My Favorite Shopping Buddy

Top: Old Navy / Jeans: Motherhood (yep, still rocking them!) / Shoes: Target / Scarf: Groopdealz

So let's just focus on the positive here - it's actually an outfit post!!

Getting out is definitely not as easy as it used to be. Running to Walgreens takes time and planning with an infant. So, when it does occur, I like to try to get dressed in something OTHER than sweatpants! Bean and I had a little shopping to finish up today, so after a nice long early-afternoon nap, and a hefty feeding, we hit the door and made a few stops. She's pretty much the most fun shopping buddy. She even helped me pick out some of Daddy's stocking stuffers!

My outfit is obvs nothing fancy, in fact, I'm pretty sure Olive is the one who should really have the fashion blog here (hello cute owl outfit), but it does feel good to start to feel a little more normal in my clothes again. A good scarf has been a staple for me right now - it draws some attention away from my still full belly, and adds a little something extra to the ensemble. Other then that I'm still keeping it comfortable. My pre-preg pants are still not quite fitting - I have some weight left to lose - so I have no shame still rocking the maternity jeans. They are hella comfortable, and especially at this time of year when there's so much delicious food to be eaten!

Hope everyone is having a joyous holiday season!!

True Colors

Blazer: Target, old (similar) / Jeans: Forever 21 + / Shoes: Gap, old (similar) / Tee: WB Shop

I probably should have put a disclaimer on the nerdiness of this post. I have no problem talking about the nerdy things I'm super into, (re: video games, Ghost Hunters, Lenore comics, cats and anything-cat related, the occasional Disney movie... the list goes on) but I have a ridiculous love for all things Harry Potter. I'm not sure why it started, but around the time I caught the 3rd movie, I fell in love with J.K.'s wizard filled world. I think it stems from my mad desire to have magical powers when I was a kid. Hey, what kid doesn't wish for that?!

Anywho, B kindly indulges my HP love, and he bought me this tee recently. Thank's for enabling me honey! :)

What guilty pleasures do y'all have??

Jazzin' it Up

Cardi: Old Navy (on sale!) / Tee: Amos Lee concert tee / Jeans: CAbi / Boots: Steve Madden (similar) / Earrings: Target (old)

Some days you just want to wear a plain ole t-shirt. Really, that's a lot of days for me, but I try to refrain. In this case, Friday seemed like a good opportunity to jazz up a tee a little bit. I paired it with my awesome new cardi, a little animal print goes a long way. Its hard to tell, but there's metallic threads woven in it too, which makes it extra fun. A pair of heeled boots and some saucy earrings and wa-la. I love the way it turned out and bonus - I was super comfortable all day. 

What are your tricks to making a snooze-worthy outfit more fashionable??

Mellow Monday

Sweatshirt: A&F (similar) / Jeans: AE / Mocs: Minnetonka / Glasses: Firmoo / Earrings: Forever 21 (similar)

Wow guys, can we just talk about the fact that its December? For one, it doesn't FEEL like December. Its still mild and sunny. And secondly, I can't get over how fast this year has gone. It seems like just yesterday was New Years Eve 2011 and we were just getting situated in the Tri-Cities!

Anyway there isn't much to say about this outfit, other than it was casual Friday. And in my already casual office, I take that to mean the only day I really feel comfortable wearing a hoodie most of the time. :)

How was everyone's weekend?? Y'all getting into the holiday spirit? B and I got our Christmas tree up and decorated with all our ribbons, but I haven't managed to get the ornaments up yet - tonight probably! Other then that it was a pretty mellow weekend and that feeling is following me into Monday (which I appreciate). We played some vintage video games (hello SNES) and watched the Boardwalk Empire season finale (gah!), AND I discovered Bud Select 55 is only TWO points on Weight Watchers. Yes please. Overall, I'd say the weekend was a success. OH and I'm down 4.1 lbs for my first week on WW. Feels pretty good :)

Hope you all have a glorious Monday!!

Cuffin' it

Jacket: Army Surplus Store. For realz. / Tee: Stylemint / Jeans: Forever 21 / Snood: AE / Shoes: Cons, thrifted. / Glasses: Firmoo (yes I know I have a problem)

So I wore these jeans to work, and typically, I roll them up once or twice due to their length. When I got to work I was on Pinterest (whoops) and I saw a little pin about tips from a J. Crew stylist. One of the awesome tips was how to create a 'messy' cuff. I, of course, immediately recreated this on my own cuff and I loved it. It shall be my new way of cuffing!

