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.

What you Should be Buying Right now!!!

 

via

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?

 

WIW: A decade in the same shoe and running advice

I didn't even try these new friends on before I bought 'em.  While you, and the guy working at my local running store may find that odd; I was confident they'd be perfect. I've been running in the same shoe (and size) for a decade.

And then I die, a decade, really? Insert internal panic attack here.

Since when am I old enough to have had a designated pair of running shoes for decade?

In my ten years what have I come to notice about running?

A pair of well fitting running shoes is imperative, and will seriously change your feelings on running.

It never gets easier, it gets more enjoyable.

I always feel better after your run, no matter how short or long.

Making time, not excuses, is the most important part.

For me running earlier is better, then it's out of the way and I don't have to worry about it.

Some runs are just better than others for no logical or physically explainable reason.

Listen to your body.

It really is the fastest way to drop weight, or at least I think it is.

Running to music helps me run faster, and keeps me going.

Taking the dog can be both a blessing and a curse

Running socks are important too, these things aren't a joke.


Staying hydrated will help improve your runs.


Your progress belongs to you, be proud of what you accomplish.

When I'm running regularly my overall energy is up!

Running time is me time, and I've got lots to think about.

Stretching after is more helpful than stretching before (or at least I think so).

I always feel more confident on days that I've worked out or gone for a run.

Running removes most of the guilt I feel when eating desserts.

Finding good 3 and 5 mile loops in your neighborhood is a good idea.

I run for me, not anyone else.

Current Wants and a Starbucks Giveway!!!!

Vest//Scarf//Shirt//Shoes

Yup due to lack of camera energy and effort I have been spending on this little cyber space over here, I have no fabulous outfit to debut.  Which is okay, because if I were telling the truth, there were truly no fabulous outfits over the past week, because we're 'tweening. 

Tweening is that awkward time between Summer and Fall that has all us blogging ladies confused. What the heck do we wear?  Well this little list are a few of the things I've been eyeballing.  Doesn't mean any of them are going to be coming home with me any time soon. Although the vest is really yanking my chain. I am afraid Target wins every.single.last.time. Just click the link people, just do it.

As per other things happening, I'm officially on baby/bridal shower over load. Back to back baby showers this weekend and next, and then topped off by a bridal shower.  Guess it's just that time of year, although I guess your middle twenties it's like this all year long, so help me gawd.

In the meantime I'll be eating lunch with Andrea, sewing, and crafting for days.

P.S. Did you enter my Starbucks giveaway over here?

What I Wore: Trouble With Technology

As our technology continues to advance, I realize the (new soon to be mine thanks to a cracked screen) iPhone 5S has more pixels in the camera than my point and shoot (used for these pictures) that I bought less than two and half years ago. Seriously making my four year old MacBook Pro (from college) feel obsolete.  Just to clarify, I will be using it 'til it dies, and hopefully that is more than a year out.

Sometimes I forget how fast technology is changing and how hard it is to keep catch up.  I was so proud of my Mom when she finally mastered the art of texting a picture, it was almost like a we needed a celebration equal to the size of my college graduation party. But seriously, she spent a solid year emailing pictures, in lieu of texting them, and didn't get the difference.

P.S. Oh a complete side note, these booties are the cutest things ever, Target delivers again.
Not only are they affordable, but comfy and perfect with colored denim, dresses, leggings, boyfriend jeans, etc. There will be a how to wear them in the future.

Oh and until I get the camera back, this bloggy of mine might be a little dull or out of focus.

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.

A Date with Dad

The perks of being a local gal are random lunch dates with your Dad, home cooked birthday meals, among a zillion other things that I can't think of at the moment because there are so many it's hard to nail just one down.  So when Dad called yesterday inviting me to 'lunch his treat', I couldn't say no.

It's weird sometimes having lunch with my Dad thinking just how long he's known me, and how he has coached me (literally and figuratively) through every life phase so far.  Sometimes I wonder what he might think. While I know most every parent defaults to 'proud', which I am sure he is; I wonder what other thoughts float around up there in that head of his.

And as we approach the three year anniversary of his open heart surgery I can't help to think how special his is, and just how blessed we are to have him with us, in simply perfect health.

Shirt//Target

Skirt//Gift

Shoes//Target

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.

When your skirt is see through, just wear two...

First, you are welcome for this face.

Second, I'm over here today, go check it out and win awesome goodies.

Third, this skirt is see through.

Good news is, this was determined before I left the house, when I was told by

 my boyfriend in a very polite way that I '...probably shouldn't wear that skirt to work.' 

But I was determined, and put on a tight bondage skirt under as a make shift slip.

Because it's totally normal to wear two skirts to work.

Mom would tell me to put on a slip, 

but who in our generation owns one of those (do you???)

So when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Shirt//New York & Co.

Skirt//F21

Shoes//Nine West

Belt//Loft

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.

Plus Ten Pounds

A year ago (give or take) today, I was officially ten pounds lighter, and I hate (sorry Mom, I'm using that word, and I know you don't like it) that feeling.

As much as I like to think I don't care about how I look. I do. I care.

 I care A LOT.

If you haven't read my story of weight loss via weight watchers, you can here.

I felt really good after I finished and had success keeping the weight off, which brought me continued happiness.  But at my annual appointment (that was lovely) I saw those three numbers on the scale, and I looked away. It made me sad.

I've been working out (strength training) WAY more than I was a year ago.

My strength has improved in measurable ways, and after reviewing my measurements, I'm 3" less (overall) the same as I was last year at this time, so it's apparently 'all muscle'.

My mind gets it, but my brain can't quite 'see' past the numbers.

I need to remind myself to keep it all in perspective, that a number is just a number, and that at the end of the day, we're all just a work in progress.

We might not all be working on the same things, but we're all working on ourselves. Some people are working on fitness, others are working on personal resolutions, relationship building, etc. 

And I am sure we're all doing a combination of all listed above, it's important to keep things in perspective. It's just one thing.
It's just a number.

I'm feeling confident in myself, my work, my relationships, and my life.

So what does that measley little number mean anyway?

Quite your mind Kaylin, it's all going to be okay.

Shirt//Target (similar)

Jeans//Express

Shoes//Target circa 2008

Glasses//Kate Spade (similar)
P.S. These wedges are my favorite and they are dying, 
so I have to wear them sparingly :(
 
Happy Wednesday!!!

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!!!

Squirt, Moist, and Other Terrible Words

This morning I went to Starbucks.
I always feel indulgent (and like I'm paying too much for a drink)
when I go, among other things, but this is not important.

I asked for a non-fat, half pump, light ice vanilla latte.
(Yes I'm that yuppy that has a complicated order too).
And the women asked me how many squirts...

And I cringed.

You know those words that just give you the creepy crawly feeling?

They just sound uncomfortable in any context they are delivered in?
Yeah Squirt is one of them.

Squirt.

I am not sure why but this word just gives me the heebee jeebees.

Whenever anyone says it, I cringe.

I'm not even sure why, maybe it has something to do with this association.

If you just clicked that link, I apologize, you'll never hear that word in the same light ever again.

P.S. There is NO appropriate GIF to go with this, you should have seen the things I looked at when I typed squirt GIF into the google search bar, so NOT okay...

Moist

End of Story.

That's also an awful word.

Dress//Victoria Secret (though I don't make it look that sexy)

Chombray//Old Navy

Necklace//Target

Mucous

I mean say it to out loud right now.

Be sure you pronounce all the vowels.

Yup, it's gross too!!!

Any words make you cringe?

I'd love to hear 'em.

(I mean I don't want to hear them, but I do want to know which words bother you!)

I'm sure I haven't thought of all of 'em.