a new friend

My clothes purchases have recently dwindled {perhaps a partial explanation for my lack of OOTD inspiration?}... there's just not much I need at this point.  But this Tibi dress was too good of a deal to pass up when I spotted it on Gilt Group recently. 

Printed Dress & Slip - Tibi via Gilt

Crackle Metallic Blush Pumps {not shown} - J.Crew

Yellow "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott

Metallic Blush Skinny Belt - J.Crew

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

yes, I'm alive...

... and no, I'm not preggers.

Here's a photo to prove both declarations.

Emerald "Hailley" Silk Dress (with backless cutout) - Anlo

Black Tights (not pictured) - Spanx

Black Patent & Suede Pumps (not pictured) - J.Crew

Mixed Media Necklace - Amrita Signh

Black Sequined Belt - Old Navy

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Kate's Thoughts on Platform Pumps at Work

Ahhh platform pumps...

... they make your legs look longer and slimmer, and the big boost under the ball of your foot distributes weight more evenly, making for more comfy shoes!  

So what's not to love? 

Nothing... in the right atmosphere!  For nights out, I pair mine with everything... skinny jeans, skirts and dresses of all silhouettes - from slimmer fits to floatier varieties.  

But for the office?  Personally, I do think you can make room for platform pumps in your workwear... but when I start sashaying around in mega-high stilettos and a pencil skirt, I feel more Jessica Rabbit and less Competent Kate. 

I like fuller and slightly longer circle skirts to compensate for a sassier shoe... this combo tones the sex-appeal way down while still allowing for some fun in the footwear department!  

{terribly awkward pose... yikes!}

Do you rock the platform pumps at work?  

Sorbet Cap Sleeve Shell - Banana Republic

Chinese Lantern Circle Skirt - French Connection

Black Patent Platform Pumps - Ann Taylor

Pearl Cluster Earrings - Etsy: Bridal Emunique

Skiystone Necklace - Anthropologie

weekend wear

This weekend, we had the pleasure of dinning with Evs' boss, Evs' summer clerk, and both of their lovely wives. It's so nice to enjoy an evening with work people where you don't have to feel "on"... and where you enjoy the most delectable mustard cream sauce you've ever had the pleasure of dipping your fingers halibut in!  

I was planning on busting out a fancy white sundress that hasn't seen the light of day since our honeymoon (hence the reason that I only purchased one of these types of "bridal ensembles"... where do girls wear all these white dresses after the festivities are over???), but this little pink number called to me from the window of Ann Taylor... 

... and I'm super-psyched to transform it into work-wear this week!  It's the exact type of frock I look for to serve dual-purposes... flirty details, fun fabric, but a classic and none-too-sexy cut.  You better believe there will be a Bold Sun or Bright Orange Heritage Cardigan over this new addition in the coming days!  

Vibrant Animal Print Ruffle Dress - Ann Taylor

Satin Marigold "Carmen" Peep Toes - J. Crew (wedding shoes!)

Sunglasses - Banana Republic

White Enamel Necklace - Banana Republic (gift)

Bauble Cocktail Ring - J.Crew 

Take That, DVF!

Today I'm sporting one of my proudest buys... a wrap dress from Target that always garners "Where did you get that!" compliments, has held up quite nicely over the past 4 years, and only cost me about $25, if my recollection serves me correctly!  

But wait - the plot thickens!  No fancy "Famous Designer X for Target" label here... just plain ol' Merona!  

Navy Print Jersey Wrap Dress - Merona via Target

Gunmetal "Lissie" Flats - Tory Burch 

Gold Flower Earrings - J.Crew

Skystone Necklace - Anthropologie

oops

It appears that I have been neglecting little ol' ITPitB... but don't worry!  Bathroom / Bad-Lighting-Bedroom Phots HAVE been taken!

