Spirit Hoods

Maybe you've been out and about and seen people wearing giant animal hoods on their heads. Or perhaps you've just been scouring the latest issue of Us Weekly and noticed a celeb rocking the same thing. Confused? Worry not, because I'm here for you. They're called SpiritHoods and can be purchased for around $130 at the SpiritHoods website. Demi Lovato and Ellie Goulding were spotted wearing them too.

For those of you a little less willing to drop your paycheck on these beauties, I've discovered (and purchased!) something very similar from Target for only $25.99. I kid you not.

The leopard one is all I've seen at Target, but no matter; leopard is the hottest print of the season. Get 'em while they're still hot!

xo Andie

Shark Week: LBD Look #3

The dark red blazer gives this simple dress and mysterious and sophisticated air, perfect for late fall.  Accessorizing on a theme can pull and entire outfit together, and strappy black heels add just the right amount of drama to the look.

Jungle Fever: LBD Look #2

Especially suited for outdoor events, these tribal prints and cozy fur vest give the feel of luxury and a sense of wanderlust. Black booties update the look, and simple stud earrings don't distract from the drama of the fur vest.

Pretty in Pink: LBD look #1

Girly accessories and a shocking pink color update this basic-black-pumps and LBD duo. This look is all about attention-getting pieces to brighten up a flattering dress.

Big Night Out

This weekend marks an event I've been looking forward to for a while, almost exclusively because of the outfit I have planned out.. When it comes to a special occasion, I'm a firm believer that nothing is effective as the classic LBD and knock-out accessories. So here we have the same dress, styled for three different girls.
(made with Polyvore)

Another apology

It's been a while since anything new appeared here. College is no joke, you think you'll totally have time for everything but there just AREN'T ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY! I promise to get something new up in the next few hours, though. Swear.
xox Kat

What I wore today - the Rainy Weather edition.

As most of you know, Katelyn and I live in Florida. We may be in different cities now, but one thing is still clear: the weather sucks. Here in the panhandle, it rains when you don't need it to, and it's sunny when you need clouds. It's funny to think about, but I took rainy weather for granted in high school. My school provided a long awning throughout campus that allowed you to stay (somewhat) dry as you and your classmates shuffled from one class to the next. Now that I am in college (and on a nature reserve campus, nonetheless), there is no long awning to hide under, and I am reduced to trudging through the rain under my little red umbrella.

Another challenge that rainy weather presents is getting dressed. In high school, I'd be fine to schlep around in a flannel shirt, skinnies, and boots. That is not the case in college, as a) I have looked put-together since the first day and b) pants are not an option anymore. When I need to cover my legs, I turn to the power of tights.

I did my makeup the same as I always do - foundation, eyeliner, mascara, eyebrow pencil, blush, lipstick. I love bright red lipstick on a rainy day, especially ones with bluish tones. It brightens up my whole face and adds some color to this dull and dreary day.

I never do much to my hair - srunched it dry, twisted into a ballerina bun, hairspray, style my bangs, done - but today was the one exception. I added some humidity and heat control spray from Aveda ("Brilliant" damage control, $16) after the bun was released to keep it in tact. However, the spray was no match for the Florida weather: my hair had frizzed by 11:00. Luckily I had a travel-size bottle of lotion tucked in my purse that tamed my unruly locks ASAP.

Cardigan - from my mom's closet.
Belt - from my mom's closet.
Dress - Target
Ring - Charlotte Russe
Tights (not pictured) - Target
Ankle boots (not pictured) - gift from my grandma.

I love the red belt because it goes with the dress and my lipstick, not to mention I had a red umbrella. There is also the smallest whisper of red dye left in my hair. Do you sense a theme going on here? I love red, especially on rainy days. Plus my boots are the most lovely shade of brown (think melted chocolate), so everything about my outfit screamed "I'm ready for fall!" The plus side? I managed to stay cute and dry.

Enjoy your weather, wherever you are!

Andie

The greatest thing you will ever learn...

is that MAKEUP FOREVER on Sephora now carries Moulin Rouge-themed makeup.

I was browsing the internet, as per usual, when I got a text from my mom: "How about Moulin Rouge lipstick? Sephora." Swear to God, it was like my heart stopped beating, my lungs stopped working, and time stopped all in one. Anyone who knows the slightest bit of information about me will tell you that Moulin Rouge is my favorite movie of all time, and this goes for Katelyn as well. We can quote this movie. We sing to this movie. One time we went to Tampa for a theatre conference and watched this movie in our van, and annoyed the daylights out of our van-mates. That was irrelevant but you get the picture.

