Holy Crap: This Just Got Real

I hope all my splendid readers had a wonderful holiday :) I was thankful to spend another Christmas with my wonderful family.  One of my courses this fall was professional development, a class to prep students for internships and graduation.  Through the semester we developed an online portfolio which we would advertise to possible employers.  I put my portfolio together, and I'm really quite proud of it! I've spent my first two and half years of college working to make a resume and portfolio that would grab the attention of the person holding my dream job/internship over my head.  After two and half years of prep it's finally here.  I've spent my break from school writing cover letters and submitting applications for summer internships.  Like you know, I love my major and what the future holds for me and my career path. I was looking up internships before I even started college for pete sake.  A couple weeks ago I submitted my first internship application, and that's when "It" got real.  To experience different aspects of the fashion industry I'm hoping to get accepted to an internship outside of the tri-state area, specifically the west coast.  I've always pictured myself in a big city away from home, but through my time at NDSU I truly fell in love with Fargo, and it's become my comfort zone.  If I were to recieve the position I'd be missing birthday celebrations, holidays, and my friends and family for the summer. I can deal with one summer, but what if this were to turn into something more then a summer internship? This is the light bulb moment of, "holy shit life is real and I can't post pone graduation". I dont know where this post was suppose to go, maybe it was just a motivational pep talk for myself. Whatever it was I hope you enjoyed it, and maybe even inspired you to jump outside of your comfort zone... or maybe it was just a rant about my life ;) If any of your are interested in checking out my portfolio I provided the URL below. Have a great new year! Much love 

http://home-mn.wix.com/katie-braun7

Stay Warm: Shop Online

I mentioned this in my last post but again please forgive me for my lack of posts lately.  This semester has been one of my most challenging at NDSU.   Ok I'll stop winning now.  It's currently -20 where I' m celebrating Thanksgiving, and I have no plans on leaving the house.  Some online deals are worth it and some aren't, so ill straighten that out for you! Obviously I wont be able to cover everyone's favorite stores in this e-mail, and that's why you should check your junk mail today.  You know those pesky emails you sign up for and end up deleting? Yes, today is the day to check them.  Some websites give discounts to everyone, while others require discount codes you receive via e-mail.  Here is a list of websites to hit up whether your Christmas shopping for yourself or a loved one!
Women's Designer

It's the perfect time to splurge on some designer digs this holiday season.  I'm signed up for e-mails from Kate Spade, and that's how I found out about their surprise 75% off sale.  Of course it doesn't cover all items, but if you go to their website and click on their sales tab, it will bring you to a page where there is a link to the sales item.  Through the sale you can get a classic Jenny handbag for only $129, originally $348. LOVE!

Men's and Women's Clothing
Every holiday season leaves you looking for a new outfit to sport at Grandma's house.  A classic store offering both casual and dress
clothes is Express.  Being a college student, the only time I can afford Express is when there is a sale.  Their website is offering 50% off everything and free shipping until noon Friday. 

Gifts

After visiting Target, Wal-Mart, and Amazon's websites I decided Amazon was the best bet for gift shopping.  If you plan on making your New Years revolution to get more exercise, Amazon is offering the Garmin Vivofit Fitness Band for $79.99 and free shipping, originally sold for $129.00. 

Happy Thanksgiving! Drive safe!

Top Picks for 2014's Halloween Costumes

As you may know it's midterm season at NDSU and I am currently occupying the front seat of the struggle bus.  Thus the reason I haven't blogged in the last two weeks, my apologies, but lets all be thankful I still have my marbles.  Being last week was an emotional and psychological disaster for myself, and assuming many other college students, I thought this post needed to be care free and fun.  Today I'm giving you my favorite 2014 Halloween costumes, whether there from a famous celebrity or a dog I found on Instagtram.  I'm also writing this in my one hour break between classes so please forgive grammatical or spelling errors (sorry mom you'll have to deal with it).  The first costume I want to share with you is Katy Perry's! A flammin hot
Cheeto! She most likely caught my attention because well I freaken love Cheeto's.  Sure Halloween is known for short skirts and risk-ay costumes, but Katy Perry is foxy enough, lets count this as her day off. I also give major props to anyone that was willing to try extreme cartoon makeup which was popular on Pinterest. Super cute! As for a costume I would pay an obscene amount of money to own is Cher from clueless, one of my all time favorite movies! Iggy Azalea recreated it to a T in her "Fancy" music video.  As for last minute costumes (a category I fell into myself) I decided to channel Tom Cruise from Risky Business.  A shirt from savers and socks from Wal-mart had me ready for Halloween.  As I was afraid might happen, not many people knew what I was suppose to be and I was told I looked like the walk of shame, sure we'll go with that.  And just for funzies here are some cute pictures of babies and dogs in costumes :)












