Outfit of the Day- Sunday Steal

Hey Cats!

I usually try to post at least once a week if not more, but this past week and a half has been very busy! I finally got a job, so I’ve been working every day, and when I get home all I really want to do is lay down and play Candy Crush. I love having a job, but it’s hard getting used to working all the time! Also, last weekend I went to visit my old roommate/one of my good friends Ashley in College Station. It was great to see her and wonderful to be back, even if it was just for a little while! While I was there, I did a little shopping at a few of my favorite College Station-only spots, and I found this gorgeous dress on sale at Northgate Vintage for only $14.50! Talk about a steal. As you may know from one of my previous posts, I am obsessed with Northgate Vintage. It’s a great place to find pieces for your Single Girl Closet on your College Girl Budget.

I love the colors of this dress, and the floral/damask print! I also love the exposed, contrasting zipper. It’s very different from any of my other dresses, which is great because I feel like they’re all the same! I was really excited to wear this to church today, and here’s what I paired it with:

I chose my Steve Madden nude heels because I thought they would look great with the blush background of the dress, and my Kendra Scott Elle earrings in turquoise! I didn’t add a lot of jewelry because of the intricate pattern on the dress. While I am absolutely obsessed with this outfit, I want to be able to wear this dress in different ways! Any suggestions?

That’s all for meow!

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In My Closet- Leopard Print Flats

Hey Cats!

I’ve decided to start a new blog  series called “In My Closet”! As of right now, I’m planning on featuring a piece from my wardrobe that I believe is a staple of the fashion-forward young woman. I’m not sure how often it will be, but stay tuned!

Today I chose leopard print flats. I commented to a reader recently that leopard print was my favorite neutral, and it’s really the truth. The print includes both brown and black, so it goes with literally everything! I bought these a couple of years ago, and I still love them so much!

I fell in love with the Steve Madden version, but they were way out of my price range. Fortunately, I was able to find a cheaper pair at Kohl’s from Candie’s that was much better for my college-girl budget! As you know, I am obsessed with the smoking slipper style, but you could totally do regular ballet flats, or the trendy pointy-toe flat! I wear these with jeans and just about any top, colored jeans, leggings, and even shorts. They seem like they would be a trendy addition, but I firmly believe every woman should have a pair of leopard flats. They are the perfect way  to add a little interest to any ensemble without being too flashy, and I don’t think they’re going out of style anytime soon! So if you don’t have any, you should go pick up some fierce footwear!

Stay tuned to see what else is in my closet & on my plate!

That’s all for meow!

The First Ever Sweet Cats! Blog Hop!

Hey Cats!
I recently discovered blog hops, and I decided to host one of my own! Hopefully you can generate more traffic to your blog, and discover new blogs to read!
Here are the rules:
-Add your link. You can link to your homepage or a specific post.
-Grab my button and put it in the bottom of your post.
-Comment on at least one other blog!
Now get to hoppin’!

Review- iPhone Case From Cali’s Cases

Hey Cats!

I have been wanting a monogrammed iPhone case ever since I got an iPhone, but I was afraid to get anything other than an OtterBox because of my clumsy nature. However, I recently decided that I was tired of my OtterBox, and it was time for something cuter! I have been searching for the perfect case for quite some time, and I finally came across Cali’s Cases on Etsy. She has tons of options for every taste, and they very affordable!

I chose this adorable leopard print with a hot pink monogram, because the animal print made me feel really fierce and fabulous. I chose the rubber case, since I felt like it would protect my phone the best. Cali’s ships amazingly fast; I ordered the case on Wednesday and received it on Saturday! Also, the case is more durable than I thought it was going to be. The rubber isn’t flimsy, and the back printed portion of the case is a hard plastic. I was worried about it not protecting my phone as well as my OtterBox, but I think it will hold up pretty well! It’s also a lot slimmer and less bulky than my OtterBox, which is great! So, if you’re looking for a monogrammed iPhone case, I would definitely recommend Cali’s Cases. She also has iPad cases, monogrammed tumblers, decals, keychains, and more affordable monogrammed items! Cali has also offered 10% off of an order for Sweet Cats! readers! Just enter the coupon code “10OFF” when you check out! Let me know how you like it!

That’s all for meow!

