It's a Gap Holiday in Drop Waist and Florals!

It's a holly jolly Christmas and I'm feeling happy, festive, and bright! It may sound cliche, but the holiday season is one that makes me feel all warm, cozy, and childlike- from getting Christmas cards in the mail from friends all over, to Michael Buble's Christmas album that sits on repeat in our apartment. Those are just two of the many wonderful things that make the holiday season so special! Being reunited with family, holiday movies with my little one (A Mickey Christmas, anyone?), gift exchanges, and Christmas shopping top my list of treats that put a smile on my face. 

And dressing up for the holidays is always a festive perk!  I love what Gap has been doing since Danish designer, Rebekka Bay, took the helm as creative director. There's a funky design infusion in its current collections (but still keeping to its classic reputation) that outshines the traditional Gap uniform we've been used to seeing and I've fallen in love with Gap all over again because of it. So when the opportunity came to team up with Gap at Lincoln Road for a holiday feature on how I wear my Gap, I literally (see above) did a little jig! 

This season was all about celebrating holiday looks with Gap's new Shine Collection. From 'Fair Isle' pieces to party dresses, there's something for everyone's fashion palette. 

I'm not one to shy away from florals and this drop waist black and blue floral number had my name written all over it! http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=15207&vid=1&pid=140155002) It was the perfect dress to personalize for the holidays and beyond. The blue is so striking when paired with black and I love the fit of the dress on my body, especially the poofy skirt! It's my three favorite 'F's'- fun, flirty, and feminine. 

There are so many ways to wear this dress but I opted to give it an edgier spin since it fits my boho glam personality and that's the vibe I was feeling. I took my new Steve Madden Fickkle boots for a test drive with the dress and I am obsessed with the style of the booty (http://www.stevemadden.com/product/FICKKLE/179609.uts). I should also mention that Steve Madden has never let me down when it comes to their booty selection. These almond-toe shape pair are not only comfortable, they're pleasing, complementary, and sleek, so they easily sharpen up any outfit. And you get a little extra bounce in your step (and look) with its right-sized heel. 

I'm not one to venture into the silver department when it comes to jewelry, but it was love at first sight when I saw this Aldo statement necklace in Liz's drawer! And that's Liz, as in friend/photographer extraordinaire of Ra-Haus www.ra-haus.com)! Not only does she kill it behind the lens, she has a pretty sick personal style as well. I switched out my accessories once I had my heart set on the silver piece and I am so glad I went with it, because there's something about silver combined with blue and black that's just magical. The juxtaposition of the heavy, tribal elements of the necklace work well with the insta-pop of the florals. 

By the way, can you spy my customized beaded bracelet by Jade's Jems? (www.jadesjems.com) It's my nonchalant nod to the cities I call home (NYC, I'll see you real soon!). It's a daily reminder of where my heart belongs. 

And did you notice anything different about my look? If you guessed bangs, you guessed right! I brought my bangs out to play with this Gap dress. It just called for it and so did the hat! It ties the look together in a perfect package! Now, this look wouldn't be freshly squeezed without a bit of print mixing and I did that subtlety with the help of this leopard crossbody from Cole Haan. I mean, this dress is just a fashionista's paradise for accessorizing! 

I want to put you up to the challenge! How do YOU wear your Gap? Maybe it's something that's already in your closet or maybe this dress is calling your name. Whatever it is, don't be afraid to express yourself and SHINE this holiday season with a one of a kind piece. 

Happy Holidays, squeezers!

On Me: 

Dress- Gap

Necklace- Aldo Necklace

Booties- Steve Madden

Hat- Nasty Gal

Bag- Cole Haan 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Mixed Media and a Fresh Pair of Blood-Red booties

Now that my bubblegum teen pop whirlwind with One Direction has come to an end and my feet are firmly back on planet Earth (well, not completely. I'm still hitting the replay button on my teenage dream), I'm ready to dive right back into the blog with a fresh post you are sure to love. I'm taking a ride on the polka dot and plaid train and hightailing it straight to Wynwood to show you how to style these two adored classic prints. 

Oh the places you'll go with a plaid flannel! Just ask me. I have ten. It's an accessible basic that can take on many style personalities and flavors. It can fluctuate from lumberjack oh-so-chic to permissibly avant garde with the right counterpart and accessories. Usually there's a grunge affinity to my plaid- not very dressed up and more inclined to comfort and coziness. With this look, I didn't eliminate the coziness, but I did add some girlish innocence with the polka dot skirt. I gave the flannel some ladylike legs and dressed it up with a midi skirt and the right bling. 

