'Fashion Workshop: Maternity Style' At The Falls! (RECAP)

This weekend I had the pleasure of being part of the first 'Fashion Workshop' held at The Falls Mall in Miami (http://www.simon.com/mall/the-falls). Because May is the unofficial month of mothers and the event was held the Saturday before Mother's Day, our focus was  not just on moms, but moms-to-be. So many great vendors came out to participate and offer information and services to those in attendance and I was happy to share some of my own maternity fashion tips featuring clothing from some of the mall's retailers like Bloomingdales (www.bloomingdales.com), Gap (www.gap.com), Soma Intimates (www.somaintimates.com), and Traffic Shoes (www.trafficshoe.com)! 

As I've been mentioning on the blog, dressing your bump doesn't have to be a daunting task! It's actually quite fun if you know what to look for. Some women think their closet is off limits as their body changes, some stick to the basics like leggings and tunics, and some just go straight to the maternity store for a whole new wardrobe that can be taxing on the wallet. I'm here to tell you that you don't have to succumb completely to any of these resolves! Pregnancy is not a a death sentence for fashion and you don't have to break the bank to dress your bump! I always say it comes down to fit and fabric and investing in a few key maternity pieces from great brands like Destination Maternity (www.destinationmaternity.com), Pink Blush Maternity (www.pinkblushmaternity.com), and (www.isabellaoliver.com). Even Old Navy (www.oldnavy.com) and Target (www.target.com) have a budget-friendly maternity section. 

There's so much in your closet that can take you through the majority of pregnancy, especially when it comes to dresses. You can dress up basics with pops of color or a statement piece, and sprinkle in a few maternity pieces into the mix. That was what I wanted to focus on during my style presentation this past weekend. These six looks above, are perfect for pregnant and non-pregnant mommas! All these pieces you can wear before, during, and after your pregnancy because the fabrics and fit are versatile. Let's break down each of the looks from left to right! 

1- Polka Dot two-piece pajamas from Soma Intimates- This pajama is great for lounging around the house during pregnancy and even after. The fabric is 100% bamboo, which means that it is meant to keep you cool. It's a fabric made for Miami weather! If you're breastfeeding, Soma also carries nursing bras, which our mannequin is sporting. The buttons on the blouse make it very easy for new moms to nurse. I paired it with quilted black flats from Traffic Shoes. 

2- Pacific Blue Dress with Kimono from Bloomingdales- I love this BCBG Generation Dress! Not just because of the vibrant blue hue, because it's a pregnant gal's dream dress. It cuts right below the boobs with an elastic band (elastic will be your best friend during pregnancy), and it has the pleated overlay and grecian style billowy skirt. You can wear it as  is, or add a kimono (also from BCBG) to compliment the look. I personally love kimonos during pregnancy. They are comfortable and they can take any basic look up a notch. This one has a great color palette that makes the blue stand out even more. We made this look a little dressier by adding tan wedges from Traffic and a studded black envelope clutch also from BCBG. What's great about this look is that you can also pear it with flat sandals for a more casual feel. 

3- Denim Jumpsuit from Gap- I've never met a jumpsuit I didn't like and this one is extra special because even moms-to-be can wear it! Denim is such a classic piece that can live in your closet for years and years and never goes out of style! Why shouldn't you enjoy that during your nine months of pregnancy too? This particular jumpsuit has a tie band that allows you to tighten or loosen as you see fit. So as your belly grows, you can release the band a bit. And you can continue wearing it after pregnancy! I paired it with white espadrille wedges and a floppy hat also from the Gap because they are quintessential summer accessories! They are fashionable and functional and add a dash of sophistication to the whole look. 

4- Kelly Green skirt and floral blouse from Gap- Kelly green is such a pick-me-up color! It exudes happiness and cheer and what a lot of people don't know is that it's also a great neutral because it easily pairs with anything. If you love wearing skirts, the good news is that you don't have to retire them during pregnancy. The key is find ones with an elastic waistband. Some of my skirts have become high-waisted now while pregnant! I love the combination of the kelly green skirt with a summer floral button down. The trick to button downs is to go a size bigger so they're roomier for the belly. This is meant to be a summery-fresh fun look so we added these obsessively cool navy and white striped espadrille sneakers and straw bag. All the colors in this outfit compliment each other very well. 

5- Tropical print shift dress from Bloomingdales- Tropical prints are all the rage again this summer and have no plans of going away, especially if you're in Miami where 'tropics' is the universal language. This tropical print shift dress by Vince, is a highly-intense color explosion and I can't get enough of it! For starters, the style is more shift, so it's not hugging the body. It's not as constricting so it's perfect if you're pregnant. I added a  neon yellow cross body that really shines against the white. I also accessorized with a pair of sexy black wedges, because nothing is sexier than a momma-to-be! 

