Look of the Day: White Swing Blouse & Vintage Spotted Pants

 This, I've realized, is my favorite top right now. I bought it in the Madewell summer sale and wear it far too often. The crisp white cotton, the swing style, the cropped length; one of those tops that even if it looked absolutely terrible on me, I would still be in love. With the spotted cotton pants, it's just the right amount of quirky.

 And, OMG, did you see my new Coach?? I found it at the Goodwill. I've never seen one in this shade. It's like the softest fawn brown leather. My collection is really coming along nicely.

Madewell Blouse (similar) - Madewell sunglasses - Vintage pants - Old Navy shoes (similar) - Vintage Coach Convertible Clutch (similar)

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Look of the Day: Handmade Strapless Sundress

I wish I had bigger boobies so this dress would fit better. If I were in to sewing at all, I'd downsize the bust. Instead, it's for sale in my Etsy shop. How perfect would it be as a prom dress or low-key wedding gown?

Handmade sometime in the 80s or 90s, it features boning, pockets, and a sweetheart neckline. It also comes with a matching belt!

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Look of the Day: Black Jumpsuit & Vintage Coach

Holy shit. Two weeks in and I'm just now writing my first blog post of the year. Shameful! I guess my only resolution is to get back on the ball when it comes to blogging. I miss it. I've got a few other posts plan. Some outfits, etc, so stay tuned!

How's your 2016 so far?

 This faded burgundy bag is one of my newest Coach bags. It's from the 1970s and is one of the famed "New York City bags", meaning it was made in the Coach factory in NYC before they expanded in the 1980s. If you're interested, it's for sale in my Etsy shop.

Madewell Jumpsuit - H&M Scarf - Vintage Coach Purse - thrifted Nine West Heels

Look of the Day: Wool Loden Coat & Madewell Tunic

Man, I cannot think of anything to write. Not that I ever have tons to say! I'll just keep it short today. Three out of five of the items I'm wearing are thrifted. The jeans, the shawl collar coat, and the Madewell shirt! My coat closet is exploding.

Wool Loden Coat - Madewell Tunic (similar) - Madewell glasses (similar) - vintage Levi's (similar)

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Look of the Day: Moss & Cashmere

I want to apologize in advance for how badly these photos might look on your own computer. The lighting in my neighborhood is atrocious this time of year, and my computer's colors seem to be off. I finally (finally) got a new computer to replace my sad, old laptop, but I think it needs to have it's colors calibrated or whatever. Stuff that looks fine to me, looks really weird on any other screen. Feedback would be appreciated! Do they look hecka yellow?

 Enough tech talk. I'd been lusting after these moss green pants at Anthroplogie for a few months, and happened to find my size in the after-Christmas sales. Thank goodness Anthropologie always carries a million of each thing.

I'm so glad green is back "in style". It's always been one of my favorite colors, and now stores are finally carrying it again! Green accessories have been on Spring wishlists in years past, but it's been nearly impossible to actually find the color. Filling up my closet and my jewelry box as we speak! The malachite pendant is vintage, but you can still get the faux malachite cuff from Madewell. 

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Review: InstaNatural Argan Oil Products

Hello! How is your 2015 so far? Mine has been fabulous. I've been super-motivated to get my apartment in shape. It's been driving me bonkers, so a new year felt like the perfect reason to refresh my living conditions, my wardrobe and my personal health! I bought some new jams (Sam Smith & Nicki Minaj) and I've been cleaning up old projects & organizing closets; I took a bags of stuff to Value Village and Buffalo Exchange, and now I'm focusing on inner and outer health.

 As always, I'm a huge proponent of organic beauty products. The more natural, the better! This latest Brand Backer campaign I've signed up for involves some generously-sized samples from InstaNatural. 

Over the summer, I fell in love with Josie Maran Argan Oil, but at $48 for 1.7oz., her product is not something I can afford to buy all the time. While InstaNatural's Argan Oil isn't as glam as something from Sephora (I got it through Amazon), it's just as naturally good for your skin, and the earth, as any other brand. (Or so the site claims). It's certified organic and you get 4oz for $19! That's a crazy-good deal.

