The Ramblings

It's out with the old and in with the new; the cliche that sums up the end of another year and the start of new things to come! It's true that every day is an opportunity to star afresh, to set goals, and basically just be a better human; but, there is something about the new year that makes even a cynic seem hopeful. It's up to us to create our happiness, to keep the focus on the positive, and to seize our moment and run with it. 

It may sound cliche, but 2017 continued to be a year of growth, of life lessons, resilience, and spending way too much money on lice treatments (note to self: no more Beyonce braids in Jamaica). Coco and I celebrated 10 years of marriage and went on our first vacation without the kids. Maya started Kindergarten and Rocco made his daycare/preschool debut, and since then, I've grown more sane! Plus, it's extremely helpful when it comes to getting my work done. We enjoyed family vacations, staycations, beach trips, rollercoaster rides, tastings, and so much more! Everyday I grow more thankful and more aware that the greatest gift I have, are the three meatballs that make up my Buccio clan. It's easy sometimes to lose focus and perspective when things aren't going according to plan or when life throws you some curve balls  and you realize you have to work even harder to get over the humps, but then you circle back and remember how truly lucky and blessed you are. At least I do. When my mind wanders and goes negative, I bring it right back to the blessings and silver linings in my life. Try it. It's not always easy breezy, but it sure does feel good when you set your mindset to 'gratitude mode.' 

Which brings me to 2018.  

I'm a non-resolution kind of girl. I understand that setting goals and aspirations and resolutions helps many people, but for me, I like to go into the new year with an open mind, heart, and zero pressure. Life is stressful as it is, and setting these definitive goals and high expectations with little room for failure at the start of something new, can be well, daunting and stressful. That's not a positive way to kick off the year, at least in my opinion. It also doesn't mean that I'm going into the new year clueless and unmotivated; on the contrary. I am always striving to be better- a better human being, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, and a better student. I'm not perfect and I'll never be (even though we all like to think we are), but there is always room for self-improvement and for self-actualization whether it's in your personal or your professional life. It's about focusing on the little things like living in the moment and not on my phone, having more patience with people in general but more importantly with my kids and husband, taking care of my body and mind by continuing to do some form of exercise that's rewarding, and above all, taking the time to nurture myself and the things that I like to do. Whether it's reading, writing, watching a movie or a tv show, getting together with friends, or simply just going for a walk, doing 'you' allows for the best version of who you are to shine through. No one likes crabby Kathy. Just ask Coco. =) 

I've also been thinking about my mom a lot. You never stop missing or mourning your mother. It doesn't matter how long it's been. I miss her daily. I miss her when I see my kids' faces, when I see a mother-daughter grabbing lunch together, or really just when I'm feeling down and need someone to talk to that isn't my therapist or my husband. I constantly talk to my kids about their Mami Tere because I want them to know just how special and wonderful she was and how she will always be a part of their lives.  

Part of the reason I wanted to go blonde for a while was to feel more connected to her, and strangely I do. When my friends or family tell me, "You look so much like your mom right now," it actually makes me smile. There's a connection- a memory that is comforting and soothing. It's the same with this outfit. I remember vividly my mom wearing this checkered blazer. I remember it hanging in her closet and the shoulder pads that made her look more fierce than she already was. When I slide it on, I feel her and it brings me such joy. She was a fashionable woman and enjoyed dressing up and living her best life every single day. So when you see me sporting this special vintage piece, know I'm a little happier, a little more confident than usual on that day because I'm wearing a part of my mom with me- my  'superhero cape.' 

As far as this outfit, I wanted to pull off a power suit look (with a twist) after I found similar pants at Forever 21. I paired it with a vintage Mickey tee and white booties and love how it looks. It's fun, classic, with a side dish of vintage. 

