Valentine's Day Colors

Valentine's Day is famous for pushing most women, both single and married to flock to the store and purchase a new dress; usually a red one. But, BEWARE!  Have you ever seen a group of women hanging out together all wearing red? If the outfit is ill fitting, or simply wrong for the woman's body it can get ugly fast. Red is a color that commands attention, so if you decide to go that route make sure whatever you are commanding attention to is impeccable.
Red is associated with desire, fire, love, and has been medically proven to affect blood pressure. Red is also the color Toreros use in bull fighting...

Red is just one of those colors that will get you noticed, but in the sea of dresses and choices on what to wear for this Valentine's Day, I propose something unexpected-say a turquoise blue or a playful pink.
Softness and femininity are the two adjectives that come to mind when choosing the images for the dresses below... I say dare to be different and stand out.

If you still feel you can't live without some VDAY symbols and red touches in your outfit, look for statement making accessories.

The cool thing about buying accessories for Valentine's Day is that you can pair them with a simple black or white dress & even wear them again next year with another outfit... There is no such thing as too many bracelets, necklaces or rings. Hint: Yes, I accept all of the above as Valentine's Day gifts ;)

XOXO

Katrina

FRINGE BINGE

Call it a Holiday fashion frenzy, but I am seeing Fringe dresses everywhere! The great Puerto Rican designer David Antonio has not one, but TWO amazingly beautiful dresses in his boutique window on Loiza Street- http://www.davidantoniopr.com/- I saw them as recently as today... and retail stores such as Free People also included a gorgeous blue fringe dress in their latest collection.

Fringe dresses first became popular in the 1920s, with Flapper style and the famous Charleston dance- notice how it elongates the body, hides belly bumps and looks awesome on the dance floor?  I wonder if fringe is another dress element originally adopted from the Ballet Russes in Paris. Feel free to comment readers... I found a wonderful historical timeline on the use of fringe in womenswear, from Vogue Italy: http://www.vogue.it/en/magazine/editor-s-blog/2010/12/december-28th

XOXO

Katrina

Fringe | Fashiolista

Houndstooth- A True Story

It was 2004 and I was a Senior in High School... It was career day. I was still very unsure about what I would study at the University of Puerto Rico,  all I knew is that I wanted a College degree more than anything in the world. 
I had always loved my Science classes and I was thrilled to learn that as part of Career Day, a Pharmacist would come talk to the class about her field; At the time I was very inclined to become a Pharmacist myself.
What changed my mind about how awesome her job was? 
Believe it or not, it was her overwhelming Houndstooth suit, which made me dizzy and unable to concentrate on what she was saying! Mind you, this dizziness happened after about an hour of looking and listening to her speech; her outfit just made it hard to look at her. I was later enthralled by the image of yet another speaker, this time in a good way- a handsome lawyer Dad that came to talk about his career  & was impeccably dressed and did public speaking like a Pro.  


Looking back, now at the age of 25 and after concluding a degree in Social Sciences and a Certificate in Image Consulting, it kind of makes sense that a houndstooth suit would make such an impression on me.  I am passionate about clothes and I'm sensitive enough to be physically affected by a bad outfit. 
I do not hate Houndstooth, I actually recall wearing a dress in that print for my ring ceremony that same year, 2004... A dress I absolutely loved and hold fond memories of. I like houndstooth, but it is a very distinctive print and must be combined accordingly, used like a strong perfume- in small doses. 

It seems that Houndstooth will be part of the 2012 trends, which is OK with me... Here are a few images of cool items in this print... Enjoy! Houndstooth | Fashiolista  /> 


Love,

Katrina

PINK LIPS

I recently traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina and it was an absolutely wonderful experience.  I particularly loved the shopping and the great prices everywhere, from food to jewelry to leather jackets.  I also realized, this far away from home, that certain colors can make a lasting impression on me.

