Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Fall Style: Rugby Dresses

One of my favorite looks for fall is the rugby dress.  I love how chic they look with tights and flats and how well they work with leggings and boots when the temperatures get frigid.  They're effortless, yet so much more upscale and stylish than jeans and a sweatshirt.  Here are a few that I'm loving right now:




Rugby is currently offering a 20% off promotion.  They also offer a 15% off promotion every day for college students (or anyone with a .edu email address).  

Are you a fan of rugby dresses?  What are your favorite easy and chic looks for fall?  Have you shopped at Rugby before?
xoxoKate



Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Food: Coconut Red Curry Tofu with Vegetables

Never Homemaker is one of my absolute favorite blogs.  Even though I'm definitely not a runner I love reading about their marathon training, as well as drooling over their delicious looking recipes.

This week I decided to try something a little outside of my comfort zone with the Coconut Red Curry Tofu with Vegetables.  It was so easy, healthy, and simple (and delicious!) that it will definitely become a go-to weeknight meal. Curry gets a bad rep for being really pungent and strong, but this was very mild and mellow - not spicy or overpowering in the least.

A few quick notes: Be sure to brown your tofu pretty well (this takes a few minutes) - soggy tofu is really gross.  If tofu isn't your thing, this would probably work really well with chicken.

I stayed pretty true to their recipe, but I made two small changes.  First, I left out the basil - basil with anything other than Italian food doesn't work for me. Second, I made some asian lo-mein noodles to serve with this.  Certainly not traditional, but I love carbs.  Rice would also be good.

Ingredients

It smells delicious!

Yum!

Have you read Never Homemaker before or tried any of the recipes?  What are your weeknight go-to meals?  
xoxoKate


Monday, August 29, 2011

Lilly Sale: Murfees!

I'm a big fan of Lilly (as if you couldn't tell...), but I've never owned a Murfee. As much as I don't mind spending $200 on a Lilly dress, $118 for a scarf has always seemed excessive to me.  I've admired them, I've even purchased them as gifts for friends, but until this past week I'd never had one of my own.

The Lilly sale was the perfect opportunity to finally snag one of these lovely, lightweight scarves.  I ended up choosing two: Hotty Pink Begonias (left) and Shorely Blue Pirate's Bootyniere (right).  Both are so pretty and soft - I know I'll get a ton of use out of them.


Did you snag anything at the Lilly sale?  Are you a fan of Murfees?  
xoxoKate

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Muffins

Warm, fresh baked muffins are one of the most enjoyable morning treats. Peanut butter and chocolate is one of the best flavor combinations out there. Warm, fresh baked peanut butter and chocolate chip muffins are, therefore, absolutely heavenly.  Recipe adapted from www.cooks.com

Ingredients:
2/3 cup peanut butter (1/3 cup peanut butter and 1/3 cup nutella gives them a little more color and is SO delicious)
2 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
2 eggs
1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
1.5 cups white flour
1/2 cup vanilla soy milk (regular skim or whole milk works just as well)
1 cup chocolate chips (1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup peanut butter chips would be fun to try)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl or stand mixer combine peanut butter and melted butter and stir until well mixed (if you're not using a mixer a whisk works well here).  Mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.  Add flour slowly until everything is well combined...it will be really dry and crumbly at this point; don't worry.  Slowly add in milk - at this point the texture should be pretty wet and batter-like.  Fold in chocolate chips.

Spoon batter into paper lined muffin cups (using an ice cream scoop to measure and spoon the batter is much less messy than any other method and ensures that all the muffins are basically the same size).  Bake 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.





These really are a tasty treat and they're super simple to make.  

I've made these a bunch of times before and they've always come out really well. I'm thinking of doing a super-healthy version of these (wheat flour, less sugar, maybe vegan?) in the future.

What are your favorite breakfast treats?  Do you like sweet (muffins, pancakes, waffles, french toast) or savory (omelets, bacon, sausage) at breakfast?  
xoxoKate







Saturday, August 27, 2011

Kate Spade Charm

I have absolutely no reason to own these and no occasion where I could even imagine wearing them, but I LOVE these.




