Beauty and Bangles

On Rocky Blogging

2008-02-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

I am sorry for the very extended hiatus. It's been rocky getting my new place and getting settled. I hope to continue blogging, but I realize that my sporadic (at best) posting is a major turn off to most people. If you're still checking my blog thank you, and I hope to begin posting with more regularity soon.

Ciao,

kimberly k.

All the glitter

2008-01-17T21:10:00.000-08:00

Very Prive Pumps by Christian Louboutin $960 at Net-A-Porter

It's been what, 10 days? Far too long, 10 days is a decade in fashion time and I am just wasting away while the styles fly by. So while you're leading your fast paced lives revel in the glory of these Louboutin's and maybe - just maybe - take away some of the glitter and the glamour that they possess.

Ciao, ciao,

kimberly k.

This message just in!

2008-01-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

Hello my readers,

I told you I would return to the blogosphere on Monday and so here I am. Unfortunately it is from the touch screen of my iphone. I am working on getting internet set up in my new apartment, but have not yet prevailed. If I can manage to find a free network around here I will write something (finally!!). However until I get the sweet sweet net set up here, I will be restricted to short post plodded out to you on this tiny keyboard. I want to talk a little bit about detoxing; how to do it and the different approches. So stay tuned, I will return. (eventually).

Ciao,

kk

Hiatus

2008-01-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

I will resume blogging on Monday, I have been in the process of moving to my new apartmentsnd have had no time. :(

Will be back soon!

Ciao,

K

It's My Birthday!

2007-12-20T21:37:00.000-08:00

Image by Pinkcakebox

Well, technically it begins in an hour and a half, but I am celebrating early with some mango sorbet.

Tomorrow I will post pictures and write a post on how to have a fabulous, fashionable, birthday. I mean the whole birthday experience, not just a party. After having had many uneventful birthdays I think I have learned a thing or two that might be helpful for having a great celabratory day.

Tomorrow, pictures! Yay!

Until then, ciao ciao

kimberly k.

It's been so long that I feel a warm fuzzy nostalgia for my neglected blogging.

2007-12-13T20:19:00.000-08:00

Oh. My. God. I have sat down at least a thousand times to write a post, but every time I write something I save it and then I can't bring myself to finish it. It's not you lovlies, I hate the fact that I've been a fickle fashion lover, but sweethearts, I really do adore you.

So let's talk about something easy, something quick, something totally fulfilling. Like that not-so-non-fat latte I was caught drinking the other day.

Let's talk about accessories.

Now I have never been the kind of girl who thinks that accessories make or break an outfit. I have heard the argument before; that your accessories make your outfit and your outfit is basic, simple, but breathtaking when you work your accessories around it. I am more of the bold, bright and sassy clothing, screw accessories type of gal. But hey, that's just me.

I realize it's important to have the right jewelry, the right scarves, the right bags and shoes and sunglasses. For what is a dress without a killer pair of shoes?

So here are a couple of covetable accessories, like these opera length Carolina Amato gloves. If only I could one them in three different colors. I am falling in love with them waaaay too much for my health. I would have them in gunmetal, olive green, yellow, blue and purple.

I am also a huge fan of Pucci scarves. Like this one. Swoon.

Generally I follow Coco's advice about taking one thing off before leaving the house. I am a big fan of minimal accessories, bold clothes and a great pair of shoes.

Sorry for the delayed posts lovelies. I haven't even had a chance to talk about vintage clothing some more and Kori's great Etsy vintage clothing stores even though it's been like, a week since she posted them.

Ciao, ciao

kimberly k.

Vintage! How to "make it work" as Tim Gunn would say.

2007-12-02T07:05:00.000-08:00

So I know I've been away for a while. I'm sure it's devastating to all of my avid readers, but c'est la vie. I am back now though and ready to talk some serious fashion! Lately I've been getting into a serious vintage trend. Vintage clothing not only has a history and a past that comes with it, but when you buy it you're also recycling. I find though, because they can be so costume-y, vintage clothes often allude people. I can understand why you wouldn't want to look like you just stepped out of black and white movie (if that isn't your thing); so how can you make vintage clothes work for you without sacrificing your oh-so-modern style aesthetic?

First and foremost a good tailor will make your life so much easier. While it's part of what makes vintage clothing, well vintage, the most dating thing about old clothes is the old cut of the clothes. If you can get a tailor to alter your clothing to be a little more modern (drop the shoulder pads, tighten here or there, etc) you will look substantialy updated in an older piece of clothing.

Secondly vintage accessories are always, I repeat, always en vogue. I wear old jewelry and vintage slips with much of my newer clothing. The vintage slips are particularly charming. You can wear them to bed, stick them under a dress with the lacy hem peeking out, or just wear them as a dress with a cardigan.

Some vintage items are easier to pull off than others, dresses, hats and gloves are easier than for instance, pants (unless they are impeccably tailored). Blouses and pants and your "everyday" stuff is a lot harder, in my opinion, to pull off than some of the more extravagant evening attire. I think it's because everyone is used to the modern day jean and t-shirt that vintage pants and suit pieces look like something out of your grandmothers wardrobe; not in a good way either. To refer back to my original point, if you buy vintage suits, jackets, pants or blouses and you have a great tailor these things will look amazing on you.

(Wouldn't you love to have an entire closet that looked like that? I would.)

Depending on where you get your clothes vintage clothing can be heinously expensive or relatively cheap. There is an amazing vintage clothing store in my town call Off Broadway, but I doubt I will find anything in there under a hundred dollars. One of my favorite vintage clothing stores is from Leibemarlene Vintage. Her ebay store is amazing and it's full of covetable things. My only warning is this: sometimes vintage clothes fit differently than you would expect, so if you buy something without trying it on realize that you run the risk of giving it to your little sister or your best friend.

I rarely buy clothing online if I don't know how it's going to fit and vintage clothing is particularly tricky. Luckily if you do decide to buy something from Leibemarlene Vintage she gives you all the measurements to help you out.

Well lovlies, that's all I have for now. Go out there, into the world and try on all those beautiful vintage clothes!

Ciao, ciao

kimberly k.

