It’s a big weekend here in Georgia. UGA is playing Tennessee and the energy is high. We are going to the game and I won’t deny that even I’m a little nervous about the vibe when it doesn’t go someone’s way. Might need a huge popcorn!
We are back from an amazing week of vacation. For our 10-year anniversary, we revisited the exact property where we honeymooned and booked the same location of room for the same amount of days, etc. It was so much fun to be back there, now with a family, three city moves, five homes, our pets are in heaven, and a business… so much has changed and yet at times, it feels like nothing has changed. I’m sure everyone could say that about the last 10 years, right?
I took this black skirt on vacation and was really impressed (outfit here). It’s from a company I discovered on tik tok and they create really well-priced washable silk. I ordered this skirt and a slip dress and I wasn’t as impressed with the dress, but the skirt is fabulous. I will definitely be ordering more.
Does anyone have big plans this weekend? If y’all watch this game, cross your fingers for Georgia! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
It’s already November, which means we are getting started on this year’s gift guides! I wanted to start with my favorite (and most far-reaching) price point, gifts under $50.
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
The thought of a 10-year journal really grabbed me. Such a special thing to leave your thoughts behind like that. We had a 5-year journal of my grandmother who passed from breast cancer in her thirties. I’m sure she never thought that it would be as meaningful as it has been to her children and children’s children.
This tabletop patio lantern is really intriguing to me and I think it could be a fun element for games and gatherings on our patio. Love that it comes in a few sizes.
I will be bringing a gift guide each week over the next 6+ weeks, but feel free to gather inspiration in the righthand menu bar under “Holiday Gifts & Decor.” There is a ton of holiday-related content and gift guides there!
Well, well, well. A very special Friday indeed. I have been looking forward to the “end of October” for what feels like a year because we are heading on a 10-year anniversary trip that is super special.
We really don’t travel without our children during this season when they are so small. But travel is really important to Christian, so even though it takes a lot of coordination to do so, I’m ready! I’ve only been away from Hudson for a week once in three years and I’ve never been away from Theo… so we’ll see how it goes.
I’ve now made this crack chicken chili three times. It’s that good. I am HERE for crockpot/instant pot season. Nothing makes life more simple!
I’ve been saving Luckiest Girl Alive for our travel days. I loved the book and can’t wait to watch Mila Kunis. Who’s seen it?
That’s all I’ve got for now. I’ll be taking a week off from this blog and then will be back at it the week of Halloween. See you then! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
You guys loved our last workwear post, so this week we’re bringing another one with staple items that can be mixed and matched in tons of stylish, classic, and versatile ways.
To shop, click directly on the item or find its matching number below the collage.
I don’t have these pants, but based on how I feel about every other pair of Spanx pants that I own… I probably need them. I love a kick flare. They also look really great with booties.
Everyone needs a classic trench in their closet, in my opinion.
I styled this dress recently in this video, and it’s beyond comfortable. Super strechy, really pretty on, and I love that it also comes in a skirt and shorter dress.
I’ve seen this style of boot on younger gals around down and they style them so cute that it makes me want a pair. I might stick to my beloved moto boot… but I’ve got my eye on these.
I’m bringing this bag with me on vacation and it’s such a great catchall tote. I think it would make a great work bag.
I made this over the weekend when my in-laws were visiting and it was unbelievably easy and a big hit.
This is the recipe, and I baked it in a ruffled pie plate with dusted powdered sugar for a pretty presentation that looks much more labor-intensive than it actually was.
Per the reviews, I used a pint of fresh blueberries rather than frozen berries. Next time I would love to try mixed fruit – would be extra delicious with fresh summer strawberries. Christian even suggested ditching the fruit and adding brown sugar and/or cinnamon and making it more of a bread pudding. Totally possible!
Another fun fall week with lots of get-togethers and enjoying this amazing weather. I love being able to spend time outside when it’s nice. Bonus points for the background of the changing leaves.
I can’t wait to wear these heels. I think they’re so beautiful and will look great with midi dresses and cropped pants. I also got into a big high-top craving and bought these and these. Are you into high-tops or no?
