Style Spotlight On: Kat's Store Stop, a live In Store event, Saturday Nov. 15th 2014!

Style Spotlight On: Kat's Store Stop, a live In Store event, Saturday Nov. 15th 2014!
Air Date: November 8th, 2014

So check me out on KCRA 3, StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas, announcing my long anticipated live in-store event! :http://www.kcra.com/news/sacramentoarea-stylist-shares-tips-for-holiday-party-fashion-gifts-on-a-budget/29647756

Where: starting at Jenni Lynn Boutique (3490 Palmer Drive, #3B, Cameron Park, CA 95682)
www.jennilynn.biz
When: 11/15/2014, starting at 10:30 am
Cost: $20.00 per person (payable the day of the event)

Call/text/email: 916-412-4602/katskoolkloset@gmail.com (please include your shirt/shoe/pant/dress sizes, your height, and basic lifestyle i.e: "going to school"/"busy working mom"/"looking for a new job"/"recently lost weight"....this helps me have your dressing room put together)
***RSVP ASAP!: space is limited (I can only style so many ladies at one time, and give you the consult you deserve!)

What You Get!:
--star styling by moi (an evaluation of your body type to find the ideal cuts/fits and fabrics for you and your lifestyle)
--my photographer will be on site to get "Star Shots", so you can show your friends and family how gorgeous you are as you take over the world!
--the KatKoupon!! That's right Gang, if you're shopping with me as part of the event, you get an additional 10% off Jenni Lynn's already to die for deals! ***You'll save at least $20.00, so it's like getting my styling for free!
--dressing room service: no more standing behind the curtain in your blouse hoping for the poor sales gal to walk by to get a top in a different size.....never fear, Kat is here!!

 That's all for now Kids--til Saturday.....
...Good night, and good dress!!

XO
Kat

Style Spotlight On: Beth Gaines' Northern CA Women's Forum!!

Event date: Saturday, October 11th, 2014
William Jessup University, Rocklin CA

Hey there, StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas!

There was an unbelievable turnout for this year's NorCal Women's Forum, an event for women from all walks of life to connect, network, exchange ideas, mentor their sisters, learn, laugh and have fun!!
We were greeted by the Forum's founder Beth Gaines (Elizabeth Cady Stanton would've been so proud!):

A special shout out to my fave local newscaster, Fellow Fashionista and Mistress of Ceremony, Mae Fesai (whom was as warm, funny and friendly as she is on TV):

Mae gave a moving and empowering opening speech, and I feel compelled to share with all of you the wonderful message her mother gifted her with, which set the tone for the entire day: 'Make yourself important.' 
Every woman there was touched by the power of that message, and we took that with us into one of the breakout sessions for the day!

Friend and local author Melissa Washington led us all in our Pledge of Allegiance (because what savvy modern gal isn't a patriot?!?):

Melissa was also promoting her new book: "Get Back To Work!":


Shari of Shari's Berries fame was on hand to give a talk on her book 'Berried In Chocolate', the importance of passion in business, and being sharp about whom we trust. I can say she was as engaging as her berries are delicious!! In the manner of a knowing older sister, she broke down her story for us with humor, wisdom, and a humility not often seen in someone so successful.
And yes, like a fabulous hostess.....she brought chocolate covered berries (though I think I may not view the term 'wedgie' the same again--they're dipped apple wedges, just in case you're wondering what on earth took place in that lecture hall.....chuckle!!).

Last but certainly not least were your Fellow Fashionistas that seemed to come out in droves....

This stylish lady is on the taller side, and she uses that to her advantage to take a coquette-cute skirt into polished territory with a bold necklace, a beautiful cognac leather bag, and most importantly?? A flat shoe--note: a spiky heel with this look would take this from ladylike appropriate to "I wish I was a schoolgirl".....the choice of bold accessories, the jacket and the flat shoe refine this look from Juniors to Women's. If you swapped out the skirt for a lovely cream linen wide legged trouser, and this look goes into the office!

I know I have trouble convincing you ladies to wear a peplum, but here we have a great example of the right peplum coupled with a waist cinching belt in a neutral hue and how it minimizes the waistline. So, now that you see it my Lovelies, no more arguments ok? Yes, you CAN do a peplum!!!

Here's where I have to remind us of something: office-wear does not have to equal frump!! On paper, blouse+heels+skirt doesn't seem all that thrilling....then along come our friends Color, Cut, and Fit. Sure, black's neutral, but the bold pop of red in a body conscious shaped blouse keep this from Snoozeville. Once we add those shoes, we have successfully avoided the dreaded Frump.
Note: the higher the hemline, the lower the heel/shoe....and/or:
if, when wearing a shorter hem, you choose a knee length boot+a jacket to keep covered up? Also okay--now write it down. You'll thank me later.

Let's talk jewelry--as in, jewelry handmade and straight off the runways at NY's Fashion Week. Check these stunning pieces by Jimmie Joy Jewels. If you like something you see, let designer Cherys Jenkins know: www.jimmiejoyjewels.com/jewelry@jimmiejoyjewels.com

Well Kids, that's all for now--Goodnight, and Good Dress!!
XO, your very dear Friend in Fashion,
Kat

Style Spotlight On: Project Dress Code - Helping Our Lady Vets Dress For Success

Me and Toni Brooks

 Style Spotlight On: Project Dress Code - Helping Our Lady Vets Dress For Success

Hey there StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas!

