TREND ALERT: BRING OUT THE TROPICAL PRINTS

Buenos Dias Squeezers! The happiest of Sundays to you all! The Buccios are cruise bound on Celebrity Cruises with the familia and we are SO excited for family time, piña coladas, and explorations on land and sea. Honestly, I'm just really excited to read the three books I downloaded on my kindle (I'll share those with you soon) because I'm jonesing for a good literary distraction. 

I didn't want to leave on our trip without posting the next of our trend forecast series: Tropical Prints! It goes without saying that the first sign of spring and summer starts at the first sight of tropical prints for us fashionistas! I don't know about you, but I get super excited the moment I see a palm print or some hibiscus print staring at me from the rack. It means spring and summer are a-comin! 

This dress is extra special because it was an unexpected gift from my friend, Becky, from South Carolina. She actually wore this dress to our friend, Maureen's, rehearsal dinner, and it looked fabulous on her and I wanted it so badly! Little did I know, it would be mine a few months later. 

The dress is from ASOS and I love the material. It is a little neoprene, and a little stretch in all the right places. I love the way it gathers at the front and it becomes this one shoulder stunner with just the right amount of peek-a-boo skin showing at the midriff. I can't forget to mention the full skirt that just comes to life because of those bold green palm leaves all over the dress. They just pop! 

This is what I love about tropical prints because they instantly change your mood. They're the happy pills of fashion. Ha! Whether in a dress, a handbag, or a top, bring out the prints! Another way to sport your love of tropical print/palm print? Swimwear! There are LOTS of great options for both one pieces and two pieces. Whether it's Target or Ralph Lauren, you can find some gorgeous tropical print suits at every price point. I know that if you look through my bathing suit drawer, you'll find at least five suits with a vibrant and colorful tropical print on them! I just can't get enough. 

As I type of this post, I'm currently wearing tropical print pants with an off the shoulder white top (you'll see it on my stories today), and you better believe there are more tropical prints in my suitcase that I'll be wearing on the cruise. I have everything from a tropical print blouse to my favorite banana leaf pants ready to go! What I love about these prints is that you can mix and match with so many pieces. Don't feel like they're one time use pieces- that's a misconception. Pair them with solid tee, floral prints, even stripes. If you're feeling daring, go head to toe in tropical print. Yes, this is a thing! 

Next up- accessories! Don't be afraid to accessorize. It's a great way (and an easy way) to express yourself and to show a little more of your personality. Lately I've been into sunglasses, like these exaggerated white shades from Zero UV. They're over the top and I love that. I also added a straw fedora- a staple for the season. I brought out my pineapple bag, which I know you guys loved, and added a fab pair of Chiffino nude platform wedges to complete the look. Here's a bonus about this dress (or tropical prints in general)- you can wear it with some cute sandals, wedges, or heels. Your options are limitless! 

I teamed up with my gal, Lauren (@laurelcreative), and we headed to the MiMo district, an architecturally iconic neighborhood in Miami, to snap this dress in it's natural element! The architecture is so unique, that any spot could have been the perfect backdrop. We chose a few of the motels along Biscayne Blvd because they just went so well with the dress! Wouldn't you agree? 

What's your favorite way to wear tropical print? 

In Style, 

Kat 

The Ramblings

It's out with the old and in with the new; the cliche that sums up the end of another year and the start of new things to come! It's true that every day is an opportunity to star afresh, to set goals, and basically just be a better human; but, there is something about the new year that makes even a cynic seem hopeful. It's up to us to create our happiness, to keep the focus on the positive, and to seize our moment and run with it. 

