Lady Like

Here Comes the Bride

2014-10-05T12:52:00.003-05:00

Last wedding of the season... check! And the huge reality that my wedding is up next set in :) Eeeeek! Seven months and counting people!

A rainy, cold Saturday it was, but luckily everything was planned for indoors. It was a beautiful ceremony and the reception was a blast. One of the best parts about going to weddings when you're in the middle of planning your own is that you get some really great ideas out of it. Melissa (the bride) did a fantastic job planning the day. I don't have any pictures of her gorgeous dress only because I didn't want to interfere with her photographer. It drives me bonkers when guests get in the way of a professional trying to do their job.

I should have another wedding planning post up for you soon, but I have a few more things to check off my list first. If you need to catch up on my planning details, check that post out HERE.

Happy Sunday :)

5 Hot New Fragrances

2014-10-01T18:58:00.000-05:00

If you didn't know, I am a MAJOR perfume junkie. MAJOR. I've gotten better over the years, but I used to own about 12 or 13 perfumes at one time, and that's just a bit ridiculous. I still love my scents, but I've cut down my supply to 3 or 4 current favs. There are some really amazing perfumes on the market right now, so I thought I'd share a few of the newest ones I've tested out :)

Dolce // Dolce & Gabbana

Um, YUM. I didn't buy this one right away, & I'm kicking myself for it. It's so, so, so amazing and I'm probably going to go back and at least buy the rollerball. It's very feminine and delicate, and the bottle is beautiful.

Notes: Neroli Leaves, Papaya Flower, White Amaryllis, White Daffodil, White Water Lilly, Cashmeran, Musky Notes, Sandalwood

Si // Giorgio Armani

I've been seeing this one all over the place so I had to go and smell it for myself. It's a little bit sweet & citrusy for my taste, but still a great option and probably smells amazing after soaking into the skin. I'd definitely give it a try.

Notes: Chypre, Blackcurrant Nectar, Airy Florals, Blond Wood

Daisy Dream // Marc Jacobs

Fruity-floral is a good way to describe this one. It's very light and airy and to me works best in the summer months. It's also a little bit sweet for my taste, but that's okay. And like any Marc Jacobs product, the bottle is beautiful.

Notes: Blackberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Jasmine, Lychee, Blue Wisteria, White Woods, Musk Coconut Water

Nirvana White // Elizabeth and James

I guess I'm indifferent about this one. Smells nice, and a cool idea behind the two fragrances (Nirvana White & Nirvana Black). Did you know you're supposed to wear them together? Kind of awesome. I feel as though this is one that has to blend with your skin to really bring out the scent.

Notes: Peony, Muguet, Tender Musk

Daisy Eau So Fresh // Marc Jacobs
I live & die for this smell. It's just the right amount of flowery-ness with a clean finish. It's not too sweet or too powdery- just a perfect combination of flirt & fruit.

Notes: Natural Raspberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Violet, Wild Rose, Apple Blossom, Musks, Cedarwood, Plum.

Please let me know if you're a fan of any of these, or if you've discovered

something different recently that you're loving!

Our Engagement Photo Wall

2014-09-27T14:55:00.000-05:00

I've been engaged for a while and I've had our engagement photos (see them all in this post HERE) since June. I am just finally getting around to hanging them up. What can I say... I'm a busy lady. I also wanted to take my time and find the perfect photo arrangement before I put 25 holes in my wall and then decided I hated it. I'm sorta famous for that...

I spent a lot of time perfecting my grid. Weeks, for that matter. I even created a collage on my computer of exactly where I wanted each photo to go before printing & framing them. Call me crazy, but it saves a ton of time and money when you plan ahead and don't make 368 mistakes.

Once I had them all in the frames and sprawled out onto my floor, I went to Pinterest to find the most efficient way to hang multiple picture frames and found a link to THIS tutorial. Such a simple concept and it worked wonders for me.

If you're curious, almost all of the frames and mirrors were purchased at Target. If you have one near you, Ikea has some good options as well.

Hope you like!

