I think that every well rounded closet needs a day dress! There's something about a fitted bodice that then has a fun full skirt (if there are pockets, it's even better). This is something that can be worn in the day whether it's to work, meetings, a wedding, brunch etc and then goes into night as well. This Preen Line color blocked dress in cobalt and black is a great addition to your collection. Because this is such a classic look, the accessories that you pair with it can go in a number of directions. Roll over the above images so that you can see how I have styled the look in an edgy way including - Nancy Gonzalez, Marni, Givenchy, Rachel Zoe, Jack Vartanian.
We're getting closer to the middle of the month and I had to do a double take when I looked at the weather for today and tomorrow - high 60s and the possibility of being in the 70s tomorrow - this is so exciting! Slowly but surely, I am prepping all of those winter items to cycle them to the back of the closet. Dreams of maxis, flip flops and more are dancing in my head! Roll over the above images to see the perfect look to wear when you know you're doing a million things and want a look that allows you to go from one thing to the next! It's all about having great pieces and today's post has French Connection, Roberto Coin, Giuseppe Zanotti, Nancy Gonzalez, Miguel Ases, Kelly Wearstler.
It's that time of your Spring cocktail functions, wedding related activities, awards dinners, luncheons and more. It's a great time period to put your best looks together in order to impress and look amazing in pictures. With it being Spring, try thinking of other items outside of the Little Black Dress box and since we're still in the midst of the battle between winter weather and Spring (in name only as the weather has been a bit chilly), make sure that even your outerwear is a stunner as well!
ACCESSORIES INSPIRATION
Today's look was inspired by a piece whose designer I have recently communicated with! During Awards Season this year, I became aware of Kimberly McDonald Jewelry whose design incorporates natural stones with diamonds. I love natural decadence and from the pieces I've seen I've become hooked and can't wait to meet her in person. I was flipping through some sites and fell in love with her Gold, Geode and Diamond necklace (growing up in Indiana originally, I remember being on my college campus at Indiana University and finding geodes). This inspired the blush infused outfit that I believe is perfect for these occasions.
GET THE LOOK
This look merges caramel and blush together! Roll over the images to see how you can get these pieces as many are great classics that can be worn with other items or are staples to have in your closet. Blush is one of those new neutrals that look so well on a number of skin tones!
A few seasons ago I remember watching VH1's T.O. Show. At the time that the show aired, I was doing a lot of traveling and it was fab escapism. I love when you see celebs and their teams that make them even more of a rockstar then what they are. Kita Williams is a fab publicist and was my fave on the show! I've always loved her sense of style and she definitely comes across as the bestie and girl next door that you would want to know!
Recently, Kita hit the red carpet for UNCF's 33rd Annual An Evening of Stars! I love her classic flawless look but of course, if I were styling her I'd have to get her in this fabulous rich plum/eggplant dress by Herve Leger! She would rock out this look with these fabulous heels by Yves Saint Laurent! Finish this golden look with this decadent Nancy Gonzalez clutch which adds a pop of color in this look. Although I love Kita's necklace, I would switch it out with Herve Van Der Straeten!
As many of you know, the 360 of what I do beyond Kitten Lounge also includes my role as an Accessories Expert. Here recently, I have been working on projects (soon to be announced) where people will ask who have I styled/dressed or who do I wish to dress and how I go about obtaining them. I thought about this when I happened to see images from Saturday night's event for Spike TV with Eddie Murphy: One Night Only. I loved seeing how Eddie's girlfriend, Paige Butcher was dressed. There is something about keeping it simple, stunning and regal so as to compliment your date on his big night while being phenomenal!
Paige is an Australian model who has graced a number of covers including Maxim, Fitness and more. In addition she has appeared in commercials, movies, etc. To be clear I have never met nor have never styled this laid back beauty; however, I can tell she has an inner boho chic vibe which I am drawn to those sensibilities when it comes to styling as you can mix glam and natural elements together. Although I think she looks great, as an Accessories Expert, I would definitely enhance her look with the following:
I would have loved to have seen her rock these Cabochon earrings with Lapis Lazuli (I have been obsessed with this stone since I was in 3rd grade and found that it has been used in many of the jewelry and tombs of Pharoahs! These earrings by Kendra Scott are glam but have a bit of an earthy nature which can be worn for an event or just around town. This Mallary Marks ring is stunning and dynamic. Catherine Weitzman has been one of my fave designers for a number of years and I love this gold leaf cuff. Finally, I would have swapped clutches for this fabulous Nancy Gonzalez blue python clutch has edge which can be rocked with denim to grab drinks with the girls. Together this look is enhanced and yet still looks fabulous with her dress and nude pumps!