Beauty Duty: Nails

2007-11-16T07:16:00.000-08:00

Your hands are one of the most important parts of your body, they tell the story of who you are. (Gardener? Seceratry? Busy-nail-biting college student?) So take care of them. Now I'm an advocate for manicures, but not all of us can afford them regularly. I certainly can't. So here is what I do to maintain my pretty nails.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

Vaseline Healthy Hand and Nail Cream

Sally Hanson Base & Top Coat clear nail polish

I try to go through my nail routine every night right before I go to bed, it's very easy and simple and takes me a couple of minutes. I usually apply cuticle cream to all of my cuticles, making sure to drench them thouroughly and then I apply vaseline to my hands. About once a week I redo my nail polish, usually I just have a thin coat of base/top coat on (something that contains vitamin E and other healthy things is good). Every couple of weeks I clip and file my nails and about once a month I soak my hands in warm (not hot) water and use an exfoliator on them. I make my own exfoliator out of olive oil and sugar, you don't need much oil (a tablespoon or two) and only as much sugar as you want. I find it's a great treat for your hands and particualarly during the dry winter months.

I hope these tips help lovlies, keep those fingers and toes warm and clean!

Gift ideas for your budding fashionista

2007-11-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

The holidays are coming up, and like everyone I love and hate the holidays. I love finding gifts for people, but the extensive research I put into it can be tiring. I like finding good gifts for people. Even the people I don't know very well but buy gifts for, I like finding gifts that I really believe they will enjoy. This can be incredibly difficult. So here are a couple pointers about gifts for those you don't know as well as you would like. (p.s. click on the picture to see the NARS Artist Pallet featured)

For the budding fashionista there is nothing better than a makeup pallet, a too-expensive-to-justify-on-her-own set of makeup brushes or some one-of-a-kind vintage accessories. Here is a list of things that might get your mind going as well.

Nars Multiples, scarves, oversized rings, journals, nice pens, tea and tea cup, jewelry, vintage handbags, makeup pallets, brush sets, cuffs, clutches, lip gloss sets, bracelets, necklaces, letter boxes, hair clips, headbands, hats, nail care, hair care/accessories, sunglasses, retro wallets, bangles, vintage messenger bags, animal print accessories, snake rings, retro knots of pearls.

The only caveat with makeup and makeup pallets is that more often than not makeup pallets have a dodgy quality to them. Particularly sephora brand combo pallets. Take into account brand and price when buying, and I've found that sometimes those "boxed makeup sets" commonly found from Bare Escentuals are the best. They usually have some makeup, a brush or two and a lip-gloss or mascara.

Have fun shopping for those fab fashionista's in your life! More gift ideas to come.

Ciao, ciao

kimberly k.

Handbags, I found mine.

2007-11-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

So I finally found my new handbag! Yay! Like I said during my last handbag post, when you find the right one, pounce. I found mine at the kate spade sample sale and it was gone in a snap. I checked the bag out yesterday in the morning (first day of the sale) and it was gone by this morning. I'm lucky to have downloaded the pictures to show y'all before it went KAPOOF.

I was a little nervous after reading Bagsnob's repeated disapproval of Kate Spade bags, but I am hoping that it has more to do with bag snobery (as the title apptly states) and less about the quality of the actual bag I purchased.

Not to mention I think this bag is a jem out of the normal plastic and nylon kate spade bags.

Without further ado, my fabulous new bag!

Doncha love it? I do. I know it's very basic, but again, basic beats trendy. I want this bag to last and last. Plus I intend to tie on a fabulous Pucci scarf once I can afford it. Like this one or this one or, a lovey cotton number in blue, this one.

Now while I am here, here are some other lovely bags that, if I had a trust fund, I would have bought on the spot.

Miu Miu Glossy leather wallet $250 at Net-a-Porter

Miu Miu Aged leather tote $1,195 at Net-a-Porter

I'm on a Miu Miu kick right now. But isn't the pink bag the most adorable thousand dollar bag you've ever seen? Anyway, see you later lovlies.

Ciao, ciao

kimberly k.

Colored Brows

2007-11-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

Fab brows ala boombox

I think there is something to be said about new and interesting styles and makeup techniques. So what do you think of colored brows? According to a poll by Kiss and Makeup 80% of you wouldn't don a colored brow. I figured I'd be fashion forward for a day and don my own colored brows.

So here they are! All sparkly and metallic green, I think they're slammin'.

This look is really easy to acquire if you have the guts (hey, I went to the grocery store with these babies). I found a pot of loose eye shadow that had been sitting around doing no good (who wears super green eye shadow anyway?) dipped my eye shadow brush in some water, swirled it around in the lid of my eye shadow until I got a nice paint-like consistency. (Something not too clumpy and just wet enough to hold the pigment) and went to town. I layered it on pretty thick, so if you're interested in trying this you wouldn't have to go so thick and bright. You could do so many interesting things with this idea! stripes! Spots! Zizags! Different colors! Ohh man, it almost makes me want to buy the eyeshadow I would never wear on my eyes.

It's definitely fun, or at least something to wear around the house and feel boss in. My only recommendation would be to invest in a little eyebrown gel, the shadow has a tendancy to just rub off on anything if you don't glue it down with something.

Ciao, ciao

kimberly k.

Sales were created by the devil to test your power against temptation

2007-11-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

If only I were fabulously wealthy.

Emily Silk Chiffon Dress $119.99 at Jcrew

Gotta love Jcrew sales. Or hate them.

Ciao, ciao,

kimberly k.

Fashion vs. Function

2007-11-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

I know not of one woman who hasn't had this dilemma. Do I buy the towering (albeit amazing) high heel, or the practical ballet flat? Because not all of us are Kristopher Dukes.

In this post I am going to focus on shoes, but I hope to return to this subject several other times to discuss other fashion vs. function dilemmas. This post will be picture heavy and all the shoes featured here can be found at Shopbop. I would have combed more websites, but by the time I got through all the shopbop shoes I had an insane amount of shoes to talk about.

