Millionaire's Shortbread

I'd been searching for something new and interesting to make when I came across this recipe for Millionaire's Shortbread. It reminded me of a Twix bar, which I like, so I gave this recipe a try and I have to say it's a winner. If you love shortbread, caramel and chocolate, this is for you!

 Push the crumble shortbread mixture into the pan. 

 Cook the sweetened condensed milk over a double boiler to turn into caramel.

 After spreading the caramel over the baked shortbread, cover with chocolate.

Eat and enjoy!

The Pink Galaxy Nail

This is a pink version of the galaxy nail that I DIY'd a few months back. The black and grey version is still my favorite, but I gave pink a chance and thought I'd share it with you. It certainly livens up the usual pink manicure, and is perfect for lifting your mood in these dreary January days... plus it's right around the corner for Valentine's Day!

Colors used:

[Essie] Knockout Pout

[Milani] Electric Pink

[Sephora by OPI] Just a Fairy-Tail

[Sephora by OPI] Only Gold For Me

Streetlights, Lace and Leopard

Because of their lingerie-esque style, I only wear these shorts in my house; but I broke them out a few nights ago to spice up my leopard top from Wish. It's a gorgeous silk blouse that's longer in the back and has neon pink and yellow accents on the leopard spots. I paired it with a funky blazer, lace-up heels and a vintage bag for an unconventional, but totally fun look.

Elizabeth & James blazer, Wish top, UO shorts & shoes, Anthro headband, Vintage bag

Flatforms: putting a spring in your step

One of spring's hottest trends isn't about your clothes, but what you're wearing on your feet. Flatforms, as the fashion community calls them, have strutted down numerous runways this past fall, showing us that elevated footwear doesn't necessarily mean "high heels." I haven't tried any of these on yet, but I'd assume that ones with a little angle would be easier to walk in compared to their flatter counterpart. (My favorite is #1, I'll be on the lookout for a sale!)

1. Juicy Couture "Dominica" Sandal $195

2. Kooba "Mae" Mid Platform Wedge $295

3. Steve Madden "Egoismo" Platform Sandal $99

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs "Simona" Sandal $68 (ridiculously on sale= was $320)

5. Cacharel J Platform Sandals $635

6. Jeffrey Campbell "El Cajon" Sandal $120

7. Vivienne Westwood by Melissa "West Wing II" Sandal $190

8. Joe's Jeans "Brenda II" Sandal $185

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Are any of you planning to go to this year's  

Evolving Influence blogger conference?

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Glowing Green

Wish tunic, Nasty Gal sweater, J Brand leggings, Hunter boots, Target bag

There are some green lights in the back of my house that, while providing light that isn't so harsh, also serve as interesting photographic elements. (I recently just did some cool ghost-like images of my family that involved a longer shutter speed~ oOooh.) I love the print of the Wish tunic... a camel color in it matches my long cashmere blend cardigan that I got a few months ago at Nasty Gal but have hardly worn. It turned out to be a great outfit for the cold, rainy weather that has taken over the city. As a person whose mood largely reflects the weather, its been a dreary week. :(  I can't imagine living anywhere but the sunshine state on days like these. In the meantime, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for weather.com to be wrong and to give me a sunny day soon! 

Hope you're all having a great week~ and having better weather than me!

xx Kara 

PS- for Daniela. (The one of my dad turned out the best.)

 

Bahama Mama

This is what I wore to dinner at the beach last night with my family. We sat outside on the deck with the sand no more than two feet away from our toes. It was perfect for people watching and seeing the sunset; the weather was gorgeous, perfect temperature-wise but a bit cloudy.  I ordered a Bahama Mama right away (coconut rum is my new favorite ingredient!), relaxed and enjoyed the view while we ate.

I figured a black romper suited the occasion- still beachy but also appropriate for nighttime.  Ever since I got this clutch I've been dying to take it out for lunch or dinner at the beach, so I was excited to finally have the opportunity.

 Bahama Mama yumm!!

 I love old brick/stone floors

 ((a boney fingered death grip!!))

 UO Safari romper, Forever 21 belt, Felix Rey clutch via Gilt, Elizabeth & James sandals

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A special thank you to 

the fabulous Katy and the gorgeous Estelle 

for both giving me the Stylish Blogger Award! 

Two in one day... thank you, ladies!

By receiving the award, I have to nominate a few blogs that I love and also tell you a few things about myself. Some things you might not know about me are...

1. I like finding new TV shows and watching all of the seasons marathon style. (How I Met Your Mother, and more recently, Freaks and Geeks)

2. I was majorly into photography in high school; in all four years, I never went one semester without being in a photo class.

3. I decided on being a graphic designer in 3rd grade, but when I started college I registered as a digital media major (motion graphics for movies), but then hated it and changed it to psychology on a whim, switched schools then finally graduated as a graphic designer.

