Finding Kate

Hey friends!
I’m baaaaacccckkkk! I truly want to get back to this blog on a more regular basis. Having two little ones, and husband who works erratic and demanding hours makes finding time for the things I enjoy rather rough. Also, for the sake of being 100% transparent and real, I gained some weight through 2016-2017 and it’s had me feeling terribly down on myself. Not to mention, I had a terrible struggle with severe anxiety over the past year, after what should have been a fatal car accident where both of my children were in the back seat. It’s been a rough time. But I’m back on track and working towards my goals, of getting healthy, in all areas.

Let’s rewind a bit. When my first son was about eighteen months old, I lost nearly one hundred pounds, ninety two, to be exact. All through calorie counting and running. Training for and running half marathons to be specific. I stayed healthy and fit through my entire second pregnancy. I even lost the twenty six pounds I gained while pregnant in just two weeks! I thought I was going to stay on track and get right back to my weight loss journey. But, life had other plans. My second son, he didn’t sleep through the night for a year. I nursed him, and he nursed every two hours for a year. Every once in a while he’d go a three hour stretch, but for the most part, he nursed every two hours. There are many sacrifices in motherhood (all worth it, of course) but my biggest sacrifice the last two years was definitely my physical health. I’m NOT using my children and life in general as an excuse, rather an explanation. Being so incredibly sleep deprived, I just ate what was readily available. I still cooked home cooked meals for my family every morning and every night. During the day, however, I was just grabbing what I could. The exhaustion also killed me in the running department. I took my little one for a walk every single day, weather permitting, we spend so much time outside. But it’s not the strenuous and sweat inducing fat burning sessions I so desperately need to shed the pounds. So, cut to this New Year. Yes, I’m a resolutioner this year, more on that in a future blog post. I’m back on track with healthy eating and sweating it out in the gym, consistently working my way back to my fitness goals. And, like I mentioned above, I really want to get back to blogging because I just enjoy it so much. The first step, is getting to a point where I don’t cringe when I see a photo of myself. I never want to lose my curves, I just want to be fit and healthy again. Like the girl in the photo below. She’s within reach now, who I visualize when I’m drenched in the gym, I’m clawing and sweating my way back to her.

This blog was such a fun outlet for me, it led to some great opportunities. I became a brand ambassador and was approached by a couple (small) modeling agencies for their Plus Size division. Though I was elated and completely floored at the prospect, I quickly learned that the “drop everything” and go lifestyle just wouldn’t work for my life as a mama of two. My husbands job is very demanding and inflexible as well. But, I miss the interaction with you all and I just love blogging. So I really can’t wait.

The second part of me getting back to me. I was recently talking with my husband about what makes me feel best, makes me feel the most confident, since I’ve been feeling anything but that lately. The one thing that undeniably and unequivocally makes me feel my absolute best is when I’m channeling the Duchess of Cambridge, formerly Kate Middleton. I’ve been a “RepliKate” fanatic since she first walked out in that gorgeous blue “Issa” dress, during her engagement announcement to Prince William. I discovered one of my most favorite blogs, “What Kate Wore” just after the engagement. Ever since that day, I’ve been inspired and enamored by Catherine’s lady like elegance, channeling her style and beauty every chance I get. When I first started this blog, I was constantly trying new looks, what’s on trend, what everyone else was talking about. But in that, I lost myself and what I love quite a bit. I’m getting back to myself. I’m getting back to blogging and talking about the things I truly love. I hope you’ll all join me for the ride.

Lots of love,
Kate ❤️

A Magical Dress for a Magical Date!

Hello Ladies,

Firstly, I’m sorry for such an extended absence here on the blog, more about all of that in my next post. You’ll have to excuse the bit of inefficiency in this post, as I’m currently in the market for a new laptop and I’m creating this post from my phone.

For now, let’s jump into it, shall we? 

My husband and I attended a symphony this past weekend, it was a Pop’s Concert as part of the York Symphony Orchestras trip around the world, ending in London, England, with The Magical Music of Harry Potter! They played music from all eight blockbuster films. It was stunning, and you guessed it, magical! If you live in the area, please check out the York Symphony Orchestra next September when their season begins again. Or visit your local symphony! The family seated directly behind us drove over four hours to hear this stunning concert! Music is a gift to the soul. Listening to and watching them create right in front of you, it’s such an experience, something you have to be present for to truly appreciate. Check out my previous post here, all about the Strand Capitol building, home to The Appell Center for Performing Arts! 

