Saturday, November 24, 2012

Hats off!

 
 
I can't believe I found a hat!! I think I've tried on a million hats over the past few winters that never work because they don't fit my hair or look funny when my hair is in a bun. I love my curls, but some days I can have Texas Big Hair. The hat looks great with my braid and I think it will look just as great when my hair is down. Stay tuned. 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Bad to the Bone.

 
 
I'm not a must-have labels type of person, except for my Chanel perfume - once that runs out, I have to immediately get more.  But there is something about these Rag and Bone skinny forest green jeggings that I am in love with. I've worn them so many ways; with a black top and black pumps, ivory top and ivory pumps and knee high flat boots and a sweater. They are so versatile and comfortable, I could wear them everyday. I should probably invest in another color too, I have a feeling I'll wear these until I die. 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

A litte color never hurt anyone.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Unexpected color combinations can bring a certain pop to your outfit. A color that you may never think you will find a complement to, could have one of the best matching color. First try matching paint samples for color combinations that you think work. Orange and purple may not be your immediate combination but you have to admit, it looks very fall and warm colors together. Any color will have a suprise complement, it is just your job to find it and get accessories that bring them out as well.



Monday, October 22, 2012

Ready, Set, Go!



I'm thinking about taking my son to run the Youth Run in the Fargo Marathon next year. Exercise and me are not a good combination and I do not care to start a workout regimen. Even if I were to start running or working out I would have no idea what to wear. In order to prepare for this children's marathon I need to Google images for a 1K marathon. Obviously my 3 year old will not be running fast so I won't need to dress like we're running a full marathon. Should I wear jeans? Is it acceptable to wear heels? What do you healthy people wear? These are my problems.

I could totally rock the Kelly Ripa running in heels look. I even have black strappy ones like hers that are crazy comfortable. Put a Dr. Scholl's gel insert in them and I'm ready to go!

Friday, October 19, 2012

These boots are made for walking!

 
 
I was reading ELLE today and saw that ankle open toe bootie heels are the newest style in boots. Thank goodness I'm on top of the trends and already own a pair! I adore my BCBG heels! I love this style and feel 10 feet tall when I wear them. Great outfit today! Is it too soon to wear the whole outfit again tomorrow?


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Cupid's Arrow

 
I am so in love with my new arrow bracelet. I just bought it at Apricot Lane on my last shopping spree. Once I saw it, I had to grab it up so no one else would see it. While I was looking around the store for some clothes, I carried it with me. One of my new favorite pieces, next time I wear it I'll layer some other bracelets with it. Stay tuned for that picture.
 
My necklace is a newly bought antique piece from the antique mall in Moorhead. Although overpriced, they have some really good jewelry pieces.
 
Apricot Lane Boutique - West Acres Mall $14.99
 


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Things are looking up!



I've never been the girl who puts away 'skinny clothes' with the hopes that I will fit into them in the future. I've been the same size since I was in midde school. Some people may called that blessed, or just a high metabolism. I like to think its a little of both. :) When I was in middle school, almost everyone is the same pre-teen size and don't get much bigger until college (Freshman 15, or is it 20 now?). Even though I am an adult and mother now, I am the same size. My biggest pet peeve is when people think that I don't eat or that I choose to be this tiny. My few close friends and family know that I can polish off a huge plate of food like nobody's business. A coworker once told me that I was so tiny I should eat a whole tray of brownies. I told her that if she made them, I would eat them! Who doesn't love brownies?! Another coworker thought I was to tiny and fragile to carry two big boxes of envelopes. Seriously?! I'm a super toughie too! Back to my main point, I just had to throw all that out there first.

Some people store jeans or dresses they won't wear for awhile in the back of their closet and call them their 'skinny jeans' or 'skinny clothes'. I on the other hand put shoes in the back of my closet. When I find them again, I look at them with new eyes and think, 'Where have these been the past few months?!' I was choosing my outfit for the next workday and decided to do a little digging. I found some black slingback Nine West heels in the very back of my closet. I pulled them out - dusted them off a bit - and put them on. 'Things were looking up!' as Carrie Bradshaw would say. I would recommend that before you throw something or sell something, put it at the end of your closet, you may look at it in a couple months and think, 'Wow! I remember why I got these!' I'm not saying you won't want to sell some, 2 out of the 3 shoes I found in the back of my closet I plan to sell to Plato's Closet.

Just give it a try!