Berry Lips

2014-09-22T20:46:00.001-05:00

Estee Lauder || Hot Kiss

Fall is the perfect time to bring out the wine-colored lipsticks, and I have most definitely been rocking mine! I just got this new one from Estee Lauder in the shade 'Hot Kiss' as a gift, and I am so in love. I've paired it with this black & white top so it pops a little more than normal.

You can see this lipstick has a bit of a shimmer to it (described as lustrous... ohh, la la) which is unusual for me to wear, but I'm being brave lately and venturing outside of my box. Two points Katie.

Are there any traditional, or maybe not so traditional Fall trends you've been following?

Let me know!

5 MAC Must-Haves

2014-09-21T10:42:00.000-05:00

I realize you've probably seen about 10,398 posts about the MAC products you must GO OUT AND BUY RIGHT NOW from about every blogger around. But, to each her own, and I'm gonna throw out there my most coveted MAC goodies. These are the products I feel I either 1) have used and adored for a very long time or 2) feel that my Muji makeup drawers simply cannot live without. Here they are!

PRO LONGWEAR CONCEALER // SHADE NC20

I used to use Make Up For Ever's Full Cover Concealer. It was great and I loved it, but then I tried this one and I tossed that aside. If you're looking for a bright under-eye, this will accomplish that. It's a very wearable concealer and think it's build-able- you can keep it on the lighter side or go for a full on effect. I have to be honest and say that I did recently start using the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer instead of this one, but I think that one isn't for everyone, especially if you're not a huge concealer fan as the consistency is a bit thicker. That's why I'm still boasting about this one- it's universally amazing.

LIPSTICK // LADY DANGER or DANGEROUS

I can't live without a red lip. Any time, any season- it just works. I've listed both Lady Danger and Dangerous because I think they're ridiculously similar, and if you can't find one it would be just fine to go with the other because it will give the same effect- jaw dropping.

LIPSTICK // HUE

Need a nude lipstick that doesn't completely wash you out? Hue will be your new best friend. I think most people (including me) have such a hard time with nude lipsticks. They're either too dry, too cakey, too light, too pink or too brown... It's obnoxious and I was SO thankful to find Hue. It's a soft, pale-pink glaze (meaning it's incredibly easy to wear). It also works great under a pink gloss for the Kim Kardashian look. Pop a little NARS Turkish Delight over it and there you have it.

MINERALIZE SKIN FINISH // GLOBAL GLOW

I've tried a lot (but not all) of the Mineralize Skin Finishes. Here's my opinion of the ones I've tried...

Gold Deposit is a golden bronze, and works best if you're olive skinned & have an amazing tan. I love it in the summer, but it's not ideal for Winter months.
Soft & Gentle is great if you're lighter skinned, but can look a little grayish if you're darker-skinned.
Lightscapade is pretty- I really have no complaints, but it's just not my favorite one.
Global Glow is phenomenal. It works for many seasons, and is a great color for my skin. LOVE.

EYESHADOW // SADDLE

Everyone needs a soft brown eyeshadow that they can pop on during their normal morning routine. That is exactly what this one is for me- my default. It's one that I can count on to work with pretty much any look. It's a must-have.

Now of course there are foundations, lip liners, perfumes, etc etc etc.... but these are the things that never leave my stash.

I'd love to know what your MAC must-haves are :) Or if you have a great dupe for something I've listed, let me know!

A Case for A Cause

2014-09-18T10:36:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love a company that gives back?! I do!! There are so many brands out there who go out of their way to make a major difference, whether it's helping their local community or taking it to a national level. They're doing it, & we should too!

When Kidogo Kidogo reached out to me and shared their story, it was the least I could do to say "Yes! I'll help spread the word." To give you the short version, Kidogo Kidogo is 'fashionably making a difference'. For each phone case you purchase from their site, they donate an ACTUAL PHONE to a woman in Tanzania. These phones are more than just a source of communication- they're life-changing for these women.

Please, please, please head to their website HERE to learn more, and check out their adorable cases while you're at it :) Ciao!

