Gazebo Mornings

07.17.2012
Gazebo Mornings
Warby Parker glasses, Alexander Wang pullover, Undrest silk shorts (sold out – boo! But here are some similar ones in a pretty honeydew color), Heath Ceramics mug, Catstudio geography pillow, Woolrich moose pillow, West Elm throw, Melissa Harmonic flip flops

I’m happy to be home in Minnesota for the next week to work with clients and spend some overdue quality time with my family. One of my favorite routines at home is waking up in the morning and going straight out to our backyard gazebo for coffee and long chats. I don’t bother changing out of my pajamas (hello, neighbors!) but I always grab a cup of hot coffee on my way out. Small town life is delightfully slower paced than I’m used to, so I love to linger out there for as long as I want, catch up on all my favorite catalogs and trashy mags, and map out the day ahead. We repeat the activity about 8 hours later, only then we have glasses of wine in hand.

Tail Feathers

07.16.2012

If you are ever feeling down, wear feathers. They lift you up. Literally. This glorious one-of-a-kind skirt has been staring me right in the face from the front rack at Shareen Vintage for awhile now, and I have never been able to get it out of my head. It calls my name. “Caaaatherine. Take me home. Wear me on your trips to Trader Joe’s. Do SOMETHING with me.” So I did, and for some reason that something just had to be to mix it with prep school inspired pieces in all white. Sometimes that’s how it happens – with no rhyme or reason but with a strong force. When that happens, there’s no looking back. There’s only one thing left to do – make it a reality. Except for maybe the part about Trader Joe’s.

Shareen feather skirt, J.Crew shirt, tie, tie clip, vintage bracelet, Enzo Angiolini shoes, ADA belt, La Rok broach
 Photos by Ian Sheppard

Savannah Dream

07.06.2012

For the longest time, it was my dream to visit Savannah, GA. The culture, history, food, and style of it drew me in. I had never visited a town quite like it before – actually I don’t think there exists a town quite like it – and I was dying for the opportunity to go. So when were making the trip to our friends’ wedding in St. Augustine, that was our chance and we had to take it. After a great time catching up with friends, we made the 4-hour mini road trip to Savannah. It really was such a unique place, so fun to explore it on foot. We saw houses haunted by confederate soldiers, ate delicious ice cream from Leopold’s, sipped on mint juleps, and browsed antique stores along the river. As you might expect, it was especially hot and humid so I kept my outfit simple with mint cutoffs from H&M, comfy flat sandals, my favorite sequined summer tank, and my vintage croc purse that I purchased at a the Hell’s Kitchen flea market years ago – perfect for the swampy states, don’t you think?

Hat from Venice Beach, J.Crew top, H&M shorts, Sam Edelman sandals, vintage purse, Dita sunglasses, Michael Kors watch, Bracelets: Kindred Stones, Forever 21, Kate Spade, J.Crew
Photos by Ian Sheppard

Coated Casual

06.21.2012

I might be the only weirdo in LA who actually enjoys the “June Gloom” part of summer. Until I moved here, I had no idea that the sun is basically absent for the first half of every day in June and there’s a chill in the air. I like the oddness of it. You could easily think that you’ve been transported into Fall, which creates this twilight zone of fashion inspiration.

This outfit is comprised of all my go to pieces as of late. These coated trousers from Zara are so comfortable – perfectly stretchy yet sleek and they are made for the transition weather. My chambray shirt is probably the most reached for thing in my closet right now, and I’ve been telling every single one of my clients that they need one too. It suits pretty much everyone and gets better the more you wear and wash it. I love how this version is a bit oversized and longer in the back, giving it a an extra touch of drama.

Madewell shirt, Zara pants, American Apparel clutch, J.Crew shoes, Bracelets: J.Crew, Kate Spade, F21, Michael Kors watch, Dita sunglasses
Photos by Ian Sheppard
 

Sun & Stars

02.21.2012

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Equipment blouse, F21 vest, Joe’s jeans, Steven by Steve Madden loafers, Alexander Wang Rocco bag, Michael Kors watch, HRH Collection necklace, Bracelets: J.Crew, HRH Collection, Kate Spade, Nadri, On the nails: OPI Red Lights Ahead…Where?