Anyhooters, I was on a shoot yesterday morning so I had to dress comfortably since I was lugging crap around, and in layers in case we were outside. I've had this camo jacket in my closet for awhile, but I typically only wear it when I go camping or shooting or something of the outdoorsy sort (*hashtag redneck*). My brothers pick these up for me on occasion from shows or surplus stores when they get a good deal on my size. I have 3 or 4 different types of these jackets in my closet. True story. But I think this one cost $3, which is epic. Trendy AND cheap? Bet the Army Surplus Store had no idea...

Happy Friday ya'll!

Musical Memories

 Cardi: NY & Co. (old - similar) / Tank: Old Navy (similar) / Jeans: AE (similar) / Scarf: AE (similar) / Belt: CAbi / Shoes: Michael Kors / Glasses: Firmoo

Do you ever have days where you just HAVE to listen to a specific album or artist for some reason? Like it perfectly sets or suits your mood. Today I'm having a nostalgic day and I can.not.stop. listening to Leona Lewis. Its funny how music can take you back to a certain time in your life.

I digress. I really liked this outfit until I saw the pictures. I feel like the wide-leg pants make things look a little masculine maybe? But I love the colors anywho. Side note, this is day 4 dirty hair. I'm taking the week without washing challenge, and dry shampooing it up, and I am completely erring on the side of LOVING it. My hair feels silky and its completely doing its own thing. Day 2 was rough, but after working through that kink, its rockin. I strongly suggest you try it, for the health of your (in my case severely,) beaten up hair!

Hope you all have a beautiful day kids!!

Annnnd she's back!

Sweater: Forever 21 (similar) / Tee: AE / Jeans: Forever 21 / Mocs (technically slippers, don't judge): Forever 21

Well hey there lovely readers!! I've missed you all!!

We are all moved into our townhouse and pretty much unpacked. Our new furniture came and we are all organized and settled, and I LOVE it. I actually feel like I'm coming HOME after a long day. I'm not sure I've ever felt so settled and comfortable before. Its such a good feeling knowing I'm coming home to OUR place. Not just a building where I share all my walls with other people. Theres no one above or below us, no one pounding on our kitchen wall when we are just talking on the other side. Kinda amazing.

Beyond that, I survived my two hell weeks of work, but not without incident. I got sick in the middle of my work trip to Chicago, and while I'm no longer puking my brains out, its definitely lingering. I'm fatigued and super stuffy, with a side of sore throat. Lovely. But all that aside I was so excited to start posting again, and I figured what better way to start then with a tribute to my hometown MNF team. GO BEARS!

So what have I missed the past few weeks?? Have ya'll been up to anything cool or exciting?! I'm thousands deep in my bloglovin' feed so I've been a little too overwhelmed to look. Update me!

PS. How adorable is Rosie photobombing my picture up there? That girl. Just too cute for words. *hashtag crazycatlady*

A little bit Rock'n'Roll

Tee: A&F / Vest: Stylemint / Jeans: Forever 21 / Flats: Target / Glasses: Firmoo

I'm kind of obsessed with this vest. It was my first ever Stylemint purchase, and I've been waiting for the right time to wear it. I feel a little grungy 90's in it, no? This vest definitely showed me that I need a little more flannel in my life. I often put outfits together without really thinking about the whole look head to toe, but that was not the case here. Everything from the dirty, messy hair to the glasses to the cuff of my jeans was intentional, and I looooove the way it turned out. What do you guys think? Am I channeling my rocker side?! 

So GUESS WHAT!

B and I got the townhouse! Whoop whoop! We pick up the keys Oct. 31! I always knew Halloween was a lucky day. I can't wait to move and, in typical Katie fashion, I also can't wait to go furniture shopping this weekend! We have a lot of space to fill! Last night we sat down and discussed what we needed/wanted, and the fact that the couch we purchase, will be our couch for the next 10 years, is just nuts to me. It feels like a really big commitment to a piece of furniture. Hopefully we find one that makes us say 'we do'. 

Now on to the NOT so fun part - getting our apartment packed up in 3 weeks - eesh! (Side note, isn't it crazy that after living somewhere for a year you can accumulate so much crap?! We purged when we moved here and yet we have a TON of stuff to get rid of already! Goodwill here we come!)

I hope ya'll have a lovely Wednesday hump day!!

It's OK...

Top: Old Navy / Jeans: AE / Wedges: Super old, Bongo... probably from Kohl's?

Normally I do a Thursday remix, but ya'll with my brother in town and and juggling entertaining, work, working out, etc. I'm sleeping very little and feel blessed to even have semi-blog worthy outfits to post. So for the next few weeks, the Thursday remix may or may not be happening, and in its place I'll do the lovely 'Its OK' post:

-It's OK to not have time to think about my clothes as much as normal, and miss my own self-imposed blog deadlines.

-It's OK to stay up with your brother (and amazing boyfriend) until 1am chatting and playing video games, even when you have to work the next day, because you live 2,000 miles apart and don't get to see each other as much as you used to.

