Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Style Spotlight On: Spring Trend - 80's Glam!

Hey there, StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas!

Let's get out our flux capacitors and dig into some 80's Glam!

"Um, Kat? How is it possible to do this without looking like you're wearing a costume?"
Never fear, my Dear - Kat is here!

The easy trick to pulling this off is a word that was the antithesis of the 80's: moderation!
Pick a single feature from the concepts below, and stick to that...comme ca:

COLOR, FLASH & GLITZ!

--COLOR!
Remember how the super-bright shades were so big in the 80's? They were all over the runways for this Spring, and so were miniskirts...not feeling brave but love the leggy look? Check out the hi-low hem on this bright little number!

Source: kohls.com
So now we need to bling this up 80's style, so what's my recommendation for a shoe?
The black shoe in the pic is ok, and it does reflect the current lace up trend but...the 80's were about FLASH! It's called 'glam' for a reason so....check these out, from one of my fave online retailers, Venus:
Nothing says 'Lookout, Evening Out!' like a gold heel...
Source: Venus.com
I know right?! Too fabulous....please, extend my apologies to anyone nearby that just heard you squeal like Mariah just now :)

--FLASH! So next up we have that famous 80's glitz...here I've included my choices for modern takes on garments inspired by the decadent decade. These looks are (slightly) toned-down bits of shine. The key to rocking any trend is to focus on translating runway-fantasy into street style worthy modern incarnations (like drinking water flavored with cherry essence, rather than straight up cherry Kool-Aid)...


Girl's Night Out? Rock this sexy but sophisticated number with the black and gold heels below....
Source: Kohls.com

Aren't these simply too die for?! A touch of flash and the look pops for evening.
Source: Venus.com


Off the shoulder sheen? Absolutely! With the right accessories this could go rocker-chick or girl-next-door in a heartbeat!
Source: Kohls.com
Off the shoulder ruffles and a hint of shimmer? Perfect!
Source: Kohls.com

--GLITZ! What would 80's Glam be without:....sequins!! Not nearly as much fun, that's what it'd be...so take a gander at these affordable and drool-worthy items, and remember, one trend element at a time...

Stunning isn't it?!
Source: Venus.com

Great for a pop of  80's glam without a huge commitment...a sequin bag! Note: Do NOT think this bag should EVER be worn with the above sequined skirt...that would definitely be trend overload!
Source: Venus.com


We've covered how to master the trend without seeming silly in evening looks, but what to wear to work?:

The ruffled shoulders are a bold 80's inspired statement that here, when done in office basic neutral black and white, read as sophisticated and clean.
Source: Kohls.com

Here's a fun bag with a slim profile; the embellishment and chain details are evocative of the 80's without being over the top.
Source: Venus.com
There's also no need to go all out to look on-trend either - throw on just one piece, like an embellished belt or eye catching pump!:

Not too sure you want to pile on the glam? Add a belt over a basic sheath dress for a pop.
Source: Venus.com

Mirror shine pumps look amazing with a slim fit dark wash jean + a bright colored blazer...effortlessly 80's-esque!
Source: Kohls.com



Ok Gang, that's all for now!

Coming up...: 
-- Are flat shoes professional?
-- Spring Trend: Utilitarian!

Good Night, and Good Dress!
XO
Kat

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Style Spotlight On: Spring Trend - Romantic!


Hey there StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas!

In my next few features, I'm going to outline how to put together the Spring trends in real life and on a budget (two things that go hand in hand: Reality & Budget)....

So, what's this 'romantic' thing?
All over the runways, that's what it is! So, how to master it without looking like a Victorian lampshade?

Get familiar with the overall concept first - think a more womanly take on Bohemian.
Mostly what I've been seeing are flowing cuts and floaty fabrics (great news after a Winter's worth of yummy holiday treats). Colors....you read my last post right? Of those on the chart, the ones really showing up are the dreamy blues and soft blushes, that delicious lemony yellow, even pops of grassy green. Throw in soft, ruffled edges on white skirts and tunics well, this is NOT just about florals!

