something exciting launching this wednesday!

In the midst of all the mayhem, I have something incredibly exciting to share with you… I have been working on curating an exclusive collection with The Accessory Junkie, and it launches this Wednesday!

After a year of things being excessively low-key, the past few weeks have felt like a whirlwind. A fun change-of-pace, to be sure, but let’s just say I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be go-go-go!

After a quick work trip to Orlando, a wonderful birthday week (thank y’all for the kind messages!), and a little getaway with Andrew to Seaside, FL, I am back home with a to-do list a mile long… not to mention countless loads of laundry!

In the midst of all the mayhem, I have something incredibly exciting to share with you… I have been working on curating an exclusive collection with The Accessory Junkie, and it launches this Wednesday!

the accessory junkie kate bowman collection
the accessory junkie kate bowman collection
the accessory junkie kate bowman collection
the accessory junkie kate bowman collection

 

details

 

the kate earring // the muse necklace // the coco ring

chartreuse high-neck dress (new color linked) // gold shoes

 

If you’re not familiar with The Accessory Junkie, let me introduce you! The Accessory Junkie sources designs from artisans all over the world… every piece is handmade and a beautiful reflection of the talented designers behind them.

I have had the privilege of partnering with The Accessory Junkie to curate my own collection of pieces from around the world that fit right into my love of classic style with a fun twist, and I think you’re going to love them.! I’m so excited to showcase twelve handmade items that will be exclusively available for purchase for just a few days: April 21-27!

Perhaps my favorite part of this collaboration is that each artist is highlighted and celebrated. Be sure to read the “About the Designer” tab to the right of each product page to learn more about the amazing creators behind each design!

Take the Kate earring, for example. (These were the earrings I wore to my birthday dinner and have been wearing non-stop ever since!) The designer is currently studying Public Health with ambitions to help eliminate healthcare disparities around the world. She fell in love with sculpting her last year of high school, and creates these beautiful ceramic flower earrings by hand in her home near Portland, Oregon while continuing her studies. Pretty incredible, right?!

Starting today, I’ll be sharing a few previews over on my Instagram Stories and will be sharing my favorites from the collection all week long! Pro Tip: you can secure free shipping by clicking this link and scrolling down until you see the “unlock free shipping” bar. Simply enter your email and you’ll receive the code!

I have had a wonderful time putting together a collection that I hope makes you feel extra elegant, extra glamorous, and extra romantic after a year that may not have felt that way. Think floral details, pearl accents, classic elements, and lots of fun. I can’t wait for you to see more!

In the meantime, you can preview the pieces and learn more about the collection here.

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

shopbop sale 2021 // my favorites

Hello, hello friends! It’s been longer than I’d like since I managed to bring you a new post here on Lonestar Southern. Between a work trip to Orlando (so excited to share more soon!) and my birthday yesterday, things have been a bit crazy! As you probably know by now,…

Hello, hello friends! It’s been longer than I’d like since I managed to bring you a new post here on Lonestar Southern. Between a work trip to Orlando (so excited to share more soon!) and my birthday yesterday, things have been a bit crazy!

As you probably know by now, the sale I look forward to every year is here… the site-wide Shopbop sale! Using the code STYLE will get you 15% off orders of $200+, 20% off orders of $500+ and 25% off orders of $800+. (Keep in mind, not everything is included in the sale. Look for “Style Event” under a product to see if it’s included!)

Shopbop is one of my favorite online retailers because they carry such a gorgeous array of high-quality, beautiful pieces. The price tag is usually pretty high (or at least higher than I typically shop) so I love taking advantage for a few beautiful, splurge-worthy pieces I’d otherwise pass on. (Like the shoes I wore for my rehearsal dinner, for example!)

Things have already started to sell out like crazy, but I’ve put together a few of my sale favorites below. Everything is linked under the collage!

 

shopbop sale favorites

 

1. white cover up // 2. pink gingham crop top // 3. pink smocked skirt // 4. pink dress // 5. green patterned dress // 6. blue and white dress (also here and here) // 7. gold loeffler randall shoes (couldn’t recommend more! fit true to size) // 8. neutral hat // 9. gold ankle strap espadrille wedges // 10. straw bag // 11. pink lele sadoughi headband // 12. cork lele sadoughi headband // 13. raffia tote bag // 14. lilac halter dress // 15. blue and white maxi dress // 16. pink belted midi dress // 17. orange patterned maxi // 18. white smocked ruffle dress

Even though they’re a splurge, I am so excited about these gold wedges! I have been on the lookout for a perfect pair of gold wedges for years (literally) after my college roommate had a gorgeous pair. They go with everything and elongate your leg. Stuart Weitzman makes such high quality shoes that I know they’ll last me years!