Monday, October 15, 2012

A new favorite outfit!

 
 
Along with the 4 other tops from Forever 21, I bought these gray skinny jeans. I have trouble not buying them when they are only $11! I'm so in love with skinny jeans recently. You can wear them with anything! Flats, boots, heels. They are very versatile and if you have seen the Old Navy commercial, now 'Everybody' can wear them. Awesome commerical by the way - yes I grew up in the 90's.
 
I was just re-reading some of my previous posts last night and thinking about my outfit for the next day when I found some researched images from online shopping websites I had saved months before. I love how the gray and blue go together and the gladiator heels complete the look. I have already worn these with my black flat knee high boots and leather jacket. No matter what I'm wearing I always seem to want to wear my leather jacket too and it toughens up the look a little. This was one of my favorite outfits that I have recently bought. I'll definately be wearing it again. 
 


Sunday, October 14, 2012

Cats Meow!

 
 
I was flipping through the October Instyle and found the fashion inspiration Hanneli Mustaparta at the top of the page wearing a feline shirt with a fuschia blazer. Not only are the 80's coming back, but I am loving this look more than some other 80's looks (scrunchies? No thank you). You don't even have to like cats to try this new look.
 
I love this shirt she is wearing, but figured it would be designer and not reasonably priced for the normal shopper. These are some other options that will have you purring with style pleasure.
 
FYI - When I was looking for these, there were several cat hair ball jewelry pieces. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. IT IS REALLY GROSS!
 
Forever 21 -$18
 
Etsy - $38
 
Etsy - $10
 
 
 
 
Mr. Karl Lagerfeld and Choupette
 



Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Fashion Nightmare!

I suppose with Halloween coming up, more people will be having nightmares with things they fear; tapered jeans, shoulder pads and tie dye - isn't that what all people are scared of? Ha. A coworker of mine feels the same way I do and had the worst fashion nightmare. She described it to me as; "Last night I dreamed that I had on simple outfit, just jeans and a light button-down shirt, but it was cute.  I decided to check if it was ok from the back, so I used a hand mirror in front of the bathroom mirror and it was awful.  My jeans turned into high waisted, tapered leg, stone washed, front pleated, far apart back pockets awful!  Then my shirt turned into a purple turtleneck that was too tight and tucked in and it showed that I had a hunch-back!"

I tried to Google high waisted tapered jeans and couldn't even find anything! Thank goodness that hasn't become a trend yet! Let's hope that her nightmare doesn't turn into reality. I will sleep better tonight knowing this won't come true any time soon.

Sweet dreams.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Bigger is better!

I am so obsessed with big scarves for fall, the bigger the better. Wear your hair up in a messy bun and you can wear a scarf wrapped a couple times around. I made a yellow one thinking it was too big, but when I wore it to the Girl's Night Out Fashion Show I got several compliments. After I made it and tried it on, my husband thought it was too big and didn't look cute. I will definately be wearing it again and not second guessing my style and not listening to my husband for fashion tips!

 
 
 
Jessica Alba makes a big scarf look comfortable and chic when strolling around town. She's wearing an awesome one by Donni Charm that is made out of the softest fabric. I love mine!!
 

 

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Meet the Parents...

Meeting the parents is such an important part in dating - or so I've been told. I usually win them over with my loud laugh and non-stop chatter with the Grandma. I can remember the exact outfit I was wearing when I met my husband's family - it was around Easter and warmer weather. I wore a blue linen knee length skirt with a brown tee and brown strappy heels. Beauty AND style, that must've been how I roped him into marrying me.

My friend Michelle is entering this danger zone with her boyfriend and needed some advice and someone to help her pack. Who better to call than me?! She will be going to Disneyworld during this time, so alot of walking will be done and comfort is very important - I wore heels in NYC, so I'm not sure I'm the best to ask about comfort but I'll take a whack at it. Instead of the cheap $1.00 Old Navy flip-flops, choose some cute floral, bright colors or fun print ballet flats, they go good with anything and can be thrown on quick. Also, if you pick a solid color flat and bottom, add some embellishment or fun stitching on the top. This Forever 21 shirt was one of my favorites of Michelle's - I wasn't even there when she bought it. See! You can pick out a cute shirt without a stylist. Throw on some fun gold jewelry and this outfit is ready for the suitcase!


