turn up your top knot.

 

get geometric.

Geometry by kallicakes featuring tory burch earrings

DIY monogrammed ornaments.

Hallelujah! It’s finally here: the most wonderful time of the year. If you’re anything like me, you love an excuse to craft and the holiday season is full of them!

I recently made these monogrammed ornaments and gave them as Christmas presents to some of my sorority sisters. While I was making them my mom told me about an ornament her college friend had made her and the rest of their friend group. She still has hers! I love the idea of a gift that people hold onto forever.

What you’ll need: 

• Clear sphere ornaments
• Fake snow flakes
• White Glitter (optional)
• Ribbon
• Rhinestone letters
• Funnel
• Hot glue gun

Once you have everything you need it’s smooth sailing. Take the top off the ornament and  fill it with snow flakes as desired using the funnel (I did about half. I also mixed in some glitter because, well…why not?!) Put the top back on and apply the rhinestone letter to the front of the ornament. Lastly, hot glue the ribbon to the top of the ornament. I found wired ribbon works best because it holds its shape longer. While you’re making some for your friends don’t forget to make one for yourself!

What was the best gift you’ve ever received?

kalli’s back, tell your friends!

I know I’ve taken quite the hiatus from blogging. I’ve been extremely busy with school and work and sorority things, so unfortunately my blog was pushed to the wayside. However, I am happy to say that I am back! (Que slim shady……)

 

 

romper: day to night.

One of my latest clothing item obsessions are rompers. I’ve always loved sundresses in the summer because they’re quick and easy to throw on & extremely comfortable. Sundresses, however, are not ideal for those windy summer days (I see London, I see France….). Rompers are the perfect solution!

This look is centered around a gorgeous chiffon romper from Anthropology. For the day look I went with some simple strapped sandals from Modcloth and played up the pastels in the romper with a mint green tote bag. I finished the look with a neutral wrap watch.

For the night look, I went with bright yellow pumps and a neutral color-blocked clutch. I completed the look with a coral and gold hinge bracelet by Kate Spade. The pattern on the bracelet mimics the pattern on the romper, perfect!

cake batter crack.

I’ve come to the conclusion that cake batter flavored anything is absolutely delicious. This recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious AND, as the name hints at, it’s addictive! Fair warning that cake batter crack is a gateway drug to all things Funfetti….

What you will need:

• 1/2 box Funfetti cake mix
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 6-7 cups (or half a box) Chex cereal
• 6 oz (or 6 squares) white Almond Bark
• 1/2 tbsp shortening *optional*
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small microwavable bowl
• Mixing spoon

Poor the Chex cereal (Rice Chex or Cripix work best) in the large mixing bowl.

Next, place the almond bark in the small microwavable bowl and melt according to package directions.

While the almond bark is in the microwave, mix the cake mix and powdered sugar in the medium mixing bowl. Once the almond bark is melted, take out and immediately mix in the shortening.

Poor the wet mixture directly onto the cereal and mix until it is evenly coated.

Immediately poor the dry mixture onto the cereal and stir until evenly coated.

Enjoy!

swimsuits for every body.

It’s almost summer which means it’s time to bring out the bathing suits! Or even better – purchase a new one! When you dig out your old suits or go shopping for more, make sure you’re picking one that flatters your figure.

1. Athletic Frame/Small on Top
DO: Go for suits with ruffles or embellishments on top to give the illusion of goodies up top. Demi cups can be your girls’ best friend. Triangle tops with skinny straps also make girls with this figure look more curvy and feminine.
AVOID: Bandeau tops can exaggerate a boyish figure.   

2. A Little in the Middle
DO: Monokinis with a cinched belt accentuate the your little waist. Empire waist tankinis are also very flattering to your figure.
AVOID: Skinny string bikinis will cut you off in all the wrong places making you appear larger.

3. Booty-licious Bod
DO: Boy short bottoms will offer full coverage while still showing off your curves.  Wearing a dark colored bottom will slim your hips.
AVOID: Leave the prints for your top half to draw the eyes up.

4. Busty
DO: Halter tops with thick straps and a thick band will support and flatter your girls.
AVOID: Having to constantly pull them up because they’re being weighed down will make strapless tops a hassle.

dare to wear: denim.

Denim is done in a million different ways this summer from colors and prints ranging in every form of apparel – not just jeans. Here I show you 3 ways to wear denim.

For a casual, every day look I paired a long sleeve button-up denim shirt with colorful coral denim shorts. I accessorized with a floral Fossil bag and teal strappy sandals for a pop of color.
This look is perfect for those outdoor summer concerts. I paired a denim bustier top with a floral bodycon skirt (an aztec print would be cool too!) Finish the look with some t-strap Jeffrey Campbell heels and a leather studded bangle.

For a cute, girl-next-door look I went with a denim dress by Chloe. I added a skinny wrap belt to help accentuate the empire waistline. For a pop of color, add a pretty color purse. Complete the look with white cork wedges and some arrowhead earrings by Jennifer Meyer.

ultimate summer bucket list.

The Ultimate Summer Bucket list:

• Do something crazy
• Stay out late
• Go skinny dipping
• Be outside more than inside
• Picnic at a park
• Get a tan
• Go to a waterpark
• Walk around barefoot
• Attend a baseball game
• Buy lemonade from a little kid’s lemonade stand
• Spend a day at the lake (or ocean or river)
• Go to a concert
• Watch fireworks, or play with your own
• Fall in love
• Catch fireflies
• Get shaved ice at least once
• Let your hair grow long
• Travel out-of-state
• Have no regrets

the skinny on mint green jeans.

Colored denim is cute, but can be hard to pull off. Here I show you how to wear the mint green jean with looks for both day and night!

I was inspired by the vertical apricot striped top and decided for both looks I would use apricot accents. For the day look I paired the jeans with a simple vertical striped tank. Not only is it adorable, but vertical stripes lengthen your torso and make you look slimmer! I accessorized with a Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag in tan and a cute wrap-watch from Oasis. The look is completed with white strappy sandals with gold embellishments. For the night, I paired the jeans with a flowy white tank adorned with a bow for a feminine twist. I accessorized with a textured Lilly Pulitzer clutch and apricot bangles by Chloe. I finished the look with heels by Missoni.

Mint green can be a hard color to accessorize. If you’re afraid or unsure, stick with a basic white top. If you’re ready to take the leap, pair the skinnies with pretty pastels. Or really go for it with apricot accents (shown above).