{all photos via pinterest, except for this one}

THE NYE OUTFIT EDIT

WHAT KAE WORE | CHRISTMAS

"Christmas spirit is not something that can be turned off like a faucet on december 26th," is quite possibly one of the most relatable Lorelai Gilmore quotes. (that & 'I need coffee in an IV') 

CHRISTMAS CARD 2018

Ah, 2018. The year of whirlwind celebrity romances & painting one nail for an instagram photo. It was the year that never seemed to end & then just like that, the end is near. (ominous, no?)

WHY WE'RE SO OBSESSED WITH HALLMARK FILMS

I recently saw an instagram story questioning our love for sappy, sometimes not the best acted out hallmark Christmas films. (I’m lookin at you, Christmas at Graceland) 

No matter how cheesy, how bad, how insanely predictable they might be, the general American population (okay, maybe mainly the girls) eat. it. up. 

CHRISTMAS LIST

Answering the question ‘what do you want for Christmas’ gets a little less exciting each year, especially once you start to make your own money and and are able to buy your own things. What do I want/ need that I haven’t already bought myself? Why can’t you just get me a gift card?? The struggle. 

MENTAL HEALTH & THE HOLIDAYS

The great Meredith Grey once said (oh, how I miss the Christmas episodes. Where are they Shonda) "It’s an urban myth that suicide rates spike at the holidays. Turns out they actually go down. Experts think it’s because people are less inclined to off themselves when surrounded by family." 

WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT GUIDE

THE SWEATER DRESS EDIT | DRESSES UNDER $60

The sweater dress is having a moment. 

Known for its versatility & warmth, it's easily one of my favorite A/W pieces this season.

I found this babe during cyber week & instantly fell in love. (it's sold out in my color ATM but I'll keep you updated) I was the taddest bit nervous when I touched the fabric, afraid I'd be itching as soon as I put it on. There is NOTHING worse than an itchy sweater. (ok maybe there are a few things but it's not fun) 

A PEEK INTO MY CHRISTMAS DECOR (+ LAST MINUTE ITEMS YOU NEED)

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday to decorate for (& my favorite holiday in general, IF IT ISN’T OBVIOUS) and I love getting inspiration from ~the socials~ & then of course, the buying of new decor. 

My aesthetic for Christmas is pretty much the same as everyday decor- modern & girly with a hint of vintage. 

LET’S TALK ABOUT JAMEELA JAMIL AND DIET CULTURE

I’ve never watched the good place (I know... don’t @ me) but boy do I know who Jameela Jamil is, if not from gifs and commercials then from her recent Instagram posts condemning the sensation of the ~detox tea~ that so many celebrities & content creators have been promoting this past year. 

A FESTIVE DECEMBER MOOD BOARD

IT’S HERE. December is here & I couldn’t be more excited. Besides those tweets saying 2018 has been three years long, it’s officially twenty two days til Christmas.

WINTER WARDROBE STAPLES

Every season brings wardrobe essentials, & winter is one of my favorites in that regard. Although the south doesn’t get to indulge in the ~hard winter~ things, knits and sweater dresses are still a-flying.

TEN GIFTS UNDER $50 FOR ALL YOUR GIRLS

Is there even a need for an intro for this post? This may be one of my only gift guides this year because honestly? It’s one of the only ones you’ll need.

WHAT KAE WORE | THANKSGIVING IN THE HILL COUNTRY

 Hey, babes! How we doin over there- still in a turkey coma? Did you black out in front of your computer after a late night online spree? 

WHEW.

Coming at you today with another WKW- what I wore for thanksgiving in the hill country. My cousin lives out there & everytime I visit I fall in love a little more. I'm a city girl but I have a thing for small towns in the country that look like they came out of a hallmark film. 

THE OVER THE KNEE BOOT EDIT

The bootie may be in line to reign, but OTK boots have been having several moments. (yes I know the boots in the photo aren't exactly there but they're the closest thing I can get my tiny feet into OKAY)

It seems each season they only grow stronger, and with no signs of slowing down they're ~the~ boot to get your hands on.

