Pretty in Pink (Pants)

May 29, 2015
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When you have hit snooze one too many times, the last thing you want to think about is your outfit. Last week I had one of those days and stuck to simple pieces when I got dressed for work. I have talked about JCrew’s crepe pants a few times (most recently here) but just recently bought them in this soft pink. I love having some basic pieces in unexpected colors. I also purchased the light blue!

One of my favorite color combinations is pink and grey, so I knew I wanted to pair my new layered top with the pants. The color combo is soft and feminine. I love tops that take the guess work out of layering! The ruffled bottom gives the top a laid back vibe. I plan on pairing the top with my jean shorts on the weekends.

SHOP THE LOOK
JCrew Reese Pants (similar here) – Anthropologie Ruffled Top
Steve Madden Heels, old (similar here) – Kendra Scott Necklace 
Kara Krittenbrink
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Give a Little Shoulder

May 27, 2015
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Although it was a cold and rainy weekend, once Memorial Day Weekend is over I feel like it is the unofficial start to Summer!  I'm ready for warmer days and easy summer clothes! A trend that has caught my eye recently is off the shoulder tops and dresses. I love the laid back boho vibe they give an outfit. 

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Off the shoulder dresses can be dressed  up with wedges and heeled sandals or dressed down with gladiator sandals.  These pieces typically come in breezy light fabrics. Some of the dresses make great swimsuit cover ups too. This trend is perfect for hot summer days when anything too fitted would be uncomfortable. I think I will be investing in the blue and white print dress above! I also love this all white one!

Off the shoulder tops pair great now with your white jeans. When it gets warmer, you can style them with cutoffs or any of your favorite shorts. It shows just enough skin without being too uncovered.

This post is thanks to my friend Kiffany, who got me excited about this trend! 
Kara Krittenbrink
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The Eyes Have It

May 22, 2015
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Whether it's gel, liquid, pencil or something else, eyeliner is part of most women's makeup routine.  One of my favorite makeup looks is black liner with a tiny cat eye or flick at the end. When the rest of your makeup is kept simple this look can be great for day and work. For a night out or a fancier event I pair the cat eye with a classic red lip (favorite reds here). 

The downside to the cat eye is getting it perfect and identical on each eye. This used to take several tries and a couple q tips.  I recently tried something that is a GAME CHANGER! 

On a whim, I bought Benefit's They're Real Push-Up Liner and will never look back! It is different from any other eyeliner I have used before. When you twist the bottom the gel formula dispenses out of the tip. Once it has a moment to set on your eyelid the liner doesn't budge or fade. What makes this liner special is the angled tip.  The angle is perfect for having control over where the liner goes. A steady line is much easier to create. It also goes on thin but is easy to thicken with a couple swipes.  
My favorite part of the angled tip is how easy you can create a cat eye. I start by lining my entire top lash line from the outside in.  I do this in a few short strokes. Next is the flick. To find the angle I want, I visualize a line going from the end of my lash line to the end of my eyebrow. I put the flick or cat eye on this line. Starting at the end of my lash line, I set the liner down on my skin and drag it out at that angle. This gives a flick that requires very little touch ups. You can make it short or pull it more and have a dramatic cat eye.  To keep the liner the focus I use very little eyeshadow. I like a little highlight on my brow bones.


 Benefit's They're Real Push-Up Liner works for more than just the cat eye. It is part of my everyday look. I make a thin line on my top lid to give my eyes definition. It's great too for a thicker line on top of a smokey eye. Any time you need black liner, this should be your new go to!

SHOP THE POST
Benefit's They're Real Push-Up Liner 
Kara Krittenbrink
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May is for Maxi Dresses

May 18, 2015
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Sometimes finding an outfit for a special event can be hard. It took a few months for me to find the right dress for my dad's wedding.  I knew I wanted something that felt special but wasn't too dressy plus I needed to be comfortable.  I bought and returned several dresses before I found this one. The wedding was this weekend and this maxi was perfect for the special occasion!!  

Even before I tried the dress on, I fell in love with the colors and patterns.  The fitted bodice on this dress is so flattering and the flowy skirt has just the right amount of movement. Honestly, it was hard to keep myself from twirling in it! The length of the dress allowed me to wear my favorite Vince Camuto sandals. They are from last year but I have linked several similar ones below. They are incredibly comfortable and got me thru hours of standing during the wedding and reception!

The final touch was another great blow out, style and bang braid from Blo! I think I'm addicted!

