a lonestar state of southern

SKIRT   Suede Skirt (wearing size 0)   |   BOOTS   Over the Knee Suede Boots   |   JACKET   Suede Blush Jacket ($55)   |   SHIRT   White Tee (similar linked)   |   PURSE   Kelly Wynne Crossbody   |   RING   Pearl Ring (old H&M, similar linked)   |   BRACELET   Gold Wrap Bracelet   |   BRACELET   Cross Cuff   |   BRACELET   Cable Cuff   |   NECKLACE   Kendra Scott Delicate Necklace 

As “planned” as this outfit appears, it all came together rather unexpectedly! I’d originally fallen in love with each of these suede pieces on their own. These over the knee boots were a #NSale find from this summer, for example.  I had loved the easy fit and laser detailing of this skirt, and wasn’t able to resist the dreamy blush shade of the jacket. So finally seeing them all in the same room made me wonder… could it all work together?

The verdict? Yes! I love the fresh, unexpected ensemble that combining these three suede pieces creates. While I tied up a simple white tee underneath to break up the look, it ended up riding up higher than I was wanting in this shoot. Oops! To make this more of an every-day look, simply tuck in a tee (instead of knotting) or swap for a silky button down or plaid flannel.

And if this is too much suede for your taste (although I say the more the merrier this season) rotate out one of the three! Throw on this fur vest intend of the jacket for a glam evening look, replace the skirt with these jeans for a winter weather ensemble, or swap the boots for these ballet flats for a more subdued outfit.

However you decide to wear it, suede in one form or another is a must-have this season. Are you incorporating it into your wardrobe this fall? I want to know how!

Love from Texas,

Kate

Photography by Stephanie Drenka

Oh y’all. What a week it’s been.

Imave via Pinterest.

Remember last Friday’s post where I referenced a little habit I’ve been getting myself into? It’s a little, terrible, evil habit of staying up working into the wee hours of the morning, only to rise a few wee hours later to get a start on the day. Last week that habit became a bit of an inconvenience… This week, it has shown itself to be absolutely crippling.

(I just kinda chuckled to myself at how dramatic that sounds. I actually have it so much easier than so many, and for that I’m grateful. I’m just spilling my thoughts out here.)

Among learning just how important sleep and rest is, along with failing miserably at getting both, a few other circumstances collided this week that have left me feeling very unproductive, kinda useless, and so very tired. I’ve wrestled through the “if I’d only thought of this sooner”s and a million “should have done”s, and have let myself swim in a little puddle of pity today.

And then my dad, like he so often does, shared some pretty simple wisdom with me.

“Kate, you’re just gonna have weeks like that. It happens. You’re human. Move on.”

In this new environment of kinda sorta being my own boss, I’m all of the sudden realizing that I’ve let perfectionistic tendencies, along with a whole lot of self-imposed pressure, creep in on me. I didn’t realize those things for what they are, though… In fact, looking back I’m realizing I’ve viewed those as indicators of “drive” and patted myself on the back for being so diligent/task-oriented, etc. So. Silly.

Guys. We don’t have to be perfect. We don’t have to have it all together. And we CERTAINLY are allowed to have an off-week or two. It shows we’re human, and it shows we’re not perfect. Spoiler alert! Did I just drop a bomb on anyone?

Moments like this truly reveal what I’m putting my hope in… While I so often profess that my hope in the Lord and the fact that he loves me, this week has shown that it’s often in publishing blog posts daily, staying on top of my inbox proactively, putting together X number of outfits perfectly, and the list. goes. on. How empty are those things!

I realize I’m rambling here, but I just wanted to take a second to encourage any of you if you’re feeling exhausted and like you’re not enough at the end of this week. I get it, and I’m wrestling through and fighting those thoughts right this second. Take a second to be encouraged by this verse…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

And then take a deep breath, look through a few things that make me happy, and go have a fun weekend!

1. The love these brothers have for their baby sister. Wait for 1:45.

2. Getting this pink coat in the mail. See it on here.

3. Baby otters. Nuff said.

4. This soothing song I’ve had on repeat this week.

5. Thinking about how fun this weekend is going to be.

6. Finding my favorite perfume at Marshalls for $20. Hollaaa.

7. The fact that MY SISTER IS COMING IN TOWN FROM COLLEGE FOR THE WEEKEND!!!

I want to pass on a huge thanks to each of you reading this right now. Y’all mean the world, and I’m wishing everyone a safe, restful weekend! Looking forward to a fresh start on Monday morning, because sometimes that’s all you need.

Love from Texas,

Kate

1. TShirt Dress   |   2. Pearl Link Bracelet   |   3. J.Crew Quilted Vest   |   4. Wide Brim Hat   |   5. Kendra Scott Ring   |   6. Essie “In The Lobby” Nail Polish   |   7. Ray Ban Sunglasses   |   8. Monogram Necklace   |   9. Pearl Cluster Earrings   |   10. Daniel Wellington Watch   |   11. Fringe Booties   |   12. MAC “Media” Lipstick

If yesterday’s post was any indication, I am craving me some fall weather. Temperatures have been in the high eighties this week and my reaction has been “OH YAY IT’S BEGINNING TO COOL OFF BRING OUT THE SWEATERS!” I legitimately walked out in a sweatshirt the other week for a walk with a friend (we were experiencing a “cold front” of 70 degrees…) and was legitimately depressed at prettty instantly realizing I had to change. Tank tops, I’m over you! But you rock. Sorry not to be mean. I’m just ready for a change.

So today, I decided to pull together a few fall pieces that you can get away with wearing now! Throw on your staple J.Crew quilted vest and fringe booties (that you’ll be getting plentyyy of wear out of in the coming months) over a light-weight base for a fall look that is actually wearable at this time of year.

