Happy Weekend + Links

Happy Friday everyone! This week has entirely flown by because school was cancelled Monday and Tuesday due to extreme weather {I'm talking -40º} and Wednesday school didn't start until 9:45. So that only left room for two full days of school. I'm still glad it's Friday though! I have a pretty exciting weekend planned so I'll be sure to recap y'all when the weekend is over. I have been spending quite a bit of time online because of the two snow days so I have a few links to share with y'all!

-I have a gift card to Vineyard Vines and I'm eager to buy a Shep shirt--the only problem is they always sell out of sizes so quickly! I'm thinking classic navy because it would match a lot {and it's the only color they ever have in stock}, but let me know what you guys think!

-I've been eyeing Michael Todd skincare products and I just made a purchase {look forward to a review in about a month}

-I'm loving The Endless Summer tumblr because the playlist is perfect! The perfect music to study or relax to!

-I'm obsessed with these Jack Rogers sandals! I'm really thinking about investing in a pair!

-Check out Lauren Conrad's website for great health tips and how to get the perfect beach body just in time for summer!

-I've been using my tumblr recently so check it out! {BTW it is nothing like this blog--it's more California and trendy}

XOXO, Kate

Word Up

I have found myself in need of some inspiration and some quotes for a little pick me up recently with all of the hassle with schoolwork. To be honest I don't get a ton of schoolwork this year {last year was pure hell}, but because I don't expect a ton of homework when I'm assigned homework I just procrastinate and then end up cramming it in late at night or during study hall. I wouldn't call this the road to success. Okay, I'm digressing. The main reason I wanted to write this post was to share some of my recent favorite quotes. Quotes are a great way to get inspired and to really just think for a few minutes. These are my top picks.

XOXO, Kate

Tied to the Sea

I'm a very nautical person. I love the water! I love going boating, wearing Sperry's and just hanging by the beach. I think that's why summer is one of my favorite seasons! I can't wait to spend every minute in the sunshine and hopefully head to some seaside destinations. Last year my family and I went to Lake Elkhart for a family vacation and it was beyond amazing! Take a look at that trip in the posts from my old blog Preppy Daily in Lake Elkhart parts I, II and III. Hopefully we'll spend some time there again next summer, but in the mean time I've found some wonderful + nautical inspiration via Pinterest that I just had to share! Just the look of the water is stunning, but the seaside style is perfect too! Beautiful hues of blue, navy stripes + crisp white are perfect for stunning seaside style! Don't forget your Jack Rogers or Sperry's! 

XOXO, Kate

PS :: Happy Birthday to my fabulous friend Rory! 

Hunters + Heather

Wow! An outfit post! OMG I haven't done one in the longest time for many reasons. (1) I'm very lazy and I'll be going somewhere and I just don't take pictures of what I'm wearing. (2) It's freezing in Chicago {I'm talking about 10 below zero!}. (3) I don't wear very cute outfits in the winter--I'm always just lazy and wear leggings and a flannel to be comfy and warm! But, I did venture out into the cold just to get this outfit post for all of you guys! This outfit features a heather gray shirt and some wine cords that you've definitely seen before. And my hunters! I actually don't wear my hunters all that often just because I feel like they are so clunky {and they are impossible to drive in}, but they really are the perfect thing for going into the snow! 

Madewell Shirt (similar) // Gap Cords // Hunters

XOXO, Kate

Grandpa's Sweaters

Over the course of the weekend my family went over to my aunt's house to celebrate my grandpa's birthday. My grandpa died in April of 2013, but we still wanted to get together to celebrate how great is life was, etc. To honor my grandpa my cousin Carly, my brother Brian and I all wore my grandpa's sweaters because he had some pretty fabulous ones. Carly and I also felt the need to do a little OOTD photoshoot in the freezing cold. Here are some snapshots from the night.

Me : L.L. Bean Sweater (similar) // Gap Jeans // Converse

Carly : L.L. Bean Sweater // AE Jeans // Boots

PS :: I have today off school! Yipee! It is literally so cold outside so I'll probably spend the day relaxing and getting things done!

