Dress- Banana Republic (on sale!) // Sandals- Banana Republic, similar here & here // Handbag- Rebecca Minkoff, love this satchel // Earrings- Old, similar // Bracelets- Heart of Stone; Heart of Stone; similar here // Necklace- Kendra Scott, almost exact here

I've had my eye on this dress for a while but they never had my size in stock in the stores i've visited. Finally, during a trip to Boston I found it! It may have been a petite size but hey, I found it and there was an amazing deal on it too! You'll have to excuse the very obvious wrinkles though because your girl still needs to find a steamer.

Well. It's been about a month hasn't it? Whew, I am so happy to get back on here! I didn't mean to take such a long break but i'm glad it happened because it made me realize just how much I love doing this thing called blogging. Anyway, I hope you all have been having a great summer so far. I can't believe people/stores are already stocking up the sweater and boots. Don't get me wrong, I love when the leave turn colors but let me wear a few more sun dresses before I break out the leggings haha!

Thanks for reading, y'all!! xo

Turquoise Blazer

Blazer- Banana Republic (on sale!)

Tee- Gap, almost identical

Denim- Gap

Shoes- Banana Republic, similar

Bag- Rebecca Minkoff, similar

Earrings- Banana Republic

Necklace- Kendra Scott

When you mix my obsession with blazers and smack the color turquoise on one then all is right in the world of Catharine (imagine what a pink one would do ha!). It's just what I was looking for to get my out of the black and grey slump from winter. It adds the pop I was looking for while keeping me warm in the still cool weather. While on the subject of spring and blazers I thought i'd just throw this one out there. It's a statement but oh my goodness does it look stunning on.

Easter is so close and as usual I haven't found a dress yet. Nothing is popping out at me this year. Suggestions on styles or stores are most welcome! (;

Thanks for reading! xo

2015 February Favorites...

Bean Boots/ Striped Turtleneck/ Girly Book/ NYX Concealer/ Pink Earrings

Here's what i've been loving in the month of February...

1- This has been the month of snow. As you all are probably aware of considering how much I have talked about it. Snow = Bean Boots.

2- The softest, comfiest turtleneck tee ever. I have to restrain myself from wearing it everyday. Such a great layering piece!

3- I've really been into reading books for fun lately, and this has to be my favorite right now. It's such a cute book! I seriously can't wait for the sequel coming out in May! Now I really want to read this book....

4- I don't know why I ever stopped using this concealer. It was probably due to not being around an Ulta at the time of need. I tried it out last year and fell in love.

5- I have posted these so many times this month and I am really sorry! It's like I just bought them so I was going crazy and wanted to wear them everyday. 

6- Coffee. Oh my goodness, I love coffee anyway but this month I have just been inhaling it. I don't need but one cup of caffeine so I just drink it mostly for the taste, and I think it's due to the glorious amount of local coffee on the cape. Seriously there are only 3 Starbucks and my taste buds are not a huge fan anymore. Sorry Starbs! I still love your tea though!

This is my last post for 2 weeks (insert crying face)! I'm heading to South Africa on Monday for a missions trip, but I will be back soon so no worries. Follow along on my Instagram though because i'm going to try and post leaving/coming back- @catlyonc 
Thank you so so much y'all!! xxo

Messy Braids Tutorial...

I have to say, I am pretty excited for this post. I have worn this braid quite a bit lately, and it may or not be because I want to be Elsa with all this snow outside.

First off, this girl lovesss volume, so dry shampoo and a lot of teasing are necessary. I have naturally straight but flat hair so curling is also a way to up the do. But, if big hair is not your thing then no worries, it's a step you can skip.

 I usually do this hairstyle on 2nd or 3rd day hair. 

Next up, take a small piece of hair from the front and section it into three different pieces. Begin to braid while pulling the hair towards the back of your head.

 I sometimes start braiding closer to my scalp but my baby hairs wouldn't allow it this time. After you finish the braid, start to pull the pieces out very gently. This makes the braid look a little thicker than it actually is.  

Pin the first braid to the back of your head with a bobby pin. 

Then grab the rest of your hair and section that off into three different pieces.

 Start to tightly braid that chunk.

Secure all that hair with an elastic. 

Pull out the pieces of that braid like the first braid.

 I have layers so I have lots of random hairs sticking out, but that is totally okay, hence the name "messy braids". If you don't like loose locks then just tuck then in with a bobby pin.

