it's a girl!

Okay, it's an it.  But isn't it preeeetty?

It's my new baby for sure, and I just can't get enough.  I'm completely BLOWN AWAY by the image quality.  Now, I just need to learn how to use it.  Right now, I think it's smarter than me...

DOG NAP

Iggy slept for a good 20 minutes like this the other day.  Crazy dog.

WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING

I've been crazy busy the last few weeks, so I thought I'd share a couple of the things I've been working on.  Enjoy!

Save the Date Magnets

Antiqued Back Pocket Invitation

These are custom orders, but you can see my other designs in my etsy shop.

IT'S A GIRL!

Okay, it's an it.  But isn't it preeeetty?

It's my new baby for sure, and I just can't get enough.  I'm completely BLOWN AWAY by the image quality.  Now, I just need to learn how to use it.  Right now, I think it's smarter than me...

TUTU TAKE TWO

Thar' she blows again!

Last Friday's debut of this skirt was a very casual one (much to some of your dismay, which I'm totally cool with, by the way).  Fridays are pretty much the greatest days ever.  I always have things to do, but never have to answer to anyone.  That means I wear whatever I want, so carpe diem I say.

Wednesdays on the other hand, I'm workin' for the man.  Not my man, the man, which means I have to be in front of people, representing a company and all.  Apparently, I couldn't wait to wear this skirt again, and I just love how this remix turned out.  I felt so graceful and wanted nothing more than to dance a twirl all day.

I even did my hair all pretty.  During The Rag and Bone photo shoot, the other model was a hair dresser and styled my hair in the prettiest side chignon.  When I got home, I carefully took it down little by little, taking note of exactly how she had styled it.  And somehow, I managed to recreate it this particular morning.  It's no professional job, but it's just blue collar enough for me!

Enjoy the weekend!

xoxo, Kyla

Shirt: Bitten by SJP, $10 - Skirt: Plato's Closet, $7 - Shoes: Target, $17
Braided Seed Bead Necklace: Gilt, credit

THREE (okay, four) FOR THURSDAY

This top put me out a mere $9 back in the early spring of 2009.  It's been a constant favorite and has even spanned 4 different seasons!  Here's just a few:

August 2009

November 2009

February 2010

June 2010

FLARE

I'm having a love affair with this vest.  I just think it's the coolest thing to happen to my wardrobe at the moment.  It can be thrown over anything to instantly up the style factor without adding too much to the warmth factor.  And I can definitely see this piece working well into the cooler months.  But we're trying not to think about that right now.

If you've been reading my blog since last summer, you may remember this orange maxi.  I don't know what would possess someone to purchase and bright orange floor length dress, but I did.  And I've actually worn it quite a bit, though this is its first wear this year.

I really love how this came together.  Hmmm ... what else can a wear this thing with?

Dress: Ross, $11ish - Vest: Charlotte Russe, $26 - Shoes: Boutique 9, Gilt - Scarf: won from Ocean in Your Bedroom

Q AND A PART 3

 The third installment of of BCC FAQ's (hehe) is just a hodge podge of randomness.  Enjoy!

Have you ever been to New Orleans? If so, what's your favorite thing about New Orleans?  I have never been to NOLA, but I would absolutely love to visit someday.  I've heard amazing things about the city and I just know that I'll love it!

What was your first concert?  My very, very first concert was when I was about 8, and it was The Judds, playing at the local county fair.  I went with my mom and nanny and was so excited about it!  My first non-county-fair concert was Dave Matthews Band at the Vet in Philly, which is no longer there. 

I would love to know if you have any fave food blogs?  I don't really read food blogs.  I've never been much for cooking and do it more out of necessity than joy.  I do, however, read my mother-in-laws blog Months of Edible Celebrations.  I've never met anybody who knows more about food history in my life.  She also makes a pretty mean rice ball!

