TREND ALERT: ROLLING OUT OF BED

'I woke up like this.' We've heard the popular expression time and time again and what brings it to life in its truest form, is the oddly-popular-yet-hard-to-accept, pajama trend. Sleepwear has gotten the street style treatment and more and more people (myself included) are jumping on the bandwagon. 

I'll admit- I was VERY hesitant about this trend- it could appear borderline sloppy or simply lazy- like you literally rolled out of bed and out the door, looking like a madwoman. Maybe it was part envy as well. Let's face it. We all want to be comfortable. Do you guys remember those Chinese pajama sets as kids?! I was OBSESSED. I must have had them in every color. Then Marc Jacobs came out with a collection sometime in 2001-2002 and I spent like $150 on a red Chinese top just because it reminded me of those Chinese pajamas and I wore it religiously. I remember back then thinking, 'I'm wearing a pajama top out in the street!' A very expensive pajama. Ha! 

Fast forward 16 years later, and the pajama trend has blown up. From runway shows to magazine shoots, it's a trend that has gained traction and many loyal followers. There are endless prints and patterns, fabrics, and silhouettes. You can rock anything from a slip dress to a two piece coordinating pajama set. I had done the slip dress trend plenty. It's actually really versatile and I throw it on with a pair of boots and sometimes even a tee underneath. For me, it was the two piece pajama look that I was tempted to try but couldn't get myself to do. 

I few months ago on a trip to Marshalls, I found this dusty pink set in the store's trendy Cube section. I was immediately drawn to the color, the Asian-inspired print, and the fact that the pants were culottes! That just sold me. Okay, I was going for it and there was no turning back now. 

I fell in love. Why was I so late to this trend?! I didn't think it was for me, didn't think I could pull it off, and now I was a convert. Dress me up in sleepwear any day! 

The trick to this look is how to dress it up properly so that you don't look like you're really just sleepwalking and someone needs to wake you up from the hot mess of your outfit. I personally wouldn't wear this look with any slipper-like shoe, unless you're really taking the look literally. I opted for a pair of athleisure pom-pom sneakers in the same color palette, so I was still comfortable without looking like I was ready for bedtime. 

Depending on the print and fabric, accessorize with a statement clutch. I would even do a fanny! It would look SO cute! I actually wore this look with a fanny and I loved it. Also, play with some statement earrings. Tassel earrings would look adorable with the PJ's! My focal accessory are these exaggerated heart-shaped sunnies with pink lenses. Hey, if you're on the street wearing pajamas, you can't take yourself too seriously! 

One last thing- makeup! You can make a statement with a bold lip color or a bright lid. Get playful! I kept it neutral with pinks and creams, but just think (no with this particular set) what a bold red lip or a hot pink hue would do to a look! 

When Danielle Margherite (Instagram @dmargherite)  and I got together to shoot this look, the newly renovated lobby of the Biltmore Hotel was just calling our name with this pale pink pajama set. The hotel lobby is vibrant and oozing of a marriage of Mediterranean architecture, mixed with elegant Old World features and some touches of new romantic modernism. One thing is for sure, the historic beauty, romanticism, and European grandiose is what continues to makes the hotel a popular landmark and travel destination amongst local and international travelers. 

The lighting and the mood literally set the tone for our photos. I may or may not have laid on one of the plush furniture pieces! I mean, I was technically dressed for it. Some of my favorite photographs from this batch were the ones alongside the Gothic-like standing chandelier. It gave me Haunted Mansion vibes! The staircase and fireplace added character and the lush curtain drapes were very extra- in a gorgeous and rich kind of way. 

So there you have it, folks. I am now a card-carrying member of the pajama trend and I'm already on the hunt for my next set. I've added dusters and pajama button down tops, but; what this gal needs is a new set. If you see one you think I would love, send your girl a DM! 

How do you feel about the pajama trend? 

In Style, 

Kat 

Changing Things Up and Doing You.

I've always been somewhat of a fashion chameleon, always trying new things and changing up my look. For starters, my hair has been every shade under the sun (think orange, blonde, black, even a reddish plum). I spent a pretty penny growing up buying color in a box, and then when I could afford it, I started making trips to the salon. When I first moved to NY,  I was sporting some caramel and honey colored highlights; and I was so obsessed, I would literally fly down to Miami to get them done every 6-8 weeks. Anyways, I lost my train of thought. The point is, that I often change my look; not just when it comes to hair, but fashion as well. I think it's so fun to test the waters and try new things. Along the way, you unknowingly find your true style personality. I know I did.

