Fashion Friday Three Looks

Fashion Week seems ages ago but i would be doing you a disservice if i didn't share all the amazing outfits witnessed! last week i introduced you to my girls from Piperstreet Shop and this week i want to share some details from their amazing wardrobe - all Piperstreet of course!

Sarah rocked this hi-lo top layered with a layering tee underneath. the Hailey coated denim looked amazing with it and her accessories killed it with large rhinestones and a blue Michael Kors clutch.

Sarah W looked glam in her Emery lace skirt. it is flirty, flawy and the perfect midi length. the silver statement necklace worked great for both Sarah's but unfortunately this tee with faux leather sleeves is already sold out.

Jenni was stunning in the Veronica faux leather embossed skirt. Sarah W borrowed her Gold/Crystal Stretch Bracelet for the picture above but the Coral Pendant Necklace brought some swag to the look.

three gorgeous ladies, three beautiful looks. all can be found at www.piperstreetshop.com.

xo,
kristie

What To Pack For Vacation

spring break. that glorious week that comes around every spring with the promise of sunshine, fun, swimsuits and play. whether you are going one hour to a hotel or 10 hours to the beach, spring break travel needs are serious needs.

why is it that we will invest copious amounts of money on beauty products, only to pack our carry-on with the least amount of liquids possible thanks to TSA regulations. even without the regulations, our tendency is skimp when it comes to products. we're thinking simpler is better.

well, simpler is simpler, not better.

traveling for hours in a car or plane will leave your skin dry and irritated. compound that with the new activities that traveling brings: swimming, hiking, soaking up some sun. basically, during the time that your body needs the most TLC the tendency is to neglect it.

my first piece of advice - pack your toiletries. don't just rely on the one ounce body wash/shampoo/facewash that is provided, think ahead and bring REAL products. some of my favorite brands have travel friendly sizes of everything you could need.

hair needs: drybar offers a great travel pack equipped with the hair essentials. shampoo, conditioner, hairspray and mousse are all included and bottled in TSA friendly sizes. quality products just waiting to be packed.

skin care: pick yourself up a sample size of your favorite face wash. RéVive cleanser is gentle and effective for sensitive 'travel' skin. keep your eyes open for Sephora Bonus Point offers, you can usually get a generous sample size of your favorite product.

shaving: smooth legs are sexy legs but packing your razor can be messy and cumbersome. Venus Snap is a new release from Venus and it is perfectly sized for travel and comes with a travel case to make it a breeze to pack.

deodorant: Secret Clinical Strength is my favorite and it is also perfectly sized for packing in a makeup back. 'nuff said.

my last piece of advice is to save your samples! i keep a bin in my cupboard that is filled with samples. rather than throwing away those foil squares, hang onto them and throw them in your bag. i can typically find the perfect size sample for my travel needs, whether it is 2 days or 2 weeks.

for tips on what to pack in your makeup travel kit, click here. it is a great post filled with my favorite makeup travel items, as well as some great tips in the comments section.

xo,
kristie

One Scarf Worn Five Ways

tis the season for fun in the sun but believe it or not, the sun's rays are not only harmful to your skin, but harmful to your hair as well. compound that with the fact that i may or may not go three to four days without washing my hair due to sheer annoyance of heat styling in 90 degree weather.

my solution to this? a scarf.

i picked up this scarf from the H&M opening a few weeks ago and it has been in the wardrobe rotation on the regular. doubling as a hair protector or unstyle hider it makes the perfect accessory. on a side note, i do get ridiculed by my brother-in-law regularly when this scarf makes an appearance on Instagram - but let's be honest, i'm not taking styling tips from my BIL.

how do you prefer to wear your scarf during the summer?