http://www.pinterest.com/pin/1618549842073484/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/373024781609106316/
http://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Katy-Perry-Giant-Cheetos-Costume-Halloween-2014-36027944
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/464785624014796815/
http://weknowmemes.com/2013/10/24-awesomely-clever-kids-and-baby-halloween-costume-ideas/
http://weheartit.com/tag/halloween%20baby%20funny%20cute

A Lazy Sense of Power

I know everyone and their dog has shared their opinion on the new Devils Lake dress code, but here's just one more review. For those who are unfamiliar on the topic, the devils lake board has imposed a new dress code banning yoga pants, leggings and tight jeans.  Students were shown clips of Pretty Women comparing their clothing to Julia Roberts, who played a prostitute in the film. Ok, when the heck is Julia Roberts wearing yogo's in Pretty Woman! I'm an avid fan, I would know!  The assistant principal explained that the new rules were created to prevent students and teachers from being distracted. First, if you have to worry about teachers being distracted by the clothing choices of students, you have some bigger problems to straighten out.  Although I don't think devils lake was consciously doing so, the new dress code is adding to the fire of "she was asking for it" in terms of sexual comments, harassment, and assault towards women.  Stating that these pieces of clothing are distracting to students, especially male students, implies that it is the woman's fault for causing such a distraction. Well what should we wear? A freaken potato sack! This is 2014 not Little House on the Prairie. Can we make rules for males to stop distracting women? "Yeah um can you be a little less attractive, I can't focus on my algebra." Not gonna happen. The assistant principal states that this is to help male students focus on class work. They need help focusing? They may be hormone filled teenage boys, but I'm pretty sure they have the power of focusing on what's important,and if they don't, well sucks for them.  High school is an awkward hormone filled hot mess, I'd stop trying to control a casual ass glance and focus on more important things like social media bullying that occurs during school hours. How I feel the situation should have been handled. Yes, some leggings can be transparent, but that doesn't mean all of them are. Instead of banning them all together, Devils Lake female faculty should speak to individual students who may be exposing to much. Let's just make a rule that says "if I can see your thong, you can't wear those leggings," but you know put that in more appropriate words. Rant over. Love life. Wear tight pants. Yolo.

Boys Boys Boys...

My male readers were looking for a post more related to them, so here we go! If I regularly blogged about male fashion I would keep this more specific, but honestly I'm just gonna spit out a bunch of things I love/hate things that men do when it comes to their style.  It's Monday so lets start with a positive.  A guy that can layer is a good man in my book.  How can I switch up this striped button up? Throw a crew or a slight-V neck sweater over it.  Make sure the sweater isn't so tight that the button up looks bunchy.  If you're looking for a casual outfit, a vintage looking work wear jacket is the perfect addition to your button up/sweater combo.
I consider the work wear jacket a must have in every man's closet.  It's a classy piece that caters to a wide range of styles.  Now let's talk about things a man should never do.  Short socks with dress pants. NO!!!!!! I don't need to explain this one just don't do it.  I will also call you out if I see you wearing white socks with black pants.  That's just lazy. The next thing I want to talk about is simple and cheesy but it's your best bet at dressing well.  Be yourself.  Yes fashion gives you chance to showcase different pieces of your personality, but not all in the same outfit.  For example, one of my classmates was wearing BKE's, cowboy boots, and a snap-back.  Pretty boy hipster cowboy isn't a thing, sorry. I apologize to all the Luke Bryan lovers out there but the tight pants need to go.  Please stop risking your chances of having children with these health hazardous jeans. Well, I'm sorry that was more of a small rant,
rather than fashion advice, but it is what it is! Have a super week!











http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/monkey/item/ae_jkt_21/?s-id=borderless_recommend_item_en
http://www.styleforum.net/t/361348/sweater-thread-is-the-key-to-a-v-neck-sweater-just-a-shirt-collar-that-can-stay-open-do-you-prefer-crew-or-v-neck
http://www.pinterest.com/carmelltacruz/luke-bryan-and-jason-aldeans-butt-3/

