"Rain, Rain, Go Away"? Not when you have these gorgeous rain boots! (Hunter Boots Look Book)

Hi Ladies!

"Rain, Rain, Go Away", right? Not when you have these gorgeous boots! Do you have wide calves? I do! I've always had wider calves, it's just part of my build, but once I started long distance running, my calves just grew, and grew, and GREW! Now I have a hard time finding boots that fit my athletic calves. I was heartbroken several years ago, when I fell in love with these vibrant red Hunter wellies. I just had to have them. But my wide calves disagreed. Well imagine my sheer delight, when I discovered the "Huntress" boots, by Hunter. They are for ladies like myself, who need a little more wiggle room in the lower leg. I LOVE these boots.

First of all they have held up incredibly well. They are several years old now, and look as new as the day I purchased them. I take very good care to maintain them, per the instructions on Hunter's website. However, I wear them so much, and they are still just lovely. Any scuff marks they have obtained over the years are easily buffed out, and they shine like new every time I oil them. They are perfect for rainy days, snowy days (with warm Hunter socks underneath as they are not insulated), muddy adventures, and anything in between!

So now on to the fun part! How to style them. Obviously you can throw them on with any old thing, as I have done many times to walk the dog, run a quick errand, or get my son to the bus stop. But I wanted to show you how to really style them up! So here we go!

Look Number One

For the first look, I paired my favorite wellies, with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans, by Lucky Brand, a gingham button up shirt from the Gap, and a quilted puffer vest in the color "Poppy" by J Crew Factory. This color, "Poppy", matches these boots PERFECTLY. 

Look Number Two

Next I went with a little more polished and accessorized look. Rainy day chic! I chose navy blue "curvy" jeans by Ann Taylor, my favorite gingham shirt from the Gap, my "Downtown Field Jacket" from J crew (which has that classic, English countryside look like a Barbour jacket, that I just love), and my Mulberry "Polly Pushlock" bag. 

This gold and white enamel statement necklace was a gift purchased for me by my dear husband. It has a nautical vibe to it with the anchor design. We found it in a little vintage shop in New York City. We were looking for a little adventure on one of our trips to the city, and we decided to walk from Battery Park to Central Park. We found so many hidden gems along the way, including this necklace, and the store where it was purchased. 

I also wore my trusty, and oh so affordable bangle bracelets from Target, (an entire set is less than five dollars). I paired them with my Hermes ClicClac bracelet, also a gift from my husband. 

The complete look! 

Look Number Three!

This is an easy, throw it on, and out the door look! Navy blue "Curvy" jeans by Ann Taylor. A navy and ivory Breton sweater by Ralph Lauren, under a navy and red buffalo check vest by J Crew is casual but pulled together. Noticing a theme here? Navy and red are just SO good together. You can't go wrong! Hair in a bun and you're good to go. Ten minutes tops, and you still look like you put some effort into your look. 

Look Number Four

This is a more adventurous and layered look! I don't know why but it makes me feel a little, "Indiana Jones-y", I need to invest in a fedora! Mental note to self: buy a fedora. Okay, moving on! Black skinny jeans by NYDJ, a white camisole from Torrid, Chambray shirt from J Crew Factory, and olive utility vest by American Rag, I featured this vest in a previous blog post, you can read about it here. I went with a dark, fall inspired lip. This is the color "Spice Cake" by NYX cosmetics, in their butter gloss formula, it's almost purple! I love it and can't wait to wear it more this season. I went with minimal accessories. I adore this dainty compass necklace that was a present from my best friend. It has so much meaning to me and I cherish it. Also I wore my halo diamond stud earrings from Nordstrom.

NYX buttergloss' are one of my favorite lip products. Not only do they have staying power, they are so moisturizing and you never get that cakey look that happens when some lip products dry out on the lips, and they're super affordable. 

Look Number Five 

Lets get fancy with it! This look would be perfect for the holidays! Especially if there happens to be a little snow on the ground, or there is less than perfect weather. Navy blue "Curvy" jeans by Ann Taylor. Tartan button up shirt, red sweater, and the ever so sought after, Herringbone puffer vest (They're back in stock! RUN!) by J Crew. Throw on some multi strand pearls and you'll look fab at the Holiday dinner table. 