MY CYBER WEEK & BLACK FRIDAY PICKS

Ah, Thanksgiving week. It seems everyone & their dog (hi, Stevez) are putting out a black friday/ cyber week guide, and to risk being ~unoriginal~, I'm bringing you a roundup of all the sales & deals I think you'll love.

AN EASY THANKSGIVING LOOK

If you’ve seen those memes that are like ‘have you picked out your thanksgiving outfit to go into the kitchen in yet’, that’s me (& this post) in a nutshell. Much like the coveted first day of school outfit (ah, remember the hollister skirts?) the thanksgiving look is v important. 

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING TIPS (FROM AN EX RETAIL ASSOCIATE)

I spent four Christmases (like the Reese Witherspoon movie) in retail, and I’ve been a Black Friday shopper as well, so I’ve seen firsthand the do’s and dont’s of the day. 

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by the Black Friday madness, let this be your guide:

THREE WAYS TO STYLE A VELVET SKIRT

I recently shared one of my favorite new finds, a velvet midi dream of a skirt. Though I paired it with a simple crop top, there's an infinite number of ways to style one of these bad boys.

WHAT KAE WEARS: A WEEK OF OUTFITS FOR MY OFFICE JOB

My office job allows me to get a bit creative when it comes to work style. When I was working retail I'd have to be careful of what I wore in fear that I'd be on a ladder or getting down & dirty in a floor set, but luckily office work doesn't call for that. 

If you're in need of a bit of ~work style inspo~, say no more. I've documented a work week's worth of outfits, diary style, & I've done the dirty work and linked everything at the bottom for you! I had to track down a lot of similars, but they're there nonetheless. 

HOW TO PULL OFF THE ARIANA PONY WITH SHORT HAIR

I love Ariana Grande. Maybe it’s because we’re birthday twins (& I’ll tell anyone who will listen) but I’ve been obsessed for years & it’s not going anywhere. Her iconic hair is being copied everywhere from Instagram to the ~real life~ & I’m not mad about it. As amazing as the half up pony looks with her mermaid locks, short hair is no excuse not to rock it. 

A PEEK INTO MY BEDTIME ROUTINE FOR AN EARLY RISE

I recently wrote a post on making good habits for getting up earlier in the mornings, & I realized it’s been a minute since I published a nighttime routine. 

SO I’m sharing my nighttime routine that I try to stick to most weeknights. (Key word, MOST- I have to make myself flexible if I’m going to be out that night or something’s going on that makes the routine flux. BE FLEXIBLE)

THE $27 TEDDY COAT I'LL BE WEARING ALL WINTER (+ STYLING TIPS)

I’ve been drooling over teddy coats since last autumn/winter, when they suddenly took over Instagram. It looks like they have no plans of leaving this year, & after shopping around for the ~perfect~ one, I found this babe on shein. (aka the babe that keeps selling out like there's no tomorrow- WONDER WHY) 

A NOVEMBER MOOD BOARD

{all images via pinterest}

TEN VELVET SKIRTS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS

Ah, the velvet skirt. Soft, pretty, & although I say we shouldn't limit them to the holidays, we can't deny they do add a certain ~something~. Sparkle? Holiday cheer? The jury's still out. 

LUST LIST | NEW IN

THE PODCASTS YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO

I've recently been v into podcasts (as mentioned in this post) which is something I never thought I'd say. I'm a visual learner & I don't do well with straight auditory (except for music, because music) which is why I can't do audio books or listen to football on the radio, & why I thought podcasts wouldn't be my thing. But oh, how I was wrong. They're basically like their own brand of radio show, & I'm hooked. I'll listen sometimes when I'm driving, getting ready, even in the break room at work. (Hello, I'm an introvert, how ya doin)

THE PETITE FILES | BALLOON SLEEVE

Can we collectively agree that the name 'balloon sleeve' sounds a bit unattractive? Like its cousin the pussy bow, it presents itself in such a way that leaves you wondering 'why would I want to wear that?'

MY FAVORITE KRISTIN ESS PRODUCTS I STYLE MY BOB WITH

#notspon Now that THAT’S out of the way- -

Kristin Ess’s haircare products have become a holy grail for me, & now that the short hair is back I’m obsessed even more. The fact that she’s created things specifically for bobs & lobs is super helpful! 

