10.30.2014

Happy Halloween. Cheese cloth ghosts chandelier. A DIY.


cheesecloth ghosts

Well true to form these ghosts do not photograph well...annnnd it would probably help if I had Angie's amazing skills present, instead of just me, myself and my trusty iPhone.  Really though, these are one of my favorite Halloween decorations, and they are so fun, albeit messy, to make with the kiddos.  So pin this one away for next year.  Sorry its next to impossible for me to plan ahead.


We just do this basic DIY with balloon-in-a-cup forms, but maybe next year we will get a little fancier like Martha does.


diy ghosts

cheese cloth ghosts

Once dry, I let the boys draw eyeballs in permanent marker.  There were a couple of them that got slightly smooshed on a field trip to school for sharing day.  It's part of their endearment now.  Use clear fishing line to hang as you please.    

diy halloween ghosts

Tips I've learned.

-Don't dilute the stiffener, it needs to be full-strength 

-Before laying the cheesecloth on top of the balloon-in-cups to dry, spray the balloons with a little oil.  Keeps them from sticking, so much easier to remove once dry.

-Put a large plastic bag down first {is this a no-brainer?  took me a try}, to keep from stiffening everything within arms reach.

-supplies - Amazon, of course, is your one-stop shop. cheeseclothfabric stiffener 9" balloons {we blew them up only part way} but really any craft store should have all of these supplies.


halloween decorations

Are you kidding me?  I can never ever erase this chalkboard.  The most darling Happy Halloween of all time, those little hands.  I'm totally biased.


***GIVEAWAY***
Have you entered our Warby Parker sunglasses giveaway?  
******

Happy Halloween!

Kirsty.

10.29.2014

Plaid Scarf Love. Target style

fall fashion


oversized plaid scarf

target scarf

free people jacket

plaid scarf

Who doesn't love a super soft plaid, inexpensive, slightly oversized reminiscent of a blanket scarf? 

This is the perfect fall and winter accessory, and the perfect gift.  Send someone a hug in the form of a scarf.

And plaid.  I love that plaid is everywhere this fall, perhaps because it so vividly takes me back to the carfree {sort of} days of way too short school girl skirts {still can't believe my parents let me leave the house dressed that way!} and oversized plaid flannel shirts, dark moody lipstick, I'd say Doc Martens, but I never got behind that one, my feet are to big, they weighed {I seriously just typed "wayed" wow.} a ton!

I'm obsessively trying to find every single opportunity to wear it.  In the evening, I keep all the doors and windows open in my house in order to capture the ever so slightly chilly temperature inside, and I I snuggle it around my neck while sitting on the couch watching The Voice, seriously love Gwen Stefani, yet another tribute to days long ago, No Doubt goes right along with plaid.   and don't forget Pharell, he doesn't, but his fashion sense, that torn up faded jean jacket, his hats, and channel necklaces.  Love.

fall layers
t-shirt - bobi clothing
black sweater - old
jacket - Free People, {mine is from Queen Anne Dispatch}
jeans - Rag&Bone, Nordstrom {on sale!}
boots - Rag&Bone, Nordstrom
scarf - Target {free shipping on all orders right now}
earrings - Lucia K. Tag

more $16.99 Target scarves and a few others for even less...



linking up with pleated poppy for what i wore weds.
photos by Angie.

***GIVEAWAY***
Have you entered our Warby Parker sunglasses giveaway?  
******

happy wednesday.

best,
Kirsty

10.28.2014

Shop for a difference: Warby Parker ... and a givewaway

Sadly I lost my beloved Warby Parker sunglasses at Whole Foods while grocery shopping, I tried to console myself knowing that at least my glasses had made a small contribution toward helping someone else see.  At my husbands urging, I checked again the next day, and wouldn't you know it a good samaritan had turned them in.  I was so happy!  

This post has been in the works for a while now, but now I was determined to finish it.

As the holidays approach, or really any time of the year, we are all in gift buying mode right?  I want to highlight some of my favorite brands that are working towards helping others and making a difference.  That we may all shop for a difference.  Double bonus points in gifting.

