See Kae Style | Style Blog by Kaeleen Stone

We Have To Talk About Racism In The Fashion Industry | Podcast

2020-07-14T09:50:00.003-05:00

After quite the hiatus, the podcast is back with new episodes and I felt I needed to acknowledge the recent climate and how the fashion industry affects it.

So many of us (myself included) spent far too many years of our lives being "not racist" and thinking it was enough. It simply is no longer, and it's no longer acceptable for the industry to sweep over these issues.

If we want to get anywhere, we have to open the dialogue and have these conversations whilst being open and serious about change.

xo,

kae

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:

The Inevitability of Getting Older

2020-06-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

If 25 is a quarter-life crisis, 26 is a prelude into the late-twenties apocalypse, during which time you find yourself fighting the monsters of questioning your career, your future, and every decision you've ever made. Oh and don't forget the dreaded insurance! I'm pretty sure there is a circle of hell in which you're stuck searching for your own insurance on a loop.

Surprisingly, the enemy of age wasn't always considered such a foe. As a growing child I looked at adulthood with wistfulness, something that exuded sophistication and happiness and everyone got what they wanted, because that's what happens when you're an adult, right? (I know you are very much laughing out loud at this point. Don't worry, so am I) Cut to roughly fifteen years later and instead I find myself looking back at my youth with the kind of wistfulness in my eyes that our parents had when they would inevitably tell us about "the good old days."

It's not that I miss my adolescence. In fact, I'm quite glad it's been left behind, as it hurt in the ways only adolescence mixed with a touch of mental illness can. The thing I do miss is the simpleness of it all. The feeling that you had all the time in the world and that anything could be solved with some Dashboard Confessional and the latest episode of The Hills. Sometimes the tiniest bit of regret creeps in for not living more freely during this time, and now that I can actually live freely in the name of travel and adventure and experience, I'm held back. Held back by the commitment of a full time job, responsibilities, money, and okay yeah, maybe some fear.

And so I wonder and I dream. I think we have a tendency to romanticize the things we haven't done, and to the world that can look like unhappiness. But does it have to be? Can it be okay to be in the present and still do a bit of longing? The thing is that I'm terrified of the future and so I get stuck in the past, in a maze of nostalgia and what ifs. But I don't think it has to be a bad thing. In a way I think it moves me forward, plucks me from my comfort zone and forcing me to live- because as much as we may want otherwise, we're always running out of time.

Or are we?

It's a slippery little slope, but contrary to belief, we don't have to have it all figured out yet. Maybe one day.

The Summer Dress Edit

2020-06-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Summer dresses are my favorite kind of dress, and I think they speak for themselves.

So, without further ado, here is my summer dress edit:

SHOP THE EDIT:

xo,

kae

Tangible Ways To Support The Black Lives Matter Movement

2020-06-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have always been vocal when injustices happen and I make no apologies for that, as that's the way it should be. However, supporting marginalized groups- in this case the Black community- shouldn't be limited to when a tragedy occurs. They need us on their side every single day, and here are some tangible places you can give your support:

Remember that it not their job to teach us. It's on us to put in the work.

Official George Floyd Donation Fund

I Run With Maud Fund

Donate to Black Lives Matter

Justice For Breonna Taylor Petition

Justice For Tamir Rice Petition

Criminal Charges Against Travis & Greg McMichael In The Murder Of Ahmaud Arbery Petition

Raise The Degree & Remove Bail For Derek Chauvin, Murderer Of George Floyd Petition

Justice For Emerald Black Petition

These are just a few donations & petitions to get you started. Be open to searching for more on your own time and looking for opportunities to speak out.

xo,

kae

What I Plan On Wearing This Summer (Even If Only To My Living Room)

2020-05-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hi. Remember me? It's been a minute. I honestly haven't known what kind of content to create (& creating anything has been a doozy) and most days I haven't felt like being "on" and taking photos. I seriously hand it to those who do this as a main job, because I don't know how they're managing.

So I've been a bit MIA. Though I'm still not in the photoshoot mindset, I did get some collage inspiration from Kate. I've always enjoyed making style collages & was gutted when Polyvore shut down- but luckily I've found some alternatives and it's my new addiction, thanks.

