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An Accessories Expert who lives an Accessories Forward lifestyle.
September 28, 2011
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Wearable Wednesdays: His Style ~ Accessorizes Fall

It's officially Fall so I have to share my must haves for His Style when it comes to accessories that work with a number of looks. It's about embracing color, texture and a bit of old world elements that are perfect no matter where he is off to! I'm obsessed with Ralph Lauren's Weekender bag from his Purple Label which is an amazing hue (and of course when you need a bag to borrow, it works so well with you). I love classic items like this as you can still rock old world style even if you're jetting off to Vegas for a long weekend. I love Tom Ford's aviator sunglasses which is yet another fab find that you can wear when you're layering up with your motorcycle jacket and cool scarves. Now when it comes to his feet, you can never go wrong with Tod's and this color is a fab new neutral and utterly divine. Rock it with jeans or a number of other pant choices. John Hardy has an amazing Macan Tiger Bracelet that has an awesome amount of heft and detail which is always something that I love to see! Finally, rock his cash to perfect in none other than Bottega Veneta's basketwoven leather which is so decadent and phenom. Together this is perfection for Fall and going into the Winter.

February 18, 2011
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Fashionable Fridays ~ Kimmie Smith x Sebago Fall 2011 Collaboration

It seems like I have known, alluded and dreamed about the next couple of days forever but to clue everyone in, I collaborated with Sebago to create an amazing line which will be available on their site as well as select stores for fall of this year! My shoes will be showing at Capsule here in NYC starting Feb 19th - Feb 21st. I will also be there for interviews and just to say "how do" tomorrow and for most of Sun (then I am flying out for HSN to do Sebago's Spring 11 line on air). I am really excited as I created the collection in Oct in Dominican Republic and had the honor of designing at the same time as Ronnie Fieg which I have TONS of respect for. My shoes have traveled a bit from Berlin for the Bread and Butter Show to Vegas for Project. Both shows there was a lot of feedback for this women's collection with what I like to call - a buddy shoe - guys you will love this! So for those in the industry, bloggers, photographers, etc that have been asking me what the line looks like - this is a great weekend to see it. I was definitely inspired by my concept of "Living the Lifestyle" and being able to have that comfortable shoe that allows you to go from running to showrooms, Editor's appointments, lunch and then an unexpected girlfriend's night out during the week and brunch on the weekend! I'll be tweeting from the booth as well as keeping you in the loop on everything that is going on from Sat through my HSN appearances!

January 08, 2011
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Swoonfest Saturdays ~ Daalarna

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.

August 08, 2010
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Snazzy Sundays ~ Rocking it Starbucks Style

This is the time of year that I am seriously living in Starbucks (writing to you from here this second) and am catching flights to learn more about brands. This week I will be in Boston and next week, I will be in Vegas for a number of fashion trade shows where I will be looking at men's and women's collections so expect to see a lot of goodies as we make the descent into fall! I know it's super hot but unfortunately, that's how the calendar works!

If you have ever been out and about with me you know that I always have a notebook of some sort in hand as I do a number of inspiration walks around the city as well as impromptu coverage. I scour through my book to make sure that I have followed up with everyone or whenever inspiration strikes. Personally, I love a leather book that has a place where your pen can be held so that you're never searching for it as well as having the elastic flap to close your book so that it doesn't fly open and your pages are protected! I also love when there is the bookmark as well. I have found that others have adopted my behavior as well. In addition, I think (based on me being inspired by others) that having a nice pen is the perfect compliment to a book. These crystal pens are perfect for an Accessory Expert as well as those that simply like to have something pretty with heft!

Finally, it's all about the bag! Earlier this year, I was introduced to LUANA which has gorgeous handbags but I couldn't take my eyes off of the Meg. Here she is shown in the larger bag and there is a smaller one as well. I love this as it's perfect for your iPad, small laptop and the items you have to take with you when you're on the go. I love the colors (the green one is my fave) and I like that it has the old world school bag feel to it! This is definitely a bag that you should check out. I will update this post to let you know where you can find this but I had to share it with you for those that will be heading back to college in a few weeks, young professionals or those that are just chic wherever they go!