XOXO, Kate

Blake Lively

Who can seriously say that they aren't obsessed with Blake Lively? Honestly, she is so perfect! On Gossip Girl her character is a bit crazy, but she has A-M-A-Z-I-N-G style! I'm obsessed with Blake because she seems like such a genuine person. I definitely see her always being happy and she always has a smile on her face. Not to mention her fabulous taste. Her sense of style is so perfect. And her hair. Please! Can I have it? It's actually perfect! Blake Lively is definitely one of my idols because she is so famous, but doesn't let the fame get to her. She is absolutely stunning and she pulls everything together perfectly in her outfits!

XOXO, Kate

B+W

I am pretty obsessed with black + white photos. I think they are ultra classy and adding a black + white effect to any photo gives it a little drama. I love black + white photos so much that I've dedicated an entire board to them on Pinterest! Check out my Black + White board right here for some fabulous B+W photos. I love scrolling through my B+W board when I'm looking for inspiration or just a dramatic shot. I want to share with you guys my favorite B+W shots from my board. Take a look! Oh! And comment if you have a black + white board on Pinterest as well so I can follow it!

XOXO, Kate

The Real Katelyn

After seeing Carly and Hunter's posts about "My Real Self" I was inspired to do one as well. I also truly believe that bloggers sort of create this ideal lifestyle on the internet, when their real life isn't like that at all. It makes it seem like their lives are so perfect and everything seems to just go their way. But, I'm pretty sure this isn't the case for anyone that blogs, or anyone on the internet really. I know that my blog mainly focuses on the positive of my life, but trust me, there are a lot of negatives as well. I don't even feel like my blog comes off showing that my life is perfect, but if it does that is not the case. There's a lot that's a little screwed up in my life. I think it's also important to share some of life's failures in my blog because obviously this blog is about fashion, etc, but it does cover a lot of my life as well. That's why I think it's important that I not only share my successes, but my failures as well. So today, just as Carly and Hunter did I'm going to share a photo of my real selfie. 

This photo is just from when I was really sick at badminton camp, but I figured that it suits the purpose. No makeup, no hair done, no nothing. 

The Real Katelyn

-hates a lot of things {and hates that she does}

-spends a lot of time alone

-has terrible bags under her eyes

-gets little sleep during the school week

-doesn't like to work hard

-takes a lot of selfies

-worries about ridiculous things

-relaxes way too much

-lives her life on the internet

-loves depressing music

-doesn't spend a ton of time with friends

-has so many dreams, but guarantees that she won't follow them

I hope you understand me a little better than before through this pretty honest post. I think it's important to share this because bloggers may not always seem like real people {I know that all of my favorite bloggers seem to be perfect online}. But, I am real. And I have daily struggles and many traits that I don't like about myself, but honestly, don't we all? I hope you feel that you know the real Katelyn from now on.

XOXO, Katelyn

Photo Wall

I was looking for something to do with all of the photos that I have sprawled about in my iPhoto library. There's literally way too many in there and they seemed to just be going to waste. So, I decided that it was finally time to actually do something with these photos and display them somewhere. I opted for putting them on my wall as a sort of "photo wall". I've seen way too many of these all over Pinterest and tumblr that I thought I'd give it a go. I'm really in love with the results. My walls are pretty bare so adding a few fun photos really makes all the difference! I simply ordered prints to Walgreens from my computer and picked them up. I used painters tape to tape the photos up because I knew that it wouldn't ruin the walls {been there, used regular tape--did not end so well}. I love the way that they are laid out and I think it looks super great! Take a look for yourself!

I think it's just such a great way to display photos! Let me know what you think!

XOXO, Kate

Ask Kate I

I posted about a week ago saying that I was starting a new series called "Ask Kate". I'm hoping to do more of these, and when I do I'll definitely notify you to ask me some questions in the comments and/or email me. I just want to thank you for all of the questions that I received! I'm really excited to answer these questions for you all! Let me know if you like this style of post so I can be sure to do more in this new little series!

