my sister is engaged!

The title says it all, y’all… my sister, Steele, is engaged! And I am still giddy over it. Safe to say, my family could not be more thrilled to welcome Brantley into the fold. Let the fun begin!

The title says it all, y’all… my sister, Steele, is engaged! And I am still giddy over it. Safe to say, my family could not be more thrilled to welcome Brantley into the fold. Let the fun begin!

This past Saturday, Andrew and I secretly flew to Dallas to help Steele’s now-fiancé pull off the most wonderful surprise. It was a whirlwind of a weekend, and I’ve been promising to share the details soon. I know many of you have seen my sister pop onto the blog here and there, so it only feels fitting to share this occasion with y’all. With permission from the happy couple, here is a look into their special day!

 

the proposal

 

My sister’s fiancé, Brantley, planned a beautiful, personal and sweet proposal at a beautiful park in our neighborhood. With the help of two dear friends, he convinced Steele that they were going to a 30th birthday party at the gazebo!

Meanwhile, I had donned a disguise (Brantley ordered me the blonde wig… can you even?!) and camped out behind the gazebo to film and photograph the entire thing. This little role gave me so much anxiety that my hands were shaking as I waited for them to arrive. Let’s just say I have a whole new respect for what guys have to go through!

I’ll never forget crouching in the bushes watching their footsteps get closer and closer through the lattice surrounding the gazebo. Steele was, naturally, confused about the beautiful bouquet of flowers (Brantley’s mother had arranged it for her – how sweet!) and as to why no one was there. That’s when Brantley took a knee and asked her to marry him!

Cue all the happy tears. Here are a few photos from that happy moment!

STEELE’S DRESS cleobella magdalena dress // STEELE’S SHOES golden goose sneakers // MY SHOES clarita sneakers

 

the after party

 

After it was safe to appear, I jumped out and accidentally scared Steele to death. She didn’t realize it was me until I was just a few feet away from her! That wig paid off. ;) Andrew had been filming the entire thing from the car, and joined the party as well!

Then, Brantley told Steele it was time for a second destination… a party at his brother and sister in law’s house!

I have to jump in here to brag on my cute mama. She had purchased a couple of cute white dresses over the past few weeks and had them steamed and ready in case Steele showed up in something she didn’t feel perfect in for the party. Last minute, I also decided to bring a pair of heels for the same reason. In the end, Steele just swapped out her tennis shoes for some fun gold heels and we headed to the celebration.

Waiting for the happy couple just a few streets over was an assortment of friends and family. The next few hours were spent mixing, mingling and toasting the future Smiths! Here are a few photos!

STEELE’S DRESS cleobella magdalena dress // STEELE’S SHOES loeffler randall heels // MY DRESS crosby by mollie burch napa dress // MY MOM’S SHOES natural woven platform sandals // MY EARRINGS gold lisi lerch florall earrings

A few fun party essentials? Plenty of chick fil a nuggets (they never disappoint and are easy to pick up and munch on in a group), cookies from One Pink Cookie, a beautiful acrylic framed photo of the newly-engaged couple and personalized cups! (I actually put these together super last-minute using a template from Canva.)

It was the perfect way to kick off this new season!

 

the brunch

 

After such a crazy, fun night, I wanted to get both families together to be able to spend time chatting with and celebrating the happy couple in a smaller, quieter setting. We put together a little brunch at Le Bilboquet, complete with a few happy floral arrangements from the incredible vendor who did my wedding flowers, The Garden Gate, for a perfect Sunday morning.

It was so special to be able to spend more time with the two families, talk through all of the excitement of the night before and dream about the wedding ahead! (Let’s just say… it’s going to be amazing.) Highly recommend doing something like this the day after a proposal.

STEELE’S DRESS sue sartor paloma dress // MY DRESS tiered swing dress // MY EARRINGS liza yates spellbound earrings (use code LONESTAR for 15% off)

I can’t tell you just how thrilled I am for my baby sister. Our family is now “complete” with the addition of Brantley, and I so look forward to the memories the six of us (Mom, Dad, Steele, Brantley, Andrew and I) will create in the years to come!

