WIW: A Gussied Up Bookworm

This was the ensemble I created for a very important business meeting I was last week, and I was SO damn proud of myself. Curled hair, tights, and booties all in one outfit, this only happens every month or two, maybe.

When I got to work someone commented that I was 'gussied up'.  Now gussied up wasn't quite what I was going for, dressed nicley or put together might have been some of my choice synonyms, but 'gussied up' it was. 

So when the meeting was cancelled and re-scheduled for today (internal monologue/dilemma, can I wear this outfit? ...no one in the meeting saw it or reads this blog), I was heartbroken, and had the thought every blogger has when things like this happen. Damn I wasted a good hair day.

Good hair day or not you probably noted the blonde locks are gone.  They aren't gone for good, but in hopes of growing my hair as many (hoping for at least three) inches before the wedding I returned to my natural color so I could go a few more weeks, or months without dying it.  All things considered we will see how long this color lasts, I'm already anxious.

As for other things about this post this skirt was a $14 sale find at Nordstrom (still on sale), and I love it. Worn it too many times to count since I got it.   The scarf was a gift, and home knit via arm knitting.  I've never heard of it before, but turns out it's a beautiful thing.  Maybe I'll try it, or maybe I won't my New Year's resolution  was to read 52 books this year, which I am still unsure is actually going to be attainable.  So my 'free time' is usually consumed with book-worm-itis, and am happy to report I am three down so far.  Now just 49 more to go.

If I go missing. You know where to find me. On my couch kindeling.

THAT Target Vest

Hello uber tacky over the shoulder 'poses'. I mean seriously, what is happening to me?

I have been meeting with wedding photographers (how do you interview a photographer anyway?), and after taking these I realize, I am going to need a LOT of work on the big day.

From what I have been told you have to go with whoever feels best, etc. Which is all fine and dandy but they all seem great, so I am going with someone I 'know' and picked the photographer who did my friends engagement and wedding pictures. Nothing can beat 'tried and true' right?

Anything else to report?
Nope, aside from the fact that I am wearing that Target vest that everyone every blogger and their Mom has, and I love it.

Shirt//BP Nordstrom. Vest//Target. Leggings//Nordstrom.  Boots//Nordstrom

What you Should be Buying Right now!!!

 

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I spent the better half of last night browsing the endless pages of F21, Old Navy, and Nordstrom website. Because what else do you do when your better half is still under the weather, and in bed at 6:30 right. Totally normal.

I compiled a very thorough list of things I want need want.

Starting with this lovely sparkle top. Summer with white jeans and wedges, winter with a bondage skirt, tights and boots. Yes please.

This houndstooth sweater that looks like a socially acceptable way to wear a blanket in public and to work. Sign me up yesterday.

These leggings got five star reviews and are on sale. Um again why were these not always in style. The comfort, oh the comfort.

And wearing said leggings with this ombre top, might be the closest thing I come to ombre. Although I'd love to do  my hair, I am afraid it will look weird on my short locks? Thoughts? Regardless this shirt is spot on.

Booties for days is my motto this season. Or at least I would like to think so. I have two pair from Target, an old pair from Nordstrom and counting.  Thinking these Olive ones might be a nice addition. With jeans and a loose sweater. I die inside.

Layering up with a big jacket in the cold is also awesome. This leopard gem is no exception. Now just get in my closet.

And a stylish Thanksgiving sweater could easily double as belly cover up in style is perfection. 

I am sure I saw more.

But these are the ones that made the 'official' blog list.

What are you craving?

Wanting?

Needing?

 

It's Still Summer in CA

 

Dress//Old Navy

Wedges//Target

Belt//Express

While ALL of you fine ladies are transitioning into fall, us California folk (okay so most of us) are still in summer.  Though my super early morning runs feel a smidge cooler then they used to be, the days are still well in the high 80's low 90's, shoot me.  While a hot PSL, layers, scarves, and boots sound fabulous, it's more of a iced pumpkin chai, maxis, and sandals type of deal we've got going on here.  Hence this dress that I scored at Old Navy this weekend thanks to my birthday gift cards. 

One perk of having a blog. Putting up your wish lists and having your friends and family read it, cough.  I got the watch, the toms, and a gift card to ON which were all floating around my social media world and direct subtle hints.

When we finally do get to fall weather, I dying to rock this, this, and this look, if I can recreate them. Some how all the Polyvore sets and pinned looks end up looking seventy three point two seven percent better when they are not on me, shocker.

