Sun Safe

May 27, 2016
to Read (
Words)
It's Memorial Day Weekend! I hope you will be spending your weekend spending some quality time with your friends and family. I'll be with a bunch of my girlfriends at a bachelorette party! Check out my instagram to see where I'm going.

Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the Summer season which means we all will start spending alot more time outside! Just this weekend I'll be poolside 2 or 3 days. With more time outside, you must be sun smart. Making a little extra effort to have sun protection will pay off in the long run. Sun burns, premature aging, sun cancer.... we all know the risks of too much sun exposure. Taking a few steps to protect yourself will pay off in the long run. I'm sharing today a few tips and how I manage my sun exposure.

1 - 2 - 3 - 4

I'll start with the most obvious step in sun protection, sunscreen! Not everyone has porcelain skin like I do, but everyone should wear some form of sunscreen. You can still get a tan when you have spf on! My daily moisturizer has spf in it but I'm going to spend any extended time outside, I'll wear actual sunscreen. 

I wear between spf 30 and spf 50 depending on the situation. My favorite sunscreens are the spray ones because of the ease of application. It is also easier to get the hard to reach spots. Just don't forget to rub it in!  If you have sensitive skin or breakout easily, I would recommend a separate facial sunscreen. They are made especially for your face and won't irritate it. 


1 - 2 - 3 - 4

Another great form of sun protection is a hat. It is a fashion statement and sun protection all rolled into one item. I previously styled this hat in this post here and have been incorporating it into alot of looks. It will be with me each and every pool day!

1 - 2 - 3

The sun can not only hurt your skin but it can wreak havoc on your hair too. UV rays can dry out your hair and damage it. It can also bleach out your hair and fade your hair color. When I was younger I liked the sun to bleach out my blonde hair now I pay money for my hair color and don't want the sun to change it!

Many hair products now have UV protection in them. They can help prevent damage and color fading. Add this spray to your pool or beach bag and spray a layer over your hair when you apply sunscreen. If you use hair spray, switch to this one during the summer and you will always have some UV protection. 

Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments

Memorial Day Inspiration

May 25, 2016
to Read (
Words)
I can't believe Memorial Day weekend is already here! Friday I'll be on my way to a very fun destination for one of my best friend's bachelorette party! Check out my instagram (EverydayK_) to see where I am heading.

I have put together a few fun outfits for the holiday weekend! 


Dresses are always easy and fun. With both embroidery and tassels, this relaxed dress would make both a great cover up and take you to drinks later. Red can make a statement, but in a easy silhouette it becomes a neutral piece. It is ready to be dressed up or down with almost any color accessories.

Straw bags, like these here, will get you thru Spring and Summer. This clutch works with these dresses but could also be dressed up for your next wedding. I LOVE these sunburst earrings, with an accessory like them you don't need anything else. 

I'm always a fan for adding red lipstick to an outfit (see here). This gloss is a beautiful shade of red but not as strong as a lipstick. 

SHOP THE POST
Tassel Dress -  Sunburst Earrings - Twist Back Dress
Straw Clutch - Lipgloss - Flower Detail Sandals  
Knot Bangle - Two Tone Sandal


Barbeques, Picnics or poolside... casual doesn't mean you can't be stylish. Blue and white is a classic combination, no matter how you put it together. I love all these pieces for summer and they would incorporate into your wardrobe a million different ways. 

This tie top would pair well with all the Summer skirts in your closet. It's a great twist on the classic chambray! Embroidery is a big trend this summer and this top has just the right amount to it. 

Accessories are an easy way to add interest to an outfit. Mixing dressy and casual adds an unexpected element to an outfit. These earrings are edgy and dressy at the same time. I haven't hidden my love of tassels like this bag and bracelet. I'm a sucker for quirky elements and I'd wear these wink flats everyday!

SHOP THE POST
Stud Earrings - Nail Polish - Embroidered Tank - Tie Waist Top
Tassel Saddle Bag - Distressed Denim - White Shorts
Aviator Sunglasses - Tassel Bracelet 
Lace Up Sandals - Wink Flats

Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments

The top you will wear all Summer

May 23, 2016
to Read (
Words)





This peplum top makes the outfit! It is definitely a business in the front. party in the back situation. The button up front and collar creates a classic look. The combination of the fitted bust and peplum gives some curves even if you don't have any. Once you turn around there is a little surprise. I absolutely love the cut out details. Somehow this top has so much going on and yet looks effortless! I'm not sure how Madewell did it.