6- Striped dress from Soma Intimates- I can dedicate a whole blogpost to stripes! Every woman, pregnant or not, should have a striped piece in their closet. They are a nod to nautical, the unofficial pattern of summer, and so easy to wear because you can wear them as is, or mix them with different prints, patterns, and colors. I personally like wearing mine with florals but if I'm looking for something more streamlined, then I pair with a red or yellow blazer. This one from Soma is also made of 100% bamboo, and best of all, it has pockets! Chic and functional- how all clothes should be! I paired it with these simple white sandals from Traffic because as you get towards the end of pregnancy, your feet start to swell and you just want instant relief and comfort. And we are seeing lots of white this summer when it comes to shoes! So invest in a pair of cute sandals because you can wear them with absolutely anything. 

And I have to give a special shout out to some fantastic retailers that were responsible for my maternity-friendly look! The tropical print Vince dress is from Bloomingdales. The fabric was so lightweight and it kept me cool on a very hot Saturday afternoon. I love the combination of green and coral! Be bright and show off that bump! I accessorized with a chain necklace from Forever 21 and these awesomely 90's glitter jelly platforms (Oh, I went there), from Traffic Shoes. 

My beautiful waves were thanks to HSI Hair bar at The Falls (http://www.hsiprofessional.com/pages/hairbar) and I was so happy that the waves stuck through the humidity and heat! They do great work and you can just pop in there and help yourselves to their self-service bar. My summer make-up was courtesy of Clara Martinez of Estee Lauder in Bloomingdales (www.esteelauder.com). She is a bigger-than-life personality that is knowledgeable and takes the time to talk to you about your skin, the products she's using and what would work best on you. If you're in the neighborhood, pay her a visit! 

Another thank you goes out to The Falls Guest Services rep and photographer, Jimmy Casas for capturing all these images of the event, as well as these candid ones of me during the style presentation! Here I am giving some lucky guests the 411 on maternity fashion! 

Registration for The Falls' first Fashion Workshop. 

Complimentary hair services by the HSI team located in the mall. 

Guests were treated to complimentary massages courtesy of Elements Massage. 

Getting into the spirit of summer with DIY Flower Crowns.

Once guests registered and received their goodie bag (complete with a hair bow from Tutti-Bambini, (www.tutti-bambini.com), a 30 minute complimentary massage from Elements Spa (http://elementsmassage.com), and free refreshments), they had access to live music, complimentary hair services from HSI, massages from Elements spa, and a chance to make their own flower crowns at a volunteer-run flower crown station. They were also eligible for some great giveaways like a shopping spree courtesy of Simon Malls, a state of the art car seat from Tutti Bambini, and more free massages at a local Elements Spa location! 

Also on hand, was Jackson Health System (http://www.jacksonhealth.org/home.asp), which was introducing their highly-reviewed Prenatal Care facility and Maternity Wing, now boasting luxury suites (20 private rooms and 20 semi-private rooms). These new and improved features are currently available at Jackson Memorial Hospital and will soon be expanding to Jackson North and South. Jackson Memorial offers a wide range of services and amenities to meet the high needs and demands of expectant parents such as: Inpatient education and mommy express classes, level III neonatal intensive car unit, certified nurse-midwives, and certified lactation consultants, and so much more! 

I had so much fun being part of such an informative and helpful event to benefit our amazing mommies and mommies-to-be! Getting to partner with The Falls and some other wonderful vendors was a very rewarding way to spend my Mother's Day weekend. Don't forget to stop by the mall for some shopping and some fantastic upcoming events! 

Thank you to everyone who participated and for my family and friends who came to support me, especially my little mini me, who was more wowed by all the pregnant mannequins that 'looked like mommy.'

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Crop Tops and Parking Lots

It's the trend that refuses to die- crop tops. They have a love/hate relationship with the fashion world, garnering either 'modern glam' praise or 'teenage nightmare' disdain. Is there a happy medium for crop tops? Is there an age limit? Are they just as appropriate for cocktail hours as they are for brunch? I think the answer lies in how you wear them and how 'cropped' are these itty bitty tops.

When you're young, beautiful, and have zero cares in the fashion world, you have the ability to experiment with style and take some age-appropriate fashion risks. Hence, the flurry of crop tops being sported by teenage girls everywhere. I'm sure we've all seen many of those barely there tees splashed with bands most of these kids have never heard or a selection of phrases like 'coffee first' or 'I woke up like this,' paired with tiny lace shorts or low-waisted jeans. That's cool when you're 17 or 18 years old, but when you're in your 30's, it's time to reinvent the look and make it work for you! You have to figure what is the best way to wear a crop top without desperately looking like a school girl.

