Spring Flashback

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Kaleigh

this post idea came from Delightfully Tacky!

Spring’12-Spring’13 has seen a lot of changes for me, one of which has been my style. As petty as that sounds (and believe me, I’m aware that there are more important things in life than clothes. Like…shoes! jk), it’s very true. I wasn’t even aware of just how much my style had changed until I looked back in my archives to find these pictures.

I probably wouldn’t wear 90% of these outfits now. Most of the items I don’t even own anymore. I do miss my blonde hair a little bit but good grief was it a pain to maintain! I don’t think I’ll be going back that blonde anytime soon.

But I’ve really enjoyed watching my style evolve, and figuring out what I like in the process. I still have no clue what you would call my style. Maybe ADD induced? lol But I do think my style has gotten a little bit more streamlined, a little bit more sophisticated. And I’m sure that process will continue and I’ll be saying the same thing about my style in 2014!

One of the things I’ve loved about blogging has been the memories it has made. I love being able to look back and see what I was doing, what was going on, and see just how much I have changed since then. Not only in my style, but my opinions as well.

That is one thing I’d like to focus on more here at ARF. I want to make more memories. Write posts that are more transparent and personal. I don’t want to worry about what someone will think, or how it will sound, or the fact that this blog is more about fashion than anything else. If this is truly a creative outlet for me than I should be able to create however I want right? right!

03dcc117 photo 03dcc117.jpg

So here’s to trying new things! Let’s see what weird things come out of this blog now.

FAQ: How do you edit your photos? and a FANCY GIVEAWAY!

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Kaleigh

Hi friends!

Recently I was asked to share how I edit my photos. It’s a great story, let’s get started:

Once upon a time a young girl with absolutely zero editing skills decided to start a blog. She used Photobucket to edit her photos, it was embarrasing and lots of orange legs were produced. She gradually started to get the hang of things, but since she didn’t have thousands of dollars or her own computer, Photobucket continued to be her editing program of choice.

Then one day, Photobucket decided to be evil and “upgrade” their editing program. Basically only 7 year olds who liked putting balloons and clowns on their photos would call it an upgrade. What was Young Girl to do?! She couldn’t afford to buy a program but she wanted something that would give her the freedom to perform basic edits on her photos without involving orange legs or balloons.

Enter PicMonkey. PicMonkey is an online editing program that literally saved my butt. They have a free version, but I chose to pay for the Royale upgrade because I just loved the program so much. I’ve been using it since about January and I haven’t had one problem. It really is a great program for beginner bloggers or those that don’t have a ton of extra casholla to shell out for Photoshop.

The guys over at PicMonkey were nice enough to give a 1 year subscription to the PicMonkey Royale upgrade to one of YOU lucky readers!

Just a little FYI: PicMonkey did not ask me to try out their program, I bought it myself. When I realized how great the program was, I contacted them and asked if they would be interested in giving away a Royale subscription on my blog. I would have still written this post whether they had agreed or not. But they did which just gives me one more reason to talk about how great they are!

So watcha waitin for?! Enter the giveaway! The winner will be announced next week! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*check back soon for a tutorial on my favorite PicMonkey effects and overlays!

linking up with Rolled Up Pretty and Because Shanna Said So!

Turban Scarf Tutorial

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Kaleigh

Hi friends!

I’m sharing my turban scarf tutorial today! This has become one of my absolute favorite ways to wear my hair. It’s so simple!

If you have any questions let me know! I’d love to help! If you have any problems with the video, click here.

I’m going to be taking a break from blogging for this month. I’ve got a few random posts already scheduled that I’ll go ahead and post but for the most part I’ll be MIA for January. I’m going to be in and out of the state, I’ve got a lot going on at work, and I’ve had some personal issues come up so I believe I will take a few weeks off! Have a wonderful first of 2013 and I will see you in a few weeks!

Red.