I’ve recently set a goal to start wearing more sparkles during the day. Even though they are traditionally destined for evening cocktails, it would be such a waste not to enjoy the combo of sequins + sunlight. So to start, I opted for my sequin trimmed vest that I actually purchased for a glam rock themed new years party a few years ago and my new favorite Steven crystal studded loafers. The Equipment starry night blouse and Joe’s jeans in the color “sunny” coincidentally kept with the day/night vibe, and of course I couldn’t wait to debut my new love – the Rocco bag, which hasn’t left my arm since I got it. I love the pretty pale gold rivets – just the right amount of glamour on something that’s otherwise so edgy.

 

Pink & Purple Night

01.25.2012

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Forever 21 jacket (old), J.Crew top (old), Current/Elliott jeans, Shoedazzle clutch (c/o), Pour La Victoire shoes, Bracelets: Forever21, J.Crew, H&M, Nails: OPI Mod About You

I was excited to find these Current/Elliott purple snakeskin jeans on sale last week. I first pictured them dressed down with an oversized tee and boots, but that idea quickly fell by the wayside when my black disc sequin top and patent heels were calling my name for an evening out. I added this sassy woven clutch to pay tribute to the little girl in me who always named pink and purple as her favorite colors (obviously).

Ooh! Let’s take a quick moment to check in about all the other ways we can connect, shall we? I’m definitely a big social media person and I would love to see you all on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram (thelifestyled). I tend to post different things in different places – you know, to keep things interesting. You can also follow on Bloglovin‘, which is my personal favorite way to stay updated on the blogs I love. Try it out if you haven’t already. Thank you so much for your comments (which I LOVE to read) and continued support!

 

Everyday Black

01.19.2012

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Club Monaco blazer and bag, American Apparel tee, J.Crew jeans, Converse sneakers, D&G sunglasses, Michael Kors watch, Kate Spade earrings

I think everyone has a go-to uniform. I don’t just mean a general look that we tend to gravitate towards, I mean an actual uniform – the same exact few pieces that we consistently reach for before anything else when we’re getting ready in the morning. For me, this is that outfit. If I had to get dressed with my eyes closed, I would automatically reach for this American Apparel tri-blend gray v-neck (I have a few of them), dark skinny jeans, and a black blazer. If I’m feeling like I need some extra comfort (if I have a long day of shopping ahead of me), I’ll do these glittery sneakers with soft socks instead of the other usual choice of my black flats. What makes this look work so well for everyday is that it feels comfortable and unfussy, yet it still can look put together enough for anything the day might throw at me.

SoCal Winter

01.10.2012

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H&M blazer (old) and fur stole, Club Monaco top (old), J.Crew belt and jeans, Tory Burch flats, Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 bag, Michael Kors watch, Bracelets: J.Crew, Jewelmint, Nadri, F21, Nails: Essie Borrowed & Blue and Mint Candy Apple

Before heading to New Jersey for Christmas, I panicked about not being warm enough so I picked up this faux fur stole at H&M. I loved not only the price ($17.95!) but also the fact that it can be layered over almost anything – in 20 or 60 degree weather. It remained glued to the collar of my wool coat to keep me cozy on the east coast, and now I’m loving it over SoCal winter friendly outfits, like this pastel ensemble which features my favorite blush blazer plucked straight from my spring wardrobe. As you know, I’m usually more of a dark neutrals girl but it sure is nice to soften things up a bit every now and then.

 

Brentwood December

12.13.2011

Brentwood December with Sarah Yates 1

Leopard booties

Veda leather jacket, J.Crew shirt, AG jeans, Gap socks, JustFab booties (old), vintage Coach purse, Low Luv ring

Last week I got to take a break from the holiday To Do List for a little champagne and a photo shoot with my friend photographer extraordinaire Sarah Yates. Not only does she take pretty pictures, but she’s got some serious style herself (not to mention two adorable coat coordinated dogs), and she blogs it all on A House in the Hills. Hop on over there to see the rest of the photos from my first of two guest style features! This one is a typical day’s ensemble. Leather – check. Leopard – check. Hubby’s shirt – check.

 

Tomato on Tomato

10.25.2011

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This blazer was my go-to all summer with boyfriend jeans and white tees (like I wore it here), but I love that it has carried so well into Fall. Vermillion has been standing out as a color of the moment, and it has found its way into my closet via a few different pieces. When I snatched up this blouse on sale at J.Crew, I knew it was destined to be matchy-matched up with its new mentor.

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Zara blazer, J.Crew blouse, Gap pants, Banana Republic shoes, Aldo clutch, ban.do headband, J.Crew and Jewelmint bracelets, Forever21 necklaces, Nails: MAC Dry Martini