Believe it or not, I coincided with a girl I had previously seen at the airport in Buenos Aires a few days later at an Antiques flea market... I knew it was her because of the distinct color of lipstick she was wearing, a totally in your face pink!

This internet picture is the closest I could find regarding the PINK lipstick the aforementioned girl was wearing:

I also found information on a Pantone swatch called Honeysuckle Pink, which was chosen as the color of 2011! This swatch is quite similar to the lipstick the girl was wearing...Coincidence?  Pantone definitely knows consumer trends...  

I'm still amazed at how I was able to recognize her among a crowd of people and just know it was the same person I had seen a few days before... Besides that, I am truly intrigued by how well she wore that strange pink. After two months, I've decided I'll go lipstick hunting for the hue. I just HAVE to try it on! 

The following are pictures I took during my trip and items I purchased at the flea market! Enjoy! 

DATE NIGHT DRESSES

For any girl who is back on the dating scene, 'flirty' dresses are the perfect excuse to let guys know you're available & ready for a date night...

But what exactly is a flirty, date night worthy dress anyway?  Is it the color of the dress that makes it flirty? Is it the shape, the length or an unexpected detail, such as an open back?

I personally think a flirty dress has everything to do with how it makes you feel and how appropriate the outfit is for where you'll be going... So confidence in yourself and in the dress is key. (Photos from www.nastygal.com)

When searching for your perfect flirty dress, take in consideration the following: 


1. Cleavage exposure: Sometimes less is more and sometimes more is more in the cleavage department... Shall I explain? It really depends on your body type and on the level of sexiness you want to do!  If you have a small bust, you can definitely pull off more cleavage in a dress. If in turn you have a large bust, you should probably go with a more covered number and show off your legs instead. So what if your just in the middle? Lucky you! Both looks work very well; just remember proportions... If you decide to wear a mini dress take it easy on the cleavage and opt for simple accessories.

2. Curve enhancing/ diminishing: In the first photo the Peplum detail will instantly add volume to the hip area...Which is a good thing for athletic bodies, who are looking to even out a large back/top.

In the second photo, the vertical line draws the eyes to the center and away from the actual curves of the body. Choose your look!
                                                      

Diminishing: 

3. Above the knee: (Photo from www.bcbg.com)

I love the intense color of this dress and the fact that it is so feminine and 'flirty'. This dress will make your legs look long, no matter what. Dresses that are above the knee, but still manage to be creative, like this one are definitely date worthy and flirty.

4. Open back/ back detail:

5. Jewel tones (perfect for Fall):
I am so into Jewel tones right now, I have this violet plum color on my nails... You can of course choose your favorite hue. Whether emerald green, sapphire or turquoise blue jewel tones are here to stay a while more.

6. Girlish quality for grown ups: A little girly can go a long way, especially when wanting to give off a more playful vibe... If you tend to enjoy severe and conservative outfits, give lace and ruffles a try.

XOXO,
KATRINA
Flirty dresses | Fashiolista

A PERFECT MATCH

I can still remember my very first pair of Chanel sunglasses... It was the end of my second college semester, and my heart had been broken by a certain boy named... SHHH!

I don't know you, but so much about myself, my feelings and my present wishes tend to manifest in my clothes, makeup and accessories; What's going on in my personal life, influences how I wear the items in my closet. My present mood? Bitter and hopeful... Is that possible? Yes...

Have you ever changed your hair after ending a relationship??? And though a new look or shinier hair may not bring back what God thankfully took away, it certainly makes you feel better and remember that no one can love you better than yourself.

XOXO

KATRINA

Perfect Pair Noir from Katrina Ortiz-Katona
 at portal www.trendMe.net

KOOKIE STYLE: EASY CHIC

While talking to a friend, I realized just how annoying it can be for some guys to witness or at least wait for a girl to get dressed & dolled up.

The thing is, most women enjoy looking and feeling beautiful to make themselves happy, not simply to please others, as some guys may think. The problem is this: Beautification whether real or perceived, takes so much time! Not to mention money.