Image courtesy of Sephora

For a short but sweet period of time, your lips could be the most luscious color of red known to man kind (in a lipstick AND a gloss!), your eyelashes could be as long as Satine's, and you could have pretty little jewels brightening up the corner of your eyes. Fancy schmancy, am I right?

The lipstick is my favorite - the Moulin Rouge color is literally called "Moulin Rouge" and runs at $19. Kinda pricey for lipstick, but I recently paid $15.03 or something for dark purple lipstick from MAC so I'm okay with that. I drool like a newborn baby over red lipstick, so you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be getting my hands on this.

The gloss is "gel-textured" and for you MR fans, it's in shade 43. It also runs at $19.

The false lashes and gems run at $15 and $20, respectively. The false lashes are cool because they are "extreme criss-cross flairs with red glitter strip." I get paid tomorrow and I am about to spend my paycheck on these gems.

Funny side story - I posted the link on Katelyn's Facebook wall just for funsies and got this reaction: "HOLY GOD." She then proceeded to pressure me into blogging about it. This is why our friendship works.

Clicky-wicky and let's get all dolled up.

- Andie

Fashion Week Blues

I've spent the last few days quarantined to my dorm room, browsing through pictures and articles and videos from fashion week, and crying from jealousy. Okay, there were never any real tears. But I did curse all the lucky girls running around in their pretty little shoes and gorgeous coats, because I've been wearing a sweatshirt for the past 48 hours. It. Is. Not. Cute.
I'm dragging myself out of my sad little rut to discuss with you the fact that I need a pair of rain-boots. It is pouring in Tally today, I had a math class, a broken umbrella, and sad, inadequate shoes. I'm just going to get sicker if this isn't fixed soon.
I saw a girl leaving my dorm in a lovely plum pair of Hunter boots.
I like them in teal.

Okay nevermind, they cost $125.00
Although these are what I would call an investment piece, I simply don't have that much to invest.
Plan B: Target.

 

 

Holy karma, I love Target. All of these LOVELY selections are $32.99. Which isn't exactly a mega-jackpot-sale, but considering how often it rains in the Sunshine State, they're worth every penny.

Clean sweep

Hello from Tallahassee. I'm finally moved in, settled in, know my schedule, and know my roommates schedules so that I can plan accordingly. Sorry for the long hiatus, things got rocky and then I left Pensacola, so I've been in the midst of a flurry of changes, cardboard boxes, and waiting in line for textbooks.

Back to what you want to hear about: clothes. Packing for college came with an additional challenge when my sister announced that she wanted to move into my bedroom. Fine by me, I have no plans to move home in the foreseeable future, but this did present a problem: my entire room needed to be packed up and moved out of her way.  Thankfully my sister, who values literature far less than I, agreed that my bookshelves could remain the way they are. However, i was to surrender all my dresser space (I have two dressers, about 11 drawers) and half the closet. No problem, you say?
Wrong.
I own a lot of clothes, alright?
I am also attached to my clothes for stupid reasons. For example:
"But I wore this skirt when we went to the mountains, remember? I had a blue slushie and it was delicious!"
or
"No, I haven't worn that tank top since I was 12. But it matches my purple heels perfectly. I might need it one day!"
etc. etc. etc.
So I immediately decided I would have to approach this with as little emotion as possible. I waited until about one in the morning. I am easily distracted by my family's daily activities, whatever is on Animal Planet, and who is winning in my brother's Words With Friends tournament, so I do my best cleaning in the dead of night, like a vampire. This practice involves obscene amounts of coffee consumption starting at about 6pm, full seasons of How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory [I used to watch Sex and The City when I cleaned but it made it even more difficult to throw out any clothes due to my constant philosophy of "What Would Carrie Do"], and a locked door. I then turned to my drawers with as little emotion as possible. I pretended I was a robot. "Clothes?" I scoffed. "Who needs 'em?"
And with that I began to sort through the piles of old denim, Girl Scout T-Shirts, and various accessories from the early 21st century that I had clung to for dear life. It was was surprising ease that I relinquished my ties to ponchos and gaucho pants. I laughed at the sequin purse as I tossed it into the black trash bag of "things for charity." (I would never throw away clothes unless they are stained or ripped. Just because I don't wear them doesn't mean that plenty of other people won't be grateful to get them. I'm a huge fan of Goodwill and Waterfront Rescue Mission.) Eventually my drawers were all empty. I had one small box of things I was keeping...and 8 economy size garbage bags of things I was giving away! How did I ever acquire so much stuff?
Now my closet at college is better than ever. I have room for the things I love, and room to add more stuff as I get settled in.
I highly recommend a sweep of your closet, even if you're not just starting a new chapter in your life. It's like therapy: you get rid of all the emotional baggage you've been stuffing away for years, and then you have room for new experiences, or, in the case of my closet, new black boots and denim vests!
xoxo Kat

Red pumps, ooh la la!

