On a rainy day like today, I'm always asked what one should wear when traveling to a warmer climate when you need to hit the road running. I love keeping it light and easy and of course it's about pops of color for your accessories! I love playing with primary colors as it's a classic look!
THE LOOK
This look is easy whether it's in the spring/summer and the weather might be a bit rainy or you're looking for a way to head to the airport! I believe that everyone needs a great trench coat and should have a navy as well as a khaki one. In addition, a long one as well as a short one is an essential as well. Building out great outerwear in this category is an essential and is a great way to infuse color! This Coach (I definitely want to rock the one in pink) trench is definitely the perfect item to have in your closet. Pair this with L'Wren Scott who always has great ruffle tops that are classics as well as fun prints. This yellow one has a great pattern and one that works well with this Paige jegging.
ACCESSORIZE THE LOOK
Running through the airport doesn't mean you need to slack on style nor does it mean that it needs to be cumbersome when you hit TSA and have your items scanned! I love Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Rubber bracelet which is a great way to show off this look. Effy Collection Citrine ring is perfect to bring this yellow hue back into the outfit and is a great cocktail ring that is always one of my signatures when I'm out and about. Although I am a heel girl, I'm also very much so into flip flops (usually Havaianas and sandals! These sandals from Sergio Rossi are perfect and can be worn casually as well as dressed up - I'm absolutely in love and know that I must pick up a pair for my spring/summer! The red with the navy and white stripes is absolute perfection and seems to scream warm weather. Pop red back in with this fringed clutch (yes if I am traveling for a meeting and am heading from the airport and straight to the conference room, I will have it in hand. This clutch by Mara Carrizo Scalise has an elegant rich and worn leather that just completes the look. Finally it's all about the luggage and although I tend to travel light (even when I appear on HSN for 3 segments) with a weekender, I like knowing I have options whether I need to bring more OR I want to change it up a bit. Nothing is better than Diane Von Furstenberg's collection which combines form and function together!
Sometimes there is nothing better then a day of beauty that takes place at home! Don't get me wrong, a spa day is fun when you can go to your favorite salon and have a number of treatments done. Even though you enjoy their relaxation rooms, there is always something about having to emerge back to the streets and then to head out to whatever you have for the day! Sometimes it's best to have a spa day at home when you know you're schedule is clear and you can do a number of things just for you and then relax in the comfort of your four walls! In honor of National Bubble Bath Day (yes this very day), there's a fab spread and to show how much this day means - I wanted to share how historic the act of bathing can be! In Ancient Rome, citizens bathed daily at the Roman baths, which often included a soak in the caldarium (hot tub), some detoxing in the laconicum (sauna), finished with a refreshing swim in the frigidarium (cold pool) - obviously spaing is an essential without question.
Anything worth doing should be done fabulously! So when you opt to have a fun day spaing, you should definitely dress for the occasion. After emerging from your shower or your bathtub (we suggest Neutrogena's Rainbath Renewing Shower and Bath Gel which is in pear and green tea), we suggest this simple La Perla cami with this fabulous Carine Gilson decadent robe which allows you to be able to tackle a number of other spa treatments or simply to relax. These Havaianas with crystal mesh allow you to continue to relax in the luxury by having a bit of bling. Finally, keep your hair out of your face within this Missoni lurex headband! Enjoy this national day whether you get to have an entire day or just an hour or so!
So a few weeks ago one of my readers asked what was on my holliday wish list this year! With it being the last day of November and us heading into the last month of the year (can you believe it) - I had to give you a peek on a few items that I will be looking for under our tree this year. As you know, I'm always about accessories and having something fun to put on! So since this year has been quite a year to make for a great 2013, I am definitely looking for Santa to bring a few things my way that will come in handy! As many of you know I'm OBSESSED with Balenciaga from their city bags in various sizes to their cosmetic cases. I love them in a number of hues but this rose golden bag is perfect no matter what coast I'm on or what season! When it comes to rocking something fabulous and decadent, I think back to one of my favorite jewelry brands, Konstantino - I adore this blue topaz. When it comes to natural stones, I love this agate cuff from YSL which is perfect for casual days or my power meetings when I'm going over design concepts or an upcoming event that I am hosting.
