If You See Her, Say Hello

Change Of Address

2010-05-12T15:52:00.003-05:00

Hello, lovelies! I'm having a little change of address. I'll no longer be blogging here on If You See Her, Say Hello. You can now visit me at my new blog, Nom De Plume. I hope you stop by!

http://www.nomdeplume-kaitlin.blogspot.com

Hiatus

2010-05-11T13:23:00.002-05:00

I am taking a little Hiatus from blogging until after graduation the first week of June. I've just been so busy lately and had so many other things going on, that I just don't feel like I can devote the time I'd like to make this blog what I want it to be. So, I am going to take a little break for a few weeks and then come back as summer starts, fully ready to make my blog the best it can be. I hope you all understand and I hope that everyone will still be here when I come back. I'll still be reading all of your blogs, as I am addicted and I could never stop reading, but I won't be posting for a little while. Sometimes we just need a break. Thanks for understanding, au revoir! See you in June!

Soft Opening, One Week Late

2010-05-08T19:24:00.005-05:00

So, finally, I'm posting the pictures of my outfit from the soft opening of my dad's new restaurant, The Hofbrau, last Saturday. So, only one week late, not too bad, right? I already posted some pictures from the night, the night I forgot to take pictures of and had to steal from facebook, but I never posted any of my outfit. Actually, I haven't done a proper outfit post in a week. Oops, sorry. Lot's going on lately in Kaitlin's life. But what better time than Saturday before heading out with friends?

I really loved this outfit. At first, I felt really self-concious in the tight fitting skirt with the open back. I mean, usually, I don't dress with sex-appeal in mind. But that night, I wore the tight skirt, open back, red lips and after awhile I actually started to feel good about the outfit. And I got some numbers, 3 to be exact, so maybe it's not so bad, eh? Overall, the night was fantastic, tons and tons of fun and I ended up really loving the outfit. I felt like it was perfect for that night, and who knows, maybe I"ll try something like this again next time I go out.

Oh and I got my mint green polish. I had to be super patient, as it took forever, but I got this lovely color at Forever 21 for $2.80. Just another reason to love F21. I've gotten tons of compliments on it, and it's so nice to tell everyone I only paid 3 bucks. Thanks again, F21.

Shirt: F21
Skirt: Victoria's Secret
Heels: F21
Belt: Target

The Past Few Days

2010-05-05T23:37:00.003-05:00

Whew, it's been a busy few days. I feel like the weekend didn't stop until today when I had to go back to work. But I'm definitely not complaining, I've been having a blast. So much has happened, I don't even know how to catch up. I've got some pictures to share with you from the weekend, and my visit to a friend's ranch yesterday.

I'll start from the beginning, Saturday night was the opening of the Hofbrau, the restaurant/bar my dad invested in and we all went for the grand opening party. It was soo much fun. It's a really great place, I think it's going to be a success. I won't go into too much detail about the night, but it was crazy and ended around 2 AM Sunday morning. The best kind of Saturday night, right?

I'm now realizing I could've taken many more pictures of this, but I was too busy enjoying myself and sometimes you just have to put away the camera. Anyway, Sunday was my little sister's 14th birthday. We went to dinner with the family to celebrate and she got a baby red footed tortoise for her birthday. We named her Bella and I'm so in love with her I almost want to go get a tortoise for myself!

Yesterday, my mom and I headed out early in the morning to a friend's ranch for lunch and just to enjoy the day together. It was so beautiful and the weather was perfect. We sat around on the porch, next to a little man-made fish pond and listened to the sound of the water, eating tuna sandwiches, fruit, chocolate chip cookies and lots of tea. We went for a little walk and took lots of pictures. I won't post them all because I got carried away, but I will share a few of my favorites because it was so beautiful. I absolutely love being out in nature and I've been missing being on my ranch so much, it was so great to get to go out to our friend's and get a little taste of it. But I'm going to mine at the end of the month and I CAN'T WAIT! Sooo excited!

I hope you all had a great weekend, and a good start to the week. It's almost another weekend, wooo! Tomorrow I'll try to recreate my outfit from Saturday night and post it on here. I really liked it, and realized when it was too late that I never remembered to take outfit pictures.

The Uniform Project

2010-04-30T16:52:00.000-05:00

I've got an outfit post coming later today, I promise, but I just wanted to share this little project with you if you don't already know about it. I wish I would've come across this a lot sooner and been able to follow it through the whole year, but it's still amazing to look through and see all of the outfits. Okay, right get to what I'm actually talking about, The Uniform Project. It was described so well on the website, that I'll just re-post that here for you to get the whole idea. But definitely go check out the website and look through some of the outfits when you've got nothing to do for an hour or so. It's absolutely amazing. I mean, this girl is wearing the same dress everyday for a year and she STILL looks better than you nearly everyday.

The Idea
Starting May 2009, I have pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Here’s how it works: There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day I will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies. Think of it as wearing a daily uniform with enough creative license to make it look like I just crawled out of the Marquis de Sade's boudoir.
The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha’s School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in Indian slums.

The Story of Uniforms
I was raised and schooled in India where uniforms were a mandate in most public schools. Despite the imposed conformity, kids always found a way to bend the rules and flaunt a little personality. Boys rolled up their sleeves, wore over-sized swatches, and hiked up their pants to show off their high-tops. Girls obsessed over bangles, bindis and bad hairdos. Peaking through the sea of uniforms were the idiosyncrasies of teen style and individual flare. I now want to put the same rules to test again, only this time I'm trading in the catholic school fervor for an eBay addiction and relocating the school walls to this wonderful place called the internet.

The Dress
How do you design a dress that can be worn all year around? The mastermind behind the uniform dress is my friend and designer, Eliza Starbuck. We took inspiration from one of my staple dresses, improving upon the shape and fit to add on some seasonal versatility. The dress is designed so it can be worn both ways, front and back, and also as an open tunic. It’s made from a durable, breathable cotton, good for New York summers and good for layering in cooler seasons. With deep hidden pockets to appease my deep aversion for carrying purses. More photos of the dress and the dressmaking process coming soon to the Uniform Blog.

The Accessories
The hats and plumes, the dickeys and drapes, the shoes and slips, the belts and brooches – much of what you will see are byproducts of my cyber-slacking on eBay and Etsy, backed by visits to the many local vintage boutiques, thrift stores and flea markets of New York. I am also collaborating with other designers and friends to create original pieces.

Today is actually the last day of the project, so all 365 outfits are available for your viewing pleasure. And it's definitely worth the time. I'm posting a few of my favorites in this post, one from each month of the project. Definitely go check them all out, it's totally inspiring!

May 2009

June 2009

July 2009

August 2009

September 2009

October 2009

November 2009

December 2009

January 2010

February 2010

March 2010

April 2010

Shoo-shoo Shoo-shoo Shoo-shoo Sugar Town

2010-04-30T13:05:00.009-05:00

It's finally the weekend! Eeee! I'm so ready. I've got lots planned for this weekend. Tonight is my best friend's birthday, Happy Birthday, Jess! Then tomorrow it's work (yeah, not exciting I know) then I'm going to a soft opening of a restaurant/bar my dad invested in and I can't wait. Tons of our friends/family are coming in tonight to attend the opening and stay with us for the weekend. I love having a house full of fun people and a great big party to look forward to every night. These are the best kinds of weekends. What do all of you have planned for the next few days?

So today I'm wearing jeans, for only the second time on this blog, and probably on the second time in about 4 or 5 months. Wow, dang, I didn't even realize how long it's actually been. But lately, I've gotta say, I'm loving denim in all forms, including jeans. I've been lusting after several pairs of jeans, so you can expect to start seeing some more jeans on this blog because I'm sort of falling in love again, it's been too long. The blouse I'm wearing in this post, I bought back in January or February at F21 and then forgot about it. It's been sitting in my closet for months, tags still intact, just waiting for a spring day for me to pluck it off the hanger, rip off the tags and take it out. Unfortunately, I just completely forgot he existed. But I found him this morning and apologized and he agreed to forgive me as long as I wore him and posted him on the blog today. I decided to add some socks and opened toed shoes to make the outfit feel a little more exciting. It's funny how much I love this trend because if you had mentioned this to me about 6 or 8 months ago, I would've called you crazy. Now, I can't get enough of this. I'm buying socks like never before, and I used to HATE socks.