Look Number Six

Bundle Up! I could seriously live in my blanket scarf during the chilly months. This blanket scarf from "Meg's Knit Shit" on ETSY is probably one of my favorite accessories, I wore it SO much last fall and winter. It's held up beautifully, and I know I'll have it for years to come. I've added some new blanket scarves to my collection for this winter season, and I'll be posting a haul and how to style them in an upcoming blog post, so stay tuned for that, if you're interested! Black skinny jeans from NYDJ, and Breton top, and quilted puffer vest in "Poppy", from J Crew Factory. 

Look Number Seven

Errand day! Another of my absolute most favorite brands is Vineyard Vines. I love their shep shirts, t-shirts, and hats, I really just can't get enough of them. I have several sweaters by the brand as well, and can say that they are just as awesome. Their t-shits are just so soft and comfy though. I've had one of my VV long sleeve T-shirts for almost five years, it's been washed and dried countless times, and it still looks new. I think it's always worth it to spend a little more on the things that really last, and Vineyard Vines clothing LASTS. I threw on my Champion leggings from Target. Side note, these bad boys are another one of those things that just last forever. I run in these, workout in them, I wear them to lounge around in, and recently, I've decided I'm okay enough with my big booty, that I wear them out to run errands. They are also thick enough, that you don't have to worry about showing your panty lines to the people in line behind you at Target. I've ran, and trained, for four half marathons in my several pairs of these leggings, and they are not even beginning to wear. Highly recommend. Oh and if you've been nervous about wearing leggings out in public, like I was, I say go for it! I'll never look back! I need to be comfortable when I'm running a gazillion different errands! So what if I got a little junk in the trunk. 

Champion leggings from Target, hat and long sleeve t-shirt by Vineyard Vines, and the same "Poppy" puffer vest from J Crew factory. 

Look Number Eight (Whew!)

Cute and feminine, but again, easy and out of the door in minutes. White camisole from Torrid, navy cardigan from J Crew Factory, and distressed boyfriend jeans by Lucky Brand. I accessorized with my monogram necklace from Jennifer Zeuner (present from my husband) and my Target bangles, statement bracelet from Nordstrom, and my Hermes ClicClac braclet. 

That's all for now! Lots more coming your way next week! 

Until then...

Love, 

Kate

This is from the first year I had these boots! As you can see they still look just as new! 

Shop the Looks! 

Oh it's your lucky day! They're on sale! I have these boots in red and black and I love them both. Obviously I LOVE my red pair. But if you can't find them in your size in red, or red just isn't your thing, check out the other colors!

The Boots! Also available in Navy, Black, and Purple!

If you don't need the wide calf version, check these out. 

My gingham shirt from the Gap sold out after it was seen on the Duchess of Cambridge, but here are several great alternatives!

Similar Gingham Shirt

Plus size

J Crew Factory Puffer Vests

J Crew Factory Herringbone Vest

Torrid Camisole 

Ann Taylor "Curvy" Jeans

Torrid Plus Size Skinny Jeans 

Downtown Field Jacket by J Crew 

Alternative Jacket

Similar Ralph Lauren Breton Top

 Breton Top

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Similar Boyfriend Jeans 

Chambray Shirt

Navy Cardigan

Pearl Necklace 

Vineyard Vines Long Sleeve Pocket Tee

Vineyard Vines Hat

Blanket Scarf

Black Skinny Jeans by NYDJ

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM 

Mulberry Polly Pushlock is sold out, but you can check out other Mulberry Bags here

Jennifer Zeuner Monogram Necklace

Hermes ClicClac Bracelet

Navy and Lace! Formal Date Night Look!

Hi Ladies!

My handsome husband and I had a date to the Symphony this weekend. Let me start by saying, if you've never had the chance to witness a live symphonic orchestra, do yourself a favor and add it to your bucket list! Even if the arts, music specifically, aren't really your cup of tea, I think everyone should experience it at least once. There's just something about witnessing that kind of beauty and creativity in person, that cannot be duplicated on a disc, record, or radio. You're literally seeing music and art come to life. I'm not kidding when I say the theme song to Jaws brought tears to my eyes. Its sounds crazy right? It's just one of those things you have to experience. By the way, I guess now would be a good time to explain, that this particular symphony, was celebrating the eighty fifth birthday of the brilliant composer, John Williams! Yes, the movie music legend. Everything from Jaws, ET, and Jurassic Park to Harry Potter, Far and Away, the Star Wars movies and oh, so much more.  It was simply breathtaking. This concert also happened to be the season opener and was a completely sold out house!