So here are three looks that I will be re-creating this summer, even if the only one seeing it is Instagram.

xo,

kae

A Week In Outfits | Work From Home Outfit Inspo

2020-05-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

SHOP THE POST:

xo,
kae

This Is My New Favorite Dress

2020-04-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've had a bit of a conflict over whether I should be shopping right now or not. Like, obviously it's a yes for food and necessities, but as much as we want it to be, scrolling the 'new in' section of our preferred clothing store isn't exactly needed.

But I don't think adding to cart a new dress maybe once or twice when doing the necessities sweep is terrible.

At least I hope.

We're all looking for comfort, and that's what this dress is. Comfortable for working from in and lounging in, but put together enough to take it out when that's allowed again.

It's a bit on the flowy side, but I got my regular S and it fits just fine on its own, and would be even better polished off with a belt. Whichever way you wear it, it will quickly become a dress you reach for all the time.

xo,

kae

The Art Of Getting Dressed

2020-04-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's the part of our morning we've come to know so well: teeth brushed and coffee sipped, it's time to get dressed. So we open the closet door with the last bit of sleepiness in our eyes and wonder "what am I going to wear now?" Or, if you're like me, you'll know what you're wearing already, picked out and ready to go, but the end result is the same. We get dressed. It's the one part of our day that we know will happen, and it's one that can have the most meaning, even if we don't mean for it to.

The argument that fashion is not frivolous or one dimensional is one I will be passionate about until the end of time. Fashion is not inherently just about fashion. The art in which we dress ourselves tells us-and the world- who we are and who we want to become. (thank you, Blair Waldorf) When you put on something that makes you feel powerful, it shifts the way you view yourself.

Dressing is a part of life, but it can also change your life.

So what happens when the world is rocked on its axis and your life no longer feels your own?

Does dressing change?

There has been a drove of 'what to wear to work from home' articles (yes, I've written them too) and athleisure advertising has spiked in the last month. It's no wonder- the majority of us are at home and we want to feel comfortable in what we wear, as it gives us a sense of comfort in the discomfort. And why get dressed anyway because where are we gonna go right now? The fridge?

But there is still something to be said about the art of getting dressed. Intentionally putting on something you've chosen from your closet of wonders, something that makes you feel normal and ethereal. In these cases, a skirt is more than a skirt and a dress is more than a dress.

It's a representation of everything you don't know how to say in real life. It's a representation of beauty and normalcy and a Saturday night out. Office chatter with co-workers and brunch with your best friend. See, dressing yourself is an act of self love and in this time, it is one that matters most.

I know there are some who think that writing an essay on fashion- especially now- is in fact superficial and like, who cares about it? But I beg to differ. Because style is, at its core, the art of dressing from the inside out, and it is the first step to gathering your bearings in any situation.

So remember to step into your wardrobe each morning and dress with abandon, even when you have nowhere to go.

xo,

kae

A Simple Spring WFH Look

2020-04-13T11:41:00.000-05:00

It is currently 46 degrees in Fort Worth, but nothing really matters when it comes to weather because where am I gonna go? The fridge??

The simple t-shirt and midi skirt combo is one I've loved for ages, especially for spring. It's an elevated casual look that's still comfy enough to work in.

Tying at the waist is a favorite trick of mine for some extra oomph, even if the only person seeing you right now is your dog.

SHOP THE LOOK:

xo,
kae

OOTD Inspo | Wardrobe Secrets

2020-04-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning! It's been a minute, I know. I've been racking my brain these past few weeks trying to figure out what kind of fashion content to create because I've been getting the itch. I realized that I think most people- myself included with the creators I follow- want a distraction and to be inspired and just have some light and fluffy content.

So I thought I'd try my hand in it with Wardrobe Secrets on my IGTV!

In this episode I talked through my outfit so it was more of an in-depth OOTD.

Enjoy!

xo,

kae

View this post on Instagram

The one where I talk through what I’m wearing.
A post shared by KAELEEN ✨ See Kae Style (@kaeleenmichelle) on Apr 9, 2020 at 9:59am PDT

What Kae Wore | Week In Outfits

2020-03-30T12:06:00.000-05:00

This is the content pretty much everyone is feeding us right now, but it's light and fluffy and what we need. Also it gives the kick we need to get the heck out of our PJs!