I was also pleasantly surprised as while I was waiting on my photos to upload, I browsed through a couple of blogs and looked at one of my favorites, Kaitlin of Buffalo Stance, and found that we're sort of outfit twins today. YES! High five to myself. She's one of my favorite bloggers and I love her style so I had to give myself a little pat on the back for being so Buffalo Stance-esqe in getting dressed today. Her outfit is sort of the edgier, risk-taking sister of my goody 2 shoes girly outfit. (And we have the same name, so super twins?)

Oh and one more thing before I go, have a lovely weekend! I'll do a big post on Sunday night or Monday about all the festivities. Au revoir!

Blouse: F21
Jeans: Thrifted (F21 from Buffalo Exchange, gotta love that.)
Socks: Shopping in Mom's closet
Wedges: Target (in reality, I stole these from my friend for a weekend and decided to never give 'em back, sucksss if she reads this.)

The title of my post, the song I've been listening to all day while doing laundry. Puts you in such a good mood. Have a listen! (Sort of She & Him sounding, no?)

I'm Not Dead

2010-04-29T12:25:00.008-05:00

FINALLY! It's here! The long awaited outfit post. I ended up going into work yesterday even though I was supposed to have the day off, so I wasn't able to get around to posting my outfit on here. Sorry, guys. But a promise is a promise, so today, I have an outfit post! And hey, better late than never right?

Yes, I took these at the mall outside of Nordstrom. I'm awesome.

I've been so absent from the blog lately, it feels like the awkward few minutes of that coffee date you planned with your friend you haven't seen in a month after you ran into each other and decided you needed to "catch up." It's like, umm soo, I've got so much to tell you and now that we're face to face, I have no idea what to say. So I suppose I'll just jump right in and talk about my outfit, eh? I mean, this is a style blog so when all else fails...

I wore this outfit to go get a MUCH NEEDED haircut. Seriously, my current facebook status: "Kaitlin Cooper is having a bad hair day, everday." That's when you know you've gotta do something about your hair, and yes I just wrote out my facebook status for you on this blog. Embarrassing? Yeah, kinda. Anyway, I went and got my hair cut, as you might notice from my pictures (I'm in love with it.) and then my sister and I headed to the mall since I haven't been to F21 in ages. And ages for me is like 3 weeks, but hey, that's a long time for an addict. I got some really cute stuff I can't wait to share! But, my outfit, right, I'm all over the place. I'm kind of really really in love with this outfit today, mainly because if it was possible to carry on a serious relationship with an item of clothing, I'd be moving in with this dress right about now. I've been wearing it non-stop lately and it looks good EVERY WAY! I especially liked this outfit though, because the dress is pretty girly, and I feel like the bike shorts and the belt make it a little more edgy. This outfit pretty much sums up my style, it's definitely a "go-to outfit" of sorts for me.

Wellll, now that I've written a huge awkward paragraph sort of about nothing, I find I have nothing left to say. So.. goodbye blog world. It's good to be back. See ya tomorrow! (I think...)

Dress: Urban Outfitters
Cardigan: Target
Bike Shorts: Target (online only)
Belt: Vintage
Oxfords: Aldo

Wanna Be On The Beach

2010-04-27T23:53:00.007-05:00

Ughhh, sorry for the lack of posts. I'm just so not feelin' it this week. You know what I mean? I'm just in the mood to kick back and relax and wear shorts and t-shirts with my dirty hair in braids and floppy hats. I have the week off of work and I feel like I should be on a beach somewhere instead of stuck at home eating and watching Criminal Minds reruns. Sooo, I put together a little "I wish it was summer and I was in Cancun" post. Enjoy. I'll do an outfit post tomorrow (well I guess it is tomorrow, I look at my clock and see 12:03) outfit post SOON I should say. Goodnight!

Also, shh keep this on the DL from my mother (you know, to save me from the "Ohh, Kaitlin, I told you sos!"), but lately lots of photos of blondes have been popping up in my "inspiration folder." Uh ohhh, I know I just went red, and my hair feels like wheat, but I'm just lovin' blondes right now. It's really true, we girls can never be happy with what we have..maybe I'll go this weekend and damage my hair a little more with some highlights? Then in two weeks I'll want to be Zooey D and go dye it all dark brown!

European Wannabe

2010-04-24T19:57:00.009-05:00

Ever since I can remember, I mean honestly I think since maybe 2nd grade, I've wished I was European. In fact, back when I was little, I used to lie to people I didn't know very well and say that I was French. That's a complete lie, my ancestry is English and Irish, but I wanted people to think I was European, and little kids don't know, so I lied. Time hasn't changed much, except now I just say I'm an American born on the wrong continent. All my favorite people/things are European. Bands, movies, books, authors, actors, models, cars, designers, food, you name it. That also includes my mad mad love for European bloggers. I mean, is there such a thing as a tacky person in Europe? Europeans, especially the French, make EVERYTHING look chic and sexy. We Americans just don't have that. And so now that you're wondering why I just went into this long explanation of why I'm disgustingly obsessed with Europeans and my secret wish (I wish on birthday candles to marry a European, true story) to be European, I'll share with you the reason for all of this nonsense. Today, since I worked from 8-7 today and am now rushing out for much needed time with friends, I am going to show you my favorite European outfits of the week, since I've hardly shown you anything of my own. I hope you enjoy, if you're anything like me, you'll be drooling by the time this post is finished. Have a grrreat Saturday/Sunday lovelies!

Helmi Otsalla

Elenita

Le Blog De Betty

summerlisten

The Cherry Blossom Girl

Pandora

Happy Day, Earth!

2010-04-22T13:22:00.004-05:00

A subtle chain of countless rings
The next unto the farthest brings;
The eye reads omens where it goes,
And speaks all languages the rose;
And, striving to be man, the worm
Mounts through all the spires of form.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

i've already posted this, but it just fits earth day so well

back when I was a wee little sophomore :)

the best friend and i, beginning of junior year in ATX

actually earth day 08, she wrote the wrong date..

Just some cute little polaroids from earth days past, as well as polaroids from non-earth days that just fit in with the theme. I've been putting in long hours at work this week and won't stop until Sunday, so forgive me if I don't have proper outfit posts for the rest of the week. I am going to a tea before work tomorrow for a bible study friend's birthday and I'd like to post about that, so I'll try. I hope you've all had a lovely week so far, and your weekend is just as great. Go out and enjoy a walk through nature or plant some flowers for Earth Day, something I'd love to do, but unfortunately, I'll be working too long for these things to be possible.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

2010-04-19T12:24:00.007-05:00

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only for an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Robert Frost

So yesterday's nice taste of sunny, beautiful weather is a thing of the past today. (Hence Robert Frost's Nothing Gold Can Stay) It's back to being gray and rainy. The perfect excuse to stay in doing nothing but watching Turner Classic Movies. Though I did go to the dentist and got good news. The dry sockets are healed! I went straight to Sonic for happy hour and got my favorite cherry vanilla diet dr pepper and drank it THROUGH A STRAW! Happiest moment ever. You never realize the things you take for granted until you can't do them anymore. Anyone who's ever had a dry socket knows exactly what I mean. And also, tonight is 24 night. HALLELUJAH! Mondays are never the best day of the week, but having Jack Bauer kicking ass to look forward to all day, it makes it a little better. I just can't believe this is the last season. What will we do next year, with no 24 nights?

I went for a gray ensemble today due to the gray weather. I guess this is the opposite of my wishful dressing. But I'm wearing my favorite dress again, this time as a skirt. So far on this blog I've worn it just as a dress, as a top, and now as a skirt. It's so versatile, which is why it's my favorite. I love having pieces like this in my wardrobe because it adds so much, there are so many possibilites. I have a dress, skirt, and top all in one. And it's super cute to boot!

And sweet readers, if you believe in this sort of thing, please pray for my little dachshund you met in this post. She's started having back trouble again, a common problem for dachshunds and she's in a lot of pain. We're very worried about her, as back trouble can even be fatal for little dachshunds. We love her so much and I hate to see her in her little bed, unable to get up and move around. I just want her to get better ASAP!

