Friday, July 28, 2017

A tribute.

Fashion really does repeat itself. There is evidence of that when you look at New York designers and the classes like, Intro to Fashion History at NDSU.  But do we think about our own family history when thinking about fashion? Not all of us come from extreme fashion icons or those who let their personality show through their clothes.

I am lucky enough to have amazing photographs of my great grandmother, great grandfather and grandmother. Some of these pictures you can see fur coats, sheer bodice dresses and hats, lots of hats. My grandma was never one to consider herself fashionable. But I still remember several of her outfits that stuck out to me. A blue and white polka dot dress, a white sweater cardigan and I even wore her bright sunshine yellow dress to her funeral in 2014. This was my favorite piece of hers, including the gold pearl goldfish pin that she pinned in the center bow.


While we might not wear fur coats as much anymore (especially today - who else is enjoying this 85 degree weather?), you still see some items that may stem from fur coats of the 70's. And with the hundreds of different types of hats, there's gotta be one that's flattering on you.

There is absolutely still a trend with sheer in everything; dresses, blouses and even pants. Sheer is one trend I can get on board with. When it's done tastefully, it could even be worn to work. Sheer doesn't have to be trashy or show everything. Check out this blouse from H&M. This mint color gives a demure feel with a skirt or dress up some jeans.



If you are want to add some sheer to your legs, it can be tricky to find an area that can be shown. Kate Hudson's Fabletics brand mixes in some sheer in the yoga leggings. The sheer cut outs are specifically around the knee and show just enough. If you're like me and leggings aren't your style (shocking, right?), check out these sheer palazzo pants from Macy's. I think I remember my mom wearing something similar, that covered her whole leg, to a wedding. Don't they look comfortable? There are 2 completely different women in these two pairs of pants.




It's one thing to wear leggings with sheer cut-outs, but it's another thing to wear a vintage style dress with a sheer neckline. It has to be tasteful. First, is the color flattering? It's not bright red or black leather? Those two colors stick out in my mind as being something that could give off the wrong impression with a sheer panel.

With this dress, even though skin is showing, it's covered and gives a modest look. Modcloth.com (Modest? Modcloth? A connection?) always has the best vintage and retro style clothes. I found this white maxi dress with a sheer bodice that even my grandmother would approve of. Remember to wear an appropriate bra! A red one is not!



I used to struggle with finding a hat to cover my huge hair. I was jealous of those girls who wore fabulous hats with ease. Until I finally just gave in and decided not to let my crazy hair control me! Break the curl chains! I've had enough! Hallelujah! And this was even years after I cut my hair to a pixie cut. I still have crazy curls, but finding something that fits and still lets my curls have a voice of their own is the perfect combination.

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Anna Lee, a hat designer out of Minneapolis, MN. Her stuff is simply gorgeous and I am in awe of the work she creates. She is one to never let the vintage hat go out of style. If my grandma were still alive today, I have no doubt that she would be transported back in time after seeing Workerby hats. They bring me back to these pictures of my relatives and I am so grateful that Anna Lee continues to remind us never to forget where we came from.



When I look at these pictures of my family from years ago, I remember that even though a lot separates us, (war, economy, black & white tv, cell phones - to name a few) we are still family and this is where I came from. Oh! And we all still need to wear clothes. How will your style be remembered?







Sunday, July 23, 2017

#armparty

I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and one of those ads popped up again, for the 50th time. You know the one. The one where you absolutely love what it's offering, but you think, 'Do I really need another one?' I was totally suckered. I did need another one, or another 4. PuraVida bracelets. I already have 6 or so from when I was an intern at a showroom for PuraVida, so I knew the quality of them and continuing to support this brand was important to me. For each bracelet, a portion of their proceeds are donated to several different charities they are involved with. An obvious selling point to share with my husband who would later ask about the charge on the credit card bill.

I added them to my cart, where it sat for 3 more days until I finally decided I would make the purchase. I can't be the only one who fills their shopping cart with no intention of entering my credit card. Right? I bet I have 15 websites just waiting for me to make the leap and enter payment. Forever 21, Target, H&M, Ulta, Etsy, to name a few.