As a recovering salon junkie, I have discovered that a few products can go a long way, and that I can do most things myself, in an easy and money conscious way. Most of the products listed below have been tried and tested by me... This is why I feel free to recommend them.

WARNING: Please do not misunderstand and think I'm implying you swear off beauty salons and spas completely, but it's simply not cool to depend on them completely all the time. The following are a few beauty tips I hope you can apply whenever in need... Please comment and I promise to reply if you have any questions!


1. GOODBYE CLUTTER KIT: Mr. & Mrs. Emergency kit bag has it all, well almost, and it is so small it can pretty much fit anywhere. The one thing I would add to this kit is a hand moisterizer, with a yummy smell... Like those found at L'OCCITANE.

2. ARGAN OIL: Argan oil can be used as an after shower moisturizer, for hands and nails, as a hair oil (in small amounts) and at night.
This oil is simply amazing. If you have oily skin, do not fret, it may actually help balance you out. I tried this oil for the first time in France and was delighted with the results. More recently I purchased the Josie Maran brand from Sephora, and have been using the oil at night before going to bed. I've suffered from oily skin my whole life and this oil has helped me control morning shine and delivers a noticeable glow after after several uses.

3. HAIR COLOR: I personally think that the BEST investment you can make for your hair is a good haircut. As a girl who has tried it all in the hair department, I know by experience that hair dye and hair extensions can only take you so far. Finding your ideal hair color, and finding haircuts that suit your personality, face and lifestyle is key. How to know what hair color suits you best? Start with your natural hue! When deciding to change your hair color, even if it's highlights you should always start by searching for colors that make your features pop. For example, if you have green eyes and fair skin, autumn colors will probably suit you best; If you have dark eyes & hair and fair skin, colder colors will suit you best. Look for colors that complement your eye and skin color, there are a number of resources out there... Check out InStyle.com for their hair makeover tool, it's awesome and free!

Before: BLOND HAIR AND EXTENSIONS (ME)

After: DARK BROWN HAIR and New Haircut

4. BODY EXFOLIATION: This is something so simple and easy, and makes skin look & feel amazing. The next recipe may sound strange, but it works... I actually got the idea of using coffee grinds from my facial esthetician.

Body: Remember to start from your feet and use the brush in circular motions upwards. Recipe-2 tablespoons coffee(grinded) and honey. You will also need a body brush.

5. AT HOME FACIAL: Facial treatments are a once-a-month necessary treat. The good news?You can get one at home... Whether you have your sister or BFF do it, or you simply decide to be your own esthetician. The following steps are from the book Spa Bliss, by Jo Glanville-Blackburn.

1. "Warm some cleanser between the palms of your hands, then massage it into your skin with firm, circular movements..."
2. Next fill a bowl with hot water, then add a few fresh herbs such as lavender, basil or rosemary. Lean over the bowl with your face in the steam and drape a towel over both your head and the bowl. Stay like this breathing deeply, for up to five minutes, depending on how sensitive your skin...(89)"

3. The next step is to exfoliate the skin... You can use a fruit such as mashed papaya, pineapple or strawberries. Rinse with warm water.

4. After exfoliating, apply toner and wait for it to be absorbed by the skin. Next step?

5. Facial Mask: You should purchase a facial mask that is right for your skin type, whether it be dry, oily or mixed. Remember to be gently when applying the face mask.
For mixed and oily skin, I highly recommend Yes to cucumbers. I've been using it for over a year now and I really love it! Why? I can but it at my local pharmacy whenever I run out, their ingredients are fairly natural and each sells for under $20 dollars...

6. Eyebrow kit:
Just today I went to get my eyebrows done and I asked Roberto: Do you have a kit that I can use for both my eyes and eyebrows...Something that can transition from day to night, and that will last all day long? His answer: Brows A-Go-Go from benefit. It's amazing, check it out!

XOXO,

KATRINA



Low maintenance | Fashiolista