New 'Do!

It's officially been a week since I chopped my hair off. I must say, it feels good.

I was a in a little bit in shock day 2 and 3, but I think I've got a hang of it now.

I love it, however it takes as long, if not longer, to style as my hair did 6 inches ago!

Something that is fun about my new 'do is that I feel lighter! It's so healthy, and the color is softer so I feel like a new gal. We'll see if I let it grow or keep it this length!

The rest of my outfit... Check out my Stella&Dot Site for the Accessories!

(Pants: Gap (old); Shirt: H&M (old); Scarf: "Union Square in Midnight Blue" My Stella&Dot Site; Bracelet: "Luna Wrap" Stella&Dot Site, Gold Ring: "Gilded Arrow" My Stella&Dot Site; Necklace: "On The Mark" My Stella&Dot Site.)

Happy Friday! 

xo, Kara

Been Gone So Long...

But I'm back! It's been months since I've blogged... time for that to change. Why? Because I actually have a bit of time back in my little hands! 

A lot has happened in the last few months- got a "promotion" at work, planned a wedding, interviewed for a new job the week before my wedding, got offered said new job 8 days before my wedding, GOT MARRIED!, honeymooned, had my last few days at old job, and then started new job. BAM. 

Yes that is a lot to cram into a small amount of time. But I did it, I'm on the other side, I'm happily 2+ months married and starting to settle in.

I will be blogging regularly again and I'm so excited to be back! 

So, what is my first, extremely important subject, to blog about?
New hair. Yep. Time to change another thing! 

I've had long hair for many years now, and although I'm not going to actually chop it all off (don't let me do that ever!) I do want to freshen it up both with style and color. Here are my inspiration pictures! Appointment is tomorrow... wish me luck!  

Color Inspiration... this is currently the length of my hair.
I love the honey brown and blonde.

Cut Inspiration- medium length bob, but layered? Is that a "Lob?"

Cut and Color Inspiration- Ah, Julia from Gal Meets Glam, so pretty.

 Another shot of Julia from Gal Meets Glam

Cut inspiration again.
I love the easy look of the style. (We all know it won't be that effortless though right?)

Color inspiration... and maybe cut inspiration if I chicken out! 

No style inspired blog would be complete without Lauren Conrad. Love her.

All Image Source

I'll let you know how it goes and will be blogging about all that is and has been going on for me!

Bridal Stylist Photo Shoot

Happy Memorial Day to all! First I want to say a great big "Thank You!" to everyone who put their lives on the line for our country. You're appreciated more than you know!

I wanted to share a sneak peak into a photo shoot I was a part of yesterday. It was for my friend Melanie's (Lola's mama, for those of you familiar with my favorite dog) new Bridal Styling business that she is starting. It was a whirl-wind day for all, but mostly for Mel and her super helpful husband Andrew. It was an all day shoot, that was really 4 shoots in 1 day. I was in the last shoot of the day, the "Clambake Coral" or nautical bride/bridesmaid shoot. It was very a very fun, very long day... but I'm so happy for Melanie and everyone involved. I'm only sharing a few pics, so that the big reveal can happen on her website!... It's her business after all! I'll let everyone know more details later. :) Not only was I a part of the shoot, but so was some feature pieces of my Stella & Dot Jewelry! So perfect and such a wonderful fit with the summer line.

Here you go...

This is a quick shot that Mel took of me at the site, to give you an idea of how we were all styled. Stripes and Coral and Braids, oh my! :) (thanks for the pic Mel) How cute is that La Coco Coral necklace from S&D! Worked out perfectly!

I did a quick up-do on the "bride" before our shoot. Like I said, ours was the last of the day, so we had some time to get ready and do our hair and makeup. It was fun to play, and it turned out super cute! I was texting "approval" photos to Melanie throughout the process so that she could "yes or no" them while she was out on the other shoots. She "yes'd" this one.

Another approval shot... this time, of the style I did on my own hair, with a smidge of humor added in for Mel. ;) aka, me being a goof-ball. 

Once we were all dressed and styled by the talented Melanie, we were off to our nautical location, which due to holiday events in San Francisco, ended up being the Embarcadero...it was perfect to say the least. What a gorgeous day in the city! AND we found parking, which was amazing. (If you've ever been there on a sunny weekend you understand.)

Here's a quick shot of the bride after getting out of the car. So cute! Love that Stella&Dot necklace! 

There were so many people out and about... and we grabbed this "groom" as soon as we spotted him! How lucky for us and how sweet of him (and his understanding wife) to suddenly become part of the shoot! Perfect!

Stella&Dot was on the ready, along with my "walking" shoes. I wore patent nude heels in the shoot that, well, were not "made for walkin'."

After everything was done, we (the "bride" and me) headed home for a much needed meal. (we hadn't eaten since breakfast!) We went for the healthiest option obviously. It was the most delicious meal ever at 4:45pm. 

Then, finally, I went to Melanie and Andrew's house to take Lola for a walk since they had some other things to do in San Francisco that evening. She was very excited to see me! (or anyone probably, but I'm going to say it was totally because it was me!)

Such a fun day, and I can't wait to share more details with the you once they are all available!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

For info on the Stella & Dot jewelry you see here, contact me through my Independent Stylist site at 

www.stelladot.com/site/karachase

Sunday Stroll

On Sunday, Boyfriend and I decided to take a spur of the moment-ish stroll through a cute outdoor shopping area in our town. He was kind enough to take photos of me. Love him. Love this shirt, pants, and my "dirty hair top knot!"

(Shirt: Gap here; Pants: Target here, on clearance online! (also posted here), Shoes: JCrew super old!, Watch: Michael Kors here, Sunnies: Ray Ban, Purse: Kate Spade old, similar here)

Happy May! 

Going Green!

Happy "Day After St. Patrick's Day" everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend!

 Blouse: Old Navy (old) similar; Jeans: Gap here; Shoes: Target (old) similar; Necklace: Forever 21 (old); Bracelets: handmade; Glasses: Ray Ban here

Green is one of my favorite colors but when it game time to pick an outfit for St. Patrick's Day, I realized I didn't have much to pick from! Thankfully during my last closet clean-out I kept this Old Navy shirt from last year- I forgot how much I love it! And hello... $15 shoes from target! 

Speaking of St. Patrick's Day... here are a few pics from my day!

 Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes with Bailey's Frosting on the left, and White Russian Cupcakes on the Right. Both turned out mighty tasty!

Glittery shamrock temporary tattoo? Yes please!

Ridiculous photo-op with the birthday boy? Of course. :)

Black and Blue

One of my favorite new trends is "pops of color." I think bright colors are such a fun way to liven up an outfit, and to put a little pep in your step. Colored jeans are one way to embrace this trend. I paired my bright (bargain find) blue denim pants with black, white and a neutral animal print!

 Jeans: Marshalls, similar; Sweater: Nordstrom (Frenchi, old, similar); "Girlfriend Tee": Nordstom Frenchi); Scarf: Gap, old; Necklace: Nordstrom dogeard faith; Bracelets: Forever21 bangle, wrapped necklace; Watch: Michael Kors; Rings: H&M, SUPER old!; Shoes: Steve Madden, similar)



Have a great Sunday!

new 'do!

Hey... yesterday was my birthday so I treated myself to a new hair cut/color. Here is the final product!

and the back...

I cut about 3 inches off, and got new/different high and lowlights. I love change, even when it's minor!

I've been seeing my stylist for about 6 years now, and we were chatting yesterday about how many different styles and colors my hair has been since I've been going to her. It has inspired me to do a future post with pictures of my hair adventures through the years. Should be fun!

-kara