Among other things I am looking forward to about fall. Seeing my niece again. FaceTime and pictures can only do so much, the bridal shower I'll be hosting (found some decor inspiration here), and going to a pumpkin patch, some how I missed this last year and I won't stand for going two years without picking out the perfect little pumpkin.

Wishing for fall, but always and forever loving living in CA, please just send me boot weather.

Happy Hump Day ladies.

How to Make Your Arm Look Skinny In Pictures

I'm a sorority girl, and lawrd knows we love the 'skinny arm', have coined the sorority squat, and love to tilt our heads (and sing songs, and drink, and wear matching clothes, among other things).

But seriously when I looked at this photo the other day a wave of internal panic struck. Does my arm actually look like that? Which is answered by an obvious hello look a the picture, but was easily solved with another set of pictures taken later that same day. Insert second 'skinny' arm picture here.

Moral of the story here, never pop your collar in pictures, ever, unless your looking to shatter any sliver(s) of self confidence, and revert to the tilted lean to restore all previous said confidence.

If there is one thing that is for sure, I'll be doin' tricks like this for years to come.

My Adult First Day Of School Outfit

Shirt//Nordstrom (long ago)

Jeans//Target

Shoes//All Stars via Nordstrom

Necklace//Stella and Dot

Something about late August, early September just smells like school to me. Maybe it's the sixteen years I spent routinely starting school during this time, or maybe it's just my weirdo brain and senses that makes things up. Regardless classes are starting again, and I am celebrating the beginning of my fourth year of being a true tax payer not being a student. 

 

Wasn't it just yesterday that 3am bedtimes were not uncommon and mac 'n cheese constituted an entire food group.  And now a short while later 3am is closer to the time my alarm is set to get up then it is my bedtime.  How those four years snuck up on me like this, I will never be sure?

What I will say about school is the first day of school is the outfit was ALWAYS important, I mean how many of us have pictures on the front porch with our siblings of the first day of school from every.single.year of elementary, middle, and high school? Yup, that's all of you and if you don't have them you are the exception, not the rule.  

Looking back I'd say most of my ensembles were horrifying with one (or two) that resemble Doug from the old cartoon show Doug.  How I managed to look like a cartoon male in seventh grade, I will never be quite certain. Something about that bun with the plaid green shirt must have done the trick. It must not of helped that I looked to be competing in the extreme gel compeitition, but I just wanted to  secure all the pieces of the bun. Hashtag girl problems.

I can vividly remember what I wore on the first day of each of year of High School, you know the years that at the time seem like they will define your life, when years later you look back and wonder how the heck your parents ever dealt with you? Yup, I was one of those.  I rocked blue jersey knit shorts, with a plain white tank, and Birkenstocks the first day of my Senior year.  If that doesn't scream I'm sexy and I know it, I don't know what does. But I still suck at style and sexy, so what can I say, some things never change.

 If I were back in school this year, and lining up on the front porch for Mom to take a photo, that we couldn't see until later when she got the film developed at the local drug store, I wouldn't be wearing colored spandex shorts with a floral top from Mervyns, or socks with lace around the edges folded down.  I'd be rockin' this outfit. Boyfriend jeans (that I am tempted to distress myself, tips anyone?), All Stars, and a Tee-Shirt, because it's easy. And that's what I am all about, which sounds bad, but I meant easy style people. Get your head out of the gutter.

If you were going back to school. What would you wear?

How To Get Your Friends to Buy You Presents and Other Things I'm Loving

Dress//Target $19.99 Can't find it online yet

Scarf//Gap (gift-ish)

Sandals//Target (three years old)

So when I saw this elephant scarf at Gap, months ago, I knew I had to have it. So instead of buying it as a present to myself, I found a friend, (okay I had the friend already) who owed me money.  I had her buy it for me to 'pay me back', so it really just felt like she was buying me a 'happy day' present, which I can't complain about.  And that right there my friends is how you get presents from your friends. Hello guilt free scarf, I love you. 

As a side note I used to have many 'decorative' ceramic elephants, but when I moved in with my boyfriend I thought he might find that strange, so I donated them in hopes that someone else would enjoy them as much as I had.  Yup, you nailed it, I'm a weirdo.

