Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Blogger Spotlight: Kaitlin Keegan of Blonde Expeditions

WELCOME KAITLIN!

Before launching my own blog, I have admired and followed those of many others (still do) and have always been intrigued to know more about some of these fabulously stylish Bloggers and what makes them tick.  I have learned that the "blogging community" can be very supportive and that other women who are like-minded are more than willing to provide their support and encouragement (not to mention words of affirmation too).

I have met so many wonderful women in this space, in such a short period of time, who I have grown to truly admire and Kaitlin is one of them.  She is one of the SWEETEST girls I have met and although we have never met in person, I feel like I have known her forever!  She is always so supportive and always pays the kindest most genuine compliments (AND she is absolutely GORGEOUS, both on the inside and out!)!  What a great person to know and I am excited to introduce her to you and give you the opportunity to learn a bit more about this oh so stylish Blogger!

Not to mention, she and I both have an affection for Sour Patch watermelon candy…I knew we would be friends! ;-)  Read more about Kaitlin below and as always, thanks for stopping by!

p.s. let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner sparkle…and then, shine!








Tell me a little bit about yourself and your blog!
Hi y’all! I’m Kaitlin Keegan from the blog, Blonde Expeditions. By working in PR I am surrounded by different blogs daily, and after swooning on some of my favorite fashion blogs for years, I decided to give it a try and start my own! Blonde Expeditions is a way for me to document my favorite looks, personal style and travels.

Who or what has influenced your style most?
What influences me the most style wise, would have to be street style – especially in New York City. It’s so culturally and stylistically diverse that you could spend hours sitting and admiring the different fashion styles that are bound to walk by. It’s so fun to see a look you love on the street and recreate it with your own wardrobe!

What is your style motto?
Be faithful to your own style. If you like it, wear it!

What 1 word describes your style?
I try to stick to classic styles that can be versatile, but I love playing around with trends, too! So the one word to describe my style would have to be, eclectic.  

There are so many influential fashion Designers…if you could wear the clothes of one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
For designers, it’s a tough tie between Alexander Wang & Helmut Lang! Both designers make such versatile and essential pieces that last for years and are just effortless. In terms of stores that I would shop at for the rest of my life, it would have to be J.Crew and Anthropologie. They are two stores that have constantly evolving styles that somehow always manage to stay classic.

What is your favorite article of clothing?
I love a good cardigan! Chunky, lightweight, multicolored – you name it and I probably will love it. Maybe because I’m always cold, but I think a cute cardigan can really transform an outfit!

What would we find hiding in your closet?
Dog toys. You would find tons of shredded dog toys hidden in shoeboxes, on top of clothes – basically everywhere. My pup just loves to bring them in while I’m choosing my outfits and drop them! (….and you might also find that I have a slight obsession with purses, haha!)

What beauty product would we always find in your beauty bag?
Mascara! I think a quick swipe of mascara can do wonders! It opens your eyes and makes them look brighter immediately. Perfect on those days where you can’t be bothered to put on a full face of makeup! My favorites are Le Volume De Chanel and Covergirl Clump Crusher!

Tell us one thing we wouldn't know about you?
I go to India at least once a year and spent three months there this past summer! Other than being one of my favorite travel destinations, it’s also like a second home to me. My boyfriend is originally from India, so we go back about once or twice a year and spend a few weeks traveling and visiting his family!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering starting their own blog?
Research! Starting a blog is overwhelming at first, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to turn. I started by making a Pinterest folder of all different blog tips and articles, which really helped me! Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to other bloggers! If you want to know how they created a collage or how they added something to their layout, shoot them an email. It’s overwhelming at first, but once you get into the swing of things it becomes much easier!

Gummy bears or sour patch kids?
Sour Patch Watermelon all the way. Honestly, it’s not possible to eat only one (bare minimum is about 30 in one sitting…).

If you had to estimate, how many pairs of shoes do you have?
Believe it or not, I’m not really a “shoe” girl! Purses are another story. I would say I have about 10 pairs of shoes in total that I wear frequently. For shoes I stick to ones I really love, and know I can be a little rough on!