And want to know a fun fact: Andrew and Brantley were actually friends in the same grade at our high school growing up. Who would have ever thought they would grow up and marry this set of sisters! :)

I wanted to extend a big thank you for the sweet comments and messages y’all have been sending in for Steele. I always, always appreciate your kind words, but they somehow manage to mean even more when meant for someone in my family!

I also wanted to give you a heads up: I suspect I will have lots of wedding content to share with you in the coming months! Steele has proclaimed she wants to be very hands off throughout the process and leave the majority of the planning to me and my mother. (Ok, twist my arm!) She is my first and only sibling, and so my wheels are already spinning on how to make this engagement season the most special it can be. Any and all ideas are welcome!

My mom and I used to joke about what a shame it is that you can’t ever use the immense amount of knowledge you gain from planning a wedding once it’s over… but now we will definitely be putting all of that know-how to use! I still get questions from many bride-to-be’s about the ins and outs of the process, so I hope y’all will enjoy this new little adventure. If you would like to see more posts about my wedding, click here!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

latest and greatest vol. 105

Below, you’ll find a few favorites from all of the newness hitting the web this week. I hope you enjoy!

Happy, happy Friday friends!

I finally had some time this week to browse through the new arrivals at some of my favorite online destinations. Let’s just say… things are looking sunny and feeling very pink! Anyone surprised?

Below, you’ll find a few favorites from all of the newness hitting the web this week. I hope you enjoy!

As always, simply click directly on an image to shop.

Andrew and I are a week away from our delayed one-year anniversary trip, and I’m on the hunt for a few things to pack up for the occasion! I just ordered this dress and am crossing my fingers it works for all of the fun. Will keep you posted!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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caps for a cause

Pink Stripe
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happy list // no. 11

Hello, y’all! I’m sitting here at my computer doing a bit of an exhale. Wow. The past few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind and for some reason, it’s felt like forever since I’ve been on here. In actuality, I posted a wedding guest dress roundup and cute activewear set…

Hello, y’all! I’m sitting here at my computer doing a bit of an exhale. Wow. The past few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind and for some reason, it’s felt like forever since I’ve been on here. In actuality, I posted a wedding guest dress roundup and cute activewear set just last week, but not being as consistent here on the blog as of late has left me feeling so out of wack.

I briefly mentioned this in my Instagram Stories recently: I feel as if life has suddenly sprung back to full steam ahead mode, and I just don’t think I was prepared for the transition! The world slowed down for most of us last year (big hugs and thanks to the healthcare and essential workers who did anything but slow down) and as much as I lamented life looking differently, I think I got accustomed to the more relaxed pace. Let’s just say that I’m having to re-learn how to be busy again, and it’s a bit more difficult than anticipated.

I want to share that I heard from so many of you that you are feeling the same way, so if you’re currently overwhelmed at everything on your plate or beating yourself up for not “bouncing back” to the pre-pandemic pace, I just want to let you know you’re not alone. Baby steps, we’ll get there! But I have to say, as much as I’m looking forward to “getting back to it” and feeling on top of things again, I hope I hold on to the lessons learned over this past year. I hope I fight the urge to always be go-go-go and lean into more constant and consistent rest. Way easier said than done, I know… can someone hold me to that, please? :)

I’ve spent the past three weekends in a row in Texas (cousin’s wedding, Mother’s Day and then my best friend’s bachelorette party in Austin) and after a year of limited travel, I forgot how exhausting the process can be! I want to apologize for not having as many blog posts up recently, and hope to turn that around soon.

For today, I thought it would be fun to share a new Happy List with you all! So I hope you enjoy this little list of all things happy, and add your own in the comments below!