 

Shoes - 17.49 at Belk!

I had a lovely lovely post about red shoes written out for you guys, and then Firefox froze so I had to restart it. !@#$%^&*()!!!!!!!!!!

Mostly I want to encourage everyone to get out there and buy themselves a pair of red shoes. I have never ever found a pair of shoes that I love so much. For those of you who know me personally, you understand how challenging it is for me to walk in heels. For those of you who don't know me any farther than the pages of this blog, I'll tell you - I'm 5'7 and unless I'm driving or strapped into some sort of harness, hate being high off the ground. Whenever I slip into a pair of heels, my knees get shaky and my legs snap back. Shoes with a heel that towers any more than four inches off the ground are most certainly not my cup of tea. Katelyn, on the other hand, is petite and walks in heels better than anyone I know. Give me a good ol' pair of ballet flats any day and I'll be happy as a clam. However, these hug my feet and the platform makes it super easy to walk.

Every girl should own a pair of red shoes. Say what you will about them, but the perfect pair will NOT make you look like a prostitute. They will make your skin go from "Casper the Friendly Ghost" pale to "Gee there may actually be some color there." They also make otherwise shapeless legs look toned, and the best part? They go with anything.

What is your favorite pair of shoes? Do you own red shoes, and do you love them? Leave your comments here!

Happy hunting!

xo, Andie

Sorry for the lull

Been having quite a lot of family trouble the last week or so. However, I think putting some more effort into this blog might be just the distraction I need.
So, without further ado, I have a few things I'd like to share. Stay vigilant.
XO, Katelyn

What I Wore Today

I don't usually do posts like this, but I was feeling adventurous and thought to myself, "Why not?"

 TOP - Cotton On (originally $14.95, but I got it on sale for $5!)
SHORTS - Charlotte Russe
TIGHTS - Target
SHOES (not pictured) - Charlotte Russe
RING - Charlotte Russe
LIPSTICK - Big Apple Red by Maybelline
MASCARA - A sample of something by Clarins.

I just got a fancy schmancy new laptop WITH A WEBCAM so expect lots of junk like this, but as per the whole theme of this blog, I'll try to stick to beauty. Who knows, maybe I'll even do a makeup tutorial! Wouldn't that just be the bomb? Anyway, back to my original intent:

Today I had to run to the mall (aka, buy my sister a backpack) and it was raining. I work at the mall so I'm at the point where I don't want to spend lots of time doing my hair and makeup and put all my effort into an outfit, so I tried to keep it as effortless as possible. When getting dressed, I always consider the weather. Who doesn't? It was raining pretty flippin' hard, so I opted for shorts and tights. I don't care what anyone says, there is nothing worse than wet skin. Laugh all you want at that. I was going to wear a heavy sweater I just purchased from Express, but that felt wrong because the heat index was 103 F, despite the torrential downpour. This is one of my favorite tops ever and even though it shrunk a little in the wash (and I immediately broke out in hives at the thought of not being able to tuck my shirt in), I still love it. I kept accessories very simple, with a cute owl ring I got at Charlotte Russe. You can't see them in the pictures, but I'm wearing a pair of red flats from Charlotte Russe.

When it came to hair and makeup, I kept it super-duper simple. I didn't put any product in my hair; instead I just tousled it with my hand while I dried it. I blow dry my bangs with a barrel brush, so I twisted my hair back in a bun and left it there for about twenty minutes. Even though it was raining, I applied a tinted moisturizer (Clinique has a really good one) with SPF 25 and just lightly penciled my eyebrows over with a dark brown eyeliner. A couple swipes per eye with Clarins mascara (I'm between mascaras right now) on the top and bottom lash, applied some Burts Bees before my lipstick, and voila! I'm ready for the day.

In the meantime, if you read this blog, what would you like to see more of? I'd like to do some DIY beauty things, tutorial videos, etc, but I need suggestions! Leave your ideas in the comments.

xo Andie

Senior in the City

A lovely friend of mine, actually my youth minister's wife, offered to take my Senior pictures for me. I chose to take them in Seville Quarter and Seville park, in downtown historic Pensacola, because i wanted to have some photos in the places from my childhood. I think they turned out really well. I'm especially proud of the outfit. Especially since my earrings ended up matching pretty much everything.
Dress; Converse for Target, $20.00
Shoes: thrifted
Earring: Borrowed from AVM.
My makeup was done by the lovely and always stylish Ms. Ashley VM (AVM), who also dyed/cut/styled my hair for the event. Keep an eye out for more on AVM in the future, as she is one of my go-to's for style tips and is always about 3 months ahead on the trends.
LindyLou Photography

 

 Even though it started to pour a millisecond after we ran to the car, it was a great session.

