a few friday favorites

It’s been a minute since I posted a “Friday Favorites,” so I thought it would be fun to kick off November (yes, NOVEMBER!) with a few things I’ve been loving lately! I always have a blast putting these together, so I hope you enjoy!

The morning after Halloween… how is everyone feeling?! We only received a hand full of trick-or-treaters last night (womp womp) so the only real solution for our candy basket was to eat. it. all. Please tell me I’m not the only one with a candy hangover this morning! :)

It’s been a minute since I posted a “Friday Favorites,” so I thought it would be fun to kick off November (yes, NOVEMBER!) with a few things I’ve been loving lately! I always have a blast putting these together, so I hope you enjoy!

DRESS (Wearing size S. I cut the elastic on the sleeves because it was tight and it looks so cute!) // JACKET // HEADBAND (super affordable) // SHOES (sold out, similar pair I own linked here)

 

friday favorites

 

A NEW TRADER JOE’S FIND

Andrew and I had a couple of friends over for dinner and pumpkin carving earlier this week and, as us Texans like to do, decided fajitas would be perfect for the occasion! While at Trader Joe’s, I came across the pre-marinated Carne Asada and decided to give it a try. I threw it in a frying pan and did around 3-4 minutes on each side at high heat and oh my word… it turned out amazingly! Tender, juicy, flavorful, and so easy to prepare. 10/10 in my book!

HEADBAND HOLDER

It’s no secret that I’ve completely bought into the headband trend over here. These padded cuties have started taking over my house! Which is why I decided to find an effective (but still cute) storage solution. Enter these clear, stackable headband holders from Amazon. I just got mine in this week and have already put it to use. I love having a cute way to store, and display, these pieces!

LONESTAR SOUTHERN X THE IMPECCABLE PIG COLLECTION

We’re officially less than ONE WEEK AWAY, friends! I hinted at my upcoming winter collection with The Impeccable Pig while photographing it in Dallas last week. I say it every time, but I truly think this is one of my favorites yet! Mark your calendars for this coming Thursday, November 7! I can’t wait for you to see everything we have in store for you!

BEST FAUX FUR BRAND

While opening up a few blogger packages earlier this week, I unfolded the most beautiful faux fur jacket. In fact, I can’t believe it’s not real fur! I’ve always felt like wearing faux fur can be tricky… the pieces can look off, unflattering and downright cheesy if the material and cut aren’t perfect. Let me tell you, the brand Bubish is amazing and has got it down just right! For all my winter brides out there, I think you’ll especially love this piece.

SWEETEST PUPPY TIP

If you missed the announcement… Andrew and I are bringing our NEW PUPPY home tomorrow! We are so, so thrilled to add a furry love to our little family, and I can’t wait to introduce him to you all. I asked for favorite puppy products/tips on Instagram, and am so thankful for the amazing and numerous replies you all sent in! My favorite tip was to grab this Snuggle Puppy toy. It has a heartbeat that can soothe separation anxiety. Andrew and I have ordered one and plan to rub it on our puppy’s mother so he’ll have something with her scent on it to snuggle up next to. (Another fab tip from you all!)

UPCOMING TRAVEL PLANS

Next weekend, I’m so excited to head to Asheville, NC with my precious big, Courtney! She is a pro-planner and has the most amazing weekend laid out for us. I miss her dearly and am beside myself for a long-overdue girls weekend full of yummy restaurants, tons of catching up, wine, exploring, and every other sort of fun! If you have any Asheville recommendations, we’re all ears!

“WHERE TO START”

After sharing an IGTV and blog post about how I grew my love for reading the Word, I received many questions asking where to start. This can be the most intimidating thing, right?! I would suggest any of these reading plans from She Reads Truth! They are all free, easy to navigate and give you a daily plan to work through many books/topics we find in Scripture. My two cents? Read through the text on your own first, then read the commentary. I dearly hope this helps any of you who are looking to start spending time in the Word, but don’t know where/how to begin!

After spending nearly every weekend in October out of town, I am so looking forward to these next few days here at home! From a cold front rolling in today to curling up with Andrew and our new puppy, there are so many things I’m looking forward to. What do you have on your agenda?

As always, thank you for spending some of your week with me!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

P.S. Here are some of my favorite new arrivals from this week!