And some other things I've been lovin' on lately:

Tee shirt dresses in every color (thanks Target)

Fake Bake Self Tanner (clearly not used in these pictures)

My new jeans, now only it were cooler

Illumintor, I bought this one

 Cooler summer days and weekends

Summer smooties, been making this one

Seeing lots of my friends

Early morning runs with my little

and a whole lot of Mexican food.

Happy Wednesday ladies, we're almost there.

How To: Fight Getting Older

It's Wednesday, and I'm getting older every.single.day.

So I've taken matters into my own hands.

-I'm fighting Alzheimer's already. I started putting on my mascara with my left hand, apparently small things like this can help. I'm going better, just lots of focusing.

-Sunscreen on the daily, but seriously who doesn't do this?  I will say if you're not doing this you are dumb, like for real-zies, Dumb.

-Wearing clothes now that might be slightly inappropriate in five years.  Because if I don't make those stupid fashion choices (read the Camo vest I just bought that you'll be seeing soon!!!) (similar) now, when will I be able to do it?

-Spending irrational amounts of money on things for me, and by irrational I mean $50 bucks every now and then at Forever21. When your older you have to worry about Vacation funds, 401ks, and College accounts.  Oh what's that you say?? I should be doing that already...I admit I've already started, I just like to pretend I am not growing up. So every purchase is validated with, 'I'm young, and self-centered. There are worse things in life right?'

-I'm going to Chicago this weekend for a Bachelorette party and I intend on wearing short dresses and high heels and not caring, just like I did back when I was in college a year ago three years ago (shoot me know, this is so hard to say, acknowledge, and type)

-Hello moisturizer (of any kind), we're besties.  Especially the night cream moisturizer. I must get rid of these crows feet that have started to appear.

-Running, working out, and staying active.  This isn't new to my life, but it is for sure a great way to stay fit, feel good, and be healthy, which usually leads to a longer life.

-Laughing and smiling too much.  Because I have no reason not too.

I am pretty darned blessed.

This is how I feel about Wednesday.

I'll be wearing Maxi's long after they go out of style, I love pajama like clothes!!!

Anyone who is Anybody Doing Anything Does it in Summer

I found love for $14.98 on the Target sales rack last week, and I think it's clear why.

In the midst of our hot summer days and a heat wave, it's like wearing Pajamas in public,
which is in one word perfection.

How I love a good Maxi dress in the summer, though I often feel like I'm running out of time to wear them, and this is why I love to hate, and love to hate summer.
Everything happens in the summer, honestly everything.

If you're an anybody do anything, you're probably doing it in the summer.
 Read: Weddings, Bachelorette Parties, Bridal Showers, Vacations, Family BBQ's, Babies, and Birthdays.  Not even sure why I capitalized every item in the list, it just seemed necessary to make them stand out more.  I know better, I promise.  So hold on tight, for thirteen busy weekends your life that will feel like they are on fast forward.

If you ask me, the calendar year goes a little something like this January, February is a short month anyway, so why really count it.  St. Patrick's Day, then it's April, nothing happens, and boom it's Memorial Day and you blink and summer's gone, and Christmas decor is up in all Target stores.

Though we all claim to love 'layering' our clothes, and 'having a more versatile wardrobe' but who are we really trying to fool.  There is not much better than throwing on a pair of cut offs, a tank, and converse or flip flops and heading out the door.  There nothing, and I mean nothing more comfortable than a Maxi, and you certainly can't tell me that a rain jacket is a 'cute' accessory.

Now don't be getting all critical on me, because yes I am ski gooroo, so I do, by default and obligation, love winter.  But skiing in the sanity that gets me through the winter.  You certainly can't sit on your back patio with Strawbertia in hand during the winter, and there is something oddly satisfying and simple about that...something about the sunshine brings out more smiles.

So the fourth of July, to me marks the half way point of summer, which we all know freaks me out because it means I am that much closer to my birthday (I'm about to be a full quarter century) and I'm busy living over here.  So damn you summer for being half way gone, and here's to enjoying the second half.  I'll be enjoying it in my maxi.

The Worst Nose in the Family and an Overstyled Look

My Grandma once told me I had 'the worst nose in the family'.

Which, if you were wondering, will NOT boost your self confidence.

Her consoling words after my reaction (insert face of complete shock and heartbreak here) were,
"I've always hated mine too," which really aren't consoling at all.
Not quite the words I was looking for Grandma, sorry.