So on to what I wore for this magical experience! Dressing for the symphony, there is such a wide range of dress code, depending on the venue, the price of your ticket, the time of day, and several other factors. I’ve learned over our years of going to the symphony’s (Baltimore, Princeton, and York) that you will most certainly see a little bit of everything, from tux’s and gowns, to jeans and sneakers. I always err on the side of being “overdressed” rather than under. This concert was early evening, so I went with a blush colored, light weight dress, perfect for spring, that I found at ASOS via The Cambridge Mums! It is called the “TFNC midi dress”, and be sure to check it out in the links below. Also, check out Cambridge Mums Instagram for lots of fun outfit ideas and combinations, especially if you like following the Duchess of Cambridge’s style, as I do. This dress is a near perfect “CopyKate” of the Duchess’ Alexander McQueen dress worn to her sister Pippa’s wedding. I could not love it more! Huge thanks to, “The Cambridge Mums” for introducing me to it. If you are a curvy girl like me, be sure to checkout ASOS Curve, they have so many styles and so many gorgeous pieces. 

For this look, I went light on the accessories because this was a day time look and the dress is so beautiful on its own. For earrings, I wore these gorgeous pale pink “Moonlight” drop earrings by Bauble Bar that I purchased at Nordstrom. They are so beautiful, the texture is very unique. They most definitely look like they’d set you back in the pocket book a daybit, but they were a fabulous bargain. I’ve linked them below. 

For shoes, I wore my nude LK Bennett Sledge heels. Normally, I personally wouldn’t go with patent leather during the day, but being that they are nude, I think they are perfect day time shoes. 

That’s all for today ladies, If you’ve stuck with me through my prolonged hiatus, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ll dive more into it in my next blog post! Have a lovely day, wherever in the world you are.

Love, 

Kate 

Shop the dress here!

Shop the shoes!

Shop the earrings!

Sail Your Way Out of the Winter Blues! How to Wear Nautical Inspired Looks in Winter!

Hey Ladies!

If you've been following me for a while, you know I love anything and everything nautical. Navy blue is my signature color, and I love the beach and water, (Aries here!), so it makes perfect sense. When I think of nautical style, I think of spring, summer, and the beach. I think of boats, docks, and water. I certainly do not think about the dreary days in the dead of winter. Today I was going on a lunch date with my husband, and I wanted to perk up my mood a little by wearing a favorite style of mine, and remind myself of the sunshiny days of summer.

However, it can be tricky to pull off a nautical inspired look in the fall and winter months. Aside from donning a beautiful pea coat, or a Vineyard Vines "Shep" shirt (which are my favorite casual wear sweatshirts in the cooler months) most nautical looks are very spring and summer-ish. Bright whites and blues, boat shoes, anchor details, and so on.

Today we're going to talk about ways to make nautical inspired styles work for your winter wardrobe. The easiest solution is to layer your outfit. One of my favorite things about fall and winter clothing looks are layers. I love texture and definition in an outfit. Something that is a little trickier to pull off in the warmer months, especially for someone like me, who always runs hot!

You might not think layering a button up shirt under a long sleeve t-shirt can work, but I assure you, it can! I am in love with this striped shirt from J Crew. I am a Breton striped shirt hoarder. I love stripes (yes, even though I'm curvy) and could pretty much wear them every day. I have so many striped shirts; they're a favorite of mine, but this one brings something completely different to the table!

The details and what sets this shirt apart from all the other stripes in my closet, are in the sleeves and hem. I love the pop of red and the anchor buttons! I chose to wear them unbuttoned for this look, because I wanted to show off the anchor detail on the oxford shirt I wore underneath. 

I wore my cherished vintage anchor statement necklace. My husband bought me this necklace for my birthday at a thrift store in New York City a few years ago. Whenever I wear it, I am reminded of that trip and the adventure we had. The navy in the stripes accentuates the navy anchors on my oxford shirt. 

Keeping with theme, I wore these little anchor stud earrings I grabbed for an incredible bargain at Forever 21 many years ago. 

It was a wickedly windy and blustery day here in my neck of the woods, and I chose to add a J Crew Factory puffer vest, in navy, on top for an additional layer of warmth. 

I wore my beloved Sebago "Bala" boat shoes to keep the nautical theme going. Typically, boat shoes are reserved for the warmer months as well, but they've become such a raging trend in recent years that they are pretty much a year round footwear choice now. If you don't like the look of boat shoes in the cooler months, you could wear something that suits you better. "Whatever floats your boat" (see what I did there). You don't want to wear boat shoes during inclement weather. These shoes by Sebago are suede and in fact, very warm. 