I would love to get away with wearing these all day:

Pedro Garcia Duna Crisscross Platform Sandal Sale! $262.50

But I walk everywhere and with all that walking I need shoes that can keep my feet warm, dry, and blister free. Here are some shoes I found that I think fit the bill. Some of them are weird, a little out of the ordinary, some of them are taller than others, some of them are flat and therefore will give little support to the feet, it's all about finding the shoe that balances all these different characteristics until you find something that you like.

Coclico Shoes Funky Dip Side Pump $260, on sale for $180.

These are adorable, perfect for slipping under jeans and with just enough heel height to click while you walk. Granted, they're not for walking miles and miles in, but their shape is elegant, their heel short without being frumpy and they would work with your wardrobe, not against it. They're something to take note of, if nothing else.

Juicy Couture Footwear Piper Open Toe T-Strap Flat $225, on sale for $157.

This is the kind of sandal that is perfect for summer after summer. It's comfy, albeit flat, but it's got a decent sole (for flat shoes) and something you could easily slip an arch support into for the days you need to run all your errands.

Devotte Dee Wishbone Flat $295

Okay, these are a little weird. Even I admit they're not your average pair of shoes, but they're so. cool. Weird, yes, but cool none the less. The clean lines of the shoe keep it from being too frumpy and too trendy, but it's just odd enough to add a little eccentricity to your wardrobe. I could see these under anything, in any situation. Even for busy afternoons. I tried to pick shoes with a slight heel, 1"-1.5", supposedly that's the height with the most comfort for your foot. I think these have a masculine cool and a feminine spark that make them so interesting.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes Cap Toe Leather Mary Jane Flat $295

Mmmm. Marc by Marc. These shoes are bold, but obviously wearable. A pair of wide leg jeans, or slacks would look just right above these shoes. They've got a sensibility to them that gives the wearer a smartness and chicness, but at the same time they're upbeat and in style. Frankly, they're also the kind of shoe you would wear for years, I doubt the classic black and white Mary Jane will ever go out of style.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes Two Buckle Flat $295

Marc by Marc again, I never really get enough of him. These are pretty typical and sensible. Flat with muted colors and nice details these could really be worn with anything. I am beginning to sound like a broken record but it's true, these are everyday shoes. Pricey everyday shoes.

Kristen Lee Shoes Ofleia Peep Toe Flat $270

I thought these were just cute, the ankle strap adds interest and the peep toe adds flirt. The grey coloring is very of-the-moment, and while they come in alternate colors as well, I found the grey to be interesting without being in-your-face. They also have a slight heel on them to give a little extra support.

Erotokritos Shoes Abaco Patent Flat $345.

Sensible, safe, feminine without being too girly. These shoes will carry you into work, through your day, and then home to bed without missing a beat. They even have an elegant jewel detail to add a little sparkle to your step. While they're not the most adventurous shoes on the planet, they get the job done without a fuss.

Charlotte Ronson Grieta Ballet Flat $125.

This is another cute little flat with smart buckle detailing. It is a good shoe, easy to throw on under jeans and still look pulled together. The friendlier price also helps. For those of you worried about arch support, this flat is just that, flat. But if you're willing to try inserts it may not be a bad buy.

Loeffler Randall Peaches Patent Tap Shoe Flat $375

These shoes are definateley girly and pretty. But they are oh, so, pretty. The little black bows, the nude patent leather, the short but cute heel. All make for a perfect around town shoe. They come in patent black leather, but I found the nude leather to be so much cuter. These could be worn with tights under a black dress, or paired with slacks or even jeans for a less dressy style.

Dolce Vita Moritz Bow Ballet Flat $110

More cute flats! These are girlier than the ones before, but they're cheaper, they have a slight heel and they'd be great with jeans. Other than that they're just regular flats, but still ones worth mentioning.

Kristen Lee Shoes Serpentine Sling Back Pump $280.

These are shoes worth considering. They're the epitome of good shoe. They're feminine, they're easy to walk in, and they’re sensible without being boring. They're perfect. I must emphasize how perfect they are by being not boring. So, so many womens' shoes are dull and dowdy because they're supposed to be "work shoes", but who said work shoes had to be boring? These shoes are excellent for work, for walking around, for going out to dinner, for pretty much anything. Sure, sure, they're not five inch Diors that steal the show, but they're certainly worth writing home about.

DKNY Shoes pure DKNY Bari Sling Flat $125

Alright, I'm only going to talk about DKNY once, because while they're good shoes, they're not the most interesting fellows on the block. This set of "pure DKNY insert-name-here Flats" is a solid set of shoes, they come in black or white and are "cooshy" looking while being flat at the same time. They're unobtrusive, easy to wear and simple. If you're looking for a simple unpretentious shoe, this is it. The Mary Jane style and t-strap styles are variations worth investing in, I personally love a sling back flat, but some people like they're heels to be covered.

DKNY Shoes pure DKNY Bethany Mary Jane Flat $125

DKNY Shoes pure DKNY Bindi T-Strap Flat $135

Leopoldo Giordano Suede Ballet Flat with Flower (in red) $320

In my opinion these cute flower flats are the best of the bunch. They come in red and in black, they're soft without being frilly, they're subtle yet oh-so-individual and they steal the show for best flats of todays post. The red ones are festive, the black ones are sensible, both, or either, (just make sure it's not neither!) I love them. I think they'd dress up a casual outfit and keep a glamorous one grounded.

Leopoldo Giordano Suede Ballet Flat with Flower (in black) $320

Frye Lisa Oxford Pump $158

Oxfords heels are very popular this season and while they can be expensive, these ones are style on the cheap. The low heel makes them easier to walk in than many of their designer alternatives, yet the heel keeps these oxfords from looking too much like a boys shoe. I would pair them with any kind of jean, but a slim legged jean would show them off the most. They're bolder than many of the flats I've been talking about, but I think sometimes it's good to see an easy heel alternative to flat shoes.

Frye Lisa T Strap Pump $158

Again, another completely adorable heel with potential. I love sky-high heels as much as the next girl, but I realize they're not for everyone, and people who like they're arches intact and they're back supported need shoes too. I think these shoes are very unfussy and easy to work with in black polished leather. They're also very affordable compared to other shoes on the block. They may not be your everyday shoes, but they would dress up any outfit without being too ostentatious.