Instead of letting it hang or wrapping it around my waist, I opted to tuck in the flannel by giving it a more polished finish. I love the combination of polka and plaid. Most people probably wouldn't pair the two, but their pairing is more cohesive than you think. Neither print outshines the other and instead claim double spotlight for their individualized dash of panache. The combination is eye-grabbing and it makes a statement. 

These Aldo blood-red booties are my EVERYTHING right now. I have three go-to shoes at the moment and these blood-red booties are on the list. Everything from the gold hardware, to the pointy-toe scream boho-luxe to me. I have been on the hunt for the right pair of red booties for quite some time. A few years ago while vacationing in Europe, I scored the most insane pair from Zara, and in a moment of impulse and frustration because I had temporarily fallen out of love with them, I gave them away (almost like a boyfriend or girlfriend you regret breaking up with). It was a dumb move and one I regret and I promised myself I wouldn't do it again. Cue to a few weeks ago when I was on Aldo's Instagram and saw these babies giving me that "buy me" face I couldn't resist. And now, these Chloe knock off 'zapaticos de rosa' are on my feet and dancing the day away thanks to my better half (Happy early Christmas to moi)! PS. How cute is this petite Coach saddle bag? 

Take a few moments to admire my shoes while I cross the street in Wynwood. I was a having a Beatles moment in the pic above but you can actually get a great view of these sole stunners!

Hey, the boys of One Direction loved my booties so that takes their cool factor up a notch. 

Spruce up an everyday plaid shirt by adding some fancy flair to the mix. It's such a simple way to dress up any look. I added this crazy fabulous Aldo necklace that never fails at being a conversation starter. People are blown away when I tell them just how affordable this swanky gem is! 

I was very excited to share this look with all of you, not just because I love the outfit or because I always love capturing the dynamicity of Wynwood, but because I got to team up with a really cool photographer from the Simply Captivating family, Ricky Iglesias. Ricky is a Miamian-turned-Madrileno and speaks my city language fluently. He was such a pleasure (and easy) to work with and he was very open to challenging himself when it came to exploring different ways to photograph the outfit in Wynwood's urban landscape. He's got an eye (get it?) for style and I look forward to working with him again. 

Now I challenge you to go where no other fashionista has gone before! How do you pair your polka dot and plaid?

On Me: 

Plaid button-down- Forever 21

Polk dot skirt- Forever 21

Saddle bag- Coach

Booties- Aldo Shoes

Necklace- Aldo Shoes 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: In A Culottes State of Mind

If there is one thing that you can't beat when it comes to Miami, it's her breathtaking beaches (sorry, NY). Where else can you find turquoise dipped waters without actually having to go to the Carribbean?! So many of Miami's prized 'places to see' come with a water view that almost look photoshopped- ahem, see above.  (I can vouch for their authenticity). 

You don't need a million dollar home on Star Island to enjoy waterfront luxury (though that would be nice). In Miami, you don't need to look further than your nearest park. I'm fortunate I get to live right across from a nice little park on the water, which offers some pretty awesome morning reflections when I walk the dogs. There's just something really uplifting about a good view! But one of my favorite parks in the city, happens to be a 10 minute ride away in Coconut Grove. It's called Alice Wainwright park and it sits right on the bay.

Whether you're enjoying a picnic by the bay or a walk along the tree-heavy grounds, Alice Wainwright is a picturesque retreat in the heart of Miami- a hidden gem, some would say. I love bringing Maya to the playground and watching her run and up and down the grassy knolls. And you can't help but be distracted by the view- open waters, city skyline, and Viscaya Gardens from a distance. 

What a perfect backdrop to showcase these killer culottes and tailored blue blazer. My photographer, Raquel was on the money with this location. These culottes are my latest obsession. They are easy to dress up or dress down. I love the way the blue it reflects against the water and the gold details on the buttons and accessories are simply striking. This look is structurally post-modern with its clean designs and color scheme.  And I love the menswear touch with the crisp white blouse under the jacket. 

I recently wore this look to the Refinery 29 x Simon Malls Shopping Block event at Dadeland Mall. Because when you're dealing with Refinery 29, you just automatically take it up a notch. 

The accessories are a big part of this look. In keeping with the sleek cut and finish of the outfit, I added this layered statement necklace and leopard clutch. I'm obsessed with braids (duh), and really wanted to do 'braids and bangs' updo and I just love how complimentary it is (thank you Ana, from Makeup Artistry by Jessie). You really notice the vintage earrings, the necklace, and the red lips because the hair is off the face. 

And how fantastic are these gold sneaker slip-ons with the culottes? It's fashion synergy. With faux sneakers like these, you can sign me up for the sportswear trend any day! 