Frocks for Fall

It sure did cool off quickly! You wont hear me complain after living in a house with no AC all summer!  New York fashion week was wonderful, and I'm about to tell you all the fashions you should bring to your closet! Although NY fashion week is showing spring collections, we can still bring some pieces and ideas into our fall and winter style.  Lets start with footwear :) Although I still wear them, I'm leaning towards short ankle boots rather then riding boots.  Fashion week showcased a lot of black, but every color is in.  A favorite part of fall for me is breaking out my suede ankle booties.

One of my absolute favorite trends for this season is fur (faux of course!).  You'll always see fur in the fall/winter season but this year their switching things up.  Designers are adding bright or pastel colors to their pieces giving it a new glamorous look. The number one color choice for fall is powder blue.  It's difficult wearing pastels in the fall, especially because we associate them with spring.  The perfect way to wear powder blue this fall is to pair it with navy. 

The two colors fit great together, and the navy keeps it from getting to "eastery".  As for patterns, plaid is the way to go this fall! If you're not new to plaid try wearing it in a different way.  If you're use to a classy plaid scarf, shake things up a bit and pair a baggy flannel blouse with skinnies and ankle boots. Hope you enjoyed this,  have a lovely week :)











http://www.dsw.com/shoe/steve+madden+rubin+bootie?prodId=308384
http://www.furinsider.com/milan-fashion-week-2014-days-1-2-part-2/
http://thestylepressco.com.au/blog/true-blue/
http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/18/new-york-fashion-week-plenty-of-plaid/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

90's Grunge Today

The 90's grunge trend took lead in Seattle with the inspiration of Nirvana, a well know Washington based band.  At the time it wasn't really  thought out as a trend, it was just a simple and cheap way of getting dressed.  In a 1993 interview with Vogue, designer Jean Paul Gaultier shared his thoughts on grunge, "Grunge is nothing more than the way we dress when we have no money." 

Trends of the 90's grunge include the obvious, leather, flannel, moto boots, ripped denim, and of course that don't care attitude to go with. I started to become interested in grunge fashion with the rise of leather, flannel, super distressed denim, and moto boots. One of my classmates was just gifted at looking amazing, but at the same time looking like she didn't try to put these things together.  You don't have to be Johnny Depp or Courtney Love to look a little grungy.  Some days I like to look like Elle Woods, and some days I feel like a 90's groupie (you know minus the bad things about groupies). Here are a few pieces to add to your wardrobe if you are also inspired by the fashion Seattle is known for. 

A Flannel button up.  Paired with a pair of distressed skinnies, or tied around your waist of any outfit.  Yes tying sweaters and shirts around your waist is a thing again.  The last time I did this I was in fourth grade getting off a plane to go to Disney World.  Muscle Tanks are a must for hot days or layering under a camo jacket.  Rarely will you find a piece that's form fitting and grunge, something that can be hard to adjust to,
but a plus is you don't have to worry about sucking it in! My last piece isn't something you can buy, but its a key factor into looking like you didn't try, even though in reality you tried really hard! Take it easy with the straightener and curling iron on your grunge days, try throwing on a beanie, or adding texture to your natural hair.  Even if your not a person who wants to rock the grunge look, remember fashion is a form of expression. When you walk into your closet, you have the choice of being anyone you want to be. 

http://9poundhammer.blogspot.com/2009/11/seattle-1991-something-stupid.html
https://mangomustache.wordpress.com/2013/08/
http://www.polyvore.com/aeo_feather_graphic_muscle_tank/thing?id=101359124

Let's pretend to be lady like*

In no way do I describe myself as a super classy lady, but there are some things I just can't stand young women doing. First, If you're not playing volleyball or a sport that requires them, please DONT wear your spandex. Even I can admit as an 8th grader I would put spandex under sweatpants in the fear of being "de-pants", a legit worry in the halls of Wheaton Area High School, but it's time to grow up. If you're wearing spandex under a dress, it's either too short or you need to learn how to cross your friggin legs. Like seriously if you don't want to be responsible for hiding your color of the day from the general public, go with a pair of dress pants. A dress loses it's class if your sitting like a linemen with your spandex hanging out. No thanks! Number two, it may be considered old school but every women should own at least one nude slip. Too many times have I seen the color of your intimates peaking through your dress. It ain't sexy, it's well the other word... You know what I'm talking about. One exception I make is showing your bra.

