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 

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 

Getting The Downtown Tartan Look With a Little Help From My Friends at Zappos.com

Every season, there's a resurgence of past trends that seem to creep up and affectionately win the hearts of their stylish counterparts. Some of these trends never really die. They go away for a little while (or a fashion minute), hibernate and then- poof! - they're back in bolder and re-imagined patterns and silhouettes that make you believe they're the new kids on the block. 

This fall, designers were mad for plaid. Yes- that iconic 90's trend, originally packaged with a grunge affinity and gothic flair thanks to a little known Seattle band named Nirvana, and re-introduced by McQueen, is back in full force in mixed variations. I do love a good tartan print. Not even a lifetime of Catholic school uniforms of the same blue plaid pattern could turn me off to the classic style. As a teenager in the 90's, if it's one thing I obsessed over while watching the cult-favorite, Clueless, it was how I wish I owned Cher's black and yellow plaid blazer and skirt combo. Sigh. 

Plaid is not limited to a punk wardrobe and that's what makes it such a loved pattern. Its versatility ranges anywhere from straight-laced prep to rugged mountain chic. And while plaid may be the unofficial print that rings in the chillier months and holiday festivities, it's a pattern that can be worn year round. I'm a sucker for tartan, which is evident in the 10 plus flannels that hang in my closet. Despite that,  the last time I owned anything plaid that wasn't a flannel shirt, I was a freshman in high school. Almost 20 years later,  it was time to conquer the plaid.  

My tartan adventures were made possible by my friends at Zappos.com (http://zapwow.me/HVgg). The opportunity to partner up with a revolutionary company like Zappos, was a dream.  I've shopped on Zappos for years, mostly picking up some great pairs of shoes.  Little did I know that Zappos carries hundreds of collection from well-known designers, some of whom show during Fashion Week. The product assortment ranges from handbags, and eye wear to hats and clothing and everything in between. That's all great, but without a doubt, the best part about Zappos is exceptional customer service and the free shipping!

So in partnership with Zappos.com, I wanted to put my own spin on the whole 'downtown tartan' conversation. My street style tends to be a mix of city girl meets boho glam. I'm big on over-sized tees and blouses, feminine frocks with tough accessories, boots and loafers, and edgy pieces that still possess a girlish undertone. I love leather jackets and I love black, and I love them even more when they're paired.

Now let's go to the star of the show- the outfit, which is my own interpretation of downtown tartan. Because I love dresses, I picked out this blue and black plaid button down shirt dress by BB Dakota (http://zapwow.me/HVgc). Don't listen to those outdated rules, blue and black work together just beautifully, especially in a plaid print. This shirt dress is the epitome of comfort. It's over-sized without looking like a sack and I love the collar because the dress lends itself to layering. I could throw it over a sweater- think chunky black, grey, or even a graphic print- next time I wear it and show off a totally different look. 

I wanted to layer the dress with something that had some 'rough and tough' credibility and this sleeveless faux leather vest from Calvin Klein (http://zapwow.me/HVgd) added the right amount of edge to the look. This vest is a wardrobe staple. It's a great layering piece and easy to throw on over a dress or a casual tee. I love how it pairs with the plaid. And lastly, the piece de resistance as I like to refer to them, the shoes. The pop of white from these two-toned oxfords by Sam Edelman (http://zapwow.me/HVgf) brightens up the mood of the look with its clean lines and sharp design.  Plus the 'borrowed from the boys' feel sold me. 

This is the quintessential fall outfit for Miami weather and our shooting location played well with the checkered plaid and the menswear touches. But let's state the obvious, this parking garage makes my outfit look even cooler. I have to talk about this unbelievable parking structure that served as our backdrop. I can't take the credit for the location- that honor goes to photographer, Elizabeth, of Ra-Haus Fotografie (www.ra-haus.com). I have her to thank for this out of this world photo shoot. Her creative vision needs no questioning. 

The view from the seventh floor of the parking lot (1111 Lincoln Road) boasts some pretty spectacular city views of Miami Beach. It's modern and muted and the unique design of the structure lets the tartan trend sit front and center. The hair comes a close second. Big thanks to Blo Bar in Brickell for my 'pillow talk' hair! (http://www.blomedry.com/locations/blo-brickell/)

Do you like what you see? Well, you can shop the items by clicking on the links! Take a walk on the plaid side and try it out for yourself! Because you need this look in your closet.

And remember, free shipping!

 How do YOU rock your tartan? 

On Me (You can buy this look on zappos.com http://zapwow.me/HVgg)

- BB Dakota Dress- http://zapwow.me/HVgc

- Calvin Klein Faux Leather Vest- http://zapwow.me/HVgd

- Sam Edelman Oxfords- http://zapwow.me/HVgf

In Style, 

Kat