Style Crush (Fall 2013 Trend Alert)

Pattern Play

I hate to admit it, but fall is near. I am so not ready for the cold weather and shorter days. But with a change in the weather comes new fashion trends, that always excites me. It's about time to stock our closets with sweaters, long pants,boots,and coats.Over the next few weeks, I will help you stay abreast of what to add to your closet by spotlighting some top Fall trends.

This fall many designers are including classic prints into their collections. Classic patterns are those that are always in style such as houndstooth,leopard print, and plaid. Designers are showing these patterns in full outfit, if that's too much print for you, try it in pieces. Maybe just a houndstooth cardigan, or a leopard print scarf. 

L-R: Carolina Herrera (www.harpersbazaar.com), Betsey Johnson (www.style.com),Oscar de la Renta (www.harpersbazaar.com)

L-R: Moschino (www.style.com),Dolce & Gabanna (www.style.com),Chanel (www.style.com)

Of course with any trend, the "Trickle Down Method" occurs. The trickle down method is basically the idea that high end designers set the trends and then the trends trickle down to the more affordable stores and even discount stores such as H&M,Forever 21,and Marshall's just to name a few.  

L-R: www.hm.com, www.forever21.com

Just for fun, I had to include a clip from my favorite movie "The Devil Wears Prada" where Meryl Streep explains the "Trickle Down Method". 

How will you wear the "Classic Pattern" trend this fall?

Until Next Time, Ciao!

*Chris*

Style Crush

Since this is our anniversary month, I thought I would do a special 'Style Crush' post on one of my favorite people.  I featured her last year in a 'Style Crush' on August 22. Her post was one of the highest viewed blog posts and was THE most viewed 'Style Crush' until last month.  I am featuring her again because last time I talked about what I loved about her style but this time I thought we should hear her personal thoughts about life, style and what matters to her. See why I am faithfully crushing on her style.

 Koku Gonza.  21 +. Chicago.  Songwriter/Model

photo courtesy of  Koku Gonza's facebook

My take on Fashion: 

I L.o.v.e. fashion as much as I do art. Art dictates fashion which inspires my personal style. I don't shop at the malls and department stores, I thrift and purchase at boutiques. Leaning on fashion trends isn't something I do either. I try to create my own fashion forward yellow brick road. 

photo courtesy of Koku Gonza's facebook

Where Have I been:

 A brief east coast tour in 2010 with my first EP Confessions Of A Songwriter to a 10 City Tour in France in 2012 with model contracts and teaching middle school between it all the travel has kept me really busy over the past few years. I'm thankful that the path I've chosen has exceeded my expectations. I currently run a couple of blogs based on natural hair and indie music . You can see where i've been and where im Going hereKinkykoku.blogspot.com and L.o.v.e. KokuGonza.tumblr.com

photo courtesy of Koku Gonza's facebook

I'm Passionate About: 

Music. Natural Hair and Fitness. I strive to be healthy and keep my natural hair in shape as well while creating new music. 

photo courtesy of Koku Gonza's facebook

You Can Find Me:

 away from da club! I'm not a fan of clubbing . I prefer the spa, hiking, writing, playing in my hair or hanging with my manpanion. Concerts are a must as well as natural hair meet-ups.

photo courtesy Interlink Language Center facebook

Contact info:
Www.kokugonza.com

Www.facebook/Kokugonza

@gogokoku on twitter 

@KokuGonza on Instagram

photo courtesy of Tony Smith's facebook

Thank you for checking out our special anniversary edition of 'Style Crush'! What do you think about Koku's style? If you or someone you know should be featured in our next 'Style Crush', let us know. Email us at christinakristin1@yahoo.com.

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!
Tata! Kris,

ChristinaKristin Talk ( An Anniversary Special)

• ChristinaKristin Talk
  

  
  

  It has been two weeks since our 1 year anniversary as bloggers and we are continuing our celebration. We hope you are enjoying the newly improved blog renovations. We also wanted to reveal more about ourselves so we interviewed each other to share it with you. 

  
  

  

  
  

  
  
  

  Kristin:   How would you describe your style today? Has it changed from when we first started the blog?

