Finding Those Little Moments in a Creative Rut

Hola Squeezers! I hope you guys are living your best life and enjoying the little moments. It's so easy to get consumed and affected by the negative vortex of our surroundings. Turning on the TV, unless you're watching your favorite show, is no longer a means of relaxation. Another mass shooting, another dead child, a heartbroken family left to pick up the shattered pieces- how is that comforting? How does that make us feel safe or how does that let us find joy when things can seem so depressing? 

That's why I say, enjoy the little moments. Easier said than done, I know. We owe it to ourselves, to those around us, to our little ones, our loved ones, and to humanity in general, because amidst the negativity and grief, there is always something that can make us smile. It's up to us to take that approach and make the effort. I, myself, am trying to do that. 

Those are my honest two cents this morning. I want to focus on the little moments, on what is right in front of me, because sometimes, I forget. Right now, I am home alone, sitting in bed, catching up on this blog post, writing assignments, and a laundry list of things to do, and I'm savoring it. I am thankful for the few hours I get to do this without distraction, to cross something off my list, which makes me feel and be productive, catching up on all sorts of emails, and more importantly, having a minute to gather my thoughts, regroup, and breathe. Those are little moments. When I  pick up my kids from school and get greeted by the best hugs, those are the moments worth enjoying and living for. 

Whether it's a quick coffee break, stepping outside for a breather, a dip in the pool, or maybe its sitting outside a fast food joint enjoying a value meal in your car, hey, those are all  little moments. What will you do to enjoy the little moments? 

One of the reasons I'm so focused on enjoying the little moments and focusing on the positive is because as of late, I've been in a bit of a creative rut. It's a first world problem, really, but lately, I'm feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated when it comes to the blog. I mentioned in my last post that I was going to be doing a revamp, and that is still happening, however, it's a sloooooooow process. When I think about all the things I want to do, need to do, without many resources to actually do it (I.e. money, time, etc), I get overwhelmed. I know I'll get there, but I guess it's not happening as fast as I like it. 

I'm not one to compare myself to others. It's never been my thing and we are all on our own individual journey or path, but sometimes I do look around and see that my counterparts are a little further along on this blog race. Granted, I haven't been doing this for very long, but still. The good news is I do snap myself out of the comparisons and go back to 'doing me,' but it can sometimes feel frustrating and exhausting. 

I haven't posted in over a month because I am visually not happy with how my actual blog looks. It's outdated, in my opinion, and needs to be spruced up. What I really need is a money tree so I can shake it and grab some dolla dolla bills to pay someone to help me! Right?! We all know that blogging is work and it costs money and is an investment. It's about the time and money you want to commit to it  in order to have it grow. 

You want to be original in a sea of so many talented and diverse influencers, in a social world that is constantly changing and evolving. I'm looking at these fashion photos now, with my hot pink sweater with the word 'ORIGINAL' spelled across and that got me thinking, "What makes you original?" "How can I be original in a saturated world of talent and 'who's who?" I can't be the only person that asks herself that. I mean, in order to grow those are questions we constantly have to ask ourselves. It's finding the balance of originality without comparing yourself to others, and remembering we are human, and not being so hard on ourselves. Little moments, Kathy. Little moments. 

Good thing is, I'm also a problem solver and in life, I've had to learn the art of patience. I'm not very good at it, to be honest, it's a work in progress. So what will I do? Well, for one thing, I'm not going to make excuses and stop writing just because I'm not happy with how the blog looks. Writing is self-expression and cathartic for me, and what's the difference between writing on a sheet of paper or on blogspot? I know with time, I'll have a snazzy and new updated blog to work with, but for now, I'm not going to let that be a deterrent hurdle. At the end of the day, it's about sharing with you guys, and I want to keep doing that. 

Secondly, how am I going to be original? By being me. I'm not changing who I am, what I wear, or what I share to conform with any trends or algorithms. I like who I am, and I hope that you like what I share. Sure, I need to work on a more 'cohesive' Instagram feed, but what can I say? I love sharing anything and everything and sometimes it's not cohesive, but I know it's entertaining. At least, I hope it is! 

That's all I can do.....for now. I'm going to cut myself some slack. I have to focus on all the work I HAVE accomplished with minimal resources and the help of friends, to get this platform up and running and I am PROUD. I'm going to take my own advice, I'm going to practice what I preach, and I'm going enjoy the little moments! 

Before we wrap this up, let's discuss the outfit! Did I mention that Maya picked out the H&M sweater? How could I say no! She said it was perfect for me because it's "fuzzy and pink," Do I need any more convincing? I think not! I paired with my favorite Forever 21 checkered pants, because these are a neutral patterned pant and go with any kind of top. I love that you can make them sophisticated and classic, but they can also be alternative and vintage-inspired. 