DRESS charina sarte dress | SHOES alexandre birman clarita sneakers

 

the happy list

 

  • Andrew and I are headed to Mexico in just under two weeks! We booked a trip to to the Grand Velas Riviera Maya for our one-year anniversary that of course had to get pushed back, and now we are extra excited to get away and celebrate!
  • My current favorite follows: all things interiors! @CaseyLeighWiegand is in the process of updating a beautiful older home in Dallas, @CellaJaneBlog is moving into a stunning French Modern new-build and @CoatsHome is re-doing a 100-year-oldhome for Caitlin Wilson. I love watching each process!
  • My new go-to Starbucks order: grande iced almond milk latte with two pumps of caramel and vanilla sweet cream cold foam! If you’re really wanting to treat yourself, add some caramel drizzle. Yum!
  • While I was home in Dallas this past week, I got to help my sister plan for her new apartment! We decided on this adorable bolster pillow. It came in so fast and is the perfect touch!
  • Calling all golf lovers! Lilly Pulitzer just dropped new golf styles and Carolyn approves.
  • Bougainvillea update! It’s been growing like crazy, and I am so proud! In fact, I just had to order a trellis for it (this one) and can’t wait to get it set up!
  • I will forever be loyal to my go-to lip color, Merry Rose. BUT, I just ordered a new shade in the same formula, Light Mauve, and it is amazing. The perfect subtle, everyday pink!
  • If you’re in Dallas and can’t get a Restoration Hardware reservation, did you know that you can still order a glass of wine and walk around the store? I did this on Sunday with my family and it was so fun!
  • Y’all know I LIVE for new J.Crew arrivals! A collection just launched yesterday and it’s giving me all of the beachy inspiration. I need this shirt in every color!
  • A couple of weeks ago I shared my favorite trick for preventing wine headaches. These wands! My mom has been using them for years, and I am addicted now.
  • My favorite spring candle is BACK at Trader Joe’s! Next time you’re there, look for the Peony Blossom candle (just $3.99) and stock up.
  • Every Monday I look forward to @cocoagospels “made ya laugh Monday” series on her IG stories. Trust me and check out her MYLM highlights in her IG Stories tab for her past roundups!
  • If you love Mi Golondrina as much as I do, check out these adorable cosmetic cases! I have one in pink and it is absolutely lovely.
  • Had to add the shirt Andrew was wearing yesterday! I shared a snap on IG stories and am getting so many questions about it. :) Cute idea for father’s day!

There you have it, friends! A few things that are putting a smile on my face. Let me know what’s doing the same for you!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

summer in southern tide

Today, I’m excited to partner with this brand that I have loved for quite a while (remember the trip we took to Nantucket back in 2017?) to share a few of these pieces with you! I’ll be sharing a little try-on on Instagram Stories today as well so you can see these pieces in motion.

Moving to Florida has given me a whole new respect for southern summer humidity. Early spring in this state is a dream… balmy weather, blue skies, blooming flowers everywhere you turn! But once mid-to-late summer rolls around, it’s all I can do to step outside… let alone get dressed in something cute!

That’s why I’m so excited about the new spring and summer arrivals from Southern Tide. From adorable, classic activewear to perfectly southern sundresses, you’ll find so many pieces that make dressing for summer not only doable, but enjoyable as well!

Today, I’m excited to partner with this brand that I have loved for quite a while (remember the trip we took to Nantucket back in 2017?) to share a few of these pieces with you! I’ll be sharing a little try on on Instagram Stories today as well so you can see these pieces in motion.

 

sporty & striped

 

southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear

SKIRT katlyn striped athletic skirt (wearing XS, fits true to size) // TOP mali striped performance tank top (wearing XS, fits a bit generously) // JACKET viviette athletic jacket (wearing XS, fits true to size)

From evening golf with Andrew to errands around town, it seems like I’m always reaching for a tennis skirt. This navy striped skirt from Southern Tide’s activewear collection is what my preppy-loving dreams are made of! The fit is fabulous (not too tight, not too short, lies along your waistline perfectly) and I cannot get over the classic stripe motif. I also love that they are lined with fitted shorts that have a discreet pocket for your cellphone!

Pair it with the mali top for a classic and cute ensemble perfect for whatever adventure your summer has in store! And when you need an extra layer, grab the Viviette jacket. It has the most adorable striped detailing along the collar and cuffs, and a little pleating along the back that makes for a really fun, feminine look.

