A Few Confessions

 Pusheen!

Here are some things you probably didn't know about me, and probably don't need to know, but I'm telling you anyway.

1. I seriously just figured out how to use Blogger's Blog Listy thing last night. Umm that's sad.

2. I also learned where Pennsylvania and Calgary are the other day...I thought Pennsylvania was in the general area that's actually occupied by West Virginia. And Canada's geography is just a mystery. Maps, the coolest things, am I right? (I promise I am not as dumb as this makes me sound...)

3. I would go get my car washed and waxed every single day if I had the money and time and a garage. Obsessed with the car wash.

4. The two minutes I spend each morning/evening washing my face using my Clarisonic are probably my favorite two minutes of each day.

5. My love for Taqueria del Sol in Atlanta runs so deep, I used to seriously consider driving the 2 hours from Auburn to Atlanta to get me some tacos and a brownie from Star Provisions. Actually, I still consider this, even living in Houston. Mmmm.

6. Going off of that: I am a HUGE food person. I'm not super adventurous, but I love eating food and I pretty much always have a snack (or two) with me in case I get hungry. I love talking about food, eating food, watching Food Network...it can get out of hand.

7. I have at least 3 posts in my Drafts folder, but I can't seem to force myself to sit down and focus long enough to actually finish them....sometime soon, I promise!

There's about a gazillion more random little facts about me, but I'll save those for another time.

What Kate Likes: J. Crew

In case you weren't aware, J. Crew just put a whole bunch of new arrivals out and I'm totally smitten with them all. I love all the candy-colored pastels and that essentially half of the new stuff is striped. And I'm also a major J. Crew addict anyway...I fondly refer to it as J. Crack.

My top picks:

 

Gilded brocade top: love the minty blue/green with the gold!

Tipped boy shirt: That neon piping kills me...love.

Fleece nautical stripe pullover: a fleecy striped sweatshirt? Done.

Chambray shirtdress: such an easy spring/summer/fall layer

Microcheck cashmere cardigan: cashmere + checks = <3

Scalloped ballet flats: so adorable

Cotton oxford sneakers: These would go with all of my summery outfits...need!

Anchor-print nightshirt: for nights when you want to look cute

It was seriously a struggle to limit myself for this post...there's at least 10 more items that I love and need in my closet right this second. Guess I better start saving my pennies!

Uniqueness?

 knots that have nothing to do with this post, other than look pretty

I didn't go to Alt last week, but I've been reading all of the recaps and posts about it that I can find, and I've really been thinking--what makes me unique? Not just in a blogging sense, but in a personality sense, a fashion sense, an everything sense.

I started this blog to focus on and highlight what I like. Not what's the it thing, or what X blogger likes or what Anna Wintour is highlighting in this month's Vogue. To an extent, I feel like I've stayed true to myself, but as I continue to blog and hopefully grow, I'm concerned with how sustainable writing purely about my interests is, since sometimes I have a hard time putting my finger on exactly what it is that I like.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how to define my style--is it preppy? modern? feminine? creative?--but until I read an article in the paper about the Charming Charlie founder that described his style as 'knowing what he likes and what he doesn't', it didn't really hit me that maybe I don't have a style or personality that can be summed up in a succinct little phrase of a word or two.

I definitely know what I like and what I don't, and while I may sometimes like what's popular, I can always give it my own little personal spin. So that's how I'm going to forge ahead--by blogging about what I like, since that's what makes me me.

Sophisticated Rain boots

That seems like an oxymoron, right? I always associate rain boots with those little character rain boots that kids have with ducks or frogs on them, despite the fact that I own "grown up" rain boots.

I've been thinking lately about going to work and everything I need to appear like I have my life together...and to me, one of those things would be rain boots that are so chic they don't even look like rain boots. Thankfully, the Internet is full of great boots that are stylish AND waterproof.

Here are my top picks for rainy weather!

 Hunter Regent Clarence//Michael Kors Fulton Harness//Hunter Regent Apsley

Hunter Regent Savoy//Hunter Regent Carlyle//Aigle Miss Juliette A

I also love these Burberry boots as well as this other pair of Hunters!

