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

KOOKIE STYLE: FLOPPY HAT

I've definitely been in a romantic mood for a while now, and my latest fixation are 1970's inspired floppy hats... Believe me, there is nothing better for a gal who wants to shield her face from the sun and do it in style!
Here are a few reasons why I've decided to get myself a floppy hat ASAP... I hope you find them inspiring too!

1. It's perfect for a beach day, a pool side event or a sunny afternoon.

2. I recently cut my hair short-1920s bob style- and headgear helps mix up the look. Long hair can benefit from hats as well, for example the 2nd picture is of Faye Dunaway rocking the look... The hat frames her face and adds tons of sophistication, to an otherwise conservative sweater and turtleneck top. The first picture is of Anjelica Huston in her early years.

3. Floppy hats' fabric is lightweight-straw in most cases- which makes hair stay in place, even after removing the hat.

4. Nothing says VACATION like a big floppy hat, shades and a pair of wedge shoes... Even if you're pasty white, like me. Pair it with a romper to add instant glam or with a t-shirt and shorts for a more playful vibe.

5. In comparison to regular straw hats, floppy hats add more drama to literally any ensemble. Designers such as Lanvin and Gucci, have brought back the trend for Fall 2011, so floppy hats can be found in an array of prices and colors EVERYWHERE.

LANVIN READY-TO-WEAR- FALL 2011 (FIND THE ENTIRE COLLECTION @ WWW.STYLE.COM)

GUCCI READY-TO-WEAR FALL 2011 (FIND THE ENTIRE COLLECTION @ WWW.STYLE.COM)

Headgear | Fashiolista

KOOKIE STYLE: KIMONO 2

Urban Kimono from Katrina Ortiz-Katona
 at portal www.trendMe.net

Art is a wonderful way of self-expression, and though some people may not view fashion as art... Fashion right now is my therapy. I love making moodboards, especially when I just let my thoughts flow when looking for images and combinations.
This Mood board is dedicated to my earlier Kimono post... I simply decided to give the look a more grown up vibe, by adding the long dress pants and the cute kitten heel sandals. The yellow purse, though maybe not so versatile as a black purse for example, is an unexpected choice and gives a twist of summer to the ensemble. Because this look is quite strong, and the hand bag is colorful, I recommend using light makeup and bronzer. As for the nailpolish, have a little fun with violet!!! Red and pink can get boring after a while...

LOVE,

Katrina

KOOKIE STYLE: KIMONO

Today I wish to share my most recent style inspiration, a Kimono style top from H&M Collection, I purchased while shopping with my friend Judith...

It was something like love at first sight. You see, I usually steer clear of big sleeves and prints on the top, because both these elements usually make a person look bigger. But due to the length of the sleeves, right above my elbows, and the fact that the length covered my midriff completely, cutting off at my thighs and hiding part of my bum... I was sold!

Kimono tops can be worn over bathing suits... Jeans, shorts and paired with a belt or simply over a white tank top.

In the photo, I am wearing my kimono with a stretch BGBG belt... I recently paired this top with blue jeans and a white tank, no belt. The effect was an elegant look, that looked cool without trying too hard.

While doing my internet research, I found other Kimono styles such as Maxi and Mid-length dresses.
The cool thing about the Mid-length Kimono is that depending on the shoes and accessories, you can dress it up or down. The Kimono Maxi has a more regal feeling to it, and it's a dress that screams, 'Less is more'.
When wearing a Kimono Maxi dress, remember to keep other accessories simple, and small in proportion to your body.
My favorite find was a white Kimono Maxi dress by Elizabeth and James, available at Net-a-Porter.com. But do not fret, I've also included more budget friendly choices such as Nasty Gal and Victoria's Secret!

Love,
Katrina

THE KIMONO MID-LENGTH

THE KIMONO MAXI

Kimono Trend | Fashiolista

KOOKIE STYLE: BLCK & BLU

Black & Blue from Katrina Ortiz-Katona
 at portal www.trendMe.net

Black and Blue | Fashiolista

KOOKIE STYLE: TRAVEL DESTINATION NYC!!!

1. Perfectly named after where I'm heading this Summer, "The City" flat is perfect for going through airport security without the hassle of a strappy shoe (I've been there) and great for walking around JFK. You're feet will thank you. (GAP $23.99)

Not your style? If you are into sequins and gold tones, I highly recommend checking out Joan Boyce "Mandy" flat... It comes in a convenient travel pouch and will make your feet happy without losing the girly glitz. (Joan Boyce, $80)

2. I found these cute vintage-inspired bottles at the Supermarket and I just had to have them! Perfect for travel, they adhere to the 3oz. liquid standard.

3. The Tank Dress
This dress is very versatile, and it's certainly a refreshing option to the long MAXI. The length is perfect for showing off a good pair of legs or heels; my favorite look for this dress is paired with a pair of ankle boots and a shocking color lipstick, for a rocker chick vibe. (BCBGMAXAZRIA $48)

4. The Jean Jacket: My jean jacket goes everywhere with me... To class, to the movies, to the theatre, to lunch with friends, to Starbucks and now to NYC! Need I say more?

5. Le Romper: I truly believe Urban Outfitters has some of the cutest and most stylish rompers out there... Rompers are easy to carry in a suitcase, easy to clean and can be worn -depending on the shoes and accessories-from day to night. (Urban Outfitters $59)

6. The Neutral Clutch:
This piece can transition from day to night, from casual to sleek, and it's certainly a nice change from the oh so boring black clutch! (Urban Outfitters $39)

9. The Gadget bag: I found this by pure coincidence, but I love it... It is the cutest and thriftiest camera bag I've seen so far. (Urban Outfitters $24)

10. The Slingbacks: Upon seeing these shoes, all common sense has gone out the window! The heel is 6'' inches... Oh my! Does that mean I will look 5'10" in these? I can't wait!(Urban Outfitters $89)

NYC Summer 2011 | Fashiolista