The Refined Woman

OUTFIT : Out to Brunch

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:11:55 -0400

We were in Wine Country this weekend for this sweet couple’s wedding + I convinced the Mr. to shoot with me by bribing him with a night in Napa and (quite possibly our favorite thing in the whole entire world) BRUNCH.

We ate a Farmstead and it did not disappoint us. We had a cocktail that even Ron Swanson would enjoy. In short, it was glorious.

It was the perfect chance to wear my new (old) men’s jeans (turned shorts.)

I’ve also been LIVING in my new sandals from Frēda Salvador. I found these gals when I shot a feature on them for Apartment 34 and I agonized for weeks over which pair I wanted to invest in. When I finally went back a last weekend there happened to be a Friends & Family sale (Can you say Destiny) and I *may* have walked out with 2 pairs… You will definitely be seeing these babies in Chestnut soon. These sandals are made of the most amazing leather and the crystal detail is unique but in black and tan it goes with everything I own.

Alright. Onto the outfit already.

Try pairing a beaded blouse with your denim to add interest to some boyfriend jean shorts.The slouchy shorts will come in handy if you accidentally overindulge in brunch goodness.

Silk Blouse : Scotch & Soda

Boyfriend jean shorts : Thrifted

Aviators : Ray Ban

Sandals : Frēda Salvador

Kat has convinced me to do a little tutorial on what I look for in my boyfriend jeans for this week’s Friday fun post so get excited for the first Refined on a Dime tutorial!

OUTFIT: Rompin' Around

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:59:31 -0400

So if you want to know how I really feel, here goes it…

I LOVE rompers. Why? I don’t really know, maybe because we always want something we can’t have.

What I mean by that is there really are not many rompers out there for tall women? T A L L ladies out there Can I Getta Witness please? I cannot tell you how many times I thought I’ve found a killer romper, only to discover I really look like Sally O’Malley from SNL (ain’t nobody got time for that)

You should know my utter delight then, when I recently walked into Anthropologie and found this floral cobalt blue number. I died when I tried it on, and it actually fit me really well! (Not too short, not too long, everything fitting in its appropriate places).

You know Blue + White are two of my go-to colors that work for me, so of course I paired my favorite Club Monaco Blazer with this look!

All Photos by: Michelle Kim

Outfit Deets:

Blazer: Club Monaco

Romper: Anthropologie

Necklace: JCrew (similar)

Shoes: Nordstroms

INSPIRATION: Be Free.

Fri, 17 May 2013 01:22:43 -0400

Since I was a child I have always wanted to be further along than my current state. In high school I wanted to be in college, in college I just wanted to be done with school, when I started learning photography I just wanted to be shooting for JCrew within 6 months of picking up a camera, now I want 50,000 hits a day on a blog that is fairly new.

We all long for freedom.

I think I’ll feel more free when I am further along creatively, further along in my relationships, further along in my career, further along in my fitness goals.

With each step I take, the freedom I long for seems to be yet another step ahead. So I chase it haphazardly like Peter Pan chases his shadow with no real success.

You see freedom is not cheap. Isn’t it interesting that some of the most freeing moments of our lives come after seasons of intense discipline and hard work.

We all ache for the euphoric feeling of crossing the finish line, but few and far between do the diligent, exhaustive work that it requires to run a successful race.

I want to be more free creatively in my photography, BUT in order to experience that freedom I must have an intense resolve to master my craft and equipment technically.

I want success and freedom within The Refined Woman, BUT that means Em and I must be committed to challenging one another and creating consistent and unique content for a long period of time.

With freedom comes resolve, and with resolve comes discipline, and with discipline comes those moment by moment almost insignificant decisions that over time will lead to greatness.

Be great.

Be disciplined.

Be resolved.

Be free.

XOXO,

Kat

OUTFIT: Well Pencil Me In

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:47:26 -0400

We have been so excited to hear the feedback from the new series we launched on Monday! We are seriously so grateful to the women who are joining us in styling our staples - the best part is that it’s a total inspiration to us too in this blogging journey.

Today we wanted to share more details and outtakes from our outfits on Monday - partly because Michelle + Jessie took such great photos for both of us!! - and also because I think this challenge gave us a newfound appreciation for the versatility of the pencil skirt! Fun. Classy.

It’s everything the Refined Woman loves all wrapped up in one piece.

