A Pop of Pretty

I woke up and wanted to try to wear a little pretty. I reached for this lace number I bought from Target over the summer and have probably only worn twice. Paired it with tan wedges from ShoeMint that I know for sure I've only worn twice. What can I say my pretty wardrobe items just don't call to me. Naturally I edged it up with my favorite faux leather jacket and braided headband for a look that one of my co-workers called "70's chic". I swear I'm really trying to break out of my all black box!

Superbowl Swag

Superbowl Outfit: Baltimore Ravens by betsy-step featuring a faux fur vest

Please, don't take me as someone who gives a shit about the Superbowl. Football is one of my least favorite sports, mostly because no matter how many times I've tried to understand it, I can't retain the rules. Plus I can't see hot players faces with those helmets on so what is the point?! Regardless the Superbowl is a huge social occasion, being the most watched television event every year and all. I am sure I will find myself in front of a TV with it on just so I don't feel like a loser.

Valentine's Day Outfit Inspiration

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, many couples and singles already have their plans lined up! However most importantly, do you have your outfit picked out? I've put together Valentine's Day outfits for all types of styles; classic, modern, pretty, and edgy.  Don't you worry all these dresses can easily fit some sexy lingerie underneath ; ).

Valentine's Day with a twist for the classic girl: 

Add some fun with subtle pops of color in your accessories, while staying classic in a LBD and pearls like your icon, Audrey Hepburn.

Classic with a Twist for Valentines Day by betsy-step featuring a zipper dress

One Day, Two Girls, Two Outfits

Today I bring you an outfit from myself and my pretty, minimalist stylish friend Jen. First up, I didn't really feel like getting dressed this morning so I needed to raise the bar on my standard jeans and flannel comfort outfit. Thus enters my Kravitz by Jeffrey Campbell boots, faux fur vest, and high bun. It's amazing how much a top knot and some more luxe wear can make it look like you actually tried. I go by the motto that if you feel like shit, just put on a dress, no one will ever be the wiser. *Side Note: It ended up taking me about 20 minutes to put on those boots and I ripped two straps off. I was NOT a happy camper. Make your damn expensive shoes easier to put on JCam!*

Now onto Jen...

Clean Up in Aisle...

The Best Kind of Evolution: Rooney Mara

Mix Match

If you live on the East Coast you know it's freezing out. This morning I had to dress with the challenge of walking a few blocks to my car then scraping snow and ice off the windshield while still appearing stylish. As well as drawing inspiration from all the Tory Burch - Mix Your Print's emails I have been getting. I love, love, love this floral blazer from Lauren Conrad's Kohls collection, while pairing it with my tie dyed American Apparel skirt seemed like an odd choice I went for it anyway. Hell, a random co-worker told me I looked nice today so I think it worked. Next time you're getting dressed mix it up!

Wish List: Prabal Gurung for Target Collection

The lookbook of Target's Prabal Gurung collection recently popped up online and I instantly started racking up items I wanted to buy. Given there are too many items on my wishlist to actually afford, I've narrowed down my final choices a bit from the 80 plus piece collection. Lucky for us, the collection is reasonably priced, much more so then that failure Neiman Marcus x Target Collection. Most dresses and shoes cost between $30 - $50. The most extravagantly priced item is a blue leather jacket for $200. If you are loving these abstract floral prints as much as I am set your alarm for February 10th when Prabal Gurung for Target hits stores and online! View the entire Prabal Gurung for Target collection complete with pricing here.

 Parabal Gurung is a fairly new designer whose first collection premiered at New York Fashion Week in 2009. He released his own collection after spending years working for Cynthia Rowley and Bill Blass. His designs have been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton. View his high end line here.

Inside My Make Up Bag

Any stylin' outfit needs to be complete with some fab hair and make up. Don't even get me started on the hap hazard look of a stunning outfit on someone who couldn't be bothered to put their face on. I  love make up and wear it religiously, but am admittedly not one to really play with it. I've been wearing one signature look for a while now. It makes application quick and easy in the morning! 

Here's a look into my make up bag:

This Outfit is a HOOT

I was looking for a new way to wear my maxi skirt when I stumbled upon a picture of a girl in a sweet graphic tee tucked into her skirt with a thick belt at her waist. BAM! Outfit inspiration! Add in a thick cozy headband to try to hide that I need to wash my hair and you have yourself a pretty hip outfit. I chose the denim jacket to break up the monotony of all the black I was rocking. The denim jacket actually has a bit of studding on the collar done by yours truly. I need to add more ( maybe a DIY to come! ) Anywho, isn't this outfit a hoot? ( There's an owl on my shirt. get. it. )

Liebster Awards

This morning I found out I'd be chosen for the Liebster Awards by Alicia at Sophistified! Thank you so much Alicia for the opportunity! Click here to check out her fabulous blog!

*EDIT* Also thanks to Kumbear XO for her nomination!

Update: I was also nominated by Morgan at I wish it were Anthropologie, but... , please check out her blog also and support!