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Kaleigh

Pacsun beanie, Old Navy jacket, Target Scarf, {old.v old.} jean jacket, Urban Outfitters merci beau coup tee, Pac Sun pants, Charlotte Russe rainboots.

These pictures were taken the day after we were supposed to get nine inches of Christmas Day snow. #weathermanfail. However it’s now snowing again as I type, so they might be able to swing this one and say they meant nine inches over a week?

I love the snow. I love the look, how everything is bright and white and clean. I love how excited everyone gets when they see snow, even adults. Snow causes everyone to pause, to look, to become a child for just a while.

2013 is almost here and I can’t help but use these last few days of ’12 to look back and reminisce. It’s been one crazy year, and 2013 will be even crazier! I’m excited to set new goals for myself, both in my personal life and here on this blog. Thank you to all of the sweet readers who keep coming back and reading this crazy little spot on the ‘net I call my own. It’s been a huge learning experience! I want to continue to learn all I can from this crazy Blogworld. I can’t wait to see what 2013 will hold!

See you guys next year!

12 Favorites from 2012

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Kaleigh

my first photo in 2012 compared to my last in 2012.

I got this idea from Shanna and I just loved it so much I thought I’d recreate it, Rambler style : ) But Shanna rocks and did 20 things and I’m not that cool so we’re just doing 12.

12 of my favorite things in 2012!

1. Shoes: this one is a toughy, but I’ll go with these heels and these boots. I wore the CRAP out of those heels and those boots are the comfiest thing EVER.

2. Jewelry: my gold watch. I wear it almost every day, and it’s in almost every picture on this here blog. Here here and here are examples.

3. Accessory: I’d have to go with Shanna and say scarves. I LOVE my fur snood! I got it for Christmas last year and oh my word look how much I’ve changed! How crazy.

4. Clothing Item: I’d have to say my coated black pants from Pacsun. They are featured on this here blog at least once a week. And I’m quit proud of the fact that I fanagled a discount out of the Pacsun guy when I bought them. Woot!

5. Fashion Trend I absolutely adore Chelsea boots! I think they’re so quirky, I just love them. Least favorite? Sheer maxi skirts with solid mini skirts underneath. Um what?

6. Home Decor Trend: Fur rugs. Ya I’m kind of obsessed with fur. Least favorite? Chevron. I’m over it.

7. Place to shop: Forever 21, ASOS and Target.

8. Album: I have to agree with Shanna again, I adore Florence and the Machine. I’m also quite partial to Taylor Swift: Red (judge me all you want)

9. Trip: OF COURSE our engagement trip to San Francisco!

10. Social Media: I’m kind of obsessed with Instagram! I’m so glad they’re NOT going to go cray cray and steal my photos for their own selfish gain.

11. Blog Outfit: This one, this one, and this one. It’s also interesting that this one has gotten the most pins on pinterest! So random!

12. Blog Post: When I decided to take this blog to the next level (still working on that one!) and when I ranted about sweatpants.

You can also read my most embarrassing moments in 2012 (and a tiny bit of 2011, I was such a baby!)

YAY! if you decide to do a 12 in ’12 (or a 20 in ’12!), Shoot me an email! I’d love to see your list!

Christmas with The Rambler

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Kaleigh

This year Christmas was a little strange but still very sweet. My sister and brother in law stopped in OK on their way to Missouri for Christmas, and Mr. Darcy left right before Christmas to go to England, so we actually celebrated with a big family dinner last week. Christmas Day was spent with just my siblings and parents, watching Christmas movies, grilling steaks in the snowy backyard, and opening our stockings. A very quiet Christmas compared to the past couple of years, but sweet nonetheless. Here’s a few pictures from the past week.

Merry Christmas! xx

Hey We’re Still Alive!

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Kaleigh

Target Hat// Old Navy coat// Forever 21 Top// Pacsun pants// Forever 21 chelsea boots

Welp it’s Friday the 21st and we’re all still alive! I guess the Mayans got it wrong. Or maybe they just ran out of rock, who knows.