Lace Sweatshirt: F21
Dress (as skirt): Charlotte Russe
Socks: Target
Sandals: Urban Outfitters

Sometimes I Feel Like I Live In Grand Central Station

2010-04-18T14:38:00.006-05:00

How's everyone's Sunday? Mine is great! Not really for any particular reason, it's just one of those days where I got plenty of sleep the night before and woke up in a really great mood. I've spent the beginning of my day at church, then came home for a little brunch and Wii playing with the family, hehe we're sort of addicted to Mario Kart. Then my sister and I headed out to shop for a gift for her best friends birthday, then got Starbucks and decided to ride around in the car with the windows down, rocking out to Lady Gaga and enjoying the beautiful weather. This explains the pictures I'm about to show you. Sometimes we get a little carried away..

I'm really in love with my outfit today. I found this skirt in my closet last night and realized that I'd totally forgotten about it and I wanted to try it again sans tights. It's much too big to wear as a skirt, but pulled up and belted it makes a perfect dress. It's still a little big though, so for the sake of decency I always like to wear another dress or a shirt or something underneath it. Today it was, what's new, this striped F21 shirt. Seriously, guys, how did I survive before I got this t-shirt? I was asking my sister last night, what did I wear before this shirt?! I wear it ALL THE TIME. I'm thinking I need a new striped t-shirt but I can't find one that I like. I'd always like a blue and white stripe and a red and white stripe. If you know of any really cute, reasonably priced ones I might like, I'd appreciate it if you let me know.

lol @ my sister's finger getting in the picture!

Now I'm off to spend some time studying my French. Gotta work everyday if I'm gonna be fluent. I'm using Rosetta stone and I've only been using it for about 4 days and already I think I've learned more than I learned in 4 weeks of a high school language class. The thing really works. After my French lessons, I'll be going back up to church with friends for a little concert my church is having tonight so support funds for the Mission Trip this summer. I guess it'll be fun. I have no idea who the band is, but I have to sell drinks and I convinced a few friends to come join me, so I'm sure we'll have a good time. Hope you all have a great Sunday night!

T-shirt: F21
Skirt: Thrifted
Belt: F21
Sandals: Payless
Bag: Mom's Vintage

Wishful Dressing

2010-04-16T16:27:00.003-05:00

Do you ever have those days where you wake up and the weather is all rainy and nasty and you say, "No, sorry, I'm not dressing for this today" and you dress like it's the most beautiful sunny day outside? It's been raining all week and today I was done. I dressed in a floral dress, sandals, with a big flower/bow in my hair and said HA! to the gray sky and the rain. Can't keep Kaitlin from wearing what she wants! And what do you know, about half an hour before I took these pictures, the sun came out and he's been hanging out ever since. So, it's not wishful thinking, it's wishful dressing, and my friends, it works.

Today's pictures are "just hurry and get this over with I'm not in the mood, but I've gotta update that blog!" pictures. The lighting was bad, I didn't like the spot, but alas, I wanted to make this little update, so here it is. My Friday outfit, which I don't even like all too much, and I'm probably going to change before going out tonight, but this is what I wore to have lunch with my sister at her school (so fun, hehe) and lounge around the house cleaning and playing Mario Kart.

IT'S FRIDAY! Yay! And this Friday, I am not having oral surgery, in fact, I am nearly recovered from my TWO, yes I said TWO, dry sockets. (The chances of anyone getting one is slim, but getting two, I'm pretty sure I've gotta be in a record book somewhere..) So tonight I'm going out. I'm spending the night with my friends who I haven't spent time with in well over a week due to work and the wisdom teeth. I can't wait, tonight can't get here fast enough. What are all of you doing this weekend? I hope you have fun whatever it is!

Shirt Dress: F21
Floral Dress: Thrifted H&M
Sandals: Target
Headband: F21

Last Night I Dreamt I Went To Manderley Again

2010-04-13T12:54:00.007-05:00

Ah, what a busy, but wonderful day! I woke up this morning and went with my mom to bible study as usual. Then I went with her to a clients house while she gave her a massage and boy was I glad I did! She had the most beautiful house, with the most lovely yard! I sat out in the front, lounging on a porch swing reading Dorian Gray, looking out on the beautiful yard until it was too much! I snapped the book shut and went exploring. Walking through the front and back yard made me feel like I was at Manderley and Maxim should be on my arm, I just kept waiting to end up at the beach or bump into Mrs. Danvers and kill the mood. I love that about books I've read without a movie because the setting stays forever exactly as I want it, it's my own unique place in my mind that no one else has. And if you're lost and have no clue what piece of literature I'm referencing, go to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of Rebecca. You won't be sorry! Its one of my favorite books of all time. So good! Anyway, I took my outfit pictures in the yard so you can see a tiny bit of my Manderley but there's so much more I didn't get pictures of, like inside the house, gorgeous vintage photos of her parents from the 30s and 40s right here in San Antonio! Ohhh, I could've died.

(lol @ my still slightly puffy cheeks!)

Anyway, onto the next order of business. My day didn't end at Manderley! Today is actually my dad's 50th birthday. He insisted that we couldn't have a big party to celebrate his aging, but my mom, sister, and I still wanted his birthday to be special. So we made him his favorite dinner, salmon patties, corn, and mashed potatos (luckily all things I could eat with my healing gums!) and a dump cake for dessert. The cake came out so cute and tasted delicious! After dinner he got his cards and opened his presents, Mario Kart and Mario Brothers for our Wii. Mom thought we were giving a present to ourselves too, but I said to view it as giving him the gift of family bonding time. Hehe, good one eh? I think Dad was pleased and we had a lot of fun trying out the new games together. No more golf tournaments, we're racing now!

One last thing I want to share about my outfit. It may seem like a plain, everyday outfit but it's so special to me! This Alen Rench t-shirt is an old vintage band tee from back in my dad's rock and roll days. I'm actually wearing a t-shirt from his band. He was the drummer in the Alen Rench Band back in the early 80s. He's moved on from that dream now, but he's still a drummer at our church and remains friends with his old bandmates. I have some old pictures of him in the band I'll have to scan and put on here one day. They're so cool! This shirt and those pictures are some of my most prized possesions, things I'm so glad my dad passed on to me that I can one day give to his grandchildren and no matter how old he gets, he'll always be remembered as the guy in the band. And I'm sure that's the way he'd want it!

T-shirt: Dad's vintage band tee
Skirt: Target
Belt: vintage
Oxfords: Steve Madden (yeah all I wear are oxfords, get over it. hehe)

Longest Weekend Ever

2010-04-11T21:14:00.002-05:00

Ahhh! WHAT A WEEKEND! As you may or may not know, I had my wisdom teeth removed Friday morning and it's been a big pain. They weren't actually ready to come out, but were growing in on a nerve so they had to be removed early. It's been very painful and this has felt like the longest weekend imaginable. Earlier today my dentist had to rush to meet us at his office to fix my dry socket. Talk about painful! I was just laying in bed hysterically crying my eyes out with my poor dad all helpless not knowing what to do. Luckily though, I got to the dentist and got everything all cleaned out and now the pain is only minimal and he said everything seems to be healing up nicely. Woo!

This weekend has also given me a new appreciation for my mom. I honestly wouldn't have survived this weekend without her. I've got the best mommy in the world! I love her so much. She's been waiting on me constantly since Friday and I'm pretty sure the weekend has felt just as long for her. Thanks, Mom, you're the best!

Anyway, last night we rented An Education which I'd been dying to see. I don't quite know my opinion on it honestly. I mean the clothes in the movie are to die for! I'd wear everything the girls in the movie wear. And I love her love for France. That part was so relatable to me, as I've been obsessed with France for as long as I can remember. I'm even learning to speak French right now! Also, I've always said I'm going to be with an older man and I've always found older men so much more attractive, so it was definitely a movie I could relate to. Yet, the plot was rather dull and at the end of the movie I just kind of sat there like "Oh, okay." It didn't really make you feel anything at all and I like movies that make me feel, whether it's happy, sad, scared, sick, anything at all. This movie was just like looking at pretty pictures that don't mean anything to you. But even after saying that, I definitely think anyone should watch it, if anything just for the clothes, the adorable girl, and Peter Sarsgaard isn't too shabby.

