Who wants to see what's in Kat's Kloset?

Here it is, Stylewise Guys & fellow Fashionistas--by popular demand: the contents of the real Kat's Kloset.

By demand, I mean that I've lost count of how many times I've heard: "I'd love to raid your closet!" from a friend, co-worker, family member, etc.

Access is limited, and as most gals will attest, maintaining an air of mystery is paramount. I won't have the time (nor most readers the patience) for a garment by garment show and tell, so let's just go with nuts and bolts.
How much is really in there? I hope you're sitting down!

Here's the list and it's.....errrr.....prodigious (copious? As I continue arriving at using terms ending is "us", I'm beginning to fear I have enough clothing for two women):
58 dresses
6 blazers
9 cardigans
7 sweaters
15 'sleeved' blouses
19 sleeveless blouses (better for wearing jackets/cardigans/sweaters, since there's no sleeve to bunch up)
6 pairs of jeans
4 pairs of trousers
2 suits
18 skirts
12 tanks (great layering pieces for low necklines or just for a cold day)

That's just for the body--across three large wheeled plastic tubs that slide under the bed there are no less than:
26 (heels/pumps/wedges)
3 pairs of flats
&
4 pairs of boots (2 flat/2 heeled)

Whew! Quite a list there huh?  Now for the best part: I love every piece I own, and I wear everything I own (obviously with the logical exceptions--this being summer I'm not really sporting pants/boots/sweaters as much as dresses to avoid dying of heat stroke).

I'm finding not many people can say they have as much fun with their closet as they should. Since we've already established we send a message with whatever it is we wear, good or bad, whether we like it or not, why not have fun?
Or to expand to a broader plain (not to get too deep on you here)--everything living dies, and if you know Death is an eventuality that's impossible to escape, why not enjoy what you have--now?
Why do we wait to buy what makes us feel good....till we lose that extra 5 or 10 pounds?
......till we have a reason to wear that special dress or suit?
Worst of all:
......till it's too late to enjoy being the person we wanted to be in this life?

I don't know about you kids, but I'm in this Life to have fun, no matter what I do, so--my advice?
When you open your closet, dressers, whatever it is, choose carefully. Whatever you're doing that day, dress the part and do it well!
If you're a girl and you've gotta chase the kids today at the park, put on the prettiest flat Roman sandal you can find and make like Mercury, Goddess! (People will wonder who that ethereal picture of maternal beauty is, chasing a child through the sunlight laughing, hair bouncing while she holds up the edge of her maxi-dress--stunning.)
Guys, won't it be a reason to chuckle to yourself after the third girl at the bar compliments that silk bowling shirt and straw fedora, while your buddies wonder why YOU'RE getting all the attention? (Not to worry, fellas--coming soon to Kat's Kloset, an easy to follow style list for this coming Fall, just for the Gents. You really want the attention, and best of all, the added confidence of being the best dressed dude? The key is to make it look like you did not try, so don't try--let Kat lay it out for you--call it "Fly on the Fly".)

We all woke up this morning, and at some point, had to get dressed--look down. Are you happy, and does this ensemble also meet your everyday needs? Both factors should always be present together.
Myself, for example--currently, I'm typing this with the same ponytail in the above pic, and the robe has been swapped for my favorite pair of dark-wash denim and a satin tank. If I threw on a pair of strappy heels and some dangly earrings with a pair of big Jackie O.-inspired sunnies, I'd be ready for some casuals drinks out with friends. (As it is, I'm about to go down to the garden to enjoy the afternoon sunshine, so just some flats, the same sunnies and I'm there. Oooh--and some iced tea......)

Fashion should always be functional in addition to making us look our best. Every piece in my closet supports every aspect of my life as I want it to be, and that's how your closet should function for you as well, man or woman!
I have nice dresses, blouses, skirts, blazers and endless options for the office.
I have 5 evening dresses of varying occasion level--no matter how spur-of-the-moment the invite, I'm ready.
I have enough denim (and as some of you have seen, even overalls) for working outside, along with a selection of tanks and tees. Most of you know I live out in the country, so having to wrastle a goat or feed a chicken is sometimes warranted--even for a Diva like myself. So, to very concisely answer the question--what is in Kat's Kloset? EVERYTHING I NEED!
No matter the occasion, be prepared......and if you need some assistance, you know how to find me.
(Sign up for Google+, and you can reach out!)

