Sunday, 4 March 2012

EVENING DRESSING

Saturday, 28 January 2012

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




Thursday, 22 December 2011

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

Tuesday, 6 December 2011

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

Wednesday, 9 November 2011

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! 



















Wednesday, 12 October 2011

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