fashion

Target Practice

February 25, 2018 katemcgateLeave a comment

Hey ya’ll,

It’s your favorite flake here– just trying to get through toddler life and also take showers– so writing kind of took a back seat. Sorry, so..sorry. But, life..right?

Anyway, I’ve been thinking I need to get writing again, and I’m going to take their toddler free week (thanks Mom and Dad!) to get on here and do my thing, but sleep..right?

There’s a ton of things I’ve been doing to better my life, which I’m super excited about. I stopped eating sugar (No, I’m not going to be annoying about it), I quit smoking (for good this time), and I finally got a handle on my work/life balance. What I haven’t done? Wrangled my anxiety and have a handle on my finances– because Lilly is cute, Longchamp has sales sometimes, and anxiety is the best friend that just won’t.stop.tagging.along.

But, we all have our issues. If I’m doing right by my body, I can be rich when I’m dead, right?

Today, I came on to tell you all about my frivolous purchase of the weekend from the blackhole many call Target. I haven’t been on the crazy train to Target in a while, but when I saw their new gingham trench, I decided I was going to stalk it until it suddenly popped into my cart and called me mom. Today, it did just that! I got to take the trench home with me along with some mules that make me feel like Steve Harvey. Talk about #sprang

The trench runs super big, so make sure to size down when grabbing this spring essential. The mules can make anyone feel like they have a pair of paddle feet. I had to grab a size 11, when I’m a size 10. Ok, I already have big feet, but still that’s a whole size up! I can’t wait to rock these two with a pair of black skinny pants, a white top and a pop of bright yellow, just to say…bzzz. They had some great items in their women’s section, especially their newest diversion from the exit : Who What Wear. It is everything you want for your Instagram-worthy pics for your ~blog~

Speaking of Target in general, they have a whole lot of things on clearance. The Target near my house is kind of sketchy, so I travel the extra 15 to go to the boujee one. There’s clearance sheets, lamps, water bottles, curtains, and floor mats. Just what ever domestic diva needs in her life. Just don’t get too out of hand in the first couple of aisles. It’s literally a warzone in there.

Love you, mean it.

Best Planners out There?

I must say, I’m still not a planner person.

June 27, 2017June 28, 2017 katemcgateLeave a comment

So, we talked about stationary…a basic girl’s most used drug. However, we didn’t talk about their secret weapon: planners. Ugh, not this again…I know, I know. Planner talk means back to school– but with popular brands getting their planner options for the new year out NOW– it’s time for all of you guys to take charge and shop smart for a great planner. I’ve gone through a couple– and I must say, I’m still not a planner person.

Guys, I really try– but I can never seem to keep track of it, or keep up with it as the months go on. Let’s face it, I buy planners because they’re pretty. If you love planners, good for you– because I sure as hell can’t seem to get it together.

Even though I forget about my planners a month into buying them, I’m still on the look out for some bitchin’ ones for you all. That’s right– I’ve been doing my homework, and I must say, we have some pretty steep competition this year.

Here it is, the best of the best planners for everyone out there:

Lilly Pulitzer, kate spade, Emily Ley, Erin Condren

Let’s just talk about these guys for a hot sec, because you know I sprinted to Lilly the day the new planners were released. These are the staples of every instagram worthy post. The artistic details, and beautiful colors, and the cute sayings all make everyone forget about the most important thing: The price. These planners can run you from about $20 for smaller versions to upwards of $65-$70 for a personalized EC. I love to waste money on frivolous items, but that’s just ridiculous. If you need to have your monogram on everything, here’s a pro tip: Go on Etsy and buy your monogram on a sticker for like, $5, and stick it on your $35 Lilly planner. Sure, we all know the paper quality is good– but let’s all face the reality: You’re writing in your plans to get drunk with your one college roommate at 6 and calling your ex-boyfriend at 9. #notapologizing

Target

Sure, the paper quality isn’t like, resume paper..but it’s good enough for what it is. I walked into Target the other day to get cookies (don’t ask) and my eyes caught a huge display of adorable, gold leaf planners. Now, I like a spiral bound notebook..so I can get a bit picky, but these are fairly cheaper than the Lilly that I did end up buying. If you can do without a spiral bound– you have even cheaper picks. They can range between $7- $17 for the dupes of your favorites.