There are a lot of companies that aren't just giving donations, but they are empowering and educating people, teaching them sustainable ways to end poverty, rather than temporary solutions, and giving them ownership in their success.  This is exciting!  Through jobs, micro-loans, education, and other resources these people are raising their quality of lives little by little.  

Teaching them to fish.  Or in this case, to see!

First up

  
Here's why I love them...
1.  Their glasses are so stylish, and high quality.

2.  At affordable prices. 

3.  They offer both sunglasses and prescriptions glasses, next on my list is to update my prescription and get some super smart readers.

4.  They make shopping super easy with their model videos {so you can see what the frames look like on a real person} and their Home Try-On kits.  Here's a little video of when I received mine...




5.  Finally with their Buy A Pair, Give A Pair program they are making an impact in 35 developing countries to train and offer affordable eye care to those in need.  They have helped over 1 million people have access to vision correcting eyewear while creating local jobs at the same time, but there is still over 703 million to go! 

I just love Warby Parker so much that I am giving away a free pair of sunglasses! 

Check out the glasses I chose below, and then scroll down for giveaway details


 


{style: Evelyn}










Now for your chance to win your own Warby Parker Sunglasses {a 95$ Warby Parker giftcard}. 

You can enter in 4 ways, {up to 4 entries total}...

1.  Leave a comment below as to which of the above glasses you like best.
2. Share this post on Facebook {leave a comment below that you did}
3.  Follow me on instagram - thekirstyfiles {leave a comment below that you did, or if you already do, here's a freebie entry}
4.  Regram my instagram post about the Warby Parker giveaway.

These opinions are all my own, not sponsored by WP.  Contest ends midnight Nov 9th.  

photos by Angie.

good luck!
kirsty




10.22.2014

an updated classic. Target Style {what I wore}

leopard print cardigan

This t-shirt and skirt have been classics in my closet for at least 4 years.  Their shapes are great and the quality has stood the test of time.  The best part is adding interest with other pieces, like this Target cardigan in leopard print and red shoes.  Can I just say this cardigan comes in a multiple of colors and prints, of course the leopard is my favorite, and for the price it can't be beat, and currently all shipping is free.  It just makes sense for a great boost to my fall wardrobe.

black skirt

statement necklace

red lips

red heels, red pumps

business attire
cardigan - Target
t-shirt - J. Crew
skirt - J. Crew Factory, old {similar, also similar}
shoes - Banana Republic

pictures by Angie.  linking up with pleated poppy for what i wore weds.

Happy Wednesday!

best,
kirsty

10.21.2014

Lets get a head start on the holidays...Anthropologie Sale

Every so often Anthropologie will throw all their sale items on sale even more.  Enter code "extraextra" at checkout for 25% off all sale items.

And I am thinking why not get a head start of some of the holiday to-do list.  It is so much easier when your outfits are already planned, one less thing to think about.  So here are some of my sale picks...

Holiday outfit...





Parent-Teacher Conference or Kids Recital Performance





Drinks out with the Ladies, or Holiday Open House (this one is my favorite)




Just an outfit to put pep in your step, because I'm mad about plaid, a great staple black skinny jean, cargo jacket and moto boot.  Fall Uniform.



Shopping and Lunching




Hostess Gifts - how about having these thought out a head of time?
What host wouldn't love a little pampering after putting in the work to pull of a Holiday Soiree...




Sweet Treats to make someone's day - why not take those special cookies you are making, or holiday candies, favorite store bought chocolates, holiday bouquets, or a great bag of coffee, homemade hot cocoa... and put them in a container worth treasuring, seriously this would make anyones day...




Lets get a head start on the holidays so that we can actually take deep breaths and enjoy them!

best,
kirsty

Our Tuesday trio...the little gray dress.

This is a story of three friends who trade texts and photos with outfit ideas, dinner plans, and parenting struggles. And, these three friends also share a common love for a grey jersey dress. Now, mind you, we don't share the dress - we each have our own dress. And we each have very unique styles, which makes this post all the more fun! Keep reading to learn how each woman has styled her dress based on her own aesthetic and fashion favorites.