THREE HABITS FOR WAKING UP EARLIER

I’ve never been a morning person. My inner self ~wants~ to be one, rising at 5am to drink my coffee, do my yoga & walk stevez all before time for work. But my outer self says eeehh we’re not there yet. 

GETTING POLITICAL: WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME? IS THERE ONE? (+ MY NEW FAVORITE SKIRT)

In the recent months (read, years) it seems Facebook has been less meme sharing & more political arguing that has made many abandon the social media platform altogether. In a climate with rising tensions & head-scratching positions, the question 'when is the right time to get political' is on everyone's minds. 

THE BOOTIE EDIT

AKA shoes I can only dream of fitting into because lol baby feet. 

THE $40 PINAFORE YOU NEED

You ever realize about two hours after you took photos that you had the PERFECT accessory to go with it & failed to style like you’re umm, a stylist? Or is that just me, with this pinafore & a good old newsboy? 

WHAT KAE WORE | TAYLOR SWIFT REPUTATION TOUR

On Saturday night, I saw Taylor Swift for her last US show on the Reputation tour. I'd been waiting for this for MONTHS, people. It was a blast. Something I couldn't get right, though, was the outfit. 

MY FAVORITE FALL STYLING HACK

LET’S TALK SWEATERS. 

More specifically, the sweater over a summer dress trick that I’m obsessed with. I love the look of sweaters draped over anything- leggings, skirts, & obviously dresses. 

AN OCTOBER MOOD BOARD

{all images via pinterest}

HOW DID OCTOBER HAPPEN? Where did the rest of the year go? (& on a completely unrelated note, happy mean girls day) 

Not for nothing I am v much already in the autumnal/ holiday spirit, soaking up all the pumpkin everything from coffee to candles, listening to all the autumnal playlists, & generally being that annoying person that can't stop talking about how much she loves fall. (& slipping the christmas spotify in on occasion) Soz. 

For many, including myself, October signals the beginning of the end of the year and the holiday season, three major holidays seemingly back to back to back. It's not difficult for things to get overwhelming, what with decorations and preparing food & maybe entertaining & not really getting a chance to breathe. But this time of year is my very favorite, beginning with the first falling leaves & ending with the ball dropping, confetti falling everywhere. 

The next three months are an opportunity to reflect, to slow down & smell the pumpkin, & just be. Does that sound like the cheesiest hallmark card? MAYBE YES I KNOW. But it's the truest of truths. 

As for the blog this month, expect some truths when it comes to my favorite fall outfits, some more of the What Kae Wore series, (my new personal favorite) & some time management hacks. Podcosts you should all be listening to. Books you should be reading. & styles you should definitely be trying.

Cheers to October!

"I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

-Anne of Green Gables 

xo,

kae

WHAT KAE WORE | WEDDING WEEKEND IN FL

If you’ve been following along on insta/ read Friday’s post, you know I spent the weekend in Destin, Florida for my cousin’s wedding. It was a BLAST, & I thought it’d be fun to do a little what I wore post, especially on the ~dress of the weekend~. 

THE ONLY TRAVEL PLAYLIST YOU NEED

This time yesterday I was getting ready for a flight to Florida, anxious annie coming out full force. When it comes to traveling I like to make as much of a plan as possible for the flight, & part of that includes making sure I have a playlist stock full of music to make me forget I'm however many thousand feet up in the air.

IN DEFENSE OF THE UNANSWERED TEXT

I was recently listening to Candice King & Kayla Ewell’s podcast (I’ve been getting into podcasts & I love) and they were chatting about the pressure to always be available and the expectations of sending that text back. I've always been an advocate of technology; it keep us moving forward & there can be a lot of good in it. But with that good also comes the assumption that we will always be there to post on social media and answer texts and phone calls and be ~on~ 24/7. 

FOREVER 21 (UNDER) $100 HAUL

A budget of $100, a promo code and a mission: see what kind of haul would happen. 

F21 is a go-to for staple items, which is what ended up happening here. Did I ~need~ two more sweaters in my wardrobe? Maybe not, but THEY ARE COZY AND THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS. 

