Blog for Saks - A Dream Come True

Thanks to my regular email blasts from IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers), I excitedly stumbled upon the opportunity of a lifetime. Saks 5th Ave and IFB have joined forces to create a a SaksPOV contest where the winner could become a freelance writer for the Saks writing team. Exciting right?

Of course, as a wannabe blogger and aspiring fashion/pr girl I could not pass up the opportunity. With my past experience doing interviews in my Best of Series as well as background in PR and love for fashion- I am determined I am the best girl for the job. For my POV entry I have decided to review a collection that I felt inspired me as a blogger.

3.1 Phillip Lim
It has become quite clear that superheros and comics have collided on the runway to evokes the visual style of the graphic novel- creating a modern day superhero. The two-dimensional minimalism, tailored silhouettes and dualism that were last seen on the pages of our favorite comic books are now a walking reality.

Lim's 2012 collection embodies realism while still creating abstract works of art. With block lettering, bright colors, and pointy weapon like shoes- Lim takes a buttoned-up business woman and makes her KA-POW! the next. Lim's bringing out the inner superwoman.







From Pea Coats designed to almost be cape-like and the well constructed pants and suits that are tailored to a tee, Lim's ready to wear collection is great for any fashion forward fashionista. For the everyday girl or business woman, Lim has made many of this years piece reversible. Think sweaters with explosions of color on one side and clean solid modernism on the other.

Lim has outdone him self with this collection. His straight forward designs, fun patterns and chiffon overlays makes his collection one of the most sought after for the fall 2012 season. Who doesn't want to wake up in the morning put on an outfit and feel like they can conquer the world?

 <3 Katie

One Tank Two Ways

Fun Fearless Fashion

Shorts/Current Elliott/Blouse/JCrew
Purse/GoJane/Ring/DLux Spike Ring
Bathing Suit/Missoni/Scarf/A. McQueen
Dress/ Alice & Olivia/ Shoes/ Repetto

Modern Geometrics

Top/ Modcloth/ Earrings/ Net-A-Porter/ Bracelet/ Steven Alan
Bangle/ Kate Spade /Skirt/ Frockaholics
Bag/ Alexis Bittar/ Shoes/ 80% 20

Stripe it Rich

                  Tote/Nordstroms/Bracelet/Forever21/Scarf/H&M/Wallet/Asos/

            Top/BestSeller/Phone Case/Kate Spade/Earrings/Etsy/ Shoes/Converse

Stripes-they're classic, timeless, edgy and fun. Every season we see designers taking stripes to different levels offering new ways to wear and accessorize with stripes. Here are some of my favorite stripe pieces for the summer.

Happy Friday- OOTD

Sharing with you my casual Friday outfit for work!

Shirt/old/ necklace/ Adia Kibur/ Shoes/ Rock and Candy

Skirt/ Forever21/ Bag/ Urban Outfitters/ Bracelets/ Baublebar

Obsession- Corsages

Corsages are back and bigger than ever-literally. Look how adorbs these ones are from Ban.do. I am pretty much in love with the blue feathery one. I recently stumbled upon this site when doing some research for new fashion trends and couldn't wait to get my hands on some of these. Thought they were a great addition to simplistic pieces like these dresses below. The site also has great hair accessories and shoe clips which I am also SUPER obsessed with!

Aren't these fab? www.shopbando.com

xoxo- Katie

May Lust List

1. I have fallen in love with sheer blouses. I own at least one in every color- but not this color. I spotted this blouse when browsing online and absolutely loved it. The bright neon color is great this spring and can be a great transition piece going into the summer. This one can be found online at Modcloth for just $38.


2. Pink, Pink and more pink. I love pink for a summer/spring nail color. This coral color is part of  Butter's 2012 Collection and can be found at Beauty supply stores for around $14.


3. Recently I was gifted some incredible bangles from World Market. They have amazing details and are in great colors for this summer. During my weekly online shopping haul I saw these striped bangles with great color and sparkle details from Bloomingdales for $28.