I hope you all had a much nicer weekend than I did. Hopefully I'll be feeling fully back to myself in a few days and I'll be able to get back into the swing of things. This has been such an off week, with the holiday weekend, then getting sick, then this over the weekend. I promise things will be back to normal ASAP!

Mother Daughter Date

2010-04-08T17:42:00.006-05:00

Today, feeling nearly fully recovered from my cold (woo!) I went out for a big shopping and lunch date with my mom. It turned out to be a very successful day. We had lunch at the Earl of Sandwich where I had my favorite "Le Frenchy," with ham, brie cheese, and dijon mustard. My mouth is watering now just thinking of it! Then we went shopping for dad's 50th birthday (hehe old man!), I won't say what I got him just in case he sees the blog before the big day (doubtful, but you never know). But just as a hint, I ended up buying Resident Evil for my Wii in the place we got his gift. Something little known about me in the blog world is that I. LOVE. VIOLENCE! Hehe, not real violence, but I'm the ultimate girl to go to the movies on a date with. Chick flicks? Puh-lease. Give me some gorey action violence, a World War II movie or some human eating zombies or any of the Saw movies. So, naturally, I enjoy bloody video games all the same. Anyway, back to normal girly stuff, it was a very successful shopping date. Mommy bought me a thousand pairs of underwear because I needed them and they're so cute! (Not that you even care..) Then we went to Goodwill and I got two more fabulous Spring dresses I can't wait to wear!

Speaking of thrifting, recently I've been toying with the idea of starting a shop on Etsy. Any thoughts? Would anyone want to buy from me? I've got a pretty amazing collection of thrifted dresses already that I don't wear or don't fit and I find a thousand pretty things everytime I shop that won't work for me, but I'd love to give to another lucky lady of a smaller/larger size. So, what do you think, girlies? Let me know!

Today's outfit was the result of waking up to a phone call from my mom to be ready in the next 30 minutes. I had to be fast. So I quickly grabbed my FAVORITE striped t-shirt, I wear this three times a week no joke, hehe, and this little pink skirt I picked up at Salvation Army earlier this week. The skirt was only 50 cents! High five! Then of course, I had to finish it off with oxfords and cardigan due to the small chill in the air. It was my last day to dress up for a few days as I'm getting my wisdom teeth taken out tomorrow morning! I'm so so scared. So, obviously, I'll be away from the blog. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Cardigan: Target
Shirt: Forever 21
Skirt: Thrifted
Oxfords: Candies

On Girl Crushes and The Healing Power of Thrifting

2010-04-06T15:47:00.006-05:00

So in my last post I was all down in the dumps about being sick. This morning, with my fever gone, I felt better, (though I am still sick, it does take awhile to beat a cold) so I decided to go out for a little lunch with Mom at Panera. Definitely a good idea, hehe, I always love to eat. Then I decided to stop by Salvation Army just to try my luck. And boy did I get lucky. So glad I went. I found 3 amazing dresses and an adorable skirt, all for $16. Seriously, can't beat that. I found myself instantly feeling better. Okay, not really I still feel just like I have a cold, but I do feel so incredibly nice with three new things to add to my wardrobe and I didn't have to break the bank. Don't ya just love thrifting?

Anyway, today's outfit isn't all too exciting. I am sick, remember. Props for trying? I just threw on my favorite go-to dress and added a little flower pin so I wouldn't feel quite so boring. And take not of the shoes; my third pair of oxfords. I CANNOT STOP BUYING THEM! What is wrong with me? Someone's going to have to stage a serious intervention. I've promised myself I'm not buying anymore, but I'm not very good at keeping promises to myself. Maybe if I promise everyone in the blogging world I feel compelled to keep my word? We'll see. Pray for me, hah. Maybe I should go on a Spring Shoe benge and buy a million adorable sandals. I am in desperate need of a few..

Dress: Charlotte Russe
Flower Pin: F21
Oxfords: Candies ($15 yay for sales & splitting prices with sisters!)

And also, I currently have a major girl crush. Anyone who knows me already knows of my undying love for Keira Knightley. I mean, I'm totally straight, but if Keira ever wanted to play for the other team...hehehe. Okay no but really, I do love Keira, but there is another girl who recently may be causing Ms. Knightley some competition. So who is the lovely lady you ask? I'll gladly show. The adorable French, Miss Melanie Laurent. Her style is amazing, her accent is perfect, and she's a damn good actress. What's not to love?

Image via WhoWhatWear

So what about you? Who are your girl crushes of the moment? Or does everybody think I'm crazy? Either way I don't care, I appreciate a talented, stylish girl and every now and then I develop a tiny little crush, or maybe in Melanie and Keira's cases, a big one, hehe!

Easter Sunday

2010-04-05T20:09:00.004-05:00

How was everyone's weekends? Mine was rather busy, but nice. Yesterday was especially nice, being Easter Sunday. I started the day off at church and then my family in San Antonio, consisting of me my parents and sister, my mom's brother, and a close family friend, drove to Gruene, Texas one of my favorite little towns to eat at the Gristmill with my grandparents, aunt and uncle and little cousins. It was such a great, relaxing day.

I ate a wonderful grilled chicken sandwich with honey dijon sauce, oh soo good. After lunch we went to some wonderful Antique stores and little boutiques, where I could've spent hours, but the men were impatient. Though I do think I found the dress I'll wear to my graduation ceremony in June. It's so pretty and perfect, I'm definitely keeping it in mind. My mom and I will go back to Gruene soon and spend the real amount of time I'd like to spend in the little shops. I can't wait.

After lunch and shopping we headed back to my aunt and uncle's house in San Marcos for a little easter egg hunt and a lot of relaxation. My mom and I went with my uncle to tour some of the houses in his neighborhood since he lives in the historic district. I fell in love with just about every house I saw. I don't understand everyone's fixation with brand new, modern architecture and houses. I want to take an old house and flip it to make it exactly what I want. A big white or blue house, with ivy growing up the front, old creaky stairs, and some sort of history, with many owners before me. Unfortunately, after such a wonderful day, towards the end I started to feel sick and by the time I got home I was so sick with fever I couldn't move from bed. So I've spent my entire Monday in bed, sick as a dog. Great way to end the weekend, eh?

And now, outfit photos of my Easter dress. I remember as a little girl, buying a new dress meant more to me on Easter than chocolate bunnies or egg hunting. This year was no different, though I did appreciate my mom's wonderful basket of candy, especially my hollow white chocolate bunny. Yummm! I found this dress weeks ago at Forever 21 and thought the colors were so perfect for Spring. I didn't wear it when I bought it, due to the wintry weather, and eventually decided it would make a perfect Easter dress.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and a lovely holiday, if you celebrate it. Hopefully soon I'll be feeling better and be able to get back to regular programming on the blog. I've been so out of it style-wise lately and now this cold. See you soon..

Dress: Forever 21
Socks: Target
Flats: Target
Headband: Forever 21

Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

2010-04-02T17:44:00.008-05:00

I hate to say it, but I believe it's getting to be that time. The time to buy a bathing suit. Honestly, bathing suits and I have a long history of not getting along too well. Having the complexion of Edward Scissorhands all my life, wearing a bathing suit is not my favorite thing to do. I always end up terribly burned all over my entire body or get called Casper by all of my friends. Despite all of this, however, I do enjoy buying bathing suits, since I enjoy buying any item of clothing for any reason at any time. I've been browsing Modcloth lately to find a suit I might like and I've found a few that I might be able to get along with, for a few months at least. I thought, since I've been neglecting blogging lately, I'd share some of the more agreeable ones with you readers. Enjoy!

My absolute favorite that I want so much! Zen Garden Two Piece

Retro Sailor Monokini

Some Like It Hot One Piece

There are also several others from Urban Outfitters I like, one of which I will probably get as it will be more in my price range, but these, especially the Zen Garden Two Piece are to die for. I can dream, can't I? And completely unrelated to bathing suits, someone buy me this, please? I'd be your best friend forever and ever. And ever.