 

I was fortunate enough recently to be involved with the 2014 CA Women's Veteran's Conference at the Sacramento Sheraton for Project Dress Code (a charitable group assisting our women veterans returning to civilian lives/careers find the attire they need to get ahead).
Each lady Vet that stopped by that day received one jewelry item, three clothing items, one handbag, and one pair of shoes. (For example, you could get a necklace, a blouse, a dress and a suit + a handbag and shoes.....or a jacket, some earrings, a skirt and a blouse + a handbag and shoes.....I could go on...). To top it all off, they got the professional styling of myself and my counterpart from Chicago, Toni Brooks!

Scarves galore!

 I was aghast to hear more than one of these amazing ladies say that it had been awhile since they had felt beautiful. Despite their bravery, quiet dignity and obvious strength, these heroes were women just like the rest of us. To be clear, my position on female personal style is this: every woman is beautiful--period.

Jewelry+positive thinking=retail therapy! (Trust me, it works wonders!)

Our lady Vets had a wide selection of beautiful items--bracelets of natural stone, 

even some pieces by Cookie Lee!

Let's also define 'strategy', then see if you can spot it in the pics below.....so for each lady I looked at her strongest/best features, and tried to balance that against the type of career she was going for.
So....without further ado ('cause who likes a bunch of ado?), here's a few pics of some of the ladies I was honored to be working for that day.

Here we have a curvy gal with tiny waist--while most of us might kill for this look, the issue we discussed was finding the right jacket for a fuller bust. You could go with a jacket that has no buttons or closures and is merely meant to drape down either side of the bust, or as in this case ties in the center just under the bust via a single closure (a series if buttons down the front increases the risk of gapping in between, so we avoided that type of fit). Also note the professional polish of this pattern--office appropriate with plenty of personality:

Note how the neutral toned pump elongates the leg line.

This lovely veteran's complexion was super fun to play with bright colors on--a beautiful, rich caramel skin tone always looks stunning with saturated jewel shades, like this gorgeous deep amethyst suit. For an added spark to match the one in her eyes, we went with a fierce animal print blouse in a neutral palette (the neutral tone balances out the bright color of the suit). This gal was soft spoken, but I don't know....something about her told me I'd never want to arm wrestle her.....chuckle!!:

Bold color meets a bold pattern--perfect for the stylish young professional (appropriate should never equal boring)!

Here we have a beautiful black sheath dress--with the right blazer or cardigan and closed toe heel, this dress could go into the office. Take off the jacket and add some more bold jewelry like a statement necklace or scarf tied at the neck and voila! You have an outfit for cocktails with clients or dinner with the husband.....(by the way Kids, this is a gal that didn't think this dress would look good on her--never forget one of Kat's most important rules: try it on!):

Check out the smile on her--that's what happens when you find the perfect dress! Confidence!!

Frankly, working with these ladies was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had as a stylist. If you've never volunteered your time or services to help our Veterans, I guarantee your doing so will be one of the best things you can do for your country and your heart.

So in closing, StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas: if you can recognize potential in yourself, you'll have a huge advantage. Ask yourself (seriously) who you want to be, and how you show that to the world--now that's style, Gang....good night and good dress!!
XO
Kat


PS--new acquisitions coming up soon....must-have pieces for Fall (and choosing wisely)...

Style Spotlight On: Sisters In Success - Women Helping Women

Hey there, StyleWise Guys And Fellow Fashionistas!
Here you'll find pics of our fashion show benefiting Working Women International--that said Gang.....Kat's tired!! Whew!!

Here I am with my adorable Site Director - quick photo op before the show!

I've been to plenty of fashion shows in my time, but being the 'It Girl' behind the scenes making it all flow smoothly? That's some work in four and a half inch Steve Madden pumps!!

Welcome to my world~a fashion show with models from every age group, body type and walk of Life.
In my world, every woman is a model and admired for her own unique beauty. So sit back and enjoy Kids!

 Each woman was specifically chosen for her strong personality, confidence, and independent spirit. (Amongst these ladies we have a math genius, some hard working single moms, even a mom and daughter team. A good cross section of brains and strength!)
And now, without further ado.....here's our models, all styled by lil' ol' moi!:

Well, know that you've met our models, I MUST give major cred to our entertainment DJ Kaution (AKA: John Morales)

Then of course, there's our lovely hair and makeup team, headed up by stylist and dear friend Madisson Brown [left] (you've seen her in previous posts...wink...):

....and here's a part of the action, backstage (ever wonder what it's like backstage at a fashion show? Three  words--fun, crazy and HOT!):

Special thanks to our vendors!

 

Cupcakes by Staci Green of Mountain House Cupcakes!

Roxanne Canales was there with her essential oils--bad stress tummy like me? Try her peppermint oil and other stress relieving potions!

And then, there's our special speakers, Director of Working Women International, Latanya Johnson....local Poetess Cindy Martin, and best of all, one of our success stories, Miss Rosie!! (By the way, Rosie is so Fabulous, one cannot speak her name without rolling the 'R'.......):

Cindy Martin

Rrrrrrosie!!! :)

Latanya Johnson on the mic, Director of Working Women International

...and here's the Marketing Committee/Working Women International!:

From left to right: Latanya/Director, Me/Marketing Director, Rilynn/Site Manager, 925 Boutique, Cindy/Board of Directors, Paul/Board of Directors, Melissa/Media Director

Great times were had by all!

Sisters in Success - Two success Stories with Latanya: Cindy (left) and Rosie (right)

Me and Sarah, one of our models, take a break for a quick glamor shot :)

Who needs Charlie? Be your own Guardian Angel!

Fun backstage with our hair artist Madi 'the Magical' Brown and our lovely model Rebecca

Well Gang, thanks to our fantastic photographer April McDonald, I could post on forever--but since I have some acquisitions in the works to photo you crazy kids, I'll make it like a gift and wrap it up. As always...Good night, and Good Dress! XOXOXO Kat

Me and my models!!!