No cheetah or neon allowed, but a simple black bra under a top can be considered fashionable. Be careful with this though, I'll post Pics to keep you in the safe zone. (BTW's the Olsen twin is doing it right. The girl on the bottom not so much) sorry if I offended anyone, just keeping it real ❤️

http://freelancemuses.blogspot.com/2011/06/do-or-dont-sheer-shirt-black-bra.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2036968/Chaz-Bono-Dancing-Stars-partner-Lacey-Schwimmer-dinner.html

A Real Nail Biter

After years of hype and hoop-la I've finally tried a gel nail manicure. I had them done about a month after taking my acrylics off. The nice thing about gel was that it covered up the bumps and ridges caused by my fake nails. My nails felt strong and the polish looked great. The problem with gel is it doesn't chip off but starts to peel around the edges. I noticed mine were peeling when I couldn't run my fingers through my hair without getting my nail snaged in strands of hair. I'm not a picker or poker put once I peeled one off they all had to come off. The smallest peel would drive me nuts! The gel manicure was about $30 and lasted about 9 days (there suppose to last 14). The gel didn't stay on for my mother the full two weeks either. So after two tries with gel I decided to go back to my acrylics using regular polish. I figured I'm paying the same amount, I might as well have it last longer. I don't know if it's my imagination or real life but the regular nail polish can barely make it a week without looking ratchet, they use to look great until I took them off or got a fill. Nail technicians add acetone to polish to prevent clumping, but adding a polish remover to polish clearly won't make it last long and stay fresh. How to solve this problem. Bring your own polish. Preferably a newer bottle so they don't feel the need to "thin it" with the acetone. If your going with acrylic nails try them with gel. From what I've experienced the gel polish last longer and looks nicer on fake nails. Also my new favorite nail technician is Holly at Fashion Nails in Fargo! It's a little more expensive then the mall but everyone working there is great, and they actually carry on a conversation with you!!  

Each Trend Has It's End

Try this instead of the high low!

As sad as it is, some trends can not live on forever.  After Saturday's Imagine Dragons concert, I had multiple examples provided to me of trends that need to kick the bucket.  The first trend I suggest you purge from your closet is the high-low skirt.  I even have one of my own, but it's time to go.  Go long or short, not in between.  If your looking for some contrast in a skirt/dress, choose one with a short lining, and a sheer full length skirt.  It makes a long dress, just a little more casual, great for a day to night look. 

Lets let this one go!

On to the next.  Don't get rid of all those crop tops yet, but we need to straighten out some rules.  When wearing a crop top pair it with a high waist-ed bottom please! This isn't Brittney Spears 1990's rise to fame.  Leave the low rise jeans and belly shirts for the history books.

The right way to do a floral crown

  And lastly, If I see one more plastic flower headband at a music festival I may just pop a top.  I love the hippie look, its one of my favorites, but if you wouldn't look like a flower child on a normal day, please don't just cause your going to go sway to some indie rock beats.  It's a music festival not Halloween, let the hippies be hippies, and you just be you.  What I love to see are hand made flower headbands using real flowers, If you're interested, Stone Fox Bride's instagram page features some beautiful custom made "crowns" for weddings and other occasions. Thanks for reading, also thanks for understanding my straight to the point honesty.  I see no point in beating around the fashion bush!


http://famousinasmalltowne.blogspot.com/2011/08/just-ordered-sheer-maxi-dress.html
http://www.pinterest.com/caitlinmariec/a-face-to-call-home-3/
 http://www.teenidols4you.com/picture.html?g=Actors&pe=britney_spears&foto=554&act=779&mv=4&pic=337641

The Rath of T-Swift

Here is my first post including a video of myself...oh please be forgiving.  I'm always wanting to help people with my posts, and throughout the years I've had many people ask me how I do my hair.  You have to understand that insteed of playing sports I stayed home and practiced doing hair and make-up as my free-time.  Any who, one of my hairstyles is a curly twist, bun, up do whatever you want to call it.  If you're wondering where the title of this post comes into play, its due to the fact that this hair do