Beat the Winter blahs with a dash of the fresh new Spring colors....and what better way than with a great dress, huh girls? : )

First, here's the runway - look and (gulp) price:
Ss 17
Source: https://www.fendi.com/us/woman
Features:
- Soft, flowing silhouette
- handkerchief hem
- white ribbons (the soft trail of the fabric adds a movement and grace)
- Floral print that has an almost paisley inspired appearance (remember, Womanly Boho)

--Price: $2,900.00
(!!!I know!!! It's bea-u-tiful, but yee-OWZA!)

Now, here's MY (real life & real budget) translation:
Source: http://www.venus.com
Features:
- Soft, flowing silhouette
- handkerchief hem
- white background reminiscent of the original dress, and OH! This one has adjustable straps  (as opposed to satiny ribbons that could result in an unfortunate untying-incident, AKA: the Wardrobe Malfunction)...
- Floral print that has an almost paisley inspired appearance (remember, Womanly Boho)

...and Price: $34.00 (on sale, was originally $39.00)
*BOOM*....almost all the same features and the overall look, plus you have enough for...shoes!


--A low shoe with an embellished, pointed toe to lengthen the leg line will bring this into the realm of everyday wear: 
Women's Amelie 2-Pc. Kiltie Flat, Gold, hi-res
Source: www.payless.com

Price: $10.00, on clearance down from $34.99!

....And if you're feeling brave, the latest and greatest (not to mention comfy and breathable) shoes for Spring lace your leg for added visual interest:
Women's Lisabeth Ghillie Heel, Black Suede, hi-res
Source: www.payless.com
 Price: $18.00, on clearance down from $39.99!

So.....$34.00 (adorable Spring dress) + $10.00 flats = $44.00
-OR-
$34.00 (adorable Spring dress) + $18.00 mid-height lace up heeled sandals = $52.00

Not bad, when you consider the dress we started out with was $2,900.00!

Next up: Spring Trend - 80's Glam!!

That's all for now kids~
Good Night, and Good Dress...

XO
Kat

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Style Spotlight On: Spring Fever...!





Hey there, all you StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas!

If anyone else is feeling completely OVER Winter at this point, please join me in fantasizing about Spring! Ah, warm afternoons, cool evenings...
If you love your boots (but feel like you're done), here's the skinny, Minnie, on the fun stuff to obsess till you possess :)

Must have #1? Great skin!! This one is for both you guys and dolls, m'kay? Nothing makes you tired, haggard, or just plain 'blah' than dull/oily/congested skin....
..."But Kat! I'm a dude!"....
Look, I get it...you are a Studly McStudlison, and I do not question this, however....if you like meeting new babes (or beaus!!), DO NOT neglect the face!
Product line to have this Spring or any other season?
Mario Badescu....products are available online (www.mariobadescu.com), or in store at Ulta.

Source: Mario Badescu, https://www.mariobadescu.com)
Why's it awesome?:
--Easy to use and easy to locate the products best for you...the product display explains each product and what skin type it's best for, so no guess work.
--The products are natural, with amazing plant-based ingredients like seaweed extract (if you have a red, blotchy face like mine, this soothes that rosy beast).
--The items are simply labeled, highly effective, and works great even on (yuck!) stubborn cystic acne....a bumpy/crimson menace I've had myself from time to time.
--Sensitive, oily, dry or combination skin? Mario's got you there too...an array of SPF's,, moisturizers, oil balancing/pore reducing masks, exfoliators...any type of skin, they have a product for it - they've been around since 1967, so you can trust in experience

Must have, numero dos!
Ladies, Spring is the time to feel fresh, fun and light...translation: an excuse to play with new makeup!
YAY!!!
Everyone keeps asking for my top makeup picks for Spring, and here's my personal obsession leading to possession:
Too Faced, Sweet Peach Collection!

