The Kitten Lounge is a lifestyle blog that brings the best in entertainment, fashion, beauty and style together. Kimmie presents various options from behind the scenes events to trips to some of her favorite showrooms that carry amazing pieces. As a former model, Internet personality and someone that just enjoys style in general, her site provides daily tidbits!
Today is Saturday, November 21, 2009
I work hard to continue to bring you interesting content to Kitten Lounge and over the next few weeks, you'll see those changes. I'm so proud to bring you Aiisha Haute Couture which will be gracing the runways of Dubai later this fall in November. I love that she brings the sense of old world glamour in an eye catching way! Without a doubt her pieces give you that great goddess look while allowing you to add all your favorite accessories to achieve the overall desired look.
I also love that after being introduced to her designs, I enjoyed hearing various projects that she has been apart of. Paris Hilton had a Dubai based reality show where she focused on local designers of the area - Aiisha was one of the designers who had 7 dresses on this show. More impressive to me are the collaborations that she has done within technology (which you know I'm a fan of). Via her shows, she participated in a fashion show that allowed her to show technology in fashion in everyday life that was presented by Nokia. She also did a fashion show in collaboration with Swarovski Crystals and Nokia. This stylist and designer has also been the spokesperson for HP and their laptops as well. I love when fashion and tech come together and feel that her designs are something that takes glamour to another level! If you will be at the Dubai Mall on Nov 3rd, you'll be able to see her fashion show with Victoria Casal and Manolo Blahnik! If not, Kitten Lounge will bring this to you!
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!
I love when I meet new designers or more importantly, their pieces. In fact, I would say that I love seeing their work and then meeting them as I believe what they do gives great insight into them! A few weeks ago I was introduced to an amazingly intricate designer who not only has a passion for her work, but continues to raise the bar for herself by continuing to learn new methods that make her work luxurious on so many levels. Each of Patricia Tschetter's pieces are made by hand and when I say that it's detailed, I mean it! What does it mean to be a "Jewleler's Jeweler"? Well she has mastered so many styles including but not limited to alloying her own metal, administering minute Gold Granulation practices and more. Her choice in stones are also very intricate. Not only does she teach others but also herself so each season, for that follow her work, you are getting a constant evolution of craftsmanship! Check out her pieces and see why it's worth every penny to have such an amazing artistic expression on your arm!
I love shoes and in the winter, I am all about boots. Since it feels like the season lasts forever, it's essential to have as many of them as possible (the same goes for fun scarves and winter gear). I buy shoes from all over and growing up, I used to go to DSW! I loved the fact that you could get designer shoes at an amazing price or a variety of moderate shoes that instantly boosted your closet! When I left Indiana, I was happy to have so many shoe stores in my area; however, I was always a little bummed that there wasn't a DSW! Then one day after a walk in Union Square I found one and a bit later downtown received one as well!
I love that they are near by and every now and then I pop in but I am so pleased that DSW allows you to order online! Now you don't have to walk around looking for your new found love but you can enjoy browsing for hours and everytime you visit the site, you'll find new items to fall in love with! So definitely make sure that you think about the looks you want to rock this season and see if you can replicate it here as well!
This show was definitely one that I was so excited to attend! I am such a fan of Tadashi's designs so as I sat there, I was so pleased to see Miss USA and Heather Schmid as well. As each design hit the runway, I was so glad that this was one of the shows that I was able to see on my birthday!
I have always been a fan of Dashing Diva. Even when I was tight on cash, I found a way to get a mani here. It's always been a place that is clean, professional and just relaxing. Within the last few months, I have enjoyed meeting and working with Dark PR and because of the two, I was able to attend the backstage area to see the makings of this show. I loved seeing the models and watching everyone prepare for this show. More importantly, Dashing Diva did the nails of all the girls in the show! This clip shows the general area where everyone gets their hair and makeup done. Thank you guys for letting us be there! I also caught peeks of the designer as I became very interested when I saw her in the MAC video for the Cult of Cherry video.
We were also able to see the Dashing Diva team come in (they had just come over from the Liz McClean show). Lead by Claudia they entered through the Hair and Makeup area, then went into the area that had the models' clothes arranged (see how they stay organized with the rolling racks and each models names placed on them) and then through another sitting area. They are being lead by Claudia!
I still love my Flip but it was hard to take footage as I could see everyone around me clearly but not the runway! All the action on the runway is really bright (read you can't see the models). So you can enjoy the music and see those that are around us. But I am also going to include images of the show that I think are perfect! I love that this show was a bit like the 50's brought into today - such a great crisp look. I also enjoyed the goodie bag which had Perry Ellis' scent - Paul (Food Editor) enjoyed this.
