Growing up, one of my favorite shows was Dynasty (one can only hope that they will do the same thing with this show that they did with Dallas to bring it back)! I loved the clothing, accessories and more. Now many of those looks were very 80's but that grand sense of style is one that never goes out of style. A signature Dynasty element is fabulous baubles and decadence and the good thing is that this can be worked into your everyday wear, when you want to step up your style or to go all the way to all out glam! Roll over the images above to see why I'm loving these items from Alexis Bittar, Giles & Brother, Tom Binns, Deepa Gurnani, Miu Miu and Azaara
Earlier this week, I headed over to C Wonder's Fall Preview. As you know, this lifestyle brand includes clothing, accessories, homegoods and more in order to bring that great preppy style into every facet of your day to day. I have to say that I love the chain link bag collections which have a number of styles within it, pops of pillows and fun Ikat plates!
You know our Sunday focus takes on an article of clothing that we are drooling over and inspires us to get the rest of our home to pay homage to this! Today we're all about vintage Chanel in this fabulous berry shade and I love the trumpet detail with the fab neck. In honor of that here are some ways to pop in this fab berry/persimmon color which works well for the holiday season as well as being the perfect winter choice in terms of hues!
I'm loving Pottery Barn as they have the berry wreath motif in time for the holiday season by using the wreath as well as having that (with optional monogramming) on their pillows. It's great for the home and the perfect gift as well. For the liing room, we can never have too much Horchow and I am loving this sofa which is stately but also perfectly Victorian. Light this Voluspa candle in a fab Japonica scent. When it comes to the kitchen, I'm loving Kitchen Aid's tea kettle. For those that are thinking of one of my fave items to eat - this Roma Electric Tomato Strainer is a nice addition to the kitchen when it's time to make your famed sauce which can be canned to make a fab gift for others when they come visit you!
As many of you know, in addition to running Kitten Lounge, being a spokesperson and designer with collaborative lines - I also work as a stylist and a personal shopper. Many people ask how I made this as apart of my career. Since I have always worked in fashion, I combined my modeling career with my visual merchandising sensibilities and created looks that made me feel great. Others saw this and believed that if I could create my own signature look, how much more could I do the same for them. My look was based in simple pieces of clothing that were paired with dynamic accessories. When it comes to styling, let me introduce you to Style Made Simple's Style Society, an education program designed to share rare insider knowledge for those looking to break into the world of professional styling or looking to host a corporate program or special events. You'll gain access to learn the skills and develop the connections that turn a dream into reality. All classes are developed and taught by professional stylists. Below are some great upcoming courses that you can take! There is one later in the month as well as one for next month. Simply choose your interested course on Style Made Simple and include the checkout code: KLSMS.
Personal Shopping & Styling Unveiled
October 22nd & 23rd from 10AM-1PM
If you love to shop and have great personal style, this talent can be turned into a career. During this 2-day intensive, you'll see what it takes to be a Personal Stylist professionally. Develop the knowledge and structure necessary to start your own consultancy. Take the next steps in defining personal style via portfolio building and shopping exercises.
Essentials of Styling
November 7th & 8th from 6PM-9PM
During this 2-day intensive, you'll learn what it takes to become a successful stylist and how to break into the fashion industry. Gain insider information and develop skills that every stylist needs to excel. Learn how to present your work to the right clientele and the differences between editorial, advertising and broadcast styling.
As you guys have seen this week, I was on HSN for Sebago during their Spring Fashion Series presented by Elle Magazine! On Wed 23rd, there were a number of shoe brands that came out (I mean I saw Beverly Feldman who I adore and walked past her as I was going on the set)! I appeared on a 2am, 7am and 3pm slot talking about Sebago, where to wear them, how to wear them and why I loved them so much! I had to remind myself that HSN is the fourth largest network with a viewership of 95 million households! I have to say that HSN doesn't play around! They're on schedule, super sweet and the follow up is insane. I'm so happy for everyone that tuned in but for those that didn't I have some videos that you can enjoy!