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the perfect plaid blazer // where to find the cutest coats this season

The arrival of fall gives rise to a whole new genre of style options. Layers galore, am I right? No matter how cold it gets and no matter how seasonal trends change, my favorite autumn ensemble has always been and will always be a classic button-down, a great pair of jeans and, most importantly, a fabulous fall outer layer!

The arrival of fall gives rise to a whole new genre of style options. Layers galore, am I right? No matter how cold it gets and no matter how seasonal trends change, my favorite autumn ensemble has always been and will always be a classic button-down, a great pair of jeans and, most importantly, a fabulous fall outer layer! And in this case? A perfect plaid blazer.

If classic, all-American layering pieces are on your wish list this season, I have a secret to share with you… Abercrombie! Yes, y’all. In years past I have never been a huge Abercrombie shopper, but I have to say I’m incredibly impressed with the timeless and on-trend pieces making a debut this season, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with them to showcase a few of my favorites!

Take a look at the ensemble below, and a roundup of other fabulous coats and jackets you’ll find at Abercrombie, to see for yourself!

women plaid blazer
women plaid blazer
women plaid blazer
women plaid blazer
women plaid blazer
women plaid blazer
women plaid blazer
women plaid blazer
women plaid blazer
women plaid blazer

JACKET classic plaid blazer | TOP classic poplin button down | JEANS mid-rise skinny jeans (wearing the short!)

I have to say, this classic look may be one of my favorites of fall thus far. Is this blazer not perfection? (It also comes in a longer style as well!)

I actually photographed it in Dallas this past weekend, when temperatures were in the high 60s and the air was perfectly crisp. It made me yearn for the cozy, cold days we (hopefully) have ahead. And here are the pieces I dream of being bundled up in:

A chic, soft-beige wrap coat with a fabulous faux fur collar. An eye-catching, collarless coat in neutral tones. And one of my very favorites? A pale pink faux fur puffer! Yes. Please.

 

favorite fall layers

 

So, friends. Are you as impressed with this lineup as I am?! So good, right? I’ve got to give it to Abercrombie this season… so many perfect fall styles! I’m excited to keep an eye on this brand moving forward, as I’m always thrilled to add a destination for classic, timeless yet on-trend pieces to my list. Thanks for allowing me to share this one with you today!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

Thank you, Abercrombie, for sponsoring this post.

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Pink Stripe
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how to grow your love for reading the bible // 5 practical tips

This topic is a little different from my usual fashion-related posts, but if you’ll let me, I’d love to share with you something that’s been on my heart. How I truly began to love the Word, and how to grow your love for reading the Bible, with five down-to-earth, practical tips.

Can I be honest with you? This is a post I’ve been thinking about for a few years now. (Yes, years!) I have countless notes in my phone outlining it, I’ve brainstormed about it with other girls who love Jesus, I have even filmed a YouTube video for it. For one reason or another, I’ve never published anything.

Today, I’d love to change that. This topic is a little different from my usual fashion-related posts, but if you’ll let me, I’d love to share with you how I truly began to love the Word, and how to grow your love for reading the Bible, with five down-to-earth, practical tips.

I get many, many DMs and emails from followers asking how to grow and deepen their faith. That deserves a whole separate blog post, but I truly believe that one of the most impactful and dynamic ways to grow as a believer is to spend time reading the Bible. Not someone else’s words about it… the Bible, itself.

It’s always a bit intimidating and scary to share your heart with an online world, especially when faith and religion can be such a hot button for so many, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit afraid of “hate” surrounding this. But many of you have followed me for years, and as I’ve sought to share the ups and downs in my life, you know my faith has been a huge part of it. I hope this is an encouragement to even one reader, even if it isn’t something you personally believe!

 

So let’s get started…

 

I accepted and chose to follow Christ at a young age. For years, I went to church, did youth group, attended Christian summer camps, the whole 9 yards, as they say. The “turning point” in my walk with Jesus, though, was spending time actually reading the Bible.

I know it sounds so cliche, y’all. I do. Maybe boring, unexciting and even old school, too. BUT, after seeing God grow my love for the His Word, and how He continues to change and shape and mold my heart through it, I’m passionate about believers cultivating a love for the Word as well!

For years I thought reading the bible was so boring. I know I “should” do it, so I’d hurry through a few verses from time to time to check it off of my list. I had no idea that there was so much life waiting for me in those pages, and I hope to give you a few tips on how to discover that joy for yourself today!

