TREND ALERT: FLOWER BOMB

April showers brings May flowers, isn't that right?! And what a a significant way to kick off the first day of May than with a bright floral number that is sure to make you feel peppy, free, and light on your feet! 

This brings me to our next spring trend alert- florals, florals, and more florals. Yes, we see them every season and they're back again for spring. The thing with florals is that you can expect them to be brighter and bolder for spring and summer, and a little moodier in fall and winter. 

One of my favorite color combinations is orange and pink. It's also aqua and red, and here we are with those four colors in one amazing spring dress from Zara and it's a true flower bomb explosion! 

Now here comes the fun part- accessorizing! With a floral canvas like this, we just needed to find the greenery. We found it in the least expected of locations- Wynwood! Have you seen these palm leaves? They're gorgeous and massive and I just want to wrap myself in a palm leaf burrito! I'm obsessed with these stunning red fringe earrings  from TopShop, which are actually now on sale! They really bring out the red hues in the dress. 

Next up, shoes! I've been living in these gold wedge sandals from Zara for the past month and I have no plans to stop. Metallic goes with just about anything, and I love how easy they coordinate with everything from dresses to shorts. Part foam, part espadrille- they're funky, cool, and extremely versatile. 

I've been having a lot of fun lately with my sunglasses! I always have my go-to signature Ray-Bans close by, but I've been switching it up and playing with these different styles, colors, and up to the minute trends. I wanted some new red shades and loved these cat eyes ones I found on Amazon.  They're such a statement piece and easily wow! 

I threw on my de facto straw bag for spring/summer and voila! My floral look is complete and I'm ready to show it off to the world, or on my blog at least! Big shout out to Danielle, who saw this aqua stool lying around and incorporated into our shoot as a prop. Amazing how the simplest of tools can bring a photo and all it's vivid colors to life! 

Have you stocked up on your spring/summer florals? How do you wear yours? As usual, I want to know! DM me! 

In Style, 

Kathy

FESTIVAL FASHION: RUSTIC AND FEMININE

It's that time of year! Music festival season- from Coachella to Hangout Fest to Governor's Ball and so many more in between, it can only mean one thing- Festival Fashion is coming. You'll start seeing it pop up in popular fast fashion stores, vintage boutiques will be swarmed with fashionistas, and those graphic rock n' roll tees that once belonged to mom or dad (or maybe you picked one up at Urban Outfitters), will be part of your wardrobe repertoire.

While I be live streaming some of the performances from my couch as I go 'Nowherella' (see what I did there), that doesn't mean I can't bring you some festival inspo to get you in the spirited mood. I teamed up with Danielle Margherite of Danielle Margherite Photography to capture some festival goodness for the gram and the blog. We took this pink floral number to Wynwood and just check out the amazingness she captured!

When I scroll through Instagram, sometimes I feel like a lot of the girls basically just pull a bunch of random items from their closets and wear it all together and voila, they have a festival look. Do any of you feel the same way?! And hey, sometimes it's magic and it's fabulous. Other times, it leaves me scratching my head. Most of the time, these outfits are meticulously planned out. While I'm all about taking fashion risks and trying new trends and having fun, I also don't want to leave people wondering, 'homeless or hipster?' 

You can keep it fairly simple and still standout with some key pieces. Just like we touched upon florals as a big trend for spring, floral fashion is blooming all over the music festival fields. I actually found this pink floral dress in the clearance section at H&M and I love it. I love easy dresses I  can slip on and wear for any occasion. I have a 'dress and go' mentality as of late and this dress fits the bill perfectly. I can wear it with sneakers, boots, a leather jacket for spring, even heels if I'm in the mood to dress it up. It's the perfect dress to lounge around on a grassy knoll somewhere and vibe the scene. 

I'll be taking this dress with me to NYC next week and because it's legit spring weather in the city, I'll be wearing it with a leather jacket and nothing makes me happier! Leather jacket weather is my favorite! Another reason I love this dress- it's not form fitting. It's a little looser, a little more towards the 'shift' look, and for me, that's key. Simple doesn't have to be boring, you see?! Did you catch the slit? Subtle sexiness is a nice touch!

How fantastic are these bubblegum pink iron gates? I mean, they were just calling for this dress to be part of the landscape. It coordinates perfectly and it's amazing! You can really get a feel for the whole vibe of the outfit and I have to tell you, I'm digging it even more with the blonde. I'm really missing the long extensions. What do you guys think? I'm a long haired girl at heart so I can't tell you how excited I am to put them back in next week. It makes the growing out process less excruciating for me (#firstworldproblems)!

