Cold Weather Closet Essentials

Merry New Year's Eve, everyone! After an unseasonably warm fall and winter, it's finally getting colder here in the South! So even though the rest of world has probably already finished their fall and winter shopping, I decided to make a list of my cold weather fashion staples. They may be a bit of a splurge, but they are classics that will last for many winters to come!

puffer vest // over-the-knee riding boots // chunky scarf // vampy lipstick // cashmere sweater

1. Puffer Vest - Want to be warm but without all the bulk of a heavy coat? A puffer vest is perfect for you. They not only keep your midsection toasty, but can also add the perfect pop of color to your outfit. J. Crew is the master of the puffer vest, in my opinion, and is well worth the money!

2. Riding Boots - Of course this was going to make an appearance! Riding boots are sleek and sophisticated and also perfect for tying together your winter outfits. These over-the-knee riding boots from Tory Burch are a pretty pretty penny as well, but a good pair of classic leather riding boots will last you many winters! (These are also $175 off and an additional 30% off until January 4th with the code "MERRY"

3. Chunky Scarf - Another obvious essential and great way to add a pop to any outfit. You can never have too many.

4. Vampy Lipstick - My blog is still pretty new, but you will learn quickly that my favorite color is burgundy/wine. And the color is so perfect for fall and winter! Especially in lipstick form as it goes great with my blonde hair and fair skin.

5. Cashmere Sweater - All sweaters are great, but there's nothing cozier than cashmere. It's sooo soft and well worth the extra cash. This one from J. Crew is perfect, but thrift stores are GREAT for finding cashmere for only a few bucks! { See how I style my not-so-neutral cashmere sweater here }

What are your essentials for fall? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading and Happy New Year's Eve!

3 Ways to Wear: {Chambray Shirt}

A chambray shirt is a must-have for any girl. They are super comfortable, go with almost any outfit, can be dressed up or down, and can be worn buttoned-up, open with a t-shirt under it, or even tied around your waist for a casual look. In today's post,  put together three outfits using this Aeropostale Chambray Top.

1. So Fresh, So Clean

My personal favorite way to wear a chambray is with white skinny jeans. To me, white pants make any outfit a thousand times classier and more sophisticated. I paired this with some sparkly earrings from BaubleBar and leopard flats.

2. Texas Tuxedo

Who said you can't wear jeans with a denim shirt? It's all about the shade of denim. Make sure your chambray and jeans are completely different shades to avoid a fashion disaster. Tie it all together with some tan ankle boots and a colorful statement necklace.

3. Playing Dress Up

Who says denim is only for casual looks? When paired with a full skirt and lady-like flats, you can make a chambray perfect for a party. Add sparkly BaubleBar earrings and a leopard clutch and you're set.

Thanks for reading and Happy Saturday!

Christmas Eve To-Do List

Merry Christmas Eve!

If you're living in the Southeastern U.S. right now, it probably feels nothing like Christmas and it's probably bumming you out. I know that's how I feel. But, today I'll give you an awesome to-do list for tonight to make sure you're in the Christmas spirit before tomorrow morning!

1. Bake Christmas Cookies

Not only is baking Christmas goodies delicious, it's a lot of fun and a great way to get the family together and spend time with one another. There are tons of delicious and easy recipes on Pinterest!

2. Blast the Christmas Music

You either love or hate Christmas music, but I happen to love it. It's one of my favorite parts of Christmas! My personal favorites are O Holy Night by Josh Groban and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, who I went and saw in Birmingham a few years back. They're amazing!

3. Make Hot Chocolate

(source)

Of course most of the ideas on this list had to include food, right? Even though it may be in the 70's in 'bama right now, we can still pretend it's a snowy winter's day. This S'mores Hot Chocolate from Minimalist Baker...just look at it. Yum! 

4. Watch Christmas Movies

Christmas movies are the ultimate "feel-good" movies to me. I've watched them even when it wasn't Christmas! My all-time favorite Christmas movie (and one of my favorite movies in general) is Polar Express. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a close second though, and a must-watch!

5. Wear Christmas Pajamas

(source)

Finally, change into some cozy Christmas pj's at the end of the night before heading off to bed! You'll be happy you did in the morning. Picture from Pink Peonies

Thank you for reading! Have a Merry Christmas and God bless you!

{ Blue + Flannel }

 // Sweater: Thrifted (similar) // Flannel: Thrifted (similar) // Jeans: Hollister / / Boots: Charlotte Russe / / Necklace: Forever 21 (similar) 

Yes, that's me about to attempt a cool dismount in the last picture, just ignore the unfortunate face I'm making...

Anyway...

Saturday was finally a nice, cold December day here in Alabama and that can only mean one thing--break out the sweaters. This electric blue cashmere sweater was...*drumroll*...$1 at the thrift store! One dollar! You simply cannot beat that. I decided to pair it with a red flannel (also $1!), a pair of dark jeggings and my new favorite boots from my new favorite place to buy shoes, Charlotte Russe. This outfit is perfect for winter and also super easy to recreate! All you need is a flannel, a sweater, and jeans.

Thanks to my boyfriend for the pictures!