I've linked similar items to every look at the end.

PS: Please note I am sans shoes in all these looks, because as much as I thought about finishing things off for the photo, I am nearly always barefoot at home. So just use your imagination!

SHOP THE LOOKS:

xo, kae

A Letter From The Editor

2020-03-23T14:22:00.000-05:00

Bee's note on the current pandemic is very much how I am feeling with the situation. If you've noticed my absence on the blog this past week, that's why.

For the first time in my life I don't feel like writing about fashion, and I wonder if anyone cares about it right now. I know it's okay to care about both- fashion and what's going on in the world. That's been my philosophy behind this blog since the day I started & will continue to be. But just because we care about fashion doesn't necessarily mean we always want to consume the content.

Do we want to?

It's a question I ask myself daily, and it's why I've been hesitant to post anything new. Aside from telling you to get dressed every day (which I kinda did here) there's really nothing to write. I don't necessarily want to showcase new looks or tell you what I'm (or was planning on) buying this season, because for one, so many people are now in a position where they don't know when their next paycheck will come in or if they'll even have a job when this is all over & who am I to be like "here buy this!!!," and two- I just don't think anyone is feeling it.

Of course we want distractions and inspiration and a little (or big) dose of happy, but I don't want to come off as fake and feed you 24/7 "distraction content" when half the time all I feel like doing is binge watching shows.

So where does that leave us?

I'm not sure. I think that's the statement of the moment- nobody is sure of anything. I do know that for the moment I'll be posting less in this space (though I do have a post planned I'll be doing soon) and focusing more on writing for Medium/ who knows what else. Really the thing I'm focusing on most (as everyone should be) is staying home & keeping others safe.

That's the goal.

And on that note, stay home, people.

xo,

kae

Working From Home? Here's What To (Really) Wear

2020-03-16T12:42:00.000-05:00

I had planned on waiting to do a post like this until I was working from home full time (we gotta speak it into existence, ya know?) but surprise! The world turned upside down and COVID-19 happened, affecting virtually everyone's lives and now it looks like the majority of us (myself included) are living the WFH life for the foreseeable future.

I've always been of the dressing well makes you more productive belief, and that still holds true. Whilst spreading out your workspace across the couch, in your PJs til lunchtime sounds enticing, it can be detrimental to your productivity. I'm not saying you need to reach for your business casual best every day, but putting in some effort will get you far.

So, WHAT TO WEAR?

ELEVATED T-SHIRTS

I'm currently wearing one of these as I write this. It's a t-shirt, sure, but it's the kind that are still work appropriate and makes you feel like you're put together. Plus it doubles as a great virtual meeting look!

EASY PANTS

When I say ~easy~ I mean flowy and button free. You'll mostly find this on the wide leg look, but if you're not into that there are also some straight leg you can find. The key is here to be comfortable whilst avoiding sweats.

LOUNGE BRAS

It's an unspoken agreement that bras are one of the first things to go when we're at home. It feels so free! Buuut if you're like me, once the bra comes off it's don't text me, I'm watching Netflix for the rest of the day kinda situation. Great for post work, not super ideal for during the workday. Enter lounge bras, the perfect in between of a real bra and #freetheboob.

POLISHED FLATS

I'm personally a sans-shoes in the house kinda gal, but depending on how you work, wearing shoes can make things feel complete, as if you had gone on your commute and were in an office. You're not gonna want to be rocking stilettos, though, so pick a pair of flats that polishes things off.

xo, kae

Easy Spring Inspo

2020-03-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Midi skirts are one of my favorite pieces for springtime, and I like playing around with all the different ways I can pair them.

Crop-ish tops (you know, crops that aren't really ~crop~ are another love of mine, so it makes sense that I would combine the two for a fresh spring look.

It's not just the pieces in this outfit, it's the colors that really make the vibe. Polka dot (one of spring's biggest trends) paired with a classic pink makes me think of bright sunny days, just what we need for the season.

