Passing on Python

It's no secret I love animals, this is why I've decided to dedicate this post to cruelty free fashion. 
Monday night I was reading my Facebook newsfeed and came across a story by Net-a-Porter; it included some of their most recent items, the post was titled "3 of the Best Snakeskin Bags". 
I must admit, I thought both #1 and #3 were cute... but when I read the comments I was shocked. Most of the comments were actually against the use of snakeskin and several readers mentioned just how cruelly these snakes are killed for the sake of fashion. I of course did some research... I wanted to know more about the topic and why exactly  readers were so disgusted by the fact that Net-a-Porter was marketing this product. This is a direct quote from the article I found, I have included the link as reference: 

"With the bigger snakes the tanners don't want to cut the head off so they nail it to a tree. Then they force a hose pipe down its throat and blow it up like a balloon to make the skin easier to peel off. They throw the snake's body away, while it is still alive, where it can survive in agony for up to two days," Mr Warwick explains. -Clifford Warwick, reptile expert and consultant with the Animal Protection Agency. http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/2007/10/fashionistas_ur.html

 All animals deserve an ethical treatment even if they are being raised to be food or end up as merchandise at a store; I do draw the line with cockroaches though, sorry... And though I am more of a dog person than a snake lover, I am completely against unnecessary cruelty against these creatures for the sake of profit, sport or even fashion.  Technology has evolved enough for consumers to enjoy an array of accessories, including handbags and clutches that do not involve animal cruelty. And while I do adore leather items... It makes me feel terrible to think about the way snakes and probably other animals are experiencing a slow death in the name of fashion. 
Here are a few items made of FAKE snakeskin... No animals were harmed. Take a look and make a choice to purchase animal cruelty free products: 
With Love, 
-Katrina 

LE PEPLUM

A trending item I've seen at stores lately is the Peplum, both in dresses and in skirts.
Stores like Zara, BCBG and Nasty Gal and designers Jason Wu and brand Alice + Olivia have all incorporated this trend to there 2012 collections.

Peplum actually got it's name from the greek word for "tunic", and according to wisegeek.com (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-peplum.htm had it's moment of glory in the 1940s and later in the 1980s and 1990s.

The cool thing about the Peplum (fitted jacket attached to a skirt) is that it can be curve enhancing and a definite ally for women with inverted triangle and rectangle body shapes.  By adding volume in all the right places, it will give the illusion of a curvier hip.  If you are already curvy and still want to give it a try, make sure you wear the prints or brights on top and keep the peplum flare to a minimum.  Asymmetry in the Peplum can also be good for ladies with wide hips since it creates an angle. 

I for instance fell in love with a red number from Zara...

STYLIST'S TIP: 

Wear it with a closed shoe for a more professional, business look or wear with a pair of strappy heels for a sexy night time twist.  In essence, make it yours!

With Love,
Katrina

SEEING RED

I'm the type of woman that takes her hair seriously, very seriously... It all goes back to my preteen years, when I had to fight several boys because their lunch time games usually involved pulling my ponytail and stealing my hair bands.  A bit later at the age of 11,  I got 'piojos' and when no lice treatment could rid my hair of those terrible fiends, I began experimenting with hair dye. First a dark brown, not unlike my natural color but a bit warmer, and later blonde- all shades of blond: Ash, golden, copper, strawberry... The list goes on.
The truth is I love experimenting with new haircuts and colors, always have, always will.
In high school, I was the girl that had a new hair color every other week; I recall buying a pair of orange feather earrings to match my orange (on blonde) highlights.  When I was eighteen I had the Skunk look: Raven black hair with two white streaks- one on each side... I loved it!
I really enjoy changing my hair when my mood changes or when my goals shift... Hair color is a way in which I have often expressed myself & I view hair as being a big part of fashion- of fashion in general and it complements a person's wardrobe choice at all times... So, it's important.
Now that I am an adult (sigh), I do play it safer than before... I am currently a brunette and I enjoy rocking my natural color on a daily basis. But, for the past few weeks I can't help but notice how beautiful, celebs like Florence Welch, Emma Stone and Rihanna look in bright red hair.
These images make me want to step out of my comfort zone and into flaming red hair.  Not so fast... I've entered a new phase in my life- so before jumping into the slavery of being a red head for 3 weeks and then fading back to brown, I have to stop and truly reconsider: Is red for me???
For the time being, my conclusion is to incorporate more red in my wardrobe... and maybe, just maybe get some red highlights.  As for the clothes, being a Winter (personal coloring) I will definitely stick with bright reds, and reds with a bit of blue in them... In essence cool reds. I already own a red pair of jeans and I am currently looking for the perfect red jacket, and an elegant pair of red pants that can be dressed up or down depending the occasion. Red lipsticks is also a favorite of mine, though I admit I seldom wear it. I really should vow to wear it more often...


With Love,
Katrina

Source: for-redheads.tumblr.com via Katrina on Pinterest

Source: makeup.allwomenstalk.com via Katrina on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Katrina on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Katrina on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Katrina on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Katrina on Pinterest

Source: fashiolista.com via Katrina on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Katrina on Pinterest

EVENING DRESSING

EVENING DRESSING by kookiestyle featuring kate spade necklace

Olivia's Stripes

Olivia's Stripes by kookiestyle featuring long sleeve shirts

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