 (Source: Too Faced, https://www.toofaced.com/c/new-collections/)

(     Personally, I've tried the delectable peach oil infused gloss in both Poppin' Peach and Tickle-Me-Peach...they glide on effortlessly without being gloppy, smell amazing and taste (yes taste) as good as they smell! The shade was true too, despite how some other glosses I've tried can look thin on color...not this tube. All in all, great shades with a peachy tone to compliment every skin tone, and a soft, comfortable wear in the hottest hues for Spring...delish!

     Must have, nombre trois! (Yes, now in French...)
   Color choices of the moment...guys and gals both now, pay attention....! Remember how I'm forever saying you don't have spend a lot, right? Well here's a key concept in that....ready? Color awareness! Most of us already know or think we know what colors look good on us, but branching out can be a little scary. Take the fear out as a factor by knowing what colors are in for the season, then bargain-hunt the stores and thrift shops with those in mind. Go for items in on-trend hues, and you'll always look very 'of the moment'.
   So what's in for Spring you ask? Excellent question....
   For those who don't know, the Pantone Color Institute is THE authority on color, forecasting trends in fashion and many other industries (proof? you WILL see these colors on clothing racks for Spring).
PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2017
Source: Report by Laurie Pressman for Pantone, LLC., Fashion Color Report Spring 2017,  23 Sept. 2016, https://www.pantone.com/fashion-color-report-spring-2017


    Guys - if pink makes you uncomfortable, don't go there. No one wants you to feel uncomfortable because you'll look uncomfortable! Playing it safe, go for neutral shades on bottom, in brown, tan, navy, black, gray, or white if you dare...then work in a shirt in the on trend colors, the shades of blue, green, or hazelnut (a bold pop to add would be a tie, jacket, shoe, belt, vest or other smaller accessory in one of the bolder or brighter colors...maybe a light straw fedora with a small stripe of that fiery orange in the band).
   Ladies - I've noticed you girls aren't as timid about color as our dudely counterparts, so kudos there...basic where to go's on this? If you're going outside your comfort zone: keep the color pops from overwhelming and wearing you by thinking small. Sure, you could keep the bright and bold shades for purses and shoes, and that's always a safe bet but...we wanted out of the comfort zone right? Go for a dress, shirt, skirt or even pants in a print that contains one or two of the bright colors. (Example, you love that bright pink and bright green up there, but you never really wear those colors...look for a floral with that pink flower and bright green leaves.....or even a bright geometric print with a neutral background such as black or white, but also with a shot of that deep blue.....see, easy right?)

   Well gang, that's plenty to digest for now....next up?: 
How to wear the new Spring trends in real life, with a real life budget!
  
  Goodnight and Good Dress!
XO
Kat

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Style Spotlight On: Models needed for August charity fashion show!



Hey there Kool Kids!

Who wants to play model for the day, AND help our beloved veterans?

I'm need of at least five more models. I need three more dudes, and if anyone knows of any aspiring models that are LGBT, please have them contact me either via cell or email below!

This event will be focused on helping women and LGBT veterans access helpful resources....as a stylist I'm going to be putting together career centered outfits for my walking models to mingle amongst the crowd as examples of how to nail an interview look appropriate for snagging a great job. Think of yourself as a crowd walking mannequin that can answer questions about their outfit (don't worry, I'll coach you on your outfit so you're not flying solo....the likely scenario is that someone in the crowd with a similar body type to yours will ask why the stylist chose a certain cut or color, etc...if our pre event briefing doesn't cover the question then the models can direct the person over to me at the clothing booth....easy peasie right?)

I'll also be woman-ing the on site clothing booth so our wonderful warriors can find an outfit for work or.... impending wedding vows! That's right gang... ceremonies will be offered to interested couples, on site at the event!

As models, I'll need you to report to the event site on the ARC campus the afternoon of August 12th so we can get your outfit together... that way the next morning you can report to the event, grab your outfit and report for hair and makeup...

The event itself is August 13th at ARC.... models will need to report that morning by 7:30 am for a short briefing and to begin getting you put together (note...we may have to stagger processing models, so some waiting may occur.... pretty please stay on site to avoid any delays as this may be tight running...!)

