Saturday, December 31, 2011

Farewell 2011!

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to reflect on all the things I've done over the past year and all the ways my life has changed in the past twelve months. Looking back...it's been a big year.
In 2011 I...
  • Got into law school!  (The first school I heard back from was William&Mary...I ended up elsewhere, but I'll forever be grateful!) 
  • Graduated from Boston University
Our speaker was Katie Couric...she was incredible.  


I was sweating and starving when this photo was taken.  Also, I purchased (and returned!) like eight dresses before settling on this Milly dress.  


Econ major, cum laude...no biggie.  
  • Moved from Boston...

  • To D.C.!  (and into my dream apartment!)
  • Found a great new barn for my horse, Clarence
  • Celebrated five years with Clarence
  • Ended a relationship that wasn't working...
  • ...and started a new one with an amazing guy.  
  • Began law school in D.C.  Learned more than I ever wanted to know about tort law.  Was brought to tears once or twice.
  • Survived the first semester of law school exams.  (This is more of an accomplishment than you might think.  No fewer than two people were taken away from the law school in ambulances during finals.)
It's been a big year!  What have been the highlights of your year?
xoxoKate




Friday, December 30, 2011

Recent Purchase: Badgley Mischka Glitter T-Straps

I picked these up the other day...they were a really great deal at Nordstrom Rack.  I'm in love.  I've walked around my house in them a bit and they're shockingly comfortable and relatively easy to walk in.  I'm thinking they'd be perfect for New Year's Eve, or maybe for Law School Prom in the spring.  Either way, I'm in love.



xoxoKate

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Favorite Christmas Present

My mom picked out this gorgeous David Yurman bracelet.  It wasn't something I asked for (all I specifically asked for was nice socks to wear with boots...grown-up presents are no fun!), but I love it.  My mom's taste is pretty good!


What was your favorite holiday gift?  I hope everyone had a great Christmas!
xoxoKate

Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas Music!

You can keep your Justin Bieber or whoever...I'm an Alvin and the Chipmunks girl through and through!



xoxoKate

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

I've been on a real oatmeal cookie kick lately.  During exams, I ate a ton of Potbelly's, and I definitely pigged out on their oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.  Since it's almost Christmas and making cookies is definitely part of the holiday, I decided to make my own!


INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour
2 3/4 cups oatmeal
2 cups chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS:
Cream together the butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Add Baking soda, powder, and salt and mix. Add flour, oatmeal and chocolate chips. Mix until combined. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe.

I hope you're enjoying lots of holiday goodies!
XOXOKate



Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas Decorations

Now that exams are over, I've really been getting into the holiday spirit.  I've been going a little nuts with my iPhone, taking photos of all my favorite Christmas decorations at my house.












Merry Christmas!
xoxoKate



Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Hot Hot Hot!

These are so NOT my usual style, but I'm totally in love with them:


I'm thinking these might have to be a post-finals gift to myself?
xoxoKate

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Exam Week Two

So begins the second week of exams...

I hope everyone is doing well, or at the very least, surviving.


Christmas is just around the corner!
xoxoKate

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Finals Season!

Things have been a little quiet around here as finals season ramps up for C and I.  I'm not sure about C, but my school gave us a single midterm exam plus a little online quiz for our writing class.  That said, my first REAL law school exam is tomorrow.  It's in Contracts...it's three hours long...and it's going to be brutal.  (In case you wanted to know, a commercial offering to sell kids a fighter jet does not create a binding offer.)

I'm sure lots of you are getting into exams now, so I wish you luck and I'll leave you with this, which has been making the rounds at my school.


xoxoKate

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Ash Addiction

I've been wearing the following booties nonstop the past few weeks:


My apologies for the silly under-the-table photo.  They're from a brand called "Ash."  I ordered them from shopbop a few years back and I've loved them ever since.  They're in heavy rotation lately.  

xoxoKate

Monday, November 28, 2011

Thought for today

I came across this pretty graphic the other day and I think it's very true...


xoxoKate

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Giving Thanks

As is the tradition on Thanksgiving, I like to take the opportunity to reflect on the past year and to mention just a few of the things I'm thankful for.



This year I'm thankful for...

  • My fantastic friends, both new and old.  I have so many fantastic people in my life and I've been so lucky to add even more great people (at law school, in D.C., at my new barn, and here in the blogging world!) over the past year.  
  • The fact that I like law school.  Law school is notoriously tough, and despite that, I really do enjoy (nearly) every day.  A lot of people slog through and burn out and I definitely don't feel that way at all.  
  • My life in D.C.  I'm lucky to live close to my family and I love everything about living here.  I have a beautiful apartment and sometimes I just stop in awe of how beautiful this city is.  
  • My gorgeous horse.  I don't get out to the barn nearly enough and he's still as perfect and amazing to me as ever.  
  • The fact that I was strong enough to get out of a failing relationship.  (B and I broke up last month).  As much as I care about him, we are very different people and it just wasn't working.  
  • Having a few days off from school to catch my breath!
What are you giving thanks for this year?

