Kitten Lounge

Wearable Wednesdays: Shoe Week Edition ~ EXPATRIATE & United Nude

Kimmie Smith — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:00:00 EDT

Last week, I headed to Charleston Fashion Week as my client, EXPATRIATE, reached out for me to style the footwear that would be included within her show. Of course, this was exciting as it was a great way to include Shoe Week within her runway show experience. I completed her look with United Nude which is known for their architectural style. Above you can catch two of my favorite looks from the collection (see more looks from her show with images by Glenn Bernette). In addition, to purchasing these fab heels online, for those who where in Charleston that were asking, you can find them at Harleston Shoes (check them out on Pinterest as well as on their Facebook page).

Charleston Fashion Week is a show that has taken place over the past seasons that not only shows established designers but emerging designers as well. It was amazing to hear that EXPATRIATE's designer and founder, Kita Nolley, received a lot of praise from Fern Mallis herself about the fabrication and the construction of her line. As runway shows are always chaotic and since it was such a quick trip, I had a little Q&A with Kita, an Atlanta based designer that takes everyone on a number of destinations with her collection.

When and why did you decide to create EXPATRIATE?

I decided to create EXPATRIATE when I was in grad school at Savannah College of Art & Design. I always knew that I wanted to have my own line, but I was never sure how far I could take it. It wasn’t until after I spent some time working in London for British fashion house, Zoe Jordan, that I knew for sure I had the necessary skill set to grow my own business. That was my first realistic taste of what it takes to run a successful luxury label. I learned a lot about operations and the business end of fashion and I loved it.

How do you begin designing your line (do you do a storyboard, do you do inspiration trips etc)?

Honestly, it’s different every time. Usually, I’m inspired by something I learned or saw while traveling. Other times I’m inspired by art, something that I read, or even a certain fabric that I came across. From that initial inspiration, I create a mood board. The process of creating the mood board usually helps me clarify my vision. I usually start creating rough sketches after I’ve created a mood board and am clear on the direction.

Why are you excited to be part of Charleston Fashion Week and how do you think it will benefit you by participating within this event?

I’m excited to be part of Charleston Fashion Week for tons of reasons, but mostly because it’s the perfect launching pad for new designers. The event gets a tremendous amount of media coverage and is a gathering place for fashion industry professionals. Not only am I gaining invaluable experience in creating runway shows, but I’m also getting a chance to rub elbows with industry insiders and tastemakers.

Where would you love to see EXPATRIATE sold?

I would love to see the line in major department store like Saks or Harrods one day. I’m a huge fan of the boutique shopping experience, so right now we’re focusing on getting the line in fashion forward, well-curated boutiques – both stateside and international.

What fashion icons would you like to see wearing EXPATRIATE?

I’d like to see ALL fashion icons wearing EXPATRIATE :-) The clothing is made to fit a wide range of body-types beautifully. Of course, seeing one of my garments on celebrity or fashion icon would be phenomenal…but to see everyday women in EXPATRIATE would be a dream come true.

What does EXPATRIATE offer within its line that is different than other lines that are currently out there?

The sleek, dressy separates are designed to mix and match. I strive to provide a woman with bold signature pieces that she can easily incorporate into her wardrobe. The garments are designed to mix well together without one piece overwhelming the other. However, each garment can stand alone as a signature piece when paired with items from outside of the collection. EXPATRIATE’s unique mixture of bold patterns and classic tailoring provides polished, easy-to-wear clothes for the modern woman.

Will EXPATRIATE take on additional categories such as accessories, shoes, handbags etc?

Expanding into additional categories is definitely a major goal for the line. I definitely have plans to expand into handbags and menswear in the near future. Shoes and other accessories are long-term goals.

Where can we expect to see EXPATRIATE next in terms of shows, tradeshows, etc?

We’re working on our next runway show for the Spring/Summer 2014 collection. I’ve received an exciting invitation to possibly show on an international runway in September, but it’s still very early in the discussion. We’re also planning to show the SS14 collection in Atlanta in September or early October.

On your Kickstarter site, we saw images of a doll wearing your EXPATRIATE Tuxedo - which we love, do you create a miniature for each item in your line?

The doll was an interesting exercise that I plan to incorporate into my design process going forward. One of my professors suggested I do this exercise to help visualize the collection. The purpose was to see a signature look from the collection in to use as a tool when explain my vision for the collection to others. It worked so well, that I think I’ll always create the signature look for the doll first. It really helps you see the silhouette and catch any design flaws early in the process. It’s a fantastic brainstorming tool, and it’s much more efficient (in terms of time and money) than mocking-up the garments in full scale.

How have you grown from your Fall 13 collection (which the bow tie is so cute and I love the menswear influence that comes into portions of the line from this collection making me think of Katherine Hepburn) versus what you have designed for Spring 14?

Since the FW13 collection was the inaugural collection for EXPATRIATE, it was extremely important to me to create a collection that was a true representation of who I am as a designer and a person. The collection reflects and honors my cultural heritage: African and American. It also gives a big nod to my love for menswear and classic tailoring.

