An Afternoon with Designer Kevin Vain

Posted on September 29, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

I had the opportunity to spend some time with Charlotte based fashion designer, Kevin Vain, on Saturday afternoon as part of a private fashion seminar and collection showing that he hosted at Imaginon Performing Arts Theater. It was such a great event… filled with so many inspirational words from Kevin and amazingly beautiful fashion pieces as well!

Kevin (who’s real name is Kevin Carter) put together the event with the goal of empowering, informing and cultivating others by telling his story of survival from severe bullying but also to serve as an example to others who may feel like their dreams just aren’t possible. I found Kevin’s words of wisdom to be well beyond his 19 years and his raw talent as a fashion designer undeniable (Kevin is self taught and has never been to design school)!

All of his pieces were stunning, with elaborate detailing and intricate touches! The above dress is my favorite of the collection! Made of brocade with crystal detailing… it is quite a statement piece! In fact, it was placed on display at the Mint Museum for over a year.

I definitely loved his looks and his collection…. but I also really loved his story. I found him to be such an authentic person… very kind and humble and truly wanting to help others. To me… that’s rare and inspiring.

Kevin’s speciality is Haute Couture and Ready to Wear pieces. He has had the honor of being featured in over a dozen publications and has even made a custom gown for Michelle Obama! After seeing his work up close and meeting him in person, I can see why.

What I’m Wearing: J. Crew Polka Dot Sequin Tee, Zara Skirt, J. Crew Tights, Zara Booties, Zara Clutch, Zara Pearl Necklace

Where Am I: Imaginon Theater

A Few of My Favorite Things From Charlotte Fashion Week 2013

OOTD: Fall Trend – 50 Shades of Blue

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

Well, friends this is the first official week of fall and I am already finding myself “falling” right in line (I know… that was really bad… sorry, I just couldn’t resist!). Seriously though, I’ve definitely been mentally making the transition to cooler weather, even before this official start of the autumn season. For weeks now, I’ve been heading over to the cooler weather section of my closet, as I have been getting more and more bored with my summer duds!

Now, if you haven’t already noticed, blue is going to be a big on trend color for this fall. If you think about it, this regal hue was all over the runways and is certainly showing up in many collections and looks in the stores. In fact, many celebrity fashionistas rocked it for the recent Emmy Awards. I’m telling you, blue may be the new black! And the thing I love about this color is all of the variations available…. from navy to cobalt to baby blues. It is such an elegant and sophisticated color and looks great on just about everyone.

I picked up this particular dress from Ann Taylor Loft purely because it said autumn to me. I loved the saddle colored accents and decided to pair it with a navy print button down just to add a little more pizazz.

Are you falling for blues this autumn?

What I’m Wearing: Loft Dress, Gap Button Down, 9 Boutique Heels, Gucci Boston Purse

Where Am I: Lakepoint Center

Fashionably Late to the 3.1 Phillip Lim For Target Release

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

I honestly had great plans for the Phillip Lim release this past Sunday. I had marked my calendar, set an iPhone reminder and already decided what items I wanted. My plan was to get up early on Sunday morning and make it out there. Yet, somehow, I did not actually make it out early. In fact, I walked in the store with 58 minutes exactly left to shop before it closed! Scandalous, right?

Well, maybe not… Clearly I could have gone earlier than right before close but I just had a feeling the things I wanted would be there. Fingers crossed right?

So, I walked right in and headed straight to the Philip Lim section. I was a little nervous because there were several other shoppers browsing in the section. I immediately noticed that ALL the purses and totes had sold out. I mean all gone! But thank goodness, it wasn’t a huge deal for me because unlike everyone else, I didn’t really have to have one (yes, I know — I must be odd right?).

What I noticed next was that the one look that I absolutely wanted was there and in my size!!! Woo-hoo!! And no surprise, it is the look in today’s post! I really fell in love with the color combo mostly but I also love the style of the skirt. I have not had a lot of success with the skater style skirt in the past but this one was beyond adorable and fit perfectly!! I decided to pair the look with metallic heels because yes my friends, it will be about metallics this fall!!!

I scored quite a few more items too, including the Boom Sweatshirt, the Animal Print Dress, the Animal Print Sweater , the Sheer White Tank, and the French Terry Sweatpant!! Whew…. that’s a lot! Can’t wait to share those with you in future posts!! I do think this is the BEST collaboration yet!!

Linking Up with Rekita @ Her&Nicole and Your Stylist Karen

What I’m Wearing: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Sweater and Skirt, Zara Blush Metallic Heels, Zara Pearl Statement Necklace, Prada Bag

Where Am I: Lakepoint Center

What have you grabbed up from the collection? Any favorites yet?

OOTD: The Target Multi-Print Ankle Pant

A Few of My Favorite Things From Charlotte Fashion Week 2013

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

Charlotte Fashion Week 2013 is officially over and this year’s show was beyond fabulous! I was so impressed with the array of talented designers and artists showcasing their looks over the 2 nights that I attended. I had such a good time not only attending but officially covering the event for for all of you. For me, Friday night was the best of the 2 nights. The atmosphere was beyond electric and we had probably the best seats in the house that night!

Now, while all of the designers were clearly gifted, there were a two collections in particular that really stood out and resonated with me. Nicci Hou (Nicole Houston) and Pashe (Anita Jamison).

