I Mean...Totes

What? Like I'm not going to buy a sweater like this? A little black, a little pink - boom.

Easy like Sunday (Monday) Morning

What does one do in the morning before the daily job search begins? They lounge in their silky floral jammies, sip some tea and catch up on the blogs. These pajamas (whole set) were on sale (and still might be!) at Target for $14! Don't worry...they have leopard print, too...(I know, MASSIVE relief).
Mug: Anthropologie
Rug: Rugs USA
Fur throw: HomeGoods
Book: Gift
Pajamas: Target (Gilligan & O'Malley)

New Month, New Leaf

I can't believe it's already March (and I'm even a day late...apologies)! Where did the time go?
They say "another day, another dollar" but that's contradicts my news - I recently left my sales job and am looking for a position that is more "me"...something more...sparkly.
I cracked open my favorite Kate Spade planner today (although I have to admit, I don't use it correctly to keep my life in order...it's more of a fun little pad to scribble down the more exciting plans in my life). The monthly note spoke to me - Turn over a new leaf. That I will, Kate..that I will.
Cheers to a new beginning, girls!

Cold Doesn't Have to be Ugly

Listen...if anyone gets the severity and annoyance of cold weather, it's me. Coming off my high of living in Florida for the past 3 years, I totally understand every aspect that makes winter difficult. There is the snow that makes driving difficult and dangerous, there is the brutal chilling wind that burns your face and the worst, chapped lips and dry cuticles (am I right?).Well, tragic fashion doesn't have to be part of this season. Get yourself a cute pair of snow boots, for starters. They are necessary and don't have to be tragically manly. I just purchased a pair of Herringbone Sorels that are a game-changer! Toss on a cute oversized sweater and a cute hat and you'll be a precious little snow bunny...or something like that. 

Two Sides to Every...Earring?

I've been sooo wanting to try this trend and finally, I pulled the trigger on a pair that I found to be very "Kacey" in nature. While picking up a pair of work heels (bor-ing) at DSW, I noticed these guys (I believe they were $10) and had to have them. They are worn as normal earrings and when putting them in, you just use the larger side as the "back" of the earring. How fun! With your hair down, it's a bit harder to see the glam-ness of these but with a sassy pony, they'd be the perfect accessory! What a perfect unexpected find!

Statement Piece

Who says your statement piece needs to be jewelry or your shoes? This jacket is the perfect fall statement item. I bought this jacket as a fall in-between (a little warmer than my trench and not as intense as my down winter coat) and I haven't stopped receiving compliments on it. This jacket is from H&M and is funky fresh. Find yours here: Tweed & Leather Jacket 

Steal of the Week

What girl doesn't like to day dream about items that she can't afford but would love to have? Well, I have been lusting over this Tory Burch bag (bottom purse) and another one like it for a while now but couldn't ever rationalize forking over $560 at this moment in my life. But, I still loved the style and unfortunately/fortunately for me, my current black purse is out of commission with two freshly broken zippers. So, off to Zara I went (was actually not looking for this purse) and stumbled across a very similar looking bag (top purse). This purse was less than a fifth the price and super cute! I'm very pleased with this bargain! Sorry, Tory...

Beauty Must-Have

Alas! The perfect eyebrow product. I am currently cursed with sparse eyebrows...probably from overplucking back in my younger years. The gal who does my hair mentioned that she got her oh-so-perfect brows using Anastasia Dipbrow. I found it at my local Ulta and use the shade Medium Brown (seen above). It's a game changer. I use an angled brow brush to apply and I've never received so many compliments. My favorite part of this product is that it's a pomade (yes, like the hair product) and you can make it light or darker. 

Take It Off

Great...you've got your super glam smokey eyes on, ready to take on the world. Now what? Well, when it's time to lay down for the night, you're best off removing everything pre-beauty sleep. Above I've provided you with eye makeup removers that are not only super effective but completely affordable. The Almay remover pads are handy, great for travel and inexpensive. My preference is the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Not only are they great for travel, as well, but they also smell clean and don't over dry your skin. 

Holy Chic

If you're going to slum in a t-shirt, might as well say "Holy Chic" right? I totally agree. This Old Navy t-shirt pairs perfectly with a cargo jacket like this one above. Sass up this top with a high waisted midi skirt, heels and statement necklace. Perfection. 

Turned On To Tortoise

All I'm saying is...they were $9.95 from H&M and they are AH-MAZING. 

Rented The Runway

Did I tell you all about my fabulous experience with Rent The Runway? Well, let...me...tell...you. I ordered a dress for a black tie optional wedding of my girlfriend, Grace. I read all the reviews on their website but was, naturally, still nervous that the dress wouldn't fit me perfectly and that I'd end up in a mad sprint to find the perfect party dress with a formal twist. However, as soon as I put this dress on, I felt like a ballerina princess. This dress was over $625 retail and I rented it for $40. THAT'S a steal. I had such a great experience, I'd recommend it to all of you. Have a fancy wedding? A formal? A Christmas party? Give it a go!