Of course, I wear many hats so in addition to being an Accessories Expert, the founder of this site and other items - I am also the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Shoe Week and having too many shoes is never a bad thing! I adore peep toe heels, over the knee boots and sandals (AND I have a thing for flip flops - Havaianas of course)! I'm fortunate that my work allows me to travel all over so I'm always buying summer clothing even when temperatures here in NYC are much colder! These K Jacques sandals are so fun as I love that there is the shocking pop of patent leather color and then calf hair - perfect for my kaftans and maxi dresses which are a tropical must! When it's time to go glam or to dress up my jeggings, I'm always a fan of anything by Giuseppe Zanotti - especially with these amber suede heels! Finally it's all about over the knee boots - Casadei is a must to have in my closet from peep toes and beyond!
So with New York Fashion Week being days away as well as the simultaneous launch of Shoe Week, I was slightly taken aback when I received some invites for upcoming bridal shows taking place in Oct. Now I cover bridal, that's not the issue; however, this season it has more meaning since my sister is newly engaged! So this season, it will be me covering but also have my mom and sister there to view the designs!
Although my sister will have a destination wedding, I'm pumped about doing the fun things like running errands and how about us doing this in cute hoodies she can rock the Victoria's Secret bride hoodie and I can have one that says Maid of Honor! We can also have matching cropped sweat pants from the brand. I never go anywhere without oversized sunglasses and this pair by Givenchy is perfect!
My sister and I will be running around and yet again, what's more fun then buddy bags! This bag is cute and perfect for my sister (although I would rock the gunmetal hue of this in violet) by . I love to rock a fun nail hue from Butter London and this hue is so fun when you ensure that your steps are also in the colorstory! In addition, I'm loving that we can stay comfy with my favorite flip flops from Havaianas. Keeping it in the something blue family, you're able to tie it into a wedding theme, a spa day for the bridal party etc. If you've yet to check out Havaiana's Hot Summer Nights campaign on Facebook, you'll want to see how you can get in on the fun by using your own summer as the backdrop to be eligible to win a trip to Brazil!
Roll images for more information about the goodies I'm rocking
As many of you know, I was on HSN this morning and again this afternoon! What's it like to be here? Well in addition to being able to hang out with the HSN hosts and other people that make the show amazing, I also play a lot of catch up - this season, it's all about me working on Shoe Week. I also love doing little catnaps so that I can stay refreshed. I'll be posting my looks soon but for now - here is a portion of the look that I wore as I was coming back from my last show and getting ready to head out for dinner!
I'm always mixing things and today's look was a simple cowl neck top that I got from Forever 21 which was paired with leggings from Avon that are a jegging with tones of grey/brown. I love the fact that all these accessories play together in a fab way including Stella & Dot's layered charms which is a fab bird on top of the Tree of Life charm. I also love fun bracelets such as my two fave Charriol and my Lagos Jewelry Caviar bracelet. Slipping on these Havaianas in silver tie the look together. When I'm out and about, it's all about grabbing a clutch to keep it easy, today I'm rocking my Dylan Zip Clutch from Linea Pelle which folds over with a magnetic closure to look like an envelope. When you lift the flap up and unzip it, you have full use of the inside of the clutch! We are offering this fabulous clutch by entering below!
Across the runways of SS 2012 during NYFW, the colors known as orange, clementine and tangerine - hit front and center for women as well as for men! If the color is a bit off putting to your style aesthetic, today we have a roundup of fun ways that you can include these vibrant hues within your guy's wardrobe from scarves from Faliero Sarti, shoes from Sperry, Nike and Havaianas, bags from Puma, bowties from Brooks Brothers and cufflinks by Barneys!
