Going a little deeper.

This has been the best break/days off sequence EVER.

Usually I'm stressed about how to best use the days off, since they come so few and far between and I thought I'd be all like "WE SHOULD BE MOVING!!!! ARGGGH!" But I really have just had myself a grand old time!

It started out with my co-worker J and I seeing New Moon on Friday. Which may have been my second time seeing it in a week. And may be only the second of three times total that I plan to see it. But whatever, Kerri and I are out of the Twilight closet. If loving Twilight is wrong, I DON'T WANT TO BE RIGHT.:)

Thanksgiving, which I remembered as cold and lonely last year, was actually a really fun day! I got to wear the Perfect dress, which instantly adds good points to any day, I had some great chats with my in-law family members and got to watch Ratatouille with them later that evening. I adore that movie. And the food! THE FOOD. Although I didn't over eat, which pretty much made the day.

Taylor and I made some progress on the packing/moving situation, although we still don't know when we'll be able to move in to the house, we are organized and ready to go when we can. I've also made peace with the fact that we have no control over the situation. It's such a blessing that we even have a new house waiting for us, so I've decided to be happy about that and stop stressing about the "when." Talk to me in a few weeks if we still aren't moved in and I might not be so serene however.:)

Speaking of Taylor, he and I have had a ridiculous amount fun the last couple of days. Saturday we headed up to Bridgeport (am outdoor, AWESOME mall) which is oh-so-magical at Christmas time, and just strolled around, shopping and snacking on the best, most giant bag of kettle corn EVER. Though we didn't get to eat at PF Changs, since we had dinner plans elsewhere, we really just had a great time together. This may or may not be influenced by the fact that we spent about an hour in Anthro, where I got to try on all of the things I've been drooling over and wait outside while Taylor purchased some of them for my Christmas gifts. Hurrah!

We also spent Sunday afternoon at his parents house, where I...wait for it...PLAYED GAMES. And I had fun. Please don't tell anyone, I don't want to ruin my reputation. I really just have the best in-laws of all time.

Another high point of the break was the maiden voyage on my new treadmill! I am so looking forward to getting back into shape and having the ability to run/walk, day or night, rain or shine. It will also help me avoid the paranoia that attacks me every time I go running. I blame this on my Mother.:) She had someone follow her on a run once and from that day forward, Ive been just sure someone is going to kidnap me on my outside running treks. But, I shall worry no more! My treadmill is le awesome. It even has a plug-in for my iPod, so no headphones necessary, and a fan that blows right in my sweaty face. Merry Christmas to me.

The final high point of the weekend (at least that I can remember) was just a little while ago as I sat down to finish my BSF study. I know not all of my readers are particularly religious, but I just wanted to share the encouragement I found as I was reading my lesson. So many of my fears are rooted in the fear of dying, getting sick, something terrible happening to me/loved ones and/or my life turning out to be basically meaningless. You know, the little things. One of the questions pointed out that if we believe that we are saved through Jesus and that we will spend eternal life in heaven, WE WILL NEVER TRULY DIE. We will live forever.

This struck me with such a feeling of freedom. I am so not perfect. My life can be a real mess. I struggle with fear and doubts, I have a hard time feeling like God is there and many times I dread going to Church. But because I believe this deep down, whether I feel it or not, I will live FOREVER. What do I have to be afraid of? Not one single thing.

I know not everyone believes as I do, but I just want to say that I really appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my blog and go on this journey with me. Thanks for caring about our house, for giving input on my queries, for sharing my love for all things apparel related and for taking the time to pop in on my life. Y'all are the best.

So that's about it from the Krameymartin household...how were your holidays?

Giving thanks (photo edition).

Instead of trying to ATTEMPT to summarize all of the things I am thankful for this year, I am simply posting a few photos to capture some of the blessings in my life.

1. A creative, challenging, inspiring, fulfilling, meaningful job.


2. Parents who have encouraged me, stood by my during everything I've tried and constantly tell me they are proud no matter what.


3. An in-law family that has taken me as their own, despite my refusal to play games with them and my picky eating habits.


4. Hilarious, talented, brilliant, passionate brothers who have truly become some of my very best friends.


5. The most incredible friends anyone could ever EVER ask for. I am SO thankful that I've been getting to see more of you all lately. You are good for the soul.


6. A very wonderful, very weird (at times) husband, who sticks to me despite my ridiculously stubborn nature, occasional verbal abuse and addiction to all things pretty.


7. A pretty awesome, brand new house that is just sitting there all clean and pretty waiting for us to move in.

8. A blog where I have made many friends, get to share my opinions, obsessions with clothes and know that there are people out there who care enough to read the things I write.


