LC Lauren Conrad -IFB Project #101- A Brand You Want to Work With

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I am a blogger on a budget. You will not see me spending copious amounts of cash on clothing. I have to do more with less otherwise, I don’t eat very well. I am under the impression that you can do style without causing major drainage on your bank account. It is the person that makes the clothes and not the price of them. Now, there are times in my life where I have splurged and there are items on my wish list that are totally outside of my price range but I’m pretty controlled when it comes to making exorbitant fashion purchases. I think you have to pursue style in a healthy manner and not turn it into a source of financial stress. When it gets to that point then fashion is no longer fun and above anything it should always be fun.

The brand I would love to work with is a brand that is very realistic for me and one that I have admired for a while. I am also a plus-sized woman so I have to be loyal to brands that think about me as a woman with generous curves. LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s . Why do I love this brand? I love it because it is chic, easy, versatile, and it brings both the trends as well as classics to everyday people who don’t have a fat roll of cash to dedicate to fashion. The line also comes in a size 14/16. I’m also a fan of Lauren Conrad and the maven that she’s been able to become even after being away from our TV screens for years.

Kohl’s is always having a sale and LC Conrad always has a line that contains multiple must-have items. I know that I can go to my local Kohl’s, try on these items, and walk away feeling like I’ve purchased a piece of fashion that can be worn at work or play and I don’t feel guilty about the purchase. I own a nice amount of LC Lauren Conrad and the pieces have held up for years. My favorite pieces are my denim short and a long sleeved short two toned dress that I wear with wedges in the summer and tights and heels in the fall. I’ve also worn a dress from this line to a wedding and to a 30th birthday soiree at the swanky Carolina Inn.

I am 30 and these clothes are still age appropriate. I want to work with LC Lauren Conrad to show how these clothes work for a plus-sized and professional woman who is running around the city making moves on a daily basis. These clothes look expensive and they are on trend.

Here are some of my current favorite pieces:

LC Lauren Conrad Chiffon Shirtdress
LC Lauren Conrad Colorblock Maxi Dress
LC Conrad Boyfriend Blazer
Lauren Conrad Lace Satin Top
LC Lauren Conrad Platform Wedge Sandals

Thanks IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers) for posting this challenge! I had to think quite hard about a line that really fit my season of life. LC Lauren Conrad suits the many facets of my life and allows me to continue to live my life in style while in the black.

Later Y’all.

Blogging Adventure

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My blog is purely for fun and catharsis. I enjoy the process of writing Peculiar Pearl and am learning more and more everyday about the art of blogging. I’ve taken small steps with my blog but I must say it is strange sometimes to put your feelings on blast, especially to those readers that you actually know. It still surprises me when people say, “I read your blog.” The biggest surprise readers are certainly the 18-22 college students that I work with everyday.

My blog is connected to Twitter, LinkedIn, and I pin most of my entries to Pinterest. Depending on the post, I might link it on over to Facebook and those are certainly the days that I get the most readers on Peculiar Pearl.

I read a lot of blogs and many that I read have a Facebook Page specifically for their blog. So, I decided that I would do the same and see what happens. Check out “Blogs I Love”.

If you’re so inclined please “Like” my Peculiar Pearl Page.

It will be a place for my PP posts as well as other “in the moment” insights.

Thanks Y’all.

#printsandpatterns

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Try mixing your prints and patterns.

Camo and stripes or polka dots and floral? Pick your poison.

printsandpatterns

Don’t be nervous. I received rave compliments from both outfits and I wore one to work and the other to church.

Later y’all.

On Friday, I’m in Love

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I’m spending Friday night in with me, myself, and I. Wasn’t my original plan BUT sometimes things just work out in a way that aren’t too bad. I still have two hours of Friday in Nashville and I am determined to keep this post out to you by the deadline.

So, what am I in love with today?

I did some cleaning of my apartment and rediscovered some items that make me smile.

