Ash Addiction

I've been wearing the following booties nonstop the past few weeks:

My apologies for the silly under-the-table photo.  They're from a brand called "Ash."  I ordered them from shopbop a few years back and I've loved them ever since.  They're in heavy rotation lately.  

xoxoKate

Thought for today

I came across this pretty graphic the other day and I think it's very true...

xoxoKate

Giving Thanks

As is the tradition on Thanksgiving, I like to take the opportunity to reflect on the past year and to mention just a few of the things I'm thankful for.

This year I'm thankful for...

• My fantastic friends, both new and old.  I have so many fantastic people in my life and I've been so lucky to add even more great people (at law school, in D.C., at my new barn, and here in the blogging world!) over the past year.  
• The fact that I like law school.  Law school is notoriously tough, and despite that, I really do enjoy (nearly) every day.  A lot of people slog through and burn out and I definitely don't feel that way at all.  
• My life in D.C.  I'm lucky to live close to my family and I love everything about living here.  I have a beautiful apartment and sometimes I just stop in awe of how beautiful this city is.  
• My gorgeous horse.  I don't get out to the barn nearly enough and he's still as perfect and amazing to me as ever.  
• The fact that I was strong enough to get out of a failing relationship.  (B and I broke up last month).  As much as I care about him, we are very different people and it just wasn't working.  
• Having a few days off from school to catch my breath!

What are you giving thanks for this year?

Pumpkin Squares

A friend from school was hosting a cocktail party this past weekend (I feel so grown up!), and I wanted to bring something delicious AND festive.  I decided to use a recipe I'd been eyeing, but with a little bit of a twist.

(I LOVE my iPhone...the pictures are pretty good!)

I used this recipe for the cake and this recipe for the frosting.  I'm not normally a huge fan of cream cheese frosting, but this wasn't overpoweringly strong...it tasted like buttercream with a kick.  

Instead of cupcakes, I just baked the batter in a square pan (it'll take quite a bit of extra baking time), let it cool, frosted it, and then cut it into squares.  

Mmmm...

Definitely something that would be tasty to make/bring to Thanksgiving dinner...

xoxoKate

Law School Reflection: Three months

It hit me today that I'm almost three months into law school.  On the one hand, it strikes me as insane that I'm nearing the end of my first semester.  At the same time, it seems really weird that it's only been three months...in a lot of ways it feels like a lifetime.  So, in the interests of cataloging my experiences...I'm going to do a little reflection on things I've learned so far.

1.  Socially, law school is like regressing to high school.  Because you take all your classes with the same group of 100 people (or less, depending on the school), everyone knows each other and is going to be up in your business.  Catty girls are going to hate you and talk behind your back for no reason.  (Sadly, I've learned this from experience).  Everyone's hookups are public knowledge.  On the flip side, you get to know a group of 100 people really, really well, and your section will develop all sorts of inside jokes and stuff like that.

2.  Being in a relationship during law school is really really hard.  This is doubly true if the person you're with isn't in law school/hasn't been to law school.  The nature of the stress is really unique, and unless you've been there, you can't understand.  (If you have a boyfriend/girlfriend in law school, give them a kiss and forgive them when they're forced to cancel plans with you at the last minute.)

3.  Even if you were a star in undergrad, law school is hard.  I graduated with latin honors and an economics degree from BU (I'm no slouch!) and there are still days when I feel like a total idiot.  The material is difficult and even when it comes naturally to you, it's still hard!

4.  Law students like a good time.  Seriously, no one drinks or goes out more than a law student.

5.  Random people love to come up to you in public and comment on the law in general when they see you holding a legal textbook.  I've had so many strangers come up to me on the subway or in line at the grocery store when they see me with a textbook to give me their opinion on law school/being a lawyer/the legal job market.

6.  Fundamentally, if you want to be there, school is fun.  As much as its stressful and (at times) demoralizing, it's also incredible.  You learn so much in such a short period of time, and if you're passionate about the subjects, it's actually an exhilarating, fun experience.

I've been busy...