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With the summer quickly coming to an end, you have to do something special whether it's going out with your girls, having a rooftop dinner with your honey and more. I'm loving that this dress is perfect by starting off with Roberto Cavalli and to have fun accessories inccluding Nancy Gonzalez, Gucci watch and Brown Sapphire as well Opaque Sapphire from Eva Fehren and Jamie Joseph. I love the fact that this cuff is a fab way to add a bit of bling with this Federica Rettore and of course complete the look with these stunning heels with Rene Caovilla.
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I have so many outfits and every now and then, I know that it's nice to have a fab outfit where I don't have to rock heels! I'm obsessed with this Black Romper which begs to have a number of fun accessories that are perfect for a night out with your friends or your significant other! I adore this Nancy Gonzalez hot pink crocodile clutch. Pair this with Ivanka Trump's pearl seed tassel necklace which adds a bit of a Victorian element to this high slit romper. Finish this look with fab Gucci crystal black sandals and this ring and bracelet Giuseppe Zanotti set and earrings from Ippolita!
I am such a fan of olive as it's perfect year around but as we get closer to fall, I embrace this hue even more! Today's look is inspired by a very large love of mine pony hair and python! I'm loving these Givenchy Camel Suede Pony Hair platform pumps. Because I love a bit of that monotone look, how about these Utzon Natural leather leggings which are super slimming on your legs. I had to pair this with the Nancy Gonzalez Tassel Dome Bag which is such a great color and perfect for the change in seasons. Include this Givenchy draped top which is perfect for going out and brunching. I love that you can pair this with a fabulous necklace from Becky Kelso with an olive pendant. To continue bringing in these neutrals, I love this Coralia Leets bracelet and I like how it is balanced with Jamie Joseph quartz ring which is hand faceted and with diamonds. Finally, accessorize with your polish by including this olive/gold hue from Butter London and is known as Wallis!
I am obsessed with kimono's and love infusing that aesthetic within my look whenever I can! With that said, I love Matthew Williamson created this fab Kyoto dress which embraces a palette of white, yellow and gray. I'm loving the wrap style, chiffon material and the sleeves. This look was inspired by my love for finding the perfect item to wear when you're having those meetings that you know are career changing whether you're talking about designers, brands, etc. You want to show that you're chic while showcasing your own sense of style.
which has a fab bib necklace that will definitely be a conversation starter. Slip on this topaz ring from Bora which has an antiqued look that truly compliments this look. Anthropologie has a phenom hammered golden cuff by Barden Brook, that incorporates beading as well as stones. I love having a pop of a new hue that has yet to be introduced within this look. Nancy Gonzalez never disappoints with this pleated pything clutch which mixes two hues of grey and cream together and is fab with this dress. Finally, slip on heels that beg to be the center of attention! Fendi's peep toe Watersnake Platform Pumps have a peep toe as well as a super sweet bow that truly brings the look together!
I'm all about everyone pushing it to the next level and although this month is in the support of women, today is International Women's Day. This global day celebrates women who were making advances in every category in terms of social, political and economical areas. Everyone that is out there today whether you work at a company or run your own is doing something to add to this creative scope. Throughout the day, if you're following me @Cocoabebe, you'll see me shout out women who I know who are doing amazing things and that you should be following with the hashtag #KLIWD. Of course at Kitten Lounge, I had to share my love and support for those in fashion so today's spread is dedicated to all those women who kick booty everyday and make their voice heard so that the next little girl who wants to be whatever can and will! Above are designers and CEO's of brands that I admire. I have either met them, work closely with their team or have had tweetversations with them! With such trailblazers as Nicole Miller (ensures that we look modern and are always on another level - she knows her style), Nancy Gonzalez (python accessory designer who is always on trend and is never afraid of color), JImmy Choo (Tamara Mellon knows how to create a company and keep women buzzing about the fabulous brand and doing it all in stilettos) and Ranjana Khan (creating fab over the top pieces that I drool over everytime I am in Bergdorf Goodman we're not only in amazing fashion hands but we know that we can make our mark and see it coming and going!
