Katie's Bliss

Budget-Friendly Holiday Outfits

Amy Clackner — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:50:11 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS // Red Sweater Dress | Black Booties

Tis the season for all the holiday outfits! Since we’re not traveling this year, I personally plan on keeping it comfortable and rocking sweater dresses. I recently found a few really cute options from Walmart— all priced under $40. If you haven’t browsed your local Walmart store or Walmart.com recently, I highly recommend doing so because the holiday fashion selection is fantastic. Whether you’re into sequins or prefer to keep it casual in your comfies like me, you’re bound to find something at Walmart. For those of you who may have plans that call for dressier looks, I rounded up a bunch more options that won’t break the bank below.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Stripe Dress | Black Booties

OUTFIT DETAILS // Red Sweater | Faux Leather Leggings | Black Booties

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black Sweater Dress | Black Booties

Big thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this post!

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10+ Dresses To Buy Now (Bump-Friendly)

Amy Clackner — Thu, 07 May 2020 20:37:50 +0000

Now that I’m officially bumpin’ and the weather is finally starting to warm up, I’ve been living in dresses! Lately I’ve found so many cute ones (all non-maternity) that I’ve been able to wear comfortably with my growing belly. All I’ve been doing is sizing up 1-2x larger than my normal XS and so far it’s worked out great!

PS I did finally cave and order two pairs of maternity jeans– this pair in blue and white denim. Fingers crossed they fit so I can start wearing cute blouses and tees again with bottoms other than sweatpants LOL.

OUTFIT DETAILS // One Shoulder Mini Dress (SIZE: Small) | Suede Pumps

My favorite dress of this entire post! It’s so chic and feminine, yet as comfortable as any cotton sweater dress. Also the pockets… FYI the shoulder tie comes undone and can easily be adjusted! It also comes in black and red!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Ruffled Mini Dress (SIZE: Medium) | White Buckle Sandals

A lightweight sweater dress with ruffles— you don’t have to ask me twice! Also available in beige.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Floral Maxi Dress (SIZE: Medium) | White Buckle Sandals

The perfect summer maxi dress and the best part is it’s under $100! The straps are fully adjustable and it also comes in two more colors: black polka dot and solid white.

OUTFIT DETIALS // Lacey Sleeved Mini Dress (SIZE: Medium) | Lilly Pulitzer Sandals

Full disclosure: I sadly have to return this dress. It’s just a tad bit too short on me… So bummed! Highly recommend it though if you’re under 5’5”!

OUTFIT DETAILS | Pink Slip Dress (SIZE: Medium) | Lilly Pulitzer Sandals | YSL Handbag

If you love slip dresses, but aren’t big on the silky fabrics they typically come in then this one is for you! It’s the same type of fit and silhouette, but the fabric is much more comfortable and forgiving. PS it comes in 5 colors!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Skirt and Top Set (SIZE: Medium) | Lilly Pulitzer Sandals

Ok not technically a dress, but I couldn’t resist including this set! It’s sooo comfortable and I love the boho beachy vibe. I’m also a big fan of the wide stretchy waistband!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Boho Maxi Dress (available in 21 colors and patterns!) | High Waisted Belt (comes in set of 3 colors) | White Buckle Sandals | Knotted Sandals | Black and White Espadrilles

My FAVORITE Amazon dress! The $25 price tag is so good that I couldn’t resist ordering it in multiple colors. It feels like a big nighty, but can be styled and worn so many ways! I love cinching my waist with a belt like this or tying the bottom in a knot.

OUTFIT DETAILS // High Low Wrap Dress (SIZE: Medium)| Suede Pumps | Statement Earrings

How gorgeous is this wrap dress? I love the long sleeves and flowy hem. It would be perfect for a summer wedding, bridal shower or Sunday church!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress (SIZE: Medium) | Lilly Pulitzer Sandals | High Waisted Belt

I added a high waist belt to this ruffle hem maxi and I love how it flattering it looks on my bump! PS this dress also comes in the prettiest mossy green.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Ruffled Maxi Dress (SIZE: Medium) | Buttoned Tank Top | White Buckle Sandals

This dress is more of a coverup– you’ll definitely want to wear a tank top or swimsuit underneath! The second I saw it I couldn’t stop thinking about how dreamy it would be look with my belly– and I was right!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Short Sleeve Sweater Dress (11 colors + SIZE: Medium) | Lilly Pulitzer Sandals | Bamboo Handle Tote

