Having a welcoming home is such an essential not only for you but when it comes to inviting people over as well! The little touches let people know a lot more about you and gives great insight into you. There is something about this time of year that definitely makes me look at ways to tweak my living space whether it's accents or the big pieces. This is also true for those that are making plans in terms of their summer homes as those need to be updated as well so that you can enjoy them when you arrive!
SHOE INSPIRATION
I love a great rich neutral that still ranks high on the pop factor! Today's decor is inspired by these fabulous Fendi Slingback Snakeskin Print heels that are amazing with cute dresses for brunch, pairs well with denim and is perfect to be rocked with rompers begging to be dressed up! They're fabulous year around which sets the stage for pieces that you're looking to add into your decor.
GET THE DECOR LOOK
The rich and warm hues look amazing and so I am bringing this into pieces that would be perfect for the living room, office and open areas in your home that are off to the side of rooms. Roll over images to see what pieces are on my radar at the moment including Macy's, Horchow, Urban Outfitters and Gilt.
I'm always running around and since my schedule switches, gets added to, etc I like knowing that I have my basics with me. Roll over the above images to find out why I love what I carry with me in my Linea Pelle bag to stay on top of everything I do from running to showrooms, styling my clients, taking care of Shoe Week business and of course all the items that come across my emails as an Accessories Expert. I have a number of tech that comes along with me and yet I always have a number of items for a quick change as well.
Some were worried about the winter storm that was coming to NYC but by the time I headed out to check out the Marshall's preview for Spring 13, I realized it was just going to be rainy for the evening. Earlier last week, Marshall's was the sponsor for Oxygen's The Face (and of course, my team, Team Naomi won the challenge). There were a number of presentation with the loft space showcasing how Marshall's is a destination for style with items for working out, being out and about, for your living room, home office and even when you're entertaining. Hosting this fun event was the fabulous Maria Menounos who is a host on Extra, who debuted her movie (later in the week) Serial Buddies and is the author of the Everygirl's Guide to Life. It was great to hear about how she personally enjoys working with the brand as she has been a long standing customer! On her list of musts for this season, (which is great for all of us) is pops of color, pointy toe shoes, items for her pups, pillows and beautifying her office. In addition, Nicole Feliciano of Mom Trends (who I love that in the past few weeks we keep bumping into each other) and I took a pic with this stylish glam girl who rocked an entire look from this store minus her fabulous Christian Louboutins. Much like the previous post, it's definitely fun to cast a wide net in order to shop around for items that are perfect for all of your looks within your lifestyle!
The countdown continues towards New York Fashion Week continues! In the last few weeks, we're all working to make sure that our schedules make sense for shows. Here at the Kitten Lounge Loft, we're adding to our team to cover the shows as I will be focusing on Shoe Week! As the Co-Founder and Creative Director, I'm up to my eyeballs in planning a number of details from runway shows to private events. Whether I'm in our offices or hanging out at home, the theme is always fashion!
It's easy to tweak your office to ensure that it is ready for New York Fashion Week whether you're covering Shoe Week, Milk Made or Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. I love having a fab armoir from Viva Terra, whether you turn it into a place that houses your favorite beverage a la Mad Men or you place your shoes in there - or both! Add some art by taking your favorite images and placing it within this frame from Macy's. Prop your feet up on this ottoman from Ethan Allen. I also love that this piece of furniture makes for a great table! I would also use this to store my Duracell Powermat which ensures that while you're at shows in the tents, you don't have to worry about your phone powering down in between tweets! Charge it up in a specially made case from Duracell and leave it on the mat. In addition, power the back up charge so that if your phone does lose a battery, you can charge it on the smaller one when you're out and about - it's definitely helped me in a pinch! You can win a Duracell Powermat of your very own by entering our fab giveaway - continue reading and enter!
Relax or power up some work on this chaise from Urban Outfitters in this fab grey shade and pop on a pair of peacock themed pillows from Gump's and Dwell Studio. Finally, have your nightstand in your office to handle odds and ends with this piece from Anthropologie and if you have some space, you can use it as a way to display your shoe of the moment such as this Camilla Skovgaard.