 

How to grow your love for

 

 

Reading the Bible

 

1. Ask God To Give You A Love For His Word

 

This was where I started, nearly eight years ago. I was working at a Christian sports camp, where we had time set aside each day to be in the Word, and I found myself really wanting to enjoy and grow during it rather than crossing it off my list. So I prayed a super honest and open prayer. “Lord, if all scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, would you please help me love it? Right now, it intimidates and bores me. Give me a love for your Word.”

Friends, He did. It’s as simple as that. As I began to pray that daily prayer, I started to see the Word come alive to me in new ways. Words and phrases and verses from stories I had heard my entire life, even verses I had memorized, were speaking to my heart in new, fresh ways. I can’t explain it other than God answering the desire of my heart. For the first time in my walk as a Christian, I saw how Hebrews 4:12 is true: “For the word of God is alive and active…” and it began to change my entire relationship with the Lord.

So if you’re stuck and in a rut, wanting to grow in your walk with the Lord but having no idea where to start, begin by talking to him openly and honestly.

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9

 

2. Find A Copy You Love

 

Now hang with me on this one, friends. This may very well be my least scripturally-based piece of advice, and a very superficial one, so take that for what it is! But truly, something that helped me begin to love reading the Bible was… finding a Bible that I love!

Here’s what I mean. My parents gave me a “teenage” bible when I was young. It had a bright red and orange cover, corny inserts with insights meant to speak to teens, and to top it all off, lime green-colored notes and annotations. I had it for years, and the older I got, the more I reallyyy didn’t like that copy. (Again, incredibly superficial and I realize the huge blessing it was to even have a Bible. But from a completely honest and unassuming place, this is how I felt.)

When I reluctantly mentioned this to my mom, she immediately took me to our neighborhood Christian book store, Logos, where we spent an hour combing through the different copies. I found one that, to this day, I absolutely adore. Soft brown leather, huge enlarged text (since I’m blind as a bat), gold leafing. It’s beautiful, and I genuinely love opening it and reading it. As silly as it may sound, having a copy of the Bible I found beautiful from an outside perspective helped me view the Word as it is… a treasure. Something sacred and beautiful.

So if you have a Bible that’s been sitting on your shelf for years that no longer fits the season you’re in (like my colorful teenage commentary bible) I’d encourage you to find a copy you love. A few recommendations? The beautiful She Reads Truth Bible, the CBS Study Bible, the ESV Illuminated Bible (room for notes and drawings!), or the bible I have, the ESV Large Print Bible. (Mine is from 2011, though, and I haven’t been able to track down the exact style/leather color, etc.)

There are so many beautiful options out there. It’s a worthwhile investment to find one you truly love spending time in!

 

3. Create An Enjoyable Experience

 

One small change that helped me turn time reading the Bible from “chore” to “joy” is to create was to create an enjoyable experience surrounding it. What do I mean by that? Make time spent reading your Bible something you enjoy!

In college, I would make a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee (with my favorite creamer) and sit outside on the balcony of our apartment for quiet time. I loved being outdoors, and the coffee! :) Once I graduated and moved to an apartment of my own, I loved turning on the fireplace and playing soft folk music (mainly Alison Krauss, LOL) while I drank coffee and had my quiet time. To this day, I still love spending time in the Word in the mornings… either on our screened-in porch, or inside in a cozy corner of our living room, depending on the weather.

Time doesn’t always permit, but whenever it’s humanly possible, I look for ways I can make time reading the Bible one of my favorite parts of the day.

 

4. Share What You’re Reading With A Friend AKA An Accountability Partner

 

You know what they say… “accountability is key.” In our personal walks with the Lord, this is absolutely true as well! I will be the very first to say there are more days than I’d like to admit where I’ve let the demands of this world (emails, projects, appointments, etc) take precedence over time in the Word. The enemy does not want you growing closer to God, so I have a suspicion he’ll do everything in his power to make sure you don’t have a quiet time.

That’s why it’s so important to have friends in your life who can encourage you to make time for the Lord, daily. They don’t have to even live in the same city! Shoutout to my bestie, Kelly Brooks. She and I are working through a study together, and every morning we text about what we learned from whatever passage of Scripture we read. I’m always so encouraged to hear about what she learned because often it’s completely different from what I took away from the same passage. It’s also encouraging to receive her text when I haven’t sat down to spend time in the Word, as it reminds me to slow down and spend time with Jesus.

