OOTD: The Bow Blouse

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

Whelp… it’s happened again lovelies! Yep… I have found yet another crazy obsession! This time…. those ultra feminine bow blouses! I can’t seem to get enough of this beauty!! There is something very retro yet classic about this blouse. It definitely makes a girl feel all Joan Collins and Dynasty for a moment!! And I love it!

I was initially drawn to this style blouse because of the femininity and sophistication of it (and of course the big bows… I mean who doesn’t love big bows??) but as I have been picking up different ones (yes, I have about 6 different styles and colors)… I think what I love the most is the versatility of the blouse itself. I have literally worn this style blouse in a variety of different settings and looks… casually with jeans, with skirts, with trousers to work etc.

The true “gem” style for me though has been layering it under another piece (as I did for today’s look)! I love placing this blouse under a sweater or dress! There is something very unexpected about it. It has absolutely reinvigorated some old dresses that I have had in my closet for awhile! It gives the look just a little something extra!

What I’m Wearing: J. Crew Sweater, Zara Bow Tie Blouse, Zara Jeans, Zara Boots, Zara Bag, Versona Accessories

Where Am I: The Sanctuary

Have you fallen in love with the bow blouse yet? How are you wearing it?

OOTD: The Thrifted Blazer

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

I was going through my closet the other day trying to find something to wear and came across this blazer that I thrifted from Value Village earlier this year! Yep…. that’s right… I came across it. I had actually forgotten all about it! I think I picked it up near the transition to spring earlier this year. And so it happened to stay very neatly hidden away in the dry cleaning bag until I happened to re-discover it again on Friday!

I’m so glad that I did. Tweed is such a timeless piece that it was quite easy to grab up this blazer and make it my own. And of course, anybody that knows me knows that I am a complete sucker for a blazer, jeans and a tee ( it might as well be my official uniform)!! So, there was really no question on how to style it!! Throw in a little color with the oxblood heels and it’s a wrap!!

What I’m Wearing: Thrifted Blazer, Zara Tee, Zara Skinny Jeans, Zara Shoes, Zara Clutch (yes, it was a Zara kind of day) and Versona Accessories

Where Am I: South Point Center

Do you ever “forget” about items that are in your closet? Have a great week everyone!

Fashion Favorites: Oxblood and Leopard

Posted on December 1, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

First of all, I hope all of you had a super fab Thanksgiving!!! Mine was terrific! The fam came in town on Wednesday and just left earlier today. Believe it or not, this was the first time that everyone was together to celebrate Thanksgiving in a long time! We ate loads of food, watched loads of football, laughed and cut up all week and did tons of shopping!! I, of course, now feel like a complete slub (and am positive the only thing that currently fits are the yoga pants that I am wearing as I write this) but that’s ok… it was well worth it!!

I also want to thank all of you that entered the $75 Paypal Giveaway last week!! Entry #57 Stephanie was selected as the winner! Stay tuned because there will be many more exciting giveaways and other great changes happening on the blog as we move into the new year!

Now on to today’s look… I am absolutely obsessed with oxblood and leopard right now! In fact, oxblood is my absolute favorite fall color and leopard, well… you know I how feel about leopard(the new neutral baby!!). I have been buying up as much of both of these 2 fashion must-haves as I can, so it was only a matter of time before I put the two together!

This pairing is of course a little more subtle but the potential for these 2 favorites together is big!

What I’m Wearing: Forever 21 Faux Leather Jacket, Loft Pearlized Collar Blouse, Zara Skinny Ankle Jeans, Kelsi Dagger Leopard Heels, Louis Vuitton Speedy Damier

Where Am I: Fishbone Grill

What are your fall favorites?

Hot Trend Alert: Falling for Plaid

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

First of all, don’t forget about my amazing $75 Thanksgiving Giveaway! Who wouldn’t love to have a little extra cash for the holidays, right? You still have time to enter. Click here for details!

Now, on to today’s post…. I am absolutely crushing on plaid right now! Honestly, I guess I’ve been crushing on it for awhile but more so by admiring it on other people than trying it for myself! The thing is… I’ve never really been a plaid person… ever. I think the last time I really wore plaid was probably in like 7th grade. (Does anybody remember those plaid skirts with the giant safety pins??? – Yep, that was me!)

