Bohemian Dream

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Jeans: Forme Premium via Eccentricity (local shop), $6 // Necklace: Payless // Bracelet: Forever 21, $8 // Shoes RJ Girl via Piperlime, $55

Today I went for a loose, laid-back look with super wide-leg jeans and a gauzy button-up. On an unrelated note: I have a confession. I went tipsy shopping last night. After having a couple of beers with dinner, I found myself browsing forever21.com. As I pushed the checkout button, I was fully aware of what I was doing but just inebriated enough to think it was a good idea. The damage was only about fifty bucks but still... dangerous!

Mind Games

Dress: Urban Outfitters, $15 // Sash: American Apparel, $13 // Earrings: Thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Ciao Bella via TJMaxx, $30

If this dress looks oddly familiar, your mind is not playing tricks on you... I am! That's right, I bought the same dress in two prints. I couldn't decide between the bold, cheery floral and the more versatile subdued version. The plan was to return one, but you know how that goes.

While packing up my bedroom, I found these old earrings tucked away in a box. They weigh nothing and are on posts, which makes them perfect for my small, wimpy ears. Rediscovering forgotten possessions is one of the few joys of moving.

Electric Feel

Top: Marc by Marc Jacobs via Gilt, purchased with credit // Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Shoes: Courtesy of Lucky Brand and Lucky Magazine // Clutch: Lela Rose for Payless (not current) // Earrings: Payless

The textures and colors of this outfit, along with the slight blur of the photograph, create a kind of kinetic quality.

Dirty Betty VIntage Giveaway!

Up for grabs is a $30 credit to Dirty Betty Vintage! You know the drill: leave a comment on this post between now and next Sunday, August 1st, at 11 p.m. central time. Only one comment per person, please. Open to international readers. A winner will be randomly selected and announced next Monday, August 2nd.

I haven't heard from the winner of the last giveaway: Megan, comment #1. If I don't hear from her by this Friday, another winner will be selected!

I Think I'm in Love...

Top: Courtesy of Spotted Moth // Shorts: Old // Earrings: Target, $10 // Bracelet: Forever 21, $8 // Shoes: gojane.com, $25

... with two new items featured in this outfit. First up, this down-to-earth yet delightfully dramatic top from Spotted Moth. The voluminous sleeves and peasant-y feel really suit my fancy. I've been patiently holding off on wearing it pending the arrival of the second item...

My new clogs! I've been wanting to get in on the trend for months now but haven't, for the life of me, been able to find a chic, budget-friendly pair. On several occasions, I came this close to buying a pair I didn't love or spending more than I wanted to. After diligent searching, these beauties popped up. I literally purchased them as soon as I saw them and never looked back. They are just what I was looking for and cost a mere $25. (Note: I wore them with dark skinnies for casual Friday at the office, which is why you see a cuff in the close-up. As soon as I left the office and entered the 95-degree afternoon, I changed promptly into shorts). Hope you have a fun Friday night and fabulous weekend!

Easy Breezy

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Shorts: Old? // Hat: Urban, $5 // Bracelet: Forever 21, $8 // Shoes: Courtesy of Famous Footwear

You know how much I love shoes, so when Famous Footwear asked if I wanted to team up, I jumped at the chance. Asked to select a few transitional fall styles, my mind tended toward boots, but I was also drawn to these flats. The ankle straps are reminiscent of a summer sandal, while the ballet flat design is totally fall-friendly. I can wear them now with shorts or sundresses and later with tights as an updated mary jane. For today's look, I went for an edgy bohemian vibe with a slouchy button-up, cut-offs and a hippie hat.

MacGyver

Shirt: Vintage, thrifted, $2 // Shorts: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Necklace: Vintage, $6 // Sunglasses: Urban, $1.50 // Shoes: Ciao Bella via TJMaxx, $30

Bet you can't tell that one of my shoes is being held together by a twistie tie. That's about all I have to note about this outfit... just a loose, breezy look for a hot summer day!

Bird's Eye View

Top: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Jeans: Tilt via Plato's Closet, $18 // Shoes: Vintage, thrifted, $1 // Bow: Thrifted, 50 cents

With friends in from out of town, this past weekend was full of summer fun including swimming, dancing, beer-drinking, kickball-watching and dinner on a rooftop terrace. Now it's time to put recreation aside and get serious about packing. I move to a new place in less than two weeks.

This top is yet another Urban Outfitters Sidewalk Sale purchase. I was really trying to space them out, but I just can't help but wear new purchases.


The winner of the Happy Pappy Vintage giveaway is comment #1, Megan. Please email me as soon as possible at kansascouture@gmail.com. Thanks!

Rose-Colored Glasses

Dress: Urban Outfitters, $15 // Belt: Vintage, thrifted, $1 // Hat: Courtesy of the Happy Pappy Vintage // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, $1.50 // Shoes: Payless

I couldn't help but have some spring in my step while wearing this quaint retro-inspired ensemble. The blue lenses of these sunnies are actually kind of headache-inducing, but other than that, everything was just peachy.

