Wardrobe Classic: The Trench

Like I said before... I have been searching for a classic trench coat for too long now.  I have tried too many, out of those I have purchased one (featured here) it works for now, but it's not exactly what I'm looking for.  As I continue my search I am here creating ideal outfits for when I find a winner. 

Outfit one: top | sunglasses | shoes | jeans | scarf | handbag
If I could wear jeans to work this would be my daily uniform, casual, comfortable, and simple.  New England is a bit behind with spring temperatures so scarfs are needed (easily replaced with a necklace), stripes are my personal favorite print but if your the type who despises them a plain top is perfect.  The bow flats are not only adorable but are extremely affordable and can be worn with everything from shorts to a dress.  Raybans are always so effortless and the bag speaks for itself.

Outfit two: top | shoes | skirt | clutch | sunglasses | watch 
If I had an important desk job, or some classy lunch to attend this would be my ideal outfit, sad to say I have neither but a girl can plan.  The striped top appears again and the floral skirt is so bright and girly.  I had to pull some color from the skirt for the heels (cobalt heels would work too.  The clutch is a no brainier, nude goes with everything and will work with countless outfits. 

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