 First, think of how you would pair your crop top. If you want midriff action, pair underneath a boyfriend blazer and some skinny jeans. If you're channeling a more ladylike look, wear it with a pretty midi-skirt. Opt for something with volume. Not only is it feminine, but it also adds a unique illusion of proportions to the eye. For the body-con brave, a matching set is more your speed. I love to see a form-fitting sets in an eye-catching print, a bright solid, and even a stark white. It's modern, sexy, and still very much luxe.

I fell in love with this grey neoprene crop top at Bloomingdales because I loved the cut and it was a more contemporary style than what I normally gravitate towards. I did pair it with a bohemian Free People lace skirt that I can wear slightly high-waisted. I'm not into showing too much midriff when I wear crop tops- just enough for a sneak peek (oh how times have changed). And if you follow my blog, you'll remember that I wore this top with a black and white midi skirt and Louboutin heels,  demonstrating how easy it is to take the crop top look from day to night.

And who knew parking garages can serve as killer backdrops! My photographer, Raquel (www.raquelzaldivarphotography.com) and I, didn't plan for this but it ended up working so well with this look. It's bohemian-meets-industrialized with a nice Miami Beach skyline. The muted color palettes was an added perk. I'm digging these parking lot location shoots!

Let's wrap up this post with some awesome accessories! One of my favorite pieces are these H&M cuffs, which I've actually resorted to wearing only one because the left cuff almost left me with permanent ear damage! But I like the one cuff look, so it unintentionally became a thing. I added a Vida Kush chain choker,  black fishnet stockings, and my favorite Steve Madden booties! 

Crop tops can be such a fun outfit choice for women of any age if styled with proper taste! Remember your age. Know your body and what kind of cut and fit would work best for you! Now that I'm pregnant and my belly is growing at lightning speed, those crop tops are starting to look more like bras- so off they go to the back of my closet where they'll be stored for the next 6-9 months!

On Me: 

Crop top- Bloomingdales 
Skirt- Free People
Boots- Steve Madden
Tights- T.J Maxx
Choker- Vida Kush
Ear Cuff- H&M 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Singing the Blues in Surfside

My friends say I need a little push to walk on the 'wild side' from time to time. And this is most likely true. I can be a real square on occasion. Living on the 'wild side' doesn't really appetize me. I like to follow rules, not break them. And if I do, there's got to be some good logic behind it. I was that girl who never went to the principal's office, always followed directions, and brought home kick ass report cards. And damn proud of it. 

So imagine my trepidation when Lizzie, my photographer from www.ra-haus.com, suggested we lay claim on this retro bungalow in Surfside. Our shooting location, she tells me. "But Liz, SOMEONE lives here. It's trespassing." And out comes that good girl I was telling you all about and here's how it went inside my head for twenty seconds, "we can't shoot here, it's not our house! do you know the people that live here? can we get arrested? what if they shoot us? what if the neighbors say something?" Neurotisicm at it's finest. 

Finally after several nudges, pushes, and a even a "get over it," she started clicking away. And sometimes, that little push is all you need in order to get some magical results like these! 

There is so much character to be found in one single shoot, starting with the standout aqua color of this sweet adobe! It's sensational- there's no better way to describe it. Two things came to mind when I first saw this house- 1) how much it reminded me of that infamous W Mag spread with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie during the 'breakup heard round the world." And 2) If Norman Rockwell decided to use Miami Beach in his 1950's All-American family portraits, this would probably be the kind of house he would feature. 

With that being said, it's no surprise that this Miami-modern casita was the other leading lady during our session, and we definitely took advantage of the all that it's exterior had to offer. 

I love the contrast of the dressed up look against the distressed and aged appearance of the home. I also love this full print black and white skirt not only because it has a slight touch of 1950's modernism, but because it has POCKETS! I'm pocket-crazy! 

The versatility and print of the skirt makes it a classic staple that can be worn many different ways. I paired mine with a cut off jeweled crop top in another classic color- grey. This look leans toward the modern, and yet it still works with my everyday style. 

I accessorized this look with these beautiful earrings courtesy of Rocksbox, my Rebecca Minkoff red cross body, and my electric blue Louboutins for some pop of color, and my vintage Pixie Market frames. Also, can you spot my 'Tale of Two cities' bracelet? I'm obsessed. 

And there you have it, folks! This is what happens when you step out of your comfort zone a tad- a unique photo session that will definitely have the squeezers talking! And special thanks to Lizzie for giving me that extra push I needed! 

On Me: 

Top: Bloomingdales
Skirt: Bloomingdales
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Heels: Louboutins 
Sunnies: Pixie Market 


In Style, 

Kat 

I'm Bigger, Better, and Stronger Because of 2014, and Ready to Shine in the New Year Sans Resolutions!