That’s me! –Anthropologie
@–post White Elephant gift, Barnes & Noble
Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington and Relish by Daphne Oz
Clutch or pouch? Starfish Clutch, Diane Kelly (giveaway prize c/o Back Down South) & Pink and Gray, The Gap (sale)
Red Bow Wedges, Moda purchased from DSW

1. KNC- I just really love my name. My first and last name are alliterative and it just rolls off the tongue. I was once told that I had the name of an anchorwoman. This compliment made me smile because that was my dream job when I was in high school. Anthropologie makes all sorts of letters for your home or office.

2. @ Bookend- So, you know in White Elephant how you’re not supposed to get upset if someone swipes your gift? Well, I got a little visibly peeved :(. I found this guy on my desk chair when I arrived at work the next day. I felt like a whiny baby, but I love this piece and I think it just made it easier for my co-worker to know what I wanted for Christmas that year. Check out Barnes & Noble for cool accessories.

3. Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington of Vogue and Relish by Daphne Oz. I love good reads. If you haven’t seen “The September Issue” then I suggest you watch it in order to understand the significance of Grace Coddington in the fashion world. Daphne can be seen daily on ABC’s The Chew.

4. Clutch or Pouch? I actually won a giveaway hosted by Back Down South . Diane E. Kelly makes these fantastic cork clutches with a football for the SEC girl in you, a fleur de lis, or this lovely starfish. Starfish Cork Clutch, $85.00–see me sport it below:

IMG_2311

Gap Pouch–love the color combination with the cool neutral gray and the neon pink. Can’t find this one online but there are a few different options and many are on sale.

5. Who doesn’t love red shoes? Who doesn’t love them more when they are wedges with bows? Picked these up from DSW. Moda Spana Holly Wedge Sandal, $29.94

That’s all for now.

Later y’all.

On Thursday, We Give Thanks.

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I owe you two posts today.

Yesterday, was a wreck. Car troubles=Sick to my stomach. I cried a lot! I also called my mom because that is what I do when it just gets to be too much for me.

Therefore, I am thankful for my mother and really just my little family. If I had to do it all over again, I’d totally chose them to be mine. They just really know how to have a gal’s back. Biological family or not, these people have kept me strong for 30 years and I just really love them to pieces. If I’m half as good as a mother as my mom then I’ll be doing just fine. No, I’m not pregnant or even planning on having children, but God’s got his plans.

temporary

I’m also thankful for co-workers who have made sure that I got home from work and back to work this morning even though it was totally our of their way. I mean, there are some good people in this world and I’m luck to have a bunch in my building. It is also great that I didn’t have anyone barking at me for being late to work –I’m thankful for the flexible work culture that I have and that I work with pretty understanding people.

The nice people who were very patient with me about my car. I was a bit melodramatic but they were fine with it and seemed to understand my demeanor.

Friday Night Lights for getting me through yesterday and early this morning when I couldn’t sleep. I’ve got to find my Coach Eric Taylor. I mean, I wouldn’t mind finding my Tim Riggins but he isn’t really the marrying kind. Seriously, it is one of the best TV shows ever!

God is always teaching us something, isn’t he? We must be thankful during the good and the bad times. God is always good :).

Later Y’all

The Issue

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My obsession with fashion magazines has waned over the years, especially as Pinterest and Blogs have taken over when it comes to reporting the trends. I still pick up People’s Style Watch when there is a person on the cover whose style I admire. The June 2013 issue has Lauren Conrad on the cover. LC= Automatic Purchase! OBSESSED!

I went through the issue and picked out some looks that I want to try this summer. I love Lauren’s style because it is chic, feminine, simple, classic, and clean. She’s all about pretty dresses with neutral heels or skinny pants with a flowy blouse. She wears things that a person of my size can find, purchase, wear, and not feel uncomfortable. She’ll do color which is a huge must for me. Her Kohl’s line is accessible and accommodates a wide range of sizes.

Here are my selections from this issue:

My goal is to recreate these looks and then let you see the results. Now, I must admit for some of these pictures I just want the look, but not the exact items. I love the idea of a white dress with a summer bag and colorful flats. The dress that Olivia Palermo chose to wear, however, isn’t really my style.