If you don’t currently have any friends in your life who would love to keep you accountable to spending time in the Word every day, I highly encourage you to find a church and, if you already have, join a bible study or small group! Still looking? There are some amazing online sources as well. I personally love She Reads Truth, which offers Bible studies, an app, a daily email, and many more tools that help you find time to spend in the Word. First Five is another great resource, with an online community and great studies as well.

I’m sure there are many others, so if you have any recommendations, please leave them in the comments!

 

5. Give Yourself Grace

 

We’ve all been there, friend. A busy day where you don’t get your quiet time in turns into two busy days where you don’t get your quiet time in. Before you know it, it’s been a week, maybe two, maybe a month or even years. But here’s the thing, it’s never, ever too late to jump back in. So if you’re believing that lie… that you’ve gone too far and you can’t start back up again, or start for the first time, stop it in its tracks!

I’ve had seasons in my life where I wake up and can’t wait to open up my Bible. Where I can see the Lord moving in my life in big ways and teaching me new things, and time with Him is all I want! I’ve also had seasons in my life where I’ve felt so dry and unenthusiastic about spending time with the Lord. Where I couldn’t care less, honestly, and don’t really “feel” it. Can you relate?

One of my favorite quotes is this: “Feelings are real, but they’re not reliable.” How I’m feeling towards the Lord has no impact on the truth of His unrelenting love for me. The level of “excitement” I feel surrounding time with Him has zero effect on what He can show me and teach me and change in my heart through His word.

So if you find yourself in a rut, if you’re feeling unmotivated to make time in God’s Word a daily habit, or if you feel like you’ve run too far away from Him and can’t find your way back, tell Him. Then open your Bible and watch Him work.

I always think about the story of the prodigal son. After his son runs away and spends all of his father’s money on reckless living, the Father looks out for him and hopes for his return. Every. Day. When the son finally comes back, with his tail in between his leg, the Father runs out to meet him and throws a huge celebration at his return! And that is you, sister, and me, whenever we decide to let go of whatever it is holding us back (shame, guilt, a busy schedule, a disinterested attitude) and run back to the Father.

So, y’all, there you have it! This is coming to you from a girl who is 100% unqualified, who is not in vocational ministry, and who is still learning to love the Word more and more. I don’t have all (or many) of the answers, but I do hope my experience encourages you, wherever you’re at in your relationship with Jesus today!

I feel immensely grateful to be able to share my life and my heart with you here on Lonestar Southern. Thank you for taking the time to join me here every so often, and especially on “weightier” topics like the one we’ve walked through today.

I meant it earlier when I asked for recommendations around any resources you love when it comes to spending time in the Bible. Please leave them below so we can all help each other on this journey! And if there are any other faith-related topics you’d like to see me cover, I’m all ears.

Love you all. Dearly!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

halloween ready // our front porch decor

One new homeowner experience I am so excited for is having trick-or-treaters this Halloween! Having lived in an apartment for most of my 20s, this will be the first time I get to hand out candy to our neighborhood ghouls and goblins, Needless to say, I simply can’t wait!

Being a homeowner for the first time has brought on many new experiences. Figuring out how to decorate spaces I’ve never had before (like a study!), learning just how much mowing a Florida lawn truly requires (it’s a lot), battling roach invasions… the list goes on!

One new homeowner experience I am so excited for, however, is having trick-or-treaters this Halloween! Having lived in an apartment for most of my 20s, this will be the first time I get to hand out candy to our neighborhood ghouls and goblins, Needless to say, I simply can’t wait!

There are still quite a few updates I’d love to make to our front porch area (replacing our red door with a pale blue style, adding a hanging swing, bringing in some lovely planters, etc), but while Andrew and I save up for those changes, I’m temporarily transforming the front of our house with a few budget-friendly items from Walmart!

Today, I’m excited to be partnering with Walmart to share how I’m prepping for Halloween this week. Walmart has been my favorite budget-friendly destination for Halloween candy and all things festive and fall, and I can’t wait to bring you into all of the fun!

 

halloween front porch decor
halloween front porch decor
halloween front porch decor
halloween front porch decor
halloween front porch decor

SWEATER (just $12) // CAT EARS // JEANS (under $15) // SHOES // EYELINER // HALLOWEEN CANDY // DOOR MAT // LANTERN // WREATH // PUMPKINS (purchased in-store) // MUMS (purchased in-store) // HAY BALE

On a recent Walmart run, I lucked into the cutest selection of all things fall and Halloween! Before I knew it, my cart was stuffed with hay bales, mums, white pumpkins, and cat ears galore. Everything I needed to spruce up our front porch in time for Thursday! I even found these budget-friendly string lights that I wove into the mums and our wreath. Adds such a fun touch of sparkle!