Well those are my thoughts on shoes. I always mean for my ideas to be guidelines, to make you think about different concepts and different styles, to push the envelope of what is normal, what is stylish and what works. They're never meant to be hard and fast rules. Tomorrow (hopefully, if everything goes well) I will post on how to blend masculine and feminine. With two different (and sometimes opposing) styles, how does a girl keep it together without looking like a boy?

Ciao, ciao,

kimberly k.

My life is crazy and my budget is seemingly inadequate

2007-10-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today I went to haymarket (local market in Boston), edited three files( I am so behind in my real job, you know, the one that puts food on the table and feeds my rampant Saks addiction), ran three miles, wrote five letters and took two practice SAT exams. Not to mention the heinously long session I had this evening. Sometime I don't even have time to think about being beautiful.

But apparently I do have enough time to waste dreaming of thousand dollar shoes.

Metallic Leather Boot by Sergio Rossi $1,050

Ciao, ciao I'm off to watch college students drop pumpkins off a very tall building.

kimberly k.

The Femme Fatale

2007-10-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

These "villainous" women from film noir command attention and portray an unrestrained strength that is both beautiful and intimidating. The femme fatale is the kind of girl to wear "fuck you" shoes as opposed to "fuck me" shoes (to borrow from Kristopher Dukes) and who knows herself well. She is the extra tough, extra sultry career woman who doesn't give a damn.

So how do you harness the power of the femme fatale in your wardrobe?

Be bold, and confidant. Part of the classic image of a femme fatale is her blatant sexuality, but that doesn't mean you have to look like a hooker. Wear bold colors, or rock solid black. The femme fatale is in control of her world, so look like you're in control of your wardrobe. Take a day to break away from the norm and shake things up, it's an exercise in confidence and if you don't have it, fake it.

Here are some of the things I would wear, and some of the things I do, when I am feeling particularly "fatale".

Things I keep in mind while creating a femme fatale look: Smoldering, subtle, mysterious, allusive, tough, cool, dark.

I gravitate towards wearing lots of black, although it's not a necessity black adds a level of allure to your outfit. Try to pair solid colors with black accents for an extra chic look. Deep blues, royal purples, matte greys. All of those colors give a sense of fire and smolder to an outfit.

Also, don't think that you only have to wear dark colors to be a femme fatale. Light colors and white can be just as stark, or just as breathtaking as black.

Take these patent leather heels by Dior.

Miss Dior Patent Peep Toe Pump (try saying that five times fast) $515 at eluxury

These five inch stilettos will command attention wherever you go. While you can buy them in black, I think the nude patent leather makes a much bigger statement. Imagine them paired with a black trench coat (worn as a dress), a pair of ivory/off white leather gloves and a sizzling smoky eye. If that doesn't spell femme fatale I don't know what does.

I also adore this jacket, it goes to show that black is not the only power-commanding color out there.

Classic Red Coat by Roberto Cavalli $3,660 at eluxury. (Obviously I won't be buying it any time soon. Unless I leave my boyfriend for a very wealthy old man. That would be keeping in with the true film noir femme fatale.)

The clean lines keep this coat from being to bulky or too old and the bright red demands attention, but it does not beg, it demands.

The second part to create a femme fatale look is the eyes. Traditionally a smoky eye is the way to go, but work with what you have. If you hate the smoked out look, try something different, something you feel comfortable in. Again, the bolder the better.

There are many different ways to make a smoky eye as well as many different kits out there to work with.

Bare Escentuals "Smoky V" sounds like a great kit to start out with if you need some guidance, as well as Stila's Smoky Eye Palette. (This palette is limited edition and comes in three different color combos, if you love the smoky eyed look I'd snap it up before it's gone. Personally, I am in love with the emerald and grey color combos.)

I personally adhere to two rules. 1. I use two different colors as liners, a black and a brown to vary the intensity where I want it. 2. I add a pop of colored shadow over my smoked out eye to add interest and depth.

I don't use six different types of eye shadow, I use a brown liner, a black liner, a black shadow (I have to be very, very careful not to make myself look like a raccoon) and my choice of a colored shadow. Lately I've been using a shimmery gold brown from a Dior palette. I usually make a little wing at the end of my eyes for extra drama as well.

With smoky eyes the best thing you can do is experiment with colors and shapes and contouring and what not. Throw an eye shadow party where everyone brings their makeup bag and tips for applying eye shadow. It could be so much fun, have smoky eye themed invitations and make dark chocolate cupcakes and stay up late watching film noir and truly learning about the illustrious femme fatale.

Ciao, ciao!

kimberly k.

P.S. To learn more about flim noir and the femme fatale read No Place for a Woman: The family in film noir. John Blaser obviously knew what he was talking about and not only is it loaded with interesting history, it doesn't read like a text book. It takes a while to read, I like to read a little bit right before I go to bed. It's fascinating!

The Search for the Perfect Handbag

2007-10-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Metallic Python Doctor Bag by Oscar de la Renta $3,895 at Vivre

The handbag: it's a status symbol (who has the better bag? the more expensive bag?) as well as a statement about you and who you truly are. (Practical? fun? minimalist? it can all be said with a bag)

Many women can't afford to buy handbag after handbag. They are the most expensive item you can buy next to shoes, ranging anywhere from 200 dollars to 20,000, to the most expensive bags which can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars. (Read the Forbes article on the worlds most extravagant handbags.)

So how do you choose the right handbag for you? It has to be a combination of style and practicality (unless you have the money to buy two or three handbags) and it should be something you'll wear with every outfit; something you'll adore for years even after you move on to a newer one.

I have a hard time with handbags, my style is loud and outgoing but when it comes to a handbag I need something that will play nicely with the rest of my wardrobe. My first real handbag was a leather number from Fossil, gifted to me by my lovely mother for my birthday and it was a whopping $128 dollars. Since then my tastes have soared, my style has changed four or five times and I've moved across the country. Yet, my handbag still sits faithfully by my side and accompanies me everywhere I go. It's big enough to hold almost everything I need, I have even been known to lug my laptop around in it, but it's not so large as to make me look like a pack mule, bag lady or garbage man. (Although that has been known to happen too)

But as much as I adore it, it's beginning to wear out and I am due for a new workhorse. The "work horse" bag is different from the “party clutch” and the “trendsetter”. Like I said, it has to be able to do everything you ever ask of it and be beautiful in the process. It has no diva qualities, is perfectly poised at all times, and is friendly with everyone currently living in your closet. You can see why finding a replacement for a good bag requires time, dedication and thought.