End Result 

of mine came with the nickname T-Swift, from friends of my own and even strangers.  I should just take a complement but I don't like being compared to someone who eats boys for breakfast ;) This is turning into a rant, I'll get moving here.  Step one, start with completely dry hair, be sure not to flat iron it before curling.  Next, starting at the bottom layer of your hair, barrel roll each piece starting from root to tip.  If you are un-aware of a barrel roll it's using a normal curling iron, but instead of clamping your hair down, you twist it around the barrel using your fingers.  Your going to repeat this for every piece, with time you'll discover how much hair to put into each curl. I don't spray my hair until I have it up in a bun and pinned.  Now since the next part is hard to write out I made a video :)  Please forgive my ratchet roots.  Hope you like it and have a safe Fourth of July.  Designate a sober driver and don't hold onto that firework to long.
Photography complementary of E.L. Photography.  https://www.facebook.com/PhotograpEL

When it's ok to spend your rent on clothes...

The oh so popular debate of buying cheap or spending more on quality clothing.  Most people pick a side whether they want to buy cheaper clothing and know it probably wont make it past a year, or spend a little more on something you can keep for years.  I feel the perfect way to stock your closet is to do a little bit of both.  Of course there's items one shouldn't spend an arm and a leg on, so let me differentiate those for you! When deciding whether you want to spend more for quality ask yourself, "Is this a staple piece?"  Staple pieces are classic looks that will continue to be timeless throughout the years.  The number one staple piece for your closet is jeans.  Now, when I say it's a good idea to spend a little more money on staple pieces I don't mean you have to drop $200+ on a pair of jeans, I would just recommend not buying them at Target.  Stores I like to get my jeans at are Gap and American Eagle.  I know this isn't an opinion piece but I'm just gonna take the chance to say bedazzled back pockets need to go.  If you attract the attention of TSA agents, that's too much bling.  Ok moving on. 

  A basic Maxi dress.  Maxi's (if the right color) can be worn all year round. The dress by itself in the summer, and pair it with a chunky sweater for those winter months.  I advise choosing a black maxi, that features anti-pill fabric.  The final thing you shouldn't be afraid to spend a little money on is that piece that  makes you feel 100%.  For me it's my blush tulle skirt I purchased at Proper and Prim one year ago.  I can dress it up, dress it down, wear it with either sandals or flats, all that good stuff.  This piece should make you feel like a million bucks, like nothing in the world could bring you down.  Now lets discuss what you should buy at a lower price.  I'm basically going to sum this category up in one word, Trends.  All my readers know how much I love trends, but lets be real, they are trends, and in six months I'll probably be throwing my hammer pants out the window.  Keep in mind that not all trends fade away.  Skinny jeans, gladiator sandals, and leggings all started as trends, and are now in almost every American girl's closet.  Over the weekend I've been updating my blog.  If you scroll to the bottom you'll be able to see my most viewed posts, along with a space to receive my blog via email.  Happy late father's day to all the padres out there, hope it was swell.  Here's a pic of me and the man who granted me with the mouth of a sailor and the sarcastic humor my Mother will never understand :)

http://www.cateyesandthighhighs.com/2013/03/not-all-jeans-are-created-equal-gap.html

What the City of Angels Taught Me

Last Tuesday I took off for a study tour in Los Angeles California. Many of my friends didn't believe any "studying" was being done, but trust me there was lots of learning.  Disney Land, Santa Monica, and the beach was just extra credit! Technology you can't even imagine goes into everyday fashion, I'll share a video later to explain ;) throughout our trip we visited factories, showrooms, design studios, trend forecasters, and fashion news editors. Not only
does the study tour give you a look into a potential location of employment, but different employment options as well. Going into the trip I was stern on the fact I wanted to go into styling or social networking after I graduate from NDSU, but the trip opened up so many more options for me and what I want to do.  Before the trip I was paranoid that you couldn't get proper experience in Fargo, and I'll never get a job blah blah blah, but in the fashion industry anything can happen.One of the sales reps from Seven For all Man Kind denim was working as a sales associate at Nordstorm, and the next day was assistant to the lead stylist for a shoot with Klohe Kardashian and Lemar Odom. Everyone's so worried about getting your dream job right after graduation, what I learned from this trip is everyone just needs to take a chill pill on that high expectation.  Be open to different jobs, classes, trips, friendships, whatever!  Nothing is going to happen at the snap of your fingers. It will all turn out in the end.  And like I promised, here's a video of the newest technology in denim.  The video shows a laser burning a design, and thank you message to us students using a laser.  Pretty neat ay ;)