But when you realize, it's the only one you got to work with, you have to run with it.
Or you style it with a head band and statement necklace.  But while we're talking about my nose,
I have never really disliked my nose, or even given it much thought until she brought it up.
After of course, immediately started thinking I looked like a bird.
Exhibit A below.

Hello Beak, nice to meet you, I'm Kaylin.

Also can we talk about all the super artistic bloggers that take flawless pictures

 look so un-posed and natural.  How do you do it???  I am clearly not one of 'em. 

That aside,  if you're thinking I don't look silly here, you'd be lying. 

Not only is my beak nose staring you in the face, I have completely over styled my new Lemons and Lace head band. The headband it's self is perfection, the stylist, however, sucks.

 I was lost when I put this look together.  The black maxi skirt I had planned to pair it with, didn't pan out because it was actually in the washing machine when I went to get dressed. 

Can you say lack of preparation anyone?

 

So now as a exercise of imagination, just picture this exact same outfit except instead of pants a maxi, and instead of layered teal tanks a white tee...so basically a completely different outfit.

You have a vision???  Congratulations you have an awesome imagination, and you know how I will style my headband next time.

Also why is it that everyone who rocks a sassy headband has long hair?

It is a sign I shouldn't try it?

Now back to noses.

via

If you don't laugh at this, you are not human.

P.S.

I'd like to make a GIF of myself doing this just for kicks.

DSLR Lessons Anyone???

I am clearly in deseperate need of camera (DSLR) lessons.
Like whoa.
So I ask you guys, have you four anything helpful when learning to use your DSLR??

Each week I share pictures I've taken (and most I haven't taken) that
 I swear should be fabulous, but they are not.
 Let's just call them lackluster.

I also struggle with taking my camera places, and considering I've almost had it for a year (thanks to the Worlds Best Boyfriend), that's embarrassing.
Plus, it clearly violates rules three and four of blogging world.
3. Always have your camera with you
4. Don't be afraid to take picture in public

To which I usually say, I have an iPhone.

And my conscious says and so does everyone 

I don't need anything fancy. I'll even take an online webinar and count it as a class.
I just need to learn to start getting comfortable with the camera, the settings, the aperture (I only know the word is photography related, I have of how it's actually related) , and all of that jazz.

So I made a personal goal.
Two educational DSLR lessons/classes on how to use my DLSR.

Has anyone taken a DSLR webinar, online class, or actual class they found helpful?
I'd love to know.
Please tell me your secrets.

Are you a Trendsetter?

How do you know if you're a trend setter???

Well if I know one thing, this girl right here is NOT.

There I said it, now I'll go cry in the corner.

How do I know I'm NOT a trend setter???

Well I spend hours oodeling over fashion blogs, (weird because I'm a lifestyle blogger, 

although I'd secretly love to be a fashion blogger...#agirlcandream) and I just know I'll never quite put looks together the way they do. 

(If you're wondering who they are see my current obsessions here, here, and here)

And I'm totally okay with that.

I am perfectly fine being the girl who copies outfits and crafts seen during late 

night pinning sessions, or on the blogs that I follow (cough hence the acid wash vest),

because this weekend, I was a trendsetter!

I found this lip stain (buy here) at Target, and I knew the color needed to come home with me.

And when I finally looked at the name when I got home, there it was staring me in the face.

Trendsetter

And what does my loving boyfriend have to say about this new color?

"Let's stick to the party nail."

I love him.

Happy Hump Day!!!

I Went on a Date with a Girl

Exactly a week ago, I went on a blate (blog date) with Brianne.

She blogs over here, go check her out. 

 (Fair warning very cute statement necklaces, leopard, and glitter will be everywhere, consider yourself warned, one of the many reasons I knew I liked her in real life.)

It was the first blogger I was going to meet in real life, 

and it FREAKED me OUT!!!

As a random side note, this is not what I wore, but it's a cute outfit, so I knew I needed to share it!!

Texting with someone I never met, meeting for the first time;
I felt like I was actually online dating (even though I never have).
BUT in my heart, I knew we'd get along, I mean if blog was ANYTHING like she was,
we'd be as close to close friends as any two gals can get.

So she arrived first, and I walked up in my (feeling like a monster in my wedges) gave her a hug and then immediately ran to the restroom to avoid peeing myself.

Then I came back sat down and talked to an an awesome blogger I just met two seconds ago old friend, for HOURS!!!!