4. I don't have a favorite color.. there's just too many great ones.

5. Until I started this blog, I usually wore heels only for special occasions (I only owned about two pairs). 
6. One of my favorite things to do when I'm stressed out is to paint my nails, it relaxes me.

7. I prefer Bob Dylan over the Beatles.

8. I go crazy for Double Stuf Oreos.
9. When I was younger, I'd live for Friday nights so I could watch TGIF's Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Clueless (the TV show).

Some blogs I'm loving right now are...

1. The Chambray Countess

2. Leaving the House in THIS?!?

3. Saucy Glossie

4. Paris in Pink

5. Dora's Fur 
You guys get the Stylish Blogger Award. Congratulations! 

 

Nautical Harems

Despite the horrified look on my family's faces, I just love these pants. Their baggy nature and oompa-loompa-like connotations aside, something about these man repellers called out to me. With these, I broke my no harem pants rule "because they just look ridiculous," but sometimes you have to defy the rules to get it out of your system (even if it makes you a fashion victim in the process!!).  What do you guys think??

Rachel Roy harem pants, UO shirt (thanks for leaving at home Meg!)

Ella Moss sweater via Anthropologie, Dolce Vita shoes

Sheer Stripes & Tall Socks

LNA shirt, Forever 21 belt and shorts, American Apparel socks, Jessica Simpson oxfords, BCBG bag

One of my favorite things about this outfit is that, while it is essentially just a tee and shorts, it's not the same-old thrown together weekend ensemble. I was happy to see this LNA shirt on Gilt a couple weeks ago... and even though it was cold out, I thought ahead to spring and remembered about one of my favorite micro-trends to come: the sheer stripe. (You may not be able to see from the photo, but those tan stripes are in fact, sheer.) The socks are new and I'm excited figure out how to wear them since I hardly ever wear tall socks.

I look like a little kid in the photo on the left, but couldn't resist posting it! :)

Lauren's Words

"Fashion is what you're offered four times a year. 
Style is what you pick out of that fashion..."
  
I agree 100%. 

This is on the front page of the J Crew website; you can see Lauren Hutton's picks here.

Defying Gravity

Thank you all for bearing with me this past week, I've been a bit preoccupied and have been a little late in responding to your comments, but I'm getting back on track. Last week I helped move my sister in to college (I miss you!) and had to part with my best friend and blog photographer!! Needless to say, I have to resort using my tripod at home (because it's weird enough for me to pose for pics in public with a photographer). Until I find a suitable replacement, this method will have to do... I made it a bit more fun by making a simple animation.

 

 Gap Jacket, Elizabeth & James shirt, Express pants, Sam Edelman 'Sutton' boots

Guest Blogger for D, etc

Just a reminder that two more of my guest blogger posts are up at Daniela's blog. You can check out my English Trifle recipe here and my week in pictures here!

7 Sprinkles

1. Jason Wu's Pre-Fall Collection

I love the androgynous look on the left— the shine on the pants and lady-like cut of the blouse give it just enough femininity. It also reminds me of Rocky Horror with those sunglasses :) The dress is gorgeous— the proportions are just right and the colors and fabric are extremely luxurious. The mermaid cut hooked me and the lace detailing reeled me in.

2. Romeo + Juliet

I just watched both versions of this Shakespeare classic and they will win me over time and time again. The more authentic Elizabethan 1968 film starring Olivia Hussey is a must see to get the true R&J experience. If you were an American tween girl growing up in the 90s, you no doubt had a huge crush on Leonardo DiCaprio and inevitably saw the 1996 modern retelling of Romeo + Juliet multiple times... I forgot how much I loved it.

3. My Dream Room

Along with a subscription solicitation, House Beautiful magazine sent me a brochure of some fabulous rooms, one of which happens to be the dream bedroom I never knew I wanted. I love the colors, chandelier, filigrees, and draping bed linens.

4. Mamma Mia

I watched this (my favorite movie) with my Grandma recently and love all the gorgeous scenery, great songs and actors.

5. Givenchy's Day-to-Night Backgrounds

Clothing aside, one major cool factor in Givenchy's pre-fall looks was the changing backdrop from day to night. Imagine minding your own business walking down the street and being captured in the Givenchy lookbook. (Ok now, how amazing are those sheer maxi skirts??)

6. Alexander Wang's Pre-Fall Collection

Alexander Wang still reigns as the fashion king with his painfully cool pieces— sheer blouses, oversized outerwear and killer accessories with the perfect amount of dishevelment.

7. ASOS Shoes

KG by Kurt Gieger / ASOS Alfie / ASOS Harley / Melissa

I rarely ever buy anything here, but always have fun surfing their website for unique finds.