This should add another level of fun to my shop less, do more philosophy this summer. Wish me luck!

Later Y’all

OOTD

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I have gotten back into the habit of posting my Outfit of the Day (OOTD) on Instagram (clarkkn). It is actually quite easy to forget to do this in the morning. This act helps me understand my closet and I haven’t shopped in quite a while as I’m intrigued by the new ensembles I’ve been able to create this summer with the items I currently own. As I’m working to become more fiscally responsible, I clearly understand that I must shop less and do more with less. A new season, some new hair, and a new perspective through the lens has helped make this process much less difficult. Bloggers always talk about “remixing” and “shopping your closet” and there are often positive outcomes that come out of these exercises. Blogs and Pinterest inspire my new outfits as I learn more about mixing colors and patterns. I’ve also become more comfortable with my body and that leads me to wear clothing in ways that I may never have attempted in the past.

I turned 30 in April and a part of me feels like I should dress in a more mature manner. I also just started a new position at work so perhaps that should also dictate the way in which I dress. Hmm…at the end of the day, I’m not a business suit sort of gal. I enjoy a colorful belted dress, a cardigan/blazer, a cute flat, and a killer scarf. I keep it colorful, approachable, fun, and professional with a slight twist.

NY&Co. Cardigan, TJ Maxx dress, Target sandals
Old Navy blouse and pants
Old Navy dress, Target cardigan and belt, Tahari heels
Target dress, Diane Kelly clutch, Steve Madden shoes
Forever 21 dress, Target cardigan, Tahari heels

I encourage you to go through your closet. The first day of summer is the 21st and it’s a great time of the year to reflect on your style.

Here are some tips:

-Toss those things that don’t fit or are beyond repair.
– Add a belt. If a belt came with your item then switch it out for a different belt.
– Mix patterns. Stripes/polka dots and leopard/polka dots are currently my favorite pairings.
– Try a different shoe. Add a fun flat or a good wedge.
– Throw on a brigh cardigan.
– Drape a scarf around your neck.
– Experiment with layers.
– If you usually tuck it, then don’t tuck it. If you usually button it, then try it unbuttoned.
– Carry a cool pouch/clutch instead of a traditional handbag.
– Add a fun piece of jewelry.
– Pin outfits that you like or rip pages out of a magazine. Recreate those looks and figure out what actually works for you.
– Make sure each of your pieces is versatile and can serve you in at least 2 areas of your life. I’m on a budget so I don’t have many “going out” clothes. I have clothes that can “go out” when I take off my blazer and add a heel instead of a flat. Versatility is key!
– Have fun! Care less about what others think. Fashion is fun :).

What are your tips when spicing up your wardrobe?

Later Y’all

Nashville 4 Free

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Here’s my 2nd installment of Nashville 4 Free:

Day 2 & 3 & 4

– My sweet friend Annie, who is about to move to Rhode Island, surprised me with a free ticket to the Ryman to see Secret Sisters and She & Him. Obsessed with Secret Sisters! Not only do they have heavenly voices but they are precious. She & Him was okay, but really it was just cool to see Zooey Deschanel. She funny, cute, and quirky. My favorite moment was when She & Him did “You Really Got a Hold on Me” totally acoustic without any amplified sound (no mics). That is always a baller move in The Ryman. To be honest, I don’t really get the allure of She & Him, but it is always great to go to The Ryman.

– My free movie was a bit of a letdown last time at Belcourt but I didn’t hesitate when a colleague sent me a link to get a free pass to see “The Heat” starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. I’ve been in love with Sandy since Speed and McCarthy got me hooked, like most people, with her performance in Bridesmaids. The movie is HILARIOUS! Now, the process to get into the theatre which included being searched by a security guard and relinquishing your cell phone was not that great, but I’m really happy I saw this movie. The women bring it in their performances. I would suggest venturing to the theatre for this one. Cost: $6.50 for popcorn and a soda

