Showing posts with label Duck boots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Duck boots. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Frozen Boogers

Hey Preps!
(Outfit of the Day: Lands End Canvas Gingham Oxford Shirt, Lands End Canvas Cardigan,
Delia's Red Corduroy Pants, Sperry Top-sider Sheerwater Boots)

My nickname from a favorite college professor is Smiley.
Hmmm I wonder why.
This past weekend I was out with "red in the face" boy,
and someone I know came over to us...and told him
ALL about my huge glasses and retainers that I used to rock in the 90's.
"Red in the Face" boy laughed, and said he really wasn't surprised.
Great. He already knows I'm a freakazoid.  
A freakazoid perfectly happy being who she is. Retainers and all.
Can't you tell from this picture? Or this post title?

It is freezing here in Pittsburgh.  Early this morning, I sprinted to my car to avoid the cold and shivered the whole way to the gym.  I have a secret spot I park in at the gym that is actually a lot closer and cheaper than the meters, but no one has figured it out yet.  I feel so sneaky.  Anyways, I made another mad dash into the gym...and announced to the lady at the front desk that my boogers are officially frozen, as I took a big sniffle in.  She lost it.  I think she will always laugh at me when I make my entrances into the gym now, thanks to my half-awake but blatantly honest comment.  

I feel like I could write a novel about all the things I hate about the cold.  I hate dressing in huge layers and feeling like a rollie pollie all the time, I hate the possibility of wiping out on ice, and I just hate being cold in general.  Honestly, frozen boogers are the least of my worries in the cold.  

Usually on crummy days like this, I just want to curl up into a ball and go back to sleep.  However, today I am just plain happy.  Maybe it was my 'off the cuff' comment that I made, or maybe it's just the balance that I have been feeling to great extents in my life lately that keeps me happy...regardless I cannot stop smiling.  

In my personal opinion, I have found that happiness is something we often lack.  We are always complaining about how tired we are, the to do list we have to accomplish, and anything else.  There are so many days that I hear numerous people make "whoa is me" statements.  We are always making excuses about why we are unhappy; constantly examining other people's lives and wishing we had something they do.  

Why do we do that?

There are so many times I compare myself to others.  Oh I wish I had her pretty curly hair...Oh I wish I was taller...Oh I wish I had (you fill in the blank).  We are always wanting what others have, always feeling as if we are somehow missing the mark in our own lives...and it makes us completely miserable.

Instead why don't we focus on how much we DO have in our lives?  I am blessed with an incredible family who supports me and loves me unconditionally.  My puppy is the best snuggler in the world.  My friends keep me grounded but still know how to have a good time...I am a college student but already have a career teaching fitness classes and just got paid to become a personal trainer.  I can beat the boys in a lot of sports.  I proudly dress modestly and rock side pony tails.  There are so many blessings in my life and so many things I am proud of.  I really need to remember those more instead of focusing on what I am lacking in.

I am not saying that if you are struggling with something that you should ignore improving yourself as a person, I'm saying start appreciating what you have a little bit more! How can we truly be happy if we are always focusing on the negative things in our lives when we really should be focusing on everything we DO have.  

So be happy. Count your blessings...and laugh at your frozen boogers. 
 Life is too short to not appreciate it.

Have a blessed day y'all!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Running Towards Balance

Hey Preps!
(This is my life: My foam roller, duck boots, gym bag, and kettlebell...
I am more than ready to hit the gym)

Do you ever just have one of those days where everything seems to go completely opposite as planned?
Today has been exactly that.  I overslept, the causing effector that lead to a day full of mishaps.  Oversleeping lead to a rush to scoot out the door...which lead to forgetting something or other, dropping that something, and being late.  Ughhh.  It's tough to stay positive when everything seems to be going wrong, and you seem to be the culprit of the chaos.  Do you have chaos in your life?

What is causing anxiety in your life right now? Anything? Furthermore, is this anxiety preventing you from being the best you can be?  Sometimes I ask myself that.  You see, I have this terrible tendency to put too much on my plate (hypothetically and occasionally literally).  I want to achieve a ton of different things at once...I am currently training for a marathon, am a student, teach fitness classes, work, intern, and want to have a life on top of all of that...it's sometimes overwhelming when I look at my planner and see every minute of my day scheduled.  How can I not be anxious or overwhelmed when there is no 'me' time?

There is where you are wrong.  Like I have said in previous posts, I am a huge fitness and nutrition junkie. I have a passion for running.  It's my therapy.  There is nothing better than a long run, completely unplugged from everything else in my life.  I get those endorphins pumping, and I feel like I can conquer anything in my life after I am finished.  For me, running puts balance in my life.  So does writing in my blog...it's an outlet for me to do something that I love.