Consider this a "Closet Dump":

Friday, March 12

Also known as The First & Only Day I Wore Jeans to Work (the employee manual says "jeans on Fridays"... apparently that doesn't apply to attorneys... MORTIFICATION!)

Hair is getting hella-long... Time for a trim!

Embellished Blossom Cardigan - Ann Taylor Loft

Shimmery Orange Tee - Michael Stars

"Always Skinny" Jeans - GAP

Gold "Reva" Flats - Tory Burch

Gold Figure 8 Earrings - gift

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Monday, March 15

I love this jacket - purchased mega on-sale last Spring from J.Crew.  I'm digging the black, white, and red combo!  For some odd reason, I always remember that Claudia from the Babysitters' Club decorated her room in these tones... which still registers as "eternally chic" for me! 

White Atelier Jacket - J.Crew (Spring 2009)

Black Pinstripe Pants - J.Crew (circa 2001)

Red Patent "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Black Satin Headband - Ann Taylor

Gold Figure 8 Earrings - gift

{Evs is dressed entirely in Brooks Brothers}

Tuesday, March 16

Favorite Suit Dress!  Super curvy + pockets!  

 Great 3/4 Sleeved Jacket - Ann Taylor

Black Wool Sheath - Ann Taylor

Patent, Satin, & Flannel "Molly" Pumps - J.Crew

Skystone Necklace - Anthropologie

Ivory & Gold Cuff - Banana Republic

Wednesday, March 17

Happy St. Paddy's Day!  

Green Button Sweater - Banana Republic (Spring 2008)

Brown Pleated Suit Skirt - Banana Republic (circa 2006)

Serengeti Patent "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Gold Flower Earrings - J.Crew

Gold C Cuff - Coach

Thursday, March 18

Its the Lands' End Canvas Heritage Cardigan in action!  If you haven't already read, I'm a tad obsessed with these cardys!  The "Bold Sun" color is the perfect way to cheer on my Demon Deacons today as they face UT (my other, and very first, love... hence the orange under-shell!) in the first round of the NCAA Championship.  Let the March Madness begin!  

For those who are curious, when it comes to basketball, I'm a Wake gal all the way... for everything else, GO HORNS! {And no, I wasn't indulging in a little "Wake Up Wine" this morning... that would be one of our water goblets in my hand.}

Bold Sun Heritage Cardigan - Lands' End Canvas Collection

Orange Silk Lattice Shell - Banana Republic (Spring 2008)

Black Pencil Skirt - Ann Taylor

Black Patent Loafers - Cole Haan

Gold Figure 8 Earrings - gift

Black Belt - Banana Republic

mitten-chic

Worn to my friend SAI's wedding gown fitting + vino and pizza night:

What's that, you ask?  My mittens?  Ooooooo... you mean MY OFFICIAL VANCOUVER 2010 WINTER OLYMPIC MITTENS?  

{mittens + Canadian truffles = gloriousness}

MASSIVE thank-yous to my fabulous bloggy friend Liane (Running for Wine - check her out!) for sending me the highly-coveted, oh-so-fabulous Maple Leaf Mittens all the way from British Columbia!  I pretty much haven't taken them off... which makes for difficult typing and/or sweaty hands when it was 60 degrees outside last weekend. 

Silk Tunic Top - Hale Bob via RueLaLa

White Cami - Nordstrom

"Always Skinny" Jeans - GAP

Serengeti "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

 Skystone Necklace - Anthropologie

Ivory & Gold Bangle - Banana Republic

2010 Olympic Mittens - AWESOMENSS

mixin' prints

Yesterday, I did not mix shit. I did, however, mix prints.  Which is not the same thing at all.  But might kind-of-sort-of rhyme.  If you're Heidi Montag Pratt, that is.

I swear, if J.Crew does not bring back the Juliets then WE. ARE. OVER. For reals. 