Jackpot

Top: Express via TJMaxx, $8 // Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $5 // Necklace: Wild Man Vintage, $13 // Shoes: Payless

Yesterday was the Annual Sidewalk Sale. The deals are hit and miss, but crowds and heat are guaranteed. Being the dedicated bargain hunter that I am, I dragged myself out of bed extra early to shop before work. Because Urban Outfitters is notoriously chaotic on the day of the sale, I deliberately avoided it and tried to cover as much ground as possible in my brief window of time. It was a total bust. I didn't find a single thing. 

While driving home from work, I decided I might as well try my luck at Urban Outfitters. Going in with low expectations, I found the crowd had dissipated but the cute clothes had not! I left with quite a haul: two skirts (including the darling one above), two dresses, a pair of shorts, two shirts and three pairs of sunglasses.

Now I will probably fall victim to the Urban Outfitters Sidewalk Sale Phenomenon. Namely, I will run into many girls wearing the exact same items as me... but it's worth it!

Paint It Black

Dress: Forever 21 via Goodwill, $3 // Earrings: Forever 21, $8 // Sunglasses: Target, $11 // Shoes: Vintage, thrifted, $1

I don't typically match my shoes to my dress, but I just couldn't resist the simplicity of these two newly thrifted items in combination.

The lining of the dress was peeking out from the hem, so I assume its previous owner accidentally shrunk it. I suppose that's the beauty of thrifting: one woman's trash is another woman's perfect mod mini dress. Don't worry - I wore it over leggings at work. After hours, those were quickly swapped out for biker shorts in the face of oppressive humidity.

And, of course, I couldn't forget my most favorite black accessory of all: Mr. Igby!

90210

Jacket: Decree via JCPenney, $8 // Dress: Courtesy of AKIRA // Shoes: alice & olivia for Payless // Headband: Ragstock in Madison, WI, $4

I felt delightfully reminiscent of the '90s in my light-wash denim jacket and this cute floral dress from Chicago-based retailer AKIRA. The frock is 100% cotton, so it's super comfy and easy to wear casually. I'm also eager to glam it up for a date night with lots of jewelry and some stilettos. AKIRA would like to offer Kansas Couture readers a 15% discount. Just enter code KATY15 when you check out.

I'm not sure why some of my pictures were so washed out, but I like how it adds to the nostalgic quality of the outfit. 

As some of you aptly noted, I did get my hair cut recently. It is definitely the shortest I've ever had it, so I've been using pretty hair accessories to ease myself into the length (or lack thereof). Watch out for another hair update in the coming weeks!

Giveaway from the Happy Pappy Vintage

Boasting both style and utility, small cross-body bags are back in a big way. The Happy Pappy Vintage would like to give this one to a Kansas Couture reader.

Simply leave a comment on this post between now and next Sunday at 11 p.m. central time. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday. Only one entry per person, please. This giveaway is open to international readers.

Also, the Happy Pappy Vintage would like to offer an exclusive 15% discount to Kansas Couture readers. Leave a note when you check out, and the price will be reduced accordingly before you pay.

Flashback

Inspired by Jessica's post, I decided to see what I was wearing exactly one year ago. I have since given away that quirky knit tank, those shorts no longer fit me, my long hair is long gone, and I don't live on that cobblestone street anymore. It's so interesting to look back and see how things have changed. See the original post here.

Till the Cows Come Home

Shirt: Cotton Candy, $20 // Jeans: Tilt via Plato's Closet, $18 // Necklace: Forever 21, $8 // Shoes: alice + olivia for Payless

I love the way this necklace looks, but it is so freaking loud I feel like I'm wearing a cowbell! Worried that I might be disturbing my colleagues while traipsing through cubicles, I removed it halfway through the workday. 

I also love this new top and wish they made it in dress form as well. The silhouette is perfectly loose and flowy, and the rayon material is light and breezy for warm weather.

That's all I have to say about this little get-up.

Sleepyhead

Shirt: Vintage, $6 // Pants: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Sunglasses: H&M, $5 // Shoes: Payless

I overslept today, so this is what I threw on in a hurry. It's not the most exciting but has a nice vintage vibe. How was everyone's Fourth? Rain put a damper on some of my plans, but I still managed to have a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I didn't snap a picture of either of my outfits (one for day, one for night), but they were festive, I assure you.

Odds & Ends

This dress is another fab $15 find. I adore interesting collars, and it's ideal for the office!

We heart Miller! Just kidding, but I do love comically large inanimate objects.

July Sponsors

Say hello to this month's sponsors. You met Dirty Betty last month, and I'm happy to introduce the Happy Pappy Vintage. Each will be offering up a giveaway item this month, so keep an eye out!

Kansas Couture in Peppermint Magazine

A big thank you to eco-fashion magazine Peppermint for the lovely feature!

Preaching to the Choir

Dress: Kieu's, $15 // Bracelet: Forever 21, $9 // Earrings: Creation Station (local shop), $5 // Shoes: RJ Girl via Piperlime, $55

This dress called to me for a number of reasons: the scalloped edges, the big bow, the bright white color, the price tag. Staring in the mirror this morning, however, I couldn't help but think I looked like I belonged in a church choir. I edged up its angelic nature with tough accessories: glam metallic earrings, a big stud bracelet and my trusty strappy wedges.