Or if you have some easy healthy recipes you'd care to share.  My favorite recipes are super quick and easy and taste good.  Right now, I've been big on roasted beets, baked tilapia, taco salads sans chips and egg sandwiches or omelets.  Once in a while, I'll make a big pot of soup or chili and pass on the recipe, but usually, I just keep things pretty simple.  I'm just not much of a cook.

Secondly, I want to ask you if you have ever visited Europe, or my country, the Netherlands?  I have never been to Europe.  YET!  I have been to Mexico and Canada, but have yet to leave my own continent.  I've really been itching to go to Europe.  I would especially love to visit Greece and Italy.  Someday .... oh, someday.

What is your favorite season? Anything but winter!  I really love summer, because I love being outside and all of the activities that come with it.  It's just so much easier to be active.  I also love taking a nap next to a fan on a really hot day!  However, I think I love fall just as much.  I only wish the season was longer.  There's something about the smell in the air, the fairs, the leaves and the blue skies that just make me happy.  Fall activities are pretty stellar, too - pumpkin festivals, campfires and apple cider.  Mmm...

What are your favourite television shows?  I have lots.  Probably way too many.  I love, love, love cop shows.  CSI, CSI: NY, The Closer, SVU and Bones are among my favorites.  I also enjoy heist shows like Burn Notice and Leverage.  Some of my all time favorite shows include Sex and the City, Six Feet Under and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  Perhaps the easier question would have been "what TV show's don't you like?" - haha.

Are you a fan of 'Frasier'?  I used to watch a lot of syndicated Frasier, especially with my late grandmother.  She used to love it, so it makes me smile thinking about it.

NOTHING BUT NET

Meet one of my new favorite skirts, rescued from the graveyard of denim micro-minis that is Plato's Closet.  I love her.  She makes me feel quite fashion forward in that almost inappropriate-for-day-wear kind of way.  I actually felt a little Carrie Bradshaw in this combination.  And also a little like a 4-year old ...

I went out for breakfast with a friend and saw a little girl about 4 years old walk in with a dress up tutu-type skirt over her tee and shorts.  I looked down at my own outfit and couldn't help to giggle at the similarities.

I feel ya, little one.  I feel ya.

Vest: Thrifted, 30¢ - Skirt: Plato's Closet, $7
Bag: vintage Aigner from my grandmother - Shoes: Target, $17

RAMBLINGS OF A MONDAY AFTERNOON

 Oh, glorious Monday!  I love you even more after a day off!

1.  Yes, that's right, folks!  I actually have a day off now!  And I couldn't be more excited about it.  For my first Sunday of rest, I sat on the couch, feverishly assembling wedding invitations, and watching movies.  And by movies plural, I mean I watched 4 movies.  Yes, 4 movies.  In my defense, John was working all day, and I was actually getting work accomplished during my Mega-Moviethon of 2010.  I watched Sunshine Cleaning (loved!), Falling Up (eh...), Love and Other Disasters (entertaining enough), and Julie and Julia (two thumbs up!).  Netflix Instant Queue, you rock my world!

2.  Last Thursday, I had to either walk home from work in the ungodly hot temps or kill a little time until John could come pick me up.  I chose the latter.  After work, I moseyed over to Dairy Queen for a small twist with rainbow sprinkles (do you call them sprinkles or jimmies?), then continued across the parking lot to Plato's Closet.  I've mentioned before my love-hate relationship with that place, but it's air-conditioned, so I just had to pop in.  Has anyone else noticed that Plato's Closet is where bad micro mini skirts go to die?  Seriously, how is it possible that one small town can turn out that many toddler-sized denim skirts?  And furthermore, who the hell is buying all these used ones?!  Anyway, I found two amazing regular-people-sized skirts, which was evident on my face as I walked out of the store with a big ole' stupid grin on my face, prompting John to say, "I take it somebody 'scored'."  I love that he used the word "scored" as though he was trying his hand at some new language.  Yes, honey ... I totally "scored."