Let's wrap up this look by talking about ACCESSORIES! Hats are always a good idea (so says me, the self-proclaimed hat queen). Not only is it a fashionable statement that adds loads of character, but they are also a great option as a supplemental sun protector. 

I was on the hunt for a great spring hat. I knew I wanted something light-colored and diverse. I'm always a little hesitant because light-colored hats tend to get a dirty a little faster, but they brighten up an outfit and are really playful. I found this one at Free People and I'm obsessed with it (I actually wore it last night). I can wear it with just about anything! 

I live in these black studded booties. They practically walk on their own. It doesn't matter the season, my black booties are for any weather climate- whether it's 90 degrees or 30 degrees. They too, will be going with me on my NYC adventures. And like I mention time and time again, I love dresses with boots. The End. 

Are you guys hitting up any festivals this summer? Any performances you're looking forward to? 

Also, in more important news, do you want to see my long-haired extensions mane another appearance? 

In Style, 

Kat 

SPRINGING INTO A NEW BIRTH YEAR LIKE...

Another birthday, another year older....or younger..depends on how you look at it. There are two types of people when it comes to aging- those that embrace age and welcome it with open arms (wrinkles included), and those that dread it like the plague. The thought of another year of getting older, closer to, well you know, death, and further away to what society deems as 'young,'  is agonizing. 

Have you ever asked yourself, which are you?

I think I teeter between the two. Embracing the aging process (and simultaneously the increased wisdom- so I hope) some days, and giving myself anxiety about getting older on other days. 

One thing I do know- is that whether I'm 37, 57 or 87, I'm going to live my life, be grateful, and wear a good bra ( I might feel young, but that doesn't translate to my tatas). 😂

Next question. Are you big on celebrating birthdays? Are you the type that celebrates all month long? Or are you the type that barely squeaks about the big day in hopes it's quickly forgotten? I've always loved celebrating my birthday, and yes, I am guilty of those month long celebrations that I milk until there's nothing left to give. What can I say, I like to treat myself! I've noticed though, as I've gotten older, the celebrations have shifted. I'm more into celebrating with my Buccio clan whether it's brunch or dinner or a cake at home. This year it was a few brunches and dinners! The birthday soirees have definitely gotten simpler and a little more intimate, and I quite like that! 

So, without putting so many expectations or unnecessary pressure on myself in the year of 37, what are some things that I hope to achieve/do this year? Let's see, from the most superficial to the most impactful. 

1- I'd like to learn how to finally do a french braid. Yes, people. I have no clue how to do one. 

2- I'd like to go bike riding. I keep staring at my bikes on the balcony and keep saying, "I'm going to go ride a bike," yet, I don't. 

3- I want to adopt a dog. I also need to convince Coco to adopt a dog.  

4- I want to find a charity or a hospital where maya and I can do volunteer work together. 

5- Find a job (besides being a mom)  that I absolutely love...again. 

6- Kind of goes without saying, but take everyday as an opportunity to be better, to grow, and to challenge myself. 

Ringing in 37 in this floral H&M dress! I absolutely LOVEEEEEE the pop of red and the light dusty blue hues. They compliment each other so well! I especially love the dress's high neck. It's sophisticated without being stuffy. Keeping with the red trend, we did a nice bright pout, and it's working so well with the blonde! 

You've seen my electric blue Louboutins make an appearance from time to time, and here they are again! These were definitely one of Coco's best birthday gifts! 

In Style, 

Kat 

I'm Back! 20 Things You Should Know About Freshly Squeezed Fashionista.

Happy Saturday, Squeezers! I hope that you are all enjoying your weekend to the max, doing what you do best- being fabulous and fashionable! I am very excited because the Buccios are hosting a little dinner party for friends tonight and it just takes us back to our famous NYC dinners that we would host several times a month with family and friends. We love having people over and what's even more out of this world, we would do it in a 700 square foot apartment! Imagine- 10-14 people getting together to feast, drink, and have a good time. It was never a dull moment at our awesome dinner and drunches! While we haven't done many in our Miami home, we do make sure the ones we have are just as memorable and fun- with great food and company! My BFF since 2000 and his partner are in town so its sure to be a lively affair! I'll share some photos and videos on my Instastories! Don't miss it! 

