a koolaburra christmas

It’s no secret around here that I love love love these boots, and today I’m excited to be partnering with Koolaburra to show you my new favorite winter style… the Kinslei!

BOOTS   koolaburra kinslei boots (wear buttoned up or folded down)

When it comes to my wardrobe, you can easily tell what I love most just by looking in my closet. I have more than a few pink dresses hanging one after the other, a neat stack of classic white tees folded on the shelf, and on the floor? A row of my favorite, furry Koolaburra boots!

It’s no secret around here that I love love love these boots, and today I’m excited to be partnering with Koolaburra to show you my new favorite winter style… the Kinslei!

Do you remember the Victoria boots I posted about earlier this fall? Y’all know I can’t resist a good bow, and the cute detailing along the sides of these boots have made them a pair I’ve worn all autumn long.

I should have probably stopped myself right there, but when I saw these adorable Kinslei boots from Koolaburra, and how you can wear them both buttoned up or folded down, I couldn’t resist. They had to come along, too! Blame it on the button detailing of these cuties. During winter, I love a fun fur statement and couldn’t be more obsessed with how festive these look unbuttoned and folded over.

I always get questions about Koolaburra boots and let me tell you. The quality is amazing, and they’re just as comfortable and cozy as any I’ve owned! They’re also priced at just under $100, which makes them a fabulous option for yourself, or for gifting to others this Christmas! As for sizing, I order one size up from my usual for a perfect fit!

I know, I know… I should seriously stop myself now. Three pairs of Koolaburra boots should be plenty for anyone, right? But I have a sneaky feeling I’m not done yet. I may have to add these slippers to my collection, or at least say I’m getting them for my sister this Christmas and accidentally keep for myself instead? :)

Love from Texas,

Kate

Thank you, Koolaburra, for sponsoring this post.

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formal dress ideas for winter

Between Christmas parties, winter weddings, formals and functions, it seems like there’s always an excuse to don a fabulous party dress during these winter months! The tricky part? Actually finding one you love!

DRESS   magenta one shoulder mini dress (runs big, order usual US dress size)   |   COAT   black faux fur collar coat (available in 4 colors, order usual US size)   |   EARRINGS   bow earrings   |   CLUTCH   faux fur clutch (available in 4 colors, similar here)    |   SHOES   suede pointy toe pumps   |   LIP COLOR   merry rose

Between Christmas parties, winter weddings, formals and functions, it seems like there’s always an excuse to don a fabulous party dress during these winter months! The tricky part? Actually finding one you love!

Tips on where to find winter formal dresses is a request I’ve been getting frequently as of late, so today I’m excited to be partnering with Nordstrom in revealing one of my very favorite lines for gorgeous, stylish and affordable party dresses… Topshop!

Take this gorgeous hot pink mini dress, for example. Between the blousey one-shoulder sleeve, the waisted detailing and the leopard jacquard fabric, it has so many stylish elements that make it look far more expensive than $95.

And speaking of pieces that look more expensive than they are, another Topshop piece I have been wearing on repeat lately? This gorgeous faux fur collar coat! I ordered it in black initially, but fell in love with it in-person so much so that I also ordered it in this gorgeous camel shade, too!

You’ll find so many pieces that offer gorgeous style at an affordable price in the Topshop line. I’m dying to get my hands on this sequined sweater, for example, and this glam feather shoulder bag. Both are under $100!

For those of you who are looking for a festive party dress, check out these gorgeous pieces from Topshop. So many fun options for everything from New Year’s Eve soirees to debutant parties and everything in between!

Keep in mind, Topshop sizing runs smaller than others! I recommend using the “(fits like a …)” blurb to the right of each size, and sizing up one from your usual! For example, I typically wear a size 0, so I almost always order a size “4 US (fits like a 0-2)” in tops and dresses. This dress and coat were a rare exception, I ordered a 2 US for a perfect fit!

Now I have to ask… if you had to pick, which Topshop dress above would be your fave?

Love from Texas,

Kate

Thank you, Nordstrom, for sponsoring this post.

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caps for a cause

Pink Stripe
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Khaki Stripe
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this season’s best turtleneck

This year, J.Crew has gifted us with the best turtleneck ever… and lucky for me, one of the many colors it comes in is pink!

