SIMON SAYS...Strut, woman!

Simon Malls and Marie Claire tapped me as their Brand Ambassador to show off the chíc 'n festive looks trending throughout the stores this season. So I put down the Nutella, picked up an eyeliner and raided their closet. 

Check out the videos below: Power Play / Fall Into Fun / Work It Out

Learn about Fashion Writer Carolina O'Neill's favorite things for Fall and scroll down to see me prance and dance in front of a green screen - right here!

A few favorites from the shoot below...

Lace Top, The Kooples / Fur Sweater, Kobi Halpern / Fringe Skirt L'Agence / Strappy Sandal Balenciaga

Dress Tanya Taylor / Perfectly cropped jacket Bailey 44 / Clutch Rag & Bone / Dancing Shoes Bally  

These flats by Bally made me feel like Fred and Ginger all at once. Enjoy my professionally choreographed soft shoe in the video. Clearly, no expense was spared.

Trouser Vince / Blouse A.L.C. / Shoes Bally / Sunnies Michael Kors / Fidora Nordstrom + Opening Ceremony  

Which one's your favorite? Let me know. I still haven't figured out what lies in the future for my hair so comments / critiques are welcome there, as well. 

After my moves go viral, I'll prob get a call form Kanye and/or Taylor (classic battle!)  - apologies for being unavailable for now.

X

-K

COLOR BLINDED

Ive been working for Alexander Wang this season. A favorite of Anna Wintour, The Weeknd and models with Instagram numbers that rival the population of Brazil.  

Typical looks from my office, with equally and/or more attractive folk. 

Loosely interpreted, the AW employee handbook states only black, white or otherwise somber colors are allowed. As an unapologetic lover of fuchsia, I was torn. But the simplicity began to grow on  me. And a uniform emerged.

What I believed: Uniforms are boring, creativity theives and prisoner garb.

What Ive learned: a uniform eliminates the biggest decision of your morning. ELIMINATES!  And with that out of the way, you are open to receive creativity.  Without worrying about if you've rolled your cuffs unevenly enough. 

My daily go to:

Top Etro / Skirt L'Agence / Boots by Isabel Marant to feed every girls Francophiliactic hunger

So, there you have it. A minimal post about a minimal look with minimal effort. Now, get back to work and stop getting distracting by all the blinding greys and beige hues in your office.

X

BE BASIC

All summer long Ive been asked to share my idea of the perfect basic t-shirt. Listen up, it does not exist. What Ive learned is there is not ONE perfect tee but FIVE that you need in your closet:

1. EVERLANE

The feel good company has perfected "slouchy chíc."

2. REFORMATION

What makes this Austin tee so soft? Its tencel and linen working together. And putting the rest of their shit behind them. 

3. SPLENDID

Check out the exaggerated raglan sleeve on this piece. Its allows for maximum movement while waving your arm frantically to get the bartender...sorry, mixologist's attention.

4. J.Crew

Sometimes I stare at my closet and ask myself: WWJLW -  What would Jenna Lyons wear? No doubt JL would pair this tee with these boots and this skirt. And crush it unapologetically, while riding the Q train. 

5. ARITZIA

Aritzia, the dark horse of fashion, frustrates and fascinates me all at once. Last season it was impossible to find cute jackets. But Artizia, like a bodega open at 2am when your having a maniacal craving for kale chips (hello, Brooklyn junkies), came through. You don't forget that. And you will come to appreciate, as I have, the hybrid neckline of this too-wide-for-a-crewnk-yet-too-high-for-a-vneck tee. 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A TEE:

* The more mashup of contents, the more drapey the look.

* Ask a snarky salesguy if its preshrunk. Try tolerating their closed eyes while they speak to you.

* Generally, a cap sleeve looks best. Seek one that offers a slanted cut across the sleeve.

* A center back seam is never not sexy.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Enza Costa

T by Alexander Wang

LNA

Victoria's Secret 

Rag & Bone

Have any gems you don't see listed and want to share with us? C'mon...we'd do the same for you.

xo

"If it was warm, she wouldnt wear much more..."

It's hot out, girl!

Now, you won't see me preaching about the ONLY dress you need this summer. But I will gently suggest you choose these if you don't fancy stomach sweat. #thestruggleisreal

Emerson Fry Dress  / Emerson Fry Shoe

Also appropriate for work, these dress with keep you cool and let a little breeze sneak into your bitz. If the A/C is on the fritz.

Reformation Dress  / pair it with a core bra

Asos Dress / she's got pockets, a flattering neckline, natural fibers AND machine washable...the perfect dress. It would be my go-to for summer weddings, if it weren't white. But there's always brunch!

Equipment Dress / its a breathable silk and because of the forgiving print, it will hide any stomach sweat. Yep. I just strung those two words together.