January 09, 2010
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Sippin Saturdays ~ Reconnect With Yourself

Life just happens and continues to move on. The best that you can do is to continue "keep walking" as my friend says. When you have no idea what you're doing or how it connects, just keep moving - if you stand still you won't be making any progress. For me, I have been walking, talking and just being out there and the past year has been amazing with traveling, connecting and just opening up to people new and old. If it works - I keep it and when it doesn't, I guess I keep walking. In the pictures above are people that I am around quite a bit whether it's in person or digitally but they are just a sprinkling of the cornerstones of who I happen to interact with and who keep me sane!

It's not to say that this is the only people as there are so many people and yet only a few areas that I can place images. The people in these pictures as well as those who aren't here but know who they are have seen me through the good, the bad and the ugly. It's times like this when I just came off a week with so much stress and yet received the keys to amazing opportunities where I tend to reflect (it doesn't happen much as I like to keep moving). Take some inventory of what you're doing. When I see these pictures I see more than events and places but I see times when people helped me and when I was there for them. I also see the areas where more of this will be taking place and it makes me excited. Some people in this picture I have known forever ( my sister is holding her puppy Jimmy Choo (aka Tumbleweed) and this was at Christmas at my home) and some I've known longer (my girl Shannon and I hanging out in Vegas this summer with our shennanigans), others I knew of but it was when fate brought us together that we both got to see the other in a new way (Crystal in the left hand column and to the left of me at my birthday - you know I obsess over her cookies) and many of the people in the remaining pics I have known recently and yet we have bonded (Damien, Emily, Niki, Christina and Shoshi)! But all of them are people that I love and take in as members of my family and I never have to search to far to find someone to bounce an idea off of or to just rehash a story! I love you all and 2010 will be that much more amazing because you're there! Big plans ahead and it wouldn't be the same without you guys and those that didn't make it into the post!

September 30, 2009
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Wearable Wednesdays ~ Editor or Stylist

I love hump days! It's the middle of the week and a great benchmark to see what has been worked on and what can still be done with a few days ahead! As Editor in Chief of Kitten Lounge, I get an amazing opportunity to see a lot of great products and to interact with so many great showrooms, brands, designers and so much more. While in Vegas in August, I was so happy to meet Casey of Hudson Jeans (she does their Social Media and various elements of marketing) and to walk with her at ENK Shows Vegas. With so many days hitting all the shows, I started to embrace my love for the maxi dress, Ted Rossi cuffs (I never travel without a number of them), large cocktail ring and of course a cute necklace. It's the act of styling a simple look to show my personality and to present an effortless look whether I'm walking the red carpet, tradeshows, showrooms or wherever I happen to be! I'm obsessed with accessories and I love large pieces. I brought a little of a boho-chic Grecian vibe to everyday that I was at the shows (you would too if it was 100 degrees). As I walked around people asked if I styled (especially when I told them I had just completed an episode of the reality show, To Be a Star, where I was the Style Mentor/Judge for aspiring models who were learning about the importance of having a look. Although I have worked with a select group of people, work with a few showrooms in the city and have been called in on a photoshoot - it wasn't something that I really thought I was doing. But the fact of the matter is that there is no better reward than showing someone how they can take elements of their style and add to it to create an enhanced look! If you're a busy individual who loves the idea of working with someone with great relationships of designers that you may not be familiar with, want to embrace accessories (I feel that they are the outfit) and love seeing your style progression, then feel free to contact me as I would love to work with you! So the answer is yes, I'm an Editor and Stylist!

September 23, 2009
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Wearable Wednesdays ~ It's All About the Tee

Sometimes keeping it simple is nice! It's felt like a long week and I've been hitting a lot of events. As much as I love my traditional tee, jeans and heels - I love my graphic tee and jeans as well! So today, I kept it casual with a simple necklace (the knot necklace can be casual or definitely dress up your look), cocktail ring (if you're going to do it - it's got to be big and I love the grren Amethyst), a cuff and my tee. I'm a huge fan of Sailor Jerry. I love the inspiration behind the line and when this Philly based - family owned company was in Vegas during the shows for Magic, they threw an awesome party! With 10 years under their belt, they headed to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and had amazing performers! I have to say that they were one of my two favorite parties that week (the other one being the Hudson Jeans party). To understand how amazing the brand is, check out their site, try their rum as it's really good and head to the store! From time to time they have live bands that play within their store and the environment has such positive energy! I have yet to go but have plans this fall and hope they keep me in the loop on future events! For now, this tired chica has some trailblazing to do and can't wait until it's the weekend!

