Growing up, my sister's closet was always a gem to run through. My style was preppy and conservative while hers was a lot more fun. I wanted to merge my style (great investment pieces that are core to the closet) with hers (surprise pop elements) that would make my look one that was super comfortable and chic. Borrowing items continued until I started to build my new wardrobe which became the beginnings of my dream wardrobe once I arrived to NYC! I always think about my Sister Closet and the importance of remembering to balance the aesthetic. I would define my look with great classics, boho chic style and more. My sister and I don't borrow from our closets as I have amazing showrooms that have opened up my world! My sister and I now share business ventures with one another and I love when she shows up to my events (upper left hand corner I hosted a phenomenal diamond event, lower left hand corner my sister came by with the launch of my collab shoe line at Robert Verdi's and lower right she was there for the 4th birthday of Kitten Lounge) or will work with me on photoshoots.
As different as we are in terms of some elements of our styles, we love the idea of having core basics! Navy is always super chic and we love the blazer which can go from preppy to sexy chic depending on how it's worn! I love this J Crew blazer. A few times when I have been on HSN for my segments, Molly Sims has been rocking it out with her line right before mine or after - loving this lariat style pearl necklace which blends prep with a sexy edge. A fun statement ring is an essential in my wardrobe and I love that my sister also expresses her style in this way as we are both focused on accessories - this ring by Mark Davis Bea is perfect in blending of materials and really making the cocktail structure of this piece as an added bonus to any look that you're looking to complete. Finally, those who follow my social networks saw me tweet out about these YSL Riviera Suede T Strap Wedges that I saw in the windows of Bergdorfs! These shoes are drool worthy and are cute additions to any look that you're rocking - they're sassy, preppy and in a sense it's like taking the French Riviera with you wherever your heels go! My Sister Closet sense still drives many components of my look but now she knows her actual closets are completely safe from me!
With a little over a week left before Christmas, we can all use a kick in the pants to go out and get gifting. Standing in line yesterday at the post office, I realized that I have a lot to do. My favorite part of the gifting process is spending time cross legged wrapping packages. I prefer this to be a solo activity but if you have wrapping parties, this is how to dress for it!
Personally, I'm not a fan of Fair Isles but when it's the holiday season, I think it's so cute. Here in the city, we have been enjoying fabulous weather where we can layer lightly! So pair this Fair Isle Hooded Cardigan from Paul & Joe Sister with a long sleeve white T from J Crew and Donna Karan's white leggings. I love wearing white well past Labor Day Weekend as I don't believe in rules to style! Of course, when it comes to looking cozy, you have to bling it out as you never know what you'll be doing after all the gift wrapping. Slip on a pair of studded ankle boots by Charles by Charles David which will add a rich caramel to this look. As you know, I'm a fan of Ted Rossi and beyond making fabulous python cuffs, he has adjustable rings that has Swarovski crystals and sits on a python base to create the perfect cluster. Now in addition, my loyal kittens know that when it comes to jewelry I have my faves that I salivate over and enjoy rocking (Ted Rossi, Virgins, Saints and Angels and ...) so you know this includes Ana Reign Designs. I have been writing about this designer since 2004 and met her in person earlier this year and found that she is definitely a friend. This past weekend, she was apart of Kitten Lounge's Holiday Shopping Lounge at Ink48. I am now the proud owner of the very first piece that I wrote about AND fell in love with years ago - a Teardrop Onyx Ring that is also adjustable (as well as 3 fabulous cluster bracelets which I am so obsessed over! This is a great way to complete the look!
The weather may be up and down wherever you live around the country but once he gets inside, it's time to enjoy drinks and nibbles with friends. Whether you're stepping out of your home office or leaving your office you want to make sure that he looks fab when it comes time to enjoying the season. Start off with a crisp shirt from Paul Smith in one of my fave hues - purple striped wovens. Rock this over a pair of skinny jeans from Edwin and a fab velvet blazer at J Crew!
This is a great base that we can add fun cufflinks from Bottega Veneta which has fab detailing and yet is very casual! A sterling silver Gucci bracelet watch makes sure that he stays on time or can check when you're bound to arrive to the party. For the ultimate comfort, he can slip into Ralph Lauren's Hayward Vachetta Driver. I love the color, the sewn detailing with the penny look across the top. He's definitely ready to go out for the evening and beyond.
So when you see my boyfriend Paul when we're heading to meetings for my brands or to symposiums for his businesses, he's decked out in jeans and a number of blazers (he adores the blazer he got from Cairo) but when we're just hanging out, doing errands, or just relaxing - he loves wearing tees. Now this is something I am a huge fan of as I love relaxing in that as well! So I had to think about Stadium Chic - there is something about chunky scarves, layering and more when you go tailgating that you can bring into the everyday without looking too frat boy!