The one downside is that it has a weird smell. It's cold pressed and unrefined, so you're getting pure argan funk. The smell doesn't last, though, and with use, I'm getting accustomed to it. I use it all the time. It's perfect for my sensitive skin, so I wear it under my make up. I also use it as a hair conditioner, pre-blowdry hair smoother, body lotion, bath oil, etc. etc. And I have so much of it, I don't mind sharing anymore!

The company also sent me a giant tub of their Argan Oil Hair Mask. It's super thick and smells like orange creamsicles. You're supposed to leave it in for 5-15 minutes, but I rarely have that much time in the shower, so I reserve it for my weekend baths. My hair has certainly felt softer and has been very shiny. I just have to be careful to thoroughly rinse everything, or else I'm left with hair that's a touch too shiny, if you get my drift. I wouldn't recommend it for fine hair, unless it's processed (permed or bleached). It doesn't seem to strip the color from my hair, which is another plus, but the product description doesn't say anything about it being color-safe, so be careful if you color yours.

A clean apartment, soft, healthy hair, some new accessories and new (thrifted) duds, and I'm ready to take on the rest of 2015!
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Unintended Hiatus

Oh my, where has my brain been? At work I suppose. I was promoted to shift supervisor, which means my workload has increased, blah blah blah. It also doesn't help that I lost my camera charger at some point this past month. It is no where to be found which is beyond frustrating. I ordered a replacement and it could not get here soon enough. I have tons of stuff I need to list on Etsy! 

 At least I have these photos I took for Etsy to share with you. I listed the zodiac portfolio last week and my sister told me to take it down almost immediately because she was buyin' it. Portfolio and girl were officially united last night. As for the coat, it's the newest moth-eaten addition to my coat collection. It's technically a sweater, I guess. It's made from lambswool that is so soft I don't even care about the nibbles at the bottom.

Ralph Lauren coat/sweater - thrifted oxford shirt - vintage zodiac portfolio - thrifted mom jeans - Target shoes - Madewell glasses

Fall Fashion: 4 Igneous Inspirations

I've never been real big on jewel tones. That term has always brought to mind images of generic office supplies and the worst of 1990's fashion, rather than glittering minerals. Or maybe it's because the jewels that saying refers to are usually totally out of my price range. My inspiration is more semi-precious, but just as gorgeous.

You know, I've also hated on puffer vests so much, my sister questioned whether I was the real Catie when I bought one at Value Village this summer. It's a gorgeously rich forest green. Just the type of thing I'm into right now. Anyway, my point is, never say never. Blah blah blah. Read on for my Fall picks. All in luscious, straight-from-the earth, jewel tones.

1. Malachite & Peridot

Luxe greens are at the top of my list. I've been wearing a silk blouse, similar to this one, all summer. It drapes beautifully and is such a refreshing color. My wardrobe is so full of basics and navy blue, a bright, emerald green has made it a lot more fun to get dressed. I'm also dying for a pair of these French Terry Stockholm Pants from the new Love, Hanna line. The whole collection is right on trend and features the comfortable, relaxed silhouettes that are so hot right now. 

Or if you straight-up wanna look like a giant hunk of malachite you can splurge on this jumpsuit from whit® ann for madewell.

2. Amethyst

And now we come to another thing I thought I'd never like: purple! For years I've had lukewarm feelings about pretty much any shade of purple. I wouldn't ever say I hated it, but it certainly wasn't a top choice. Now, I own the Tocca Jewelry amethsyt necklace seen above and a top very similar to the gorgeous Rachel Comey for Madewell blouse you see below. Very pale shades are my favorite, but I wouldn't say no to this Amethyst Druzy Bracelet. Hopefully they'll get them back in stock!

3. Lapis Lazuli

You just can't go wrong with blue. Especially one as electric as this one. Many languages even derive their word for blue from the name of this stone. If you want a real piece, Kei Jewelry has a beautiful lapis point necklace on Etsy. If jewelry isn't in the budget this season, I would go for these these comfy cinched pants from Old Navy. I bought a pair and can't stop wearing them. They're surprisingly flattering.

