#MyFirstBusinessTrip

Right now, this Toledoan is in Kansas City, Missouri for my first business trip! Thanks to my employer, I have the opportunity to attend the #Sizzler13 conference, meet fellow digital media junkies, stay in a room on the top floor of the Westin, sleep in a king-size bed with white cotton bedding, swim in a large heated pool, eat KC’s famous BBQ and post, tweet, insta and blog ‘til my heart’s content. All while flaunting my carefully planned wardrobe. I’m pretty happy to be here.

Day 1:
When I arrived on Sunday, I changed into a comfortable and casual combo of a loose-knit sweater and white shorts to register with the conference and find a place to dine. I ventured all the way to the lobby’s bar where the menu’s lobster macaroni and cheese convinced me to get a table. I settled in with my Sizzler program, a glass of Riesling and the most decadent mac & cheese. I think I’m going to like business trips.

 

The Details
Sweater: Aéropostale, just purchased on Saturday, available here
Shorts: Aéropostale
Dangle earrings: Estate sale
"C" stud earrings: New York & Company
Rings: Auction, courtesy of my friend, Patty
Watch: Mathey Tissot, auction, Patty
Gold and white studded bracelet: Forever 21
Bag: Kate Landry at Dillard’s
Shoes: Bakers

Welcome Back

I suddenly took an unplanned break from blogging over three months ago.

“Why?” you ask.

No reason, really.  Except, apparently, I needed a break.  Over this break I…

• Landed a new job – say “Hello” to a digital media specialist!
• Enjoyed the busy-bee calendar of summer:
• 3 weddings, 2 more to go
• 2 trips to Put-in-Bay
• 3 Independence Day celebrations, each with fireworks, which was a record for Carlton and I (He was thrilled.)
• 3 birthday celebrations, all mine (This was not a record.)
• Attended an astounding estate sale in Perrysburg of a very stylish lady, who happened to be my size! (Keep an eye out for posts of full looks with some of the statement-making pieces I scored.)

Now I’m back to my beloved blog, feeling rejuvenated and ready to share brand new personal style posts, as well fashion news, tips and more!  Furthermore, I am going to start using a Facebook page to share stylish stories that I find interesting, plus local sales, links to my latest blog posts and style advice.  For too long I was timid to embrace social media as “Fashionably Kate” because I feared failing, i.e. too few “likes.”  But after learning as much as I have about social media personally and professionally, I’d be a hypocrite not to try it.  And I feel good about it.  So, if you’d like to follow along, please, pretty please like my page.  I intend to provide you with inspiring and useful content about a multitude of fashionable topics weekly.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and hopefully, continued support.  I hope you welcome my words back into your reading rotation.

Fashionably,
Kate

Weddings

Put-in-Bay

 

Independence Day

A Birthday Celebration


(Some of) The Estate Sale Finds

The Find: Metal Skinny Belt

I found it!  I found a VERY inexpensive version of the metal skinny belt that I drooled over on several waists on the red carpet, especially Jennifer Larence in Christian Dior and Gwyneth Paltrow in Stella McCartney.  At the time of my post about The Belt of the Season, I could only find metal wide belts sorta within my budget.  But thanks to GoJane.com I now have a skinny one for $8!  Actually two.  Yippee!  Oh, it's the little things... or very cute little things. 

So anyway, I ordered the metal plate skinny belt from GoJane.com in gold and black and in gold and lilac.  (Now it's only available in lilac.)  I plan on wearing it as soon as the weather warms up with just about any of my dresses, but particularly this new mint skater dress from Akira in Chicago.  I already paired it with an orange-red peplum top and black skinny pants for a birthday party.  And now I'm itching for the neon belts...  For more ideas on how to rock it, see Full Metal Belt: Born to Shine.

Metal Plate Skinny Belt from GoJane.com, $8

  

Metallic Rectangle Buckle Belt from GoJane.com, $6.60 

  

   

Mint V-Neck Skater Dress from Akira, $39.90

  

How would you wear the metal skinny belt?  Please tell me in the comments below.  

  

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! 