9. And a God who loves me no matter what, no matter if I feel Him there or not.

What are you most thankful for? Have you written a Thanksgiving post? Leave your links in the comments, I'd love to read them!

Happy Thanksgiving my loves!

My happy place.

So...things are not going well with the house paperwork process, we have no idea when we'll be able to move in, our entire apartment is packed up in boxes and we are supposed to be out of the apartment today (we actually got an extension until the 30th, but originally it was today). THINGS ARE NOT GOOD. I mean, first world problems, BUT STILL. This matter is putting the entire Krameymartin household in a NO GOOD VERY BAD MOOD.

So, to avoid the setting in of major grouchiness and serious damage to our bank account (since we probably will get to move into that house SOMEDAY and will need to decorate), I am going to institute a pretend retail therapy session. Where I do not actually purchase the items that would soothe my grumpy self (at least for a few minutes), but still try to let the pretty things brighten my day*.

*Speaking of brightening my day, I won a $25 credit to Alice.com through 20SB's Blog Carnival, where I was able to get 5 different Method products for the new house for FREE! Yay!

Anyways, back to the pretend retail therapy. I'm loving Anthropologie right now. My Christmas list is: Pottery Barn gift card, Anthropologie gift card. The Anthro sale section tends to be pretty awesome, so I hit that for a little feel better fun. Here are some of the items I would love to own.

(click to enlarge)

Another item that caught my eye is this little pretty:

Ruche, $89.99.

I ordered a coat from ModCloth last week, a lovely, adorable Tiffany Blue coat that was going to be perfect and make all my winter coat dreams come true. Well guess what? It didn't fit right! The sleeves were too long, and the hips were HUGE while fitting snuggly in the waist. I was thoroughly disappointed.

This beautiful brown coat MIGHT just cure my blues, but since it's not yet the turn of the month, I'll have to wait on it.

As far as the house goes, I found this gorgeous piece a few days ago, and haven't been able to stop thinking about it in the little nook by the front door. It is a bit pricey though, so it might have a wait a good long while before finding it's place in our home, you know, if we EVER get to move in.

Crate & Barrel.

I am also kind of in love with this "Chloe" coffee table and the matching side tables for our new living room. Although I'm afraid they might be too small next to our big fancy new furniture.

Pottery Barn.

Topping my Christmas list are these two items: Anthropologie, $68.00; Anthropologie, $88.00.

And I'm really thinking my feet would be oh-so-cozy warm in these:

Nordstrom, $69.90.

What is on the top of your Christmas lists? Do share!

What's in your shopping cart that you are resisting?

Thanks for putting up with my grumps and letting me shop it out here. Y'all are the best (like you had a choice).

And don't forget to e-mail me if you have fashion quandarys you need solved!

Smelly girl.

Lovelies, I have a problem. And it involves my Starbucks. Which is BAD. Real bad. Because if you know me at all, you know I depend on my hot liquid libations for my emotional well being. And when something or SOMEONE disturbs my sacred morning process that is the Starbucks drive-thru, I get mad. REAL mad. So mad I must use characters to pretend like I'm swearing even though I really wasn't because I think I'm allergic to that word.


And also, if you know me at all I HATE MORNINGS. My husband has learned to simply kiss me on the head before he leaves, rather than attempt any form of conversation. My co-worker and I have an agreement that no important discussions (or any discussions) will take place pre-10 a.m.

So imagine my chagrin as yesterday, as this Starbucks drive-thru window attendant starts up a conversation. I even had my Blackberry out and everything so she would get the hint that there would be no chit-chatting. But noooo, that did not stop her. She proceeds to tell me how all of her clothes smell but she doesn't know why. I can't imagine what my face looked like at this point, but I'm assuming it was not hard to tell what I was thinking. Which was "EEEW!" and "Shut up!"

But she continued, unabashed. Apparently everywhere she goes, people tell her her clothes smell. Like coffee (um duh!) and ROTTEN MILK. At this point I start to think 1) why do you wear your Starbucks uniform everywhere you go and 2) why do you wait so long to wash your clothes that the milk spilled on them turns rotten? AND you'd think if people told her she smelled, she might just do something about it.

And of course, I have to idea what to say to her. So I just nod and pray fervently that my drink is done soon. And even when it comes, she keeps talking about her SMELLY CLOTHES. Knowing I can't burn this bridge and speed away while she's still talking, because she has the power to spit in my drink you know, I politely wave and pull away. And then vent to Twitter.