The 3 things I never thought I would wear

Crocheted Top

Every fashion student can tell you trends evolve and reoccur through time. Many things, whether you like them or not will be in your favorite store display windows. Before I left for spring break I did some shopping at Forever 21. I was in love with a cream crocheted cardigan, but I felt guilty for buying it. Why did I feel guilty? Cause for the last five years I've been telling my mother to throw away all those crocheted sweaters... Oops, sorry mom! So that brings me to the first piece of clothing I never thought I would own! The breezy cardigans are the perfect piece for summer. Keeps you warm in the evenings and cool in the day time. Another piece that adds on to the "hippie" look that crocheted pieces can give off is Birkenstock sandals. I remember selling a pair of these last year and thought "never will I ever," clearly never say never is right because I'm dieing to purchase a pair of these simple and practical sandals. The price is a little less practical then there comfort but whatevs! The different styles and colors give you options, but almost all remain basic enough to wear with your entire casual wardrobe. Now for number three. About 90% of all children born between 1980-1999 have a photo of them with there siblings all wearing full denim outfits. And I mean denim on denim on denim. Like all my other pieces I use to despise the denim jacket and jorts (Jean shorts), but just yesterday I discovered a full denim jumpsuit, something as beautiful as a Picasso I tell ya! Clearly you can't rule anything out in the terms of fashion! If you love it then you wear it!

My mom also loved us kids in denim :)

Birkenstocks and Denim Denim Denim!

Not So Athletic, But Still Talented

The inspiration from my blog came from a conversation I had with a salesperson last week.  It seems like every conversation since my college years begins with "did you play basketball?", just because I have a 35 inch inseam doesn't mean I played basketball...or volleyball, or lets be honest any sports at all.  I sure tried though! In 9th grade I got second place in a golf tournament, the fact that there were only two people competing is irrelevant.  I was also a volleyball bench warmer.  It's wasn't that bad actually, since I didn't play I didn't sweat therefore; my hair looked the best at the end of the game ;) I think sports are great, I do enjoy watching them.  If I tell you I walked into a water fountain the other day you may understand my lack of coordination... I wasn't even texting. Before my readers begin to think this is me dogging high school sports its not.  What I want to get across today is whether your a tomboy, a girly girl, or somewhere in between, that's exactly who your suppose to be.  I HATE when girls pretend to be into a team or a player to impress a boy.  Like seriously there going to figure you out eventually. There's a reason you are the way you are, and that's why you shouldn't change it.  Next time you start a conversation, instead of starting with "did you play sports?" try "what do you like to do on your spare time?".  The salesperson only got a small glance of my non athletic self.  What he didn't know was that I make an award winning pecan pie, I can turn a saver's find into a hot new outfit, and I'm full of random knowledge.  Just be yourself everybody!

Celeb Inspiration!

Emma Watson

Mary Kate on the left.

I love love love seeing what celebs are wearing, especially because you don't normally see those kind of garments anywhere, unless your a millionaire or working in high end fashion.  There are a few celebs that are always looking glamorous.  Here are some of my favorites :) Emma Watson always looks so classy but manages to take risks at the same time. Who would ever think to wear this! Well obviously her stylist did, but Emma was the one who had to wear it.  The daring actress rocked this open back red Christian Dior gown to the 2014 Golden Globes. Everything from her hair, shoes, and skinny trousers were perfect.  I could post a million more photos but I don't want to overload you! Next is the Olson Twins, particularly Mary Kate.  After their acting career the twins fell into the fashion world, creating their own line The Row.  What I love about their line is they don't have their names plastered all over it in order to sell clothes.  It's an honest business offering beautiful high end pieces.  Not only do they have runway style, but street style as well.  Like I said I typically lean towards Mary Kate's fashion choices.  Mary Kate expresses the perfect amount of casual grunge with classy elegance.  I just loved the dress she wore on the Ellen show recently.  I'm also inspired by fashion seen on television shows.  I loved what the stylist did in American Horror Story: The Coven.  The girls wore mainly all black and showcased a classic floppy hat in almost every episode.  People are always worried about wearing to much black, or having a lack of color in their wardrobe.  But why not wear black, its a fabulously flattering color, and is easy to accessorize.  I

