TREND ALERT: Do You Crop Top?

It's the old age question when it comes to fashion, is there a cut off age for wearing crop tops? Growing up in a Cuban household (at least in mine), unless I was at the beach, showing my midriff was a no no. It was deemed too revealing, not age appropriate, and risqué. I'll admit, there were a few (okay, many) times, when I would leave the house wearing a sweater because I was wearing a crop top and didn't want my grandparents to start lecturing me! I couldn't help it! I loved the trend. 

As I got older though, I bought into the belief that at a certain age, it was time to retire the cut offs. No self-respecting woman over the age of twenty something should be flaunting her midriff unless it's  in a bikini. Right? 

Here's the irony of it all. At 37, after giving birth to two kids and a not-so-toned belly that can look like a possible pregnancy (it's not), I've added a few crop tops to my wardrobe. Gasp! I know, I really didn't think that would happen.

There's a catch.

I'll only wear crop tops with high-waisted pants, shorts, or skirts. It's a happy compromise! I'm showing only minimal skin, which makes me feel comfortable and confident, but I still feel there is somewhat of an age limit, you know? Again, that's just my opinion and what works for ME.  I'm not baring it all; just a little peek-a-boo skin. There's a tasteful way to do it when you get a tad bit older.

Also, praise Jesus for all things high-waisted!  the Lord for anything high-waisted! #amen

There are so many crop top styles out in stores and it's all about finding the right one that works for YOU. I found this peasant-style crop top at Forever 21 and what drew me to it was not only the bold flower print, but also the long and loose sleeves!

As you can see, I paired it with a pair of high-waist belted wide leg pants, also from Forever 21 and look at the smidgen of skin that's saying hello! Feels right for my comfort level. Who would have thought I would embrace this burnt orange shade?! I normally don't gravitate to colors like these because it's too close to brown and I'm not a fan of brown, but these I absolutely love and they pair perfectly with the color palette on the crop top!

This look is giving me all sorts of Boogie Fever/1970's vibes with the wide leg pants, the shaggy blonde hair with bangs and the pointy white boots! I told you you would be seeing these white boots all year round!

I love love love white accessories! I've been into them so much lately because they stand out and automatically pop! Case in point- these great white shades from Amazon Fashion. They're so in your face! Throw on a straw bag, like this one, and you are living your best summer life- crop top and all! 

now it's your turn to answer. Do you crop top?! 

In Style, 

Kathy

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: ROLLING OUT OF BED

'I woke up like this.' We've heard the popular expression time and time again and what brings it to life in its truest form, is the oddly-popular-yet-hard-to-accept, pajama trend. Sleepwear has gotten the street style treatment and more and more people (myself included) are jumping on the bandwagon. 

I'll admit- I was VERY hesitant about this trend- it could appear borderline sloppy or simply lazy- like you literally rolled out of bed and out the door, looking like a madwoman. Maybe it was part envy as well. Let's face it. We all want to be comfortable. Do you guys remember those Chinese pajama sets as kids?! I was OBSESSED. I must have had them in every color. Then Marc Jacobs came out with a collection sometime in 2001-2002 and I spent like $150 on a red Chinese top just because it reminded me of those Chinese pajamas and I wore it religiously. I remember back then thinking, 'I'm wearing a pajama top out in the street!' A very expensive pajama. Ha! 

Fast forward 16 years later, and the pajama trend has blown up. From runway shows to magazine shoots, it's a trend that has gained traction and many loyal followers. There are endless prints and patterns, fabrics, and silhouettes. You can rock anything from a slip dress to a two piece coordinating pajama set. I had done the slip dress trend plenty. It's actually really versatile and I throw it on with a pair of boots and sometimes even a tee underneath. For me, it was the two piece pajama look that I was tempted to try but couldn't get myself to do. 

I few months ago on a trip to Marshalls, I found this dusty pink set in the store's trendy Cube section. I was immediately drawn to the color, the Asian-inspired print, and the fact that the pants were culottes! That just sold me. Okay, I was going for it and there was no turning back now. 

I fell in love. Why was I so late to this trend?! I didn't think it was for me, didn't think I could pull it off, and now I was a convert. Dress me up in sleepwear any day! 

The trick to this look is how to dress it up properly so that you don't look like you're really just sleepwalking and someone needs to wake you up from the hot mess of your outfit. I personally wouldn't wear this look with any slipper-like shoe, unless you're really taking the look literally. I opted for a pair of athleisure pom-pom sneakers in the same color palette, so I was still comfortable without looking like I was ready for bedtime. 

Depending on the print and fabric, accessorize with a statement clutch. I would even do a fanny! It would look SO cute! I actually wore this look with a fanny and I loved it. Also, play with some statement earrings. Tassel earrings would look adorable with the PJ's! My focal accessory are these exaggerated heart-shaped sunnies with pink lenses. Hey, if you're on the street wearing pajamas, you can't take yourself too seriously! 

One last thing- makeup! You can make a statement with a bold lip color or a bright lid. Get playful! I kept it neutral with pinks and creams, but just think (no with this particular set) what a bold red lip or a hot pink hue would do to a look! 

When Danielle Margherite (Instagram @dmargherite)  and I got together to shoot this look, the newly renovated lobby of the Biltmore Hotel was just calling our name with this pale pink pajama set. The hotel lobby is vibrant and oozing of a marriage of Mediterranean architecture, mixed with elegant Old World features and some touches of new romantic modernism. One thing is for sure, the historic beauty, romanticism, and European grandiose is what continues to makes the hotel a popular landmark and travel destination amongst local and international travelers. 

