a lonestar state of southern

 SHOES   Kate Spade Honey Heels (on sale!) c/o   |   SKIRT   Suede Fringe Skirt   |   CLUTCH  Kelly Wynne Fringe Clutch c/o   |   SHIRT   White Tank   |   RING   Cocktail Ring (my grandmother’s, similar linked)   |   EARRINGS   Pearl Studs (similar linked)   |   LIPSTICK   ‘Adrienne’

Is there anything like a game-changing pair of heels? Nothing, and I mean nothing, can get me to drop what I’m doing and dance quite like an exceptionally fabulous pair of shoes.

(The one exception to that statement is an impeccably timed “Fergalicious” sing along, but besides that, absolutely nothing.)

You know, the pair you rip out of the box the second you get home and spend the next three hours in while doing laundry and cleaning the house? The pair that will stick around in your closet long enough to see a second generation take photos of them in diapers? The pair that doesn’t just “complete” an outfit because they are the outfit?

Meet mine… the Honey by Kate Spade. In the most ravishing snake skin, complete with a perfectly chunked heel (I die) and delicate straps, they are a timeless pair I know will be getting plenty of wear in the months and years to come.

The print is definitely a fun one, but it’s neutral black and beige essentially make the shoes a neutral! AKA there’s so much you can wear them with. Fringe seemed to fit the bill on the dancing front, but imagine how darling they would look with a hot pink cocktail dress, these jeans and a silky button down or a white skirt paired with a sleek black top!

I’ve come to find that Kate Spade shoes come embedded with an infectious dose of personality – a certain cheekiness and spunk that gives them a life of their own. And while yes, I’m partial to the Honey heels (did I mention they’re on sale?!), I think you’ll also love the leopard Sonia booties, the embellished Bia Too heels, and the chic Clove flats. All darling things that will have you dancing the night (or mid-Sunday afternoon in pajamas, let’s be real) away!

Love from Texas,

Kate

Photography by Stephanie Drenka

Thank you, Kate Spade, for sponsoring this post!

 SHIRT   High Neck Tank (runs large, wearing an XS)    |   TOTE   St. Anne “Axis” Tote   |   SHOES   Fringe Booties (under $100!)   |   JEANS   J.Crew White Jeans   |   SUNGLASSES   Black Ray Ban Aviators   |   NECKLACE   Tassel Necklace   |   NECKLACE   Medium White Necklace   |   Necklace   Small White Necklace   |   WATCH   Michael Kors Watch   |   RING   Cocktail Ring (my grandmother’s, similar linked)   |   EARRINGS   Pearl Studs   |   LIPSTICK   “Rebel”

While often times they’re not the brights you’ll find during summer months, I love the classic, traditional hues autumn brings forth. Navies, reds, deep greens… they have a way of pulling together any outfit in a timeless, classic way.

So when I saw this flattering, easy top in one of those shades, a gorgeous musky green, I immediately knew it would be getting a lot of wear! I especially love how the color pairs with the deer print of my favorite fall bag, the St. Anne tote in “Axis,” to give the whole outfit a classic hunting vibe. (You can definitely wear fringe booties while hunting… right?) When temperatures drop, you bet I’ll be wearing this top with dark jeans, riding boots and a navy jacket! I’d say that’s a good amount of wear for $32, wouldn’t you?

Before I sign off, I also had to address the lip color I’m wearing in this post. It’s called “Rebel” and is one of my very favorite shades for fall and winter! Looks great on practically every skin tone, so it might be something worth looking into if you’re a lipstick gal. :)

Finally, happy Monday friends! Another week. WOW. I forget how busy and fast-paced fall is. I had such a fun weekend and am feeling refreshed and ready to take on this week. I hope you all are, too!

Thanks so much for making me a part of your day. You mean the world!

Love from Texas,

Kate

 TOP   White Peplum Blouse ($25)   |   SHOES   Strappy Suede Platforms   |   NECKLACE   Turquoise and Gold Strand   |   PURSE   Rebecca Minkoff Cross Body   |   WATCH   Michael Kors Watch   |   BRACELET   Gold Wrap Bracelet   |   JEANS   J.Crew Jeans   |   RING   Pearl Ring (old H&M, similar linked)

You want a piece you’ll have in your closet for years and years? One that will always work beautifully in a pinch, and seemingly never age? You don’t have to spend $800 on a pair of designer heels. Instead, snatch up a crisp white blouse. Or two. Or ten!

While I love a good trend, it’s no secret that the classic look is my ultimate go-to. And no matter the season or style, a structured white top always forms the perfect base. I bought my first white Ralph Lauren button down last fall, and have worn it in a million and one ways since. When I came across this gorgeous architectural piece from Forever 21 for $25… yes, $25… I knew I’d found another timeless staple!