SHOP THE POST
Anthropologie Marisol Maxi Dress - Vince Camuto Sandals, old (similar here and here) 
Kendra Scott Ring - Kendra Scott Earrings - JCrew Bracelet

Thanks to my brother for making this the most fun photo shoot yet! 
Kara Krittenbrink
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Spring Rain

May 15, 2015
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We have had some crazy rainy weather lately. I typically don't mind rain unless it messes with my outfit plans. Every outfit I've worn lately has been based on whether it looks good with one of my rain jackets! My favorite Kate Spade jacket from this post and this post has transitioned from the snow to the rain. 

For my dad's rehearsal dinner this week, I grabbed an old favorite. This faux wrap dress is a great spring piece. The long sheer sleeves are perfect for the cooler temperatures we have had lately. The soft pastel color makes it still feel May appropriate. This dress is old but I have found a similar one here. 

Rainy days can be killer for you hair, so I decided to leave it to the professionals. I popped into Blo and they quickly gave me an adorable side braid with waves that lasted thru the rain and humidity.  

SHOP THE POST
Dress, old (Similar here) - Tory Burch Wedges, old (similar here and here) 
Kara Krittenbrink
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Nailed It

May 13, 2015
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 I wish I could say I was capable of giving myself a decent manicure. I have not yet learned to paint my right hand better than a 2 year old! Instead I head to my favorite nail salon, Polished, for a manicure and pedicure. Each season I find new colors and trends to try!


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My favorite colors of the moment are nudes and light blues. Nude is a classic understated look. There are both warm and cool nudes in all shades, so finding a complementary color to your skin tone is not a problem. Nudes are also great if you want to go longer between manicures.  Because the colors blend with your skin tone, its is not as obvious when your nails grow out. If you want something a bit more fun, look no further than mint and periwinkle! The icy blues are the perfection transition colors to take you from Spring to Summer.



Nail art seems to become more and more popular each season! I am typically a solid color kind of girl but lately I have been tempted to step out of my box.  Two of the most in style nail art trends are geometric patterns and negative spaces.  

Geometric patterns can be subtle or a bit crazier depending on the patter and number of colors used.  You can incorporate your favorite nail colors.  A subtle take on the trend is a geometric french manicure like in the first picture.   

Negative space nail art is my current favorite!  Negative space means that part of the pattern on your nail doesn't have any polish and your natural nails show thru.  The pattern possibilities are up to you!  For my next manicure, I plan on incorporating this trend with my favorite shade of periwinkle!!

What are your favorite nail trends?

Kara Krittenbrink
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Work it Out: Sports Bras

May 11, 2015
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I am trying to get myself in a routine of working out. It is something I have never been great at but now am determined to make it an important part of my life! I recently found a new yoga/barre studio that I'm trying out and I have been trying to run too.  

Cute workout clothes weren't important to me until recently. I used to grab the first tshirt I could find and then pair it with yoga pants.  In the last year or so I have realized a stylish workout outfit gives me a bit more motivation!  I have a few friends that I turn to for advice on brands and new pieces.  Over the next month or two I'm going to share my favorites. 

After some trial and error I have found my favorite sports bras! When I run or do any cardio I need a maximum support bra. Finding one that has the right amount of support but is still comfortable posed to be quite a challenge. I found the ones that come in bra sizes and not S, M, L have a superior fit. A friend recommended I try the Victoria's Secret Knockout Sports Bra. After one workout with it, I was a believer! The bra has structured cups that clip together and a second outer layer with a zip closure. It also comes in several fun color combinations! The Adidas Women' s Energy Bra also provides great support.

When I am not doing cardio, I like to wear a less supportive bra. Athleta's Bralettes are my favorite for yoga and barre classes! I like the crop top length and adjustable strappy X back. The bralette comes in several solid colors that are available year round.  Every season a few new prints come out. The floral print and tropical print bras would look great peaking thru your favorite workout tank! I have a few pieces from Nordstrom's Zella line and I am interested in trying out the Zella Body Energy Bra. 
Kara Krittenbrink
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It's About Time

May 08, 2015
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When I was putting together a list of graduation gifts, I started thinking about watches.  Watches make a great gift to commemorate a special occasion or event. It's a memorable gift that someone will always remember. They are also an equally great gift to buy yourself!  You can find watches in most price ranges and in all types of styles.  Some of my current favorites have color incorporated on the straps or watch face.

Michael Kors is a great brand for classic shapes and styles. They offer a wide variety in all types of metals. I loved the mix metal ones.

Kate Spade watches can only be described as fun! They have some classic styles but for the most part they are more whimsical.  One of their best sellers is the Happy Hour Metro Watch, which replaces the number 5 with a martini glass. Who doesn't want a reminder that it's time for a cocktail?