I'm in love with these bracelets. Stack a few or only wear one. They are perfect. For only $5, you can start building your stack with PuraVida. But they are sold everywhere and for a similar price. They are available with Etsy, Chan Luu, Rebecca Minkoff or get in the DIY spirit and make your own.


Friday, July 21, 2017

Beauty Junkie Week

While following Drew Barrymore on Instagram, I realize I just missed beauty junkie week last week. Just because it's not that official week anymore, I'm still going to pretend like it is. Because I love these products that keep my skin healthy and the cosmetics that make being a girl, fun.

If you've followed me for awhile, you know that I'm more interested in fashion than make-up. I'd rather do a whole outfit than even think about spending the same amount of time on my make-up. Make-up has always been difficult for me, it's intimidating. I don't wear a ton because I want to have an effortless face. And I really don't know how to do that besides not wearing a lot or not wearing any. But I still enjoy those times when I get dressed up and put some blush and lipstick on.

Here are a few of my favorite products.


Yes To. Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin wipes. Get it
The Yes To brand is actually a fantastic brand. Yes To Carrots. Yes To Cucumbers. Yes To a Grande Mocha with an extra shot. (This is not actually in their product line...yet. I hear coffee is good for the skin. No, really!) These wipes clean my face and open my pores. I still remove any make-up before using one, but they are good to scrub with.

Stash by SJP Get it
The only SJP fragrance I haven't bought is Covet. The Lovely and Stash are my favorite scents, but are completely different. Lovely has floral notes, very girly and has a softer type smell. Stash is meant to be a unisex scent. So it has more of a musk smell that isn't overly feminine. My husband has been known to wear it too.

Insta Dri nail color Get it
I realize not everyone uses a 15 minute break at work to paint their nails, but if you do, this color will dry in less than 60 seconds. It's perfect for those last minute touch-ups or to add some pop to your outfit. If your nail color starts to run out and not as smooth, add a few drops of nail polish remover to the bottle and shake it up. This works! Trust me!

Fave 4 Up for Air styling cream Get it
I am in love with this product! If I don't have time to do my hair in the morning, I can put a few globs in my hand and work it into the ends of my damp hair. When it dries the curls are soft and not crunchy. There is just enough hold so my hair doesn't look frizzy either. I haven't tested it on a 91 degree day, like today. Honestly, on those days I think I'd prefer a high bun or braids anyhow to keep my hair off my neck.

W3ll People Bio Brightener Cream Get it
I didn't know how to use a brightener until I got tips from my favorite make-up guru, Nichole. She encouraged me to use a brightener below my eyebrows, under my eyes (in the corner) and above my lip in the 'cupid's bow'. I love it now and use it each time I wear make-up. It really does enhance those places.

Don't worry Drew, I have some of your Flower beauty products that I use too, these are just my top 5. If I did a top 10, your eyebrow pencil would totally be in there!


Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Describe your perfect date.

"I'd have to say April 25th. Because it's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket."

The famous Miss Congeniality movie line. I would be tempted to answer the same way Cheryl did too. Only because it is the day before my birthday, it was a pretty good date and what happened the next day was even better. Who doesn't love their birthday? Except when you are 39 and the next age puts you into a different category. Only 5 years away....

My perfect date with the hubs is an easy one. When we first started dating, we didn't do anything fancy, we didn't spend a lot of money, but we did something both of us could easily enjoy together. We'd go for supper, talk about how our day was and then walk around Barnes & Noble for a few hours. Each of us would pick out a book from the clearance section (his sports, mine fashion) and add it to our book shelf at home.

It wasn't extravagant, but it was the two of us and it was romantic.

Today, we still do those dates. Most often they are our 'fall back' ideas when we have a sitter and we just need to get out of the house.

This is the perfect outfit for those dates, especially on April 25th. A light flowy dress in soft pastel pink. I designed this dress with a date night in mind. In early spring it can be paired with a cardigan and some ankle boots or a sun hat and sandals in the summer.


If you'd like to find out more about how to get this dress or something similar, shoot me an email at stylebykarid@gmail.com.

Monday, July 17, 2017

If this doesn't make you blush.

You know the feeling when you see something great on a menu or in the store and you can't wait to try it? This was one of those times. I got the sneak peek email from Birchbox and I anxiously waited for the USPS driver. 

