Greetings from Ohio!!!

Hello again!  Since starting my first full-time job, I haven't had much free time to have fun with fashion, so I apologize for the lack of pictures.  Also, I don't have my regular 35mm Canon with me or my arsenal of clothing options, so that doesn't help either! 

I'm on week 2 of my six week stay in Ohio, and I have to say--no offense to people who live here--but I'm excited to get back home.  I'm currently living in a hotel room, which may some glamourous to some of you, but after about three days, it gets old.  At least I don't have to pay for it, and I can try to have fun exploring a new city!  Anyways, here's a few pics of what I've been up to lately, and one new outfit (since I finally have a day off today!).  I'll have my camera soon so I'll be sure to pick up the slack!

A three-story, two building mall I found in Troy, MI (there was a mall on each side of the road, connected by a skywalk!).  I'm pretty sure my bank account is thankful I did not know this place existed while I lived here!

Lucky enough to find a Nordstrom's Rack in Troy too--a GREAT play to find discounted Sperry's!  LOVE these!!

Enjoying my Watermelon Wheat at the Maumee Bay Brew Pub (I recommend, however, that if you're ever here, you stick with beer and avoid food at all cost!)

So Excited!!!!

I bought this scarf on super clearance at Target last week, and have been wondering how to wear it.  It has such beautiful colors and a gorgeous pattern, I just had to have it.  

See--amazing colors!!

Tank: TJ Maxx
Shorts: American Eagle
Sandals: Target
Scarf (worn as headband): Target
Necklace: Vintage (flea market purchase)

LOVE this necklace!  As you know, I will buy any vintage piece that has an animal on it--this one is a Leo symbol with the dates on the back!

Best of CSI Fashionista (K's favorites)

Hello again!  I first off want to apologize to everyone who reads this blog (and I love every single one of you, by the way!) for being MIA for the past month.  A lot of crazy things have been happening, a little bit a traveling, moving, and just the little thing of starting my first out-of-college-fulltime job!  That's right, after all my complaining for months on this blog about not knowing if I'd EVER find a job, it finally happened!

So, needless to day, it's been a hectic month, and my posts have definitely suffered.  And, because of this, I haven't had time to take ANY pictures of new outfits (again, I know, I suck!).  I promise I will try to pick up the slack in the coming weeks, but until then, I'm going to do a "Best Of CSI Fashionista" tribute, and share with all of you what MY personal favorite outfits have been over the past 6 months (wow, has it really been 6 months?!).

Anyways, here are some of my favs, in no particular order:

Originally Posted In: "Work Week" Cont.
A perfect hair day (something that only happens once like every two months), combined with everything else, just makes this outfit look so chic and elegant

Originally Posted In: I'm Feeling Sexy and Free, Like Glitter's Raining On Me
I love this outfit because I literally had no idea what I was going to wear this day and just started randomly grabbing pieces and putting them together

Originally Posted In:  ~The Perfect Gift~
I chose this outfit mostly because I'm so in love with this clutch!

Ok, so this isn't really a 'favorite outfit', but this picture combines some of my favorite things: a good hair day, my favorite leopard-print scarf, my leather jacket, and...of course...my pooch!

Originally Posted In: Freedom's Just Another Word For Nothing Left to Lose
I'm pretty sure I have worn this skirt with almost every skirt in my closet--it's always my 'go-to' piece, and here are my "Karie" boots!

Originally Posted In: I Just Thought, Maybe We Could Find New Ways to Fall Apart
Colored leopard maxi skirt--enough said!

Originally Posted In: Inspiration #5
This outfit was SO comfortable!  Plus, this is my "lazy day" sweater, so any time I can actually incorporate it into my everyday wear is a plus

Originally Posted In: Red, White, and...Lace???
This may be my favorite of all outfits.  It's just so much fun and the colors are so unexpected--LOVE!!

Originally Posted In: Oh, You Gonna Take Me Home Tonight...Oh, Down Beside That Red Firelight
My first attempted at colored denim--I'm an official convert!

Originally Posted In: Don't You Be Wasting All Your Money, On Syrup and Honey...Because I'm Sweet Enough
I love the bright colors of this outfit, very spring!

Originally Posted In: Give 'Em A Little Leg
Again, I love my maxi skirts, and this one has a very sexy feel.  Plus this was the one day I was actually able to do a "wet hair" style without me looking like a wet dog :)

Originally Posted In: I'm On The Highway To Hell
Maxi and a men's jockey shirt--so simply, so fashionable

Original Post: Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of
My "city style" outfit--just a simple dress with tights and boots, but I love the aspect of the black/white stripes and the red leopard scarf (sorry this isn't in color, just imagine!)

And I promise I will pick up the slack soon!  Keep reading and let me know what you think of anything I have worn/written about, or what you would like to see!  I always LOVE to hear from people :)

I'm On The Highway To Hell

The past few days have been hot...and when I say "hot", I mean what I say in the title: I feel like "I'm on the highway to hell".  I attempted to go running yesterday, which ended up me going as far as I could go before passing out, then walking back, and still collapsing my living room floor in agony.  I hate running in heat--give me 20 degrees any day!  But, like most runners, I also hate the treadmill, so it's either endure the scorching heat or not run at all...and we all know that's not an option! :)

Today's outfit is inspired by my aunt, who I have always looked up to, be it fashion or just life in general.  Every time I see her, I always end up copying something she owns or is wearing...she's like the big sister I never had!  Maxi skirts have been my "It" go-to item this summer, so when I saw this one the other day, it was a no-brainer that it was going to end up being a part of my closet!  All I added to it was a plain Jockey white t-shirt (you know those kinds you can buy in packs?), knotted it on the side, and there you have it: a stylish, effortless summer outfit!