When I wear a watch I treat it like a bracelet and stack it! There are no real rules on bracelet stacking, it’s about having fun! Take this as a way to get creative and express your personal style. I like to mix metals and materials. My go to bracelet to add is a pave link. I have this one and this one!  This Loren Hope bracelet adds a great punch of color! I also love this, this, this, this and this bracelet to add to your favorite watch.  
Kara Krittenbrink
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My Summer Reading List

May 06, 2015
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I have a pinterest board and list on my iphone full of books I want to read. There is not enough time for me to get to them all. Currently my ideal vacation would be reading in a hammock with a yummy drink! Even though that won't be happening any time soon, I thought I would share my current summer reading list for all of your vacation and pool side reads!

1. The One and Only - Emily Giffin


I have read a few of Giffin's other books and love her writing style.  The One & Only is a novel about seeking your passion in life after you question where you came from.  I've heard it's a tearjerker and will inspire you to step out of your box. 

2. The Vacationers - Emma Straub


Family vacations are a mix between an amazing time and a little stress. Most people have a funny story (or 10) from one of their family trips. The Vacationers covers the Post family over a two week island vacation. The family is tested when secrets come to light and old rivalries resurface. Can the bonds of family keep the Posts together?

3. I suck at Relationships So You Don't Have To - Bethenny Frankel



I could definitely be considered a Bethenny Frankel superfan. I have read all of her books and watch every show she has starred in. She has gone thru great times and equally hard times and her sense of humor seems to get her thru it.  Her other books mix funny anecdotes and no nonsense advice and I Suck at Relationships won't be any different. She gives 10 pieces of advice that she has learned thru her failed relationships. 

4. The Heir - Kiera Cass



This is the 4th book in the Selection series. I haven't read the other 3 but I've heard this one can stand alone.  The Heir is a new version of a princess looking to find her prince, with or without love being involved.  Will she have the fairy tale love story like her parents or will she marry for duty?

5. Paper Towns - John Green


As a die hard Fault in Our Stars fan, I'm excited to read another of John Green's books.  The movie version of Paper Towns premieres on July 25, so I plan to have this read before. The main character, Quentin Jacobsen, has always loved Margo from afar.  After an adventure together one night, she goes missing and a new adventure begins!

6.  The Woman I Wanted to Be - Diane Von Furstenberg


When Diane Von Furstenberg married a prince, she knew she wanted to still have her own life and livelihood. This drive pushed her to invent the iconic wrap dress.  The Woman I Wanted to Be is a memoir of DVF's life so far. From her early life in Europe to running the DVF empire, her drive and determination have kept her going. She has faced many disappointments and tragedies both in her career and home life. I read this page turner in less than a week. I dare you to read it and not feel inspired!

Kara Krittenbrink
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Statement Shoes

May 04, 2015
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This is what happens when your dad calls in the middle of taking outfit pictures!


A little black dress can take you anywhere! I have several in my closet that I turn to when I don't know what to wear. On Friday I pulled out one of my favorites for a rehearsal dinner.  I have worn this dress to weddings, bachelorette parties and birthday parties. The tulip skirt flatters most figures and creates an hourglass figure. Bonus: it has pockets! I also love this, this and this dress. 

My favorite way to style a LBD is with a statement accessory. In this case it was statement shoes!! How amazing are these?? They come in a cage sandal veision too!  I recently ordered them and am excited to say they are even prettier in person.  Sam Edelman has become one of my favorite shoe brands recently. It is great quality for the price and their spring/summer collection is so fun! The mix of yellow snakeskin and neon colors give them a unique look. The hot pink tassels tie in the back and make the ankle straps adjustable so the shoe fits perfectly. At the last minute I added my oversized floral blazer to complete the look!

Special thanks to Blo for styling my hair!


SHOP THE LOOK
BCBGeneration Drape Pocket Dress, old (same dress different color) 
 Sam Edelman Sadie Sandal  - Lush Floral Blazer, old (similar here, here,  and here)




Kara Krittenbrink
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Friday Roundup

May 01, 2015
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It has been a crazy couple weeks and I have not been able to take any outfit pictures. I plan to change that this weekend and get back to sharing outfit photos with you. In the meantime I'm sharing some links I discovered this week! 



1. Get your big hats out because the Kentucky Derby is this weekend. Jimmy Fallon uses his tried and true method for predicting sporting events and it doesn't get any cuter than this!

2. Career Girl Daily breaks down some of the most popular bronzers. This way you can look sun kissed even when you are stuck in your office!

3. I'm going to focus on these tips to keep myself on track financially.

4. Am I the only one that is still grieving the loss of McDreamy? This article on huffpost makes me feel a little better about it!

5. I have recently been trying to update the decor in my home.  A college friend and fellow blogger shared some blue and white inspiration on her blog, The Peak of Tres Chic, that is one of my favorite combinations!

6. I think these margaritas are the perfect way to prepare for Cinco de Mayo next week. 


Have a great Weekend!
Kara Krittenbrink
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