Anyway , I definitely love how tartan has been reinvented. And I am especially loving that it’s not just about the traditional reds or greens but a new mix of color combinations too. That’s honestly what made me grab up these Zara skinny trousers! The navy and burgundy is such a simple yet chic color combo and it’s extremely versatile. While I chose to style this look more casually, I could easily dress up these pants for the office or for a night out!

What I’m Wearing: Fire Los Angeles Denim Jacket, Victoria’s Secret Long Sleeve Tee, Zara Skinny Trousers, Enzo Angiolini Pumps, Stella McCartney Purse, Arden B. Accessories

Where Am I: Arsley Loft

Have you fallen for plaid? What’s your favorite way to wear it?

OOTD: The Color Blocked Sweater

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

You know… I am completely surprised that color blocking is still going strong. Not surprised in a bad way…I love color blocking… but we all know that fashion can be quite fickle at times. This trend seems to be an exception though. And I mean in a big way… it just doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon and in fact, has been getting reinvented each season! So at what point is it no longer a trend? Hmmm….

I’ll let you ponder that for a moment. In the meantime, a color blocked sweater, blouse or top is an easy way to work this trend into your wardrobe. In particular right now as color blocked looks are no longer focusing only on the body of a piece… many looks now are blocking the cuffs, the collars and even the sleeves!

I chose this sweater in fact because it was blocked on the back panel and the cuffs. Add in the fabulous oxblood color and elbow patches…. and it was pretty much a done deal!

What I’m Wearing: J. Crew Factory Sweater, Victoria’s Secret Boyfriend Jeans, Zara Heels, Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy, Guess Leopard Print Watch, Arden B. Accessories

Where Am I: Lakepoint Plaza

Are you surprised that color blocking is still hot? Love it or hate it? And when do you think a trend becomes a classic?

I Think Colored Leather is Back!

Style Remix x Style Feature x Media Collabo

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

So, you can probably tell from the title that today’s post is going to be a mixed medley of topics! Thought I’d share with you an outfit style remix, my current style feature on Eve’s Addiction and my recent collaboration with the Charlotte Observer. Enjoy!

Style Remix

If you all recall, my last post was a fabulous style challenge with some of my blogger friends featuring our interpretation of animal print . The style challenge was so much fun! I honestly can’t wait to do the next one. But as with everything I do… I always overthink! So, when I was considering the look I wanted to feature, I just couldn’t quite decide on what look would be the best. So…. I took 2 sets of photos! Yes 2!! Ultimately I decided on the more chic look for the challenge itself but I still wanted to share my remixed version too – which is more casual.

I think the moral of this story is that (again) animal print is so versatile and completely a new neutral! You can rock it so many ways for so many occasions and still look great!

What I’m Wearing: Blanc Noir Faux Leather Jacket, Topshop Cropped Top, Zara Boyfriend Jeans, Zara Boots, Fendi Vintage Clutch

Where Am I: Southend Uptown

Style Feature

I was also super flattered to recently be asked to be featured on Eve’s Addiction blog and website as part of their series “Sparking Across America”. I am representing NC. Eve’s Addiction is a great online source for trendy, designer style, and personalized sterling silver jewelry. Be sure to check out the shop and my feature!

Media Collaboration

And finally, I also really excited to share a recent opportunity that I had to partner with the Charlotte Observer on a style article on how to incorporate the hottest fall trends into your wardrobe. Please check out the full article here.

Thanks loves! Hope you enjoyed the potpourri of topics today! Have a great rest of the week!!!

Copy Cat Style Challenge: How Do You Rock Your Animal Print?

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

I am super excited to be collaborating on my first ever style challenge with some of my favorite and most fabulous blogger friends!! Each one of these ladies has such an amazing style esthetic so I knew this challenge would not only be fun but would give each of us a chance to showcase our unique fashion perspectives!!

In order (above – top then bottom, left to right), meet Alexandra from Rhymes with Fashion, yours truly, Sophia from Stylishly in Love, Aracely from Mama Fashion Files, Annick from Bold Subtlety, and Karen from Your Stylist Karen. Please take a moment to check out (and follow) their fabulous blogs!! You will not be disappointed!

