Let's Play Dress Up

Remember when you were younger and would spend hours playing dress up in your mom's closet, or if you were lucky enough, pretty hand-me-downs or store-bought princess dresses? I personally enjoyed pairing my mom's high heels with her night gowns. Sure they were a little risque, but they still looked fabulous!

What made me hit the blog board on this topic was just a relaxing saturday afternoon thinking about the rest of my day and what I'm going to wear. I have a baby shower and a birthday party and I'm equally excited about picking out an outfit for both! Strange? Weird? Obsessive? NO! Passionate is the word you're looking for.

Some people love a good Sunday morning crossword puzzle to challenge themselves whereas I prefer solving a fashion emergency or a dinner-date dilemma. And it's not about buying new outfits either. I'm not rushing out to buy a new dress or top for either of these events. Well, okay, that's a lie. I did buy a cute yellow gingham button up from Old Navy that I'm thinking of wearing with my white cuffed shorts and tan slingbacks, but it's not like I've thought about it that much;-)

Like I was saying, it's not always about spending more money on new clothes but looking at your closet and mixing and matching your current wardrobe to create a whole new ensemble! This is playing dress up as adults! Put the fun back into getting dressed. If you have an idea about a new look, go try it on. If it doesn't work, that's okay! The fact that you got your creative juices flowing is a total step in the fashion forward direction. People get so stuck in the 'these-shorts-go-with-this-shirt-mode' and that's just not so. Get your closet organized so you can SEE what you actually have in stock (i can personally help you with this if need be) and then get reacquainted with your clothes.

Wake up the little girl inside and dress yourself up. When we were little we never looked in the mirror and picked apart all of our imperfections. We piled on the clothes, pearls, hats, and shoes and enjoyed every rhinestone-filled minute of it. Putting effort and pride in the way you look is an extension of self respect. Show the world that you love yourself AND your wardrobe just as you did when you were younger.

We may not always be nice, but I still believe we're made of sugar and spice. Get those fashion temps rising with your new clothing concoctions and work the runway of life!

Love and shoes,
Kim

Just Do You!

Some people use CNN to get their daily news fix. I prefer People.com. I am fully aware that I need to stay abreast of what is happening in the world around me but People speaks MY language! One of their top stories today was Evan Rachel Wood's, 23, new hairdo. If you aren't familiar with this actress, let me refresh your memory. She was the (young) lady who unfortunately dated Marilyn Manson, 42, the seemingly dark, tortured musician who was born Brian Hugh Warren. His act is totally obnoxious and her decision to date him was clearly a momentary lapse in judgment. However, I think it's interesting, and a little sad, that while she was dating Mr. Warren/Manson, she morphed into his world of pale skin and dark clothing. Because he had previously dated Dita Von Teese, who also dresses with a dark burlesque flair, I suppose that's why Evan tried to take a more glam vampire vixen approach to her wardrobe. See the similarity?

Dita Von Teese

Evan Rachel Wood

Thankfully Evan ditched her cocoon of confusion and darkness and has taken a fresh, young look that completely becomes her. It's clean, simple, and beautiful, which is what a 23 year old should look like. I mean, I find it hard to believe that dressing like the princess of darkness is fun, easy, and comfortable! How depressing when you have so much natural beauty to shine onto the world! Here's the picture they featured on People.com:

She is refreshing with a little spunk. I love this look and I hope she continues to blossom down the path of light! This brings me to my point for this blog post: finding who YOU are and just doing YOU.

So many times I see girls/women start taking on the likeness of their boyfriend. What the hell is that about? When did women start taking fashion cues from men!?! We all know what I'm talking about. You've seen couples start to look alike after a few months of dating and it bewilders me when it's the woman transforming to fit the style of the guy. Listen ladies, there is nothing wrong with mixing up your look or trying out a new style, but completely changing how you dress for a man is totally bizarre. They obviously fell for you in the clothes you picked out so why would you abandon that? It also makes me think that a woman who does this isn't confident in herself. Tisk tisk!