Kristen

Need It Now- My Current Obsessions

Hey Cats!

Recently, I’ve gained a new love for jewelry. In the past I found it difficult to find pieces that matched each outfit, but that was only because my collection was too small. So obviously I had to do something about that! Over the past year, my bauble stash has grown considerably (but not too much, I’m on a college girl budget) and I have enjoyed adding variety to my wardrobe with jewelry. I try not to get pieces that are too trendy so I can use them forever, but there are a few pieces that are so “right now” that I’m dying to try!

Above-The-Knuckle Rings

I LOVE these. They’re so dainty and a little bit funky, and they remind me of Phoebe from friends. My friend Kinsey and I were shopping the other day and we found some and completely freaked out because we have been looking for them FOREVER. I didn’t get any, (I so should have) but she did and they’re so cutie! I think they look great with bright nails and a well-stacked wrist! I also love the look of having one on multiple fingers. The ones pictured above are from Children Of Flowers on Etsy. Etsy has a great selection with an excellent price range! I love the chevron, and I also love these simple bands from AlinMay, these with the gorgeous rhinestone detail from JackandHazelStore, and of course, these with the precious heart and triangle detail from Raw Earth Studio. There are so many more that I love, initials, crosses, and many other shapes! There’s something for everyone!

The Stacked Wrist

This image from kate spade new york shows a few variations on the stacked wrist. I like the different materials and color combinations, I think it adds interest and personality to an outfit! I also love anchoring the look with a big watch, like this one from Michael Kors. Another great addition to the stacked wrist is a few of these beautiful beaded bracelets from Lily and Laura&lt. The best thing about a stacked wrist is that you can use what you have, and it never has to look the same!

Layered Necklaces

I have one necklace that I typically wear every day, with a Texas A&M charm and my sorority letters, so I’m usually not into other necklaces, but the layered look is making me think again! I love the look of a few dainty chains of varying lengths with different charms or stones. I’m looking into buying a few to mix with a necklace I found in a vase of old jewelry from Goodwill I received at a white elephant party last Christmas. It has a small gold circle charm that says “LOVE” and it’s adorable. I plan on pairing it with a gold and turquoise cross necklace, like this one from addieladawn on Etsy, and an initial necklace, like this one from mctdesigns on Etsy.

All of these trends are definitely on my “to-buy” list for the summer! What are you loving right now?

That’s all for meow!

Thee Networking Blog Hop!

Hey Cats!

I was just catching up on my pinning, and I came across this blog hop, hosted by The Intentional Blogger! This is my first blog hop, so I’m really excited to discover new blogs, and hopefully gain some new followers for myself!

All you have to do is add your link and follow along! However, there are a few rules, as stated on The Intentional Blogger!
1. Follow The Intentional Blogger on Twitter, Facebook, or by Email. You should also follow Sweet Cats! on Twitter and/or Bloglovin’!
2. No shops, businesses, or giveaways, they will be deleted!
3. Link to your blog’s home page rather than a specific post!

Add your link and get to hoppin’!

That’s all for meow!

How To Handle a Less-Than-Stellar Haircut

Hey Cats!

I have a love/hate relationship with cutting my hair. I always get really excited before I go, but I always leave disappointed and wanting my old hair back. I got my hair cut last week, and I asked for a trim, explaining to my hair lady that I’m trying to grow my hair out. Well, it was a lot shorter than I expected, and she added more layers than I would prefer. Naturally, I panicked and had an unhappy drive home. However, once a few days went by, I got used to it! Here are a few tips on how to deal with a new haircut that you’re not particularly fond of:

1. Don’t Panic! I know this won’t stop you, especially since I told you that I panicked. But try not to, especially when you’re just leaving the salon-it’s not always going to look like it does then!

2. Fix it Yourself- They rarely style my hair at the salon how I would in real life, so when I get home I usually try to make it look somewhat normal. This is helpful if you’re going somewhere after your appointment.

3. Wash it & Fix it Again!- My hair stylist usually uses lots of product in my hair, so I have to wash it either that night or the next day to get it back to normal! The first wash, I would suggest just shampooing and conditioning. Don’t use deep conditioner or any other products so that way your hair can be clean and natural, and you can get a good idea of what you’re working with! Dry it and style like you usually would. I typically find during this stage that it’s not as bad as I thought! I like to have a lot of time when I do this, and try a lot of different styles!