Super simple, yet chic sweater dress that’s deceptively comfortable! It has a hidden waist that’s very stretchy. PS it comes in 11 different colors!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Polka Dot Dress (SIZE: Medium) | White Buckle Sandals | Bamboo Handle Tote

A navy and white polka dot dress for just $49? Yes please! This one has a deceptively stretchy waistband making it perfect for bumps

OUTFIT DETAILS // Pink Off the Shoulder Dress (SIZE: Medium) | White Ankle Strap Sandals | Similar Statement Hoops

OUTFIT DETAILS // Belted Dress | Lilly Pulitzer Sandals

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Some Recent Affordable Clothing Finds From Nordstrom

Katie — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 19:23:07 +0000

Hello from my closet! Even though we’ve been living the indoor life the last two weeks, I’ve still been having some fun getting dressed up here and there (if only to show off my finds for Nick and the ‘gram LOL.)

A few more items I had ordered for my (now on hold) trip to Palm Beach recently arrived and while I won’t be sporting these out and about anytime soon, I still wanted to share! Nothing wrong with having some things to look forward to wearing, right?

Leith is one of my favorite brands to shop at Nordstrom. Fun fact: it’s actually a Nordstrom Made Brand— aka it’s designed in-house by the Nordstrom team and can only be shopped at Nordstrom stores or on Nordstrom.com. I love how everything is affordable– nearly all items are priced under $50, with the occasional dress or sweater falling in the $60 range.

SHOP MORE CLOTHING FROM LEITH

Leith is great for quality wardrobe staples like knit dresses, blouses and trousers– many of which are office-appropriate and bump-friendly!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Caslon V-Neck Tank Top (just $19!) | Chelsea28 Ruffle Hem Skirt | Buckle Sandals | Woven Tote

Caslon and Chelsea28 are two more of my go-to Nordstrom Made Brands. Similar to Leith, both offer wardrobe staples at an affordable price. For basics like tanks, tees and comfy pants– definitely check out Caslon. I scored this white tank for just $19!

Chelsea28 is great for weekday wear– so blouses, skirts and midi dresses. They even have swimwear too! Many pieces like the ruffle hem skirt I’m wearing here straddle the line between timeless and trendy, which I appreciate.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Caslon V-Neck Tank Top (just $19!) | Blue Ruffle Skirt | Buckle Sandals | Woven Tote

SHOP MORE CLOTHING FROM CHELSEA28

SHOP MORE BASICS FROM CASLON

OUTFIT DETAILS // White Eyelet Dress | Woven Tote

Andddd just for fun here are two more recent looks scored from Nordstrom! You know me– I’m always a sucker for a little white dress

OUTFIT DETAILS // Yellow Jumpsuit | Woven Tote | Knotted Sandals

This jumpsuit just screams summer. I pray that life will be back to normal by the time beach weather arrives <3

SHOP MORE NORDSTROM MADE BRANDS

Big thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!

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10+ Colorful Spring Outfit Ideas For Easter, The Office, & More

Katie — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:35:32 +0000

I’m feeling hopeful that permanent spring weather is just around the corner thanks to daylight savings time and the 60+ degree temperatures we’ve been blessed with this week. Fingers crossed!!! Either way I know I’m going to find myself in nice weather soon, because on Sunday I’m heading to Palm Beach for a quick girls’ trip. This will be my second trip there (I went with the Lilly Pulitzer team 2 years ago!) and I CAN’T WAIT.

I’ve been ordering up a storm of colorful dresses and skirts the last two weeks (can you tell I’m excited for Florida?) and wanted to share some of my finds. Many of these looks would be great options for Easter, spring weddings, baby showers– list goes on! I also included a few comfy things too, because you know me, I love my casual cozies

PS I sized up to a size Small in each of these dresses and bottoms to accommodate my growing bump!

10+ Colorful Spring Outfit Ideas

OUTFIT DETAILS // Blue Sweater Dress | Nude Heels (affordable version) | Watch | David Yurman Bracelets

OUTFIT DETAILS // Blue Floral Maxi Dress | Statement Earrings

OUTFIT DETAILS // Pink Ruffle Wrap Dress | Statement Earrings | Heeled Nude Sandals

OUTFIT DETAILS // Pink Floral Maxi Dress (shop more in-stock styles here)| Leather Tote | Heeled Nude Sandals | Watch | David Yurman Bracelets

OUTFIT DETAILS // Short Sleeve Sweater | Knit Skirt | Heeled Nude Sandals | Watch | David Yurman Bracelets

