It's been awhile...

It's been awhile since my last post, so obviously I've worn a lot of clothes between now and then... I apologize for not blogging more often.  Classes, Ultimate Frisbee, and band come first, but trust me, I've been trying not to slack in my outfit selection.

A few things I'd like to discuss:
-my recent staples
-my new favorite pieces
-some cute outfits I've worn
-the weather today :)

My recent staples:
-My black-and-grey striped TOMS.  I wear them everywhere and with everything (except sweats... for some reason, I think TOMS with sweats look stupid).
-The dark green, purple, and red v-neck t-shirts I bought at Wet Seal.  I think that every time I do laundry I wash at least two of them.
-Tank tops.  I only had one black cami, so when my mom and aunt took me shopping, I bought another black cami, a cream colored cami, a black/cream striped tank, a cream/tan striped tank, and a sparkly black tank top. Seriously, they are perfect for layering underneath sweaters, leathers jackets, or simple low-cut/see-through tops.

My new(ish) favorite pieces:
-My silver moon/star ring.  It reminds me of my dream to go to outer space.  When I feel down about school, it reminds me what I'm working towards... and it honestly encourages me.
-My green leather jacket. I bought it at Macy's last Thanksgiving, and I wore it for probably the third time on Friday.  And I rocked it.  Note to self: find more things to wear it with.
-My black Candie's jeggings/stretch pants.  I hate to call them jeggings because they're soft and not denim, but I hate to call them stretch pants because they are rather dressy... but I've already mentally designed multiple outfits to wear them with.

Cute outfits:
-Green leather jacket, black jeggings, black cami, my key necklace, my green bead dangly earrings, and black pointed flats (with zippers!).  Pulled my hair back by doing my usual side part and then twisting it.

-For Beauty and the Beast: black pencil skirt with my purple top (the sleeves are slightly puffy) tucked in.  Pointed black heels, pearl earrings, and my black-and-white patterned trench coat (see right) completed the outfit. Oh, and don't forget my perfect over-the-shoulder, navy purse (also from NYC last Thanksgiving).
-Purple v-neck, light blue jeans (Aeropostale, slightly flared), pearl earrings, black-and-grey TOMS, navy zip-up hoodie underneath and black and white jacket... perfect for a colder day and shopping with my mom and aunt!

The weather here is lovely today though slightly windy.  Have to admit, I'm loving it.  I should be outside, but instead I'm taking care of random business in my dorm room.  Boiler Brass game tonight, so I'll be rockin' the sparkly gold TOMS with bumblebee knee socks. :)

Boiler up and dress up!

Back to school!

Oh the typical back-to-school frenzy.  I survived my first week... but it was a long one.

Due to the fact that I really only have classes on MWF (Tuesdays and Thursdays consist of band and a lab every other week), I only dress up on MWF.  It is almost a little sad, but I WORK IT those days.  Because my boyfriend is in 3 of my 4 aero classes, I try extra hard.

Monday:  my beige, purple, and orange kimono dress from Target with a beige cami underneath.  Simple gold hoop earrings and my KKY lavalier complimented my outfit.  My new Candies gladiator sandals (with a slight heel) showed off my still-intact pedicure.

Wednesday:  looked like a sorority girl in my black KKY v-neck (the letters are black-and-white zebra on a hot pink background)... I forgot that this weekend is recruitment, so I matched hundreds of girls on campus sporting their letters and v-necks.  I punk my outfit up a little with pink Converse low-tops and jean bermudas, but I keep it classy with pearl earrings.

Friday:  rocked my scholarly look.  Navy blue cargo shorts, white cami, navy-and-white striped button-up top.  Unfortunately, I do not own navy sandals, so I wore my black sandals and matched them with my key necklace (my sisters and I all made similar ones).  I felt cute and inspired to study.

Well here's to fashion and the weekend!  -K

Happiness is...

Here is a list (both superficial and sincere) of things that make me happy:

1. Watching a movie with my family

2. Wearing THE PERFECT outfit 

3. Playing a cool arpeggio on the clarinet

4. Texting my boyfriend

5. Finishing a page or two for my scrapbook

6. Seeing that people 'liked' my Facebook status (as lame as this is, I really do love it when people are into what I'm doing)

7. Getting over $2 in tips at DQ in one shift

8.  Giving someone the BEST GIFT EVER

9. Surprising people

10. Reading a classic novel (among my favorites are Les Miserables, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Scarlet Letter)

11. Reading a predictable teen book like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...

12. Singing while driving

13. Drinking a frappe, cappuccino, or latte

14. Making other people smile

15. Doing God's Horn with my tenor saxophone or playing Hail Purdue

So here's to the things that make us happy.  My suggestion to you: make a list like this, and when you're feeling down, pick one and do it :) 

Sunshine and smiles... K

Summer Musings

Ahhh... Today is the first day in a long time that I do not have to work or do something major (like travel to Davenport for a DCI show).  Of course, I don't know what to do with my free time... and I feel like I've wasted my day.  It's 2:30 p.m., and I've hardly done anything.  Ugh.  I hate that I can't relax... I feel stressed when I have nothing to do...

Anyway, I've done some fun things these past few days. I saw two DCI shows and a fair parade, hung out with my friend who drove 11 hours one way to see me, and saw a bunch of my Kappa Kappa Psi brothers.  So having nothing to do today is a let-down.  Fortunately, I have this weekend to look forward to!  I'm going shopping with Lisa and Laura in Des Moines.  Here are the places I want to stop at to buy CLOTHES:

1.  Target (they have some really CUTE stuff, including lots of dresses)
2.  Forever 21 (I am hoping they have tunics/dresses to wear over leggings, as I'm trying to expand my style to more than jeans/shorts and fashion tops)
3.  Charlotte Russe (I have 18.25 left on a giftcard, and it's burning a hole in my pocket!  When we went shopping with Amanda and Amanda this weekend, I bought two rings there; however, I'd like to buy new shirts/dresses when I go shopping this upcoming weekend).
4.  American Eagle (I'm not usually a big fan of A.E., but Laura swears by them and their sale prices.  I hope to find a v-neck t to replace my magenta one).