So, as I pull go through drive-thru order thingy this morning VERY nervous about who will be at the other end of that speaker, and pull up to the window (after having to repeat my drink like 20 times), guess who pops out of the window to take my money. Yeah, you guessed it, smelly girl.

She started things out kind of normal. Shy, even. And I resumed intently staring at my Blackberry, hoping to avoid a repeat of yesterday, but it was no use. I see her out of the corner of my eye, and like it's in slow motion, I turn and look at her.

And she starts up. "Didn't I see you yesterday? Oh yes, yes I remember your coat. I like your coat. What are you wearing underneath your coat? Oh plaid. I like plaid. But I can't wear it because I'd look like a hillbilly. I have an uncle who wears just plaid. But you don't look like a hill billy or my uncle. I like your clothes. Can I come over to your house and take photos of your wardrobe so I can dress like you? Because I like all of your clothes. Well, everything I've seen you wear the last two days (giggle). What are you wearing on your feet?"

I am not exaggerating. And she was not kidding.

What am I going to do you guys? I can't take this every morning. How do you deal with crazy customer service people?

Fashion Quandary: Sara

***House Update: So in theory, we are supposed to be closing on our house today. Apparently that is now up in the air. So, I'm not entirely sure when we will be closing, moving, etc. I do know however that we have to be out of our apartment by next Tuesday. So I'm really trying not to let the anxiety get the best of me because WE ARE GOING TO BE HOMELESS. Anyway, just thought y'all might want to know.:)

EDITED TO ADD: Just got a call and we can't move in this weekend. GAH. I'm going to have a coronary.

Now onto the rest. I got a note from Ms. Soontobeowner the other day regarding her winter fashion choices.

I'd love to see something about dressing cute and warm. I know you are in Oregon and I am in Seattle and I struggle this time of year to wear my favorite outfits but stay warm (and dry). Thanks for the great posts! -Soontobeowner

Well, Sara, I've been struggling with the very same thing! And maybe I'm mental, but it seems like winter clothes are just so much more EXPENSIVE than summer clothes. I stumbled upon a little InStyle feature this morning about dressing for the cold, let's see what we can glean from it!

1. Combine a roomy wrap sweater with leggings to balance out sweater bulk.

2. Wear multiple thin knits to avoid the bulk. Wearing two summer weight cardigans can equal the amount of warmth as one thick knit.

3. Wear cuffed jeans with a long cardigan for visual interest. Recycle those boyfriend jeans you lived in all summer.

4. Combine soft and flowy (like silk and chiffon) with wool and heavy outerwear. This is a great way to integrate summer dresses.

5. Sub a standard pea coat for a more feminine cape.

6. Combine patent shoes and bags with skinny jeans to balance out a bulky coat.

7. Don a fedora instead of a knit cap or beanie.

What do you lovelies think? Would you put these tips into practice?

Here are some of the pieces I'm rocking this winter to keep myself warm:

I purchased this beauty from ModCloth, via a recommendation from Chloe.
This awesome cloche hat, which I posted about earlier and secured for a mere $11.80 from Forever21.

These boots, which I bought last winter are slouchy (as you can see) and I can fit HUGE WOOLY socks under them without cutting off the circulation to my toes.

Steve Madden.

I am also living in leggings, tights and skinny jeans. They keep the heat in, or so I tell myself.

What are you wearing to keep your limbs from freezing off?

Fashion Quandary: Chantelle

So I have this cousin. We grew up together. We wrote letters in code to one another and left them hidden in our grandma's house to find when the next person came. We were pen pals. We are lake buddies. We share books and a sense of humor one can only develop by growing up in our family. Some of my very best childhood memories were made with her. Her name is Chantelle. And here's what she sent me:

Kal,

I better start by saying that I'm definitely one of those "blog stalkers!" But I absolutely love your blog, I think maybe because it makes me feel like we are at the lake, laying in the sun, looking at fashion magazines, or something! I love seeing your ideas on fashion and giving cheaper alternatives. I have a couple ideas for you....as we know, I do NOT have the ideal figure, and that some fashion ideas just will NOT work for my body type....what would you suggest for a girl that loves wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, but sometimes just needs something more?? And jewelry, you always have the most awesome accessories, but I have a hard time deciding if something is too dressy, too casual, or just too much for the outfit! Miss you guys!

Love,

Chantelle

And here she is at our rehearsal dinner a year ago. Isn't she adorable?


Well love, I think I can help with your little quandary! Here are a couple of pieces, that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

First Outfit:
An adorable sequined/sheer top. The stripe of sequin down the middle serves as a lovely attention getter. It also fits almost exactly like a regular old t-shirt! WIN!

Lane Bryant, $49.50.