So if there is a warm weather trend you love, don't let the dreary days of winter sway you from making it work!

That's all for today!
Love,
Kate

Shop!

J Crew Grosgrain Ribbon Stripped T-Shirt with Nautical Buttons

Available in limited sizes, but check J Crew out for other nautical inspired shirts! 

Click here to shop J Crew Factory Puffer Vests 

Sebago "Bala" Boat Shoes

A Whole Lot of Love in a Gorgeous Pink Box! Curvy Gurl Box and a Journey to Love and Acceptance

Hey Ladies!

"New year, new me", right? I had an epiphany this New Year, I thought, what if I just focus on loving myself more, accepting myself more, and just let all of my other goals fall into place with that mindset and new idea leading them?

We are so hard on ourselves in just about every aspect of life. What if we just took a deep breath, looked at life for the journey that it really is: curves, bumps in the road, highs, lows (on the scale and otherwise), and everything in between. It's a journey, we don't want to miss out on the journey because we're so focused on the end game. Let's look at ourselves through loving and kind eyes. One of my new years resolutions this year is to tell myself one good thing about myself every single day. It's so easy to become consumed with our shortcomings and flaws, always thinking about where we are lacking. For me, that ends this year!

If you think this sounds like an amazing idea, but maybe need a little help on your journey to self love, I HIGHLY recommend checking out the Curvy Gurl Box. I was so blessed to discover their Instagram account which you can find here or by searching CurvyGurlBox on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and more. Prepare to be overwhelmed with messages of self love, confidence building quotes and messages, and just LOVE all around. So. Much. Love. It's become my daily dose of happy.

A little about the mission of Curvy Gurl Box:

"Curvy Gurl Box is a subscription box dedicated to empowering, encouraging and inspiring curvy, plus size and larger women.

Each month you will receive products that are selected just for you. Each monthly box will have a fun theme and be filled with items that encourage you to LOVE YOURSELF."

Just how did Curvy Gurl Box come to fruition? It's a beautiful story and inspired me so much! "One night I had a long talk with myself and came to the realization that I had spent all of my adult life hating my body.  I had what Oprah might describe as an "Aha" Moment.  I decided right then and there that I would stop hating my body and stop letting that hate determine how I live my life. This decision felt life changing. I wanted to share it with others; along came Curvy Gurl Box.
Curvy Gurl Box came to me almost in a dream.  The idea felt almost too perfect, too amazing, too "Nirvana."  A box that encourages plus size women to love their bodies at every size. Curvy Gurl Box floats on cloud 9; in a dream world where we are allowed to be curvy, fat, plus size, thick, big and embrace it."

So inspirational, right? Doesn't that make you want to follow her lead? Don't you just feel like it's time to rise up, stand UP against what society tells us we should be, what we should look like? That we NEED to be a certain size to look and feel normal. That you're just not enough if you aren't this or that? How liberating would it be to just LOVE who you are, right this moment. Right now. You can love yourself right this moment and still have goals. For years I've been telling myself, if I just lose (insert pounds here) I"ll be happy. If I just get down to (insert size here) I'll be done; I'll feel good. If I just tone up (insert body part here) I'll look so much better. Well that ends now. I'm going to love myself right now, curves and all. I'm going to love the journey, wherever it takes me. Happiness and completion no longer lie at the summit for me, it's in the climb.

I just received my first Curvy Gurl Box in the mail. I told my husband, "It's like a pretty pink box full of happiness!" And it truly is.

It's the January box, and the theme of this box is New Years Resolution Remix! The box itself, as mentioned above, is so beautiful. It really feels like you're getting a present in the mail! Because you absolutely are. What better present can you give yourself on this journey to self love? 

So on to the box! First of all, everything is packaged so beautifully. 

I literally said out loud, "No, thank YOU!"

This lovely high quality rose gold envelope, which could be re-purposed for any number of things, held a description and walk through of the gifts I was receiving in this months box and several amazing coupons to stores and websites that are new to me!  

Sparkles!

There is a lovely card inside that explains the theme of the box and a breakdown of every gift inside. 

"Be Inspired with FabUPlus magazine". Already this box is bringing new and good things into my life! Where has this magazine been all my life? I wish I would have had this when I was younger, but I'm so grateful to have it now. What a beautiful magazine with gorgeous photos and inspiring stories. And zero ads drowning me in self doubt and making me feel less than. 

