Miami Style Map: Hot Momma On The Go! Taking your LBD From Day to Night with Tutti Bambini Photography

It's the story of the 'little black dress'- the most coveted piece of a clothing in any fashionista's wardrobe (made iconic by the one and only Audrey Hepburn)! Ask any woman if she owns an 'LBD' and the answer is always YES YES YES! The LBD is a staple that never goes out of style. It's classic sophistication, and a statement piece that can matter-of-factly transform its style personality in the blink of an eye. The LBD is fun and casual by day, and sexy and stunning by night! 

And to all my hot mommas and mommas-to-be out there, you need a little black dress in your life! Whether its a shift dress or a form-fitting frock, the LBD is a wardrobe must-have for you! I've been on the hunt for that perfect LBD since finding out I was pregnant and I was ecstatic to score an Isabella Oliver rouged dress at baby boutique, Tutti Bambini (www.tutti-bambini.com). Not only does this baby boutique offer personal concierge services, specialized birthing and parenting classes, party planning, and a photo studio, it now offers maternity fashion for expectant moms! It's one stop shopping for all your maternity and baby needs! And they've curated a versatile selection of maternity fashion that ranges from easy comfort finds like T-shirt maternity dresses to edgy cocktail wear with leather detailing. I was thrilled to find out they are one of the few retailers to carry the UK based Isabella Oliver maternity line (www.isabellaoliver.com). I love the brand for its nod to the modern woman and its attention to sophisticated details that do not compromise style or comfort. Their pieces are a welcome upgrade to maternity fashion for the everyday woman on the go! 

And speaking of photo studio, I had the pleasure of teaming up with Tutti Bambini Photography (http://www.tutti-bambini.com/services/photography/) to show you how to take your little black dress from day to night! It was my first time working with Tutti Bambini Photography and their work exceeded my expectations. Their lead photographer, Christy Mendoza, is not only patient and sweet, but she's thorough, very hands on in her creative approach, and she works with you to bring your vision to life while also infusing some of her personal touches that only serve to enhance the final product. Every shoot she does- whether newborn or maternity- is always different. No two shoots are ever the same and clients have the option of shooting on location or in their diversely crafted photo studio in South Miami. 

So when I came to her with the idea of shooting this dress, we definitely wanted to show a 'hot momma on the go'- a city mom that has places to go and people to see. Like many moms, I sometimes find myself out all day in the same outfit, and I need that outfit to take me from day to night, and the little black dress is the perfect item to showcase this fun transition. If I'm running errands, meeting a friend for lunch, dropping off Maya at school, or meeting an editor, I need chic comfort. Pair your LBD with flats, like these from Dolce Vita. Because it's sweltering hot in Miami and I'll be in and out in the heat (Miami summers are not a pregnant woman's friend), I rely on my trusty fedora for extra shade. I keep it classic with a black and white textured cross body clutch from Ohm boutique that's easy to carry and holds all my basic essentials. And just to add a bit of pizazz to this daytime look, we accessorized with a statement necklace by Stella and Dot and made the lips pop with a bright summer red. Who said that errands can't be tackled in style?! 

Fast forward to a few hours later and it's time to meet some friends for dinner, which means time to change clothes and go- only this time, the only thing you have to change are your shoes. I swapped my pointy toe flats for these killer Nine West animal print heels. I removed the cross body chain on the purse and made it into a sleek clutch. I left the necklace but opted to add this gorgeously vibrant and tailored yellow blazer also from Isabella Oliver, to spice up the LBD. The blazer instantly transforms this little black dress into an 'I'm a beautiful pregnant woman hear me roar' look. I added a few bobby pins to my daytime ponytail (courtesy of Ana from www.makeupartistrybyjessie.com) and opted for a messy bun. I removed the red lip and added something with more flesh tones to give my makeup a sultry finish. 

Everything you need to take this look from day to night, can be kept in a bag in your car. Pack a change of shoes, makeup for touch ups, any accessories you want to switch out, and some bobby pins, and you got two looks for the price of one, and a little black dress that will never let you down! 

I want to know how you take your little black dress from day to night! Share your tips, squeezers! 

On Me: 

Daytime:
LBD- Isabella Oliver via Tutti Bambini
Necklace- Stella and Dot
Hat- Forever 21
Crossbody- Ohm Boutique
Flats- Dolce Vita 

Nightime:
LBD- Isabella Oliver via Tutti Bambini
Blazer- Isabella Oliver
Necklace- Stella and Dot
Clutch- Ohm Boutique
Heels- Nine West 

** To schedule a session or inquire about special packages with Tutti Bambini Photography, reach out to Tutti Bambini at: 

7211 SW 58th Ave, South Miami, FL 33143
Phone: 305-669-1400
Email: info@tutti-bambini.com

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 Work of Art on the Bay

Everything about this post is an architectural delight. Though simple in it's clean lines and contemporary design, it is the perfect backdrop to go against the dominant patterns of my outfit du jour. 

I have been giddy with excitement waiting to share this post with my fellow fashionistas! I was so stoked when Lizzie from Ra-haus http://ra-haus.com/  found our location and literally made me walk on a ledge to capture some of our kick ass shots. I'm in love with her vision, especially the images in front of the commanding wood panels.

I have gotten so much use out of this Peter Pilotto skirt from Target. I've even worn it with sneakers. It's extremely easy to pair and I love the originality of the classic Pilotto pattern. I decided to wear it with this black and white striped crop top, which also boasts some studded hardware at the shoulders. A striped top should be a 'must have' in every woman's closet. It is cherished staple that runs the gamut of outfit possibilities. 

Jessie, from Makeup Artistry by Jessie, highlighted my cheeks and smoked up my eyes with a charcoal grey. We added a pop of orange to add some fierce playfulness to the look. 

It's either go big or go home for me and that's evident by this H&M clutch with unique metallic hardware! It's like a big stylish stew of contemporary fashion! Let's just throw it all together and see what we get! I'm in love with the sleekness of this easy to carry day-to-night bag. 

And the icing on the cake are these faboosh faux snakeskin pumps. They're sexy, seductive, and can do some major damage if you dare get in my way! 

On Me: 

Top- Bongos for Kmart

Skirt- Peter Pilotto for Target

Clutch- H&M

Shoes- InStyle for Nine West 

Earrings- Vintage 

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