My fashion evolution has been wild. I love looking back at old photos and seeing all the different phases I've gone through style wise. Some are quite memorable and almost questionable (too tight bright pants that often gave me camel toe), and others I would still rock today (from vintage tees and jeans from Goodwill to pointy toe Jimmy Choo heels). Here's what I've found to be consistent in those periods of change: I like long, dark brown hair. It's what I always go back to when it comes down to it, though right now, I'm really obsessed with my Kimmy K long blonde moment. I love bangs too. Fashion wise- skinny jeans, blouses, animal prints, booties, booties with dresses, florals. Lots and lots of florals. And stripes. Seems like I own a lot of striped tops. I rather dresses to any other type of clothing and I love anything high-waisted. I dislike cap sleeves, pencil skirts, super high heels, and anything extremely tight. I need room for food, plus I don't need anyone asking me if I'm pregnant. Though I do love to wear extremely tight things when I'm pregnant because I can get away with it AND I don't have to suck in my stomach.

Even today, at 37 years young, I still find it fun to try a new look while still keeping to what I like and  what works for me. My husband teases that I've changed my looks so many times in the 16 years we've been together, that it feels like he's with someone different every time! Jokes aside though, he loves it. He has no choice.

Here's the thing, though. I dress for me. I don't dress for anyone else or to be up on the latest trends. I definitely do not wear things I don't like or don't suit me, no matter what Vogue magazine says. You can't buy into trends just because. If something is 'trendy,' it doesn't mean you HAVE to wear it. It also doesn't mean it'll work for you. There are many trends I like but I also know that some are not for me, and I'm not buying into those just because everyone is doing it or wearing it. 

If I wear something, it's because I like it and it works for me. That's all that matters. If you don't like it, as I say in Spanish, Bueno. Which brings me to this post! 

First off, can I say how crazy that these photos were taken about a month or so ago and I already look different! Ha! That's what I am talking about. My real hair is slightly longer, I have extensions, and I'm growing out my bangs. I'm definitely trying out different color palettes with the blonde hair that I hadn't tried out before. Big difference! 

Back to this look. I am digging the 90's grunge vibe this outfit is giving off with the platinum blonde. From the black and yellow plaid pattern, to the white booties with fishnet socks, It screams 'Courtney Love Grunge Cool' minus the drug addiction (😳).  I paired it with a studded black belt and with a tiger embellished chain purse. You know I had to throw in the aviator specs in there, or as my friends jokingly refer to them as, my child molester glasses (or Jeffrey Dahmer glasses).  Knowing how much they dislike them, I make it a point to wear them even more! 

Guess who likes them, though? I do! 

I had such mixed feedback from this look when I first posted it on Instagram. Some people loved it and thought it was cool and funky, while others were perplexed as to why I would wear this. I found the variety in opinions hilarious and interesting because it all comes down to personal taste, really. I love hearing the feedback, though.

I love this Zara tunic dress. The belt is also Zara. It's so comfortable and easy to wear.  I actually wore it with a black turtleneck underneath and it looked fab and even cozier! That's another BIG style change for me. Back in the day, my motto was, the tighter the better- tight tops, tight dresses, tight skirts.  Lots of cleavage. Breast spillage everywhere! Now, it's the complete opposite. I love loose-fitting pieces, my lady bits are strapped in (not to say they don't come out once in a while to play), and not everything is 'matchy matchy.' Oh goodness. The days of matchy matchy.

I love the hook detailing on the side of the dress. I opted to leave it open so I had more of a slit. I also love that this is the kind of dress that you can dress up or dress down. You can wear it with sneakers or you can wear it with booties. For me, this versatility is KEY.

So whether you're a fan of this look or your not, I hope you take away one important thing. Dress for you. Dress to  Impress yourself. Don't worry about anyone else. You do you.

**** ALL PHOTOS BY Photos by Jenise. ****

In Style, 

Kathy 

Summer's Last Hurrah Featuring TJ Maxx and Hotel Colonnade

Slap my hand for I have sinned! I have been promising this post for a few weeks now; but with the appearance of Hurricane Irma and my own two tiny hurricanes at home, well, blog stuff has gotten postponed. Alas though, I am currently here, sitting in front of my computer, tapping away at this thirsty keyboard, and bringing you the last 'summer' post of 2017 (well, because summer seems to always overstay its welcome in Miami). 