– Sometimes, things are accidentally free like when the woman working the ticket counter at The Frist Center for the Visual Arts asked me if I was a college student because college students get free admission on certain days at the museum. Now, this was probably really unethical BUT I work with college students all day long and all of my gray hair is the result of college students. I also still have the good fortune of being able to pass for a college student. I showed her my ID, she gave me a sticker, and I don’t really think anyone was harmed in the process. Eek! Now that I’ve made that confession, let’s talk about the actual exhibit. My friend Leslee Mitchell, who is an incredibly talented photographer happens to be obsessed with cars. Sensuous Steel: Art Deco Automobiles is certainly worth a visit. In a strange turn of events, you are actually allowed to photograph the cars. Cost: Free, but I did purchase one cider at Flying Saucer post exhibit so $5.00.

– I had so much fun at Musician’s Corner in Centennial Park last week that I ventured back out this Saturday. The Bird and the Bear, Stacy Lantz, Matt Giraud, and Humming House were the acts I was able to see before I headed out to a friend’s engagement party. My favorite would have to be Matt Giraud and anything the female lead singer of Humming House sang during their set. She’s phenomenal! “Pick It Up” and “Seven Days a Week” were great from Giraud. His soulful voice “took us to church”. I don’t watch American Idol but apparently he was on the show. He also did a cover of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Gone Come” mashed up with Jackson 5’s “Whose Loving You?” Humming House did a fun cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”.

While at the show, the Music City Roots bus was present and giving away free koozies and if you could answer one trivia question you could get a hat or tickets to an upcoming show at Loveless Café. I happened to know the name of the host of MCR and I picked up 2 tickets for an upcoming show. I’ll certainly tell you about it in a future post.

The World Vision Experience was parked in Centennial Park. If you arrived early enough, you could help assemble promise packs for kids in Africa. I took a tour of the interactive World Vision Bus and went on a journey through Tanzania with a sweet little boy who told us about the difficulties his village has had with obtaining clean water, having time to attend school, and the devastation of Malaria. By serving as a sponsor, participants could donate money to purchase mosquito nets, finance a Micro Loan, donate chickens to a family, a clean water source, or just donate to the education fund. It was quite the adventure to Kisongo. We learned a couple phrases in Swahili and I also learned that we say “Tanzania” incorrectly in the States. Cost: $5.00 for some Dark Chocolate “Jeni’s Ice Cream”

Can’t wait to report more fun and free Nashville adventures.

Later Y’all

On Friday, I’m in Love

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This week I’ m in love with…

Writing and receiving thank you notes. Make this a habit if you haven’t already added this practice to your life. Gratitude is the new black. They can totally match your style and personality since there are a huge variety available at all price points. I tend to collect them from Target, Paper Source, and Hallmark. Please know that you can make any blank card a thank you card simply by altering your personal handwritten message.

Top center- Paper Source, Middle row- Target, Bottom row- Paper Source & Target

Top center- Paper Source, Middle row- Target, Bottom row- Paper Source & Target

My new Kate Spade coin purse. I purchased it on a whim and it was on sale. I love the stripes and sometimes all you need are the essentials as opposed to the pieces of luggage I carry around called “purses”. Also, great color scheme so it is perfect for games in the fall :). Go ‘Dores!

Coin Purse

The new Civil Wars song, “The One That Got Away“. Just listen. Also, if you ever have the opportunity please see them in concert.

Hoda Kotb and this picture of her displaying her love of Delta Delta Delta.

Check out #4! DLAM

Check out #4! DLAM

A good breakfast. Thanks Sky Blue Café. If you’re ever in town, check this place out for delicious food and a charming atmosphere. I chose to create my own omelet with spinach, cheese, and chicken. It was delivered with breakfast potatoes, a small cup of fruit, and one of the best biscuits I’ve ever eaten in my life. Yum! East Nashville does food well.

Photo c/o Sky Blue Cafe's Website

Photo c/o Sky Blue Cafe’s Website

The new buddy comedy, The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. I was able to see a sneak preview and did nothing but belly laugh the entire movie. Love these two sharing the same screen.

What are you love with this week?

Later Y’all.