In my hunt for the perfect bag I've discovered a few things that I would like to share with you to make your bag hunt easier.

Avoid obvious labels. You will grow out of the pink printed D&B's if you buy a very obviously labeled bag. Even though Louis Vuitton is classic and therefore the exception, I still recommend approaching with caution. Try to find a bag that you really love for all the other reasons and then think about the label. I have only seen one LV that I really loved and it was a brief encounter. It must have been a vintage bag too, because I haven't seen anything like it since. It was amazing and the LV logo was obviously not the reason someone loved that bag. Bag's should indicate your personal style and that is hard to do if the LV is defining you, instead of you defining the LV.

Wait for the right time to strike. I know it seems obvious, but wait until something hits you as "your bag" set a time limit for yourself too, for instance if you can't find a bag in six months you've been searching then maybe it's time to go ahead a buy a new one, but wait until you know about what's out there.

Shop online and keep track of the designs you like. If you know what you like and what you hate then you'll know what to look for.

Check out Saks or Neiman Marcus or another high end department store and scout out the bags. You don't have to buy anything, probably everything will be too expensive anyway, just touch the display bags and literately get a feel for the kind of bag you want. Heavy? Light? Soft? Patent? Structured? Hobo? Those are things you can't learn by looking at pictures, you have to get a tactile sense for it.

Don't buy a bag that's too big. While it's less intuitive than "don't buy a bag that's too small" it's true. if you have the space, you'll use the space, and you don't want to be lugging your entire life around. It makes your shoulders slanty and no one likes slanty shoulders.

Shop sales. If this is going to be your everyday bag it doesn't have to be the newest and greatest thing to hit the fashion world. Buy something cheaper and classic so that you can spend that money elsewhere. Like on limited edition Bobbie Brown palettes.

In the end, have fun. Finding a bag should be fun, even though it's work. Enjoy the time you spend hunting the sale racks, finding the right color and drooling over things out of your price range. It should be fun!

Here are some pictures of the bags I am currently coveting. Out of the many, many bags I have looked at these are the ones I narrowed down to the "maybes" as well as a couple cool clutches that I adore.

Malababa Fan Group Backpack $413 at Shopbop This would be the perfect backpack for me. Stylish and useable, I would probably keep this thing for a lifetime.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Framey Rabbit Baby Pouchette$198 at Shopbop Obviously, this is not a workhorse. But it's so damn CUTE. There's nothing more deliciously stylish than having a little purse to carry around inside your purse. This would be perfect for that.

Cole Haan 'Village Medium Convertible' ToteSale for $283 at Nordstrom A sensible tote that comes in five colors. I love the yellow, I feel it would work for me, not against me.

Vanessa Bruno Leather ToteSale for $523 at Shopbop A little on the sensible side for me, but never the less a fantastic tote. Big, classic, soft. On sale even, if only the sale price was something I could afford.

Elliot Lucca Large Satchel $228 at Nordstrom This is a satchel I could see myself using for eons. It's a little on the trendy side, but still would go with everything in my closet and it's big enough to lug around whatever I feel I need on a given day.

Metallic Python Clutch by Michael Kors$695 at Vivre I have been lusting over this clutch forever. It's so amazingly chic even if it is gold metallic python.

I haven't yet purchased my new workhorse, at some point I will just take the risk. You never really know how well something will work for you until you've used it and you can be careful, careful, careful, but in the end it is what it is and you have to learn to work with it. It's like hiring a new employee, on some level it's just a risk you take.

Ciao, ciao

kimberly k.

2007-10-18T06:49:00.001-07:00

Hello again, I'm sorry I haven't been around lately, (I sound like a broken record, really) I have been swamped and uninspired. I know, it's no excuse. Anyway, it's high time you indulged in a little organization. If you're anything at all like me, your bag is more often than not filled with bobby pins, tubes of mascera, pen caps and old reciepts that you thought you were going to use to keep your check book straight. But today it's going to be different, today there will be order, there will be structure! Time to strap on those (very in vogue) military boots and that (fantastic) nautical blazer and bring order to the rampant chaos that is your handbag. Ahem!

I give you Ayna Hindmarch and her Loose Pockets!

These dainty little metallic calfskin organizers (note the cute messages written on them, like "girlie stuff" and "bits and bobs") are perfect for throwing into your purse while you dash off to make your work/meeting/love affair on time. They come in two sizes, one for your odds and ends, and one for your loose papers and notebooks and are the perfect thing for keeping all your things together (and never having to dig for loose change while the barista at Starbucks stares you down.)

The small sizes are $145 a piece and come in five different colors and six different styles. The large sizes come in four different colors and styles and are $165 each. They are available at Shopbop and while they aren't the most budget friendly organizational tools, they are the sharpest. When it comes to organization these guys will leave you in ship shape.

Ciao, ciao

kimberly k.

How do I wear this? Part Two

2007-10-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovlies,

Sorry I haven't been around lately to give you the latest and greatest on fashion and beauty but I've been super swamped with work, work, work. Ugh. I will tell you that I snagged a mid-calf length burberry trench coat for 200 bucks! Now I will be high and dry, something I am used to being without the extra coat (I used to live in the desert.)

Today I am going to talk about the cut and shaping of things and how to buy for the right cut for you. I am taking two pictures from anthropologie and comparing the outfits to show you how different cuts completely change the look, and then talk a little bit about how to use cut to your advantage. Sorry for the banner-esque pictures, if you want to see the outfits a little more clearly go look at the oufits at anthropologie

Here's the first picture.

