Color Blocking

April 25th, 2012


Happy April everyone!

This April has been an awesome April for me.  I have been married to my amazing husband for one year now – we celebrated our anniversary on April 16th :)   The weather here in Texas has been gorgeous the last couple weeks!  It has been nice and warm during the day with lots of sunshine and the nights have been cool and breezy.  It makes me want to be outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather.

This weather makes me want to wear bright and fun colors!  There are so many great options out there right now for wearing bright colors.  Some of my favorite colors trends are the corals and mint green colors!  But honestly I am a color junkie in general…and I am super excited that one of the huge trends of the moment is color blocking!  Why just wear one color when you can block a bunch of amazing ones together?!  DUH! :)

Color Blocking is combining different colors that support and compliment each other.  It works well with wearing complimentary colors ex. Orange and Blue or Purple and Yellow (colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel).

Here is a color wheel for you to reference when trying to put color blocking outfits together:

You can color block by using separate pieces like this:

Or if you are just starting out and want to wear the trend, but are not exactly sure how to get it right just buy something that is already color blocked for you like these items:

Adrinanna Papell Sleeveless Colorblock Jersey Sheath Dress available at www.nordstom.com $188.

Donna Morgan Pleat Front Kimono Sleeve Dress available at www.nordstrom.com $168.

Isola Wedge Sandal available at www.nordstrom.com $159.95.

Just add a color block shoe and wear with a neutral dress or skinnies and white, classic button up.

Mazar Pump – one of my favorites!  Available at www.aldoshoes.com $110.

These are just a few examples of how to add this awesome trend to your everyday style.  Do it with just a stunning shoe or be bold and try it with a bunch of pieces.  Remember to use complimentary colors and not to go over board.  But have fun and pick pieces that speak to you and make you happy…and add a little color blocking to your life for spring and summer and step out in bold style!

Fun and Affordable Websites for Accessories

November 8th, 2011

So in case you guys were wondering I am a total accessories junkie.  I cannot get enough….it is bad.

But I am pretty good at finding some great and affordable things online and wanted to share some of my favorite recent finds and sites with you.

One site that I recently discovered that I really like is:

www.shoplemode.com

They have really fun, colorful and trendy bags, accessories, clothes and shoes.  Here are some of my favorite finds on their site for fall:

This blue statement necklace is a great price and will add color to any outfit.  I guarentee you will get tons of compliments on this one!  And it is only $29.00.

This necklace has great bright colors and a unique shape and design and is very trendy and fun. Only $19.00.

Another site I really like for finding some hidden gems is:

www.gojane.com

This Owl Necklace is a great converstation piece.  And it is very cute, trendy and fun. And it is affordable $22.10.

This Over sized pink clutch is a great buy and will add a fabulous pop of color to any simple outfit ($35.10).

This site is a little more pricey, but they have killer jewelry and I have fallen victim to some of their unique pieces:

www.fantasyjewelrybox.com

This site is a jewelry lovers dream!  They have awesome items and they are great quality!  Sometimes the other sites I mentioned above will carry the same things as Fantasy Jewelry Box, but for a better price…so before you buy on this site I would check the other two first and make sure that they do no have it at a discounted rate.

These Emerald earrings are show stoppers and are perfect for a night out on the top with girlfriends or for a date night.  They are $54.95.

These orange chandelier earrings are so pretty and a great color for the fall.  They would be great to wear to Thanksgiving parties.  ($28.95)

This necklace is an awesome color!  And super fun and edgy!  It totally reminds me of something that Rihanna would wear.  This is $49.95 – and all of the necklaces on Fantasy Jewelry Box come with matching earrings!  I am not a fan of wearing the matching earrings with the necklaces – but they are great to wear separate!

So those are just a few of my recent fun finds.  I hope that you guys like them.  If any of you need advice or help on and fashion or accessory questions…just send me comments and I would be happy to answer your questions.  Thank you so much and have an awesome day!  Don’t forget to grab some accessories! :)

Passion

November 8th, 2011

Happy November friends!

Passion:  A powerful emotion, such as love, joy, hatred, or anger.