Love everything here!

always say "black is the new black".  Even with the most fabulous celebrities, who can spend large amounts of money on clothing, the majority of inspiration comes from the people around me.  I was scrolling through my Instagram and loved a outfit my classmate posted, it was the inspiration for my outfit the very next day!





http://acupofchic.com/?p=3805
http://www.ellentv.com/tags/Celebs/
http://parade.condenast.com/221917/rachelweingarten/dress-up-like-your-favorite-american-horror-story-coven-character-for-halloween/

Hey it's Monday

So let's be honest, I totally forgot about my blog today. I have a couple ideas I could write about but today's the perfect opportunity to keep it 100% real. I love my makeup, new clothes, and curling iron but sometimes life just happens. Today is not a fashionable day for me, and I'm ok with that. I've been lounging all weekend healing up after my wisdom teeth surgery, but last night I came back to fargo so I could nanny today. After a night of tossing and turning I rolled out of bed at 4:50am to get on my way.  I really did try a little bit. I straightened my hair before I put it up, put on a little eyeliner, and even wore one of my not so lazy lazy shirts. The one year old I watch decided that my hair bun was the coolest new toy so that was soon gone. But I'm ok with that. Days where you can catch an hour more sleep in exchange for not dressing to par can be worth it.  Right now I look like a hot hot mess, but what outsiders don't see is the result of my messy self is from spending a day with two children I love taking care of, and spending time with. If a fun day with two kiddos equals a messy hair due and minimal makeup I'm ok with that. Basically what I'm trying to say is unless your Jesus, everyday isn't going to be a walk on the red carpet, even for the most conscious fashionistas. Here's a pic of my stylist working on my rats nest ;)  

Why I Do What I Do

Before I discovered you could go to school for fashion I wanted to be a nurse or involved in politics. Now I can't get blood drawn without passing out and I change the channel as soon as Face the Nation starts. I think I took the right path. By sophomore year of high school I gave up on all things athletic. I blame it on having to much space between my head and the ground. So instead of volleyball I practiced doing my hair and makeup and working at Willy's Super Valu in order to support my hobby of fashion. This hobby/obsession didn't start in high school, more so at birth. My mother finally gave up the reins and let me and the gap kids sales associate take over all the decision making during school shopping. I would even cut up my Barbie clothes and hand sew them into something more fabulous. Ok back to the point of why I'm pursuing an education in fashion. Like I said I don't do sports; fashion is my sport, my talent, my art, my creativity.  My closet is my trophy case, that's not meant to be conceited, think about it, some hang up their ribbons I hang up what I consider a piece of found art. I love the way an outfit can make you feel a certain way. Fashion tells your story whether you are aware of it or not, it's a form of art.  I have such a passion for what I'm doing, it makes me excited for the future.  If there's not an excitement or desire you feel thinking of your future career, I challenge you to rethink your education path. I can't even explain how excited I get when someone walks into Mode (the store I work at) and is like "I don't know what I'm doing, help me."  It's like every endorphin in my body is set free. It makes my day when friends text or snap chat me asking for fashion advice.  I wanna take this post to thank my readers for all the support. I absolutely love expressig myself through writing, and receiving positive feedback is just an amazing cherry on top. Thank you and Happy Easter! 

Xoxo Katie 

Dress Well, Test Well.

If I don't like what I'm wearing, I literally can't perform any human tasks. The fashion focused have a dramatic amount of fashion anxiety, for good reason of course. Thoughts that go through my head are like what if I run into so and so, or my boss is at Target, what if Ralph Lauren's private plane gets stranded in Fargo and I have five minutes to pitch my potential employment to him. Yeah I know it's a problem, but it's just how we work. Any who the inspiration for this post came from my Friday morning fashion panic attack. I had a work meeting, class, a group project, and a oil change to tackle that day. I had on cropped Harlem pants, a tucked in tank and a black blazer. It was a Kick ass outfit that was gonna get me through the day. But what about the shoes?!?! I couldn't do anything with gold, I needed a heel, preferably a closed pointy toe, no ankle straps, and appropriate for the weather. Nothing I had nothing!! Instead of studying for my exam I grabbed my keys and buzzed to target as fast as I could. I didn't have time for DSW and the mall wasn't open yet. If I didn't find anything I would have resulted to my open toe satin pumps from senior year homecoming... I had to find something, you can't wear satin shoes before 4pm. Thank you Jesus I found a pair! I decided on a pair of pointy toed blush heels (PS blush is the new nude this spring). Some of you are probably thinking wow she's totally irresponsible and should have studied for her exam blah blah blah. No, I couldn't study, there is zero focus when I have a fashion faux pux on my hands. Plus I had an awesome meeting, kicked butt on my test, and had an awesome day. Clearly the fashion gods were with me ;) I'll include a picture of my Harlem pants because everyone should have a pair! Mine were $12.50 for forever 21.