Get Kat’s Look :

Pencil Skirt: JCrew

Lace Top: TJMaxx (similar)

Belt: Thrift (similar)

Cell Phone Case: JCrew

Get Em’s Look :

Pencil Skirt : Anthropologie

Shirt : Jcrew (Similar)

Necklace : Jcrew

Satchel : Dooney + Bourke

Pumps : Banana Republic

How are you going to wear your pencil skirt now? We would love for you to join the conversation with us on our facebook page!

Kat + Em

The Refined HOW TO STYLE YOUR STAPLES Series: The Pencil Skirt

Sun, 12 May 2013 23:56:30 -0400

The Pencil Skirt. Every woman should have at least one if not multiple. As a working woman on-the-go; it’s one of those wardrobe pieces that you cannot live without!

Our favorite place to get pencil skirts you ask? JCrew’s No.2 Pencil Skirt does it right every time!

There is such freedom in wardrobe staples. BUT if you’re anything like me, then you get stuck wearing your staple pieces the same way over and over. I get so uninspired when I stare at my closet each day. Sometimes you just need a fresh set of eyes to get you to rethink the way you put together outfits.

We thought what better way to get inspired on getting out of your comfort zone with those go-to pieces then getting together with some of our favorite bloggers once a month to see how they wear their staple pieces!

Em and I are simply tickled pink that such fabulous women are partnering up with us on this collaboration!

Em of The Refined Woman.

What we love about Em’s look is the mixture of textures and patterns. The necklace is the perfect piece to tie in two such opposing patterns!

Kat of The Refined Woman.

We love how Kat chose a POP-O-COLOR with her skirt, then kept it simple by staying neutral with the rest of her pieces. Her tan and white belts softens the white and yellow nicely.

Casey Leigh of The Wiegands

Miss Casey from Texas is a SoCal girl at heart! We love her flowy untucked top with her DIY scarf + fedora!

Hilary of Dean Street Society.

Last week Hilary told me “keep it simple, keep it preppy”, and her outfit reflects this statement wonderfully. We love her color blocking + who would have thought to pair a sweater with a pencil skirt! LOVE IT!

Sara of Glitter and Grace.

We adore Sara’s neutral color palette. Her graphic tee keeps this look casual, yet her sassy heels keeps her uber feminine! We love how she took advantage of adding color with her accessories!

Jen of The Effortless Chic.

Jen offers another take on the graphic tee + sassy heel look. She keeps her color palette simple, the tee + lace skirt make this a very wearable outfit, yet her sparkly heels and jazzy jewelry takes this look to the Effortless Chic style that Jen holds to!

Erin of Apartment 34.

We’re smitten with Erin’s blue color blocking! There is so much freedom in color! Her billowy top makes her skirt feel more bohemian.

Stay tuned for our Wednesday Post as Em and I give details on where our looks are from!

XOXO,

Kat + Em

P.S. Mark your calendars for our next Refined How To Collaboration Post Monday June 10th!

INSPIRATION : Perspective

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:55:02 -0400

This is my little family. I love them with all my heart.

But I don’t always act like it.

With my actions, I act like my phone is my life. That email is the most important part of my day. I am constantly struggling to stop opening instagram and facebook to see what’s happening out there in social media land.

I read something this week that helped put into words a desire of my heart that has been brewing. The desire to put down my phone and LIVE my life. But sometimes I feel trapped by it because in and of itself it’s not “bad.” It’s not bad to want to be good at my job, or encourage other people in the things they are doing and posting.

But it’s a fine line and one that some days feels like it is leading me to ruin. It’s really an issue of my heart - what do I think gives me worth and value? If I’m being honest some days I’m looking for my worth there, in these tangible numbers that truthfully mean nothing.

I don’t want to live my life for “likes” and I more than anything I want to live a story worth telling.

I want to be fully present in the relationships I have right in front of my face.

It’s a moment by moment practice, and one that I’m refocusing on. Today. Right now.

It’s worth it.

OUTFIT: an American in Paris

Wed, 08 May 2013 06:02:02 -0400

In T-Minus 20 days the Mr. + I will be frolicking around the streets of Paris and I am SO excited.

I might already be outfit planning. Last time we were in Paris was 2 years ago while on a backpacking tour across Western Europe and I packed like it was spring break… and it rained. I’m not gonna lie being unprepared makes me cranky.

