Happy Friday...

Enjoy the weekend!!

Much Love, K

What I'm Loving Right Now...

It's been awhile since I have done a 'What I'm Loving Right Now' post & I wanted to share with you all the Top 10 things I am adoring right this second!

1. The Royal Wedding.  I have gotten so much heck for this & I Do Not Care! I think it is whimsical & magical & let a girl dream ok!?

2. A new twist on the summer braid.  As women, we know that sometimes in the heat of summer, the easiest way to pull ourselves together in the humidity is by braiding our bangs out of our sticky faces!  I have been searching for fun new braids & am loving this style right now...

3. Leather leggings.  I don't need to say much as to why I worship mine other than I simply feel bad ass & I truly am not...

4. The smell of bonfires.  That always indicates that summer is near!  Most people hate being stinky after a bonfire, but I love love love a good summer bonfire on a clear night...

5. Peeks of crochet.  Without it looking too old-fashioned, crochet is sneakily making it's way back into the trendy department & I love the emerging style...

6. Styled Boots.  There is nothing that I love more than an awesome outdoor concert in the middle of summer!  What better to pair a fun cotton sundress with than a flirty pair of cowboy boots with added flair...

7. Coral Skinnies.  I am 99.99% positive coral looks good on every skin tone & I love the fresh color on denim for summer...

8. Dijon Color Palette.  Clearly, I am loving the idea of summer being right around the corner, but couldn't help but get so excited to see mustard trends on the Fall 2011 runway...

9. The Rockies.  My love for Colorado will never go away & I cannot get enough of the mountains & love I have for that state...

10. Stoli Doli.  My new favorite drink. Order it. Make it. I don't care, just try it...

And Remember...

Forever Comfy Chic...

One questions that I get asked all the time & it drives me absolutely insane is, "Why are you so dressed up!?"  Whether it is grabbing lunch, going to see a movie, running errands, or any other casual activity, I always get asked that!  It is not difficult to look put together  AND comfortable!  For me, all of the styles below are casual, comfortable & chic & I am going to show you how to put together fashionable relaxed looks!

First things first, you always, ALWAYS need to dress for your body type!  I will never ever try a trend that does not suite my body... but I will tailor it to my body shape.  You will not be comfortable in anything that you wear, if it is not properly styled to your body.  Start simple, comfy denim jeans with a light wash & a laid back soft sweater paired with a fun piece of jewelry = epitome of easy, yet feminine... 

Mastered that? Try adding patterns to your comfy look.  Not much is changed with this next look,  besides a striped T-shirt & you are trying a new trend, boyfriend jeans...

Moving on... While still looking casual, try adding pops of color to a casual outfit.  You will know when too much is too much & start with a color that looks best on you!  Pair simple accessories to the adornments on your belt or buttons (i.e. gold belt buckle, try gold hoops & a gold bangle) & you still manage to look casual, yet very chic...

Color not your thing?  If you are more into neutral shades like, black, gray, tan, brown etc... Use those as your main foundation to work with. Mix different shades of neutrals together & layer them.  To include a little chic-ness to your look, add simple jewelry or tie on a scarf...

Let's try putting the whole look together!  Denim, patterns, pops of color, matching accessories= so simple!

You do not need to neglect style to be comfortable or casual!  These styles would all take the same amount of time it would take to throw on sweatpants! Try it!

Royal Wedding Giggles...

With the Royal Wedding right around the corner, the blogosphere is overwhelmed with William & Kate postings, pictures, & comments!  Like any other glamour obsessed, luxury consumed, lusting for love, fashion blogger, I too will be covering the elaborate event!  But until then, here are some things that made me laugh throughout my search...

Bringing Outdoor Features, Inside...

The best part about this time of year, is getting to escape your winter blues & enter the serene outdoors! There is nothing that will compare to the fresh outdoor scent that spring brings.  Here in MN, we find ourselves staying outside longer & longer each day, just to fully take in the great outdoors that we were so deeply missing during the winter months!  I love being able to bring outdoor features into the home, for a more composed & tranquil feel. Take this...

...& try to incorporate something like this...

I bet you never thought an arrangement of stones could make you feel so relaxed...

...until you get your toesies on this rug!  Ever since I saw these rugs on VivaTerra (an awesome eco-friendly interior design lovers obsession) I cannot wait to get my hands on one! They are so soft & make a room look so contemporary...

Growing up, my parents planted a tree for myself & my 2 sisters & it was forever to be 'our' tree.  My tree was a birch tree & I have had a love for it ever since...

This birch tree legged table is gorgeous!  I would imagine if you're handy this could easily be a DIY project...

The way the sun rises & glimmers off of emerald moss in a dew filled morning is breathtaking...

...so try to bring those same components within your home!  A moss covered bath rug is perfect for toweling off over, giving that fresh dew look to a simple space...

Here in MN, we do adore all 10,000 of our lakes, along with the peaceful greenery woven in & around it...

After I first saw this unique banister, I could not stop thinking about it!  It is so distinct & brings life to a normally forgotten space!

What other outdoor features are you looking to incorporate within your home?

Gym Style... Nevermind, Just Do It...

I am running my first half marathon on Sunday & I thought it would be fun to share with you all some great new styles for the gym.  So I looked & looked & literally kept looking, and then I thought, "There is no possible way I could post all of these cute gym clothes, when I do not even own a single piece!"  I am proud of myself if I make it to the gym in an old over-sized t-shirt & if I don't forget my running shoes & a hair binder! 