If interested please contact me no later than August 1st:
katskoolkloset@gmail.com
916-412-4602





Thursday, April 7, 2016

Style Spotlight On: CA Women Veterans Unconference 2016 - Friday, April 15 to Sunday April 17

The What: CA Women Veterans Unconference 2016 - Friday, April 15 to Sunday April 17



The Where:  Lions Gate Hotel & Conference Center//3410 Westover St. McClellanCA

So this is an AMAZING three day event!!

Friday 4/15: Roaring 20's Mix and Mingle....live music via a hot band, West End Stompers - get your glad rags on and powder those knees to prep for the Charleston! ....you know you owe me a dance...you've been warned!
[NOTE! If you want to get yourself in the 20's swing of things,check out "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" on Netflix...watch as a lady detective with a gold revolver tracks down murderous thugs in 1929...the cars, the clothes, dashing gents, and hot jazz in smoky speakeasies!]
Image result for miss fisher's murder mysteries


Image result for miss fisher i'm concealing a lot of things

***Live auction, food, drinks, photo booth courtesy of Express Event Imaging, and.....'What Does A Woman Veteran Look Like?', a multi-media portrait display of ten woman-warriors by James R. Morrison Photography, and a special display called 'Unsung Heroes', saluting the legacy of African Americans in our armed forces!***

Of course, I as your very dear friend in fashion will be on scene at Friday's Roaring 20's Mix and Mingle...
...then Saturday 4/16 I'll be working my magic in the boutique on scene, helping our lady warriors look and feel as beautiful as they are fierce, from 11:30 - 5!

For full details on all days events, check out www.womenveteransalliance.org

Here's an excerpt from WVA's website and FB pages:

"This is not your "traditional" boring conference! This is a 3 day event starting Friday evening with a Roaring 20's Mix & Mingle. Saturday will include Speakers and educational workshops. Service Providers. A Health & Wellness Center and More! Sunday will we introduce the California Women Veterans Leadership Council, Townhall meeting and team building event.


At the California Women Veterans Unconference you’ll learn how to:
  • Take control of your finances
  • Manage your personal health
  • Start or grow your existing business
  • Learn more about your VA benefits & how to start
  • Get an appointment to a state board or committee
  • Navigate your education benefits
  • Prepare for a career change
You will have the opportunity to:
  • Learn from inspirational and knowledgeable speakers, practitioners, industry leaders, and community partners
  • Form new connections and network
  • Share issues, experiences, and areas of improvement during the first ever CA Women Veterans Town Hall
  • Experience the full service Health and Wellness Center
  • Get connected with veteran friendly employers
  • Give back to those who served before
  • Have camaraderie with your sisters
  • Learn about your burial benefits
  • Equip yourself with other modalities to help with PTSD, MST, and stress"

That's all for now StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas ~ Goodnight, and Good Dress!!
XO
Kat


For more details, go to www.womenveteransalliance.org

Tickets available on Eventbrite: 
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/california-women-veterans-unconference-2016-registration-18770503080

Tell every woman veteran you know--like Women Veterans Alliance on FB!:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1446371138999879/


Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Style Spotlight On...Kat's Style Secrets!

Well hey there, StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas!

I thought we'd celebrate my glorious return from hiatus by delving into my personal work wear style tips, tricks and go-to stores! Not to mention some awesome Katisms...terms created by yours truly to describe many things that can help, hold you back or keep you down.

So let's get down to it....first item on the agenda: work wear!
Gals, here's the basics--and I do mean basics, because frankly, there are always exceptions to the 'rules' in the art of style :)

FIT! I cannot stress the following enough.....try several things on in the store. In the dressing room, turn around and look at your butt. In the case of a shirt, look at your back--is it too tight, revealing the all too commonly seen bra lines? (...and it happens to the best of us regardless of body type; I've seen it on the rail thin and the curvalicious....). If it's a skirt or dress, is there a VPL? (Visible Panty Line). Does that jacket/vest/button up shirt close completely over your chest? Do those pants drag the ground? (Hint: they shouldn't...). Do you have a rockin' DC? (Drop crotch--the unsightly extra material that hangs far below the anatomical crotch....like a drop-waist for the groin--ugh!)