This time, I’m layering with knits and scarves and swingy skirts… and I’ll probably make sure I have at least two pairs of jeans with me too.

If you have any Paris recommendations I am dying to hear them!

On my list so far is a visit to Versailles, the flea market, Deyrolle, Musée d’Orsay + Harry’s NY Bar…

Chiffon Skirt : UNIQLO / Scarf : Cabbages + Roses for UNIQLO / Ballet Flats : JCrew / Sweater : my mom’s / Camera Strap : Apolis

Thanks so much to Jessie for the photos + Melissa for the hair + makeup help! You both rock my world.

xo,

OUTFIT: Navajo + Denim

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:13:27 -0400

As I shared with you last week, I fell in love…with thrifting.

This lovely navajo wrap dress is fabulous! (I’ve worn it 3x in the last 7 days…oops #sorryimnotsorry)

What I love about this dress is that it’s a classic A-line silhouette (universally flattering), and I just think wrap dresses are a wardrobe staple!

Now that I’ve got the thrift-ing bug I’m dying to know some good spots in LA + NYC. Join our conversation on instagram, we’d love to know your thoughts!

Photos by: Michelle Kim

Wrap Dress: Thrift (similar + similar)

Jean Jacket: Zara (similar)

Shoes: [old] Urban Outfitters (similar)

INSPIRATION: Make-up in a Minute

Fri, 03 May 2013 01:22:00 -0400

Yesterday I was running around like a mad woman, and brought my make-up bag with me in the car because I thought I was going to have ALL of this time before my meeting to put on my make-up.

The only problem with my plan was EVERYTHING. I was sort of running late, which I hate, so I had to just go to the basics with my make-up.

Literally in less than 7 minutes I went from make-up-less H O T M E S S to a bit more refined (pun definitely intended).

Honestly, I’m not that girl that spends forever getting ready. I’m all about the quickest most efficient way to get out the door.

Here are my go-to products, and yes some are a bit more pricey. I am a woman on a budget, however, I do believe make-up is worth the investment because you’re putting it on your face every single day! You don’t want to skimp out #aintnobodygottimeforthat.

Laura Mercier Tinted Mercier: this makes my skin feel smooth, and almost acts like a primer and makes my skin more even.
Make-up Forever Concealer: I’m insecure about puffy under eyes, and literally have tried EVERYTHING…this is hands down my favorite under eye concealer.
Nars Illuminator: I recently got turned onto this by my make-up artist Rachel. I’m obsessed; you put it on the corner of your eyes, t-zone, and a dot on your chin, and BAM. You look glowy + fresh all day. Seriously. Obsessed with this stuff.
Laura Mercier Powder Foundation: it’s lightweight, and I don’t even feel like I have foundation on. (Remeber me…Kat…the tomboy…I don’t want to feel like I have make-up on).
Stilla Bronzer “sun”: I’m a southern gal, and have been using bronzer for like 20 years. I love feeling golden and fresh!
Naked Palette 2: I use this everyday whether it’s day wear or a black smoky eye at night. This palette is full of neutral tones and shimmery pinks and golds. Also, I use the bronzy brown as my eye liner. I just wet the tip of my eyeliner brush and dab it in the shadow then viola: perfect eyeliner. It’s like killing 13 birds with one stone.
Cover Girl Lash Blast in Very Black: NOT Waterproof. Waterproof makes me feel like my eyelashes are going to yank out. I have used expensive mascara, but always come back this product. I apply two coats up top, one on bottom.

Bam. 7 minutes later and I’m ready to go.

Try it out ladies!

Happy Friday!

XO,

Kat

OUTFIT : Snedges + Basketball

Wed, 01 May 2013 07:01:06 -0400

SNEDGES.

Love them or love to hate them, either way they make you feel something, and I like that about them.

What I truly love about fashion is trying something new, and seeing what happens.

I wore the snedges on their maiden voyage in Vegas and the conversations that the snedges started were PRICELESS. People loved them.

Now, I don’t think they actually loved them, I think they love what they represented.

Snedges doesn’t take themselves too seriously. They know their time might be brief but they are going out in a blaze of glory.

Speaking of glory, I think the Snedges are the perfect companion for some basketball playoffs. Let’s make it happen GOLDEN STATE.

skinny jeans : topshop / racerback tank top : jcrew / snedges (on sale!) : ALDO / camera strap : sarah frances kuhn / golden state warriors cap : similar / watch : michael kors

Game six let’s get after it!!

xo,

OUTFIT: A Girl + Her Hi-Tops

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:30:58 -0400

So, I fell in love.

