red white & blue

fringe bag || white preforated wedges || flag scarf || Kendra Scott earrings || Kendra Scott necklace

light blue scarf || white sandals || white preforated clutch (this one is amazing too) || red lace up flats || red mini bucket bag || blue laceup heels || mirrored RayBan's 

Is there a reason that I am always running around trying to find something to wear for every holiday?!

I always seem to have nothing to wear, I know that there are plenty of things hanging in my closet but I never feel as if there is anything festive enough.  The easiest way to add some festive pieces is with accessories...

 

I have realized that there are so many holidays where red is a key color: Christmas, Valentines Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, etc... red accessories can easily make an outfit.  Start with a dress, chambray shirt, denim, or basic of your choice and add red shoes, a purse, or scarf - it is honestly that easy... blue is a staple color and works well in all seasons because it complements a variety of tones.  Pair a blue purse with warm tones for a pop of color or vibrant tones to color block.  Even break the rules and pair blue with black.  As for white, its a no brainier.  Although the color may not stay flawless for as long as we would like it adds an instant chic factor to any look.  Wear white jewelry daily or style a pair of white wedges with a colorful dress for a night out. 

Holidays do not require an entire new outfit, with key items and festive accessories creating a look for special occasions can be so simple. 

xo, Kay

exposed knees

denim - Topshop | shirt - No Rest For Bridget (purchased in store, similar) | jacket - Lucky Brand (last year/ similar here, here, and here | shoes - Old Navy (sold out online but I just saw them in store)| bag - Marc by Marc 

Ripped jeans never fail.  Out of all the denim I own about 60% is ripped (it is a problem I am willing to admit).  There is something so casual about ripped denim that makes any outfit look perfectly undone.  I will admit I should probably start learning how to rip denim on my own (simply because it always costs more than regular denim), but until I find the time to perfect the art of ripping jeans I will leave it up to the manufacture.  The pair that I am wearing are the "Jamie" jean from Topshop, I will (at some point in time) own these in every color because they are perfect - hands down, perfection.  Great fitting jeans are hard for me to find because I have a significantly large booty.  Lets face the facts, great fitting jeans are hard for almost everyone to find,  these have the right amount of stretch so that they are still form fitting and do not get saggy half way through the day. 

Spring and summer nights tend to cool down significantly on the coast and this means layers are still appropriate.  As soon as the sun starts to set the usually temperature decreases instantly - and then I break out the denim.  Denim also decreases the amount of mosquito bites... those damn things are always trying to suck my blood.  During the warmer months I always make sure to have a light coat (unfortunately this one is an older style but I did link some similar ones above).  One that can be worn over a tank or a dress works the best and I also make sure that it can be carried over to fall because transitional pieces are key to every wardrobe.

- Kay 

life moments - early june

1. Loco Tanquera in South Boston - amazing fish tacos and rustic setting!

2. Boston Commons post internship - I have to get some fresh air somehow

3. View from the reflecting pool - Boston is flawless on warm summer nights 

4. Target run - shoes | bag | similar pants | similar sweater

5. interning assisting, sounds much better

6. "I have no time for this" - watch 

7. whats life without gelato? I can never choose one. - sweatshirt  (currently less than $20)

8. "True Life - My Moms Adorable" (and I got a promotion) - dress | bracelet 1-2-3 

9. these do not need an explanation - exact pair

The beginning of June is always so amazing.  The weather warms up, school ends (for most), and then beach dose not seem so far away.  A perfect June would include the ending of school work, beach days, barbecues, outdoor exploration, and a lot of reuniting with friend.  Sadly I work a full time job so my fun is limited to about one day a week (and usually it rains on that day) but I make the most of the free time that I do get!

- Kay

Kayla From the Block

shirt - Nordstrom (same style) | jacket - not sure! (similar) | shorts - Nordstrom Rack (exact pair here) | sneakers - Converse | handbag - Marc by Marc (color discontinued - exact bag, similar bag in a similar color | earnings - Nordstrom 

There is something great about getting dressed, portraying a different look - a different story.  Every outfit can set a tone for the day.  I am usually not the sporty type, but there are some days when I wake up feeling like "jenny from the block".  Getting dressed is a form of expression, a work of art.  Some days I feel classy, some simplistic, and others I feel like a 90's video girl (it just depends on the day.  Clothing makes it possible to say how you feel without even speaking. 

Most of these items I have had for a while, but there is nothing like a little closet remix.  I love mixing prints in general and with these breezy spring days it was the perfect opportunity to wear this floral jacket.  It is super comfortable and although the exact one is sold out I linked some similar ones below.  It's great to have a couple of fun jackets to throw over simple tanks and dresses, especially for cooler spring and summer nights.  

Converse will always be a staple in my wardrobe.  These are my first hightop pair and I love how they give a sporty vibe to any outfit.  I find myself wearing them with jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses (so basically everything).  They are so easy to slide on and this color (papyrus) is not as original as a white or black pair but still works well with everything! 

- 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

Not Ready For Winter

fall essentials by kayleemills featuring over knee boots

Although there are only a few weeks left of fall in the North East, I thought I would highlight my fall essentials.  I will wear all of these items through the winter but have been gravitating towards all of them for the past month and a half.

zip detail sweater: a class with a twist, the zipper detail adds flair and style
gingham: a classic, paired under a sweater or tucked into a skirt
chambray: one of the easiest essentials; can be dressed up or down
sweater tunic/dress: easiest for mornings when the snooze button is it a little too much
cape: go-to for days off, comfort & style wrapped in one
striped top: a basic
warm sunglasses: to protect your eyes and complement a warm color pallet
blanket scarf: for those days when it is not cold enough for a jacket but is still a bit chilly
neutral bag: to hold all your shit
comfortable sneakers: because we can't wear heels every day
over the knee boots: because they are sexy
grey skinnies: to offset all the warmer colors that the fall brings
olive cargos: because they go with everything
flirty skirt (in a fun pattern): for those feminine days