I know I'll be wearing this top all summer. I wore this outfit to a birthday dinner last week for one of my close friends! Since the top was black, I wanted to keep the rest of the color scheme neutral as well. For the last month, I have worn my white jeans atleast once a week. They seem to dress up every outfit! Since I'm not to ever keep things too simple, a rose gold clutch spices things up a bit. I got this clutch as a gift for being in one of best friend's wedding. I'm surprised with how much the rose gold goes with but I use it all the time! This clutch is sold out but I have found a few that are similar.

Bow Clutch, sold out (similar here and here) 
Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments

My Future is so Bright... I need Shades

May 20, 2016
to Read (
Words)

Ever summer I'm always eager to add another pair of shades to my collection! This year I'm in to bold sunglasses. I love bright colors, fun patterns and crazy shapes. The best part?  All of these sunglasses are under $100. As always style is always affordable!

SHOP THE POST
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12

Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments

Palm Print

May 18, 2016
to Read (
Words)



Palm leaf print makes me think of warm summer days and cold fruity drinks! Lately I have found myself drawn to the print. The bright green color looks great on most skin tones. If you aren't me and actually get a tan in the summer, it will show that off too! The abstract print dress I'm wearing here is old but I've found so many great pieces below. Dresses, rompers, shorts and swimsuits.... palm print can be on almost anything! 

SHOP THE OUTFIT
Abstract Dress, old - Tassel Heels - Crossbody Bag, old (similar here)



Palm leaf print can go both dressy and casual. This one piece and cover up are made for your pool days. This casual dress can double as a cover up too. Updating your work out wear is easy with these palm leaf print pants!

This dress and this jumpsuit are made for a summer date night. Since palm print is quite loud, you don't need to add much to it accessory wise. Nude colored heels or sandals will complete your look.  I love all rompers but this one may be my new favorite. The tie front detail makes it a bit more flirty but still classy.

Matching sets are on trend again this year. This palm print top and shorts make a perfect set. The off the shoulder top would also go well with your favorite white denim!

SHOP THE POST
Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments

Capsule Wardrobe: Business Casual (Part 1)

May 16, 2016
to Read (
Words)
Building a work wardrobe can take time and be a headache. It is hard to know wear to start and what is worth investing in. Whether you just graduated and are starting your career, changing careers, or just need a work wardrobe update, I am here to help! In the business world and beyond the most common type of dress code is business casual. In a multi-part series, I'm going to share my idea of the perfect business casual capsule wardrobe. These pieces will help you start your wardrobe. Most of them can be dressed up or down so you can fit them to the exact formal level of your work place. 

What is a capsule wardrobe? Many stylists, bloggers and people in the fashion wardrobe have different definitions of capsule wardrobe. For me, it is the basic staple pieces of a wardrobe that don't go out of style. You will wear them year after year and every season. Once you have the capsule wardrobe down, you can add trendy seasonal pieces to reflect more of your personality.

I won't be focusing on your wardrobe as a whole. This capsule wardrobe is about what you need if you work in a business casual environment.  These are the essential items to start with. Most of them will be in a neutral color scheme and will mix and match with everything. Today, I'm starting with skirts and pants!

I would suggest two to three skirts in your capsule work wardrobe. Atleast one should be black and the others can be navy, khaki or grey. For any work skirt, I suggest a length that almost hits the knee or longer. This way whether you are sitting or standing, you are covered and work appropriate. If you like wearing skirts more than pants you may invest in a few more than I suggested.

1 - 2 - 3 - 4

A pencil skirt may be the quintessential work skirt! It flatters every body type. If you have curves it will skim them and if you don't have any curves it helps create them.  A classic pencil skirt in a lightweight fabric will last you forever! You can wear it with almost any top you have. Once you have a pencil skirt in a neutral color, you can add one with a great texture like this one or this one.

Once you have a pencil skirt, I suggest another in a different shape. A-line is another classic skirt shape that is also flattering to most body shapes. If you want something a bit more fashion forward, this ruffled one is an update on a classic.

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Finding a great pair of pants is a little bit harder than shopping for skirts. There are quite a few different styles and fabrics. You may have to try on a few before you find some that you love. I think having three pairs of great fitting pants is a must for your work wardrobe. 

