spring – Always Fashionably Kate

Let Me Mule It Over

1. Zara Shiny Leather High Heel Mules // 2. Jenni Kayne Perforated Pointed Toe Mules // 3. Aldo Acaren Heeled Mule Shoes // 4. Alexander Wang Glossed-Leather Mules // 5. Vince Camuto Peep Toe Platform Mule Sandals // 6. Topshop Waltz Perforated Mules

Few things make a gal happier than slipping into a fabulous new pair of shoes (and I mean FEW). This Spring, the hottest trend in footwear are these half-heel-half-clog, all-around perfect mules. Grab a pair that is perforated or that has cut-outs and you’ll have a brand new go-to shoe for every possible outfit!

Cozy in the Spring..

Spring has certainly made a very quiet entrance! With a bit of snow yesterday and freezing cold temperatures still lingering, there is truly nothing better than a hot cup of coffee and some tasty cookies (gluten-free!) to ease the yearning of warmer months. BUT REALLY, HURRY UP SPRING!!!

Mug : Anthropologie // Cookies : Tate’s Bake Shop Cookies

Is Ugly In?

When I first starting seeing Birkenstocks popping up on some of the most fashionable, I was shocked! These simple, old-school sandals were making a comeback? It couldn’t be. They are ugly! I’m used to seeing them on dads who have no sense of style whatsoever. What was going on in the fashion world? Who lost their mind and set off this ugly trend? BUT then —- I started seeing how Birkenstocks were being worn and what they were being paired with. In a way, they almost brought an entire ensemble together in a comfy and minimalist way. (And let’s be honest, the highest of fashion trends are usually a bit “ugly” so it’s obvious this footwear was bound to pop up sooner or later.)

Will I actually end up trying this trend? Let’s just say it’s going to take a lot to pry my gladiator sandals out of my hands and switch over to these ~~grandpa~~ simple shoes. What are your thoughts on Birkenstocks making a comeback?

Wednesday Wishlist: Neutralizing Spring

While I cannot wait to jump headfirst into spring, I’m having some separation anxiety with my winter-neutrals. What’s a girl to do? Simple. Bring those hue-free items into the warmer months in lighter, more airy pieces while still holding on to some of those heavier layers to keep you cozy during this awkward sometimes-warm-sometimes-cold transitional period. Here are some of my favorite that I cannot wait to add to my closet!

ASOS wrap skirt
asos.com

J Crew lace top
jcrew.com

J Crew boyfriend sweater
jcrew.com

Free People crochet top
freepeople.com

FACING
maje.com

Back-Zip Sweatshirt – tees & more – Women’s NEW ARRIVALS – Madewell
madewell.com

My Take on NYFW.. So Far

Only two days into New York Fashion Week and I already see some major patterns. There’s the usual spring pastel, paler colors as well as light and airy fabrics that make the models look as if they are floating on a wispy cloud down the runway. However, the one major common trend that I noticed was the amount of skin shown off. In particular, shows like BCBG Max Azria, Marissa Webb and Jason Wu (just to name a couple) have showcased a slew of revealing necklines, bringing deep V-neck cuts waaaay down, showing off quite a bit of cleavage. See the shows thus far that have taken the plunge (ha, get it?) and dropped necklines, leaving not too much more to the imagination.

BCBG Max Azria

Richard Chai Love

Marissa Webb

Zimmermann

Jason Wu

A Whole New World for PJ’s

I have to admit, when I first heard/saw/read about this whole “pajama” inspired style, I was totally skeptical. There is nothing that disgraces the human race more than seeing someone walking around IN PUBLIC while still wearing their pajamas. Honestly people, have some dignity! Throw on some jeans!

However, I saw this trend growing quickly and realized that there was a way to make this just-rolled-out-of-bed look into a totally fashionable and acceptable ensemble. So, I went out to H&M and purchased a pair of white and gray, vertically and slanted-striped pants with a zipper bottom. Firstly, I was impressed by the fit – I’m 5’1″ and finding a pair of pants that don’t drag inches behind me is a rarity. Secondly, OMG were these not the most comfortable pants in the world? Yes, they were. Finally, the slouchy fit wasn’t all that terrible due to the fact that the zippers at the bottom brought the pants into a skinnier fit on the bottom. But totally not Justin Bieber and his latest obsession with M.C. Hammer harem pants.

I chose to pair them with a longer white tee, my cute BCBG jellies and threw on a colorful necklace to add some color. It was by far the most comfortable day of work and walking around I have ever had and I will absolutely be purchasing more of this style of pants!

See some more looks below of how to pull-off this relaxed look while also staying totally trendy!

Fashionably Versatile

There is one fashion issue we all run into every now and again, and that’s how to wear coveted pieces from season to season. One piece that can survive the cold months of winter right through the sweltering summer days is the denim shirt. Denim, chambray, jean – call it what you want but also wear it with whatever you want! The denim trend has caught on like fire in recent years and it continues to hold strong with so many favoring the denim shirt. Styling it has become a favorite past time of mine and let’s face it, one can never have too many of these shirts. Pair it with a statement necklace and printed skinnies & heels – you’ll look like you walked out of the latest J.Crew catalog. Below are some ways you can change it up with chambray!

Denim shirt underneath a comfy sweater + skinnies + booties = winter

Denim shirt tucked into a striped skirt + military-inspired vest + flats = spring

Denim shirt adorned with some statement necklaces + pop of color skirt + nude heels = summer

Denim shirt underneath knit sweater + skinnies + booties = fall

Easter Attire

With Easter only a little over a week away, it’s time to square away the most important aspect of the holiday – the outfit! While it’s pretty obvious that this is the first major spring event and pastels will be involved, why not incorporate some other trends as well. I chose florals and a neutral shoe to compliment the minty hue. The white blazer is the perfect touch because it dresses up the outfit but still keeps things light and casual.

Do you know what you’re wearing for Easter yet?

Easter look by katieb52088 featuring skinny jeans

River Island crop top, $38 / Dorothy Perkins cream blazer / Biba skinny jeans, $84 / Bottega Veneta platform high heels / Gold bracelets and bangle / Wet Seal statement necklace

MK Goes Nautical

If there is one thing I love (not to mention one thing that never goes out of style), it’s stripes. Thank goodness one of my favorite designers has basically centered his whole spring collection around the nautical-inspired lines. In an abundance of bold colors like navy, green and red, Michael Kors stretches stripes over blazers, bags and dresses. To put it very bluntly, I decided I wanted to live in the MK Spring Catalog when I got it in the mail. See some of my favorite striped looks and items below!

always FASHIONABLY kate

Urban Outfitters Spring Lookbook

Urban Outfitters Spring lookbook is a California, hipster paradise. UO mixes lightweight daydresses, knits, button downs, tees and crop tops in pastel colors and prints from floral to polka dot. Add in some sorbet colored skinny cropped jeans, flowy skirts and denim cut-offs paired with holographic handbags and colorful accessories and you’ve got yourself a fun spring wardrobe! My personal favorite is the polka dot crop top and matching shorts!