WHY THE DENIM SKIRT MIGHT BE MY FAVORITE PIECE

The denim skirt has been a long standing piece in my wardrobe. I currently have three I rotate between, & they are my ride or dies. They are there for me on the days when I just don’t know what else to wear, the days I need a pick me up, & the days I want to live out my nostalgic 90s dreams. 

THE BIRTH CONTROL DEBATE

I've been on birth control on & off since high school. I wasn't diagnosed with PMDD until a few years ago, but even before then every month was a war zone. Mood swings, debilitating pain, the works. Birth control has been and continues to be a lifesaver for me. It lets me live my life (for the most part) without dreading the pain. 

LUST LIST | THE COAT

Autumn has just barely hit Texas, sure, but we need to talk about the coat. 

GETTING OUT OF A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD

Earlier this year I published a piece on loving your body & the fact that it’s not always a thing. I talked a bit about my past eating disorder & how it’s affected me. Toxic relationships with food might be one of the hardest things to get out of, only because it’s ~always there~. 

$50 IN CLOTHES MENTOR

I went into clothes mentor with a challenge: what could I find with a budget of $50? Four items & $46 later, thank you, I was satisfied. Four things for under fifty bucks is a win in my book, especially when it’s two things at the most on an asos browse. (as much as I love asos, don’t get me wrong) 

WHY I'VE STOPPED WEARING JEANS

I used to be a jeans kinda gal. In the summer, of course, I'd stay as far as humanly possible away from them, but otherwise I loved a good jean. They were comfortable and I found wearing them to be a luxury, of sorts. But what happens when you feel you've outgrown them? CAN you outgrow a style? These are the questions I've been pondering since I found myself wearing a jean less & less often, instead favoring dresses and the ~kae staple~ of a denim skirt.

MY LOVE OF THE WIDE LEG PANT

There are many things I can say about many articles of clothing, but lately I’ve laid my affections on that of the wide leg pant. 

A SEPTEMBER MOOD BOARD

{all images via pinterest} 

Ah, September. With the beginning of the autumn months brings a sense of change: change in tone counting down to the holiday season, change in weather, change in fashion.  For me I tend to drift towards darker colors in the cooler months, hence the theme of September's mood board. 

WHAT MY WEEK LONG SPENDING DIARY LOOKS LIKE

After reading Hannah's post, I was intrigued by the idea of blogging a spending diary. Each month I have a budget spread in my bullet journal, where I'm to keep track of every purchase. & yet, I'll be the first to admit I'm not the greatest at it. Is it the matter of simply getting the information from the receipt to the page, or is it something deeper, my subconscious yelling 'Ignorance is bliss, ignorance is bliss!' 

THE CARDIGAN EDIT

Oh, the cardigan. A forever staple, for layering & for autumn wardrobe in general. Whether reminiscent of Blair Waldorf, a way to ~dress up~ a look, or a casual addition, they’re a necessity. 

THE REVIVAL OF THE ROM COM

It seems that good old romantic comedies have become few & far between nowadays, a fact lost on me until it was pointed out by the internet, and then I realized OMG IT’S TRUE WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE ROM COM. 

THREE TIPS FOR SHOPPING POSHMARK (+ SHOP BACK OPEN!)

LET ME SAY: I’ve never actually bought anything from poshmark, though I have ~almost~ purchased. But, being a sometimes-seller on the platform has given me a unique sort of insight on how things work & what you should do in order to have a positive buying experience. 

HAIR

Coco Chanel said it best: “a woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.” I’ve been through many-a hair cut in my life, beginning with the first time I cut it short, maybe in eighth or ninth grade. 

THE TINY SUNGLASSES PHENOMENON

Some trends I jump right in right on & some I’m about a thousand years late on, there is no in between. I've admired 90s style sunglasses from afar for a bit, their small round-ish frames starkly contrasting the bug eyed Olsen twin shades of recent years. When you're not used to something, sometimes it takes you awhile to warm up to it, as was the case with me & the tiny sunnies, perhaps the reasoning behind why it's taken me so long to hop on the train.