We are hosting family three weekends in a row so between that and gearing up for our anniversary trip this month, the calendar feels busier than usual! Full of great things, but still super full. Trying not to overcommit myself while still taking advantage of all of the fun that comes with living in a college town.
This brings me to the concert I’m going to tonight. When was the last time you heard Blues Traveler? I always love this song, looking forward to hearing them live~
Thanks so much for reading and have a great weekend – XO –
Every season I get questions about what core items are “staples,” and I definitely have a handful of favorites that are on heavy rotation.
Below are some of my personal cooler weather staples. They are pieces that can be layered and styled in many different ways, which makes the investment worth it. They are pieces you can wear year after year!
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
These gold hoops are inexpensive and classic. They come in four sizes. I keep these sunglasses in my car, they look so much more expensive than $12. These loafers are as good of a designer dupe that I can find and I love the color assortment that is offered. The easiest slip-on in the book!
I’ve had these OTK boots for around five years and they are still in such great shape. The cost-per-wear of them is absolutely worth it, the quality holds up and they’re super comfortable. I’m going on my third year of these boots and I LOVE them. I have them in two colors and they make me feel stylish but still comfortable for all-day wear. Waterproof too!
I have this bodysuit in two colors and wore it all winter for the past two years. It’s sleek, flattering, and holds up so well. While we’re talking Spanx, let’s talk about these pants. I will never be able to promote them enough because they are the best. They’ll give you legs for days. You can get 10% off your Spanx order + free shipping with code KATHLEENXSPANX!
This coatigan is a favorite of mine and I’ve convinced multiple gals in my life to purchase it. It remains a bestseller for a reason. I have these jeans and these, love both and wear them weekly.
Tell me what you think about these and if you have any wish list themes you’d love to see. You guys loved the workwear post – I will be mixing more of those in! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I love Halloween. It’s low-pressure and all about fun, costumes, and candy. What’s not to like about that?
Because October 1st happened to be on a Saturday, I pulled out all of the spooky goodies and spent the day putting everything out. I did a lot of it during Hudson’s afternoon nap and his little face and smile when he came downstairs and saw everything – adorable.
Some of these pieces are a few years old, others are new. I linked the decorations that are shoppable at the bottom of this post. I applied the paper bats with painter’s tape and the hats are hung with mini command hooks.
I love seeing over-the-top decorations at other houses! We have a more relaxed approach over here, but it’s still festive enough to feel special. I usually move Hector (the skeleton) outside the week of Halloween and if the weather’s nice, we will put a tie on him or a hat. Hudson likes helping me move him around. Hudson talks to Hector like he’s a real person, it’s so funny.
I can’t wait to share the boys costumes this year! Little kids in costume is just too cute. Thanks so much for reading and if you have a favorite Halloween item, I’d love to hear about it! XO –
Not long ago I shared a reel of some workplace-inspired clothes and I loved seeing so many of you chime in.
Granted, I know everyone’s work dress code is different, but from a background in publishing, banking, and corporate cosmetics… these were things I would wear in those worlds!
I have these pants and these pants, and they are absolute musts in my closets. I wore the flare version to a garden club gathering last night – they look good with everything. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
I’ve nearly bought these booties so many times, I can’t even tell you. I’ve heard they are so comfortable, and clearly, they are so pretty!
I have these loafers and they’re great. Not as comfortable as authentic Gucci slides, but they look great and are perfect for a few hours of wear!
I’m a sucker for a sweater midi dress. This turtleneck one and this classic one are so versatile. I think you’d be wearing them for years to come.
Thank you so much for reading! Let me know if you would like more workplace-themed posts and we can certainly do that. XO –
Reasonably priced long and relaxed coatigan for cold weather?
I’m not sure of your budget, but I personally have three (you read that correctly) of these. I LIVE in them. Think of it like a robe you can wear 24/7.
Do you still love your Leatherology crossbody bag? Thinking of asking for it for Christmas.
Honestly, I ask for that. I just tell my hair colorist that I truthfully don’t come to the salon more than twice a year so I want some dimension but in a way that will grow out in a natural way.
