Cool Blonde

Seeing as how it's a new year, I decided it's time for a new me. 2012 was a rough year, so my roommate and I decided 2013 is going to be our year. It's going to be a good one. No more shedding tears over guys, friends, or life. 

All we want is smiles and laughter all around!

As a result I have decided to say goodbye to being a brunette and hello to being a blonde. It's not quite as blonde as I was going for but I like it regardless. I feel so rejuvenated!

Much love, 

Katie

What I'm Wearing: First Day of School

Must Haves

These are a few things that I swear have made my life a little less hectic or are staples in my closet. They are without a doubt some of the best purchases I have made.

Bedroom/Storage

1. Wonder Hangers.

Yes I do mean the As-Seen-On-Tv Wonder Hangers. These things really do double your closet space. They are pretty reasonable in price. Only $10 for a box of 8. Do yourself a favor and buy these.

2. Sterilite Storage Drawers

Easy way to add more storage to a room. I have one in my closet and a larger one in my room. Makes it where my dresser isn't quite so full.

3. Command Strip Hooks

These things are great. I have them hanging purses, belts, towels, and anything else I need to hang up.  Not to mention they now have picture and poster hanging command strips. Way better than nails and tacks.

4. Over-the-Door Shoe Holder

I have a lot of shoes. This over-the-door holder helps keep them all out of the way and I can see them all. Before I had them all in tubs but I kept forgetting what I had so this is way better.

5. Mainstays Shoe Rack

Stackable and Expandable. I think that basically says it all. It only takes up about 4 feet of space along one wall in my room. I can probably fit about 50 or more shoes on it. Its a great buy.


Beauty/Style

1. Roller Set Clips

Curl your hair and use these clips to clip up the curl. While it cools, do your make-up. Helps set your curls, and doesn't leave any crinks like bobby pins sometimes do. Not to mention these are easier to open with one hand than bobby pins are. I found mine at Wal-Mart for roughly the same price as bobby pins.

2. Dry Shampoo

Let's be honest. We don't always wash our hair. Sometimes we skip a day a two. Dry Shampoo is a great way to get rid of any second (or third) day greasiness and give it a fresh smell.

3. Headwrap Headband

Also great for second day hair. Wear with your hair down, up, or tucked. Adds a little something to your look. And they are pretty cheap and you can find them anywhere.

4. Boots

Ask anyone and they will tell you I am OBSESSED with boots. They can be worn casual or dressed up. And there are so many options on styles that they can seriously be worn with everything.

5. Tights

Tights are such a simple way to add a pop of color to an outfit. They can be quirky or sophisticated. And they have the added bonus of being able to be worn year round.

6. Scarves

Like tights, scarves can add color and personality to an outfit. They can be worn on your neck, in your hair, on a purse, as a belt, and any other way you can think of.

Much love, 

Katie

Ombre Alert

I have once again changed my hair color. Go figure. For work I needed to do something somewhat tame -- i.e. no pink, blue, purple, green, etc. Which I have done before (except green which I plan to do next summer). So I gave into the OMBRE trend that has been appearing lately.

It wasn't that hard to do. There are a TON of "How To's" out there for this dye job. YouTube, Google, Pinterest. It's everywhere. Basically you just bleach what you want lightened, allowing more time for the lightest/ends of your hair.

 

Overall I am pleased with the results. I may tweak it here and there. Make the ends a little lighter. But who knows, I may just leave it like this. 

Much love, 

Katie

What I'm Wearing: Movie and Dinner with the Girls

Bandeau from Aerie

 Sock Bun

 

Elephant Necklace and Black Tank from Forever21

Nut and Lace Bracelet I made from Pinterest

Teal Jeggings from Wal-Mart

Black Flats from Target

Much love, 

Katie

Do You Chevron?

Lately I've been hearing about people using tape when painting their nails. I always wanted to do cool, fun designs but couldn't figure out how people did them. And if I could do it, I was only able to make my left hand look good whereas my left hand looked like a two year old painted it. 

I wasn't completely sold on the whole tape idea but what did I have to lose? 

First I gathered my supplies. I generally go without a base-coat 

1. because I don't have one and 

2. because my polish tends to chip sooner when I use one (which I hate)

Then I painted my nails the NYC In a New York Minute Sidewalkers color. I left them this color for the day. Mainly to make sure they were completely dry but also because I didn't really have time to do the next step.

The next day I took strips of tap and cut them into a zig-zag or chevron shape. I placed the pieces of tape on my nails with the zig-zag going down the middle of my nails. Be sure to press down the tape completely so no paint slips through.

Then I painted the part of my nails not covered in tape with Wet n Wild Megalast Haze of Love color. While still wet, I removed the tape from my nails. I used a toothpick to fix any mistakes.

Let dry and...voila. 

Being the first time I have used tape I didn't think it went too bad. This was a quick way to spice up my normally plain nails. Next time I think I may do more--maybe some dots?

Much love, 

Katie