SWEATER   pink turtleneck sweater (order one size up from normal shirt size)   |   BEANIE   white pom pom beanie (last year, similar linked)   |   BOOTS   white sorel snow boots   |   JEANS   j.crew jeans   |   SCARF   pink cashmere scarf (pink sold out, other colors still available)

It’s no secret that there’s a special place in my heart for the color pink. Just look at the design of this site! :) And when it comes to bringing color and life into an otherwise dreary winter wardrobe, it’s always my shade of choice!

This year, J.Crew has gifted us with the best turtleneck ever… and lucky for me, one of the many colors it comes in is pink!

Why do I love it? Most importantly, the fit! I ordered one size up from my usual top size (for example, I’m usually an XS in tops, so I ordered a small) for a perfectly oversized look. I love that it covers my behind, so it’s perfect for wearing with leggings!

Secondly, the fabric! It’s made of such a soft, warm material that still looks sleek and not too bulky! Since I’m so short, super fluffy sweaters completely overwhelm me. This one is just right.

Finally, the colors! It comes in nine beautiful shades, y’all. I loved it so much that I ordered it in 4! Grey, camel, red and pink. If your favorite color is sold out, keep re-checking the site. I’ve found restocks happen pretty frequently! Here I am wearing it in the camel color:

If you’re loving this sweater as much as I am, don’t delay and order it TODAY. Why? It’s currently 50% off with the code FRIDAY, making it under $50! (In fact, the entire site is 50% off… so stock up while you’re at it!) Don’t forget, just order one size up for a roomy, chic fit you’ll wear all winter long.

P.S. A friendly reminder that there are a ton of great sales going on right now if you’re still looking to check off your Christmas list! Here are a few I’m taking advantage of.

BARRINGTON // 10-20% off, depending on how much you spend, with the code HOLIDAY

J.CREW // 50% off site-wide with the code FRIDAY

J.CREW FACTORY/ // 60% off site-wide, no code needed

LISI LERCH // free shipping today

MARK & GRAHAM // free shipping with the code GIFTNOW

Love from Texas,

Kate

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a classic bow christmas coat // 60% off

Both of these pieces are timeless classics, and would make a beautiful outfit for Christmas! Y’all… be sure to take advantage of the huge sale they’re a part of over at J.Crew Factory… the entire site is 60% off! I’ve been loving their pieces this season! So cute, and such a great price point!

DRESS   grey sweater bow dress (50% off, wearing size XS)   |   COAT   black bow coat   |   EAR MUFFS   black faux fur ear muffs   |   BOOTS   black faux suede boots

I’ve always been a sucker for a well-placed bow, especially during the winter months! There’s something so feminine, soft and classic about the accent, and I find myself gravitating towards it whenever it makes an appearance.

So when I saw the sweet bow detailing on this classic sweater dress, and then on this timeless black coat (currently over 50% off!), I knew it was meant to be!

I had planned this ensemble for our first night in Vail, but even with the help of these luxurious ear muffs (which are currently on sale for $11.50 and look so expensive in person), I wasn’t quite warm enough. Luckily, we managed to snap a few pics out in the snow before rushing back inside to warm up.

Both of these pieces are timeless classics, and would make a beautiful outfit for Christmas! Y’all… be sure to take advantage of the huge sale they’re a part of over at J.Crew Factory… the entire site is 60% off! I’ve been loving their pieces this season! So cute, and such a great price point!

Love from Texas,

Kate

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lights, camera…

our engagement photo reveal // pt. 1

I am so thrilled to reveal the first set of our engagement portraits that we shot with John Cain! Click through for all the fun.

Friends! They’re here!!!

I have been excited about this post ever since Andrew and I met up with our wonderful photographer, John Cain, to take our engagement portraits a few weeks ago! It was an unbelievably gorgeous, golden, balmy afternoon in downtown Dallas, and in all seriousness, we had the. best. time. Which I think you’ll be able to tell from the photos!

We shot two looks, and I thought I’d start out by sharing the first, more casual look today! Check back next week for the second, more dressy look.

Ok… I’ll stop typing so you can get to scrolling, and will meet you at the bottom of this post for a few words on the whole experience. Enjoy!