Tuesday night, I received a fab invite to the Havaianas Spring 2012 Editors preview event. What I loved most about this event was that you totally felt the experience of getting ready for the summer! Not only did we enjoy Leblon Capirinha's, yummie tuna tacos with mango shots, created our embellished Havaianas, scored a fab pair of sneakers from the brand within their Soul Collection and of course enjoying their Spring 12 collection in general. Enjoy pictures from this fun event by visiting Kitten Lounge's Facebook page!
We're also doing a fun giveaway for you to win one of the new Havaianas Soul Collection to rock this summer! Tell is what your favorite treat is when it comes to resting during the summer and you could win! This giveaway takes place starting now with a winner being selected on Friday, March 30th at noon! See the rest of the pictures from the party thanks to Team Havaianas!
There is something about taking some time to yourself as you rest by the pool or at the beach! I love that style finds itself here as well! I'm loving today's His Style which focuses on wayet style. I love starting with the basics with a v-neck grey t-shirt by Banana Republic and pair it with these fab Burberry Brit checked boardshorts so that's he swim ready! Finish it off with a crisp pair of Havaianaswhich have the soles of the flip flop sewn into the covered shoe! Love it! I enjoyed attending a fun Havaianas event last night which showcased a number of fun and limited edition pairs that will be out there in your store soon!
When it comes to accessories, I love Tiffany & Co has when it comes to this fabulous Oval Signet Ring. Pair this with Miansai's leather bracelet which is a great way to add a pop of something different. Finally, keep cool weather at bay with Lanvin's hoodie which is perfect for you to rock whenever he isn't wearing it!
No matter how much fun or work you get done when you're traveling, the day after you feel like you are trying to sync back up again with everything that was going on while you were away. So now that I am back in chilly temperatures, this weekend is all about getting ready for a crazy next series of months without a doubt! As I zip up winter boots, I definitely miss the warmer temperatures (I was rocking Havaianas), beach, palm trees and so much more! In the meantime it's all about the Oscars tomorrow! Enjoy some of my favorite images from my recent trip to Santa Monica when I had some downtime!
The picture above is courtesy of Diva Gals Daily - loved being able to chit chat with them more as I have seen them throughout this season's NYFW!
Today was the day that we celebrated the 4th Anniversary of Kitten Lounge! I can't believe that that many years have gone by! When I think about why I started, how I did it etc and what it has evolved to (being the face of a number of brands, collab designs with phenomenal lines and so much more - I get goose bumps just thinking about it) - I knew we had to have a time to commemorate it even when it's in the midst of NYFW! But there was no question that it would be perfect at Shobha which not only provided complimentary threading, fab additions to the goodie bags and a great music selection - but they also had their famous Shobharitas which we all enjoyed!
I loved being able to mingle with everyone from stylists, bloggers, magazines and one of my favorite stores! Some of us caught up from the last show, presentation, or seeing me at the Robert Verdi suite etc. Thanks to Pop Chips and Vita Coco for supplying goodies and everyone left spreading Shobha love with Crest 3D White, Covergirl, Cosmo Mag (since I am in the Oct issue), Elizabeth Grant, Birchbox and Havaianas!
I am spending the last portions of my morning here in Santo Domingo finishing my third collection for Sebago (Kimmie Smith x Sebago Fall 12) which is going to be phenomenal when it hits stores next year as there are fab boots (yes knee length and ankle) as well as some fab old school style shoes brought forward! This time, I stayed at a different hotel - Embassy Suites which is nestled inside of the Metro Country Club outside of Santo Domingo. Interestingly enough, not only do a lot of the Sebago related people stay here but Jet Blue Stewardesses (I was asked if I was one of them) and various team trainers for Major League Baseball Teams for the training camps that they run here in the area. I was able to hang out with trainers from the Boston Red Sox, Yankees and more while I was here. Many had their families here with them and it made me think of the casual dress when being here as June, July and August are the hottest (via temperature) times to be here.