The first thing I notice is the fitted tops and the wide leg pants. Juxtaposition and contrast. Big themes in fashion. Black and white anyone? Take note of this trend and apply it to the other things you wear. Oversized sweater? Pair with skinny leg jeans. Giant poofy swingy skirt? Fitted sweater or camisole. It's a concept that works for almost anything, continually try to contrast colors and proportions and you'll have a look everyone notices. Sometimes paring things in odd or unexpected ways can help spice up an outfit as well, leave people guessing about what you meant to do. It's easy to play it safe and pair a wild color like teal, with black or white, but what about teal and mustard yellow? or mustard yellow and bright electric blue?

Here is the second picture, it's a completely different outfit but at the same time it utilizes all of the same principles.

Same model, different clothes.

The loose top and tight jeans in this case work in the same way the previous picture did. By creating contrast the outfit has intrest. You don't have to buy these specific anthropologie clothes to use the same idea in your wardrobe. I've always found tight tops and tight jeans/shorts/skirts boring.

That doesn't mean you have to contstrain yourself to two options, loose tops and tight jeans or loose jeans and tight tops. Try playing with waist proportions, big belts wrapped around the waist is a fall must have look; try cinching your waist and emphasising your curves, or elongating your legs with a short skirt and heels. Fitted gloves can make your hands look dainty and oversized boots make your legs look thinner.

Proportions are part of creating the illusion of perfection, by placing something bigger next to yourself, you seem smaller. Try it with handbags too. There are all kinds of ways you can mix and match to create crazy effects. It's loads of fun.

Okay, gotta go, I'll try to get my ass around to posting once a day again. Love ya'll.

Ciao ciao

kimberly k.

Breakfast is for Champions

2007-10-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

Oh the importance of breakfast. For many people breakfast is a ghost meal, occasionally it pops up at the right time but usually it's a figment of our imaginations. I adore breakfast, but even I have a hard time eating it everyday. Mostly because I have a hard time getting up early. Particularly when I don't feel well. Like today. Anyway that's beside the point.

Breakfast in many people's minds is some sort of fat filled or sugar filled run-and-go kind of item (like the above picture. gross). Today when I woke up even I was stumpted as to what to do for breakfast. It seems to be a pretty limited meal, yet it doesn't have to be. So instead of running out to a nearby cafe to get a muffin (cake) and coffee I decided to get some help on what to do for breakfast so it wouldn't be so hard anymore.

In my search for decent, quick, breakfast ideas I only came up with one good article. Most of them were filled with the obvious, scrammbled eggs, fried sausage, oatmeal with brown sugar etc, that I generally try to avoid. I just don't like eating dessert for breakfast if I can help it (and I am not totally sure where that tradition comes from anyway)

So here is an article from ZenHabits about breakfast. It's not much more than I already knew either, but he gives some good alternatives to regular breakfast and comes up with some new takes on old favorites. I really want to try scrambled tofu.

Ten Tasty, Easy and Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Now go make some breakfast for yo'self!

Ciao, Ciao

kimberly k.

p.s. Adding breakfast to your day can actually help you loose weight (provided it's healthy and balenced like the rest of your meals.) It keeps you from a) snacking and b) over eating at either a) lunch or b) dinner. Isn't that dandy!

Gotta Love Lazy Wednesdays

2007-10-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

I think I am coming down with a cold. The obvious solution was to sleep in late and eat a warm breakfast. I discovered that couscous makes an excellent breakfast food.

Here are few things I loved this week

Musicovery Basically the best radio ever.

Daily Candy showcases the new luxury item: Ashera Cats If I had 22k lying around I would spring for this cat before I would buy a car I can walk. WITH MY BIG CAT!

The Fashion-y Blog is doing a Blogger Society Challenge everyone is welcome to participate even if you don't have a blog. It's going to be loads of fun.

Ciao, ciao

kimberly k.

For you young folk

2007-10-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

This post is aimed at a younger audience and written with my little sister in mind. (Love ya Kate.)

Here is an add in sephora showcasing a very stunning smoky eye.

I love this look, I truly do my only problem is I look at it and think man, that's great, but what about middle school girls who don't need to look so... sexy? The media is filled with sex driven advertising and I'm not going to sugar coat it. Ad's are often beautiful, elegant and seductive. I mean I remeber being 13 or so, --wearing no make up and my oversized t-shirts-- being call "Burly" and having the other girls say "You know, you're just kind of like a box, I'm just more curvy than you." (I think the girl who said that meant well, I think she meant to compliment me on how t-shirts worked for me, but it has kind of haunted me since.) I don't want you to think youhave to look like a guy (although you can, that's pretty fun too.)

I think it's important for all girls to feel good in what they wear. I am not against wearing a little makeup, showing off some skin or investing a some nicer things at that age. I think it's important and part of growing up to experiement with what you wear. At the same time I don't think you youngins have many options.

Often clothing is tight and adorned with saucy or careless messages like "I could really use a spa day" or "I left my brain in my locker" (available at Limited Too) and it's rather, well, childish. (and most of the time clothes don't even fit; let alone look good. "Kids" clothes are too small and "womens" or "teens" clothes are too big") Make up tends to be largely pink, cheap and hideous. You don't need to look androgenous, but can you do when the only option is caky-barbie makeup and cheap unfashionable clothing? (I remember now why I dressed like a guy.)

Here's the other problem, clothes have to be affordable. At twelve you're growing like a weed, you (or rather, your mum) has to be able to buy new pants and t-shirts every 4-8 months.

The juniors section at Nordstrom is quite good in my opinion (j'adore), it's elegant, balenced in modesty and femininity, fashionable and basically just awesome. I mean, I would wear these clothes. But, (you knew it was coming, there's always a catch) it's expensive, really if you think about it, could you (or your mum) afford to buy whole wardrobes of this stuff every six months?

So what's a girl to do?

Here are some honest suggestions about shopping for you to use until you grow up, turn into older girls and can start shopping at anthropologie and dELiAs and stop buying cakey makeup.