3.  Last week, I alluded to the fact that I'm undergoing some sort of style shift right now.  It's not so much a seasonal thing, though.  I think it's more of a growing up kind of thing.  After all, I am going to be 30 this year (holy shit, how is that possible?!).  I'm craving a bit more sophistication - blue collar style, of course.  Right now, I'm just looking to incorporate lots of different silhouettes, nicer fabrics, definitely more prints and a slightly more elevated use of accessories.  I don't think it's something that requires a lot of money or a total closet overhaul.  For now, it just means weeding out the stuff that isn't working for me anymore and keeping my eyes peeled for a few more unique pieces to add here and there.  I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress.

4.  Because of said style shift, I've decided to change up my sources of inspiration, i.e. changing up my magazine subscriptions.  This past year, I've been receiving Lucky, Glamour and InStyle.  I'm going to continue getting Lucky, because I just love it so much, but I've decided to find something new to replace the other two.  So, Friday afternoon, I embarked on one of my most favorite activities that I rarely get the opportunity to do anymore - I plopped my butt down in Barnes & Noble with a giant stack of magazines, opened my mind, and started flipping.  I narrowed it down to 3 new periodicals: TeenVogue (laugh if you will, but it's pretty creative and fun stuff), Nylon, and possibly Harper's Bazaar.  Of course, I fell in love with all the imports of Vogue and Harper's, but girl can't afford those bad boys!

5.  And last, but certainly not least, the highlight of my weekend - I successfully completed my first 10K!  I admittedly was really nervous about it.  Even though I've been faithful to my training program, I was so worried that I would end up walking or getting sick or just plain sucking.  Now, I never claimed to be a fast runner, so my goal for this race was just to run the entire thing and finish with a smile.  I'm proud to say - mission accomplished.  It took me 1:01:12, which was actually what I was hoping for, but didn't think I was capable of.  Luckily the heat broke, so the weather was gorgeous.  The race started at 8:30, and by the end, the temps had only risen to a temperate 73 degrees.  I was really kind of terrified when I started.  There are so many fast, serious runners in the area that it's easy to feel like you're completely out of your league.  And I have a bad habit of starting strong and then pulling back for fear that I won't be able to finish.  Though, I'm sure I'll get better at that if I keep training.  I spent the first half of the race hating every second of it, wondering why in the hell I thought this was fun or a good idea or how I could ever run any further - a common train of thought when I run races.  But, once I hit the halfway point, things turn around and I get a surge of energy and determination that gets me through, and all those dramatic, biting thoughts become a figment of my imagination once I cross the finish line.  So, now that I know I can do it, I'm ready to do it better.  Next up?  Training for a ... half marathon!

Wow, I haven't had this much to say in a long time.  If you read all that, thanks.  I love sharing my inner-most workings with you all from time to time.  Have a great Monday!

CHANGING DIRECTIONS

Ah, I think I'm finally coming out of my funk.  So much so that I'm starting to look at my closet with a very discerning eye.  I'm feeling a wave of change taking over my style - I just haven't quite caught onto it yet.  Do you know what I mean?  I really want my closet to be filled with special pieces, because those make me happiest.  Now, I just need to allow myself to part with the rest.

Last summer's looks were all about flowing dresses and lightweight jersey.  This summer, I'm craving so much more - like unique shapes, lots of patterns and slightly richer-looking fabrics.  It's amazing the difference a year can make.

It's also amazing the difference 90 degrees can make.  For once, I'm not referring to the thermometer -  check out the gorgeous glow of these photos, taken last evening about 7:30 facing east.

And check out the difference a mere 90 degree shift can make.  These are facing south.  I love the silhouetted quality they take on - not great for detail, but check out that sky!

Being a style blog and all, here's a little obligatory commentary on the clothes.  I wore this dress so many times throughout the fall, winter and spring.  I thought for sure I would be wearing it to pieces this summer, yet I think this is it's first foray this season.  But what a debut!  This may be one of my favorite outfits!  And check out those awesome shoes I got with credit (i.e. FREESIES!) from Gilt Groupe.  Does it get any better?