It's been a fun and busy summer, with some hiccups along the way (lice, anyone); but the Buccio family has taken full advantage of lazy days with no bedtimes; and, adventures where we could take them. We've cruised, we hit the beach, we did field trips to the museum and every indoor playground imaginable. We decorated cupcakes, did staycations, went to the movies, had countless play dates, celebrated 10 years of marriage, had too much fun back to school shopping, and visited family in NYC (thanks, Irma). Our tiny (albeit beautiful and loving) terrorist turned two and our number one girl officially became a Kindergartener. We came, we saw, we conquered summer. 

On one of our last summer hurrahs, we were invited to experience the newly revamped Hotel Colonnade in Coral Gables (http://www.hotelcolonnade.com). I've often posted about the Hotel Colonnade because it holds a very special place in our hearts- we got married here! Our wedding reception was held in the iconic rotunda and boy, was it memorable (don't ask me, ask the hotel, the guests, and the wedding planner)!  It was a breathtaking setting of red roses and candle (like the red wedding minus the gory deaths), and we sang with the band (we may have broken a guiro), puppies were let loose on the dance floor, and someone (ahem, possibly the bride), ended up in the fountain. Sign of a good time! So when we were invited for a weekend staycation, we were thrilled! Not only were we going to relive some amazing memories, but we wanted to share them with our kids too. 

                         

The hotel has undergone an impressive face lift without sacrificing any of the historic and luxurious elements that make it special. Walk into the Hotel Colonnade now, and you are transported to a more modern, more hip boutique hotel in the heart of Coral Gables. You get the coolness and sophistication rolled in one; so, whether you're a family of four or a couple of lovebirds looking for a chic getaway, its got you covered. The decor is eclectic and vibrant, with pops of color and unique architectural features that can be found on everything from bed pillows and lobby mirrors. 

There were so many things we loved about the hotel; but one of my favorite things believe it or not, was breakfast at the Aragon Cafe. The cafe is so reminiscent of a European hotspot. We loved starting our day with the breakfast buffet and delicious pastries made fresh daily- chocolate muffins for the kids, guava and cheese pastries for us. It was a comfortable setting with cute sofas jazzed up with colorful pillows and mismatched chairs. It was a great spot to catch up on some leisurely reading- which we did (it wasn't just for picture purposes)! Speaking of, the Hotel Colonnade team really knew how to make us feel extra welcome! If you saw my Instastories, I'm sure you caught some of the surprises they left for us in the room! We were so appreciative of them going the extra mile! A bottle of champagne for mom and dad, fashion magazines and a pool hat for mom, the most adorable dragon towel for our baby dragon, and a mermaid tail float for Maya. That's what I call attention to detail! 

Another favorite, especially for the kids, was the family suite! Talk about an upgrade! You really see the hotel's transformation firsthand when you step into one of the rooms. Our room was two floors, with a bunk bed, a second bathroom, and a big screen TV for the kids on the second floor. As you can imagine, they were in HEAVEN.  Mom and dad were able to have semi-privacy with our own bed and bathroom on the first floor and our own TV, where we watched whatever we wanted to watch  (it's the little things). Our room overlooked the hotel pool, with views of Miracle Mile. The hotel is walking distance to some great shops and restaurants (we made several trips to Barnes and Nobles with the kids). You can also take a trolley or jump on one of the hotel's bikes available for guests to rent at no charge! Convenience is key, and the hotel makes it SO easy to explore everything the Gables has to offer. We actually kept it very local with dinner at the hotel's 'unofficial/official' restaurant, House Kitchen and Bar (http://www.housekitchenbar.com), which is not only delicious and kid-friendly, but also happens to be a nightly hotspot with great music and a lively crowd; and, before dinner, we made sure to pop into the also upgraded and renovated hotel bar. It's so chic with old photographs of the hotel, friendly bartenders, and a conversation friendly layout that makes it a great spot to grab a drink before hitting the town! 

Have I sold you yet on a staycation at the Hotel Colonnade?! You gotta go! 

Let's not forget the pool! I'm more of a 'laid back- lounge on a chaise- swim at my leisure- kind of girl- which basically means I don't like loud pool parties with loud music, loud people, or raucous. Hanging at the Colonnade pool with the kids was DIVINE and fit the bill for my pool needs. They have pool noodles for the kids, sofas and chairs to lay out on, and though the pool is not huge, it serves its purpose! The only thing I would add is drink service at the pool. Nothing a cocktail can't fix! 