12/01/10: A model presents a creation by Daalarna design studio by Hungarian designer Anita...
When I grew up, my weekends meant that I enjoyed watching CNN Style Watch each Saturday with Elsa Klensch (thanks Mariana Verkerk, Catwalk Queen who walked down memory lane with me) where she would show runway shows around the world. At an early age, I was mesmerized by the designs as well as seeing names that would become my early education in terms of fashion. When I travel, I love staying at some of the boutique hotels that have a designated fashion channel that shows many emerging as well as independent designers. I started blogging back in 2004 and when I started, what really got me excited about posting each day was talking about various fashion shows that happen all over the world. Back then, I wasn't even attending Fashion Week each season as I didn't have contacts but I loved seeing and introducing my readers to a number of designers that they may not have been aware of! Going forward we will bring you amazing shots from the runway each week. Much like we do during Fashion Week, you will see two fab looks from the show and we will pair pieces that would perfectly with them. This is also perfect as you will be introduced to shows that have recently taken place!
Before the end of last year, Hungarian designer, Benes Anita kicked off December showcasing amazing looks from her line Daalarna Design Studio at the Hotel Inter Continental of Budapest. I love the whimsy of the gowns which would be fab whether you are walking down the aisle or hitting the red carpet. I feel that when you have a dress that makes such a statement, sometimes it's nice to have one phenomenal piece. This dress is a mixture of modern vintage qualities, so why not pair it with a ring that has a nod to vintage sensibilities - I'm loving the ring by Armenta Heraldica. My favorite look from the show is the deep v neck draped top with the tap short. This would be perfect to wear while lounging in your Cabana in Vegas or in Miami while waiting for everyone so that you can hit some of your favorite lounges. The look can be completed with a cute clutch from Nancy Gonzalez and these super fab heels from Prada that add a bit of sexy pop to the entire outfit.
When it gets super chilly, I'm not a fan of cold weather; however, I love outerwear for a few reasons. I love coats - if it has to be chilly then it's fun to wear them. Then there are times that you're running around all day and as opposed to your coat being a secondary, it's definitely a primary. The reality is that when you're running from place to place and shopping, you're coat becomes an essential. Recently, I found out about a line that is new to me, Mackage which makes coats for men (my boyfriend is obsessed with Bruce) and women. I love that this a-line coat has a cute neck embellishment. This would be perfect for me to run around to in showrooms, shopping and events. So to that end, it's essential that these looks become accessorized complete with over the knee booths (this is a must when I'm out and about and sometimes it's nice to have a flat boot as opposed to heels). Boots add a bit of an edge look but also a little Paris chic as well. The fingerless gloves are a nice way to add a bit of a rocker chic but when paired with the coat and shoes it's a look that looks like it was super easy to put together and effortless. Finally, it's all about the bag! I'm all about wearing dark colors in the winter but there has to be something which has a pop of color whether it's a scarf or a bag and to me, the bag is essential. This red croc bag is the perfect way to standout and to beat the blahs and greys that can take place once we've been in this weather pattern for too long.
I adore python and although we have all seen it, I love that just like any other kind of material - it can be reinterpreted! So you know I am a HUGE fan of Ted Rossi so a post like this couldn't be complete without including them. This bag is so drool worthy! I also love Carlos Falchi as he places his artistic touch on this bag (literally as this is a handpainted piece - as a side note he makes all of his bags in NY and they are completely handmade)! Ever since I interviewed him for my first post at See Pretty Things, I always keep my eye out on him. Nancy Gonzalez fuses python and croc to create a fabulous piece that begs to be worn for a night out and with your jeans. Finally, I love that Banana Republic (I find that their accessories are amazing and truly have a high end look) has also created a line of python pieces which look amazing as well. Add some texture and love to your look with these pieces.
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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