Dress: Fred Flare, $15 with gift card - Vest: Charlotte Russe, $26 - Shoes: Gilt Groupe, free with credit

SUMMER PATTERN

I was still feeling less than inspired yesterday morning, so it was nice to just throw on a dress an go.  Some days, I just don't want to think so hard.

Or think at all.

John was nice enough to take my photos yesterday, but refused to go more than 5' from the front door, i.e. the air-conditioned safety of the house.  So, I gave him a little jump for joy.

Dress: c/o Talbots - Belt: Old Navy, $6 - Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction, $46 via 6pm.com

LIFE IN HADES

Ooooooh, doggy!  It's h-o-t this week!  And to make things even more sweltering, some poor schmoes from the paving company are repaving our condo complex this week.  I just walked by some fresh tar and I could hear it sizzling!

Tuesday's outfit was a little live and learn lesson for me.  I love the combination of patterns.  Hate the length of the tank.  I woke up in a wicked, uninspired mood that day.  Ugh, I hate those days.  Either way, it was damn hot, and I just needed to keep cool.  And somewhat work appropriate.

Stay cool, kids.  Stay cool.

Tank: Target, $5 - Pants: B Green Loft, $8 - Shoes: Target, $15

Q AND A PART 2

I think you're married- have you ever shared your wedding photos?

John and I got married on June 5, 2004 (06-05-04, makes it so easy to remember).  We had a super simple, down to earth wedding with a short, but super teary ceremony and a pig roast and open bar afterward.  It was everything I ever wanted for a wedding - low stress, laid back and lots of friends and family.  It lasted from 3:30 in the afternoon 'til past midnight.  We've never danced so much!  Even my 87 year old grandmother made the comment that she had never seen people have so much fun dancing at a wedding before.  It was a blast and one big whirlwind!  I'm sure that now, my stylistic choices would be much, much different and more thought out, but I totally appreciate the simplicity of the way it happened.  The meaning was never lost in the details.

I did share some photos around our anniversary last year, but in case you missed it, here are few pictures that I have on my computer.  Most of our wedding pictures (both candid and professional) are on film.  We got married six years ago, which is just long enough to predate the common ownership of hi-res digital cameras.  Someone asked if I got married young.  I guess that's up for debate.  I was 23, which I guess is young, but I can't imagine it any other way.  John, on the other hand, was not young.  He was 32.  Scandalous, I know.

Side note: I made my wedding dress.  It was the root of many nightmares before the wedding. - definitely not an undertaking for the weak of heart.

How did you and your husband meet?

John and I met in college way back in 2002.   He is originally from Long Island and came here through a past relationship.  We first met in a Screenwriting class.  We had mutual friends, but didn't know each other very well.  He had lived in LA for 2 years before moving to the area, so I hit him up for some tips before spending the summer there myself.  Funny coincidence:  when I was in LA, I got a part time job at the Gap on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica.  Turns out, it was directly across the street from the Tower Records that he had worked at 2 years prior.  Weird, right?

We didn't start hanging out together until the fall after I returned from California.  Still to this day, I don't think we would have ever stayed together had I not gone away that summer.  It was the experience of a lifetime for a 21 year old, and something that everyone should experience on their own.  I think it played a huge part in solidifying my independence.  Once we started dating, it was surreal.  We've always connected on such an awesome level, through creativity and sharing each other's interests, even if we don't participate ourselves.  From the very beginning, we have been two independents, sharing our lives with each other, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Does that make any sense?  Anyway, I don't know how you put it into words.  When you know, you know.  And for us, it didn't take long.

SNEAK PEAK: THE RAG AND BONE PHOTO SHOOT

Here's a little sneak peak of my favorite shots from yesterday's photo shoot with The Rag and Bone.  All items will be listed in their etsy shop soon, so be sure to add them to your favorites!

Photo by me

Photo by me

Photo by Shelley Baker

Photo by Shelley Baker