I love the concept of pairing nude shoes with a white dress. It keeps the effect light and summery, as opposed to black shoes, which could've weighed it down. The teal earrings add just enough color to make the white less monochromatic.

In other news, I love this dress on AVM. Must investigate as to where she got it.

XO, Kat

Sephora Safari

Someone should deck me in the face for my lack of activity on here. I would like to tell you all that I traveled to Africa and saved a bunch of children from starvation, won the Nobel Peace Prize AND the Pulitzer Prize all in one weekend, but sadly, all I did was work, eat cookies, and watch Doctor Who. HOWEVER, I did manage to come up with a few snazzy posts (because my mind is that awesome) for you guys, and this is the first.

I love Sephora. We don't have one here, but whenever I travel I make sure the city I'm going to has one and that I have enough money to blow on products I most definitely can't live without don't need. So here, dear readers (all two of you who subscribed), are some of the things on Sephora that are worth blowing your paycheck on and won't make you feel guilty.

I know that I have blogged about this previously, but I just love it to pieces (funny story - the tube is made  glass, and I once dropped it on our tile floor trying to get it out of my purse. The lid chipped and broke in two pieces). Stella by Stella McCartney Roll-On Eau de Parfum at $20 a tube. And here's the super-awesome part: there is a limited edition set where you can buy four roll-on tubes for $42!!!! THAT'S AN $80 VALUE FOR ONLY $42!!! Imagine I said that like Billy Mays. Excuse the exclamation points and bolding, I am really tired.

I don't understand why they (they = scientific community) have not yet invented something that allows us ladies to mold our eyebrows into the shape/color/thickness we want them to be and then halt the hair-growth so they just stay that way forever. Who likes plucking their eyebrows? Waxing is my preferred method, but I only get my brows waxed when I go in for a hair cut, which we all know only happens about once a year (I know, shame on me). However, there is a solution: brow (I typed bro) goddess Anastasia has put together a kit of all her best brow-goodies which include things such as cooling eye brightener, lash lifting mascara, stencils, precision tweezers for runway perfect brows, and a nifty little DVD/instruction guide so you'll have flawless brows. It's a little pricey, at $75, but that's way better than $171 value.

I was trying really hard to keep this under $50, I swear. But this is INCREDIBLY worth it. I bought (well actually, Mom bought) me this little gem in July right before my junior year of high school, and it seriously lasted me all the way up through December. No joke. Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit. $65 for a $159 value? YES! It contains a primer, foundation, concealer and brightener, two brushes, a sponge, a puff, and powder to seal off your flawless face. It even has a lovely little bag to store your goodies in! It comes in "Nude" (for fair to light complexions, aka me) and "Sand" (for light to medium, aka Katelyn in the wintertime). 

I just had an anneurism when I checked Sephora for their Kiehls page and saw they don't carry the brand anymore. SINCE WHEN, SEPHORA? If someone could be so kind as to let me know, it would be much appreciated. Muchas gracias. ANYWAY, if I can't have Kiehls, I go to L'Occitane. It's just as good, don't get me wrong, but I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuv me some Kiehls. L'Occitane does make a pretty rad lotion though. It's Shea Butter Hand Cream and will make your hands feel like they're flying with an angel while eating red velvet cupcakes and stroking the fur of a kitten. You can buy 1oz for $10 or 5.2oz for $26. Personally I'd splurge and go for the 5.2oz because that way you have more to enjoy!

I swear by this; I really truly do. My skin gets somewhat oily, but I definitely have to wash it twice a day if I want to avoid looking like I've been "glistening" all day long. I've tried many skincare regimes (except Proactive - my skin isn't THAT bad) but this is the only one that doesn't dry up my skin and leaves it looking healthy right after I wash it. Clinique's Acne Solutions kit comes with a cleansing face wash with salicilic acid, (buy the foam, not the bar), clarifying toner with salicilic acid (it's really gross/fascinating to look at the cotton ball after you've wiped off your face and go "ewww, THAT'S how much dirt is on my face?!?!?!"), and then a benzoyl peroxide moisturizer that zaps problem zits practically overnight. Just use twice a day after taking off your makeup and voila! It doesn't take a lot of product to clear your skin up, so $32.50 goes a long way.

