Sparkle & Shine

Thursday, February 27, 2014


Hey hey! So, first off I need to apologize... I have been a terrible blogger this past week or so. :( Things have been crazy busy here around my house, new projects, birthdays, in-laws visiting.... But I promise I will get better, I will do my best to get back on track and posting more regularly!

This outfit... I just LOVE!

I mean who doesn't want to wear a sequin midi with neon and chucks!? Sounds perfect to me.... especially since I love me a little sparkle! Plus, you won't often find me in big heels, sneakers are more my jam. I really like the dress up of the sequins paired with the casual sneaks, so cute right!?

XO,
K







Instant Outfit

Thursday, February 20, 2014

It doesn't get much easier than this people.... 3 key pieces and you have yourself a bangin' "let's hit the town" outfit!  Go ahead, try it... See for yourself how easy it is. 

Here's what you need.

+ Floral dress (above dress is sold out but similar here).

+ Colorful Clutch like this one from BCBGeneration.

+ Strappy Cutout Heels like these Anne Michelle cutout peep toes from Lulus.

Now 1-2-3, GO!

XO,
K


Strategies to being a Smarter Shopper

Monday, February 17, 2014


If you guys are anything like me, you possibly have a shopping problem... a little bit, maybe!? :) My answer is for sure yes.... Hi, my name is Kara and I have a shopping problem.....but I do have to say, that over the years I have become a much smarter shopper.

Here are a few tips/strategies for becoming a smarter shopper.

+ Assess your current closet. Try organizing your closet into categories (Tops, Bottoms, Skirts, Dresses, Etc.). Take it another step further and organize those categories by color. This way you will be able to  see clearly what you have and if you have any holes/needs to fill before you shop.

+ Be Creative. Take to Pinterest or fashion blogs for street style photos. Looking at these photos, think about your closet (thats nicely organized now, right!?) and what pieces you already own that you can re-work to create fresh new looks. You might be surprised at the different looks you can come up with using what you already have, only needing to purchase a small detail like an accessory  possibly.

+ Use your $$ wisely. Try not to use more than 20-25% of your budget on trendy piece that may only get worn a  handful of times. Instead, use the bulky of your cash on basic or go-to pieces and mix in the trendy. An example, spend  more on a pair of well-fitting jeans that will last a long time and try the cheaper stores for that outrageous, bright colored statement necklace.

+ Style your buy. Resist that urge to rip off the tags of your new purchase right away. Take some time to style out your buy with your existing closet. If you can't make at least 3 great looks, then maybe it wasn't the right purchase for you. Just a thought!

Hopefully these few tips help you create the best , most useful closet for you and your budget! 

Happy shopping!

XO,
K



Happy Valentine's Day!

Friday, February 14, 2014





Top: Windsor // Skirt: Windsor


Happy love day from The Freebird!!

As you can see, The Freebird got a bit of a face lift this week! I'm so excited for this update.... it was time for a new look. Hope you guys like the new design :) Let me know what you think! 

XO,
K





Sizzlin' V-Day Finds

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Valentines day is right around the corner so it's time to heat things up and find that perfect , sexy v-day look.  Whether you are going ultra sexpot with some  hot lingerie or keeping it more comfy cas  in a cute PJ set, there is plenty to choose from!

 These are a few of my fav love day items out there right now:

+ Red Strappy Bralette from Forever 21.... $ 19.80

+ Talk about sexin' things up... This Lace Teddy leaves few "secrets" to the imagination. Victoria's Secret $48

+ A red lip is always sexy. MAC Lipstick in Russian Red  $16

+ I love a cute pair of casual jammies and these are ah-maze.... especially when you see the price tag, $20! LOVE! Queen of Hearts PJ set from Forever 21  

+ "Heels are so not sexy" said no one ever! Fuchsia heel from Lulu's $35

+ This is my personal fav... I love a good, sexy robe to wear on a cozy night in with my bunny and this one is to- die! Dream Angels long robe from Victoria's Secret  $118

What vibe are you guys feeling for valentines day this year? Would love to hear what your plans are below!


XO,
K





Kissable Lips

Friday, February 7, 2014


Alright, so I'm just going to say it, I have terrible lips! Not terrible as in thin or weird or anything.... Terrible as in they are so dry, cracked and flaky. Boo! Because of that, lip scrubs are my best friend. 

Here is a recipe for a simple homemade lip scrub that I love. I probably use it at least once a week if not more. Plus the ingredients are so easy, you probably already have them in your kitchen. Love that, right!?

Here's what you do:

+ 1tbs brown sugar
+ 1tbs olive oil
+ 1/2 tsp honey

Mix all ingredients together is a small container. Scrub mixture onto lips gently. Rinse and apply a generous layer of your fav lip balm. Simple as that and you have soft, totally kissable lips! Now get out there and smooch away ;)

XO,
K



Lust List

Monday, February 3, 2014


Black Slingbacks from Forever 21


Neon Wrap Bikini from Victoria's Secret


+ Super flare jeans.... I just bought a pair from Tradesy, such a great site for deals!)

XO,
K




Super Bowl Champs: Seahawks!!


Girls, girls girls!


Beast Mode cupcakes with Skittles, of course!
 And cute football strawberries!

Let me start off by saying, SEAHAWKS BABY!!! (Sorry to any Bronco fans that are reading this)

Clearly yesterday was a big day for my husband and I with his Seahawks playing in the Super Bowl..... AND WINNING! We went to our friends house for a fun party complete with a taco guy and all! It was so great, lots of fun food, drinks, and best of all, friends :) (aww cheesy, I know!)

Evan and I got all decked out in our Seahawks gear. I even made cupcakes with blue and green frosting, topped with Skittles in honor of Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch. We were totally stoked that the Seahawks killed it, but I have to say, I was hoping for a bit more of a game.... instead of such a blow out. One of my fav status updates I saw on Facebook, "So, the Broncos knew the Super Bowl was today right!?" Haha sorry but that's pretty funny given that game!

Oh and get this, my husband is on such a high from the win that he made a game time decision this morning to buy flights for us to go back home to Seattle tomorrow just so we can be there for the big parade in the city on Wednesday! I love him, haha..... can't wait to be there to celebrate with family and the whole crazy city! 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday!

XO,
K