The lighting and the mood literally set the tone for our photos. I may or may not have laid on one of the plush furniture pieces! I mean, I was technically dressed for it. Some of my favorite photographs from this batch were the ones alongside the Gothic-like standing chandelier. It gave me Haunted Mansion vibes! The staircase and fireplace added character and the lush curtain drapes were very extra- in a gorgeous and rich kind of way. 

So there you have it, folks. I am now a card-carrying member of the pajama trend and I'm already on the hunt for my next set. I've added dusters and pajama button down tops, but; what this gal needs is a new set. If you see one you think I would love, send your girl a DM! 

How do you feel about the pajama trend? 

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 

How a One Week Detox from Social Media was the Best Medicine

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to take a little voluntary break from social media. This wasn't my first time shutting down the social media shop. Two years ago when my anxiety was at a very heightened point, I went dark for about seven months. I had no interest in being on social media, in posting, in following anyone. I wasn't in the right place, mentally, and I had just no desire. It was also quite liberating.  

When I went back on, I made it a point (though there were times I was not successful), to keep the posting and the scrolling to a minimum. It is SO easy to become consumed with likes, with followers, to see what other people are wearing, where they are going, what they're doing. It can become exhausting when there's no moderation. It doesn't even matter if you have bullet-proof self-esteem. At some point, even the most confident people can crack under the social media pressure. It happens. We're human. 

Then there was the time my phone stopped working earlier this year, and while I waited for a new phone, I was off social media again for like three days, and there's always a pattern of withdrawal, call it 'digital heroin.' The term (I can't take credit for it), perfectly describes today's addiction with staying connected and living/sharing our lives on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. The moment we aren't able to connect, is the minute we go through those withdrawal symptoms, which begs me to constantly ask myself, 'is too much social media bad for our (my) health?'

Part of taking care of me, is becoming aware of what's causing me stress. Being a writer/influencer, social media is par for the course. They're symbiotic so I have to have some sort of presence in the realm. Two years ago, I also deleted Facebook. One social media platform was enough for me. Did it cost me potential followers? Probably, but I didn't care. My sanity was more important. How many times do you catch yourself reaching for your phone? Checking your Instagram? Putting the phone down, and then picking it up 10 seconds later, like if something so monumental and life changing happened in those 10 seconds you locked your phone? You've become addicted and dependent. How many times do you intend to 'stop and smell the roses,' but instead 'stop and film the roses,' opting to capture 'the moment' as opposed to 'living the moment?' I know this happens to me, and I have to remind myself to put the phone down. It's even worse when your six year old reminds you. 

The next step is finding a balance. How do you find the balance of staying connected without being consumed? That's what I've been trying to figure out. I want to be able to be present, but also disconnect so I don't miss out on what's going on around me. It's all about taming that major FOMO thats creeps up on all of us. 

And that's when I decided to detox. 

I made the decision to take a week of from social media. To make sure I wouldn't be tempted to go on Instagram, I deleted the app from my phone. Bye, Felicia! One week of no posting, no stories, no distractions, and not checking to see what other people were doing. As expected, the first couple of days, I would pick up the phone and would instinctively tap on where the Instagram app would be, which was now replaced by my NBC 6 app. It was crazy to see how many times I would pick up the phone to get on Instagram out of habit. 

There are a million other things I could be doing instead of checking my phone every minute, and once the withdrawals subsided, I felt like a weight had been lifted. So what did I do? Well, for starters, I did a lot more of 'Netflix and chill.' Literally. I watched like three different shows I've been wanting to watch, I started reading a new book, and even watched the Royal Wedding without posting on Instagram! I live streamed it and the only memes I saw, were the ones my friends texted me. More importantly, I lived in the moment. It made me realize that sometimes I post too many stories. I love sharing my stories with you because it makes me happy, and I know that you guys love them because you tell me, but maybe it's too many, I thought. It's not letting me fully immerse myself in whatever it is that I'm doing on my own, with my kids, my husband, etc. Even the expression 'everything in moderation,' applies to social media too. 

Oh, I also went back to the gym. I was on a roll, and last month I put it on the back burner, but no more. I got up, got dressed, and went downstairs and got on that treadmill, and I can't believe I'm saying this, it felt GOOD. Another upside. Maybe some of you will read this and say, "well, you can still do all this stuff without having to detox from social media." Yes, you're right. Social Media detoxing is not for everyone, but I know it's good for me, and guess what? I didn't miss anything and the world didn't end because I decided to take a week off. On the contrary, I felt recharged, refreshed, and balanced. 

Maybe all you need is a few days, maybe you want to test the waters and detox for longer than a week, it's all a personal choice. For me, that one week was cathartic and healthy. So much so, that I plan to do it monthly. Once a month, I plan to detox from social media, recalibrate, find my center, and keep reminding myself that there's nothing more 'Instagrammable' than living your best life in the moment. 

Have you ever detoxed from social media? I would love to hear your experience! 

*** These photos were taken at the beautiful Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village. I stayed here one night on my last NYC trip and it was charming, relaxing, and the service was exceptional. It's the perfect place to simultaneously find some good ol' New York energy in a vibrant and soothing environment. Can't you just see how relaxed and carefree I am?! It's not just for show. Definitely check this boutique hotel out next time you're in the Big Apple and really want to get an authentic NYC experience.  Lauren, from @laurelcreative, took these amazing pictures during a beautiful afternoon at the hotel. ***

In Style, 

Kat 

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