Happy New Year!

With the promise of NYE parties, sequined dresses, a new pair of stilettoes and a kiss at midnight – I still managed to find myself plopped on the couch, snuggled up with my dog. Lame! There may or may not have been a pint of Ben and Jerry’s involved as well ;) Anylamenight, there’s something about the first of the year that gives me (and I’m not alone here) the hope that the slate has been cleaned, wrongs can be righted and I can be anything I want to be in 2012.

That’s correct… it’s resolution time!! As Bethany knows, I can make lists all year long of the magical things I want to accomplish. So here I am with the start of my list. Happy New Year everyone!!! 

Resolution (#1)

It wouldn’t be fair to leave this one out. It’s time to get back into the workout routine and get my grocery list back on track. Day 2 and I’m still doing good J

 Of course I will reward my good progress with new and improved workout gear!

And keep repeating this in my head each morning when I wake up at 5:30am for my first workout of the day.

Kate

Fall Fashion: Bright Lips, Strange Nail Colors and Razored Hair

Top Trends.  Rock it.

Bright red lips:

Burgundy Polish

 Dusty Mauve

 Peridot

Sweet razored bob

Blunt cut ends and swoopy bangs

Images compliments of instyle.com

-Bethany

Fall Fashion: LBD

I've always liked someone who could pull off the brown and black thing.  Olivia Palmero is always exemplary.

So how about pairing these pumps...

with this LBD?

Yes, please.

I'm going to pull this brown and black thing off this fall.


-Bethany

Fall Fashion: Dream Outfit

Falltastic-ness continues with an ode to fall fashion this week.  I've compiled a couple of my favorite images to make one fabulous fall outfit that I'd be happy to be caught in, any day!


Starting with this hair:

And this gingham shirt:

Paired with this vest:

Rockin' these shoes:

Stacking these bracelets:



Tapping these nails:

Sporting this bag:

You dig?


 -Bethany

Favorite Finds: Envirosax

A couple years ago I received a collection of wonderful and simple Christmas gifts from a friend of mine. She had the brilliant idea of putting together a few of her favorite things to gift her friends, and she selected each to match the style of the girl she was giving it to. And thus one of her favorite things became one of my favorite things and I’ve been paying it forward ever since.

I love, love, love Envirosax!! They fold up super compact so I can fit them in everything but a clutch and it keeps me from bringing home so many shopping bags - whether I’m stopping at the grocery for a few items,  or hitting up Georgetown for some chic shopping. There are lots of unique items on the website, www.envirosax.com, so I recommend giving it a look.

- Kate

Singin' the Blues in some Winter Whites

Hope you enjoyed your Labor Day! This marks the unofficial but proverbial and emotional end of summer and with it comes a whole new wave of fashion and wardrobe switch ups.  But don't listen to those naysayers out there promoting the end of your white threads for good.  Sure, no white stockings and white patent leather mary janes (who wears those anyways??) nor snow white jeans nor white suits.  But use your artistic license and rock the heck out of some winter white hues and white accessories.  Anyone with an ounce of style can pull it off.  And rules are meant to be broken.  Just look at these gals.

- Bethany

Favorite Finds: Photography Fashion

While I’m on the path of prattling on about things I like/love/obsess over, I’m just gonna keep going and take you a long with me. This week’s Favorite Find comes to you from my recent search for my very first digital SLR camera. I love photography and while I think I’ve done a pretty good job snapping my amateur pics with a less than brag-worthy Cannon PowerShot, it’s time for an upgrade.

Like any eager shopper, I’ve also been on the hunt to accessorize said camera once I’ve got it in my hot little hands. I found this amazeballs shop, SizzleStrapz, on Etsy and am completely crushing on everything that’s features.

- Kate

About SizzleStrapz: "We make high quality DSLR camera straps and camera bags for women and men which are geared towards the serious camera fashion photographer in you . We cater to the professional, modern and everyone in between photographer in you, to make you feel comfortable and bold behind the lense. "

Some of my photos

Primary meets Secondary

I love mixing red and purple together but there's definitely a trick to it.  The right hue of each shade can be a killer combo but one wrong move leaves you just steps away from the Red Hat Society (I once got a snide remark or two thrown my way)  I think it's one of those rules that's meant to be broken, especially if done in a smart way.  And paired with turquoise…TDF!

How do you feel about red and purple - love it or leave it?


-Bethany

Confession of a Crush

Yes, I’ve got butterflies in my stomach and while you may be peaking at the pics below and questioning the future of my marriage not to worry. The object of my desire is actually the Duchess’s wardrobe and not on the new royal herself. It feels like this chick can’t miss.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on all the photos rolling out of Kate from her North America trip. The Huffington Post style page has, in my opinion, the best collection of images for you to click through. And now it’s official… I really want to shop.

(above) pic from her time in Calgary. An upclose view of her western shirt reveals delicate lace and scalloped trim. (above) need these wedge heels plus the blazer she's wearing has a great detail at the break.
(above) if this dress has pockets then I'm in love for sure.

-------------------
UPDATE:

Hello!!! Here's a link to photos of every outfit Kate wore while in North America. You're welcome.

(the originial) Kate

Frugal Fashionista

One of my favorite times of the month is when the stacks of new catalogs start hit’n the mailbox. All those wonderful new styles, colors, textures and all around must have items – there’re just so many items I love. The reality is, I’m a Prince William County housewife not an Orange County housewife and that means being a smart shopper.

Now I’ve gotta brag about my latest purchase, some cute loungewear for hang’n around at the house. I need to give credit where credit’s due - the Garnett Hill catalog delivered my inspiration. With a turn of a page I spotted a fantastic combination of Ugg boots, black cropped leggings, a ruched white tunic and long gray cardigan. Oh so simple and cozy. I tore the page out and added it to my wish list folder. With a total cost of $458 I knew that there was no way I could justify spending that much on what is essentially glorified pajamas.

In my quest to shop smart I try not to buy clothes unless they fill a need in my wardrobe. Yes, we all love to pick up that shirt or pair of shoes that are just too cute to pass up but for the most part I keep the balance between the wants and needs. It was as I was at a loss for something to… well lounge around the house in along with an upcoming girls’ only weekend that prompted me to pull out that magazine clipping and slide it into my purse.

Though my inspired outfit featured the classic short UGG I opted for a DSW slipper version of UGG’s gray ‘Cardy’ classic. At $20 I knew they fit my budget, would be great for kick’n around the house and quick trips in the yard with the dog (yes, they have hard soles). Three birds, one stone. The rest came to me at Gap. I’ve gotta hand it to the sales people at the store I visited. I turned over my magazine tear out to them and off we went rounding up all my goodies. Black leggings – check. White boyfriend tee – check. Long gray cardigan – check. It was all there! Throw in an extra pair of leggings (blue) and a blue & white striped camisole with the neckline trimmed in yellow and I walked out with a few options for my outfit for under $100.

That’s one less clipping in my wish list folder. But with the new Pottery Barn catalog awaiting my review I know I’ll be replacing it in about 5 minutes.

Kate

Stilettos Optional

If you live in Prince William County then there’s a good chance that it’s not where you work. On snowy days like today a girl’s gotta ask herself, “Can I pull off the 4-inch heels or am I downgrading to jeans and snow boots?” After 5-inches of snow and a glance at my busted up car, I’m opting for the jeans and boots. During an hour long commute (one way) a lot can happen; accident, car breaks down, slide off the road, heater stops working. Anything’s possible.

It was so nice to see my fellow PW County colleague at work rock’n the same gear. Now, if only my jeans weren’t too big on me and my sleeves weren’t too short. I see shopping in my future!

Kate