Like hard.

With my White Converse Hi-Tops.

I want to wear them ALL THE TIME, and guess what? I’m going to.

A few weeks ago my friend Jen was visiting from NYC, and we went thrift shopping with my roomate Erica in LA.

FYI…I have Thrift Anxiety. I’m trying to get better, but it’s so overwhelming. Thankfully Jen and Erica gave me an inhaler, slapped me across the face, and gave me a major pep talk.

And, I’m so glad they did, because I found some gems!

This blue dress was calling my name, and I’ve worn it twice now in the last week (oops…is that frowned upon?)

Last Wednesday I wore it all day with my cowboy boots at a shoot for The Giving Keys.

We all know the last thing I am is a hipster, but my hi-tops kinda make me feel cool. I want to dance down the streets to 80s music…who’s with me?!

Blue Dress: Wasteland (Similar)

Belt: Buffalo Exchange (Similar)

Shoes: Nordstroms

Button-up: Madewell

Happy Monday Friends!

XO,

Kat

INSPIRATION : Minty Fresh

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 03:31:47 -0400

Nothing makes me happier than mint accents and a little peachy pink to go with it.

I may or may not have already purchased that necklace #sorryimnotsorry

1- summer straw hat

2 - karen walker sunglasses

3 - cambridge satchel co.

4 - fan fringe necklace

xo,

OUTFIT : little striped mini

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:22:24 -0400

// photos by Rachelle Derouin

It’s still only slightly spring in San Francisco - that’s what we love about it right? It’s always changing it’s mind. One day it’s 80 and the next 68 and foggy. Whenever I’m headed up there for a shoot I bring about 3 layers of sweaters + jackets and it’s a good day when I don’t need all 3 of them.

The thing I love about this mini skirt is the multi stripes - the reds, greens + blues all work well with all my various black tops. I realized the other day that’s pretty much all I wear.

I guess Kat would say that it’s okay to own a bunch of neutrals as long as the cut + texture is good + you accessorize! So get on with your bad self! And then she’d dance and I’d be jealous of her moves.

xo,

mini skirt : jcrew / men’s french terry sweatshirt : everlane / denim jacket : UNIQLO / camera satchel : ONA / wayfarer sunglasses : ray ban / penny loafers : GH bass

OUTFIT: Blazers + Ballcaps

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:24:00 -0400

Pssst…here’s a secret…I am a bit of a tomboy.

Wearing hats makes me one happy camper, because I can look cute and get away with not having to mess with my hair (which most days I don’t spend more than 5 minutes on).

You have seen me wearing 31 Bits A L O T, but really their jewelry just goes with my style so well. They’re necklaces are a go to for me!

Club Monaco…you had me at hello.

This blazer has been a wardrobe staple for over a year now, and any excuse I can find I’ll throw it on…even if it’s with a baseball cap!

Photos by: Kate Colosi

Blazer: Club Monaco

Necklace: 31 Bits

Hat: Target

Chambray Shirt: TJ Maxx (similar)

Braided Belt: Thrift (similar)

Jeans: Madewell

INSPIRATION: You Are More Beautiful...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 07:30:32 -0400

Me. Make-up Free after Yoga yesterday via my iPhone.

“You are more beautiful than you think” -Dove Campaign

I consider myself a pretty confident woman, but it’s amazing to me how differently I feel without make-up.

In the Bible God talks about the world before sin entered into it. He said man and woman lived together naked and without shame.

That statement boggles me. Naked. Without shame.

To me walking out of my house without make-up on I feel naked and exposed. Not quite as pretty, not quite as confident, just not quite.

You get to see pictures of me on this blog, but they’re pictures that I choose that I like, and taken by women who are professional photographers that know how to make their subject look good (and I am very thankful for them).

What I long for is to feel completely comfortable in my own skin.

I want to love the wrinkles on my forehead, and the tiny crows feet that are beginning to take shape around my eyes.

I want to embrace that I do not have a small frame, and I probably never will.

I want to hold onto the statement that I am more beautiful than I think.

You see, if I’m being honest…sometimes I want you to think I have it all together, that I roll out of bed perky with no bags under my eyes.

But that’s not attainable for me…and it’s probably not attainable for you either.

