We're about halfway through the month and although I have enjoyed Spring, I am thinking of the best of the summer which entails, having brunches at home, cocktails, summer houses, pool parties and so much more. Mint has been a hue that I have been working into my look and of course, I am inspired to bring it into my decor as well.

SHOE INSPIRATION

As always my looks find their way into my decor choices! I love the mint hue as it's subtle while also being a great pop of color. When it comes to this time of year, I love rocking a flat every now and then whether it's a dry day or a little rainy. These moccasins by Aunt Ruby are available at Anthropologie and are perfect to wear with boyfriend and skinny jeans. As you continue to wear them, they look better and better with every look you're rocking. When it's rainy and it's just a little mist or just puddles that have been left behind - this of an alternative to your wellies! Hunter Boots has these super cute flats which are the perfect way to still slip your foot into something comfortable while protecting them from the elements.

GET THE DECOR LOOK

With all of this mint for our feet, we're able to enjoy it within our homes no matter the size! In addition to having it in your home, if you're thinking about your summer homes - this is a great color to include. Roll over the above images to see why I'm loving these pieces that are perfect for your home from Anthropologie, Gilt, Nest Fragrances, Neiman Marcus, Spring Posey, Regina Andrew and Urban Outfitters.

I always tell people that brunch is the most important meal of the week! It's a great way to touchbase with friends and to chat about what's going on and what you plan to do together. As we continue to transition into spring weather we can wear less outerwear and get back into wearing heels and cycling through a number of fun accessories! Roll over the above images to see how this fun look with a focus on yellow is the perfect look for wherever you're heading off to this weekend. I love Tory Burch, J Brand, Roberto Cavalli, Kimberly McDonald, Rachel Zoe, Will Leather Goods and Alexandra Tempestato.

This week, we were so fortunate to have beyond amazing weather! I was able to rock flips flops, a maxi dress and a tank top! But the Spring is a mix of amazing weather, a bit of winter attempting to hang on and then that rainy period as well. You'll find yourself rotating through a number of looks that are weather specific. Today, it's a bit overcast and it's Friday! So with that in mind, this is a day of errands, wrapping up the week and more - I want to be comfy! Roll over the above images to see what I'm obsessed with at the moment. As you know, I'm a huge fan of grey and I love a great oversized top to keep me cozy and this one by Poison Ivy and available at Alloy is so great for a day like today. Keep it simple by pairing it with skinny jeans by Current/Elliott. In addition, accessorize the look with pops of coral and fab neutral hues via Coach, Dannijo, Clare Vivier, C Wonder, and Me&Ro.

It's not often that I tease you with a brand but today - you're getting teaser. As an Accessories Expert, I'm always checking out new pieces whether it's for this site, styling my clients or even filling my own closets. Love, Alex is a decadently luxury handbag line that is more then an accessory to complete whatever look you're going for. Pictured above are portions of the Spring collection (their first season that they have ever shipped) and I had the pleasure of seeing their fall collection which is PHENOMENAL. With that said, in a few days, I will follow up with another post that will not only share the upcoming Fall collection of python and mink handbags that range from $1,500 and above BUT also an exclusive interview with the designer herself, Alex Clancy (oh yes, this would be author Tom Clancy's wife - she is also the daughter to the iconic J. Bruce Llewellyn who was a prominent business man, one of the founders of 100 Black Men of America and majority shareholder of the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company). Since inception, Love, Alex has made significant contributions to Donors Choose.org - a philanthropic organization that supports children's education nationally, and will continue to donate proceeds of sales as the brand grows. More to follow!

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.”

Just a few weeks ago I commented to someone about how the weather has been pretty decent for winter! In fact, we have even had some unseasonably warm days which was nice and then we hit the weather that took place yesterday - rain snow mix! I suppose we can't really complain as it's not so bad but the teasing of what we can wear as we get closer and closer to Spring is unbearable. So to that end, I'm always glad when I get a chance to travel during this time of year - but how do you travel best when you're going to a warmer climate?