I haven't been wearing make up very often (check out my Fresh Face Friday on Tuesday post), so when I got this blush, I loved it, but I honestly wasn't sure how often I'd use it. I have a couple friends that I usually give things to when they are too bright or not right for my skin. My girl, Kayla almost got this one, but I think I'll hang onto it.


My verdict, this was so easy to put on! It blended well and gave just the right pink color. If I wanted it to be darker, I can easily add more without it feeling heavy. I applied it early in the morning and it lasted until about 6:00 pm. With my usual make up removal routine, it came off just as easy as it went on. I'll probably use this until it's gone and consider buying the full size for $16 through Birchbox (https://www.birchbox.com/invite/vk3fd).


If you want to try a cream blush, but not sure where to start. I'd suggest trying an ELF or Loreal brand (see #2 & #3) you can pick up at Target or Ulta. That way if you don't like it, you won't be out as much money as say, a Tom Ford cosmetic brand. If you don't like the blush, don't toss it, I'm sure Kayla would use yours too!

Sunday, July 16, 2017

I regret nothing.

I regret nothing.

Well, except for a few things. Contrary to other's opinions, I'm not perfect, I have some regrets. I regret not having an amazing photographer at our wedding. We wanted to save money and just went with a coworker who had a regular camera. Looking back, I was in charge of what pictures to take and who should be in them. A lot of stress for a bride! We do not have a big group family picture, and we never will since my mom has passed. This is one of the reasons why we are planning on a 10 year wedding renewal next year. Only 347 days until then, but who's counting?

I regret not taking more vacations with our family. Everyone is always taking trips and doing fun things with their kids, especially over the summer. Our family does fun things during the week in our city, but we rarely leave and stay in another state.

And I regret buying these 3 things.

My BCBG black suede lace-up open toe booties. They are beautiful. I have worn them, a handful of times. But they are not practical. Let alone the 30 minutes they take to lace up, my feet are killing me by the end of the day. I will never give them up, though. I will keep them for those few outfits that I can wear on the rare date night occasion. Whenever that happens.

A Target brand Merona red floral print long sleeve A-line dress. This dress would be flattering if I gave it some shape and added a belt. It just isn't that flattering on me being an A-line. I honestly don't think I've ever worn this. I got it at Clothes Mentor (a brand name resale store) hoping that I could wear it to a wedding. I obviously decided to get something else. The dust on this dress is higher than the dust on my other dresses that I currently don't wear now that all my dresses must be easy access for my 9 month old.


Finally, a vintage necklace I bought at an antique store. Truth is, I don't hate it and I bet I have several outfits I could wear it with, the one pictured included. I'm just not a huge fan of the length. I put this on with my dress and thought, 'Hey - this isn't half bad! I'm sorry I left you hanging for so long.'
After writing this, I may decide to get rid of these 3 pieces. It could be freeing. Someone else will probably look better in these than me. In the meantime, I think I'll just push them to the back of the closet.

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Taken over.

Sometimes I struggle with being a mom of 3 boys and finding time for myself and my passion; fashion. I have been pregnant for a total of 821 days with these boys. In those days, my life and body was taken over. I did not feel my most fashionable, between bedrest and gaining so much weight with my second, Edison.

PC: Lindsey Herbert Photography

Before Edison was born, I would sew and pull together outfits for everyone I knew and everyone was asking me for my help. I made at least 15 pieces, enough for a collection at Fashion Week in NYC. Some of my favorites can be found on my Facebook page here.

Now? I sew for my boys. I make monsters that they create out of drawings or leggings for my baby boy. I can never find ones that are cute and cheap enough for him to get baby poop stains in. So, I make some that can easily be tossed and made again with the yards of fabric I bought.


I wouldn't consider myself a professional seamstress/sewer, but I enjoy it. Plus, if you put this cute butt in any leggings they will look cute.


We'll see how long these last before we get baby poop stains. (I didn't use a pattern, I just measured his Carter's leggings and added some seam allowance.)

I may not be sewing as much for myself (I'm determined to start again) but I love encouraging the creativity of my boys. And teaching them that they can make whatever they want and as long as they love it, that's all that matters.