4. Summer time means fun big totes. I love this coral striped bag from J.Crew. It's perfect for a vacation, just running errands or a day by the pool. It also comes in different summer shades!


5. For a while now I have been on the hunt for a new digital camera. While I am not a professional photographer by any means, I am looking for something other than a snap and shoot digital camera. Something one step down from an expensive SLR digital camera at that is user friendly for me-the beginner. Oh ya, and that doesn't break the bank! Yesterday, while watching TV I saw a commercial for this baby- the Olympus PEN compact camera. It offers everything I am looking for and comes in great colors!


6. It's bathing suit season in Arizona! I tend to be slightly picky when it comes to suits. I don't want something everyone else has. I absolutely love this suit from Mary and Paul! The bows are such a great detail. Each piece of the suit is sold separately and is a little pricy, but I think it is so worth it!


7. It is hot in Arizona. When I say hot I mean the less clothes you wear the better off you will be. That's why sundresses are so amazing. I have recently started stocking up on lightweight fun patterned dressed from all over and saw this piece and couldn't wait to get my hands on it! The fun pattern and great colors make it a great piece for the summer! Only $58 from Dorothy Perkins.

8. These cute sandals come from one of my favorite online shopping sites- ASOS. They always have great deals and an AMAZING selection of whatever you are looking for. These leather flats are a great addition to a summer dress or pair of shorts for $61.

Best Of Fashion Bloggers- Stripes and Sequins

This is week three of my Best of Fashion Bloggers Series. So far we've met West Coast fashionista Just Add Glam and my hometown fashion hero Style and Pepper. This week I bring you a do it yourself-er with an eye for style. Meet DIY darling Grace Atwood of Stripes and Sequins! Thanks for stopping by Grace!

                                                        So, tell us about yourself!

I grew up on Cape Cod, MA.  I went to college in Boston, MA at Bentley.  After working various jobs in marketing in the beauty industry, I made the leap to social media last Spring - I'm presently the Director of Social Media at BaubleBar.com

Where do you find inspiration for your blog? Everywhere - people watching, street style, runway footage, Pinterest... other blogs... the sky is the limit, I'm always inspired!

What inspires you in the way you dress? 

All of the above, but also the J.Crew catalog.

Do you have any style icons?   

Olivia Palermo, certainly.  Others include...  Ally McGraw, Bridgette Bardot, Jenna Lyons, Joanna Hillman, Grace Kelly... there are so many of them and I'm all over the board!

What trend are you looking forward to most this season?  

More bright denim, loads of mint green, pops of neon and bold statement necklaces worn as collars.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Zara, J.Crew, ShopBop

Do you shop often to keep up with trends?  

Yes, but I focus most on buying classic pieces that I'll wear for years.  I'll allow myself to buy a few trendy pieces every season... and invest the rest in classics and quality basics.

Do you have any tips on prioritizing purchases or staying stylish on a budget? 

 Keep a running list of everything you really want, and only allow yourself to buy things on that list.  Build a wardrobe of basics from J.Crew, trendy pieces + accessories from H&M or Zara (or DIY projects!), and save the rest of your budget for designer items.  Focus on cost per wear.  A Chanel bag or a pair of $700 YSL Tributes is of course, incredibly costly, but if you take good care of them, they'll last forever.

Do you have an all-time favorite purchase? 

  My YSL Tributes - I adore them and they are so comfortable compared to other heels!

Do you have any favorite blogs besides yours?   

Oh yes.. there are so many!  Despite a recent clean-up, I still have over 200 blogs in my google reader.  Just a few off the top of my head - Honestly WTF, Cheetah is theNew Black, court + hudson, Cupcakes & Cashmere, Miss Moss, Park & Cube, Atlantic-Pacific, and Style & Pepper.  

What is your favorite part about being a fashion blogger?  

The incredible friends I've made.

 Do you have any fashion secrets you can share with our readers? 

Only buy clothing that you really love.  And buy clothing that fits you well - if it doesn't, take it to a tailor.  Lastly, accessorize!  Great accessories can take an outfit from just okay to spectacular.

