a life & style blog by Karina
I live to be in comfortable clothes, but will not let myself be that person that only goes out in sweats. I mean, I do go out in sweats, but honestly I pair them with some wedge booties (in the fall/winter) or cute sandals (in the spring/summer). You can definitely make sweats stylish for everyday wear. (more…)
Have you ever bought something that you absolutely adored even though you weren’t sure where you would wear it (a fancy ball gown or maybe crystal embellished high heels or a designer suit for the men that read my blog!) You convinced yourself that one day you’d be invited to the Grammys (or you’d make your guy take you to the opera!), just so you’d feel better about making the purchase? You know, when you want to dress up super fancy and go somewhere super fancy type of thing?
Anyways, I used to buy clothes with the intention of wearing them to an event, but I would either forget that I had those heels sitting in the back of my closet and go out to buy new ones or I would not like the color of the dress anymore – or it didn’t fit right — the list goes on. Luckily, I’m a grown woman now that rather spend her money on dog toys and groceries. sigh.
One thing I have always done when it comes to fashion and still do is (more…)
Layers
I love layers for many reasons – #1: the temp change from outdoors to indoors (&vice versa). How quickly you can go from 100 degrees outside to be freezing inside (think: grocery stores). I frequently wear blazers or cardigans over basic tee-shirts and dresses, as well as wearing scarves and tights. This really plays with proportion and not only helps with the temp change, but can make your outfit!
Vintage A lot of my pieces are vintage, or at least vintage-inspired 😉 I LOVE looking through thrift or vintage stores to find some unique items—Bonus: they’re usually really cheap and you wont be seeing anyone else with that exact piece!
Prints
From floral sundresses to embroidered skirts to stripe and polka dot printed tees, I love to wear a lot of different patterns especially when I mix and match. The key though is to either wear different patterns that share a color scheme or use similar patterns (like small polka dots and large polka dots.)
Colors Although the majority of my day-wear is in neutral colors like black, white, camel, navy, grey, brown, and olive, I do try to add pops of color. I don’t often wear outfits with more than one major color – my outfits are generally neutral with a splash of color here and there. Investing in high-quality neutral items is a great way to create a wardrobe that is versatile while still being visually interesting. Items like classic blazers, well-fitting jeans, solid-color dresses, leather jackets, and blouses can be remixed again and again into numerous different outfits. This is also a really easy way to get dressed: you just mix together some neutral basics and then add one colorful piece.
Girly Details
In addition to being retro-inspired, my style is also quite feminine. I often gear towards dresses or skirts and pieces with lace or floral detail. I adore shirts with a fun collars. Collars are my everything – probably has something to do with being in a Catholic school uniform for 13 years!
Shoes I may or may not have too many shoes- depending how you look at it. Anyways, I believe I have high arches- legit wearing flat shoes HURTS the bottom of my feet. My mother never wore flats – not even sneakers for gym class back in school- so I know I get this shoe thing from her. My Bf doesn’t get it – but then again he’s a boy so why would he! Don’t get me wrong, I got some Free Runs for the gym, original Toms and sandals for the summer – I’m trying to mix in more flats, but I prefer and do look for a small lift- small heel in everything! Ankle wedges and Ankle booties are my everything!
Accessories Part of what makes a look so put-together and what helps clothing turn into outfits are accessories. Sunglasses, a statement watch, and large scarves – never underestimate the power of a good scarf! This is an easy way to dress up an otherwise basic outfit.
Take Risks
Despite usually sticking to my tried-and-true wardrobe pieces, I will occasionally take fashion risks (My friends always question me when I tell them what my outfit is going to be!) Like high-waist wide leg pants, menswear-inspired outfits, over-alls, wedge sneakers or just anything that you think wouldn’t go well together! Not being afraid to try out avant-garde looks is an important factor to my style.
I try to never look overdone – I love to appear effortless, as if I just rolled out of bed and threw on the first thing I saw (which is rarely ever the case haha…I usually try on a few pieces before I go with my outfit – but no one needs to know that 😉
Motto: Look good do good! Try not to leave the house until YOU (and only you) feel comfortable and happy in what you have on
Similar Style : Rachel Bilson, Blair Waldrof, Olivia Palermo, Kate Bosworth, Miranda Kerr
Stores: J-crew, Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters, Brooks Brothers, Anthropology, American Apparel, Second-Time-Around, Buffalo Exchange…
Xo,
KPM