On Me:

White blouse- Forever 21

Blazer- Forever 21

Culottes- Zara

Slip-ons- Steve Madden

Clutch- Nine West

Necklace- Aldo Shoes 

In Style, 

Kat

New York Style Map: Rufflin' On The High Line

Guess who's bizzack in La Gran Manzana?! This city gal! And happy to report it was a sick-free weekend of celebrating (and day drinking) the latest rounds of weddings, engagements, and baby showers. It was a jam-packed three days of reuniting with old friends and jumping right back into our city routine and I couldn't have been happier. And of course, I got to squeeze in a a very special photo shoot while I was in town with the fabulous Kim Mancuso of Kim Mancuso Photography. 

Kim and I go way back, and it's all thanks to my husband, Coco. Now, if you haven't met my husband, Coco, then well, you don't know what you're missing. Coco is straight up sunshine. He loves people, has an infectious personality, and he's your typical Italian New Yorker- loud, funny, and out of this world kind (yes, kind. NYers are one of the kindest folk out there). So it's pretty easy to figure why people love him- and why I married him. It was Coco who first met Kim in the halls of Rockefeller Center and he just knew that Kim and I would click. "You gotta meet my wife!" he would say. And he was right. Kim was also a loud, funny, and vibrant Italiana, who worked at SNL while I was a producer at Access Hollywood.  We quickly bonded over our love of fashion, food, and wine. We were a match made in friend heaven, plus I have a thing for Italians! She had also recently traveled to Cuba where she had taken some breathtaking photographs of the island and its people. Her talent blew me away. 

When I started my blog, we talked about the possibility of teaming up for a photo shoot during one of my trips back and we were finally able to line this one up! We had several locations in mind (which we will put into play in the next visit) but for this look, we went to one of my favorite spots in the city- The High Line. 

The High Line is an elevated urban park that runs along on old railroad tracks on the west side of Manhattan (from 14th street to 34th street) and sits over the bustling city streets. It's a modern day oasis amidst the hustle of the concrete jungle and boasts some of the best views of the Hudson River. The High Line was originally used in the early 1930's to transport goods by avoiding street traffic and delivering directly into buildings. The growth of interstate trucking led to a decrease in rail traffic, thus shutting down the rail track service in 1980.  

Thanks to a community of activists and the non-profit, Friends of the High line, the tracks were preserved and repurposed and in 1999, the first section of the High Line opened it's fresh concept to eager locals and tourists alike. Two years later, a second section was opened. The park is now a popular attraction that includes not only an open landscape of greenery and art installations, but also pop-up bars, restaurants, and local street vendors for all visitors to enjoy. 

One of my favorite memories of the High Line is walking along the park with Maya and Coco after celebrating my second Mother's Day at the Hotel Americano. The day was gorgeous and we stopped at Terroir Wine Bar for a drink and then we let Maya run up and down the walk while she played with the flowers and we took pictures. It was one of my most memorable afternoons in the city (and thankfully, I have many)!

Now that I've dropped some knowledge and history on you squeezers, it's time to get to the nitty gritty of this post- the outfit. Thank you H&M for this UH-mazing ruffled wonder of a dress. I'm beyond obsessed. I felt like a bad ass edgy flamenco-dancer in this mint green  stunner. The ruffles were my favorite part of this look. It was such a simple pattern that packed quite the punch. I love long sleeved dresses and I especially like when they are form-fitting on the top and then open up below the waist. The high neck was also a plus. It allowed for me to showcase this spectacular jeweled necklace. 

The weather was absolutely perfect on this fall Saturday so I always have my leather jacket handy. I took this look from day to night (from a baby shower in the West Village to drinks at Cafe Select then a sleepy train ride on the LIRR) with the jacket and my black fedora. These suede booties feel like I'm not wearing any shoes at all and because blisters were not on the agenda this trip (or on any for that matter), they were the best candidates for all day walking around the city. Like the dress sock touch? I'm going through a phase. 

I'll tell you my second favorite thing about this look- my vampy lips. I'm big on lip color. For years I owned the smokey eye and nude lip trend and while I still do it from time to time, I've been embracing the colored lip for a while now. Red is my usual go-to hue, but now for fall, I'm loving this deep purple matte shade from MAC called Cyber. How vibrant does it look with this whole outfit? Add some killer ear cuffs (and I mean killer literally- I almost lost blood flow to my ears), and this look is a slam dunk. 

