on the go

When it comes to busy, errand-filled days, I find I always get more done when I put a little thought into my wardrobe selection. (HINT: That means grabbing something besides yoga pants, a Patagonia pullover and a baseball cap… Which I do all too often…) In the world of leggings we seem to be living in these days, it’s easy to forget that jeans and flats aren’t so bad either! And personally, they make a world of difference in the way I carry myself.

Lately, I’ve also had a lot of fun throwing in a red lip to casual outfits. It’s an easy, quick touch that adds an instant element of chic! (I use this super affordable Revlon shade.) The red lip in today’s post managed to pull a messy, high pony and glasses together, instead of leaving them to look like an afterthought. If you have always relegated red lips to formal occasions (as I once did!) I challenge you to incorporate them into a more casual setting sometime soon. I think you’ll be surprised by how much you like the look!

cute, casual lookcute, casual lookcute, casual lookwarby parker durand framescute, casual lookJACKET   green cargo jacket c/o   |   GLASSES   warby parker durand frames   |   FLATS   tan ballet flats (Chanel, less expensive, similar linked)   |   SCARF   ombre burberry scarf (still available in black)   |   SWEATER   cream cable knit sweater c/o (wearing size L for an oversized fit)   |   JEANS   j.crew toothpick jeans   |   LIP STICK  cherry blossom   |   LIP GLOSS   scandal   |   EARRINGS   pearl studs   |   TOTE   reversible blush tote

Now that we’ve covered two easy ways to add cute to comfy (opting for jeans and flats instead of leggings every once in a while, and adding a red lip!), I want to spend a second bragging specifically on this cute army green cargo jacket I picked up at H&M the other day! Having seen these styled in so many cute ways this season, I was so excited add this jacket to my closet. Laid back, durable but perfectly ladylike, I love the layered effect it brings to a typical sweater + jeans combo.

I’m so excited to have this easy ensemble pulled together, as I plan on recycling it in New Orleans this weekend! A group of my high school friends and I are making the trip together to get a taste of Mardi Gras festivities before the real deal occurs. Seeing the city at this time of year has been on my bucket list ever since I went on a school trip there my senior year of high school. The food, the jazz, the whole feel of it was intoxicating, and I’m so excited to get back and explore! Any recommendations? I’m all ears! Needless to say… is it Friday already?

Love from Texas,

Kate

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17 Comments

  1. anon said:

    Central Grocery for the best Muffalata’s in the world. Also, ride the trolly to the very end and eat at Camellia’s Grill. It is an old diner that is a landmark and has been there since 1946. You feel like you have stepped back in time. So fun!!! Very much a local place. Oh, and the Mardi Gras museum is AMAZING! It is a big warehouse and has costumes and hundreds of FANTASTIC floats. I just can’t express in writing how cool it was (and fantastic photo opportunities). You just have to see it. I love New Orleans!!!!!!

    Published 1.26.16 · Reply
  2. Maitland Frilot said:

    I’ve lived in New Orleans for my entire life, so I love giving recommendations!

    If you’re uptown: Rum House is a great caribbean taco place with the best cocktails. If you want a traditional poboy, Mahoney’s is amazing. There’s great boutique shopping on Magazine street around Louisiana Ave. For parades uptown stay between Napoleon Ave and Louisiana Ave for a safer (and less nudity) Mardi Gras.

    Downtown/French Quarter: Napoleon House has amazing, traditional New Orleans food. If you’re looking for fine dining, Galatoire’s, Antoine’s, and Brennan’s are amazing. And Domenica in the Roosevelt Hotel is fantastic as well. The carousel bar at the Hotel Monteleone is a fun place for a drink because there are chairs that spin slowly around the bar! For shopping, Canal Place has high end chains and Chartres Street between Toulouse and St Peters has great boutiques. That also puts you right next to Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral (which I think you’ll love because it’s the oldest cathedral in North America). Cafe du Monde is right there as well. A tip for Cafe du Monde: there’s a to go line and you can eat it in Jackson square. Also there’s one in the Riverwalk outlet mall which is about 10 blocks away from the original and almost never has a line. If you’re brave enough to venture on bourbon street, be warned, it is very crowded and can be unsafe. Try to stick to the end where you can leave easily if you want and there are plenty of police officers.

    Best King Cakes: Randazzo’s, Haydel’s, and Sucre.

    I read your blog every morning and I can’t wait to hear about your trip here!

    Happy Mardi Gras and stay safe!

    Published 1.26.16 · Reply
  3. Such a beautiful scarf girl!!

    Published 1.26.16 · Reply
  4. Kristen said:

    Kate, talk to me about sizing on that H&M green jacket. What size worked for you?

    Published 1.26.16 · Reply
    • A Lonestar State of Southern said:

      Hi Kristen! I’m usually a 4 in H&M (as opposed to my normal 0 or 2) but the 2 in this jacket fit perfectly! So I’d say this piece in particular runs true to size.

      Published 1.26.16 · Reply
  5. Kathryn said:

    Such a perfect outfit for running around town! Love the whole ensemble :)

    xx Kathryn
    http://www.chicandshimmer.com

    Published 1.26.16 · Reply
  6. Gosh, I love your outfit so much, especially the scarf, it is spectacular.
    http://dressmecasual.blogspot.com.eg/

    Published 1.26.16 · Reply
  7. Obsessed with those glasses and that scarf! They look so great together!

    Kayla
    http://inthepursuitofpreppiness.wordpress.com

    Published 1.27.16 · Reply
  8. Amy said:

    Everything about this outfit is perfection! I always tend to forget what a great pair of jeans and flats can do because like many people leggings are my go to! I hope you have a great day!

    xoxo
    Amy |Pastel N Pink

    Published 1.27.16 · Reply
  9. nadin said:

    loved this look!
    killthemwithchic.com

    Published 1.27.16 · Reply
  10. Sara Kate said:

    Such a perfect color combination!! I love the military green with the plaid scarf.

    xo,
    Sara Kate Styling

    Published 1.27.16 · Reply
  11. Mariah said:

    I totally agree! Putting together a simple casual outfit always makes me feel better than running around in work out gear!

    http://moosmusing.com

    Published 1.27.16 · Reply
  12. Paula said:

    Have fun in New Orleans! Love this outfit.

    http://www.livingpaula.com

    Published 1.27.16 · Reply
  13. Paige said:

    I live in New Orleans!! If I see you out, I’m definitely stopping you for a pic! For brunch, last week I went to Apolline on Magazine St. in Uptown and had the most amazing Crawfish Eggs Benedict – to die for! Surrey’s on Magazine is also a brunch favorite. All of the shopping on Magazine St. is adorable… If you’re around, check out the new Kendra Scott store!

    Published 1.27.16 · Reply
  14. great blog post. !!!!!

    Published 1.28.16 · Reply
  15. Katie said:

    This outfit is so cute! Can’t wait to see pictures from your trip!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

    Published 1.30.16 · Reply
  16. I love the scarf and glasses!! The perfect combination <3

    Maddy xo
    http://www.stylewithsmiles.com

    Published 2.1.16 · Reply