Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As everyone knows, or should know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. There are so many things that you can do through out the year to support such an amazing cause, but during October numerous organizations offer different ways you can help raise money to find a cure. One of the easiest is to eat Yoplait yogurt and mail in the pink label. Look for details inside the cap. The other way is to go shopping!!

For one weekend in October, Back in the Swing offers a shopping card for $25, and here in Kansas City, that card is honored at 42 shopping centers and over 800 retailers around the metro. Each retailer provides different discounts, but it’s a great time to start that holiday shopping. If you didn’t participate this year, consider it for next. Again, you’re shopping for a cause. What could be better?

You can also buy clothing supporting the cause. More and more major retailers, designers and corporations are getting behind the fight. Ford’s Warriors in Pink offers a wide array of merchandise. They are also major supporters of the Race for the Cure. Ralph Lauren created a line called Pink Pony. His signature pony is now pink and 10 percent of all proceeds benefit cancer care and prevention through out the year. Avon is another major supporter of the cause and hosts an annual three day walk in cities through out the country. I find the women who sign up for the walk to be unbelievably brave! Avon’s pink ribbon products range from jewelry to tote bags to clothing. Other companies that support the cause are; Yankee Candle, Target, Saks Fifth Avenue who offers an exclusive t-shirt and Bloomingdale’s who offers a Bloomingdale’s Insider Card for $15. Even the NFL gets into the swing.

Whatever you decide to do, the support is needed and appreciated. I personally own a Pink Pony t-shirt, participate in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and I’m one of six ladies on the Drink Pink for the Cure Luncheon committee that’s held annually here in Overland Park. What are you doing to make a difference?

You Read It Here First

You read it here first on i for style, but this week’s E! News they ran a segment on how to shop and dress like your favorite character from Gossip Girl. I felt like such a style maven! They created outfits for each female character from mega retailer H&M which were were super cute and affordable. If only we had an H&M here in Kansas City! Fashion gods, hear my plea! Please bring an H&M to the shopping masses! Anyway, just thought it was super cool that I am not the only one vying for the looks of the fashionistas of the CW. 

E Fashion Police Challenge

While watching E’s Fashion Police this morning, I was surprised that The Bachelorette’s Ali Fedotowsky was asked to be a member of their panel, in the absence of Giuliana Rancic. I don’t find her to be terribly fashionable and personally, she doesn’t meet my criteria of someone whom I would take fashion advice. During the show, Joan Rivers, George Kotsiopoulos and Kelly Osbourne agreed and disagreed on a majority of the ensembles photographed and I have to say, I agreed with them. As for Ali, anything they liked she didn’t and the same went for the dislikes.

The big shock came when they critiqued Whitney Houston at a Keep a Child Alive benefit. Wearing a modest, black dress, Whitney in my opinion, was dressed appropriately for her age and the benefit in which she was attending. For the most part, the rest of the panel agreed; except for Ali. She then made the most generalized comment that really got under my skin. I quote “I feel like this dress could be seen, sort of at like a wedding in the Midwest, where no one has any fashion.” Really? You’re going to make that bold of a statement about a woman wearing a simple, black dress?

I’m a woman from the Midwest and I personally think I have a sense of fashion. I stay current in my trends, wear designer label clothing and accessories, and generally receive positive feedback on the clothing I wear on a day to day basis. I get the that show pokes fun at some celebrities choices of attire (which I make as well) and I find some of the things Joan says humorous, but no one has taken it upon themselves to categorize the American public in their statements. Show some tact, Ali.

In response to this bold generalization, I have posted several photos of myself from various dressy occasions and casual days around town. Can you tell that I don’t have a stylist and live on either coast? Can you tell that I dress myself and live in Kansas City, a Midwestern city? E Fashion Police, I ask that you take a look as well and if you can’t tell the difference, invite me to be a guest judge on your panel. I would definitely be able to hold my own against your esteemed colleges.