Shoppin' it Kat Style....tips on how to shop without the madness, and then a list of my personal go-to spots...pencils ready? Fabulous!

Tip: keep it on clearance...seriously--whether you choose to shop online or in store, always-always-always (did I say always?) hit the clearance section first. I'm going to list some pretty awesome online style sources, but you're fooling yourself if you think that I shop from the main areas. My rule: if it's not on sale, I don't buy it.
Every web page has a 'sale' heading or 'clearance' heading--and if not, most sites will pull up results from their regularly priced stock and their sale items. (So for example, if you're wanting slacks, click on ladies, then pants, then tell the page to sort from lowest to highest.) Of course, in store, the clearance racks are pretty easy to locate if you look. 
Tip: Patience...finding a specific something on sale right when you need it isn't always the way it goes. Building your work wardrobe is a process....hit up the low priced hot spots and start with staples you don't already own. (How many cardigans do you have? Start by obtaining the basics, one in each shade--lights like white, cream, or bone, black, gray, navy...) From there worry about other colors. Your wardrobe should evolve through the seasons, so only don't randomly decide what colors to buy based on what's out currently. Look at what you have, or are attempting to build for a wardrobe--if you want to wear brights, and you love purples and blues then look for complementary colors and contrasting colors (greens and even a rich magenta are great mixes with purple and blue).

Now then--sources...right? I can't spill ALL of my secrets, so here are my top two local and online faves:
Well, there's ReInvent Boutique in Roseville [www.reinvent-boutique.com]--say hi to Marie for me! This shop has great designer pieces and is highly organized. Also, forget about those places where you can find is clothes but all they have for jewelry is a sad faded old sunglasses display from a gas station...AMAZING and fun jewelry here, plus a wide array of handbags, cute shoes and scarves.

Farther up the hill in Cameron Park via Highway 50 is Jenni Lynn Boutique [http://rkbventures.com/JenniLynn/shop/nav.php?jl=mainwww.rkbventures.com/JenniLynn/]...yes, there's a real Jenni Lynn. This place is cute, and the ever evolving selection will keep you coming back to see what's come in next! Plus, there's a good mix of casual and work worthy items to keep you loaded up with options.

On the large retailer side of things, I also enjoy Target's clearance racks for fun pieces to work in here and there--items like belts, jewelry, and basics like tanks, tees and cardigans. It's shocking what you can find if you're willing to sort through, plus with chain stores there's a chance you can find those pants you loved in your size at a different location (Folsom Target didn't have that size 6? Check the Target in Rocklin--most retail chain's store managers will even assist by checking their systems or calling the other locations to hold the item for you...don't give up too easily on the perfect capris or that killer pair of shoes!)

Online--(of course, hit the 'clearance' section):

www.kohls.com--personally, I gravitate towards the Jennifer Lopez line. There are bold prints, classically cut dresses, and edgy accessories. Also important, her items are true to size--if it says it's a 4, it's a 4. More recently I've been eyeing their jewelry by City Rox--high shine for little cash, and none of it is cheaply made (the necklaces won't turn your skin green, ugh)! Vera Wang has some very lovely casual options here a well, though I'd say her items run a little large...I've ordered a small to find it was more of a medium, so just be wary of fabrics, if there's any stretch to the garment, etc.

www.venus.com--should I apologize now for getting you hooked on this site?? Nah...you'll forgive me once you see the amazingly low priced dresses in high quality fabrics! Like that cute dress? You should, they have a TON of options under $30.00. Venus has everything from bathing suits, evening wear and jeans to adorable boots, sweaters and jackets. This site is always having some sort of sale, so watch them closely...your favorite top just might get put on clearance for one of their six hour sales. Bonus, my personal experience is that they're also true to size!

Ok, well that's all for now, pencils down!
Keep watch, big things to come soon Gang!

Good night, and good dress....
XO
Kat