TREND ALERT: RED WHITE AND BLUE WITH A TWIST

Happy Weekend, squeezers! It's about that time to start gearing up for America's BIG birthday, as families and friends pack up the car, get on a plane, or even maybe a train, to head to beaches, BBQs, and celebrations all over the country to celebrate the old red, white and blue. 

The grocery stores are brimming with firework packages, family size bags of potato chips, wine, beer, and lots of charcoal for that grill! I can't wait for the burgers and hot dogs I'm going to chow down beach side, washed down with a good ol' classic Coke or some rose wine spritzers! 

In department stores and fashion boutiques, it's hard to miss all the Fourth of July inspired apparel, like American flags or tees with cheeky sayings like 'Red, white and booze.' There will be tank tops, and board shorts, bathing suits, and even America-loving speedos. From women to kiddos, red, white and blue is being targeted to the whole family. 

Once Fourth of July has come and gone, what happens to all this holiday clothing? It either gets packed up until the following year, or worn around the house as your newest pajama, and this is my point. Why not dress festive and celebrate the 4th, but with looks you can keep wearing all year round? 

There are ways to wear red, white and blue without looking like an American flag. You can still show off those spirit fingers by putting together looks that are not just America-friendly, but can also pass as nautical. Look at that, two trends in one! 

One of my favorite spots (that I rarely frequent, btw), is Espanola Way. The architecture and colors are so vibrant, friendly, and they visually transport you to some quaint Spanish city without leaving Miami. I've shot in this same location in the past and I wanted to come back here and show Lauren, my NY photographer (@laurelcreative), this hidden gem. Of course, she fell in love. These mamey walls, with the distressed blue and white tiles are so vivid and eye-catching, and with the outfit, I thought it would work perfectly. 

I love me a loose-fitting blouse- one that I could dress up or down, wear with shorts, pants, and simultaneously over a bathing suit if I wanted to as well. I found this one at (you guessed it), Zara and it's currently on repeat in my closet. I love the bird print and the colors. I could easily pair this with a pair of jeans, denim shorts, or white my white culottes, but you know me, I wanted to mix it up! 

I found the most amazing blue and white striped pants, also at Zara. I'm very particular on pants and how they fit. These are ideal for summer because they are lightweight and can pretty much go with everything, and they're great for mixing patterns. So you see why I had to pair the blouse with these pants! It goes so well together. Who would have thought? Maybe this is something you probably wouldn't have thought to wear together, but sometimes you got to play with what you got in your closet! Move away from the 'basic' or expected outfit, and take a fashion leap! 

We took this look on a stroll on Espanola Way, and got so many compliments, one from a known model who was also on the street shooting for a magazine. That definitely felt good! We can't wrap it up without mentioning accessories. You'll definitely see me sporting hats more and more during the hot summer months, and we paired this look with a straw fedora and a casual bone-colored clutch and gold espadrilles. 

My blue blocker sunnies compliment the colors of the outfit, and the earrings, (oh the earrings!) are still one of my favorite purchases from Top Shop. They're such a beautiful, bold red and make a loud statement. 

Have I inspired you to embrace the colors of America with a twist?! I hope I did, and now it's time to go on vacation mode, at least it is for me! We'll be heading out tomorrow to Siesta Key and I am giddy with excitement! 

Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday, and remember to light up those sparklers and celebrate the great US of A! 

In Style, 

Kat 

TREND ALERT: PASTEL PERFECTION

Good Evening squeezers! I hope you had an eventful, restful, and awesome weekend! I spent mine doing some writing, getting ready for a segment tomorrow, and spending time with my kiddos and husband (which means schlepping from birthday parties and playdates and some unwinding with wine in between). 

It's been a little bit since I've shared a trend alert so I thought it was about time I put one out there in the blogoverse! This go around, we're going to be talking...PASTELS! 

There are so many ways to wear pastels. Pastels aren't colors you just bring out during Easter in the form of a Sunday's best dress. There are plenty of options- from classic suits, co-ord sets, tops, even heels! The best part is you can mix and match with so much! 

I found this pastel lilac vintage tee at Topshop and I thought it was an easy way to try out the pastel trend without going overboard. The print was felt very retro and I was thinking of other ways to wear it other than with denim. I had recently gotten this Alice & Olivia ruffled skirt and thought, "hmm, wouldn't that be a fun pairing?" The skirt is high-waisted and the t-shirt was slightly cropped so for me, it worked out perfectly because it wasn't a full-on crop. 

Next came the accessorizing and I had so much fun doing that! I added a small leopard bag and these great jeweled platform wedges from Zara that dress up any outfit. Of course, can't forget my glasses, which my friends still hate and it only makes me love them even more!

I've gone on to wear my pastel top with high-waisted jean shorts, mom jeans, and even sweatpants (gasp!) I have plans to wear them this week with a pair of white culottes I just picked up at Ann Taylor. I'm looking forward to that look!