"Enjoy More 'Me Time'". Okay I am a self proclaimed bath product addict. So I was elated to see that I received two amazing bath bombs that smell like heaven!

 

And this rosemary and lavender eye pillow. As a busy mom of two, it can be really hard to carve out some time in my day for just myself. These two products will remind me to do just that. You have to take care of yourself if you want to take care of others. Side note: When I opened this months box I was overwhelmed with the lovely scents that just billowed out at me. Pamper shesh here I come! 

"Life's Short: Eat the Cake" Florida is my happy place, so this Dockside Cake "A Taste of the Florida Keys" was an extra special treat for me! So often we deprive ourselves, thinking that will get us closer to whatever goal it is we hope to achieve. In the past, for me personally, complete deprivation always leads to a failed attempt at whatever impossible thing I was trying to obtain. This is a little reminder that life is short, and again, it's about the journey, not the end game. So have a piece of cake! 

"Sparkle All Day". I love sparkle! One of my favorite quotes is, "Never let anyone dull your sparkle". I did once, let someone dull my sparkle that is. I overcame that and swore never again. These two gifts are a reminder to me, of where I came from and where I'm never going again! 

Seriously, mermaids are pretty much my favorite thing of all the things! Rose gold is so on trend and I can't wait to wear these sparkly gems! The photo really does not do them justice, they are so beautiful!

As I said, the packaging is so lovely, it really is like opening a gift someone put together for you with the utmost love and care in mind. 

This is officially my new favorite mug! I always have a cup of coffee in my hand because I am one tired mama. I know this mug will make me smile every time I use it. 

"Read a Good Book". I've already started reading this book. I am obsessed and I can't put it down. The author, Jes Baker, has written it so wonderfully. It's as if you are talking to a friend. I love books like that. Especially for me, I'm a stay at home mom and I don't always get to have long conversations with friends. Well this is just that. It's real talk. It's hilarious and it's heartwarming. This is a gift that will keep on giving. I'm so thankful to Curvy Gurl Box for this book. It's not a book I would have found on my own and I couldn't be more happy it's come into my life through my pink box of happiness! 

A description of the book! Click the photo to enlarge. 

Do you want the gift of Curvy Gurl Box in your life? The theme of next months box is "Heart of Gold: Love Yourself". I CANNOT wait to see that gorgeous pink box in the mail next month! But for now, I'm off to pamper myself with my gifts from this month! 

Click here to order your very own Curvy Gurl Box! They have very generously provided a coupon code to all of my fabulous readers. Just use code Classically20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order! 

That's all for today ladies! 

Love, 

Kate

All thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and 100% my own. 

Classic in Patterns! Duchess Catherine Inspired Fashion: Curvy Style!

Hey Ladies,

Sorry I've been away for a bit, I was spending time with family over the holiday. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a lovely holiday! And Happy New year to all of you!

Today let's talk about patterns! Specifically, all over pattern. I was always so intimidated by anything that was an all over pattern. I was so afraid that with my curvy body, I'd end up looking like a table cloth or some drapes! Someone I know posted something on social media once, they said, "They shouldn't make certain things in certain sizes", they were referring to polka dots. It sort of stuck with me for a long time. I was terrified of polka dots or anything patterned for years after that. I thought I would basically be holding a huge arrow over my head saying, "Hey look at me and all these curves!" And now, you know what, I am holding that sign, but in a completely different way!

I decided about a year ago, that I wasn't going to be afraid of patterns anymore and I've never looked back. I love navy and white so much. I wear my favorite Gap gingham button up shirt all the time. As you know if you follow me, I am constantly inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge and her effortless, elegant, and timeless style. She is class and elegance personified, and in my opinion never puts a foot wrong. When she wore that gingham shirt, I thought, "I'm going to give it a try!" and I love it so much. It's become a staple in my outfit choices as you can see in several of my previous posts.

Today though, I want to talk about dresses, head to toe pattern. I love black and white together. So that's what I'm mainly focusing on today. As I said, the Duchess is the epitome of a style icon in my opinion and I don't think you can ever go wrong following her lead. You'll see that her influence is heavily present in my choices for this particular fashion subject.

Kate wore a stunning houndstooth dress by Ralph Lauren for her first solo engagement after the birth of Princess Charlotte. You can read about it here. She looked incredible. I was envious of her ability to wear such a beautiful pattern. She is very tall, and quite thin, I wondered if I could make a similar dress work for my body type. Then I discovered that Ralph Lauren released a similar (almost identical, just a different material) dress in plus size. That's what really pushed me to take the risk. If Ralph Lauren, one of my absolute most favorite designers, thinks that curvy women can rock this frock, who am I to think that I couldn't?