And this here right here ladies, reaffirms why I blog. For friends like this, for a support group, for learning new things, and teaching others, for fun, for laughter, for honesty, for comedic relief from real life, for documenting my life, and for something bigger than myself.

If you don't remember, I almost quit a few weeks ago, and sometimes feel torn about what to write, say, and share, but I now know for sure that this blogging this is REAL.  I know that the ladies of the blogs I follow are just what their blogs are (which in my heart I knew), but it's AWESOME

Jeans//Target

Wedges//Nine West via Macy's

Shirt//Francesca's

Necklace//J Crew via eBay

Watch//Michael Kors

Sunnies//JCP

I can't wait to hang out with her again.  I had so much fun, and know she'll be in my life for a while.

Also much to my relief, she said I was just like my blog looked and sounded.
And when she said that, I just took a big sigh and thought to myself, "...you've done there did it..."

It made me smile.

Thanks for such an awesome blate Brianne, I'm excited for our next adventure!

Have you been on a blate? 

How'd it go???

I'd love to hear all about it!!

How To: Rock Third Day Hair (Like a Champ)

'Don't be fooled.  If you're thinking, "I've this outfit on pinterest..." You have, here.

Only she's way more fabulous than I will ever be I make it look way better. 

And if you don't follow me on pinterest you probably should, mostly because I pin the coolest stuff.

Like outfits that I copy cat, master bedrooms I'll never have, and recipes that will make you droll...

Also if you're memory is super sharp, you are probably thinking that you saw a sneak peek of this outfit last week, when I was talking about third day hair (or on my instagram).  You are right again.
I am double dipping. Don't hate on me.
Okay on to the next.

Some of you were saying you could never wear third day hair, but I promise, YOU CAN!!!
I NEVER, I mean EVER went a day without washing my blonde locks, but then I was changed.

I'm a self-taught third-day-hair wonder, if that is even a thing.

Here's how to do it ladies. Read carefully, you don't want to miss a step.
It's super complicated.

First Day: I wear my hair down and try to use the straightener to get my ugly half wave in order.

Check out a picture here.

Second Day: I dry shampoo it, then curl it (with the straightener) and give it some volume in the back with a tease.

Check out a picture here.

Third Day: I dry shampoo it again, and then I put it up--usually put it in a sock bun,
but do whatever suits your fancy.

Sock bun seen in these pictures.

While I was training to be a third day hair rock star, I started with baby steps.

I'd rock second day hair on a Sunday (my hermit day, where I typically never leave the house.)
I did this 'til I was sure I could wear it in public, and then I did.

Once I got used to second day, I started rockin' third day, again at home just to see how it looked if my boyfriend told me I should wash my hair or not as a wager of how 'clean'/'dirty' it looked.
As you can tell it's been a process, three months to get me comfortable with third day hair to be exact.

As for products, I use this dry shampoo on days two and three. 
I use this hair spray every day, and this one seems to be the best that I have found.
You can buy it at Target.  It doesn't make your hair all sticky and glossy looking.
I use my straightener (I have a no-name brand) on day one to straighten, and day two to curl!!!

Results:
It's been way worth it!!!
My hair feel much healthier, and if I am am not being totally crazy,
it seems like it's growing faster too!!!
 
Give it a try.
You can do it!

Just remember baby steps!

Men's Shirt Volume Three

For those of you that don't recognize this shirt, let me just give you a little briefing.
Last summer I bought this shirt at Target on super clearance for my boyfriend, and after one washer/dryer cycle it was too small.  And that's when I had a light bulb idea, how many ways can I style a men's shirt??
 
So I decided I would try to style it at least once in every season (see summer and and winter looks here and here) to see just how many combinations I could come up with.
And this is my Spring look.

The highwaisted-ness of the skirt I think is what really makes this outfit 'work'.
Although the shirt was a little awkward to tuck in (read it hung low and was A LOT of fabric).
And this it just did a lot of scrunching, if you get what I mean.

Shirt//Target (Mens)

Skirt//Old Navy

Belt//Target

Wedges//Target

Sunnies//Kate Spade

 As a side note, I got these sun glasses as gift right before our trip to Brazil, and I love them!!

  Don't you even worry, there will be a new style for summer.

Not sure what it is yet, but it will come to me.

Here are the other ways I have styled the skirt.

 Which do you like best?

How would you style your hubby's/boyfriend's/men's shirt?