xo,
kristie

Fashion Friday Summer Casual

this week's Fashion Friday features my favorite summer item: Ray-Ban Sunglasses. Ray-Ban sunglasses are certainly not new to the scene but the colored, mirrored Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses are the latest and greatest trend for summer. with a variety of colors to choose from, you can select a color for every style or stick with your favorite color for the entire summer. (a realistic option for those of us who are ever-so-slightly financially bound)

since selecting these sunglasses two weeks ago i have been working these sunnies every chance i get. they are a bloggers dream: colorful, versatile and they instagram well. 

do you like how i slyly worked that in there? come be my friend on instagram, i don't bite.

my summer uniform is essentially cropped skinnies with a casual T and some shades. after recently finding the Local Celebrity t-shirts i have become an instant fan. with tongue in cheek humor their tees are everything. i may have picked out the perfect tee for every member of my family - now i just have to wait for their birthdays to order (i'm nice but i'm not that nice*)

*see above mention about being ever-so-slightly financially bound

check out below how my summer casual is styled and be sure to welcome the new Ray-Bans, you'll probably be seeing a lot of them.

denim: j brand T-shirt: Local Celebrity sunglasses: Ray-Ban

shoes: Roxy (similar here) soda: Coca-Cola

nails: essie Naughty Nauticals

arm candy: L-R c/o Stella & Dot, Croton watch gifted, c/o Stella & Dot, c/o Jami (similar scull wrapped bracelet here)

catching some rays while slathered in sunscreen

xo,
kristie

pps. I was recently featured on Hearts.com as a guest blogger - check it out here!

#luckymag #tomboystyle

Fashion Friday + Giveaway

necklace: c/o Apricot Lane

this week's Fashion Friday features this gorgeous necklace courtesy of Apricot Lane. one of my favorite (will-wear-it-till-it's-blue-in-the-face-never-going-to-let-it-die) signature* styles is to pair a chunky gem'd out necklace with a t-shirt. the easiest way to dress up or dress down while maintaining glamour at all times. a bling'n necklace is the perfect accessory for any tee. you can wear it with jeans or pair it with a skirt. either way it is just the right amount of Real Housewives meets real housewife. 

*can't believe i'm old enough to have signature styles

in addition to some glam jewelry i am wearing my other signature style of the moment: neon. check out my post from last Fashion Friday highlighting my neon obsession. the skirt is the midi skirt i featured in my spring Trending post and with me are my trusty Ray Bans. rare is the outfit that isn't accessorized with a jean jacket and a Tiffany & Co. bracelet or two.

last, but not least, i am working my beach waves. check out my post from yesterday featuring an easy tutorial for DIY Beach Waves.

neon t: Old Navy skirt: Topshop/ Nordstrom shoes: Charles by Charles David (similar here)

interested in winning your own statement necklace? follow the rafflecopter instructions below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


xo,
kristie

Fashion Friday: Neon Love

jewelry: bracelet c/o Stella & Dot, Croton watch (similar here), Tiffany & Co. bracelet

my love for all things neon is quickly becoming an obsession. maybe it is the 80's child in me, begging for the days of scrunchies, rolled socks/denim and neon, lots and lots of neon.

whatever it is, it seems i can't go a day without sporting some neon in my wardrobe. this week's fashion friday features one of my current faces - the neon tee. dress it up or dress it down, either way you wear it it works. i love pairing a t-shirt with a statement necklace and lots of chunky jewelry. it helps lend to the casual/elegant vibe of the tee.

makeup & earrings: c/o mark. cosmetics

jacket: Earl Jean, necklace: c/o Stella & Dot, sunglasses: marc by marc jacobs (similar here)

skirt: c/o Vintage Fringe

shoes: Charles by Charles David (similar here)

xo,

kristie

photos courtesy of Tarin Crookston (www.momisfab.blogspot.com)

Work Outfit Inspiration

photos courtesy of Tarin Crookston

believe it or not, this stay-at-home mom has occasion for business wear. whether i am meeting with Denver Post editors or pitching brands i want to look professional without losing my sense of style. the great thing about business wear is that you can keep it simple (hello, black) and add your personality through your choice of accessories. in this case, i went with a black blazer and coordinating pants, finishing with a colorful silk shirt.