It may sound cliche, but 2017 continued to be a year of growth, of life lessons, resilience, and spending way too much money on lice treatments (note to self: no more Beyonce braids in Jamaica). Coco and I celebrated 10 years of marriage and went on our first vacation without the kids. Maya started Kindergarten and Rocco made his daycare/preschool debut, and since then, I've grown more sane! Plus, it's extremely helpful when it comes to getting my work done. We enjoyed family vacations, staycations, beach trips, rollercoaster rides, tastings, and so much more! Everyday I grow more thankful and more aware that the greatest gift I have, are the three meatballs that make up my Buccio clan. It's easy sometimes to lose focus and perspective when things aren't going according to plan or when life throws you some curve balls  and you realize you have to work even harder to get over the humps, but then you circle back and remember how truly lucky and blessed you are. At least I do. When my mind wanders and goes negative, I bring it right back to the blessings and silver linings in my life. Try it. It's not always easy breezy, but it sure does feel good when you set your mindset to 'gratitude mode.' 

Which brings me to 2018.  

I'm a non-resolution kind of girl. I understand that setting goals and aspirations and resolutions helps many people, but for me, I like to go into the new year with an open mind, heart, and zero pressure. Life is stressful as it is, and setting these definitive goals and high expectations with little room for failure at the start of something new, can be well, daunting and stressful. That's not a positive way to kick off the year, at least in my opinion. It also doesn't mean that I'm going into the new year clueless and unmotivated; on the contrary. I am always striving to be better- a better human being, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, and a better student. I'm not perfect and I'll never be (even though we all like to think we are), but there is always room for self-improvement and for self-actualization whether it's in your personal or your professional life. It's about focusing on the little things like living in the moment and not on my phone, having more patience with people in general but more importantly with my kids and husband, taking care of my body and mind by continuing to do some form of exercise that's rewarding, and above all, taking the time to nurture myself and the things that I like to do. Whether it's reading, writing, watching a movie or a tv show, getting together with friends, or simply just going for a walk, doing 'you' allows for the best version of who you are to shine through. No one likes crabby Kathy. Just ask Coco. =) 

I've also been thinking about my mom a lot. You never stop missing or mourning your mother. It doesn't matter how long it's been. I miss her daily. I miss her when I see my kids' faces, when I see a mother-daughter grabbing lunch together, or really just when I'm feeling down and need someone to talk to that isn't my therapist or my husband. I constantly talk to my kids about their Mami Tere because I want them to know just how special and wonderful she was and how she will always be a part of their lives.  

Part of the reason I wanted to go blonde for a while was to feel more connected to her, and strangely I do. When my friends or family tell me, "You look so much like your mom right now," it actually makes me smile. There's a connection- a memory that is comforting and soothing. It's the same with this outfit. I remember vividly my mom wearing this checkered blazer. I remember it hanging in her closet and the shoulder pads that made her look more fierce than she already was. When I slide it on, I feel her and it brings me such joy. She was a fashionable woman and enjoyed dressing up and living her best life every single day. So when you see me sporting this special vintage piece, know I'm a little happier, a little more confident than usual on that day because I'm wearing a part of my mom with me- my  'superhero cape.' 

As far as this outfit, I wanted to pull off a power suit look (with a twist) after I found similar pants at Forever 21. I paired it with a vintage Mickey tee and white booties and love how it looks. It's fun, classic, with a side dish of vintage. 

What's coming to the blog in 2018? Well, I'm re-branding. Little by little because believe it or not, I'm slightly technologically challenged and one of my very best friends is helping me throughout the process. I'm excited and nervous, and I've been feeling that it's time for a change. Who I am as a micro-brand is continuously evolving. I love fashion and it is still at the forefront, but I've been doing a lot more food, some beauty and travel as well. I'll always be the 'freshlysqueezedfasionista,' but as I evolve and the blog evolves, using my name, @kathybuccio, is more inclusive when it comes to my writing and production assignments and it can all live under one umbrella. Kathy Buccio is who I am, and who I will always be and I think I want that to come across even more prominently on my blog and in my work as well. 

So here's to each and every one of you, squeezers! My loyal followers and friends. I toast to your health, to your ambitions and dreams, to your ability to keep going in the face of adversity, and to your passions. May 2018 continue to enlighten and brighten you and may your wardrobe always be just as fabulous as you! 

