gold rush

Painting my nails is kind of  definitely an obsession of mine. I die a little inside every time the polish chips, so needless to say, the color is constantly changing. Surprisingly enough, I've found a color that I'm so attached to I think it just might have some staying power,

 GOLD.

Fossil watch, Topshop ring, mom's bangles

At first, I thought the gold might be a little tacky... but I have to say, coupled with a some accessories in the same shade -watch, ring, and a stack of bangles- I'm in love. 

Savvy in Golden Honey

What's your favorite shade this winter?

peace,

Katina

Recent Obsession

LEOPARD SCARVES

I'm not much for animal prints, but I can't get over how much I want one of these. Scarves are a winter staple, but I've been seeing more and more of these around campus. And it's not just JMU that has jungle fever, celebs everywhere are rocking winter's coolest accessory.

Ashley Olsen in a Kashmere leopard scarf

Pippa Middleton in a Panthera Scarf by Temperly London

Ashley Olsen's leather jacket scarf combo gives off an edgy vibe compared to Pippa's polished look. I definitely need to add one of these to my current scarf collection. My pick? J. Crew's cashmere blend.

What's your obsession this season?

peace,

Katina

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 Tribal is here to stay! 

The trend that was everywhere this summer is transitioning into fall and winter with the addition of some warmer knits. These chunky pancho-like cardigans are a great way to incorporate a fun pattern into your wardrobe while still staying warm as you trek across campus. 

Here are some of my favorites:

Southwestern-Pattern Wrap Cardigan from Old Navy 

Sabra Sweater from Billabong

Love Letter Sweater from Billabong

I couldn't resist the trend and decided to try it out for myself with this colorful Roxy cardigan I found at PacSun (in the Valley Mall) for just under $45! 

How will you go tribal this season?

 peace,

     Katina

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Lipstick.

The one cosmetic product I’ve never really given a chance. For some reason, I always identify it with being 4 years old and playing in my mom’s makeup drawer. Last weekend, I decided to suspend my ban and try on this season’s hottest shade: red.

Wet n' Wild in 520E (creative name.. I know)

I never thought I’d say it, but with the right outfit (a loose black and white striped tank and black skinny jeans) I can see myself swiping on some lipstick every now and then.

What’s your favorite shade for fall?

peace,

Katina

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PRSSA is holding a Denim Drive this month. I’m sure you’ve seen the cute signs around campus: “Drop Your Jeans for a Good Cause.”

All the collected denim will be recycled into housing insulation for communities in need. The goal is 500 pieces, enough to insulate one whole house! Throughout the month, boxes will be located around campus and events will be held on the Commons October 18^th, 20^th, and 26^th and the Farmers’ Market October 15^th and 22^nd.

As secretary of the organization, I’ve been trying to collect as much denim as possible, aka- raiding my closet and reassessing my past denim choices (low rise flare.. like really?)

All this denim talk has me thinking about one of my favorite fall trends: denim on denim. Meaghan O. showed you her [awesome] take on denim on denim a few weeks ago. I decided to find the pieces I needed around Harrisonburg… and for less than $50.

The key to rocking the denim trend is to choose two different washes. If the shades of denim are too similar, it may just look like you’re wearing a denim jumpsuit… and that is a trend for another day year.  With just a little searching I found a chambray shirt on sale from J. Crew and dark wash jeggings at Target for $20. I wore my finds to CrossKey's winery this week for my friend's birthday (center).

            So go raid your closet, update your denim, and DROP YOUR JEANS FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

Bins located in ECL, Carrier, Festival, UREC, Downtown Library, Friendly City Food Co-Op

Don’t forget to follow the denim drive  @JMUDenimDrive and like Cotton. From Blue to Green® Denim Drive! On Facebook. 

peace,

Katina

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Guess what guys...
                               it’s vest weather. 
What is vest weather you ask? That extremely short period of time in the fall when it’s too warm to wear a coat but just slightly too cold for you to be perfectly comfortable without anything. Basically, it’s the only appropriate time to wear a vest.


I’m talking army green, drawstring, industrial like the ones below (not so much your grandpa’s vest.)

Mara Hoffman

Madewell

I'm not immune to the trend either. This is how I wore my vest (purchased on sale at J. Crew obviously.. this is cheap-and-chic after all.)