Today's post is indicative of the perfect way to dress when you're in this new business kind of environment complete with a tee from J Crew, hat from Brixton, fun flip flops from Havaianas and boardshorts which are great for running around and then heading into the pool or your nearest ocean from Almond Surf Shop!
Sunshine is all the rage so of course you always want to bring it with you to whatever global beach you're calling home! I'm loving ethnic prints and so Trina Turks' super cute bikini that's available at one of my first go to's for bikinis - Victoria's Secret - this is a must! With so many colors, people wonder, how should it be accessorized, keep it easy breezy and pick a color. I picked yellow where you could rock, Michael Kors' handbag which is perfect to tote everything from SoBe to Ibiza. Nothing is better than rocking a mutually ethnic flip flop by my fave, Havaianas and finally, keep it global and charitably chic by embracing this fab bead bracelet by Same Sky (find out how purchasing their pieces in various styles supports others that could use your assistance as you rock them out).
When he hits the beach, he wants comfort and although I could think about all the themes I'm rocking in my look, his basics must be met. So we kept it super easy with "get me noticed shorts" from Vilebrequin, my favorite Havaianas by Michael Bastian, a hat (looking dapper in Paul Smith) to keep him from the shade and of course, rocking Mosley Tribes? Simple and he's able to head out for Beach Volleyball, laying out or swimming up to the bar! Of course this gives you the chance to rock his sunglasses and hat when he happens to be running around.
As you read this, I am doing last minute errands as I get prepped to go to Austin for SXSW! I'm definitely traveling a lot and when that happens, I have my go to jet set outfits. I love and own this Paul Frank shirt - I have been a fan for years and have had this shirt for probably 2 and yet it's always my fave to travel in (although I'm also quite partial to my Lakers tank). I love yoga pants as well - anything form fitting but jersey to make it easier when you're going through TSA. To top it off, a cute hoodie (obsessed with PINK) so that I'm not to chilled on the flight and with better weather around the corner, flip flops by Havaianas are a must! Top everything off with a large pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses and the look is complete! I can't wait to see all my pals in Texas and to share PHENOM designers and boutiques with you there.
Whether you're planning that fab trip to Barbados or are gearing up for your Volleyball games after work, it's about time to start revamping your board shorts, flip flops and more! Yesterday, I saw inspiration in thinking of fun Miami outfits to wear (a la Bravo's Real Housewives of Miami) when it came to going out and being seen in one of my favorite locales. Today I am inspired by the volleyball rituals that I remember seeing when I visited my friend in Chicago as well as those that take place here in Long Beach, NY. Before you know it, it will be that season. Let's face it, many of us have Spring Break Fever whether we're waiting the weather out or have/are jetting off to other areas. This look is fab to wear when you're actually hitting the beach or just walking around your town. It's the perfect time to throw out old tanks, get new shorts and have new flip flops (I know that I must buy new Havaianas in Brasil in every color possible as I have finally worn through them).
Words can't express how giddy I am about transitioning into Feb! We've made it through the first month of the new year and wouldn't you know that the shortest month would end up being the most significant month? It's at this time that I begin thinking that although we have been hit with countless snowstorms here in the east coast, that we must get out of our fashion rut, brave the weather and look super cute! If we can make it through Feb, the worst weather (in terms of the chill) will be behind us! With that said, we need to consider that from head to toe, we must look super cute and although many think that it is easier said than done, let's think about staple components. When worn together, you're the diva on your runways but they can be worn separately to add a little za za zoo to the overall look that you're rocking. So what are my key components to my 2011 spring look that will also be amazing for later seasons as well?