Hope you're enjoying the sun and staying cool :)

Outfits for Outings

During the past few days, I've taken a few outings.  On Friday, I went to Iowa City (boo Hawkeyes) to see my little sis, Laura, play her end-of-band-camp concert.  Of course, that called for a nice, cute outfit that demonstrated effort and looked stylish for a college town.

Outside the old capitol building in Iowa City

Hence, my dark yet (in my opinion) sophisticated outfit!  A black fitted-t: truly the perfect addition to any wardrobe.  They are so versatile... I can dress it up (with khakis or skirts) or down (with sweatpant capris).  I chose to pair it with my new silk scarf from Roma, pearl earrings (classic, but overworn by me), a black belt, my nude sandals from Greece (not seen in picture, obviously), and jean shorts.  For once, they aren't short shorts.  And I'll tell you why.  As a runner/marching-band-geek (love it!) my thighs are very muscular.  I love my legs, but longer shorts and capris look better than short shorts.



Anyway, yesterday found me at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo with one of my bestest best friends, Jared. That called for another picture-worthy outfit but of a different caliber.  As it was hot and sunny (for most of the day), I needed something light-weight but with enough coverage.

In the Desert Dome at the Henry Doorly Zoo

My magenta v-neck is perfect for summer!  It's a little worn out (so it might get thrown away at the end of summer).  I tucked it into navy cargo shorts for a more grown-up look.  My magenta bracelet from Morocco matched perfect, as did my small, navy purse from Strawberry (in NYC).  Again, the nude sandals completed my outfit.   My legs ached by the end of the day (I should have worn my pink Chucks), but it was a great day!  I loved seeing the giraffes, zebra, tigers, fish, and the jungle, but most of all I enjoyed spending time with a good friend.

Update on my summer to-do list!

So far, I have done a lot on my list!

I have:
Read 3 books (check!)
Scrapbook-ed 10 pages (halfway there!)
Sewn up the collar on my Windsor t-shirt (check!)

It's not even July yet!

Every time I start to get restless, I remind myself that once this summer is over, I won't get another one like it.  On to summer classes, a summer in Houston, and then REAL LIFE.  Scary, I know.

So here's to summer things I love:
blogging
reading
scrapbooking
sleeping
shopping (NEED TO DO THAT MORE)
walking with Mom
jogging with Lisa
journaling

And here are the things I need to stop (or at least cut back on):
Facebooking
Tweeting
eating ice cream at work
stressing (it's summer, right?  WHY DO I STILL STRESS OUT?!?!)

European Clothes with an Iowan Twist

 So, seeing as my sister returned from her time abroad with lots of beautiful souvenirs... thimbles, a cute box, a fan from Spain, but mostly clothes, accessories, and shoes... I decided to write a blog detailing my soon-to-be use of these gifts!  So here are pictures of my gifts and my plans for what to wear them with:
1. Teal skirt:
I thought this would look fantastic with my black fashion t-shirt tucked in.  Add my black sandals for a simple touch, or wear my zebra-print, sparkly silver-and-black flats for a slightly more glam-rocker feel.  Not that this skirt says glam-rocker.... it more says sweet, flower-child.  I could also wear this shirt with my maroon v-neck for a color-block effect.

2. Bracelets:
I won't go into lots of detail on what I could wear these with, mostly because they'd go with lots of things.  I just need to make it my mission to start wearing bracelets...


3. Headband:
First of all, I LOVE THIS!  It surpasses my usual jeans, nice top, and TOMS outfit choice. I'm going to have to be a little bit creative with this... One thought I had was this with a flowy top (help!  I might need one of those!) with khaki shorts/capris and my new sandals from Greece (see below).

4. Ah... the scarf from Rome.

This is simply elegant.  I plan on wearing this with my black fitted-t, my favorite Levis, and my black sandals or plain black pointed-toe flats. I could also wear my Greek sandals with it since there is a hint of tan in the design... LOVE!

5. Other scarf.
I love this because of the multiple colors.  I have two pink fitted-t's. It would also look good with a white shirt (although I don't really like white clothes).  I wore it the other day with my pearl earring (personal favorites of mine--classy AND lovely).  Finally, it just looks like a scarf I would throw on under my black-and-white jacket for a pop of color!

6. Swansea Sweatshirt:  I just wish the weather would get a little colder so I could wear this!  I plan on taking it to school with me in the fall and wearing it to marching band when the weather gets colder... I'll brighten up those fall days for sure!

7. The cheap boots... win.

These boots cost Lisa two pounds... so like 3-ish dollars.  I think they will look stunning with my super-skinny jeans and a boho top. I would also like to look into buying a tunic to wear with these boots and leggings.  Again, I wouldn't mind the weather dropping back into the 60s so I could wear these beauties :)

8. Sandals from Greece:
Personal favorite gift, and surprisingly, they fit perfectly!  Ah!  I could pretty much wear these with anything.  I plan on wearing them with my all-black romper (which, by the way, would look great with my scarf from Roma), but first I have to get brave enough to try the nude-with-black.  We'll see.  They look great with khakis (as they made their debut at church).




Thanks, Lisa, for the awesome gifts!  I love them, but mostly I'm happy that you're home safe and sound!  Much love!