Rut

2010-03-30T17:18:00.005-05:00

I am stuck in a style rut. I don't have anything to wear and I think I should lay off the white chocolate chips and cheesy snacks, hehe. Nothing I put on seems to work out right and I don't like a single thing in my closet right now. I just feel so blah that I almost didn't even post this outfit today. I mean, I'm wearing a little boy's Spiderman t-shirt from Wal-mart. Wow. But in the end, I decided to share it anyway. Sorry my eyes are closed in this picture, I just realized it and I don't feel like taking anymore. Also, for some reason my hair comes off a completely different color in my pictures.. odd. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be feeling a little better about my closet. Wish me luck!

Sweater: Thrifted
T-shirt: Wal-mart boy's section
Skirt: Target
Belt: Target
Oxfords: Steve Madden

New Season, New Kaitlin

2010-03-28T12:36:00.007-05:00

So awhile back I posted some pictures of hair inspiration and today I finally decided to go for it. I ended up opting for this gorgeous red color a la the lovely Hannah Metz. I was incredibly nervous making the appointment, but it's always exciting as I've always loved changing my hair. It has the power to make you feel like a whole new person without doing anything permanent. I love that I can do something completely drastic with my hair and whether I love it or hate it, it can always be changed. It's one thing I can always control.

Le before:

La afterrr:

Ahhh! It's so different. I don't even know what to think about it yet, I mean I know I don't hate it, it's just gonna take a little getting used to. I was ready for the change though and I'm really excited about. It'll be nice to be red for awhile before going back to brown hair in the winter.

I hope you've all had a good weekend. I was a busy bee all weekend. Friday night was my friend's going away party filled with music making and banana pudding eating and silly story telling, with a little bit of sadness mixed in, yet all in all it was a wonderful night. Saturday was work bright and early as usual (hellooo, I miss you Spring Break, take me back to Austin!) and then I spent 4 1/2 hours after work at my church making 200 breakfast tacos which we woke up bright and early to sell to raise money for our mission trip this summer. Though it was tons of fun and I have to say, since I was a fatty and consumed three, we're not too bad at making tacos.. what's up Taco Cabana? I guess I should be pretty good though, with my dad owning a Las Palapas and all, hehehe. Now it's time for relaxing with my friend, cooking some dinner and watching my man Brad Pitt<3.

I Love My Weiner!

2010-03-25T13:09:00.008-05:00

So today's outfit, I must admit, was not entirely my idea. It was actually inspired by one of my sister, Kendall's outfits, which you can see here on her blog. We kind of kept the same theme with the "I love ____" t-shirts, and obviously, we're both wearing my floral skirt. I absolutely loved Kendall's outfit and when I found this shirt today, I immediately thought of it and had to do my own take on it. I like the way mine turned out, it's much more "me" than Kendall's exact outfit.

And, as I'm wearing an "I Love My Weiner!" t-shirt, I thought it would be a wonderful oppourtunity to introduce everyone to my lovely weiner, Phoebe. Isn't she cute? We really love her. Honestly, we treat the dog like a member of our family. Oh, and, believe it or not SHE CAN TALK! She really can. (Now's the part where everyone thinks I'm a complete psycho lunatic.) She says "I want one," plain as day. I swear, she does. If you don't believe me you can just go to my sister's blog and ask her, she'll tell you the same thing.

Today was a rather rough day. This afternoon I got into a wreck at the gas station with all of my groceries in the back of my car, ughh. It was my fault though, I turned in the wrong lane.. yeah, I know, I'm stupid. The lady wasn't too sweet about either, she yelled at me at first until I broke down in tears and then she was really nice about it. There wasn't too much damage to the cars and no one was hurt so I mean it sucks, but it could've been soo much worse. I'm just glad both of us were able to drive away from the scene. Only now my insurance is going way up and my parents are making me pay for it. Goodbye shopping 3 times a week, hello new higher paying job. I guess it's not all bad though, I mean, it's a definite wake up call to start paying more attention on the road. But anyway, enough of my feeling sorry for myself. I hope all of YOU had a great day, DRIVE SAFELY! hehe.

Cardigan: Target (yeah i like wearing it, a lot.)
T-shirt: Gift
Skirt: Target
Belt: Vintage
Oxfords: Steve Madden

Oh and after my stressful afternoon I really needed a good laugh, so I watched this.. enjoy!

Mint

2010-03-24T10:02:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post before I head out to work for the day. I've recently seen a lot about Chanel's mint green nail polish and now I'm in desperate need of this color. However, I'm not too excited about spending a whopping $25 for nail polish. I've gotta be on the look out for a cheaper version of this color. If any of you know where this can be found, please let me know ASAP. Have a fabulous Wednesday!

Dirty Hair & No Make-up

2010-03-23T18:29:00.007-05:00

Do you ever have those days where you wake up and you have so much to do that there just doesn't seem to be enough time to wash your hair or put on a lot of make-up? Today was one of those days. I had so many plans and so much to get done, I just felt like fixing my hair and putting on lots of make-up was kind of irrelevant. So I went for the old trick: a ton of mascara, blush, and a hat. Now no one will think I was lazy, they'll just think I have great taste in hats and go for that "natural" make-up look. So that explains the fedora, I suppose.

I just wore this skirt, but I had to pair it with this striped shirt I got at Forever 21 last week because I love the combo of the pretty floral and the stripes. My dad told me I looked ridiculous and that I didn't match at all, but I think it goes together rather nicely. I mean, mixing patterns is the trend, Dad. Geez, pick up a fashion mag every once in awhile..hehe. The tights definitely weren't completely necessary, it was gorgeous and warm out today, but I just liked the way the nude lace tights looked with the rest of the outfit, and these new shoes are giving me blisters so I've gotta have something there until I break them in.

Now I'm off to prepare for 24 night! Woo! Usually we have it Mondays, but one of my friends had work and we absolutely couldn't do it without the whole crew, so we've moved it to tonight. It's also one of my best friends last nights to watch it with us as he's moving this Sunday. So sad! We're all going to miss him so much. We got him a cookie cake (yummmm) and a goodbye card. Honestly, I'll make any excuse to go buy a cookie cake, I mean, they're the best, right? I hope you all have a lovely Tuesday night! I'll leave you with a new song from She & Him in honor of Volume 2 coming out today. If you don't have a copy yet, I seriously recommend it, it's absolutely incredible!

Shirt: Forever 21
Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: Target
Shoes: Aldo
Fedora: Charlotte Russe

Jock Girl Chic

2010-03-22T16:54:00.005-05:00

Remember those jock girls in high school who played all kinds of sports and always had wet hair and t-shirts on in class, who you secretly kind of envied because they got to get away with no make-up, plain hair, and sweatpants in class? I sort of felt like a more chic version of those girls today. I really had no idea what to put on today and so I went digging through my little sister's closet to get some inspiration, hehe. I ended up finding one of MY old t-shirts hidden away deep in her closet. I'll have to talk to her about this later. I completely forgot about this shirt I got about two years ago at Urban Outfitters. It's an Urban Renewal piece where they've taken an old t-shirt and made it into sort of a blouse with another vintage shirt. I love it because it's like a little more stylish take on the old t-shirt. I just sort of built my outfit around this shirt and knew I wanted to wear my new shoes I'm so madly in love with. I tried on several combos but nothing really felt like "me" so I ended up wearing this outfit and feeling like a high school jock girl. (Hence why I drove to the basketball court to get outfit shots, hahaha.)

The warm weather is back (hopefully to stay for a long time!) and it was so much fun taking outfit pictures today. My sister and I went and got strawberry limeades and tots from sonic and headed over the the elementary school by our house (where we both attended) and took our pictures. I had so much fun running around and acting a fool. There were all these little middle school skater boys around laughing at me but I didn't care, I was having fun. So apologies for the awkward/funny pictures today, I guess I was having a little too much fun in the sun hehe.