I'm so thankful for my NYC adventures- to get to go back home and bring you some of my favorite stories and places! If you find yourself in the city soon, stop by the High Line. Go for a night time stroll after dinner or meet friends for drinks at the wine bar, or if you just need to get away from the madness of it all, take a seat and breathe in the awesomeness this town has to offer. 

On Me: 

Dress- H&M

Necklace- H&M

Earrings- H&M

Hat- Forever 21

Purse- Forever 21

Shoes- Aldo Shoes 

Read more about my photo shoot adventures on Kim Mancuso's blog and give her a ring next time you're in New York! And follow her on Instagram at @kimmancusophotography

http://kimmancusophotography.blogspot.com/2014/10/freshly-squeezed-with-twist-of_20.html

Learn more about the High Line http://www.thehighline.org/

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: A Mustard Seed Sprouts in Fall.

Contrary to weather reports, climate change, and a little thing called history, fall is basically a mythical illusion in the Magic City. But I hail from the land of believers and I want to believe that Miami does offer us fall-obsessed fashionistas, a smidgen of fall. At least that's what I keep telling myself. I'll take whatever I can get, really. Throw me a 50 degree day and I'll do a happy dance for you (no booze necessary). At this point, I'm hopeful 75 degrees will get the palm trees changing colors! 

My photographer, Raquel, calls it 'finding fall,' and that's exactly what we set out to do on our recent photo adventure. I love when great minds think alike. Raquel had been obsessing over this 'park' that she came across on her afternoon run, and I kept trying to guess what park she was talking about based on her description. Our guessing game finally paid off when we got to Alice Wainwright park, one of my favorite spots in the city, which also happens to have some of the most amazing views of Biscayne Bay. It was her first time there and seeing her awestruck reaction reminded me of my own when I first visited the park last year. Yes, I didn't discover this gem until my recent homecoming. I was late to the party on this one. But hey, how does the saying go, 'better late than never?'

Well, we did it. We found fall in Miami, or at least we found an autumn oasis amidst the palm trees and mosquitoes. I like to think that it was this outfit that made it happen. It's time to dish on the wardrobe and I just cannot get enough of this deep mustard prairie dress. From the moment I saw it while my husband was dragging me out of Zara, I knew it had to be mine. Fast forward a couple of weeks later on my trip to New York, and it made its way into my suitcase. I was sick as a dog and planned only to pick up this cozy knit cardigan to keep me warm, but I was out of it (too much Mucinex) and the next thing I knew the dress was at checkout (you believe me, right?). The fever made me do it. 

I love the rich tone of the dress, the small lace and embroidery details on it, and the sheer panel on the arms and neckline. It's a fall favorite. I added the oversized cardigan over it and the color combination is an autumn dream. I love how these two bold colors create a perfect synergy. 

The fun part was getting to accessorize this look! There are just so many options when it comes to jewelry. I wanted to keep showcasing this killer chain-like statement necklace against the mustard of the dress. I last wore this piece with a very streamlined and modern outfit and the fact that it can go from one extreme style personality to another, proves I got my money's worth. That, and the fact I'm a fashion chameleon. The gold serves as a great accent to the deep hues that dominate the look. Even the T-strap heels with the school girl socks, help in defining this look as feminine and fancy-free. 

You didn't think I was going to leave out the leopard out of this one, did you? I mean, it's practically begging for some animal print. This Nine west clutch with it's textured leopard flap and gold hardware, is such a versatile and complimenting bag for any kind of outfit! Keep your eye out. You'll be seeing it make several appearances in the coming months on the blog! 

I brought the bangs out for this look. Milkmaid braids just scream 'Fall' for me, and Ana from Makeup Artistry by Jessie, whips up the most delicious of braids! Thank goodness for clip on bangs. I get to enjoy the transformation without having to commit to the upkeep. 

This look (or a variation of it) is already packed in my bag, ready to take on the NYC chill! Oh how I miss that. 

What are some of your favorite fall must-haves? Do tell! 

On Me: 

Dress- Zara

Cardigan- Zara

Necklace- Aldo Shoes

Shoes- Tory Burch

Socks- Previously belonged to the husband (what's yours is mine!)

Purse- Nine West 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: A Tropical-Infused Double Take

I bet the first thing some of you will say when you see my latest blog photos is, "Hey, I know that wall!" This wall is part of the Miami zeitgeist- off the beaten path of other known landmarks on Miami Beach or even Calle Ocho. It's an iconic piece of art that's part of a longstanding bird store called Sinbad's. If you're travels take you on the Bird Road path, then chances are this birds of paradise mural has probably caught your eye while sitting in traffic or zipping westbound on your commute. It's wild. Literally. 