My value, your value does not change when we put that mascara on our eyes or that lipstick on our lips. I am of value and esteem just because I am a human, and so are you.

Nothing can change your value.

You are loved. You are unique. You are precious.

You are more beautiful than you think.

OUTFIT : Work it

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:01:00 -0400

The season to be married is upon us. Spring is out in full force and while I sometimes long to be looking for a fun floral dress to wear to a wedding I’m not normally one of the guests. I’m behind the camera.

Not that I’m complaining. I swear it. It’s always fun because people usually seem surprised that I’m not just in a plain black shirt and pants. (Admittedly some days it does seem tempting.)

I love this combo because it’s the perfect blend of neutrals + polish without being too boring. Okay, so it’s a tiny bit boring. But there’s always a way to work it.

Work it, lemme work it.

photos by the wonderful rachelle derouin

blouse : UNIQLO / hi-waisted trousers : jcrew / pumps : banana republic / satchel : dooney + bourke / bracelet : bauble bar

xo,

OUTFIT: Country B O H O

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:30:53 -0400

The key to dressing in Southern California is layering.

This really works for me because I’m always looking for new ways to wear old pieces.

This outfit is so me; it’s like a southern bohemian jumbalya or something.

Lace: Check.

Polka Dots: Check.

31 Bits: Check

Cowboy Boots: Check.

My favorite N E U T R A L colors: DEFINITE Check.

Basically all the essentials.

So I’m actually wearing a polka short sleeved dress that I have had for almost 10 years (way to go Nordstroms BP section!)

After seeing Em’s post on layering her dresses I’ve been seeing my closet with new eyes.

Putting this lace top (from TJ Maxx) over the dress, and creating shape with the belt makes for one of my new favorite outfits!

And you know I really couldn’t keep my cowboy boots hidden from y’all for too long! Every Southern Gal needs a REAL pair of Lucchese cowboy boots!

Also, my new latest obsession: H O O P earrings. They make me feel sassy!

Photos by: Elizabeth Ray (thanks friend!)

Dress: Nordstroms way old (similar)

Lace Top: TJ Maxx (similar)

Belt: Forever 21 (similar)

Necklace: 31 Bits

Jacket: Club Monaco (similar)

INSPIRATION : Tenderness

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 03:18:54 -0400

OUTFIT : Grandma Style

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:11:34 -0400

You know you’re running a blog with the right partner when, independently of one another, you choose basically the same blouse to blog on the same week. I guess given our devotion to J Crew it’s not that surprising, but STILL.

Really the real winner here is this blouse! So versatile you can wear it with jeans or a chiffon skirt and pumps. I’ve actually found myself wearing it with everything.

This outfit I was inspired by the combo of that classy peter pan collar + carpet bag + bow pumps = all the best elements of a grandmother’s wardrobe. Grandma’s are the original hipsters.

top : jcrew / pleated chiffon skirt : UNIQLO (new but not online. similar here) / bow heels + bag : vintage

xo,

OUTFIT: Yep In My White T E E...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:30:35 -0400

errr…my version of the white t:)

Basically, all it is jeans and a white shirt? Boring right? (Well…here’s a little secret, I’m not the biggest risk taker in my wardrobe. Neutral colors are my best friend, and I’m kinda ok with that).

How do you keep such a simple outfit interesting? Here are my thoughts :

Fabric + Texture + Cut: Yes; it’s a simple white shirt, BUT the eyelet lace and peter pan collar make this white blouse classy, feminine, with a hint of whimsy.
Accessories: Since my top and jeans are neutral, I was able to have some fun with my accessories: leopard + burberry never hurt anyone, and my Kiel James Patrick Anchor bracelet is a spring staple!
Shoes: In my opinion, as soon as you add heels, any outfit takes a few notches up. I always feel confident and a bit sassy when I prance around in my heels (maybe because they make me like 6’4)

Would you believe it if I told you my super cute Mint + Pearl earrings were less than $5 from Forever 21? Well…b e l i e v e i t.

My sweet friend and fellow fashionista + photographer Michelle Kim took all these photos! She’s uber talented and has a heart of gold!

Top: JCrew

Jeans: Madewell

Belt: JCrew (similar)

Shoes: Tory Burch + similar (you’ve seen these a lot, and will see them more, I wear them ALL the time, and honestly don’t have tons of shoes!)

Bracelet: Kiel James Patrick