Also thank you to everyone who has been reading my blog! If you would like to subscribe, there are some links on the right side-bar. Comments are also appreciated!
Have a great Wednesday!

{ 25 Stocking Stuffers Under $25 }

cashmere gloves // flavor infuser water bottle // liquid lipstick // shower gel // MAC lipstick // moraccan oil // nail polish // 

// keychain //

fashion coloring book // curl-enhancer // beanie // tortoise sunglasses // brush // watch

smashbox palette // brush set (love these) // notebook // MAC eyeshadow // gold tumbler

makeup wipes // scarf // pearls // lip crayon // smashbox mascara (LOVE) // jewelry dish

Stockings are always a ton of fun, but there's no reason to spend a ton of money on stuffing them! My stocking usually consist of a couple of fun items like the ones above and some essentials like toothpaste, socks, and ponytail holders. I'm not sure if that's how others do it, but we always have..

ANYWAY...

Not only are these great for stuffing stockings, but also can be given as a more inexpensive gift for a friend, Secret Santa, etc.

For the makeup-lover, the Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara is a must-have. I also love the Too Faced Melted Liquid Lipstick. I recommend the color "Melted Nude".

For unique stocking stuffers, The Fashion Coloring Book is perfect for the fashion-lover/child-at-heart (*cough* me) and the flavor infuser water bottle is great for a college girl.

For more practical stocking stuffers, you can never have enough hairbrushes (trust me) or makeup remover wipes. 

I hope this helps meet some of your Christmas shopping needs!

Happy Sunday!

{ Ten Perfect Gifts for Makeup-Lovers }

makeup bag // hourglass ambient lighting palette // beautyblender

chanel lipstick // urban decay x gwen stefani palette // tourmaline curling wand // sigma basic face kit

Still doing some last-minute holiday shopping? Well today, I gathered up some of the best gifts for the makeup lovers in your life! 

If you're stretching your money this Christmas, this tourmaline 1" barrel curling wand can create beautiful curls and is only $30! The Sephora brand make-up bag and Beautyblender are perfect stocking stuffers and you can never have enough of either one--trust me.

Every girl should have a red Chanel lipstick, right? At $36, it may be pricey for a lipstick, but this one will be staple in her makeup collection.

If you're looking to drop a little more cash, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit has rave reviews and is a staple for many make-up gurus. The Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Palette is the palette of the moment and it has some of the prettiest colors I've ever seen in a palette. Pictures don't do it justice! Sigma brushes are also a fan favorite. This set is a splurge, but it has every face brush she needs and she'll be able to use them for a long time.

I hope this helped meet some of your Christmas shopping needs! Thanks for reading!

{ Floral }

/ / Top: Forever 21 (similar) / / Jeans: Hollister (similar)/ / Boots: Charlotte Russe / / Watch: Charming Charlie (similar)/ /

/ / Bracelet: Charming Charlie / / Ring: Charming Charlie / / Bag: Target (similar) / /

/ / Necklace: BaubleBar (VERY similar)

/ / Nails: China Glaze "Igniting Love" / /

Yay, first outfit post! Even though my only resourse ATM is an iPhone, we'll make do for the moment. Yesterday, I went with some friends to the Galleria and the Summit in Birmingham this past week and I wanted something that was still fall/winter-esque while still comfortable for the unseasonably warm December we're having in Alabama this year.

I went with the beautiful bell-sleeved blouse from Forever 21 (I got this on sale for only $10!), jeggings, and these perfect brown ankle boots from Charlotte Russe (everything on the site is only $20 right now!) I accessorized with a gold watch (mind the two missing stones-I dropped it a few weeks ago) and a beautiful gold tassel bracelet and ring, all from Charming Charlie (not sponsored, I just LOVE that store!)

Even though those boots killed my feet (that mall is huge!) I had a great time shopping for presents and maybe myself a little..☺

♥ Thanks for reading and TGIF! ♥

* This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own *

* Top picture photographed by Esther Johnson *

Greetings - First Post

After reading many blogs and even starting a couple that barely saw the light of day, I decided to start one "for real" this time.

This blog will be a way for me to express my love of fashion and writing with everyone and also will help me as I work towards my degree in fashion merchandising. As for the blog title, I went with two words that describe me best...
 ;) 

So let me introduce myself; here are a few things about me:

• My name is Katie and I'm a 19-year-old college freshman at Jacksonville State University.

• I'm studying fashion merchandising and dream of being a fashion journalist, buyer, or stylist. I'm still unsure! I'm using this blog not only to document my musings, but to gain some insight and experience in fashion and fashion journalism.

• I've loved everything fashion and beauty-related since I can remember. I used to dream of being a fashion designer until I learned I can't sew for the life of me.

• My style is pretty experimental. Sometimes I'll have girly phases (most of the time) and sometimes I'll have a more edgy phase, depending on what inspires me at the time.

• I've always been really artsy. I love drawing, painting, writing, playing instruments, and photography.

• I LOVE food. Anything cheesy, birthday cake-flavored, or pasta-related is my best friend.

And that's really about it! Thanks for stopping by to see my first post, there's still a lot left to be done, but I'm going to try to get the hang of it. ☺

P.S. I promise I'm not strangling this goat--I love animals.

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