What Kate Likes: Prabal Gurung x Target

 

 all photos: Elle

I've already established that I love Target's collabs with high-end designers, and Prabal Gurung's new collaboration is not any different. I love the bright florals, bold colors and of course, how affordable it all is! Everything looks much more expensive than it actually is. Major props to Prabal for designing a collection that's true to his aesthetic while still remaining conscious of Target's consumers and their price points--something that's way easier said than done.

I know where I'll be February 10 when this collection hits stores!

The Great Gatsby x Miuccia Prada

Have you seen the sketches Miuccia Prada recently released of a few of the costumes she designed for the new Great Gatsby movie? Y'all, they are stunning. I'm typically not a Prada fan, but these are beautiful. I'm excited to see how the designs are translated from ideas and sketches into actual clothing pieces and how the costumes fit into the movie as a whole, since at least one sketch is not a typical 20s-style dress.

Take a little look for yourself and share your thoughts...

 

I think this one may be my favorite!

 

all images from this article

Weekend Whirlwind

Y'all. This weekend was craaaaazzzzyyyyy and completely exhausting. I was house-sitting for both my parents and a family from church, plus watching the three cats and puppy for the other family, so I've basically been running all over NW Houston all weekend and chasing after animals and I. Am. Exhausted.

 
Remember this post about how I wanted a puppy? Well after this weekend, I am officially swearing off puppies until I have someone else to help me take care of them. Boyfriend, husband, roommate, professional dog-walker--it doesn't matter. Little Maddie may look like an angel, but she was actually kind of a nightmare.

In completely non-related news, I have a second interview today(!!) with a company I am verrrrryyyy excited about and would completely die to work with. Any guesses as to who I'll be interviewing with, based on the pictures below? ;)

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I've been thinking about incorporating some more posts about my own real fashion into this bloggie, like maybe a 'what I'm wearing'/'outfit of the day' post every so often (with pictures!!)...what say you? Good idea or no?

I hope you all had lovely weekends and got to relax a bit!

Beach Dreams

In my dream life, I would take a trip to the tropics every January. January is such a blah month to me, and I'm usually so tired of the cold and dreary days that a trip to the beach would be the most perfect way to recharge for the coming months and get excited for spring.

This year, my beach craving is extra strong since I don't have the promise of Spring Break or another little weekend trip to the beach. I need some salt air and sand in my life!

image

What Kate Likes: Statement Jewelry

I fully admit that I am not a jewelry person. I don't wear stacks of bracelets, or multiple sets of earrings, or anything like that. I prefer my jewelry to be on the more delicate, less in-your-face side. Lately though, I've been really drawn to the simplicity of a single bold, big necklace in an outfit of all basics, like the outfit above.

I've rounded up a few of my current favorite ways to make a statement below...

 

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Sale Alert: Calypso!

Y'all. The Calypso St. Barth sample sale is going on right now and it. is. fabulous. Prices are great (and are really sale prices), lots of different sizes left in things, some very great basics up for very little money...basically you need to go check it out now!

Here's what I'm loving...

Jo Silk Blouse, $51.60: such a good basic. It'd be great over jeans or skinny pants, tucked into a pencil skirt, underneath a blazer...I think I need it.

Dionis Silk Sequin Tunic, $79.60: my love for fluid, blousy silk tops knows no bounds. Add sequins, beading and a rich color? Sold.

Daphne Velvet Tunic, $59.60: I love tunics, and I love velvet. I think both the gray and the lavender are equally gorgeous and such unusual colors for velvet! This would be an easy way to dress up a pair of jeans and ballet flats for a day of errands.

Editha Sequin Mini Dress, $59.60: This would be a great little dress to keep in your closet for those occasions and days when you just need a sequined dress to cheer you up or to be fun and festive. And the price really cannot be beat!

Buzo Makeup Pouch, $31.60: Tie-dyed leather? So chic and unusual. This would be a great little gift to buy for a friend's birthday or for yourself.

