Continuing to Sparkle and Shine

I'm continuing to explore the sparkle and shine of the holiday season and today I'm bringing you all the bling within accessorizing! I've got shoes, bags, and plenty of jewels to highlight your holiday looks. And if you were to ask me which one(s) to actually purchase, I could never make up my mind!

With the shoes, I think my favorite are the Kate Spade hot pink pumps! I mean, look at the color and that amazing crystal bow!! But on a more subtle note, I love the Ivanka Trump black peep toe. You could definitely style them with more things, but how many hot pink shoes make that kind of statement? Okay, I might have just made up my mind on the shoes!

As for the bags, I'm thinking it's a no brainer. Can you guess which one I would pick? I adore the silver metallic gift. Because it's so cute, it's definitely a gift that keeps on giving every time you carry it! But that crystal bag is stunning! And if you haven't figured it by now, that champagne bottle is my bag of choice. And, it happens to be my drink of choice! Darling!

As for the jewels, I would own all of them! I actually have the Starburst Ear Jackets and I love them! It's actually a pair of earrings that can be worn four ways. Same thing can be said for the Starlet Pearl Necklace. You gotta love a piece that can be so versatile! I love the Art Deco inspired designs within all of them and they are all perfect for this season of shine!

 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13

So apparently, I was able to narrow down the pieces I would purchase. But, I wouldn't turn up my nose to any and all of them! I mean, if I'm going to add sparkle and shine to my life this season, each of these pieces would do the trick.

Got a favorite? Let's discuss!

Shine on, Fashionista's! 

Wednesday Wants - Kendra Scott Designs

Kendra Scott Designs just opened a new store on the Country Club Plaza! Admittedly, I'm excited to have a new designer in town, but I didn't really know much about her designs before now. After reviewing the product line, I've become a huge fan! Her pieces are delicate, bold, colorful, and timeless. I would say the most extensive category are earrings and they truly run the gamut of design and color. There is something for everyone. 

I am attending a blogger event at the new space next week and I've made my wishlist of pieces! All are things I can wear daily and with almost everything in my closet. I'm excited to see them in person and possibly take one home! Here's what I've picked!

 One/Two/Three/Four/Five/Six

I love the hand bracelet and have wanted one for a couple of years. I just haven't found one I love. And the idea of a double ring intrigues me. I can't wait to try it on. 

 Are you a fan of Kendra Scott? Do you own any of her pieces? If so, share with us your favorites! And, let me know what you think of my picks! 

Styling My Looks for KCFW

 Next week begins Kansas City Fashion Week and I'm so excited to be a part of media again! And, I'm super excited to attend as many events as possible throughout the week! There is literally something to do every night of the week and I can't wait to get started! 

I took a minute, or well over an hour, to pull all of my looks together and I can report that only two new pieces were purchased my me! My sweet aunt purchased this skirt, in navy, for me as an early birthday gift, and the rest of the looks came directly from my closet! Some are repeat pieces and that's totally fine. I've re-worked them and have created, in my opinion, some really great ensembles for the week ahead. 

I am, however, in the market for a few accessories. I would love a new nude shoe for the cocktail party. The one I currently own is a little chunky and I would love a more "not really there" pair. I would love to get my hands, and shoulder, on a new, sturdier, tote. I have several that don't contain a reinforced bottom. Meaning, everything collects at the bottom which makes the tote heavier than it should be. And, I would love one in a really neutral tone, like gray. A statement earring is so on-trend right now and could take the place of a necklace with some of the prints I'm wearing. And, if I'm not wearing the earrings, I'm thinking either a chunky ring or an amazing arm cuff. Lastly, with all the different colors and textures, a nude lip would really keep things subtle. Plus, that lip color is totally on trend for fall.

So with all the being said, here are few of the things I'm honing in on for next week!

 Top Row: Steve Madden/Sole Society/J.Crew Factory

Middle Row: J.Crew Factory/MAC Creme de Nude/Rachel Zoe

Bottom Row: Rachel Zoe/Jimmy Choo/Marc Fisher

I can't wait to share with you all the details around KCFW and all the looks I've put together! Such amazing things ahead! 

Happy Friday!

XOXO

My Closet - A Work in Progress

  This is my closet! Okay, so I wish this were my closet! How amazing is this work of art?

This is my actual closet. Pathetic, huh? I've always said that in our next house, a house that we will probably never move into, will be a five bedroom and the fifth bedroom will be transformed into my very own closet! Until then, I have my very own closet(s), just one that looks like this!