J. Crew 

So hurry up and wear those vests before the season is over!

peace,

Katina

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I love black nail polish. Fall, winter, spring, summer- I wear it regardless of the season. Despite my love affair, I'll admit, it can be a little.. oh I don’t know.. harsh. 

Cue “almost black” nail polish. Usually in a dark purple, blue, or brown- these colors are just a shade short of black. These dark hues have a ton more dimension than average black and look good with everything. 

Zoya in Nina

OPI in Lincoln Park After Dark

Lately I’ve been craving these colors and set out to find a cheap version.. the cheapest possible.

Milani Nail Lacquer in Black Cherry

 The bottle I decided on was only $2.99 from Martin's  and after 2 coats is the perfect purplish black.

What's your go-to polish for fall?

peace,

Katina

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Have you heard of Birchbox?

The company, started in 2010 by two female Harvard grads, is revolutionizing the idea of beauty supply. While many of us wander through the aisles of Sephora wistfully looking at products we probably can’t afford, Birchbox has taken a new approach- four to five high-end beauty samples delivered to your door for a flat fee of $10 a month. That’s less than I spend at Greenberry’s in a week!

Birchbox founders, Hayley Barna and Katia Beauchamp

To sign up you fill out a profile so the items you get in your “Birchbox” are customized just for you. The items include skincare and hair products, makeup, and perfume from companies including STILA, benefit, Kiehls, NARS, and Smashbox just to name a few. After trying the sample items, you can order the full size from Birchbox’s website. Sounds better than trial and error to me. (Also, they have a really cool blog I'm about to add to my google reader)

I definitely think it's time for me to take a look at my budget and work Birchbox into my life!

peace,

Katina

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Target’s website crashed on Tuesday, and the debut of the affordable and stylish Missoni line is to blame. The line created so much hype that Target’s website couldn’t handle all the traffic.

Missoni, started in 1953 in Milan, has created a collection for the affordable retailer spanning everything from clothes and shoes to home décor, luggage, and even electronic accessories. Their iconic zigzag stripe can be spotted all throughout the store. Today I decided to visit Target and check it out for myself, unfortunately it appeared that every other girl at JMU beat me to it. Still, I thought I would share some of my favorites:

I absolutely love this sweater dress! It's cute and simple with just the right amount of Missoni's signature pattern.

Every girl at JMU understands the importance of a good pair of rain boots. I can definitely see this colorful pair brightening my day... no pun intended.

I must have this sweater. I know it's out of stock, but I'm literally going to be stalking Target until they have it back. The cardigan is definitely one of Missoni's more subdued items but I think I could wear this everyday. literally, everyday.

What are you favorite Missoni for Target items?

peace,

Katina

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The weather lately has made me realize something- I have literally no jackets for fall. None. (Also I left all my pants at home.. it’s been a rough week to say the least.) Target once again to the rescue. Right now Target has a great selection of cute lightweight jackets equipped with great hardware and detailing that will get me through fall. Oh, and most importantly, they’re inexpensive. The three jackets below were each $39.99! My favorites were a couple of their leather jackets and a quilted jacket that I swear looks just like one I saw in England for double the price.

Side-Zip Moto Jacket in Red Bean

Bomber Jacket in Mocha

Quilted Stand Collar Jacket in Hemlock

These jackets are available in a variety of colors but these were my favorite for fall. The browns and army green will go with just about anything in my closet. All week I’ve been wishing summer would come back, but these jackets are making fall look a lot better. What are your favorite items for fall?

peace,

Katina

back to school sale!

It's about time for all you dukes to head back to JMU and what better way to start off the school year than with a few fresh additions to your wardrobe? All weekend Mint is offering a 30 to 50% sale on shoes and summer items. After all, why unpack when you can shop?

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What’s this summer’s best accessory? A great tan, obviously! It makes almost every outfit look just a little better (okay lets be real- A LOT better). Tragically, not all of us have time to spend hours lounging by the pool, especially with finals week approaching.

Thankfully, being locked in ECL is no excuse to miss out on a killer tan. After trying just about every self-tanner on the market, my friend Caitlin told me about Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa lotion in Strike Gold and it’s quickly become my favorite. The lotion is tinted and immediately gives you a bronzed shimmer, making it incredibly easy to apply evenly. By the next day it already looks like you’ve clocked some serious beach hours. Oh and the best part- it smells amazing unlike most self-tanners out there (Jergens lovers, you know who you are.)