Walmart

Oh, no. No, no, no..I’m not becoming a Walmart person (not that I don’t like it- the prices are bomb, but the people sometimes aren’t) Interestingly enough, the ones that I saw at Target had a fraternal twin at Walmart. If you want a good price, you’re gonna get it here. That’s all I’ll say. I have a couple more jokes, but I’m leaving myself to be unbiased.

Blitsy

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS WEBSITE? I’m not too sure about this whole..sticker thing, but the planners are so so cute! Low to mid $20 for these newly found beauties. There are a couple that are in the high $50-$60 range as well, so you do get a variety. First off, they bombard you with coups, and have pretty nice clearance that includes Rifle Paper Co right now!

Passion Planner

Ok, so these all have similar designs on them, but different colors. I’ve never seen these before, but they are super cute and pretty competitive in price. Right now, they have a simple black, purple, blue, gold, pink, brown, and turquoise. The options are straight forward, too. Academic, undated (who does that), and dated. What I love? The questions that are featured for goal planning. Also, check out their mission statement below:

This is why for every planner purchased, we give one away. We’re more than just a planner company—we’re a group of goal getters making a change in the world. We’re creating something more than a community, we’re creating a #Pashfam that encourages one another to graduate college, land their dream job, plan their wedding, battle depression, overcome anxiety, and achieve their dreams. And we want you to be a part of that.

So here’s to helping more people, together.

– www.passionplanner.com

Since I battled depression for most of my life so far, I felt that this is a super great way to help out, even if they are “just” a planner company.

Anywho, just know– if you like planners because they’re pretty, you aren’t alone. If you like them because you use them: more power to ya. Just remember, an empty planner doesn’t mean you have an empty life, it just means you can’t get your shit straight to write it all down. (Like me!)

Love you, mean it.

Lilly Pulitzer, Emily Ley, kate spade, Walmart. (Links attached)

S or S? : Summer Staples

So, what do you want to splurge or save on?

June 16, 2017June 16, 2017 katemcgateLeave a comment

It’s that time of year again where we find ourselves at a cross roads. To buy new, exciting clothes..or deal with what you have for yet another season of not so cute instagram posts.

Obviously, we have our summer staples: Bathing suits, a cute pair of shorts, sunglasses, flip flops, and a sundress…anything else? I’m probably sure I’m missing plenty of staples…but my dog keeps licking my leg, so that’s what we’re going with for now.

So, what do you want to splurge or save on?

Bathing Suit

Splurge. Yep, splurge on this one. I gotta say, buying bathing suits from Target are great in a pinch, but when you actually spend some quality money (like $100 and you have a mini heart attack while swiping your card) you get a pretty great bathing suit that will last a while. Lands End, Everything but Water, Boden..just to name some. Some things are reasonable, and some stuff is just outlandish– but I’ve seen the difference first hand in how a GREAT bathing suit fits vs a cheaper one. As a bigger laday, it’s hard to find something that flatters you.

Sundress

Save. I know we can all agree that a $98 sundress from Lilly tends to be a *must* for me, but there are so many different dress options these days, that you can get a practical dress for less than $20 that will last you for the summer. Guess what? That color trend or style of dress may be out of style next summer, so it’s best to spend less.

Shorts

Save. Same goes for this topic. Not gonna lie, a good pair of shorts can hug you a special kind of way, but I own expensive shorts…and the pockets stick out and make my hips look wider than they need to. Guess what pair of my shorts DON’T do that? My JCrew FACTORY shorts for literally $15. So, my good pair of shorts that hug me in all the right ways, was $15, while my $68 Lilly Pulitzer pair makes my hips look like they don’t lie. Sometimes, they do. So don’t be fooled.