That's all for now fellow Fashionistas and StyleWise Guys--till next time, what's in YOUR closet?



      

Who is your Style Icon?

No surprises here, for those StyleWise Guys & fellow Fashionistas who've met me in person, but my personal style icon is Audrey Hepburn. (Image courtesy of publicdomainpics4u.blogspot.com)

I love a pencil skirt and kitten heels (meow), and the simplistic grace of a classic dress. My tastes as far as my personal style are 'retro' in nature, which to be clear, is not for everyone--it merely works for me because it makes me happy. Style truly is that simple....but only if we're honest with ourselves about what makes us happy.

This brings me to selecting a personal 'Style Icon', both GUYS and DOLLS.....

For starters, select an 'Icon' that's going to help you reflect outwardly your full potential--one that inspires you to project an image of confidence and happiness. Do NOT select a style icon based on wanting to be something you're not--select one based on who you are inside!
For example--if you're a bit on the timid side ladies, pick someone more in line with a confident but quiet image. Katie Holmes is a great one for that. Her look is always simple since she's a Mom on the go, yet there's a classic elegance that shines through--she's put together and definitely not overdone.
 If you choose a gal like Katie, I'd suggest simple, structured pieces. A dark straight leg jean and tuxedo-cut jacket combo are good to go for when paired with a soft feminine blouse--a flat, maybe a low boot for day, or a heel for evening.

For those that feel more in line with a stronger feminine image, a good pick could be Halle Berry.
She's outspoken, classy, and most of all, not afraid of her femininity. She's a great pick for those of us ladies who have a tough time differentiating the difference between sexy-appropriate and sexy-in-your-face. Celebrate your Womanhood ladies, face it head on and embrace it; just remember that less can be more. (Case in point? A skin tight dress can be far sexier over lady-like curves than a beat up pair of short jorts.......and I've seen you gals do it, so don't look down like it's not you or something......)

Now examples for the Guys--on the quieter side, we have Gerard Butler. Low-key sweaters with no iron slacks, and a slide on pair of square toes Italian loafers: BAM! You're there. The Relaxed Gent look, as I'll call it, goes from  casual office to casual dinner with almost no effort.

For the more edgy of my StyleWise Guys (who by now are thinking, Gent?)--think along the lines of Hugh Jackman....(yes, Wolverine). The actor also like the character he plays on-screen, is known for being somewhat rough-shaven and wearing dark denim. For an upgraded version, go for a brown leather trench in a shorter mid-thigh length and belted waist (this helps to broaden the look of your shoulders)--a burgundy camp shirt underneath finishes the look. For an added detail to the dark denim, don't be afraid of a cuffed leg. No, you won't look like one of the T-Bird's from Grease.

Finally, after providing the above examples Kiddies, I come to my point--choosing a Style Icon is an easy way to keep yourself true to what you feel in line with.....it keeps you asking yourself: "Would the the ideal version of myself put this on? It also only works if you're honest with yourself on who you are, and what you want to project to the world (not just at work but who you are on personal time). Remember Shakespeare: "To thine own self, be true."

When you get dressed tomorrow, ask yourself--what am I telling the world about myself with this?

Ta for now All, that's a lot of food for thought for one evening!

Style Spotlight: My Girlfriend's Closet - Cool, CA

Today begins the first of many featured wallet and style friendly stops for the Ladies:
My Girlfriend's Closet 
(The specifics: 2968 Highway 49, Suite C, Cool, CA 95614, phone: 530-889-8585)

This is one of my personal favorites places to go treasure-hunting!

Let's start with exploring a leisurely look at the purse wall (like I had to tell you twice):

Next, let's show off some cute maternity fashions for some of my stylish sisters I know are currently expecting--a sundress by Motherhood Maternity, and also an adorable pant-set in one of the hottest brights for summer:

Now, hang on--who has ALDO shoes for a steal?? That's right!