Those of you that know me, know I love prints. Any type of print, I love the bright, busyness of it. When I was going through Michelle's closet, I found these amazing polka dot shorts. These can be worn with any bright color - don't just choose the same color in the dots. I would also wear a black and white stripe shirt with these shorts. I'm planning on making a blouse with a polka dot body and black and white stripe cuffs. It's unexpected and adds a bit of flare. Since Disneyworld is in a warmer climate, you should show enough skin to keep you cool, but not too much where people are walking by asking 'How much?' Or in the current case, you should be prepared to wear something in a hurricane.

 
If you asked me to pick my go-to outfit or style of outfit, I would choose a dress. They are effortless and comfortable. Most of them you can dress up or down and wear in any weather (yes, I have worn a skirt in -40 degrees with tights while most people are wearing hoodies). Michelle has this amazing coral color lightweight dress that looks perfect on her. She wore this dress when she first met her boyfriend at a wedding, why not bring it to meet his parents then? It obviously won him over and they should see it. I told her to try the dress with a pair of brown wedge sandals she had and to my suprise she told me that they were uber comfortable and she's worn them to a rock concert - what a way to win my heart! She bought this fish necklace at an antique store - oddly enough I used to have the same necklace, I wonder where mine went? This was one of my favorite outfits that she tried on. I might have to steal this look! Isn't that what we all want too? To be flattered when others want to have the same style.
 
 
 

As if I'm not jealous enough that she is going to Disneyworld, she is meeting her boyfriend's parents at a resturant where the suppers start at $400 a plate. Needless to say, we need something fancy and conservative (the mother is a Democrat). I found this amazing red dress in her closet that makes her look like a flawless future daughter-in-law, paired with a some matte black heels and simple jewelry lets the dress speak for itself.
 
 
This next dress we called the Mrs. First Lady Dress. You can basically add pearls to any dress and call it a First Lady dress. Michelle had just picked up the pearl bracelet at an antique store earlier that day - which I love. She could wear this dress for her $400 dinner too - either is appropriate.
 

 
I very much enjoyed going through Michelle's closet and helping her pack for her exciting trip. Even though she had great pieces in her closet, I did have a shopping list for her to add to her wardrobe. 1. Everyone needs a black tank top, or several different color tank tops to wear under everything. 2. Gold Strappy Gladiator Sandals - actually any color of gladiator style flat sandals, again the cheap flip flops do not complete an outfit. These are only to be worn at the beach or walking in the shower at the gym. 3. Ballet flats. Enough said. 4. Jean jacket - over a dress, with a skirt, or a pair of khakis. I wouldn't mind getting another one. 5. Gold jewelry - although you may have some delicate expensive pieces of jewelry, you can always use costume jewelry.
 
Good luck Michelle! I know they will love you!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

My 80's conversation today...

My coworkers might not be the most fashion forward...but they sure do have opinions!


From: Kari Dahlen
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2012 11:21 AM
To: Kelsey McFarlane; Dana Duda; Evelina Businaro
Subject:
Skinny jeans in this denim fabric?

From: Dana Duda
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2012 11:23 AM
To: Kari Dahlen; Kelsey McFarlane; Evelina Businaro
Subject: RE:
I vote no-way, Jose.  It screams 80’s which I personally think was a horrible decade for fashion.  Ucka-poo.


From: Kelsey McFarlane
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2012 11:24 AM
To: Dana Duda; Kari Dahlen; Evelina Businaro
Subject: RE:
Only if you wear your hair like this:


I smell a challenge.....

Monday, August 6, 2012

Jury Duty

I got back from vacation in California and found a letter from the courthouse waiting for me. I had jury duty. Thank goodness it was scheduled for after I got back so I wouldn't be held in contempt of court (whatever that means from Law & Order). After the nervousness left, I started to think about the other thing everyone thinks about when the get jury duty...what do you wear?! Should I look professional and important or fun and cute? So, I Googled 'jury duty apparel' and found that there are several websites to help you decide what to wear and images of Judge Judy and celebrities in court that you should probably not wear to jury duty. FYI - If you show up at court wearing a judge's gown - you may be thrown out and fined for impersonating a judge - I would not suggest doing that.

Some successful images and hints I found were appear professional - jeans are not professional. Since I rarely wear jeans (especially in the summer) that is not a problem with me. I think I will opt for wearing a cute, professional summer dress - make sure there is little skin exposed. What better way to find out what to wear, but look at what they wear on Law & Order - although 'The following story is fictional and does not depict any person or event.'