Lucinda Wrap Cardigan, $51.60: So cozy!! I'm a fan of lightweight layers because I always get too hot too quickly, so this would be perfect year-round.

Santina Fringe Mini, $59.60: So impractical, but so fun! I would wear this with black suede heels, a black silk tank, and a denim jacket for a fun night out.

There's so much more good stuff in the sale too, y'all! But shop quick--the sale ends soon!

What Kate Likes: Stripes

It's not a secret that I love stripes. I have a sick amount of striped clothing...dresses, shirts, shoes. I'm not much of a print fan, but put stripes on something and it's pretty much a must-buy for me. I'm to the point where I have to actively avoid striped clothing.

However, that doesn't stop me from loving them, so here are some stripes I'm coveting...

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1. Colorblocking + stripes? I'm so in. J. Crew always does the best stripes, in my opinion.

2. This Jack Spade phone case is the perfect mix of nautical/tomboy chic.

3. How cute is this Lilly Pulitzer dress for summer? You could wear it to the pool, to a party, to a barbecue...pretty much essential.

4. Sequins, stripes, tassels...adorable!

5. I love pink and red together--so happy!

***Edited: Since tomorrow is the Golden Globes, check back tomorrow night/Monday morning to see what my friend Bridget and I thought about all of the gowns! We'll try to live-blog but that may not work out...

What's Up?

 so ready for summerrrr

Sorry for being kind of quiet lately...I've been totally sucked into January gloom and feeling completely uninspired.

Since I have a small, decent core group of readers now, I want to know what you want from me as far as content goes. What do you want to read on What Kate Likes in 2013? What do you not want to read? What do you want more of? Less of? Send me any suggestions you possibly have, no matter how off-the-wall they may seem. I want to stay true to myself, but I also want to write about things that interest y'all as well.

You can comment with any suggestions, ideas, feedback, whatever or you can send me an email if you're more into flying under the radar.

I look forward to reading your suggestions!!

xx

Happy Monday!!

 How delicious does this blackberry jam cake look? yum.

Hey friends! I hope you all had a nice relaxing weekend. I spent all of Saturday with an off-and-on migraine, which was so bad at one point that I nearly passed out while getting my nails done. So my weekend was pretty low-key since I didn't feel like doing much either day.

However, I'm feeling great today and ready to take on the week!

A happy little surprise waiting for me this morning was that sweet Amanda at Happy Asia Girl nominated me for a blog award! Isn't that just the sweetest thing?? I'm not quite sure how these work, so I think I just have to answer her questions, give you five facts about myself, and then nominate some other people. Well, I'm not going to nominate anyone, because I think everyone's already been nominated or doesn't have a blog (and because I can't pick favorites ever haha), but here's my 5 facts and responses!

5 facts about me:
1. I can bend my thumbs backwards.
2. I'm a middle child.
3. I read really fast.
4. I'm a total computer geek.
5. I've broken my nose twice.

Amanda's Questions:
1.) If you were a food what food would you be? 
 Something full of sugar and chocolate since those are essentially my two major food groups.  
2.) What is a secret goal that you have?
Hmm...I don't really think this is "secret", but I don't think a lot of people know that I want to eventually open my own boutique!  
3.) Tell us about your car (or public transit of choice)
I drive a green Saturn SUV and I love it. I love it even more now that it has two shiny new Auburn stickers on it. 
4.) All time favorite vacation?
My family took a cruise to the Caribbean and Mexico for Christmas one year...it was amazing.  
5.) Describe your perfect Saturday
Super lazy morning spent all snuggled up in bed and probably watching Food Network, followed by lunch and a day at the spa.
6.) 3 words to sum you up
food, silence, sleep.
 7.) Favorite member of your family (answer at your own risk)
Dad. I am a total, unashamed Daddy's girl.
8.) Favorite quote?
"The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."-Carrie Bradshaw
9.) what would your friends say your catch phrase is?
Hmm...probably 'bless' or something equally weird.
10.) speaking of catch phrase, which category do you rock at?
All of them. I am an intense Catch Phrase player. If you're friends with me, it's probably because we haven't ever played Catch Phrase together.
11.) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Welllll....hopefully married, or at least dating some cute guy, with a job that I love and I'm successful with and I'm happy!

