Perks of having a Photographer Friend- Part 1

Yet another snow day in my little rural town. Weather around here usually isn't too bad, but this year has put up a fight. With more snow than our snow plows can handle, the county was forced to close once again. Being one who doesn't like to complain about gifts, I knew that today would be yet another perfect day to spend time improving this bad boy. Why let the snow slow me down? So today, I had a friend come over to help me take some pictures for the blog. You all remember Virginia from Virginia, right? (Read my All About Me page to know more) Well, she's an aspiring photographer, and today I put her skills up to the test. Recently, she has been really into shooting in the snow featuring her dog, Uncle Jessie. Knowing this, I thought today would be a perfect opportunity to see what she can do with someone as her model.  I can happily say that she did not disappoint! She was so great, and I'm not just saying that because she is my best friend, but because she really did do an amazing job. Props to you, Va! Check out the photos we took today, and tell us what you think in the comments below! Also, if you like Virginia's photography, then follow her on Instagram @vapeay15! Thank you guys for reading this, and I hope you enjoy #VAphotography! I hope to do more shooting with this one in the future, and if you like that idea, tell us in the comments! Happy Friday, Friends. Enjoy your weekend, XOXO Kate and VA

A little Makeup action before taking it outside. I love this shot!

Scarf- H&M

Tee- American Eagle

Coat- Banana Republic

Jeans- American Eagle

Bag- Michael Kor

Boats- Joules

 Don't know what I was pointing at, but after looking at all the pictures, I found I do that a lot!

Sass coming out as I mentally say "Are you kidding me?"

My favorite shot of the day!

What a photo shoot without some laughs?

Last one, thank you all for reading! I love you guys, so please, tell us what you think in the comments! XOXO Kate <3

My Top Most Coveted Trends for Spring

Hello my friends! It's Kate here, reporting to you live from her bed because somehow, she managed to get a snow day when it isn't even snowing. That's right ladies and gentlemen, my county closed school today for rain. I think it's kind of ironic since yesterday it was really bad, lots of fog and rain, which made our country roads very scary. We really should have been closed. Then today, when they were calling for a winter mix and bad road conditions, the schools closed quickly, only to figure out that it was all a hoax. Funny, right?

I can't find it in myself to feel bad though. I mean, why would I hate on a free Netflix and Blogger day, am I right? Plus, I had an Algebra 2 test scheduled for today, and well, I don't think it's necessary to dwell on that much longer. Let's just say I'm glad I'm not taking it today. 

The thing is though, I'm really, really good at wasting my day eating and watching Netflix. I don't really think it's that bad of a habit, but I was told by my mother that it was. Go figure. I'm glad she made me get off though because now I'm excited about writing to you guys all day. When I first started this blog, I had thought that I would have more followers by now and more people reading. Unfortunately, this was not the case. That's ok though because it made me realize that I don't necessarily need to worry about that. I realized that I just liked to write, and talk about my passion, fashion!...Cute, huh? ;) Anyway, I just want you guys to know you that I really do enjoy this blog. I love writing to you all, sharing my style, and nurturing this blog, which has quickly become my baby. I'm an amateur, but weren't we all at one point? I'm a blogger-in-progress, I guess you could say :) 

When it comes to fashion though, well I think that there is really no way to fully understand fashion. I think that when you really think about it, fashion is always changing and evolving, and you're always kind of an amateur! And this spring is no exception to the changes that are always happening in the fashion industry. I find myself on Pinterest under the Spring Fashion category often. It amazes me what beautiful things designers come up with! And I can't wait to get my hands on them! So, today I have put together a list of My Most Coveted Trends that I have spotted on Pinterest. Check it out!!

1.  Gingham

I really love this version of plaid. It was all over Fashion Week, and I can see why. It is a beautiful pattern that is both elegant and fun. Plus, the colors that have already come out in gingham are incredible. The best part is that it can be dressed up or down, making it wearable for almost all occasions.

2. Mid Drift Cut Outs

I think we owe Taylor Swift a thank you for making this popular. What I love about this particular trend is that it is understated sexy while still being classy and dignified, which I think is a rare find. I mean, can it get any better? The answer is probably. 

3. Yellow. Everything.

There really is no reason not to love the color yellow. I mean, God made the sun yellow, so it has to be a pretty awesome color for him to choose it. Plus, it beautiful, chic, and vibrant. All things that every women should care about.  So when I saw so much yellow on Pinterest, I was really excited. Time to bust out my yellow rain coat!

4. White. Head to Toe.

 I love this look because it is so pure and clean. It is the new black if you ask me. It is flattering and beautiful! I told you it would get better! And so the list goes on!

5. Big Bags

Spring is the season it seems for big bags. There's no complaining here! I can't get enough of them!

