TREND ALERT: CHECKERED SPRING

Good Morning, Squeezers! Sending lots of love and gratitude your way, because if it weren't for your support and comments, I wouldn't be able to do this blog! So, a big THANK YOU!

Like I promised, I have a new spring trend alert for you and I'm sure you saw this one for fall/winter, and now it's making an appearance for spring. It's the only time having a 'checkered past' is acceptable! Yes, I'm talking checkered for spring and it's fantastic, versatile, and believe it or not, a great neutral for pairing!

Checkered is such an ode to 80's fashion and I can't get enough of it. Not sure if you remember the checkered pant suit I wore (the blazer was vintage and belonged to my mom), and I couldn't get enough of it. For spring, we're changing things up. The suit is too heavy for spring and it would be criminal and also deliriously hot for me to wear right now, so time to adjust!

I found this gorgeous skirt at H&M and we can't ignore the big bow detail that allows for a cinched waist and hip hugging curves! Normally I wouldn't wear a skirt like this because I would feel restricted, but it's actually so comfortable and I love how it hugs at all the right places and also masks a little bit of that leftover pregnancy belly that's been a challenge to lose.

I love that I could wear this skirt with everything from a graphic tee to a buttoned up blouse. In this case, I wanted a playful look. I paired it with this 'Merci' graphic tee from Forever 21 (only available in plus sizes at the moment. I linked it for you) and I love how the colors coordinate with the skirt. By the way, this tee is SO ultra soft. I may or may not have fallen asleep in it a few times. The great thing about this black and white checkered look is that you don't have to limit yourself to primary colors. Think outside the box! Pair it with a neon top, a tropical print blouse, floral off the shoulder. Your options are really endless! 

As always, don't forget to have fun with your look! Fashion isn't meant to be serious. It's meant to be fun, expressive, and ever-evolving, so if you want to wear those kiddie heart shaped glasses or pom pom earrings like I did, just go for it! It's a really festive way to show off your personality.

I threw on my fisherman's cap because you know I love me a good hat, as well as my pointy white boots also from Forever 21, which are still available! You might remember I wore these all through fall and winter and guess what? I will still be wearing them through summer and spring! A good tip to remember- with a fitted skirt like this, you want to avoid flats. Think tall and wear heels, not just to show off those long legs, but to also give you some height!

Merci and Au Revoir!

In Style,

Kathy

Miami Style Map: Going Places with The Style Club

I love a blog post with a few firsts! This one has two. 

First and foremost, it was such great fun to partner up with The Style Club (https://www.thestyleclub.com/). The online shopping destination, based out of LA, allows it's members-only users (it's easy to sign up!) the opportunity to chat with celebrity stylists and trend-worthy tastemakers all through exclusive videos, showcasing the latest trends, outfit inspirations, and styling tips. And once you've been inspired, you can shop their affordable pieces on their online boutique! How much fun is that?!  It's an interactive and innovative way to shop with your friends. With new collections and collaborations always on the horizon, The Style Club offers a substantial  (yet not overwhelming) selection of everything from bright summer dresses, to matching sets. And in following with the Style Club's mantra, "Fashion is what you buy, Style is what YOU do with it,"  the array of options to mix and match is endless. Repeat this mantra because truer words have never been spoken! 

I worked closely with CEO and Founder, Hilary Novelle, on picking my first look as a Style Club Ambassador to feature on my blog. This easy, rocker-infused outfit has enough attitude and flair to make a statement. I love an outfit that can be dressed up or down. In this case, I dressed up the look with a pair of gladiator heels and a bold statement necklace that adds some feminine yet tough accents to a rather edgier getup.  You can easily dress down this look with a pair of chucks, oxfords, or moto boots. 

You may be seeing a lot of these shorts in posts to come. With a classic animal print like leopard, these shorts can take you year round (wear them with tights in the fall and winter months). Grab your favorite t-shirt, denim shirt, boyfriend blazer or even floral blouse and have fun playing around with all the options a pair of simple leopard shorts allows! I paired mine with this Style Club 'jet setter' muscle tee  because of my love for all things travel and cities. It's a casual outfit that gets a lot of eyes. 

And the other first is all about location, location, location! A big 'what what thank you' to the amazing lady behind the lens, Natalie of Suna Photography (http://www.sunaphotography.com/) for picking this one of a kind location for our shoot. We shot at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in one of the passenger carts and I was loving the vintage color combination and style of the interior. Tres cool. 

She was right on the money for this one, and I feel this is one of our best collaborations so far! As a born again Miami native, I never knew the city boasted one of the finest train museums in the country. The lot boasts countless train carts from as early as the 1800's and even includes the "Ferdinand Magellan," the presidential cart once regularly used by President Roosevelt and his staff throughout his presidency. 

It was quite fitting to shoot my 'jetsetter' tee in this retrospective setting. It's pretty marvelous when you think about how travel depended heavily on the rails and many saw it as an advancement in transportation. What we see as a throwback to simpler times, many saw as the way of the future. 

I accessorized the look with a stunning statement necklace (Kahlo Bib Necklace) from Stella and Dot. The metallics of the neck candy counter-balance the black on the rest of the outfit. No outfit of mine is complete without a hat. It speaks to my personality and I love how it adds even more character to an already expressive look.

I'm ready for battle in these Steve Madden gladiator heels! And believe it or not, they're actually quite comfortable. They're distinct and a nice departure from your traditional pump. It's a great staple for the summer season! 

Start shopping and start spreading the love with The Style Club! 

Visit them at:
https://www.thestyleclub.com/

and follow them on Instagram
@thestyleclubla 

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheStyleClub


On Me:

Jet Setter Muscle tee- The Style Club https://www.thestyleclub.com/s/BLQ-BASIQ-Jet-Setter-Muscle-Tee
Leopard shorts- The Style Club https://www.thestyleclub.com/s/Animal-Print-Lace-up-shorts
Hat- Nasty Gal http://www.nastygal.com/accessories-hair-hats/paulina-hat
Shoes- Steve Madden 
Necklace- Stella and Dot http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/necklaces/necklaces-all/kahlo-bib-necklace-hematite

In Style, 

Kat