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Pumpkin Squares

A friend from school was hosting a cocktail party this past weekend (I feel so grown up!), and I wanted to bring something delicious AND festive.  I decided to use a recipe I'd been eyeing, but with a little bit of a twist.

(I LOVE my iPhone...the pictures are pretty good!)

I used this recipe for the cake and this recipe for the frosting.  I'm not normally a huge fan of cream cheese frosting, but this wasn't overpoweringly strong...it tasted like buttercream with a kick.  

Instead of cupcakes, I just baked the batter in a square pan (it'll take quite a bit of extra baking time), let it cool, frosted it, and then cut it into squares.  

Mmmm...

Definitely something that would be tasty to make/bring to Thanksgiving dinner...
xoxoKate



Monday, November 21, 2011

Law School Reflection: Three months

It hit me today that I'm almost three months into law school.  On the one hand, it strikes me as insane that I'm nearing the end of my first semester.  At the same time, it seems really weird that it's only been three months...in a lot of ways it feels like a lifetime.  So, in the interests of cataloging my experiences...I'm going to do a little reflection on things I've learned so far.

1.  Socially, law school is like regressing to high school.  Because you take all your classes with the same group of 100 people (or less, depending on the school), everyone knows each other and is going to be up in your business.  Catty girls are going to hate you and talk behind your back for no reason.  (Sadly, I've learned this from experience).  Everyone's hookups are public knowledge.  On the flip side, you get to know a group of 100 people really, really well, and your section will develop all sorts of inside jokes and stuff like that.

2.  Being in a relationship during law school is really really hard.  This is doubly true if the person you're with isn't in law school/hasn't been to law school.  The nature of the stress is really unique, and unless you've been there, you can't understand.  (If you have a boyfriend/girlfriend in law school, give them a kiss and forgive them when they're forced to cancel plans with you at the last minute.)

3.  Even if you were a star in undergrad, law school is hard.  I graduated with latin honors and an economics degree from BU (I'm no slouch!) and there are still days when I feel like a total idiot.  The material is difficult and even when it comes naturally to you, it's still hard!

4.  Law students like a good time.  Seriously, no one drinks or goes out more than a law student.

5.  Random people love to come up to you in public and comment on the law in general when they see you holding a legal textbook.  I've had so many strangers come up to me on the subway or in line at the grocery store when they see me with a textbook to give me their opinion on law school/being a lawyer/the legal job market.

6.  Fundamentally, if you want to be there, school is fun.  As much as its stressful and (at times) demoralizing, it's also incredible.  You learn so much in such a short period of time, and if you're passionate about the subjects, it's actually an exhilarating, fun experience.

Friday, November 18, 2011

I've been busy...

My apologies for the lack on content lately...school has been ratcheting up lately.  Today I have the much dreaded Legal Research and Writing final exam.  It's not a huge deal at my school, but it does involve heaving an encyclopedic knowledge of the legal citation format, contained in this book.

Note that I tabbed the section of abbreviations as "abbreves."  I also used paisley printed post-its.  Law school won't break me.  

Wish me luck!  I hope everyone is surviving school/work!
xoxoKate

Monday, November 14, 2011

J.Crew Matchstick Cords

I've never been a huge corduroy person, but as the weather cools off, I've been looking for good alternatives to jeans.  I recently ordered these:


...in the "Charleston brown" color.  I like that they're straight leg...it's a classic look with a little bit of a modern spin.  I'm not 100% sure they're "me," but I'm giving them a shot!

What are your thoughts?  Have you seen people pulling off straight leg cords?  
xoxoKate

Friday, November 11, 2011

Craving: Burberry Trench with Leather Trim

Ugh...isn't this Burberry trench just incredible?  It's the perfect mix of classic style with a decent dose of tough-girl style thrown in.  


It's times like this where I start to think I need a sugar daddy...(Kidding...totally kidding!)
xoxoKate

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Craving: J.Crew Viv Pumps

How perfect are these?  I'm not normally a huge fan of pointy toes, but I love the sweet bow and the grosgrain accent.



I love how delicately feminine these are!
xoxoKate

Monday, November 7, 2011

Recent Purchase: Dressy Pants

After my second trip down to the D.C. Superior Courthouse (to view a proceeding - not as a defendant!), I became aware of a small hole in my wardrobe.  As I was getting ready that morning, I ended up wearing the pants off of my suit.  As much as I love my suit pants, I decided that I needed another pair or two of good pants for wearing to professional events.

I ended up going with two pairs from Ann Taylor, only one of which has photos on the website...