I've thought and thought and thought about ways to transform it. I've looked and looked for a space in my house to create a closet, but we just don't have it available! I'm currently thinking of taking one of our storage closets in the basement and turn it into a "seasonal" closet. A closet where I would house spring during winter and then rearrange to the next season. (No true plans are in place. Just in my head.)

So what to do with this tiny closet that's filled to the brim? I really need to get rid of the tiny chest of drawers. It's truly taking up too much space! More clothes will fit from my other closet, freeing up that space for an expanding McKinley wardrobe. I need to consolidate my sweaters into one box, or several for under the bed storage. And what to do with the shelf space that is truly a mess I fight every time I look for a pair of jeans.

 

I have a possible solution for the jeans. Remember when I organized my handbags? Well, I've purchased one for my closet to house jeans! Get rid of the ones I truly can't wear, won't wear, will never fit in again, and house only the ones I wear daily or often. What do you think?

I also need to evaluate tons of things within my closet. How many scarves do I really need? I'm a wearing all those shoes (yes there are more where they came from) hanging from shoe bags inside said closet? Do I need the pieces of jewelry I never really wear? They're just collecting dust, taking up space, and needing a new home. 

I consider this space my work in progress. I will check in every now and then to give you updates on how the clean out is going. I will also share ideas of space saving along the way. I can't be the only with a closet this small, right?

Until then....if you need me, I'll be cleaning and sorting and weeding out and crying... I think a glass of champagne is in order.

Closet photo courtesy of Eye for Design.

A Challenge, The Styling and You

Denim Shirt: Ralph Lauren; Skirt: LOFT; Shoes: Anthropologie; Handbag: Kate Spade;

My Mom's (vintage); Bangles: Ralph Lauren/Fossil/Target;

Necklace: Tori Spelling via HSN Belt; Sunnies: Prada

 

Sometimes it can be a challenge to re-work your wardrobe. But that's what I love about styling my closet! You need to think about your pieces and try to mix and match them in your head. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they don't. But that's the whole part of the creative process of styling!

 

 I knew I wanted to re-work this pencil skirt but couldn't get away from styling it with a denim jacket, see below. Then I remembered my sleeveless denim shirt. Then came the shoes. I didn't want a pump but honestly couldn't think of anything better. Then I remembered these! From there it all just came together. The belt, the jewels, the red lip....

 

That is what keeps me coming back to my blog! Sometimes I think I'm going to just give it all up. But I simply love the challenge of styling, and re-working my wardrobe, and I want to share all of these things with you!

 

The Skirt: Before and After

 

  

Mad for Mod - Part II

Dress: Banana Republic; Shoes: Nicole Miller; Necklace/Bracelet: Silpada; Sunnies: Prada

Back in March I blogged about one of my Mad Men for Banana Republic dresses. Here is the other one! I've been waiting for summer to finally hit the Midwest as I've could been dying to wear it! As soon as the temps hit the high 80s, this dress was off the hanger and we were hitting the town. Okay, I only wore it to work, but I could wear it for a night out on the town!

 

What I love about the dress is how easy it is. You just simply put it on and add accessories! That's my kind of piece! No fuss! Just simple clean lines. And, I've said it before, you can't go wrong by adding a shift dress to your closet! A timeless, classic dress that will take you from day to night and from casual to dressy!

 

 



Style My Way - Trend Alert

 

Last January I blogged about neon and how popular it was going to be for spring 2012. Well, here we are on the verge of summer 2013 and it's just as hot as it was a year ago! I love neon! I have since the 80s. So I thought I would share with all of you some of my picks for summer. You can go little or big! It's completely up to you. I personally think accessories are key, but I do have a day-glow pink dress that I swear you can see from space! (Blog post to come for sure!)

This cross-body bag from Cambridge Satchel Company was on the list in 2012 and is still a piece I would love to add to my handbag collection. I've said it before, I'm normally not such a pink girl, but this bubble gum color is calling my name!

 

These pieces from Ann Taylor are a great way to add color without feeling like you're going overboard! And, I love the mix of snow white. It really makes the yellow pop.

 

 

Another great accessory is shoes and these flats don't disappoint. Remember Jelly shoes? If you were a child of the 80s you do. The Kate Spade's on the left are a great upgrade to those I bought at Venture so long ago. The Coconuts on the right are a great little fabric flat and on trend with the pointed toe.