I'm obsessed with henley's and ADORE grey and when it comes to organic cotton, no one does it better then James Perse which I love wearing their tees so it's perfect on him. Layer that up with a fun graphic tee. Since he loves orange, I'm loving this SuperDry shirt which is fab. Pair it with these fun panelled jeans by Jeckerson which has a slimming fit and fab details. To keep him warm, I want him to rock an edge of hunter with this Barbour x To Ki for J Crew which has a hood and tons of pockets! This will add a nice rustic look to it and then the Johnston Murphy orange and grey scarf will be phenom and his feet always stay warm when he rocks his UGG Australia Ascot Wool shoes which are perfect for walking around the house (he adores them and we have a matching set) or for running out in our market across the street!
Saturday afternoon, I will be attending Romona Keveza's Bridal Shows and will be giving you first hand info on all of her collections. As noted this past Saturday when we kicked off our bridal focus for the rest of this month, you will find a lot of posts that are geared towards brides and their parties. I've noticed that there has been a huge debate in the use of black when it comes to bridesmaids. Some people are opposed to it as they feel it's a bit morbid. I think that when you have an evening wedding and you're going for a glam affair, that there isn't a problem with this!
In addition, I think that when it comes to bridesmaids dresses, you selected your girls based on your relationship with them and the last thing that you should do is put them in looks that are not wearable after the event and/or that becomes a running joke within the party. I'm a huge fan of J.Crew who's placement within bridal is definitely one that many brides look to when it comes to their dress or those that are in their party. For the bride that is young and wants to go for a slightly different look, this Marchesa dress has a whimsical sassiness to it that is perfect for a fun wedding. Finally, Ann Taylor keeps it classic with this strapless dress that has embroidery in its tea length structure. All of these dresses can be recycled again for another look for a night out, vacation and more. In addition, I'm loving the fab jewelry that you can give as gifts that add a bit more personality to the look!
You know that I love Ted Rossi and beyond his phenom python aesthetic, I love that he has fab Swarovski necklaces as well as his cuffs that he is known for! Speaking of Swarovski, how can you not love this Nirvana ring which is available in black? Noir has an edgy pair of talon earrings that will look amazing from the lobes of your girls which is a great way to accent the neck. Finally, I'm a long time fan of Konstantino and this chunky sterling bracelet is definitely a keepsake that you'll wear again and again!
NYFW has come and gone and now other cities are rocking their runways with a number of designers. We enjoyed some phenomenal weather (even though during NYFW we were going to have rain for days) and then fall magically came when the runways went quiet. I love that we're now in fun layers and I've been rocking fun looks as I have also been wearing my line, Kimmie Smith x Sebago Spring 12! This fashion week season it has been super clear that orange is a hue that is going to be huge for Spring 12 for mens and womens. Good thing that we can all rock orange so his style will definitely incorporate the above look!
I love Balmain's peacoat - which is classic chic and who doesn't love the buttons, pair this with a simple shirt and a fan pair of jeans of his choice. I'm a huge fan of texture and hues so this Etro Houndstooth scarf is amazing and of course, you can't go wrong with Prada - these penny drivers are divine. Finish it all up with J Crew's weekender bag which is perfect for apple and pumpkin picking or just going away for a bit of a vacation.
Summer is all about easy peasy and it's also all about being able to hop around whether it's in the city or outside of it! Paul and I have a wedding we're attending in NJ in a few weeks and it forces us to actually spend time away from our millions of projects and to experience something new! I love this look as it is such a fab look for my boyfriend! My boyfriend loves rocking his shorts and tees. Today, I took a classic Rugby shirt in navy and paired it with one of my fave pop colors that you have heard my talk about on my last two visits on HSN - yellow! Why not revamp and put a twist on the classic J Crew chino by adding this soft yellow which is the new neutral for women AND men! Cap off this look with classic nautical shoes from Polo Ralph Lauren as it's perfect for whatever it is that he's up to! Finally, anytime you travel, you have to have a fab tote and as nautical prep as everything is, John Varvatos rocks it out but stays within the trend that's being promoted!
Even though we're in the midst of the summer and have yet to hit the "dog days of summer", we have to think about how our summer look transitions into fall. His style is all about keeping it easy but making sure he is always prepared. There is something to be said about mixing the two wardrobes as it ensures that your look will gradually change. I'm loving Michael Kors' Seersucker Plaid Modern Fit Shorts which is great for the fall with its great colors! You can pair these with Gap's short sleeved v-necks which are always perfect to have on hand. I love these Adidas Sneakers which was apart of Porsche Design's collaboration (Porsche Design x Adidas) which has such a fab fit. As the weather turns, you can still wear this look a little while longer to lobster boils, bonfires and more by pairing it up with a Cashmere Zip Hoodie from J Crew!
