Art of Layering

In the cold weather all I want to do is layer on as many cozy pieces as possible!

Wearing cold weather gear can be tricky. It can make you look bulky quickly. So I am going to list a couple of tips on how to look slim, while buried in fun layers! It is normal for me to have 2 -3 layers on at all times!

First thing, I always wear a fitted tank top on top of my first layer shirt.  This serves as a middle layer in between my final layer and first layer shirt. By wearing the tank it slims the first layer so it fits slimmer under your sweater!
Second,  make sure your  first layer is longer that your top layer. If it hits in the same spot it can make you look bigger.
Third, take risk! Winter is such a fun time to wear sweaters, fur, or both at the same time! Sequins on chambray. Fur on plaid. Florals on stripes.
Fourth,  never underestimate the power of the scarf! I feel incomplete if I don't have a scarf on. When in doubt pull out the scarf!!
Here are a couple of pictures of ways you can layer!

Happy Layering!

XOXO
Kristine

Leopard is always a good idea!

It is no secret that I have a obsession with anything leopard, or animal print.
My 4 year old the other day told someone, "mom's favorite color is leopard"
That statement could not be more true.

I wanted to share some of my favorite looks today on wearing leopard and how to add it to your daily style. Sometimes adding in 1 or 2 great pieces can go a long way in your wardrobe. My go to cardi is from Target. It is actually on clearance right now too!
This tunic is from a great shop online called Jess Lea Boutique. www.jessleaboutique.com they just restocked my favorite tunic of the moment. I wear it with leggings, and skinny jeans. I added a pop of color with my scarf, and jewels! I got a small in this tunic, it runs big...just fyi

If you are nervous about wearing it, try it in small steps. Sam Libby just released a collection of maj pointed toe flats with animal print. This is an easy way to add a pop of leopard.


Embrace the print! Be bold!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @kristineashleystyle
Sign up to receive my blog directly to your email!


XOXO
Kristine.

Saved by the Smore

It is a semi weekly tradition that Bella and I (my 4 year old) sit down and watch Pioneer Woman together. She knows all the names of her kids and likes to talk about them as if they are friends. It is really cute! Each episode we watch together, we will say let's make that! So a couple weeks ago she made chocolate covered Smores. Bella and I were like "how fast can we make these"?

I truly envy Pioneer Woman, though I am not sure why. I don't know if I could live in the middle of no-where, have no starbucks, target, or a mall within a 100 mile radius. I also couldn't handle all the "wildlife"( i.e bugs and things that slither). However,  there is something beautiful about her gorgeous sunsets and many 4 legged animals that roam around.

So here is my attempt at these "to die for smores"

What you will need
melting chocolate ( i did white and regular)
any kind of toppings
M&M, sprinkles, pretzels chopped up, chocolate drizzle, chopped up candy bars, or nuts
Nutella
Peanut Butter
Graham Crakers
Marshmallows
cookie sheet
wax paper

I melted the chocolates in 2 large bowls, you will submerge the smores, so they need to be deep enough to hold a lot of chocolate.
I spread Nutella and peanut butter on each side, a thin layer. I then got out a roasting stick, stuck the marshmallows on there and fired them up.
Then make the smore, one side with the peanut butter and one with the nuttela
I let it sit for about 2 minutes, then dipped away.
Bella did the decorating on top of each of them.
I then placed them on wax paper and placed them in the fridge to firm up!

BTW I am not a fan of peanut butter, so I went thinner on the spreading, and honestly I couldn't taste it.
And here are the pics. If you need help, go to PionnerWoman.com I am sure she can explain it much more eloquently than I just did. You will not want to stop eating these.

XOXO
Kristine

Color me Bright

My love for color has exploded in my closet.

I am sharing some recent looks with you today on how you can wear lots of things, in many different ways.
I have a huge crush on Hot Pink, Orange and  Citrine ! I have loved pairing it back with basics, and with prints.
I recently styled a dear friend for an upcoming date night.  I dared her to be bold and wear color. Guess what,  she did and looked FAB! When choosing color, make sure that you are looking at the fit too. So many times wearing colors are hard because we feel like they make us look bigger. Not true. When you shop for fit and not size, you will end up looking beyond fab.
You don't have to spend tons of money either to keep up with emerging trends and stylish pieces.
I love hitting up H&M, TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Target. Each of these stores (H&M especially) are always on par with trends.
2 of these outfits I only spent $20 on to pull it together. Finding a good deal, and making it look like I shopped at Neiman's or Intermix is a win win for me!
Here are some looks I scored from all of these stores, which I paired back to things I already had in my closet. Embrace a pop of color. Arm candy, a clutch, necklace, cross body bag, or an adorable citrine jacket ( little secret I have had for 5 years from Forever21)
Happy Shopping

XOXO
Kristine

Picky

I consider myself a pretty picky person. I change my mind regularly (hence my love of handbags and shoes) I feel like you should be able to change them quickly from one outfit to the next.
I can't usually decide on just one thing that I like, or what macaron is my favorite flavor, what my favorite movie or book is. However, when I love something.... I love it with all that I have.