My Lucky Jeans

Every March I search for something green to wear on St. Patrick’s Day that’s more stylish and original than my beloved “Kiss Me I’m Irish” T-shirt from college.  It’s a pretty easy feat this year with the help of Pantone’s Color of the Year – emerald and the trend turned staple – colored jeans.  I put together four different looks with the same pair of emerald jeans from Aeropostale.  With these ideas I hope to give you some luck when picking out your outfit this weekend!

May you look more polished than a co-ed

May your cup be full with green beer

And may you celebrate with all your Irish-for-a-day friends! 

  

Neon & Emerald

Green Jeans: Aeropostale

Black Sleeveless Top: Express

Neon Pink Pumps: Steve Madden

Citrus Neon Statement Necklace: H&M

Bangles: Assorted, Forever 21

Silver Clutch: Daisy Fuentes at Kohl’s

  

 

  

Everyday Emerald

  

White T-shirt: Wal-Mart

Khaki Jacket: Tommy Hilfiger

Leopard Print Smoking Slipper: Steve Madden, DSW 
Black Clutch: Michael Kors, Dillard’s
Gold Drop Earrings: Forever 21

  

  

Emerald While You Work

  

  

Black Blazer: Thrifted, No Label

White and Black Polka Dot Top: H&M
Black Clutch: Michael Kors, Dillard’s

Black Pumps: Qupid, Burlington Coat Factory

  

  

  

  

Wild Emerald

  

  

Zebra Print Top: Toska, T.J. Maxx
Nude Studded Pump: Vince Camuto, Dillard’s

Green and Gold Statement Necklace: Forever 21

Bangles: Assorted, Forever 21

Metallic Clutch: Kate Landry, Dillard’s

  

All photos by Gina of beatbeatheartbeat.com

From My Guy's Perspective: Oscars 2013 Best Dressed

Guys' perspective on fashion differs greatly from ladies', hence The Man Repeller, but how much so? 

I asked my boyfriend to create a list of his favorite looks from the 2013 Oscars.  Here is Carlton's top 5 in order and surprisingly, our lists share more than a few:

  

Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille 

*Also on my list*

Why? The layers in shades of gray along the hem create beautiful lines.  I could do without the embellishments on top or the belt but I applaud Zoe for trying something different.

  

  

Halle Berry in Versace

*Also on my list*

Why?  Speaking of different, this dress is unique, bold and sexy.  Some have called it too "Star Trek" but I think it's wonderful Halle took such a daring risk! 

 

 

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Haute Couture

*Also on my list*

Why?  She looks stunning.  The simplicity of the dress, its color, the lack of jewelry and her short hair allows her beautiful face to be the most important feature.  The deep V and peplum make this gown trendy, yet classic.  

  Stacy Keibler in Naeem Khan

*Also on my list*

Why?  Stacy looks statuesque in this Art Deco-inspired gown.

  

  

Jennifer Hudson in Roberto Cavalli

  

The rest of my best dressed list includes:

Naomi Watts in Armani Privé

Why?  Naomi helped to design this dress and it fits her perfectly.  I adore the deep silver color and unique cut.

  
  

Jessica Chastain in Armani Privé

Why?  Jessica's red hair is gorgeous with this pale bronze and again, I have a thing for Art Deco patterns... and red heads.

  

   

   

Alicia Vikander In Elie Saab Couture

Why?  Thank you to Alicia for adding some color to the red carpet!  This pale blue Elie Saab gown is gorgeous and I'm thrilled she chose a gold belt to pull in her waist. 

  

  

  

Lily Collins in Zuhair Murad

Photo by Abaca

  While Lily wasn't at the Academy Awards, her appearance at the Vanity Fair Party more than earns her a spot on the best dressed list.  This dress is gorgeous and unique.

Floral lace + Art Deco stripes + lots of shine + open back = Perfection!

  

    Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein Collection

Photo by AP

Why?  I wanted to love her Christian Dior Haute Couture ball gown at the Academy Awards but I just can't.  However, I do like this slinky and shiny silver dress she wore to the Vanity Fair Party!  Ooh la la!  

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu

*Carlton's Runner-Up*

Why?  The unusual color and shimmering embellishments keeps this dress from being too safe.

And we love Olivia Pope!


Who is on your best-dressed list?  Your guy's list?    

Photos by Getty unless otherwise noted