4. If You Still Hate it- give it a couple of weeks! If it’s too short, I would suggest using a strengthening shampoo and deep conditioner to help it grow faster! Or if you’re really unhappy, go back to the salon if that’s in your budget! Just remember that hair always grows back, and there are plenty of hair stylists in the world, and it takes time to find the right one!

Hopefully these tips will help you the next time you encounter a new ‘do that you’re less than impressed with!

That’s all for meow!

Outfit of the Day- Summertime Scarf & Shorts

Hey Cats!

During the summer, I live in solid tees and JCrew shorts! I usually wear them by themselves, but tonight I decided to dress it up a bit!

I started with a simple white tee from Old Navy and black chino shorts from JCrew Factory. I added my favorite scarf from Target for a pop of neon, and finished the look with my turquoise Elle earrings from Kendra Scott and these fabulous gold glitter smoking slippers, also from Target (I got them a while ago, so they don’t have them anymore!)
That’s all for meow!
-Kristen

The Search Begins!

Hey Cats!

I need your expert opinions! Yesterday, as I was getting ready to perform my first official act as Maid of Honor for my sister’s wedding, (YAY! Just meeting with the photographer, but still exciting!) my flat iron died. It just wouldn’t turn on, and I tried everything from resetting the outlets, to resetting the plug, to trying many different outlets, but alas, to no avail. It’s a goner. Luckily, I used my mom’s, but soon when I go back to school, that won’t be an option. Here’s where I need your help! I have used a CHI since the flat iron craze of the early 2000’s, when they were a Big Deal. However, I have gone through countless CHI’s; they seem to last only one or two years, and as we know, they’re not cheap! I am willing to spend money on something, provided it is a good investment and will last a long time, and I’ve come to the conclusion that CHI is no longer cutting it in the reliable department. I am looking into different brands, but I need suggestions! I have heard Hai flat irons and Paul Mitchell are good brands, but I want to be sure I’m getting the best! What flat iron do you use and why do you like it? Thank you for helping a sister out! I’ll let you know what I end up getting!

That’s all for meow!

-Kristen

Recipe- Lovely Lemon Cookies

Hey Cats!

Last night, I had a few friends over to watch The Bachelorette. I personally don’t really believe in the show because I don’t think it’s real life, but I love to watch it just to see how it all unfolds! (Can we talk about how Des sent Robert home? Like, please, he was the best.) It’s also one of those shows that’s just fun to watch with friends and hear everyone’s opinions. It’s only the second week, but my friends and I already have a rotation of who is hosting the watch party, and last night was my turn! None of us are chubsters, but we all love to eat, so I decided to whip up a batch of queso and something sweet! I couldn’t decide what to make, but then I remembered the easy, quick, crowd-pleaser that is the cake-mix cookie. You may recall my Princess Pink Cookies from last summer. I decided to stick with the lemon theme, but change it up a bit! I used a lemon cake mix and added lemon juice and orange juice to the mix to give it a little extra flavor!

You will need:

-1 Lemon cake mix

-2 eggs

-2 tbsp lemon juice

-2 tbsp orange juice

-1/4 cup canola oil

Here’s what you do!

1. Preheat your oven to 350.

2. Now we need to talk about measuring the orange and lemon juices and the oil. The original recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, but since we’re adding the juices, that needs to be reduced! Here’s what I did: First, measure out your 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and pour them into the measuring cup you’re planning on using for your oil, like this:

This should come to about 1/4 cup. Then, slowly pour the oil into the measuring cup until you have 1/2 cup of liquid, like this:

Not difficult at all!

3. Mix together in a large bowl the cake mix, eggs, and oil/juice mixture until completely combined. Because of the juices, the batter has more of a cake batter texture than a cookie dough texture, so it’s not as easy to work with, but still worth it!

4. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes or until brown around the edges. Hopefully they’ll look like this:

My friends told me they loved them, so I guess they’re pretty good! You can try this with any cake mix (though I would omit the orange and lemon juice and use the original recipe) to make any flavor cookies you desire. I thought the lemon was nice and refreshing for summer! I hope you will give this a try, and let me know how it turns out!

That’s all for meow!

-Kristen