What 3 words would you use to describe your closet?
Can I use two? Organized chaos.  

Saturday, November 22, 2014

$400 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway


Surprise Sunday!  I am so excited to be teaming up with 24 other AMAZING bloggers to bring you a $400 Nordstrom Gift Card giveaway.  The holiday season is upon us and it is time to start checking your list and checking it twice.  I don't know about you, but I have some special people to buy for and Nordstrom always has beautiful gifts for my family and friends!

Enter below, using the Rafflecopter tool, for your chance to win a shopping spree to Nordstrom…as always, thanks for stopping by and I wish you all lots of LUCK!  Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving week as well!

 photo nov-23-giveaway-1_zpsaf6979c7.jpg
 photo nov-23-giveaway-2_zpsdae3e76b.jpg
 photo nov-23-giveaway-3_zpsb775fd07.jpg
 photo nov-23-giveaway-4_zps9e6341c3.jpg
 photo nov-23-giveaway-5_zps79da612b.jpg
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, November 21, 2014

Custom Made












| Shop the Post

Post sponsored by eShakti.com

Custom Made Dress: eShakti | Earrings: Bib Jewelry use code "kbstyled for 10% off | Leather Jacket: old (similar here & here )

Photos: Sweet Magnolia Photography

Ever wonder what it was like to have a dress (or any piece of clothing for that matter) custom made for you?!  I was thinking back to when I may have had a custom dress made and I couldn't remember a time…even my wedding gown wasn't "custom" made.  It isn't every day that something is made to fit your exact measurements and often times I find myself taking pieces to be altered.  So you can imagine how thrilled I was to come across eShakti!  Custom made affordable clothes available at your fingertips?  YES…I am definitely raising my hand on this one!

eShakti has paved the way in the custom clothing department and they have become an international custom design company offering both style and fit customization.  Having a custom piece made for you is so simple…you pick out an item of clothing (dresses, tops, skirts, jackets, etc), you take your measurements, you then fill out an online order form, and voila…your custom made piece is in production and will be on your doorstep within 18 calendar days from the date of your order.  It is so so simple!

I spent so much time on their site looking through the MANY customizable options and I kept coming back to this denim maxi dress.  It looked so comfortable, which it is, and I fell in love with the embroidery detail on the neckline and sleeves.  I knew immediately that this dress would get a lot of wear…after all, it is so versatile and can be worn from season to season.  As you can see, I paired it with a leather jacket and a pair of boots for a great Fall look.  Have I mentioned that this dress has pockets?!  YES, you heard me right, POCKETS!  Are you swooning yet?!  Any dress with pockets automatically has a place in my closet and you can select this option when customizing your very own design from eShakti.  Bravo eShakti!

eShakti is a custom design company that you MUST get to know…head on over to their site and browse all of the gorgeous pieces that they have.  Being a dress girl myself, I am draw to so many of their gorgeous dresses right now and they are having a site wide sale at the moment…you don't want to miss out as I can assure you that you won't be disappointed.  PLUS you can use code : 'kblblog' for 10% off your order until 12/1/14.  Happy Customizing!  

THANK YOU eShakti for such an amazing customer experienceI can't wait to pick out another gorgeous piece customized just for me!

Please note:
Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box.  It is not case-sensitive.  
Code can be used any number of times until the validity period ends. 
It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless 
explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.
This discount code is not applicable on clearance / sale, gift cards & overstock categories.
Not applicable on previous purchases.

p.s. let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner sparkle…and then, shine!



Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Happy Birthday KBStyled!












| Shop the Post |

Sweater: LCLaurenConrad for Kohl's | Skirt: Chicwish | Earrings: Bib Jewelry use code "kbstyled" for 10% off | Tray Styling and Chalkboard Art: Royal Flair Events


Hi!  I am so excited to be announcing the official launch of my "passion project" KBStyled!  Earlier this year, I discovered Instagram (maybe a little behind the curve ;-) but once I did, it totally opened my eyes to this amazing outlet where other like-minded women, and men, are sharing daily outfit posts and style inspiration for others.  I began following many of the top Fashion Bloggers and along the way have discovered so many other Fashion Friends who have such great style as well.  I knew that I would not only enjoy sharing my style on Instagram but I immediately wanted to do more and experience more in this space.  First steps first…start taking #selfies for daily #ootd posts, make my profile "public", and start networking with others who aspire to do the same.  Check, check, and check!