This top would adorable with a pair of wide-leg trousers, like these, if you are going for a more dressed up look:

Gap, $69.50.

Wide leg trousers create a line straight from the hip to the ground and make legs look long and thin.

The top would also look fabulous with dark rinse boyfriend jeans, like these, for a more casual ensemble, since my dear cousin is more of a denim girl (amen!):

American Eagle (where Chantelle works), $39.50.

I'd add a winter white pea coat since it's winter, and the white would make the blue top really pop. I LIVE in my white pea coat during the rainy season.

Old Navy, $99.50.

For shoes, I'd go for a wedge. The height makes legs look longer and wedges look fantastic with wide-leg trousers (and jeans), but they are way more comfortable than stilettos. These affordable, adorable wedges might do the trick! You can even add socks under them. Don't tell anyone I do that, please.

Payless, $29.99.

Top off your look with pearl stud earrings, and a purple bow headband, like this one from Forever 21 (I have it in red and LOVE it):

Forever 21, $3.80.

Whether you are dressing up with the slacks, or down with the jeans, you will look put together and fabulous!

Second Outfit:
We'll start with one of my favorite comfortable yet fashionable compromises. A jersey (t-shirt) dress.

Gap, $59.50.

This dress has a defined waistline, a lovely tuxedo shirt type detailing on the neckline and is made of the same material as a t-shirt!

To tip the scales towards casual, I'd add a pair of bright colored tights (a la Gossip Girl) like these:

Gap, $12.50.

Adding to the casual vibe, I'd add a sweater like this (worn open) to give the dress a structured yet cozy feel.

Gap, $49.99.

Add a long gold necklace, like this one, to draw the gold tones from the tights and your casual look is complete!

Forever 21, $4.80.

To dress this look up, add a sexier hose, like these:

Lane Bryant, $42.00.

Some killer heels, like these:
ModCloth, $44.99.

And a red belt (worn right at the seam on the dress) to accentuate those curves!

ModCloth, $34.99.

The winter white coat, mentioned earlier would look fantastic with both the casual and dressed-up version of this outfit.

Well readers, mainly Chantelle, what do you think of these options? Would a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl feel comfortable yet fashionable in these looks? Would you rock them?

Would you like a fashion quandary solved!? E-mail me!

What word would make "update" sound more chic?

I know it's been all about the clothes around here lately, and well, I'd say I'm sorry, but I'm not. I've been enjoying myself quite a bit!:) And hopefully y'all are finding some helpful tips and ideas from the magazine snapshots and dissected celebrity looks. 'Cuz I just don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

Anyway, a quick update on the house! We are supposed to close on the house Wednesday and be able to move in Sunday when we get back from our trip to Tacoma to see this stud muffin make his college basketball debut! Everything is done, our living room furniture was delivered Saturday at 7 a.m. (WHO DOES THAT!?) and we spent the rest of the day shopping for a fridge. We managed to pick up a new TV somehow as well.:) We're pretty excited to move in!

How were your weekends?

Is there any fashion quandary's you need help with? Or any celebrity looks you've spied and are dying to mimic? E-mail me at krameymartin {at} gmail dot com, I'm taking requests!

Loves!

Magazine Snap Shot: Lucky- December 2009

Well, I've already received my December issue of Lucky magazine, so I figured I'd give you your snapshot before all of the items sell out!

CMA hostess, Ms. Carrie Underwood, who was rocking some seriously awesome outfits at the award show, graced the cover of this month's magazine. I must say, I have seen her live and BOY does she live up to the hype. She sang three Guns N' Roses songs ACAPELLA. I had goosebumps the entire time. Love her. She's also become quite the fashionista, especially for a country musician.

Lucky Magazine: December 2009

The first item I found irresistible in the December issue is this lovely scarf from Banana Republic (BR). It could be the increasing freezing-ness here in Oregon, or just my love for pashminas, but I think this one is a wonderful blend of the totally trendy plaid and a really classic Burberry sort of look.

Banana Republic, $49.50.

My next find wasn't an actual piece of clothing or an accessory, but a website I'm just dying to explore more. The site is www.designersocial.com and is like the Amazon of designer handbags. Granted some of the bags are still upwards of $500, so YIKES! But every now and then you can find a crazy deal! You can also sell whatever designer pieces you've acquired along the way that perhaps you may not use anymore. I love this kind of stuff!

The next piece I saw that caught my eye is something I'm really unsure I would actually wear. But it really caught my eye. It would be perfect you know, if you lived in the North Pole, so I couldn't help but post it.

Nordstrom, $48.00.