OUTFIT DETAILS // Yellow Midi Dress (available in 5 colors!) | Statement Earrings | Heeled Nude Sandals | Watch | David Yurman Bracelets

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black Midi Dress (available in 5 colors!) | YSL Bag | Heeled Nude Sandals | Watch | David Yurman Bracelets

OUTFIT DETAILS // Pink Jumpsuit | Leather Tote | Pink Knotted Sandals | Watch | David Yurman Bracelets

OUTFIT DETAILS // Blue Jumpsuit | Pink Knotted Sandals | Watch | David Yurman Bracelets

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Spring Special Occasion Dresses

Katie — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 07:00:48 +0000

Who else is counting down the days until the first day of spring? Just three weeks away! We’re attending two weddings in the coming months (one in April, another in May) and I’m already beginning to stress about what to wear. Usually I never plan out an event look more than a week or two in advance, but finding something to wear has been top of mind as my belly is likely going to begin growing soon.

OUTFIT DETAILS // BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Crepe Gown (wearing size 2) | Nude Heels | Statement Earrings | Bracelets | Watch

BCBGMAXAZRIA is always one of the first brands I turn to when searching for a cocktail dress or gown. There are always a wide variety of styles in all lengths from short to midi to maxi. I also prefer formalwear in solid colors, which BCBG has no shortage of. I noticed Bloomingdales.com has an amazing selection of BCBG dresses for weddings, prom (really any formal event) so I decided to order a few options in hopes of finding a look for the black tie wedding we’re attending in April.

As you can see, the three gowns I ordered could not be more different. Indecisive much? While my everyday style definitely skews casual and feminine, when it comes to formalwear I’m much more willing to try a look that’s out of the box (for me.) Which look is your favorite? PS all of these would be perfect for prom too!

OUTFIT DETAILS // BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Crepe Gown (wearing size 2) | Nude Heels | Bracelets

I was immediately drawn to this strapless sheath gown because of it’s gorgeous lavender hue. Lilacs and lavenders are some of my favorite shades to wear in the spring and while I’m not usually a fan of column-style dresses, the color is what ultimately made this gown a winner for me.

OUTFIT DETAILS // BCBGMAXAZRIA Crossover Cutout Gown (wearing size 2) | Nude Heels | Bracelets

I was convinced this gown would be a no due to the halter neckline (usually not very flattering on me) but I was totally wrong. It hugs in all the right places and the cutouts are discreetly placed and actually look quite elegant. I was pleasantly surprised with this one! Also love the classic navy.

OUTFIT DETAILS // BCBGMAXAZRIA Tulle Corset Essential Gown (wearing size 0) | Ankle Strap Heels | Bracelets

This black tulle corset dress definitely calls for a certain kind of occasion. If only I had one on my calendar that made sense LOL. This gown has so many elements that make it unique– the ruffled layers, a sheer bodice, a satin waistband– just to name a few. It’s so gorgeous and has the perfect combination of sultry and elegant.

Big thank you to Bloomingdales for sponsoring this post!

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Eiffel Tower Couples Shoot

Amy Clackner — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 17:42:48 +0000

Paris might be the one place in the world where I don’t mind the rain. It’s still so beautiful and perfect to me!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black Turtleneck | Polka Dot Midi Skirt (on sale for $32!) | Wool Coat | Black Heels | David Yurman Bracelets

We take so many pictures when we travel, but very few end up being of us together. When we do get a photo of us both it’s typically thanks to the kindness of a fellow tourist. Usually Nick will try to frame the shot for them and then we just keep our fingers crossed that they know how to use an iPhone camera. It’s usually hit or miss!

Since we love Paris so much (it’s become our favorite travel destination!) we thought it would be fun to set up a quick professional shoot where we’d both be in front of the camera I asked y’all on Instagram for photographer recommendations and so many of you told me to use Flytographer! It’s essentially a service that connects travelers with local photographers around the world. Whether you’re going on vacation and want some cute family shots, celebrating an engagement or anniversary abroad, having a bachelorette party– Flytographer can connect you with nearby professional photographers.

We scheduled a one hour session from 8AM-9AM at the famous Trocadero steps across the Seine river from the Eiffel Tower. Our photographer Maria was so sweet, gave great creative direction and spoke fluent English! We didn’t have any particular goal in mind for these photos other than just wanting some cute shots together Love how they all turned out!

The Flytographer team was kind enough to send me a discount code for y’all! To get $50 off a photo shoot just enter KATIESBLISS50 when you go to book your session. FYI this code will only be valid through December 31, 2019.

