This, That, or This Other? Part 2

Remember when I wrote this post and couldn't decide on a dress for an upcoming wedding? Well, I finally decided on one. As much as I (and y'all too) love the minty/gold DVF dress, it was just more than I wanted to spend, so I ended up going with the purple lace Shoshanna! Totally out of my comfort zone...so I have a backup dress in my closet just in case :)

Yay, pretty dress!

I freely admit that I'm terrible at accessorizing. I nearly always have a hair tie on my wrist as a "bracelet", chunky jewelry makes me cringe, and lots and lots of sparkle isn't really my thing. Normally, I'd throw a simple gold necklace on with the dress and call it a day, but the delicate lace edging of the neckline is something I want to show off and a necklace, no matter how delicate, would just compete.

So...I'm going to go with "statement" earrings and/or a bracelet. I just can't choose which earrings or which bracelet. 

This Marc Jacobs bracelet is simple, not overly chunky, and the texture keeps it from being boring. It's also priced right :) I'm just not sure...I already have a few delicate gold bracelets that I could wear instead.

 As far as earrings go, I love the idea of a bright, fun color pop. I love the Gorjana ones above, but I'm torn between the pink and the turquoise! I also have my eye on these Kendra Scott pretties after seeing them on a friend at a 4th of July party...so many color options!

Or should I play it super safe and go with gold earrings? Help me accessorize!!!

Lately...

 how cute is this little French illustration showing you how to draw a lobster?

j'adore

Hiiiii! So July has seriously been a busy month already! I've been working a ton, and a lot of interesting things have opened up on the job front (fingers majorly crossed!) and I've just neglected this little bloggie and all of YOU.

How were your 4ths? Lots of festive colors, foods, sparklers/fireworks and fun? I hope so!

I'm definitely going to make blogging more of a priority for myself, mostly because I love having a little outlet to share all my thoughts, wants, wishlists, etc. It's very cathartic for me to write everything out and get it out of my head, even if I never end up posting what I wrote. This means I need to be more intentional in using my editorial calendar...which I'm trying to do!

Anyway, I still have lots of ideas and plans for What Kate Likes, including a knockoff of Mackenzie's 101 in 1001 list, so keep checking in! And you can always send me an email if you're wondering where I am, what I've been up to, or what's going on!

July 1

Can you believe it's already July?!? 2013 is speeding by. It's both terrifying and a good thing. I keep feeling like everything has been sneaking up on me this year (like 4th of July...) and I'm really just ready to end the year already.

In other news, it's been scorchingly hot here and all I want to do for the Fourth is lay on a beach somewhere that's not 100+ degrees. I know I was complaining about being cold back in the winter, but I'd definitely take some of that weather right now!

ALSO, if you weren't aware, Google Reader is now gone, so be sure to follow my blog on Bloglovin or any other reader site you prefer! The Bloglovin link is to the right :)

Stay cool, y'all!

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What Kate Likes: Gorjana

I'm definitely not much of a jewelry person. I love jewelry that's delicate, understated and classic but it's really hard to find high-quality pieces that meet my aesthetic requirements.

All of these reasons are why I'm a huge Gorjana fan. Gorjana pieces are delicate, feminine, have a hint of edge and are easily mixed with other, larger pieces if that's your style or mixed with other Gorjana pieces. I love the tones of the gold as well--not too brassy, not too yellow, not overly shiny and fake looking. I have two tiny necklaces and they're truly my daily jewelry. I almost always have at least one on and it's just the right amount of shiny for me.

I was looking through the new arrivals the other day and there were so many beautiful pieces, I just had to share some of them with y'all.

Electric Disc Drop Earrings

Honeycomb Necklace

Callie Bracelet (dying over this one...hint hint)

Morgan Mini Neon Triple Wrap (a perfect hint of neon without being obnoxious)

Sea Stripe Bangle (stripes on a bangle? I'm sold.)

Obviously I'm on a teensy bit of a bracelet kick...my wrists have been feeling naked recently and need a bit of shiny :) Gorjana also makes to-die-for handbags. I'm currently loving this tote, this crossbody, and this clutch! Such springy colors! The brand is also on Joss & Main right now, if you want to scoop up a deal!!

Friday's Fancies: Beach Trip!

Let's pretend we're taking a trip to the beach for a few days...here's a sampling of what I'd take!

 coverup//bag//sandal//swimsuit

For the beach: an easy cover up, a basic leather flipflop, a chic (and inexpensive!) swimsuit, and a bag that can get sandy. And while I didn't add it to my collage, this is my favorite sunscreen and a total beach essential!

I'd also pack this maxi, these shorts, this top, these sandals, and this leather tote! What would you bring?

Catching Up

So you've probably been wondering where I've been for the past few days. Honestly, I just wasn't feeling like blogging. I had other things going on and little blog posts just fell by the wayside. (Obviously my new editorial calendar is working out so well...)

Anyway. There's lots and lots and lotssss of sales going on right now and lots of good stuff! Here's a few things I'm loving/wanting/already have ordered...

 

 loafers//moccasins//studded heels//jeans//

neon sneakers//bucket bag//linen coat//studded sandals//striped top

The mocs and sneakers are on their way to me, and I seriously contemplate the bucket bag, loafers, jeans (a great basic pair for a steal!) and the striped top (of course)! And how very Kate Middleton is that coat? I have no idea when or how I'd wear it, but I love it.

1//2//3//4//5

6//7//8//9//10

I scooped up the polka dotted lingerie set after work the other day because I've been wanting it since it first came out...and since I found my size on sale, it was shopping fate! I debated over the little pup mug for pens for my desk, and I think I might have to pop in and grab it because of the cuteness factor. I might have to get another set of my beloved Latte bowls to replace a few that are looking a bit sad...hmm.

I haven't even looked at J. Crew yet...eek! So many good deals out there!!! What do you have your eye on? Any great sales I need to check out?

Friday's Fancies: Summer Wishlist!

Woohoo! Today is officially the first day of summer!!!! I love summer. Everyone gets more relaxed and happier in the summertime. Plus summer has all of my favorite things: lots of navy and white, strawberries, ice cream, sunshine, beach trips, suntans, freckles, the days stay lighter longer, seersucker...basically there's a lot I love about summer.

The theme for this week's Friday's Fancies is "Summer Wishlist" and I just have to tell y'all, I struggled with the theme. I'd like to say it's because I don't have any wants, but in all honesty, this blog kind of serves as my continual wishlist, so it's hard to narrow down all my wants to a short and sweet compilation of The Best without reposting items and being repetitive. That seems horribly materialistic...yikes. #champagneproblems, right?

Anyway, I decided to focus more on items that I've been looking for for ages and have finally found the perfect iteration that needs to be added to my closet ASAP.

1//2//3//4

5//6//7

1: sweetly sexy lingerie in the prettiest coral color

2: the perfect silk shirt

3: linen shorts that are both comfy and cute

4: a delicate sparkly bracelet that's neither too much nor too little

5: a summery floral dress that's easily dressed up or down

6: my ideal tan leather wedge from my favorite espadrille company

7: an almond toe, neutral version of my favorite espadrilles

Happy Summer!!