There was a look one of the featured "lucky girls" was wearing, and though it didn't say exactly where she got her clothes, I found a similar look at Anthropologie. I'm loving the rolled sleeve blazer. They've featured it a lot on Gossip Girl's Serena (Blake Lively) lately.

Anthropologie, $88.00.

On the very next page was a look with a rolled sleeve blazer, slip dress and amazingly priced studded suede pumps. Well, I couldn't find them in the suede, but here they are in the leather. A little more dominatrix, but if paired with something more feminine (like a slip dress), they might just work.

March Fisher, Macy*s, $89.00.

Moving away from the scary stud shoes, I found this lovely silk blouse, again at BR. Coming up big BR! You could even pair this top with the aforementioned blazer! Huzzah!

Banana Republic, $70.00.

I first encountered lip gloss/chapstick in a ball at BlogHer last year, but when I saw this, I couldn't help but look into it. A pretty sweet deal for only $5! The magazine featured it as a solution to the desirable holiday red lip.

Mark, Avon, $5.

The next item was quite appropriate for a December fashion magazine, a Christmas party dress! However, upon my scouring of Macy*s website, I couldn't seem to find it. This BCBG dress was quite similar, however not red, as pretty or as inexpensive. I did find this beaut from (everybody now) BR! If I had a fancy holiday party to go to, oh man I'd be all over this. Doesn't get much more classy than a red dress!

Banana Republic, $152.00.

Staying with the Christmas theme, I found this gorgeous little thing towards the end of the magazine. I can't just picture myself sitting around in it (with my very glamorous Gonzaga sweats underneath of course) Christmas morning. It look so soft and delicate and cozy!

Mary Green, $87.00.

So there is your December Lucky snapshot, what do you think? Anything you can't live without?

Let's hear it for the boys!

So I received a request for a feature on men's fashion. Well, that is a wee bit more difficult for me, as I am not a man, nor do any of my fashion magazines/web sites/blogs really feature the fellas, but for my faithful readers, I shall take a stab! After all, I live with a man, right? I should know these things.

So I suppose I'll start with a male celeb who I feel has really found a good balance between trendy, classy and manly. And then finish up with a look that readers can find for less.

So without further ado, today's style star is Ryan Reynolds. Whether he is hanging with Sandra or his real wife Scarlett (lucky ladies), Mr. Reynolds always has a very classy, masculine look.

Reynolds wears a tan ensemble at a Proposal premier with Sandra Bullock, accenting the neutral palette with a navy tie and light blue shirt. The combo is so very J.Crew-esque.

Pairing a trench with a darker palette underneath, Reynolds adds a bit of casual to an otherwise more formal outfit. I love the tie-clip accent.

If there is one thing Mr. Reynolds knows, it's leather jackets. I'm loving the combo of jeans and sneakers (above), and jeans and a beret (below).

I really liked everything Reynolds wore in The Proposal, but this outfit in particular really stood out. The light blue crisp shirt with lighter wash jeans and a green utility-type jacket make up a laid back look but also comes off very put together.

Kudos Mr. Reynolds, I wouldn't mind if my husband donned a few of your looks (hint, hint)!

So, where can YOU get these looks (or buy them for your husband/significant other)? Well, let's dissect the second to last look, the one with the beret.

Let's start from the bottom up. Though more and more fellas are leaning towards the same designer jeans that women have been oogling for years, I'm still a fan of the more laid-back style of Lucky Jeans. I've bought my husband these Vintage Straight jeans the last couple Christmases and they really look fantastic on him.

Lucky Brand Jeans, $120.00.

Next, shoes. I'm really a men's shoe rookie. Especially with dress shoes. They just kind of all look the same to me. However, I know enough to know that a black boot goes perfectly with this look. Like these Romeos.

Romeos, $69.

Moving right on up, to the sweatshirt. Since I have a slight addiction to sweats leftover from my team sports days, if Taylor owned this awesome sweatshirt, I might be tempted to steal it.

J.Crew, $59.50.

A broken-in pocket tee like this steely blue matches the one Reynolds tucks under his sweatshirt and provides a nice layered look.

J.Crew, $9.99.

Leather jackets can be tricky business. They can also be expensive business. This one from J.Crew captures the look perfectly, but it's also $795. I'm guessing that's out of the budget for most of us. So, instead try a less expensive look like this one, from Target, coming in at a mere $50.


Finally we come to the crowning glory of the look, the beret. J.Crew calls it a "wool driving cap," but we all know it's that English Oliver Twist look at it's finest.

J.Crew, $39.50.

So, what do you think? Men, would you wear it? Ladies, would your man wear it? What do you think of Reynolds' style?

Happy Friday!