In Style, 

Kathy Buccio 

NY Style Map: Feeling a 90s Snap in NYC

I miss New York. 

I miss everything about it. I miss wearing sweaters. I miss complaining about how cold it is and dreading that first pang of freezing temperature that hits your face when you walk out of your building. I miss waiting at the bus stop for the M79 (immortalized forever by Vampire Weekend). I miss getting squashed by a gazillion commuters on the overcrowded 6 train. I miss the noise. I miss sunbathing at Central Park and picnics with too much wine. I miss my daily trips to the swings to watch Maya lose it in a fit of giggles. I miss Duane Reade. I miss $7 manicures and Gray's Papaya hot dogs. I miss my neighborhood wine store and early morning bagel runs. I miss the museums. I miss aimlessly visiting the city's neighborhoods and pretending we lived in every Carrie Bradshaw looking townhouse on Charles Street. I miss that guy that rollerbladed in a thong down 2nd avenue. Even that guy. 

I miss it. And every so often, these feelings of missing a place that's so engraved in who you are, creep up and get you all emotional over something that was, and still somewhat, feels like home, even though you are no longer there. But at the same time, I'm thankful for the opportunity to miss something so wonderful. I'm thankful that I got the chance to experience the greatest city in the world and I made it my own. I'm thankful for the home I made, the career I have, the husband I married, the children I have- all thanks to that great city. I'm thankful for toughening up, for growing an inevitable second skin, and for the kindness of some of the friendliest and resilient people you will ever meet (yeah, I'm talking about New Yorkers). I'm thankful for the polaroid snapshots of festive dinner parties in apartment 5A and family adventures on every bridge and in borough. 

I'm thankful. 

That's why every trip is an opportunity to refuel, recharge, and reconnect with all the things I miss and love to do- whether I visit solo or with the family- every trip becomes a self-satisfying adventure. This time around, I made the trip solo, which was much needed. I was in fashion week glory, jumping from show to show, feeling lost in glamorous clothing and backstage interview with the city 'clackers.' There were zero plans on my agenda. I went in there completely open and free and it felt fantastic! Everything was planned on the spot; but, the first order of business was just doing whatever the hell I wanted to do. I checked restaurants off my list, popped into an exhibit at the Whitney, met up for catch-up dinners with friends, had tea for one, and slept. Boy, did I sleep! I almost didn't know what to do with all the free time. Oh yeah, I also squeezed in this fashion shoot with my Miami-turned-Brooklynite photographer, Carmen Rodriguez (http://carmenishere.tumblr.com), because while I was in the city, I took a trip back to the 90s- Fresh Prince style. 

I love the 90s. I love everything about it. Movies (Clueless, Titanic, Empire Records, You've Got Mail, Home Alone), fashion (Nirvana's Grunge, Cher Horowitz's baby doll dresses, everything Madonna) , and music (Salt N' Peppa, Vanilla Ice, Kid N' Play, TLC, No Doubt), reigned supreme during this decade and some of those 90s trends and influences were all that and a bag of chips (see what I did there?)! And now they're seeping through in 2016. 

Like this totally rad H&M geometric sweater that I stole out of Zach Morris'closet. It's bangin' (I'm still going with the 90s slang)! These bright, neon colors are vibrant and catchy and I paired it with another 90s staple- the baggy joggers (in faux leather)- comfortable and chic. I normally wear my hair flung on one side like so easy breezy, and then it hit me that I'm secretly channeling my 90s beauty icon- Kelly Kapowski- queen of all things scrungies and biker shorts. I threw my mom's vintage mink over my look to keep warm, which also made me think about how my mom owned 90s fashion- Adidas windbreakers, tracksuits, high waisted Guess jeans, tousled hair, and midi denim skirts for every occasion! So I must have been influenced by her- after all, she was my first fashion idol! 