September 04, 2009
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Fashionable Fridays ~ Fall Sneak Peek

I'm still in Vegas (we've been battling 100 degree temperatures) and will be heading home tomorrow to warm weather! So with that said, it seems crazy to think about the fall but before we can even blink, fall will be upon us - so I will provide some previews that you'll want to know about! I have definitely enjoyed seeing amazing brands and one of the new ones that I will be presenting on the site is Sledge USA! This is a fun graphic tee brand that is perfect on the days when I'm running around and/or traveling. These shirts have a bit of edge and although you could pair it with jeans, it can also be dressed up as well on days when you're out and about. I would definitely wear this during the fall and pair it with these super cute earrings from Virgins, Saints & Angels (which I was introduced to a few years ago and they have such an amazing array of jewelry). Jessica Simpson's boots can be worn over the jeans and is perfect for a fall/winter day and of course Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is a great piece to balance everything out! I love mixing a rocker look with something fashionably chic. Take some time to check out more great pieces from these designers.

September 01, 2009
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Treasure Tuesdays ~ @ The ENK Shows with Hudson Jeans & LnA Clothing

Before I even got here, I had a few people on my list that I wanted to see and one of them was Hudson Jeans which is showing at ENK Shows at the Wynn. Now the first thing is that I didn't know a lot about them until a friend of mine (who worked with them at one time) introduced me to some people at a party they threw in Vegas in Feb 2008. Everytime I complained about not getting the perfect jean and the fact that I had a small waist but a bigger bootie that made it difficult, he kept saying you have to get Hudsons. Then, I got my first pair last spring and wore them so much that it was a tearful departure when we had to part ways. Lets speed it up to the present when I needed the perfect jean to wear for my reality show taping, only one jean represented cool, chic and casual and I was so pleased to receive an awesome pair that worked well with heels. So I knew when I came to Vegas, I had to check out the booth and Casey, their Social Media PR person (let me say that they get the world of social and that I can't wait to continue to expand my denim knowledge and working them into the spreads that you guys love so much) walked me through the line and we even hit the ENK Show floor to look at fab pairings! She happened to have on the the Legging Jean. Now I know there has been much debate about this pair of jeans but let me say that after seeing them in person I thought it was denim but the fact that you have the great denim look, their signature 2 buttons, the classic flap that gives all booties that perfect look and the perfect fit, this is something that we should all have in our closets. Expect to hear a lot more from Hudson as they have definitely stepped up their presence with the addition of making Georgia Jagger the face of the brand. Casey and I hit the floor and saw a great shirt company that many of the celebs have been seen in - LnA Clothing. I love that these are simple tees that really provide a dynamic look. The Side Tail Tee is something that I am loving. It comes in a tank or a tee and what better shirt to pair with your jeans? Of course when it comes to an awesome shoe, I have to say that Jimmy Choo is my go to pair. Now they were not at the show but if you were wearing this to go out for a night with the girls or a very cool event, the Kurt would be your shoe. I love that it's suede and embossed leather and lets the rocker chick in you come out. As always the links above can be clicked on so that you can grab fab pieces to create your look! Just another day at the shows in Vegas!

August 30, 2009
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Snazzy Sundays ~ Bring on The Oysters

I'm flying through the friendly skies as you're reading this or I could already be in Vegas at this point! One of my favorite nibbles to have - oysters! I love that they make you feel so classy when you're eating them and it's the perfect snack food if you're having it at a bar in Long Beach (yes NY) or in Key West! We're having an oyster party and I have created a collection of must haves! Now Paul is going to get oysters (I hope they're already opened - if not then he will need this tool to force them open! When you lay them out, it's so much easier to place it on a plate that already has the little "scoops" that make it easy for them to lay down without moving around! You can still lay them on sea salt for the overall effect. Little forks are a necessity and they're just super cute! Of course you'll have other items that are tasty as well! How about Pottery Barn's serving shells which bring in nature while also being extremely artistic. Take some time to figure out what you need for your oyster party (these are also great for any sea themed event!).

August 21, 2009
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Fashionable Fridays ~ Travel Ready (For Vegas)

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!

November 03, 2008
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Mingling Mondays: One Night Only

Weekends are essential! I get very excited about them and this one was even more exciting since Kitten Lounge Food Editor and boyfriend, Paul and I were hitting the road to go to Atlantic City to not only enjoy Halloween night but to get in some good food, spa time and a little poker - obviously not all of these would be enjoyed by me but we were both excited. As many of you know who Twitter me, I kept counting down to Atlantic City and by 5pm, I was picked up by Paul and off we went after gassing up the Murano to tackle Atlantic City. There's something about going on a road trip and if you travel with me, you can enjoy me singing along and doing dances (the closer we got to AC we lost our stations and went to 60's and 70's music which brought back memories of Sat mornings when I was little with my mom, sister and I!).