Rag & Bone Dress

I really love the blue and black together, especially with engineered placement of the panels. 

Stay cool, my babies...

THE 4 LOOKS YOU NEED FOR THE 4th...

The 4th is almost here, swinging her (not confederate) flag and twirling her baton.

Let's make this a Slim Aarons holiday. That means leave your old swim team one-piece at home, along with your cut-offs, your flip-flops and anything else that needs hyphenation. Let's your style aspiration guide you (ok fine, stuff the cut-offs in your bag!

1 - Keep the beaches beautiful by wearing necklaces with your swimwear. 

Swimsuit Lisa Marie Fernandez / Rope Necklace & Other Stories  / Crescendo Necklace Anthropologie / Black Drawstring Sandal & Other Stories / SIlver Elastic Sandal & Other Stories 

2 - Hey Brooklyn - Can you BBQ kale? 

White romper JCrew / Espadrille Wedge Lauren by Ralph Lauren / Multi-colored jumper DVF / Kaftan Eres / Star spangled gladiator flat Loeffler Randall 

3 - Beauty by the bonfire

From left: Nautical Striped Sweaters JCrew / Jogger Pant with Contrast hem Y-3 / Nude sandal Alexa Wagner / Illustration by Rene Gruau/ Cropped Ribbed Sweater Theory / Stripe Skirt Zara / Thong Gladiator Sandal Alexa Wagner 

4 - The morning after. Are you a hydrating? Or hiking?

Ribbed knit pant + top ZARA / Breathable mesh racerback Tank LAAIN / Running pant Lucas Hugh

If you find yourself in any of these categories, you will have a successful 4th.

Friday morning and you still haven't packed? TEXT ME. My office will be open throughout firework practice.....

JUST TRY TO PEE BEFOREHAND...

WORKOUT JUMPSUIT. 

At first, you will feel like an anatomically incorrect doll. Afterwards, you will enjoy the freedom and share the joy a baby feels having just discovered his toes.

Check out the Top 3 Uses for a Workout Jumpsuit:

1 - Actual Work

Photo credit Anna Campanelli

Photo credit Anna Campanelli

Photo credit Anna Campanelli

Workout Bodysuit Nike / Sweater coat Zara (similar here) / Belt Donna Karan (similar here) / Clutch Barneys / Shoes Elizabeth and James / Cuffs Marc Jacobs

2 - Brunch

Photo credit Anna Campanelli

Photo credit Anna Campanelli

Top (actual dress) Yoana Baraschi / Jacket Helmut Lang (similar here) / Sunglasses Michael Kors / Watch MVMT

3 - Workout (size down if you want to skip a step and make full use of the interior sports bra)

Photo credit Anna Campanelli

Someone spies Mister Softee across the courts!

Honorable mentions not to be overlooked:

* Best-Thing-EVER-To-Wear-To-A-Sample-Sale - Enthusiasts are well versed in the typical Sample Sale scenario and all too familiar with the lack of fitting room + time urgency combo.

* Pack Light - if you are ambitious enough to pack workout clothes on a trip, you may be discouraged by the outrageous "per piece" laundry fee. Contributing International Editor and Senior Correspondent Peter Lindberg has enjoyed his share of swankier hotels and commented on the efficiency of the piece, having experienced paying "upwards of $20 per piece. "

* ZZZ - Easy to fall asleep in after marathon session of Silicon Valley (nice shout last episode to our friends @Digg!)

EVERY GIRL NEEDS A PAIR

White shoes.

Wait! Come back. Nothing to be afraid of here. Follow 2 simple rules to rock a white shoe:

1. The less shoe, the better. Choose a thin-strapped heel. Or an open-toe flat.

2. Don't match your whites. Unless you plan on wrapping up the day with an "I do" while going thru the registry in your mind making sure you added Frette sheets.

Photo Credit: Anna Campanelli

Shoes Michael Kors / Jeans Joe Fresh / Top A.P.C.

Photo Credit: Anna Campanelli

Shoes Michael Kors /Dress  Vince (similar here and here) / Earrings Lorraine Natasha West

Photo Credit: Anna Campanelli

Shoes Michael Kors /Skirt Blumarine (similar here) / Top Adam Lippes (similar here)

Photo Credit: Anna Campanelli

Shoes Michael Kors / Jeans Joe Fresh / Top DVF (similar here)

Let's not forget the pioneers of the white shoe as style staple....

#OliviaNewtonJohn #JohnTravolta - Who didnt want to see that blossom into Olivia Newton John Travolta 4Ever?

Marilyn Monroe - avid supporter of the subway system.

1-WRITING ABOUT METALLIC. 2-NOT SAYING "HEAVY METAL"

Recently got some requests about the appropriateness of wearing metallic sandals to work.