When it comes to fashion, you should ALWAYS pick items and outfits that make you feel fabulous and bring out your true personality. Going too far outside the box is so transparent and contrived. It's obvious when you are trying too hard to be something you're not, and that's no way to live. You've all heard that our style is an extension of who we are, and it's actually true. Some people live an edgy lifestyle and their clothes reflect that, while others prefer a more casual, laid back style. There is room for everyone in the world of fashion. If you spend all your time trying to dress like something you're not, you're missing out on your potential and what makes you unique. It's perfectly acceptable to experiment and have fun with fashion, but make sure you have a home base. We can't all be Lady Gagas. Who has the time?!

My message to you is this: when you get dressed and look in the mirror, ask yourself "what does my wardrobe say about me?" If it's not the answer you want, start by looking inside yourself and let the transformation begin from within.

Don't be anybody else. Just do YOU!

Love and shoes,

Kim  

Kudos of the Week!

Poor Serena Williams has had a rough go at fashion. She has an amazing body but doesn't ever seem to know how to dress. It's always as if she is the Hulk busting out of her clothing.

However, today, she has really redeemed herself. I love her hair in this no-fuss-wavy 'do and her pink lipstick is perfect with her skin tone. We should all be green with envy!

My favorite color is green, and she makes me love it even more!

Love and shoes,
Kim:-)

These feet were made for walking...in heels!

This morning as I woke up I thought "today, I think I'll wear flats." This is pretty extraordinary considering I own only 3 pairs of flats (not including flip flops) that have seen the light of day maybe a handful of times. I don't have anything against flats. I think they are adorable with the right outfit; but I can never find a pair that work for my feet. I'm convinced God designed my feet for heels because he already knew about my love affair with beautifully designed footwear. Shoes make me appreciate being a girl. I mean, can you imagine being a boy and only having 3-5 pairs of shoes?!?! What a travesty.

So, like I said, I thought why not use Hump day to give the old treads a rest and walk around fancy free in my pewter flats. Now that I had decided on a pair of shoes, I had to design my outfit around them. I picked out a black sundress with ruffle accent and paired it with a conservative bolero sweater as to adhere to the office dress code. I grabbed some fun, dangle earrings and threw on a delicate silver necklace. The change was definitely an adjustment even as I stood in the kitchen making my breakfast. I felt like I was viewing the world in a whole different way. I thought to myself "so this is what the world looks like from an actual 5' 5" height." I'm so use to starting my day at least three inches taller!

I get to work and am enjoying the fact I can maneuver a bit quicker.  I seem to be shaving off a few seconds of travel time to all my destinations.  How efficient! Right off the bat I noticed my right pinky toe was starting to form a blister. This is normal considering I hadn't worn these shoes in over a year. I put on a Band-Aid and went about my day.  After about an hour of walking back and forth to the printer I had accumulated FIVE Band-Aids on my feet. Five! Let me state, for the record, I have NEVER had to put that many bandages on my feet and this includes when I had to wear pointe shoes in ballet class!

Here is the aftermath when I wear flats:

 

One more for good measure

After today I succumb to the fact that my feet are simply intended for heels. Whether I have trained them to be this way or they were actually designed for height, I can't say. What I can say is that I learned my lesson. I learned it covered in Band-Aids.

This is my solemn vow to all the lovely stems that call my shoe room 'home': I will never stray again. I fell victim to thinking the grass was greener but I was proven wrong. You and me are a match made in Heaven. A heaven where Angels strut their stuff in Louboutins and Jimmy Choos. Hallelujah!

Love and (HIGH) shoes,
Kim

Baubles, Beads, and Beauty

I love jewelry. I love how there are so many different choices, looks, and colors. I love how it can totally transform an outfit from drab to fab. I love how anyone can afford it. Basically, I love everything about it!

Thanks to my cousin, Jenny, I have become obsessed with Elva Fields jewelry, specifically, their necklaces.  I recieved one for Christmas from my mom and will treasure it forever.

