a lonestar state of southern

 TOP   Cut Out Ruffle Top (sold out, similar here)   |   EARRINGS   Lisi Lerch Earrings   |   JEANS   J.Crew Jeans   |   CLUTCH   Marley Lilly Clutch   |   SUNNIES   Miu Miu Sunnies   |   WEDGES   Ankle Strap Wedge (sold out, similar linked)   |   WATCH   Michael Kors   |   BANGLE   Reece & Blair

I’ve started to notice that I have an addiction growing… to all things red, that is! Whenever color options are available, in the past I’ve almost always gone with white. The most versatile choice, the most practical choice, that sort of thing. But a flip has switched, and now red is the first shade I reach for.

So in coming across this top, the fun ruffles and shoulder detailing already had me sold, but the cherry on top was the gorgeous red hue! I snatched it up from Pixie Market, and as I’ve talked about before, their pieces sell out incredibly fast. While this exact top isn’t available anymore, the good news is I’ve found one here that has the same flirty cut in the same jaw-dropping color. Hip hip, hooray!

One last shout out to the color red… it’s a shade that works now and will continue to all the way through winter! While this top in white would be too summery for October, the red will be perfect dark denim and riding boots (did you see the new ones I debuted on Insta yesterday?) or these suede heels. Be on the lookout for fun red pops you can add into your own wardrobe… whether it’s a statement blouse like the one above, a poppy cross body (like my new baby!) or even a go-to red lip. Even the smallest touch will put a swing in your swagger, trust me!

And yes… I did just make up swing in your swagger. Make fun all you want, but I kinda dig it.

Love from Texas,

Kate

P.S. LADIES! One of the best sale days of the year is here… the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale! It goes live  today at 8am ET so RUN, don’t walk, because the best goodies sell out way quick! While you’re waiting in line, you can see all of the dresses on sale HERE. Write down your favorites so that when you get access to the sale, you can type the names into the search bar instead of scrolling through pages. Good luck!

Photography by Megan Weaver

FRIDAY! We made it, y’all! A full weekend ahead, and I’m celebrating with a new video up on my YouTube channel! (To never miss a video, be sure to subscribe here.)

This edit is of my favorite wardrobe pieces from my trip to Seaside, Florida. After a stifling hot week in both Dallas and Midland (where I went to visit my roomie from last year) the beach is just what I need. Wishing I could be back there right now!

Unfortunately, no relaxing beach vacation lies ahead… the opposite, in fact. On Saturday, my sister, mama and I are loading up every vehicle we own to get my sister moved back to college! Please send prayers. We all know how that type of thing goes. ;)

With this impending move on the horizon, the house looks like a tornado has ransacked it. Do messy environments stress you out? Because I’m finding it impossible to focus when everything is in such upheaval. I’m already planning a relaxing Sunday of getting everything organized and back in order…. ahh… just the thought makes me so happy.

I hope you have far much more relaxation ahead this weekend than I, and am wishing you safety and lots of fun! Thanks SO much for swinging by and making me a part of your day. Means the world!

Love from Texas,

Kate

 BLOUSE   Navy Gingham Button Down   |   SKIRT   White Skirt (old forever21, similar linked)   |   BAG   Chloé Marcie Bag (more affordable here)   |   BELT   Tory Burch Logo Belt (reversible to black!)    |   WEDGES   Ankle Strap Wedges (old Michael Kors, similar linked)   |   LIP COLOR   Tulip (my favorite true red)   |   BRACELET   Logo Wrap Bracelet   |   WATCH   Michael Kors Watch

As the summer draws to a close (my sister heads back to school on Saturday and I could cry) it’s only natural to look ahead to the next season… fall! But if you live anywhere in the US besides, perhaps, San Francisco, cardigans and earmuffs are nowhere close to being a daily thing. In fact, I’m cringing now just at the thought.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to give your summer pieces a fall feel without compromising body temperature level. Take, for example, this white mini skirt. Once worn with spaghetti straps and crop tops, it takes on a new vibe with a crisp navy gingham blouse and red cross body. A look that’s just as cool, but one that satisfies that “Is it fall already?!” fever.

Once we get further into late August and September, swap out wedges for a new pair of riding boots (I just picked up this pair and can’t get over ’em!) and then we’re really talking! But hold on to your horses until then, ladies. In the words of Gloriana, “We ain’t runnin’ out of summer yet!”

Love from Texas,

Kate

P.S. Y’all stop what you’re doing and run over to www.rocksbox.com to get your first month free with the code katexoxo. I’ve loved the service, and know you’ll have fun playing dress up with some new baubles!

TOP & BOTTOMS   Matching Set   (from Lion&Witch, similar look here, here and here)   |   BAG   Red Crossbody (more colors here)   |   SHOES   The Nudist Heels

This past Saturday, I had the incredible opportunity to co-host Teen Vogue’s “Back to School Saturday” event with Amanda Steele at The Domain in Austin! Y’all, I’d been looking forward to this day all summer. I was a little bit nervous (naturally) but more than anything, incredibly excited to get the chance to speak on the style panel and meet everyone there!

After making the 3 hour drive from Dallas the day before, and getting some much needed catch-up time with my cute friends Amanda and Becca, I woke up jittery with excitement Saturday morning. I’d chosen a chic, but of course colorful two piece set for the day, along with my go-to strappy black heels. The favorite addition? My gorgeous new red Chloé bag! (#swoon) The outfit ended up being the perfect combination of cool (in the style sense) and cool (in the crazy hot weather), and was a ton of fun to wear.