Well, back to the blog. It's been a little while (more like a long while) since I posted a fashion related post. I hope you all enjoyed my last travel-related write up; but, I thought this time around, I wanted to share some fun facts about me. Yes, one of those US Weekly inspired '10 Things you don't know about Me,' or something along those lines. I wanted to go a little outside the box and share things that were slightly more detailed and personal, maybe you can get a few chuckles out of some. 

Also for your viewing pleasure, this Eva Mendes summer dress for New York and Company (http://www.nyandcompany.com/eva-mendes-collection-allegria-dress-lily-print/A-prod10490053/?An=1767853277&prodNo=41), that happens to be on sale for $29.99! If you know me well, you know that I speak floral fluently, and this print is vibrant, colorful, but also so ladylike and effortless. The dress is so light weight, it literally blows in the wind (or no wind). I paired it with a summer hat and a pineapple purse because.....summer! 

So, enjoy the pics and the read, and get to know a more personal side of...ME! 

1- I'm obsessed with KFC biscuits. I once took a Downtown bus just so i could go to the only KFC on the upper east side to get them.

2- I love licking the butter off the inside of popcorn bags. It's disgusting but oh so good!

3- I have fly girl dreams! Ever since watching In Living Color as a kid, I thought I could totally dance like that and be a fly girl. Or so I thought. Jlo is my dance spirit animal.

4- I watched Legends of the Fall 23 times because I was so in love with Brad Pitt.   When my Dad told me I couldn’t watch it anymore, he said that I cried more than I did at my grandmother’s funeral.

5-  When I was in Pre-K, I told my teacher I didn't drink my juice because my mom was trying to poison me.  Really, I just didn't like the juice and that was the best excuse I could come up with.  My Mom was thrilled (not).    

6- I used the money I had set aside to buy a bed when I first moved to New York and bought my first pair of Jimmy Choos instead, because PRIORITIES.   

7- I had a breast reduction at age 23.  I was a 32 FF on my small frame and couldn’t haul the extra weight around anymore; and, I was tired of wearing corset bras like a Victorian dame.  Who knew boobs could weigh that much?!

8- My hair has been every color - from orange to black. One day I want to go full blonde but I haven't mustered the courage yet.

9- I don't sleep well when Coco's not home, which brings me to this fact....I suffer from anxiety.

10 - When I was 13 years old, I got second degree burns on my hands from squeezing lemon juice on my hair. The top of my hands literally peeled off and all this happened right before I was to start 8th grade. Needless to say, my self-esteem suffered slightly. Funny enough, this happened again when I was 21 and I fell asleep at the beach with baby oil on my face. I ended up in the hospital with second-degree burns. Lesson learned. 

11- One of my greatest accomplishments is being a mom. (I'll take it one step further and say, for me, giving birth vaginally ( I was so terrified I was set on having a C-section).  Sounds superficial, but no one, not even me, thought I would go through with it; yet, I did- not once, but twice! So yay to me and to all the mamas out there! Whether you pushed that baby out of your pikachu, had a C-Section, surrogate, adopted- becoming a mother is the most intensely wonderful and hardest thing in the world!   

12 - I got my first internship (and TV job) from a flyer posted at school. And because I didn't want anyone to have my dream job at Access Hollywood, I ripped the sign off and shoved it in my book bag so no one else could see it. Even then I was ruthless! Persistence and determination have served me well in life. 

13- Coco and I had our first unofficial date at a Spanish bar and spent hours dancing. The bar's name is Iguanas and it's still open in Times Square.

14- My favorite movie is Jaws. I basically love watching movies and shows.  Even as an adult, I used to fall asleep watching Peter Pan.  And I consider Liz Lemon from 30 Rock my spirit animal.

15- Believe it. I was a cheerleader and played softball growing up. A true sporty spice! 

16- I love alone time. Sometimes I like to go out to eat by myself, go to the movies, the beach and even shopping. I don't like shopping with other people. I consider myself selectively extroverted with introverted tendencies. 

17- I own like 15 shades of red lipstick.

18- One of my favorite things to do is cuddle in bed and watch movies with Maya, especially if it's Harry Potter.

19- I completely fan girled when I had to do a segment with NKOTB. You could probably still find it on you tube. 

20- I don't drink coffee. Only tea. I drink 2-4 cups depending on the day. I also like wine.

Welcome to the Dollhouse

 Some time in 2014, at the suggestion of my BFF and occasional inside voice, I steered clear of floral prints because according to him, I was single-handedly keeping the trend alive based on the ridiculous amounts of floral pieces I owned. I tried to deny it, "me?! obsessed with florals? You got the wrong girl." But after a routine closet cleaning with said best friend, I came face to face with my floral demons and moved on to the acceptance phase. 