Rules of the Liebster Awards:

1. List 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.

3. Ask 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award.

4. Choose 9 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate. 

5. Go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award.

6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

11 facts about me:

- I am a graphic designer for the fast- fashion company Deb.

- I was born and raised in the middle of nowhere with a 30-45 minute drive to the nearest mall or decent place to eat. I've always been a city girl at heart. Dreaming of moving to New York kept me motivated for many years when I was younger. Even though now I live in Philadelphia. It is still a vast improvement over my hometown.

- I am a natural blonde, even though you can see a good inch of dark root on my hair. When I was 16 I dyed my hair burgundy, thus beginning many years of hair color play. I always return to blonde, anything else feels wrong after a while. My hair has been red, brown, blonde, and included parts of blue and purple.

- I have five tattoos. Back, wrist, stomach, thigh and feet. Some mean things, others don't. I don't regret them yet. I hope to work on getting a half sleeve.

- I have been friends with my best friend the entire 24 years of my life. We have matching chain link wrist tattoos, classy.

- I once went to a Lauren Conrad book signing and waited for two hours to see her. I spent the entire time thinking of what to say to her and when I got up to he, I choked. Amazingly she understood my question about her ombre hair between my stammering.

-Up until the end of my Junior year of high school I thought I wanted to be a journalist. Deciding to go to college for Graphic Design, luckily happened at the last minute. I'm a much better designer then I am writer.

- Buffy the Vampire Slayer is my favorite show of all time ever. I've watched all 7 seasons multiple times. I even have some creepy Buffy dolls. I like to tell people how I sharpened sticks and tried to stake trees when I was a kid.

- I absolutely love going to see movies in the movie theater. Mostly since I love movies, but I really love the previews. I've made my friends wait until the next showing so we could see the previews. You could say I appreciate the art of a well edited trailer.

- I saw The Dark Knight five times in theaters.

- I've traveled out of the country to England, Ireland, Wales, Barcelona, the Bahamas, and of course, Canada. Many more to come I hope! My family loves baseball, when I was a child we went on two vacations watching baseball games all around the US. This allowed me to visit more places in the US then I otherwise would have.

Epic Style: Kerry Washington

I hoped to be doing a Golden Globes post today but honestly I wasn't too impressed with any of the looks last night. Don't get me wrong, of course all of the stars looked gorgeous, but nothing was awe inspiring. My favorite look of the night was Kerry Washington, thus reminding me of all the fashion risks she had taken on the Django Unchained Press Tour. That is why I bring you a round up of stunning couture looks from one talented, beautiful actress. This small selection of look's from Kerry beats out the entire Golden Globes red carpet combined.

A Camo Afternoon

I wandered over to spend the afternoon with a girlfriend in Haddonfield, NJ where I was treated to delicious fish and chips with a spot o' tea! In typical me fashion, I pulled together some of my favorite pieces of the moment for what I call a "casual" camo look.  Quotes around casual because spiked heeled boots wouldn't exactly qualify for some people. However when you aren't a jeans and tee girl what's more comfortable then oversized layers with an attention getting shoe to stop things from becoming ordinary.

My friend took me to a number of cute boutiques around town, our favorite was the accessories shop, Flair. Tucked down a side street, this new boutique offered some unique finds at prices I would actually consider. I picked up a gold claw ring ($18) which I promptly put on (I can't help it matched). If you are near the area it is definitely worth a look!

Guest Style: School of Colorblock

My friend and co-worker , Jen, is the style opposite of me. If I am black then she is white, well more like pastel. Pretty and minimal are qualities I admire but can't often pull off myself. I was in love with this simplistic colorblock dress paired with solid plum tights as soon as she walked in the door. This gorgeous dress doesn't need tons of accessorizing to shine, and Jen was keen enough to recognize that.

Fur, Black & Blonde

Fur can be an intimidating piece to wear. Believe me. I have had my share of male friends tell me we weren't going out in public if I wore THAT fur jacket. Regardless of these fools opinions, wearing fur makes you look classy and confident. Not any regular gal is slipping on a fur or lets be a honest a faux fur because they can't handle how it feels to be so pimp. (cue Jay-Z)

Inspired By: Studs & Skulls

Inspired By: Studs & Skulls by betsy-step 

Ever since high school when I was stumbling around trying to find my individual style, I've loved a look with a little edge.  Since then my go to comfort zone is anything black, studded, and if possible will include a skull. I'd like to thank Mr. Alexander McQueen and the popularity of his Classic Skull Scarves for bringing skulls back to the mainstream. Though I can't quite afford a real one ( wink, wink mom if you read this ) the rise of the rocker look as a trend makes shopping that much easier for everyone with an inner punk.

Rocker Chic Goes to Work

'ello! My name is Betsy aka blondiecat, named for my love of blonde hair and precious kittens. My first post features many of my favorite things: black, leather, skulls and studs. As a graphic designer I can get away with rocking a more casual look to the office, but I still like to keep a tad of professionalism. Pairing my LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's black blazer with an otherwise casual H&M skull skater dress   takes this look from the crowd at Coachella (in my dreams) to office appropriate. Word of advice: Don't listen to your co-workers who tell you skulls are just for Halloween!