Let's get started with the questions! 

What is your favorite fitness routine?

I know I mention all too much that I'm on a new health crave, but along with the healthy eating comes fitness. I go to a gym to workout, but I usually have no idea what to do there. That's why I like going with my sister! What we usually do is climb the stair-stepper for about 10 minutes, do the bikes for 40 minutes or the elliptical for 30 minutes. If we're feeling it we will do some ab workouts in one of the dance studios. I like to do crunches and planks. I'm definitely looking forward to increasing the amount of times I go to the gym because I don't go all that often. With my increased presence at the gym I'm thinking about starting to swim, run, and even do some weight lifting {nothing too intense--don't worry}.

What inspired you start blogging?

I started blogging really because I became obsessed with reading blogs! I loved reading Frannie's blog The Blonde Prep and I was sort of inspired to create my own. Also, the year I began blogging was the year I really changed my style so it sort of just clicked.

How did you become an established blog?

I wouldn't call my blog established, but I would say that I have a few dedicated readers. My blog is nowhere near as popular as some of my favorites, but it's still continuing to grow, which I enjoy. I think continuing to blog even if you don't feel like anyone is reading is something good. People are reading they just might not show it. As time passes and you continue to stay dedicated your followers will increase as well. That's just about the best advice I can give.

Do you have any tips for beginning bloggers?

I wrote out all of my tips in the Blogging Basics post so definitely check that out if you want a little bit of insight into a semi-experienced {that'd be me} blogger. The best tips I have would be to understand that it's a huge commitment, be consistent, be original and connect with your readers.

What are your favorite snack foods?

 I really love pretzels + pomegranate. Those are probably the two foods I eat most of! But, I also love fruit snacks, goldfish, kiwi, pineapple, tortilla chips and popcorn {especially Skinny Pop}.

Do you have a tumblr and if so what's the URL?
I do have a tumblr. I actually have two! Keep in mind I'm not super active on tumblr just because I really like Pinterest better. But my first tumblr is called The Preppy Daily, but the other tumblr that I actually use and is more recent is The California Waves. The California Waves tumblr is so different from my blog and that's why I was a little hesitant to share it with you, but since you ask--there you go!

Favorite nail polish color at the moment?
My top three favorite nail polishes of all time are Essie Turquoise & Caicos {better in the summer though}, Sinful Colors Calypso and OPI Jade is the New Black.

How would you style beige jeans?
I think beige jeans would look really classy paired with a black sweater and a statement necklace. Or it'd look great with a flowy white shirt of some sort and maybe even a black or striped blazer over it.

Any favorite YouTubers?
I'm so obsessed with YouTube and I'm subscribed to over 70 channels because I love it that much. I've always wanted to have a very successful YouTube channel of my own, but I've sort of given up on that dream because I don't think I'd have time for it. But my favorite YouTubers include THATSOJACK, Shannon Barker, Maddi Bragg and Connor Franta. 

Thank you guys so much for the questions! It really does mean a lot to me and I'm so glad that this post was such a success! Let me know if you'd like to see more Ask Kate's in the future!

XOXO, Kate

Liebster Award X4

I was nominated yet again for the Liebster Award. Even though this is the fourth time being nominated I still love answering the questions! I think it's really fun and a great way to get to know the blogger!

This time I was nominated by the lovely Emily from Class and Sass! She's got such a great blog so definitely go check it out! Thanks so much Emily for the nomination--you're too sweet!

Here we go with the questions!

1. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

Personally, I just think that the relationships made online are incredible! I never ever thought that I'd be a blogger, let alone make blogging friends! I think it's really amazing that you can make friends with different bloggers across the world because you all share a common interest.

2. What trait to you love most about yourself, and how do you feel it contributes to your success as a blogger?

I don't mean to sound narcissistic in any way in this response, but I would say that my favorite trait is that if I like something I'll become really dedicated to it. Because of this I take blogging very seriously and I make sure to have posts up every day. This helps to make me a successful blogger because I try to make my blog as great as it can be and I stay dedicated to posting!

