Wednesday, March 8, 2017
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!
So now we need to bling this up 80's style, so what's my recommendation for a shoe?
--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...
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!:
Ok Gang, that's all for now!
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!
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| Source: kohls.com |
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:
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| 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)...
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| Girl's Night Out? Rock this sexy but sophisticated number with the black and gold heels below.... Source: Kohls.com |
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| Aren't these simply too die for?! A touch of flash and the look pops for evening. Source: Venus.com |
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| Off the shoulder sheen? Absolutely! With the right accessories this could go rocker-chick or girl-next-door in a heartbeat! Source: Kohls.com |
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| 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...
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| Stunning isn't it?! Source: Venus.com |
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| 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?:
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| Not too sure you want to pile on the glam? Add a belt over a basic sheath dress for a pop. Source: Venus.com |
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| Mirror shine pumps look amazing with a slim fit dark wash jean + a bright colored blazer...effortlessly 80's-esque! Source: Kohls.com |
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:
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| Source: https://www.fendi.com/us/woman |
- 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:
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| Source: http://www.venus.com |
- 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:
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| 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:
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| 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.
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| Source: Mario Badescu, https://www.mariobadescu.com) |
--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!
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| (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).
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| 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
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