Engagement Celebration

We had an engagement celebration last Friday with brothers, sisters, grandparents, and the future wedding party! It was wonderful and such a great time. 

We cannot wait to start planning the big day!

Below is a very similar look to what I was wearing during the party. Rather than the gorgeous cross necklace shown below, I wore a dainty necklace that my father gave my mother for their first anniversary. It made the day that more special.

{ ASOS lace cocktail dress; asos.com Promise Shoes platform heels heels.com; KC Designs diamond jewelry neimanmarcus.com }

Below are some snap shots from our lovely evening <3

A gorgeous gift from my maid of honor

Photos throughout the years displayed in the family room and kitchen

Amazingly beautiful rose arrangements made by my wonderful mother

Yummy flour-less chocolate cake

My mom put together the whole party, and she did such a fantastic job. I love my mom!

xx Katrina

Recreating Brooklyn Blonde

SECOND FEMALE graphic design shirt

welikefashion.com
Leighelena turquoise bangle
amazon.com

Stella Dot chain jewelry

stelladot.com
Aurélie Bidermann sparkle jewelry
 colette.fr
Essie glitter nail polish
nordstrom.com
Ray-Ban retro cat eye sunglasses
dillards.com
Retro shorts
romwe.com
ASOS high heel sandals
asos.com

I look at the lovely fashion blog Brooklyn Blonde everyday. I LOVE her style. Every post has me in complete awe. However, when I spotted this post the other day, I was stunned. I am merely obsessed with everything about this look. So, I decided to recreate it myself :) Now if only these items would magically appear in my closet!

xx Katrina 

Casual Neutrals

V-neck tee, Target, $10

Rag Bone linen jacket, $535

The A & F jegging, Abercrombie & Fitch, $54

Black flats, ASOS, $27

Satchel, Kate Spade, $177

Gold bracelet, $74

Wool scarf, Tory Burch, $185

I've been experimenting with colors lately, but neutrals will always be my staple. Slipping on some skinny jeans, classic flats, your favorite scarf, dainty jewelry, and a classic, leather bag can make all the difference and look just as chic!

I picked out some of my favorites above. Any flats you adore are a must, and these ASOS ones are very affordable! I also love A&F jeggings. They fit me the best, wash up very well. 

Most important for a casual, simple look is a t-shirt. You can't go wrong with any of the v-necks at target. They're so cheap, too! I have one in nearly every color (lol). For spring, throwing on a neutral blazer is simple and makes your look a little more put together. I am adoring white blazers!

Lastly, I just ordered the Tory Burch wool scarf above. I can't wait for its arrival :)

P.S. - isn't that Kate Spade bag adorable?!

xx Katrina

Must-Have Bags for Every Girl

 As a girly girl, I love handbags, and I admittedly purchase way too many of them! I'm also very guilty of spending a little too much money on them as well. Anyway, I decided to make a post of must-have bags that I believe every girl should own! 

On the left, I put bags that I lust over. These are pricey but worth the investment. On the right are bags that are less expensive but definitely worth the money (i.e., "musts").  

I believe an “every day” bag needs to be a basic color (i.e., black or brown). Then, you can literally match it with anything you are wearing. Plus, with the style combinations today, mixing black & brown is definitely a “DO!” 

Today, leather is expensive, but in my opinion, if you invest in an every day, leather bag with a larger price tag, it will last forever, honestly. So, I recommend resisting the urge to purchase every cute bag you see, and sock that money away towards a designer, heavy duty bag.  Now, if whether your price limit is $400 or $2,000, I have listed two options that I believe are both classic and beautiful.

The Louis Vuitton Artsy MM is gorgeous. I personally own this myself, and I adore it. There is nothing skeptical about an authentic Louis. They will last forever. Although the Artsy can be quite pricey (a little over $1,600), the investment is worth it. Louis Vuitton also has more everyday bag options that are not as expensive. For example, below I will talk about the Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

On the right is the Coach Madison Leather Lindsey Satchel ($398). My friend owns this beautiful bag. It is perfect for everyday. You can wear it on your arm or on your shoulder. It is durable and all leather – Definitely a “must."

Next, I think a tote is another bag that a girl needs. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull (around $900) is a bag I lust over. I don't personally own one, but I think it is perfect to fit everything that is needed on a daily basis. On the right, I picked a peach colored Tory Burch tote, but I believe any Tory tote is a great investment and much less than a Louis (ranging around $250). 

A versatile clutch is also a necessity for going out during the evening or running errands. On the left is the gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent 'Belle de Jour' Metallic Envelope Clutch ($595). Gorgeous, Gorgeous, Gorgeous! That's all I have to say. 

On the right is an Asos Leather Portfolio clutch. They have a wide range of colors and designs at reasonable prices (around $80). These clutches certainly don't break the bank, and they are still so pretty!

 The next two types of bags (above) are somewhat similar but both so fun. Everyone needs a crossbody, because sometimes it is just impossible to hold your bag when free hands are needed (like while shopping). On the left is the Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C ($295). I love these clutches. Gorgeous detailing, beautiful gold chain, and she has almost every color and several designs to choose from. It can also be a doubled as a clutch :) On the right is the Juicy Couture Blueprint Hazel ($188). A little less expensive and a bit more casual. 

Amazing green color, too. 

Finally, Satchels are a huge staple these upcoming seasons, and neons are very popular! I LOVE the Proenza Shoulder 'PS1,' but it has a large price tag for such a bright colored bag (over $1500). There are many colors to choose from, though, and it is very pretty.

On the right is a more reasonably priced satchel from Cambridge Satchel Company (around $200 depending on size). This satchel also comes in various colors and designs. These satchels are absolutely adorable!

I may be a tad obsessed with bags..

xx Katrina

Do you own any of these bags? Are there any others that you believe are must-haves?