First, ask yourself: Does my office allow open-toed shoes? If the answer is no, find a new job.

Second, look at your closet. If most pieces are solid colors, this is going to be easier than deleting a bad selfie. (I mean, we know it was just a shadow...)

For the laid back office with a ping-pong table distracting enough to break a monk, here are my faves:

Loeffler Randall $295

Valia Gabriel $200

Loeffler Randall $157

If your office is more fashion "aware" you can try iridescent heels:

Sophia Webster for JCrew $510

Zara $59.90

Try some of these summer office looks...remember that the shoe is the star. Keep the others as understudies. Remember, iridescent shoes are like mini rainbows on your feet:

Dress, Paule Ka $384 / Shoe, Charlotte Russe $64 / Clutch, Karen Millen $190

Dress, Vince $146 / Tote Bag, Valentino $3,795 (find similar here) / Sandals, Stuart Weitzman $260 / Shades, Gucci $350 (find similar here )

REAL SIMPLE RULES

At the risk of repeating a FB post, Im posting my interview on my blog. Which is how life is validated, no? If it ain't on your blog, it didn't happen. A few weeks ago I met with Victoria Sanchez-Lincoln, the fashion director at REAL SIMPLE magazine. She's leading the launch behind the magazine's digital voice and asked to interview me for her inaugural piece. So honored!

I used this opportunity to put my closet through a cleanse with a Bootcamp mentality. "Gimme 10 t-shirts you haven't worn in years...FASTER! AGAIN! ...Now 10 more!"  This narrowed down my options for the photo shoot (and brought up some demons from soccer camp we can explore further down the road).

Here's what they picked:

To read the full article, click here.

Never without with her magical lens, the talented Anna Campanelli provided the photographs.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR MOVING DAY #thestruggleisreal

Summer is almost here and the streets are flooded with moving trucks. So, dear reader(s) this post is more life lessons than chíc office looks. But useful, nonetheless.

THE 3 RULES FOR MOVING

1 - Make sure the movers have your new address. This may seem logical. It is not.

2 - Ship off the children, making sure that iPad is charged with the power of a car battery.

3 - Label everything. With specifics other than "Crap I Like to Keep on Top of White Credenza"

Pockets. You will lose your phone multiple times. Your children once, maybe twice. Your phone? Multiple times. 

Overalls. You'll be tempted to pair with awesome gladiators but will think twice when carrying those Jonathan Adler nesting tables with the beautifully sharp edges. #CautionaryTale

Another option. Cargo pants. Oh stop cringing, you know this is going somewhere good.

And how to bring utilitarian to the office... 

Similar items here: Pants / Jacket / Tank Top / Shades / Shoes

HE KNOWS EVERYTHING FEELS BETTER WITH A TAN.

Or a yacht.  A yacht helps, you know,  keep a proper perspective. 

Last week I was invited by Marie Claire and Michael Kors to share some of my favorite styling tips for Spring / Summer  with their chìc sales staff. (All of whom, it must be said, are devastatingly attractive. And look striking in nautical blues!)

I got to play dress up in the flagship MK on 5th avenue with live models. So much fun pairing up pieces from his latest collection for the ubiquitous Jet Set … its no secret, my unapologetic love of orange with fuchsia. 

Obviously, readers, your fearless stylist had to dress head to tootsie in MK herself. So I chose a studded dress in jersey (perfect for a flight!) and this gorgeous strappy heel from his Jet Set 6 collection. 

I love the shoes. White can be challenging and slip easily into bridal if you do not tread lightly, here. Pair it with a rugged jean with a tee and a jacket for day. Swap out the tops for a casual loose-fitting tank at night, armed with bangles and a menswear watch. 

I WAS GOING TO SAY SOMETHING WITTY.

Or use click-bait like "THE ONLY GIFT SHE WANTS THIS MOTHER'S DAY!"

But the idea is fairly simple.

Mother's Day is May 10th. Don't be jerk and not get her anything.

These sunglasses by ett:twa were introduced to me by my friend and publisher of Saveur, Kristin Cohen. A fabulous mother who rocks accessories like nobody's biz. Once you've seen how chic she makes a candy necklace look, you beeline it to Economy Candy

Cuyana Travel Sets So chic. And exactly what she needs after spending the better half of your romantic vacation either wiping your damn shaving gel off her earrings or untangling her necklaces from your trimmer cord. As a bonus, get it monogrammed with something cute like M.I.L.F. or  remind her to LOL. Even better? Sneak in a ticket.

Sometimes I think about what Oedipus would have gotten his mother for Mother's Day. Had things turned out differently. Perhaps a robe, to replace the one from which he tore the golden clasps to gouge out his eyes ("See? This is why we can't have nice things!").