  
  

  Christina:  I would say that my style is definitely a mix of bohemian,romantic with a  little rocker. My style has changed somewhat, I was always more of a  solid color girl, but lately I have been adding more pattern to my  wardrobe. Also, Kristin you have helped me to really identify my style throughout this year of blogging.
  

  
  Kristin:    Name a person or people who's style you admire who is not a 
  celebrity. Someone who inspires you. 
  
  
  Christina:   Growing up my mom’s style inspired me, I always saw her in the 80’s style pumps with the big bow on the side, fish net stockings,lace blazers. She was very petite like I am, but she was very confident in her size, not afraid to be sexy. My grandmother was very fashionable, with designer bags, mink coats,hats,and a muff. I believe she bought me my first fur muff in elementary school. Now a days, Kristin you inspire me with your use of pattern, and how you make vintage pieces look expensive.

  
  Kristin:   When you want to treat yourself, what do you spend money on?
  
  

  Christina:  This is going to sound weird, but I treat myself to hair products. LOL…I’m not a product junkie because I can’t afford to be. But when I have extra money I’m always looking for the next best product to make my hair better.

  
  

  Kristin:   If you could have any kind of animal as a pet, what would that be and what would you name it?

  
  Christina:  This is a hard question, I once owned a little Yorkie named Paris, she was too high maintenance for me, hence the name. LOL… Honestly, I've grown to realize that I am not much of an animal lover, probably because I was deprived of pets as a child. Can I plead the 5th???

  
  

  Kristin:  Where would you be right now if you had no financial limitations?

  
  Christina:  If I had no financial limitations I would be traveling throughout Europe: France,Italy,Spain!

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  Christina:  From who or what do you draw your style inspiration? How has it changed since we started blogging?
  
  Kristin:    I draw my style inspiration from all over. I find inspiration looking through magazines, watching television,  things I see online and even art. People who inspire me are people like you Christina, my mom and I have made many references on the blog to my gramsy Nolan. I love looking at old photos of my grams because she was the most stylish woman and even though she isn't physically present she still inspires many of my looks. I wear a lot of her old garments and jewelry pieces. I don't believe in wearing anything just because it's hot. It has to make sense for me so I follow trends but I take what I like and make it work with my style, my body and age . I have to admit I am mostly inspired by color. Since I started blogging I have paid more attention to current trends and I have found that I have done a lot more shopping than I use to since I am always doing research and browsing the web. 

  
  Christina:  What do you love most about your life right now at this very moment? Why? 
  
  Kristin:  I love that I feel free. I don't work for anyone, so I wake up when I want unless I have a styling job or project deadline. I love that I am in charge of my time. I enjoy being able to pick up and leave when I feel like it and I don't have to answer to anyone. There are no day off requests or waiting to find out if the request got approved. That is the best. 

  
  Christina:  Why did you decide to give up the “Creamy Crack” and go natural? How has your natural experience been?
  
  Kristin: I gave up the chemicals because I have done everything else with my hair. My hair has been fire engine red, ruby red, pink, purple and blond. I have had the Halle Berry  pixie cut, my hair has been short on top and long on bottom and  I have even had  it shaved on one side before it became so popular. For me it was something new to do that allowed me more versatility while also making a healthier choice. I also have had fibroid issues and it has been said that the "creamy crack" is possibly responsible for that. I am proud of my hair. It is time consuming and I am always playing in it but I have had so much positive response since I made the change. My hair has become a conversation starter.

  
  Christina:  Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
  
  Kristin:  I see myself  with a couple boutiques selling ChristinaKristin designs and traveling around the world to style artists and make purchases for the boutiques. Kids, husband, um maybe.

  
  Christina:  If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Is that place different from what you thought about say 10 years ago?
  
  Kristin: I would go back to Florida. I miss being home and it's so close to so many island destinations that I want to visit. Ten years ago I was in Florida finishing school so I was where I wanted to be.
  
                                                                                                                                            
  Ask us anything! If you have questions for either of us, we will do our best to answer them. What would you like to know about us? Any comments will enter you in our drawing to win a pair of earrings from our 'Heavy Metal Collection'. 
  