3. Which post of yours thus far has been your favorite post?

Hmm...I really don't pay attention to posts after I post them {other than when I read the comments}, but I really like this post about going to a Vineyard Vines Event when I met Shep & Ian who started VV. I thought that it was such a cool experience and the post had some great pictures!

4. Why did you decide to start blogging?

I've definitely answered this question before, ha ha, but I think after reading so many blogs for a while I just thought, "Hey--it'd be cool to start my own!" I'm so glad I did because I seriously wouldn't trade blogging for the world; I just love it so much!

5. If one song could describe your life/mood right now, what would it be?

I don't know if this actually describes my mood/life, but I'm seriously loving the song "Let It Go" from the movie Frozen. Seriously Idina Menzel is such an amazing singer, and the song is super great!

6. How have your friends reacted to your writing a blog?

My friends have been extremely supportive of me having a blog. A lot of my friends read my blog too! My mom likes me having a blog, but she always says that she has to read about my life through my blog because I don't tell her anything that's going on, ha ha. 

7. What are your top three favorite blogs?

My top three are Citrus & Style {definitely my favorite blog ever}, Stripes + Peonies, and The Blonde Prep! I love all of those blogs dearly!

8. What are your top three favorite stores?

Gap, J.Crew and Nordstrom. I pretty much own everything from Gap, but I love J.Crew + Nordstrom so much as well!

9. Who's your favorite Gossip Girl character?

It's so hard to choose! Seriously I love them all so much! But...I think my top four would be Dan, Blair, Serena and Nate. I honestly can't narrow it down any further because I love them so much!

10. If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?

Probably CALIFORNIA! But, if I was to travel somewhere a bit further, or more exotic I'd probably go to Santorini, Greece. See more about the places I want to travel in my Destinations post!

11. What advice would you give to someone just starting up their blog?

Check out my top tips in my Blogging Basics post! 

Thanks so much for the nomination Emily!

XOXO, Kate

Baseball Cap

After receiving an aqua Vineyard Vines baseball cap for Christmas, I've literally worn it non stop. Ask anyone that I hung out with over winter break -- I was always wearing it! My favorite way to wear it at this point is to wear it backwards, {it makes me feel like I'm cool or something}. I think once summer comes and the sun comes out I'll probably wear it the regular way to block out some of the sun, but at this point I'm wearing it backwards. 

Something about a Vineyard Vines cap just makes me think summer, sun & boating. The three things I love most! I'm definitely thinking about purchasing another color of the Vineyard Vines hat or another hat of my choice! My top picks are this Patagonia one, this J.Crew chambray one, and this Vineyard Vines one in the color slate. Here's a little inspiration to styling a baseball cap {especially Vineyard Vines ones}. 

Can this please be me and my friends over summer? Actually when I opened up my present that was the Vineyard Vines hat on Christmas Eve my Aunt was like OMG I want one! Ha ha.

XOXO, Kate

Liebster Award (III)

This happens to be my third time being nominated for the Liebster Award, but the questions are always different so I figured I should do it! I was nominated by the lovely Gina from Classy Ever After and I simply couldn't resist completing the tag because her questions are so fun! Thanks so much Gina for nominating me and definitely go check out her blog Classy Ever After because it's so perfect! P.S. How cute is the Liebster Award logo? I'll tell you the answer, too cute!

So let's get right into her questions!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. At what point in your life did you realize you are more into style than the average person, and how did this transition into starting a life and style blog?

I definitely loved shopping and clothes all of my life, but in eighth grade I really changed my style and started really dressing up to go to school. A couple of my friends and I went on big shopping sprees and two of us were instantly obsessed with the preppy style. This friend Julia, {check out her blog here--Color Me Preppy} and I still stick to the preppy style. After reading a few fashion blogs for a while, I decided to start my own. I am so glad I did because I'm seriously in love with blogging and it makes my life so much more interesting. 

2. If you had to summarize your style using only three words, what would they be?

Simple, classic + trendy.