SHOP THE POST:

xo,
kae

What Fashion Has Taught Me About Feminism | Women's Day 2020

2020-03-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

"There are no rules, no regulations, no frontiers that a woman cannot reach or surmount." -Oscar De La Renta

It's hard to believe that this is my sixth year of celebrating International Women's Day on this blog. In a way, the first year I wrote about it was also the first year I really considered myself a feminist. Sure, I'd always believed in equal rights, but I shied away from the feminist label. (even though that's literally the definition of feminism)

Then, somewhere along the way, my feelings changed. I've worn the feminist label proudly since, and looking back I realize that fashion has had an impact on that.

My journey with fashion dates back to my elementary days, but it wasn’t until those early high school years that I started wanting to develop a personal style. Was it a bad one?

YES.

But it was my own, and that’s what mattered for me.

See, the clothes we wear aren't just about the clothes we wear. There is a sense of power in the way we choose to present ourselves to the world, the ultimate piece of femininity. For decades women's fashion has pushed the boundaries of our role in society, dating as far back as the 1920s with the emergence of the flapper and continuing into today.

The moments that mark turning points in fashion (remember the first time Mary Tyler Moore *gasp* wore PANTS onscreen?) seem to coincide with how we are viewed as women.

It's not always a positive view, of course, and we have to constantly fight to stay afloat. Sometimes fashion is all we have in a world that tells us we can be anything we want, except not like that. We cling to what we know, and sometimes that means clinging to an everyday outfit or a favorite dress or a fashion icon. (for me it's dresses)

It's not really fashion itself that lends a hand in feminism, it's what we do with it. The way we dress ourselves teaches us that we have a say in who we are, even in countries and religions that other people may find restricting and unfeminist. I've read many accounts of women who say their "restrictive" dress is empowering for them, and that goes to show that we get to choose what exactly empowers us, and how.

It’s up to us, and that’s my favorite part about the link between fashion and feminism.

So here’s to us this Women’s Day. Things have seemed so.... grim lately in the state of the world, but I know one thing to be true. We will always have each other.

xo,

kae

The Five Spring Trends I've Got My Eye On

2020-03-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

SPRING IS ALMOST HERE!

Whilst I love autumn/winter fashion, I think spring/ summer is my top favorite. There's something about when the weather gets warm that makes fashion seem more warm.

During S/S Fashion Week (the one held last September, I know, confusing) we saw lots of new trends, and some that have circled back around from last year.

Let's find out which are my faves:

Crochet
To me crochet gives instant '90s vibes. Remember crochet swimwear (almost as useless as velvet) and halters? Well, it's back in a modernized way. This time around, we'll be seeing it in dresses as well as separates. If you pick up this trend, just make sure you keep the rest of your look cazh and let the crochet do the talking.

Neon
This trend is one we saw last year as well and it's back for good reason! I love a good neon. But remember a little will go a long way! I like this trend best in a simple top or even as an accessory.

Tiers

Okay so this is one we haven't seen on a ~trending~ list in a minute, but that's not to say it hasn't been in. Maybe it's a tad timeless and it's just trendy at the moment? I opt for more muted tiers- certain things are only meant for wedding cakes. But a fun tiered skirt never hurt anyone!

Leather
Leather is obviously a staple, (at least in jacket form) but every once in awhile other forms will come into play, and it's no longer just for winter. We'll see leather in skirts & shorts this season, which I'm honestly here for, especially mixed with a denim top.

Polka Dots

I view polka dots as a timeless print, but they're having a moment right now, which is another trend that goes back to the '90s. Polka is back in swimwear, dresses, and separates and you can still wear them in a grown up way. (or without looking like Minnie Mouse) Just go with simple, like a ruffled dress with a hint of polka.

Which trend I mentioned is your favorite? I'm most looking forward to polka and leather!

xo,

kae

The Things I Loved In February

2020-02-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

1// Revlon One Step Volumizer Hair Dryer
I mentioned this guy a few times in my IG Stories but I haven't done a full write-up on it. After much research for Dyson airwrap dupes, and hearing SO MUCH about the One Step, I decided to try it out for myself.

Y'ALL.

My life is forever changed. After using this tool my hair feels bouncier, looks shinier, and more voluminous than I ever could've imagined. I'm even able to style it in new ways, like the ends-flipped-out look you see in the photo above that's very ~in~ at the moment. Lemme know if you wanna see a tutorial on IGV!

