The day I was birthed.

Dress: Anthropologie / Jacket: New York & Co. / Shoes: American Eagle (similar)

I've been holding out on this dress for a very long time. I splurged on it a few months ago when B and I took a weekend trip to Portland, and its been patiently waiting in my closet ever since. I admit I was holding out for a 'special occasion,' but I didn't know what. Its always difficult when you spend a lot of money on one piece, because, if your like me, you become uber protective of it and terrified that you'll spill on it or rip it. But as I was thinking about my outfits for the week (yes I try to plan out the whole week, or at least a few days come Sunday night!), I thought, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow and die never having worn this gorgeous dress. And what better day to wear it then my birthday?! 

And literally, every single person I've come into contact with so far (even the guys in my office!) have complimented me on my pretty dress.

Makes a girl feel great on her 28th birthday. :) 

This picture doesn't remotely do it justice - Its not available anymore but you can see a better view here. The detailing is just AMAZING. Well done Anthro. Well done.

Also, I tried THIS with my hair today and I think it turned out quite nicely! It was also crazy easy to pull off and added a sweet little spunk to my outfit. I'll definitely try it again, perhaps with a little bit'o teasing next time!

Repeat Offender Wednesday

Jeans: Old Navy (similar) / Shirt: Merona for Target / Shoes: Mossimo for Target (similar) / Bracelet: Maurices

Repeat outfit alert!!

You may remember this pretty much exact outfit from here, and the jeans from another day here. This is def. one of my favorite outfits of the moment, but when I pulled my trusty green jeans out to wear today I realized, even if I wanted to style them different, I didn't know how. The problem is, the pants are a little tight in the waist (hello muffin top), so I can't wear them the same way all you skinny minnies can! I thought about a loose tee and my jean jacket but its too warm for that today. Maybe next time! Until then I'll just be a repeat offender!

Does anyone have any suggestions for a new (loose) way to wear these pants??

Fruit Stripe Tuesday

Shirt: Kohls (similar) / Pants: Gap circa 2004 / Flats: Target (similar)

Fruit Stripe gum! That's what this shirt reminds me of. Anyone?? We always had that in our stockings Christmas morning when we were little. It was super delicious for about 15 seconds and then was all hard and gross. Those were the days...

Anywho, first day back after a long weekend always calls for some casual, no?

Happy Tuesday ya'll!! :)

1000+ Page Views and Other Random Thoughts

Guys!! I've reached over 1,000 page views! Woohoo (in the tone of Vicki from the Real Housewives of OC)!! I know to some of you fancy big wig bloggers that probably seems small, but considering I didnt know what to expect when I started this blog, that makes me so happy!! So a big THANK YOU for stopping by!! And especially thank you for all the wonderful comments you leave :)

I hope you all had a FABULOUS long weekend, and in between your BBQ's and swimming pools you said a lil thank you to our soldiers! I know I tend to forget to, and focus mostly on my 3 day break from work.
B and I went on a mini vacation to Leavenworth, WA this weekend and if you are anywhere near Washington and havent been, I SO recommend this place. Its a sweet little Bavarian resort type town, the ENTIRE town is Bavarian style, even the gas station and Starbucks, and theres LOADs of cute shops and little breweries and wineries. It was super relaxing, and we are already planning on going back for our anniversary (Oktoberfest!) and Christmas-time. Heres a lil sampling of what we were up to!

Clockwise: Meat and cheese platter and delicious beers @ Icicle Brewery; Me and B in the downtown area; My sweet hiking outfit - not so stylish fashion blogger now, am I? ;) ; Me and B during our Icicle Ridge Winery Wine Hike - so much fun!

Ok now its lunchtime for me  -- One outfit post coming up!

PS. As its nearing the fresh month of June, I'd like to share my June goal. B and I have a TON of things coming up this summer that I need extra money for... a trip home to Chicago, several concerts, a few weekend trips, etc. SO I'm declaring a 'No Clothes Shopping June'! That means NADA, no Target trips, no online ordering - nothing. I'm hoping by putting it in writing I'll stick with it. Do you think thats possible?! Only time will tell...