Now, for this style challenge, we decided to choose animal print as our theme. One… because the animal print craze is still extremely hot right now but also because there are so many great ways that you can incorporate animal print into your look – regardless of your personal style!

Of course this isn’t the first time that you’ve seen me in animal print on the blog. It is actually one of my favorite prints right now. I have multiple pairs of animal print shoes, purses, tops, blazers and pants!! The crazy thing is, in my mind, animal print has become the new neutral! It is absolutely a perfect way to add a little edge to your look, yet, as you can see from the ladies above, it can be worn with so many different pieces and styled in so many different ways!! You can’t ask for much better than that!

What I’m Wearing: Blanc Noir Faux Leather Jacket, Top Shop Cropped Animal Print Top, Rachel Roy Coated Jeans, Zara Heels, Urban Expressions Clutch

Where Am I: Shopton Road

So…. how do you neutralize your animal print?

OOTD: Animal Print and Metallics

The Embellished Sweatshirt: Part Deux

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

Ok, so you guys know that I have a tendency to become obsessed at times. And generally, once the obsession hits, I just can not get enough of whatever it is! If I find a shoe that I love, then you best believe I’ve purchased multiple colors of it!! (I just can’t help it…. I have an addictive personality… at least I know it).

Anyway, I’m that way with trends too…. once I am ON a trend… I am ON it!! Once I start loving boyfriend jeans, I am on a mission for every color and type of boyfriend jean there is. And well, right now, I am all over embellished sweatshirts! I can’t stop buying them and I can’t stop wearing them either!

I grabbed up this bad boy from Topshop while in Vegas last month. It was the contrasting textures that really caught my eye! I love the funky and edgy vibe, which, of course, makes it pretty easy to style! Even better… while the embellished sweatshirt is a great alternative to a knit sweater, it can actually become the statement piece in your look!

What I’m Wearing: Topshop Sweatshirt, J. Brand Jeans, Zara Heels, Michael Kors Belt, Zara Clutch

Where Am I: Ballantyne Village

What fall trends are you obsessed with right now?

OOTD: Animal Print and Metallics

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

I have, in my usual fashion, become obsessed with all things metallic! It is absolutely my favorite trend at the moment! So, no surprise…. I’ve been trying to feed my fix by grabbing up some goodies with that fabulous metallic flair.

Now, the awesome thing about this trend is that there are tons and tons of ways to rock it…. from clothes to shoes to bags to accessories. And not just in silver and gold… nope…. it’s all about awesome blushes, gunmetals and all out colored metallics too! If it is metallic, it IS the thing to rock right now!

For me, I’ve definitely been loving all the metallic shoes, bags and accessories! These pieces are such great neutrals (so they pair well with so many things) yet they are perfect accents for an everyday look — just enough to give it a little extra oomph! The other cool thing is that these items are good starter pieces if you are a little unsure of how to wear the trend!

What I’m Wearing: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Animal Print Sweater, Zara Distressed Boyfriend Jeans, Zara Blush Metallic Heels, Stella McCartney Falabella Blush Tote, Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch, Rose Gold Accesories

Where Am I: Water Ridge Parkway

Are you loving metallics right now? How are you wearing the trend?

Trendy Timepieces: Color Makes a Comeback

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Kenya L Fashion Blog

I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this before but I am a bit of a watch freak! I love watches… always have. I’m not sure what my fascination is with them exactly but they are an essential accessory for me — in fact, it may be one of my favorite accessories! As long as I can remember, I’ve always had a pretty good collection of them!

Anyway, one thing that I’ve noticed as I’ve been perusing for new time keepers is that watches seem to be having their own “moment in time” (so to speak). It’s not just about those traditional gold or silver boyfriend watches anymore… nope — add some color, patterns and prints to the mix now! There are so many styles to choose from… classic to contemporary to modern — it’s easy to make a watch your statement piece right now!

So, of course when iKen watches offered me a chance to try one of their interchangeable timepieces… I could not have been more excited!! After checking out their site, I fell in love with the concept of creating a fully customizable piece — all with vivid color combinations! From the casing, to the bezel, to the the straps… right down to the face!

Yep, I was completely sold and pretty giddy!! Such an on trend idea — I love my creation! It has turned out to be another fabulous piece to add to my collection! Thanks iKen Watches!!