DIY: Braided Top Knot

Braided Top Knot

Is it just me or is the top knot crazy popular all the sudden? I had no idea there was even a name for this hair style until I read about it in the blog world. If your like me you’ve probably be sporting a “top knot” or what I like to call a messy bun since your pre teen years. While I do still love rocking the top knot {it’s a staple for my evenings and weekends} I like to spruce it up a bit for the work day. Enter the braided top knot! Just as easy and just as cute!

 1. Put a little bit of product in your hair. For example, some mousse or gel or pomade, but just a bit!. I find that it helps the braid from getting those lovely flyaways.

NOTE: If you want, tease your hair at this point {good idea if you have finer hair}. This will just make it look a little more messy and your hair won’t look like it’s pulled back as tight. I did not tease mine, as it’s thick and messy already. :P

2. Put your hair in a high pony tail. 

3. Put your ponytail into a braid. Don’t braid the hair too tightly, otherwise it will make it shorter and you won’t have as much to wrap. Secure the end with a hair band.

 

 

4. Twist the braid around the base of the pony tail and tuck the end of your braid under and into the center of the bun.  Sorry, I didn't get the best photos of this, but it's pretty easy.

5. Now secure this sucker with bobby pins. I only needed three, but use as many as you feel necessary. I would definitely secure the end of your braid and that little tail if it’s sticking up. Then I put in two more pins, one on each side...and VOILA! Incredibly easy right?! 

I like to add cute hair clips, like a flower, to the side of the bun. Just makes it a little more fun. :)

Style Log: Plaid Spectacle[s] {10 & 2 Challenge}

Misfit #8:  Brown V-Neck

This is a just a plain little shirt that I never wear.  You can't really tell in these photos, but the neckline is deep and wide, which is probably why I don't wear it.  You HAVE to put a tank under it, unless of course you like that whole falling out look. Ha!

{Both Tops/Old Navy :: Pants/Thrifted :: Shoes/Payless :: Frames/Warby Parker}

Initial Thoughts

I felt a bit frumpy, but I was comfortable.  Maybe I shouldn't say frumpy...just extra casual and sort of masculine.  And still put together and even a bit cute.  

Oh hey...how do you like these frames?  They are the Finn by Warby Parker and I'm loving them!

After Thoughts

This brown shirt is so basic, but a bit blah.  However, I honestly feel like you can't have enough basic tees or undershirts.  So on that note....

Final Verdict

I'm keeping it. AND I'm going to order those WP frames.  :D

Style Log: Abstracts & Cords

 Misfit #7: Brown Cardigan

This piece made it into the challenge because for some reason I never wear it. I have no clue why, it’s simple and cute. I think I thought it was too tight or maybe it’s the higher collar thing. Who knows!

{Top/Old Navy :: Cardi/Thrifted :: Pants/LC via Kohl’s :: Boots/Merona via Target}

 

 

 

Initial Thoughts

I quite liked my reflection this morning, the colors in this top are fantastic. I hadn’t worn it yet and the brown cardigan just worked perfectly with it. Plus, the graphic shirt is a actually a tank top, so the cardi was a necessity. I felt casual, but well put together. It was nice!

After Thoughts

When I finally got to work this morning {how is it possible that I’m always running late?} I got lots of compliments on my outfit. One coworker even went as far as too say that she loved when I dressed up, especially when I wore skirts and dresses. That was super nice of her and obviously put a smile on my face. It’s nice knowing not everyone in your office thinks you are crazy. :)

I do like this cardigan. It’s very soft and comfortable and I don’t have any other brown cardi’s. I’m honestly not sure why I haven’t been wearing it more. It could easily be worn buttoned up or belted {which I almost did today!}.

Final Verdict

It’s a keeper! I think it’s a nice basic piece that will be perfect for adding layers during the chillier months.

Friday Favorites: Wish List Edition

I’m going to incorporate a “wish list” of sorts into the Friday Favorites.  Basically,  just things I’ve seen in the last couple weeks that I love and may or may not be purchasing.

Source: kmart.com via Kassie on Pinterest

Omg, Love these shoes.  I may go buy these tomorrow!  The will look so cute with skinnies!

Source: google.com via Kassie on Pinterest

My bf's sister is getting married this summer and she asked me to wear purple or gold or black.  I found this Zooey dress and fell in love.  I think I'll style it with a gold belt and gold flats.

