Always Fashionably Kate

An Amazing Start to 2015

When I vowed to update my blog more this year, I really did want to keep it! After a few events that occurred between then and now – let’s just say I think I’ll have A LOT more to write about now! Sooo what happened?

Yup!!! I got engaged 🙂 I was beyond surprised/excited that I haven’t even been able to put down into words that entire experience. We are planning for a fall 2o16 wedding which gives us LOTS of time to plan (thank god because I can be so indecisive when it comes to planning things for myself).

However, I don’t see this turning into a “wedding blog” anytime soon. I’d love to share some experiences but I still have so much love for fashion (and come on, you have to keep living your life even while planning a wedding!).

Just wanted to give a quick update on life right now!

2014 Is All A Blur

Happy Holidays to all! What a year it has been! So much has happened and honestly I am so excited to see what the next year brings!

This year was full of ups and downs :

moving into a new house!
having the company I loved working for close down
getting a new job at a very well-known company
… and hating it.
Quitting that job
Getting another job in something I am completely unfamiliar with but looking forward to it like no other job before!

I’m hoping to have more time to dedicate to my creative outlet – my blog! (It’s even one of my resolutions!) I have wanted to keep up with it however, life gets in the way.

Wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat too?

As I’m sitting shivering from taking my pup out for a walk, I’m also dreaming of a white Christmas… wait, is that flurry I see outside? I TAKE IT BACK!

I love the white stuff during the holidays but there is NOTHING worse or more painful (if you’ve experienced a North East winter lately, you’d know the pain) than being caught outside when freezing temps hit.. hard. That’s why this Christmas, I’m actually hoping for less wintry mix conditions and more for a big puffy coat!

What was once seen as a ski-slope essential is now a must-have for keeping on trend and cozy during the winter months. Add some fur to the trim on the hood and I’m ready to go. Another great option is to switch up the predictable black coat for a fun color – try a winter pastel!

Below are some perfect style ideas incorporating the puffy coat.

Now shop for your own! Here are some of my current faves:

MCHAEL Michael Kors Reversible Hooded Down Walking Coat // BCBG Max Azria Adela Faux-Fur Trim Puffer Coat // Burberry Fur Trim Multi-Quilt Parka // Elie Tahari Gracie Mixed Media Puffer Coat

F/W 2014 Essentials

There is something about the temperatures dropping and daylight becoming more and more scarce each day that makes me want to pile on as many layers as possible… Which also leads to wanting shop as much as possible for all of the cold-weather necessities. There are certain pieces that are so covetable this season, I had to share them with you. To ensure you are not left out in the cold (wink), grab these winter-time essentials to have ready at a moment’s notice!

Stock Your Closet With These for Spring 2015

Since New York Fashion Week has come to an end it’s time to reflect on all of the new trends that will fill our closets come next season. While various current trends are carrying over to Spring 2015 such as crop tops and all-white ensembles, there are plenty of new trends to look forward to as well.

1. Culottes – This wide-leg cropped style was all over the runways this season. The casual style was seen with crop tops or shirts tucked in. The best part about these versatile bottoms is that you can basically wear them with any type of footwear! Seen at: Nanette Lepore, Rebecca Taylor and Mara Hoffman.

2. Shirting – This menswear-inspired trend took off last season and is staying strong with crisp shirting appearing in many shows underneath dresses or classicly paired with trousers or skirts. Seen at: Thakoon, Michael Kors and The Row.

3. Cold Shoulder – Many designers are letting skin show this season, giving attention to bare shoulders. Off-the-shoulder tops were HUGE on the runway and it gives us a break from the constant display of midriff skin! Seen at: Christian Siriano, Tibi and Jenny Packham

More Spring 2015 trends to come! What are some of your favorites?

BCBG Max Azria Spring 2015

Kicking off #NYFW in the only way they know how, the designers at BCBG Max Azria set the tone (muted-tone, that is) for this ever-so-stylish week. Combining pastels and whites with flowing, breezy dresses and subtle pops of painterly patterns, BCBG was all about the femininity of Spring dressing. Dresses were loose except for some belts that were tied in an almost kimono-belt way. Skirts and culottes were also oversize, light and flowing while tops had a geometric criss-cross cut at the neck. The gorgeous subdued neutral (white/cream and blush) moto-jackets brought out the extent of any masculinity to the collection. Loving all of these pieces was super difficult for many BCBG fans since this collection was already available to shop via the brand’s Instagram! So cool! See some of my favorite looks below.

Autumn Inspiration 2014

As I am sitting here sipping my pumpkin coffee (yes, hot coffee and yes, I’m sweating), I’m dreaming about bright orange and red leaves falling to the ground and cool, crisp air just cold enough to see my breath. I’m also dreaming about that magical time of year where big warm scarves and sweaters accompany jeans and boots of all heights. September, October and November – well, really fall in general is my favorite season of year. The fashion, the cooler temps and the beverages all make for the coziest months of the year. Mind you right now it’s in the 90’s and all of those layers are giving me a bit of anxiety but it’s all about painting the picture, right? Right! So, I thought I’d share a little fall outfit inspo to get us all ready for when those coat-needing, chilly days arrive. Enjoy!

Emmys 2014 Fashion

On the night of the infamous television awards, fashion was front and center. There were dramatic gowns, short ~~films~~ dresses and even some very comedic elements (I’m talking to you, Lena Dunham). While these ladies all came together from their very different television categories, the fashion trends seemed to remain consistent. Basically, if you were dressed in anything else besides red/coral/hot pink, a metallic or white – who were you and what were you doing at the Emmys? Long, clingy silhouettes were popular with a few fuller gowns making appearances. See the trends below!

Reds/Corals

(Sarah Hyland in Christian Siriano)

(Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting in Monique Lhuillier)

(January Jones in Prabal Gurung)

(Claire Danes in Givenchy)

(Heidi Klum in Zac Posen)

(Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Carolina Herrera)

Metallics

(Taylor Schilling in Zuhair Murad) *My Favorite*

(Hayden Panettiere in Lorena Sarbu)

(Amy Poehler in Theia)

(Julianna Margulies in Narciso Rodriguez)

Whites

(Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli)

(Laverne Cox in Marc Bouwer)

(Kristen Wiig in Vera Wang)

(Julianne Hough in DSquared)

And two of my favorite stand-out looks of the night that did not fall into these categories:

(Kerry Washington in Prada)

(Halle Berry in Elie Saab)

Who were your favorites?

Summer Midi

Yesterday I attended one of my best friend’s baby showers and wore this BCBG skirt that I am basically OBSESSED with. Although the way it is shown on the model (perfect midi length on her) was different on me since I am much shorter, I still loved it. The pleats, the gorgeous colors and color-blocking, the sheer bottom – everything! It moved so beautifully and it was so light, perfect for a summer event. I paired it with a simple black cami top and nude peep-toe, sling-back heels.

SJP Fall 2014 at Nordstrom

When ~~Carrie Bradshaw~~ Sarah Jessica Parker introduced her brand new shoe line last season at Nordstrom, it was a Sex & the City/shoe lover’s dream come true. Ms. ‘I’ve spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!’ did not disappoint in the designing department. However, her SJP Fall 2014 collection has me gasping for air (and searching for some extra cash)! I have to get my feet in those leather booties and semi-caged knee-high boots! In addition to footwear, Parker also included brand new handbags. The bags aren’t my favorite but I’m sure that’s only because the shoes completely steal the show. See some of my favorites below and find the complete collection at Nordstrom.