Why I Love Kate Spade

I have always been a fan of Kate Spade especially her handbags. I would even go so far as to say I’m a collector, since I have quite a few. In fact, my wedding gift from my husband was a red leather handbag with a cream K molded into the leather. Pretty fitting since my last name now begins with a K! I met her at a local event held here in Kansas City for the Amy Thompson organization. From that event, I now own a darling brown and tan, snakeskin clutch that was signed by Kate herself.

When she started her line of shoes, I was in heaven! The first pair I purchased was a black tweed pump with tiny silver threads running through the fabric. They are closed toe with a puff, white fur ball on the toe. DARLING! As a shoe collector, I own several pairs now; one being an incredible pair my mom got me last year for Christmas. They are leopard print with red patent at the toe, heal and ankle strap. I wore them with a camel suit and the pop of color was perfect.

She has now branched into jewelry and clothing and I couldn’t be happier. Her line of jewelry is luxe but affordable. Large bobbles, plenty of crystals, fun designs and you can make them dressy or casual. I bought my first piece last week. I needed a fun cocktail ring for a wedding I was attending and I have decided I will wear it with jeans for a casual evening out or to work for a punch of fun. Check out the line. I love to internet shop. It’s the new window shopping!

As for the line of clothing, I love her use of color, fabrics and overall aesthetic. There is a hint of 60s in the design, which I love, and it’s so feminine. Ruffled collars on blouses, swing coats with rolled collars, pencil skirts in tweed, shift dresses and lady like cardigans. You feel Jackie Kennedy. I love the bumble bee blouse my mom purchased for me recently. The bees are darling and the attention to detail is superb. There are actually dotted lines that trail behind some of the bees. The ruffled collar is so girly and it’s all you need in the accessories department. I paired mine with her cotton cardigan with ruffled sleeves and amber colored buttons with camel pants from Ann Taylor Loft. The top is a little blousy, to allow for a future baby bump, so I toned down the volume with a small black belt. I really like how it all came together.

On my wish list is a Kate Spade diaper bag. It’s one of many that made the cut as far as designers are concerned. It’s a little decadent but then again that’s just who I am! It’s going to be on my arm for quite some time and will replace my every day handbag. If I carry designer on a daily basis now, why should that change in six months? I will keep you posted on the outcome!

How do you feel about Kate Spade? Would you carry one of her bags given the chance or sport a piece of jewelry? If you are in the market for something, I have had luck at Nordstrom and Halls here in Kansas City. I rarely order off of her website but would if I couldn’t find what I was looking for in person. Her site also includes paper goods, home products and eye wear.  They have a great site come the holidays. Fun gift ideas that won’t drain your wallet, including ornaments! You won’t be disappointed.

Happy Boot Day!!!

As you all know, today is the Official First Day of Boots and I had a hard time deciding which pair to wear. With the temps climbing into the mid 70’s today, it’s hard to dress fall and still feel cool. With that being said, I feel like I made a great choice. The cardigan was perfect for the morning commute and will get me through the day in the freezing office building. Later, I plan to shed the cardigan and this little top is short sleeved and perfect for the sunny day ahead. As I’ve stated before, these boyfriend jeans have seen a lot of mileage and will continue their journey until my belly can no longer be contained! I sure hope they make maternity boyfriend jeans!

As for the boots, here are the much anticipated lug soled, high heels from Ann Taylor Loft. I am so glad I succumbed to the trend and made the investment. I know I will wear them often. They are comfortable, which is a must, and will go with everything. 

What did you do for Boot Day? Did the temps scare you off or did you make an attempt to transition into early fall? If you did, send pics! I can’t wait to see.