My apologies for the lack on content lately...school has been ratcheting up lately.  Today I have the much dreaded Legal Research and Writing final exam.  It's not a huge deal at my school, but it does involve heaving an encyclopedic knowledge of the legal citation format, contained in this book.

Note that I tabbed the section of abbreviations as "abbreves."  I also used paisley printed post-its.  Law school won't break me.  

Wish me luck!  I hope everyone is surviving school/work!

xoxoKate

J.Crew Matchstick Cords

I've never been a huge corduroy person, but as the weather cools off, I've been looking for good alternatives to jeans.  I recently ordered these:

J.Crew

...in the "Charleston brown" color.  I like that they're straight leg...it's a classic look with a little bit of a modern spin.  I'm not 100% sure they're "me," but I'm giving them a shot!

What are your thoughts?  Have you seen people pulling off straight leg cords?  

xoxoKate

Craving: Burberry Trench with Leather Trim

Ugh...isn't this Burberry trench just incredible?  It's the perfect mix of classic style with a decent dose of tough-girl style thrown in.  

Burberry

It's times like this where I start to think I need a sugar daddy...(Kidding...totally kidding!)

xoxoKate

Craving: J.Crew Viv Pumps

How perfect are these?  I'm not normally a huge fan of pointy toes, but I love the sweet bow and the grosgrain accent.

Viv Pumps

I love how delicately feminine these are!

xoxoKate

Recent Purchase: Dressy Pants

After my second trip down to the D.C. Superior Courthouse (to view a proceeding - not as a defendant!), I became aware of a small hole in my wardrobe.  As I was getting ready that morning, I ended up wearing the pants off of my suit.  As much as I love my suit pants, I decided that I needed another pair or two of good pants for wearing to professional events.

I ended up going with two pairs from Ann Taylor, only one of which has photos on the website...

Signature Tweed Winter Pant

Although I normally gravitate towards the slightly lower rises at places like Ann Taylor (you know, more grown up places), I decided to go with the standard, higher rise on these.  For one, it just looks more professional.  Low-rise has no place in a conservative environment, particularly the legal world.  Just say no.  Second, for trousers, I think a higher rise is a lot more flattering on most people.  It makes your legs look miles long and hides any hint of a tummy.  

After looking at a ton of cute blogs that have college girls talking about their tailgating outfits, I feel like such an old lady getting pumped about dress pants from Ann Taylor!  

xoxoKate

Breaking Up

After nearly two wonderful years together, my blackberry and I have decided to see other people.  The (black, 4S) iPhone has stolen my heart.  (Also, my blackberry decided to stop charging itself and the keys got all sticky...it was an abusive relationship.)

Unsurprisingly, one of the main reasons I'm so excited is because of the million awesome covers available for the iPhone.  

Lilly Cover

I LOVE that this cover matches my planner...super cute!

Rebecca Minkoff Cheetah Case

This is super loud, but I love it.  

Rebecca Minkoff Best Friends Cases

Obviously I think Claire and I need to get these.

What kind of phone do you have?  Has anyone out there gotten a chance to play with the new iPhone?  What kind of case/cover do you use?

xoxoKate

Recent Purchase: Anthropologie

I recently ordered this cropped pullover top from Anthro...

Arched Pleats Pullover

I'm normally not a huge fan of Anthro...I love the clothes, but the bohemian style SO doesn't work for me.  As Claire understands, I have a real aversion to things that are too "loosy-goosy," particularly on top.  

But this top...I'm totally digging it!  It's a tad shorter on me than it is on the mannequin (hello boobs!), but I really like the look of it layered over a slim fitting tank top.  It's a wearable way to do the layering trend.  It's also crazy soft, which never hurts.

Have you had your eye on anything at Anthro lately?  Do you like the cropped look?

xoxoKate

Essie: French Affair

The past month has been, to put it mildly...hellacious.  So when I went to indulge in a pedicure this past weekend, I went with a polish with the most adorable and frivolous name possible, French Affair.

It's actually a very cool color...a nice mix between pink and lavender.  Very feminine.

What color nail polish are you rocking lately?  What are your favorite polishes for fall?

xoxoKate