Spring ’14 will also feature tailored looks, but it will be lighter, more romantic, a little less structured and slightly more feminine. I’m still in the discovery process for the Spring collection, but I know I want it to have a more delicate touch.

What else would you like to share about EXPATRIATE and where can the line be purchased?

We’re in the process of sampling two different factories. It’s very important that we partner with the right manufacturer for the line. Though this is a time consuming process, I am confident that the end result will be a high quality product that has the right fit, finishing, and details. For now, sales inquiries can be made via our website or by contacting sales@expatriateclothing.com.

What can we expect from Spring 14 from you and as your line does focus on destinations, what area will you transport us to next?

Close your eyes and imagine you’re standing in the middle of an energetic street market. Your senses are excited by the delicious smells, sounds, and the electricity in the air. You open your eyes and you see beautiful people, vivid colors, and amazing architecture. You’ve journeyed to Morocco. The Spring/Summer 2014 collection is called “Destination: Marrakech.”

Wearable Wednesdays ~ His Style - Preps Out

Kimmie Smith — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:03:17 EDT

MICHAEL KORS Men's Silicone Watch $225 - Michael Kors

Sebago Docksides $121 - Revolve Clothing

Saturdays Tommy chino short $88 - J.Crew

Hooded Striped Shield Rugby $79 - Rugby

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!

Fashion Week Edition Spring 2010 ~ Michael Kors

Kimmie Smith — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:52:52 EDT

Stephen Dweck Black Agate, Smoky Quartz & Sterling Silver Earrings $370 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Lois Hill Hammered Silver Scroll Cuff $448 - Nordstrom

Elsa Peretti® Sevillana™ lariat $295 - Tiffany & Co.

Michael Kors Look Fashion Week Spring 2010

The other day I had a comment on my site that said I was too young to wear Michael Kors. Now MK is the epitome of classic American pieces that work so well with various generations! Yes I recently turned 30 and have been a long time fan of the accessories and many of his dresses have caught my eye. I love that he brings the Audrey to the everyday which is something that I strive for in my outfits on a daily basis! What do I love about this dress? It's simple and so sexy. The ruching is such a feminine element and the color of the material is so whimsical that you're ready for dinner with a significant other, partying in Vegas, taking on a show - this is a basic that EVERYONE should have in their closet! I love that when it hit the runways, it was accessorized in a translucent way which is one way to go but if I wore this I would love to have sterling silver with pops of whatever gemstone I happened to gravitate towards at the time. With all the ruching, I love the idea of pairing it with a lariat and have a cuff that has a little bit of weight as it adds the slightest edge and of course the earrings pick up elements of whimsy while also adding elements of the gemstones again! I know that this dress is a part of his collection that must join the rest of the items in my ever growing closet!

Trendy Thursdays: Beam Brings You Into the Daylight

Kimmie Smith — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT

I have to say that one of the things that I love most about Fashion Week above and beyond the shows is that it's a time when people come together to see people you run past daily or who you only talk to via emails. It's also a time when you have the opportunity to meet others through people that you already know. This can take place at shows, in the tents, parties and so much more. Simply put, it's a great way to relationship build!

Well, the night before Fashion Week, Total Beauty kicked off this week of events by throwing a party and via Sam from Dark PR, I had the pleasure of meeting Andrea and Liza Young, the Brazilian sister duo that is behind New York's prominent, Beam Laser Spa (1841 Broadway Suite 806). The night that I met them, I knew that not only did they look adorable but I was definitely intrigued to learn more about the services that were available at this spa. Fortunately, we were able to meet again and I settled on a date and time to not only have an appointment but to learn about the spa!

Trust me when I say that I was a little nervous to have my appointment. Although the idea of never having to shave under my arms again seemed like a dream, the idea of having a laser on me was a little too Goldfinger for my taste. But my apprehension was calmed by being greeted by Liza who has such a great calm personality, I love that she chatted and explained my forms and one look in the office makes you feel a bit of Zen. Andrea has such an amazing personality and beyond having a bubbly personality, knowing that she is a molecular biologist with an MBA and has worked within the hair removal industry for many years, made me feel that she was knowledgeable about various techniques and had seen the evolution of them.

My initial concern was the obvious - pain, I love how she explained that in areas that had less hair, you wouldn't feel as strong of a sensation as denser areas. In fact, the sensation would be temporary. Seeing her demo the laser and watching the puffs of air that came out that cooled the areas that had received the laser was very calming. But another issue that still remained was that I had always heard that African Americans were not able to have this treatment or that many people felt it simply wasn't for them. Even my mom was shocked that I had received this treatment as she explained that back in the 70's she had had laser treatment in her face and that later her dermatologist had explained that it wasn't for women of color. In fact when Googling on various message boards, I found this response along with warnings of scars and spots appearing on the skin as a huge warning against doing this.