Haunt thift stores and second-time-around clothing places I know it's work, you have to get your parents to drive you to a store and wait while you spend hours digging through massive piles of clothes. The nice thing is you run a higher chance of finding things that fit you. Off sizes, shrunken t-shirt and the like. It takees more time and effort to rummage through thrift store clothing but ultimately it's worth it (even for older gals.) It's cheap and relativly effective.
NOTE: On the topic of thrift stores here are some thrifty golden rules. Never buy anything that is damaged and tell yourself you're going to fix it. Unless sewing is your thing, you won't fix it, so don't buy it. Never buy anything that doesn't fit you the way you want it too. Since you're growing you can get away with buying something you like that is a little too big, but try to keep it at a minimum. Who knows if giant purple cats are going to still be your favorite thing in six months?

Alter old jeans & pants to make shorts. Cutoffs can be cute. If that old pair of jeans is too short, but fits you in the waist cut the legs off, roll up some cuffs and throw a pair of tights under them when it gets cold. Clothes will last you longer this way. Hopefully.

Tights. Tights are good with everything. You don't have to look like you're going to a piano recital to wear tights. You can wear them under dresses, under shorts and under skirts. If you feel too exposed in that short skirt your older sister handed down to you then throw on a pair of black leggings, pink leggings, blue leggings, and tights of all sorts.

Be creative with your clothing. Wear things in odd ways, if it doesn't fit, wear it differently. Although this can be hard and vague, just think about it when you pull out that t-shirt you never wear.

Acessorize You probably don't need huge handbags and loads of jewelry. But a headscarf and a necklace can go a long way in creating a personal style.

Try your mothers old makeup I am not kidding, you know she has the best stuff in the house, try it out. Make sure she doesn't mind first, there are some things she probably doesn't want you messing with but that quirky colored MAC shadow she bought and has never worn? See if she'll let you play with that. Makeup is like paint when you're young and you really don't need to worry about looking "naturally beautiful" or "glamorous". Just have fun.

Skip Clairs and buy drugstore makeup Drugstore makeup is going to be much better than anything actually targeted at younger girls. You don't need foundation, scratch that --a little oil-free concealer will get you far-- and you don't need red lipstick or anything along the lines of "bedroom eyes". A lipgloss or chapstick (I liked those bonne bell chapsticks a lot when I was 13) will get you far and if you want to be more dramatic, try shadows and liners in crazy colors. Nail polish is nice too, only it's smelly and messy so maybe you can save it for special occasions.

Overall, just remember that you're a kid and so you need to have fun. Experiment with your wardrobe and your makeup don't worry about following trends or copying the "popular" girls. I know it's hard when there isn't much available but you'll eventually grow up and then you'll be ready for the whole fashion world.

Gotta run,

Ciao bella

kimberly k.

p.s. you can check out American Apparal too, you might be able to find something you like. Careful with internet shopping though, you never know how it's going to fit.

Allure Giveaway!

2007-10-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

Allure is giving away Chanel's fall makeup collection! (I'm about to keel over with delight, seriously don't miss this one)

Here's the promo I recieved,

"Allure.com is giving away Chanel's Fall Makeup Collection‹that¹s more than $700 worth of eye, lip, face, and nail colors. One winner will receive 23 products‹including the limited-edition palette of pink-beige Shiny Satin
Lipgloss in Orchidées, eye shadow quads in Garden Party (greens and pinks) and Sequoia (peaches and browns), and nail polish in Tulipe Noire, Lily Beige, and Magnolia Rose. Log on to allure.com/freestuff starting today, Monday, October 8, for your chance to win."

Any beauty junkie knows Chanel is quality stuff. I am saving up just to be able to afford some of their beauty creams so seriously, enter for your chance to win. Not to sound like a salesman or anything, if you don't like Chanel you could always mail the prize to me! No purchase is necessary although you do have to be 18 to sign up, like most things.

Anyway, don't miss it and sign your mother up. You can always split it with her.

Ciao lovlies,

kimberly k.

How do I wear this? Part One

2007-10-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

After thinking about it for a while I decided that one of the best ways I learn or am inspired is through example. Therefore I am going start a series where I pick outfits then deconstruct them for you and tell you why I think they work. Obviously fashion and style are completely subjective, what I think works is different than what someone else thinks. So take what I say with a grain of salt.

This is going to be a rather long series (I hope) where I can cover many, many different aspects of dressing in some detail. Eventually I hope to get to the point where I pick out items that I think are particularly hard to wear and show you how they can be worn. I can't talk about the all the different ways there are to change an outfit so I'll only dicuss one or two routes and leave it up to you to be inspired and change them to suit your own personal style.

That being said, lets get this started! This time I am going to talk largely about color and what it does for an outfit. In other posts I might talk more about the shape and cut and fabric in an outfit and how that can affect the overall look. For today though, it's all about the color.

Here is a picture from Shopbop of a very mod Marc by Marc Jacobs dress.

Here is what I see:

Coordinating dominant colors, black tights with a largely black dress.

Coordinating subdominant colors, beige detailing in the dress, beige shoes, beige bag. Note, the bag and the shoes both have shiny or shimmer-y details, they also both have an embossed print on them. Normally I am not a fan of the match-y matchingness but in this case it works. (also note that while the bag, the dress and the shoes are not technically the same color, when you put them together your eye automatically links them together)

The least dominant color is red. Pretend for a moment that the red was purple, or dark blue, or teal or orange or yellow. Do you see how all those colors would work, but they would all feel a little different?

There are a couple reasons I think this outfit looks so pulled together and sophisticated.

a) A simple color pallet. Generally, simple means sophisticated. Chic women do not wear all their accessories at once.
b) Clean lines. Structured handbag, elegant flats, soft, clean-cut fabrics and tights. Nothing messy about this outfit.

Part of the reason this outfit also looks so fresh and appealing is the pop of color. If you replaced the red with brown, or grey or black it would pull the outfit down.

Here is the same dress from a different website eluxury.

The ensemble has a different feeling no? Not as sophisticated, not as pulled together. It's slightly more rebellious now with knee high black patent leather boots. Off to the left are suggestions eluxury has about other mod clothes. Notice that there is a lot of black and white, "mod" can be very clean like that. Think checkerboard tile. If you browse the site you can look at the various clothes modeled, to get a feel for their cut.

By now you must be asking, "well that's all great, but what about me? and my clothes? and the colors I wear?"

