The Refined Woman

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OUTFIT: A Girl + Her Hi-Tops

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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?!

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Blue Dress:  Wasteland (Similar)

Belt:  Buffalo Exchange (Similar)

Shoes:  Nordstroms

Button-up:  Madewell

Happy Monday Friends!

XO,

Kat

OUTFIT: Blazers + Ballcaps

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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).

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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!

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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!

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Photos by:  Kate Colosi

Blazer:  Club Monaco

Necklace:  31 Bits

Hat: Target

Chambray Shirt:  TJ Maxx (similar)

Braided Belt:  Thrift (similar)

Jeans:  Madewell

OUTFIT: Yep In My White T E E…

errr…my version of the white t:)

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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 :

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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)

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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.

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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

INSPIRATION: The Effortless Chic

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A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of hanging with and photographing (Southern lady in LA) Jen of The Effortless Chic.  She is so cute and uber sweet!

We found this perfect wall to shoot her fabulous lace ensemble from Madewell!  Check out her outfit post, and where you can pick up the lovely lace ensemble HERE.

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All photos by:  Kat Harris

And a few behind the scenes shots never hurt anyone!

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Thanks Lindsey Shea for assisting me and grabbing these behind the scenes shots!

Key Pieces:

Jacket:  Club Monaco (Similar)

Bag:  Kelly Moore Bag

Shoes:  GH Bass Weejuns

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Have a fabulous Friday!

XO,

Kat

OUTFIT : Blue Swag

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One dress four ways.  

Upon first glance when I saw this Amazing Cobalt Blue Dress at Madewell I wasn’t completely sold.  BUT then folks I tried it on, and DIED; the length, the a-line cut, the stretchy ponte fabric; it all made me melt.

I knew I wanted the dress, but wasn’t convinced I needed it.  Then, walking around the store I thought of at least 4 different ways I could wear the dress, and remember our last lesson:  don’t buy a piece unless you can think of at least 3 distinct looks with it.

After realizing the options with the dress were endless, I really had no other choice other than to buy it! 

Here’s my take on how to spruce up your classy dress that’s just sitting in your closet dying to come play with you!

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Photos Courtesy of:  Sarah Shreves

Dress:  Madewell / White Collared Shirt:  Zara old (Similar) / White Blazer:  Club Monaco  / Belt:  JCrew (Similar via Club Monaco) / Penny Loafers:  GH Bass Weejuns /Lace Top:  BP Nordstroms / Booties:  Urban Outfitters (Similar)

OUTFIT : Polka dots + Pleats

I’ve been incredibly inspired since we saw the JCrew Fall Presentation at Fashion Week to mix more prints in my outfits.

I find that prints in the same color family work well for me, as I usually tend towards solids in most of what I wear on a daily basis. My next plan of attack is mixing more stripes and florals with polka dots

I’m also having a momentary love affair with navy blue as an alternative to my standard black for everything.

And me + polka dots, well we’ve been having a thing since I can remember getting dressed. They make me wanna dance. It might not surprise you that my even my wedding dress was polka dotted. 

oxford : jcrew / cardigan : madewell (old) / skirt : thrifted (similar) / loafers : madewell (and on SALE!) / camera bag : ONA / belt : thrifted

OUTFIT : Stripes + Chambray

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dress : madewell / chambray : jcrew / belt : jcrew / flats : madewell / necklace : 31 bits / watch : michael kors / satchel : dooney + bourke / glasses : warby parker ”preston” sandalwood matte

I am always running late and I’m always realizing I needed to leave the house like 5 minutes ago. I think it’s a genetic defect. I can’t seem to keep accurate count of time in my head. 

One thing that has saved me has been those few closet staples - outfits that I know work well together. A dress and a chambray shirt for example. Because in my wisdom I never make time to check the weather forecast either. 

What is a girl to do. 

xo,

Em

OUTFIT : Popped Collars + Penny Loafers

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If you know me you know I love me some popped collars and prep, BUT you also know that I’m a bit of a hippie at heart (yes I actually do crave Kale Juice…I know it’s weird).

You can see my love for prep and bohemia all mixed together in this outfit: pearls, penny loafers, and popped collars.  My bohemia shines through with my glasses, denim on denim and yummy fur vest.

It was one of our last days in NYC, and I had a day full of shooting in Brooklyn.  This outfit is a bit more casual than I typically do for shoots, but hey it was Brooklyn…they can’t care. (#putabirdonit)

Glasses:  Warby Parker / Vest:  Thrift (similar) / Denim Shirt:  H&M / Belt + Jeans:  Madewell / Anchor Earrings:  Forever 21 (how could I resist really?)/ Shoes:  GH Bass (they’re killing it right now).

Refined at Fashion Week : Day IV

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What Kat wore for the most epic day of our collective lives.

Blazer : Zara / Top : Madewell (similar) / Headband : Forever 21 / Skirt: Madewell /  Shoes : JCrew

On to more from the Runway! I saw so many incredible gowns that I considered changing my profession to actress just so I could have an excuse to go to a movie premier or, you know, THE OSCARS, so I could wear something this fabulous. 

My favorite gowns were Naeem Khan… it was a gorgeous 20s art deco affair. So Gatsby of him.

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I die for this one.

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Possibly my absolute favorite.

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Naeeeeem! You rascal you.

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Badgley Mischka also had some stunners that I would be remiss not to mention.

Some of them even us mere mortals could wear even if one was not invited to a red-carpet event.

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My personal favorite : I don’t know if it’s one piece or two but I’ll take it either way.

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I am dying over all the jewel tones, especially the emerald.

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Wait you need to see that one again? I know. Here you go.

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What do you think? We would love to hear from you, I’ll be posting all our runway pics on our facebook page and whether you love it, hate it, or predict you’ll see it on the red carpet we’d love to know.

Our last fashion week post is tomorrow, are you sick of it yet? No? Great.

xo,

Em