Who doesn't love a casual look? This is one that is perfect for whatever he has in mind whether it's a long weekend, a brunch, heading out to work or taking a half day and taking some time for himself. This easy look is a casual one that kicks off with a Club Monaco and it's simple cornwall blue classic shirt. Pair it with these perfectly distressed Chimala jeans available at J. Crew. Complete this look with a fab pair of casual chic Christian Dior beige suede captoe shoes (just a bit of a way to luxe up this style of sneaker). Pop on this gingham fedora with beige and the cornwall blue color by Comme des Garcons and finally - the bag is everything whether he's planned a little nibble in the park or is hitting the friendly skies, I'm loving this twill weekend travel tote by Gucci.
There is nothing better then being able to rock the nautical look by embracing white and navy together! First off start off with a very simple white shirt dress that is comfort at its best thanks to Hache! Make this look classic with a bit of edge by pairing this with Giuseppe Zanotti Denim Peep Toe Pumps as well as their Silver Finish Cuff Bracelet. I'm loving this clutch by Marc by Marc Jacobs that is a straw navy striped bag. Lanvin's Short Petal Necklace adds a sweet element to this look. Finally, I love Emily Armenta's Blue Mother of Pearl Teardrop Ring on Double Craveli Band is the perfect cocktail ring to wear to complete this look.
What I love about this look is that it is super versatile whether you're working at the office, having a lunch with colleagues and continuing on for a night of drinks and dinner. These components are SO basic but together are chic and can be worn with a number of looks that will add classic elements to the overall look!
The weather may be up and down wherever you live around the country but once he gets inside, it's time to enjoy drinks and nibbles with friends. Whether you're stepping out of your home office or leaving your office you want to make sure that he looks fab when it comes time to enjoying the season. Start off with a crisp shirt from Paul Smith in one of my fave hues - purple striped wovens. Rock this over a pair of skinny jeans from Edwin and a fab velvet blazer at J Crew!
This is a great base that we can add fun cufflinks from Bottega Veneta which has fab detailing and yet is very casual! A sterling silver Gucci bracelet watch makes sure that he stays on time or can check when you're bound to arrive to the party. For the ultimate comfort, he can slip into Ralph Lauren's Hayward Vachetta Driver. I love the color, the sewn detailing with the penny look across the top. He's definitely ready to go out for the evening and beyond.
Accessories Expert/Stylist Q&A: What's a great way to tone down a look that shows a bit more skin via accessories?
There are a number of ways that you can go with this look! I love rocking low cut tees or blazers as jackets. This can be done regardless of the time of day. This question is definitely more important when you're thinking of showing a bit more skin when you're still going to work or running around in the day or even if you're wearing this at night and don't want to feel so exposed. First, make sure you try the outfit on at home and ensure that no matter how you stand, sit etc that you are not bordering on wardrobe malfunctions and that you have the appropriate support to keep all your items permanently affixed (Hollywood Tape is your friend). Mommie to be and all around "girl who is running the world", Beyonce rocked the launch of yet another season of her House of Dereon created by her and her mom, Tina Knowles.
I love that in principle, this look is super easy and comfortable and is flattering to so many body types bu it's perfection when it comes to running around. You can never go wrong with a cardi/jacket that is slightly oversized with a pair of leggings and of course, I love the fact that it's all about glitz. Keeping that monotone look is fab when it comes to rocking some fun accessories. Mixed Media is on trend this season (as it has been for the past few). This is when you rock a number of metals together which creates an edgy look that has more depth. Beyonce is rocking a chain linked necklace that embodies gold and silver and although it does sit high on her neck, I love that there are irregular and longer pieces that eat up space where her skin is exposed - so she's not so bare and totally appropriate! With all the glitz she's rocking, I'm loving her bracelet that has a great gold tone and appears to be either stacked or a slimmer cuff.
If you're rocking a lower cute v-neck tee, low blazer etc you can add this same aesthetic by a number of fun necklaces just like Bey! Available on Bluefly, Rich in Friendship has a phenom friendship necklace that will lay nicely along the collar bone and create depth around your neck while being playful with the mix of metals. Coralia Leets has a fun dual pendant set that uses fun precious stones that have a pop of gold around them. You can even layer fun charms on top of this of various lengths to create additional depth! Finally Lara Bohinc, although it's in one tone" is perfect for the girl that loves to embrace her symmetry but still have amazing pop factor without playing with how the necklace lays. I love the knot and how this is definitely a conversation piece! Finally, Gorjana has a bar bracelet in a gold tone (much like what Beyonce is wearing) that can be worn alone or you can obtain a few of these and stack them for an effortless look!
