Gladiator Glam [On a Budget].

Summer is just around the corner (thank God), and that means our feet can finally creep out of those boots and flats they’ve been stuck in for most of Fall and Spring. Here are some sweet deals I found on gladiators, my favorite go-to sandal. I pair them with dresses, rompers, jeans, even shorts. They are so versatile and can be dressed up or down. These Nicole by Nicole Miller (for JCPenney) metallic sandals would go great with a colorful printed dress. The brown leather beauties from Kohl’s could definitely work with a linen or cotton romper. Lastly, I envision the black ones from Target with an acid wash denim skinny and a leather jacket if you’re feeling edgy. Halle Berry has even caught the gladiator fever and paired them with an asymmetrical jersey dress for a relaxed but put-together look. Glam up your look with some gladiators asap!

K.

Cover Girl.

How smokin' hot does Gwen look on this cover? I strongly recommend you all pick up this issue of InStyle. It has really great ideas of how to incorporate more color into your everyday clothes (hence, "The Color Issue"). Ironically, her spread in the magazine is done almost entirely in black and/or white pieces. In the top photo, Gwen is wearing all of her own designs (L.A.M.B anyone??) minus the Vuitton bangles. This is a totally new way of doing an "all white" night-time look. Who knew this rocker-chick would want to wear white lace from head to toe? Totally Madonna and totally loving it...


K.

Day to Night.

Ready to reinvent some looks with your own closet? Try taking pieces that work for day and night, and then accessorize accordingly. These See by Chloé shorts can be dressed up or down---I'm absolutely loving the dressy shorts trend. I took a bit of a risk with these tops. If you look at the tank, you'll see a black lace bra peeking out. I've been seeing this trend in almost every magazine I read. I know it's not a trend for everyone, but for those of you who are adventurous...it needs to be done tastefully. For daytime, go with a sandal or gladiator, fun bangles, and a messenger bag. To dress it up, add a blazer like this Elizabeth and James beauty, clutch, bold necklace, and heels (these are my DREAM...Dior Extremes--yes Carrie wore them 24/7 in SATC: The Movie). So next time you think a piece in your closet works only for day or for night, style it with the right accessories and additional pieces. You'll [practically] have two complete looks for the price of one! K.

MNF [Monday Night Fashion]

Mark your planners, calendars, BBs, Iphones, etc. for tomorrow night. At 7:30 in the Retiz's Rion Ballroom, fantastic fashions will be shown. No matter what your aesthetic is, you are sure to admire some of these looks. Our team has been working extremely hard attending meetings, soliciting to local stores, and spending endless hours styling these looks. There will be multi-cultural and contemporary portions of the show. What many people don't realize is that a lot of the trends today are based on tribal and ethnic looks from the past. The contemporary portion will consists of looks inspired by cities around the world (i.e. San Francisco, Paris, Palm Beach, etc.) I've been styling looks inspired by the authentic multi-cultural looks as well as the "jet-setting" looks. Best part about the show? It supports Gators United for Haiti as well as the environment (we're using all vintage or sustainable fabrics). It's going to be a lot of fun. Hope to see you there!

K.

Bi-Polar Wedding Looks?

So I had a little idea that I thought would be fun. I created two looks, both for weddings at the same level of formality (wedding season is just around the corner, ladies). On the left, I chose an adorable Milly dress...(designer Michelle Smith is very into fun, flirty pieces). I accessorized with Chanel studs and bag, sparkly Louboutins, and a Milly necklace (going Milly crazy today, I'm not exactly sure why). I picture this on a conservative, preppy girl who sticks to the classics. The second look is actually not a dress. I paired a silk satin skirt with a striped silk bustier top. After spending all day at a vintage shop and realizing it is the perfect place to find both classic and unique belts, I went with this gold vintage one. It is only $25...such a steal. It has a retro feel, but when paired with the top and skirt it fits into the eclectic look I was going for. I had to put this snakeskin clutch because it complimented the blue tones and hoops so well. Threw in some metallic birdcage platforms and voilá...perfect outfit for your sassy, risk-taking friend. OK, back to my "idea"...I want each of you to choose the look that you would wear to a wedding and either text me or leave a comment below. I REALLY want to hear your input to get insight into your personal style (I'm pretty sure each girl is one or the other---in reference to the looks). I love both but one is more me. I'll tell you my pick after my next post (if you can't already guess), but I want to keep it non-biased. Tough decisions to make but someone's gotta make 'em.

