Kate – Page 9 – The House Blend

No Stone Unturned

by Kateupdated on March 24, 2016March 14, 2016

One of the things I love most about fashion is its ability to make you feel like you can do anything. Like when you’re excited to get dressed in the morning because you’re feeling inspired by putting things you already have together in a new way. Shopping your closet is one of my fav ways to get a new perspective and that helps carry over in my attitude for the rest of my day. Accessories are the best and easiest ways to update and add interest to an ensemble that’s been around more than you care to admit. I’ve probably worn this combo of wide leg jean and tuxedo jacket a million times but adding the ear cuff elevated it to new heights. So open your closet, grab your fav outfit, and then mix it up. Add a different cuff bracelet, statement necklace, or shoe and voilá! You’re ready to see things differently today!

Photos by Amie Akers

jacket by Express – similar here, bow blouse by H&M – similar here, jeans by Banana Republic, earrings by BaubleBar,

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Winter Blues

by Kateupdated on March 24, 2016February 20, 2016

It’s that time of the year when the whispers of Spring that peak through Winter’s doldrums make you long for warmer temps and sunny skies. One good sign Spring is on its way is that I can bust out my holey jeans. In the Winter months it’s usually too cold but come Summer they’re a great way to wear denim and keep cool. Pair them with a long cardi to keep you cozy and you have a great seasonal transition outfit. I love a good long cardi! They’re a great alternative to a blazer and allow for a little more comfy vibe. By now you know how I feel about hats, especially fedora types – a great way to add interest and give your blow dryer a day off ;).

Photo credit: Amie Akers

Hat and Cardi by H&M – similar cardi here, Shirt by Sincerely Jules, Jeans and Boots by Zara, Watch by Michael Kors, Heart Ring and Necklace by Tiffany&Co

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Monochrome State of Mind

by Kateupdated on March 24, 2016January 30, 2016

I’ve never been interested in rules of fashion. In fact, I was embracing trends long before I knew there was such a thing. I’ve always felt like rules were meant to be bent, nowhere more so than in fashion. Here is one that I actually can get behind though – monochromatic dressing. As someone who needs 2 inch heels to reach 5 feet tall and is constantly asking people to reach the top shelf in the grocery store, I can appreciate anything that makes me look taller. The trick is to add interest by playing with texture. Here I’ve played with knits and leather and added layered wrist-wear for a little extra something. After all, every girl needs a little bling ;).

Hint: Any writing on your jewelry should be worn so those looking at it can read it right-side up.

Photos by Amie Akers

Pants by H&M – similar here and here.
Sweater by BCBG – similar here.
Scarf by Zara – similar here and here.
Watch by Cluse.
Bracelet by Michael Kors – similar here.
Cuff bracelet by BaubleBar.
Glasses by Krewe – similar here.

Fall Fashion

Hat Trick

by Kateupdated on March 24, 2016January 23, 2016

I love a good hat! And this one by Topshop is one of my favs. But it wasn’t always that way. When I was a kid my mom thought I looked cute in them but every time she put one on me I tore it off. So would be the story of me and hats – only on long enough for my mom to snap a quick pic. I completely forgot about them until a few years ago when I decided to give them another try. What I found was that, like many things she tried to teach me when I was younger, Mom was right. A good hat adds that little bit of personality that can elevate your outfit from simple to chic. And bonus – it covers up that second, third (or fourth ) day hair 😉

Hat by Topshop – similar here and here
Blazer by Zara – similar here and here
Cashmere sweater by Uniqlo
Jeans by 7 For All Mankind – similar here

Photos by Amie Akers.

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Trench Coat with a Twist

by Kateupdated on March 24, 2016January 14, 2016

There are few things I love more than a designer collaboration with one of my favorite fast-fashion retailers. Something about all that hype and anticipation makes them like the Rose Bowl of the fashion world. Probably one of my favorites to date is the Altuzarra for Target collection. This trench combines the versatility of the trench with the elegance of a dress. The contrasting coated jean sleeves give it an edge so it’s the perfect balance of femininity, classic, and fashion forward style.

Trench Coat – Altuzarra for Target, similar here and here
Jeans – 7 For All Mankind, similar here
Heels – Zara, similar here
Watch – Cluse, similar here

Photos by Amie Akers

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New Year’s Dreams

by Kateupdated on March 24, 2016January 1, 2016

Today started a new year and with all this beautiful snow at our lake cabin I couldn’t resist a walk on nature’s blank slate. It was as if nature knew we were all starting over and wanted to join in! Our lake cabin has always been my second home so it’s only appropriate to celebrate the holidays here. The property has been in our family for almost 60 years! One of my favorite things is to go for a walk amongst the trees and down paths that have watched me grow up over the years. Today as I walked, I reflected on the year past and wondered what 2016 would bring. As Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” and this time of year brings ample reminders to be mindful and purposeful in the year to come. Having just celebrated all of life’s blessings amongst family and friends, we give thanks for the things God has given us. It is under that influence that we are invited to see what we may endeavor to contribute in the coming year. As someone who has always enjoyed dreaming and setting goals, I revel in the chance to indulge in that for the coming year. The challenge is to set goals that are both beneficial and achievable. So this year as you set your sights on the seasons ahead, remember to set one goal each for improving yourself, your relationships, and your community. After all, our resolutions are just reminders to live a life more mindful of others and less involved in ourselves.

Coat by Michael Kors – similar here and here. Scarf and hat from Harajuku WEGO – similar here. Gloves and boots from H&M – similar here and here. Diamond Earrings – similar here.

Photos taken by DJ Kelley and edited by Amie Akers.

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Faux Fur and Firsts

by Kateupdated on March 24, 2016December 14, 2015

This is a first for me. I have been a lover of fashion since my dad brought me home a pair of sparkly ruby red slippers from his business trip to Paris when I was 4. Over the years I have been fascinated by the innumerable ways we can express ourselves through what we wear. Before we say a word, we’ve told a story about ourselves. With the help of my amazingly talented friend Amie Akers as my photographer, I am finally able to document some of these fashion stories for you. I hope you enjoy!

Winter means layers, faux fur, and any excuse to turn snowflakes into snuggles. There’s something so innately glamorous about colder weather that makes us need layers of cashmere and faux fur. Even though this has been an unseasonably warm December for us here in The Mitten, I’m still busting out my winter layers :).

I also LOVE a good jewel. Why not layer some sparkle?

Coat by Michael Kors – similar here, blouse by Zara – similar here, pants by Gap here, shoes by BCBG – similar here, cocktail ring by Alexis Bittar from the Winter Box of Style.