I know Catie and Jess now well enough where I can say, “you know I’m only here twice a year so I need lazy girl balayage.” And they get it!
If you could have one celeb’s closet, who would it be?
WOW. GREAT question. This really made me think!
Torn between Morgan Stewart and Rachel Zoe.
Probably Rachel Zoe.
How do you keep your boys from destroying the house?
Well, Theo can’t move yet. And Hudson has never really been the destructive type. I have always had breakables within his reach and by letting him explore them gently (with my participation), he then just kind of leaves them be.
I don’t have baby-proofing other than gates where stairs are involved and electrical outlet covers. When Theo starts cruising/crawling I will put some sharp corner protective covers on the coffee table.
That being said, if it’s something truly valuable, it’s not within the reach of small hands.
What’s your favorite color and brand of white paint for interiors?
Where is that giant chalkboard from? What do you write on it?
My mom and I made it and then had a frame made to frame it.
I usually have the meals for the week written on it, holiday or birthday messages, drawings, etc. When I have a 0-12 month baby, it has the baby’s schedule on it.
I love your playlists so much! Do you have a favorite for workouts?
Thank you! Yes, I listen to this one for workouts.
Do you have a favorite fall cocktail?
LOVE this question (and I love hearing other people’s cocktail and coffee orders).
Year-round cocktail: two to three shots of Casamigos, two limes over ice with a squeeze of agave.
Fall and winter cocktail: Whiskey Rebellion (also because Christian makes them well)
PS – my current coffee order is an iced latte or regular latte. No syrups or substitutes.
How do you ignore/get past the not-so-nice comments on this platform?
Sadly it’s just a part of the territory. If you’re willing to put yourself out there (especially on the Internet!), criticism will follow. I don’t feel weighed down by the negativity, thankfully. I don’t personally feel I get enough nastiness for it to bother me or cloud the benefits and privileges of my job and platform.
Thank you so much for reading and for sending in your questions! Leave any extras in the comments and I will put them toward October. XO –
Sweater season is coming, my friends. Every morning when I feel that cool breeze, there’s a little hope that I’ll be pulling out my favorite chunky kits truly any day now…
So today I rounded up some of my favorite sweater picks I’ve seen. Stripes, tassels and turtlenecks, oh my! To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
I want all of them, but let’s go throw some of my knowledge of certain styles. From Amazon, this wrap sweater is such a great fit (runs TTS) and comes in a ton of colors. This turtleneck sweater was a pregnancy staple for me and is a look for less of this sweater. I own both the look for less and original and love both!
This coatigan is my favorite sweater ever. Comes in 3 colors and I have 3 of them. So there’s that.
I love neutrals, but a pop of color in the fall and winter is always refreshing. Loving this pink sweater and blue one. Classic hues and fits!
Everlane always has some amazing sweaters and I’m loving this classic camel one and this half zip. I can always count on them to be high quality while also being sustainable, which is very cool.
Have you started snagging fall pieces yet? I want to hear about what you’re excited to wear. Thank you so much for reading! The September Q&A is coming Friday – XO –
CHEERS to the weekend! Really looking forward to unwinding and having some reflection. It’s been a week of perspective, and when that happens it always makes me realize that living a life of hurry is not what I’m after. Hurry hurry hurry is never my goal. I read a whole book about it, in fact (highly recommend!).
I have been so into these shearling slides and can’t stop wearing them. It’s starting to cool down a little, but give me a few more weeks and I’ll be wearing them nonstop.
I am finally caught up with RHOBH and my oh my. We are in for a doozy of a reunion. No one likes to see contention between sisters, but it does make for some layered reality TV. Who else watched it?
I need to start seriously focusing on Halloween costumes. Christian and I have a fun costume event that we plan on attending and we’ll take the kids trick-or-treating, so I need something for everyone. Worst case scenario… can Theo wear his teddy bear helmet and be a bear? Kidding… maybe?
I’ve got a busy day today so that we can chill this weekend – off to get some things checked off the list. I hope everyone has a fantastic and safe weekend! Thank you so much for reading – XO –