I also want to thank those that dressed me! First off I have a HUGE love for Ann Taylor and LOFT! All my pants came from these fab brands as I wanted to wear cropped pants or leggings that showed off my footwear. I have never owned a pair but after wearing these I would say that your closet must have them going forward! I love bling and nothing says that more than Chelsea Taylor! I loved wearing the necklace, various bracelets and the ring! Of course the tops from 2am and 7am were Thai Nguyen from Bravo's Launch My Line! I love his boho chic style. But I also loved wearing Eva Varro during the 3pm show as she has been dressing me for years! Also, if you loved the nails - you know that Susan Nam, Celebrity Nail Stylist and owner of Polished Beauty Bar, keeps me in Zoya's Indigo!
There are a number of shows coming up in May and October with my involvement with Sebago and of course I will keep you up on information regarding my Kimmie Smith x Sebago Fall 2011 collection as well!
If we're connected on my social networks, you know that I am jetting off to Cancun on Tues to cover the Royal Holiday Resort with a few bloggers and am so happy that Aly Walansky will be with me on this trip. If we can conquer the bungalows at The Delano during our press trip for Schick in SoBe, we plan to do the same in Mexico. They sent us our agenda for next week and all I could think about was getting my clothes together! But of course, right around the corner, I have a trip to go to Dominican Republic for one of the projects that you guys will begin to hear about in the next few weeks. It involves me designing accessories for a brand and later appearing on TV! More to come.
Anywho - here it is that I should be planning for Cancun as it's on Tues but I have already raced ahead to think about fun dinner outfits. Yes we'll be at an island but I love dressing for dinner when I'm away and I happened on 6126! We all have our opinions on LiLo but I will say that much like Lauren Conrad's first line, this is one that I love. I love this dress as it reminds me of fab 70's/boho chic style which is on trend this season (but who are we kidding the 70's is generally on trend). I love that the dress has hues of salmon/coral, blue/purple and cream hues. In fact if Cher had just come out singing Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves - I would want her to wear this dress! Love the concept of this photo but of course I wanted to tweak the accessories.
I would take out the chunky shoes that had been included in this shoot and go for this pair of shoes by Mr Louboutin! It has that disco vibe but I think it looks much better and I don't mind that I'm continuing the matchy matchy vibe of the outfit. What I love about this look is that I have introduced natural tones! I'm a huge fan of the colors that you find in wooden pieces and in amber so when I saw the faceted glass ring by Burberry and the snakeskin clutch which had various tones in it, it was a no brainer that it would make this outfit look phenom! Finally, you need a great necklace but I wanted to tie in the hues of the overall look and yet reflect a natural component - enter the shell necklace. I'd also check out more items by Mali Sabatasso as I think that the collection has a number of striking pieces in various hues (new designer to me but I am obsessing over these pieces)! This is definitely perfect for a night out with the girls, a special someone or maybe a business dinner where you're on display and you know that you have to bring it!
I love this time of year when there are various videos about upcoming collections! This recent video is a peek into Lily + Jae's Spring 10 collection! What better way to see it then to hit the road with the girls as the collection unfolds in front of your eyes. I also love seeing how a photoshoot comes together and this desert is such a zen experience that you'll enjoy taking a rest while watching it!
I am a firm believer in that there is no excuse to leave for an event or your home without feeling like you are dressed for the occassion. Whether you're just finding your style or attempting to rework your entire closet and your budget may not be where you would like it to be, you can still be someone that everyone looks at wishing that they had your sense. It's all about finding what works best for you and being able to translate that so that others follow suit.
When it comes to my style of dress, it's more of a classic one. My accessories are the areas that I definitely let my personality come out; however, my clothing involves simple, classic lines. Am I going to a Broadway show, out for drinks at the newest lounge or simply meeting up with friends? You never know and that's what I love about it. My day takes me to various places that are planned and unplanned and I hate thinking that I'm not 95% dressed for most occassions that I may be invited to at the spur of the moment (no I don't travel with a ball gown in my large bag). Today, I'm wearing the classic wrap shirt dress. Although mine isn't from Ralph Lauren (but you could be wearing BCBG's, Alexander Wang's or DVF's) and nor is it black (I'm in Navy), I thought that I would share my approach to getting dressed to provide the appearance of effortlessly putting an outfit together.