I'm heading out to Charleston on Thursday morning and will be back home Friday afternoon. On a trip like this, I tend to have my garment bag and a weekender so that I don't have a lot to take with me and it ensures that everything can come on the plane with me. I love a look that lets me get right off of the plane and straight to what I need to do! I love a good kaftan and once you roll over the images, you'll see what pieces I love using and rocking so that I have great effortless style even when I'm up in the air.

Last week ended a series of projects that were focused on the beginning of the year and with a lot of them closing and transitioning into new projects to start, I had to take a bit of a breather from things and seek a little inspiration after going to a few meetings and events. There was just enough time to take a little personal time and to see what was out there. This time of year is amazing as you're getting items from Spring, carryovers of items from the fall/winter that you may not have received and of course, you start thinking of items that should be hitting your closet! With my initial focus being boots (which didn't happen) I decided to have an open mind to find whatever would catch my eye!

ACCESSORIES INSPIRATIONS

I walked away with a fabulous pair of heels thanks to the amazing sales that took place at Lord and Taylor. Getting these Joan and David Quella heels which are a mixture of burgundy/berry, a mossy green and skate grey in snakeskin obviously gives me ideas on how my accessories can inspire items to add into my beauty case. Joan and David reminds me of classic heritage heels - it makes me think of looking in my mom's closet growing up and seeing heels that were in an array of hues and in my favorite magazines.

GET THE BEAUTY LOOK

With such a mixture of hues there are fab items in your local counters or online that you can purchase to bring this into your beauty case. Butter London is not only a nail polish brand but they also have lip glosses as well - I love how rich their hues are and both allow you to rock the burgundy tone whether you choose Come to Bed Red (the polish) or Primrose Hill Picnic (the lipgloss). Yves Saint Laurent also has two products that are fabulous their Volume Effect Faux Cils Burgundy Mascara and Eyeliner in Moss is another way to rock these hues. Burberry makes a number of grey hues available with this eyeshadow palette. Another great eyeshadow option is from Giorgio Armani and is a mixture of grey and a bit of green mixed in (which reminds of these heels even more).

Finish the look with these great finds. Smashbox keeps your lips richly hued in this burgundy shade. Rock these Slate nails by RGB And finally, pop in a bit of green with this waterproof and retractable eyeliner in green from the Sephora Collection!

With Oscar Sunday being around the corner, I'm already excited to share tidbits about the looks that will hit the runway and of course what accessories will be rocked! As many stylists are running around kicking into another level of busy, I'm loving a number of Spring/Summer 2013 campaigns that our out there! Tom Ford who also shot this campaign (obviously not a shock) which includes Karlina Caune within this accessories focused shoot. This look is so crisp and I'm obsessed with these Tom Ford Strappy Buckled Sandle Boot which is available at Bergdorf Goodman's in Black (although the gold pair screams sunkissed goddess and is everything)! This week, I Instagrammed this pair in BG's windows and they are stunning in an edgy way for more of a rock glam look. Visit his site to see a number of shoes and bags that are a must for the mod glam look that he does so well!

Because I bounce around a number of time zones throughout the year, I'm always buying for various seasons as I never know where I will be AND even in the coldest of days, I don't wear sweaters as I'm always running around. What's always classic is black and white which works no matter what! In addition, I love to wear white year around (I totally don't agree with putting white on hold once Labor Day has passed). If you're running around here in NYC, you need a super coat and I'm loving this one by Burberry Prorsum check coat in black and white.This Max Mara Studio Felix top is perfect to wear with a number of looks and can be dressed up and down depending on what's going on - you can never forget to build the essentials within your closet. Pair this with Mes Demoiselles white leggings which is always chic.

Keep your legs looking long and luxe by rocking these over the knee calfhair boots in black by Le Silla (another obsession of mine). Continue the accessory love with a number of fabulous pieces. I'm not an earring person but I do love that these elongate your neck by Me & Ro. To add a little extra edge to this look, this Repossi ring has a great stacked effect and is black gold and diamonds. I love playing with neutrals and this Sydney Evans bracelet with pave black diamonds is fabulous. Growing up, I didn't like gloves because I couldn't wear jewelry and I hated taking things on and off. As many of you know, I rock large rings and they don't fit in gloves but once I moved to NYC about 10 years or so ago, I fell for fingerless gloves! It allowed me to text and to wear my jewelry - these gloves by DSquared are super cute and once again, add a bit of edge to this fresh look. Finally, I love the ode to old school classics (I remember rocking Dooney and Bourke when I was in middle and highschool) with this fab Dooney and Bourke bag which has the satchel effect.