What do you think?  Do you have any items that you completely love, despite them being incredibly unpractical?  
xoxoKate

Friday, August 26, 2011

Lunchtime!

One of the fun things about law school is that lunchtime is a total throwback to elementary school days.  Unlike in high school and college, everyone seems to bring a bag lunch to law school.  At first I was a bit wary, but I've totally come around to the idea.  Bringing a lunch is certainly cheaper than buying something every day, and it's also much healthier.  Here are a few of my recent purchases that will make lunchtime that much more fun!


I'm a total sucker for anything that can be personalized, and I loved the sweet pink dots.  This bag is roomy enough to hold plenty of food, but it's also soft, so it won't take up too much precious room in my bookbag.  


I also got two sets of these, one pink and one lime green.  I love the ability to keep my utensils organized and contained in a little box.  With two sets I won't have to worry about washing them every day, and by having a dedicated set of lunch utensils, I don't have to worry about my regular silverware running off.  


I love having a set of drink bottles so I don't have to worry about washing things every day.  These are BPA free and dishwasher safe, which are major plusses!  The bright colors and cute designs are also a plus!

Do you bring your lunch to school or work?  What kinds of things do you like to pack?  Do you have a cute lunchbox or cute lunch accessories?
xoxoKate



Thursday, August 25, 2011

Product: Clinique Black Honey

Like most girls I know, I've never been much of a lipstick girl.  Growing up, magazines and beauty experts always steered us towards lip gloss and tinted balms - subtle and foolproof alternatives to our mother's lipsticks.  As much as I still love the ease and simplicity (and foolproof-ness) of gloss and balm, I've recently become a huge fan of lipstick.

I had heard a lot about Clinique's Black Honey color.  As a fair skinned girl, I was definitely intimated by what it looked like in the tube, but I had heard so many good things that I had to give it a shot.  Everyone who tries it talks about how it looks good on all skin tones...and they're right.


It gives a nice, lightly glossy swipe of color that isn't overpowering or too opaque.  At the same time, it's definitely a bolder and more grown-up look.  And while I love the look for nighttime, it would just as easily be daytime-appropriate.  

I also purchased the gloss version, which is nice as well.  It has a similarly flattering color, but in a more sheer, low-key look.  


Have you tried Black Honey?  Are you a fan of lipstick?  Have you ever been surprised by a color that was intimidating in the tube, but totally flattering once applied?
xoxoKate


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Jonathan Adler Binder Clips

I was browsing through the school bookstore at orientation and I stumbled on the Jonathan Adler collection of office supplies.  SO adorable.  One of the things I picked up was this adorable set of binder clips.



They're pretty big and I plan on using them to keep printouts of cases organized!  The little logos and cute little sayings are so sweet...definitely an upgrade over boring, plain black clips. 

You can find Jonathan Adler stuff through Lifeguard Press.  They also make a lot of the Lilly office supplies (like highlighters and agendas), so there is definitely a similar fun, cheeky vibe.  

What kind of fun office supplies do you like?  Are you a fan of Jonathan Adler stuff?
xoxoKate


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Lilly Planner

A few weeks back I blogged about how much I loved the new Lilly planners.  I got mine in the mail earlier this month and I've been in love with it ever since (I'm addicted!).  As I get started with law school one of my biggest goals is to stay organized...I'm horribly ADHD, so being able to plan in advance and stay on top of assignments is really important.

My planner from last year...kind of sad in comparison!

 Lilly!

 The best markers for decorating paper and similar stuff...the line is so thin

 A look inside...

 I like to write in dates for major events (like birthdays and vacations) with marker and decorate with little doodles and color-coordinated dots.  I add in smaller events (mixers, school events, exams, etc.) in regular ballpoint pen.  

The Lilly planners have tabs for quickly navigating to a given month, but I like to use a binder clip as well. I got this clip in a sweet little gift bag when I ordered from The Pink Pelican during the Lilly two-day sale in June.  