Brighten that Blonde

I took my own advice and got some purple shampoo. Deep colored purple shampoo like this Clairol Shimmer Lights shampoo ($8 at Sally's) helps brighten blonde hair and remove brassiness. I used this for the first time last night and LOVE it. Not only does it smell good but helped brighten the blonde in my hair. Don't be caught off guard at how purple this shampoo is - just use it! Do NOT use this every time you wash your hair. I would suggest maybe twice a month. 

Home Sweet Home

Well, we are all moved in. We have purchased the cute blue chair above (Homegoods, duh!) and we are looking to reinvent our whole living room. Out with my boyfriend's bachelor pad black leather couches and in with the sophisticated couch/chaise lounge in a nice neutral color. Next up, we are adding a little texture to our hard wood floors with a cow hide rug. Our general tendency is to go for a modern/rustic chic vibe so we would tie that in with a metal table. We currently have an awesome steer skull hanging over the blue chair I'm pretty obsessed with that corner of the room. Eclectic is the name of my game. Home sweet home.

Time for Tortoise

Fall is here, friends. And while in my life as new non-Florida resident has brought on a little "winter anticipation anxiety", I'm definitely trying to slow down and enjoy the short fall like a true Chicago gal. One fall fashion trend I am all jazzed about is tortoise shell jewelry. I bought a pair of $9 snazzy tortoise shell earrings from H&M that reminded me of just how fab tortoise shell is. Last night, I wore a tortoise shell necklace similar to the one here on the bottom right with a black and white striped long sweater. Unexpected but oh..so fall!

Fashion Find of the Day: We Like Big Bows

This may not tickle all of your fancies...but I LOVE this blouse. Black...white...obnoxious bow? Sign.Me.Up.
This blouse, from Nasty Gal, is so versatile. Mix this feminine piece up with an edgier piece like the leather bottoms above. This can be paired with pants, highwaisted shorts, skirts, etc. With a bow that big, you can keep everything else in your outfit quite simplistic.

Tuesday's Tip: Heat Things Up

Some of you may know this quick and easy tip for enhancing your eyelash curler and some of you are about to have you minds blown. Grab your blow dryer and warm up your curler by directly blowing hot air on it for about 10 seconds. Make sure it's not uncomfortably hot before using it on your lashes. This will ensure that the curl will last longer and be a bit more intense. Voila - va voom lashes!

Drugstore Products I Can't Live Without: Hair Edition

I've been growing my hair out for what seems like decades. It's like a whole new world. So maybe options! Every morning I have a series of thoughts..."Curls? Straight? Curly pony? Top knot? Braid? Craaaap. I'm shaving it off. Britney Spears did it." With long hair comes a bit of maintenance. I do believe in the occasional splurge but I'm here to tell you there are some fab products hiding at your local CVS, Walgreens, Target, etc. I'm here to save you the time and money and tell you exactly what to snatch up.

This Dove shampoo and condition with pure oil is LIFE CHANGING. Not only is the scent blissful but it makes you hair so soft. It feels like silk after just the shampoo, pre-conditioner. That's a winner in my book.

It's a 10 ...well, I'd be surprised if you haven't heard of it. It's truly a miracle. It's performs 10 duties...volume, shine, detangling, etc. What's not to love here?

This L'Oreal hairspray is perhaps more than Tresemme or a Pantene hairspray but...Rachel Zoe uses it. It's a classic, it does some heavy duty holding and has a scent that I'm crazy about.

Shower caps...sure make you look like a granny instantly but hey, they work. My hair made a 180 when I stopped washing it so often. I try to keep it down to 2-3 times a week. This cuts down on the drying, styling and overall stripping of my hair's natural oils. Another tip? Air dry those locks! I haven't used a hair dryer in over a month and a half and can tell a big difference.

Suave Keratin Dry Shampoo - this is my main secret. As I mentioned, since I don't wash my hair as much these days, dry shampoo is essential. This particular kind is under $3 and smells AH-MAZING! Spray at your roots and brush out your hair. I spray a little before bed and when I wake up. Give it a go!

This Organix oil is the perfect product for post shower wet locks. It smells heavenly and soaks into your hair easily. I only put this product on the bottom 3-4 inches of my hair and only use about a drop the size of a quarter. Always go for less first...you don't want to end up over doing it and having to rewash your hair (my worst nightmare).

Enjoy these drugstore products - less fancy but major bang for your buck! Happy shopping!

Palm Printing, People!

If you aren't wearing palm print, what are you even wearing? Ok, that might have been a smidge dramatic. All I'm saying is...it's in, it's cute and I'm on board. Try this print in a romper, dress, scarf or even on some decorative pillows! I've even seen this as a print, framed and hung on a wall for decor. Talk about versatile!

Pink, Pretty and Proper

So there I was...strolling through the Target Dollar Section...big surprise. And I found the most precious notecards. They are white and chartreause and all things pretty. They simply state "Hello" on the front and perfect for anything. What stationary am I wanting to splurge on? Sugar Paper's stationary, of course. They are carried at several boutiques, as well as online. Purchase this pretty pink set from Waiting on Martha.