What's coming to the blog in 2018? Well, I'm re-branding. Little by little because believe it or not, I'm slightly technologically challenged and one of my very best friends is helping me throughout the process. I'm excited and nervous, and I've been feeling that it's time for a change. Who I am as a micro-brand is continuously evolving. I love fashion and it is still at the forefront, but I've been doing a lot more food, some beauty and travel as well. I'll always be the 'freshlysqueezedfasionista,' but as I evolve and the blog evolves, using my name, @kathybuccio, is more inclusive when it comes to my writing and production assignments and it can all live under one umbrella. Kathy Buccio is who I am, and who I will always be and I think I want that to come across even more prominently on my blog and in my work as well. 

So here's to each and every one of you, squeezers! My loyal followers and friends. I toast to your health, to your ambitions and dreams, to your ability to keep going in the face of adversity, and to your passions. May 2018 continue to enlighten and brighten you and may your wardrobe always be just as fabulous as you! 

In Style, 

Kathy Buccio 

NY Style Map: Feeling a 90s Snap in NYC

I miss New York. 

I miss everything about it. I miss wearing sweaters. I miss complaining about how cold it is and dreading that first pang of freezing temperature that hits your face when you walk out of your building. I miss waiting at the bus stop for the M79 (immortalized forever by Vampire Weekend). I miss getting squashed by a gazillion commuters on the overcrowded 6 train. I miss the noise. I miss sunbathing at Central Park and picnics with too much wine. I miss my daily trips to the swings to watch Maya lose it in a fit of giggles. I miss Duane Reade. I miss $7 manicures and Gray's Papaya hot dogs. I miss my neighborhood wine store and early morning bagel runs. I miss the museums. I miss aimlessly visiting the city's neighborhoods and pretending we lived in every Carrie Bradshaw looking townhouse on Charles Street. I miss that guy that rollerbladed in a thong down 2nd avenue. Even that guy. 

I miss it. And every so often, these feelings of missing a place that's so engraved in who you are, creep up and get you all emotional over something that was, and still somewhat, feels like home, even though you are no longer there. But at the same time, I'm thankful for the opportunity to miss something so wonderful. I'm thankful that I got the chance to experience the greatest city in the world and I made it my own. I'm thankful for the home I made, the career I have, the husband I married, the children I have- all thanks to that great city. I'm thankful for toughening up, for growing an inevitable second skin, and for the kindness of some of the friendliest and resilient people you will ever meet (yeah, I'm talking about New Yorkers). I'm thankful for the polaroid snapshots of festive dinner parties in apartment 5A and family adventures on every bridge and in borough. 

I'm thankful. 

That's why every trip is an opportunity to refuel, recharge, and reconnect with all the things I miss and love to do- whether I visit solo or with the family- every trip becomes a self-satisfying adventure. This time around, I made the trip solo, which was much needed. I was in fashion week glory, jumping from show to show, feeling lost in glamorous clothing and backstage interview with the city 'clackers.' There were zero plans on my agenda. I went in there completely open and free and it felt fantastic! Everything was planned on the spot; but, the first order of business was just doing whatever the hell I wanted to do. I checked restaurants off my list, popped into an exhibit at the Whitney, met up for catch-up dinners with friends, had tea for one, and slept. Boy, did I sleep! I almost didn't know what to do with all the free time. Oh yeah, I also squeezed in this fashion shoot with my Miami-turned-Brooklynite photographer, Carmen Rodriguez (http://carmenishere.tumblr.com), because while I was in the city, I took a trip back to the 90s- Fresh Prince style. 

I love the 90s. I love everything about it. Movies (Clueless, Titanic, Empire Records, You've Got Mail, Home Alone), fashion (Nirvana's Grunge, Cher Horowitz's baby doll dresses, everything Madonna) , and music (Salt N' Peppa, Vanilla Ice, Kid N' Play, TLC, No Doubt), reigned supreme during this decade and some of those 90s trends and influences were all that and a bag of chips (see what I did there?)! And now they're seeping through in 2016. 

Like this totally rad H&M geometric sweater that I stole out of Zach Morris'closet. It's bangin' (I'm still going with the 90s slang)! These bright, neon colors are vibrant and catchy and I paired it with another 90s staple- the baggy joggers (in faux leather)- comfortable and chic. I normally wear my hair flung on one side like so easy breezy, and then it hit me that I'm secretly channeling my 90s beauty icon- Kelly Kapowski- queen of all things scrungies and biker shorts. I threw my mom's vintage mink over my look to keep warm, which also made me think about how my mom owned 90s fashion- Adidas windbreakers, tracksuits, high waisted Guess jeans, tousled hair, and midi denim skirts for every occasion! So I must have been influenced by her- after all, she was my first fashion idol! 