Here is a close-up so you can see the vintage brooches.

Emily, owner of Elva Fields, visits local and far-flung markets for unusual vintage and antique pieces. The unique finds are then reconfigured and incorporated in unexpected, timeless designs. Each  piece is handmade and are beautifully crafted which makes them all one-of-a-kind. You will never walk into a room and see someone else wearing the same jewels!

Now that I've had a taste of her beautiful artistry, I find myself checking the website almost once a week. They are always offering fabulous sales or free shipping if you are on the mailing list, which is a must! A week ago I got bit by the Elva Fields bug again. This purple and green beaded necklace with an antique gold brooch caught my eye and there was no turnng back. Being the indecisive woman I am, I had to enlist the help of two of my friends, Kate and Meagan, to make sure I wasn't crazy for wanting this piece. They, of course, didn't skip a beat and convinced me I needed it. I deserved it. The necklace. was. mine!

After two emails of convincing, I quickly went online, made my purchase, and anxiously awaited the arrival of my new addition. The fact that it was on sale was a total bonus! I started checking my mail two days after the transaction was completed and finally, on the fourth day, it arrived! I felt I needed to document the unwrapping ceremony so I could share it with all of you.

Upon opening the box, you'll find your purchase safely enveloped in chartruese paper and monogrammed sticker. Its cheery color adds to the excitement!

Next, you'll see a thoughtfully and tastefully wrapped package:

The anticipatioin grows with each layer.

They take these packages seriously! It's refreshing and lovely.

The one I chose is appropriately named People Person. It took me about 20 seconds to get it around my neck.

Notice the one-of-a-kind brooch adding flare and fabulousness:

This is my "tell me this isn't beautiful" face:

As you can see, I think statement pieces are a great addition to every woman's collection but you don't have to go to a fancy boutique or website to find them. Just keep your peepers peeled for pieces that are unique yet beautiful, timeless yet tasteful, and represent you! However, if you want something special, visit elvafields.com, pick the one that speaks to you, and make a statement...around your neck!

Love and shoes,
Kim

How to take a look from Chic to Eeek!

We spend so much time putting together the perfect outfit for the pefect event.  We devote hours of our lives shopping for even the most simplest of items. We run out to buy the perfect pair of shoes for a dress that makes us feel beautiful. Why would we waste all our hardwork on some of the most common fashion faux pas? It beats the hell outta me!

You may think '"how can one thing ruin a whole outfit?" Well, it can and I see it on a daily basis. It's just a shame. I feel bad for the outfit really.  

If you or any of your friends have an issue with the following, please contact me immediately:

1. Muffin Top: We are all familiar with this terrible monster but yet, I see the streets crawling with people not knowing their waist size.  How are they comfortable? Don't they feel the waistband cutting into their midsection and the overflow bounce when they walk? Perhaps these people have mirrors that only go to their chest, or perhaps they have full-length mirrors and have just given up in life. I imagine they see the muffin top, sigh, and say to themselves "well, I guess this is good as it's going to get." To those people I say two things: "NO IT'S NOT" and "PLEASE GET A BIGGER SIZE!" If you button your pants and there is an overhang (even after you do the obligatory right-out-of-the-dryer squat), take them off and get a bigger size. There is no shame in going up a size, well I guess there is a little bit, I mean who are we kidding? No one wants to go up a size. However, there is more shame walking around with a spare tire flopping around your waist. We can't see what size your pants are but we can sure see that MUFFIN TOP. Either size up or stay in.

 

This can also happen with your underwear. See list item 3 (VBL).

2. Mini-muffins: Mini-muffins you say? What are mini-muffins? Well my friends, I coined this description when I was in junior high and the counselor apparently didn't know her bra size and would insist on wearing fitted turtlenecks. So, mini-muffins are the boob bubbles that pop over the top of your bra cups.  When you walk into a room dressed to the nines, you don't want people wondering if you are a freak of nature with four tatas. Word to the wise: don't let your cups runneth over!