Hello, Yellow

2014-09-17T14:02:00.002-05:00

Top - H&M // Leggings- Forever21 (anything will work) // Bag - Michael Kors // Flats - H&M

SUPER HAPPY about the fact that today is my Friday, so I thought I'd write a post about a very happy color- yellow! This mustard-colored H&M top is so perfect for fall, yet it's light & airy enough to be worn during warmer weather. I paired it with black everything, leggings, flats, and a Michael Kors bag. I left out the jewelry because to me it wasn't needed.

Time for me to go enjoy my 4 glorious days of freedom. For those unfortunate souls who have two more days of work before the weekend: you have my deepest sympathy :) Peace out girl scouts.

Letting Go

2014-09-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

Black Top- Urban Outfitters // Shorts- Old Navy (similar) // Shoes- Aldo (similar) // Bag- Target

Happy Wednesday! It's technically Friday for me :) Muahah. Anyway.... I created this outfit to remind myself that I don't have to jump straight into sweaters and boots quite yet since I seem to be having a really, really tough time letting go of summer. But I'm hanging onto my shorts by a thread, because the weather here is getting quite nippy.

I think this look is perfect for mid-September days, and actually wore this to a Labor Day festival a few weeks ago. It's a great little twist on your basic tank & the whole outfit was SO comfortable to wear.

I guess it's about time that I pick up a few more scarves though eh? Because ready or not, here Fall comes.

Summer- I'm Still Into It

2014-09-02T10:47:00.001-05:00

All you year-round pleasant-weathered people may be ready for 50 degree days, hot drinks, and fuzzy sweaters, but I am NOT. I have waited far too long and endured too many polar vortexes to give up on hot beaches, short skirts, and margaritas that quickly.

I'm not trying to say Fall isn't great. Like any other sane woman, I am seriously excited for my first Pumpkin Spice Latte. But warm weather is rare around these parts and I don't want to take it for granted, because as soon as our first single digit day rolls around, we're going to miss it. I will miss the cold beer on the patio, the family barbecues, the sand bars, tan skin, and the late night strolls like nobody's business.

So here's to the last few weeks of summer. May they be just as amazing as the first.

Cheers!

Pink and Girly

2014-08-25T08:35:00.001-05:00

Dress | Old Navy

Sunglasses | Target

Bag | Windsor

Shoes | Old Navy

Watch | Target

Spike Bracelet | Forever21

Cheers!

Window Shopping

2014-08-21T08:22:00.002-05:00

Bag- Windsor // Sunglasses- Charlotte Russe // Shirt- Old Navy //

Shoes- Old Navy // Skirt- Forever21

You know what... shopping on a budget is no fun at all. Since I bought a car, I figured I should reel in my spending just a little bit, but that doesn't mean that I can't get a few cute things every once in a while right? I mean, as long as I bargain shop, it's all good.

The only problem... I'm a terrible bargain shopper. I'm a window shopper at heart, and my taste always leads me to the most expensive items in the store. It's a blessing and a curse. I did, however, find a few winners today when I discovered this gorgeous Windsor Store handbag and Charlotte Russe vintage-inspired round sunnies. I think they go quite nicely together :)

Wish me luck as the Fall season nears that I can find cute things & still penny pinch. I have my doubts.

A Crazy Ride

2014-08-14T18:31:00.001-05:00

Do you ever feel like you're on the verge of a breakdown, and if one more wrench gets thrown into the mix that you're just going to blow? Well, welcome to my life, lately. It is right now that I feel like I finally have a second to sit down and think. I have had SO much going on lately, that I feel like I haven't had one single second of free time to just do whatever it is that I feel like doing and it's been driving me bonkers. So, I'm gathering my thoughts about my life lately and sharing them with you :)

I recently attended my fiancé's cousin's bridal shower :) It was so much fun, and makes me so excited for my own! I'm getting married in May, and counting down the days already :) Above is what I wore to the shower- an adorable peplum style top from H&M and (not pictured) a white eyelet skirt from Forever21.

Adam and I (emphasis on the "I") have slowly but surely been checking items off of the wedding 'to-do' list. Most recent achievement: finding his wedding band. It's tungsten carbide and we got it at Rogers and Hollands. I adore it.