Our staycation at the Hotel Colonnade coincided with back to school shopping for Maya, so before hitting the hotel, we stopped at one of our favorite stores, TJ Maxx, and loaded up on some outfits and school supplies! Now, did you think that I wasn't going to pick up something for myself at the Maxx?! It's back to school shopping for me too, right?! I AM going to school with her, so it all makes sense. I thought it would be perfect to bring our outfits along to our staycation. 

Maya loves picking out her clothes and though I like to give my input on things (because I'm a stage mom), I want her to be able to express herself and find things she loves (with mom's approval, of course). She gets so excited when she finds something that she really likes and if it looks like anything I have in my closet, she freaks out. Twinsies! That's what I love about big box stores like TJ Maxx, you find incredible deals at amazing prices. It's guilt-free shopping! After browsing through the kids' section, Maya picked out this navy blue and white Hello Kitty dress, because hello! It's Hello Kitty! She loved the tutu skirt because its fun to twirl, she said, and she wants to wear it to a playdate with her school friends. 

She also picked up this furry penguin notebook for school because that's where she wants to write about her day and her feelings, she told me. That's right girl, let those feelings out! Express yourself! There's a budding writer inside of you. 

It's on to my look, kids! The obsession is real with this TJ Maxx wrap around dress; and, for $19.99 it was quite the steal! The color combination instantly caught my eye! The fuchsia with aqua just screams, POP POP POP! I'm all about versatility and what I love about this dress, is that I've worn it several times in different settings, with different shoes, makeup, and accessories. When I go shopping, I'm all about practicality. Long are the days of buying something and only wearing it once. Goodness, I think back at how much money I spent in my 20s buying a trend piece that I only wore one time. I would probably have a designer closet with all that wasted money.  Nowadays, if I can't wear something more than five times, it doesn't go home with me. My dollars need to take me far! 

This is one of those dresses. I've already worn it three times and no doubt I'll be wearing it again, considering Miami is an endless summer. Guess what, though?! If I really wanted to take it into fall, all I have to do is throw on a leather jacket, some tights, some leather booties or heels, and I'm ready for pumpkin spice lattes! 

I've really been into dresses with sneakers in the last year and it doesn't look like I'll be retiring that 'ladylike ath-leisure' vibe anytime soon. Case in point- I paired the dress with these insane Sam Edelman pom pom slip-ons I scored at the Maxx! Not a likely combination, but that's whats fun about fashion- pairing the unexpected and making it work! Like a true Maxxinista, I scrounged through every shelf to find a size 6 in these beauties and I did!

You're looking at a very satisfied fashionista. 

No look is complete without the perfect shade of lipstick, and mine was begging for a hot pink pout! I couldn't think of a more fashionable way to wrap up such a fun staycation! 

In Style, 

Kat 

The Rocco Report: 26 weeks- 4D Special!

Hello my honey boos! Did you miss me?! I did- because I couldn't wait to share my latest post with you all! I've had the most incredible couple of days! This past Sunday my closest girlfriends and family hosted a beautiful boho luxe baby shower for Baby Rocco and I in Miami. It was everything I wanted and more. Next week I'll be bringing you two special posts on the shower and my collaboration with Pea in a Pod Maternity, so stay tuned! 

Today, Coco and I went to go see our little man in 3D/4D at Ultrasound  Imaging Center, Peek in a Pod (http://apeekinthepod4d.com). This was our second time at their office. A few months back, we took our families to find out the sex of our baby and it was so fun and exciting to have shared that experience with them! 

When you go to your OB's office or to your sonogram appointments at the hospital, 3D/4D is not always an option (it really depends on the technician and the facility), and as your baby gets into those late 20 and 30 weeks and they have a little more fat on them (and are looking less like gremlins) it's so surreal to see their changing form and features as they  grow and reach full development. And the reality is you want to see your baby. You want to know what you're having, see how they look, who they look like, whose nose they have, and what they're doing in your belly all tied up like a pretzel. 

Peek in a Pod Ultrasound Imaging in South Miami give parents-to-be an opportunity to spend some quality time with their unborn baby in a serene and safe space. 

I found Peek in a Pod almost two years ago while I was still living in New York, and I was researching 4D centers for my pregnant aunt who lived in Miami (Peek in a Pod also does 2D and 3D ultrasounds). I had done two sessions at a NY location and I raved about what an amazing experience it was for Coco and I and I wanted my aunt to have that moment as well during her pregnancy. After researching and calling a few local facilities, nothing compared to Peek in Pod. Starting with the attentive service the moment you make your appointment with owner, Danielle, the whole process was serenely blissful and as smooth as a baby's bottom! It's centrally located in the South Miami/ Coral Gables area and you can schedule a gender reveal appointment as early as 15 weeks! This is glorious for those really impatient mommas-to-be that basically need to know what they're having the moment they pee on a stick (Ahem....me). 