Rebecca Hesker said it best when she stated, "Sports are like purification for me.  Every bad thing is taken away, the pizza I might have had the night before, the stress and anger from an argument, or just the frustration from work.  I become my favorite person again; the one who is not worried about what she looks like or how others see her; the one who is a strong determined fighter."

If you look at your workouts the way Rebecca does, I bet it will be easier for you to hit the gym.

It is possible to achieve at a high level, be busy, and still live a balanced life.  However, a great deal of society makes excuses as to why they don't do the things they love anymore.  "I would come to the gym more...but..."

You fill in the blank.  It doesn't even have to be about exercise.  It can be about doing anything you love.  Why did you stop doing it?  Do you REALLY have no time or are you wasting it on something else?  Sure, there are days I want to come home and just plop down on the couch with a junkie show like, "The Bachelor".  However, is that giving me the fulfillment and balance in my life that I need?  Probably not.

So the moral of this post?  Find time to have 'you' time.  Do something you love, be with someone you love...because that will give you balance.  The moments you are happiest are the ones you will treasure forever...not the stress in between.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Cold Blooded but Fashionable

Hey Preps!
OOTD: Sperry Sheer Water Boots

OOTD: Sperry Sheer Water Boots by pittsburghprep featuring patch pants

It's January, and its 41 degrees here in Pittsburgh today.  Trust me, I am not complaining (matter of fact I am currently sitting indian style on my bedroom floor situated no more than half a foot away from a space heater).  Warm weather is better in my opinion.  I love the snow, and skiing is a lifetime passion of mine...however aside from skiing and the first snowfall, I could probably live without it.  Matter of fact, that is one of the deciding factors that ended me up in North Carolina for my first two years of college.  The winters here make me question my decision to move closer to home again.

For example, today the skies are gray, it's rainy, and in Kalyn terms; it's frigid outside.  I swear I have reptilian tendencies, one being I am cold blooded, the other being I am a good little swimmer.  Like a fishy (yes I know not a reptile...science major...I get it...but just hear me out) but more aggressive like an alligator who sneak attacks from behind.  RAWR! Ok, maybe that was a bit far fetched but that is the type of swimmer I was, a sneak attack from behind while you are slow on your flip-turn kind of competitor.  Anyways, the point is I am always cold.

So what's a girl to do when she always has cold feet?  Perhaps score a good boyfriend who is a good Christmas present shopper? Or be a good Christmas shopper for yourself if your not as lucky as I am.

Boyfriend decided to get me a pair of Sperry Top-sider Sheer Water Boots.  If you look at my last blog post you can see a pair of plaid ones I have.  They are cute, fun, but can only be worn with something simple.  So I was looking for a pair of boots that were similar to my Bean Boots, but a different color and Boyfriend beat me to it.  I love how they have the same feel as traditional duck boots, but are given a modern twist with the perfectly quilted material lining the top of them.

I am completely into things that are cute and, more importantly, practical.  These boots are both.  The quilted material gives them a regal feel while the rubber soles (a Sperry trademark) and grippy bottoms make them comfy, they are waterproof, and wool on the inside keeping my feet toasty and dry.  Nothing better than that.

Above, I made a Polyvore of an outfit similar to the one I am wearing today, I will describe it below:

  1.  Barbour Jackets are a classic staple.  Quilted, warm, and traditional, the Barbour Jacket brand is well known for their long lasting quality and fashionable attire.  However, what inspired me to wear this jacket were my quilted boots.  Don't you think they are a good pair?

2.  Polo Ralph Lauren designed a pair of corduroy pants that are inspired by riding pants.  Some may be skeptical, but I love them.  They add a twist to anything you pair them with...especially a quilted down jacket and duck boots.  Not lying, out here in Pennsylvania, this outfit is quite a common one worn among the preps.

3.  Sperry Top-sider Sheer Water Boots.  I explained above.  I love them, they are practical.  Wear them.

4.  I am a huge fan of finding vintage purses on Ebay, especially Dooney&Bourke ones.  The purse shown above isn't the least bit vintage, but I love the caramel leather color of it, and think it looks great paired with the coloring of the cords and boots.

5.  Michael Kors makes a great watch.  Any chunky watch would be great with this traditionally classic and practical "mucking" around outfit.  It just adds a touch of girly.  Agree?

Hope y'all had great breaks, and are getting back into the swing of things.  I am doing so at a sluggish pace!  Thanks so much for your support!

P.S.  get ready for some great posts ahead!