The most basic and classic look is a straight or wide leg trouser. A straight leg will look good on anyone. This classic look will skim your legs and create a long, lean look. A wider leg pant also looks great on most. If you are a bit self conscience of your hips or bottom a wide leg can balance that out. These pants need to be hemmed to just be slightly above the ground. You'll need to know what heels you'll be wearing with them to have hem hemmed correctly.

Ankle pants may seem more as a trendier item, but I believe they have now become a classic. Skinny or straight legged, they belong in everyone's work wardrobe. This shape is my favorite work pants to wear! You may have to get them hemmed so that they hit right at your ankle bone. These pants pair well with any heel height or even flats. I've styled them here and here. 

Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments

Piece It All Together

May 13, 2016
to Read (
Words)

Not long ago, one piece swimsuits only came in a few shapes and prints. If you wanted something beyond the Speedo brand one piece, it took a lot of effort to find. Now most swimsuit designers are designing one pieces that are as fashion forward as bikinis. One pieces are not a one design fits all anymore. The prints, patterns and cuts have created a wide variety of one pieces and there is one to flatter every body. They can be as fun, fashionable and sexy as any bikini!

I found some amazing one pieces. For anyone that needs some extra support, there are plenty of one pieces with underwire. Many of these can be ordered in bra sizes too. Ted Baker always has such great prints for swimsuits like this one and this one! The underwire and print combo help create an hourglass figure. 

Cut out details have been all over fashion for a few years. It is only natural for the trend to make it's way to swim wear! Cut outs can be sweet like this peplum one piece and this floral one piece. A cut out detail can also be sexy like this one and this one. 

The plunge neckline is flattering on all types of bodies. Small or large chests look great with this neckline, if you are comfortable with this much skin showing. The plunge neckline should be your one piece if you want a sexy look but still a one piece. This crocodile print on this one piece adds even more sex appeal to the plunge neckline. The sweet print of this one creates a contrast to the sexy neckline. 

Simple can still be flattering! You don't have to show a lot of skin to look sexy. Classic black gets updated with a one shoulder ruffle detail. This bow detail accentuates the bust for a flirty detail. The pattern on this one piece creates a longer torso and waist!

Now a one piece is a fashionable addition to anyone's swimsuit collection!

SHOP THE POST
Striped Underwire - Abstract - Peplum - Floral Cut Out
Floral Underwire - Gingham - Mesh Cut Out - Halter Cut Out
Black Plunge - Geometric Plunge - Vertical Stripe - Black & White
White Croc Plunge - Mint Plunge - One Shoulder - Bow Top

Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments

Trying Something New

May 10, 2016
to Read (
Words)







I've never considered myself a hat person. I love the idea of them and always think they look so cute on other people, the key to that being other people! A long time ago I had put them on a list of things that weren't for me. I'm always looking for ways to protect my face from the sun so I've occasionally worn a baseball cap or floppy hat. This is more out of necessity than fashion. 

I decided to step out of my fashion comfort zone this summer. I wanted to find a hat that I could wear with all types of outfits and decided on a panama hat. After scouring several stores I found the perfect one at Target! 

For my first attempt at hat wearing, I wanted to go a bit dressy. My love affair with off the shoulder tops is still alive and I couldn't resist pulling this one out! I love how white jeans make the polka dots pop. One of my favorite silhouettes is a loose top with a fitted bottom. Skinny jeans add balance to the flowy ruffles on the top. This top is currently sold out but I found a similar one here! Keeping with the neutral color theme, these tassel sandals completed the look (more sizes here and here). I first featured these heels here! There are a bit of a splurge so I found a similar pair here. 

I linked this post on Sydney Fashion Hunter too.

SHOP THE POST
Panama Hat - Polka Dot Top  
White Denim - Tassel Heels  

Kara Krittenbrink
1 Comments

Straw Tote

May 09, 2016
to Read (
Words)

A quintessential Spring and Summer item is a straw tote. Typically a straw tote is made for the beach. You can throw towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and everything else that you need and still have room. I have found some cute straw totes at every price point. This blue dipped tote is a steal and comes in several other colors. I think I may need it for some upcoming pool time!

This striped tote is anything but basic. The bright colors liven up any pool day. It would be great for any upcoming vacations. This Hello Summer tote is truly made for a warm day at the pool! This straw tassel tote is a bit of a splurge. It is a bit dressier than your typical tote so you can easily take it from the beach to a day of shopping! 