Sunglasses

Save. Okay, is it just me, or can you find some bomb-ass sunnies for nothing? I know that I had a $3 pair from Marshall’s for the longest time, until I sat on them in my car and then squinted my eyes all the way to New York. I currently have a pair from Dollboxx which is a little more pricey, but still reasonable…and not $150. To add to that, they also make bathing suits that I wouldn’t be caught dead in..but if you can rock them, be my guest.

Flippys

Splurge. Yeppers–buy that pair of Jacks, Eliza B’s or Tory’s. It’s treat yo’self day. First off, Jacks hurt like a bitch, but last a while– unless you get those Jellies, because they hurt AND don’t last…but the reg leather ones are great– just try not to wear them for a whole day unless you like being a grumpy bitch. Eliza B’s are about $60, and WORTH IT. I have about 4 pairs from high school that I can still wear and not look like a bum. They LAST. I just bought a new pair, because they’re madras– but I love how comfy they are and how supportive they feel. Lastly, Tory Burch sells some cute sandals, man. I don’t own any, but for the girl who has everything and wants more– these are for you. She has a ton of choices, and I’m into each one. Everyone might be different, but in my opinion, a sloppy shoe is a sign of a not so put together person.

This summer, spend smart, spend less, and make sure to plan out your purchases so you have enough left over for an impromtu hooky day from work..or if your boss is reading this, an impromtu PTO day 🙂

Love you, mean it.

The Latest and Greatest in Dupes: Fashion Edition

November 27, 2014November 27, 2014 katemcgate4 Comments

We all can’t have the closet filled with names like Alexander McQueen and Betsy Johnson like Carrie Bradshaw, and we definitely can’t have a closet filled with tweed, fabulous Burberry dresses, and preppy headbands like Blair Waldorf. What’s a girl on a budget to do? Let’s take a look at the latest in winter fashion.

Take a look underneath my reg sendoff..

xoxo -Kate

Outerwear

Capes: I LOVE capes. I love everything about them. There’s something so…American Horror Story: Coven about them. They put an outfit together and make your presence say, “Uh, it’s me..bow down.” Loves it. Don’t love the prices. Some capes can go for a couple hundred. Obvi, they’re the cute ones. So, I found one that is simply to die for, and under $50.00. Who loves me?

Boohoo.com: Dora Aztec Wool Look Cape: $44.00

Holiday Parties

K, so who loves tartan? Just me? Whatever..I’m obsessed. The awesome thing about tartan is that the pattern can be found in pants, cardis, skirts, and dresses. Below are some phenom “party” pants. Go crazy, just don’t break the bank.

Holiday Tartan Cocktail Ankle Pants: $148.00

New Year’s Eve Dresses

Everyone knows you need a flashy little number that everyone will be too drunk to remember what it looks like. Whatevs..I see why you want it. So, here are two almost identical dresses.

Vineyard Vines, Sequin Rope Dress: $398.00

H&M: Sequined Dress: $34.95 — H&M Sequined Dress: $34.95

Bow Tie Shirts

These are amaz. They remind me so much of Blair Waldorf. Jeez, throw a cape on and an adorbs midi skirt, and you’re ready for anything!

Bring It to the Boardroom Top, ModCloth: $39.99

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Bow-tie cotton shirt: $845.00

Cozy Flannels

Flannels are in and better than ever. We love flannels. They can surprisingly be dressed up, and obvi dressed down. Anyway you look at it, flannels are here for the long haul! (And we are super excited!)

Boots

Le SIGH. Love these things. I would live in riding boots if I was able to. Whether it’s an over the knee boot, or just hitting mid-calf, boots are an essential when it comes to colder weather. Let’s take a look at a price difference. Now, if you’re a complainer and can’t see that they look PRACTICALLY the same, you have set yourself up for failure. Do you know who notices brands on shoes? People with foot fetishes.