The above look was inspired with travel in mind. As many of you know, there is Fashion Week in Feb, I will be on HSN and I will be appearing at a trade show unveiling my collaboration line with Sebago - so I will be running everywhere from around the city to hopping flights. I am not a believer in looking shabby and yet, I must look comfy. I'm obsessing over the above. Many of you know that I fell in love and enjoy wearing my Coach's Poppy Moto jacket and although it was from Fall 2010, this is a great investment piece to have in your wardrobe. Keeping it simple, I paired it with a long tank that is easy to wear and looks fab over skinny jeans (which I ADORE Joe's Jeans) and of course in this weather for added warmth, why not have on a pair of over the knee boots. If you're traveling to a warm climate, it's easy to swap them for some Havaianas when you hit the next city. Of course you can rock a scarf with this (linen please) and top it off with a hat (LOVING Eugenia Kim as always) and take it back to natural basics with this fab crystal ring from Low Luv x Erin Wasson - this will be my goal to get this as it will look amazing after every wear! There are many ways to create these amazing looks together and apart but who doesn't love a good place to start?
When he likes to hang out and have a good day to himself, he has to be comfortable and we're all for that. But sometimes he wants to have a spa day and when he does, nothing says comfy casual like mixing hues of grey, slipping on some Havaianas and making sure that he is only an arms length away from some of his fave products to maintain his skin! Whether you're there to assist him in exfoliating or he does it when you're out with brunch for the girls, this is the perfect look around the house and later on in the spring when the temperatures begin to rise. For now, we're all about keeping him cozy casual but later this week, we'll look at some fab items that he will be sneaking out of your cabinets to ensure that he is sexy smooth now as well as perfect for Valentine's Day, Fashion Week and more!
Fashion Week is a lot of fun and one of the best times is when you're in the open areas just hanging out. Now I have met Tia Williams, Beauty Editor at Essence.com a few times. As I had just moved away from the Essie booth, Tia asked to see my strut. Now on this day, I had just left the Tory Burch show I believe and had on one of my fave maxi dresses with my Swarovski Crystal Havaianas! But towards the middle of the video, you'll see me strutting as that's what one does when they're at one of the biggest Fashion Week events of the year!
We're off to see the Mouse House today! Yesterday I said goodbye to the Delano and headed off to Orlando where my journey continues at the Waldorf Astoria on the park property! I have to admit that I have never stayed on property before so I was excited. For me, Disney is an iconic place. Growing up, I remember most of my friends had been to this theme park prior to my first time which is when I was in Middle School I believe. Once we hit the park, we would end up going every spring break right through high school! I never got tired of it and as long as my favorite ride was still there (The Haunted Mansion), I always got excited to go. There is something magical about this place and the last time I went, I was in college so I'm super excited to be heading there today. With it being so warm, I love wearing pieces that as you move, you can generate some of your own air conditioning. I have no idea how this day will end but I can say that it will be picture filled so I can't wait to share images on Flickr and throughout Facebook! Above is a fab look that's perfect to go to a theme park - an open dress, fab Havaianas (the fitted version are so cute), a hat is a must and of course a fab cuff to top off the outfit. If the cuff makes it a little too warm then think about wearing a light chain of some sort so that you're not sweaty as you're out and about!
Whether you work for yourself of for someone else, I have come to find that Sunday is still the universal vegging day and when it comes to the summer you still want to have a way of relaxing while optimizing. Living in Long Beach, I tend to make sure that my Sundays mean that I am in my town but there are times that I find myself in the city just like any other day in the week. My Sunday attire is typically simple so weather I'm in the city or in my beach town, these fab accessories can work well back into my outfit. I love Marc by Marc Jacobs and have been rocking his large sunglasses for about 2 years now. I think that I want to add to my collection with a pair of his aviators! I'm always wearing Havaianas as they are always easy to wear and pretty much go with anything I tend to wear! I love this pair as I have to rock the Brazilian flag on my feet. Finally, my rings are always important and I love this one as turquoise is the perfect stone year around but I definitely love seeing it in the summer or anytime it's warm!