I'm so excited to share a new segment on Kitten Lounge as I'm always asked what bracelets I'm wearing and why! As an Accessories Expert, I have a number of bracelets I love to rock from cuffs, wraps and more. With Spring being around the corner, there's definitely a need to start boosting this part of your closet which allows you to dress up bikinis, maxi dresses and so much more. Wrap bracelets beg to be stacked and worn with a number of pieces whether you're displaying an array of colors, going monochromatic or sharing your colorblocked look.

This season many trends will be on display with a number of hues. I'm loving this silver vermeil and vibrant yellow bracelet from Sho London that has great braided detail as well as that charm effect. When it's about keeping it neutral, you have to consider Gorjana's triple sand colored wrap with ring hardware. Blee Inara has a braided bracelet that has a hanging charm which adds a bit of whimsy to the look with a bold turquoise which is always perfect for the spring/summer. Wrap bracelets come in various forms and I love the mixed media of this Venessa Arizaga which incorporates chain and threads. I love that although this piece is edgy, it has a classic look that works with a number of looks from boyfriend cardigans to simple tanks. When it comes to wrap bracelets, I love those that are thin but I also love the ones that have a bit of depth, Linea Pelle has a fan large wrap that can still mix well with other bracelets and has the look of multiple layers which is a great way to accessorize with the nailhead detailing.

Many of the above looks are boho chic and many times, you want to have heritage brands within the mix which are also including wrap bracelets within their collection. Links of London - they bring together roped braiding with sterling silver which definitely makes it a classic. Hermes has a buckled vintage bracelet that can be worn as easily with jeans as well as cocktail dresses. Finally, I'm loving the buckle detail of Balenciaga which is yet another great classic that you will find yourself gravitating towards.

Karl Lagerfeld brings us into another world yet again with his next collection. As we hit mid week, why not enjoy fab images from Chanel's SS2013 Haute Couture collection which consisted of smoky eyed looks which was created by Peter Philips, the brand's Global Creative Director for makeup. The look consisted of mesh lashes and graphite pigments that were smudged to present a goth like day after look to the overall presentation. Hair stylist, Sam McKnight continued to add drama with exaggerated and oversized up dos.

We continue with looking at the Year in Review for 2012 and we had to share celebs that we enjoy highlighting. Over the past few months, Team Kitten Lounge has been obsessed with the flawless and effortless look that is Kelly Rowland. Although she caught our eye a decade ago as one of the members of Destiny's Child, we all love that she has not only come into her own when it comes to her music but also her style! With NYE being days away, you can take a nod from her look by having the fabulous diva glam look while also having dynamic makeup that showcases an emphasis on your eyes which are the windows to our souls!

At Glamour's Women of the Year Awards in London this summer (first row upper left hand corner), we loved seeing her sleek hairstyle, a silky black halter gown with a train by British designer, Maria Grachvogel. She simply paired this with silver hoops by Garrard with a fabulous nude lip and kohl rimmed eyes! In addition to rocking the red carpet, she received the TV Personality of The Year Award, for her time on ‘The X Factor’ as a panel member of the London version of the show.

At the American Music Awards, she stunned again on the red carpet in a geometric dress straight from the spring NYFW runway show of Naeem Khan! Once again we love her nude lips and kohl eyeliner - it's a great look and we love the simplistic and carefree look of her hair as well.

With her busy year, Kelly hit Las Vegas and signed her cover which features her on VEGAS Magazine's 9th Anniversary at Boulevard Pool at Cosmopolitan where she's stunning on paper as well as in person with her bodycon dress. Kelly also took a moment to host Grey Goose's launch of their Cherry Noir vodka in this stunning red dress as a number of celebrities and invited guests toasted this event.

As you head out to get together your key look for ending and ringing in the new year Monday night. keeping in mind the importance of a chic look that's comfortable to wear for a few hours where your key facial features are being positively highlighted are an absolute must for a great night!