonally, and I always run out by fall! Spray your hair liberally, then wrap your hair turban-style in a clean t-shirt. This will help your hair soak up the spray, and a tshirt is much softer on your hair than a towl. Softer fabric = less frizz.

Let your hair air dry about 25%, then respray with the beach spray, and scrunch hair with a tshirt. Continue to scrunch your hair with the tshirt every 5-10 minutes until your hair is about 75% dry. Then don't touch it! Once your hair is pretty dry, the more you touch it, the frizzier it will be.

 

Once hair is completely dry, touch up straight spots with a curling iron. Take a small piece of hair and wrap it around a closed curling iron. Hold it for just a second, then release. If you hold it too long, the curl will be too smooth and perfect. The goal here is messy and tousled.

Rake your fingers through your hair and shake it up to separate the curls.

Finish with a frizz-fighting serum. This one from Organix (get it here or at CVS) smells absolutely heavenly.

Ta-da!

Now go pick out your outfit and impress your mom/friends/significant other/boss with your punctuality!

Healthier Orange-Lime Margaritas

A few days ago I came across a delightful recipe for orange-lime margaritas by Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere (recipe here). I wanted to try these so badly, but I'm trying to watch my caloric intake in an attempt to get in shape for my upcoming wedding. Furthermore, I just saw an episode of Dr. Oz where he said margaritas are one of the worst cocktails calorically because of all the added sugar from the triple sec and Grand Marnier (both are orange-flavored liqueurs). So I set out to create a lighter, but still delicious version of Emily's margarita. To keep the orange flavor while slashing the calories, I replaced the triple sec and the Grand Marnier with the zest of one orange and the juice from the whole orange (not just a half as called for in Emily's version). Here's my modified recipe:

-2 limes

-1 orange (zest and juice)

-2 packets calorie-free truvia

-2 oz tequila

Zest the orange and add the zest to a cocktail shaker. Juice the orange and both limes into the shaker. Add 2 packets of truvia, 2 oz tequila, and one cup of ice. Shake for 30-ish seconds to make sure the truvia dissovles completely and the ingredients blend well. I didn't shake mine long enough, so all the truvia granules settled to the bottom of the glass, making for an extremely tart drink! Strain into a glass with fresh ice cubes and garnish with a slice of lime or orange. If you like salt on your glass, before you fill it rub the rim of the glass with a slice of lime, then roll the edge of the glass in the margarita salt.

LINKS À LA MODE: The IFB Weekly Roundup February 23

A big thank you to IFB for including me in their weekly roundup. Scroll down to find the link to my post about red pencil skirts and leopard-print belts. Make sure to check out all the other great posts that were included this week! Happy Friday!

xoxo Katy

Springing Forward

Edited By Taylor Davies

I don't know about all of you, but I've been ready for spring since about, mmm, December. I love cold weather, I love snow, I love bundling up - but I saw so many amazing trends and looks during September's fashion week that I could hardly wait to wear. At least in New York, it seems like winter barely even arrived this year. Today for example, it's about 60 degrees in Manhattan! Everywhere people are in their shirtsleeves and sunglasses, it feels and awful lot like spring is already here.

From the looks of this week's Links a La Mode submissions, I'm not the only one with spring fashion fever. There were so many posts about trends and looks we'll all be embracing - or are already! From printed pants to neon bags, ladylike dresses and the upcoming Marni for H&M collection - and of course some inspiring DIY projects - everything's coming up floral! Check out this week's inspiring and fashionable posts, and as always, thank you for the wonderful submissions!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: FEBRUARY 23rd

• Anthony Carmen: #NYFW - Menswear Trends We Need in AW12
• Do You Speak Gossip: How To: A Matte Manicure With Shiny Tips
• Endear: Overheard at New York Fashion Week
• Lady Of Fashion: DIY Boot Strapping
• Lure Of The Dark Side: Adele
• My Fashion Wishlist: New Fashion Sweetheart - Lana Del Rey
• My Haute Habit: Floral Fancies
• Paper + Cloth: An Ode To The Little Black Dress
• Pattern Rebellion: Feed Your Jewelry Addition With Melody's Pieces
• Sequined Sprinkles: Friday Favorites: Black & White Edition
• Sidewalk Chic: Reality vs. Creativity in Fashion Blogging
• Simply Frabulous: The Mystery Has Been Revealed: Marni For H&M, The Looks
• SoCal Sophisticate: Trend-y Tuesday - She's a Lady
• Style Delights: Trend To Try - Neon Bags (And How To Wear Them)
• Sucker For Sequins: Sequins + Stripes
• Sugar and Chiffon: Red Pencil Skirt + Leopard Belt, 3 Ways
• Sugar and Spice: How To Wear The Print Trend For SS12
• The Classic Woman: Style & Grace - Jackie Kennedy
• The Love Hanger: DIY Peplum Top
• Woodstock Wardrobe: Fashion Week AW12 - Retro Silhouettes in a Modern Context

SPONSOR:

Dresses at Shopbop: Milly, Kalmanovich, Joie dresses, James Perse, ISSA, Thakoon Addition, Minkoff, Tibi, Black Halo, Nation LTD, Ohne Titel, Chalayan & Velvet Dresses

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

A Few of My Favorite (Beauty) Things

1. Maybelline Shine Sensational Lip Gloss (in Berry Bella)- adds the perfect amount of color, plus it smells (and tastes!) amazing! I like to wear it with a smoky eye for a dramatic look.

2. Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum- conceals my fried ends and adds a subtle sheen without looking greasy

3. Redken Align 12 Styling Cream- reduces my blowdry time, smooths out my wavy hair, and makes my dry, unruly, straw-like locks feel silky soft. Seriously, this stuff is miraculous.

4. Benefit That Gal Skin Brightening Primer: makes my foundation go on smoothly, or makes my skin look dewy on days I decide not to wear foundation

5. Bare Minerals Foundation (in Medium Beige)- provides buildable coverage, but never looks cake-y. And it doesn't cause breakouts when I (gasp!) go to bed without washing it off.

6. Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo (in dark and deep brown)- seriously the best dry shampoo I've ever tried, and I've tried lots of them. On the can it says it the #1 seller in the U.K. I see why. This stuff adds tons of volume and texture, and can transform sweaty bangs into freshly-cleaned fringe in about 35 seconds. I swear by this stuff!

7. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey- this almost lipstick hasn't met a complexion it didn't like. Seriously, it looks good on everyone (at least everyone that I've seen wear it!)

8. Burberry Weekend Eau de Parfum: smells so delicious and fresh- I wear on dreary winter days because it reminds me of spring

9. Tarte Clay Translucent Finishing Powder: keeps me from looking shiny and helps my other makeup stay in place

10. Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara (in Glam Black- not pictured): This is my favorite mascara by far- I like it even better than the more expansive department-store brands I've tried.

Magenta and Khaki

{Sweater: Loft, Vest: Gap, Jeans: The Limited, Shoes: Target, Earrings: Premier Designs}

The weather has been so cold lately that I've resorted to wearing bright colors in an attempt to trick myself into thinking it is spring. I love the vibrant color of this sweater, especially when paired with the turquoise earrings. At first I was a bit hesitant about pairing it with the vest, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way the outfit photographed. Now I'm off to meet with my wedding planner (Carrie at Experience Event Agency) for a wedding planning cram session!

Happy Presidents' Day!

Corporate Katy

{Top: Loft, Suit: The Limited, Shoes: BCBG}

Friday afternoon I had to dress lawyer-like for an interview. I don't wear my suit often, so I was surprised (and excited!) to find that my suit pants are too big. Guess I have an excuse to go shopping! I chose the ruffle shirt in an attempt to make my suit feel more ladylike. I really wanted to find a way to glam it up a bit more, like adding this belt, but I couldn't find my belt anywhere. Also, I had a near uncontrollable urge to add a giant, sparkly statement necklace under the collar, but I'm not sure how well-received that would be at a serious lawyer-job interview.

Today, my best friend from college came to go shopping for the day. I've had an H&M gift card burning a hole in my pocket for a couple of months now, so I couldn't wait to spend it. I was feeling extra trendsetter-ish today, so what did I buy with my gift card? Faux leather shorts. (Who am I?) I just really love how sophisticated they looked here, so I thought I'd try a pair (although mine are black). Who knows if I'll ever end up wearing them, but they were only $10. For a price like that, it's a risk I'm willing to take! Next trends to try on my list: colorful jeans (red, blue, pink, maybe orange?), specifically these and these.

Happy long weekend!

Destination Unknown

Willemstaad, Curacao. Photo via Pinterest.

For the past several months weeks, I have been anguishing about where Cory and I will travel for our honeymoon. We have determined that we want to go somewhere beachy, and preferably all-inclusive. Mexico is the obvious first place that comes to mind, but I'm being super high-maintenance and refusing to go to Mexico (although the stress of finding an affordable, luxurious, non-Mexico destination is chipping away at my stubborn-ness). Another requirement is that there is stuff to do other than lounge by the beach (fun shopping, golf, a casino, etc.). We sunburn easily! Where is your favorite beach destination? Or what is your dream beach destination? If money were of no object, I think I'd pick the Maldives or French Polynesia. All suggestions are welcomed (and needed!)!

Faux Fur and Leather

{Vest: Forever 21 (Similar here), Top: Loft, Jeans: The Limited, Nails: Revlon Top Speed in Fire}

I really love the details on this vest- gray faux fur with a bit of a sheen, and matching leather trim. Unfortunately, I think it is a bit too large, but I'll just have to make it work. The t-shirt underneath is from LOFT, and I have to say that their t-shirts are my favorite. They are comfy, less sheer than most t's are nowadays, and I've found that they fit exceptionally well. I highly recommend!