How do you like to stay organized?  Do you have a system for organizing and decorating your agenda?  
xoxoKate

Monday, August 22, 2011

A Lillyful Two Days

I had a very Lilly-filled few days this past week.  I had the opportunity to wear two of my favorite Lilly dresses...I love both!

Dress: Lilly Jacqueline, Shoes: J.Crew

I wore the Jacqueline out to dinner for C's 22nd birthday party with her family.  The shoes are tan leather with little pops of orange on the toes and heels...they're super comfy and I got a few compliments on them as well!  

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Clare, Sweater: BP

My apologies for the awk proportions on this photo...I promise my hands aren't larger than my feet!  This was my outfit for the first day of law orientation (I swear I wore shoes!).  The first day is all about meeting people, so I wanted to wear something that I really liked that showed off my style, while still being appropriate for meeting professors and future colleagues.  Plus, the silk jersey looked great, despite the 90+ degree weather and lots of sitting around.

Do you have either of these dresses?  Have you worn any Lilly lately?  
xoxoKate


Sunday, August 21, 2011

North Face Recon

As much as I tried to avoid it, orientation convinced me of the need for a backpack.  I've used Longchamp totes since high school, but between my laptop, lunch, and five seriously heavy textbooks, there was no way a tote was going to cut it.  Even though I love the chic look of a shoulder bag, I went ahead with my search for a backpack.  I ended up choosing a North Face Women's Recon.


Surprisingly, I really really like it.  North Face backpacks are designed with orthopedics in mind, so it really is comfortable for lugging a ton of heavy stuff.  It's also a women's style, which means it's proportioned to fit a woman's body...which is very important for my narrow shoulders.  Plus, I love the color (but not the name...squid red...seriously?).  I wanted something that was feminine, but a little less obnoxious than a fluorescent magenta backpack.  The burgundy color with the peachy pink accents totally fits the bill.  

What kind of bag are you carrying for school?  Have you used a North Face bag in the past?  
xoxoKate

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Craving: J.Crew Darla Dress

How sweet is this dress from J.Crew?  I love the defined waist and feminine silhouette...I imagine it would be very flattering.



I love how versatile it is, too.  Worn with pumps and a blazer/cardigan it would easily be work appropriate.  Paired with boots or flats and a large leather bag it becomes upscale-casual.  I can't wait to try it on!

Thoughts?  What are your favorite double-duty pieces for fall?
xoxoKate

Friday, August 19, 2011

Rebecca Minkoff MAC

After eyeing the MAC for what feels like ages, I finally took the plunge!



I had a terrible time picking a color, but I ultimately went with the almond bombe (black patent trim).  There are other colors that I like a lot (I have a list), but the almond bombe is really hard to find and I knew if I waited I'd likely miss out.  I'm now eagerly waiting for temperatures to fall so I can rock the patent leather.

xoxoKate

Thursday, August 18, 2011

My current mantra...

Law orientation starts today!  I'm so so sooo excited, but also a tad nervous.  I'm going to be repeating this to myself all day today:



To those of you starting or going back to school soon: are you excited?  How are you getting ready?

xoxoKate

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Happy Birthday C!

My absolutely gorgeous, crazy-smart BFF is celebrating her 22nd birthday today!  We've been friends for eight years now...we went to the same high school together and to college in the same city.  In a few days she'll be packing up and heading off to New York City for law school, so I'll definitely be giving her a proper sendoff!

The two of us last September in Cape Cod

C, you've been my absolute best friend through some tough times (as well as some very good).  You're one of those rare friends who I can share anything with and who I know will ALWAYS be by my side.  I also know you're going to go and kick ass up at school.  I'll miss you like crazy, but don't forget that you're only a three-hour train ride away...and please don't run off and become a Yankee's fan!  

xoxoKate

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Personalized Stationary

There's just something so classy and professional about beautiful, personalized stationary.  Sending handwritten notes always feels so grown-up and sophisticated.  Because one of the big goals of law school is to network and develop relationships with potential future employers and colleagues, I've been on the lookout for some great notecards and envelopes.  There are so many beautiful options on Etsy.  Here are a few of my picks...