After spending some time posting photos on Instagram, my college Bestie and I started talking about having me contribute to her blog, Carolina Girl Cooks where I would write guest Style posts.  I immediately said YES!  Now I have become a Guest Blogger…eeekkk!  I knew nothing about blogging, and still have a TON to learn, but I knew that I enjoyed it.  Most importantly I was doing something that I was super passionate about and I knew that I wanted to continue doing it.  Our partnership enabled me to have an outlet for Style posts and it enable us to work together, which was the absolute best outcome of me contributing as a Guest on her blog.  I can't thank her enough for giving me the opportunity to write for her blog, what an awesome way to be introduced into the blogging world.  Which by the way, you have to check out her blog…her recipes are amazing!  We continued doing this for some time and I learned so much through our partnership…we had the BEST time working together over several months and we plan to continue doing so as well!

The day finally came where I received an email from a company asking if I wanted to be a part of their affiliate program and at the time, I really had no idea what that meant.  Jennifer and I started talking about what the next steps should be for KBStyled and we both agreed that it may be time for me to venture out and start my own blog.  MY OWN BLOG, WHAT?!  I was so afraid of the concept of being responsible for my own blog…after all, I knew NOTHING about blogging and I wondered how would I possibly have time to keep up with my own blog?!  I'm a wife, a Mommy of two (Reins & Addison and two fur babies Cali & Carolina), I work full-time as a VP in Global Human Resources, and we stay busy busy busy…how could I possibly add one more thing into my life/my families lives?!  But, after speaking with Jennifer and having many long conversations with my Husband, Peter, we all agreed that it was time for me to OWN IT LIKE A #GIRLBOSS and follow my personal passions…MY DREAMS!  It's just all about time management anyway…right? ;-)  If I can't work in fashion full-time at the moment, I will work as a Style Blogger in my spare time and I will pursue my dreams each and every day.  KBStyled was created and a lot of TLC has been put into what I call my "passion project".  After all, my passion for style will pour through these pages in everything that I do and I will own my personal chip of the fashion blogging world like a #GIRLBOSS!

Thank you to all who have encouraged me along the way and a special THANK YOU to Peter for supporting every dream I have pursued over the last many years.  I hope you ALL enjoy my blog and thank you in advance for your support and encouragement…this all wouldn't be possible without my AMAZING followers as well!  Come back soon and thank you for reading!

p.s let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner sparkle…and then, shine!

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Personal Styling



KBStyled offers Personal Styling services to readers within the greater Nashville, TN area.  
Services include yet are not limited to:

- Closet editing and wardrobe advice
- Personal Shopping
- Styling for events and appearances
- Complete styling for photo sessions
- Hair & Makeup

*Please contact Brooke at kbstyled@gmail.com for rates, references, and for additional information. 

Friday, November 14, 2014

Neon







How fab is this neon green leather mini skirt?!  I ran into this babe at T.J.Maxx and couldn't resist, she was calling my name (kinda like those Pier 1 commercials if you know what I mean).  I immediately thought about all of the fun things we would do together and knew we would become best friends.  I love feeling a bit more edgy from time to time and this look definitely made me feel that way.  Wearing a flowy crop top and a black faux leather moto jacket seemed to be the best way to style this gorgeous skirt first but I also plan to pair the skirt with tights, sweaters, boots, etc for the colder months to come.  Of course come summer, I have a totally different vision for her!  So needless to say, you will be seeing much more of this skirt!  

Oh and these earrings and shoes…swooning over both!  The earrings are from SoCal Gems and the shoes are Rock & Republic for Kohl's.  These earrings are so gorgeous and I find myself picking them up often to wear with a variety of things!  I came across these shoes while shopping around at Kohl's and couldn't pass them up as they were only $19.99…what a bargain!!!

p.s don't forget to let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner sparkle!