My fun scrappy suede platforms helped round out a great transitional look, but I absolutely can’t wait to wear this top with riding boots in a month or so. Talk about timeless! And while the top has a lot of shape, it layers beautifully under winter outerwear, seen in this recent Insta. Obsessed.

I have to give one more shoutout to Forever 21‘s online return policy, since it used to deter me in the past! Unlike in-store purchases where returns are only given in-store credit, if you order online, you can get a full refund. So spend a few minutes browsing the site… I think you’ll be surprised at all the great pieces you find!

Love from Texas,

Kate

Photography by Stephanie Drenka

 DRESS   Off The Shoulder Dress c/o  |   BOOTS   Cowboy Boots   |   CLUTCH   Monogrammed Tassel Purse c/o  |   BRACELET   Gold Wrap Bracelet   |   BRACELET   Cross Bracelet   |   NECKLACE   White Delicate Necklace c/o   |   EARRINGS   Pearl Studs

Ask any southern girl… when football season rolls around, you’ll find one constant in our closets. Cowboy boots and sundresses! The ultimate tailgating duo. Cute, comfortable and, dare I say it, mostly sweat-resistant. (Is there anything worse than standing in a packed stadium for a full afternoon in PANTS?! No.)

The unlikely combination baffles my mother (“Kate, you’re wearing BOOTS with that dress?” “Yes, mom…”) but I feel pretty confident speaking on behalf of the majority of co-eds out there. Nothing. Beats. It.

I found this darling lace off-the-shoulder dress (on sale for $27!) from Marley Lilly’s boutique, Monday Dress! The neckline, duh, gets me, but I also love how versatile it is – a dress you can wear cheering on your favorite team all Saturday, or throw on with wedges for the perfect evening ensemble. And how cute is that tassel monogrammed clutch?!

Plus, I have the best news ever for you… you’ll receive this blanket scarf for free with your purchase of $75 or more from Marley Lilly or Monday Dress! So now is definitely the time to stock up on some monogrammed fall favorites… this two-toned pullover (dying over the color!) these pearl studs , or even these riding boots!

Love from Texas,

Kate

Photography by Stephanie Drenka

Thank you, Marley Lilly, for sponsoring this post!

O N E   Ray Bans   |   T W O   Bean Boots (order quick, they sell out fast)   |   T H R E E   Field Jacket   |   F O U R   Striped Sweater   |   F I V E   Plaid Scarf (I just purchased and love it!)   |   S I X   Barrington Tote (herringbone, y’all)   |   S E V E N   Ball Cap   |   E I G H T   Pearl Earrings   |   N I N E   Spotted Socks   |   T E N   Bow Watch

Happy first day of fall! While we have at least a month and a half down here in Texas until it technically goes into effect, I’m embracing this day as best as I can. The thought of crackling fires and carving pumpkins and long walks in the crisp evening air… it’s killing me!

One of my absolute favorite things about fall? The days that get dark and dreary. Yes, yes, I suppose that sounds borderline emo, but for some reason I love it! Give me a hot drink, a few layers and a slow country playlist (loving Spotify’s “Country Coffeehouse” lately!) and you’ve got yourself a happy girl. The snuggly outfit above was created with that type of day in mind.

Also, just want to point out that the tote bag is herringbone. Yeah. I know.

Go drink a PSL! (Or a second if you already beat me to it…)

Love from Texas,

Kate

 JEANS   Camo Print Jeans (in size 0)   |   TOP   Black Peplum Top (just $25!)   |   SHOES   The Nudist Stilettos   |   NECKLACE   Delicate Kendra Scott Necklace   |   CLUTCH   Oversized Clutch (old Francesca’s, similar linked)   |   WATCH   Michael Kors Watch   |   RING   Pearl Ring (old H&M, similar linked)   |   EARRINGS   Pearl Studs   |   LIP COLOR   Mod Pink

If you manage to get me in a pair of camo pants, I can assure you of two things:

1. I will be doing nothing remotely close to what camo were created for.

2. I will make them as feminine as possible.

Camo print has slowly but surely been growing on me over the past year. I steered clear of it last fall, but after seeing it worn in surprisingly cute ways, I figured I’d finally give it a shot. These jeans were what inspired me… and their $55 price tag didn’t hurt, either!

To contrast the grung, I added a boxy, glam peplum top and finished the look off with my favorite stilettos and an oversized clutch. A quick word on the top… it’s a mere $25 (!!!) but the cut makes it look a lot more expensive! I can’t wait to wear it (camo pants or not) all throughout the fall.

So all in all, I think this ensemble gives off a look that’s far more girly than GIJoe. :) K gang, I want to get your thoughts/feelings/comments/concerns on camo. Do you love it? And if so, how do you style it?

Love from Texas,

Kate

P.S. If the title of today’s post is lost on you, I beseech you to watch this trailer and then carve out an hour to fall in love with one of the greatest Disney Channel films of my adolescence. #LongLiveHDuff

Photography by Stephanie Drenka