Union Square adds as the perfect backdrop, wouldn't you say? Because if it's one thing about New York- it's been a pop culture constant through every decade! 

It's always great to see you, New York. Thanks for the memories.

On Me: 

Sweater- H&M

Joggers- Forever 21

Booties- Steve Madden

Sunnies- Forever 21

Mink- Vintage 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami 'Mom' Style Map: Gearing Up for Swimsuit Season and Putting Those 'Tummy Shamers' on Lockdown

Squeezers! It's been way too long! Three weeks, actually, since my last post. My daily life has become a professional juggling act of trying to balance kids, family, work, and blogging! I have to remind myself to come up for air, breathe, and take a minute or two to myself, because if not, I'll go mad. But in the words of Olaf, 'All good things, all good things,' so you'll hear very little complaining on my end. 

I'm so excited to bring you my first swimsuit post of the season via this sensational floral one piece from Red Carter Swim. A big thank you to fellow momma photographer, Jenise Subervi (www.photosbyjenise.com) for capturing these fantastic photos. This swimsuit was gifted to me while I was pregnant and I was boldly confident that I could squeeze my ginormous belly into it. I was obviously wrong. The suit didn't even go up my thigh, so off it went into the 'after baby' pile with a tear in my eye. A few months after giving birth, I said, 'let's give this swimsuit a whirl!' And voila! It finally fit.  Now, did I have that flat stomach and those washboard abs to go with it? Not really, and why should I?!  Hello, I had just popped out a baby. I'm entitled to this leftover tummy!

Which brings me to tonight's post....tummy shaming. Oh yeah, tummy shaming is a thing. A real, annoying thing. When I hear, "Omg, you are the CUTEST pregnant girl I've ever seen," or "I hope I look like you when I'm pregnant." Yeah, thanks. Only I'm not pregnant. I just had a baby. But thanks for tummy shaming me. Note to humans everywhere: Never assume a woman is pregnant. Even if you see a baby's head popping out of a vagina, just don't assume. Why are women expected to look like their pre-pregnancy selves a few short months after having a baby? Considering we all have different body types, metabolisms, and lifestyles to factor into our weight loss. Yeah, I'm skinny and I think I look pretty good even if my stomach isn't paper flat. Here's the thing people- I don't care. And you shouldn't either. 

No one is going to make me feel bad about having a kangaroo pouch seven months after giving birth to Rocco. It's just not on my to-do list- after laundry, taking care of a baby, doing pick up and drop offs, meeting writing deadlines, sending emails and catching up on my Netflix- I really don't know where that falls on my 'priority' column. Actually, it doesn't even land anywhere near it because I just DGAF. When the slightest ounce of self-doubt crawls inside my brain, I remind myself, 'I did the most insane thing in the world- I pushed a baby out of my vagina and created life. This belly was a vessel and it should be given a medal or at least a stake in lottery winnings.' Bam! Mic drop. If my parting gift after childbirth is a loose tummy, well then so be it. That's why they have elliptical machines and plastic surgeons. At some point, it'll go away (basically when I stop being lazy and exercise because prayer alone doesn't seem to be working). In the meantime, I wear it proud. To all the mommas out there- tell those tummy shakers to SUCK IT! 

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Getting into a swimsuit of any type after having a baby is a monumental task. Hide the harsh lighting and the fun house mirrors. It's a gradual process when it comes to finding a suit that compliments your new body- because let's be frank, your body changes after baby and hey, that's totally okay and normal! Be easy on yourself. 

I've been on a 'one piece' kick for some time now, and when I got this floral stunner, I was in love! For starters, the colors are a kaleidoscope of amazingness! They're so bright and vibrant and cheery; the suit is an instant mood perk. Next up, is the silhouette. I mean, who doesn't love a sweetheart cut? It's one of the most flattering styles for any body type. Add little bit of sexy 'oomph' with the low cut accent. It gives my post-baby-post-surgery boobs, a nice little lift. Momma likes! 