K.

Color Trend: Electric Blue.

A HUGE color for the Spring/Summer Seasons is electric blue. We saw it last September on the runways at fashion week, and I'm so glad we did. This Stella McCartney (my all-time favorite designer...well, she's at a tie with Diane von Furstenberg) pantsuit is eye-catching to say the least. But who doesn't like to stand out [fabulously] in a crowd? A must-have this summer is a bright bag, and this Balenciaga tote (or let's get real...something similar to it) is a great way to start utilizing this color trend. I've also been seeing a lot of electric blue nail polish (think Whitney Port from The City). Or you can steal some ideas from real-life Barbie doll, Blake Lively. I noticed these amazing leggings on Monday night's episode of Gossip Girl and knew I had to incorporate them into the blog somehow. Until next time...

K.

Sienna Miller Copy Cat.

In her everyday life, Sienna Miller is simply an adorable mess. She admits to rarely premeditating her outfits and just goes with whatever she feels like for that day. Whimsical definitely works for Ms. Miller. To get her look, start with a bag such as this Proenza Schouler mini messenger bag. It's perfect for running errands. The floral crop top is a necessity for any girl's wardrobe this season. Pair it with a some Genetic Denim skinnies (Kelly Cutrone's personal favorite) and a studded belt. Of course Sienna's signature look would not be complete without a pair of gladiators and over-sized shades (these Chloé ones are hot hot hot).

K.

Delightful Deals.

I went to Kohl's today and went straight to the LC Lauren Conrad collection as usual. To my surprise, the entire collection was on sale. These are the pieces I bought for spring. My favorite has to be...well, actually, there's no way I can choose a favorite. The over-sized printed top is a beautiful color and can be thrown over almost any pant to complete a look. I've been dying for a pair of cropped trousers, and these were just calling my name. They have a really easy fabric and a relaxed fit. What more could a girl want? Which brings me to my last selection...the pearl-ish sheer sequin dress. I was hesitant to try this color on because it usually washes me out, but it looked fantastic. I have two weddings to attend this summer, and I'm happy to say one dress down, one to go. Still brainstorming about accessories and shoes. The best part about today? I got all of these looks for under $100. Thank you Lauren Conrad!

K.

Elizabeth and James.

Mary-Kate and Ashley are at it again. Elizabeth and James (named after their sister and brother) is one of the twins' favorite projects. They are so deeply involved in the designing of this line that you can almost see either of them in each piece. Mary-Kate's boho chic edge mixed with Ashley's classic style is a recipe for some fantastic clothes. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye from their past collections. Take note of the amazing gothic jewelry designed by Robert Lee Morris. Nature is definitely one of Morris's inspirations for whatever he does, and Elizabeth and James is no exception. The silver snake bangle is my absolute favorite. Browse their lookbooks and past collections on their site. You'll be happy you did.

K.

Vintage Paradise.

Vintage shopping has revolutionized the way in which savvy fashionistas shop. But what exactly is considered vintage? Any pieces dated between the 1920 and 1980 are typically dubbed "vintage". For all of you who have never been second-hand shopping or are too scared to step foot into a vintage shop, I am here to put you at ease. Some of the best shopping experiences I've had have been at flea markets and vintage shops alike. However, you must be patient enough to sift through some junk to get to the jewels. While in Manhattan this summer, my friends and I made a little trip over to the West Side (West 39th Street and 9th Avenue to be exact) to Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. Needless to say we had a field day...tents and tents filled with the most original garments, belts, bags, jewelry, etc. You name it, they had it. Each piece has a story, and if you're lucky, the vendors will be happy to share it with you. Remember to bargain too. If you've got good bargaining skills, you'll leave with some of the greatest deals of your life. Some of our purchases included Pucci rainboots for $15, a one of a kind bamboo and metallic clutch for $20, and an Hermés scarf for $40...just to name a few. So next time you pass by a vintage shop or flea market, don't be afraid to take a look around. After all, one fashionista's trash could be your new treasure.

K.