Union Square adds as the perfect backdrop, wouldn't you say? Because if it's one thing about New York- it's been a pop culture constant through every decade! 

It's always great to see you, New York. Thanks for the memories.

On Me: 

Sweater- H&M

Joggers- Forever 21

Booties- Steve Madden

Sunnies- Forever 21

Mink- Vintage 

In Style, 

Kat 

Kicking Off Memorial Day Weekend With Some Retro Bathing Suit!

It's the long weekend and time to pack up the swimsuits, sunscreens, and coolers and head to your nearest beach! I, for one, can't wait to sit out and catch some rays with some refreshing drinks and the latest gossip rags to keep me company! 

And in the spirit of the festive long weekend, I wanted to share with you my retro pin up shoot I did a few months back with Erika Nelly, of Erika Nelly Photography (http://erikanelly.com). I love the process of transforming from modern gal to sexy vintage bombshell! Everything from the wardrobe to the hair is curated to capture that really special 'wan-bam-wow' pinup look! Erika has a penchant for vintage, as does her wardrobe and make-up stylist so teaming up with them for this throwback photo shoot was lots of fun and full of energy! 

I've had this Target suit for years and it's one of my personal favorites! Though I do wear a lot of bikinis, the few one pieces I do own, are all retro-inspired. Plus, the strapless neckline makes it easy for tanline-free sunning! Polka dots are a classic vintage pattern and such a feminine and timeless look that can still be worn today. They add a hint of that vintage vibe when styled accordingly. I love the cut of this one piece because it really accentuates the curves! If it's something we can learn from the pin-up models of the 50's and 60's, is that embracing your womanly curves was a winning recipe- as it should be! As women and for some of us, as mothers, our bodies are a wonderland of empowerment and amazement. We owe it to love every inch of our curves because they tell us so much about who we are, where we come from, and what we are capable of doing! That's not to say there are moments that sometimes we try to minimize our curves and we have those instances of self-doubt- but we need to keep telling ourselves how much sexier, more confident, and  more beautiful we are because we have them! Time to flaunt! 

And with a suit like this, I'm able to show off my tiny waist and generous hips because even skinny girls (especially skinny Cuban girls) have hips too! And I love them! 

We went for a tiki look and accessorized appropriately with the bamboo snack shack, pineapples, and flamingo props! I absolutely love flamingos! They're so fun and they're the perfect shade of summer pink. I'm sure they're the envy of the bird community. 

We did these really cool retro rolls at the base of my hair and left the rest of it loose with some big beachy curls. A red lip is almost mandatory when you're channeling your inner pin-up girl and the glossier the better! We added a pair of red Fendi heels (these I don't recommend for the beach. Ha!) and a complimenting red rose for the updo! 

And voila! Just call me Kathy Page! 

Want to take a trip back in time and tap into that vintage you?! Treat yourself to vintage bombshell photo shoot with Erika (booking info on www.erikanelly.com)! These will be priceless photos you'll be happy you took! 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Smelling the Roses at South Pointe Park

At first glance, the backdrop looks like manicured stadium seating at the Colosseum. But alas, we are not in Rome. However, we are in the picturesque grounds of South Pointe Park- tucked away behind Smith and Wollensky on Miami Beach. And I am a bit embarrassed to admit, this was actually my first time here. Thanks to my photographer, Lizzie's, urging (www.ra-haus.com), we shot two looks (and two completely different settings) at the park. It was hard for me to focus because the views are just breathtaking- a postcard come to life. Every few seconds I would childishly shout out, "OMG, look at the water! or "Look over there! It's beautiful!" If it's one thing I can't argue about Miami Beach, is that it boasts some of the most spectacular and scenic views I've ever seen. 

