Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's every fashionista's favorite time of the year! The fashion world congregates in the Lincoln Center in NYC for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week today through February 16. This weeks runways market collections from the most prestigious designers in fashion. Over 300 designers will exhibit their Fall/Winter 2012 on the runway this week, unveiling the new trends for the upcoming season. This week also kicks off the global calendar of Fashion Weeks, that will take place in Paris, Milan, and London. Ill be reporting you guys at the end of the week, all of the fashion trends for Fall 2012.

But for now, here is a refresher of a few trends from Spring Fashion Week that took place in September...

1. Brights and Neons

2. Athletic Chic

 3. Romantic Dresses with ladylike silhouettes

 4. Metallics

 5. Polka Dots

 6. Tangerine

 7. Peplum Accents

 8. Art Deco

 9. Whites

Keep on the look out for my updates next week on the new fads for this Fashion Week!

-Katie

Love Letter

Happy Wednesday! Just thought I'd share the love with a free Valentines Post Card printable. These are absolutely precious and are candy heart chevron. Print it out on A6 PostCards and viola! you have yourself the cutest Valentine in town for your Mom, beau or bff!

Print this postcard here

- Katie

Make Statement

The best way to spice up a 'blah' outfit is with a statement piece of jewelry...my favorite, the necklace. Also known as a bib or collar necklace, a statement necklace can add sparkle to a evening gown or be a bold addition to an everyday outfit. Make sure to go with a minimally detailed outfit or dress and use the necklace as a centerpiece. Here are some models and celebs who nailed the art of a "statement necklace"!

 Love the gold against creme with a black clutch, a timeless look.

 A Tribal Bib Necklace is a perfect pairing with bright colors

 I LOVE this look. The dress is simple and the color pairing of nude and turquoise is fabulous.

 Oh Olivia. She always does it right. Once again, a minimal outfit is done up with a statement piece

 Love the turquoise pop of color against her olive skin tone and dark hair.

 Although there is lace detail on this top/dress, the necklace still works. Beautiful combination.

Dressing up a taffeta blouse. Would be paired with simple pencil slacks and ballet flats.

With this fad, there isn't the need to spend every dime you've got. Stores such as Zara, H&M, Forever 21 and others are catching onto the lovable trend and selling it at your local retailer. Here are some beautiful statement pieces that I love that are found off the runway. And of course, there is a splurge or two. 

J.Crew

 Tory Burch

 J. Crew

YSL

Have a great day!

-Katie

Be Mine

Here it comes. That day that few like, a lot of people hate and some await....Valentines Day. Whether cupid has bit your butt or not, here are some ideas for this Valentines Day. Your admirer will fall into a sweet, indulgent bliss. I always love baking for this holiday, but even if you don't have a beau to bake for, its still fun to indulge in some sweets for yourself! Forget the boxed chocolates, home made treats are a more thoughtful and divine way to swoon your admirer!

I cant tell you what Ill be making because my dearest tends to read my posts ;) but Ill be sure to share at a later date. You can find Valentines Day recipes here!

xoxo

-Katie

XLVI

Happy Superbowl Sunday! Here's how my cake pops turned out! Wishing everyone a relaxing and fun Sunday Funday!

-Katie

DIY

My Mom and  Chip's sister, Anna, both just had a birthday approaching so I decided to paint them serving trays for their homes! A trendy serving tray is perfect for on top of a home bar or bar cart, for holding books or coasters on a coffee table, entertaining indoor or out, to take on the boat, picnics, etc. Homemade gifts are thoughtful and this one will only cost you $8 per project! 

Heres how..

I bought this lightweight tray from Michaels so it would easily be grabbed and fit into a boat bag for lunch out on the water! Michaels had this tray on clearance for a thrifty $3.99!

I used Michaels brand CraftSmart Paints in Khaki, White, Navy and Pink. Michaels Brand paint costs $0.64 a piece!

Instructions

1. I painted 3 coats of white CraftSmart Paint to cover thoroughly and evenly with a small sponge brush

2. I painted the insides of the tray with the color but this is optional! Be creative!

3. I hand drew chevron zig zags with pencil to map out my design.

(*If you have a hard time free handing, here is a tutorial on how to paint chevron!)

