Honey Put On That Party Dress

    Anybody that knows me knows that I have a slight obsession with tutus.  This tutu dress by Madison & Berkley is one of my new favorites! It's so versatile! During the day I rocked it with a pair of leggings underneath, a denim jacket, a pair of Jeffrey Campbells, and a statement necklace. (It's not pictured...sorry...swear it was cute...future post??) For a nighttime date look, I swapped the leggings with a sleek Jewel Toned shapewear piece to create a layered "mini dress" look. I added my Luv AJ "Deadhead" belt, some earrings and some strappy heels and I was ready to go!

"Oh my my, oh hell yes, honey put on that party dress..."

-Tom Petty

Valentine's Outfit Details:

Tutu Dress: Madison & Berkley

Major Mini (under) Dress: Jewel Toned

Deadhead Belt:Luv AJ

Shoes: Steve Madden (similar)

Earrings: For Love & Laundry Boutique

Photography: Rahil Hashim

xo Karen

Trusting the Universe

Often times in life we feel the need to have complete control over things.  When we are attached to a desired outcome, and that doesn't happen quickly enough or at all, we set ourselves up for disappointment and unhappiness.  It's much more liberating to just trust in the Universe, and let go, and just live your life day to day.  You never know what is in store for you,  if you just allow it...

" I won't miss what's not meant for me, and what's meant for me won't miss me..."

--Anonymous

Outfit Details:

Boots: Jeffrey Campbell (similar)
Dress: Urban Outfitters ( similar)
Necklace: Urban Outfitters ( no longer avail)
Bracelets: The Lace Project
Photography: Vanessa Viola Photography

xo Karen

These Booties Were Made For Walkin'

Lately when I've been feeling overwhelmed or if my energy is all over the place, I make myself go for a walk.  I'll hike Runyon, or walk along the beach, or heck, even just walk around my neighborhood.  Being outside just helps lift my mood and grounds my energy. 

 This backpack by Pamela V. is perfect to take along for walks, and it's fringey! 

These booties by Matisse are FINALLY mine and they are so perfect to walk around the city.  They are so comfortable and stylish!

  "And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?"

                                                                   

                                              -Rumi

Outfit Details:

Booties: Matisse

Backpack and Red Leather Feather Earrings: Pamela V

Leggings: Brandy Melville

Muscle Tee: Truly Madly Deeply ( no longer avail)

Denim Shirt: (similar) Express

Photography: Vanessa Viola Photography

xo Karen

Pink (Floyd) Wall

Shooting against this wall got me thinking of my favorite Pink Floyd song....

"So, so you think you can tell, Heaven from Hell,

Blue skies from pain.

Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?

A smile from a veil?

Do you think you can tell? "

"Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?

Hot ashes for trees?

Hot air for a cool breeze? Cold comfort for change?

And did you exchange a walk on part in the war

 for a lead role in a cage?"

 

"How I wish, how I wish you were here.

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,

Year after year,

Running over the same old ground.

What have we found?

The same old fears. 

Wish you were here..."

                                 -Pink Floyd

Outfit Details:


Moto Jacket: BLANK NYC
Necklace: Vanessa Mooney (no longer avail)
White Tee: Brandy Melville
Wax Jeans: Flying Monkey
Shoes: Rachel Roy  (similar)
Bag: Balenciaga
Photography: Rahil Hashim

Black and White Birthday Party

   This past Saturday I was invited to a Black and White themed birthday party in Beverly Hills. I got this dress, got dolled up and was ready to go.  What I actually experienced I was not prepared for! Held at a sprawling mansion with the sickest view of LA, I was in awe of not only the decor of the party from the moment I walked in, ( gorgeous black and white linens on the tables, romantic votive candles everywhere, selenite adorning each guest's napkin, huge slabs of amethyst crystals as tall as me all over the place, an elaborate spread of fruits and herbs at the mixology bar for the muddled drinks, a giant aquarium that had sharks swimming in it...etc.) but there was a stage set up in the living room. I had heard about the performances at these parties, but experiencing it was on another level. 

My YSLs are the tallest heels I have.  They can be a challenge to walk in.  Thankfully for me I had George Hamilton help me out of the shuttle van to the party.  Serious.  That happened.

And oh the performances! In the beginning, a band got up to sing "Suspicious Minds, " my favorite Elvis song, so I was pretty excited.  The lead singer kept saying, " This is for Priscilla.." and I realized Priscilla Presley was there in the front row of couches!  The universe was clearly conspiring in achieving my goal of being present and my phone died shortly after that, to my detriment. (Insert devastated emoji face here.) The entire cast of Full House ( sans the Olsen twins...bummer, would have liked to see what they would have been wearing) got on stage to sing the theme song of the show, original members of The Temptations got on stage to sing some Motown classics, Tom Jones, Sheila E, C.C. Deville from Poison and Macy Gray all got up to perform!  A lot of the music was before my time but musical legends are musical legends and they were all amazing to watch and be in their presence.   Then...the Beach Boys got on stage and did a set! At this point I was at the front singing along to all the songs ( who knew I knew so many of the lyrics to their songs???) that they kept giving me the mic to sing along.  Again, phone dead so I have zero record of this.  Damn you, iPhone battery!

Anyway, I had the greatest time and I regret not taking more pictures, but not like I had a choice in it and perhaps it was better in the end that I was more present and was able to take it all in. :)  Much thanks to Jeff Franklin for throwing such an amazing birthday party!

xo  Karen

Outfit Details:

Dress: LF Stores (stores only)

Ring: House of Harlow

Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent

I'm Just A Girl ( In Awesome Plaid Pants)

For as long as I can remember I've always wanted the perfect pair of plaid pants.  As a teen I've always admired Gwen Stefani: she was beautiful, fearless on stage, was an amazing songwriter and she had a kick ass sense of style.  I loved No Doubt and went to their every show.   

When I saw these plaid crinkle pants by Free People, I immediately HAD TO HAVE THEM!!

Here I am wearing them casually...inspired by Gwen's style, no doubt. ( accidental pun that I'll totally say was intended ;)

But these pants are so versatile, you can wear it so many ways and they are so comfy!! Most likely I will do a future post on how I would wear them in a more feminine way.  But for now....

.....I AIN'T NO HOLLABACK GIRL!!!

Outfit Details:

Plaid Pants: Free People
Muscle Tee: Truly, Madly, Deeply ( no longer avail)
Boots: Dr. Martens
Bracelet: Balenciaga
Sunglasses: Quay Australia
Beanie: Brandy Melville
Photography: Vanessa Viola Photography

xo Karen

Gypsy Unchained

"So I'm back...back to the gypsy that I was...

And it all comes down to you

Well, you know that it does

And lightning strikes, maybe once, maybe twice

Oh and it lights up the night

And you see your gypsy

You see your gypsy..."

"To the gypsy that remains faces freedom with a little fear

I have no fear, I have only love

And if I was a child

Then the child was enough

Enough for me to love

Enough to love..."

"She is dancing away from me now

She was just a wish

She was just a wish

And a memory is all that is left for you now

You see your gypsy, oh

You see your gypsy..."

-Fleetwood Mac

Outfit Details:

Headress: Gypsy Unchained

Bag: Free People

Blouse: Kimchi Blue ( no longer avail)

Pants: Novella Royale

Necklace: Urban Outfitters (no longer avail)

Bracelets: The Lace Project

Ring: Vanessa Mooney (similar)

Photography: Rahil Hashim

xo Karen