4. Marble & Agate

If you're still more a fan of neutrals, but want to add some texture and detail to your wardrobe, go for marbled pieces. Etsy seems to have about a million faux marble iPhone cases. The one I'm really into is the faux agate one pictured above. For a marbled look you can wear, this Oasap blouse is a steal. I just bought one for myself. It's pretty long, but looks awesome with the blue pants I mentioned above! Outfit post coming soon, I promise.

For more of my picks, visit Jewel Tones pinboard.

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Thoughts in Overalls: Insults & Comebacks

Saturday must have been International Rude Day. I woke up to a rude comment on Facebook AND a rude Tweet. The Facebook comment started with a compliment, but then quickly digressed into insults, lazily excused with an "I have to be honest"clause. The commenter said that "bigger people" would look like taxis if they wore a yellow blazer like mine. I was at first insulted, then felt bad for being insulted when I realized it wasn't directed at me. I gave it some thought, then responded with "Bigger people can wear what they want." Just minutes later, I opened up Twitter to find a tweet from some tactless girl expressing her feelings about my look that was featured on Your Next Dress. I don't think she even knew that it was tweeted to me as well as the website. So much rudeness and all before 11am!

To address the first comment, which I think is more important, I must first admit some things. I, like most people in America, have an automatic negative response to being called fat. I wish I didn't. I'm working to change my perceptions of my own body and the word fat. Through middle school, high school, and till about the age of 22, I was "overweight". Then, suddenly, the weight started coming off. The only explanation I have for it is that I was exploring the world and changing my outlook. I think those changes were enough to change my activity level as well as my eating habits. 

I was very happy in high school, so I don't want you to think I was completely miserable being overweight, because I was far from it. I did, however, feel like people couldn't see the real me. And I hated not being able to wear all the clothes that were in style. 

In the ten years that have passed since I graduated high school, I've made some huge changes and feel pretty lucky in life. Most people didn't recognize me at my reunion! I did however fall into my old pattern of only talking with my group of friends all night, but that usually happens at reunions, right? My husband did the networking and I was my typical wallflower self. It works out.

This Facebook comment has got me thinking, though. I still carry around a lot of the insecurities that come with being fat in a skinny-obsessed world.  But I've had a breakthrough. One that I think shows progress in changing my body image. I realized the insult wasn't being called fat. The insult was being compared to an inanimate object. No matter what your size, color, or gender you're a human being and you deserve respect and kindness.

To address the second rude comment. The girl said "Hell no!" in response to the question "What do you think of Catie Beatty's dress?" Bitch please, I've been in 4 magazines, a book and featured on loads of websites. Your tactless remark only made me realize just how awesome I am.

Vintage silk blouse - thrifted GAP overalls - Forever21 sunglasses - Madewell flats

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Mini Vacation

My friend and former neighbor, Claire, is visiting from England. She came all the way just to see me! Well, and America. This is her first time and I feel lucky to be her host. I get to give her the tour of Seattle, and her first taste of life in the US. It will be fun to play tourist in my own city, too.

Yesterday, we bought paper and craft stuff in Greenwood, cupcakes in Ballard, and clothes in the U District. I got these fab suede flats in the Madewell sale. Then we came and had salad and Pimm's Cup! Gotta make her feel at home ;)

Tomorrow we'll go shopping downtown, Wednesday will be heading up the Space Needle and wandering Pike Place, then Thursday will be dinner with friends. The weekend will be spent down in Shelton at mom's house, with a little trip out to the coast. It's going to be a packed week! Hopefully I will have some good photos for you next week!

Cheers!

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Photo-A-Day: The End

Well, that's it. June is over. This year is speeding along! It's currently 90 degrees in Seattle and we are all melting. July is not looking any cooler, but I'm ok with that. Once you accept the heat, it doesn't feel so bad. I had a lot of fun with this Photo-a-Day challenge and might do another one in August.