4. Paint every other chevron stripe khaki with a small paint brush for detail

5. Repeat khaki coat as desired

6. Print out a design or monogram and hold against a window tracing the outside of the figure on the back side of the paper (the side without ink)

7. After initially tracing the design, go over it again with a sharpened pencil. You want to make sure the outline has a lot of lead so it rubs off!

At this point you should see the chevron design and the tray is finished and ready for a monogram or design!

8. Place the design ink up on the tray. The penciled side should be on the tray. Take the design this way

9. Use a pencil or pen to quickly rub back and forth on the top of the design. This will make the lead come off onto the wood so the image is traced on the tray! (Similar to leaf rubbings from elementary school!

10. Use the newly stenciled design to hand paint it with whatever color you choose using a small detailed paintbrush.

anddd the finished produccttt.....

I suggest sealing your project with polyurethane or ModgePodge, especially if you intend to use it outdoors or as a place for drinks! Happy Crafting :)

-Katie

Kickoff Pleasers

Well Superbowl Sunday is falling quickly upon us! I recently made a Jalapeno Popper Dip for a Monday night Bachelor viewing party and it was quite tasty! It was effortless and achieves the spicy taste of a jalapeno popper without the added effort!  It took about 10 minutes to prepare, baked for about 15 and made a hefty portion! Here is the recipe:

2 (8 ounce) packages of Cream Cheese (room temp)

1 cup of mayonnaise

1 cup shredded Mexican Blend Cheese

1/2 Cup of Parmesan Cheese

1 (4 ounce) can Chopped Green Chiles

1 (4 ounce) can Sliced Jalapenos

1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

1/2 stick butter (melted)

The recipe says use a food processor, add the first 6 ingredients and process until smooth, but I just mixed it with a spoon and it worked just fine! You do not need to drain either can of peppers. Spread the dip into a greased 2-quart casserole. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter; mix well. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over the dip and bake in a preheated 375 degree F. oven for about 20 minutes. You want the top to get browned and the dip to be heated through and bubble gently on the edges. I served mine with crackers but it was also great with tortilla chips!

Here are some other great ideas for Superbowl Snacks that I found on Pinterest! These football inspired recipes can be found here!

I am looking forward to making the Football Cake Pops found here! I have made a similar recipe before but these are in the shapes of footballs. The recipe is easy and the cake is decadent!  Happy Cooking!

-Katie

Currently Obsessed

Two things thats are my weakness, jewelry and anything nautical. Have you seen Kate Spade's new line? Um... currently obsessed is an understatement. She designs the most charming and exquisite  pieces. Even better, they wont break your budget, some of the smaller pieces run under $100! I love it all, especially the nautical knots and anchors but here are a few other pieces...

Anchors Away Short Link Necklace

$178

Sailors Knot Hinged Bangle

$78

Anchors Away Ring

$48

 Squared Away Statement Necklace

$398

All Aboard Mini Boat Studs

$48

Say Yes Bon Voyage Necklace

$78

All Aboard Studs

$48

Glossy Garden Graduated Necklace 

$328

Valentines Day is coming up...just leave that Kate Spade computer screen up on the boyfriends computer ;) You can find the website here. Good luck!

-Katie

Al Naturale

Okay, Im not one to wear a lot of makeup. Actually, I really only wear it on the weekends and usually never do in the summer, however, when the occasion arises I always rely on the "al naturale" look. A little bit of bronzer over the forehead, cheek bones, nose, chin and neck. , a touch of pink cheeks, a few strokes of mascara and nude lips are my 'go to' for adding a little extra natural glow. Here's how to achieve the look!

Tarte Smooth Operator Illuminating Serum /Bobby Brown Bronzing Powder / Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara / Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Tipsy Coral / Stila Lip Glaze in Kitten / Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler/ Sephora Collection Classic Bronzer Brush #44

All of these products can be found at your local Sephora or Ulta! Have a great week!

-Katie

Neutrals

I have found that sometimes, less is more. I have always decorated with bright colors and accent pieces, but recently I have began to love the look of a neutral palette in home decor. Khakis, grays, olives, creams, and whites all bring a clean, crisp look to your home. I especially love the look of burlap, a pop of color from a plant or flowers with green foliage in a living or dining room and also, exposed wood or the look of stainless steal appliances against neutral walls in a kitchen. Here are some examples of how a neutral palette can bring a refreshing look to your home...

The master of the neutral look is Restoration Hardware. For inspiration, look here.

Have a great day!
-Katie