Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Dots & Spots










| Shop the Post

Sweater: Nordstrom Rack (similar here) | Skirt: Maison Jules (sold out but similar here) | Floppy Wool Felt Hat: Old Navy  (similar here) | Grey Bow Booties: Old (similar here) | Triple Crystal Strands Necklace: Love Baby Frou Frou (use code "kbstyled" for a discount on all jewels) | Rose Gold Crystal Ring: TJ Maxx (lucky find but similar here) | Rose Gold Filigree Bracelet: Stella & Dot (no longer available, similar here) | Eyewear: LaFont Paris

| Photos | Sweet Magnolia Photography

Floppy felt wide-brim hats have been on trend this season and this outfit was planned solely around this gorgeous wine/burgundy hat that I picked up from Old Navy.  I just love when one accessory INSPIRES an entire outfit!  The hat, the skirt, the glasses…an eclectic and maybe even somewhat artsy styled look.  These pieces just "go together" and I love the way it all made me feel…one of my favorite looks so far!  Being that I live in "MUSIC CITY" I picture myself sitting in a local coffee shop, wearing this exact outfit, coffee in hand while listening to an up and coming NASHVILLE musician.  Ciao…time for some coffee!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
p.s. let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner sparkle…and then, SHINE!


Monday, December 29, 2014

Casual New Year's Eve Look










| Shop the Post

Blush Sequin Cardigan: Old (similar here) | "Chili Pepper" Tank: Nordstrom Rack | Denim: Lucky Brand | Leopard Heels: Target last season (similar here & here) | Druzy Earrings, Bracelet, & Ring: Wrenn Jewelry (15% off with code "kbstyled")…druzy feather earrings are from a collab between Wrenn Jewelry & Kelsey's Feathers (more feather earrings here)

| Photos | Sweet Magnolia Photography

New Year's Eve is right around the corner and we are about to embark on a "New Year".  I don't know about you, but I feel like 2014 just flew by (I think I say this about every year honestly)!

Today I am sharing a more casual NEW YEAR'S EVE look with you.  Heading to a house party?  If so, this type of look is perfect for the occasion.  Just enough sparkle to make a statement but not overdone.  I paired a sequin open relaxed cardigan with jeans to keep the overall look more on the casual yet festive side.  Although I have had this blush sequin cardigan for a couple of years, there are so many other beautiful options available right now…sequins are ALL THE RAGE!  Having sequins in your closet is a must in my opinion!

What are you wearing for New Year's Eve this year?!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
p.s. let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner beauty…and then, SHINE!

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Flirty New Year's Eve Look








| Shop the Post |

"Circle Dress": H&M | Black Ankle Booties: Target (similar here) | Yellow Faux Fur Clutch: cute little boutique in Asheville, NC bought during a girls weekend back in October (low end here / high end here) | Blue & Black Druzy Rings: Wrenn Jewelry (15% off with code "kbstyled") | Earrings: Rocksbox (register here)

| Photos | Sweet Magnolia Photography

This look takes me back to the late 80's when I was singing along to every NKOTB song (for those that don't know what NKOTB stands for, you must Google it ;-), when I was wearing my hair in a high pony tail (typically with a massive ribbon bow included), and when I was experimenting with red lipstick!  "Oh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh, the right stuff"…anyway...

My Mom and I spotted this H&M dress while spending some much needed "Mother/Daughter" retail shopping time together and of course she sent me straight to the dressing room to try it on.  I've always loved shopping with my Mom because she knows my taste really well and she always gives a VERY honest opinion.  The colorful "circle" pattern, the arched hemline, the zipper detail in the back, & the perfect fit of this dress made it a no-brainer…New Year's Eve party dress, CHECK!  I can assure you I will have a blast dancing in the New Year in this fun flirty dress.  I've added some punchy accessories and a bold lip to complete my party ready look!

Maybe, just maybe, I will be dancing to NKOTB on New Year's Eve…bringing back the late 80's early 90's!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
p.s. let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner sparkle…and then, SHINE!

Friday, December 19, 2014

Camo











| Shop the Post  |

Camo Sweater: Target | Tulle Skirt: Bliss Tulle "The Martha" | Booties: Target (no longer available) | Vintage Tassel Necklace: CSvintageGems | Gold Lace Filigree Earrings: Shop Suey Boutique (similar here) | Black Druzy Ring: Wrenn Jewelry | Fox Ring: Old Navy (check local stores)

| Photos | Sweet Magnolia Photography

Had you told me that I would own a couple of camo print pieces, I would have said "ugh, not a chance, camo is not my thing"…I'm still not a HUGE fan but it has definitely grown on me!  Because I grew up in the south, I have always associated camo with hunting (if you didn't know, hunting seems to be a pretty big sport here in the south)…which I definitely do not do (nothing wrong with those who do)!  I am such an animal lover so the thought of it makes me sad.  Anyway...MOVING ON…overtime, I have watched camo make a stamp on the fashion world.  I've sat back and watch others wear this trend and finally I decided that it was my turn to take it on.