Just two happy kids lovin’ life in Paris!

We were debating if we should wear formal looks for our shoot and at the last last minute decided to keep it semi-casual. SO happy we did because we were much more comfortable and felt like ourselves (versus playing dress up.) I probably looked like a cheeseballs tourist in beret, but WHATEVER I LOVED IT!

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Paris Views + New Kate Spade Watch

Katie — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 14:24:16 +0000

Oh hey there friends! It’s been a while! I hope you can excuse the small hiatus because as I’m assuming most of you know: I GOT MARRIED… and I went to Paris!! The last 10 days have been nothing short of magical and I’m dying to share more with y’all.

Get excited because later this week I’m going to begin sharing all the details of our rehearsal dinner and wedding day! While it’s bittersweet that such a memorable chapter of my life has come to an end, I could not be more grateful to have this corner of the Internet where I can chronicle all the amazing memories Nick and I made with our family and friends.

Nick and I landed home from France late last night, so while I work on getting all my post-wedding ducks in a row I thought it would be fun to share a fun lil post from my favorite city: Paris! This was our third trip to the City of Lights and the charm still hasn’t worn off (I mean, is that even possible?!) The food, the architecture, the sites and sounds— the history! Nick and I both can’t get enough. Each time we visit we fall more and more in love. The hotel we stayed at had an incredible view of the city— we could even see the Eiffel Tower from the balcony in our room. So surreal and totally romantic

Peep my new wrist candy? It was a no brainer that I should debut my kate spade new york watch on our minimoon. Rose gold metal? It was like it was made for me!

NEW WRIST CANDY // kate spade new york Hollis Leather Watch

Nearly all of my every day watches are from kate spade. I love how the designs are elegant and timeless— the Hollis watch I’m wearing here is a perfect example. It features rose gold-tone numerals (to match my wedding rings,) a mother-of-pearl dial, a taupe leather strap and three-hand movement. It matched with nearly all of my outfits packed for our trip and was the perfect simply dainty addition to my wrist. Get ready to see a lot more of it, along with many more outfits from Paris

SHOP MORE KATE SPADE WATCHES

Big thank you to kate spade new york for sponsoring this post!

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Date Night Outfit + Wedding Dance Class Update

Amy Clackner — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 17:44:28 +0000

Those of you who keep up with my Instagram story already know that recently Nick and I started taking dance lessons in advance of our wedding. Any time we’ve ever attempted to formally dance together it’s turned into a mess of stepped on toes with us both completely out of synch. SO embarrassing! We’d always joked about getting professional help for our lack of skills and finally decided to book an intro class on impulse two weeks ago.

I went into that first class very skeptical because 1) I still couldn’t believe Nick was game to actually take a dance class and 2) neither of us has any natural rhythm. Well, that first lesson was enough to convince us to book 10 more! It’s been three weeks since we started and after five private lessons, I’m happy to share that our first dance is starting to come together! We’ve learned a few swing moves and even some turns and spins! We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but at least now I feel confident that we won’t have to resort to swaying back and forth like we’re an awkward middle school couple at our reception. LOL!

I never thought dance lessons would be a part of our wedding planning journey, but I’m so grateful we decided to make these a priority the last few weeks before our big day. Not only has it been fun learning something new together, it’s given us an excuse to plan a date night 1-2x a week after work. Which brings me to the purpose of today’s post: date night outfits! You gals are always asking me to post more special occasion outfits so I wanted to share one of my go-to classic dressy looks featuring items I purchased at Nordstrom.

Since I don’t regularly wear cocktail dresses, when I do purchase something new I always try to look for styles that are timeless and can be worn throughout the year. I love this little black dress for a few reasons. It’s the perfect midi length— not too short and not too long. Also the bow straps! These completely un-tie so you can make the straps as tight or loose as you prefer. The bodice of the dress also has a built-in bra (you can see it better on Nordstrom.com here) that hugs and cinches the upper torso. I wouldn’t say it takes the place of an actual bra (I just wore my regular strapless underneath) but aesthetically it adds a chic element to the dress. The fabric is so soft and comfy too!

SHOP MORE COCKTAIL DRESSES

You’ve all seen these accessories many times for good reason. I can’t recommend my Saint Laurent bag and this pair of ankle strap sandals enough! These heels have become a staple in my shoe collection because I can actually walk in them comfortably. I’ve even been wearing them for our dance lessons since they are very similar to my wedding shoes

Looking for more cocktail dress options? Well a TON of new dress arrivals just hit Nordstrom.com. I feel like we’re finally getting past that awkward time in between seasons and the good fall stuff is finally getting released! Woohoo!