I liked where Natalie's (from Suna Photography) head was at when she pre-selected this spot in our Bird Road District adventures. I was feeling like a Jungle Queen in her natural habitat (just as long as any of these painted beasts didn't jump off their canvas to eat me in my pretty dress). 

I absolutely love this tropical print dress I scored while at a recent visit to another Bird Road landmark, Miami Twice and I am even more excited to wear it during Swim Week. I wanted to do something different, though. I wanted to show my fellow fashionistas how to wear one dress two different ways. That way, whenever you feel like you have nothing to wear or "I already wore that dress on Facebook" (because let's face it, Facebook kills fashion), there's always the opportunity to give your favorite dress a second chance. 

So this particular look is quite simple. Keep it sexy and beachy with a pair of statement heels or wedges. Something that gives you length- think taller than Tom Cruise length. And put on a bright lip for added effect. Add a clutch, some cool earrings, and call it wrap! 

Grab your girlfriends and go out dancing! 

Give a feminine dress a downtown spin by adding tougher accessories. I love a good tailored blazer over a dress. I call it my other 'NY uniform' since it's perfect for transitioning from season to season. It also can make a va-va-voom dress more proper and conservative without being dowdy. My studded boots from Free People play off the tropical print by giving it a more rough and tough look and feel. I finished it off with a hat, some bad ass art deco chandelier earrings, and an off white clutch that rounds up the whole outfit. 

Now take me out to listen to some good music! 

On Me: 
Dress- Miami Twice
Shoes (First look)- Payless 
Clutch (first look)- Big Buddha 
Earrings- Forever 21 

Shoes (second look)- Free People
Clutch (second look)- Aldo 
Hat (second look)- Nasty Gal

In Style, 

Kat

Miami Style Map: Talk is Cheap and I have Places to Go

I'm a girl on the move. 

In the words of 50 Cent, I got places to go, I got people to see. And I'm going to look good doing it, dammit. So when I finally found the most perfect pair of white jeans from Mango to add to my wardrobe, I knew that I needed to take them out for a test drive. They're just the right amount of skinny, a durable denim fabric, and a few appropriately placed rips (butt cheek rips ala Britney Spears are never a "do")  to give them a touch of tough girl attitude. 

I wanted to go for a symmetrical and modern look- an outfit focused on clean lines and muted colors like this light taupe boyfriend blazer and 'Talk is Cheap' muscle tee. Together, it all flows. And the shoes (oh the shoes!)- an opportunity to get playful with animal print. These pointy toe faux snakeskin pumps from the InStyle x Nine West collection are EVERYTHING. They have garnered a spot on my list of classic staples every woman should own. 

I have to give it to Lizzie and Justin from Rahaus Fotografie http://ra-haus.com/ for always finding the most incredible and unique shoot locations for my looks. The backdrop always tells a story- taking readers to unprecedented heights of imagination and wonder and making me, and the clothes, main characters in a scene.  Like for instance, this city skyline etched on metal frames that's a no brainer not only for the outfit, but for the city girl that defines me.  

I love the accessories for this look because they fuse brilliantly with the feel and modernity of the outfit. My orange/red lip courtesy of MAC and applied by makeup guru, Jessie of Makeup Artistry by Jessie, are the main focus - colorwise - of the look. While the outfit is subtle and basking in neutrals, the lips add an instant pop of glamour and color to not completely wash it out. It says, "Hey, check me out. You can't miss me." 

I love this oversized gold spiked statement necklace from Zara. I'm channeling my inner white girl rapper neck armor with pride! The bone colored and wood clutch is a classic addition as is my chunky Michael Kors gold watch. 

I'm on the move! 

On Me: 

Boyfriend Blazer- Forever 21 http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=outerwear_coats-and-jackets&ProductID=2000062270&VariantID=
Talk is Cheap tee- Forever 21
White Jeans- MNG for JCPenney http://www.jcpenney.com/month-long-values/mng-by-mango-deconstructed-jeans/prod.jump?ppId=pp5003611182&catId=cat100250124&N=100420068&extDim=true&topDim=Categories&topDimvalue=jeans&dimCombo=Categories%7C&dimComboVal=jeans%7C&currentDim=Categories&currentDimVal=jeans&colorizedImg=DP0107201417334335M.tif
Heels-  InStyle x Nine West http://www.ninewest.com/Gamin-d%27Orsay-High-Heels/12311592,default,pd.html?variantSizeClass=&variantColor=JJ3YEA1_1&cgid=12877356&prefn1=catalog-id&prefv1=ninewest-catalog
Clutch- Aldo 
Sunnies- Forever 21 

In Style, 

Kat