The point is that the world didn’t end which means I can now truly enjoy the good things in life. Like these boots. Have I told you of my deep love for Chelsea boots? I absolutely adore boots and these slightly ugly yet equally quirky Chelsea boots are just darling. ( Chelseas are tight fitting ankle boots distinguished by the elastic band on the sides rather than a zipper. For those that are confused. Come on guys, get with the program).

These are on sale, these have a darling color block effect to them, and these are currently starring in my wildest dreams.

Are you in love now as well? Yes. I knew you would be.

Merry {early} Christmas! I won’t be back until after the Big Guy visits, so have a wonderful holiday, hug your loved ones extra tight, and remember what this season is really about.

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

- I Heard the Bells

A Guide to a Happy Holiday via Martha May Whovier

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Kaleigh

When it comes to the holidays, there isn’t anyone I would trust more than that arbiter of fantastical fashion, that whimsical woman of wow: Martha May Whovier

I mean LOOK at her. She practically oozes Christmas couture. So with my icon in mind, I’ve concocted a list of items needed for the perfect holiday hooplah.

1. Glitzy hair bands: You can never have too much glitter, and a hair band that doubles as a bracelet? Double score!

2. Red lips: Those grinches sure do love a crimson lip. This butter smooth wonder of a lippy will have them puckering up before you can say mistletoe

3. A great pair of falsies: Flirting is the name of the season and false lashes ramp it up a needed notch. Try out these angled lashes to create the perfect cat eye.

4. The right tunes: Sometimes you need a good tune to set the mood. My favorite cd lately is Under the Mistletoe (available at Starbucks). Featuring old classics and new twists, this compilation is perfect for a little welcome background noise.

5. A fire, merry and bright: A happy little chimney is the perfect gathering spot. Don’t have one? Use this adorable DIY to create one!

6. A fur stole: A fantastic fur is pure decadence and this BCBG one is a price any who could afford.

7. Adorable legs: show off those gams with a darling pair of bow tights.

8. Diamonds my dear: I believe Martha would agree with Marilyn on this one: diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend. You can’t ever go wrong with a festive necklace.

Layer UP!

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Kaleigh

Nordstrom scarf (gift)//Target sweater// French Connection dress worn as a skirt (old, previously worn here where I look like a 12 year old)// Target boots (old)

For those of you who watch How I Met Your Mother, my post title is an attempt at a joke inspired from Barney. I know. It was a pathetic attempt.

But the point still remains: I LOVE layers. In the Fall and Winter it is my number 1 tip for anyone trying to make a closet stretch to cover all seasons. You save money by utilizing items you already have (like a dress for a skirt) and it helps keep you warm. A Win Win for everyone.

Is my sweater sacreligious?

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Kaleigh

Target sunnies// Seams to be snood// Max & Olivia’s cross cutout sweater// Target leggings// Target flats// 7th & West bangles

I wasn’t too sure of this sweater when I got it in the mail. I mean, hi hello, there’s a huge cross on my back. Does that seem a bit strange to anyone else?

But then I realized how utterly comfy and cozy the sweater was, and how it was just the right length to wear with leggings. I also decided the cross kind of made the sweater a bit quirky so I just went with it. And ended up wearing it like, 3 days in a row. I know. Judge me all you want.

I’m having a hard time concentrating on writing out this post because my sister is on her way! YAY! My sister and brother in law will be with us for a week and a half and I am SUPER excited. I miss my sister more than anyone could have told me I would have. If someone could go back and tell my 15 year old self that my big sister would some day end up being my best friend, I probably would have laughed right in their face. But apparently miracles do happen. Girls can get along. Sisters can stop fighting long enough to realize that they’re best friend has been sleeping in the room (or bed) next to them all their life.

And now she’s finally here! EEEK!

A Rambling Fancy

Category Archives: blogging