I spent the hour before the VIP event began meeting the Teen Vogue editors (um… who are just as stunning and chic as you’d expect) and YouTube star Amanda Steele! It was so fun bragging about the amazing city Austin is, and hearing about their amazing lives in LA and New York.

We made our way to the VIP meet and great, and immediately got to jump into fun conversations (and selfies) with the 50 girls there. That hour flew by. I seriously could have stayed and chatted all afternoon!

Finally, we got to the main event… the style panel and fashion show! Amanda and I got to share a little bit about YouTubing and blogging, and then had a great time breaking down three back to school trends with the Teen Vogue editors. I’m so impressed with those models… they were in full fall gear in the 100+ degree heat!

One of the cute girls I got to meet (heyyy Jillian!) grabbed this SnapChat of me that I thought I’d share to give you a feel of the event! An editor had just asked me to share something about blogging most people don’t know, so of course I jumped on the opportunity to explain how much blackmail I have on myself from photo shoot bloopers…

All too quickly, the day was over! It was a lovely (although incredibly hot) afternoon, and I absolutely loved getting to meet the girlies who attended! Big hugs to those of you who made the trip out.

I hope your weekend was wonderful as well, and that this week is proving to be even better. It definitely is for me… I’m headed to Midland, Texas today to visit my roomie from last year. I’ve missed her and can’t wait to be reunited! (Plus, her mom is one of the best cooks around. We’re talking homemade onion rings, y’all…)

Love from Texas,

Kate

Photography by Hilary Rattikin

P.S. For more pictures of the event, type in the hashtag #BTSS on Instagram, and look in my Instagram tagged photos!

 EARRINGS   Orange Tassel Earrings   |   BLOUSE   Red Tank ($30, comes in a million colors)   |   SHORTS   Pom Pom Shorts   |   CLUTCH   Blush Clutch   |   WEDGES   White Wedges (sold out Tory Burch, similar linked)   |   BRACELET   Gold Wrap Bracelet

Among the numerous color combinations I have an affinity for, red and orange is one that holds a special place in my heart. While you don’t see it incredibly often, it’s one pairing that always looks effortlessly smashing. I find the combination is best worn in the later months of summer and early months of fall, mimicking the rich, beautiful sunsets of July and September.

Bold red and orange adds instant drama to any outfit, so play the two up accordingly! I paired this favorite pair of orange statement earrings and vibrant red blouse with fun pom pom shorts for a night out with friends. (A quick word on the shorts – I wasn’t sure how this style would look on, but it turns out they are really elongating!) An all-white ensemble with a rich red and orange scarf would be another lovely pairing, but the possibilities are endless! And that’s always the most fun to create with.

Love from Texas,

Kate

Photography by Hilary Rattikin

Today marks one week since our departure from Seaside. *dabbing my eyes with a tissue as I type this* I would say it’s bitter sweet looking back on it, but let’s be real… I’m mostly BITTER about not being a lazy bum by the beach every day. I’m entitled to that, right?

In commemoration, I thought I’d compile all of the bright, cheery photos I was able to capture on my trip! I must say, looking through them again helped the “getting over it” process a bit. (But just a bit.) I hope you enjoy a trip down this bright, beachy memory lane!

While packing up for the week, I noticed a reoccurring theme… PINK! From bikini tops to Lilly Pulitzer skirts and much, much more. 

After a 12-hour-straight road trip from Dallas to Seaside (my father is a saint) we headed straight to our favorite spot to kick off the week… Frostbites!

It turns out that tasseled coverups are the best kind of cover ups. And pom pom’d beach baskets are the best kind of beach baskets. Trust me.

One of my favorite things about Seaside is that everyone rides bikes everywhere! My sister and I found this pastel cottage during a ride through the neighborhood.

Best beach read EVER! What I’d sum up as a fiction based off of the story of William and Kate… but the heroine is from America. (The authors based her off of me… shh don’t tell!)

Cooling off the best way I know how… with a snow cone IN the ocean!

Dinner a few miles away in the beautiful town of Aly’s Beach gave me the excuse to break out my new turquoise tube top!

A few festive baubles I packed for the trip… aren’t those tassels to die for?!

Hands down my FAVORITE outfit of the trip! This dress not only kills me with the quite, it is also the softest thing ever.

I had the best time at my meet up at Willow Boutique… wishing I could give everyone there ANOTHER round of hugs. And it was so fun to meet the designer of this beautiful tassel necklace!

I’ve decided no beach trip is a true beach trip without a darling Brim Couture hat! This was my first one, and I couldn’t have loved it more. You should see the huge monogram on the top!

Loved the combination of classic navy gingham + a red lip + a few minutes of reading before dinner.

My every day beach necessities… Kate Spade sandals, sunnies and a pair of pearl earrings!

I had to stock up on souvenirs before heading home, of course. You bet the wiener dog shirt came back with me!

For our last night at the beach, this lovely white eyelet dress was perfect!

While it doesn’t involve a trip to the beach, I am so very excited about this weekend! I’m making the drive to Austin, Texas today, and can’t wait to get back to my home away from home. We’re talking girl time (and apartment crashing) with some of my favorite Austin-livin’ gals, and then co-hosting the Teen Vogue Back to School event on Saturday! I am hoping I get to meet so many of you there… full details here!

Let me know what you’re up to this weekend! If it involves sun, please get some extra for me. Tans last all of 3 days for me… #sharethelove

Love from Texas,

Kate