Above is the Perry Ellis designer taking his walk on the runway. There were a lot of great looks that were 50's meets the beach - loved it! This is something that I look forward to for next season! Below is the fab look that is perfect on the beach!
First, I have to say thank you so much to everyone who participated! I love when people leave comments and share something about themselves! If you have always wanted to know what you could do to relax, I would definitely take notes from the people who left their great pieces of advice! But unfortunately, we only can have 2 winners although it was so close, I decided to give away 3 Spongelle Soaps!
Congratulations Jennae who was my favorite, I think it's adorable that she is able to relax while having fun blowing bubbles with her child. Obviously, she's a busy lady between doing graphics, blogging and also dabbling in yet another form of creativity! I checked out her site at Green Your Decor and I think we should all take notes!
Another kudos to Mary Jenkins! I love taking baths too and although I find to get the perfect one, it takes some time - it's so worth it. Check her out at Now Entering Momville - I definitely started reading it when I had a second and gave me some much needed laughs!
And finally, I love keeping it simple so how could I not include Theresa N who does yoga in her garden? Maybe it's because I grew up in the Midwest and sometimes miss those serene moments being out in NYC but it made me feel refreshed just thinking about it!
Congratulations ladies and thank you to everyone who put in comments as well. As a heads up and in honor of Fourth of July we have an amazing giveaway that will include two different items which is going to be fun. One involves a food that is definitely iconic when you think about Americana dining and the other is something that is quickly becoming a typical activity that we enjoy more and more! Both will launch on Mon and winners will be selected on Fourth of July so keep your eyes peeled!
During Australia Fashion Week, a variety of designers hit the runways with amazing looks and models to complete the image of course. I have to say that I love this collection although I have never seen Thurley before! I love this dress since it is a very simple cut and then has great pop factor with the beautiful design that is on the front of the dress. If you love this look and more, you'll enjoy seeing more from this collection at Coutorture which is a great place to go for original editorial shoots and also amazing runway shows from around the world.
So this post is another one of those where it hits a number of themes. Today, I will be doing the ultimate mingling! I am attending the Henri Bendel's Open See for Designers in NYC which runs from 9am - noon today. This is a great event that allows emerging designers to be seen and to be picked up by this amazing store. To all of those who will be here, I wish you the best and hope that you enjoy the experience regardless of the outcome (I say this and I have to keep telling myself the same thing) I will be chatting with other designers and I will also be in line since I will be having my pieces looked at by the lovely buyers as well! Obviously, I will share with you what happened and would love to also provide some information on designers that I think we should keep an eye out for! So send me all your virtual well wishings whether they are comment or whether you just happen to think of it - all support is appreciated! In addition, since today is the last day of THINK CITRUS, you'll enjoy one of the pieces that I recently designed as an exclusive (it's not even on my site) that has pops of the theme that we have had on the site.
Let us hope that this piece which is something that I just designed a few weeks ago is one that the buyers fall in love with! I named her Alexandra and she has Carnelian (that would be the citrus), Snail Shell, Sea Shell Chips (that would be another citrus in lemon), Turquoise, Polished Wooden Beads and Mother of Pearl. I love it and hopefully they will as well. Feel free to give some love by visiting my site, to see the other pieces which are currently available!
Fashion Week is an exciting time that occurs all over the world. On Christmas Eve as many of us wondered whether we would get all that we wanted for Christmas, models hit the runway to show a variety of the looks that hit the catwalk. I am constantly in awe of what creativity comes from the hearts of designers and its fabulous to see it emerge on that thin strip with a variety of beauties rocking it out! Take some time to check out the images that are courtesy of Yahoo and the AP! I love the pop of color that is shown in the images and a hint of a princess/empress look which every girl wants to feel at some point or another. In addition, some of the looks, would be perfect to wear at a beach event as well. I love this beachy glam which is absolutely perfect for the summer.
What a great way to show the vision of a fab designer while also transporting you to a dream vacation at the same time?
This clutch is absolutely amazing! Available in 3 colors this stunning piece from Kotur is available at over 50% off! What's not to love about getting something at that big of a discount. Ideeli is a social networking site that allows a limited amount of membership to have access to AMAZING finds at a great price. In addition, these items are authentic. Ideeli has become a huge buzz in the industry and was recently included within Friday's WWD. Although membership is closed, you can still become a member if you're invited. Feel free to email me to get invited. There is no charge for membership and you automatically become a 2nd Row Member; however, you can have deals sent to your phone and have the ability to shop an hour early if you become a 1st Row Member f0r $7.99 a month. Take a moment to visit this site and learn about what will be available within the next 60 days. Of course, if you want in, email me with Ideeli in the subject.