Also, I'm crazy about this nail polish. This was my first time trying it, as I have been a bit too timid to try out the bright red. But, now that I've tried it, I LOVE it! The red is perfect- not too bright, but not dark enough to be vampy. It is just a classic, true red. Even better, the polish dies incredibly fast, so my inability to let my fingernails dry for more than 35 seconds is of no concern. I'm hooked!

Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day, dear readers! I hope your day was filled with lots of fun...and chocolate! Truth be told, my Valentine's Day celebration is consisting of snuggling with the dog while we watch the Biggest Loser and eat popcorn. But if I DID have plans, I would wear one of the above outfits (probably the one on the far right!). The left is a super casual look for a low-key movie date, paired with glitter Toms for some sparkle. The middle is a dressier look, perfect for dinner and cocktails at your favorite restaurant. The right is a comfy, but cute look with a slouchy sweater and nude heels. I think I'd wear this one out to dinner at a more casual restaurant. How fun are the pink pants?

 

MICHAEL Michael Kors polka dot top, $268
Wildfox Couture sparkly shirt, €129
Miss Selfridge black jeans, $68
Dsquared skinny leg jeans, £209
Slim jeans, $130
TOMS espadrille shoes, £40
Steve Madden high heel shoes, $90
GUESS high heel shoes, $70
Tote handbag
Anya Hindmarch envelope clutch bag, £350
Black handbag, $35
Dorothy Perkins metal jewelry, $11
Oversized jewelry, $30
Ziba tahitian pearl earrings, £10

Red Pencil Skirt + Leopard Belt- SIX Ways

So, this post was actually supposed to go with yesterday's, but since I had to update the blog via my mobile device, I couldn't figure out how to post 2 Polyvore sets in one post. So, consider this an addendum to yesterday's post: Red Pencil Skirt + Leopard Belt - SIX Ways! I am this close to buying a leopard-print belt (and a red pencil skirt, for that matter), but first I have to find the perfect one. All in good time.

Today was a crazy day because I was running all over my new town trying to get application materials together for a legal internship. The deadline to apply was today. Nothing quite like waiting until the last minute. In my defense, I had every intention of applying earlier, but my computer issues put a damper on my good intentions. So I went to the local library for the first time today, and it is basically the same size as Houston, Texas. Then, I went to the post office to mail my application and when I whipped my wallet out of my purse, I subsequently flung a tampon through the building, in front of the line of 20ish patrons. Greatttt. Needless to say, I'm drinking a glass of wine and watching reality tv tonight.

On the computer front, I took my computer to the Geek Squad today, and they told me that the hard drive in my computer has gone bad. Lucky for me, my wonderful fiance saved the day by giving me his next-to-new laptop. So, quite literally, this blog post would not have been possible without Cory.
Alice In The Eve ruffle top, $70
Jason Wu shirts blouse, £355
Ruched top, £50
Oasis slit skirt, $27
Steve Madden platform shoes, $90
Animal print belt, £20

Red Pencil Skirt + Leopard Belt -- Three Ways

Red Pencil Skirt Two by kswilkin featuring striped t shirts

I have recently developed an obsession for the fabulous combination of a red pencil skirt and a skinny leopard-print belt. Unfortunately, I don't have either one of these in my closet (yet). I hope to add both of them very soon! The outfit is so versatile, and it makes for some bold outfits in smashing color combinations. Bonus? The red skirt+leopard belt can absolutely be worn to work (when paired with the right top), and it will transition flawlessly into an evening/date/cocktail outfit! Sounds like a match made in heaven to me!

I am stil experiencing serious issues with my computer, so my posts may be few and far between until I figure out what the issue is. I'm currently posting this from my new iPad, but I haven't quite gotten the hang of this thing yet (I am not even going to tell you how long it took for me to type out this post...). So, please just bear with me! And a big warm welcome to my new followers. I'm so glad you're here!

Alice Olivia striped t shirt, €157
Red t shirt, $20
Black v neck t shirt
Oasis pencil skirt, $27
By Malene Birger suede pumps, $595
Leopard print belt, £20

Little Leopard Hat

{Hat: Target, Top: The Limited}

This hat has been sitting in my closet for quite some time now, and I've finally mustered up the courage to wear it in public. It's not that hats are particularly crazy, but I still think my law school classmates would cast silent (or not-so-silent) judgment upon me if I showed up to class in this hat. But forget law school! Since I would 100% rather be in NYC this week for Fashion Week, I'm just going to pretend that Cleveland is New York, and I'm going to wear my little leopard hat tomorrow.

Super Bowl Sunday

{Top: Old Navy, Jeans: The Limited, Shoes: Tory Burch, Collar Necklace: Charming Charlie}

To be entirely honest, I couldn't have cared less about who won the Super Bowl. I was far more interested in watching Madonna perform at half time. I opted to wear red to Cory's parents' get-together because red is my favorite color, and because I was under the impression that both teams' colors included red (I was right!). For the most part, my outfit was quite unremarkable. To make it a bit more interesting, I added my collar necklace. My necklace was mostly hidden by my giant mess of hair (it is getting so long!), but the jewels peeked out just enough to add a little sparkle to my striped tee.