I scored this vintage rose-themed top from French 75 Vintage at the Lincoln Road Street Market. Actually, it was my better half, Coco, who picked it out. Not bad, husband! How many of you have let your significant other pick out or even buy clothes for you? I have, on that rare occasion. Thankfully, Coco has good taste and the few things he has purchased for me, I've loved and still wear (But there was that orange and turquoise necklace he bought me when we first started dating that was a bit questionable. Hmmm...) The roses on the blouse compliment the green of the landscape, as do the lines on both the top and the concrete benches. I paired the blouse with my high-waisted black pants. Figured I wear these before I have to retire them for the next 6 months. 

For this look, the accessories and the hair were just as important in adding character and feel to the outfit. For the fab braids, I used the services of Glam Squad www.glamsquad.com), which is basically Uber for hair and makeup. As a fashionista who's all about convenience, Glam Squad will come to you, wherever you are (office, home, hotel, etc) and whip you up into glam shape. All you have to do is download the app on your phone and the rest is cake! And you can even book same day like I did. I had a stylist at my house in the morning and in less than an hour, my hair was done and I was off to my shoot. 

A pop of red lips and my Gap sunnies, and voila! I was ready to hit the sunny streets. 

All this easy 1-2-3 shopping extends to my jewelry as well. These earrings are courtesy of Rocksbox. Every few weeks or so, I get a box with three different accessories (earrings, bracelets, necklaces) that have been tailored to my style and selected by one of their trusted stylists. And because you never know what you're going to get, every shipment is a surprise. Basically it's fun to get the mail again. 

And my trusted Sam Edelman loafers via zappos.com (www.zappos.com), never fail me. Black and white are a classic pairing and never go out of style. These will add a touch of masculinity to any look. 

On Me: 

- Blouse- French 75 Vintage

- Pants- H&M

- Shoes- Sam Edelman via zappos.com 

- Sunnies- Gap

- Earrings- Rocksbox 

- Clutch- H&M 

In Style, 

Kat 

NY Style Map: The Sporty Minimalist at NYFW

Hello Squeezers! I'm back (sort of) and ready to dish on my favorite NYFW looks. It's been a long two weeks made even more interesting and exhausting due in part to a cold virus that plagued the entire Buccio clan and overstayed its welcome. I'll tell you, working fashion week while feeling like your head is about to explode in a million pieces is not fun. Not fun at all. And neither is having to cut your trip short because this destructing cold virus has knocked out each and every member of your family. I'm still in recovery mode praying and hoping that I can soon retire the tissue boxes, ramen noodle soups, and Mucinex. These are definitely not accessories I'm coveting for the fall season.  With that said, let's move on to something more uplifting, like my favorite fashion week getups! 

First up, this sporty minimalist outfit.  This look was a little out of my usual fashion stratosphere but one I have come to embrace! My best friend and stylishly dapper right hand man, Javy, did some of his blind styling magic and came up with the concept for this look and together we made the vision come to life. I gave him specific instructions- no florals or tropical motifs. Try to focus on minimalist/modern pieces and/or prints. And Voila! 

This H&M dress is from their new fall collection and worn alone with that sheer detail, can be very sexy and slinky. Pair it with a colored heel and you instantly have a date night outfit sure to make heads turn. If you're thinking casual, dress it down with some combat boots, colored tights, and a chunky cardigan, and you have the perfect outfit for brunch downtown with friends. It's such a versatile staple that can take you from day to night and from season to season. 

For this particular look, we gave this little black dress a new purpose- jumper! Talk about getting a bang for your buck! I added this black and white geometric print blouse underneath the dress and gave it a modern sportswear twist. Who would have thought?! I got so many compliments (and photographs) on this look and with reason- it's fashionable and comfortable. 

Let's talk shoes! You know how much I love my mixed media. I had to incorporate a little leopard into the equation. I love how it blends with the black and white of the outfit. I'm a big fan of shoes and socks, not just for comfort reasons (less blisters, hello), but also because it's fun and gives off a bit of a 'prep school' vibe. 