I Cant...

So Positivity is something I pride myself in, and do my best to turn bad situations into good ones, so when I started this blog I decided I would only give tips and advice on how to avoid fashion faux pas instead of hating on them directly.  But..... today I have choose to be a negative Nancy instead of a positive Peggy, just for this post though :) The latest nothing to wear post will be on faux pas I JUST CAN'T HANDLE.  #1.Wearing Uggs with skirts, shorts, or capris.  It never fails for someone to show up on the first day of school wearing a denim skirt and Uggs. NO NO NO NO! Even though we live in a crazy weather climate you can never ever mix summer and winter ensembles together.  I also spot ladies wearing capri yoga pants with Uggs (showing a couple inches of their legs) when they go to the gym. Either you should wear longer pants, or just let your calves be cold on the walk from your car to the door.  Your hair and makeup can be a hot-mess, but just please don't wear your boots with cropped pants.   #2. Crocs.  I've tried to keep my hatred for Crocs held in so I don't offend people but I feel I'm doing America a favor by informing everyone of how terrible they are.  Unless your a baby or over the age of 60 and in the garden, please don't wear them.  I don't even feel like I need to explain why I hate them, their rubber shoes with holes in them, why?  What's worse then Crocs? Crocs with socks, don't ever expect to be on the best dressed list with that one.  #3. White pants in the winter.   People are so worried about their skin tones fading into the snow but apparently they aren't to concerned with their legs.  During spring, in warm parts of the country, with zero snow is my only exception for this one. And I suppose I'm ok with winter white or cream around Christmas time. You don't have to go as far as following the Labor/Memorial day rule, but basically is their still a chance of snow, save em for the summer.  I apologize for the rant, just trying to make the planet more fabulous ;) Now that I'm done being a negative Nancy my blog will be back to it's unicorn and sunshine self next week.

 http://utdailybeacon.com/photos/2010/oct/20/uggs-and-shorts-dilemma/
 http://beta.diylol.com/posts/438755-oh-you-re-wearing-uggs-with-shorts-you-must-be-confused
 http://i0.wp.com/blog.zintro.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/no_crocs.jpg?resize=269%2C259

To Facial Hair or to Not Facial Hair

First off if your excited to read this post you can thank my brother Riley for suggesting it. Obviously I can't give you suggestions based on experience of  beards and mustaches, but  today I will give you my personal thoughts of them. A man can either have a great looking beard, or a beard that looks like something may be living in it, it's all about grooming. Girls don't grow out their hair without taking care of it, so guys should do the same.  

If you don't do any form of trimming, shaping, washing, or combing, your facial hair card

Great Scruff!

will be revoked by me.  I'm pretty sure those people on wild Alaska even manage to shave every once and a while. You can still have a grungy some may say "hipster" beard without looking homeless.  John Leto does a good job of this.  So seriously take care of your self, it's not that difficult or expensive. My number one no no of facial hair is the multicolored beard. Brad Pitt's brown to gray ferret growing on his face was a hot mess! No thank you!

And to guys who can't grow a strong beard, who cares! If you can't grow a beard your probably not meant to have one :)   Also happy birthday shout outs to my mother and brother Dane this week! Thanks for supporting this fashionista even if you don't like my nose ring ;) http://www.pinterest.com/plus2point4/world-of-beard/
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/celebritology/2009/11/brad_pitts_beard_beads_love_em.html
http://static.entertainmentwise.com/gallery/bradpitt_beard1.jpg
http://mystylistkristy.blogspot.com/2009/11/scruff-candy.html

Multi-Colored Hot Mess

To messy and all over the place!

.

Nice, clean, and taken care of!