Thankfulness and Inspiration

If you took the time out of your day to read my unedited, heart-to head-to hands post yesterday and aren't ready to quit reading this little bloggie of mine due to my general lack of knowing what the heck I'm doing, or if you thought 'man that girl needs a) some advice, b) a hug, c) spiritual guidance, d) all of the above' and gave me any of that, just know that I am infinitely appreciative and blessed by all of it and y'all and that I'm giving you all hugs through my screen.

Anyway. I'm obviously still mulling things over and thinking things through and talking them out and trying to figure out what to do, so here are a few little quotes that are on my mind.

xx

 

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Rocks & Hard Places

 loving this verse and the post it accompanies right now...

 So.

I have a really tough decision to make: take an unpaid internship w/ a company I'm excited about and that would give me TONS and TONS of experience and that would probably let me start ASAP and I would be supporting myself completely with less than $5000 to my name right now...OR...do I keep on searching for a paid, full-time, stable job at a company I'm less excited about and would get work experience in one area, as compared to 5+?

I know the stable, no-risk option is to keep on looking...but a little voice inside me is telling me to take the risk, make the jump and just go. for. it. and the rewards will be infinitely bigger than the risk and everything will be taken care of.

Then on the other hand, another voice is telling me that as great as experience is, it doesn't pay bills and homegirl has to eat...and while everything will work out fine, there is a very real possibility that I'd be sleeping in a box on the side of the road before things work themselves out and I'd reach the level where things would be okay. And that is really really scary.

The verse pictured is what I am clinging to right now...the Lord has something planned for me and it's better than anything I could ever dream. Where does He want me? What does He want me to do? I know He'll provide for me and won't ever desert me, but that involves two things I am not good at: a) giving up control and b) trusting in Him completely.

Since I need a plan to survive (slight exaggeration), here's my plan: spend lots of time in prayer. I don't have the rest of it figured out, but I know prayer is the best place to start.

Ahhhhh....

I'm living the very definition of that old saying 'between a rock and a hard place'. What would you do? Have any tips/advice? Anything?

Style Resolutions

So I've already covered my resolutions for life in general, but I have a few goals for my style this year as well. These are by no means desperately important, but rather things that I want to incorporate into my wardrobe or shopping habits this year and in future years.

1. Be more conscious of quality and fit when buying pieces.

2. Invest in high quality basic pieces (example: knit tops) in colors that I love, are versatile, and fit well.

3. Buy only what I love.

4. Get things altered in a more timely manner so they're always readily available.

5. Break out of my comfort zone as far as colors, patterns, and styles go.

6. Have more fun with fashion!

7. Upgrade my lingerie wardrobe and get rid of anything ratty. (that's maybe overly personal, but whatever)

8. Finally upgrade to a really nice pair of sunglasses instead of relying on Target cheapies. Also: buy sunglasses since I currently don't own any...

9. Become more of a jewelry person and add to my tiny collection. 

Am I the only person who comes up with goals for every area of life? I hope not...

What are your style goals for 2013? I'd love to hear!

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2013!

Y'all. How weird does 2013 sound?! I keep thinking about what people from the 1900s imagined when they thought about the year 2000, and now we're 13 years beyond that...and still no Jetsons-style flying cars. Maybe 2013 will be that year...

Anyway. How were your NYE celebrations? Mine was suuuuper fun! I went up to San Antonio and hung out with some lovely college friends and had an absolute blast and then spent all of yesterday hungover resting from the festivities and driving home.

ignore our demon eyes...

again, ignore demon eyes...

I am so excited for this coming year. I have a feeling that big (HUGE) things are on the very near horizon, both personally and professionally, and I am ready for whatever challenges or successes that are in store for me. I'm hoping to grow a lot and change and I'm very, very excited for it all. A bit nervous of course, since I am not change's biggest fan, but excitement outweighs nervousness.

I have plans for this little bloggie, but I'm also hoping that great unplanned things will happen with it as well. Yay 2013!!