casual stripes.

Top: The Limited (similar, on sale!)  | Jeans: F21

A couple of weeks ago my friend Casey took some pictures for me and despite it being a tad chilly, it was super fun! My friend Catherine AKA Cat (although she hates cats) joined along. She made for a great assistant and kept me laughing! When warmer days come along, this striped top with a pair of jeans and cute sneakers will be a perfect casual look. I typically just cuff my skinny jeans to create capris. Although, this look can be so versatile. Adding a pair of boots and a sweater can make this a warmer look as well!

A couple more looks shot by Casey will be posted in the near future! Keep a look out for those! 

{To see more of Casey's amazing work check out his blog here: http://blog.batezel.com}

-Kate 

dorm decor.

Now I know that not everyone coming across my blog is in college or preparing to start sometime this year, but I know how helpful posts like this can be for some people. I remember hunting down anything helpful via Google or Pinterest upon heading to college. 

So with that said, welcome to my home away from home! :) 

Bedding & Lamp: Target

Where shall I begin? 

How about bedding? 

Start by choosing a color scheme you like. I decided on light yellow and blue. Although, my room is mainly light blue. To me, it's very calm and soothing (well, as calm and soothing as a dorm room can be). I'm also all about lighting that isn't harsh. Using a lamp and a string of Christmas lights makes a difference. My roommate has some too! 

Tip: Lofting your bed (if you have the option) is ideal for creating more space.

And adding a cube ottoman helps get into to bed while providing more storage.

I suggest using a small rod and hanging a curtain in front of your closet. It helps to keep the clutter hidden! Also stacking appliances helps keep everything central. I had some of my Instagram pictures turned into magnets (via http://stickygram.com). It's also fun to proudly display an exam you do well on! Anything to add personality and make your room feel comfortable is key. 

Lastly, I suggest adding a large rug to your room (sorry mine is barely pictured). It adds more warmth to any room! 

I'm sure I missed a lot so if you have questions, just ask! Also, if anyone is interested in more posts like this, let me know and I'd be glad to do more!

-Kate

dress + booties.

Dress: Yetts (bought at a boutique) | Booties: Steve Madden

It's hard to find dresses to wear in cold weather that aren't sweater dresses. I love this one because of the flowy long sleeves and bold colors paired with neutral. I really like the pattern as well! This could also easily be paired with some tights to warm it up, although I opted to show off my pale legs here (haha). I also like to pair this dress with my caramel boots (featured in previous posts), but decided to mix it up with these booties! 
On another note,  think it's safe to say that I'm SOOO ready for spring to arrive. Aren't you? 

-Kate 

leather + mint

Top: F21  | Leather Jeans: Adriano Goldschmied | Shoes: Aldo 

I have to start off by saying, I give major props to my mom and Jacy (blogger of Lenore Lamé) for helping style this outfit. My mom found these leather jeans on sale at a local boutique back home and sent them to me with fingers crossed they would fit. And I'm so glad they do! They make me feel like a rockstar. Almost. If only I could sing...

Jacy helped me style these leather jeans by adding a color blocked mint top and studded black heels. The heels and jeans give this look edge, while the top adds femininity to the look. 

I'll be styling these leather jeans later on down the road again. I love them too much not to! 

-Kate

instagram.

I'm a huge fan of instagram so I thought I'd share some of mine with you! 

1. Hot tea & honey + The Bachelor 

Who else is a fan? 

2. This is my dog Rosie. She's a cutie! 

 

3. I love rainy days. To me, they're so calming. 

4. The Today Show is the perfect way to wake up in the morning.

  5. Everyone meet my Momma! 

 6. I recently had to send my passport in to get a new one. I'm kind of sad to start a new one :(

7. This is my good friend Kelli. She came to visit me up at school for a short period of time and it felt like a small piece of home having her up here.

8. Ahhh sweet tea! If you can't tell, I have a thing for tea. Hot and cold. 

Such a good pick me up! 

I'd love for you to follow me! My user name is kateaustin3

Leave your username in the comments and I'll check your profile out. I love finding new people to follow :)

Hope your weekends are going great so far! 

-Kate

hot hot pink.

Sweater: Ann Taylor  (old)  | Cords: Free People (on sale!)

Heels: Jessica Simpson  

I love these bright pink cords! They're so fun and there are endless ways to style them. Here I chose to pair them with a neutral sweater and cream heels. It gives the look its pop without being too much on the eye. When working with any colored denim (or in this case cords), it's best to pair them with a subtle color or print. If you're new to colored denim start off with a color you're comfortable with and visualize what they would best work with in your closet (my dark green jeans would be a great color to start with). From there, ease into brighter colors. Once you try them and find different ways of styling them you'll be excited to wear them! 

Tell me what color of denim is your favorite to wear! 

-Kate 

{once again, a huge thank you goes out to Jacy for taking these pictures. check out her blog Lenore Lamé}

game day.

Top: Lani (bought at boutique)  | Jeans: The Limited (now on sale!) 

Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: F21 (old)

I'm so excited to be featured this week on College Fashionista wearing this game day outfit! I go to the University of Missouri so having a cute pair of mustard colored jeans works perfectly for games when matched with black. The look is pretty simple but the high-low top adds interest and the gold accents make it pop. This look can easily be switched up by wearing a different color pair of skinnies (depending on your school). It's effortless, but gives a more dressy feel to a sporting event outfit. It's just as easy as throwing on a t-shirt and jeans! 

To see the full post by Jacy on College Fashionista go here: http://bit.ly/UJVtjD 

-Kate