 

Another great way of adding neon, without feeling overwhelmed by color, is to dress up your high tech pieces. The tablet case from Marc Jacobs is super cute and the iPhone case from Kate Spade is sumblimely happy! 

 

 

I just purchased this wristlet today! A piece from the Milly Collection at Banana Republic, it has the metallic trend with a hint of neon on the zipper!

 

And for those of you who want to go all out neon, below are three pieces that will make your closet zing! The dress from Michael Kors is a simple sheath in daring hot pink. The Equipment blouse is all you need when equipped....see what I did there....with the right skinny jean.

 

 And nothing says shocking like these hot pink chinos from J.Crew Factory! They will definitely give your legs a jolt!

 

Lastly, with it raining like cats and dogs this week, I'm loving my Hunters for protection. I live in my black pair, but would LOVE to expand the color pallette and include these! They aren't necessarily neon, but oh how bright they are! Have I mentioned that red is my favorite color?

 

 

 So, is neon your new favorite color for summer? When paired with white and black, you really can't go wrong! Is this a trend you're going to try or do you already have a closet full? Let's discuss!

Happy Shopping!
 

A Black Tie Affair

At the end of the month, my husband and I are attending a wedding. The wedding is taking place at 8:00 on a Saturday night, not sure how in the world we will ever stay awake that late, and it's black tie. I've never attended a black tie anything so I don't currently own anything so fancy. I've been searching some of my favorites designers for ideas and so far the list is racking up! I don't want to wear a gown so I'm going more for the cocktail look. I'm thinking of adding fancy jewels and shoes to up the look. 

This lace dress from Joie is simply lovely. A chic approach to cocktail and timeless in design. I love the sleeve length and modest neckline but the hemline is a little daring for me! I would style this dress with a sleek updo, drop earrings, a simple bracelet and amazing shoes.

I adore this updo that Rachel Weisz wore to the Oscars. Gorgeous and perfect for my curly hair. I love these earrings from Kate Spade and they could be worn with many other looks.

 

These shoes are a dream shoe but one can blog about such things when you are styling on cyberspace, right? If only....

Who doesn't love sequins? A dazzling option from Rachel Zoe that adds a little glitz to my evening look. For this dress, I might go with a professional blow out that would call for volume. Because the sleeves are so long and the hemline so short, a cocktail ring would be the accessory of choice. And, I believe Rachel Zoe has one available through her Luxe line on QVC.

 

And since we're talking all things Rachel, let's just recreate this hairstyle. Easy, gorgeous and perfect for the look I'm going for in my head!

This dress by Milly is gorgeous! I love the sheer neckline and paillette sequins in deep blues. Because it's such a statement on its own, I would keep everything simple. A modern updo, minimal jewelry and pumps.

I love this updo that I did myself for a dinner at the Bellagio in Vegas. I definitely think it would work with this dress. 

I would wear a small drop earring like these from Banana Republic. A simple peep toe pump is all you need. I just happen to have these Valentino pumps in red and could use the black as well!

 

 Finally, this BCBG jumpsuit literally jumped off my monitor when I saw it! At first glance I thought it wasn't appropriate at all for a black tie anything. But I kept going back to it. And when I showed it to my mom she told me I had to have it! SOLD! And when I say sold, I mean it. I purchased this little number, on sale, and got the last one in my size. I am leaning heavily toward this look but have the Joie and Milly dress in my "Save for Later" checkout on Piperlime. I know it's not "black tie" but if you look closely at it, I really think I can pull it off. Here's how:

An amazing updo is a must. With the dramatic one shoulder cut, I don't want to lose that detail. The drape is stunning. As is the color. And, the shape of the whole jumpsuit is just as flowy as a gown. Can you see it now?

 

 

 I would add amazing pieces of jewelry. A dangle earring and possibly a cuff at the wrist. Shoes are a must! I'm thinking of the following...

Jennifer Lawrence's updo from this years Oscars is perfection!

I would double up on this bracelet from Ann Taylor and these linear earrings, also from Ann Taylor, are amazing as well.

 I love these Stuart Weitzman shoes! They come in silver which is the color I think I prefer.

Have you ever attended anything black tie? If you were going to a wedding of this magnitude, which look would you chose? I love them all!

Photo of Rachel Weisz courtesy of Falcone.

Photo of Rachel Zoe courtesy of Loving You.

Photo of Jennifer Lawrence courtesy of LA Times.