a lonestar state of southern

I’ve got a little something different for you today… and hopefully something fun! To celebrate the final day of Early Access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (see my full round up here), and the fact that it opens for EVERYONE tomorrow (YAY!) I’ve created a video of all of my favorites, and I’m even trying them on so you can see them on a human!

Hopefully, it will give you the chance to actually see some of the products and help you map out your game plan. I’m sure you’ve been hearing about this nonstop, so I wanted to give you the good information in a way that’s fun to process. Let me know how you like it! You can check out all of my videos here.

Links to everything the video will be under the “show more” tab under the vid, and I’m placing them below for your convenience! You’ll see in the video, but my favorite find is too fun and we should all be twinkies in them. :)

Best of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Tory Burch Sandals
Over the Knee Boots
Kate Spade Bow Wallet (3 color options!)
Kendra Scott Earrings (8 color options!)
Kendra Scott Tassel Necklace (7 color options!)
Kate Spade Phone Case (all patterns here)
Rebecca Minkoff Purse (5 color options!)
Donut Pajamas
Grey Tassel Sweater
Floppy Hat

What I’m Wearing

Necklace
Tank Top
Jeans
Watch
Wrap Bracelet

So don’t forget… if you’re a Nordstrom card holder, it’s your last day to shop the exclusive pre-sale! For everyone else… be sure to head to Nordstrom first thing in the morning (the sale will go live at 2am CST… I’ve been known to stay up) to get your mitts on the best stuff before it’s gone! And sadly, that happens quick. But you’ve GOT this.

Happy shopping everyone!

Love from Texas,

Kate

JEANS   Blush Destroyed Jeans   |   SHIRT   Casual White Tee (comes in 4 colors)   |   PURSE   Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC  |   WEDGES   Michael Kors Wedges (old style, similar linked)   |   WATCH   Michael Kors Watch   |   BRACELET   Gold Wrap Bracelet   |   BRACELET   Gold Cable Bracelet   |   NECKLACE   Delicate Gold Necklace

“Casual” for me used to mean nike shorts and an over-sized tee. Ok… if I’m being honest, it often still does. (Have y’all seen the “Texas Kappa Harry Styles” shirt I seem to always have on?) But lately, I’ve been making a big effort to bring a bit more pep to my every day outfits that still offer comfort and ease! Since it’s easy to get in a continuous “white jeans + colored tank” cycle, these destroyed blush jeans have been a lifesaver. (Harry would disagree since he’s seeing less wear.)

At $44, they don’t break the bank, either! I have the hardest time finding jeans (especially colored/destroyed) that flatter my short ‘lil legs, and couldn’t believe when I came across these. Did you see them in my latest YouTube video?

In keeping with the casual theme, I added this laid back v-neck tee (which y’all, is the softest thing I’ve ever put on) and my new go-to purse! The accessories I wear every day – this delicate necklace, this watch and this wrap bracelet, helped to put the finishing touch on this look. Switch the wedges for these new gold Tory sandals, and you’ve got two outfits in one!

Do you have any tips for staying cute while casual? I’d love to hear them, cause this girl can use all the help she can get. #LongLiveOversizedTees

Love from Texas,

Kate

P.S. Did y’all know it’s AMAZON PRIME DAY?! I didn’t realize this was a thing until this morning. Amazon is offering sales “bigger than black friday” to Prime members! Don’t worry, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here to still get in on the good stuff. My favorite pineapple ring is on sale, and I’m considering finally getting this guy since it’s only $50 today! Hurry hurry, because quantities are limited.

 DRESS   Neon Shift Dress |   CLUTCH   Neon Embroidered Clutch (similar here)   |   EARRINGS   Danielle Oval Earrings  |  (sold out, similar fall style linked)   |   WATCH   Michael Kors Watch   |   BRACELET  Andy Cuff

My go-to phrase when it comes to fashion? Don’t confine yourself to the predictable! I definitely consider myself on the more classic and preppy side of the style scene, but there’s nothing more I love than throwing in something fresh, fun and unexpected every once in a while. Case in point? This clutch. Perhaps one of the most whimsically fun, intricately detailed, crazy cute neon beauties I’ve ever come across! The second I saw it, I knew it had to have it by my side for summer adventures.

I quickly learned that having a solid, wear-with-anything frock comes quite in handy with fun purchases like above. The neon shift I’m wearing is not only crazy versatile, the color makes you look seem tanner. :) Have you ever noticed that with neon? This similar style comes in pink, navy and black (all essential neutrals, in my opinion) and at under $50, is a great way to add a classic new look to your wardrobe that you’ll wear forever!

Love from Texas,

Kate

Photography by Megan Weaver

P.S. For the perfect summer glow, I’ve been using this baby non-stop. If you’re looking for man-made glow, it’s your ticket! I swear by it.

PLAYSUIT   Tropical Two Piece c/o   |   CLUTCH   Coral Clutch c/o   |   WEDGES   White Wedges c/o   |   BRACELET   Gold Cable Bracelet c/o   |   RING   Pineapple Ring c/o

Oh boy oh boy… I have been too excited to share this fun little number from LuLu’s with y’all! I hope you’ve already gotten a feel for it from the blog, but if not let me go ahead and tell you that my personality is the exact opposite of serious. Upbeat, energetic (a little too much, sometimes) and playful with a huge penchant for fun, this play suit is me! I simply love how this season’s hot “palm print” was integrated into the fun and flirty design of this two piece to culminate in easily the most fun summer outfit I own.