Copycat Friday!

Dress: American Eagle (similar) / Sweater: Maurices (similar) / Boots: Blowfish (last season)

Its Copycat Friday! Hoorah! This is the first one I've participated in, and I'm SOOOOO glad I did. I scoured the interwebz and pinned all my favorite blogger outfits. I took those pins and I racked my closet and put together so many new, fresh outfits I can't even begin to tell you. I had a hard time picking just one to share on this day, but this one is only the tip of the iceberg! I kind of want to make this a weekly occurrence but I'm still a little scared to put that much pressure on myself lol.

Anyhow the inspiration for this little ditty comes from the always fabulous Kendi at Kendi Everyday. I love the soft and sweet mixed with the tough boots. AND I'm slipping this one in just as our spring turns too hot to wear these boots anymore!

Have a GREAT holiday weekend ya'll!

Dorkin' it up!

Shirt: Kohls / Skirt: Mossimo for Target / Shoes: Mossimo for Target / Scarf: American Eagle

Ok I cheated a little, I'm actually wearing this outfit TOMORROW in real life, and I took the picture YESTERDAY pre-haircut and color, but since tomorrow is Copycat Friday, I wanted to wait to post TODAY's outfit that was inspired by another blogger! Confused yet? I know I am.

So I'm not really the worlds hugest Star Wars fan, (that would be my older brother, Jake) but B and I have a serious obsession with the Lego Star Wars games right now, so I say that still counts. I saw this tee at Kohl's and I about peed myself, so I snagged it for $8. A Storm Trooper riding a roller coaster with Darth Vader? Come on, its just too much! Gotta love Kohl's! :)

Hump Day Hair Day

Knit Blazer: Target (similar) / Tank: Kohl's / Jeans: Rock & Republic for Kohl's / Flats: Mossimo for Target / Necklace: Maurices (similar)

First, EW a really big spider just ran through the office. Eeeek!
Second, I'm leaving work a bit early today so I skipped my lunch hour and was bummed thinking I wasn't going to get to post, until I remember the studio has a full length mirror! Hoorah! Problem solved.

So today, after TEN MONTHS I'm going to get my hair did! Whoa. Its not that I didnt want it done, I just hadn't had the time before we moved out here, and then I got a job so quick, and then I was super leery about finding a new hairdresser. I mean, these people have your whole hair livelihood in their hands! And I had such an awesome hairdresser back in Chicago so I knew he'd be hard to top. Anyway, last week I got a Spotted Fox deal (like Groupon, for us small towns) for $30 for cut AND color - yes please! So bring on the highlights and be gone split ends! Please keep your fingers crossed they don't do a hack job! :)

Pink and Plaid Tuesday

Shirt: Abercrombie (similar) / Tee: American Eagle / Jeans: Rock & Republic for Kohls / Shoes: Mossimo for Target (similar)

Its a little cooler in the Tri-Cities today so a cozy plaid and jeans felt like the way to go!

Happy Tuesday ya'll!

Peasant Mondays

Top: American Eagle (similar and on sale!) / Jeans: American Eagle (similar) / Shoes: Mossimo for Target

One of the (many) fun things about blogging has been seeing trends in my life and style emerge. For example, I'm noticing that I really shop at a few select stores extremely regularly (American Eagle, Kohls, Maurices and Old Navy). I'm also noticing I'm super into ballet flats (well, ok, I already knew that). AND since starting this blogging project, I'm really getting better with colors in my wardrobe! Lastly, I'm clearly enjoying the peasant top trend at the moment. Exhibit A above. (Exhibit B, here).

As a very average size lady, I also have to say that I LOVE these jeans. Skinnies are great and all the rage, but sometimes a good old fashion wide-leg trouser jean makes my body feel very proportionate and slim. If you dont own a pair - I HIGHLY recommend them! I don't wear mine enough!

ALSO, as promised, I did attempt to upgrade to my tripod and remote. Tripod = success. Remote = epic fail.
When it says it works with Nikon Coolpix, make sure its the Nikon Coolpix model you own. GAH. Another few days of iPhone photos. Its not all bad I suppose. This way I can upload photos more or less on demand!

