Superwoman Style: How to Stay Balanced While Trying to Have it All
Images by Earl Jackson
I'm no super woman, but sometimes I try to be. When I run people through the tasks I accomplish in a day most of them are shocked. My to do list sometimes amazes me, and I can't even imagine what it would be like to be pressured to get it all done when I'm also responsible for someone other than me. As Women's History Month comes to a close, I'm sharing a few of the things that keep me motivated to get all (or most of it) done with style and grace (or so I like to think)!
I get selfish with my time
The list of social obligations can sometime seem endless, but I'm never afraid to say no. The FOMO can get real sometimes, but there will be times when you need to be alone on your couch with Netflix more than you need another dinner out with the squad.
I take inspiration from women around me
Social media can have a tendancy to make people feel worse about their lives, but I try to keep it positive and inspiring. There are a ton of sources you can turn to, from influencers to authors and self-care experts. This isn't a one-size fits all approach, so take some time to find someone who's message resonates with you.
I reflect on my goals and accomplishments
As an ambitious person you always feel the pressure to continuously accomplish things and hit your target goals. But you can't forget to reflect on where you've been and how you've grown. Make more time to look back on everything you have accomplished! You will definitely be impressed with yourself.
Let me know your tips for trying to have it all while staying sane! And shop the look below!
Statement Jeans for Spring
Images by Earl Jackson And peep the Trophy WIfe highlight tho!!
Hello guys!
Technically it's the first day of Spring, but NYC is about to get another big dump of snow! I'm completely and 100% over it, just trying to do the best to get through. Since I'm trying not letting the weather get me down and crush my style, I decided to break out these all eyes on me jeans. I love a pair of mom jeans, and they are even better with embellishments!
These are from Topshop and I was on the fence when I first bought them, but slowly fell in love. The light wash is super retro, and the rhinestone trim is the exact touch they need to make them pop. I especially love that they didn't skim on the details in the back, keeping the bling cute on both sides. They seem pretty high maintenance and I still haven't figured out how I'm going to wash them TBH. But the look is worth it, even if I only break them out every once in awhile.
I rocked these with a cropped tee and classic black pumps, just to balance out the loose fit of the jeans, but they'd be equally cute with a simple tank and white sneakers.
Unfortunately these babies are sold out. However you can shop similar items to get the look below!
Pretty in Polka Dots!
Hope all my New Yorkers enjoyed yesterday's snow storm! It's almost comical to talk about getting ready for Spring at this point, but I kind of am anyway, so bear with me! And anyway, hopefully this helps inspire you to think about the days to come in a few weeks when you won't be bundling up to face a blizzard!
But seriously, we got a taste of Spring like weather recently, and it will be coming back in a few weeks, so if your wardrobe isn't ready, now is the time to start thinking about it. I usually avoid shopping until we are closer to the season, and even though this slip dress borders on summery, I decided to grab it now because it would definitely sell out! The silhouette is mod, and flattering, and it's just the perfect cute dress for so many occasions.
Since it's still on the chilly side, I had to style it a bit to keep from freezing. I got these amazing thigh high boots at Crossroads Trading Co. I go there every couple of months to sell off old clothes and trade them in for new goodies. I posted about the visit on my Insta-story, so stay tuned to that for deets on my next visit. Since I can't link to the same style, I posted similar styles below. And I addd my go to quilted moto jacket that I've had for ages. It's Zara and I swear it looks better the older it gets.
If you like this look, shop it below! And hopefully Spring is reallly right around the corner!
5 Tips to Survive NYFW!
Images by AV Photography
And another season of Fashion Week is here! The energy in the city is always great this time of year, even though it can get a little stressful. If you love fashion as much as I do, you try your best to go to as many events as possible, jam-packing your days and spending your nights party-hopping and working on keeping your posts up to dates. Here are 5 tips you need to survive and slay the week!