A fun little extra (much like the darling pineapple ring thrown into this outfit) is the fact that you can create so many outfits with this set. Style the top with a white maxi skirt for the perfect beach-side look, or pair the shorts with a simple white tank to run errands in style. Or, go all out in the full number with wedges and a clutch for the ultimate vacation look! However you wear it, you can’t NOT have fun in this lovely concoction of summer happiness. Guaranteed. :)

Love from Texas,

Kate

Photography by Megan Weaver   |   Thank you, Lulus, for sponsoring this post!

 DRESS   Tulip Hem Maxi Dress (comes in 6 colors)    |   CLUTCH   Tory Burch Blush Clutch   |   EARRINGS   A Lonestar State of Southern Earrings (under $50)   |   SHOES   Nude Heeled Sandals ((old style, similar linked)   |   BRACELET   Gold Wrap Bracelet   |   BRACELET   Turquoise Bracelet Set   |   NECKLACE   Delicate Gold Necklace   |   LIPSTICK   Mod Pink

Maxi dresses have become such a normal, every-day item that I have to confess, I haven’t actually tried one on in quite a while. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that they’ve never been universally flattering on me. I typically have a hard time balancing the billowy cut with my petite frame! (To give you a visual, picture me walking down the street in a floor length trash bag…*monkey covers eyes emoji*)

So when I walked past this ice blue beauty, it wasn’t the length that caught my eye. It was the color. Have you ever seen a prettier shade? It was such a fresh surprise that before I knew it I was rushing to the fitting room to try it on. That’s when it got even better – not only was the color gorgeous, but the tulip hem was instantaneously lengthening.

The final kicker? The $42 price tag, which gets you three dresses in one… Wear it with heels and a clutch for a wedding, wedges and a fun necklace (this one) for dinner with friends, and gold sandals (just bought these!) and a tote for a hot summer day.

So… ladies and gents… well probably just ladies actually… meet my maxi obsession for this summer. Already looking forward to packing it up for Seaside, Florida later this month!

G I V E A W A Y !

I couldn’t be more excited to team up with TAudrey to give away my favorite pair of summer earrings – these gorgeous turquoise and gold dangles! You’ve been hearing of my love for the pretty little things ever since I announced my TAudrey collaboration, and I’m so thrilled to have seen pictures from the many of you who bought a pair for yourself! For your chance at winning a pair, keep an eye on my Instagram today. I’ll be posting a photo with all of the instructions! In the meantime, you can get your turquoise fox of them here. Good luck, everyone! :)

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! For the first time in what feels like forever, I’ll actually be home and not on the road! So you can bet Netflix (binge watching Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt right now) and late mornings are in order. After pulling an all nighter last night in preparation for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (if you missed it, my guide is here), sleep is the main thing I’m excited about! :) What about you? Any fun plans?

Best,

Kate

P.S. I came across these while browsing earlier today and am in LOVE. For some reason, I’ve been so drawn to fun, funky statement shoes lately. What do you think? Do you love ’em? Do you think they’re heinous and wonder if I’ve lost my mind? That’s fair, too. I wanna know!

click directly on the images to shop, or use the links below!

Over the Knee Brown Boots   |   Grey Booties   |   Tan Booties   |   Red Fringe Heels   |   Pink Heels   |   Nude Rockstud Flats   |   Leopard Scalloped Flats   |   Gold Tory Burch Sandals   |   Gold Loafers   |   Black Quilted Tory Burch Boots   |   Black Tory Burch Boots   |   Hunter Rainboots   |   Tory Burch Wrap Bracelet   |   Monogram Necklace   |   Gold Confetti Earrings   |   Gold Kate Spade Watch   |   Amber Cuff   |   Blush Chloe Tote   |   Tan Tory Burch Purse   |   Off White Marc Jacobs Bag

Friends. The BEST sale of the year is here. This is not one to roll your eyes at and skate over… drop everything and go shop. Everything. Like, stop reading this post and shop. Because I kid you not, the hottest items will sell out by the end of the day… and the actual sale doesn’t even open to non-card-holders until July 17th! (If you don’t have a Nordstrom card, you’re not too late! Apply here.) I missed the boat last year and am still kicking myself over a fabulous pair of riding boots that sold out before I could get my hands on them. So be strategic and buy the big items you’re wanting this fall, because I guarantee you you won’t find them at this price again!

What am I getting, you ask? I’m heading straight for the over the knee boots, tory burch sandals and the leopard flats! Shoe addict much, Kate?

THIS IS SO EXCITING! GIDDY! GO HAVE FUN!

Love from Texas,

Kate

P.S. I just uploaded a new YouTube video reviewing the new Lilly Pulitzer Agendas, and I’m giving away a Jumbo Lilly Agenda! Watch the video here for all of the details.

UPDATE: I just pulled the trigger on the gold sandals (have been wanting a pair all summer!) AND… drumroll please… a style I never thought I’d ever own! View my snapstory (LonestarSnaps) to see which beaut made the cut. :)