In my opinion, the BEST way (maybe the only way ;-) to wear camo is to make it look as girly as possible!  Wearing this camo sweater with my favorite Bliss Tulle skirt definitely adds a certain femininity to this look.  I still kept the overall look a little rustic (thinking woods, mud, cold weather, deer…) by wearing these faded green ankle booties.  And of course I jazzed it up a little with this GORGEOUS vintage tassel necklace from CSvintageGems!  CAMO meets TULLE meets VINTAGE…I can handle that!

Speaking of VINTAGE…I absolutely love what the girls of CSvintageGems are up to!  They search high and low for beautiful vintage & vintage inspired repurposed jewelry like this tassel necklace that I am wearing.  Unique, beautiful, and one of a kind are just a few words that come to mind when describing their jewels.  If you appreciate vintage pieces like I do you should definitely check them out!

Are you wearing CAMO this season?!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
p.s. let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner sparkle…and then, SHINE!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Brown Sugar Lip Scrub



| Brown Sugar Lip Scrub |

| Recipe | KBStyled

| Photos | Jennifer Glover of Carolina Girl Cooks

Raise your hand if you have chapped unruly lips during the winter months…BOTH of my hands are raised!  My lips become so chapped with the change of the seasons…come November/December, I am constantly struggling with dry, flaky, and often times sore lips.  You won't catch me without lip balm or some type of lip moisturizer in hand during these months.  BUT...just keeping my lips moisturized is simply not enough!

Ridding my lips of flaky dry skin requires an EXCELLENT lip scrub and I always make my own Brown Sugar Lip Scrub.  1.  It is so simple to do and 2.  Making your own lip scrub cost pennies compared to those overpriced scrubs sold in beauty product stores.  Don't get me wrong, I am guilty, I have tried all of those overpriced lip scrubs too but I quickly wised up and realized that I could make my own…gotta love a great DIY project, especially one that is this simple!

TAKE NOTES because you may not be able to remember the ingredients in this scrub ;-) …

| Ingredients |

2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 teaspoon raw/extra virgin coconut oil (heated just enough so soften)
*double/triple the recipe and store in a glass jar for multiple uses

| Directions |

Mix ingredients until well combined, apply to lips, scrub, scrub, scrub and then wipe off with a warm wash cloth. *finish with a moisturizing lip balm

Using this Brown Sugar Lip Srub one to two times a week and moisturizing your lips daily will help you beat those dry lip blues this winter!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
p.s. let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner sparkle…and then, SHINE!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Blogger Spotlight: Lauren Ashley Patao of The Fashionista's Diary

WELCOME LAUREN ASHLEY!

I'm so thrilled to welcome Lauren Ashley and give you an opportunity to get to know this adorable, so very sweet, and stylish Blogger!

Lauren Ashley was one of the first Bloggers that I started following and I just ADORE her and her STYLE.  Her style is so versatile, which I love, and she is always so put together and polished.  Lauren Ashley is carving out her own path in the fashion world and is doing it with such grace.  In less than a year, both she and her blog have grown tremendously and she sets a positive example for many other fashion bloggers, including myself.

The Fashionista's Diary is a visually beautiful blog and Lauren Ashley has done such a fantastic job with it.  You can find a lot of style and beauty tips and she has begun to create her own video tutorials as well.  She has posted a great tutorial on styling blanket scarves…I have even watched this a couple of times because blanket scarves can be tricky to wear!

There is so much more to learn about Lauren Ashley…read our interview below…you are sure to adore her as much as I do and as always, thanks so much 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!  I started The Fashionista's Diary in January of this year as a way to showcase my personal style, inspire my readers and also to see myself grow, both fashionably and personally. It's my baby and I'm in love with it and work so hard on it every single day to make sure that I'm staying relevant, relating to my readers, being kind as well as making my readers feel as if they actually know me in real life! As for myself... I'm 20 (going to be 21 on January 6th, yay!) and am a junior in college. I'm studying Public Relations with a minor in business and am planning on opening my very own boutique once I graduate! I have three dogs, a wonderful family and am so grateful to God for all of the blessings he's given me! 

Who or what has influenced your style most? I would have to say that the things I've gone through in life have influenced my personality. Through different obstacles as well as achievements, my style has grown. As I grow, it grows! I do look up to Olivia Palermo, though. I absolutely love her style, the femininity of it and her never-failing pattern pairings! I also always say that style is not the price tag. You don't have to wear something extremely expensive in order to look and feel good! 

What is your style motto? My style motto is pretty easy - wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. I know how important style can be to someone. Essentially, it can really change your life around. For me, for example, whenever I'm feeling down, I put on a great dress, wear my favorite purse and some bold lipstick. Why? Because it makes me feel happiest and like I'm the best I can possibly be at that moment in time. I think that's something that is really important. 

What 1 word describes your style? One word to describe my style would be feminine! 