These 4D appointments are not meant to be weekly appointments. They are meant to be special moments enjoyed here and there throughout your pregnancy and Peek in a Pod strives to give you that unforgettable experience from the moment you step into their upscale calming waiting room. Once inside the sonogram room, there are couches and pillows in front of a large screen so that your guests (bringing loved ones is encouraged but not necessary) can sit and watch the big show. The room is dim and inviting and definitely not as sterile as a doctor's office- think of it more as a cozy living room or an intimate spa! A highly trained diagnostic medical sonogram technician is on hand to perform your sonogram and you have the choice between a 15 minute or a 30 minute session. 

One of the best things about Peek in a Pod is how patient the staff is! Most of the time, babies aren't really cooperative. They got hands covering them, they're playing with the umbilical cord, facing towards your back and you can't really see them or get a good look at them. The technician will let you rest and take a little break (a good time for you to drink some water, move around, shake your belly) in hopes of getting a better look at your baby! Drinking water is key, and make sure you start doing so from the night before. Liquids like juice and soda may cloud the fluid surrounding the baby and you may not get a clear view so it's important to stick to regular H2O! 

So when it the time came to 'meet' our little boy at 26 weeks (about the same time we went in for Maya's session), scheduling an appointment with Peek in a Pod was a no brainer. I usually opt for the $99 'Sweet Pea' Package, which includes a 15 minute session in 2D, 3D, and 4D, a CD with all images and videos, and two color photos that are printed for you before you leave! Other specials and packages are available and you can find those on their site (http://apeekinthepod4d.com/packages.html). 

So here's how our session went! 

Check out my cute slanted nose- just like my big sister! 

Baby Vinyasa- Pose 27- Feet in Face. 

Our session started with feet everywhere- literally. Rocco had both his legs up in the air and his feet in his face, which was obstructing any view of his facial features. He's a rock-hard sleeper so any belly jiggling did very little to change his position. He was quite happy and comfortable in this yet to be determined yoga pose. 

His nose bears a very striking resemblance to Maya's nose from what we can see. He likes sleeping with his arms behind his head, just like Maya used to sleep even after she was born! Poor Coco. He's beginning to think his genes have been trumped once again by mine. Maybe he'll get lucky if we ever have a third. 

Sweet angel snuggled up inside his seriously small studio apartment (aka my belly).
\

Once we realized he had zero plans to be a team player, I took a break and grabbed some quick lunch downstairs, drank some more water, and did a few stretches to see if anything would get this kid moving or at least repositioning his legs. The tiger mom in me expects excellence even in utero! 

The break definitely helped! While it wasn't a complete full frontal view, we did manage to grab some shots of his sweet little face, his hands, and that cute button nose. Round two was a success! He even yawned a couple of times and I fell in love all over again. This is what I love most about these sessions! I feel like I have some uninterrupted quality time with my handsome man, even if it's on a tv screen. For that moment, it's just him and I, and I got to stare at him and be with him as he comfortably hangs out and nothing makes me happier. 

Part two of our ultrasound session went a lot better than part one! You can see a face!

Look ma! Muscles! Must be all that McDonald's you ate during the first trimester.

My session went well over 15 minutes and never once did I feel pressured to wrap things up. Appointments are scheduled with enough time in between so expectant parents don't feel rushed! At the end of my session, I received an envelope with my CDs and my photos and I was happily on my way! 

I've sent several friends to Peek in a Pod and they've had wonderful experiences. It's a center I highly recommend to anyone who is looking for that magical one-on-one 4D session with their baby-to-be. Tell them Kathy, the Freshly Squeezed Fashionista, sent you! 

Coco and I will be coming back at week 32 or 33 to see our little boy! And maybe, just maybe, some of Coco's genes will make a special cameo! 

Maya to the left (27 weeks) and Rocco to the right (26 weeks). It's a little hard to tell, but I see a strong resemblance amongst these Buccio Babes! What do you think?

Visit Peek in a Pod at: 

Riviera Plaza 
1560 South Dixie Highway, Suite 212
Coral Gables, Florida 33146

Phone: 786-953-7633
Email: apeekinthepod4d@gmail.com

Bumpin' Love, 

Rocco's Mom