If you happen to like what I'm wearing or any other day, it's mainly because I know the shapes that make me feel comfortable. When you continue to buy the same items, you definitely have a large portion of your signature look and you never have to wonder how things fit. In fact, I build my outfits around my accessories so the actual articles of clothing are my standard basics that have classic shapes that have worked well over decades although I'm on 30 - if you love Mary Tyler Moore, Audrey Hepburn and many of these iconic dressers - you'll see that I too love them and include elements of their looks within my own closet.
I'm all about accessories and can't imagine leaving the house with a few of them on. Above are items that are not meant to be worn together (although you totally could) but can be paired with this outfit. When I'm at events like I will be tonight and people may not know who I am, how much easier is it to say "oh there's Kimmie, she's in the wrap dress with that gorgeous shell ring (I don't own one in black; however, the one in beige that I have has been the ultimate conversation maker and can be worn in all seasons). As many of you know, I am a HUGE fan of Ted Rossi's and I do feel underdressed if his python cuffs are not on my wrists (when I'm truly out for the evening, you will see me holding one of his clutches as well). I love the shirt dress as it is for all seasons; however, with the chill in the air, you will see me pairing mine with a stacked boot! These gorgeous boots are definitely a great way to elongate the leg and to give you a certain spring to your step. The wrap dress does come with a belt; however, I love emphasizing the waist and if you're wearing a dress where you can take your belt off, why not pair it with a wide one. Hopefully, it has an interesting buckle and something that draws the eye! Finally, although you will almost never see earrings on me (it's the one accessory I don't really like wearing) I encourage pop within accessories as well and love these by Bounkit Jewelry!
Now with this gorgeous black wrap dress you can stick with black accessories or you can add various elements of color! Today I'm in Navy and you will see me pair my look with brown! I love items that allow you to be a conversation piece and encourage people to come to you to chat. This is one of the most essentials of making it at an event and being a great networker. Once you wow them with your style, you can wow them with what you bring to the table. Style is just as casual as anything that you do in life. You may have to work at finding your own groove, but once you do it's second nature and this is a holiday gift that keeps on giving from now throughout the sidewalk and carpeted runways that you will hit. I'll see you guys tonight at the W at the Fashion 2.0 Fashion Trivia event where I will be one of the contestants for the Fashion Bloggers!
I remember the early days of growing up by shows. I loved Wonder Woman - you would find me running around with a towel around my neck and clanging my wrists together watching my favorite super hero getting the bad guy and looking fabulous. She was my walking talking Barbie doll who could do anything and be anywhere. Then you had my other two loves Charlie's Angels and Michael Jackson!
Forget about the fact that Farrah Fawcett was only in one season of Charlie's Angel's! I loved that she had that California girl next door quality. She was beautiful and yet it didn't go to her head - don't even get me started on her hair and the easy going smile! It was through her that I loved the idea of looking very put together and yet having that windswept look. Women to this day run to get that hair and easy sense of style. She will be missed and it's sad to know that I heard her pass yesterday morning!
Twitter was full of activity as a huge icon passed last night! 50 years old and with a tour in the works (I even read that he was working on a move that would eclipse the moonwalk or even his gravity defining lean) - Michael Jackson passed away. I'm from Indiana as is Michael and just to be clear, I am only speaking of him as an entertainer and performer - he was the best! He sang, he created mini movies with his videos and knew how to be true to his style even as it changed around him with the increase of rap, alternative and hip-hop! MTV gained a lot of their audience base from his "World Premier Videos". Yet, he continues to make these videos that everyone would crowd around the tv to watch as it premiered on MTV (although earlier in the day they would play videos about how fans loved him, previous material and more). He taught me a lot! It doesn't matter where you come from but if you have a gift, it can be shared and you don't have to work it into what the trend is - be your own trend. When it came to fashion, Michael, yet again had his own take. Who else could wear socks where everyone knew he had very white ones that his pants didn't cover? He made the arm band chic and yet added an element of military to it - what exactly was he fighting against? He made sequins cool and he knew that the right jacket - oh yes the Thriller jacket - could set off an entire look (I remember going to school with a kid with a Gizmo backpack and a Thriller jacket - he was the coolest of the cool in first grade). I sat at home with my View Finder flipping through the scenes of Thriller and always freaking out when I got to the part where he was the werewolf! But he knew about the power of theme and accessories! Whether he rocked black and white, a cool hat or a sequined glove, people rocked the style.