2// Roswell, New Mexico
After seeing many social media posts on this show I knew it was time to give it a watch. (I think the moral of the story so far is that I'm easily influenced. Unclear if good or bad) When I say this show is my new obsession.. IT'S MY NEW OBSESSION. It's got two of my favorite things in a show: drama and mystery. And then throw in aliens on top?? Yes pls.

3// Cinderella Of Boston Boots
When I posted about these ankle boots insta seemed to love them, as do I. Cinderella Of Boston had been on my radar for a long time and when I saw these babes on sale it was an instant add to cart. If you have small feet and want shoes that look like they were in fact made for adults (because they were) this is a very good place to start.

4// Little Women
I finally saw Little Women (2019) at the beginning of the month, and it was the best film I've seen in a long time. (SOBBED my way through) It also made me realize that aside from a picture book version I had as a kid, I'd never read the book, so obviously I went straight to Amazon and ordered this pretty-covered edition. Though it's taken me nearly the whole month to read it (it's over 700 pages okay) I've fallen in LOVE. I'm nearing the end and I don't want to be. Also, Jo March is now my sole writing inpso, thanks.

Drop your obsessions below!

xo,

kae

The Spring Shoe Edit

2020-02-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things about the changing of the seasons is the changing of the fashion seasons, and I don't know about you but when I think spring, 'shoes' are one of the first things that come to mind.

There are three very specific types of shoes this spring that I'm into, which this edition of the edit focuses on.

Let's get into it:

THE COLORFUL BOOT

Boots are going out of season with a bang this year with lots of color and I, personally, am here for it. Make these spring- appropriate by throwing on with a maxi dress.

THE CLASSIC SANDAL

I LOVE a sandal, and the shoe style is a spring staple for the ages. This season we'll be seeing the square sandal again, along with the more classic look that I love. Pairs well with jeans and midi skirts.

THE PLATFORM

PLATFORMS. Not just '70s chic anymore, these babes are here to stay. (at least for 2020) I love pairing with a casual dress or skirt.

xo,

kae

Why I Change My Hair So Much (And #Inspo For What I'm Doing Next)

2020-02-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

If you're an OG follower of the blog/ instagram, you've seen an array of hair changes over the years. From long to short and brown to blonde and brown again, it's been a TIME. I've always found it ironic how I'm so reluctant to let certain changes into my life, yet my hair has always been one thing I don't mind changing.

I wonder if it stems back to having some semblance of control in a world of no control. Fashion & beauty is one way to take control of your life and how you present yourself, and I think that changing things up keeps things interesting, and it's something we have control over.

And so I do things like decide to grow my hair back out after over a year of being convinced short was it for me.

Thus begins the cycle....

HAIR INSPO

{photos via pinterest}

xo,

kae

I Re-created This Instagram Outfit And Now You Can Too

2020-02-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

I had originally created this outfit as part of a to-come blog post that was just me re-creating IG outfits, but I've only had the chance to do this one so far so I've made it its own post!

THE INSPO:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michelle Madsen (@michelletakeaim) on Dec 9, 2019 at 11:57am PST

THE RE-CREATION:

I swapped out the chunky boots for a favorite pair of ankle boots, but other than that I tried to stay pretty true to the original look. I'm into this outfit for its simpleness- it's something you can bring to both the office and off-duty, and a plain white tee and leather jacket stand the test of time.

Obsessed!

xo, kae

Thoughts On Fashion Week

2020-02-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

In 2016, Vogue published a piece that began as a Milan Fashion Week recap and somehow turned into a rant on bloggers infiltrating Fashion Week. In even 2016, the word 'influencer' wasn't as widely used as it is in 2020, so I can't exactly blame them for lumping bloggers in.

However, there is a difference between a blogger (do we even call ourselves that now? Or is it just the content creator? Either way) covering Fashion Week and an influencer covering Fashion Week.

I have no qualms about the influencer job- although I tend to call myself a content creator instead as I don't have the audience to be considered an influencer (I'm going to say that word a lot- sorry)- we're all part of the same industry. Content creation, influencing, whatever you want to call it. Part of the job means showcasing outfits, obviously, so it makes sense that these influencers would want to be a part of one of fashion's biggest events. It's the same reason why fashion bloggers/ writers attend- to cover the week's events. But when it comes to the influencer realm of things, that doesn't always end up being the case.

