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.

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 

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

Day to Night Look: Neon Yellow Dress

When I shop I always look for items that are versatile. If I can only 

wear it once or in one way, it isn't worth buying to me. 

This neon, hot little number is great for any occasion. Not only is neon
so in this season but it can add the perfect pop of color when done
the right way. I love these two looks. You can pair it with a jean jacket
 and flats for a fun spring look or

 dress it up with some strappy sandals and a clutch for a night out.  

What your most versatile piece of wardrobe?

Spring Statement Makers

I love bold accessories. My motto is the crazier the better. I tend 
to not wear earrings much but I love dressing up an 
outfit with a unique necklace or some wrist candy. Here are some 
tasteful but funky pieces that I am lusting over!

- Katie

Bracelets Left to Right:

 1. Stella Dot Clover Jewelry- stelladot.com

2. Bracelet- zenggi.com

3. Zebra Print Jewelry- susanb.com

4. Cuff Jewelry- Nordstroms.com

Necklaces Left to Right:

 1. Multi Strand Chin Necklace- farfetch.com

2. Bounkit Jewelry- charmandchain.com

3.Dannifo Jewelry- dannijo.com

4. Joomi Lim Spiked Necklace- otteny.com

Violet-OOTD

I have officially fallen in love with colored jeans. I love how they can add a punch to any outfit. You can pair them with more color for a bold statement look or go more neutral and let the pants speak for themselves. I paired my violet skinnies with neutral colors and a bold purple stone chunky necklace.

XOXO- Katie

What I am Wearing:

1. Violet Jeans- Nordstrom's Rack $29

2. Black Sweater- Target $15

3. Black Wedges- Franco Sarto $60

4. Bag- Charming Charlie $15

5. Sunnies- Cole Haan $85

6.Top- Go Jane $18

7. Necklace- gifted

OOTD- Featuring Spring Sandals

What I am Wearing:

1. Baublebar bracelets- Baublebar.com

2. Skagen Watch- Skagen.com

3. Earrings- Forever21.com

4.Burnt Orange Cardigan- UrbanOutfitters.com

5. BB Dakota Skirt- gifted

6. blue tank- old

7. Spring Sandals in Royal Blue- Target.com

Spring Sandals

Being fashionably in this season doesn't mean you have to go broke. In my quest to find amazing spring sandals I discovered that I can still get those amazing spring looks for less.

For college students or those just on a budget- it is still possible to look a million bucks this spring. Here are a few of my favorites for under $50.

Color-block

Sure color-blocking has taken the world by storm in the clothes we wear but in our shoes too? Yes, color-locking is going to be a popular trend this season. Whether you're wearing sandals or wedges, this season expect to see color-blocking everywhere from the office to the beach. The color-block wedges above add a perfect pop of spring colors to any outfit and are only $50 from heels.com.

Detailed Sandals

Simple sandals are a thing of the past. You better get rid of those flip flops. You can now accessorize with what you wear on your feet. Check out these cream tasseled sandals from H&M. They can take a pair of jeans and t-shirt to a whole new level. Did I mention they are affordable- only $15.

Patterned Sandal Wedges

Patterned wedges were big in the fall. Why wouldn't they be big in the spring? This trend will continue to be popular this spring. From Aztec designs to polka dots, I imagine everyone will be owning at least one pair of patterned sandals wedges this spring. These funky stripes and floral designed wedges above are from ModCloth.com and won't break the bank. Only $40.

The Infamous Platform

The 70's are back and they are better than ever. This season expect to see the revival of the platform-in funky colors too. Wear them with short shorts, a maxi or fun dress and you will be sure to turn heads. In a good way. These bright pink platforms from H&M are funky and perfect for this spring. Get them in stores for only $25.

Studded Sandals

On your clothes, on your purses and for jewelry. Why not on your shoes too? This look can make any look edgy. Similar looks can go for near a hundred dollars. No worries though. H&M has you covered again with their studded sandals costing only $15.

Bright Colors

Sure pastels are great but bright colors are here to stay. Say yes to bold hues, primary colors and neons this spring. Check out Steve Maddens Turquoise Sandals above. At only $50 dollars these shoes are sexy and fun. Pair them with some skinny jeans and a light sweater for casual spring look.

Jelly-Revival

Jellies are so ten years ago right?- wrong. While I loved this trend then, I love it even more now. Sandals or wedges the jelly look will be worn everywhere this season. Looking to dress up a look or keep it casual- this shoe is right for you. These Jelly sandals from River Island can be found at asos.com for only $32. The bling makes them even better!

Pop of Pastel- OOTD

I am pleased to say my search for dusty pink colored pants has come to an end. While I would like to have a pair of colored pink jeans, these pink ankle pants will do and can be dressed both up or down.

Today, I have paired them with a striped top, blazer and my Charles Jourdan heels 

for my take on a comfy, chic work look.

If you didn't notice, I have also updated my hair color. I get very bored with my hair so you will notice the progressive changes between darker and lighter brown shades. I am thinking of going back darker for the summer though? What do you think?

5.

What I am wearing:

1. Blazer- Forever21- $24.99

2. Striped trapeze top- Forever21- $19.99

3. Pink pants- Forever21- $13.50

4. Shoes- Charles Jourdan- $125.00

5. Purse- Charming Charlie- $12.99
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March Lust List

Spring is here-officially. This season I am loving colored jeans. 

While I have selected colors, I am dying to get a pair of mint colored skinnies.
Also loving--any type of sheer blouse. They are comfortable and versatile.
Check out some of the items I am currently lusting after by visiting their sites!

XOXO- Katie

Alexander Wang Blouse/Goldsign Mint Jeans/Asos Floral Wedges/Zara Clutch/
Kate Spade Handbag/Clarins Pink Lipstick/Baublebar Chunky Chain Necklace