There's a bit of a story to this dress. If you want to skip the story, just scroll down.

Side Note: I am a self proclaimed bargain hunter. I have an entire blog post in the works for you all about how I save money on fashion, it will be up in the next couple of weeks. I can't wait to share all my tips and tricks with you!

So back to this dress. I was drooling over it, but at one hundred sixty four dollars, (still a fraction of the cost of Kate's 100% silk, RL Black Label version) I was really having to give it a lot of thought. First of all, I was afraid of the pattern, second of all, I wasn't sure I could get a lot of wear out of it, and third, it was just a lot of money (for me) for a single garment, at this very moment. I put it on my wishlist and walked away. Several months later, I went back to have a peek. It was on clearance! Marked down to eighty one dollars. I had forty dollars in rewards for Nordstrom that I had been saving! I had been watching the dress at Nordstrom and Lord and Taylor. Lord and Taylor had the dress on clearance. Well, when I went over to Nordstrom to make the purchase and use up my rewards dollars, I was so disappointed to see that it was not marked down on their website. I knew from previous experience that Nordstrom has incomparable customer service. I gave them a quick call to see if by any chance they might price match it. And they did! The customer service representative was, as always, so very friendly and accommodating. He popped over to Lord and Taylor's website, all the while chatting with me about how timeless and gorgeous houndstooth is, like an old friend would do. Then he verified the price, matched it, applied my rewards dollars, and I also qualified for free shipping! So this one hundred and sixty four dollar dress cost me forty one dollars! This is why I have been a Nordstrom shopper since I was eighteen! And it's why I am a Nordstom shopper for life! If I can get it at Nordstrom, I do.

My point in all this is, take a breath when you see something you want. This particular situation took a lot of restraint. Sometimes due to the "Kate-Effect" anything Kate wears, or even things that resemble what she's worn (Repli-Kate's), sell out immediately. If you want something you have to really jump on it. But I was patient, I hit "pause" on an impulse buy and it more than paid off. I really lucked out with this dress. But you can always find amazing deals if you are patient and know where to look.

I do need to have it altered a bit, it's a little saggy in some areas, but luckily Nordstom does alterations and I have quite a few dollars saved up in my alterations account with them. I was too excited not to share it with you today, so here it is!

Apologies for the terrible lighting, it's been wickedly cold and windy where I live so I was forced to take the photos in this lighting.

A better look at the gorgeous hounds tooth.

The belt really cinches the waist which I love, I think it helps me hold on to my figure in the head to toe (calf)  pattern. 

Simple black suede pumps by Nine West

I think it just looks lovely peeking out from under my all time favorite coat. I scored this coat from Old Navy after I fell in love with the Duchess's white coat by Reiss, which she was seen in rather frequently, prior to her engagement to Prince William. 

Classic pearl earrings by Mirina Collections and a black scarf by Kenneth Cole are the icing on the classic cake!

Kate in her white coat by Reiss

photo credit 

I'm embarrassed to say that this next dress has hung in my closet for years. I fell in love with it when Kate was spotted in it years ago. It's by French Connection and is called the "Tellin'" dress. I was always afraid to wear it because of the pattern, but now? I love it so much! I think the vertical stripes and the flouncy cut of the dress makes it super flattering.

As mentioned above, I was scared for (what I thought was) life on polka-dots, but I'm so glad I got over that and gave them a try. I purchased this dress from ASOS when I was pregnant with my second son. Again, totally inspired by the Duchess, as she wore it during her pregnancy. It is a maternity dress, but I loved it so much, I didn't want to part with it. Luckily, with a little tailoring (the front was a tiny bit long due to the extra length to accommodate a bump), it still fits like a gem and I know I'll have it forever! I get so many compliment's on this dress any time I wear it. I think I'm going to accessorize with a belt next time I take it for a spin! 

Polka dots and I are good friends these days. 

Last, but certainly not least, and keeping with the theme of Duchess inspired fashion, is one of my most favorite dresses I've ever owned. The "Wessex" dress by Hobbs. It's gorgeous. Its a beautiful white and gray check pattern. A lovely A line that is so flattering on any figure. I wore the dress a couple of summers ago to see my favorite singer/actress Sierra Boggess in the role of Christine on Broadway in Phantom of the Opera. It is classic and perfect for spring and summer.  