Cashmere Argyle Sweater - Banana Republic (Winter 2008)

"Always Skinny" Jeans - GAP

Serengeti "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew (BRING THEM BACK)

Skystone Necklace - Anthropologie (Winter 2009)

weekend wear

This weekend I jetted off to witness my oldest friend say "I do!"  I wish I had an ITPithB post dedicated to her outfit (stunning), but, alas, its just little ol' me.

Travel Attire:

My "Takin' Care of Business" cheap-o koozie is one of my most prized possessions.  I bought it at Graceland when my Dad and I took a totally awesome and totally random (location-wise) road trip after college graduation.  When my car was stolen a couple of years ago, this was inside and was one of the only things not trashed or taken.  Obviously, I was hit by criminals with zero taste. 

Black Boyfriend Cardy - White + Warren

Silver Polka Dot Shell - J.Crew (Winter 2008)

"Always Skinny" Jeans - GAP

Gunmetal Lissie Flats - Tory Burch via Nieman Marcus 

Pave Ball Earrings - Banana Republic

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present 

Badass Koozie - Graceland

On Saturday, I brunched with some of my very first "internet friends"... Long before blogging took over my computer, it was the Austin Knot Board all the way (the ultimate gateway drug), and a meet-up with these girls was long overdue!  {Cute photo to be posted when I figure out what the hell I did with my camera cord}

My childhood bedroom is like a memorial to Kate: Ages 16 through 20.  Check out that carpet.  I picked it out when I was 8... I still remember the color ("French Blue")... not quite sure what that thought process included. 

The Michael Stars tee that I'm sporting is my FAVORITE tee shirt EVER.  I've had it since I was 21 and it hasn't lost its color or shape.  Its the only MS "One Size Fits Most" tee that doesn't look like I've tried to stuff myself into a shimmery sausage casing.  Its also the perfect length and I love the ballet gathers at the neckline. My biggest downfall in life thus far is not being able to find more colors in this style... If anyone knows where this particular tee can be had, there are four dozen snickerdoodles with your name on them. 

Plum Rosette Cardy - Ann Talor Loft 

Orange Shimmer Tee - Michael Stars via Nordstrom (circa 2004)

"Always Skinny Jeans" - GAP

Gunmetal "Lissie" Flats - Tory Burch via Neiman Marcus

Gold Figure-Eight Earrings - Christmas present

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

Gold C Cuff - Coach 

Wedding Attire: 

So, my Master Plan was to wear this dress with fun, black lacy tights.  Good thing I threw the grey pair in on a whim as well because Me + Lacy Tights = Chunky-Legged Hooker.  

The clutch was my wedding clutch. 

Black Velvet Dress - Banana Republic (Winter 2009)

Gray Tights - Merona via Target

Black Suede & Patent "Harpers" - J.Crew (Fall 2009)

Bon-Bon Earrings - Anthropologie (Winter 2009)

Skystone Necklace - Anthropologie (Winter 2009)

Gold C Cuff - Coach

Pink Pashmina - gift 

Silk Clutch - Etsy Seller Red Ruby Rose

productive member of society

Today... I got dressed!  I put on makeup!  And a bra with underwire!  I ran errands!  I wrote cover letters!  I baked Evs' favorite cookies (whether I did this out of the goodness of my heart or because I wanted cookie dough for lunch, you'll never know)!  I also purchased his coveted cinnamon pop tarts even though I think they are despicable and constitute a prime example of all that is wrong with America's food today!

Pretty much: I rock.

{even more so because of the fantastical giveaway on EA today!  (shameless plug)}

Anyhoo, this is what I wore whilst practicing fabulosity:

Baker's Delight Apron - Athropologie (here)

Silicon Oven Mit - Bed, Bath, & Beyond

Camel Silk-blend Sweater - Banana Republic (eons ago)

"Real Straight" Jeans - GAP (here)

Patent Serengeti "Juliet" Pumps - J. Crew

Skystone Necklace - Anthropologie

Gold Chain Figure-8 Earrings - Christmas gift

Terrier - Joshua, Texas