This past week I had the privilege to attend an amazing conference. I walked away this week doing so much self evaluation and self reflection. What kinds of things in my life do I simply like or pretend to like that could be removed from my life. What am I allowing to influence my life that is bearing no fruit or allowing my to paralyze myself into doubt or fear? Am I being picky enough? Do I allow just anything to sway me from what I know I am in Him? It is time to make some adjustments.

I am so thankful that the Lord is steadfast and ever unchanging. His promises are faithful and true. He is the EVERLASTING GOD. I will hold fast to the way He created me, allowing to be used by Him, step out of my comfort zone and remember my calling.
Only in His love am I remotely capable.

What is God calling you to be picky about? What is He calling you to step out of, or into?

He is faithful beloved... He is the Everlasting.

XOXO
Kristine

Party Planning

What an amazing weekend!

We celebrated Reagan's 2nd birthday this weekend! I can't believe he is 2!
He loves to eat waffles...so naturally we decided to do a waffle bar!
I tried to use things we already had in our house to build the food displays (you know I am all about the display). He loves trucks, trains and minions, so I used his trucks and train tracks as displays for food.

I loved the easiness of this set up! It was one of the most stress free parties I have thrown! I found the fruit cups on clearance, along with the cute spoons at TJ Maxx.  Having a big party doesn't mean you have to blow your budget. Find things in your house that you can use in unconventional ways! We also saved money by making our own waffles (my sweet MIL and Hubby were great chef's)!
Having a buffet is so much easier than serving each person. It also makes it easier on the host to chat with her guest! Nothing is more stressful than hosting a party,  working the whole time that you can't enjoy your friends.

Here are a couple of pics from his party!


Happy party planning!!!!

XOXO
Kristine

Timing

When our timing is not the Lord's timing. 

I will never forget the moment of looking in the mirror at my body and thinking this isn't the time. 

So many things had happened in a very short amount of time. We had just moved back to the DFW area for Luc to be the Student Pastor at an amazing church. I transferred to another office within my company.  We were living with Luc's parents until we found a house, and commuting to Frisco everyday. Life was busy and moving quickly. What came next was not in my timeline for at least another year.

I met a girlfriend for lunch and I remember telling her I feel weird, like someone hugged me today and I felt off. She asked "are you pregnant"? I was shocked.....NO! That is not possible, no way. I went straight to the store and bought like 10 test. I only needed to take 1. It was positive. I had just gotten my body back from having Bella 2 years ago. I will never forget staring into that mirror and thinking okay Lord, this is not in my timeline, or my plan.

I was overcome with so much guilt in those moments. We had experienced the loss of a precious baby before having Bella, I knew what a miracle it was to even be pregnant. I felt ashamed and cried out for forgiveness.  The Lord gently took me into a beautiful season of trust and favor. In the next 9 months to follow the Lord blessed us with a house, amazing church family, new dear friends, abundance of favor at my job, the blessing of watching Bella thrive with her new surroundings, and in the end this perfect baby boy. 

I still get teary eyed and well up with emotions when I see my sweet babies. I know that every good and perfect gift comes from above. I always want things on my timeline, but Lord knows if that were the case I would be a wreck and wouldn't be where I am today. I am so incredibly thankful to serve a God who knows what I need before I ask, who knows what is best for me even if that isn't something I want or even planned. "Because your steadfast love is better that life, my lips will praise you." Psalm 63:3 So thankful that he is unwavering, steadfast, and loves me right where I am. 

XOXO

Kristine 

Lights. Camera. Accessory.

Who doesn't love a giveaway?

This month I am giving away an amazing camera accessory set. If you have a camera, you need this! Better yet, if you don't have a camera, you will want one after you see how chic this strap and bag are!
About 2 years ago, I was messing with my phone and somehow managed to restore my factory settings. In that moment I had no idea what was happening, until I opened my pictures and there were none. I starting crying. All the pictures of our newly born son were on my phone. From that point on I vowed to always have an actual camera by my side. The phone had failed me, or really I failed at technology. Wearing my camera has never been cuter.
Mod Straps has this incredible eye for new trends. The bright colors and fun fabrics make it so versatile with any outfit. The bag and straps are lined with this yummy minky fabric that makes wearing your camera so easy. I love that it looks like an accessory rather than a clunky camera bag.
Here is the website to shop for yourself or someone you LOVE!
www.modstraps.com

Be sure to entry the drawing to win the set pictured below.
Follow me on Instagram @kristineashleystyle