Photography by John Cain

DRESS   gal meets glam celeste dress (more sizes here)   |   BELT   white bow belt   |   SHOES   suede pointy toe pumps   |   BUTTON DOWN   vineyard vines check button down

I swear I smile every time I look through these! And… may or may not have cried when I first got to look through the entire gallery. Oops!

Want to know something funny? As much as I’m in front of the camera, I was a bit nervous going into these. Why? I had heard horror stories from friends about how awkward taking engagement photos can be, and I really didn’t want Andrew to hate the experience. But y’all, it turned into one of our very favorite memories to date!

Like I said above, the weather was perfect, John made us feel so comfortable (which I think is key), and Andrew was so incredibly FUN! As much as he claims to hate being in front of the camera, the boy can turn on the charm, that’s for sure. :)

What I love most about these photos, and there’s a lot that I love, is just how true to Andrew and I they feel. I attribute that 100% to our photographer John. He did such an incredible job of capturing the personality of us as a couple. That was my biggest hope for these photos, and what I’m most thankful for in how they turned out!

The two of us aren’t really the intense, serious, gaze-into-each-others-eyes kinda couple. Those are beautiful, yes, but just.. not us. And since I take so many photos for this blog, I wanted something that felt real, authentic and really captured Andrew and I’s lighthearted dynamic.

And man, did John deliver. His style is so natural and in-the-moment instead of “Andrew, gaze at Kate’s temple and Kate, don’t smile,” and his shots captured real moments that I’ll cherish for forever. (All of those dips, kisses on the cheek, etc? Totally Andrew being candid and spontaneous! Does he deserve a gold medal or what?!)

The entire afternoon feel like a date for Andrew and I… laughing, goofing off and having fun! I wish we could go back and do it all over again!

As for the outfits, I was inspired by the neutral color palette of William and Kate’s engagement portrait. (What better inspiration, no? :) I really wanted looks that would translate into neutral and beautiful photographs and look lovely and timeless in any setting. Andrew looked so handsome in this beige Vineyard Vines button down, and I wore a simple white dress (more sizes available here) with this delicate bow belt. I loved how it all turned out!

So, friends, I hope you enjoy looking through these photos as much as Andrew and I have! It is so fun to be able to share these with you. I’m so excited to reveal our second look with y’all next week. In the meantime, if you have any questions about engagement portraits, either for myself or our photographer John, let me know in the comments below!

And to our photographer John… thank you so much for an experience Andrew and I will look back on for years and years. I am so endlessly thankful for these memories!

Love from Texas,

Kate

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good morning from vail

Good morning from Vail, CO! My mama and I are cozied up in our beautiful room at the Four Seasons with a roaring fire and a hot pot of coffee. It honestly feels like a dream!

COAT   faux fur hooded parka   |   BOOTS   furry boots   |   BAG   monogrammed barrington tote   |   HAT   pom pom hat   |   SCARF   neutral scarf   |   SWEATER   white crewneck sweater

Good morning from Vail, CO! My mama and I are cozied up in our beautiful room at the Four Seasons with a roaring fire and a hot pot of coffee. It honestly feels like a dream!

After flying into Denver and taking a shuttle to Vail (we used Peak 1 Express for those asking, our driver Tony was the best!) we arrived at the winter wonderland that is this town just about an hour before sunset. We quickly unpacked (see more of our room on IG stories) and headed outside to catch the last bit of daylight!

I’m so glad I packed up lots of sweaters and coats, because this cold is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Oddly enough, the snow and scenery make it enjoyable, thought! And that’s saying alot coming from this Texas girl.

This faux fur hooded parka is one that I’m especially excited about. It looks just like the J.Crew style, but so much cheaper. In fact, it’s on sale for 50% off today! For size reference, I’d recommend ordering one up from your usual dress size. Also… it’s actually named the “Vail Parka.” How perfect! :)

What I’m really excited about, though, are these adorable boots! Y’all… they are the most comfortable things ever. Even softer and fluffier than uggs! I’ve had so much fun wearing them in actual snow already, and can’t wait to sport them all week! P.S. I snagged this pink color during a restock last week… keep your eyes peeled for another if you’d like this color!

My mom and I are about to dive into a pancake breakfast and take a few altitude adjustment tablets before heading out to explore the town this morning! Sending you lots of snowy love!

Love from Texas,

Kate

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