I think with this look, the accessories do the talking as well- a leopard clutch, some sleek white boots, my aviator glasses, and a fisherman cap to tie this street style look together. Oh, can't forget the pom pom earrings! Sign me up, for anything pom pom. 

Let's keep our fingers crossed for one more cold front so I can wear this outfit again! 

In Style, 

Kathy 

Let's Celebrate Miami's Sweater Weather!

 

For the last few weeks, we've been enjoying some cool, crisp weather in usually sweltering Miami and no one is happier than this girl right here! I get to dust off some of my favorite sweaters and parade them around town with a big, fat smile on my face. 

One of my favorite combinations is pairing culottes with sweaters. It's the perfect mix of street and chic. And for my latest blog post, I teamed up with Natalie of www.sunaphotography.com   to bring you some photo magic from the heart of Coconut Grove.

  
I love the gold studded details on this leopard print sweater- and while it's not your traditional animal print, it's still cool and modern with an eye-popping pairing of black and yellow. I love how it pairs with the leather culottes and the thick strapped heels, because even though it's sweater weather in Miami, you can still show a little ankle cleavage!

 Here's a closer look at some of the outfit details, including my winged earrings which are a personal favorite because of their unique design! 

If you're in Miami, there's probably only a few days left of this fake winter so make sure you take full advantage of this 60-70 degree weather and bust out that sweater that's been crying for some attention. It'll thank you later!

On Me: 

Sweater- Forever 21

Culottes- Zara 

Heels- Jessica Simpson

Earrings- Forever 21 

In Style, 

Kat

Miami Style Maps: Knee Highs On A Semi Chill

The Miami Weather has been nothing short of delightful these last couple of weeks with temperatures in the 60s and a cool cozy breeze that stops by every evening for a climate nightcap. I gotta tell ya, this displaced New Yorker is quite happy! I'm dusting off sweaters, cardigans, and even these knee high socks, which haven't seen daylight in almost two years! This is another 90s trend that I'm glad hasn't completely died down (Clueless, anyone?) 

Natalie from Suna Photography (www.sunaphotography.com) and I took a trip to the now shuttered Coconut Grove Playhouse and its muted grey structure to photograph this look. Here's some fun trivia for you. Did you know playwright and one time Coconut Grove resident, Tennessee Williams, put on a production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the playhouse? 

Let's break down this look because it's one that's easy to put together and it probably lives in your closet and you don't even know it! Let's start with the dress. I absolutely love this H&M tulle and lace dress from their Conscious collection. I bought it a few years back when I was pregnant and it's still in my wardrobe rotation. Last time I wore this dress, I paired it with gold tights and T-strap heels. I love the versatility of the dress- it can go from day to night with a quick change of shoes. 

And when the temperature drops, it's fair game to throw a cardigan over a dress. Think oversized! You can never go wrong with oversized. I love this mustard colored one from Forever 21, especially the color. 

And now accessories- starting off with the knee highs! An alternative to tights and a small nod to that Clueless era that we all loved so much (admit it, you can rehearse Cher one-liners in your sleep). I love pairing my knee highs with boots, like these Free People studded  ones. Paired with delicate and feminine elements like lace, tulle, and embroidery, it gives the look an edgier nudge. 

I added a pop of leopard with this Cole Haan crossbody and all my jewelry is courtesy of Rocksbox. My monthly shipment of accessories is like Christmas morning! You never know what goodies you're going to get! 

I finished off the look with a black felt hat! Go figure. They're becoming a signature 'Kat' go-to topper. 

So next time you're thinking how to 'winter up' a favorite dress in your wardrobe, think accessories and think a cardigan and jacket! It's such a quick way to update a look from season to season. 

And don't forget those knee highs! 

On Me: 

Dress- H&M

Cardigan- Forever 21

Hat- Forever 21

Knee Highs- Forever 21

Boots- Free People 

Jewelry- Rocksbox 

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 **

NY Style Map: The Sporty Minimalist at NYFW

Hello Squeezers! I'm back (sort of) and ready to dish on my favorite NYFW looks. It's been a long two weeks made even more interesting and exhausting due in part to a cold virus that plagued the entire Buccio clan and overstayed its welcome. I'll tell you, working fashion week while feeling like your head is about to explode in a million pieces is not fun. Not fun at all. And neither is having to cut your trip short because this destructing cold virus has knocked out each and every member of your family. I'm still in recovery mode praying and hoping that I can soon retire the tissue boxes, ramen noodle soups, and Mucinex. These are definitely not accessories I'm coveting for the fall season.  With that said, let's move on to something more uplifting, like my favorite fashion week getups! 

First up, this sporty minimalist outfit.  This look was a little out of my usual fashion stratosphere but one I have come to embrace! My best friend and stylishly dapper right hand man, Javy, did some of his blind styling magic and came up with the concept for this look and together we made the vision come to life. I gave him specific instructions- no florals or tropical motifs. Try to focus on minimalist/modern pieces and/or prints. And Voila! 