3. Do you have any pets? If so, what type of animal?

I do not have any pets, my mom is not a huge animal lover, but if I could have one I'd definitely have a cockapoo {cocker spaniel mixed with a poodle}. Two of my cousins have them and they are so cute! 

4. If you could make a living doing what you love most, what would that be?

I think anything from being a personal stylist, blogging, working with YouTube, writing for a magazine or even being an actress. 

5. What are the top three items on your wishlist right now? How would the wishlist differ if money were less of a concern, or would it?

The top three items include this polaroid, this Lilly shift dress, and this VV hoodie {but it's sold out in my size--and is it strange that I actually know this model?} Obviously if I had an endless supply of money I'd purchase all of these, but the polaroid I can't seem to invest in because the film is so expensive. The Lilly dress I just don't know if I'd wear that much and the VV hoodie is just out of my size, otherwise I'd snag it!

6. Do you feel that you've become more weight conscious since skinny jeans took over?

I don't think that's the reason I've become weight conscious. Skinny jeans have always been my favorite style of pants just because they've always been popular for me {since I'm only 16}. My main reason to be weight conscious is because I was noticing that I wasn't eating healthy and my body was reflecting that, so I was determined to change my ways--and I'm loving the results.

7. What has been your greatest blogging challenge thus far?

Probably just dealing with not having a ton of readers. I'm especially thankful for the readers I do have, but it's hard when you put in a lot of work to a post and think that no one is reading it. I'm sure new bloggers can relate.

8. Is there an item or current style you can't stop buying, and now you have several?

In the beginning of fall I definitely went on a cords craze and bought three pairs of the same cords, just in different colors. Other than that, I think the thing I own the most of is anything mint. Basically my whole wardrobe is mint.

9. If you could only shop from one store from now on, which one would it be?

J.Crew. Everything there is great and it works for so many different styles. Or Brandy Melville because I'm simply obsessed with that store.

10. What is your number one goal for your blog in 2014? Beyond 2014?

Blogging for me right now is simply a hobby and in 2014 I hope to collaborate with some companies or businesses because I have always wanted to do that. And I think just to develop my blog further and gain more readers. Beyond 2014 I really wish that my blog could become a part-time job and continue to grow even further!

11. Have your close friends and family been supportive of your blog?

Yes! My family and friends have been greatly supportive of my blog. I think it's great and I'm especially thankful that they support me in my blogging.

I'm not going to nominate anyone because I've already done this once before, but I hope you enjoyed my answers and thanks again to Gina!

XOXO, Kate

XOXO

With my obsession with Pinterest, I currently go on it probably 5 times a day. A lot at school, especially when I'm super bored I just grab my phone and pin a few pins for an easy pick-me-up. Recently, I've been seeing more and more pins that reminisce on what used to be; gossip girl. When Gossip Girl was one it was seriously all my life. I was addicted and anyone I know that watches it becomes super easily addicted and it consumes all of their time until they finish the show. It is such a well created show and has such an intense, diverse and surprising plot. And the style is to. die. for. I just thought that I needed an entire post dedicated to the best years of my life while I watched Gossip Girl. Be sure to follow my Pinterest board dedicated to Gossip Girl for more pins related to the beloved show.

Seriously obsessed with both of their outfits. I can't even decide who's style I like more; B or S? They're both too perf.

Just OMG can this please be my life? NYC rooftop with all these beautiful people, heck yes!

I'm obsessed with Serena's dress. She can truly wear anything!

Classic; both of their outfits are to. die. for. Gotta love them.

The perfect crew ever!

I love this shot form the first episode. Before you even know of the tensions between Serena & Nate.

Nathaniel Archibald. #perfect! I'm so in love with him.

Chuck Bass! Goodness I miss that boy!

Aww it's Dan! I actually love Dan. Although he becomes a little bit more scheming in further episodes in the beginning he's such a sincere and sweet guy!

If you don't watch Gossip Girl yet I'm not here to give anything away, but go watch the show! It's seriously the best show you will ever see!

XOXO, Gossip Girl {Kate}

PS :: Check out my "Ask Kate" post and comment below any questions for the post!