From Nicci Hou: I would describe her collection as Classic Retro Glam. I think I loved every single piece that came down the runway. Just gorgeous.

From Anita Jamison: I would describe her collection as Beautifully textured with Intricate Details. Again, I loved every piece… there was such a sense of romance from the collection.

Other Key Looks of the night:

Callie Nichol

Recyclable Fashion — Does this look familiar?? DSW Bags!

Of course I loved the show but I also enjoyed meeting my fellow Charlotte Bloggers (below: Me, Grace from Gracefullee Made, Molly from Stilettos and Diapers and Akiel from Fashionably Fashion), seeing local fashionistas rocking looks of their own and just having so much extra access for the event (front row seats and unlimited champagne is always a plus you know!). It is the most fun that I have had in a long time. I can’t wait to do it again!!

Local Fashionistas…..

What is your favorite thing about Fashion Week?

What I’m Wearing: Zara Blazer, J. Crew Tee, Zara Faux Leather Shorts, Zara Pumps, Urban Expressions Clutch

Where Am I: #CLTFashionWk – Hilton Center City

Live Blog from #CLTFashionWK – Saturday Night

Posted on September 14, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

Click HERE for a replay of live blog coverage from #CLTFashionWK!!! This is the finale night!!!

Live Blog from #CLTFashionWK – Friday Night

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

Click HERE for a replay of live blog coverage from #CLTFashionWK!!!

Join me LIVE from #CLTFashionWK – Friday and Saturday

Posted on September 12, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

Please be sure to join me tomorrow for Kenya L Fashion Blog’s first ever live blog event from Charlotte Fashion Week!! I am so EXCITED, yet nervous at the same time!

Tomorrow’s show features Emerging Local Designers, Children’s Designers, Boutiques and Recyclable Product Runway Fashion.

I will be using the CoverItLive tool to facilitate my live blog session. Look for me to publish a post around 6pm tomorrow. (The show is scheduled to kick off at 6:30pm). You’ll find an embedded link to my CoverItLive event in the post. Clicking that link will take you to my live blog coverage. And from there everything will post real time with no need to refresh!! Pretty cool, huh?

Spread the word! See you on the front row tomorrow!!!

Upcoming Live Blog Event From #CLTFashionWK

Posted on September 8, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

Well lovelies… I have some pretty exciting news! For the first time ever, Charlotte Fashion Week will have bloggers live on the scene for each night’s fashion show. AND… yours truly has been invited to participate in this event!!! That’s right… I will be blogging live from Charlotte Fashion Week on Friday and Saturday nights!

I am beyond excited about this amazing opportunity! I attended Charlotte Fashion Week last year and had a fabulous time but my goal this year, of course, is to give you all — my fabulous readers – a front row view of all of the marvelous designers and their looks AS they are hitting the runway!

So… mark your calendars and join me LIVE, as I blog from what I’m sure will be an incredible 2013 Charlotte Fashion Week!!!

I’ll share more details about what to expect in a post later this week! See you there!

In the Buff…

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

I am having a serious love affair with nude heels right now! I mean I am absolutely obsessed! Now, keep in mind that I don’t really know when this addiction started, but it was certainly confirmed when I picked up my 4th pair of “nude”ish heels this past weekend!! Yep, that’s right… FOURTH pair!

To me… it’s the subtle elegance of the nude heel that is so appealing. In fact I’d venture to say that nude is the new black. But I don’t think nude heels are just a casual trend… I think the nude heel has become a classic piece in its own right. I mean I actually find myself not wanting to wear traditional black pumps any more (even with an all black look) — I’d rather wear nude pumps instead. The crazy thing is.. although it’s nude… it’s still a way to add a little subtle “pop” to a look and change things up if you’re bored with the traditional “pop” of color. Try something different and well… add a pop of nude!

What I’m Wearing: Bobeau Top, Zara Distressed Boyfriend Jeans, 9 Boutique Heels, Gucci Boston Purse, Gucci Sunnies

Where Am I: Water Ridge Parkway

What do you think of nude heels? Ready to declare them a classic?

So, What Exactly Do You Wear To A Wine Vineyard?

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

Hmmm…. you know that’s a really good question! And I had absolutely no idea what the answer was until last weekend when I visited my first vineyard and wine tasting at Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe, NC (about 45 minutes outside of Charlotte)!! I was torn between choosing a summer dress or going for jeans. Ultimately I decided on a peplum top and jeans — just because I wanted the look to be a little more chic (I mean I was going to be tasting wine… might as well look the part, right?).

In all seriousness though, the atmosphere was so cool that I would’ve been good regardless of my fashion choice. To put it simply… Treehouse Vineyards was beautiful and fun! I had a fabulous time tasting the different wines (a must try is the Winorita — a special blend of a muscadine slushy and your choice of wine) and touring the facility. It was the most fun that I’ve had in a long time! I think I loved it so much because it was such an unexpected gem! I didn’t even realize that we had a local vineyard so close by. Who knew?

Anyway… Treehouse specializes in muscadine based wines. And the wine was simply delicious. But there were so many other treats… like the variety of muscadine jams and ciders. Not to mention the pavilion area sitting and the live band. Best of all… it was only $6 and THAT included a souvenir wine glass!! Whoop-whoop!! Cheers my friends!