For beginner bloggers like me, what are some tips for setting yourself apart from other bloggers? 

Be different, and stay true to your own voice.  Try to create as much original content as possible.  Invest in a great camera and basic photo editing software - and never stop learning!  Spend time learning how to make the blog the best you can be.  You could have amazing content, but if it isn't easy on the eyes, no one will read your blog.

What is one interesting, quirky fact about you that readers don’t know? 

Whenever I go on a nice vacation, I steal the slippers!  Right now, I have 6 pairs of hotel slippers from fancy hotels that I've stayed at.  It's silly, but putting the slippers on is a little way to keep the feeling of being on vacation alive.

Hot Pink

Jeans/ Forever 21/ Glasses/ Cole Hann/ Shoes/ Charles Jourdan/

Shirt/ old/ Blazer/ Forever21/ Clutch/Target

I love finding fun accessories to spice up outfits.
Sometimes a simple accessory can add the punch you're looking for to any outfit. 

This hot pink clutch from Target did just the trick!

Best of Fashion Bloggers- Style and Pepper

In case you missed it last week, all month long I'm getting the nitty gritty on all my favorite fashion bloggers. I'm calling it the Best of Fashion Bloggers Series. Last week's blogger, Just Add Glam talked to us all about her West Coast style "with a twist". This week, were going a little south and featuring a blogger right here from my state, good ol' Arizona. She's the spokesperson of BAZAAR's, BAZAAR on Air and the creative mind behind the blog Style and Pepper! 

Meet JessieArtigue!

So Jessie, what would you like to tell our readers?

I'm originally from Scottsdale, AZ and went to college in San Diego, CA at Point Loma Nazarene University. I now live/work in the New York City as a wardrobe stylist, fashion blogger & creative consultant.

Where do you find inspiration for your blog? 

My own closet, thrift stores & the insanely creative and stylish people I see on the streets of NYC!

What inspires you in the way you dress? 

I love anything vintage, and this probably acts as the most prominent inspiration for my own personal style.

Do you have any style icons?

My Nana.  She was always effortlessly put together, and even at 95, reminded me that you can have fun with fashion no matter how old you are.

What trend are you looking forward to most this season?

I love the cropped-top trend, bright florals on bottom & the androgynous tom-boy look for this Spring/Summer.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Thrift stores! Hands down.

Do you shop often to keep up with trends?

I don't shop nearly as often as most people think.  I buy a few inexpensive pieces here and there to try out new trends,and splurge on an investment piece maybe 3-4 times a year.

Do you have any tips on prioritizing purchases or staying stylish on a budget?

I've always been a bargain hunter, and love shopping sales to find current trends. My biggest tip is always to shop out-of-season.  I just snatched up the most gorgeous pair of leather boots for $30, and I probably won't wear them until next fall, but they are a classic style and I know I won't be able to beat the price when the temps start to drop.

Do you have an all-time favorite purchase?  

Not that I can think of!  I try not to get too attached to my clothes/accessories.

 

Do you have any favorite blogs besides yours?

Most of my favorite blogs are also those of my dear friends... I have a whole page of my site that has a list of the ones that I'm currently loving. :)

What is your favorite part about being a fashion blogger?

Sharing inspiration for putting outfits together and connecting with readers.

Do you have any fashion secrets you can share with our readers?

I'm an open book, so no real secrets here... I love sharing advice and style how-tos, though, so if any one ever has any questions - they're welcome to drop me a line!

For beginner bloggers like me, what are some tips for setting yourself apart from other bloggers?

My advice is to pick something you love that you're REALLLLYgood at, and write about that one main thing. This ensures that your content will be original and top-notch and that you'll likely never tire of the subject matter.

What is one interesting, quirky fact about you that readers don’t know? 