I was reading one of my awesome friend’s blog and she was talking about being passionate.  And it really made me think about what I am passionate about.  Obviously one of the things that really gets me excited is fashion!  I love every aspect of it – from creating a sketch of a dress all the way up to putting together that perfect outfit.  Fashion just makes me so happy!!!  Seeing the new styles and classic styles; fashion shows; fashion magazines; shoes; accessories; anything related to fashion just makes me get excited and makes my blood flow.  I really do love it.

BUT I also really love making other people happy.  Making someone else genuinely happy is  honestly one of the best feelings in the whole, entire, wide world in my opinion.  It is so easy to take the time to do a little kind deed and the smallest gesture of kindness can make someone’s day – which in turn will make that person want to do something nice and it creates a reaction of awesome-ness!

One of my favorite quotes is from a great reggae singer Buju Banton:  “Joy is a stream…go start the flow.”

That is such a simple statement, but can make such a big impact on the world.  Being kind and considerate is so important in every aspect of our lives.  It is really not hard.  Just take a step back and think before you speak or do things and be conscious of your words and actions.  Living a passionate life will make you feel so much more fulfilled.  Do things that make you happy.  Spend time with the family and friends in your life who are passionate and make you want to be a better person and inspire you.  Life is too short to take things for grated and to hold grudges – let go and enjoy your life.

I know this is all very easy to say, but for some people this could be tough to put into practice.  But like I said, just make a conscious effort and after awhile it will become a lot easier and eventually you won’t even have to think about it.  It will just come to you naturally.

I know not everyone can have their dream job – but if you are lucky enough to be able to have a job and a career that you are passionate about – treasure it!  If you don’t have a dream job, it is never too late to try to live your passion.  Even if you can’t get a steady pay check living your passion you should still make time for it when you can.  If your passion is drawing draw whenever you have time.  Take the time to do the things you love and that you feel passionate about and it will make you a happier fulfilled person.  I speak from experience…this blog and writing and researching fashion is one of my passions and since I have started my blog and began writing about fashion it has made me get so excited and want to do it more and more and hopefully help and touch as many people as possible.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog.  I am happy and thankful to have the ability to express myself in this blog and hope that it inspires you to follow your passion and live a full and awesome life!

Fashion Obsessed

October 19th, 2011

If loving fashion is a crime, I plead guilty!

Do any of you ever get fashion obsessed?  I know this may sound like a ridiculous question – and it very well might be.  I am asking this because I suffer from this very often!  I will see a necklace, pair of shoes, bag…etc….and I know definitely do not “need” that item at all in a logical sense….but I need it!  I have a room full of accessories ( I admit it – I have a problem).  But that pair of shoes, necklace, bag etc. (I love accessories) will haunt my very being.  I over obsess about the item…thinking of outfits I can make with it and items that I have that I can pair it with to make the “perfect outfit”.  I am pretty sure “normal” people do not do this….but I definitely do.  Sometimes when I am bored and day dreaming I put outfits together in my head and think of new a fun ways to wear things I have – my brain is full of so many outfits and different combos – it is unreal. Being in love with fashion is definitely a full time job….haha…I was just wondering if anyone else out there has this problem or if I am the only fashion crazed maniac?!  haha

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – Coco Chanel

Fierce Fall Fashion

October 18th, 2011

Hello Fashionistas.

There are three things that I think everyone should have in their closet for the fall season – red, animal prints and fur! These three things can take your wardrobe from average to fabulous!

The nice thing about these three trends is that they are very trendy and on point for the style of the moment, but they are also classic style pieces.  If you pick the right pieces you will be able to keep them around for years to come and incorporate them into numerous amazing outfits.

Red is an easy way to add some spice to any outfit.  Just throw on a bright red scarf and you have instantly gained ten points on the chic scale (not the evil weight scale).  Another great way to add a splash or color and elegance to any outfit is by painting on some red lips!  Red lipstick is such a classic look and can rev up  the most simple make-up.  Be sure to do more neutral eyes and cheeks so that the lips stand out.

Below is a picture of Nicole Richie – one of my style icons in a great day time outfit with neutral colors – black and grey, but she spiced it up with the awesome red scarf.