Whether you're rocking the runway, aisles at work or your well traveled sidewalk - this look can be owned by you totally and worn with a number of key looks as we transition into fall!
Yesterday I escaped from NY on the last plane to head to Tampa, FL in order to be here in time for my segments on HSN as Sebago's spokesperson. My thoughts are definitely back home as I hope everyone survived and continues to hold it down while the storm passes. If I were home, I'd stay inside and wouldn't even think about leaving. I would think about how I could work out a room that we have yet to think about in Paul and I's 2 bedroom apartment. The second room is a bit of a catch all of sort. Is it a guestroom, going to stay an office or could it be a drawing room? The possibilities go on and there is no reason why we can't just mix the 3 ideas into one. I like the idea of having this boudoir theme that serves so many functions whether someone is staying over, Paul is working on something or we just want to move into another space!
Today, I'm inspired by Lola Haze which has this Victorianesque dark elements that are sensual which is seen throughout her collection and especially in the Embrace Cami and Short! You know that I am a fan of nudes highlighted by black when it comes to color. This black/nude or black/blush combo is perfect whether you're decorating to your own taste or want to bring two gender's aesthetic together via color. I am loving the use of the colors within the furniture, accents such as knobs available at Anthropologie which is a great way to add a personal touch in a small and yet large way. Fun pillows, mirrors, footstools and more make everything on a completely different level while providing you aesthetic zen.
So tomorrow it's back to the real world! The snow is coming down but over the past week, I have been working on a number of projects that will be amazing for Kitten Lounge and the overall community! With that being said, I think I will seriously need to transform my home office as I need some super organizing and will be doing a lot of work! It's definitely a good thing and here are some of my favorites! 2010 is going to be hectic but definitely profitable as I know a lot more in terms of what I want and where I want to go! Good work starts with organization and preparation so make sure you have what you need to take you, your projects and business to the next level!
I love when I present segments of items that can be worn during the day and then work straight into the night. When it comes to cute dresses that are femme and waiting to get dressed up, Anthropologie is a great go to store! Not only is it fun to shop in the store or online, but they have a lot of to choose from. I love this Abydos dress which reminds me of something that has a bit of an Egyptian look. I love the sash and that it seems like such an easy dress. When paired with this gorgeous bronze cuff you're half way to being completely accessorized! Of course you can always add a little more. The Swarovski Crystals have an elegant style that creates a great silhouette against your neck and the heels - this pair from DSquared2 is absolutely stunning. I love the pops of gold and the natural element to this shoe as well. You can go from day to night whether you're heading off to a cocktail party or simply going out with your significant other!
I have been living in leggings all this week! I love how it makes every outfit have a bit of sass whether you're at work, running errands or just hanging out. Since it has been chilly here, I have been wearing boots but I love wearing them with heels! Check out some of the ones that I have had my eye on!
Over the past few Sundays, I have been drooling over the Pottery Barn. They totally get it! I love that right now when it comes to creating a home office whether you work from home, need something for the weekends, etc - that they have great looks for all styles! I love that whether you're classic, minimalist or simply into the mod look, you don't have to have a boring and uninspiring work space! Check out the gallery - I have to say that the Bedford is my favorite as I always need to have tons of organization space!
My entire department is not decked out in Ikea; however, there are certain elements that I am a fan of. This table top with legs isapart o f the Vika collection. My favorite element of this table top is the clear glass! This so essential for me as a designer when I am tracing. I can place light under the glass and trace my items easily. There is a bit of a ledge across the top that you can use to keep your utensils and other instruments in their place and still accessible!This table is perfect since it can remain flat;moreover, you can also tilt and adjust this as necessary. Growing up, I had a drafting table and this is something that could come in handy for architects and designers alike. The wooden legs are perfect for extra storage as well. What a great way to add this in to your home office!
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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