Kirsty 
Personal style: eclectic, boho, comfortable 
Fashion favorites: lace, slouchy necklines, great shoes, statement coats, mixed metals, vintage jewelry, toe cleavage, hats, red lipstick, and big hair 
Fashion rules to live by: "I love the juxtaposition in personal style: fancy & laid-back, edgy & girly, moto with lace. These contrasts are what create your own look."


moto vest

Kirsty pairs her ruched dress with a contrasting tough-gal, moto vest with varying textures; adding interest and making her look unique. Just when you might expect a moto bootie, Kirsty then adds a lace-up pump - a perfect combination of sweet and tough. To top off her neutral outfit, she adds just a hint of color with her aqua earrings...her personal design. And don't forget the red lip!

Dress: Monrow Vest: Zara (similar, similar) Heels: Sam Edelman Earrings: Lucia K (Kirsty's jewelry) Lips:
M.A.C. Kiss Me Quick



P1090601

Jacqueline
Personal style: classic, preppy with an eye towards current trends
Fashion favorites: stripes, navy, patent leather, skinny jeans, pattern-mixing, all things nautical
Fashion rules to live by: "An updated purse or shoe can make any staple piece look current."

pleather jacket


True to her personal style, Jacqueline adds a little edge to her otherwise lady-like ensemble. The structured bag has studs and the peep-toe booties are a fun trend to try instead of a tried-and-true pump. Finally, she then adds a twist to a classic navy jacket and scarf combo with a leather moto-style jacket, and a leopard and skull patterned scarf.

Dress: Monrow Jacket: GAP, last year (similar, similar) Booties: Halogen Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Scarf: Alexander McQueen



P1090675

Jenn
Personal style: edgy, sophisticated yet casual
Fashion favorites: denim, suede, blazers, zipper detailing, leather accents, layered accessories, black and grey, texture
Fashion rules to live by: "When it comes to accessorizing, the more the better! Accessories make an outfit unique and bring a look together."


gray dress

In an effort to create a casual look, Jenn pairs her jersey dress with wedge sneakers, a plaid flannel shirt, and a baseball hat. To keep the ensemble from being too sloppy, she then adds a structured, mini cross-body bag and layered, delicate necklaces. This look says she's ready to tailgate...in style.

Dress: Monrow Shirt: Treasure & Bond (similar) Hat: Madewell Purse: Milly Sneakers: Splendid Glasses: MICHAEL Michael Kors Necklaces: Nordstrom

 Let us know what you think of our post - please leave a comment. Thanks for reading! ~Kirsty, Jacqueline & Jenn

10.14.2014

I'll while I'm at it...Shopbop friends and family sale.

Shopbop is having their friends and family sale, 25% off most items {some brands are excluded} with code "family25". This sale is quick - Oct 14-16th only.

And items go quickly.

This is a great time to purchase those more expensive items that you have on your list but haven't wanted to pay full price.

During the last sale, my husband {oh ladies I sent him the exact link and instructions he's not that good} bought me this bag for my birthday.  I had had my eye on it for quite a long time and the discount sealed the deal..it is now available in black and the best gray.



Here is what is in my cart.


I love the free people bras!  and I have been coveting this Free People flowy checkered blouse for a few months.


this coat!  It is definitely more trendy than classic so I am excited to find it on sale.  and these overalls, I love the zip sides and higher back which I think will be more flattering.

This sight can be overwhelming with all the wonderful merchandise.  A few tips for navigating...

search for your favorite brands...
Free People - everything.
Rag & Bone - edgy awesomeness.
Monrow - super soft high quality lounge wear.
Hunter Rainboots... oh how I love if only it rained {except Hunter is excluded from sale, darnit!}.

or search for items you are looking for...
Overall
Distressed denim
Army Jackets...like this one...


Booties, then choose from the drop down list, the color black for example, to narrow down your list further.




Also keep a wish list, or pin items you are wanting, then you can contemplate your purchases and wait for a sale!  This is a great time to think about Christmas gifts and birthday presents.

Hope this is helpful.  Happy Shopping!

best,
kirsty