Oh! I almost forgot the earrings! I also picked these up at Topshop on sale and I can't stop wearing them! They are so festive and fun and such a vibrant pop of color now for the summer. You'll be seeing a lot more of these babies =)

There was no better place to photograph this outfit than in Wynwood. Don't you think it captures it's funkiness perfectly?! 

How do you wear your pastels! I really want to know! Make sure to DM me or tag me so I can see your style. 

In Style, 

Kat Buccio 

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

TREND ALERT: SPOTTED IN 2018

Hello Squeezers! It's Sunday night, and all my people are tucked away in their beds and it's just me, my computer, and the last few chapters of Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri (if you haven't seen this Oscar nominated flick, you MUST). I'm taking advantage of this rare quiet time to catch up on my blog posts! So, yay for that! 

For the next few posts, I'll be sharing some trend forecasts for the spring! Just straight up fashion and pictures. I've got some "deep thoughts" posts brewing, but for right now, I want to keep it light and fun! 

Let's kick it off with the first one-

POLKA DOTS! 

There's a reason this mighty trend keeps taking on different lifeforms each season! Polka dots have the ability to be both elegant and fun. We saw it all over the runway this season- from Dior to Carolina Herrera- from bold to playful. There are so many different way to bring this trend to life and it's versatility is probably one of the reasons why it has been at the forefront time and time again. 

I own several polka dot pieces from midi skirts to sweatshirts, but I have to say this polka dot blouse from Zara is one of my favorites! You know when you walk into a store and your eyes immediately dart from side to side in a room until they immediately fixate on that one item you have to have? For me, it was this blouse. I saw it on the mannequin and knew it belonged in my closet. Only I wasn't going to pay full price for it. It just wasn't in my budget, so I had to let it be. Fast forward a few weeks later at Zara's famous 'rebajas (sales),' and there it was! Not only did I find it in my size, but it was discounted to 19 bucks! 

WIN. 

I also love mixing my polka dots with different patterns and print. While I do LOVE me a head to toe polka dot outfit, it's fun to break it up and mix it up with something unexpected. I paired my blouse, wait, did I mention that my blouse has a big, fat fabulous bow on it?! It makes it even more spectacular! Anywho, I paired it with my checkered trousers, which also happen to be high-waisted and I love the combination! 

I added chunky gold heels, and my black hat from Goorin Bros to give it an extra 'Kathy touch.' I'm already thinking of other ways to wear this blouse. It's long enough that I can wear as a tunic with a pair of leggings, with my denim skirt, or my mom jeans, oh yeah. 

So I'm here to tell you, you need polka dots in your life! Big ones, little ones, colorful ones. It doesn't matter what size or color, we don't discriminate! You just need them. Your spring wardrobe will thank you. 

*** All Photos by Elizabeth of Ra-Haus.

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 

Miami Style Map: Florals for Fall- Groundbreaking!

Seems like florals is one of those trends that just won't quit. We saw florals for spring (groundbreaking!), floral for summer (groundbreaking!), florals for fall (gasp..groundbreaking!). And whether it is groundbreaking or not, let's face it, florals are a classic. They're packaged in different palettes and hues- tailored to their respective season and found in the trend forecast's silhouettes du jour. 

If it's one person that is happy to see a recurrence of in-your-face-florals, it's moi. I can't get enough. However, I have scaled down drastically on the floral apparel in my wardrobe. There's simply no need for three bohemian style floral tops, or four grungy floral tank tops. There just isn't. They key is to keep it to a maybe a maximum of 3-5 floral pieces that are versatile in range and style and that can be mixed and matched continuously so you don't have to keep clogging your closets with more trendy florals. Get me?

I scored this richly-hued floral frock at a Zara sale and it's everything! As I get older (and fashionably wiser), I like to invest in pieces that will take me from season to season. I can't afford (and find it senseless to be quite honest) to splurge on an item I'm only going to wear once. It's got to have life to it. This dress is so easy to take from season to season! Case in point- for this post, I gave it some (Miami) fall-like elements like socks with peep toe wedged sandals. Plus I love mixing patterns! The leopard shoes really pop when paired with such vivid colors like the yellow and bright green. 

I wore this dress over the weekend with pointy toe flats and I'm taking it on my upcoming NY travels and will be accessorizing it with a faux fur vest and either gold or black tights! 

Chris, from Ra-Haus Fotografie (www.ra-haus.com) did an awesome job at making this dress standout in the lush grounds of the Freehand Miami- one of my favorite spots to kick back with friends over some killer cocktails (www.freehandmiami.com). It's just a melting pot of cool when you mix the dress, the art deco architecture, the eclectic colors and designs of the furniture, and most importantly, the inviting greenery and refreshing poolside ambiance! Because nothing says fall in Miami like a pool! 

So next time you're out shopping and you make a beeline for the florals, ask yourself- is this groundbreaking enough to earn a spot in my closet?! Let Miranda Priestly be your guide. 

On Me: 

Dress- Zara

Heels- Chiffino

Necklace- H&M

Glasses - Forever 21 

In Style, 

Kat 

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