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Winter Essentials: to Keep You Classic and Cozy

Hey Preps!

Yep. It's finals week.  I'm sick, tired, delirious, and look like a mess...
Pretty much locked myself in the library today.  I feel stupid.  I mean, how much can I honestly forget in three months? Somehow I managed to forget a lot...and here I am...in this hot, stuffy, overpopulated facility that doesn't let you even have a sip of water (which I learned today when I was thoroughly scolded for taking a gulp) or speak.  Listen: I have ADHD...I have to have a slight distraction in order to stay focused.  For example, a water break helps me to piece up my studying between gulps...that way I can refocus on the next thing.  Usually I listen to acoustic music as a little bit of a background noise...but today all I hear are sick college peers sniffling next to me.  Do not sniffle on me kid, okay?

So, I have resorted to chewing my pen and hitting it on my head.  Yes, it is the only thing helping me to focus.  Sure kids think I'm weird...but I feel as if my reputation of being a weirdo has already been enacted, so I'm going to keep on doing it.

In midst of a study break, I managed to make a quick Polyvore of some winter essentials that I think we all might be needing come January.  I don't even want to think about January, and school, and cold icy wind tunnels that consist of my walking commutes to my classes...but apparently January seems a little less depressing than this Philosophy final that I am about to embark on:
Winter Staples


Tommy Hilfiger wrap top
£205 - houseoffraser.co.uk

J Crew cable knit sweater
$228 - jcrew.com

J Crew j crew cardigan
$168 - jcrew.com

Tommy Hilfiger pea coat
£250 - houseoffraser.co.uk

J Crew tweed jacket
$300 - net-a-porter.com

J Brand skinny jeans
$180 - barneys.com

J Crew long pencil skirt
$128 - jcrew.com

Lands End skirt
landsend.com

Tory Burch kitten heels
£415 - net-a-porter.com

Boots
$164 - llbean.com

J.Crew wedge heels
$138 - jcrew.com

Lands End ballerina flat
$15 - landsend.com

Lands' End sunglasses
landsend.com






I really don't have time to explain my Polyvore, but I will say that in winter my goal is to stay warm, practical, classic, festive, and dry.  


To those of you taking finals, best of luck! To those of you finished taking finals, congrats!  To those of you not in college, be glad you aren't in my Philosophy class!  


Have a blessed day y'all!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Doodling...the Prep Way

Hey Preps!

Something that cannot be avoided when taking notes in class is doodling (for me at least).  Even if it is drawing a simple shape or retracing words, I always have to be moving in class.  No, it usually is not because I am bored out of my mind...only occasionally does that happen.  Yet, something I learned early on in college is that I learn best when writing.  Flash cards are found abundantly throughout my desk drawers, because drawing diagrams and re-writing notes is the way I study.  In class, I need to be doing something while paying attention, or else I will get distracted.  So what's a girl to do? Doodle of course!

Trust me when I say, I am still extremely interactive with my class and professor, but doodling helps me focus.  Since my freshman year of college, what I love to doodle more than anything are my 'outfits of the day'.  It's like using Polyvore in my notebook! I have always had the idea to scan them and edit them on a computer, but never have taken the time to research a good software to use.

This weekend I discovered that Gant Rugger's Fall/Winter 2011 Collection beautifully illustrated (doodled) by Andrew Mashanov, an Advertising senior graduating from The University of Management in Moscow.  So being the creep that I am, I googled him.  Wouldn't you know he likes Duckboots too?
How cool is this?  Doodles turned into something really cool!  I am hooked...and need to learn how to turn my doodles into something blog-worthy (exactly what I need to be doing with 22 hours of classes this semester).

So after musing over Mashanov's illustrations, I found yet another great blog that has some great preppy illustrations, Coco Draws.  Check out her illustration of Hunter Boots:

Coco Draws also has a shop that you can buy the illustrations.  I may have to invest in the green version of the Hunter Boots...for these illustrations have inspired me to start doing something similar.  Maybe doodling is more beneficial than just helping me pay attention in class!  

Maybe it's this fall break that is giving me all this new-found inspiration.  Either way, these are fabulous!  
Hope y'all are having a great start to the week!


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Buy Me Shoes or Purses...I Will Love You Forever

Hey Preps!

Yesterday, it finally started to feel like spring!  It reached 70 degrees, and then it down-poured...thundered...and now it's cold again.  When is it going to be warm?  It is now April, and my itch for spring the began in February...is now desperation.

To relieve some of my Lack of Spring-itis, I decided to make Polyvores of my top picks of shoes and bags this coming spring! 