Source: forever21.com via Kassie on Pinterest

I love this satchel!  Such a great color!!

Source: modcloth.com via Kassie on Pinterest

I've been eyeing this necklace for awhile now, I should just buy it already!!

Source: target.com via Kassie on Pinterest

 Such a cute and versatile dress!

Style Log: Workin' It in Pjs

Misfit #6: Long Grey Cardi

{Dress/Target :: Black Shirt/Old Navy :: Cardi/Kmart :: Boots/Merona via Target}

 

 

 

Initial Thoughts

 I felt pretty good when I left the house this am.  I was wearing some new jewelery from Forever 21 and In Pink and I was super comfortable! I love any outfit that looks work appropriate, but feels like pj's!

After Thoughts

First let me just make one, VERY important statement.  I am not preggo!  I think that's just this dress...and the way I slouch, not stand. Haha!  Anyway, I really like this outfit...except for the grey cardi.  Honestly, I just think it's kind of ugly.  It doesn't do anything for this outfit and I can't see it doing anything for any other outfit.  

Final Verdict

It's out! This guy is going to get re purposed into a couple projects I saw on pinterest. :)

Recipe: Baked Potato Soup {freezer meal}

Baked Potato Soup 

{freezer meal!}

Image Source

{I accidentally deleted my photos...and ate the soup.}

What you need:

3-4 large baked potatoes

1.5 Tbs butter

2 cloves of garlic, minced

¼ cup of celery, diced

1.5 Tbs flour

1 cup low sodium chicken stock

2 cups skim milk

Dash of Pepper

Bacon Bits

Shredded Cheese

What you do:

1. Peel and chop up potatoes.

2. In a large saucepan heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add celery and garlic to the saucepan and saute for about 3 minutes. Lower the heat so you don’t brown your veggies!

3. Add flour to the pan and stir in and cook for 2 minutes. Make sure to scrape the pan and get any of the mixture that may have settled.

4. Whisk in the stock and add diced potatoes

5. Then slowly add the milk. Once milk is added do not boil! Stir occasionally.

6. Cook soup over medium/low heat for 20 minutes.

At this point you can either eat your soup or freeze it. Or do what I did, eat one bowl and freeze the rest. This recipe should make about 7-8 servings. I freeze mine in single serving containers, so the in the morning I put it in the fridge and it’s thawed out for lunch. So easy, and it’s only 259 calories!

Oh! When you do eat it...sprinkle on some bacon bits, cheese and pepper to taste! Sooo good!

xoxo, Kassie

Style Log: Doggy Toes & Pencil Skirts {10 & 2 Challenge}

Misfit #5: Grey Skirt

After I put this in the challenge, I thought hmm, maybe I shouldn't have.  I'm not going to get rid of it, because I do like it.  So, in the instance of this misfit the question is: Does it need altered or not?

{Shirt/F21 :: Skirt/Kohl's :: Boots/Worthington via Jc Penny}

 

 

 

Initial Thoughts

I thought this outfit looked pretty cute when I left the house.  I was excited to wear my new lace shirt {isn't it adorable!}, but I wanted to change my tights!  I meant to wear my purple ones!  These ones looked purpleish until I put them on, then they just looked pink. Oh well.  I also was feeling good about the skirt when I left the house.

After Thoughts

Oh my!  Okay, I don't hate this outfit, but I don't love it.  The good thing is, that until I saw these photos I thought I looked awesome, so I walked around all confident all day, haha!  Then, I saw these photos and it just doesn't work.  I should have worn my white sweater tights or the darker purple ones.  I just feel like the ivory shirt sticks out like a sore thumb.  Speaking of a sore thumb, the groomer clipped one of Theo's toe nails too short, so I've been dealing with a bleeding dog toe/nail the last couple of days! Gross...and my poor puppy!  Okay, so the skirt.  Still think it's cute, but I'm just not sure about the shape.  Sometimes it feels boxy to me.  Maybe I should take it in a bit and taper it more?

Final Verdict

I am definitely keeping this skirt, but I don't know if I want to alter it or not.  So, I need your help?  Am I being paranoid, does it look good?  OR should I take in the sides a smidge and taper it into my knees more?

xo, kass