Journelle, my place of worship in New York City, offers a wide range from gorgeous to sexy to blow your f-ing mind. 

Join me during the countdown when I play tribute to the wonderful mothers in the world.

THE WHEELS ARE SPINNING.

This is how I imagined my commute on this glorious Spring Day....

...but this was my reality.

Regardless of your trans. mode, you're going to need some cute commuting kicks.

The warm gold color of the Kate Spade kicks makes it perfect for daytime. And the glitter helps you slip into the discotheque. 

Feed your Francophile urges with these cute suede loafers by French Connection. Paired with a Nili Lotan trouser for work and Michael Kors signature white crotchet dresses for the warm weekends.

Different price points, sure. Both both Zara and Lanvin deliver the following:

1 - Chìc and comfy

2 - Nasty City-Summer-Feet (stash wet wipes in your purse or sneak out for a pedi at lunch!)

SPRING COATS AND THE WOMEN WHO LOVE THEM

A spring coat is like a cab. You don't really really need one. It's not that far of a walk and honestly, the F train is right there.

But still...

The Spring Coat has a short life span so enjoy it while you can. The one SJP is enjoying above (good bye UGGS, hello jazzy metallic flats!) is by Max Mara and by the time you finish this sentence, will have been sold out. Asos has a cute one to knock around in this weekend. And my fave, Emerson Fry doesn't disappoint in this category.

Having a hard time letting go of your beloved army green Utility jacket? Here are some grown up versions with a different shape or color to keep you reminiscing while working at your big girl job.

Love the slouchy James Perse above paired with a more structured bottom like the skirt below...

SPRING STREET STYLE

When it comes to a Spring boot, I say "Fashion Favors the Bold." Which at times contradicts another saying of mine, "This better not be Dry Clean Only"

But bare legs with a boot is just the type of contradiction our fickle weather demands.  

And Im not just saying that because of my unbridled anticipation of wearing the tall lovelies I snatched at the Net-A-Porter sample sale over the weekend. (Nearly chipped a veneer!)

(I secretly love that there's still snow on the street in late March)

The easiest way to water down the drama of a tall boot for a chíc office look is to pair it will an a-line or boxy silhouette.

'Cept for Victoria Beckham. She can do whatever she wants.

COLOR THEORY

Despite burdening under the weight, "Whatever happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas" color still manages to escape! Check out some of the recent color trends splattered down the runways for this (reluctant) Spring

(From left: Zac Posen, DVF, Zimmerman and Tadashi Shoji)

How to interpret these looks at work?

BROOKLYN BRAT (BACK) PACK

It took consecutive snowstorms to break me down and finally agree to a backpack. After fighting against the Brooklyn mom stereotype, I relented. It was pulling up that f*&#ing sled for the umpteenth time with the leather tote sliding down my arm as delicately as an anvil that made me change my tune.

CHANEL created a backpack I can finally get behind. So to speak.

Check out these other faves….

Titania Inglis - Italian vegetable dyed leather. Vegetable dyed even sounds cool.

Neiman Marcus Signature Collection: a metallic backpack may be the only thing that makes sense in the world.

THE PERFECT COLOR. THE PERFECT TIME.

MY 3 ESSENTIALS FOR STEPPING INTO SPRING:

1) LACE UP SANDALS THAT FRAME THE LITTLE PIGGIES AND ANKLE (but still keep that "winter heel" under wraps under a major pumice intervention can be held)

2) SNEAKERS EUROPEAN ENOUGH TO BE WORN WITH JEANS

3)  NARS LIPGLOSS in Pantone's new IT GIRL color: Marsala 

I WANT TO BE COOL WITH CULOTTES, BUT...

...thats a whole lotta' shin. I need courage. I find it in the following 2 tips:

1. Monochrome. 

The monochrome trick will work with ANY color. The eye is relaxed and it lowers the volume of well, the volume of the pant leg.

2. Heels. Preferably booties.

(Above booties by Maje. Slightly similar version here and here)

These Reed Krakoffs are as neutral as a Converse All Star this season. Pair them with your culottes. Or anything that brings you joy!

OUI. IT'S TIME.

I love this photo by Julian Wasser. Joan Didion in front of a corvette. 

Speaking of things as "aching cool" as Joan Didion, the new face for Celine's latest ad campaign, my favorite shop in Brooklyn is having their bi-annual Sample Sale. 

French Garment Cleaners. The reason my credit card calls me with fraud alerts.

The Sample Sale lasts until Feb. 17th. So what Cupid couldn't deliver, Alec Stuart may. Take a quick look inside. The collection is curated so expertly by Stuart, anything you manage to grab during this free-for-all will be chic. Guaranteed.