  Christina & Kristin,

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) July 13, 2013

Kris's Closet

In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in my closet,learn where I found them

 and where I wore them.  

My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

Saturday was an interesting day. I started the day pulling weeds in the yard which lead me to losing one of my diamonds that belonged to Gramsy Nolan. After I had a fit and made Leo cut the grass to the dirt where I lost it, I realized I needed to simmer down. We got on the road around 2:00pm to Loudonville, Ohio where we walked through some shops. We realized the Mohican Pow-Wow was happening that weekend so we bought tickets at one of the shops and headed that direction. I enjoyed my first Indian taco. I loved the fry bread it was on! After some people watching, shopping the vendors and live music, we left to search for dinner. We stopped at Landoll's Mohican Castle to look around and check out the dinner menu but we ended up eating at Malabar Farm Restaurant in Perrysville. There we sat on the patio and had one of the best meals we have had out together. OMG Lamb Chops! I took these photos at Landoll's Mohican Castle and the Mohican Dam where we ended the trip. This is what I wore.

My look Saturday was simple and comfy since it was so hot. I wore a yellow asymmetrical romper that I got from Shoetique last summer. Find a cute yellow romper here. I tied a red leather belt around the waist (old from Newport News catalog) and slid on my comfy Kenneth Cole Reaction slide on wedges that I bought this spring at a church treasure sale . Find similar belt here. Find similar shoes here.

I created a turban headband look out of a vintage scarf I also bought from the church treasure sale. Since mine is not available, I recommend this cute vintage scarf from American Apparel. My earrings are from a store in Amish Country. I found them this past winter. On the hand to your left is a new hand bracelet. It is the Musiq Accessories Pyramid Hand Bracelet from Nordstrom.   I stacked my wrists with my safari animal bracelets, the Creature Cuff by Tasha (Nordstrom), new giraffe bracelet from (Kohls) sale rack for $7, the Artemis Cuff and Kalahari Bangle from Stella & Dot and a snake wrap bracelet that I found on etsy. The Gucci is an old bag that my friend Dee got tired of and gave to me. 

This concludes another Kris's Closet. Thank you so much for stopping by! 

When you leave comments on any blog post you are entered to win a free pair of Heavy Metal earrings. Check them out!

Check out our newest Heavy Metal Collection at our etsy shop! 

Use this anniversary code to receive 20% off anything in the shop! 

(BLOGBDAY1)

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Anniversary Celebration Giveaway!!!

This month we are celebrating our 1 year anniversary as bloggers. We have been accessory designers and stylists for years now! We are excited to have completed our first full year as bloggers.

 In honor of our celebration, one of you lucky readers has a chance to win a pair of earrings from our "Heavy Metal" collection. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling us 1.How our blog has inspired you or 2. Your favorite blog post or series (i.e. "Style Crush,Chris's/Kris's Closet,etc). At the end of the month (Wednesday July 31,2013) we will randomly select a winner and post the winner at the bottom of that Wednesday's post as well as in the comments section of this post.

 These hoop earrings are handmade, the wire and fishhook are both gunmetal. On the hoops are springs and washers. The two different color metals is intentional following the mixed metals trend. Check out more of our "Heavy Metal" collection!

Good Luck To You!!!

Until Next Time, Ciao!

*Chris*

It's Our Anniversary!

It's been a year today since we opened up our lives and closets to you! We are starting our month long celebration today! First we want to say a few words...

Christina..."I've learned a lot about fashion"

Christina left to right: Her Style My Way 7/13, Chris's Closet 12/12, Chris's Closet 8/12

Wow! I can't believe that we have been blogging for a full year. Boy, how time flies when you're doing work that doesn't feel like work. This year of blogging has definitely been a learning experience for me, I've learned a lot about fashion. Although, I am a stylist, I hate to admit that I don't stay on top of fashion news like I should. Writing every week has forced me to be disciplined in my fashion research. I always get complimented on my style, but never really knew that people would be interested in knowing how I shop, and how I put my looks together. From the comments and avid readers, I see that people are interested. I want to thank you for taking the time out of your day to view our blog, rather you comment or silently read, without you there would be no point to our blog. This new year going forward I personally want to bring more of our accessory design into our posts, you know us more as fashionista's and stylists. We also create unique, one of a kind jewelry that we want to share more of with you, through DIY ,giveaways,and behind the design posts. I'm excited about our 2nd year of blogging, and hope that you stick around to continue to watch us grow!