Vera bradley tote
zappos.com

Marc by marc jacobs handbag
$250 - net-a-porter.com

Ben de Lisi striped handbag
24 GBP - debenhams.com

Kate Spade vinyl tote bag
$225 - nordstrom.com

Nautical tote bag
$25 - cherryredboutique.com

Lilly Pulitzer floral tote
$148 - saksfifthavenue.com

Kate spade handbag
$125 - endless.com





Nautical seems to be a huge theme this spring (which I loooooove because of Pat).  The Vinyl Tote Bag by Kate Spade would be perfect to take to the bay since it is durable.  I of course love Pink and Green, so between the Lilly Pullitzer tote and Kate Spade handbag, my niche will be perfected.  





J crew shoes
$98 - jcrew.com

Topshop shoes
$38 - topshop.com

Lilly pulitzer shoes
$198 - footcandyshoes.com

Leather boat shoes
$75 - sperrytopsider.com

Sperry slip on shoes
$75 - sperrytopsider.com

Kate spade shoes
$225 - couture.zappos.com

Kate spade shoes
$225 - endless.com

J Crew ballerina shoes
$58 - jcrew.com

Hunter rubber rain boot
$125 - bloomingdales.com

J Crew sport shoes
$78 - jcrew.com



Yesterday my "to the gym" attire consisted of Naval Academy Shorts, a workout top, and Wellies.  I could just live in Wellies, although I'm glad it doesn't rain every day.  For those who prefer to stay dry without rain boots, the J. Crew rubber ballerina shoes are waterproof...as well as the L.L. Bean Coastal Skimmers that I post about way too much (and wear just as often).  I also of course added duck boots.  I love mine, and love the fact they can get muddy.  I'm ready to splash in some mud puddles!


As for flats, spring is the time where you can make them stand out a bit more.  This is why I chose Kate Spade flats.  They definitely will get people looking at your feet more often...not sure if that's a good thing or not.  You decide.


Next on the list, Sperrys!  Do I even need to say more?  They are comfy, slip-proof, cute, and come in so many styles and patterns.  For example, the Seersucker Anglefish pair above.  How cute!
_________________________________________________________________________________


So as we are once again expecting snow in PA,  these spring staples are what is going to be getting me through this chilly Tuesday.  Wishing you all a warm and fun-filled spring day!  



Thursday, January 27, 2011

Weekend Wardrobe

Tomorrow is Friday! With the whole weekend ahead, I thought I'd show you what I am planning on taking with me to Annapolis as I am in the process or packing:


What do you guys think?

Monday, November 22, 2010

She's Country

It is finally late fall. Thanksgiving is this week, and there is a lot to be thankful for in the fashion world. We start to see an array of vibrant colors taking over wardrobes as we see vivid reds and deep browns coming to life. We also see fabrics such as tweed, corduroy, and velvet taking center stage. Preps thrive during this time of the year, because we can finally take our classic and basic wardrobes and with an introduction to a subtle wow factor, can make a simple outfit stand out in an envious way.

During this time of the year, I find myself retracing my steps to my childhood days of dress-up. However now, I know the ins and outs of the fashion world. For example, Friday, I was feeling girly. This caused me to pair up a tweed grey mini skirt, a red Tommy Hilfiger cardigan, matching red tights, and basic black oxford heels, with the season's fashionable cashmere Burberry scarf. The scarf gave the classic look something that stood out.

Today, I woke up to blue open skies. This inspired me to add a little twang to my outfit, so I paired a navy and red plaid flannel button down with a navy boyfriend blazer, camel colored corduroy pants, and dark brown knee high leather boots. Prep with a Country twist!

As I have mentioned before, I do some part-time modeling to compliment being a college student. This summer a great photographer and friend of mine, did a few girlfriends and I the favor of shooting a country themed photo shoot on a local farm. A few of the pictures from the shoot are below as inspiration:
Photobucket

Photo Credits:
Photographer: David Lloyd
Models: (left to right in horizontal picture) Allison, Amy, Kerry, and Kalyn (me)

Below is a Country Themed Polyvore that I created with the help of Tommy Hilfiger's Fall 2010 Collection.  One of my favorite pieces from it are the Duck Boots.  Growing up they were popular, and I am thrilled that Tommy has brought them back (with heels).  I have a pair of Duck Boot rain skimmers from this collection, and not only are they fashionable, but extremely practical.  They are rainproof and have great traction, and as a college student, those are key ingredients when looking for shoes!



I greatly encourage you to play up your classic looks with a small accessory or fabric alteration. My promise is that you will find an abundance of approval...especially in the college aged fashion world.

XOXO
~Kalyn