First, you can't just get into a show. You have to be invited or a part of press in order to get in and so those who aren't able to get in end up standing outside the venue hoping to be photographed in their outfit. It's always been this way, but pre-influencer culture it was street style. You'd hope to be photographed in featured in a blog or magazine, whereas now that's changed to Instagram.

And at the risk of sounding like a bitter fashion critic, I have to say that I do think it's no longer about the art- at least in the influencer space. When you take the Instagram elite and send them to one of fashion's biggest events, you can't expect that every one of them is going to appreciate the art. Do they have to? Certainly not, but when the front row of a fashion show that was once designated for editors and writers is now seeing influencers, it's not a crime to want more.

I say all this to say that I don't think it's right to snark on influencers for wanting to attend fashion week, but I do think we are in need of some education when it comes to practices.

xo,

kae

My Favorite Oscars Looks, Ranked

2020-02-10T12:11:00.002-06:00

If I'm being honest, my favorite part of most award shows is the red carpet. Eyes glued to Instagram on alert to see what everyone is wearing is my game plan and I'm always ready. Let's call award shows (and the MET Gala) my Super Bowl. Whilst it isn't the first Monday in May, it is the Monday after the Oscars and it's time to talk fashion!

I took to IG Stories last night to share some of my favorite looks, but here we're going more in depth by ranking them. (SIDE NOTE: My rankings don't mean I love any one any less. They are all amazing. Also this was like Sophie's Choice. Okay that's all)

13. Janelle Monae, Ralph Lauren

{via}

I read that this beauty took 600 hours to hand embroider. SIX. HUNDRED. HOURS! It was clearly worth it, because she looks like a princess.

12. Saoirse Ronan, Gucci

{via}

This definitely wasn't my favorite look of the night, (not much into the peplum look anymore) but because it's (my girl) Saoirse, she pulls it off beautifully.

11. Natalie Portman, Dior

{via}

This beautiful Dior piece is perfect on its own, but it's the fact that Natalie had the names of the non-nominated female directors sewn into the cape that really seals it.

10. Chrissy Metz, Christian Siriano

{via}

Red is Chrissy Metz's color. I feel like she always wears it on the carpet and it always looks amazing. This Christian Siriano piece is simple & elegant, perfect for her!

9. Beanie Feldstein, Miu Miu

{via}

I'm in love with this, from the floral embroidery to the cut. Less is more with this kind of dress & Beanie gets it.

8. America Ferrera, Alberta Ferretti

{via}

Did I somehow miss that America is pregnant or was this her announcement? I'm still not sure, but I do know that she looks like a literal goddess in this Alberta Ferretti number.

7. Billy Porter, Giles Deacon

{via}

Billy NEVER comes to play with his red carpet looks, and this is one of my favorite of his yet. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it was inspired by a room in Kensington Palace. Obsessed!

6. Kaitlyn Dever, Louis Vuitton

{via}

I don't even have much commentary on this. It's just beautiful and elegant and LOOK AT ALL THE JEWELS!

5. Regina King, Versace

{via}

Regina is blushing (lol) in this beautifully detailed Versace beauty. I love the one shoulder, asymmetrical detailing.

4. Mindy Kaling, Dolce & Gabbana

{via}

The one-shoulder look was definitely a red carpet trend this year, and who wears it more beautifully than Mindy? And in yellow. AND ALSO THAT NECKLACE.

3. Brie Larson, Celine

{via}

Back with the capes and I'm here for it! This detailing and jewels on this are just stunning. And hello, it's Brie Larson. Superhero.

2. Florence Pugh, Louis Vuitton

{via}

I'm thoroughly mesmerized by this look. Normally I'd be turned off by the tiered cut, but something about this one just makes it work. Maybe it's the coloring, monochroming right down to the shoe!

1. Sandra Oh, Elie Saab

{via}

How many puns can I make with this? OH wow this is the most beautiful gown I've ever seen OH my lanta OH--

I just can't. The color, the bow detailing, the silver, the ruffles..... it's quite possibly the best thing I've ever seen her in.