Now let's talk business--business looks, that is.....check out the hot looks in the plus sizes. Just add a silky, feminine top underneath with some sleek gold chains or some bold chunky pearls: Voila!!Office appropriate and a strong silhouette:

What gal wouldn't love to rock this retro looking confection on a date night? Whichever lucky size 12 snaps 'er up first!!:

And speaking of dresses, if you're looking for cute, you found it!:

Texture meets bold color in this easy to care and wear jersey knit dress with turquoise jacket:

Don't forget the icing now--ACCESSORIZE!!:

Don't forget--before making a grand exit, always give the goods one more glance:

And never, ever leave the party without saying goodbye to your Hostess, Miss Karly Mathews, store owner and all-around awesome chick:

Cruise on in one Saturday and be prepared to have fun--there's more than enough to play with, and as I've shown above, a little something for every Fashionista!

That's all for now, fellow Fashionistas and StyleWise Guys--more stores, Fall style preview tips and soon, stores for the Fellas! (You'd be amazed where you can find deals for Dudes!)

I Dress, therefore I am.....who are you?

It seems like a basic question (who am I?), but we all know how complex and varied the answer can be.

Rarely do we ask ourselves the very next, seemingly logical questions--who do I want to be, and do I look like that person?

I don't feel the need to argue the point that as humans, we respond to visual cues, whether for survival or social interaction. This being the case, it's important to remind yourself of reality: people can see you, and respond to the visual cues you give off whether they're intentional on your part or not. (I know, some of you are reading this and gulping.....sorry kids, it's true!)

What is it you project with your style, versus what you want to present to the world? Are those the same person? When someone goes to a baseball game, jeans, sneakers, ball caps, face paint--all expected and appropriate--so if someone attended a funeral with a painted face and big foam finger to cheer on the guy doing the eulogy, we'd think they were drunk or nuts........or maybe somebody was getting punk'd......

Why is it in day to day life we behave like the person we are within doesn't have to line up with what's on the outside? What's wrong with honoring the individual you are? I've lost count of how many female friends and family members have told me that they do not own one single item that, when they put it on, makes them feel beautiful. How do you own an entire closet of clothes and not truly like or love any of it? Silly, right?

Think of it this way......a guy goes into a restaurant and orders the special. The waiter comes over with the check, and asks how it was--the guy says "Terrible!"
Next day, same guy, same place, same waiter....orders the SAME special. Again, when the waiter brings the check and asks how it was......same answer: "Terrible!"
This goes on for a solid week before the waiter can't take it anymore--he asks the guy--"Every day you order the same thing, and everyday you leave unhappy--how can you live like this?"
The guy looks the waiter dead in the eye and says: "If you met my wife you'd understand."

Old vaudeville humor has just proved my point! Why in the world would you wear something (or better yet pay hard-earned cash for something) that doesn't make you happy or reflect the person you are and want to project? Over and over again I keep watching people....men and women alike, don't think I don't see you guys.......ordering the special!! Wearing things that are far less than they deserve--I've met some really beautiful, intelligent people in some of the worst slop!

Don't break the bank people; to be very clear, I am a huge fan of the bargain. Local thrift stores are some of my favorite and most-loved haunts (my recommendations coming soon). Spending a ton of money on fashion takes the fun out of it--you can't live in a Gucci bag, or drive a pair of hand stitched Italian leather loafers. Since fashion should be fun and being broke is not, go hunting one afternoon. Hit the local thrift stores in your area, be prepared to dig, and have fun.........and whatever you do:
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DON'T ORDER THE SPECIAL!!!

I went in to Ulta on Saturday for the butter London event, and it was a total BLAST!

I'm glad I got there early, around 10am because by 1025am, the place was literally packed! Every chair was taken and the nail polish stations were all abuzz--mostly because the rich colors had caught the eye of some teenaged fledgling fashionistas. They weren't the only ones--I almost squealed when I saw all the eyeshadow and lipstick colors laid out.

First off, I met my makeup artist Charissa, who was amazing. Not only did she make sure she asked what I was into, but when I told her this makeup would need to make it to a night out, she took special attention to the application.

I told Charissa I was feeling adventurous, so we went with a gold cream shadow--I already own one like it, so it was not a part of my final purchase--what was ended up as a total surprise: Navy blue eyeliner.

I had avoided some of the wilder hues in eyeliners and mascaras; we've all seen the girl that can't do her makeup quite right and ends up looking like the 80's attacked her face. I never would have thought navy eyeliner would look good, so when she suggested it, I reminded myself that a part of doing this blog is having new experiences with style, and sharing them with the world. (I'm all about broadened horizons--you should never stop learning.) So, I trusted my makeup artist and went with the flow--I'm so glad I did!