Paul and I had been invited to come down to Atlantic City and to stay at the Tropicana and to enjoy some dining. As we continued on the Atlantic Expressway into the strip, I couldn't help but think that since we took a few wrong turns, that we should definitely think about the next car having a little navigation and that we definitely want to have an SUV but that we might consider getting a Ford Flex as we will do quite a bit of traveling and you can't deny that it is a head turner - I always feel when you hit certain streets you definitely want to do the whole "see and be seen thing".

Arriving at Tropicana, I was pleased to find that we were staying in the new Havana Tower. Not only do I love that it's new but it's so close to all the food and club.lounge options. Since we were a little late (wrong turns will do that to you), we checked in at the front desk and checked in with PF Changs, went upstairs and came back down. All week I had been dreaming of Lettuce Chicken Wraps and I was not disappointed in the slightest; moreover, munching on the Crab Wontons was equally as satisfying. After a crazy week full of presentations and finishing up the Holiday Gift Guide, I was so glad to have the Mai Tai and later a Plum Collins (an interesting take on the Tom Collins which substiutes the vodka for Plum Vodka and also Plum Wine). Paul being a creature of habit, enjoyed the red wine. For dinner, I enjoyed the Sea Bass which sat on spinach leaves and Paul had large prawns. We shared garlic snap peas and for dessert we shared a chocolate dome.

I have always been a fan of PF Changs as I enjoy their asian fusion menu; moreover, when I have had it in a resort setting, I tend to enjoy the food that much more. During dinner we were able to touchbase with Courtney who is the Tropicana's PR Manager. In addition to attending events, I love meeting the people that you spend weeks chatting with in order to learn about a product or service. She let us know that there was a huge Halloween Costume Contest that would happen in the Quarter which is an annual event. While at dinner we saw various costumes and my favorite was actually a couple that we saw while we were checking in - they dressed as a bride and groom from the beyond and yet they had a pack of beer.

After dinner, we walked out into the Quarter to see all the restaurants and clubs that were available upstairs and downstairs. With more people gethering for the costume contest, we decided to step into Cuba Libre downstairs and enjoy some mojitos and of course to dance. I love lively music and everything is much more interesting when you have so many costumes around you. We popped out to catch the winners of the costume and then went upstairs to not only look down on the winners but to pop in to a few more places for a drink. We are both a fan of people watching and I have to say that the Cuba Libre upstairs has a bit of a lounge which is perfect for that. Although it was past midnight and we had only been in Atlantic City for about 4 hours, we continues to Red Square to enjoy an amazing selection of vodkas.

With such a long day behind us and quite an agenda to cover the next day, we decided to turn in. Nothing is better than having a large corner room with a spectacular view of the cities. Whether I'm in Vegas or in AC, I love seeing the bright lights. Being on the 64th floor we had an amazing view that we took in for about an hour or so.

The next morning, we knew we had a lot to do as we were heading home later in the day. Paul had to play Poker as he had been itching to do this for weeks and I knew I had a spa and both of us would meet up for lunch. We decided to do the smartest thing by ordering a plate of fruit to kick off the day! Paul played poker and I headed out to the Blue Mercury Spa. I had no idea that we have one in the city but as I walked in, I saw products that you could purchase from Model Co, Kiehl's, Molton Brown and more. When I headed downstairs, I found Erin who would perform my Blissfuls Coconut Sugar Scrub. Leaving the lockerroom, I walked into a lounge with pitchers of water filled with oranges and limes and platters of fruit. After nibbling on these, Erin walked with me to our room. This treatment had various stages. Erin rubbed coconut scrub on me, I soaked in a coconut milk bath for 20 mins, I took a shower to cool my body down and then I got an intensive full body massage. This was 100 minutes that I could have enjoyed for quite some time. Interestingly enough, I was starving by the time I met up with Paul and we headed to Carmine's.