Do you agree with my rankings? Sound off!

Also how many times did I say the word detail? The limit does not exist.

xo,

kae

The Valentine's Edit | My Fave Picks

2020-02-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day is T-minus one week away and although I'm not a fan of the holiday as a whole,(show your loved ones you love them EVERY DAY!) I do love our matching aesthetic. All the pinks & reds & glitter & velvet & pretty things make me swoon and for that, I respect the holiday.

So, if you've got big plans (or even if those plans include watching Valentine's Day with a big pizza) and you're drawing a blank on what to wear, don't worry. I got you.

SHOP THE EDIT:

xo,
kae

A Note On Hauls And Influencer Sustainability

2020-02-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

"Hey guys! I'm doing a haul today..." If you've been on YouTube or Instagram Stories in the past few years, you know this intro like the back of your hand. The coveted "haul video" has been a content creator staple since the early 2010s, and we've eaten it up. But as the knowledge on sustainability grows, so does the realization that maybe the haul isn't what it's cracked up to be.

The point of the haul video is to show off recent purchases- many times in bulk, some influencers doing a haul multiple times in a month. When we think about the turnover rate when it comes to influencers and clothing, it can't be denied that it has an impact on fast fashion and consumerism. The more that hauls are done, the more people watching purchase- and the more content creators purchase in order to churn out more hauls.

I'm not immune to the allure of the haul, being inspired to do my own & ~influenced~ to buy things I've seen featured. I know the allure all too well. However, when I began my journey of more sustainability, I started noticing the huge impact influencers have on fast fashion and questioned how sustainable the haul really is.

Whilst I think we've come pretty far as far as awareness on sustainability, we've still got a long way to go- especially in the content creator space. We have a responsibility to be intentional about what we advertise and the way we treat fashion & clothes, and the longer we promote consumerism, the less sustainability will happen in this space.

People like The Anna Edit and Dearly Bethany are challenging the consumerism craze, editing their wardrobe and practicing a kind of "anti-haul" mentality. I've been inspired to take that route in this space because I believe it's important, and the more people see it the more change we can make.

xo,

kae

Style Psychology | Color Theory 101

2020-01-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

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Color Theory: When broken down, it's quite literally the study of color. Designers and artists use it regularly in their work, but something that may not be as obvious is that it also works in fashion, too. Fashion is an art form, after all, which means many theories in art still apply.

And guess what? You're already using color theory in your everyday dressing without even realizing it! When you mix colors together, even neutrals, you're using principals of color theory. What exactly are the principals?

GLAD YOU ASKED.

WHAT IS COLOR THEORY?
As I said a minute ago, color theory is the study of color & how they change due to various factors, including light, value, and intensity. Basically, it's the science of using colors together. Think about it: When you pick out an outfit, you (I hope) look to make sure the colors and patterns mix well, as it can make or break a look.

SO, HOW DO YOU USE IT?
There are three main groups of colors on the wheel: (which- fun fact- was actually invented by Isaac Newton)

PRIMARY
SECONDARY
TERTIARY

I'm sure you remember hearing all about these groups in elementary art class, so I won't bore you with the logistics. Basically the main thing you need to know is that secondary colors are a combination of primary (which include red, yellow, & blue) and tertiary is a combination of both primary and secondary.

From then you can create different color schemes with complementary, analogous, & triadic principals.

COMPLEMENTARY colors are across from each other on the color wheel, like red & green. When we hear those colors we automatically think of Christmas, but you can combine them to create perfectly color blocked outfits as well. Complementary color dressing is a simple way to play with color, and you'll especially notice it used in spring/summer looks.

ANALOGOUS colors are two or three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Think ombre! Whilst monochrome is just one shade from head to toe (which I love) analogous is matching different shades of the same color.

TRIADIC colors use three colors- hence tri. They should be equally spaced on the color wheel, meaning the way red, yellow, and blue are spaced. Playing with three colors can get a little ~extra~ if you're not careful, so try & stick with muted tones of the shades you're using!

As you can see, the color theory seems complicated, but it's really not. You can take the principals and use them in your everyday style to level it up.

xo,

kae