Hi my is Kathy, and I'm a recovering floral-holic. Yes, my closet was in full bloom and I needed a cleanse. I purged my wardrobe of floral pieces that basically looked exactly the same in print and color. Now I have a healthy dose of florals and all in different palettes. 

Recovery is slow. I still walk into a store and I automatically gravitate towards anything that has flowers splashed on it; therefore, I have to make a conscious effort to stop and listen to that inside voice that tells me, "Step away from the florals." Truth be told, sometimes I can't stand that inside voice. That's not to say I won't be wearing florals again. Au contraire. It just means I'll be more selective and may need a BFF approval whenever I'm obsessing over a floral piece- like this floral number from Romwe! 

My photographer and friend extraordinaire, Liz from Ra-haus Fotografie (www.ra-haus.com) and I took to the streets of Lincoln Road to capture the floral magic of this dress because it organically blends with the lush surroundings. The green is the one color that stands out most about this number and when photographed against the tropical vegetation and grey colored stone sidewalks, it pops even more. 

The dress's details like the peter pan collar, the slightly flared skirt, and the dress's black floral print background, gives this look a darkly feminine twist- an almost doll-like vibe. 

I played up the mood a little more with the dark lip (MAC Cyber- my current obsession) and my two-toned Sam Edelman loafers (a menswear touch) via Zappos.com (www.zappos.com). 

It's amazing how much character a pair of sunnies can add to a look! These Pixie Market ones, with its tinted brownish lenses, go perfectly with the dress's color scheme. 

So what did we learn today, squeezers? It's okay to love a trend just as long as there is variety to that trend. Try to purchase/invest in pieces that are far from similar. The floral selections are seasonally endless so no need for five red floral tops or three floral pink dresses. Don't let yourself drown in a sea of bland continuity.

 Branch out! 

On Me:

Dress- Romwe

Loafers- Sam Edelman from Zappos.com

Glasses- Pixie Market 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Altuzarra Gets The Vintage Treatment

Cool as a cat and feeling very 70's je ne sais quoi in this rich navy and ivory Altuzarra for Target blouse. I'm always impressed with Target's collaborations and this one was no exception. The Parisian-born Altuzarra, and winner of the CFDA/vogue award back in 2011, is known for his modern sophistication but also his chic femininity. There is always something I love from each of these designer collabs and I'm usually successful at snagging at least one piece to add to my wardrobe. Long gone are the days of staying up at all hours just to feed into the machine (yeah, I'm talking to you Limsanity). Granted, I was lucky enough to attend the Altuzarra preview during Fashion Week so I didn't necessarily have to sleep outside Target or barter with anyone in the fitting room. There was plenty of designer love to go around. 

I love the vintage feel of this snapshot captured by the team at Ra-Haus Fotografie. And I love how this photo looks like it was taken at some Hollywood-money Palm Springs backyard. The washed out yellow tint and slightly out of focus filter in the rest of the images adds an interesting storyline to this modernized look. 

I love the combination of navy and grey and I played off the high-contrast prints of the blouse to compliment the muted shades and the print of the pants. I wanted the look to remain clean and simple so I opted for these white patent loafers from Zara. I can't tell you how much I love white shoes but dirt phobia kept me at bay from ever having the courage to buy a pair. Until I saw these and thought, "F#$%k it!" I'll be as careful as possible to keep them pristine. So far so good. 

This is such an easy and comfortable outfit but it still manages to make a statement. I love the cat eye shape of the glasses and it just fits with the mood of the outfit. 

Now, where can I get a pool like this?! I'm a perfect addition to the mid-century backdrop. It was just meant to be. 

On Me:

Blouse- Altuzarra for Target

Pants- TopShop 

Loafers- Zara 

Sunglasses- Pixie Market 

Earrings- Steve Madden 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: A Spanish Style Mash Up of Fierce Florals

Good Morning, good afternoon, and good evening my fabulous fashionistas! I'm back from New York and ready to share my next Miami adventures with you all!