Sunday Funday in Walla Walla

Sunday Funday in Walla Walla by kathrynlaine featuring a kimono dress

Kimono dress
$18 - target.com

TOMS canvas shoes
$54 - toms.com

Monserat De Lucca chain earrings
$55 - shopbop.com


I am legit kicking myself for not taking an outfit picture yesterday. I finally got a little funky with pattern mixing and then what do I do?! Forget to chronicle it. Naturally.
Ah well. Thanks to the wonders of Polyvore I threw together a little collage of the exact items I wore on me and B's little road trip to the adorable town of Walla Walla yesterday!

Gotta get down on Friiiday

Cardigan: Maurices (similar) / Tee: American Eagle / Jeans: Rock and Republic for Kohls / Shoes: Mossimo for Target / Necklace: American Eagle (similar)

Friday Friday, gotta get down on Friday!
Oh yea. I just went there.

Sometimes I feel like taking a picture of myself in the middle of the day is really a learning experience.
Today I learned that I often leave the house thinking my hair looks good, and sometimes, when I see the picture, I realize - it really does not.
Must start taking photos first thing in the morning.

Happy Friday ya'll!! :)

PS. I swear, as Blogger be my witness, that I will get my remote and tri-pod up and running this weekend! I planned for it last night... but cleaning the kitchen, cutting up nearly bad cantaloupe, baking banana bread and making homemade chicken salad got in the way. Ironic when being in the kitchen eats my whole evening!

Another Thursday, Another Outfit

Top: Kohls / Pants: American Eagle / Shoes: Mossimo for Target

I don't feel especially cute today (thank you period!) so methinks today is more about comfort then style. Though I LOVE these linen pants from AE. No doubt I'll be wearing the crap outta them all summer!

So I realized I said I'd have better pics starting yesterday, and I totally lied! Sorry 'bout that. I haven't yet had time to open my new camera remote, and to top it off, I think I ordered the wrong one! Gah. Hopefully I'll get it figured out tonight! Realization number 2 - I JUST remembered my birthday is exactly 2 weeks away. Is that normal? Or perhaps it means 28 is the age senility will set in. Either way.

Tribal Feelin' Wednesday

Tank: Aryn K / Cardigan: American Eagle (similar) / Skirt: Mossimo for Target / Shoes: American Eagle

Sometimes, all the stars align and you can walk into your closet and pull out the PERFECT outfit in less then 5 minutes. Everything just works - Fit, colors, style, occasion... today was one of those days. I think of all my outfits the past few months of blogging, this is definitely top 3. It was perfect for what I had going on at work today, crazy comfortable, and cool enough for the 90 degree heat we've been having. Score!

Slumming Tuesdays

Dress: Liz Claiborne for JCPenney / Cardigan: Abercrombie (similar) / Shoes: Toms

As I'm fairly certain its only females that breeze over this blog, I feel its a safe place to say that I'm feeling AWFUL today thanks to the arrival of a certain monthly gift. In Lehman's terms this also means incredibly bloaty and crampy and in no mood to put on a cute outfit and take pictures!
So in real life, I'm slumming it today with elastic waist pants and a giantly oversized tank, but thanks to the wonders of the interwebz, you all can imagine this pic from a few weeks ago is what I really look like today ;)

In brighter news, I'll be back tomorrow with my first non-iPhone pic! Hooray!

Boho Monday

Dress: Kohls / Vest: Maurices (similar) / Shoes: American Eagle

Happy Monday ya'll!!
That sounded really positive, but really I hate Mondays. Grrrr. Can we have another day for the weekend please?

Picked this dress up at Kohls yesterday. I have always loved Maxi's but before this year, I only had 2 in constant rotation. Now, I literally, have somewhere in the double digits. A tad out of control with the maxi dress addiction!
Also, Lilly wanted to impede my process today. She did well as she was in most of my photos except for the one above. Nice try Lilly. Nice try.