All in all, it was an amazing experience, not to mention, I'm in absolute L-O-V-E with butter's line now (that's left lower case in their packaging, only the London part is uppercase--I'm just attempting to be true to their chosen image *grin*)

The cosmetics are free of all the baddies--more specifically, in the polishes there is no Formaldehyde (gag), no Toluene (a solvent....definitely has no business on human skin), and no DBP--no carcinogens. If you have a little girl that loves your nail polish, you don't have to wonder what's going onto her lil' piggies.

My final purchases ended up being the navy eyeliner (I had a lot of positive feedback about it's effect on my eye color), a pink cream shadow called Pink Pistol (a blendable, long wearing shade that reminds me of ballerina slippers), and the best color blush I've ever used on my skin called Naughty Biscuit (and yes, I absolutely j'adore these names), and lastly, a free gift! A cute little clear make-up bag with a curved file, a nail polish and Lippy gloss, both in a shimmery nude shade called Hen Party:

Here's a pic of the final product--the navy eyeliner is still a surprise to me!:

Once it was time to go out, I opted for a black jersey knit dress with shoulders made on tiny gold chain link. I went with a bold dangly earring for some added flash but skipped the necklace--the gold chain lin at the shoulders already had plenty of flash. Layering on too much jewelry Ladies, looks like a little girl that got into Mom's jewelry box. A bold shoe with a pop of orange and a gold buckle were enough to finish the evening version:

 All in all, this was a really fun experience! The husband and I went to the local brewery that just opened up here in Cool (which, if you get a chance, I am giving two very enthusiastic thumbs up--the atmosphere was relaxed but modern and the food was excellent--order the deep fired mac & cheese bites!! To DIE for!)
That's all for now from Planet Style friends, Fashionistas and StyleWise Guys!!

BOYS CLUB! :)

Today's post is all for the boys and includes shades of gray--not what you're thinking I promise!!
Now that I caught your attention.....(chuckle).....:

For the office for this Fall gentlemen, gray is the big hot color. Since being forewarned is forearmed, here's a lowdown on the looks for Fall. I'll keep it simple--let me do the hard work and break it down. Follow my advice and come late September you'll look like you're at the cutting edge--without all that pesky trying!

First, let's cover the nuts and bolts--what you'll want:

Light gray jeans for casual office days and play
A medium gray suit with a small pattern for texture and visual interest (don't forget, you can break up the suit just as well as wear both pieces together--the slacks with a bowling style shirt, or the jacket with a v-neck sweater and jeans)
A dark gray overcoat--think mid-thigh length for youse guys that are closer to 6 foot. If you're on the stocky or short side, go for a length right at the bottom of your hip to keep from looking like you're drowning or melting. (If you're wondering what I mean by the bottom of your hip, imagine a horizontal line across the bottom seam on your fly. )

Now that we've outlined what three items (and the basics of cut on the overcoat) you'll need for fall, let's talk color.
Gray works with everything out there, so if you want to stand out from the crowd with minimal effort, go with turquoise or bright blue.
Yes, I'm biased, but red works quite well--take the unexpected approach and go with a red shirt and the gray jeans.
Also go with the color popping up everywhere these days: emerald green--think a little darker than lime jell-o.

The benefit of having me on stand by, my Stylewise-Guys?? ZZ Top was right--every girls crazy about a sharp dressed man. Whether your girlfriend starts wondering when you got to be so fashion forward or whether a woman stops you to say how great you look, I can't stress this clearly enough: take the credit!!!
Mention casually that your personal stylist recommended it--she WILL be impressed......unless she needs me herself, in which case you'll direct her to me (we can get her into a hot outfit) and everybody's happy.
Like Charlie says: WINNING!!

Gentlemen, I'm going to sign off now, but speaking of Charlie Sheen--search online: Charlie Sheen's shirts...
The guy has questionable taste in tattoos, but he has an awesome line of bowling shirts!
Check out www.daddyos.com !

Shopping Your Closet--

All I can say, is this one should be fun...at the very least interesting. To that end, I'll explain the concept then add a twist.
This is a Unisex project, so this is for all the Guys and Dolls!