1. Get Organized
Organization is key to make it through the crazy week! It can get super stressful and overwhelming, but you can make it through with proper planning. Keep your calendar up to date and screenshot your bar codes for easy check-in. Searching through emails for confirmations and addresses can take forever so just make sure to keep everything organized as your invites roll in. Give your daily agenda the once-over as you get ready in the morning so you know what to dress for and how your day will run.
2. Plan street star worthy looks
Part of the fun of NYFW is getting shot by the throngs of photographers hanging out outside of shows. While "peacocking" has gotten a bad reputation, fashion week is still a great time of year to show of your personal style and add a touch of flair. Whether or not you end up in a street style roundup, you can still enjoy dressing to the 9's and letting your fashion girl star shine.
3. Get ready to stalk
Not gonna lie, getting invites can be tricky, especially if you aren't on any PR lists. The struggle to get a foot in the door is real! However as fashion week has become a little more democratic in recent years, you can definitely have luck getting into shows from smaller designers. Sign up on the official site for the full schedule and contacts to request invites and start shooting off emails. The major players won't really be listed here, but you can definitely be persistent and try your luck at getting into smaller shows.
4. Try to get a backstage pass
If you have a connect in the beauty world see if you can get backstage access. You'll get plenty of amazing content, plus often times you can grab standing room to watch the show once it starts. I covered backstage once and it was more fun than the actual runway show!
5. Get in on the fun with open to the public events
If you can't get on any coveted invite lists, no need to miss out on the fashion week fun. There are hundreds of open to the public events every season! Search on event listing sites and check out Fashionista.com's roundup every season. That way you can actually sign up with your crew and catch a show or event together, since you NEVER get plus 1's at a main event.
Let me know any survival tips I missed in the comments! And if you are out and about, let me know where we can bump into each other!
The Bra You Need for Ultimate Cleavage
Images of me by Mich Cardin
This post was sponsored by Upbra. All opinions are my own.
This time of year you start seeing thousands of emails and posts about what to wear for Valentine's Day. There are plenty of amazing dresses and makeup tips thrown around, but today I'm sharing my new secret weapon for taking any of your looks to the next level.
This beautiful bra launched in 2015, after years of design and engineering and provides out of this world lift & cleavage, without heavy padding. The top quality bras are made in America and are beautifully designed and so comfortable to wear. There are a few things that set the Upbra apart. The cleavage control straps are the core of the Upbra ActiveLift® technology. After you put the bra on, pull the straps to move your breasts upwards and towards the center of your body, creating can't miss me cleavage. The farther away the loops are from the center, the greater your cleavage.
And the cute hearts lining the cups aren't just for aesthetics. They are mini grips designed to ensure that your cleavage will stay up throughout the day.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they are! Considering the high-tech construction I expected it to feel stiff and almost corset-like on the body, but the fit is amazing. If you are ready to try one, use code KELLYUPBRA10D for $10 off your purchase! And let me know in the comments what you think!
3 Ways to Spend Valentine's Day and What to Wear for Each!
Did you know Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays? Other than having an excuse to get dressed up and eat candy, there is just something special about the spirit of love that’s in the air. Personally I think the holiday is just as fun if you are coupled up or single.
Whether you spend it with your significant other or group of besties, there are plenty of options for what to do, and of course what to wear.
Here are a few looks I love for whatever plans the holiday may bring!
Red Hot Date
If you’ve got an evening planned that calls for bombshell vibes, you can’t go wrong with a little red dress or bodycon number. Just make sure to wear a long coat and/or tights since it is still February and we don’t want anyone freezing!
For Girls Night Out (or in!)
If you and the squad are planning dinner or drinks out, go for something trendy and fun. I love a red on red ensemble, like a cozy sweater and slim fitting pants, or a fun jumpsuit or party dress.
Hosting at Home
There’s also nothing wrong with keeping it a low-key night at home! Whether you are alone catching up on Netflix, or having some friends over for a low-key get together, chic loungewear is always in order.