6. Polo- Inspired Tops

Nothing is more classy and timeless, besides the LBD, than collared shirts. I love that they were incorporated in Fashion Week. I will definitely be stocking up this spring.

7.  Shirt Dress

One trend that carried over from last year was the shirt dress, and one cannot be surprised. They are so chic and comfy that everyone loves them. I think I speak for most in saying that they are here to stay.


I hope you guys enjoyed this post because it was really fun to put together. If you guys like these types of posts, let me know and I'll try to do more like them! XOXO Kate

P.S- After finishing this post, I looked out to find that is it a blizzard outside... good call Kate, good call. Props to you Botetourt County. ;)

March 4th's Outfit Overview: Puffer Vests and V Necks

One of my favorite things about March is the rain. Though April is known for its rain, I think March actually might be close to April in that category! I like the rain because that means that I can wear my rain boots. And I love, love, love my rain boots. Last summer when I visited England with my family, my mom and I managed to pick up some rain boots, or wellies as they refer to them in England, at the cutest little store ever. Joules. If I had to compare it to an American brand, C Wonder would probably be the most like it. If you've ever been in C Wonder, then you know that it is possibly the cutest shop ever. I was so happy when I found them because they were perfect. Unique and inexpensive!  Plus, what better place to buy wellies than in London?? I know the big trend is the Hunter boots, but really, why would you spend so much money on shoes that are meant to get muddy and wet? I got mine for $62 compared to $150. A definite bargin. Plus, in my opinion, mine are cuter!!

So when I woke up this morning to the rain pattering against my windows, I was ecstatic. Time to take the rain boots out. The rain boots being my inspiration, I grabbed my navy blue puffer vest, a demin quarter-sleeved shirt from Hollister, and my favorite dark wash skinnies. As for the accessories, I wore my Kate Spade nude watch and some dangy earrings from American Eagle. Check it out, and tell me what you think in the comments below, XOXO Kate.

Puffer Vest- J. Crew

Demin Shirt- Hollister

Skinnies- American Eagle

Rain boots- Joules

 

Watch- Kate Spade

Earrings- American Eagle

 

Have a Fabulous rainy day, my lovelies!! I know I will! 

March 2nd's Outfit Overview- Sweaters and Tanks

Waking up with the sun shining into your room is probably the best feeling ever. It makes getting up a lot easier. Plus, I seem to have more energy when this happens, which is something I can always use more of in the mornings. Now that February is offically over, and the snow is melting, I am now beginning to imagine warmer weather and blue skies. And I couldn't be more ecstatic. I know I'm not the only one either. My best friend, Virginia, was even half awake this morning, which is huge. Usually I'm talking to myself for the first three hours of school. That girl seriously can't function before 10:30am. But like I was saying, I woke up this morning in a really good mood. I guess you could say I'm kind of a morning person (I'm sure you are shaking your head in disgust at this inhuman revelation, but for some reasons, I find mornings very promising), but today was different. I was ready to conquer the world before having my first cup of coffee this morning. Yes, my friends, the universe was on my side.

Plus, did I mention that it is supposed to be in the fifties this week? This is huge for us Virginians. We've been in the twenties and teens since the end of January, and we're tired of it. Fifties isn't exactly perfect, but I'll take what I can get. So, when getting dressed this morning, I kept the temperature in mind, choosing to wear a burgundy embelleshed tank with my favorite grey Grandpa Sweater and skinny jeans. For shoes, I choose my favorite burgundy flats, which worked to my advantage. When accessorizing, I went simple, because it is still a Monday, by wearing my nude Kate Spade watch, and gold studs, to match the embellishments on my tank. Check it out, and tell me what you think in the comments! XOXO Kate

Tank- Express

Sweater- Gap

Shoes- Modcloth(Qupid)

My DMV Experience: The Good and the Bad

Today was an accomplishment in my book. Why? Well drivers, today I received my learner's permit. Yes ladies and gentlemen, that means that I can now drive. Not alone yet, but it's a start. And because I was super stoked that I passed, and my dad was not (bless his heart), I felt like an honorary selfie was appropriate. Take a look.

He thinks he's cute.. Anyways, you know how when you go to take your first picture for your first "licence" ( not really my licence, but let's look over that), everyone tries to look extra good. You hear all these horror stories of people showing up, all dolled up and cute, only to get there, and have that rude consultant who doesn't even wait for you to smile, and snaps the photo in the middle of a blink. It's like, seriously? I have to SHOW people this. Can't you at least give me a moment to flip my hair over my shoulder... this wasn't my problem, but for the sake of an example, you get the gist of it.