 

there's nothing sweeter than Skirts and Sweaters

I like the juxtaposition of a cozy, cropped sweater with a fuller mid-length skirt, especially when paired with trendy booties and a unique belt. We've been seeing a lot of this combination lately; and if you haven't tried it yet, here are some options to suit any style. In colder climates, you can add tights and a scarf to a warm knit sweater, and in warmer weather, opt for a light weight sweater and skip the extra layers.

 Proenza Schouler Pullover $437/ French Connection Otis Skirt $40

Steve Madden Nella Bootie $129 / ASOS Belt $34

  3.1 Phillip Lim Pullover $325 / ModCloth Cabriole Skirt $45

Steve Madden TESSII Boot $130 / ASOS Belt $35

Topshop Jumper $65 / Topshop Midi Skirt $80

Steve Madden Mariell Bootie $190 / Steve Madden Belt $28

Calvin Klein Sweater $995 / Opening Ceremony Skirt $487

Steve Madden Marriano $170 / Topshop Belt $50

Are you rocking this trend yet?

Foggy Lights

I meant to do a post like this before Christmas, but hadn't gotten around to it until now. The result wasn't what I envisioned (blurry lights in the background, no wires showing)  but I still got fun, slightly ethereal photos out of it. It was actually a bit cold out, but between moving around setting up shots and the woolly sweater I'm wearing, it was nice. I broke out of my comfort zone a bit and added socks... the jury's still out, but I think it's good to break routine every once in a while. It's a new year; it's a time to take some risks, even if they're baby steps.

Have you all made some New Years resolutions yet? I've never been one to make resolutions except of the vague 'exercise more and eat healthier' variety, which always fades out soon after... but I resolve to (maybe) make a list this year!! I do have one though—  to drive down to Miami and take a trapeze lesson. (yay!)

Abercrombie sweater, Collective Concepts dress via Gilt,  F21 belt & rings, 

Cheap Monday box ring, UO socks, Seychelles heels

Style Inspiration

Today as I was surfing through various blogs, I came across Late Afternoon and instantly fell in blog love. Liz's style is so inspiring to me right now with her slouchy shirts, flowy skirts, and excellent use of fur and metallics. (Seriously need to scour the web to find a metallic pleated skirt like hers!) Here's a few outfits that I wish I was wearing...

*All photos via Late Afternoon.

Blogger of the Month (January): Daniela

Happy 2011, everyone! With the new year, I'm starting a new feature showcasing my favorite bloggers, aptly named "Blogger of the Month." In BOTM, I will interview the featured blogger as well as do a few illustrations of them. 

January's BOTM is Daniela from D, etc. She was one of the first few who welcomed me into the blog world when I first started out and we have kept in touch ever since. It was she who gave me the idea to draw bloggers after my post on the Sea of Shoes contest, so it's fitting to give her the first spot.  

Daniela has incredible style, simple yet chic, and is always finding great deals; making F21 items look like designer pieces. D, etc has become a must read for me, so I encourage you to check it out. Without further ado, here is her interview... 

Blogging:

How did you first get into blogging and why?

I actually first got into blogging about 3 years ago, believe it or not! I had a fashion blog called "Subject: Fashion" (English translation)  and a celebrity gossip blog called "Rich Trash." I had a lot of fun doing the celebrity gossip one but my interest in celebrity life in general died down after a while and I gave up on the blog... I wish I hadn't deleted it, at least! I had a friend (the only one who knows I blog) who really loved it cause it really was hilarious. The fashion blog was also written all in Portuguese and had mostly visitors from Brazil, but it ended up not having the feel I wanted.  A year later I decided to try again, aiming towards readers and writers in the US - and I love it! I blog for fun and to share and receive inspiration from other bloggers.

What do you think is the best/favorite thing about blogging?

I think the best thing about blogging is all the people you "meet". My blog is still pretty new and I've yet to 'in real life' meet a fellow blogger, but contact with people from all over the US and sometimes the world is amazing.

How do you handle it when you just can’t think of anything to write about?

I look to magazines, other blogs, or maybe I just take a day, not worrying about having to come up with something but just appreciating what other people have done. Everything serves as inspiration and the ideas come eventually.

Who do you look up to within the blogosphere/fashion industry & why?

I think I most admire people who have made blogging a full time job and have had opportunities to be a part of the real life fashion world from doing something they love - like Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere and Chiara from The Blonde Salad.

Would you like blogging to become your full time job?

Yes, absolutely!!

Where do you see yourself blogging wise in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?

In the next 6 months my blog will have completed a year, and I think my #1 goal is to just make it more reader friendly and more popular, with better pictures and material. I'd like to have time to focus more on outfit photos, because that's what I most like to read/see so I think that's what others want to see too. 5 years from now I'll be married and I might be on my way to starting a family, so the blog might take a whole other direction then!

What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog?

When I'm not working on my blog I'm usually really working (full time job), in school or enjoying time with my fiance and our dogs! 2011 will be a busy year because we're getting married so we've been busy planning our wedding and honeymoon!

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