For those of you that know me from See Pretty Things, you know that I am a huge fan of accessories. I can't tell you how many times I have walked through the city looking at the amazing baubles only to tell myself, this bag is so cheap, it only cost $675. Growing up, I never thought about having a variety of the designer items; however, there was a change that occured once I resolved to leave my neck of the woods in the Midwest, to come here to NYC. All of a sudden those fab fashions that only existed in Vogue were in the hands of fellow models I worked with. With the introduction of brunch on the weekends (many brunches that begin in the West Village - end with a trip to the Marc Jacobs store and me spending on accessories for my purse simply because I can get quite a few items without spending too much), I saw other fashionably dressed people and I realized that I wanted to have this as well. The fact that there were sample sales, friends who worked in showrooms and great jobs that gave you the ability to have this year's coveted bag due to the lack of interest by its initial recipient - made it attainable.
An article in the WSJ explains why we feel the need to rationalize and purchase these pricey items by the most coveted labels. For me it started with a pair of jeans (I'm a denim girl and felt that since I wear it all the time, I should have something noticeable), I had to pair it with the sunglasses and although I may pause at spending $675 for a pair of sunglasses, I do have my Chanel glasses that I love wearing while I sit at the computer and share this with you. I love getting in on the "inside track" and getting pieces as Sample Sales. Soon, I realized that with so many creative minds out there, I didn't want my look to be so easily identified by many of the labels that are easily spotted throughout a variety of streets, suburbs, etc my need to have something fab (even though it may be pricey) has now gone towards wearing designers that may not be known to everyone. I am a HUGE fan of Carilyn Vaile and although she may not be worn at a variety of places, I love that she's huge in LA and has amazing fabric. I love it even more that I purchased one of her dresses wholesale for under $200. I think The Budget Babe would find my approach to obtaining my pieces somewhat savvy. I truly love utilizing my connections to have great pieces - showrooms are your friend (that's how two people can wear the same thing and have completely different ways of getting it)!
I used to tell friends back home that it's being in the city that gets you to look at labels in a new way and encourages you to add them into your wardrobe. But at the same time, it's the fact that you feel you're within a trend while also setting them. This is the only way I can imagine that I scoff at purchasing one item while feeling less of a twinge for splurging on something. I'm always intent on getting that series of items (shoes and a bag) that become my set for the season. I use this simple rule - luxury can be affordable if you think about the price and divide it over the days you wear it, it's pennies a day which in the end is an investment.
For those of you that may not know, not only am I the Editor of See Pretty Things, this blog and designer of Kitten Couture, but I am also a writer for Social Diva under the name Kitten Diva. Each week I will give you the weekly roundup of what I posted about on the site there. Social Diva is a great site to keep women in the know in a variety of market specific areas. Even if you don't live in those areas, you will find info and resources that you can use. Here are some recent links to get you up to date on what I have been writing about and check back next week to find out more!
Belabumbum (which is pronounced Belaboomboom which is Portuguese for Beautiful Bottom) brings lingerie and maternity wear (this also includes maternity swimwear) together on their site. What an interesting concept to bring these categories together while maintaining the luxury and whimsy that these collections are known for. They even describe themselves as having luxurious Brazilian fabrics (you also get the benefit from the innovative cuts as well) that make you ready for Ipanema or Copacabana. When you can't be in these resort areas, you can bring this sexy element into your everyday lifestyle.
This super cute Cotton Candy Cami and Hipster is my favorite. I love the super sweet look of this set while also being really cute to show off all the curves that you've always wanted. Fortunately Belabumbum has a variety of pieces that will work for whatever look you're going for. Not all pieces are meant to be worn within the home, you can also pair them with jeans and a cute jacket (thank goodness for the versatility of camis).
We love hearing from you! Suggestions, ideas and thoughts are always welcome.
Please send all food related questions to Paul, spa and wellness items to Keren and all other queries to Kimmie.
This clutch is absolutely amazing! Available in 3 colors this stunning piece from Kotur is available at over 50% off! What's not to love about getting something at that big of a discount. 
This super cute Cotton Candy Cami and Hipster is my favorite. I love the super sweet look of this set while also being really cute to show off all the curves that you've always wanted. Fortunately 
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