Happy New Year's Eve, Squeezers! While I'm not 100% back up and running just yet, I couldn't end 2014 without a blogpost and a THANK YOU, to all of you, for following me, for supporting me, and for joining me on my blogging adventures. In the words of the great Sally Field, "You like me! You really like me!" 

2014 was the year of strength, sacrifice, growth, and perseverance. It was a year of challenges, of emotional battles, of success, of trust, but most importantly, a true testament to commitment, faith, and happiness. It began with an unwanted move back to Miami- a move which in the last year, has taught me what it truly means to sacrifice (or as I say, temporarily put on hold) your own agenda for that of someone else's. Since my mom's passing at the age of 16, I've done a pretty good job of taking care of myself and putting myself first in all things life- starting with my well-being, school, and career. Having a partner and being a mother has taught me the real definition of selflessness. This was a learning lesson for me, and a somewhat uncomfortable one,  but a gratifying step towards continuous growth. I saw my marriage go through growing pains that thankfully evolved into an even healthier and loving partnership. We redefined teamwork and I couldn't be more proud of my husband for his passionate ambition, his undying support and encouragement, and fierce loyalty to his family. I am blessed beyond words to have him in our lives. 

It was the year of flying blind; of having unquestionable faith and strength of what the future held and relinquishing control to the unknown. This has been scary, and continues to be; but, it is this 'unknown' that sometimes bring the most unexpected joy and opportunities. Sometimes in life, the only answer is to throw your arms wide open and accept the challenge, whatever it may hold.  My go-getter attitude never wavered and I vowed that I would make our stay in the Magic City one filled with happy memories for myself and for Maya. And while I miss our everyday adventures of city living (because that chapter hasn't closed just yet), there's been something really special about rediscovering Miami as a first time mom, getting to share with Maya in many of the day to day things my own mother shared with me as I was growing up. And those are the kind of memories that can't be duplicated. They're pure magic. 

Personally, I have been fortunate to explore new and exciting ventures that I would have otherwise, never have bothered to experience if I was in New York- starting with the ability to do more writing, whether through the blog or other publications. My NYC life kept me preoccupied with other things. Everyday I learn something new about myself, cliche as it sounds. But that's what hurdles and bumps are meant to do- they're meant to teach us and to challenge us and they encourage us to pick the road less traveled so that the reward is that much more satisfying at the end. Because there's nothing more fulfilling than proving to yourself, "hey, I did it- we did it," and smiling up at the sky. 

Therefore, despite the roller coaster of change, charged emotions, and 'what ifs,' 2014 was one big, fat, blessing for Coco, Maya, and I because we got through it together and came out of it bigger, better, and stronger and with a whole new outlook towards life. We're happy, we're healthy, and ready for world domination in 2015. 

And with that, we welcome you, 2015! With health, happiness, and faith at the forefront, I look forward to another year of making memories, of laughter, and of growth. I'm not one for making resolutions. I don't believe in setting ourselves up for such expectations at the start of a new year (don't believe me, just look at all those canceled gym memberships). Everyday should be an opportunity to be better, to wake up and make your dreams into reality, to take risks, and to keep climbing until you reach the top. There's a whole lotta of world and a whole lotta you waiting to do some great big things! 

So let's raise our glasses in triumph and cheer, "2015, welcome! We Salute you." 

Thank you to Ricky from Simply Captivating for capturing these ethereal photos on our recent shoot in the Design District. I love the airiness of this Free People skirt because it plays well with any type of mood, texture, style personality, and climate. The muted grey and cream palette with a slab of the rich, purple lip tone (courtesy of MAC's Cyber), feels almost dreamy and ultra-feminine. And I mean, can you ever go wrong with a tongue-and-cheek Kate Moss sweatshirt?! 

How spectacular are these Sam Edelman heels from TJ Maxx?! Love the gold detailing on the platform and the patent black straps. The Art Deco inspired style is 'oh so Miami.' 

 Here's an homage to the 90's with my velvet choker. I just can't seem to help adding some grittier elements to this girlish look. Headpieces still aren't ready to say goodbye, and as someone who grew up wearing them religiously, I'm happy to see them stay. I love this leaf-like stunner from Avon.  The metallic clutch is also an Avon special! 

That's a wrap for 2014! Immense gratitude and love for the wild ride! Here's to a happy and safe 2015 for all my Squeezers! 

On Me: 

Sweatshirt- Bloomingdales

Skirt: Free People 

Shoes: Sam Edelman/TJ Maxx

Headpiece- Avon

Clutch- Avon 

In Style, 

Kat