3 Tips to Slay Your Winter Style!
Images by Ten Aldane
Does it feel like winter will never end? It's only January so we've got a few more weeks (ok fine more than a few) of chilly temps before we can finally celebrate Spring. Winter style can be a challenge, trying to stay fashionable without putting yourself at risk for hypothermia.
Here are just a few of my tips for slaying the winter season!
1. Layer smartly
I'm a huge fan of Uniqlo's HEATTECH collection. The smart fabric keeps you warm and toasty without adding bulk. They have everything from tanks, long-sleeve T's, tights and leggings for men and women so start building a collection!
2. Splurge on good boots and gloves.
You have on multiple layers on your body but only one on your hands so make it a good one. I love anything cashmere lined and touch screen fingers are a must. My go to boots are Sorel, they are amazing quality and pretty much as stylish as snow boots can get.
3. Top it off!
Never leave home without a hat! You need it to keep warm and protect your strands. I usually protective style through winter with wigs to keep my natural curls safe from damage, breakage and dryness. But however you wear your hair, make sure your head and ears stay covered. Use the opportunity to finish the look with a can't miss me hat!
How do you guys keep your style on point when the temps are brutal? Or do you just say screw it and wait for Spring?
My 2018 Style Resolutions
Images by AV Photography
We’re about a week into the new year and since I don’t really make resolutions I’m not sweating my progress so far! One thing I do every year is set some new fashion and style goals that I hope will inspire me and keep my style updated. Here are my Style Resolutions for 2018!
I still won’t dress my age
I’ve got a birthday coming up in a few months, and I’m not spilling the number because that ain’t ya business! Some would say it’s time for my fashion choices to grow up a little, but I will continue to wear things that inspire, excite, and reflect my spirit and who I am. So my go-to pieces, whether they be leather skinnies, oversized knits, or tiny crop-tops and anything backless will all remain in rotation
I will get more wear out of my wild, fun shoe collection
After spending years in footwear I’ve got a pretty impressive collection. But this year I found myself cycling in flat booties and Adidas kicks regularly, instead of one of the many pairs of high quality killer heels I own. I guess I got stuck in a comfort rut! And while that is always key, I want to make sure I bring back some of my quirky, sexy heels into rotation.
I (might) wear less makeup on a daily
Makeup is a big part of my life, and I love my daily beat. It’s fun to try new looks and experiment creatively, but since my skin has gotten so much better, I feel like it’s time to adjust the routine. Maybe part of my 2018 style adventure will entail getting the world (and myself) reacquainted with my bare, or barely touched face.
I’ll shop my closet more
Instead of giving into the tempatation of new goodies every season, I’ll find new ways to wear old favorites and make them feel fresh again. It will be a challenge to my creativity, but my wallet and the environment will thank me!
What are your style goals for 2018?
The 1 Instagram Ready Knit You Need!
Images by AV Photography
Baby it's cold outside!
It's suddenly gone from light winter temps to arctic cold here in NYC, so the struggle to look cute and stylish without completely freezing is so real! I usually hate winter shopping just because all I want to do is throw on layers of cashmere and stay indoors as much as possible. However since work and social responsibilities keep me from turning into a complete hermit, I try to find the most stylish warm weather gear possible.
I'd been stalking Mum's Handmade since I saw their beautiful knit sweaters on Instagram of course. These sweaters were made for the gram! In photos they are oversized, cozy, endlessly chic, and luxurious. In person they do not disappoint!
I mean look at these details! The pom pom sleeves are so cute you can't take your eyes off them. People literally stopped me several times in the street to ask about this sweater and if me or a family member had knit it. I know nothing about knitting, but a lot of people could easily tell it was handmade. It took a few weeks to get mine because they are all made to order then shipped internationally, but the wait was more than worth it!
The hardest part was choosing between the warm-up cardigan and the new cuddle-up sweater, then of course the color. I went with the pink because I've been living for this color. But I'm also eyeing the black, white and red. Ugh tough decisions! If you are as obsessed with this sweater as I am, and are ready to treat yourself, go ahead and make the splurge. It's pricey but def worth it!