Although I normally gravitate towards the slightly lower rises at places like Ann Taylor (you know, more grown up places), I decided to go with the standard, higher rise on these.  For one, it just looks more professional.  Low-rise has no place in a conservative environment, particularly the legal world.  Just say no.  Second, for trousers, I think a higher rise is a lot more flattering on most people.  It makes your legs look miles long and hides any hint of a tummy.  

After looking at a ton of cute blogs that have college girls talking about their tailgating outfits, I feel like such an old lady getting pumped about dress pants from Ann Taylor!  
xoxoKate

Friday, November 4, 2011

Breaking Up

After nearly two wonderful years together, my blackberry and I have decided to see other people.  The (black, 4S) iPhone has stolen my heart.  (Also, my blackberry decided to stop charging itself and the keys got all sticky...it was an abusive relationship.)


Unsurprisingly, one of the main reasons I'm so excited is because of the million awesome covers available for the iPhone.  


I LOVE that this cover matches my planner...super cute!


This is super loud, but I love it.  


Obviously I think Claire and I need to get these.

What kind of phone do you have?  Has anyone out there gotten a chance to play with the new iPhone?  What kind of case/cover do you use?
xoxoKate



Thursday, November 3, 2011

Recent Purchase: Anthropologie

I recently ordered this cropped pullover top from Anthro...


I'm normally not a huge fan of Anthro...I love the clothes, but the bohemian style SO doesn't work for me.  As Claire understands, I have a real aversion to things that are too "loosy-goosy," particularly on top.  

But this top...I'm totally digging it!  It's a tad shorter on me than it is on the mannequin (hello boobs!), but I really like the look of it layered over a slim fitting tank top.  It's a wearable way to do the layering trend.  It's also crazy soft, which never hurts.

Have you had your eye on anything at Anthro lately?  Do you like the cropped look?
xoxoKate


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Essie: French Affair

The past month has been, to put it mildly...hellacious.  So when I went to indulge in a pedicure this past weekend, I went with a polish with the most adorable and frivolous name possible, French Affair.


It's actually a very cool color...a nice mix between pink and lavender.  Very feminine.

What color nail polish are you rocking lately?  What are your favorite polishes for fall?
xoxoKate

Friday, October 28, 2011

Happy Halloweekend!

Hello everyone!  This is going to be a quick post but I was in a bit of a fashion pickle this evening and I thought I'd share with you my solution quickly before I head out for a (tame and abbreviated) "night out" of the law school variety.  This differs from a normal night out in that I can neither drink nor stay out late because I have to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed tomorrow to attack my unspeakable amount of homework.

So here we go:

I think most people would agree that a big part of style has to do with adaptability.  I don't remember who said this, I believe it was a designer and I'm pretty sure I read it in a magazine, but I've heard that "fashion is what we give you twice a year, style is what you make of it" or something along those lines.  This is very true.  I think this speaks to the fact that an important part of style is being able to find inspiration in "fashion" and trends, interpret it in your own way, and adapt it to the different situations you find yourself in.  Example: you have to channel your style in different ways when you are getting dressed to go to a party and when you are getting dressed to go to an interview.  You want to express yourself, but you want to fit the situation.

Now, how does this apply to Halloween?

Well.  Some people are more into Halloween than others.  For example, some people like to hold Halloween parties on nights other than Halloween.  Others like to hold, well, regular parties on the nights leading up to Halloween.  Tonight, I have two events on the agenda.  One has a Halloween theme, one does not.  I do not have time to change in between.  I had to find a way to make myself presentable enough for a non-Halloween gathering, and immediately afterwards, I had to be ready to look Halloween-y enough  for a costume party.

So without further ado, I give you my solution.

Black tank top, black tights, black cardigan, leopard skirt (H&M).  Ready for a regular party.

For my next trick, I will turn into a leopard!

Changes: Black cardigan swapped for leopard cardigan (Ann Taylor), black flats swapped for leopard heels (Target).

Et voila!  Heels and cardigan in the purse.  Regular outfit on.  Ready to go.

In a perfect world I would have ears and a tail, but this is not a perfect world and I had too much studying to do and no time to shop for costume appendages.  For throwing this together at the last minute (I'm sorry, Halloween snuck up on me this year!), I don't think I did half bad.

Hope you like the claws in the second photo.  You know, for effect.

Happy Halloweekend!

C

Beauty Inspiration: Drew Barrymore

I've always had a bit of a girl crush on Drew Barrymore.  Maybe it's because she has features vaguely similar to my own, but I've always found her to be a good source of beauty and style inspiration.  I love that she's widely considered a conventionally attractive woman, yet she still is very much her own person with her own unique style.


I couldn't resist the horse photo

This photo is so stunning


I love how her look is simultaneously girl-next-door yet sexy

A good motto to live by

Love her hair here



Thoughts?  Are you a fan of Drew?  Who are your fashion/beauty icons?  
xoxoKate