I have to report in a couple weeks, stay tuned to see what the other people chosen for jury duty wear.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Night of Style

The moment I heard that there was going to be a Night of Style in Fargo and it was invite only, I was waiting to receive my invite in the mail. I'm still waiting. Maybe they got my address wrong? Or sent it to Style by Kali instead? Mental note - must find out who Kali is. How can I not be invited to the Night of Style?! I definately have style and know what style looks like. Perhaps I'll be invited to the Day of Style? Ha! I should sneak in the back of the show and impersonate a style reporter. Or find out what the press pass looks like and print one off! Either way I will be going to the Night of Style, I will be walking in and looking at the runway wondering what stores I will be shopping at and telling my clients what stores have the best pieces.

If I don't get invited, I will begin planning my own Night of Style and they won't be invited either. Ha! Take that!

But seriously, send me an invite!!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Back to Middle School Shopping List

I was digging through old journals today and found some old notes from middle school. There were some about things I wanted to accomplish that year, boys that I liked and of course some clothes that I wanted to buy for Back to School. I knew I've always loved fashion and clothes, but I didn't realize how off my style was back then. Some of the things on my list were; Mudd jeans, sky blue tank top, chunky shoes, flare jeans and orange shoes. Thank goodness I was never able to buy them and saved my look during my 6th grade year. It's fun to look back and see the things I used to want and what I thought was cool - almost like a time capsule. I should write a list of things I want now and save it for 15 years from now. Coral colored skinny jeans, white cuff shorts and black mary jane pump heels. I wonder if they will be as outrageous as my middle school shopping list.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Dear Style by Kari

Dear Style by Kari,

Recommendations on dress pants for people like me who have a fat belly and skinny legs/smaller hips. I have problems with size of pants fitting around my belly to be okay but then the legs are way too big. My legs usually fit better one size smaller than around my gut. Any ideas?

Sincerely,
Belly Doesn't Fit

Dear Belly,

Good question! Have you tried looking at wide leg trousers? They are designes to fit comfortably in the waist and in the leg. Since you would be buying your size, they wouldnt be abnormally big in the leg. Instead of trying one size up. Try your size and see how they flatter your waist. You could also try straight leg trousers. Get your waist size and the leg is usually straight down and would look good with flats.

Check out The Limited or Old Navy. On The Limited's website, you can enter your waist and inseam and they will calculate what fit would be best for you. This might be helpful if you feel dis-proportionate.

The Limited - Cassidy Wide Leg Pants - $79.90


Old Navy - Women's Essential Wide Leg Trousers - $27.50



I would first look for trousers that fit comfortably in the waist, usually they make all different styles that would be easy to look for once you have a comfortable waist. Hope that helps!

Sincerely,
Style by Kari

Friday, April 13, 2012

Influencing the next generation

My friend's 4 year old daughter has already stolen my heart. This is what her Mom told me today...

"So, I had said the other day that Aubrey has been reminding me of you. Just because she’s getting more into fashion. She is now picking out her clothes each night for the next day. She used to not care what I picked out. She also gets upset if she has to wear sandals with pants. She wants capri pants or shorts. And no pigtails in her hair for some reason. What? Is she too old for pig tails already? I like pigtails on her…

She has a say in nearly every part of her “look” each day."


Be still my heart.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

A Night on the Town. Do's & Don't's!

I was out with a friend for her birthday the other day and after supper we went to a dive bar for cheap drinks and fun. As much as I was trying to stay in the conversation with my friend and be interested in what she had to say, I couldn't help but notice this woman in front of me. She had long blonde/brown hair, great skin and was average height. She was gorgeous. She was friends with my friend so I had to ask her age, she was in the age group 35-40 and looked great for her age. Despite her body appearance, she had on a dress that was not at all flattering or accentuating what she naturally had. Allow me to set the scene; dark dive bar, woman wearing 3 inch sandal heels and a skin tight, thigh high, strapless zebra print dress. Let's all take a moment for that to sink in...... Got it? Tacky.
We all have heard the saying, 'If you got it, flaunt it.' But that doesn't mean you have to show off all the goods right away or be a wardrobe malfunction away from showing a boob. I'll admit I have worn dresses similar to what she was wearing, when I was 21. I would most definately not be caught dead in that dress now or at her age.
Now, for my basic tips for a night out.
My rule is if you are showing leg, cover the top shoulders and arms. You don't want to show too much skin. A short dress is completely acceptable if you have the legs to wear it but you want to be tasteful. If you want to show off The Girls, the hem of your dress should be around your knees or slightly (Slightly!) above. 'Your dress should be tight enough to show you're a woman, but loose enough to show you're a lady.'
How amazing does it make you feel when another woman compliments you or asks you where you got something? You should want women to look at you and think, 'Where did she get that? She looks great.' Instead, 'What the heck does she think she's wearing?' - Like I thought of this woman. By drawing the women's attention first, you aren't getting the wrong type of attention from guys.