Cardigan: Target
Shirt: Urban Renewal via UO
Shorts: Hollister
Socks: ??
Shoes: Aldo
Headband: Target

I Actually Did It

2010-03-21T19:16:00.004-05:00

Mark this day down on your calendars folks, I'm actually wearing jeans. (And not just while I'm freezing at an outdoor show, I took those jeans off immediately after entering the car.) I actually decided to wear jeans today for the car ride home from Austin and running errands with my sister before she goes back to school tomorrow. I can tell you one thing for sure: THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN OFTEN. I just don't like wearing jeans. Everyone finds throwing on a pair of jeans relaxing and comfortable, but I honestly feel more comfortable in a dress and tights than I ever do in jeans. Jeans make most people feel unrestricted but they're restricting to me and I don't feel like I can pull them off well enough as I can pull off a dress or a high waisted skirt or even a cute pair of shorts.

Anyway, enough of my rant. I must say, I am terribly sad to say goodbye weekend, as it is also goodbye Spring Break. I'm going back to working the weekend and not seeing my friends during the week. I guess that's just normal life, but I just get bored sometimes. This weekend was the best in a long time and I'm just sad to say it's over and go back to regular life.

Oh and one more thing! Say hello to my brand new shoes. I got them at Aldo over the weekend and I'm in love. They're so comfortable and cute, just get ready to see me wearing them with everything. Believe me, I will.

Blazer: Thrifted
Tank: Gap
Jeans: Thrifted
Shoes: Aldo

She & Him @ 34 Degreeees

2010-03-20T18:58:00.004-05:00

So, I'm getting ready to see She & Him in ONE HOUR! Woo! Only problem: It's at an outdoor venue and it's going to get down to 34 degrees tonight. Ahhh, I'm gonna freeze to death! But it's totally worth it to see Zooey & M. Ward do their thing. I'm totallyyy excited despite the weather. I'm bundled up and look completely tacky, but I don't care. It's She & Him! Wish me luck tonight! I'll have to bust out the snuggie for sure, hahah.

Sorry for the terrible quality cell phone picture. I just wanted to show you guys how hilarious I look getting ready to go outside. Soo many layers! I'll probably be adding a little more before the night is over, too.

Denim Shirt: Urban Renewal via UO
Cardigan: Target
Dress: F21
Jeans: Thifted
Tights: Target
Shoes: Charlotte Russe

SXSW 2010 Day One

2010-03-19T21:10:00.003-05:00

So today, we headed up to Austin for our first day of SXSW and aside from my massive sunburn, the day was awesome. I saw 5 bands, including Jonny Corndog, Those Darlins, and Cheap Trick. It was an awesome awesome day. I absolutely love Austin because anything goes and there's so much good music and so many awesome people. I met so many great people and caught up with friends for shows and had a blast. I wish I could go to SXSW every weekend, hahah.

The sun was out today and it was in the 70s all day. It was so beautiful. I picked up this dress at Forever 21 on Tuesday for only $11 and knew I wanted to wear it for SXSW this weekend. It's so light and comfy, and of course I love the floral print. I'm attracted to everything floral. I guess I always have been, I just have a floral addiction. And it has this little open detail in the back with little bows, I wish I would've gotten a picture for you guys to see, maybe next time. (Though this detail did cause me to get a terrible sun burn on my back which is going to leave an incredibly awkward line.. ughh oh well.) Anyway, this turned out to be the perfect outfit for being in the sun all day. I can't even get over how great today was. I hope all of you had a wonderful Friday as well. Now I'm off to party some more with pizza and drinks and try to get some sleep for round 2 tomorrow! Woohoo! And I'll be seeing She & Him tomorrow night, soo pumped! Have a great night!

Dress: F21
Tights: Target
Shoes: Target
Belt: Stolen from BFFs closet!
Flower Clip: F21

Hairy Situation

2010-03-18T23:56:00.006-05:00

So, with warmer weather arriving I expect to be spending a lot more time in the sun. Being in the sun makes my hair lighter and being a natural blonde, I don't know how well I'll be able to keep up with my brown locks all summer. That said, I'm thinking of going lighter. I don't want to go all the way back blonde again, as I plan on going back dark in the Fall anyway, so I'm thinking a nice light red. I've posted a few pictures of hair inspiration, maybe you lovely bloggers could tell me which is your favorite? Thanks so much! I hope everyone had a lovely day!

Isla Fisher

Melanie Laurent

Hannah Metz

Mandy Moore

Sally Jane Vintage

Last Cold Days

2010-03-16T14:54:00.010-05:00

Unfortunately, this morning we woke up to cold weather after the beautiful past few days of 70 degrees and sunshine. But I was excited to try out this dress as a skirt and I kind of like the outfit with tights. I'm definitely happy with the way the dress turned out, thanks to my sister I think this is my new favorite way to wear it.

So Spring Break is going exceptionally well, I've been getting lots done and having tons of fun with my lovely friends. We've been staying up until 4 baking cookies and playing cranium, shopping galore, partying hard, eating great (CHEAP) food from my restaurant, and enjoying movies and 24. Seriously, who doesn't love a nice break? Also, the weather has been incredibly enjoyable and warm...until I woke up this morning and walked outside and realized I'd be wearing tights and boots. Joy.

But I'm not going to let this weather ruin my mood, no sir! Instead my sister and I went to La Cantera, San Antonio's lovely outdoor mall and did a little shopping for SXSW this weekend. I CANNOT wait. I just want it to be Friday already so I can head up to Austin for the weekend. Unfortunately I'll be working all day tomorrow and Thursday, what a way to spend St. Patty's Day, eh? But the weekend will make it alll worth it I'm sure.

So, whether you're on Spring Break or not, I hope everyone is having a lovely week and has a fantastic weekend to look forward to as I do.

Blouse: Gap
Dress: Target
Tights: Target
Belt: Target
Shoes: Thrifted
Headband: F21

Home On The Range

2010-03-14T14:21:00.004-05:00

Today I'd like to share a little something about me that no one in this blog world really knows. My family has a ranch in Marlin, Texas (no one knows where that is, I don't expect you to), owned by my grandpa, as well as a little piece of land that belongs personally to us. I was born and raised in the city, but I've got the roots of a country girl and I'll never forget it. I've grown up visiting the ranch, riding horses, helping with cattle, driving through endless pastures, and fishing in tanks. It's one of my favorite places to be. I feel like it's a big part of who I am because it means so much to my family and it's what my family loves. The ranch brings all of us together even though we all lead our own lives and live apart, at the ranch we're all together without a care in the world.

Above is a picture of my horse, Willie, and I last Spring. I grew up riding Willie and I love him to pieces. He's now much too old to ride and honestly, doesn't have much time left. I always try to make time to visit him when I'm there and bring him a few carrots. He's such a sweetheart.

These are our cows on our little bit of land. They're my dad's pride and joy. He loves to go take care of "his girls." It's funny though that so many people in my family have made their fortunes raising cattle, because my sister is a vegetarian and I rarely eat beef.

Anyway, I'm off to tidy up the house and maybe rake some leaves in the yard with my sister. If I had my way we'd be heading off to Houston to visit my cousin, but I'm not sure that's going to happen. I just hope I get to go to the ranch this weekend! Fingers crossed!

Kid Sister

2010-03-13T19:56:00.004-06:00

I never found the time to get pictures of myself today due to work, but I can assure you, my outfit wasn't the least bit exciting. I just wanted to be comfy today. So, instead of sharing my outfits with you, I thought I'd share some of my adorable little sister, Kendall's outfits! (Using MY clothes I might add, so you may see outfits like these on me in the future.)

Wearing
Blouse: Old Navy (hers)
Dress (made into skirt): Target (mine)
Boots: Nordstrom Rack (ours)
Headband: F21 (mine)

Wearing
Vest: Target (hers)
Tank: Can't Remember (hers)
Skirt: Target (mine)
Shoes: Thrifted (hers)

Wearing
T-shirt: Gift (hers)
Skirt: Target (mine)
Belt: Target (mine)
Shoes: Converse (hers)

Isn't she the cutest? She's only 13 and she already has such great style. (I like to take a little credit for that, hehe.) But honestly, she's adorable, she used to draw pictures of outfits back in elementary school. She's so creative and fun. She even won Best Dressed out of her 7th grade class last year, I was so proud!