Day 29: In my bag

Only my favorite things from inside my purse. The rest is a mess of receipts and expired coupons.

Day 30: handwriting

A letter from my friend Laurel.

Now back to our regular scheduled programming.
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Look of the Day: Madewell dress & Fair Isle mittens

 It's only January, but I'm already sick of layers. They take so much work. You have to make sure you're warm enough and, at the same time, make sure they match well enough. It's easy to look crazy. That's why in the winter I usually end up wearing a lot more blue. It's a good color on me and goes with well with neutrals.  My look is obviously lacking a coat, but I sacrificed my comfort for the photos.

What are some of your tricks for layering?

I can't tell you how happy I am that I spent all that money on Uniqlo heat tech in London. That stuff is a godsend. I wear my t-shirt every day (wish I woulda bought a couple of those!). The leggings I'm wearing are also heat tech, which if you haven't heard, keeps you warm by both preventing heat loss and creating heat. It's pretty amazing stuff.

 Now that I think about it, almost everything in this outfit is new. The fair isle mittens were a lucky find at Value Village. The dress was aquired during a nerve racking purchase at Madewell last week (I wish their stuff wasn't so expensive!) Lastly, even though I've had the glasses for a while, I don't think I've featured them in an outfit until now. You may remember this post where I asked which frames my readers preferred. Well, I ended up with the Spitfires. They were my favorite from the beginning, and seem to be pretty popular with a lot of Rivet & Sway's customers.

Madewell sweatshirt dress - H&M cardigan (similar) - Primark infinity scarf (similar) - Vintage Coach purse - Uniqlo stirrup leggings (similar) - MIA flats - fair isle mittens (similar) - Rivet & Sway Spitfire frames
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What I Wore: FNO in Seattle

I'm gonna be honest, Seattle really needs to work on its FNO. Fashion's Night Out is about encouraging people to come out and support local businesses, which seems right in-line with the Seattle lifestyle (we're all about shopping local), but every year the participation is lacking and the coverage is mediocre. Half the time I can't even find information on going's-on for the current year and a lot of the articles I read only mention a couple events or store promotions. One store I went into, which was supposed to be participating, had balloons on the door and that was it. There were no promotions, no refreshments, none of the employees even acted like anything was going on. How boring. Downtown it was $75 for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a department store fashion show. Just exactly who are you trying to encourage to come to these events? It's nice the proceeds went to charity, but I still can't afford it!

Instead, I bought a delicious and stylish cupcake from Trophy Cupcake in Wallingford.

 OK, that's enough complaining. I still had fun, but I just want Seattle to try a little harder. I want us to be great; I want this city to be respected by the fashion world. We're slowly getting there. Nordstrom calls Seattle home and we have spawned some amazing, internationally-recognized bloggers and designers. For instance, Adam Katz-Sinding of Le 21 Arrondissement is from Seattle, and Stella Rose Saint Claire, who you may recognize from Lanvin's F/W '12 Campaign, grew up in our fine city. See, we're not born with a love of Polartec, we only succumb to Polartec. Don't give up Seattle!

There were quite few great businesses partaking in the festivities, Like Trophy Cupcake who made special designer cupcakes featuring Chanel, Hermes, Burberry and Louis Vuitton logos.

Madewell had a braid bar and gave me the opportunity to have my very first macaron! It was just as delicious as I had expected :)

Sensing a theme? My FNO centered around baked goods, as opposed to fashion. I did, however get pictures of what I wore.

My husband hates these pants, which doesn't bother me one bit. After reading a couple articles about pants and interviews with The Man Repeller's Leandra Medine, I've decided that ridiculous pants are my generation's burning bra. They're rebellious and with the right attitude, they project quite a lot of confidence and independence. Also, you can pretend you're in a secret club, because most people, both male and female, just don't get it.

Zara top - Madewell earrings - Vintage pants (similar)- Vintage Nordstrom sunglasses - Forever21 bracelet - Tortoise Shell cuff (similar) -Vintage Coach Station bag - MIA Limited Edition Audrey flats

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