Carmine's is an Italian restaurant that we have here in the city in Times Square and on the UWS. This family style restaurant has HUGE portions that are meant to be shared with 2 - 4 individuals. Most items are made on premise. As we thought about the menu, we munched on various breads and dipped them into an amazing olive oil ordered lasagna with a side of spinach. From presentation alone, this lasagna looked so good that the table next to us told us that they wished that they had ordered. We had so much that we knew we had to take it home with us. The General Manager stopped by and shared with us the benefits of a restaurant of this nature. When you have various people eating together, everyone has the opprotunity to share various portions of an Italian meal and everyone is able to chip in. We finished the lunch with chocolate canoli's and decided that we had to walk off lunch.

As we walked the boardwalk, we went to a taffy shop to pick up James' Salt Water Taffy. This is a must if you love this candy and everytime I go to Atlantic City, this is something that I have to do. Our walk found us at the outlets and from a little after 3 until almost 7 we shopped! I knew that AC had outlets; however, the amount of shops was surprising. After all the shopping, eating, partying and more, it was time to head home and to ensure that Sun was all about rest.

Thinking back, there are times when you want to do something fun and don't feel like boarding a plane. Filling up the car right after work to head out to AC is totally doable and once there, you can gamble but there are so many things to take advantage of! Whether it's you and hyour sig other or a large group, you won't be at a loss of things to do. The Tropicana was a great place to stay with so many options and you can still visit other areas. This is definitely an option for over night, a couple of days or on your way to something else. Atlantic City and the Tropicana was a Kitten Lounge Pick and a great way to kick off the next few weekends where we will be traveling! Next stop: our invitations to Islands of the World Fashion Week in the Bahamas and Skytop Resort in the Poconos.

March 19, 2008
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Wearable Wednesdays: THINK CITRUS ~ Smarties

SmartassSo we all know that this month we have been focusing on THINK CITRUS - I definitely wanted to include this in here as well (maybe I am thinking of this as more of a "grapefruit" element). I love camis and boy bottoms. I think they're so cute to wear around the house but you can also wear the top out over a pair of jeans (you can also think about wearing this under a cute blazer as well). Anyway,  when I was out at Project, Accessories Show and the Lingerie show in Las Vegas, I received emails from the amazing ladies of Smart Ass Intimates who created such an amazing collection of pieces.

I love the old world style of this piece -  known as the Eurotrash Camisole Black Scroll and how cute it looks. I love how sheer this is and how it definitely has sexy elements to it. In addition, when you visit the site, check out their signature thongs that have quite a few cheeky phrases that are definitely going to bring a smile as you prepare to set about your day.

March 12, 2008
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Wearable Wednesdays: THINK CITRUS ~ Sailor Jerry

Sj1While I was in Vegas, I had the opportunity to travel to the west coast in order to find out about a line that is Philly (I love that you can meet people from all over and then realize that they are practically in your backyard). With a debut at Magic, it was definitely exciting to see that this line not only has interesting clothing but they also have a rum line, Navy Aftershave and much more.  Now I have recently fallen in love with lines that are all about showing tattoo art (Yellowman has been posted on here various times) and was interested in learning more about this super cute line, Sailor Jerry. I love this style of hoodie where the hood itself zips. When unzipped, this shows two anchors that are definitely noticeable. This would be so cute with flip flops and a cute pair of espadrilles as well! In terms of THINK CITRUS, you can definitely add in pops of color by pairing this with a lime, orange or yellow tank top with a cute pair of white shorts. I love that this line is design and manufactured in the US.

March 11, 2008
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Treasure Tuesdays: THINK CITRUS ~ As You Like It

Insert3While at Project in Vegas, I learned about an amazing design house, Sogoli. What caught my eye was the fact that although you see all of these pieces, it is the same chain. I love that you can wear it as a long necklace, a sash of sorts and you can wrap it around your neck as a choker too. This is such a great way to wear pieces like this and you are not limited to wearing it like this. I also love the pop of color of this item and that it works so well within THINK CITRUS which is perfect. Visit Sogoli to see which pieces you'll wear with your tunic, tank dress and so much more. Visit the sister blog See Pretty Things to see another color which is also perfect for this season as well.

March 04, 2008
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Treasure Tuesdays: THINK CITRUS ~ Bubble Jewelry

BubblebraceletI love the idea of having themes. It's like when you walk into certain stores and although they have a lot of clothes they co-ordinate everything by color. So if you feel like you're in a light blue mood, you can go to that section and see all the shirts that fall within this color scheme. That was my intent when I began thinking of thematic posts by color for this spring and summer. Nothing is more fun than being able to look at posts that stay within a set color scheme or idea whether it's clothing, something for the home or even wherever you're going to eat.