Shirt: Jockey (purchased in a 3-pack at Target)
Skirt: TJ Maxx (Max Studio)
Sandals: Banana Republic Outlet
Watch: Fossil (purchased at TJ Maxx)

Lyrics: Highway To Hell by AC/DC

Turn The Page

While I was at home, I was tasked with attempting to clean out my closet...toss what I don't want anymore and pack up what I still find wearable.  The clothes I leave at home aren't always my favorite pieces, but often times just things I'll throw on if in a hurry...or items I have a feeling will come back into style SOMEDAY and I just can't bare to part with them yet.  Today's outfit contains two of said pieces: jean vest and jersey skirt.  I can't even remember how long I have owned these pieces, probably at least 5 or 6 years...and low and behold, guess what's becoming popular again?!  I love keeping old clothing like this, it's like getting to go shopping when I'm at home (and even better, I don't have to spend any money)!

T-shirt: Gap
Vest: American Eagle
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Coach
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Necklace: Banana Republic Outlet
Watch: Fossil (purchased at TJ Maxx)
Rings: Tiffany

Can't Stop,' Cause We're So High, Let's Do This One More Time

I've realized that even though I stated that I love all things crime, fashion, fitness, and photography...that the majority of my posts have dealt only with fashion (and a little bit of photography).  So, I wanted to change things up a bit and introduce you guys to one of the most insane things I've ever (or probably will ever do) in my life: It's called the Ragnar Relay!

Here's the description from their website:
"Ragnar is the overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. A team is made up of 6-12 individuals; each individual runs 3 legs. The legs of the race vary in difficulty and distance, from 3-8 miles, allowing elite and novice runners to run together. Over 2 days and 1 night, teams run across 200 miles of the country’s most scenic terrain. Pair that with crazy costumes, inside jokes, a great finish line party and unforgettable stories. Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it Ragnar"


Sounds crazy right?  Wondering why I agreed to do this?  To be honest, I'm still asking myself the same thing, but this was one of the greatest experiences of my life!  I knew only one person on the team beforehand, yet after the race, I feel bonded with everyone, as only those that ran can know exactly what the experience was like!  We started in Madison, WI at 7:30am Friday morning, and continued our 198.3 mile journey all the way down to Chicago, IL, ending about 1:30pm Saturday afternoon!  It was hot, it was tiring, we all smelled terribly, but I would highly suggest this race to anyone wanting to push their bodies to the limit!


I signed up for leg 11, which ultimately led to me running:
Leg 11: 5.8 miles, in about 98 degree weather, at 4:40pm Friday
Leg 23: 7.1 miles, in about 71 degree weather, at 1:30am Saturday
Leg 35: 4.9 miles, in about 98 degree weather, at 12:00pm Saturday

Our only sleep came in the form of camping out on a YMCA weight room floor for about 2 hours, and our showers consisted of baby wipes and deodorant.  By the end, you could tell everyone was drained, but when the time came to run across the finish line, every member of our team sprinted and celebrated!  This race is truly a "team" experience--everyone working toward the common goal of the finish line!  So for all of you out there, check out the Ragnar website, and see if you're ready to take the challenge!

First handoff--glad to be finished!

Our homes for the next 30+ hours

We celebrated almost every finish by running through streamers!  Definitely gave you something to look forward to at the end of your run!

All ready for my nighttime run at 1:30am!

Victory beers!

Team "Suck My Tracks"

Oh, and P.S.:  The days following the race weren't all warm fuzzy feelings and smiles.  I slept for at least 14 hours, and struggled walking and sitting down for a good two days!  But no pain--no glory!


**Lyrics: Starships by Nicki Minaj (The Boom Boom Van's official anthem)

Give 'Em A Little Leg

The last time I wore this high-slit skirt, it was an incredibly windy day, and let's just say I'm pretty sure I flashed my fair share of New Yorkers that day!  I was excited to break this skirt out again, seeing that it was NOT windy out, and I wasn't going to be required to walk all over the city.  I bought it a couple months ago from the sale rack at Express.  I love the high slit...at some angles it looks like just a regular maxi skirt, yet at others, it's incredibly sexy...and there's nothing wrong with showing a little leg (ahem...Angelina Jolie....Oscars) :)

http://celebritymagnet.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/angelina-jolie-oscars-20121.jpg

Shirt: J Crew (purchased at Buffalo Exchange)
Belt: Banana Republic
Skirt: Express
Sandals: Madden Girl
Watch: Fossil
Sunglasses: Marshalls
Earrings: Forever 21

Just A Dream

Today, I was afforded the opportunity to see one of my good friends fulfill her dreams and start the journey of her dream job.  And I couldn't be more proud of her!  She beamed with pride, as did I...as I know we both remember how horrible the job-searching process was, and how nice it is to have made it out on top! It was a long and stressful journey, but to everyone out there, there's a light at the end of the tunnel...some are just longer than others :)

Happy Monday everyone!!! :)

Congrats Amelia!

Capital building

Tank: Forever 21
Necklace: Vintage by at a flea market
Skirt: Eight Sixty (purchased at Buffalo Exchange)
Watch: Fossil
Rings: Personal and H&M
Sandals: Forever 21
Sunglasses: Marshalls

I just found this ring today at H&M, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever!  It reminds me of what athletes wear after tearing their ACLs (see below).  It hinges right where you're finger bends, so it doesn't hurt!  Currently in stores now (only $5.96), so don't miss out!


Would rather wear this on my finger than leg (haha) :)