SUCH CATITUDE

All photos by Kelly Brooke Photography.  Check her work here or follow her insta @Kellybrookephoto.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Holiday Shopping Time!

It's that time of year again! Time to shop for Holiday gifts! Whether you guys actually enjoy braving the crowded malls and shopping centers to go shopping, or prefer to shop for these gifts at the comfort of your own home in your jammies, the question remains the same for all..."What to get for your mom/sis/boyfriend/ best friend??"

For me the investigation starts long before the actual holiday season.  Paying attention to what they like is key.  (You may appreciate a dozen of cupcakes from Sprinkles or Susie Cakes, and think that's a really thoughtful gift, but your friend who is in super weight-loss mode might not see it the same way! ;)

As a fashionista, I tend to give clothes or accessories a lot as gifts.  I sort of can't help it.   It's what I gravitate towards.  The good news about fall/winter apparel is that you can rest easy that (at least I can speak for here in southern Cali) the colors we buy for fall/ winter are the very same colors that are on trend next winter/ fall. So if you buy a friend an oxblood or mustard ( my two favorite colors for fall) turtleneck, you know they will get use of it next winter or fall too!

 

As for non-clothing pieces, I think it's fun to give unique gifts.  For example, I saw these meditation coloring books ( for grown ups!) that I think were pretty cool that would be awesome for yogi friends.  For kids, I love giving gifts they can build themselves, so the gift doubles as an activity and toy.;) This line of buildable toys by Seedling is my favorite right now.

And hey guys, if you are shopping for your girl...you can never go wrong with a nice handbag or shoes! :)

What about you? What are you guys planning on getting your loved ones???

XO Karen

All pictures taken by Kelly Brooke.  Check out all her other work here or follow her on Instagram: @kellybrookephoto. :)

SHOP THE LOOK:

The Good Ole Shirtdress...(and Other Things Petite Girls Can Pull Off Well ;)

You know what's one of the best perks of being petite? It's that tunics and long shirts can be pulled off as dresses! With the classic shirt dress always in style, it's good to have the option to belt and transform any longish shirts as a dress.  ( Don't forget to wear cute lil shorts underneath though, to avoid any unwanted peek-a-boos! )  The shirt pictured here is by LUSH.





Now don't get me wrong...sometimes I wish I knew what it was like to be tall and statuesque, but I've really come to appreciate all five-feet-two-inches of me. There's so much that a petite girl can get away with! Another example is statement pieces like these amazing gladiator heels by Jeffrey Campbell.  They look cute and fashionable without calling too much attention to yourself if you were naturally tall and towered over people. ;)

No matter what size you are though, it's important to love and accept yourself as you are! I'm all about improving yourself to feel your utmost best, but there is nothing more radiant and beautiful than confidence and also being comfortable in your own skin, so just flip that hair and rock it, girls!!!

xo Karen

All photos shot by Kelly Brooke.  She told me to flip my hair back and forth and I followed.  Follow her too on Instagram at @kellybrookephoto, or check out her site here: 

http://www.kellybrookephoto.com

SHOP THE LOOK:

Memorial Day Vibes

While Memorial Day has always signaled the start of summer for me, I also want to take a moment to express gratitude to the brave souls who have served and continue to serve this beautiful country so that we may sleep in peace and live our lives day to day knowing that we are protected and watched over. From the bottom of my heart I am grateful for the blanket of protection these soldiers have served us.  Paying respect to those who have perished for us, and giving a sincere heartfelt wish that all those serving now will return home safely to their families.

xo Karen

(All photographs were taken by the badass team at ZY2PHOTO Photography, Kelly Ridgeway and Betz Dauterman.)  Follow them on instagram at @zy2photo.

On a lighter note, I have now included links on here so that you can click and shop the look instantly for your convenience!  If an item is no longer available ( like this sold out Freedom maxi dress by 

(Forever 21) I will do my best to include a link to a similar piece.  Hope you find this helpful!

SHOP THE LOOK:

Springtime, Spring Cleaning

It's springtime, folks! Time for spring cleaning, decluttering and for making room for the new! Personally this spring I am going to give my closet a major overhaul and will be purging so many items! I have four closets that are full and I need to better organize them! So, watch out for my Poshmark account (@clothescontrol) for some of my cast-offs if y'all are interested! :)

As with every spring season, florals ARE always a trend. ALWAYS.  So I tend to keep all my floral pieces with anticipation of wearing them every spring!  This particular dress is actually new and was gifted to me on my birthday! ( Thanks, J! ;)  It's Kimchi Blue from Urban Outfitters.  It's perfect to wear on a warm spring day or to wear with a tan leather jacket for a more put together look like I did here! :)  Leather jackets are another thing I plan on not ever getting rid of! They are such staples in my wardrobe! :)

What will you be spring cleaning from your closet??

xo Karen

Spring Outfit Details:

Dress: Kimchi Blue/ Urban Outfitters (ivory color avail in store only)

Leather Jacket: Kenna T

Boots: Seychelles but Steve Madden on link ;) (similar)

Necklace: Sugilite crystal pedulum gifted to me :)