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? Oh my gosh... that's a really tough question. Okay, I would have to say Lovers + Friends. I love their array of clothing as well as the prints and colors! 

What is your favorite article of clothing? In my closet, probably my denim jacket. I wear it with practically anything and, since I live in Miami, it's an easy layer to throw over anything I'm wearing without overheating. 

What would we find hiding in your closet? Lots of memory boxes! I know, this has nothing to do with fashion. But, I definitely have memory boxes in my closet. I love to keep things from my past. Notes from ex boyfriends, pictures, really old gifts, etc. Every so often, I go through the boxes and it brings back such great memories and reminds me of how far I've come! 

What beauty product would we always find in your beauty bag? You'll always find my Dior Addict Lip Glow. It's moisturizing and enhances your own lip color. 

Tell us one thing we wouldn't know about you? I don't party. I would rather spend a night in with my family than go to a party. I know, weird 20-year-old. I'm also extremely fearful of cockroaches.  

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering starting their own blog? Do it! Honestly, if you're thinking of it, it's because you want to do it. The worst that can happen is that you figure out it isn't for you and you switch paths. No big deal. If you don't try, you'll never know. Also, don't be afraid to reach out to other bloggers to not only learn what has helped them succeed but to also be involved in the blogging community! I've met some of my greatest friends via blogging and am so blessed. 

Gummy bears or sour patch kids? Sour patch kids! 

If you had to estimate, how many pairs of shoes do you have? Ah... I feel like my mom would be able to give you a closer estimate than I would. She's always saying I have too many. Between flats, boots, wedges, heels, etc... probably over 100. 

What 3 words would you use to describe your closet? Colorful, Patterns, and Feminine.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Perfect Plaid Coat






| Shop the Post |

This BEAUTIFUL AFFORDABLE coat: Kohl's (shop here)

| Photos | Sweet Magnolia Photography

Gorgeous "Faux Wool "Mega Plaid Coat" for ONLY $50…hold the press!  AND, if you use a Kohl's coupon, you can own this FABULOUS coat for LESS than $50…hold the press AGAIN!  Talk about a bargain!

Stumbling across this coat while doing some holiday shopping was one of the best accidental finds ever!  I had already checked out when I started out of the door, I looked to my right, and it was like fireworks were going off and there was a glowing sign with my name above it.  "Come and get me because you know you want me…plus I AM GORGEOUS!"  It was like I was being pulled to this coat by some major magnetic force.  The force was unstoppable so I grabbed one and I must say, this is one of the most gorgeous inexpensive coats I have ever purchased!

I'm telling you…you should RUN, not walk, to either your nearest Kohl's store or straight to your computer and snag this beauty while you can!  You're welcome! ;-)

As always, thanks for stopping by!
p.s. let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner sparkle…and then, SHINE!


Monday, December 15, 2014

Cheerful Bright Holiday Look











| Shop the Post |

Sequin top: H&M (similar here & here) | "The Martha" Tulle Skirt: Bliss Tulle | Crystal Dot Bracelet: SoCal Gems |
Blue & Black Druzy Rings: Wrenn Jewelry (shop here and use code "kbstyled" for 15% off) | Velvet peep toe heels:
Old (similar here)

| Photos | Sweet Magnolia Photography 

There is a lot of excitement and buzz in our home this time of year!  We are singing along to Christmas music, our home is lit from top to bottom, festive parties are underway, and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa.  This is our by far our FAVORITE time of year…if only we could press a pause button and S.L.O.W T.I.M.E D.O.W.N. We want so much to revel in these cherished moments…especially the moments where we experience the magic of Christmas through our children's joy and excitement!  Wondering what's on their wish list this year, well let me tell you…Ninja Turtle and "Frozen" EVERYTHING with a dash of Power Rangers and Peppa Pig!

Prepping for Christmas by shopping for our children (well and for everyone else too) brings me so much JOY.  If you have ever read "The 5 Love Languages" you would know what I mean when saying this…gift giving is my primary "love language" (and if you haven't read it, I highly recommend it).  Putting a lot of thought into each special present that I gift to someone truly gives me great satisfaction.  Sometimes I can go a little overboard (well ALL OF THE TIME) but I am slowly coming to realize that a meaningful thoughtful gift is much better than giving in excess.  So the saying goes, "it's the thought that counts" and I put A LOT of thought into the gifts that I give!  How great is it to see the look on someone's face when they open a gift that you know they will love?!

As much as giving gifts makes me happy, I must say…so do SEQUINS & TULLE!  Festive, fun, flirty, chic, beautiful, and holiday perfect…should I go on?!  I adore this bright H&M multi-colored sequin crop top and if you have been following along, you know how much I love my Bliss Tulle "Martha" skirt.  H&M got it right this holiday season and although this top is no longer available (I know, BAHUMBUG!), they have several other gorgeous options that can help you achieve this same look.  In my mind, there is always an occasion for sequins & tulle…personally, I can't get enough of them this season!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
p.s. let your outer beauty be an accessory to your inner sparkle…and then, SHINE!