What are some good things you've found on Sephora? We'd love to know!

xo

Andie

Evolution pt. 2

Climb into my metaphorical time machine, it's quite the journey back through high school.
I present to you (drumrollllllll) the Evolution of Katelyn (or "Lessons I learned along the way.")

Here's a gem. 8th grade.

Lesson: Don't be afraid of color

This one is particularly shudder inducing. 9th grade. I remember thinking my white zip up hoodie was IT! And a black bubble mini? Tres chic!

Lesson: All trends don't work for all people. Know your body type, personal style, color pallate, etc.

Homecoming, 11th grade. I was mostly excited because I lost some weight (thanks, mono!) and was able to fit into a dress from 8th grade. And it was one of my better homecoming choices, to be honest. Classy black and red, flattering cut. That's my natural hair on a good day.

Lesson: Sometimes, less is more.

The magic of trasformation. On the left, 12th grade, long hair. On the right, 12th grade, short hair.

Lesson: A simple change can make a world of difference. Sometimes, the risk is soooo worth the reward.

12th grade, Homecoming.  This dress cost me $35.00 and made me feel like Katy Perry. I died my hair black that morning, and between the color and the sequins, achieved ultimate shock factor. It was brilliant.

Lesson: Sometimes, more is more. Especially when it involves glitterrrr.*
                     *use with caution to avoid prostitute references.

 12th grade, ITC in Tampa. Finally comfortable with my appearance. Pretty much how I look now, only with red hair (Sorry, no good pictures were available at press time.)

Lesson: When you're comfortable in what you're wearing, it'll show.











Well, that was painful. How about you guys? Any major makeovers? Drastic changes? Embarrassing photos from your teen years? Feel free to share, I love to hear from you.

XO, Kat

Sheer Audacity

Bought this top yesterday, a la Charlotte Russe, $19.99

I bought it with my eighteenth birthday in mind (that's four weeks from yesterday, so start shopping, people.) But today, when my brother offered to take me to dinner, I wanted to test-drive it, so to speak.

So I emerge from my bedroom like this:

 

Reaction: "You are not leaving the house like that."

From my own  brother, nonetheless.

I call Shenanigans on this. Carrie Bradshaw rocked the sheer top/black bra combo all over Manhattan

Man Repeller (aka Fashion Blogger BIBLE) does it.

 

Even Transformers star and Megan Fox replacement Rosie Huntington-Whitely embraces the sheer trend.

I was bullied into changing into "something decent." So for now, I suppose I'll just have to keep rocking this look around my room and listening to the Killers station on Pandora. At least, until i can find a suitable length bandeau top.

Until next time, 

XO, K

Betsy on a Budget

You will quickly learn, dear readers, of my obsession with all things Betsy Johnson. No one does it quite like her. I love the colors and the prints and the random bits of fun she throws into her work. It's by far my favorite, and I spend ridiculous amounts of time lusting after things that pass across my computer screen via this lovely site. I mean really, look at some of this stuff.

 

Be still my heart. Where was this black feather-y masterpiece when i was searching high and low for a prom dress a few months ago? And really, my life will not be complete without this mermaid necklace. 

Betsy jewelry, luckily, is often easy to come by.  Check the jewelry counters at your local department stores (JC Penny, Dillards, Belk), or, on occasion, you can score some simpler pieces for ridiculous prices at T.J.Maxx.  

For everything else, however, I am simply out of luck. I find Betsy shoes often, but the reality of the situation is that I drive a pickup truck that gets approximately 8mpg's, and simply can not justify spending that much on shoes. As much as it pains me. Therefore, to satisfy my cravings for excessive uses of glitter, patterns, and tulle, I've learned a few tricks of the trade. Observe.

Denim romper: $278.00 by Betsy

or

Chambray Romper: $22.80 @ F21

Denim Romper: $17.99 @ Macy's

Lizzie Combat Boot w/Heel: $149.95 @ Betsy

Tinaaa Suede Bootie $119.95 @ Betsy

or

Lace-up Buckle Wedge Bootie: $45.50 @ Charlotte Russe

Faux Suede Cage Heel: $25.00 @ Charlotte Russe

Thorn Sleeveless Dress: $418.00 @ Betsy

or

Tuxedo Corset Top: $19.99 @ Charlotte Russe 

Tulle Mini (available in black): thrifted

Some things just can't be duplicated, but when it comes to interpreting Betsy style into your everyday wardrobe, all it takes is a taste for adventure. And maybe a bedazzler and some hot glue would be helpful as well.

XO, K