I also was able to grab this Juliet Dunn dress before it sold out. It is amazing, but I’m trying to decide if I should keep it. It’s just so expensive. Just a little tip: the style of this dress comes in a huge variety of colors and each are priced differently. This color, for example, is under $250!

As always, I’d love to hear if anything caught your eye! And if shopping isn’t something you’re able to do right now, I always want to say again and again that is none of this is needed. If anything, hopefully this inspires you to pull out your spring wardrobe and get excited for the months ahead!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

caps for a cause

Pink Stripe
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Khaki Stripe
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one sweater four ways

Today, I thought I would bring you a bit of inspiration surrounding one of my favorite closet staples… a navy and white striped sweater. I bought this one from J.Crew a couple of months ago, and have already worn it so many times. It’s truly a classic that I know I’ll get so much use out of!

Earlier this week, I took to Instagram Stories to ask y’all a few questions about Reels! It’s no secret that I’ve been having so much fun making these recently, and I wanted to get a feel for what you most enjoy when it comes to these short, snappy videos.

Turns out, requests were all over the board! Many of y’all are loving budget-friendly roundups (like Target and Zara) while others would love to see more small designers. There were lots of asks for more horsey reels (yay!) and wedding guest dress ideas, too.

But one request I got over and over again? Styling one piece multiple ways! Love that!

So today, I thought I would bring you a bit of inspiration surrounding one of my favorite closet staples… a navy and white striped sweater. I bought this one from J.Crew a couple of months ago, and have already worn it so many times. It’s truly a classic that I know I’ll get so much use out of!

(For sizing reference, I’m usually an XS but sized up one size to a S for a slightly more relaxed fit.)

Now, the great thing about these looks are you can make them work with any sweater… striped or not! So without further ado, I hope you enjoy this mew reel I’ll be posting to Instagram today.

 

one sweater

four ways

 

 

outfit details

 

look one

SWEATER navy and white striped sweater (went up one size to a small) | JEANS white high waisted crop flare jeans | BAG woven bag | FLATS tan chanel flats (similar linked) | BELT tan belt (old, similar linked) | SUNGLASSES tan tortoise sunglasses (old miu miu)

look two

SWEATER navy and white striped sweater (went up one size to a small) | HAT wide brim ibiza hat | SHORTS curve love mom shorts (full review here) | BAG monogrammed jute tote | SUNGLASSES black oversized sunnies | SHOES cap toe espadrilles

look three

SWEATER navy and white striped sweater (went up one size to a small) | DRESS white dress (such amazing quality, just $30) | HEADBAND white lele sadoughi headband (I wear it all the time) | EARRINGS gold floral earrings | SHOES gold loeffler randall shoes

P.S. To wear a sweater over a dress, add a belt around the dress. Then, tuck the front of your sweater over and under front part of your belt.

look four

SWEATER navy and white striped sweater (went up one size to a small) | JACKET jean jacket | JEANS high waisted skinny jeans | HEADBAND white lele sadoughi headband | SHOES platform superga sneakers | BAG tan handbag | SUNGLASSES rayban sunnies

I hope y’all enjoy this new video! As always, I’m all-ears to what you’d like to see next.

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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spring stripes

When I first saw this striped maxi, I instantly loved it for how different it was. This season is all about ruffled, puff-sleeve styles, and while I live for those, it’s always nice to something a little bit different and fresh.

It’s no secret I live for an easy, effortless dress situation. Happily, there are so many beautiful, feminine ones out right now that make working from home so much more fun and sophisticated!

When I first saw this navy striped maxi dress, I instantly loved it for how different it was. This season is all about ruffled, puff-sleeve styles, and while I live for those, it’s always nice to something a little bit different and fresh.