So... what I originally wanted to do was put together looks like these & remind you all how 'Chic' you can be while at the gym...

...But let's be honest, who has that kind of time or wants to put in that much effort, just to sweat all the chic-ness away!?  So here is my style advice (possibly snatched from Nike): Just Do It.  Whatever you choose to wear, however tight or loose, how ever bright, bold or flashy... Just Do It.  Gym Style is a mindless style, wear what you want, wear what you feel most comfortable in, wear whatever it takes to just get the workout done!  So until I find something so unreal, like magical shoes that run for you, maybe just some inspirational quotes to get you back out there will have to do...

Ok... but I do love these!  These new chocolate dipped coconut Luna bars are awesome after a long day of work & you are looking for some extra energy before you head to the gym...

... & you all already know my favorite post-workout beverage... coconut water... yummm....

I apologize for the scatterbrain post, but I hope in some way it inspires you...

Pretty Pastels...

As Easter quickly approaches, the idea of table designs & appropriate attire to the family gathering, has been on my mind a lot lately. I would love to have a beautiful outdoor brunch with my family after Easter Sunday, the only problem is, the weather in Minnesota is SO unpredictable!  But if the weather were consistent, I would enjoy something like this...

A soft mixture of pastels & florals keep this holiday light & whimsical...

A casual, mid-day gathering with family & friends here would be amazing...

But... like I said, here in MN, it would be extremely hard to plan for something that elaborate, not knowing if it will rain or snow on your parade.  So, I simply would bring outdoor features, inside...

...while keeping theme to florals & a pastel color palette...

...with a fun little twist on things...

Here are a couple ways to incorporate those trends into your style for the day...

Personally, this is what I would choose to wear...

...And simply because this photo is gorgeous & she is equally as beautiful & I have been threatening to do this bleach-blonde-pixi for years & oh... it is a combo of soft pastels to a perfection!

Do you have any special family traditions for Easter?  What do your table designs look like?

Under $100

Here are a bunch of my favorite trends to add to your wardrobe for Summer 2011... Under $100!!

First, most of you already know my obsession with Jade & I don't think it is going away anytime soon!  Jade looks amazing on sun-kissed skin & will be apart of my accessories for a long time...

Jade Accessories:

1. Kate Spade New York Fiorella Cluster Stud Earrings $68 (Nordstrom)

2. Jade Drops Bracelet $58 (Anthropologie) 

Woven hats are perfect for summer because they are light-weight, block the sun, & cover 'day-old' hair with style.  They are perfect for the beach or a lunch with some friends out on the town...

Woven Straw Hats:

1. Classic Straw Fedora $34 J.Crew

2. Shimmer Straw Hat $45 (Banana Republic)

These are what I like to call my 'go-to' shorts.  Statement shorts can bring flare to any dull outfit & can drastically change your look from day to night...

Statement Shorts:

1. Belted Soft Shorts $62.76 (Asos)

2. Scribble Shorts $78 (Anthropologie)

My addiction for all things masculine & feminine continues! I love mixing manly & womanly features together to achieve a perfect balance.  This military style, silk blouse combine feminine fabrics, with masculine cuts & features...

Military Style-Silk Blouse:

1. Silk Popover $69.99 (Banana Republic)

2. Collarless Military Top:$39.99 (Gap)

This next style is not necessarily a trend, but more of a staple item for your closet for spring.  Without looking too '80's' keep a jean jacket for chilly summer nights over a sundress or light tank.  I do not care if you find one at Target, J.Crew, or Neiman Marcus, keep the wash simple & you cannot go wrong...

Jean Jacket:

1. Cropped Denim Jacket $59.99 (Gap)

A popular sandal for spring has been the thick, strappy wedge.  A neutral wedge is perfect to pair with any summer outfit & are surprisingly comfortable! It is the best of both worlds in my eyes, you get the height you want from a heel, but the comfort you want from a sandal! (Thanks to not having to balance on a 4 inch skinny heel!)...

Neutral Wedges:

1. Mia Biscotti in Natural $59.00 (Piperlime)

2. BCBG Generation Castles $98 (Piperlime)

A trend that I cannot seem to get enough of- or, find much of!  Dijon colored accessories! Simple pops of mustard flare give light to a lifeless summer outfit...

Dijon Accessories: 

1. Flats $38 (Urban Outfitters)

2. Mustard Wrapped Scarf $48 (Anthropologie)

Bright, Colorful, Dramatic & a touch of gold!  Moroccan embellishments are stunning for summer!

Moroccan Accessories:

1. Zigi Soho to Die For Sandal $49.95 (DSW)

2. Cara Accessories Mixed Media Bangles $48 (Nordstrom)

This last trend is my ultimate favorite! Rose Gold is a shade that looks amazing on any skin tone & is an imperative trend for summer!  Add it to your wardrobe or accessory collection, Rose Gold is here to stay...

Rose Gold:

1. Pins & Needles Ruffled Mini Dress $59 (Urban Outfitters)

2. Foil Splatter Scarf $29.95 (Gap)

3. Square Rose Gold $75 (Anne Klein)

I hope you enjoyed a couple of my favorite trends for summer!  For a girl on a budget- like myself- I hope this list finds you in the greatest of spirits!