What do you think?  Are you a fan of personalized stationary?  Where do you like to get your stationary?
xoxoKate


Monday, August 15, 2011

Back to School: Book Bags

Finding a new book bag is one of the more fun things about going back to school.  This year, I'll be heading off to law school, so functionality is one of my highest priorities (law books are HEAVY).  Here are a few of my favorite picks:

Longchamp is my standby for school bags.  In the past I've used teal, purple, and beige longchamps, but I've always really liked black.  They hold everything, are easy to take care of, and look chic.  


Ok, so I normally HATE backpacks.  And, to be totally honest, this one isn't a complete exception.  That said, lugging many pounds of textbooks on the subway is going to be difficult, and a backpack is definitely the smartest choice.  I like that this one is scaled for a woman's body (no need to look like I'm climbing a mountain) and I like the girly purple.  Plus the bottom is brown, which would definitely stay clean.  


A Boat and Tote is a preppy classic.  The canvas is so sturdy and the handles are so well made that you never have to worry about overstuffing these bags.  Although the open top bag is more classic, I like the security that the zip-top option provides.  Plus I love anything that can be monogrammed!  And they come in so many bright colors!

What do you think?  What bag will you be carrying for school/work this fall?
xoxoKate

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Craving: Rebecca Minkoff

I know Rebecca Minkoff has been around for a while, but I've just recently discovered her fabulous collection.  Here are a few things I'm currently in love with:



What a gorgeous color!  And I love that it's called tangerine.  The leather is of such high quality and I love how these bags get "smooshy" and a bit less structured over time.  


I've had my eye on the M.A.C. clutch for ages and I love the black leather accent of this bag.  Plus, the crossbody length would be so perfect with longsleeve fall dresses.  And the pop of color is just fantastic.


I love this color...the name "navy" doesn't do it justice.  This is the smaller size of the M.A.C clutch.  I tried it on in Bloomingdales a few weeks back and it's still quite big.  It would definitely be a good size for evening or even for a day when you wanted to travel light.  

Just another couple things to add to the birthday wishlist...

Thoughts?  Do you have any favorite Rebecca Minkoff bags?  What are your go-to fall bags?
xoxoKate

Friday, August 12, 2011

Essie: Super Bossa Nova

I got a pedicure yesterday after a very stressful few days (Comcast, you suck.  Just saying.).  I've been wearing corals and pink-oranges for most of the summer, so I was looking for something a hair different.  I went with Essie's Super Bossa Nova.


It's a super pretty fuchsia color with a little big of sparkle.  I think it'll be a great color for transitioning into fall...the bright color is still summery, but it could definitely work as temperatures drop and leaves change.  It would also look fab for a manicure...I'm thinking I'll have to do that next time.

Are there any new nail polish colors you like?  What color polishes do you like for fall?
xoxoKate

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Loving: Diane von Furstenberg

One of my absolute favorite designers in the world is Diane von Furstenberg.  I actually wore a black DvF mini dress to my high school prom!  I love how all of her collections for every season include a ton of vintage influences, especially from the 1970s.  As a curvy girl, I love how her pieces play with proportion and highlight a narrow waist.


I LOVE DvF wrap dresses.  These are totally going to be staples of my professional wardrobe when I'm a fancy lawyer.  ;-)


The way the top is styled here is a little goofy, but I totally dig the tie-neck style.  I'd love to see that layered under a suit for a professional look.  


I really like this outfit.  Those mid-rise pants would be a great addition to my wardrobe as a step up from my uniform of jeans.  


If I was working, I'd snap this up in a heartbeat.  LOVE.  I'm a sucker for anything with a belted waist.  It's a problem.  


I'm totally digging the retro styling of this skirt.  Fabulous.


There are no words needed.  This is perfection.