Fall Television Meets Fall Fashion

While watching the new season of fall shows, fashion is never really far from my mind especially, when watching a high fashion show like Gossip Girl. Those ladies, and men, from the Upper East Side really know how to dress! And, upon further research, you too can dress like your favorite Gossip Girl character. Shop Gossip Girl is a website dedicated to finding affordable pieces from the likes of Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodson. As for men, you can shop your favorite character as well. I highly recommend you check it out. There are high dollar items located in the over $1,000 category, but you can also find pieces under $50.

When Sex and the City was in its hay day, every faithful, female watcher tried to classify herself as a Carrie, a Miranda, a Charlotte or a Samantha when trying to define their sense of style. Today’s modern woman can try to define yourself as a Blair, a Serena or a Vanessa. Blair is conservative with her pencil skirts, sheath dresses, feminine blouses and lady like accessories. Serena, a little more edgy, is couture but trendy in form fitted dresses, skin tight jeans and leggings, plunging necklines, daring hemlines and oversized accessories, especially in her shoes and handbags. Vanessa is your Brooklyn hippie. Unlike her counterparts, Vanessa’s look is laid back chic. Bohemian dresses and vests, flowy, peasant blouses with bell bottom jeans, graphic tees paired with leather jackets and she accessorizes with chunky, stone necklaces and bracelets.

While getting dressed this morning, I tried to determine which character I might fall prey to, and to be honest, I can be any of them on any given day. My closet is an array of styles and trends and I can’t be defined by just one look. I might be a little on the Serena side today but in a more conservative fashion. I paired a black, Laundry by Design blouse with gray, cropped, wool trousers from J.Crew, added teal, suede Jessica Simpson pumps with silver stud accents and a multi-chain choker from Banana Republic. The look is trendy yet work place appropriate.

Lastly, your baby and/or toddler can also get in on the Gossip Girl fashion trend. Sandbox Threads, a line of affordable designs for babies, toddlers and kids, is a home grown company out of North Carolina that was just featured on episode two of the current season. Baby Milo was one with nature when he sported an adorable, green onesie with an ant screen print design. You should really take the time to browse the site. Great designs that are hip and cute without being cutesy. I know I will definitely be ordering for my future little one and the tons of babies that are on their way! Added bonus, its guilt-free shopping! Sandbox Threads gives back a portion of their sales each month to a “cause.” Each month 5% of their sales will be donated to deserving non-profits. I can’t think of a better reason to start stocking up on those onesies!

Which Gossip Girl are you? Can’t decide? You don’t have to. The looks are at your finger tips. Start browsing Shop Gossip Girl today and you can walk the streets of your town in style. Also, don’t forget to shop for a cause! Sandbox Threads offers adult tees as well. You and your baby can go for the matching look, if you’re into that sort of thing, or find the design that best defines you. I personally loved the homage to Say Anything! Happy Shopping!

CAbi

I love the crisp, fall weather we have going on the Midwest this week! We met a friend for dinner last night and I was able to pull out my new cable knit, sweater coat that I got from the Nordstrom annual sale. It’s capped sleeved, with two covered snaps, and falls away at the mid-section. Perfect for when I start sporting a big baby bump!

Today’s fall look is a new dress that I recently purchased from CAbi. If you haven’t heard of CAbi, you need to educate yourself on this great company. CAbi was founded by Carol Anderson and Jan Janura in 1977. CAbi, now a direct sales company, is by invitation only, however, you are able to browse their site. If you find items you would like to purchase, there is an online form you can fill out so that a consultant can assist you. I have been invited to several parties over the past couple of years and I finally decided to make a purchase. I am so glad I did!

The dress I’m wearing today is from their Brooklyn collection. Its featured with skinny jeans and tall boots, but I’m wearing mine with tights and cute booties. I plan to pair it with jeans as well, especially later in my pregnancy. I feel it will be a little short once the baby bump takes over and jeans will make me feel a little more comfortable. Black leggings with tall boots will look great as well. I hope the fall trend keeps up in temperature department! I was so ready to put my summer wardrobe to bed and start playing with all my old and new pieces for fall! Hope you’re enjoying early fall as well!