 

 

the perfect summer sundress

 

southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear
southern tide activewear

DRESS sammi gingham performance wrap dress (fits true to size, wearing an XS)

I don’t want to sound dramatic, but this gingham dress is everything and so much more than meets the eye! You can’t tell just looking at it, but it’s made with an incredibly lightweight performance fabric with moisture wicking technology… making it perfect for golf tournaments, picnics, or any activity that has you outdoors!

It also has an incredibly flattering wrap silhouette, which complements every figure. I couldn’t love this classic little sundress any more! Be sure to check out all of the adorable styles Southern Tide currently has out here.

So whether you’re looking for cute activewear to take you through all the fun you have planned these next few months or the perfect summer sundress, be sure to check out Southern Tide and all of their new spring and summer pieces!

Love from the Lonestar State,

Kate

Thank you, Southern Tide, for sponsoring this post.

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lights, camera…

35 summer wedding guest dresses

After spending a year in sweatpants, I know many of us are so excited for a reason to dress up again… literally! And after many requests for summer wedding guest dresses, I’m happy to share a roundup of 35 dresses I particularly love with you today.

rotate dawn dress pink, summer wedding guest dresses

DRESS rotate dawn dress (also here, here and here, sized up one size to a 34) // SHOES platform heels // CLUTCH ysl clutch (old, similar linked) // EARRINGS pearl hoop earrings (from my Accessory Junkie Collection)

After what has felt like a year-long wedding hiatus, it looks as if my favorite occasions to celebrate are back and perhaps better than ever! I for one am thrilled to see weddings starting to come back onto the scene and am so excited for those we already have on the calendar. From the messages I’ve been receiving from many of you, it sounds as if I’m not alone!

After spending a year in sweatpants, I know many of us are so excited for a reason to dress up again… literally! And after many requests for summer wedding guest dresses, I’m happy to share a roundup of 35 dresses I particularly love with you today.

I did want to mention that for whatever reason, I struggled to find really beautiful dresses at more affordable price points, specifically under $100. If that’s the price range you’d like to stay in and you’re having the same trouble, I want to recommend Rent the Runway. I’ve used the service myself for a few weddings in years past with great success. I just spent some time scrolling through their current inventory and they have some gorgeous pieces that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. This isn’t sponsored – just wanted to put it on your radar as an option!

 

rosey & romantic

wedding guest dresses with a feminine touch

 

summer wedding guest dresses

 

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen // fifteen

 

bright & bold

wedding guest dresses full of color

 

summer wedding guest dresses

 

sixteen // seventeen // eighteen // nineteen // twenty // twenty one // twenty two // twenty three // twenty four // twenty five

 

deep & dramatic

wedding guest dresses with understated elegance

 

 

summer wedding guest dresses

twenty six // twenty seven // twenty eight // twenty nine // thirty // thirty one // thirty two // thirty three // thirty four // thirty five

Hoping this roundup gives you some fun inspiration for all the fanciness we hopefully have ahead! :)

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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four mango looks i’m loving

Well, friends, today has been a bit of a doozy. A non-cooperative (ok, flat out frozen phone) had me spending a morning and part of the afternoon at the repair shop. Isn’t it always a journey when life throws you little disruptive curveballs?

Well, friends, today has been a bit of a doozy. A non-cooperative (ok, flat out frozen phone) had me spending a morning and part of the afternoon at the repair shop. Isn’t it always a journey when life throws you little disruptive curveballs?

Thankfully, the team was able to bring my sad phone back to life. The bad news? Your girl hadn’t backed up her phone to the iCloud in farrr too long. Bye bye, photos!

Yesterday, I had filmed a reel featuring a few new arrivals from Mango (one of my favorite affordable destinations), captured all of the still photos along with it, and was so excited to post bright and early this morning. Well, you know what happened! Luckily I was able to somehow recover the video, so while it’s a bit grainy and not as crisp and clean as the original was, I hope you still enjoy it!

Sometimes done is better than perfect, and I’m holding on to that today. You’ll find this on Instagram later today! P.S. If you are having trouble viewing the video on your desktop, try it from your phone.

 

 

mango new arrivals

 

black and white dress // embroidered top // polka dot dress // purple top

shoes // bracelets // earrings

Let’s just say I will reallyyyy be thanking God it’s Friday tomorrow. Anyone else?! ;)

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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