Until Next Time,Ciao!

*Chris*

Kristin..."I realize that I am not the only one who wants style for less"

Kristin left to right: Kris's Closet 7/12, Kris's Closet 2/13, Kris's Closet 5/13

This day last year we premiered our blog with my first 'Style Adventures' post and I wasn't sure if anyone would read it. My first year as a blogger has been exuberant. Blogging was one of the only things that has been regular for me this past year. I had an appointment several times each week with my computer, with a deadline each day of 11:00 am that later became noon and so on. Today it's more like, just get it done! I have become more relaxed about it, understanding that sometimes ish happens,deadlines don't always get met. Life happens! I love blogging though and that is what keeps it from feeling like a job for me. I love getting dolled up and paying close attention to the details. Even though I have always been this way, it is extra rewarding being able to share my looks with you. I take pride in achieving funky, fun looks that are also inexpensive and sharing great places to shop off the beaten path. I would love to own a closet full of designer items, I own my share but I am more proud of creating the same feeling with less. After 80 'Chris's/Kris's Closets', 11 'Style Adventures', many newer posts and close to 9,000 views, I realize that I am not the only one who wants style for less.  You have been with me through my style ups and downs. You have been there with me through my natural hair transition and struggles. My only hope is that I have helped and inspired you to live in style no matter your budget.  Thank you for a year of love and support!

Be Blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Our Top 10 Posts of July 9, 2012-July 9, 2013

1. Style Crush  (Lerkia Lee June 12, 2013)

2. Chris's/Kris's Closet (Christina) August 30, 2012 Christina's Birthday!

3. Yay!!! We have reached 100! Our 100th blog post!

4. Style Crush (Koku Gonza August 22, 2012)

5. Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) May 5, 2013  A cinco de mayo wedding!

6. Chris's/Kris's Closet (Christina) August 11, 2012 Celebrating Devin's Birthday at the Casino

7. Chris's/Kris's Closet (Christina) May 4, 2013 Deepika's Belated Birthday Celebration

8. The Heavy Metal Collection is Online!!! The Premier of our Industrial Heavy Metal Collection on etsy.

9. ChristinaKristin's Fashion Night Out! Special Edition Chris's/Kris's Closet A Gatsby Party

10. Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) August 30, 2012 Celebrating Christina's Bday

Look for a giveaway from our Heavy Metal Collection tomorrow and special posts to celebrate the rest of our anniversary month all month long! You will be automatically entered in our drawing when you leave comments on the blog anytime this month. Today tell us what is your favorite all time post or post series since we started.
Christina & Kristin,

Her Style---->My Way (Christina)

When I lose my fashion inspiration and can't think of anything to wear,I look to fashion magazines as well as fashion websites for inspiration. I can usually find someone who is wearing something that I can mimic with clothes and accessories I already have in my closet.

Yesterday I was browsing some of my go to street style websites, just because it had been a while since I'd checked them out. Some of my favorites are www.essence.com, they have good street style and celebrity style photos. I also like www.luckymag.com, this is a great one because of the street style, the blog sites and the how to videos. You should check them out.  The Sartorialist is the most awesome of all showcasing both men and women's style. The pics are awesome and he travels all over the world in search of people with a sense of style.

On Luckymag.com, there is a article series called 31 Perfect Outfits, and they feature it each month. This month is 31 Perfect July Outfits. I found this picture and decided to attempt this style,remembering that I owned a similar lace top, a flare or A-line skirt, and a blazer. Simple.

www.luckymag.com

This is what I came up with. I am wearing a black "ballerina" style dress, I layered my lace top over it. To add color, my necklace is a mixture of jewel tones and gold. Her bun in the picture inspired my headscarf, and it also has the jewel tones and a little print, like her skirt.