This H&M dress is from their new fall collection and worn alone with that sheer detail, can be very sexy and slinky. Pair it with a colored heel and you instantly have a date night outfit sure to make heads turn. If you're thinking casual, dress it down with some combat boots, colored tights, and a chunky cardigan, and you have the perfect outfit for brunch downtown with friends. It's such a versatile staple that can take you from day to night and from season to season. 

For this particular look, we gave this little black dress a new purpose- jumper! Talk about getting a bang for your buck! I added this black and white geometric print blouse underneath the dress and gave it a modern sportswear twist. Who would have thought?! I got so many compliments (and photographs) on this look and with reason- it's fashionable and comfortable. 

Let's talk shoes! You know how much I love my mixed media. I had to incorporate a little leopard into the equation. I love how it blends with the black and white of the outfit. I'm a big fan of shoes and socks, not just for comfort reasons (less blisters, hello), but also because it's fun and gives off a bit of a 'prep school' vibe. 

My vintage crossbody bag from Toronto is one of my favorite handbags. I live in a good crossbody because it's such a great style for my on-the-go lifestyle (and a lifesaver during fashion week). And I borrowed the cat-eye sunnies from my dear friend and stand-in photographer, Pam! Kudos to her for snapping some style-worthy shots of my LOTD. 

Stay tuned for my next fashion week outfit post and my NYFW show recap! All coming this week. 

On Me: 

Dress- H&M

Top- Forever 21

Shoes- Steve Madden

Handbag- Vintage

Glasses- Michael Kors 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: This Sh#$%t is BANANAS!

I'm literally going bananas over this banana print matchy set from Pixie Market. Not only because I love bananas (duh), but it's such a great conversation piece. I actually ended up wearing this during Mercedes Benz Swim Week over the weekend and got tons of compliments and a few snapshots from photographers on the scene. Plain and simple, this outfit is FUN, meant to wear with a big happy grin and an 'I don't care, look at me' attitude! 

I wanted to photograph this look at one of my favorite landmarks- The Hotel New Yorker in Miami's MiMo district. Not because I frequent motels along this strip, but because it's such an iconic property and one that I remember so vividly when I used to live nearby as a young teen (before this area got cool). And really because anything that makes any reference to the city I consider home is my Achilles heel. 

I love the architecture you find in many of the buildings in the MiMo district, not to mention the hidden shopping gems and delicious restaurants that are popping up in this jewel of a neighborhood. 'MiMo' is short for 'Miami Modern' and characterized by a style of architecture that is native to Miami and birthed during the 1950s and 1960s. It spans from 50th street to 77th street along Biscayne Boulevard and is considered historic. It's mid-century, fun, and retro all in one and a drive down busy BiBo (Biscayne Boulevard, yo), will you have you feeling like you're in a time machine to vintage Florida. 

That's why I love the idea of this bright and fun outfit against the white and aqua details of the New Yorker. Watch me whip my hair back and forth and attempt some daredevil jumps that took a lot of energy and sweat on my part. (Disclaimer: No photographer, ahem Elizabeth, was hurt during the course of this photo shoot).

I paired the set with my Steve Madden leopard slip-ons and they just add to the playfulness of the whole look! Why keep the shoes serious when you could just keep having fun?!

I know I am! 

On Me: 

Banana set- Pixie Market
Slip-ons- Steve Madden 

In Style, 

Kat

Miami Style Map: Tropi-cool and Cafecitos

Welcome to Miami where cafecito machines are brewing all over the 305!

No one takes their 'cafecito' breaks more seriously than Miamians. And you'll often find the coffee fiends at outposts just like these taking swigs of grinded fuel before heading out to conquer the world. 

What started off as a cafecito pit stop for photographer, Natalie and I, turned into an impromptu photo shoot on our day together and these photos were actually my favorite ones of the batch!  

Sometimes I never know where we end up shooting. Locations serendipitously pop up as we are driving around or on our way to a certain spot, and such was the case with this gem we came across on our shooting adventures in the Bird Road Arts District. As I was sipping on my cafecito, Natalie whips out her camera and says, "I'm going to take some pictures of you. This could be cool." Voila, mon amis. She was right. 

The cafeteria stand was an explosion of color I didn't expect and when you add my vintage red and white tropi-cool blouse (another Baton Rouge score) to the mix, it's like a bright paint box spillage on a rather industrialized canvas. And it works! 

I paired it with a pair of black high-waisted pants, pointy leopard loafers, and my boater hat to add more visual sparks to the look, plus this is how I wore the look in real time. No gimmicks.  I love the way the blouse looks tucked in the pants. There are a few 90s trends that I can't quite let go of, and this is one of them. I make no apologies when I channel my inner Jesse Spano!

On Me:

Top- Aristocracy Bohemia (Baton Rouge)
Pants- H&M
Hat- H&M
Flats- Steve Madden

In Style, 

Kat 

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