 

As you can imagine, going into the DMV, I was flipping out. "How fast legally can a moped go?", or "between 10pm and 2am, which percent of drivers are drunk?" These are just some of the questions that were rolling through my head as I gave the lady my proof of existence. I mean, how do these question apply to a fifteen year old? Like I would be driving a moped down my dirt road to school, Seriously. So we get our number, and we sit down in the awful plastic chairs (If they're going to make you sit there forever, don't you think they would invest in some cushioned seating?? My poor butt would have appreciated it). My dad's with me, and anyone could tell he was nervous for me. I'm one of his little girls, and though he doesn't want to admit, he really was scared for me. Not that he thought I wouldn't pass, but what if I didn't? He's not good with tears...Which only made me freak out more. A couple minutes pass, then they called my number (Luck of the draw people. If you've ever been to the DMV, then you know what I mean). "T80 to line 10". I walked over to the desk, and to my surprise, the lady was smiling at me...an actual smile from a DMV consultant. God was on my side.

 I was her first costumer though, and I imagine she wasn't smiling by the end of the day ( seriously, DMV's are AWFUL)

" You look nervous honey, you here for your learners?" Smiling, I nodded. And just like that, I calmed down. She was nice! The type of lady that I could respect and actually like. It must have been my lucky day. The picture went like a breeze, and the vision test was a piece of cake.. Cake? I wish I had cake...

The test on the other hand, well, let's just say I'm a nervous test taker. Nothing stresses me out more than timed tests and knowledge on something that is completely new to me. I mean, I studied, but nothing would have prepared me for the questions they were about to ask me. They were ridiculous. Sadly, I don't think I'm actually allowed to tell you those idiotic questions, but take my word for it.

I was so nervous, that I started biting my nails, a habit I had broken years ago. Not cool, Kathryn, not cool. After reviewing it twice, I entered it.I could feel the blood draining from my face. I wasn't even sure if I could look! It was so nerve-racking! Slowly, but surely, I looked up.

 I had passed. I could feel the weight on my shoulders lifting. I had heard awful stories of people studying really hard, only to walk into the DMV and fail by one questions. Luckily, God was with me this morning. I passed. That's all I care about.

Truly, I think my dad was feeling the weight off his shoulders too because he automatically calmed down and agreed to take me to Starbucks for an honorary tiramisu latte. (Starbucks, you really are a true friend). I didn't drive home that day because there is still two feet of snow outside, but I was promised that as soon as the snow melts, I could start. Hears to new adventures and stress!

 

I still haven't shown you what I wore yet, have I? Check back later, to see my outfit post about what I wore to the DMV!

XOXO Kate

P.S- What was your DMV experience like? Comment below the good and the bad!

Colorful Workout

After a week of snow days and doing nothing but nonstop Netflix and TLC, (aka 90210 and Say Yes to the Dress), today I decided was the day to finally get off my butt. Which meant, I needed to work out. With track right around the corner (tomorrow), I knew that if I didn't at least pick up a weight or two, I would be in serious trouble (Coach Ham, I am truly sorry I ate all those cookies). I'm a hurdler, ladies, and you and I both know, there is no way I am making it over those things without some stamina. Though I did cheer for basketball all winter, let's be honest, I did NOT stay in shape. How could I too? Imagine cheering two to three times a week, with concession stand aromas wafting around you. Plus, you haven't been home to eat since 7:30 this morning, and lunch was at 12:20! Would YOU be able to resist? Never mind that, the point is, I was in dire need of some abs crunches and planks.

Being the type of girl who likes to eat, I told myself that if I did two miles on the treadmill and some weight lifting, I would reward myself with a few little extra snacks in my lunch box tomorrow ( why yes, cookie jar, I'm talking about you). Why not, right? 

That wasn't the only thing that was holding me back though. I'm like any other girl out there. I do better when I've got some super cute clothes backing me up. Nothing beats the justified smile that creeps onto your face when you know you look cute, am I right? Well, it's the same thing when you work out. No one may be able to see you, but you can. And you are your worst critic (plus, an excuse for more shopping is always welcome here) So with a little help from JCPenny, I picked up these awfully cute, awfully colorful leggings. Perfect for all type of workouts. Plus, they were inexpensive ($15), the icing on the cake...( Did someone say icing??) They scream confidence. Plus, I paired it with my Smith Mtn. Lake tee which just helped me realize that spring is around the corner, and eventually, I will have to get my bikini back out of my dresser. The last bullet point on my "Why you Need To Work Out" list. 

So before working out, I put together some pictures of what I wore to sweat in today. Check it out yourselves, and let me know in the comments what you think. Plus, post a picture of your workout outfit and tell us about it! Until next time, XOXO Kate. 

Leggings- JCPenny 

P.S- I thought it would be cute if I put Sophie in the picture because of the pillow, and being the primadonna that she is, she agreed. The camera loves her, to say the least.

Wanna see what I do to workout? Check in later this week for my Top Ten Workouts post. XOXO Kate