My vintage crossbody bag from Toronto is one of my favorite handbags. I live in a good crossbody because it's such a great style for my on-the-go lifestyle (and a lifesaver during fashion week). And I borrowed the cat-eye sunnies from my dear friend and stand-in photographer, Pam! Kudos to her for snapping some style-worthy shots of my LOTD. 

Stay tuned for my next fashion week outfit post and my NYFW show recap! All coming this week. 

On Me: 

Dress- H&M

Top- Forever 21

Shoes- Steve Madden

Handbag- Vintage

Glasses- Michael Kors 

In Style, 

Kat 

Style Spotlight: Miami Twice Brings Vintage Charm to the Magic City

Tucked away in an nondescript strip mall on a busy Miami intersection, sits one of the city's best kept secrets for one of a kind vintage apparel as well as an enchanting story-telling vehicle that has been around for over 30 years. 

Miami Twice is a revered institution. The storefront and its time machine of goodies are iconic and chances are you've stepped foot inside of it at some point in your life to browse their extensive collection of curated vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. And did you know that Miami Twice was once an auto repair shop? Well, it was! 

And thanks to the passion of Mary Kyle Holle, she and her sister sought to transform this old space into what is now a 5,000 square foot closet that rivals that of Daisy Buchanan. Whether it's old gowns from the early 1940's or a mod print shift dress from the late 70's, Mary and her team have amassed a distinct and unique collection of frocks dating from as early as the 1930's, including jewelry from WWII days. To complement the Old World goods, the store also features a Mad Men inspired line as well as modern clothing from contemporary designers. And don't forget Halloween! Miami Twice has become the unofficial Halloween pit stop for costumes and accessories.  

And not to be outdone by all things vintage, Mary also has a pretty spectacular designer handbag collection that will have fashionistas clamoring. After a visit to the store for an unrelated assignment, Mary and her mom Diane, fed me tales of fancy socialites and fashion mavens that now leave their mark on the walls of Miami Twice. 

FSF: how has the store grown and evolved since it first opened in 1985?

MT: Miami Twice has physically grown from a small 1400 square foot store to the now 5000 square foot store.  As far as business, we started out purely a vintage store for clothing, accessories, furniture, and jewelry. In the years we have been in business, we have introduced new lines of clothing to compliment the vintage. We have also introduced a large pre-owned luxury designer area the business.  We have a large area dedicated to Chanel, Louis Vuitton and other luxury designer purses and accessories. As you know, we have also expanded sales in the month of October for our Halloween business. We cater to adults who want to dress up for Halloween. We are unlike your typical Halloween store, however.  All our costumes are on hangers and very well displayed and are accessorized head to toe!

FSF: When you hear people refer to the store as an iconic fashion institution in Miami, how does that resonate with you?

MT: As far as people referring to us as an iconic fashion institution in Miami, it is such a huge compliment.  We have always strived to be on top of our game with regards to vintage. It takes a creative customer, and someone who dresses in things other than your cookie cutter clothing that seems to be prevalent in Miami.  We love our customers.

FSF: What makes Miami Twice such an experience as a customer? What makes it special?

MT: I have heard through the years, when new customers walk in the door, how there is no other place like Miami Twice.  We have been compared with some of the vintage "old timers" in New York, Boston and Chicago. Our atmosphere is one of a vintage department store- A bygone era.

FSF: Is the store your personal closet as well?

MT: I absolutely have a few items in my closet that I coveted at any one particular time. However, I don't keep too much.  I have seen people in the collectible business or vintage business that fell in love with so many things that they took home. But I am a businesswoman first, and I tend to look at our items as treasures that our customers should have the opportunity to buy. I do love to look and touch all our vintage, but when they sell, I get to replace them with the next awesome item that I will get to enjoy until it sells. 

Miami Twice

6562 Bird Road

Miami, Fl 33155

(305) 666-0127 

Follow them on Instagram @miami_twice 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Having an 80's Flashback in Grand Estates

Did you think I would spend a day on the beautiful Viscaya grounds and not take full advantage of wardrobe changes?! It's not everyday you have a Versailles-inspired palatial villa in your own backyard. 