Lastly, spray a little hairspray just to make sure everything stays put. 

Voila! You're all done. Once you get the hang of this look then it should take you under 5 minutes, and who doesn't like quick, easy, fancy braids?

Top- Juliana's (out of stock), 10% off your purchase w/code: lstf10

Earrings- Kendra Scott

Bracelet- Susie Raine

Products used:

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Herbal Essence Hairspray

Teasing Comb

Thank you so much for reading!!

Catharine

The Dream Is Better....

Blazer- Body Central [similar here & here]

Peplum top- Francesca's [similar; love this]

Skirt- Piperlime (on major sale!)

Heels- DSW

Clutch- Susie Raine

Earrings-Kendra Scott

Oh me, oh my.... You know when you've been dreaming of a blog post for about a month, and you're sure it's going to be killer? Well that's exactly what this outfit is. I had the outfit, time, location, lighting all planned to the T. Well... lighting-no, location-no, outfit-no. The worst part is that i'm sure my momma highly dislikes me right now; i've begged her almost everyday to take pictures and I bark orders at her while we take the them. She also has to stand outside while it's below freezing, windy, and snowy..... Yeah.... Sorry Mumzy!

 I know y'all have probably wondered why I haven't posted lately and why I am off schedule but I have a reason. Last week my family and I headed down to South Carolina, which is a 2 day drive for us, for a funeral. My family comes first so I didn't want to take time away for anything else. Also, this week has just been cold, gloomy, snowy, and just typical New England weather so I haven't been able to get pictures. I'll be back to normal soon though!

Thanks so much for reading!

Catharine

Juno...

Coat- Old Navy

Sweater- Forever 21

Denim- American Eagle

Booties- Nordstrom Rack [similar here & here]

Earrings- Kendra Scott

Gloves- Neiman Marcus (on major sale!)

Sunnies- Forever 21 [similar here & here]

I thought the color of these Kendra Scott earrings was perfect for summer, but wow are they perfect for winter too! They add that pop of color you need in an outfit. I am craving all things warm weather and bright vibrant colors and these earrings fit the bill.

So you may wonder about the title of this post. As probably most of you know, the Northeast got slammed with a blizzard, or shall I say #blizzardof2015 or #Juno. I'm sure everyone who follows me on Instagram is getting a little tired of hearing about this storm. But it was my first blizzard, so it's kind of a big deal for me.... We ended up getting around 3 feet of snow (basically it was up to my waist). It.was.crazy. 

I hope you all have the best weekend, and thanks for stopping by!

Catharine 

CYBER MONDAY STEALS...

Piperlime- 30% off sitewide + extra 40% off sale items with code: CYBERSALE

Ann Taylor- 50% off entire purchase with code: CYBER50

GAP- 40% off your entire purchase with the code: CYBER

H&M- 30% off + Free Shipping on orders $50 or more with code: 2896

Modcloth- 25% off entire purchase with the code: CYBERMONDAY

Nordstrom Rack- 30% off clearance + Free Shipping on order $100 or more

Nordstrom- Up to 40% off

Old Navy- 40% off with code: CYBER

Kate Spade- 30% off with code: CYBER30

ASOS- 30% off with code: ILOVEMONDAYS

C. Wonder- 40% off store-wide

Dee Keller- 30% off with code: BLACKFRIDAYWEEKEND

Banana Republic- 40% off with code: CYBER

French Collection- 40% off with code: FC40BF

Joie- 25% off with code: THANKS

LOREN HOPE- 20% off with code: THANKFULLY

Kendra Scott- 15% off with code: BFCM2014

Madewell- 25% off with code: GIFTON

SHOPBOP- 15% off $250 & 20% off $500 with code: GOBIG14

Tory Burch- 20% off $300, 25% $500, 30% off $750 with code: LUCKY

Cyber Monday is the definition of perfect to an online shopaholic. You get (most of) the great deals that are there on Black Friday but you get to shop in the comfort of your home and with just a few clicks. It just couldn't get an better! I have rounded up some of my favorite sales going on for you; keep in mind you have 12 hours or under to grab these deals!! 

In other new, I just got back from my trip down to South Carolina for Thanksgiving and all I have to say is that my feet are practically dying of praise because I am finally giving them a break! Seriously... busiest. week.ever. I had the absolute best time but I am glad to be back at my MA home. Now bring on alllllll things Christmas!