I love having a little sister to share clothes and shopping dates with. She's my number one supporter of my blog, usually taking all of my pictures, my number one shopping buddy, and we each give the other another closet to raid for ideas. We have so much fun sharing clothes and giving each other ideas for outfits, but we still each have our own styles and put our own spin on everything. She's also a big source of inspiration because she takes pieces from my closet and wears them in a way I wouldn't have done and I'm like duh why didn't I think of that?! I love my little sister more than anything and wouldn't trade the experience of being a sister for the world.

That's all I've got for today. If you want more of Kendall, go check her out on chictopia and weardrobe! You should also go check out her new blog Skinny Girl, Phat Style!

Sorry, Tights, I'm Leaving You For Socks

2010-03-12T13:42:00.011-06:00

I am just warning you, I am about to ramble on about several things so I fully understand if you'd rather just look at my outfit and be done with it. I'm just in a wonderful mood and have a thousand things to say.

First thing, I've solved my tights dilemma! I'm not saying I'm going to stop wearing tights just because it's getting warmer, practicality in clothing has never been my first priority, hehe, but I have found a solution to not look like an idiot EVERY day. SOCKS! Yes, socks. How did I not think of this before? I am in love with socks and they are the perfect warm weather friend. Truth be told, until this year actually, both socks and tights were shunned from my wardrobe and over the past six months or so I've found I can't live without them. How did I do it all those years? So, everyone can expect to see me in several more pairs of socks in the future. I am about to go on a sock purchasing rampage. (But don't worry, dear tights, you will always be my first love, and no one can replace that. This is only temporary.)

That being said, I think it explains my choice this morning. I was tempted to throw on a pair of tights, but I wouldn't let myself do it. That's when I remembered buying these a few weeks ago. A little light bulb went off in my head and I dug around my drawers until I found the unopened package of three pairs of over the knee socks. I knew they would come in handy someday and I'm now so glad I got them. I even like these socks better with this dress than when I wore it with tights back on Thanksgiving.

Also, you will probably not find this as exciting as I do, but I'm going to share it anyway because I'm flattered. My cousin took her kids to see Alice in Wonderland today and promptly texted me, "Did you forget to mention you starred in Alice in Wonderland? I can't even watch this movie, all I see is you!" I just about died. Honestly, I don't know how much Mia Wasikowska and I look alike, but I'll take it. I'm sure none of you will see it, but up until last August I was blonde and I suppose that is the Kaitlin my cousin is referring to. I am just sharing this information out of pure excitment. This makes me wish I was blonde again, but shh please don't tell my mother.

And now, this is the last thing I'm going to ramble on about, I promise. I just want to say a quick thank you to anyone who reads this blog. It really means so much to me I could cry. Even if you only look at it just once, it makes me so happy to think anyone besides myself and my family are reading it. So, thank you, anyone who's read this, you've made my month!

Outfit Details..
Dress & Headband: F21
Socks & Shoes: Target

Alright, I'm going to shut up now. I hope everyone has a kick-ass Friday night, I know I will, getting spring break started. Ahh, yesss! I'll leave you now with this incredible video to one of my favorite songs from one of my top favorite bands.

Not My Reality Girl, My Dreams Come True Girl

2010-03-11T12:20:00.008-06:00

Today is another lovely day here in Texas and I think I can finally say it, SPRING HAS SPRUNG! It's here, full blown. Spring is such a wonderful season because it's all about new growth and new beginnings. Everything from the winter is in the past and we've got new experiences and new beginnings sprouting up left and right.

That's why I feel like it's the perfect time to go hunting for a new job, that's long over due. I've been looking for awhile and NOTHING has worked out. In fact, I just got a card in the mail of Urban Outfitters informing me that while my application was great, they chose to go with someone else. Just my luck. I'm not trying to sound like Negative Nancy or anything, but it's just so annoying. I've applied several places, some even twice, and I never get the job. I don't really know where else to look. I know I don't want to work in fast food again, Papa John's for two years was enough for me. I've tried so many places in retail because I love clothes and I want to work around others who feel the same way, but nobody seems to want me. I've also tried three times at Barnes and Noble and each time they're "not hiring at the moment, but will keep my application on file for later." Yeah, right. I know that means, "Sorry, you're never getting this job because we're going to stick this application in a big pile of other hopefuls and never look at it again." So, I don't know what else to do. I'm going to stop complaining now because this is the longest paragraph on this blog thus far and it's all negativity. But seriously, any tips on how to make your application stand out from the others?

It's funny how everyone is so excited to get rid of tights, and quite honestly, I don't really mind them. Yes, I love bare legs, but tights just make outfits so fun in a way bare legs never could. All winter, I've let my tights be my statement piece in many of my outfits and without them I feel rather boring. I guess I'll have to go hunting for some new spring/summer accessories to spruce up my outfits. I think I could use some more hats and maybe my love of giant flowers, feathers, and bows for headware can grow during Spring. Even if I do get called Minnie Mouse.

Dress: Kimchi Blue via UO
Tights: Wal-mart
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Vintage

Also, I recently saw these at Adored Austin and fell madly in love. I can't wait to rock these little babies in the summer. I love Toms, I really do.

Props To Regina

2010-03-10T12:16:00.011-06:00

Isn't it funny how sometimes you can just listen to CD and get inspiration for what to wear? I woke up this morning and oddly enough, all I wanted to do was throw on a pair of jeans (I NEVER do this!), but I have to work today so I'm not allowed to wear jeans. I put on one of my favorites, Regina Spektor, while I took my shower and did my hair and the way the music made me feel lead me straight to this outfit. And it's actually one of my favorites I've worn in awhile. It's so spring, and let's my poor, pasty legs get a little sun. Though I must admit, these pasty legs are going to stay this pasty all through the spring and summer because I am Casper and I cannot get a tan, though I could probably easily be cast in a Tim Burton film, hehe. But that's beside the point, the point is, I love this outfit and just want to say, Thank you, Regina, I owe you one!

So next week is SPRING BREAK! It's so close and I can't wait. Since I graduated high school a semester early, most of my friends are either busy at high school or in college and during the week if I'm not working, which my job rarely let's me do ughh but that's a whole other post, I have nothing to do. I'm really looking forward to spending time with all my lovely ladies and gents during the week. Also, TWO exciting things: I may go to my ranch, and I'm going to SXSW in Austin! Go check out the site and if you'll be in the area during the week, at least go check out some of the free stuff, it should be fun. Soo exciting. I'm totally pumped!

Sweater & Skirt: F21
Belt: Target
Heels: Thrifted

I'll leave you with this cute little video for one of my favorite Regina songs that helped me to get dressed this morning..

Good Day Sunshine

2010-03-09T16:39:00.005-06:00

I want to start this post by apologizing for these horrid photographs that follow. I know they're terrible, but I have too much to do and no time to find a better spot. Besides, the sun was so bright and warm, it felt like a wonderful spot and I don't care that I look like it makes me look like a corpse.

This wasn't the outfit I planned on wearing today, with the exception of the shoes and socks. I'd had a more wintery (is that a word?) outfit planned but when I stepped outside, there was far too much sun and warmth. Honestly, I put no thought into this outfit whatsoever. My mom was waiting on me and I had literally two minutes to change into this, so I grabbed whatever was on my bed that matched with the boots and socks I already had on. Though, I am quite happy with what I picked. I think it turned out nicely and felt so SPRING! It was a very comfortable outfit for my busy day.

And though today was busy, it was an exceptionally good day. I woke up at 7 am for no reason at all, except that I just couldn't stay asleep. This is especially odd for me because, sleep being one of my favorite activities, I usually have no problem sleeping in and am rarely seen awake before 9 or 10. But, this morning I woke up early and even made breakfast for myself and my parents. I even brought Dad's up to his bed on a tray. Why not get on his good side, eh? Then I joined my mom at her bible study which was actually a great way to start off the day and I am quite glad I went. Mom and I followed it up with a lovely lunch together and a little grocery shopping before heading home for a nap. I'm now tidying up my messy, messy room and going thrifting with my sister. I'll say it again, today is an exceptionally good day!

Blouse: Thrifted
Shorts: Rodarte For Target
Socks: Target
Boots: Thrifted
Necklace: American Eagle

Rainbow Cupcakes

2010-03-08T23:11:00.005-06:00

I just wanted to post the recipe for the Rainbow Cupcakes I was talking about earlier. They were absolutely delicious and so adorable! Not to mention, incredibly fun and easy. In fact, now that everyone's gone I see there are only 2 left out of 20.