With so many performers that tip their hat to Michael, he will never be forgotten. His body of work will continue on with songs that continue to be relevant and placed in a period of time where we all suspended our disbelief! Farrah will continue to be known as that girl from next door who had just the right mix of sexy, cool and spunk that you would want as a bestie and at the same time as the crush that if you got up enough courage would say yes! RIP to two icons that exist within and outside of their generation!
If you don't know what Forever 21 is I truly feel bad for you! They're always a store that I pop into and fortunately in NYC, we have quite a few that I can hit up on a Saturday as I complete a variety of looks! Of course when I'm super lazy (or find that my size was no where to be found) I also go online! What do I love about this store/site? There's always something new, they have the super cute tank tops that are $2.50 and I've been able to experiment with certain items in a way that is much easier on my pocket book. In addition, I can't say how many times I have worn a $24.99 dress from them and paired it with my Jimmy Choo heels and Ted Rossi python bag and received a ton of compliments!
As we now hit May officially, we're only days away from consistently warm weather. One of my favorite looks to wear in the summer is a whimsical ensemble. I love super cute tunics that are in various weights of fabrics that when worn over skinny jeans or leggings, make you look amazing! These are perfect for work, going out and more. With so many pieces and with items being a little over or under $20, you can definitely buy quite a few items! So this Friday, we have a gallery of tunics that you should keep your eye on whether you're here in NY as they are in stores in the area (my favorite location is Union Square) or whether you're online! Check out their various collections within Forever 21: Heritage 1981 and Twelve by Twelve.
Finally, when it comes to accessible fashion, I like to know that it's not only pocket friendly (which is why in my posts I include various pieces that are within various price ranges from steals to splurge) but more importantly that various people regardless of size can also enjoy various looks as well. Nothing is worse whether you're talking about shoes or a dress and to find that they ran out of your size or that they never had it to begin with. Forever 21 recently launched Faith 21 which ensures that plus sized women can also enjoy fab finds and amazing fashion as well! Definitely check this out as well.
Right before I left for Chicago, I had the pleasure of being introduced to an accessories designer that was completely new to me! Perry Gargano is definitely a designer who embraces nature and just the natural order of life in general! His pieces are made in silver and in gold (so you'll definitely enjoy adding both metals into your jewelry wardrobe). I love that since his passion is being a sculptor, his pieces have that living art element to them! From belts, cuffs and rings - he will ensure that you're adorned. I love these pieces as I love to have a simple look, a great pair of jeans and a tank. But since my clothing tends to be "simple", I love for my pieces to really reflect my style when it comes to the accessories.
Consider this to be your first introduction to this designer as Kitten Lounge, will continue to keep you updated on this designer! In addition, if you love the pieces included here, you will enjoy seeing more of his pieces on Perry Gargano's site!
Growing up, I enjoyed wearing Express in highschool and in college. My closet was full of it; however, as I came out to the east I started picking up various emerging designers and although my amount of Express may have decreased, it still has a presence whether it's a basic top, leggings or something of that nature. I love an outfit that is pulled together from various places so that it looks unique to you! Apparently, Becki Newton feels the same way as she was recently seen in InStyle magazine with the Motorcycle Jacket paired with a dress and ankle booties! Take some time to check out interesting pieces to pop into your wardrobe to round out your look.
When it comes to my handbags, I never skimp on the whole style and function factor. The way I think about it, my bag is worn throughout an entire season with barely any change ups. This bag needs to become my staple and go with a number of things that I happen to wear. There are so many factors that dictate whether a bag will be appropriate or not. I want the color to pop but not to the point where it seems like I am lost in color. I need a sizeable bag with many compartments and I need to feel that my personality is definitely reflected as well. In addition, I always love when I can find a great boot that makes me love the bag that much more.
Earlier this week, I was introduced to Hayden Harnett and I fell in love. Not only do I love their accessories but I love the boots and they have a clothing line too. They know how much pop they need to infuse in their pieces while allowing your personality to come out too. Essentially, you're wearing the pieces and not the other way around - which is a good thing. So without a doubt, to close the week I present my favorite pieces from this line which is getting a lot of visibility!