-It's OK to go to the mall to return an item, and leave with 4 more. Oops.

-It's OK to be a little late to work ONCE IN AWHILE. Shiz happens!

-It's OK to be thinking about dying my hair again already.

-It's OK to do a little happy dance when you peel the sticker off the Kohl's coupon book and you got the 30% off-er!

-It's OK to quickmix your John Mayer, Enya and Harry Potter soundtrack Pandora stations and love every. single. song. that comes on.

That was fun kids. I may just do that again next week. Hope you all have a beautiful Thursday!

Copycat Friday

GAH! I hate when I don't schedule my posts correctly and they don't post. I totally missed Copycat Friday, but I'm posting anyway, 'cuz my outfit was dern cute!
-------
Today I didn't copycat a person - I copied a pin!

I saw this cute little ensemble floating around Pinterest and it looked sooooooooo comfortable and cute! I knew I had just the pieces to recreate it.

It's casual, comfortable, sweet and a little romantic. It's perfect for my office as the days have cooled into the low 80's but the A/C in the office is still in high gear. Plus we all know I love my Toms and I'm ALWAYS trying to find fun new ways to wear them!

In a hurry...

Top: Old Navy (similar) / Jeans: Rock & Republic for Kohls / Shoes: AE (similar) / Scarf: AE (similar) / Belt: AE

Holy smokes!
I got so busy today I almost forgot to post! Bad Katie. BAD.

I'm busy gearing up for my companies picnic/fiesta this evening, and I still have a ton to do, so no time to chat ya'll.

Have a beautiful weekend!!

$10 Jeans

Top: AE / Jeans: AE / Flips: AE

I am once again a walking AE billboard, but for the price of these jeans, I don even curr.
They were on mad sale, and buy one get one 50% AND I had a 40% coupon. What does that mean? That means $10 awesome fitting jeans for Katie. They are extra long for my wedges, super stretchy, and super big bells, because while I dig a good skinny, sometimes you just need a giant flare in your life. That's two days of me touting my AE love... wonder what Wednesday will bring?!

Happy Tuesday ya'll!

Blueeee, oh so lonesome for you... Monochromatic challenge!

Cardigan: American Eagle (similar) / Tee: American Eagle / Jeans: American Eagle (similar)
(wow, anyone else notice a trend here?)
Flats: Target / Scarf: Tourist store in Nashville!

I've been slacking on my Bloglovin' feed. So much so, in fact, that I didnt realize it was already an EBEW challenge until YESTERDAY. Therefore, I spent some QT in my closet last night and came up with this gem, that I was actually really stoked to wear today. B bought me this scarf when we were on vacation in Nashville last spring (as in 2011 spring) and I have never worn it! I could never quite find the right outfit... but I love it with this. Though I think blue looked better on me when I was blonde ;)

AND - ya'll - this is post number 99! Whew! Tomorrow better be a good one right?! No pressure though.

Spending time

Kimono Cardi: PoshLov (from a StitchFix) / Jeans: Rock & Republic via Kohls / Sandals: American Eagle (similar)

Happy Monday!
I had a pretty amazing weekend, I hope ya'll did too.

I wore this outfit Friday, and it ended up being perfect for my running around.
B is finally on a decent shift, and he now has Fridays/Saturdays off, so we have a somewhat normal weekend together - which I LOVE. Friday afternoon I left work early and we went for an eye doc appointment, (where I got some super cute new glasses, I can't wait to pick them up!), and then we went for happy hour at my favorite Tri-cities restaurant. I loooove $5 appletinis! After, we hit the local comic book store and spent an hour or so perusing mementos of our childhood (I left with a Stay Puft marshmallow man piggy bank and an April from TMNT action figure... don't judge). To finish the evening we ordered a pizza and watched our favorite episode of Parks & Rec ('The Fight' - if you haven't seen it, and you like to laugh, you should). All that, and it was only Friday!

Saturday was just as epic, we spent the early afternoon at the pool, grilled out, FINALLY went and saw The Dark Knight Rises (OMG.... Amazing. That's all I can say about it. Just. Amazing.) and then hit the grand opening of the new Dairy Queen by our place.

B had to work Sunday, but that works out great for me. By Sunday I'm already thinking about the week ahead, so I spent the evening gearing up for the week and relaxing by reading Harry Potter and playing some Sims. I love spending quality time with my babe, especially because it's so hard to come by with our schedules, but I love having some 'me' time too! So I'm pretty sure this new schedule is going to work out amazing. :)

Did ya'll do anything fun this weekend??