3. Visible panty lines (VPL): Under no circumstances should the general public know what type of undergarments you choose to wear on any given day. They have so many slimmers, shapers, and sucker uppers that there is no excuse for a g-string outline or a whale tail coming out of the back of your pants. Now what I'm about to say is risky because there are a lot of classless people out there, however, I'm trusting YOU won't let me down. Should you find yourself in a quandry with no options at your disposal, I think it's better to go commando than showcase your undie lines.  Please use common sense on this one. If you can see lumps and bumps, either pick out another outfit or haul ass to the nearest department store and get yourself some Spanx (or slaps as my good friend, Cindy calls them). Just be sure to avoid any Britney Spears moments and keep your legs closed when exiting vehicles! 

4. Sausage-casing clothing: The Kardashians, specifically Kim and Khloe, are good examples of this tragedy. There is a fine line between fitted and sausage casing. Yes, you want to wear fitted over baggy, especially if you have curves, but don't take it to extremes and wear things that look like a straight jacket with arm holes. This will also help the abovementioned VPL. Give your body some breathing room, ladies!

5. Toes overboard: If you've read previous posts or know me at all, you know how much I LOVE shoes. One sure fire way to piss me off and ruin a good pair is to shove your feet into some shoes that don't quite fit leaving your toes hanging over the front. Not only does it gross me out, it makes you look like some sort of spider monkey clinging to dear life. If you have this problem, you probably have the muffin top issue as well because you are not aware of your size.

  
6. Open-toed shoes WITH panty hose. I find this normally occurs in the older women demographic. What's even better is when they wear the reinforced toe! Yes, because that dark brown patch covering your toes is totally natural looking. Perhaps they don't think it's appropriate to show their legs without panty hose because that's how they were raised? Who knows. Times have changed, ladies. Where it was once risque to show your bare legs it's now accepted and a must in our Texas weather! A nice sandal is supposed to be a nce sandal. Its essence shouldn't be compromised by putting nylons in the mix. If you have the need to wear hose, do everyone a favor and just wear a closed toe shoe, please.

7. Bad makeup. When I talk about outfits I'm invisioning the whole picture, from top to bottom, and this means makeup. Always take into account the event you are attending. If it's formal or over the top, then go for that darker eyeshadow and extra coat of mascara (within reason), but if it's to a children's birthday party, there is no excuse for giving the hired clown a run for his money. Dial it down! There are always times where we want to go lavish with the makeup and have fun, but for the most part, makeup exists to accentuate our natural beauty. Make sure your look is cohesive and it flows from head to toe.

I wanted to stop at lucky number seven, but I have to inlclude one more to grow on, and it's probably the most important.

8. Bad posture. How many times have we heard mothers around the world say "stand up straight!"? You may think this has nothing to do with an outfit, but you are dead wrong. You might as well wear a burlap sack if you are going to slouch because no one is going to be looking at what you are wearing. They will be wondering what is wrong with the sad looking girl in the corner. A slouchy posture gives off a vibe that you lack self confidence and pride. Not only does it suck the beauty right out of a woman, it also does an injustice to a perfectly good ensemble. It causes wrinkles and puckers where there should never be wrinkles and puckers. I don't care if you are 6' or 5' tall. You deserve to feel beautiful, walk with confidence, and look like you own the room. Anytime you feel yourself start to slump, turn up the volume on your inner mother and STAND UP STRAIGHT!

These are definitely not the only ways to take a chic outfit to eeek! but they are the most common and the easiest to avoid. So if you have to print out this list and pin it up near your FULL LENGTH mirror, do your outfits a favor and get to pinning . There really is no point in dressing up or even dressing for the day if you are going to crap it away on something stupid like ill-fitting shoes. Stay chic, my fashion divas!

Love and shoes,
Kim

WTF of the day

Riddle me this: How can hairspray, a comb, hot rollers, and an idiot hairdresser make you look 10 years older? See photo below!

I love you, SJP, but fire whoever did this to you...immediately!