I was a competitive athlete all throughout grade school and high school!I may look like a girly-girl, but I'm a total tomboy at heart. :)

Thanks Jessie for joining us!

xoxo-Katie 

True Blue

 Jeans/H&M/Sunglasses/Cole Hann/ Top/Forever21/Bag/Olivia and Joy

Shoes/Mark and James/Jewelry/Baublebar

Best of Fashion Bloggers- Just Add Glam

I must say, I do appreciate a girl with style. I appreciate even more a girl that makes a style her own. This month, on every Tuesday, I will be featuring a series that recognizes the best of the best in fashion blogging. Besides having an eye for fashion trends, these girls are amazing individuals and an inspiration for others. No, I am not writing these bits myself, instead I am letting the blogger tell it from their perspective and allowing them to share their story, life and any little unknown facts.

So whose up? Meet Jennifer. Many of you might know her as the creative mind behind the blog Just Add Glam. 

                                                          So tell us about yourself.

I grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from the University of California at Davis where I studied Managerial Economics. After graduating from UC Davis, I moved to San Francisco where I currently work in technology consulting. 

What inspired you to create your blog?

My work life is pretty much your typical corporate environment so I am not able to express myself as sartorially as I’d like during the work week.  Not to mention working in a largely male-dominated industry where anything fashion forward raises an eyebrow, I wanted a way to break out of my usual pencil skirt and cardigan uniform (don’t get me wrong, I love a good pencil skirt and cardi…!) and connect with other ladies on one of my biggest loves….fashion!  This inspired me to create my blog Just Add Glam. Blogging has given me the creative outlet I needed to boost my creativity and inspire me. I use my blog now to capture my daily outfit inspirations with my readers!   

What inspires you in the way you dress?

I read lots of magazines including Vogue, Glamour and Marie Claire so I’ve been keeping my eye on what is hitting the runway.  But I also love street style so I love reading other blogs and following bloggers on Instagram and Twitter. It’s a good way to connect with others, learn from what they are doing and get another perspective. Other than that, I get inspiration from people watching around San Francisco. It’s always interesting to see how people dress from city to city and even different countries.

Do you have any style icons?

I’m really loving everything from Tory Burch right now. Her clothes work well together and I love her combination of color and prints.  I wish that she had a home line, her store displays are so fun!

What trend are you looking forward to most this season?

I am obsessed with pastels. My nails have been painted mint green for the majority of this spring and I love the soft colors. Another favorite this season are super stacked high wedges, I’ll do anything for a height boost.  So cute!

Where are your favorite places to shop?

I love to shop! - My business background keeps me realistic and grounded knowing that racking up shopping bills is not fashionable--so I try to be a deal shopper. I love designer brands but I mainly buy when things are on sale. Right now my current favorite places are Zara, Neimen Marcus and Asos. I also like to shop (AKA borrow) from my mom’s or other friend’s closets.

Do you shop often to keep up with trends?

I am always out and about keeping my eye on things. Just because I am out doesn’t mean I am buying something though. I typically purchase something once every two weeks but it varies from time to time.

Do you have any tips on prioritizing purchases or staying stylish on a budget?

One thing I really like are the brands that are good at taking trends from the runway and magazines and are able to recreate the look at a more affordable price. Forever21 is a great example of this; I go there all the time. There great for fashion jewelry, tights, and scarves. But my number one fashion mantra is when all else fails, hit the sale rack!

Do you have an all-time favorite purchase?

A while back I purchased a pair of ridiculous gorgeous Christian Louboutin heels at a Barneys Warehouse sale when they were 80% off! They were two sizes too big, but you just don’t say no to 80% off Christian Louboutin, right? I took them to a cobbler and had them fixed up to fit me perfectly. They are definitely one of my all time fashion scores!

Do you have any favorite blogs besides yours?

I check out many different blogs but some of my current favorites are MPress, 9to5 Chic, Saucy Glossie, and 5 inch and up.

What is your favorite part about being a fashion blogger?

It has been fun to blog because it has been a wonderful creative way to step outside of my daily work life. But my favorite part is being able to network with others and expand my fashion family. It has made me think about who I am as a person and helped me stay true to what I am passionate about. 

Do you have any fashion secrets you can share with our readers?