* White cake mix (we used an 18-1/4-ounce box)
* Food coloring (red, blue, green, and yellow)

* Baking cups
* Whipped cream (optional)

1. Prepare your favorite white cake mix, then divide the batter evenly among six small bowls. Following the chart below, dye each bowl of batter a rainbow color.

RAINBOW COLOR DROPS OF FOOD COLORING
Purple 9 red and 6 blue drops
Blue 12 drops
Green 12 drops
Yellow 12 drops
Orange 12 yellow and 4 red drops
Red 18 drops

2. Line 16 muffin pan wells with baking cups. Evenly distribute the purple batter among the cups, then the blue, and so on, following the order shown. As you go, gently spread each layer of batter with the back of a spoon to cover the color underneath.

3. Bake the cupcakes according to your recipe directions. Before serving, remove the paper wrapping, and if you like, top each cupcake with a whipped-cream cloud. (I used real icing just because personally, the icing is my favorite part!)

These are the perfect way to brighten up rainy March days. I love 'em. I have a feeling I'll be baking up a batch again in the near future.

Murderous Monday

2010-03-08T18:24:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the morbid title, but I suppose I had a rather morbid day. Not that that's a bad thing though, it's just because that's how I chose to spend my day. I started out with some Criminal Minds episodes during breakfast, then watched the 20 Most Shocking Hollywood Murders followed by Going Postal: 15 Shocking Acts of Violence on E during lunch. I find these shows so interesting in a really strange way. I guess it's sort of my guilty pleasure. I used to want to be an FBI Special Agent and try to make my way to Quantico to profile criminals. But that was just a dream, honestly, I don't think I'd have the guts. So I'd rather sit on my couch for hours watching the gruesome scenes, pretending I was the one who solved the case.

My outfit today is definitely not the most exciting one I've ever worn. It took quite awhile for me to decide what to wear today. I think I'm in a sort of style rut due to the fact that it's March and spring is so close. It's not cold enough to bundle up, but it's not sunny enough or warm enough to run around in sun dresses sans tights. It's been so dreary outside I don't even really want to dress up, I'd rather wear sweats and a t-shirt and stay cuddled up on my couch with a pot of tea and watch my favorite movies. But I must get dressed, so today I went for this little gray ensemble and added the magenta tights to match the hint of magenta in the floral pattern of the dress I'm wearing. (Yes, it's actually one of my favorite dresses that I turned into a top.)

Now I'm off to watch one of my all time favorite movies, Inglourious Basterds (more morbidness) while I make Rainbow Cupcakes for tonight. Seeing as it is Monday, tonight a few friends will come over to eat dessert and watch Jack Bauer kick some ass on 24. It's the greatest show on television, second only to my one true love, Criminal Minds. Seriously, if you don't watch 24, I highly suggest picking up the first season and having it on hand for a rainy day. It's incredibly addciting and amazingly wonderful. And speaking of Inglourious Basterds, CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTOPH WALTZ!, you totally deserved it, you did an incredible job as The Jew Hunter.

Dress & Flats: Charlotte Russe
Tights: Target
Skirt: Forever 21

P.S. I just looked back over this post and looked at that last photo.. sorry about my terribly unattractive/embarrassing face. My sister made me laugh. Hahaha, wowww..

Day Dreaming On Sunday

2010-03-07T13:25:00.004-06:00

Today I am dreaming of sunshine and spring because unfortunately for my day off, it's rainy and cold. So, instead of going out and being productive, I'm lying in bed with a cup of tea browsing Modcloth being tempted to buy just about every dress I see. There are so many adorable floral dresses that I can only imagine styling for spring. I can't wait. These are a few that are very tempting, and very inspiring for Spring.

They're all so lovely. I can only imagine all the ways I'd style these up for playful spring looks. But I'll have to wait, at least through today's dreariness. I suppose now I'll curl up for a quick nap and then head over to Target to check out Gaultier's creations. Have a lovely Sunday!

Child's Play

2010-03-06T20:08:00.004-06:00

Ah, Saturday. Unlike most people, I dread Saturday all week due to the fact that I have to work the entire day and am completely exhausted by the end of the day. I guess you could say that Saturdays are sort of my Mondays, which is so incredibly wrong. But luckily, I got ready early this morning and had time to drive to the park this morning and get these shots of my outfit. I'm really happy with how they turned out. I felt like the park was the perfect place because I felt like such a little girl in those socks, with big bows on my shoes in a frilly dress. Sometimes I really miss being a kid, those were the days.

This outfit was created due to the fact that Alice was still on my mind. This is the first time I've actually worn this dress since the dressing room in Target because I never really knew how to wear it. I knew I loved it because it's my favorite color and it's so pretty and girly, but I just didn't know how to make it into an outfit. I loved Alice's blue dress and little socks and when I got home this outfit popped into my head. I felt like Alice in Wonderland all day and it made work a little better, hehehe.

Work today was rather brutal. I'm a receptionist at a hair salon and today we had a million girls coming in for up-do's for prom, as well as a wedding. I was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off from 11-7. Ughhh. Everywhere I turned there was someone asking me to do something or a phone ringing or a dish to wash or towels to fold...you get the idea. I'm totally ready to chill tonight cooking dinner and playing a little Wii. And lucky for me, I've got tomorrow off! That never happens. I'm hoping for a nice sunny day so I can take my pictures for the weardrobe spring break contest. I've got some pretty good ideas, I'm excited.

Cardigan: Thrifted
Belt, Shoes, Socks: Target
Dress: Rodarte for Target

Alice @ Midnight

2010-03-05T16:26:00.003-06:00

So last night I went to the midnight premiere of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. IT. WAS. AWESOME. I was slightly afraid of being disappointed, but with such a great director and an awesome cast, I shouldn't have doubted it. I mean, it's Johnny Depp, how could it possibly be anything but great? Even as Edward Scissorhands or The Hatter, Johnny is absolutely beautiful. There was one thing at the end that really.. disturbed me. I would say what it was, but I won't spoil it and anyone who's seen the movie knows exactly what I'm talking about. But overall, I'd say it was great. The only thing that would've been better would be if I could've seen it in 3D.

This is the outfit I wore last night to the movie. And I have a confession, truth be told, I just wore this outfit this week! I never really do that, I usually wait quite awhile to reware an outfit and when I do, I change it up so that it doesn't seem like I'm wearing the exact same thing because I feel like that's boring. However, this time, I was so in love with this outfit, especially the skirt and that's one of my favorite cardigans and I felt the crazy mix of patterns was appropriate for Alice in Wonderland, hehe.

Cardigan & Skirt - F21
T-shirt, Tight, Flats - Target

That's all for today. Happy weekend! I shall end with the magnificent trailer for Alice.

First Post Jitters

2010-03-04T18:02:00.001-06:00

I'm not always a fan of firsts. I'm an extremely shy person and I never know what to say at a first meeting and doing most things for the first time scares me to death. So, I really don't know how to go about this whole first post thing and I don't really want to bore you with my life story or any of that, because hopefully you'll make out all the little details if you keep reading this blog. I decided to start this blog because I've been a creepy lurker of so many other fascinating blogs and I just think it looks like so much fun and I've finally decided to go out on a limb and give blogging a shot. And I don't really care if my grandma, my sister, and a few friends are the only people who ever read this, I just want a creative outlet for my ideas and a place where I can share my style and feel totally accepted.

So, I suppose, instead of creating a post all about myself, I'll jump right in and explain my style with a few pictures. Honestly, I don't know how to describe my style because it's absolutely all over the place, but that's kind of what I love about it. I'm an emotional dresser for sure, meaning I put together outfits based on how I'm feeling that day. Some days I want a pretty vintage look, while other days I want to be completely out there and mix six different patterns and colors with far too many accessories. I get inspiration from everywhere, especially other bloggers I read. This blog is simply to share my style, as well as a bit of my life with others and hopefully meet some amazing people with the same interests along the way.

(If you want the details of these photos, go over and check my blog on chictopia!)