Fitting into the suit, tummy and all, felt absolutely fabulous! Yeah, I know what some of you are thinking, "She's skinny. It's easy for her to say that," but; here's the thing. Whether you're skinny, tall, short, or overweight, we all have our insecurities. It doesn't matter what shape or size we come in. Let's embrace that. Some days will be more difficult than others, I get that, but this is our body, its the only one we get, and it does amazing things, like make babies. It's one of the most gratifying and selfless gifts in the world. Be proud of your scars, of your tummies, your cellulite, and the wrinkles that come with it. You created life!  So the next time someone asks you if you're pregnant when you're out and about, or comments on your oh-so-adorable belly, give them a kick in the groin and salute your tummy pride! 

On Me: 

Swimsuit- Red Carter Swim 

Shades- Forever 21 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Getting Back To Business

Hello Squeezers! Hope you all had a beautiful holiday with your family and friends and I'm so excited to FINALLY share a new post with you all. I want to personally thank you for your continuing support and patience as I juggle all these 'balls' all while being a new mom of two kids. One kid is a walk in a the park, but two, well, that's a whole new ballgame onto itself! While I may be tired and a self-proclaimed 'mombie,' I wouldn't change it for the world because it rocks. These two tiny people are my favorite; even when they drive me mad. 

Liz from Ra-haus Fotografie (www.ra-haus.com) and I teamed up to shoot this magical jumpsuit a few weeks back and excited to share the look and the fabulous pics with you guys. This is what I like to call my 'business chic' ensemble; which is a modern-woman-meets-working-girl with some of that 70's flair we've been seeing on the runway. Jumpsuits, big feminine bows sprinkled with some menswear inspo, and classic black and white color combos are some of the trends that continue to make a splash this spring. We saw it for fall, and spring is no exception. The only difference is a change in color palette. 

This look is exactly what I would wear to an office job because it's still playful but also work appropriate. Speaking of jobs, I've been toying with the idea of going back to work full-time. I've polished my resume and I'm currently updating my TV reel. I've gotten some great references and I've reached out to some of my old contacts. Now the only thing left to do is apply! I always knew that I wanted to go back to work full-time once I felt ready. On the one hand, I've been very fortunate that I've been able to freelance because it has given me the opportunity to be present for such a special time in both Maya and Rocco's lives. I've been there for some pretty remarkable 'firsts,' I've been able to do drop offs and pick ups, and I've been able to participate in so many school events because I'm able to make my own schedule. On the other hand, I've stayed connected to my career because of these freelance opportunities and have even traveled back to New York for work. As I've mentioned countless times before, my career is also a big part of who I am and if I didn't have a piece of that world in my everyday life, doing what it is I love to do, a part of me would be unsatisfied. I want Maya to know and see what it is to be so in love with doing something that you're passionate about and I want to be an example to her of what it is to be a well-rounded woman, who also happens to be a kick ass mommy and a career superhero! 

That's not to say it doesn't give me major anxiety to go back to work full-time. First off, I have to exercise those patience muscles and remember I'm in Miami- not New York- two very different playing fields as I've come to know. Second of all, depending on my schedule, I won't be spending my days with my babies and that's a whole new world for me; as is depending on outside help to assist with household and childcare duties. I'm so used to being in control and managing and organizing everything from feeding schedules to extracurricular activities, that letting go of some of these tasks is going to take some time getting used to. One thing I am looking forward to, though, is getting back to the swing of 'getting sh#$t done.' Working on segments, shooting stories, and getting those interviews is going to be such a fulfilling rush and its one of the most satisfying feelings of re-entering the workforce. 

And because its TV and its a more creative working environment, work attire is not so stuffy or 'business.' It's more relaxed; which allows for more dress-up options, like this statement jumpsuit from Forever 21. I love the way it elongates my legs because it makes me look like a glamazon supermodel! The jumpsuit is tailored all the way to the hip and then opens up with the wide-leg pant. I wore the jumpsuit with a white bowed blouse- my menswear element- which is still rather ladylike. This kind of jumpsuit is best worn with a shoe that has some height because anything else will make it look dumpy and cheapened. Plus, you don't want the bottom of your pants to drag. That's never in style! 