What I was especially impressed with, however, was the Halloween candy aisle. Yes, y’all, AISLE. I’m talking an entire selection of every sweet treat you can think of. I picked up a few bags of these All Time Greats bags so that all of my bases were covered. At the rate Andrew and I have been snacking on them, we’ll see if any are left by the end of the week!

There are bags as large or as small as you’re looking for, filled with all different assortments of your favorite childhood candy. If Halloween treats are still on your list, you’ll find an amazing selection (all at amazing prices) at Walmart. And don’t forget, with free NextDay and 2 day shipping available on most purchases, you’ve still got time to prepare without even having to leave the house!

Wishing everyone a fun and spooky week ahead. If you’re dressing up, let me know who you’re going to be!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

Thank you, Walmart, for sponsoring this post.

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lights, camera…

latest & greatest vol. 86

Happy Friday from home sweet home here in Dallas, Texas, friends! The past month has been absolute non-stop craziness, and I’m so thankful for a few days to relax and recharge with my family here at my childhood home. It’s rainy and cold here, and I’m cozied up by the fire… couldn’t be happier! (Except for the fact that I’m missing Andrew big time!)

Happy Friday from home sweet home here in Dallas, Texas, friends! The past month has been absolute non-stop craziness, and I’m so thankful for a few days to relax and recharge with my family here at my childhood home. It’s rainy and cold here, and I’m cozied up by the fire… couldn’t be happier! (Except for the fact that I’m missing Andrew big time!)

I’ve been shooting the upcoming Impeccable Pig x Lonestar Southern collection all week, and can’t WAIT to share all the fun with you on November 7th. So mark your calendars and get ready! It may just be my favorite collection yet.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy shopping these adorable new arrivals that hit the web this past week. So many moody, Halloween tones and plenty of holiday sparkle. I’m here for it! And if you are too, simply click directly on an image to shop.

click directly on an image to shop

 

Aren’t there so many fun pieces this week? I’m ordering these leopard shoes and this fabulous dress ASAP. Can’t wait to show them to y’all when they arrive!

Wishing everyone a cozy, safe weekend! So looking forward to being home in Gainesville next week and getting back into a routine. Here’s to rest, family, and the fall season we have ahead!

Love from Texas,

Kate

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the satin skirt + sweater trend

More often than not, seasonal trends don’t tend to make their way into my wardrobe in any strong way. I’ve always favored more classic and timeless silhouettes and styles, especially during this time of year! But something about this season, in particular, has flipped that quirk of mine on its head. Give me all the padded headbands, and all of the satin skirts!

SWEATER | SKIRT (under $100, comes in 4 colors) | HEADBAND | BAG | SHOES | EARRINGS (sold out, similar linked) | WATCH

More often than not, seasonal trends don’t tend to make their way into my wardrobe in any strong way. I’ve always favored more classic and timeless silhouettes and styles, especially during this time of year!

But something about this season, in particular, has flipped that quirk of mine on its head. Give me all the padded headbands, and all of the satin skirts!

One look I’ve been particularly enchanted with as of late is that of the sleek, satin skirt paired with a chunky sweater. There’s something about the juxtaposition of such an elegant, ladylike piece next to a fluffy, cozy top that I am loving! And believe it or not, this is one look that is incredibly easy to replicate for yourself.

Whether I’m looking for a classic, timeless style staple or a seasonal, on-trend piece, I always look to Nordstrom. Their Topshop & Trend department always has a fabulous selection of young, stylish pieces no matter your budget. Plus, with free shipping and returns, I can always try out styles risk-free to see if they work for me!

That’s where I found this gorgeous satin skirt. I love the length, the color, and the price tag at under $100! It’s also where I found this perfect sweater, that I wore non-stop in France (see here and here) not to mention the perfect accessories to top off the look.

Nordstrom has an amazing selection of satin skirts this season, and many are under $100! I rounded up a few of my favorites in every hue for you below. If you haven’t yet, I highly encourage you to try out this trend. I think you’re going to love it!

 

satin skirts

 

 

Don’t mind me… I’ll just be over here living in feminine, silky skirts and retro headbands all throughout the holidays. Here’s the important question – will you be joining me?

Love from Texas,

Kate

Thank you, Nordstrom, for sponsoring this post.

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