I think August has us baffled here on the east coast. These are supposed to be the dog days of summer and this week I have sported cute scarves and have thought about some of my cuter long sleeve items as well. So once those come out, it's hard to deny that we need to think about fall and to make sure we have fun core pieces as we toggle back and forth in this transitional weather. These are great items that are perfect for work, running errands and for a night when you'll be out and about.
I think it says super cute and sleek! What can you say about these great looks - first off, a great tunic top. This is a great way to highlight your shoulders and I love that there is extra length which looks so cozy.
Next I love the belt, it's simple and black and yet there is a pop of color, this is definitely something that you want to incorporate into a few looks. Not only is this belt cute, but I love the boots which will pair nicely with these liquefied leggings! They look great with booties and also with something much longer.
Top everything off with this poor boy knit cap in grey which is perfect on a not so great hair day or just to look super cute and then there is the bag. I love bags with fun shapes which are perfect to lug what you need while making sure you look super cute! What a great look to wear together and with other pieces as well!
It's that time of year again - oh wait this waits for no set season! But since we are all giddy about the preview into fall, you mine as well start hunting for some fab belts to tie your outfit together or simply to ensure that you have something on the days when without it, you're outfit wouldn't be as stellar. Fortunately, Nikkie Jaggs totally gets us and has three amazing belts that are a must for this season. With bold and rich hues in cobalt blue, burgundy and brown - you're set! In addition she has a lot of style in terms of whether you're interested in something that's like a sash a large buckle that's simple or one with a bit more oomph to it! All are available on Revolve Clothing and definitely friendly on the budget!
A few months ago, I was introduced to Spreegirl at an Editor's event and I have to say that since that time, I have been hooked on this super cute sleepwear brand. It has gone with me on a lot of trips with friends, meeting other designers and so much more. Spreegirl's philosophy is that you should be fashionable at all times and that it can be carried into bed time. I actually have a super cute gingham set that's a tank top and boy shorts much like the one the model is wearing in the picture. I love that it's super girly while having a bit of a spice in there too. In the end, it's a fun LA line that you should start introducing to your closets!
Fortunately, if you view the site, you can also get a sneak peek into what is available for this fall which is just as great as their spring and summer line as well. Take some time to check out the collection and if you're looking to purchase them, then you should check out such sites as Yandy.com and Revolver Clothing.
While 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.
I am so excited! If you know me, you know that I love Tylie Malibu's accessory collection and now she has clothing available as well! If you love that great Malibu style, you will find this and more on the site. The best thing is that soon, you will be able to purchase her items online so sign up for emails so that you're kept in the loop. I love these sweat pants which are low rise and has a lotus flower on the pant as well. With so many great pieces, this is a great way to add a little relaxed love into your wardrobe.
I am totally a t-shirt/tank top and jeans kind of girl. I love wearing something super easy and accessorizing it. I'm all about making something you're own and adding a lot of my own creativity into it. Although I love this look, I am a HUGE fan of Carilyn Vaile which is the epitomy of making sure that you have great pieces that can be worn a variety of ways and layered at will. First of all, for those of you that don't know about Carilyn Vaile, she is very huge on the West Coast and sells through Bloomingdales and Nordstrom; however, you can also purchase her pieces at VFashions. Soon, you can purchase pieces directly on her site.
Earlier this year I had a mini shopping spree and actually purchased the light blue dress on the left in a coral color. I love that you can tie it as shown or cross the straps across the back as shown. Carilyn Vailehas a super cute dress that can be worn 10 ways whether you decide to wrap it, wear it as a skirt, put it over pants and more. This is such a great way to get maximum wear out of these pieces.
What I love most about her pieces are the colors and the soft knit material which is actually made out of bamboo. It never loses its stretch! I would definitely visit the site which on Carilyn Vaile'ssite you can see how one dress can be worn in so many ways. Also make sure to sign up to hear more news about the site so that you can be apart of the launch when she makes her items available online.
These pieces are perfect no matter whether you're hanging out in your neighborhood (I love that she has cute t-shirts, ruched tops and more), going out for the evening (you can choose to be completely glam, sexy or both) and finally she has those great weekend pieces (I love my long sleeved ruched top that's perfect to pair with cute denim and a pair of boots - brunch appropriate). This is one of my favorite designers to wear due to the ease and comfort that her pieces have. Check out all the links and I'll let you know when there are new developments from her site!
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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