Trench Coat (noun): a loose, belted, double-breasted coat essential for spring

When it comes to essentials I am extremely picky.  In addition to the perfect bucket bag, I have been looking for the perfect trench coat since the snow started to melt.  I am trying to build my wardrobe around essential pieces and a trench coat is something I am missing.  Meanwhile the bargain hunter in me found this one for 30-something dollars and could not pass it up.  Until I find one that fits like a glove this will do! It's amazing how a trench coat makes an outfit.  This day the trench coat was my outfit, underneath I was wearing my boyfriends paint covered thermal (in my defense it was colder than these photos look)! 

Ohh, and these sunglasses, less than 6 dollars... 

now, off to find the perfect one!

-Kay

Quick and Easy: Dry Shampoo (dark hair approved)

Dry shampoo is a girls best friend.  I probably use it more than I should, but I like to get as much sleep as possible and some mornings washing and blowdrying my hair is not in the schedule.  My favorite dry shampoo has to be the batiste hint of color, since my hair is dark other dry shampoos can leave a white cast or a powdery looking finish.  Some dry shampoos I like include Dove "Fresh+Care" and Paul Mitchell "Dry Wash Express".  

I usually start by spraying my hair in two inch sections.  I then let it down and brush it out just to make sure the dry shampoo dose not all settle in one place.  To add volume I curl the top layer of hair  and then finger comb the curls out.  

Watch the video below for a quick and easy tutorial! 

Transitional Vibes

Spring has not arrived quite yet in the northeast.  Until the sun appears for good and temperatures stay above 45 I have been channeling these transitional looks. 

Essentials: a trench coat, ripped denim, and a white t.  Adding on a scarf when it is a bit cold (or extremely windy) has been my goto.

source: one | two | three | four

Take a Leap of Faith

flats | planner | glasses | coffee mug 

"We have all a better guide in ourselves than any other person can be" 

Throughout life we are always pointed in the direction of people that can help guide us.  It doesn't matter who that person may be, there is nothing they can do that can mold your life. Yes, they can answer questions.  Yes, they can point you in a direction that you may not have found yourself. The one thing they can't do is create the life that suits you, simply because they are not you.  I am a firm believer that no one can make you happier than yourself.  With that said I will respectfully take advice from others while doing what I think is best for me.  

Believing in yourself is sometimes hard, theres always going to be someone who is going to try to knock your dreams or tell you to "be realistic".  Ignore those comments and keep doing what your doing because they don't pay your bills… or live your life.  Yes, it's a good idea to stay realistic with things like time and money but the overall possibilities are endless and fabulous careers are not just handed out like free samples.   

Do what you want, make mistakes, but learn from them.  Be true to yourself, your values, your guidelines.

-Kay

Date Night Chic: Bodycon

My love for transitional pieces is real.  I declared my love for this dress in my last outfit post and heres another example of how this dress (and any other body-con dress) can be so versatile.  As much as I wish I had a jet-setting, vacation taking, exciting life I don't.  Like many 20 year olds my life is filled with work, school work, and a lack of sleep.  On occasion I may have a chance to dress it up a bit and having pieces that are as easily dressed up as they are dressed down makes things easier. 

Dressed up this dress is perfect for date night, dressed down its perfect of running errands, heading to class, or a quick lunch with friends. 

Top the dress with a longline vest, blazer, or coat for a more sophisticated feel. 

 Versatile pieces can make getting dressed less of a headache.  Lets not overlook the marble print of this gorgeous Rebecca Minkoff clutch, I was in love the second I saw it.  (cross body version)

bucket bag (noun) : trending handbag shaped like a bucket

No matter where you look these days, a bucket bag is in sight.  Scroll down a bit and you will see a bucket bag in my last outfit post!  The shape is what's in for spring and I can't get enough, the only problem is what one to pick!  Above are my current favorite bucket bags and most of them come in a variety of colors (as if choosing a shape is not hard enough).  From patterned, classic, edgy, and colorful there is a bucket bag fit for everyone.  

(Left to right)
1) H&M- simple bucket bag with hobo like strap. Inexpensive but trendy.
2) Steve Madden - Fun summer color, longer cross body strap and tassel detail make this one perfect for the season but limited when it comes time for the fall.
3) J.Crew- simple bucket bag in two versatile colors to fit all ages.  Timeless without the designer price tag. 
4) Rebecca Minkoff- gorgeous neutral color with adjustable chain strap and tassel detail (Rebecca can do no wrong) this bag is a mix of with of boho and city chic.
5) Vince Camuto- one word, wow.  Python patterned bag with short hobo style strap with contrasting colors, perfect whenever the print and color locking make this bag wearable no matter what the weather. 
6) Michael Kors- simple and classic with silver hard wear and cross body strap.   Fit for the creative professional with a little more to spend. 
7) Mansuer Gavriel- sleek perfection, lightweight and effortless with endless color selection (not to mention timeless).