If you remember a few months back, I posted some jaw-dropping photographs wearing a black and white vintage dress that I had scored in Baton Rouge. Oh, they were so divine- they were very reminiscent of Dolce and Gabbana's 'La Familia' ad. 

This time around my super photog Elizabeth from Ra-Haus http://ra-haus.com/, and I changed things up. We went from retro to rad in a different kind of vintage- a sweet 80's throwback that's all sorts of tubular. I scored this mellow yellow number at the Wynwood Street Market. I initially planned to wear this black and yellow shirt with some pants but as I was changing, I realized that I loved it more as a shirt dress! Granted, I can't be bending over so freely because I'd be showing my lady parts to the world. So I have to remember- prim and proper, Kathy. Prim and proper! 

And keeping with that 80's trend of geometric prints and cubism, I love the triangle cutout on the back of this shirt dress. It's details like these that give a particular piece of clothing a  specific sense of character and design. I can't get enough of milkmaid braids. Seriously, I think this has become my go to hair in Miami. Its such a chic way to beat the heat!

Here's an up close and personal look at the black and yellow print on the dress. I spruced up the vintage element and kept going with the shape motif by adding my mother's black and silver necklace. Even though it's a chunkier piece of jewelry, it compliments the shirt while remaining subdued. The necklace also comes with earrings but in this case, it would have been too much. 

This necklace always puts a smile on my face. It's like a piece of my mother is coming along on my fashion adventures. As a little girl, I remember my mother standing in front of the mirror in her bedroom putting on this necklace with a long black dress and then when she was done with it, I would rummage through her drawers looking for it and trying it on the same way she did. When she passed, there were very few pieces I kept for myself. I wish I would have kept more, but at 16, I think the last thing you are thinking about after losing your mom is sorting through clothes to build your fashion closet. But I did keep this necklace and a few other gems that constantly keep me connected to her. After all, she continues to be one of my biggest fashion inspirations! No one rocked a pink lipstick and a blonde bob like her. 

And there you have it! I hope I've inspired to lose the pants and have some fun the next time you dress up! Liz and I have some cool stuff coming up and I can't wait to share some more of that Miami history with you all! In the meantime, my Squeezers, have a beautiful and adventurous weekend! 

On Me: 
Shirt Dress- Vintage Majal
Glasses- Forever 21
Booties- steve Madden
Necklace- Vintage
Purse- H&M 

In Style, 

Kat  

Miami Style Map: Diva in a Blue Dress

Pluck me from the manicured lawns of Coral Gables, and take me to the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor's Island because that's what I'm vibing in this vintage little number! 

The 1920's come alive on the great big lawn- with dance bands, flappers, and lots of champagne! And though I won't be there next week for the grand ol' festivities in the city, I'll be there in spirit refilling coupes of bubbles til the sun goes down right here in Miami. 

But this is exactly what I would be wearing for the celebration. I can already picture my blue floral dress blowing away on that ferry ride and praying my hat doesn't fly away into the East River! Another fashion casualty that's no match for the sea winds. 

The grounds at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami are endless. Just when you think you've uncovered every nook and cranny at the historic hotel, a fresh patch of scenery pops up to mix things up. And these stairs and fountains lend themselves to the backstory of this dress! I have Elizabeth from Ra-haus Fotografie to thank for that. Her scouting mission turned up these unique timeless backdrops- starting with that gorgeous monstrosity of a tree. Isn't it spectacular?! It feels like those roots are going to entwine themselves around me! 

This dress was another vintage find in Baton Rouge. I love finding one of a kind pieces when I travel. The floral details and the feminine length of the skirt are by far my favorite. I paired it with my red Fendi heels (red is such a great accent color for any look) and my grandmother's vintage Chanel purse! 

The smile doesn't lie! I was feeling quite glamourous and fancy-free in this throwback look. Add a gaudy fountain to my  outfit and bam! Consider me done. 

On Me: 

Dress- Aristocracy Bohemia (Baton Rouge)

Heels- Fendi

Hat- H&M 

Purse- Vintage 

In Style, 

Kat