Speaking of breathtaking we had the privilege of attending this concert by the York Symphony Orchestra, at the Strand Capitol theater in York, Pennsylvania. There is a reason this building is known as "The Crown Jewel" of downtown York. It is magnificent. The beauty and detail are almost overwhelming. Everywhere you look there is detail, it's stunning. I love old buildings with a story to tell. Art History in college, really encouraged this love of mine and I can't help but imagine, just how this beauty came to life. Who sat in the seats? What shows were seen here? I get lost in that train of thought. Oh how I love that sort of thing. If you'd like you can read more about this beautiful building here.

Photo Credit: https://www.britannica.com/place/York-Pennsylvania/images-videos

A few photos I was able to snap before the performance. 

The detail really is difficult to capture in a photo though. If you are ever in the York area, I've provided a link below to check out upcoming shows and performances. 

Okay now on to what I wore for the occasion! If you've read any of my other blog posts, you know I love the classics. I dabble in the trends, but there is nothing I love more than a staple classic, one that will truly stand the test of time. When you think of lace, you might think it's outdated or maybe even you think of your grandmothers old doily's. But I'm here to tell you that not only is lace a classic, this season it's also completely on trend. Just a few weeks ago lace was on the catwalks in New York for Fashion Week. While it was super common in 2015, it's back with a force. Mulberry featured gorgeous lace dresses. Alberta Ferretti and Alexander McQueen had many beautiful embroidered gowns. So don't be scared of lace if you do want to be on trend. I for one don't overly care about the trends, because my style will always be true to me. That's the beauty of fashion, there's so much to chose from, you can come up with something that is uniquely YOU. Stick with what you love and what makes you feel good, and add in trendier things here and there. There's no need to reinvent your entire wardrobe as the trends come and go. And you know what they say, "What's old is new again", it always comes back around.

This particular look for me was largely inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge, also known as Kate Middleton. She is one of my favorite, if not my single most influential, style icon. There's this lovely term in the fashion world, the "Kate Effect". I believe my dress is a direct product of the "Kate Effect". Kate wore a beautiful lace overlay dress by Erdem, the "Cecile" dress, when she did a tour of Canada with Prince William, several years back. She wore the dress as it's by Canadian designer Erdem, and she wanted to honor the country she was visiting. But the Duchess often sports lacy designs. Lace was almost instantly back with a bang and in just about every store after she was seen wearing it. And it's my personal belief, that the Duchess is largely responsible for why it's had such staying power in the fashion world in recent years. Her style is feminine and classic and that is refreshing to so many, myself included. I mean her wedding gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, literally brought sleeves back to wedding world overnight. The Duchess has heavy influence in the fashion world, and for good reason. She knows what she's doing and she stays true to herself, always. That's perhaps the most inspirational thing about her style. And who doesn't want to dress like a princess? I digress.

Photo Credit: http://whatkatewore.com/2011/06/30/its-an-erdem-dress-for-kates-arrival-in-canada/

The dress I wore is gorgeous navy blue lace, over a beige very curve hugging, but oh so soft material. The sleeves hit at the elbow and there is no underlay in the sleeves. It's beautiful, but feels like you are wearing a t-shirt dress! You would think lace might be scratchy, not the case with this dress. I'm not going to lie. I was SO nervous to wear this dress. It is very curve hugging, and curves I am not lacking. A couple weeks ago I was inspired by Kimmy of "Kimmy Dares Greatly" on Instagram (check out her Instagram and blog here and here) she is amazing and such an inspiration. So positive in every way, the world needs more light and positivity and she's throwing it around like confetti! So with her inspiration, I decided to just go for it. Well I am so happy I did. I made up my mind, since I was wearing the dress, I was going to WEAR the dress. I held my head up high, I mean I kinda had to because I was wearing some sky high heels, but I walked into that theater with confidence and poise. Within five minutes of walking in the door, two women complimented me and said I looked beautiful, one added that the dress was simply stunning. I felt like a million bucks! I'm not normally one to really display my curves, but that won't be the case moving forward. I paired my dress with my well loved, nude heels, by Nine West, and my trusty little clutch from TJ Maxx. I love the faux diamond details on the latch of this clutch. It really adds a little something to any outfit. For jewelry I kept it simple, my dress had so much detail, anything other than simple would have been too much going on. I really wanted the lace detail to shine. I wore halo diamond studs from Nordstrom. And again inspired by my favorite Duchess I wore my sapphire and diamond ring from Zales that is of course, modeled after the famous engagement ring, first worn by princess Diana, and now Catherine. My dress is by ASOS Curve. Sadly it's no longer available. But I have linked to several wonderful alternatives below if you are interested. More than anything I want to say, don't be scared to step out of your comfort zone a little bit! What do you have to lose? Wear what you want to wear and wear it with confidence!