Yes, I understand that you are attractive and look good for your age. But honestly, do you think that was a smart dress choice to a night out with friends? I've searched for some outfits I feel would be attractive and appropriate for this age group for the next night out.

It's almost the warm season where you just want to be cool, keep it summery and flirty. Pair a bright dress with flat sandals and a big statement necklace. With summer dresses like this one from Old Navy, keep it comfortable and relaxed - wear wedge sandals or T-strap sandals to easily walk in.
 Diane Von Furstenberg, at the age of 65 has made older women look effortlessly beautiful with her signature wrap dresses. A wrap dress works magic on any age and body shape. It can also go from work to drinks without changing a thing. This wrap dress from The Gap would be comfortable and flattering to wear with pumps or heeled sandals.

I always believe you should feel comfortable in what you're wearing. So if you would rather wear your zebra print dress, please put a jacket over before you go out and let me know where you're going so I don't run into you and insist that I take you shopping!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

On a mission!

The other day at work a friend told me she was trying to shop for a new purse, but was having trouble and feeling overwhelmed. The purse she has is small and black and about a million years old (pre-babies/pre-husband) and beginning to get worn out. She probably wasn't asking for my help, but making conversation when I took it that she wanted me to look for one for her. Before I began my mission, she gave me a couple guidelines I had to follow. She didn't want a red purse (or any shade of red), it has to be bigger than what she has now because she needs to fit all her kid's stuff in it and it shouldn't look too young for her. I forgot the color restriction when I began because I love red purses, I think they look very sharp and go with most any color. She did not think they went with her black (puff) coat - I told her she needs a new coat! We'll shop for that later...


When she went to look by herself, she found some cute ones at JCPenny's and told me I should go check them out - to get my approval I'm assuming. The first one was a Green Mondani square shape purse that I loved and thought would be the perfect size for her, not too young and bright enough to add a pop of color. The price tag was a little steep for me on this one at $70.00, but she said she would be willing to pay that much for a good quality purse that she will have for a long time.


The next one she saw at JCPenny's was a Teal Liz Claiborne crocodile skin-esque. I had a special spot in my heart for this one because I had just bought at teal Liz Claiborne a couple weeks ago - mine was much larger. Since this one was crocodile skin, she thought it might be too young for her, but I think it adds just the right look to any outfit with all colors. Great color for spring too!


Now I was on my own. Again, I couldn't let go of the red color and thought I would try to convince her with just the perfect purse. The first one I picked out was at Burlington Coat Factory, it was a Coral Nine West bucket shape purse. I immediately fell in love with it! And with spring coming I thought  it would be perfect for her. I sent her a picture. I was rejected. NO SHADE OF RED! So I went on..


I guess I thought I'd try one more time. I found this red gloss finish purse (can't remember the brand - and really who can see the little writing of the label when you're walking around and it's under your arm?). This one seemed to have a business feel somewhat resembling a briefcase shape. She's very important at our job so I figured she would like the classy look of it. Picture sent. Denied.


Ok, I get it. You don't like red. I'll find a better one, I promise. While shopping for myself at Plato's Closet, I browsed past the purses and found an amazing yellow hobo purse that I loved for myself. I knew that my friend wouldn't like it because it was a different shape and was too bright of a color. There were really only dark colors at Plato's, besides the few tacky purses that are still there marked 50% off that they can't get rid of. I did manage to spot a shiny purple purse that was smaller than the others we had looked at. I remember thinking while I was taking the picture, the others she didn't like; this one is smaller, a different color and a different shape. She HAS to like it! I sent her the picture and she told me that she like the color, but it wasn't her.


I give up on the purses, there's no pleasing her. I'm starting to look for a new coat. Hopefully, I will find at least one that she likes. Anything is better than a puff coat. Right?