A little bit of dye

Cardi: New York & Co. (similar) / Tee: American Eagle (similar) / Boyfriend Crops: American Eagle / Shoes: Gap (similar) / Earrings: Gift

I cheated a little.
But I know I'm not the only blogger who's guilty of this - Amirite?!
This outfit is actually from several weeks ago, but my real outfit was just too boring to blog 'bout.
Irregardless.
I love the fall feel and colors of this outfit. Am I the only one switching my mindset into fall already? Even though it'll still be months before it hits here in the desert - I'm ready for it!

Plus I was too busy dying my hair to bother with photos last night.
Yup. I went for it - despite wanting (and getting loads of awesome advice from yall!) to go red, I just couldn't find a red shade I felt sure enough about. With my blonde hair (that tends to not hold color all that well) I was fearful of slipping into the pink category after a few washings. So instead, I went with this reddish/warm toned caramel brown, that I'm THINKING can go more auburn next dying. This color is only semi-permanent, so I'll be ready for another dye job in a month or so.

Whaddaya think? I'm kind of in love with it! Its a nice change of pace for a bit, and since its only semi-permanent, I love it even more. I think I scared B with it a little, cuz since we have been dating (2 years) I haven't dyed it (other then highlights!). Ah, if only he knew me at about 24 years old. I'd have had a new hair color for him every month! ;)

What do your spouses/significant other think when you dye your hair??

It's a Watershed kind of weekend

Tee: DMB concert shirt / Jeans: Rock & Republic for Kohl's / Shoes: Target / Scarf: handmade gift

Hooray for Friday!!!

I'm gearing up to head to Watershed Fest for the weekend with my babe and a few friends. An entire weekend of camping and awesome country music - like my FAVE Miranda Lambert, with some Dierks Bentley, Sara Evans and Blake Shelton thrown in there too!

Before I head out I thought I'd share my very casual (Thursday) outfit with ya'll.

I took this pic with my handy new iPhone tripod mount - I'm still trying to figure it the best way to take tripod photos, as I really got in a routine with that stinkin' mirror. I think (hope) next week I'll have some way prettier pics - maybe even some outside shots! :-O !

AND I'm going to try super hard to document this weekends festival outfits, so look for that Monday :)

Ok, I'm out to get some work Pinterest-ing done before we leave - have a fabulous weekend everyone!!

Rolling my ankles and pretty new things

Top: Simply Vera, Vera Wang for Kohls (similar) / Jeans: Rock & Republic / Shoes: Bucco for Kohl's

Oh, hey, hi there!

Welcome to my pretty new blog! You may have noticed overnight the look changed a bit, and I'm super excited about it. Its the first step in my new direction on this blog. What do you think??!

On to el outfit-o: If you can tell by the slouching, I had a hard time taking my self portrait in these shoes. See, I'm already a pseudo amazon woman at 5'9", and these shoes have a 4 in. heel. That puts me at a healthy 6'1". Also known as towering over everyone in my office. (Thankfully I snagged myself a tall man though, so standing next to him wasn't awkward :)

Anywho, I've seen cute wedges EVERYWHERE this season but I had yet to attempt them myself, despite owning a few pairs. When I saw these babies at Kohls.com a few weeks ago, I knew I had to have them (heads up, they are online exclusives). I carefully put them on and paraded around my apartment for an hour or so to make sure I could walk in them. Ok.. that was pretty easy. Unfortunately, walking up and down the hallway in my apartment is a little different then walking around in real life.
I got out of my car... rolled my ankle. I turned around too quickly in the office... rolled my ankle (thankfully the ankle roll made me keep turning and I body slammed the wall in front of some ladies in the other office.. so that was fun). I stood up too fast from my chair... rolled my ankle. I strolled across the grass after getting the mail... rolled my ankle.

After my usual lunchtime work out, I decided it was safest for me to wear my shower flipflops for the remainder of the afternoon.

I think the lesson here is don't move quickly in your sky high wedges unless you are a professional.

Copycat Friday!

Left: Megan @ The Frugalista Diaries
Right: My take-- Blazer: New York & Co. (similar) / Jeans: American Eagle / Shoes: Michael Kors City Flat via Zappos  / Necklace: Gift from my man

Good morning lovely friends!
This time tomorrow I'll be at the airport (likely bloody Mary in hand, as I don't really like to fly) ready to hop a flight to Chicago! I'm so excited to see me and B's families and all our friends and just be around all the things that are familiar to me again. I like Washington and all, but its no Chi-town :)

SO This copycat Friday was SUPER fun and easy for me as I've been sitting on this casual, fun look for awhile! The inspiration come for the gorgeous Megan at the Frugalista Diaries!
It's gorgeous, easy, fab, great color... I stayed pretty true to the look, only exchanging the heels for flats. I truly wish I was a heels girl, but flats are my one true love. :)

Happy copycatting!
xo, Kathryn Laine

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!