Now... what one to choose? 

-Kay 

Downtown Chic: Bodycon

  I have to admit: I once had a body-con addiction.  Lets face it, plenty of people did (and still do).  Rewind about 4 years to my junior year of high school, body-con was everywhere.   Forever 21 was the body-con mother load.  It was not hard to accumulate a collection of brightly colored body-con items that were too tight and too short (yes mom, I am admitting to my mistakes)...  Fast forward to what I would like to barely call adulthood, body-con has been replaced with trend after trend... but I will never fully give it up (still holding on).  Yes, they can ride up without notice. Yes, you can see every roll that may or may not exist on your body.  But, they will always be so easy to dress (and it will most likely always fit) ... 

Take this outfit for example: start with a body-con dress, add a leather jacket, sneakers, and a scarf (or substitute for a necklace) and ta-DA, outfit complete!  Dress it up, dress it down, add a sweater, or a jacket, or a skirt and instantly you are ready to go.

all photos by: biabevphotography

 

Eatin' Healthy: Protein Pancakes

My love for pancakes is never ending.  There is nothing quite like a stack of buttermilk pancakes topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit drowning in Vermont maple syrup (my mouth is currently watering).  Well, I have got quite the alternative for anyone trying to cut back on the mass of carbs, sugar, and fat that comes with the joy and happiness of traditional pancakes, (as you can tell by the title) they are protein pancakes.  Now,  I have tried my fair share of protein pancake recipes and this one is my favorite.  I have ground my own steel oats (in the blender), mashed up more bananas than I can count, and tried an overpriced mix from GNC that claimed to taste like birthday cake (it did not, such a disappointment).  

Lets face it, the quick and easy is the way to go (when making food that is). 

Start with the mix, if you want to play by the rules the recipe is on the side of the box...

If not, continue reading (below are the proportions for a personal serving 3 medium sized pancakes):

1/2 cup of mix

1 egg (large)

1 packet or a tablespoon of stevia (or sweetener of your choice)

- here is where I get a little crazy

 

teaspoon or cinnamon (or more)

1/2 of a ripe banana (berries work too!) 

mix that all together (and mash the banana)

add 1/4 cup of water (I like my on the thick side, you can add more to thin them out)

heat stove, cook & enjoy! Ooh and add some Walden Farms calorie free Syrup! 

- Kay

warm front (noun): a brief period of time where warm air replaces the unbearable cold air...

This slight glimpse of warmth (and by warmth I mean anything above 40 degrees) has given me hope.  I am ready for spring and everything that comes with it!  Bring on the sandals, dresses, light coats and anything else that has no connection to negative degree weather or snow.  

Yesterday the high was 57... yes  f i f t y s e v e n!  It didn't feel like 57 but lets be real, I will take anything over 40!  This casual transition outfit was perfect!  A light sweater, boyfriend jeans, and my chucks topped with a scarf for those gusts of wind!  I brought out my favorite spring bag and lets not forget the violet mirrored sunnies (I'm obsessed).  When thinking transitions I always keep layers in mind. If it was a bit warmer I would have replaced the scarf with a necklace; a bit cooler and I would have added a vest!  

sweater: H&M (in store on sale)

jeans: Dittos 

shoes: Converse

scarf: Forever 21 (old)

bag: Marc by Marc (color no longer available)

sunnies: Ray-Ban 

watch: Kate Spade 

(always fixing my hair) 

My faith restored that spring will eventually come! 

-Kay

s(no)w

With warmer weather upon us I can't help but think of the days when I thought this winder would never end.  This has been the worst winter I have ever experienced.  What is worse than the snow is the lack of motivation it caused.  The choices of shoes to wear is minimal, and it is overall too cold to get out of bed, never mind put on a decent outfit.

Workout clothing is about the only thing that is warm, comfortable, and socially acceptable to wear during the cold (okay... not the only thing).  I am in love with feeling comfortable while looking put together and that's why I invest in gym items that are functional at the gym but can also be worn on "this weather is too much for me to handle" days.  

My favorite workout items are Zella.  They are a Nordstrom brand that carries a variety of leggings, tanks, sweatshirts, and other items weather your working out or not.  My favorite item of theirs are the "Live-In" leggings, they suck everything in without being too tight or see-through (saves me the embarrassment when squatting), and my new favorite sweatshirt is pictured as well (loving the cowl neck).

Well until the snow reappears this weekend I will be enjoying the sunshine. 

-Kay