I’m happy to report that it turned out even better in-person than I anticipated!

navy striped maxi dress, j.crew
navy striped maxi dress, j.crew
navy striped maxi dress, j.crew
navy striped maxi dress, j.crew
navy striped maxi dress, j.crew
navy striped maxi dress, j.crew
navy striped maxi dress, j.crew

DRESS navy stripe high-low maxi dress (wearing normal size XS in petite) | BAG woven brown bag (amazing quality, under $100) | BELT thin brown and gold belt | JACKET levi’s denim jacket | HEELS white espadrille wedges (exact style is old, similar linked) | HEADBAND white lele sadoughi headband

The fit and material of this striped cutie are what really sold me. I was a bit nervous about something with a more “fitted” silhouette but found that ordering my usual size in petite for length (XS petite) resulted in a gorgeous fit. So flattering and slimming, without being skin-tight! It drapes and lays in all the right places.

I also love how thick and high-quality the material is. The fabric has a nice stretch, isn’t see-through, and stripes align at all the seams. (It’s my pet peeve when they’re janky!) Truly, I’m so impressed!

I have a feeling this is one piece I’ll be wearing in so many ways this spring and summer. Belted up with a jean jacket and wedges make for a fun look, perfect for weekend brunching, and sneakers with a sweater wrapped around the waist would be a cute way to make it more casual. Also, it would be perfect over a swimmie at the pool or beach!

So excited to add a new classic striped piece to my wardrobe. They just never get old!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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lights, camera…

latest & greatest vol. 104

The first Friday of my favorite month is here! And my favorite holiday is this weekend? Cue the cheers! Needless to say, I’ve got some major pep in my step this morning.

The first Friday of my favorite month is here! And my favorite holiday is this weekend? Cue the cheers! Needless to say, I’ve got some major pep in my step this morning.

In that vein, I have a cheery, pastel roundup of the cutest new arrivals to hit the web this week. I know I say this every time, but there are some good finds in here!

You know the drill. Just click directly on an image to shop!

I shared this dress (in this color) on my Instagram Stories yesterday, and really cannot say enough good things about it! I’m crossing my fingers they bring this same look and feel to more styles and colors. Wouldn’t a pale green version or a hot pink be gorgeous?!

I’m also obsessed with this ruffle-neck maxi dress (comes in three colors) and this pearl-embellished headband. Too cute, right?

Andrew and I will be staying in Gainesville this weekend to celebrate Easter, and are looking forward to lots of resting, golf, and sunshine. We’re planning a little crawfish boil for tomorrow night and then church on Sunday morning followed by fried chicken and all the fixins. My favorite Easter tradition!

Whether or not Easter is something you celebrate, I’m praying you have a wonderful weekend filled with lots of joy. On Good Friday I am reminded of the faithfulness and love of the Father. Even in our darkest times, He is working all things out for His glory and our good!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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a few spring target tops

I had fun filming a little reel to share a few Target spring tops I found. Below, you’ll find all the links and details to each look.

Yesterday, I worked up the courage to head back into Target. (If you missed it, I had a scary experience being followed around the store a few weeks ago.) This time I was much more aware, alert, and thankfully didn’t have any issues. Other than finding way too many cute new spring arrivals, that is!

Since dressing rooms are currently closed, I brought a few things back home to see if anything worked. Ohhh did it, y’all. Target is killing it lately, and I found so many cute items… all under $50!

I had fun filming a little reel to share a few tops I found. Below, you’ll find all the links and details to each look.

Heads up: the adorable blue floral top isn’t online yet, but I’ll be sure to link it when it is. (The skirt is, however! So weird.) The set looks so dreamy together, even though the top and skirt are actually made of different materials.

I hope you enjoy!

 

spring tops

froom target

 

TOP striped ruffle top (fits true to size, comes in 5 colors) | SHORTS curve love mom shorts (fits true to size, full post here) | EARRINGS raffia earrings | SANDALS pearl jelly sandals

TOP puff sleeve eyelet top (sized up one size to a S) | JEANS white skinny jeans | SHOES white gingham sneakers | EARRINGS pearl earrings

TOP blue floral blouse (wearing usual size XS, slightly cropped) | JEANS cropped flare jeans | SHOES straw bow shoes | EARRINGS raffia earrings

TOP puff sleeve button down top (blue isn’t online yet, runs large, wearing my usual size XS) | SKIRT floral wrap skirt | SHOES loeffler randall gold heels | EARRINGS pearl earrings

Here are few other adorable tops Target currently has in!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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