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!
Here in NYC, I see more people feeling the need to be outdoors. You always had those die hard fans who even in the winter suited up but living next to Central Park, it's the thing to do to have some kind of activity going on! With that said, I'm seeing packs of boys heading to portions of the park for Rugby, softball, girl watching (that's a sport right) and more. So its obvious that if you all hang out for some bromance time that you just might continue to be out and about for a pint or food! Leaving your home always presents another opportunity to rock the runway so today's look is inspired by four brands that are all about classic Americana - Rugby, J. Crew, Sebago and Michael Kors tell my blues story without a sappy ending - plus it's perfect for the transitional weather we're all desperately hoping for!
I came back from the Hamptons yesterday and enjoyed running around Sag Harbor in plaid, Sebago's and jeans. Although there will be a full debriefing on this fun trip this weekend, one of the moments that I loved was meeting Alana Kellen, who is a stylist for VH1 and MTV. She took us to a J Crew (which I don't really pop into that much) but this one had a slightly different inventory as it focused on the shore style of dressing. So today, I am inspired by fab shades of grey (one of my go to colors), casual weekend trips (we went to a Farmer's Market that was along the road which was a lot of fun) and of course his sense of casual style.
Cashmere is a must and just because you're wearing it doesn't mean you're going to the office. I love when it is paired with a tee and jeans and casual sneakers that have a bit of pop. Throw on a cap as you get behind the wheel and make sure there is a fab bag to pack up all your gear for whatever it is that you'll be up to! Our J Crew focused spread is perfect for the fall!
It's the simple outfits that many times get the best responses. The ones that you literally leave grabbing items, throwing it on and just like that you have more compliments then when you assess your closet and think about it for hours. There are times where I love rocking the monochromatic look - it's easy, you know what goes with what and you're done! I love this simple, easy, slightly gothic and yet very femme look. Just to show that you're not completely drab, I love throwing in a pop of color as well as a Grecian element that shows you're all about history. I love these booties from Alexander Wang! Not only can they be worn in the summer but this is a fab shoe for all seasons especially when you've purchased a great fall item and want to see how it can be worn into the summer season as well (why not do a fall preview). Who wants to wait for the weather to cool down? The Two Tone Tank Dress is a very easy look to rock as it's perfect for the heat which is making everyone hide anywhere where they can get AC and of course we all know that I adore Fenton and Fallon whether it's her own line or the one that she has created for J Crew (if you haven't checked out either you should and I have to say that J Crew has a fab fall collection that you should definitely check out as well!). This is also a perfect look for traveling when you know you have to hit the ground running as soon as you land!
Sometimes the best night out with the girls which happens to be in. You know those nights when you decide that someone is hosting and making dinner (or maybe you're ordering in), someone else gets bevies and you grab nibbles for snacks. Together you have the perfect night to laugh and chit chat. Don't be fooled, a night hanging out in a home is perfect to relax but it doesn't mean that you disregard your look! I'm all about the boy cardigan that's available at ASOS. I love that it's a relaxed look and uber cozy; however, my rule of proportion applies. Anytime I wear something that isn't form fitting, something else has to be. In this case, pair it with a tank (always a good idea to pick up some basics like this one from J Crew) and a pair of leggings. I love these leggings as they're extra long which is a great ruched effect when you're wearing heels.
But on this night. ditch the stilettos and grab an awesome pair of over the knee boots. Complete the look with a chunky, femme and edgy necklace such as this one from Elie Tahari. Together this is the perfect look in the winter/spring and whether you're hanging out at home or you're grabbing brunch you're ready for a fun time out!
There's nothing like running inbetween raindrops in NYC on a Friday no less. This weekend is supposed to be a promising weekend! Not only do both of the new baseball stadiums open but it's the weekend and the idea of sleeping in, brunch and more is enough to make even the rainiest day seem not so bad. Still, you have to be in the weather and why not dress it up. I'm all about Hunter Boots and these are available at J Crew which is very convenient!
They're stylish on their own but seeing that I love to accessorize, why not consider getting Hunter fleece liners? These are a great way to add in a pop of color and of course they serve the functional purpose of keeping your feet dry and warm! Finally, the umbrella doesn't need to be drab. This black and white Juicy Couture umbrella is compact and has a matching bag as well.
Take some time to check out some great finds and wherever you're heading today, at least we're closer to summer. On rainy days, I tend to search the internet more and we have two giveaways - Sex and the City inspired pantiesby Cosabella are being given away next Tues (with the sequel coming next summer I's excited) and we are also giving away on Mon - tickets to the Clearasil event for a new Dance Crew which will take place at Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square - so much fun if you're addicted to the MTV version of the show as I am!
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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