Today, I bring this super cute Bubble Cuff from Sikara & Co which not only appeared at Magic in Las Vegas, but they had a case where they showcased some of their pieces as well. I remember when I first saw this company, I actually had a booth next to them at Shecky's Girl's Night Out in NYC. From that day, I became a fan and I was pleased to see their showcased pieces at the trade show. So, I am proud to include this piece within this month's concept, THINK CITRUS.

This cuff has over 50 bubbles of Amber showing it in variety of hues. This piece is truly an investment piece since it is able to transition from season to season and I love the pops of green that also come in as well. This can be dressed up and down is a fashion essential for your wardrobe. Take a moment to check out more pieces from Sikara & Co.

February 27, 2008
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Wearable Wednesdays ~ Bohemian Cami Love

BohemianloveThe best part of fashion is the fact that you can rock your Carlos by Carlos Santana heels, with your Hudson Jeans and touching it off with a super cute wooded clutch from Ports 1961. Then you can top if off with this super cute Bohemian Hanky Cami available at Wet Seal for the whopping price of $16! It's nice to know that fashion can be worn in a variety of ways and comes in various price points as well. I am all about the Bohemian lifestyle. I love these cute tops and the fact that it's cream and brown with pops of orange. I am so getting this top and love the idea that this is the obvious choice to take with me to South Beach, Vegas, Meat Packing District and you're local sidewalk cafe or garden/patio drinking spot. Check out more great looks that are available at Wet Seal.

February 25, 2008
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Mingling Mondays ~ Support R is for Retail

Traditionally on "Mingling Mondays", I like to talk about a great restaurant or event since mingling is all about coming together and exchanging ideas - what better way to do this then with food and something to look at? But I have to say that earlier this week I read something that made me want to share it with you and to provide my thoughts on this subject. It would be unfair for me to provide this exchange without including an excerpt of the original which will be listed below in italics. A friend of mine who runs a showroom here in the city sent this out to her buyers and I thought that it was not only brave but a view that I believe in as a designer and something that is uplifting for all of us!

As many of you know, I work for a luxury sportswear brand and earlier this year as I sat in our Sales Meeting we discussed the fact that due to the current economical situation and it being an election year that it was going to be a tough one. Brands would survive and stores would still buy but the fact is that to maintain (or obtain your place if you're trying to break in) your place you would have to work harder to be considered as 1 of 8 options as opposed to 1 of 10. Ultimately, it would be a matter of taking someone else's share in order to increase your own. That can be seen as something scary but I like to think of it as an opportunity.

I spent an entire week at Vegas for Project, Magic, Lingerie Show and the Accessories Show. Not only did I go to see friends that I knew but also those that were new designers. It is my belief that for those of us that are still scratching to get out there, that this is the time to show how we are different! As I walked the show floors there were a variety of buyers out there and although we can complain that buyers should be looking for those of us that are different, we have to ask ourselves "Are we going out there and showing our angle on style?" In order for buyers to take a chance on what we bring to the table, we need to believe in ourselves and take that step as well. Presenting a variation of what has already been done will only make your intended target pass over your work and purchase items from the designer that has already established themselves in that niche.

As the designer and owner of Kitten Couture, I must say that there have been times that I have been slightly frustrated that people like my pieces but they don't feel that it's the look they are going for in their store's product mix; however, it is that difference that will set me apart. I use this analogy when you decide to present a product: "You have to decide do you want to be Mc Donald's where it is available wherever you look or do you want to be Ritz Carlton?" Both of these places are coveted spots but it is a matter of whether you want to position yourself everywhere or would you rather have a smaller point of distribution and be more exclusive? I choose the Ritz Carlton school of thought and I choose to maintain my way of designing since it is times like these that someone may be more willing to take a risk and present their customers with new looks in their store. It is my opinion that even in the bad times, there are those that succeed and those of us that have been out there for a few years trying to get noticed - this is when we need to push so that next year we are considered by more individuals. I highlight Ziordia who is not only a designer who I respect because she worked in the handbag industry but I am encouraged by her passion and efforts to get her line out there and that she continues to stay true to her concepts. It wasn't easy but to initially see her in her showroom and then to see her doing so well at Project, this encouraged me.

