New Finds!

So I recently got a couple new investment pieces. One I had been wanting for a while, the other one I never thought I’d find in a reasonable price range. I’m going to be part of a wedding this December that will have an Old Hollywood look/theme. My dress is a long navy gown with a very flattering drape-effect, side slit, and lace-effect top. I love it and can’t wait to wear it! But what about jewelry? Shoes?? Well, I’m still looking for shoes, but here are the earrings I finally got myself:

 

I’ve always loved the “originals” (worn with a silver Jenny Packham gown and also an ivory Roland Mouret gown) but obviously can’t afford them. When I came across these on etsy.com I was so excited, but still not sure about spending the money. Anyway, I figured the art-deco look would be perfect for the wedding and ordered them. They look quite beautiful in person, so I recommend them!

The only downside is that since I have small-ish ears, I need to wear different backs to compensate for their weight. They aren’t heavy, but on my ears I need those different backs. But that’s an easy thing to do! J

 

As for my second find, I came across it one day while browsing ebay. I’ve always loved the DVF wrap dress with both the Patrice and Batik prints. Well, when I saw it for less than half the original price and brand new, I thought about it for a few days just to be sure about it. After I ordered it, I received it a day sooner than expected and am super happy I got it. J

 

I really really wish I had the Corkswoon wedges in navy suede to go with it, but sadly they will remain outside of my budget. Oh well. I have other shoes that work quite well with it, too. There really is something nice about wearing quality clothing and having a couple investment pieces that you love and can wear always and be wardrobe staple.  

 

So those are my two recent fun-buys! Good luck with your own hunting!

 

"Casual Kate"

So you might have noticed that the Duchess has a pretty straight forward, casual look that doesn’t change much. That has its perks, so I started to keep a look out for items that would work for me but follow that style. Here are a few I’ve come across the last several months/days:

As you can tell, these are suited for fall weather (at least in Texas, when we get it). While I don’t wear skinny jeans that often, I do like the tops with my regular boot-cut jeans (that are the Curvy Boot version from Levi’s—highly recommended!) and I like the overall effect. It’s casual but easy to make a bit nicer with a blazer and change of shoes (if needed), or stay low-key in tennis shoes. Perhaps the best part is that I feel like I’m “grown-up casual” and not “college t-shirt casual” in this style! And since blue is my favorite color, this color pallet works for me!

As to what the pieces are, here you go:

L.L. Bean’s Sailor Top in navy/cream—very comfy! LL Bean French Sailor's Shirt
Lauren Ralph Lauren Navy boatneck top with shoulder buttons (very Kate!); bought yesterday at Macy's!
Banana Republic Silk/Cotton long sleeve, V-neck sweater—light and cozy
Lauren Ralph Lauren Black Cotton Cable sweater—on sale! Cable-Knit Crewneck Sweater
Banana Republic Navy blazer

I’ve found BR and LRL to be great options for repli-Kate’s and/or very similar to pieces she has worn. What about you?