Everyone Needs a T-shirt & Jeans Day Sometimes

Tee: Loud Lion / Jeans: Rock & Republic for Kohls / Shoes: Converse thrifted

Some days are just t-shirt and jeans days. I try to keep these days to a minimum during the week, but sometimes you just feel your best in something super casual and comfortable.
I have a ton of tees I love, but this one is one of my absolute faves (also seen here). Paired with my trusty Con's (you'll raaaarely see me in sneaks, but I can't get enough of the plaid!) - it doesnt get more comfy then that.

Mad props to guest model Rosie (who promptly threw up after this photo). Awesome.

Patterned Up Thursday

Shirt: Old Navy / Jeans: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls / Shoes: Mossimo for Target / Necklace: Maurices

I stayed up too late last night.

The bummer about me and B being on such opposite shifts is we hardly see each other during the week, unless I wait up until he gets home around 10:30pm (which, I am usually awake, but in bed watching TV or reading!) Well last night we decided to go OUT for a drink when he arrived home at 10:30, resulting in us getting to bed around 1:00am. Which is late for a girl with a normal 8-5. Thank god for my magic bullet magically whipping me up some iced mocha this morning... It's the only thing keeping me awake! And I may just make another one when I go home for lunch... YUM.

In other exciting news - I finally got around to ordering a tripod and camera remote for my Nikon! Once that arrives (and I figure out how to use it) there will be no more grainy iPhone pics from this girl! Wahoo!

Green with Dress Envy Wednesday

Dress: Anthropologie circa 2011 (similar) / Shoes: Toms

Another crazy day, another belated post!
I'm basically in love with this dress. I got it last year for the first day of a new job -- seeing as I left that job 4 months later to move to Washington with B, I can only hope the job change juju has worn off!

It felt a little overly schnazzy for my work environment so I pared it down with my comfy Toms sneaks (and a jean jacket for when the a/c kicks on! Brr!). Cute AND comfortable.
Style win-win.

Tuesday's on Fire

Dress: Kohl's / Shoes: Target (old - similar) / Cardigan: New York & Co. (striped - but super cute similar)

I got this dress for $20 at Kohl's as an easy to throw on summer dress. I was unsure about it at first, but with the right accessories it just feels right!

Happy Tuesday!

Late Kinda Monday

Shirt: American Eagle (similar) / Pants: Gap (similar) / Shoes: Mossimo for Target

Whoa I got lucky this morning. I was supposed to have a meeting with a vendor this afternoon so I planned to wear a nice dress with all the trimmings - conservative cardigan, adorable accessories, cute shoes, etc etc. Then, I woke up SUPER late (I didn't sleep for poop. Ugh.). Like super duper late. Whoops. So at 8am when a meeting cancellation shot across my iPhone, I was thankfully still at home in said dress hurriedly getting ready. I immediately switched gears to oversize, comfy and airy.

Score 1 for my morning un-punctuality.

Red Accent Thursday

Top: New York & Co. circa 2010 (similar) / Jeans: Rock & Republic for Kohl's / Shoes: Michael Kors

Nothin' to see here folks!
I've had a crazy week getting back into the swing of things and my focus has been more on comfort and less on style, and let me tell you - I hate it! But it happens to us all sometimes. Next week I promise I'll be back into the swing of things.

I did notice I accented with a whole lotta red yesterday though... nails, ring, shoes, earrings... even my phone for crying out loud! You wouldn't know that's my favorite color, right?!

Post Vacation Blues

Outfit 1 - Dress: Target / Shoes: American Eagle / Scarf: American Eagle / Jacket: NY & Co. (similar)
Outfit 2 - Tee: American Eagle / Shorts: Target (similar) / Shoes: Toms / Purse: $10 store in Vegas circa 2008
Outfit 3 - Dress & Belt : Plain Ivey Jane

Happy Wednesday!!!
How I've missed you all and my blog the past several days. It felt wrong not being able to share my cute vacation outfits, but I was not about to spend $25/day on internet service at the hotel. I didn't miss ya'll that much ;)

So here's a brief look into some of my Vegas vacation style! I tried to pack super light so I made sure to pick outfits where I could reuse accessories. I love Vegas because frankly, anything goes!
I will say this much though, after an amazing vacation, its SO hard to get back in the swing of reality!