After months of busy schedules (that's what happens when you're mom), supermom and photographer, Natalie from Suna Photography, and I were able to team up again for a fun sequence of shoots in Miami's oldest neighborhood- Coconut Grove. I have so many wonderful memories of rollerblading with my mom at Kennedy Park, or field trips to the Science Museum. And as I got older (and I got my hands on a really good fake ID) lots of blurry nights spent gallivanting and dancing the night away at hotspots like Bar 609, Valentino's, and Sandbar! I remember coming down from Manhattan to celebrate my 21st birthday in the Grove with my friends and I wore this Marc Jacobs Chinese top that was very reminiscent of these China girl pajamas I had as a child but only more expensive (The events of that evening are still a mystery but based on the pictures, I had a great time!)

The charming bayside neighborhood has an untouched bohemian quality about it that makes it one of the most picturesque spots in the city. Part tropical oasis, part waterfront gem, 'The Grove' as it's affectionately called, has been charming locals and tourists alike with its quaint streets, unique shopping, and tasty dining. Its lush surroundings and Spanish-style architecture, are evident at every turn. 

While I was doing some research on the neighborhood, I found out some interesting tidbits like: Did you know that playwright (and one-time Grove resident) Tennessee Williams, staged his production of 'A Streetcar Named Desire' at the now-defunct Coconut Grove Playhouse in the 1950's? Impressive. 

And because the Spanish elements are so beautifully pronounced and hard to ignore, we found them a fitting backdrop to photograph this gorgeously detailed leopard floral skirt by Fancyfox. One of the perks of being a producer and blogger is getting to meet all these interesting and cool people from all different walks of life. One of those people is the Austin-based designer of Fancyfox, Sara Largent, who's ladylike feminine frocks caught my eye on Instagram. I love the richness of her patterns and designs- they're colorful, bold, and just really fun dress- up pieces. And they're made in the great USA with an attention to quality and detail. Funny enough, my blog caught her eye and we were a match made in insta-heaven! I fell in love with this midi skirt (hello, pattern overload) and I knew I wanted the chance to style it and Sara was more than happy to oblige! 

I know this may seem hard to believe, but this skirt is actually a great neutral piece that can easily take on several style personalities. For this look, I paired the skirt with a graphic muscle tee and my ivory tuxedo blazer. The cream and black of the blazer and tee offset the vibrant leopard and floral patterns. The skirt is such a statement piece that you don't want to drown it with a busy top. 

I accessorized the outfit with these gladiator platform heels from Steve Madden and a playful black and gold necklace from H&M. The small white and gold clutch also adds a bit of modern pizazz to the girlish look.

This skirt is taking me places! And I hope it inspires you to check out all of Fancyfox's one of a kind designs. and who knows- maybe take one of their pieces for a spin in Coconut Grove!

On Me: 

Midi skirt- Fancyfox 

Muscle Tee- Forever 21

Ivory blazer- Urban Outfitters 

Heels- Steve Madden 

Clutch- Big Buddha Bags

Necklace- H&M 

In Style, 

Kat 

** Visit Fancyfox at www.shopfancyfox.com and follow them on Instagram at @fancyfoxclothing **

Matching Separates Are Here To Stay.

One of the biggest trends that popped up for spring and summer this year was the very popular (and endearingly called)  'matchy matchy set.' These versatile coordinates come in a variety of styles, textures, and prints along with endless ways to mix and match them with other pieces from your closet. And their time in the spotlight is far from over. 

From the runway to the streets, these matching sets continue to be a must-have trend for the everyday fashion maven. Whether it be in the form of a skirt or culottes, crop top or long sleeved, it's a fun outfit to sport. Think sneakers for a more casual look or heels for a dressier approach. 

It's easy to update these matching sets with some fall-inspired outerwear like leather jackets or a military style coat. 

I went the leather jacket route! And because florals and fall go together like milk and honey,  this matching set by local online boutique, Glam and Glitz, transitions well into the next coming months. Besides adding warmth, my go-to leather jacket becomes an essential accessory in updating this look. The hard edge of the leather mixes nicely with the bright floral print of the set. 

I decided to venture into high heel territory, something I don't do very often, but I found these incredibly comfortable, sexy, and edgy Jessica Simpson heels that are like butter on my feet. And I love the way they combine with the jacket. 

I layered a few necklaces, including a Gorjana piece from my latest Rocksbox goodie bag, to finish the look. 

Side note, can't we talk about these palm trees? They're epic, grandiose, and so Miami. And they're probably laughing at my leather jacket (fall will come to the Magic City!)

Keep standing tall, ladies. 

On Me:

- Matching Set- Glam and Glitz Boutique 

- Heels- Jessica Simpson 

- Jacket- Victoria Secret Pink 

In Style, 

Kat