Exhibit A? This $14 t shirt dress from Forever21! You may have seen it on my Insta yesterday, along with the ground breaking news (to me, at least) that you can get full refunds from online Forever21 orders instead of just store credit! This has me doing backflips. No more waddling through overwhelming, crowded, poorly organized racks bumping into the occasional run-away child or two on the way to the 15-minute long dressing room line all whilst trying to keep your sanity at the three year old dubstep hit playing throughout the store. I went a little click happy and received my first shipment yesterday, and all I can say is prepare to see a lot more wallet-friendly options around here. :)

Game changer, right? Does anyone have any more tips for dressing for fall in hot weather? I’d love to know!

Love from Texas,

Kate

P.S. STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING. There’s an AMAZING sale going on at Neiman Marcus. You’ll get $50 off your order of $200 or more with the code JUST4U, and guys, sooo much is included. Like these Tory Burch riding boots and even my Chloé crossbody! I’ve never seen a sale include so many designer items… now I’m trying to figure out what to splurge on! Any recommendations? I’m liking the look of these babies… It ends at midnight tonight, so go go go!

 BOOTS   Tory Burch Derby Boots (in black here)   |   SHIRT   Beige Check Button Down (kids size 14)   |   JEANS   Camel Colored Jeans   |   BAG   Reversible Blush Beige Tote    |   BELT   Tory Burch Belt   |   SHADES   Black Ray Ban Aviators   |   WATCH   Michael Kors Watch   |   BRACELET   Gold Wrap Bracelet   |   NECKLACE   Kendra Scott Drop Necklace c/o   |   LIP COLOR   mixed a million… sorry!

I know what you’re thinking. “Nope… so not time for boots yet.” And it’s true, but these Derby riding boots have been sitting in my closet for a month now just begging to be worn. So when temps finally cooled in Dallas yesterday, I took it as a sign and gave in. (Cause I felt bad for them, ya know?) I guarantee you I was the only person in D town to sport these, but it was so fun to pull these out and got me so excited for the season ahead!

And I’ve noticed something funny about myself… I’ve been loving neutral pallets lately! If you’ve been around here for a while, you know that’s a definite mix up from my more-color-the-more-fun preference. It’s refreshing to switch things up, though, and I think chilly fall days lend to warm, muted tones. That’s why this new tote is going to be my new favorite thing this fall! It’s reversible from this warm beige color to a beautiful blush and a great buy at $50.

Also… just so I can get this on my calendar… what is the official “they’re finally allowed” date for riding boots? This chic needs ta know.

Love from Texas,

Kate

 SHIRT   Gingham Button Down   |   SHORTS   Tailored Shorts (just $15!)   |   SHADES   Black Ray Bans   |   SHOES   Red Pumps ($20 dupe of this pair)   |   CLUTCH   Nude Oversized Clutch (old, similar linked)   |   WATCH   Michael Kors Watch   |   BRACELET   Cable Cuff   |   EARRINGS   Pearl Drop Earrings

Is there a more classic color combination than navy and red? The older I get, the more I believe the answer to that is a definite no. It’s truly a timeless mix you can never go wrong with in any sort of combination – especially when gingham is involved.

Speaking of timeless, I bought this shirt (mine is old Gap, the one I linked is identical!) almost a year and a half ago and swear it has become one of, if not the most-worn item in my closet. You last saw it paired with white here, where the same theme of red accents was definitely prevalent. (I’m telling you… I’m obsessed with this navy + red thing..)

To usher in a more fall-ish feel, however, I swapped the summery skirt for a pair of tailored navy shorts (on sale for $15 right now!) and added a red pout and pointy pumps! I managed to snag this pair from Forever21 (I’m newly re-obsessed) for a mere twenty bucks, and I must say they rival this far more expensive pair quite nicely.

Are you drawn to any certain color combinations this fall? I’d love to hear in the comments! Just click the little bubble at the top right of this post if you’d like to leave your insight, which I must say is much appreciated. :) Thanks for making me a part of your day! Now let’s go have a great week.

Love from Texas,

Kate

P.S. Are you following along on Twitter @LSSouthern? If so, you would have seen these new black Ray Bans were a total impulse buy brought on by 1 am delirium…. I need to be careful, because I’m digging my sleep-shopping skills! So excited to have these for fall/winter!

SWEATER   Grey Knit Sweater (in size S)   |   BAG   Reversible Blush Tote   |   HAT   Lack of Color Hat   |   SKIRT   White Mini Skirt (old Forever21, similar linked)    |   SHOES   Suede Bow Flats ($25)   |   RING  Cocktail Ring (my grandmother’s, similar linked)   |   RING   Pearl Ring (old H&M, similar linked)   |   RING   Two Finger Ring c/o   |   NECKLACE   Steer Charm Necklace c/o   |   NECKLACE   White Drop Necklace c/o  |   LIP COLOR   Pigalle (a little less red in person)

I’m a little too giddy to inform y’all that Dallas had a good ole’ thunder storm this week. A wake-you-up-at-4-am kinda thunder storm. It was marvelous and cozy and dark, and it gave me my first tiny taste of fall. Even though, let me assure you, the humidity ensured it was a very, very tiny taste.

It’s funny what one day like that can do to in terms of inspiration. I recently picked up this sweater because of it’s slouchy neckline and incredibly light weight. (You know those sweaters that somehow look good on even though they’re huge and cozy? This is it.) Throwing it over my favorite white mini skirt with a few neutral accessories (like this bag I just purchased… it’s reversible!) resulted in a perfectly practical transitional outfit.

Annnd… I’m still in this sweater as I write this post. It’s that good.

You know what else is good? FRIDAYS! Have the best weekend, y’all! If you missed it, i have a new YouTube video for ya here!

Love from Texas,

Kate