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 

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