Andrea's knowledge and answer to this question was shocking to hear. In spas that have these laser treatments, those who are olive to darker skinned should find out what kind of wavelength is used in terms of the procedure. Those that are darker need to make sure that their facilities have a dual laser machine which has an Alexandrite and a Yag wave. The YAG wave is for those with darker skin and although it penetrates deeper into the skin layer bypassing the skin color, it has a slightly reduced effect that still removes the hair without lightening our color. I found this amazing and was pleased to know that laser treatments could be an option for all skin tones.

Andrea explained everything, answered questions and continued to make me comfortable. Now for those who are thinking of getting this treatment, they offer a free consultation where they do a patch test. This is where you choose a small area and they do the procedure so that you can have a sample. In many cases, over 90% of those who do the consultation, come back to actually get it done. With all this knowledge and hearing this percentage, I was ready.

Prior to this, I was not able to shave about a day or two before coming in and (to my grossed out dismay) I didn't have deodarent on. Since I was doing my underarms, Andrea, shaved the arms to make sure it was clean, drew the area that would be treated with a white pencil and then used the laser. This procedure probably only took 10 mins total. At first the sensation of feeling the beam and then the cold air on my arms just felt different as you don't usually have this on you; however, when it got to the denser areas, there was slight discomfort. I love that she guaged my reactions and when I needed a slight breather she stopped. She continued to chat with me and you were able to continue. When it was over, aloe was placed under my arms.

I was shocked that it was over so quickly and after she examined my arms, she said that it didn't look aggravated. I felt a slight discomfort but absolutely nothing major. Now when you sign up you know that you will have to do somewhere between 6 - 8 treatments and they are spaced out by 6 weeks. Each time the hairs are growing in less and you can see the difference. In fact, within 3 weeks, both sisters said that I would notice hairs under my arms but that they would literally fall out. Although I am not a fan of stray hairs, the idea that I am one step closer to not having to shave is AMAZING.

When I got home, I checked under my arms and each day (as this took place on Sun) I am amazed that I haven't really seen anything! They offer so many services and I would start with doing your underarms. Because this is such a new thing for me and I have my next treatment in Nov, I will keep you guys up to date on how everything is going. Three weeks from now (actually from this past Sun), I will let you know if I see any hairs. The sisters reminded me that if I have hairs that are growing in by then and have not fallen out, they would take away the stray hairs at no cost.

The care they take from the time they walk in the door to when you leave is amazing and being comfortable is half the battle! Beam Laser Spa is definitely a place that I will refer to my friends and if you guys go there, you have to let me know your thoughts!

Sippin' Saturdays ~ Patriotic Tea

Kimmie Smith — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Can you believe that June is almost over? Fourth of July is days away and so you have to think about what you're doing, what party you will plan and more. Well here is a drink that you could make for your guests during your party - American Patriotic Tea! I love that this recipe on Cocktail Times is one that you can modify with a variety of flavors! If you love this recipe, you'll have to visit the site to find a lot more that would work with a number of dinners, events and more that you'll host! For me, I would add raspberry liquer in this as well as I think that that would be a refreshing flavor. I think even adding in a molasses taste would be nice as well. So definitely try it like this and then let your creativity kick in!

AMERICAN PATRIOTIC TEA RECIPE

Ingredients:

- 4 cups water

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 8 black tea bags

- 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges

- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

- 2 cups American Honey liqueur

In a large saucepan, boil 4 cups water. Add 1/2 cup sugar; stir to dissolve. Remove from heat; add 8 teabags of black tea. Steep 10 minutes; discard teabags. Add 4 cups cold water; transfer to pitcher and chill. Mash or muddle lemon wedges and add to pitcher. Add 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves. Using a wooden spoon, crush mint until fragrant. Stir in 2 cups of American Honey liqueur. Serve over ice.

Sippin' Saturdays: Crave Ceviche Bar

Kimmie Smith — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:42:42 EDT

When I was in South Beach, I fell in love with ceviche. This is a style of food that is Latin American food that typically has lime juices, chopped vegetables and more. It is refreshing and perfect to have with cocktails and wine. Well there is a place in Midtown East that has focused on this style of food! Crave Ceviche Bar brings SoBe to Manhattan and is refreshing! Earlier this year due to a crane accident, various shoppes and restaurants were affected and closed temporarily. Now that we are in half day Fridays, this is a great place to visit and to support as it has a great clean and minimalistic look and is perfect to go out with friends to relax. Take some time to check out their restaurant and visit their site to see what ceviche is all about.

Crave Ceviche Bar
946 2nd Ave
NY, NY 10019

Fashionable Fridays: NYFW FW2008 ~ Michael Kors Runway Show

Kimmie Smith — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST

I am such a huge fan of Michael Kors. I love his classic American style and the fact that Michael has clothes that have that modern feel with elements of old world Hollywood glamour. Watching clips from this years Fashion Week runway show, you can definitely see that look within his collection. I love that this year there is an element of the American Jet Set group. I love the warm caramel colors and it seems like a touch of the 60's brought forward. Enjoy the footage courtesy of Coutorture and I definitely love seeing the accessories (most of you have seen me in my MK sunglasses and gloves).