Dress by ASOS Curve. 

Apologies for the lighting, it was very dark in the theater.

Sapphire and diamond ring from Zales and clutch from TJ Maxx

My very "well loved" Heels by Nine West

I went with very natural makeup. I did a soft smokey eye and natural lip, so as not to take attention away from the details of my dress. 

Shop the Look! 

ASOS Curve dress (Sadly sold out) but there are so many other dresses available as ASOS Curve! 

Click here to shop ASOS Curve Dresses! 

Alternative Dress Options

Similar Heels

Alternative Heels

Ring from Zales

Lipstick by Mac in the color "Angel" 

Nails OPI "Bubble Bath"

Check out the Strand Capitol in York!

That's all for now! But look for more next week! I have a new look book coming your way! 

Love, 

Kate

My hubby and I during Intermission

My "Go To" Little Black Dress!

Hey Ladies!

The little black dress is pretty much the Holy Grail of wardrobe essentials. Speaking of Holy Grail, I recently wore this dress for a date to the theater. I went to see Monty Python's Spamalot with my husband. It was phenomenal. I've never laughed so hard in my entire life. I'd highly recommend seeing it, if you ever get the opportunity! 

But lets get back to my LBD. I purchased this wrap dress from Ann Taylor. It is the quintessential, classic, black dress. So flattering and feminine. It is a true wrap dress and there's just something about it, that makes you feel extra feminine. I LOVE this dress. I've worn it for many occasions and it never lets me down. I've styled it so many different ways and it is always perfection. Honestly though, minimally styled, it's able to really shine.

For this particular evening, I paired it with another classic, matte black, peep toe pumps, by Jessica Simpson Collection. Keeping with the classic theme, I opted for red nails (OPI Red Hot Rio). I went with natural makeup, so my nails really popped. I also carried a nude clutch purse from TJ Maxx for my essentials, lipstick, lip gloss, my ID, and my cell phone. I wore my chunky gold statement bracelet from Nordstrom and my Cassandra Goad "Temple of Heaven" earrings. Lucky for you all this dress is still available in black (limited sizing), Rosy Plumb, Navy Blue, and Hunter Green. That Hunter Green is next on my list! I've linked to it below. Don't miss out on this dress! You'll have it forever, it's never going to be out of style!

That's all for now! But there's lots more coming your way in the next week!
Love,
Kate

Shop the Dress!

A Flannel Affair! What's Old is New Again! The 90's Are Making a Comeback!

Hey Ladies!

As I'm sure you've noticed, the 90's are making a comeback! Several 90's trends to be specific. Choker necklaces are HUGE right now. I can't wait to rock one on a night out with my hubby. More exciting for me, is the return of lived in flannel shirts!

Oh my gosh, I was in Target the other day, and the options are literally endless. I grabbed a few, but the one linked below is definitely my favorite. It's perfect colors for fall. As I talked about in my previous post,  it's still fairly warm in my neck of the woods. This shirt couldn't be more perfect. First of all, the fabric is so light and breezy, and oh so soft. Today, I rolled the sleeves up and wore a white cami from Torrid underneath for a laid back, but put together look. It was perfect for a lunch date with my hubby after watching him play a game of softball. I paired mine with dark navy, "Curvy" slim denim jeans, from Ann Taylor, and navy blue sneakers, by New Balance for J Crew. I would encourage you all to check out the return of the flannel shirt trend. They can be worn so many different ways. Open over a cami, tank or t-shirt. Buttoned up and worn with jeans or leggings. This shirt in particular is especially long in the back so I know I'll be wearing it with leggings for errand days or around the house. This is a trend that I can totally get behind! I'd love to see your ideas and how you style your flannel shirts! If you do decide to give them a try please tag me in your photos on Instagram @classicallycurvy!

That's all for now! But I'll talk to you again really soon!
Love, Kate

Shop the Look! 

Alternative Jeans 

Specifically Plus Size Jeans