Towards the end of July, one of my little nephews turned five! My sister and mom made these amazing Batman cupcakes to go along with his superhero themed party at Chuck-E-Cheese. AKA Germ City. It was a blast, but I really wish he would quit growing up, already.

The Wisconsin State fair was last weekend- beer & fried food included. There's nothing there that you cannot find dipped in grease and stuck on a stick. It's a little gross, but fun to try different things. We also rode about 7,609 rides, leaving 2 out of 3 nephews hurling. Poor little guys.

And last but not least, I GOT A NEW CAR (!!!) This is way more exciting for me than for most people because you don't understand the vehicle I was driving. My ride was a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire that I'd had since I was 15 years old. I am now almost 24. That car was the first and only car I'd ever had, and it did me good. But a few weeks ago it took a turn for the worst and left me without a vehicle + scrambling to find a new one. Being pretty young, I've never bought a vehicle on my own so I was stressed beyond measure. However, everything turned out okay and I'm now driving this gorgeous lady :) She's a 2011 Kia Sorento. Both the inside and outside look brand new. So perfect.

Phew! That's all I got, which is already way too much. Hopefully in the next few days I can finally take that much needed breath.

The Honeymoon | Where Should We Go?!

2014-07-25T14:28:00.000-05:00

source

I'm at the really awesome honeymoon-research stage of my wedding planning, and although this part is supposed to be fun, it's beginning to stress me the heck out! I mean, you only do this once so it needs to be perfect, but I'm having a hard time deciding where to go. I need as much advice as possible, so who better to ask than you lovely bunch?! Below is my list of ideas of where we're interested in and what we want out of it, but I'm hoping you can help me with the details. Where exactly should we stay?!

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

All-Inclusive Resort. We want this place to be BIG and open- your typical luxury resort feel

A safe, tropical location with white sand beaches

A good mix of adventure + relaxation opportunities

WHERE WE'VE CONSIDERED

Mexico

Caribbean

Ready, Set, GO!

Date Nights

2014-07-23T19:57:00.001-05:00

Just dropping by to say how much I have been loving little graphic tanks like this, and what great luck I've had finding them at Windsor. Run, don't walk to your nearest location and get your hands on a couple.

I wore this shirt with a pair of jeans and wedges downtown for dinner last weekend. We had a great view of the river and the weather was perfect for it. Fingers crossed this coming weekend is just as good!

Cheers!

My Latest Adventure | Sunny Florida

2014-07-20T16:49:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh, Florida :) Alhough you are quite swampy and gave me the airport experience from Hell, I still enjoyed every minute of you. Fruity drinks, crab legs, and night swims were just what this Wisconsin girl needed.

My days were spent mainly at the ICAST convention center, but when the show closed, happy hour commenced and we had a great time. I'm not positive that I would return to Orlando if I had my choice (that whole 'no beach' thing is kind of a downer...) but it was still gorgeous and I loved getting to see a new place. Cheers to new experiences & tropical locations!

A New Palette | Lorac Pro 2

2014-07-13T17:44:00.004-05:00

I have a little confession to make--

This new palette is technically the first professional eye shadow palette that I've ever purchased :O I know, I know- I'm a terrible beauty blogger. But I cannot be the only one who finds it painful to purchase a palette when I know I'll only use 2-3 of the 16 shades it offers, while paying a whopping $50 dollars for it. No siree, I just couldn't do it.

Until now. When I found the goddess of all eye shadow palettes. The Lorac Pro Palette 2 is disgustingly beautiful, so I decided I had to have it. 16 shades and there are maybe 2-3 that I probably won't use. HOLLA.

With 8 matte & 8 shimmer shades, there is a something for everyone in this palette. So far my favorites are Nectar, Beige, Jade, light brown, & Cool Gray. Up above I've shown you the go-to look I've been creating. Here's how to do it:

STEP 1 // With a fluffy brush, lightly apply 'Light Brown' in the crease above your lid.