Straw isn't only for a day by the water. The past few years you can find straw clutches, crossbodies and every day bags. Kate Spade comes out with several straw purses and clutches each season. This bow striped bag may be my favorite! The structure, handles and bow dress it up. It would look great with sundresses, rompers and white denim. For the evening, this straw clutch may be all you need all Spring and Summer. The simple design is small but will still hold all of your essentials. It is even sleek enough to wear to an upcoming wedding! 

How will you style a straw bag this Spring?

SHOP THE POST
Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments

Basic White Top

May 06, 2016
to Read (
Words)





A white top can take you anywhere! It's classic and always in style. A friend of mine taught me how true this was a few years ago. She has more white tops than anyone I know. When I first saw how many she had, I thought it was excessive. Then I started borrowing a lot of her tops and I realized how integral they are to a wardrobe. A white top is the perfect piece to pair with a statement skirt or pant. You can wear one to work, dinner, drinks.... anywhere! This white top is so breezy and fun. I love this one, this one and this one!

Now, when I don't know what to wear I turn to a white top! I've been into simple looks lately. I like the ease and comfort. This white top dresses up my favorite distressed jeans. I love the mixture of the soft, romantic top and the harder distressed jeans. Add a great wedge and pretty bag and I have an outfit!!

Remember your basics make great outfits just as much as your statement pieces! Have a great weekend!

SHOP THE POST
Distressed Denim - White Top, sold out (similar here) 
Strappy Wedges, old (similar here and here)
Straw Bag, old (Similar straw style here and similar color here)
Initial Necklace, old (similar here and here)
Lipsense in Strawberry Shortcake
Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments

Denim on Denim

May 04, 2016
to Read (
Words)




The Oklahoma City Arts Festival was a few weeks ago. I used to work downtown so in past years I would to go to the Arts Festival for lunch everyday. This year I only got to go once, so I spent a long afternoon there. My friend and I walked around enjoying the art and catching up. What is not pictured is the yummy food and drinks we also enjoyed! 

Denim on denim always makes for an easy outfit! When I pair two denim pieces together, I typically pick out pieces that are different washes. In this case I paired dark shorts and a medium wash button down. A really light wash and dark wash would be a great mix too!  

To break things up I layered a long vest over the whole look. A vest like this is incredibly versatile and can be worn year round. I have layered it over dresses, button downs and even other sleeveless looks. 

SHOP THE POST
Chambray Button Down - Denim Shorts (similar here) - Caged Heels
Vest, old (similar here) - Crossbody Purse, old (similar here) - Raybans

Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments

How to Get: Messy Waves

May 01, 2016
to Read (
Words)
I've had a few questions on how I style my hair day to day so I put together a basic tutorial. I prefer messy, wavy curls. I've never been a fan of perfect spiral curls on myself. I like how this looks the next day too when the curls turn into waves.

  1. Start with clean, dry hair. In this case I let my hair air dry and didn't add any product when it was wet. If your hair doesn't curl well, I would add your favorite styling product before you dry it. 
  2. Spray texturizing spray all over your hair. Make sure you get it thru all of the layers. Once you spray all of your hair, let it dry for a few minutes. 
  3. Section off your hair into layers. I have thick hair so I do about 3 layers per side. Take the section closest to your face (about an inch or less if you have thick hair) and curl it around the curling rod away from your face. Don't curl the last inch of hair at the ends. Take the next section and curl it towards your face. Repeat curling away and towards your face as you curl the entire layer. 
  4. Repeat on each layer of hair. Keep switching between curling towards your face and away from your face. 
  5. Let all of the curls cool. They will look very Shirley Temple like at this point but it is important to let your hair curl completely!
  6. Brush out your curls with a flat paddle brush. My hair curls really well so I can brush it out pretty aggressively. Start by lightly brushing and you'll learn what your curls can take.
  7. Once you've "messed up" the curls by brushing, run your fingers thru your hair. Then pick a few sections and define the curls again by twirling them around my finger. If you want more grip to your hair, you can spray more texturizing spray. Play around with the curls until they are the level of "messy" that you want. Then, if you need it, spray a light layer of a flexible hairspray. 
  8. All done!
Tips: Play around with the thickness of each section you curl and the length of time you curl it. You can get different levels of volume and waves. If you want more volume at the roots make sure you curl closer to the root.

Kara Krittenbrink
0 Comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)