One of my shopping techniques is that I do not necessarily try things on in the store dressing room. Shopping in downtown San Francisco can be crazy with crowds, so I like to get in and out and avoid the long dressing room lines. If I’m unsure about a piece of clothing and whether or not I want to invest in it, I bring it home and try it on with a lot of other pieces that I already have in my closet.  I may have a few returns if something doesn’t work out but its helped my closet become more transitional. 

For beginner bloggers like me, what are some tips for setting yourself apart from other bloggers?

My number one piece of advice is to stay motivated and inspired. The moment blogging stops being fun you need to regroup, become re-inspired and remembered what you loved about it in the first place. One of the things that have been most rewarding for me is the networking opportunities I have had with other bloggers. 

What is one interesting, quirky fact about you that readers don’t know?

One thing about me is that people may not know is that I am the world’s biggest Instagram nerd. Any downtime I have—in a taxi, waiting in line at the grocery store, between commercial breaks—I’m on Instagram checking out everyone’s awesome pictures. I need to learn to cool it with the ‘likes’ though.  I probably ‘like’ 95% of the photos I scroll through, haha! When I am not working or blogging I spend my time with my friends and family, going to restaurants, seeing movies, gym-ing, and taking in the spectacular views of San Francisco

All About Baubles

 

After receiving an email from one of my favorite online jewelry shops about an upcoming promotion, I couldn't pass it up. I pay $50, they surprise me with three pieces of jewelry. Amazing right?

My surprise came yesterday and I couldn't have been more happy with my purchase. Not to mention, the cute little card that came with it. Love the team over at Baublebar.

Here is a peek at what I received from Baublebar and a few other pieces I have picked up along the way.

Thrift Store Finds

  Love you guys and thanks for all the support!

<3 Katie

Orpheum

Orpheum Downtown Phoenix

Sunglasses/Cole Hann/ Jewelry/Baublebar/Bag/Modella 

Shirt/Forever21/ Shorts/Forever21/ Shoes/Charles Jourdan

After weekends packed with endless studying and countless papers, I was finally able to enjoy some time downtown this past weekend. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Happy Tuesday!

<3 Katie

Happy Be-lated Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, which was yesterday, I am going green and featuring some of my favorite organic beauty products. From haircare to make up it is important to treat your body/skin well! Enjoy my pics and do something nice for the environment this week!

Katie <3

Sulfate Free Hair Care

Burt's Bees Pomegranate Hair Care/Convenient Store $8/each

All Natural Skin Care

Green Apple Face Peel/ $45

Make Up Essentials 

Eco Tools Make-Up Brushes/ $12


Blush 

Physicians Formula Blush/ $12



Spring Transition Pieces

100 degrees in Arizona on Saturday-YIKES! Summer is starting early and while the few weeks of spring were nice, it's time to bring out the sun-dresses, bathing suits and sandals.

I will be stocking up on my favorite summer shorts here soon. Don't worry, I will post my favorite styles and colors for this summer soon.

For now, enjoy some of my spring pieces I will be transitioning into my summer wardrobe.

xoxo- Katie

Chunky Jewelry is always a favorite of mine.

From top to bottom:

Stone and Chain/Hautelook/ Gold Ball Bracelet/ Baublebar

Michael Kors Gold Chain/Michael Kors/ Multicolored Bracelets/ASOS

Wrap Around Baby Blue Bracelet/Hautlook

Love these Royal Blue Chunky Heels for both Spring and Summer

Black Espadrilles/CharlotteRusse/Royal Blue Chunky Heel/Target

Summer Lip Shades in Pink Hues

Left to Right:

MAC Blankety/ Rimmel Pink Blush/

MAC Cremesheen Lickable/Rimmel Airy Fairy

Flowy Dress and Coral Chiffon Blouse make great Transition Summer pieces.

Left to Right

Crossbody Bag/Old Navy/Floral Dress/Forever21

Coral Chiffon Blouse/Forever21/ Chunky Jeweled Necklace/Adia Kibur