STEP 2 // Using a shader brush, apply 'Nectar' all over the eyelid

STEP 3 // Work in a little bit of 'Cool Gray' over the 'Light Brown' that you applied in Step 1.

STEP 4 // For a smokey effect, lightly dust 'Cool Gray' mixed with 'Nectar' underneath the lower lash line.

STEP 5 // Apply 'Beige' to the inner corners of the eye to highlight

If any of you have bought this palette and have created a look that you're loving, be sure to let me know down below in the comments!

Wedding Planning

2014-07-08T14:57:00.002-05:00

I just realized I have not posted even once about my recent wedding-planning accomplishments. What am I thinking?! To give you the quick scoop- I've been engaged since last June, and have been slowly inching my way down the wedding checklist. My wedding date is set for May 16th, 2015 so you could say I still have some time, but I fully expect it to fly by. That's why I've been speeding up the train a little bit and gettin' shit done!

The way I've planned it out is to get the big tasks that need to be booked far in advance done first. This means the venue, caterer, photographer, wedding party, officiant, & DJ are all set. In the next month or two, I will have my dress chosen, the guest list complete, wedding party attire picked out, and the florist booked. Phew! Woman on a mission.

The one thing I've been a little wishy-washy about is the color scheme. I've had a very hard time picking what I want, and originally had a Black & White wedding in mind. I've recently backtracked and decided that I didn't completely love the idea, so I've gone in the direction of a much softer, feminine feel and I absolutely love the colors I've picked.

If you've seen the colors of my blog (which you have... you're looking at it right now...) you will know that I'm a huge fan of these colors. I love the peachy-pink blush tones balanced with the nude champagne and a dark gray pewter to give it some contrast. They work together well, I think :) I've also listed a few ideas of what colors I will use for different items.

As far as the location goes- It's going to be held in a huge white tent on an outdoor patio at a golf course. Gorgeous, yes. The ceiling will be filled with 30" glowing lanterns and the tables will be topped with tall hydrangeas.

I am a planner to the bone. I cannot stand when things get put off until the last minute, which is why I think I'm having an easy time (so far) planning. I know I will be a stressed out mess as the day draws closer, but I'll at least know that everything is done and is exactly the way I want it :)

Cheers!

Happy 4th of July!

2014-07-06T13:29:00.000-05:00

Family, friends, beers, boats, fireworks, bug spray, yard games, & barbecues. I think that about sums up my 2014 4th of July! Maybe add in a few burnt noses and one exhausted Katie and you have it covered. I hope you all enjoyed your not-long-enough holiday weekend! I know I did, and I have a feeling this is going to be one Hell of a Monday... oye.

Cheers!

Coralista

2014-07-02T10:55:00.003-05:00

SHIRT: eShakti (c/o) | SKIRT: Forever21 | SHOES: Jessica Simpson

WATCH: Nine West | BRACELET: Rachel Roy

Does coral ever look bad on anyone in the summertime? I think not. It's the perfect compliment to a sun-kissed glow. I am wearing this eShakti blouse with a Forever21 skirt, and it is the perfect look for the office, date night, etc. I've been trying hard to incorporate more tops like these into my wardrobe and this one is an excellent addition. It is light, bright, and plenty long (I'm 5' 3", and it's a little too long for me but you can customize it on the website to fit you perfectly). WIN. Other than the length, the shirt fits me to a T, and I love the ties at the top to give it a little something extra.

I paired the top with a mid-length lace skirt to keep the look polished, but it also looks cute tucked into a pair of high-waisted destroyed denim shorts with a pair of wedges.

If you're interested in checking out more styles like this, here is the website: www.eShakti.com

I also have a little discount for you if you love the style as much as I do-

Use code 'katiestyles' for 10% off your purchase :) *offer valid 7/2/14 - 8/2/14

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Classic White

2014-06-29T15:12:00.002-05:00

Dress : Windsor Store (Similar) | Bag : Aldo (Similar) | Shoes : Target (Similar)

I swear, white & summer go together like orange juice & champagne. They are the perfect two! When it comes to the warmer months, I involve white in a LOT outfits, so what did I wear to a beautiful outdoor dinner this weekend? This gorgeous LWD... duh.