To become noticed or to increase our share in the market, it is going to require that as designers we come together and get creative! Maybe this means we decide to combine our contacts and come up with trunk shows and shopping events. We look for ways that we do photoshoots that we incorporate our pieces together. I am always open to options (I am always looking for people to put on here at Kitten Lounge and also on See Pretty Things) and if I can help you directly or pass you on to someone else who can - that just makes it better for all of us! Tough year yes but it is not a year that will go by with only those known labels making successes. This is an open letter to all of us out there to continue to make strides because we are not that far away and although there are those preaching brace ourselves for the worse I am saying brace ourselves for the unexpected and access to areas that we couldn't have believed simply because we chose to take a stand, maintain our innovation and we didn't stop pushing forward.

Original Excerpt from My Friend
R is for RETAIL!Stop reading all the bad news out there. How many national   shows since early January [10 ]did we all hear the R word discussed. This   is just FEBRUARY!!!

This is going to be a very challenging retail year.
But,   one that still brings opportunities and niches to fill.  


As store buyers and   owners, you have to really shop and open your eyes to everything. Travel,   surf the web, review the fashion magazines, click on to the fashion runway   shows...and at the retail level, what is truly important is giving "perceived   value" in the items you buy. You need to understand how much more   profitable an item business will continue to be and how margin builders   is this year's mantra. A proven basic: You have to give   the customer a "reason to buy"

February 20, 2008
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Wearable Wednesdays: NYFW FW2008 ~ Zang Toi

You can't see every show but I love that being apart of the Coutorture Community, I am able to look back at a variety of the Fashion Show memories that have taken place. I am such a fan of dramatic coats and super cute dresses (if you saw me in Vegas at night, I was all about bringing in that Casino glam). I love the wow factor and I present to you the Zang Toi Fall Winter 2008 Fashion Show. After you see this show, check out Coutorture to see all the other great shows that are available - much better then fighting your way to the runways of the world.

February 19, 2008
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Treasure Tuesdays ~ Ziordia Love

Img_0072 Last week was a successful trip in many ways! One of them was being able to get a bit of a peek at the new collection at Ziordia! I also enjoyed chatting with Arlene and was able to meet Mags (who I also email back and forth as well). Let me just say that if you love what you have seen here on Kitten Lounge, or See Pretty Things and you ventured to their website as well, you will enjoy seeing the new items that will be available for next season as well! I love that Arlene took many of the items that I love and enhanced them with even more amazing colors and materials - so within the next few weeks you will see them here! In addition, I will purchase a bag as I say goodbye to the one I have been carrying around and I do my own version of Spring Sprucing. Included within this post is one of my favorite clutches that she makes. When opened, I love that it has a mirror in it which is much better than running around and trying to find one when you simply need to see something quickly. I love the luxe leather and you can opt between carrying it as a purse or placing it under your arm to allow your diva essence to tip into that which is truly glam. Ladies it was nice hanging out with you at Project and I can't wait to share some of the amazing pieces that will be out soon!

January 23, 2008
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Wearable Wednesdays ~ Night Clubbing Before You Hit the Lounge

NightclubbingSorry for the tiny image but I am so excited about this new eyeshadow that I purchased at Sephora from NARS Cosmetics. I love that their new Spring 2008 Collection has amazing shades that add a bitter of shimmer. This shade is known as Night Clubbing - it is black mixed with gold pearls! Those who know me know that I am not a gold girl; however, I loved the shimmer that I received when I tried this on. Depending on what you fall in love with, you'll be ready for the clubs in no time whatsoever. The secret to the amazing and seductive portion of this collection is the fact that pearls of various colors are mixed in to give you that amazing look! Nothing is better than playing with your makeup and giving yourself a variety of looks. I am so falling in love with this line and can't wait to test it out in Las Vegas next month during Project, Lingerie Show and Magic!

December 11, 2007
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Treasure Tuesdays ~ Flippin for Flip

Flipflip I LOVE Flip Video! I just got it for Christmas - don't you love when you get Christmas presents early? Anyway, I can''t wait to start doing video stories and more - which will be available here. Anyway, this is the same item that Oprah gave away during her "favorite things". I received the bundled package which included the tripod, case and of course the Flip! Over the next few weeks, you'll see posts with me using this and if you have a Flip, feel free to give tips on how to use this! I will be in Vegas for Project, Magic etc in Feb and I will definitely enjoy using this. Check out Flip's website and in case you're wondering, I have the pink one!

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