[Bronzing Self-tanning Lotion in Strike Gold $15]

Right now Bath and Body Works is offering a buy 2 get 1 free deal on True Blue Spa items, meaning if you purchase the lotion and body scrub (exfoliating is the key to an even tan) you can get an additional product for free! I chose to get the solar power tanning spray… ridiculous and unnecessary, I realize.In terms of exfoliating, I recommend True Blue Spa's Need a Margarita sugar body scrub. It love the citrus scent. If you can't take a break to drink a margarita during finals, you might as well smell like one!

[Refreshing Citrus Body Scrub in Need a Margarita, $13.50]

Let me know what your favorite self-tanner is!

peace,

Katina

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Cute stuff, right? I was running some errands in Target this morning when this display caught my eye:

Although I can see myself wearing each and every one of these studded leather bracelets (and for $16.99 and under I can actually afford to) I was immediately drawn to one in particular. The navy blue and gold cuff, my bracelet soulmate, is seated on the bottom row second from the right. Unfortunately, I had to run to class and part with the cuff but I couldn't help but think I've seen it before.

... so I did a little research.

What I found was that my Target bracelet looks strikingly (and a bit suspiciously) like the Hermes Collier de Chien Cuff... but I'll let you be the judge:

The Collier de Chien Cuff, which translates into "collar of the dog," was in fact originally created in the 1930s for a customer's dog before the design was adapted into a bracelet. Despite it's unusual origin, the cuff manages to mix leather and hardware to create a luxe look. The iconic Hermes' piece, available in a variety of metals and leathers (including crocodile), will run you at least $700.

Until I win the lottery, I think I'll stick with the Target version, and for $17 they managed to do an impressive job getting the details right.

Have you found any designer deals lately?

peace,

Katina

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With the weather warming up, it’s time pack away my winter wardrobe and break out my shorts. This year’s high-waisted trend has me thinking it’s time to update my style and trade in those barely-there bottoms. Luckily I found the PERFECT pair of shorts- moderately high rise, not too short and cuffed- at Urban Outfitters. The Urban in Charlottesville is only about 45 minutes away and a great excuse for weekend day-trip!

My dream shorts, also called the BDG 5-Pocket Short, come in a variety of colors and washes including indigo, vintage denim light (aka white), dazed, black, and dark grey. For under $40, I think I might just have to splurge and get three pairs- a light wash for everyday and a darker wash and white pair that can be worn to class or easily dressed up with heels.

[Vintage Denim Light]

[Dazed]

[Indigo]

I hope the weather stays warm so I can break in all three pairs! Have you found any good deals on shorts lately?

peace,

Katina

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There’s a word to describe the weather today- gross. Windy, cold, wet.. needless to say, I’m not a fan. Luckily, I have a rainy day cure all- a fresh coat of polish! My go to color for spring is coral. It instantly puts me in a better mood, plus it’s flattering on everyone!

Luckily, Target has a good selection of my favorite shade, all for under $8

You’re an angel and The right thing [Nicole for OPI, $7.19]

Mango Bango and Peach Daquiri [Essie, $7.79]

I hope these shades brighten your weekend as much as mine! Have you found and good deals on polish lately? Let me know!

peace,

Katina

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What could be better than a purse? ....a satchel.

The purse’s trendy cousin is definitely in this season. Whether it’s a neutral, metallic, or a punchy bright- you can’t go wrong! Luckily I found a wide selection of satchels (reasonably priced, of course) at T.J. Maxx.

Here are my top finds:

neutrals

[Tignanello, 49.99- compare at $109]

I love the chain-link lining in this one!

[Tignanello, $34.99- compare at $58]

[Nine West, $24.99- compare at $42]

[Miztique, $19.99- compare at $35]

metallics

The color of this bag goes with everything and the gold clasp makes it look alot pricier than it's $20 price tag.

[Vieta, $19.99- compare at $45]

[Nine West, $34.99- compare at $39]

brights

For only $7.50, this bag is a steal- and who couldn't love the color?

[Nine West, $7.50- compare at $40]

Have you found any good deals on bags lately?

peace,

Katina