Big thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!

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Affordable Wedding Guest Dresses

Katie — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 14:21:15 +0000

Other than getting asked about what I’m doing for my own wedding, I probably get at least 5 DMs a week with requests for wedding guest outfit ideas and my favorite affordable formal dresses. While I love having an excuse to get fancy, I don’t love the price tags that come along with shopping for evening gowns and cocktail dresses. Who wants to spend hundreds on something you’re likely only going to wear a handful of times, maybe even just once? NOT ME.

How gorgeous is this lilac maxi dress? And would you believe it was under $100? I’m such a sucker for this color! I also love the shape and cut of this dress. The draped sleeves and flowy wrap skirt add to the elegance!

Where I Shop For Affordable Formal Dresses

Nordstrom.com

Anytime I’m shopping for clothing, I always go straight to Nordstrom.com. I can usually find anything I need and the dress selection is HUGE. Many of my favorite dress purchases over the years were scored at Nordstrom for under $100. If you’re concerned about ordering a dress online without trying it on first– don’t be! Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns. If I’m ever not sure about sizing I’ll just order two and then send back the one that doesn’t fit!

Asos.com

Asos is a great place to shop for budget-friendly formal evening dresses. You can find a lot of unique trendy styles here that you won’t find at stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, etc. I also love how inclusive Asos is when it comes to sizing. They have exclusive ranges for all body types including curvy, petite, tall and maternity.

Revolve.com

Revolve.com is where shop for most of my “going out” clothing or when I’m willing to spend a littttlleeee bit more on something special. Revolve is great because they carry a variety of brands at all price points, so no matter your budget you can always find options. They have a lot of styles that skew on the sexier, trendy spectrum You also can’t beat the free 2-day shipping! PS my favorite brands to shop at Revolve are Tularosa, Bobi, by the way, Line & Dot, Free People, BB Dakota and BCBGeneration.

One aspect I love most about the two dresses you see here is that both can be seamlessly styled with accessories I already own. I would much rather save my money on a budget-friendly gown (especially if I’m only going to wear it a few times) and then invest in a few designer handbags I can rotate and use frequently. I’m going on nearly three years with my Saint Laurent Loulou Shoulder Bag. It was worth every penny!

Here’s another wallet-friendly cocktail dress I’m loving! This one is available in four different colors and the fabric has the prettiest soft shimmer. Another great aspect of this dress is that it’s very wrinkle-resist. I hardly even had to steam it before wearing! The shape and draping on this dress makes it a great option for all body types too. Did I mention it’s incredibly comfortable?

Looking for more options? I rounded up a bunch more cocktail and evening dresses all priced at $100 or less. Just click the photos below for details!

Affordable Wedding Guest Dresses | $100 Or Less!

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What We Wore To Our Couples Shower

Katie — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 14:47:53 +0000

Heart. Is. So. Full. Nick’s family hosted the sweetest couples’ shower for us yesterday at his grandma’s house! His extended families on both his mom and dad’s side attended and despite the blazing heat wave temperatures, we all had so much fun! Nick is so fortunate that pretty much all of his family lives in the same area so it’s easy for everyone to come together for holidays and events. This shower was a great way to kick off our last few shorts months of wedding prep, especially now that fall and October are getting closer and closer. Eeek!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Abercrombie Cami Chiffon Midi Dress (now 25% off!) | Ankle Strap Sandals | Pink Tote Bag | Sunglasses | Bracelets

We kept our outfits casual and comfortable at our shower. I ordered this Abercrombie midi dress a few weeks back just as a lightweight everyday dress, but as soon as I saw it was going to be 98 degrees I knew it would be perfect for this occasion. Side note: I’ve become such a big fan of Abercrombie dresses and jumpsuits this summer. There’s always a sale and the prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality. I always love how Abercrombie has adjusted their designs to be more inclusive by including plus, tall and petite. There’s something for everyone!

NICK’S OUTFIT // Abercrombie Icon Linen Shirt | Abercrombie Pull On Shorts

Guys! Nick is such an Abercrombie fan now. We didn’t even realize it until yesterday that we both we wearing our A&F until we went to take this photo. Great minds shop alike I guess! He actually owns this linen shirt in a few colors because it’s one of the only ones he was can wear without getting sticky & sweaty when it’s super hot outside. Ladies, I highly encourage getting your man to stock up!

Big thank you to Abercrombie for sponsoring this post!

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