Apartment Tour

A lot has changed for me over the last few months. Besides starting a new job, I also moved into my first "real" apartment. I had apartments in college, but none that I truly decorated and made my own, so I was really excited to put my stamp on the new place. Now that it is (mostly) complete, I'd love to take you on a tour of my new place:

So I didn't end up finding a yellow couch, but red was a close second. I settled for mustard accents to satisfy my yellow craving. Also, there are quite a few thrifted finds and DIYs seen here. The lamp, end table, and vase were all DIYs, and the mirror on the table was thrifted.

My gallery wall is still a work in progress, but I absolutely love it. I got my inspiration from here, here, and here.

This is the view of my living room from the front door. It's still a work in progress as well (I need curtains and would like some more coffee table books), but I really like how it is coming along so far!
 

Cube shelves were one of those things "I just had to have". After seeing lots of shelf styling ideas on pinterest (here, here, and here), I was so excited to try it myself. I love being able to display all of the fashion books I've accumulated over the years. I also adore my new Anthropologie vase.
 

I knew I wanted to work mint into my decor somewhere, so I decided to paint my bedroom walls that color. Well, let me rephrase that...I picked out the color and then let my dad paint :) There are a lot of DIYs in this room too...my uncle made my headboard and my mom and I spruced up an old dresser by stenciling the drawers and adding knobs from Anthropologie.

After seeing this tutorial on pinterest, I knew I had to make this plate stand to display my jewelry. I found the plates at Anthropologie and got the candle stick from the dollar store. Not only did it it turn out super cute, but it's functional too. I like having my jewelry on display because I know I'm much more likely to wear something if it is out in the open and visible.

Well that's my place! You like?

J.Crew Chic...on a Budget

It has been over two months since I last blogged. And to be completely honest, I miss it. A lot. So I think it's time that I get back to regular blogging. In order to do so, the focus around here is going to have to change a bit. Because I don't have a regular photographer and really hate posting poor quality mirror photos, outfit posts will be less frequent. But no worries, posts will still be plenty and fashion will still be the main focus. So consider this my official notice: I'm getting back in the game!

Here's a little something that has been inspring me lately. This image brings together two of my favorite things: fall clothes and J.Crew. The J.Crew catalog is a constant source of inspiration for me, but it usually has to end there. As a recent graduate, I can rarely afford to actually buy the clothing featured. So here is my take on how to be "J.Crew Chic" on a budget:

 

  via

Complete Outfit= $1,114

Turtleneck (Forever 21), Jeggings (Express), Military Jacket (Old Navy), Booties (DSW)

Complete Outfit= $152

Essentially the same outfit, for a tiny fraction of the cost. These boots, especially, are at the top of my fall wishlist. What is inspiring you for the upcoming season?

A Weekend at Home {in instagrams}

The trip home to Cincinnati (ignore my dirty car window!)

 

Getting ready for my graduation party

 

My GORGEOUS graduation cake, made by an extremely talented family friend

 

Spending a little time with my favorite boy. He's getting so big!

 

Home decor shopping at Anthropologie to get ready for my big move!

 

My loot from a little trip to the outlets. Oh yes, that's a Michael Kors bag you see 

It was a nice, relaxing, family-filled weekend in Cincinnati. And no trip home is complete without a little shopping with Mom. I finally pulled the trigger and bought myself a "big girl" purse to replace my beat up brown tote from Steinmart. I guess that's one of the perks of having a grown-up job now! It will definitely be making it's appearance on the blog soon :)

Yellow Couch, Yes Please

Because of my new job, I will be staying in Columbus permanently. This means I will be moving into my first "real" apartment in August, so I will be doing a few home decor posts here and there as I gather up inspiration for the new place and turn it into a reality. Very exciting! I've been pinning ideas for about a year now, just waiting for the day to arrive when I would have my own place. A recent review of my home decor pinboard made me realize a trend is emerging. A very YELLOW trend, particularly in the form of couches.

 
via

 

via

 

via 

 

via

I'm really looking forward to making my new place my own, and it sure does look like a yellow couch may be calling my new apartment home as well. Any suggestions where to find an affordable, comfortable one? 

Workwear: Outfit Recaps from Week 1

Last Tuesday was my first day at the "big kid" job. One of the great things about working at a fashion company (besides the rockin employee discount) is that there is a lot of freedom to express my personal style. It is not a company that is insistent upon their employees wearing the brand 24/7, so I can still wear what I want and work in a few pieces of theirs here and there without having to be in the brand head-to-toe. Here is what I wore for my first week:

 

Tuesday: H&M blazer, F21 top, J.Crew Minnie pants, Gap scarf, Vintage cuff, Kate Spade outlet tote, Steve Madden black flats

Wednesday: Equipment blouse via TJ Maxx, F21 skirt, NY& Co. outlet necklace, Banana Republic outlet sandals

 

Thursday: Gap blazer, Anthropologie top (sale), Zara red pants, Mondani bag via Steinmart, DV for Target wedges

Friday: Old Navy vest, J.Crew tank, Gap jeans, Vintage cuff, Steve Madden heels

Unfortunately, I don't currently have anyone to take my outfit photos and I kinda suck at self-timer photos, so instagram will have to do for now. The worst part is that you can't see my shoes in any of the pictures; outfits like the one from Friday are much cuter when you can see the heels that complete the look. Also as a bonus, I'll show you my outfits from the weekend. Saturday was my last day at my part-time job at the bridal shop, and Sunday I ran errands. Don't forget to be following me on instagram (khaverland528) to see these outfits live!

 

 Saturday: H&M blazer, F21 tee and necklace, Gap black skinny pants, Steve Madden black flats

Sunday: F21 tank and headband, J.Crew outlet cut-offs and tote, Target bronze sandals

What was your favorite outfit from last week?

Alumni Status

 

Last Sunday I officially became an alumni of The Ohio State University! I came to this school having no idea how much my life would transform over the next four years. After countless friendships, two internships, three jobs, and tons of classes, I can truly say I'm a different person than when I started this journey. I'm extremely sad to be leaving behind this part of my life, but I'm happy to say that I have no regrets and have definitely enjoyed my college experience, especially this past year. Now it is time to move on and start what I have been working towards these past 4 years=a career in the fashion industry. I am proud to say I am one of the lucky graduates who has been able to immediately jump into my career. I started my job this past week, and I love it! Eventually I hope to start regular outfit posts again, but until then, follow me on instagram (@khaverland528) to see what I'm wearing to the office everyday!

 

What I'm wearing: Pitaya dress, DV for Target wedges (last summer), Francescas earrings

In the past month...

...I enjoyed Cinco de Mayo with some of my favorite people

 

...I celebrated my 22nd birthday

 

(birthday hats, a present from my little bro, birthday balloon, my favorite little man) 

...I became an alumni of my honor fraternity

 

...I got a job offer!  

One week from today, I will be starting my BIG GIRL job as a production assistant at the home office of a major clothing company. This means I've also begun hunting for a grown-up apartment, so I'm sure you'll be seeing lots of home decor inspiration from me on the blog and on my pinterest. It is still feels a little surreal that I'm graduating college Sunday and then starting a real job so quickly, but I am beyond grateful to be one of the few college graduates out there who has a job lined up. I feel extremely lucky!