What do I like to do? When I'm staying in at the beach, we tend to go to our amazing bagel spot earlier in the day and at night (if it's nice out) we talk a walk from Long Beach to Lido Beach to stand in line at Marvel Dairy Whip. I used to be a huge Carvel fan but not anymore. I think it's super fresh, the employees are always cheerful and at night if you drive over (rarely do), you can sit in the back of your car enjoying your icecream and seeing everyone getting icecream. It's my favorite part of a Long Beach summer! When I'm in the city and I plan on staying over with friends, then you have to do the sidewalk experience. Nothing compares to a summer city night where you began your evening at sunset and you're still chatting until nearly midnight soaking up the weekend! When this happens, I love Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar which is in Midtown. There are always people at this wine spot and they have great nibbles as well. With various promotions throughout the week, it's nice to take some time to just catch up on whatever you couldn't during brunch!
When the cold gets to you or if you feel that you're not getting enough sun, think Spring and bring in your own shiny rays! Today I'm inspired by someone who is heading to Aruba within the next few days. As opposed to being a little sad that I can't run out in my bikini today I infused a little yellow! First up, this super cute bag by Coach from their Poppy collection! I'm not going to lie, I defintiely want this piece and will add it into my ever growing bag collection. It's one of those pieces that's good to use as a second tote if you need to or as a primary when you're out and about. With all the travel I will be doing over the next few months, this will be my go to bag carrying my dried cranberries, US Weekly, book of the moment, etc. Next, add a little wallet when you're out and about on weekends and need to change it up. This cute key in gold is a great item to throw on and of course you can complete the look with a nice scarf that is draped in only the coolest way! I'm thinking of going yellow with my passport as well. If you have to stand in line, you have to something to cheer you up and finally it's got to be the shoes. When I'm not in heels during the summer, you can't tear me away from my Havaianas! I love the ones with the little Brazilian flag and although I have my black version, I may have to pick this one up too (and the green ones))! All of these look fab with a tank and jeans!
Oh boy it's getting a bit hectic in a little over a week I will be heading West baby to Vegas with the rest of the Kitten Lounge team to check out all the fashion trade shows, nightlife, restuarants, spas etc and to cover it on Kitten Lounge! The team is excited and I love meeting new people and those that I never see accept via my social networks. The next few days are going to be hectic (taping my episode for a reality show, going to Vegas, turning 30 at the Loews in SoBe and of course Fashion Week - did I mention my new jewelry line is being worked on as well - woo take a breath) and I'm a big planner of outfits. I even get focused on my travel outfit as I want to be comfortable but in many cases, I hit my city of destination without stopping to change! So my new graphic love is Paul Frank (Karmaloop has a fab collection if you don't have a store in your area)! I love the comical characters you have to check out his site to learn their names but they're comfy, sexy (and if you buy the guy version that would be hot) and so appropriate to travel in! His pieces also have a surprise - love the detail of the back from the cinched area on top to the kisses at the bottom and for those that don't know, the monkey's name is Julius! The giraffe, Clancy is the cutest thing ever and how could you not have that to carry your mags and anything else for a flight from NYC to Vegas? I'm a new fan (about a year or so) of Hudson Jeans (get them at ShopBop as they have quite a collection) - they always fit right and you know I'm a Havaianas girl! I have these flipflops in black as I'm a little Brazilian so I love seeing the flag (I'm wearing them as I type them now) but I would love the green version to pair with this top. Of course, I'm al labout Ted Rossi and I have this python cuff it makes any casual outfit dressy! I can guarantee you that this is pretty much how you will see me as I love comfort and a bit of pop! Now I'm off to complete my look and stay tuned for more updates - the links above are clickable!
She's Kimmie is a virtual scrapbook and is the best way for fans of Kimmie to connect with her, see where she's heading next and of course to get fab insider info!
As an Accessories Expert, Kimmie appears on HSN, designs, is quoted/featured in various publications talking about style from an Accessories Forward perspective! To work with Kimmie or to see project portfolio, visit her site here.
Kimmie is the Co-Founder/Creative Director of Shoe Week which launched during NYFW Sept '12 and is styling a number of shows as well as having evening leading up to our second season of shows during NYFW Sept '13.
Co-Founder, Kimmie, connects brands with bloggers in intimate event settings via Style Tweetup.
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