accessorizing is where i had my fun. included was of course, the cool and colorful ESQ ONE^™. ESQ Movado will be keeping me accessorized all summer long with silicone straps that are comfortable to wear, sleek enough to be chic and utility enough to go with me into the pool. with it were my favorite gold bangles, delicate chain and Chimera bangle. the mint accent and gold detailing in the pocketbook helped complete the entire outfit and coordinated clothing and accessories.

once again i'm feeling like a MILK: a mom i'd like to know.

xo,

kristie

Black/White Outfit Inspiration

what screams spring/summer more than white denim, rattan shoes and sheer blouses? nothing. absolutely nothing. one of my favorite looks for casual, work or evening is mixing black and white. you can never go wrong with this timeless color combination and accessories help provide that necessary color without affecting the overall color scheme. my black and white look includes my sheer animal print blouse (sleeves rolled, always!), white denim and black skinny belt. comfortable black sandals are a must since running after a 3 kids can be tiring.

i kept the color scheme in the accessories by using all silver from silver Tiffany & Co. bracelets and a black beaded necklaces. my cute and colorful ESQ ONE^™ watch by ESQ Movado adds just the right amount of color to an otherwise serious color scheme. ESQ ONE watches come in an array of fabulous and fashionable color combinations, i only wish i had more! also pictured is my beloved MAC Spring/Summer 2013 lookbook, a constant source of makeup inspiration.

what's black, white and read all over?

xo,

kristie

Casual Wear + Summer Accessories

photos courtesy of Tarin Crookston

today's outfit is one of my go-to spring casual looks. the light chambray shirt is comfortable and chic and the colored denim is cropped at the ankles for a warmer vibe. completing the look are my leopard print clogs. the clog shoe is typically a style worn during winter, however the open toe brings you into spring quite perfectly.

i accessorized with the newest addition to my watch family, the ESQ ONE^™.  it's cool, it's colorful and it has the swiss quartz precision of the ESQ Movado brand. there are twelve color combinations and the purple works like a charm in my wardrobe. i added some extra gold bangles and a geometric shaped bracelet to keep it casual without losing that fashionable edge.

no blogging sesh would be complete without my pink Mac and Cherry Coke.

xo,
kristie

Shabby Apple Fashion Friday + Giveaway *CLOSED*

 vintage dress: c/o Shabby Apple

this week's Fashion Friday has a vintage vibe to it. Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique that specializes in vintage and retro dresses. the cute polka dot dress above is called the Rootbeer Float and this adorable retro-ish design caught my eye. i don't know if it was the mermaid hem, the white accent belt or those ever-so-sweet polka dots, but it is my jam.

the Audrey in me can't get enough of the cat eye sunglasses from Kate Spade and the purse and accessories all lend a vintage vibe to the entire look.

Shabby Apple not only provided me with this wonderful dress, but they are offering to give away a $75  gift card to purchase anything your little heart desires. to enter, follow the instructions below.

sunglasses: Kate Spade purse: c/o Olivia + Joy (on sale!) shoes: J. Crew (similar)

ring: Nordstrom clearance watch: Citizen nails: butter London (tutorial here)

lips: Laura Mercier

make sure you LIKE Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me which dress you love.

*winner must have a US shipping address, giveaway ends next Friday!

xo,
kristie

and the winner is....

COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Polish

dear COVERGIRL,

as a savvy makeup consumer and fan of America's Next Top Model i have always appreciated the COVERGIRL products and their ability to perform but your new polish takes.the.cake. having originally tried it during Fashion Week in the Style Coalition Lounge (yes, shamelessly self-promoting myself right there) i was impressed. my mani lasted 7 days with no chips. SEVEN DAYS.

few polishes have that ability and even fewer run in your division.

after browsing the OPI rack and lusting after the Essie spring collection the voice of reason, that occasionally likes to make itself known, suggested i revisit the COVERGIRL outlast stay brilliant polish for half the price of its counterparts. not only did i find every shade i wanted in your color selection but Tman thanks you for the price.

i hope we can rendezvous again. i'm yours forever.

ttfn

xo,
kristie

eShakti.com Clothing Review

i was recently sent the jacket above from eShakti. before we go any further let me explain something about myself. i'm unusually pint-sized. if pint-sized had a baby, her name would be Kristie. barely 5'1" and i only break the triple digits when i'm pregnant because my genetic code doesn't allow for it. before you begin to think i'm bragging i'll share another little secret - my parents had me genetically tested when i was a child because they thought something was wrong with me. 

i am abnormally small.

clothes shopping is a nightmare for all women, especially when you don't fit into average sized women's clothing. whether you are smaller than the average or larger than the average, shopping for clothes really can become Mission Impossible.

here's where the genius of eShakti comes in - they are a unique women's apparel store online that allows custom changes in the style of the garment: sleeve, neckline and length can all be changed by the customer to your preference. they offer all styles in all sizes 0-36W & custom.

the word Shakti means power in Sanskrit. eShakti therefore means the power of the Net. their mission is to empower customers and be customer-centric by enabling your buying power to be inter-active.

when i received this Boucle Jacket i couldn't believe that it actually fit. i love the strong shoulders and the streamlined shape and while i'm obviously not a fashion model i had fun pretending for a moment:

my wannabe fashion moment

xo,
kristie

Trending January Neutrals

Trending January by blushingbasics featuring adrienne vittadini

anytime is neutral time but winter is especially warming to the trend. neutrals are the perfect staples to stock up with because you can mix and match the separates and it always works.

turn down the judgements Judge Judy - black and brown can be worn together.

there was a day when black was only worn with black and brown was only worn with brown. throw that old antiquated rule out of the window and modernize your look by mixing blacks with browns and every other neutral in between. i die for grey and camel mixed together and black with a brown boot is chic to the nth degree.

xo,
kristie

Ray-Ban Wayfarers

do you have an item or accessory that is your go-to ididn'twashmyfacemyhairordomymakeupandiamwearingsweatsbutitdoesn'tmatterbecauseiamrockingtheseawesomeshades?

yeah, i thought so.

my Ray-Ban Sunglasses are my go to of late. i now know why they are a favorite of the Hollywood Elite (that would be you Mr. James Dean): they don't show your eyes, they're cool, they're trendy and they never go out of style. incognito + fashion = Hollywood must have.

i leave my favorite accessories sitting on my dresser for easy access. my obligatory daily arm party paired with the eau de toilet of the moment finished by my sunglasses makes me feel complete. i've said it before and i'll say it again, accessorizing is the tie of menswear. it is necessary, it finishes the look and it must be kept in rotation as to avoid redundancy.

this particular style, the Ray-Ban 2132 wayfarer was delivered by my favorite sponsor, Sunglassesshop.com where you can pick up your favorite designer sunglasses for quick delivery. the Ray-Ban style has remained a style icon because its shape flatters all faces and pairs with all trends. there are very few things in the history of fashion that have maintained as long as the wayfarer.

i would love to hear your go-to, sound off in the comments.

xo,
kristie

Apricot Lane Giveaway

i'll be the first to admit that my one true love is cosmetics but a close second would be accessories. shoes, jewelry, bags & scarves - i just can't get enough. when i get the chance to share those loves with you, i am even happier.

a family friend hosts a blog called Beauty & Truth.

within this delightful blog you will find outfit inspirations, delicious recipes (with the most gorgeous photos to match) and beautiful truths found in everyday life.

i am so thrilled to be collaborating with this fantastic blogger by hosting a giveaway for a glamorous necklace.

this statement piece will be a worthwhile addition to any wardrobe and can be yours by following the simple steps outlined in the Rafflecopter below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


good luck!

xo,
kristie