No matter who it is you are inspired by, whatever your fashion choices are, don't be afraid to try something new. I wish I had fallen in love with prints and patterns long before now, but I let fear hold me back. No longer. I am always open to trying new looks now. I stick to things that I love, but I'm not afraid to get carried away or inspired any more. If I love something, I'm going to give it a chance, before I think, "Oh, I could never wear that". 

That's all for now ladies!

Love,

Kate

Shop!

Ralph Lauren Houndstooth Dress in Plus Size

The Non-Plus Size Version

If you love the Duchess' style and are looking for inspiration, click here to check out one of my favorite blogs. Kate's Closet has endless inspiration for Duchess inspired looks. She even has a section specifically for plus size ladies. 

Happy New Year!

The Little Black Jacket: Curvy Edition

"Some things never go out of fashion in the world of fashion: jeans, the white shirt, and the Chanel jacket." ~ Karl Lagerfeld (Long time head of Chanel's fashion house)

Chanel's "Little Black Jacket". There's a book about it. There's a film about it. There's been an exhibit featuring it, where more celebrities than could be named were in attendance. It's iconic, enduring, it's the definition of a classic. Effortlessly chic and simply stunning. 

First designed by Coco Chanel in 1954, she wanted her "little jacket" to not only be pleasing to the eye, but also to be comfortable and functional. Coco Chanel wanted to free women from the confining silhouettes of the 1950's. She infused simplicity, elegance, and clean lines into her design. It has remained a staple in women's fashion ever since. It is absolutely timeless. 

From Jackie Kennedy to Princess Diana, Anna Wintour, to Lady Gaga. Celebrities, royals, fashion icons, the career woman, and everyone in between, have worn and loved Chanel's little jacket. 

I have dreamed of owning such a jacket for as long as I can remember. However, spending hundreds (pre-loved) to thousands (straight from the boutique), on a single jacket, no matter how beautiful, just isn't feasible right now. 

Chanel, specifically, the little jacket has been replicated many times over, by endless brands and designers. All the designs I have come across over the years, have always left something to be desired. Either the quality was sub par, the fit wasn't right, or the price was still way too much. I am quite busty, and I have curves for days, so not all high end fashion works for me. Even trying to find a Chanel jacket pre-loved wasn't working due to my curves. Chanel exists in a size that would accommodate my bust and curves, but the pieces are rare and very expensive. The world is changing though, fashion is changing, making way for, and even embracing, curves. 

I however, do not have to wait any longer to adorn the look I so love, the little black jacket. I cannot possibly describe my elation when I saw this little black "Lady Jacket" by J Crew. It is still quite pricey, but luckily I made the nice list and Santa brought me an early Christmas gift! It's a gift that will keep on giving for sure, and I will cherish it for years to come. 

 This jacket is a perfect stand in for the Chanel. From the four pocket design, the beautiful, luxurious feeling fabric, to the braided, fringy trim, and beautiful gold buttons, it is exceptional and I am in love. Best of all, it fits my curvy shape. I can even button it completely (major bonus) over my bust. My mind is spinning with all the beautiful ways I can style this jacket, my very own, little black jacket! Finally! 


For today, I kept it very simple. I wanted this jacket to speak, appropriate as J Crew's slogan is, "Do you Speak J Crew?" I let the jacket do the talking in this outfit. I think it would look even better with a simple white t-shirt underneath, but it is beyond chilly and it's winter here in my neck of the woods, so I went with all black. Honestly though, this jacket will literally go with anything, and I know I will have it for the rest of my life! 

"A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls." ~ Coco Chanel

"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." ~ Coco Chanel

Click here to read my Chanel story. 

'Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself." ~ Coco Chanel 

Coco Chanel in her little jacket.

Photo Credit 

If you have a dream fashion item, whatever it is, don't give up. You can find your dream. If you have an issue like I did, whether it be sizing or budget, there are options. Just be persistent and keep your eyes peeled and keep on dreaming!

That's all for today ladies! 
Love, 
Kate

Shop!

J Crew Lady Jacket 

Alternative Option by Eloquii (plus size specific)

Alternative Option in White by Eloquii (plus size specific) 

This on is on my wishlist! Can you say gorgeous!

Pearl Necklace by J Crew Factory 

Currently on sale

Pearl Earrings by Mirina Collections 

Use Code Mirinagirls for 20% off your purchase at checkout! 

Sources: 
http://www.vogue.co.uk/article/coco-chanel-chanel-jacket-story-film
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katherine-lagrave/chanel-little-black-jacket_b_1579767.html