Fashion Icon Monday!

It's Monday - and you know what that means! It’s time for Fashion Icon of the Week!

Let’s be honest… has Sofia Vergara ever looked anything less than absolutely stunning?  I love her spiteful attitude and the fact that she’s always wearing a huge smile.  Many don’t know that Sofia was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000, and underwent intensive radiation therapy after having her thyroid completely removed. But that’s what I love about her, you’d never know how sick she once was because she takes care of herself and always looks fabulous. I love her positive outlook on life.

 

I feel in love with Sophia’s style just recently when she wore this mermaid style, green sequined gown designed by Zuhair Murad to the 2012 Emmy Awards.  Doesn’t she look amazing?

Just watch one episode of Modern Family and you’ll fall in love with this Columbian beauty.  Her street style is adorable too… loving the dark skinnies, nude platform stilettos and flowly purple top. 

 

 

Hope this helps to kicks off your week with some style inspiration! Stay tuned for some last minute Halloween dessert tips and tricks ;)

 

xo

-kara.michelle

"I’m fearless, I don’t complain. Even when horrible things happen to me, I GO ON.” – Sofia Vergara

Friday Favorites!

Yay, it’s the weekend! Are you as excited as I am??
I’m was super happy when I stepped outside this morning as we finally have some cooler weather and no humidity. It’s going to be a great weekend in Nola, I have two very special friends celebrating birthdays and lots of local festivals are happening.  The fall is truly my favorite time of year as so much is going on in my wonderful city. 

I’ve been inspired by so many fellow bloggers lately that I’ve decided to join the blogger world bandwagon and start doing “Friday Favorites”! Here are some things I’m really lovin’ on lately…

Fringe

Ok, fringe this season is everywhere… boots, bags, necklaces, tops, sweaters and I’m completely obsessed.  A new adorable local boutique named Candy Apple just opened near my home and they have had the most adorable fringe items! If you aren’t local to the New Orleans area, do yourself a favor and check out their stuff at www.facebook.com/shopcandyapple  This week they advertised fringe clutches with adjustable straps that are all the way from India.  Can you say, gorgeous!?  Look at this detail…

This Quote

I absolutely loved this picture when I came across it on pinterest. We often forget to stop and appreciate the overlooked, ordinary things around us too often.  This is a little something I’m working on… appreciating the beauty in everything around me. 

 Purple Lips

I’m loving dark purple lipsticks for the fall. Unfortunately, finding one that meshes well with my fair skin and blonde hair has been really difficult. Leave it to MAC! After much help from the MAC artists, I picked up Rebel, in the Satin Lipstick line for $12 and it’s the perfect shade.  

 

No-Bake Desserts

I love to take my time and bake something from scratch that’s really rich… but let’s be honest, my schedule is just crazy lately and I simply don’t have the time. No bake desserts are so easy and they are the perfect last-minute party treat! The past couple weeks I’ve been playing around with some Halloween inspired treats and my favorite thus far is white chocolate dipped Oreo cookies! Just pick up a pack of Oreos and dip them in melted white chocolate. Allow them to dry on a piece of wax paper, but while the chocolate is still wet, get creative and add a touch of decoration! These are a guaranteed crowd pleasure… give it a try!

Well my friends, cheers to the weekend! Hope it's a wonderful one.

xxoo
-kara.michelle
"There is excellence all around you, you need only be aware to stop and savor it.” -Chef Gusteau, Ratatouille

Style Icon of the Week - SJP!

Hellooooooo, it's been WAY too long since my last post! I really need to start dedicating more time to my sweet little blog. First of all - THANK YOU soooooooo much to all my readers for all the recent sweet emails filled with compliments and encouragement. They are so thoughtful and I greatly appreciate each of them more than I can say.
 
So as you may have noticed, I've really been getting into fashion bloggers lately. I'm obsessed over piecing together unique outfits, so I decided each week to share a "Style Icon" post, showing pictures of someone's style who really catches my eye.  And to kick it off, I couldn't think of anyone better than the lovely, Sarah Jessica Parker....