If you are looking for awesome scarves please check out:

http://www.devsscarves.com.

She makes original, handmade scarves and they are amazing and affordable.

Instead of the LBD (little black dress)…think little red dress!  Red is a statement color and is a fun way to branch out from always wearing black.  Pick a dress in a classic sheath style and you will be able to wear it for years to come.

Here is a great Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Pleat Detail Crepe Sheath dress ($98.00).  Availale at:

www.nordstrom.com

Even adding a simple red pump or flat to an outfit can be just that little bit of color and va va voom that you need to make you feel like a super star.

Animal prints can also be an easy addition to any wardrobe, but can also be a tricky trend.  You want to add subtle and classy animal prints ex. Throw on a leopard print scarf, killer stiletto, and a belt or simply grab a clutch.  Accessories are one of the best ways to add a trend, but not take it over board ex. A leopard print jumper might be a little too much.  Think little touches when adding animal print to keep it classy, fresh and fun.

Here is one of my favorite Leopard Flats that I have found this season – The Madee Leopard Slide ($119.95) available at: www.stevemadden.com

Fur makes a great statement and it was all over the runways for fall fashion.  This can be an intimidating thing to add to a wardrobe for some people, but can also be the perfect addition.  With fur, also be careful to not go overboard.  Stick to neutral real life colors like tan, black grey etc.  The fake and bright colors can be too much and make and outfit look cheap.  There are so many great faux furs out there now, so you do not have to worry about getting red paint thrown on you like Samantha in Sex and The City when she wore the white fur coat or hurting innocent animals.

You can find fabulous fur pieces at stores all over from Saks Fifth Avenue to Nordstrom and even American Eagle Outfitters or a great vintage store.

Here is a glamorous fur vest from H&M available at http://www.hm.com/us/ for the bagain price of  $69.00.  See you can even find faux fur at an affordable price!

All of these trends would be great to incorporate into your fall wardrobe.  Remember when picking your items you should pick things that you love and that make you feel confident.  Confidence is the best accessory and can make any outfit an instant success.

All about me…The beginnings of a fashionista.

October 7th, 2011

Hello fellow fashion lovers…

My name is Kelly and ever since I can remember I have always loved fashion!  I was born in Canada and grew up in Barbados in the Caribbean.  I moved to Texas when I was fifteen years old and have been here ever since.  I love Texas, but am definitely an island girl at heart and am very proud of my roots and culture.  I am very lucky to have grown up on such a beautiful island.  I think because of my diversity, experiences traveling and experiencing different cultures I have a very open mind. I am constantly trying to learn new things and gain new and fun experiences.  Despite my diverse background one thing has always been a constant interest for me and that thing is fashion.

When I was a little girl I used to parade around the house in nothing but my undies and tons of accessories.  I loved to be perfectly accessorized with my mother’s beaded necklaces around my neck or huge pink, plastic, clip on earrings that I “borrowed” from the grandmother’s room… and of course some heels that were about 5 sizes too big for me…. Flaunting my outfit creations all over the house making the world my audience at the “Kelly Fashion Show”…and not much has changed…I do wear more than just the undies now…But I am still a slave to accessories, shoes and everything fashion.

My sister, Jenni and I used to wake up early on Sunday morning and watch Style on CNN with Elsa Clench -The program dealt with fashion and design from around the world.  I envied the models show casing the designer’s latest creations.  I loved to see the awesome colors, textures, and fabrics…just everything about it was like a fairy tale to me and from that moment I was hooked.

As I am sure you have gathered from reading so far…Fashion is definitely my passion.  I decided to start writing a blog to get some of my creativity and ideas out there.  Some of the things I am going to be talking about are designers, trends, stores, how to get designer looks for less, how to put together outfits and reinvent your closet, accessories, shoes and bags…and pretty much anything related to fashion that comes to mind…So if you love fashion please feel free to come back and check out my blog….I would really appreciate any feedback and would be happy to help with any fashion emergencies or questions that you may have.  Thank you very much for checking out my page and I am very excited to get started on this fashion journey!