Shopping your own closet is what you do when things seem to be getting stale; and by stale I mean always wearing that shirt with those pants. We all do it--stay within our comfort zones. Rarely does comfort provide opportunity, in life or wardrobe. Take a look at your closet as though the contents belonged to someone else, then try to put together a combination you've never tried before.
To help get in the mindset, start very basic: "What do I want to wear tomorrow?" For the gents I know the office options can be limited, but depending on the office culture, this could mean determining if you want to go with slacks or jeans.
For the gals, the sky is the limit--do I want to wear a dress? (No, not a choice for everyone, so for my lovies out there that prefer menswear, I say rock that and own it)......
....the rest being obvious: skirt, slacks and/or jeans.
Once you know what you feel like wearing in the rough sense, have a friend, roommate, spouse (etc.) check the contents of your closet bearing the rough concept in mind. Tell them, for example, I feel like wearing slacks tomorrow--then turn them loose. (Also, make sure they understand this means a whole outfit, with shoes and accessories.)
Once there's a new set of eyes in there, you'd be amazed at the fresh combinations that appear.
Someone else may be drawn to different colors than you--myself, I LOVE contrast. Wearing turquoise against bright red, electric blue against gold, purple taking orange in an unexpected direction.....j'adore! Having someone else check your pieces out for you may be quite revealing....there really is more in there than you think!

Now, we have the t-shirt incident--this will forever remain in infamy.....thinking now maybe I should have made the t-shirt incident in caps. A very dear friend who--if she is reading this knows who she is--sent me an email with a shot of a multi-step process in which one might twist and tuck an oversized t-shirt into a tube-dress/beach coverup configuration. Does anyone notice a lack of picture of my efforts at home with this? Let's just say I'm glad I tried it at home before depending on it in the trenches--EPIC FAIL slightly covers it.
I had joked with the aforementioned friend about how skinny the girl in the demonstration pics was--all knobby kneed and in serious need of some pizza. I don't know if she found the Jolly Green Giant's shirt, or if she's descended from scarecrows but here's the kicker--I am a size 2, and there was not a single oversized shirt in my 6'2", 200lb. hubbys stuff with a neck wide enough to accommodate me.
I don't know what kind of circus people WireGirl in the demo came from, but there is no way in Hades a normal person could get the neck of the t-shirt up around her chest without stretching the blasted thing to oblivion. So? I won't feature the demo on the t-shirt origami, but I will say this--pssst.......:  if you want to make your husband mad, make sure he walks into the room as you're pulling the neck of his shirt out like a hula hoop to fit your bust.......

Lastly Guys and Dolls, coming very soon, I'll be featuring some local talent here on our little style planet!
Makeup artists, manicurists, and thrift stores.....OH MY!
Stayed tuned for the best in local styling.

Casual at the office--the right way!

This bag was so fun; who doesn't love a stud or three?

Color in the office? Dare to be bold--see how amazing it looks?

Red is always a great contrast for an animal print--not only red but other jewel tones too!

A Stylist for everyone!

Greetings to everyone--and I DO mean everyone. To my fellow lovers of style, to the guys & dolls, and yes, even those that think fashion just 'isn't for them'.

I can honestly say I'm eager to share with every person out there how beautiful they really are--that the beauty of their potential deserves to be honored and celebrated. So--for my first post I'm issuing a challenge--good natured of course! :)
My challenge is for each and every one of us to look ourselves in the mirror and see: potential. Rather than scoping out flaws, what are our strengths? Freckles are resented by some--I say revel in them! Whatever you are, short and curvy, thin and narrow, we should celebrate our potential. Focusing on our flaws robs us of seeing things in ourselves such as beautiful skin, a dazzling smile, warm eyes, graceful limbs or feminine curves. Can we look at ourselves and love ourselves by drowning out the negative?

(ABSOLUTELY......but don't believe me. Really take that look.)

Now.....isn't that person, with all that potential, deserving and in need of feeling beautiful? Good! Then we're all on the same page; we all agree that YOU deserve to put on an outfit that makes you look and feel like the very best version of yourself possible.
Remember that the next time someone says that style is a waste of time of energy--honoring thyself is noble and necessary!