Thanks for stopping by!

Catharine

Hanging onto Summer Colors....

Top- Forever 21 [similar]

Skirt- LuLaRoe, no longer available [similar; love this!]

Pumps- DSW

Sunnies- Nordstrom

Earrings- Kendra Scott

Necklaces- Kendra Scott, color not available [love this]; A gift

Bracelet- Susie Raine

 The excitement I have for today's post is unreal! About a month ago LuLaRoe contacted me about their brand, and I was thrilled to pick out some of their goodies. I was unsure about how everything would look and fit since it was a new brand, but when the package came in, I was over the moon! They were beyond my expectation! LuLaRoe has great staples that you can literally style any way you want, and they can fit just about any size. You might want to order a size or two smaller than what you would normally buy just because the clothes are made to fit a little loose for comfort. The perfect way to describe LuLaRoe is in their own words,"LuLaRoe exists to give women comfortable, simple, stylish clothing." I could not be happier with their products, and the customer service is the absolute sweetest! I am already jumping out of my seat ready to style the other pieces I received! 

A huge thank you to LuLaRoe and a thank you to you for reading!

Catharine

Wednesday Wishlist

Camel Sweater, Herringbone Vest, Burgundy Skirt, Faux-Leather Skirt, Destroyed Denim, Leather Booties, Cheetah Slippers, Burgundy Earrings, Tory Burch Cross-Body, Kate Spade Agenda, MAC Lip Pencil in 'Soar', MAC Lipstick in 'Fleshpot', Dior Lip Maximizer , Laura Mercier Foundation


I know what y'all are thinking... those slippers are wild!! Why yes, they are most definitely wild and I need them in my life. I NEED them. So bad. Last year, when we first visited Cape Cod in the winter, my feet had become icicles. Therefore, those $125 would be put to good use! And if that isn't enough they are cheetah print, fuzzy, have a bow on them, and are Kate Spade. It's a "duh" moment for me. 

Thank you for listening to my rant! Now moving on. I am big into the color burgundy this fall, and it doesn't help that I am a big Carolina Gamecock fan. I love bold colors on lips but I can never really pull them off, or I just don't feel like going into the grocery store with bright red lips. So when I saw this look I knew I had to try it out for the days I don't feel like putting on much color! Also, I have heard amazing things about the Laura Mercier Foundation, and I am still on the hunt for that perfect foundation for my skin. If you have any suggestions please let me know! Distressed jeans are HUGE this season; again still looking for that perfect match for me. I just can't justify $200 for a pair of jeans quite yet. Just a little secret between you and me, that sweater is only $16!! And yep, those are yet another pair of booties. With a bow on them. And they are Kate Spade. Funny how I can't justify $200 jeans but I sure can justify a $350 pair of booties. 

I'm thinking about doing a "Wednesday Wishlist" every week. Let me know your feed back!

Sorry this was uber long!! Thanks for reading!

Catharine      

Sandy Toes with A Messy Bun & Collab with Southern Stylenomics

Top- J Crew Factory

Shorts- American Eagle

Sunnies- Nordstrom

Earrings- Old, similar

Necklaces- Etsy; Flamingo was a gift

Today I am so excited to say that I am collaborating with my sweet friend Ariana, from Southern Stylenomics, to bring you our picks on styling white shorts for the summer!! Ariana and I go way back so that makes this collab even more fun. She always has an adorable outfit on, which makes me kinda jealous. I mean this girl is always looking her best; even in a pair of norts and a t-shirt. So go check out her blog (for all the details on her outfit), Twitter, and Instagrams (here and here)! No excuses, y'all! 

Happy Monday!

Catharine  

Bow Overload...

Top- Forever 21 [love both]

Skirt- Juliana's  (use code: lstf10)

Pumps- Lulu's

Earrings- Kate Spade

Necklace- Kendra Scott, not online [similar]; Etsy

Bracelet- Susie Raine

Tulle. Twirly. A bow. I mean, there really is nothing more girly than this skirt. If they had it in pink, you better believe I would snatch that little thing up. I know you have seen me in this top about a million and one times, but I thought it just went along with the blue and bow theme. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it online anymore. But I found this top and had to hold on to something to keep from falling off balance. 

It's moving week. Need I say more? 

Thanks for reading, mwah!

Catharine