I can't wait to keep you posted on my job hunting adventures! Stay tuned.

On Me:

Jumpsuit- Forever 21

Blouse- H&M

Heels- Christian Siriano for Payless

Sunnies- Forever 21

In Style, 

Kat 

My Crash Course Into Becoming A Flamenco Dancer!

I’ve never met a dance film I didn’t like. Ask me how many times I’ve watched ‘Step It Up’ or ‘Save the Last Dance’ and it’s almost embarrassing. I’m guilty of staging my own choreographed routines just so I can live out my fly girl dreams ala Jennifer Lopez. So when the opportunity came to catch renowned Flamenco sensation, Farruquito, at the Flamenco Festival held at the Adrienne Arsht Center, I gave an enthused, Pues Claro! How hard could it be?!

Well, actually really hard. To be quite honest, I know nothing about flamenco, except that I’m a flamenco enthusiast. I’ve been to countless shows from Sevilla to New York and I enjoy them immensely. That’s as far as it goes. And maybe after too many vino tintos, I fancy myself a flamenco dancer, hand gestures and all. The dance and the storytelling that is achieved through the combined forces of the ‘canto,’ ‘baile,’ and ‘toque,’ is a passionate language of love and emotion. It is a marriage of the singer and the song and the melody. There is so much technique that goes into the dance, and the most important factor is following the rhythm and counts of the singer’s cante. Every region has its own rhythm and cante, and when you dance flamenco, what changes is el ‘marcaje' (where you step and accentuate), which is dependent on the region. The singer and the dancer engage in an almost seamless conversation through movement that appears effortless. 

However, effortless it is not as I came to learn! I also learned that I have two left feet and almost tripped a few times and was not in synch with the counts or was I following along as I expected, with Farruquito’s ‘palmado.’ There was a lot of ‘uno, DOS, tres, cuatro, cinco, SEIS, siete, ocho, NUEVE…’ and Farruquito making it look so easy. There were also lots of technical terms like compas and compas de alegria and buleria. The goal is to really listen to what kind of ‘compas’ it is, so you can dance to that particular rhythm. Flamenco is not about learning a choreography- anyone can do that- its about listening to the person singing and what they’re playing and accentuating, because thats when you clap and you ‘marcar (marcaje)’ with your feet (the really fun part where you stomp but have to restrain from stomping too hard because then you definitely won’t look like a pro).

I failed terribly at ‘marcando’ and replicating any of Farruquito’s cantos and palmas. I looked like a fumbling hot mess trying to marcar with my feet while simultaneously trying to find the right count when I did my palmas. My coordination was off, bumping into the person next to me, all while trying to muster some form of dignity and comprehension so my teacher wouldn’t think I was complete flamenco rookie! Thankfully, the workshop was for all ages and all levels. I did scan the room and concluded I was still the least coordinated person there. But you know what? I had fun and I walked away with a new respect for this dance. 

When I got home later that evening, I was trying to demonstrate to my husband all the moves (or lack thereof) that I picked up at the workshop. I did my palmas and all those hand movements flamenco is popular for, and I danced all over my living room. I realized that for that hour and a half, I dared to try something that I never thought I would try and whether I was good at it or not, it didn’t matter. I got a taste of what it meant to be a flamenco dancer- the discipline it entails and all the hard work that comes with it- and I can say that I tried. The art of flamenco is beautiful; but, difficult to master. I’ll leave it to the professionals and watch admiringly from the comfort of my seat! 