I think Sarah has this adorable way of balancing her glamorous celebrity lifestyle to her down-to-earth hands on mom lifestyle. She really pushes the boundaries of what's acceptable, and I love that about her. Why? Because that's how she catches your attention!

When attending a red carpet event, she always looks elegantly stunning. Every inch of the outfit, her accessories, even her hair and makeup complement each other. At least in my opinion that is ;) Look how amazing she looks in this Valentino gown. This picture was taken at the 2012 NYC Ballet Fall Galla. Being a ballerina, this would be the type of dress I'd love to wear after a performance. It's flowy, the pale color reminds me of my pointe shoes, and the hair in an elegant up-do resembling a bun. Simply perfect!

I personally think we see Sarah's true style when we catch her walking her kids to school on the streets of New York. Many fashion critiques say she looks as if she rolls out of bed, finds something to throw on and rushes out. I completely disagree! Her playful miss-matches are what I find most intriguing. And as shown below, she's back to rolling up one pant leg again this fall.

Maybe it's because I love Carrie from Sex and the City so much and to me, Jessica will always be Carrie... but like her fashion style or not, you can't deny that she's grab your attention a time or two!

Hope you enjoyed!  And I promise I won't stay away too long this time ;)

-kara.michelle
"I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet." ~Carrie Bradshaw

Military Jacket Obsession

hello loves,
It's been way too long since my last blog update - have you missed me? Life has certainly been a busy slice of heaven lately. Family is in town, work is going great, I've been craftin' and designing like crazy... ahhhh, love it all!

I'm really into the military jacket fall fashion trend. You see them everywhere, and I love how versatile the fashion industry is advertising them. From a dressed up look paired with a cute black cocktail dress to a casual weekend look, the military jacket is a fall must-have wardrobe staple.

 ..the military jacket craze ..

I've been scouting online and local stores to find the perfect one to mesh with my fall wardrobe. Isn't this style cute from XXI? I really love the gold stud details...

Look how playful these outfits are... I love how the masculinity of the jacket compliments the girly lace pencil skirt.  It's such a unique contrast. 

So the next time a military-inspired jacket grabs your eye, pick it up! And don't doubt you have tons of outfits to pair it with. Keep it simple with a loose shirt, black leggings and your favorite boots - or get creative and pair it with a flowy dress and a pair of suede wedges. The possibilities are endless!

Stay tuned for my next favorite fall fashion trend - the Statement Necklace ;)  but until then, I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the lovely Blake Lively. Her outlook on what others will say or think is amazing because she simply doesn't care... and I just love that.

Hope your weekend is amazing!

-kara.michelle
"I never think about how other people will respond to the way I dress." ~Blake Lively

Ohhh, the Outfit of the Day!

I’m having so much fun experimenting with my outfits lately! I’m trying to piece random items, colors and prints that I’d never wear together. Today I decided mint green and navy look great together, especially with a touch of my favorite – leopard!  As far as I’m concerned, leopard print is a staple that must be in everyone woman’s closet - it’s just fun and sassy!!

 

 

My sleeveless, navy chiffon dress is from Forever 21 and my leopard print belt is from Express.  The tan boots I got for a steal two years ago at Steve Madden. My mint bag is a recent purchase from Frock Candy, and I LOVE the gold stud detail at the bottom. The mint and gold bangle I found at one of my favorite local boutiques called Blink, and the earrings were a gift from a friend. 

...the accessories...

 

“The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” –Claree, Steel Magnolias

I like to pick out my outfits the night before to save myself time in the mornings… and as I put all these pieces on I looked in the mirror thinking hmmmm does this really go? And that’s been my problem with fashion that past few years. I always second guess myself and opt for a safer choice that’s more common… where is the fun in that? Don’t doubt yourself. Express your personality through your wardrobe even if society says it’s not in style, or some old fashion rule states you shouldn’t. 
 

To spice up my bun, I also added this little flower-print, mustache hair pin.  Isn’t it cute? Another steel from Forever 21 for only $2!

 

I hope you have a lovely evening. And you know that article of clothing collecting dust in your closet… the one you look at every day but don’t wear it because you’re afraid to match it with something??… ROCK IT tomorrow ;)

kara.michelle 
"A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done." -Ralph Lauren