What to Wear: New Year's Eve

December 31, 2013

Blouse: L.K. Bennett. Sequin Pants: similar. Booties: Target. Necklace: J. Crew. Clutch: Clare Vivier.

I like this outfit for NYE because it's fun and glamorous, while being practical too. In Minnesota (especially with this cold streak we're having right now) it's not practical to be wearing a skimpy skirt or dress around town tonight. Enter: sequined pants. The perfect combination of fun and coverage. Also, these booties are perfect because you get the benefit of a dressy heel, but you can still keep your tootsies warm and wear socks. Those heels look pretty manageable too. 

Happy New Year's Eve and here's to 2014!

xo Catherine 

The Year in Outfits

December 30, 2013













It's so much fun looking back at the past year. Especially at what I was wearing! I love seeing how my style and even the way I "pose" in outfit pictures has evolved over the year. 

Cheers to 2014!

xo Catherine 

Best Trends of 2013

December 27, 2013

Continuing on with the Best of 2013 theme, today I'm sharing my favorite trends from this year. There were quite a few fashion boundaries pushed in 2013, from the reappearance of overalls to leather pants. Let's rehash, shall we?

1. Faux fur. 
This trend is so chic, and not to mention très fabulous! It's definitely not for everyone, but if you want to channel your inner fabulous, look no further. This trend is the perfect example of 2013's fashion boundaries being done away with. I got a fur leopard coat for Christmas that I can't wait to share!

2. Black and white.
It's hard to call this a "trend" per se, because this color combo is such a classic. However, this dynamic duo was everywhere in 2013. 

3. Dressed up graphic t-shirts.
I love how laid back, but effortlessly chic this trend is. 

4. Leather pants.
While I can't actually afford real leather pants, I'm still majorly loving this trend. I know it's not for everyone (men haven't quite decided how they feel about it), but I think it's such a fun look than anyone could try. I especially love them with something less edgy, like a chunky sweater. 

5. Wide-brimmed fedoras.
I'm obsessed with Julia's hat in the above picture and am still on the hunt for a more budget friendly version. This style is such a fabulous way to hide bed head or unwashed hair.

6. Plaid/Tartan.
I can't get enough of the plaid trend. I'm not in favor of all of the '90's trends being resurrected (overalls) but I hope this one sticks around.

7. Capes.
If you read last year's post recapping 2012, then you'll know that once upon a time I did not care for capes (okay, okay, I even made an Ugly Betty reference). It's safe to say that this trend has grown on me. 

8. Statement necklaces.
I know that the statement necklace first appeared before 2013, but boy did it have its coming of age this year.

2013 was a fun and daring year for fashion and I can't wait to see what trends 2014 will bring with it! Be sure to check out my favorite movies of 2013.

xo Catherine

P.S. on an unrelated note, if any of you are interested in Hunter rain boots, they're having a very rare sale right now! Check it out.

Best Movies of 2013

December 26, 2013

Last year I a did a post called "The Year in Lists." It was a lot of fun to rehash the events of the last year. So, I thought I would do something similar this year, but split it up into separate posts. I know that Christmas is barely over, but 2014 is only six days away! So I'm kicking this mini-series off with my picks for best movies of 2013 (in no particular order):

1. Safe Haven. I've never met a Nicholas Sparks book I didn't like and Safe Haven was no exception. I really enjoyed the movie adaption. Although I was a little skeptical of Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel as a couple at first, I think they worked well together. 
2. 42. This movie was so moving. Any sports fan should see this one.
3. Mud. I'm going to be honest here: I fell asleep during the first half of this movie. At a later date, when I was awake, I finished the movie and the second half seriously made up for the slow start. See this. 
4. The Great Gatsby. Although I wasn't a fan of this book, the new movie adaptation was so so good (duh, Leo's in it). After seeing this I don't think anyone wouldn't want to live in the '20's or attend one of Jay Gatsby's parties. 
5. The Way Way Back. This movie was hilarious. The dynamics between the characters was what made the movie. 
6. Blackfish. This is now on Netflix instant play, so basically everyone should see it. Saw it in theaters with my sister and have since made all of my friends watch it (and seen it twice more myself). I know a documentary about whales doesn't sound all that appealing, but I promise you won't be disappointed. 
7. Blue Jasmine. Cate Blanchett: phenomenal. 
8. Lee Daniels' The Butler. Presidents fascinate me, so this movie was right up my alley. I loved seeing all of the behind the scenes moments. 
9. Gravity. Can you say, Oscar number two for Sandra Bullock? I went through a huge slight outer space phase in elementary school and have had a soft spot for anything space related since.
10. About Time. So cute. I love Rachel McAdams. This movie was much better than I expected. 
11. Catching Fire. Sorry, I'm not sorry. This movie definitely makes the list. 
12. Philomena. I wish that this movie got more press because more people need to see this. Judi Dench is just plain hilarious in this movie. 
13. American Hustle. I struggled with whether to add this movie to my list or not. I was slightly confused the whole time, and the story line was so-so for me. In the end, I added it because I enjoyed the actors so much and the portrayals of their characters.

I'm getting so excited for awards season :) but there are still a few movies that I want to see this year, so I may have to add some to the list! 

xo Catherine 

Merry Christmas Eve

December 24, 2013


Merry Christmas Eve! I will be taking the next few days off to enjoy the holidays with my family and loved ones. See you in a few days!

Merry Christmas - Catherine

Christmas Eve Style

December 23, 2013











Sweater: J. Crew Factory (sold out, similar). Belt: Target. Skirt: River Island (here too). Clutch: Target. Heels: DSW. Earrings: Target (similar).

This is what I'm planning to wear for Christmas eve and I cannot wait! This outfit turned out even better than I expected. I love the mix of casual, with the sweater, and glam with the sequin midi. I have always thought that midi skirts were so flattering, so I jumped when I saw this gold sequined one on sale! 

xo Catherine

Pictures by Margaret Day.

Fabulous Finds

December 20, 2013


1. These J. Crew leopard loafers are too cute. 
2. It's no secret that I love a good statement necklace.
3. Love this J. Crew fair isle sweater.
4. I've been drawn to hot pink lately, so this F21 sweater might just make its way into my closet.
5. Living in Minnesota boots are a must. I've had my eye on bean boots for a while now--let's hope Santa brings them :)
6. Fun pink sequin skirt from Topshop. I just bought a sequin midi that I can't wait to show you next week!

xo Catherine 

Tangled Up

December 18, 2013









Sweater: Old Navy. Jeans: Banana Republic. Boots: Hunter. Mittens: handmade by a family friend (similar). Earrings: Target (similar). 

It was two degrees outside when we took these pictures. Can you tell? ;) This sweater is seriously cozy (and a steal too!), so I was pretty comfortable. Winter, and the holiday season, really are in full swing. I just want everything to slow down so I can enjoy it all! 

Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season so far--
xo Catherine

Pictures by my wonderful boyfriend. 

Christmas Style: Two Ways

December 17, 2013


I'm so excited, because today I have teamed up with the lovely Nicole from Keep Calm and Coco On to bring you Christmas style, two different ways!










Dress: Banana Republic (last seen here). Tights: Target. Belt: Target. Heels: Target. Earrings: Target (in store). Clutch: Target.

Is it just me, or does red get all the glory as a Christmas color? I feel like green gets neglected. I like this look for the holidays because it's festive, but in a subtle way.

Here's Nicole's take on a holiday party look:




Be sure to head over to Nicole's blog to give her some love and to see the full post!

xo Catherine 

Latest Instagrams

© Catherine Day Dreams. Design by FCD.