In Style, 

Kat 

NY Style Map: I'm In A New York State of Mind

It gets me excited to post and share my NYC adventures with you because it gives me a chance to relive wonderful memories and an amazing NYFW trip. You can always find me in a 'New York State of Mind,' because quite frankly, it's in my blood. If you guys remember, this trip marked my first 'momcation' since the birth of Rocco- away from both kids for the first time. I'll admit, the night before my flight, I had the worst anticipatory anxiety -as expected. The morning of, I cried through getting dressed, brushing my teeth, kissing the kids a gazillion time, and feeling miserable for leaving them. Once I got into my Uber, I cried some more. I'm sure my driver had a few 'wtf' moments as he heard me whimpering into my cellphone with I can only imagine was a very unattractive 'ugly cry' face at five in the morning. 

But once we landed, and I breathed that probably toxic, but invigorating city air, I came alive. I was back in my happy place and as Coco reminded me, "Enjoy your time alone. Enjoy the city, enjoy work, go hang out with our friends, and forget having to feed anyone in the middle of the night." Well put, husband. And that's exactly what I did. Jumping right into work, felt unbelievably good. It constantly reignites a passion of what I love to do. It's a big part of who I am that I constantly have to nurture. It makes me a better woman, a better wife, and a better mom when I take care of myself and those other parts that make me who I am. From red carpets to New York Fashion Week, I got to cover a little bit of everything. Interviewing Tina Fey and hitting the backstage dressing area with designer, Nicole Miller, I got a taste of red carpet celebrity from every angle. 

The best part was having zero agenda. I made no plans ahead of time to see anyone or hang out with anyone. I was going on this trip without any commitments. Everything was done on the fly. And I loved it! I had too much wine with my best friends, ate so much I couldn't move, and walked through every neighborhood I love until I couldn't feel my feet anymore. I tried restaurants I've had on my list forever, watched TV shows I hadn't seen in weeks, and even checked out the new Whitney Museum in the Meatpacking District. Oh, and sleep. I almost forgot what a full eight hours felt like. I had so much time to myself, I was almost overwhelmed with the possibilities of what to do! It was five glorious days of hanging out with myself. I like to think I was in good company =).

I had some time to kill in between shoots so I met up with my Miami-NY transplant shutterbug, Carmen Rodriguez (www.carmenishere.tumblr.com), to snap some some city looks for the blog. We found ourselves in the West Village, without any shortage of vibrant backdrops or interesting cityscapes. I love a good neighborhood shoot- pre-war buildings, conversational stoops, and busy street corners are so quintessential New York. And winter. Freezing winters are very NY as well, but I welcome the change of temperature. Thanks to my mom's vintage furs (as seen here), I rarely complain about the weather anymore. 

I am loving the bright and bold print on this Topshop Shirt Dress. Can you spot the kitties scattered on my frock?! Combined with the eye-popping white florals and the shades of blue, green and black, its a definitely a more fun and upbeat alternative. The youthful colors and playful print instantly caught my eye at the store. It's one of the things I love about shopping at Topshop- though trendy, their pieces offer classic and modern European undertones and cater to different styles. 

The only thing left to do- accessorize! 

I found this great tan colored belt in my friend, Bonita's, closet. It's such a simple and easy way to add some character to a look. I wanted to wear a more athleisure shoe with the dress- add some sporty elements into the mix, and I love these from Steve Madden. The only downside- after ten hours of wearing these slip-ons, I had two massive blisters by the end of the night. The things we do to look good! 

And like I mentioned earlier, my winter wardrobe isn't complete with one of my stylish momma's furs! I always have a fashionable piece of her with me and it just makes me adoringly happy! 

New York- you will always be home and I'm thankful for the opportunity to get away and recharge not only my career batteries, but also my momma batteries! I was ready to come back to Miami and hug my husband and kiddos after five days away. Though the trip was a much needed disconnect, in only served to help in making me bigger and better in every area of my life and New York always seems to be the perfect prescription.

 See you on the next one.

On Me: 

Dress- Topshop 

Shoes- Steve Madden 

Sunnies- Forever 21

Fur- Vintage 

Belt- (borrowed)

In Style, 

Kat