In other news, the 4th of July is in 6 days and I CANNOT WAIT. I have plans to go to my brothers for a barbecue and hopefully spend some time on the lake with my family. No idea what I'll be wearing, but I'd bet my bottom dollar that it will in someway involve white :) This bride-to-be is going to have that color down PAT.

Latest Lipstick Additions

2014-06-22T13:29:00.000-05:00

- Left to Right -

MAC "Enchanted One" | Revlon Lip Butter "Pink Lemonade" | Nivea Mint & Minerals | NYX Butter Gloss "Fortune Cookie" and "Hot Pink" | Lorac Alterego Lipstick "Centerfold"

This is going to be a really uninformative blog post. I don't have swatches, examples, or outfit pairings for these ladies, so I apologize for that. I really just wanted to pop in and share a few of the latest additions to my lipstick collection, but didn't have the time to do a full review for each. I can tell you that I shot this photo in natural daylight, and the photo displays their true colors. They are all amazing, & I hope you love them!

Beer, and Brats, and Baseball, and Beer

2014-06-15T11:41:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't love a good game of baseball?! Well, me actually. But I do love to tailgate, especially when you have a great group of people to do it with. My family came to visit Adam & I in Milwaukee this weekend, and we had a great time at the game. Although I do have a hard time sitting through 9 innings, it was the perfect way to celebrate Father's Day.

Cheers to all of the great dads out there, who love and support their family unconditionally :)

Our Engagement Session

2014-06-12T19:29:00.003-05:00

Photo Credit: S. Cole Photography

Website

Facebook

Location: Madison, WI

Red Dress- H&M | Black Tee- Windsor Store | White Dress- H&M | Jean Shorts- Forever21

I am so obsessed with how my engagement pictures turned out. Our photographer was a genius, and I could not have imagined them to be any better.

Thanks again, Sam!

Aztec Pants | The Perfect Pattern

2014-06-08T15:17:00.000-05:00

PANTS - FOREVER21 | SHIRT - OLD NAVY | SANDALS - TARGET | BAG - ALDO

NECKLACE - FOREVER21 | SUNNIES - BURBERRY | LIPSTICK - MAC "IMPASSIONED"

Ahh, I just love the fun prints that come out of hiding in the summertime. Not that I wear them very often- I'm more of a "solids" kind of girl. But that doesn't stop me from pulling out a pair of funky aztec pants or a polka dot bikini. There are just certain things that beg to be paired with a tan.

I wore this outfit on a Saturday night while out on a date with my Mister. We sat outside for dinner at Sprecher's, so the atmosphere was casual and the weather was a mild 70 degrees. We're in that time period where you don't know whether to wear shorts and risk freezing or wear jeans and cover up your freshly-tanned legs. Seriously, who wants to wear jeans after they just spent hours achieving the perfect glow?! Total buzzkill.

All I know is this Wisconsin girl is welcoming 90 degrees with open arms.

Neon

2014-05-31T15:26:00.001-05:00

Originally an outfit planned for my engagement pictures that will be taken this coming week, I decided to nix the idea and bring it out for an impromptu photo shoot in my backyard. That really shows my lack of patience, because the photos of this H&M dress turned out gorgeous. I was a little nervous that the neon wouldn't photograph the best, especially in plain daylight. But if you wear this baby out just before sunset, it's a stunner.

The only problem with the dress is that it's incredibly thin and has an open back. This makes the bra situation a bit of a challenge. If you wear one- you pretty much ruin the look of the dress. If you don't... well... the girls are going to be out front and center. This is why I stuck to pictures of only the back of the dress, which is truly the special part anyway.

I don't think I even have to say how amazing these heels are. I can see myself wearing the hell out of them all summer. They're going to go great with so many outfits! I really cannot find them online, but I got them at Aldo (and they were on sale!) Originally priced at over $100 dollars, I got them for $40 bucks. Win! I left the mall one happy, happy girl.

PS- Weirdly, I cannot find either of these things online, but they are most definitely in stores!