While it's great to sit around and dream up outfits, they never look the same on you once you go buy the various pieces you were dreaming about. One way to learn about color for your self is experiment. It's good to be inspired, that's why I spend so much time reading blogs and looking at pictures of clothes or runway shows. But obviously what looks good on the model may not look the same on you. Experiment, experiment, experiment. Pull out all the different colored pieces of clothing in your wardrobe and try them on. Mix and match them, look at yourself in the biggest mirror you own and take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures.

I have zillions of pictures of myself on my camera showcasing different makeup styles and colors. It's one way of getting a different perspective.

Keep a color journal. If you see something colorful in a magazine, or in your garden cut it out and paste it into a journal. If you see an awesome magenta marker at Office Max whip out your journal and color in a little block of color. (With the tester markers, you know? Or you could just open the marker anyway (unless it's sealed). I do it all the time. Shh. Don't tell.)

Gala at iCiNG has a wonderful post about getting the right color for your skin tone. Read Fashion Help For Recovering Goths even if you're not a recovering goth it will help you understand which colors work for you. Typically I break away from the "I can only wear x, y, z, colors" idea because if that were the case I would be stuck with prim, proper, natural, nude colors. I love soft rose colors and elegant forest colors, but sometimes I just want some bright yellow or shocking red you know?

Anyway. That's a post for another day.

Ciao, Ciao

kimberly k.

p.s. here are the links to the outfit pictures today. Just in case you a) are super wealthy and can afford anything on either of these websites or b) want to see close ups of either of them.

Shopbop Lookbook, Look 50

Eluxury Fall Trend Catalog, Look 4

Zen Fashion: The art of minimalism without loosing your self expression.

2007-10-03T07:51:00.001-07:00

We've all done it; bought those expensive shoes only to go read something about how "money doesn't make you happy" or about how to lead the simple life. Then we think, "well shit, how do I lead the simple life if I can't buy that new organizer ..oh wait, that's not the point."

So how do we balence the idea of living simply, living cleanly, living with what we have as opposed to what we want; with expressing ourselves through our clothes, makeup and hair? I don't know about you, but my new purchases are rarely about wanting to burn money and almost always about needing new ways to self-express. (On that note, Fashion Weakley has a post about why we buy what we buy. It's very interesting I highly recommend it.)

Each person is different. It comes down to asking yourself, "Will this help me be creative, or just add stuff to my closet?" It's a hard question, particularly when you're in the "heat of the moment" and just want to buy the thing you're after. I find it particularly hard when it comes to makeup. Each formula is a little different; each brush is a little different; so how do I decide when I really don't need another tube of mascara and when to buy the tube of lipstick that will change my life?

Is it really something you don't already have? Sometimes you might actually need the new thing, you don't want to sacrifice your work dress for your cocktail dress so even though you already have a dress, you might need a new one for a different purpose.

Can you get rid of something you already own in order to make space for the new thing? This system actually works pretty well when it comes to frivolous items. Can you get rid of the old tube of nude gloss to make way for the new one?

Invest in versatile basics. Five inch, nude, patent leather heels? Not necessary. (I love them too don't worry) Just put them to the side for now, but don't forget about them, zen fashion is not really about self denial, it’s about moderation and understanding of oneself. Just take a deep breath and walk away. For now.

Use what you already own in different ways. Pretend you've just moved and all your boxes are still at home and you only have what you brought in your suitcase (pack a suitcase full of things you would bring if it helps you.) Now you only have the clothes and the makeup you brought with you. What do you do with it? You can't keep wearing the same outfit over and over right, so mix and match! Wear the nightgown as a dress and the headscarf as a belt, it'll be fun I swear.

Now that you've gone through that process you might have a better understanding of what you need, what you want, and how to use what you already own. Being fashionable doesn't mean you have to go out and buy every item you desire, it's about developing a style for yourself and you have to be able to use what you already own before you can think of buying something new.

I know I get caught up in looking at beautiful things that I would love to buy but can't afford. It's fun for a while, but ultimately it leaves me feeling like I've eaten too many pieces of candy: sick and unhappy with myself.

That's all for today lovlies,

Ciao, ciao

kimberly k.

Accessory Necessity

2007-10-03T05:12:00.001-07:00

Black Double Button Ring at Simply Gingeroot

The power of accessories is huge. Accessories are considered the backbone of any good wardrobe. With that kind of pressure, how do you find the right ones? First, think quality. One well-placed bracelet can be better than ten jangling plastic hoops. That doesn't mean you have to restrict yourself until you feel suffocated by all the well-polished jewelry. Wear that oversized coconut necklace! But think about what you say when you wear it. Your accessories speak just as much as your clothes; they are like the lining in a good coat. You might not notice them immediately, but later you realize the quality of the coat when you look at the inside.

Watch other people and see how they accessorize. If you have no idea how to begin, no idea how to pair what with what, watch what other people wear.

Think about what the necklace, ring, scarf, says to you. Is it funky? Is it elegant? Is it somber? Then ask yourself if that's what you want to wear with your next outfit. Do I like looking funky? If so, do I need another funky piece to make myself more funky, or do I need something quieter to balance out the rest of my wardrobe?

A little piece of my dressing philosophy: Juxtaposition is good.

With that in mind, when accessorizing ask yourself if you need to contrast what you already own and in what ways?

Here's an example:

Outfit from Jcrew's Fall Lookbook

She's wearing a gray sweater and a pair of white jeans. That would normally be pretty boring right? So instead of changing her outfit she adds a couple accessories. The bow belt is in a soft pink, which gives the look an elegant and feminine appeal. But what if you didn't want that kind of look? You might add a leather belt in black or dark blue with a crisp silver buckle. Same with the necklace, it's long and antique looking and gives a nice trapeze appeal to her outfit; as well as breaking up her silhouette. In the same vein as before, if you wanted a tougher, more structured look you might add a pair of elegant earrings as opposed to a necklace.

Accessories are about connecting to your feelings, how does one necklace make you feel as opposed to another, and if you pair it with those jeans will it change the feeling?

Hope that wordy post was enlightening.

Ciao, ciao,

kimberly k.