It wasn't cool enough outside to wear my blazer, but I opted for the stripes just to add more contrast. Added some bangles and stud earrings. As my students say "Easy Peezy"!!

What do you think?

Until Next Time, Ciao!

*Chris*

Chris's/Kris's Closet ( Kristin) June 30, 2013

Kris's Closet

In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in my closet,learn where I found them

 and where I wore them.  

My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

Sunday was my monthly Ladies Night gathering. This month I planned to meet in the day time for brunch at Knead in the Short North. Four of us had brunch and chatted until we realized we were the last people left in the restaurant. We literally closed the place down. Afterward I stopped at the North Market and checked out the vendors at Artisan Sunday then met my friend Dee to hang out at Comfest. This is what I wore.

This is my favorite tee. It says 'I heart shoes,bags & natural hair. I bought it from a vendor name ThreeLittleBirdsTees on etsy. It is available in four colors and two necklines.  Find my shirt here. I paired the shirt with a hounds-tooth mini skirt that I found last month at Deja Vu in Uptown Westerille. Find a similar skirt here. My bracelets are all closet post veterans. The bracelet to your left is a Chevron hand chain from Forever 21.I paid $3.80. The very busy arm to your right is covered in a black and white marble ring  from a vendor at Macy's Festival a while back, the 'Cara Cross Knuckle Ring' from Nordstrom. I am wearing some skull bangles and snake wrap bracelet from etsy. I am wearing the Kalahari bangle and Artemis cuff from Stella & Dot. The last cuff is the alligator 'Creature cuff'by Tasha from Nordstrom. The alligator is gone but there are other options left. My shoes are the 'skulltini flat' by Jeffrey Campbell.

My peace sign earrings will be available online at my Kristin's Closet shop on etsy soon. The black and white leather crossbody bag was 1.99 from the Valley Thrift Store outside of Dayton. My red belt was $0.50 at The Chesterville Flea Market in Chestiville, Ohio. Find a similar belt here.

This concludes another Kris's Closet. What do you think about my look?

Thank you so much for stopping by! 

Check out our newest Heavy Metal Collection at our etsy shop! 

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) June 28, 2013

Kris's Closet

In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in my closet,learn where I found them

 and where I wore them.  

My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

Friday my guy and I planned a day trip with my nephew to Lake Erie. We took him to the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton where we got to feed animals like buffalo, giraffes and zebras through the window of our truck. We watched pig races and checked out the other animal displays. We ran into a bad storm afterward, so we found an Irish Pub downtown Port Clinton called McCarthy's where we ate and rode out the weather. They have these delicious Scotch eggs there! The sun came back out and we walked around the area. I bought some items from the Fisherman's Wharf Bait and Tackle shop that gave me jewelry inspiration. We stopped in Great Lakes Popcorn Co. where we tasted several different flavors of popcorn and left with a couple bags. Then we took the little man to the MarbleHead Lighthouse where we took a ton of photos. The trip ended at Tofts Ice Cream in Sandusky as it usually does when it's just me and Leo in the Lake Erie area. I took my photos near the lighthouse. This is what I wore.

I wanted to be casual and comfortable since we were going to be around animals. I was inspired by the whole idea of a safari and went with a khaki green colored ruffle and studded tank that is originally from New York & Co and denim skinnies that I cuffed by Paige. Find a similar tank here. I paired my outfit with mostly neutral colored accessories. My bucket hat and cross-body bag are both made of straw. They are thrift store finds. I paid $1 for the hat and $2 for the purse. Find a similar hat here and an even cuter purse here.   My bangles are a combination of thrift finds, cultural festival finds and the colorful ones came from Shoetique. The lucite ring is an old piece from Forever 21. My earrings were $1 from the Circleville Former Fireside Inn Yard Sale House. My metallic thong hemp wedges, I paid $2.50 for at a Treasure Sale at a church this past spring. They are by Kenneth Cole Reaction.

This concludes another Kris's Closet. What do you think about my look?

Thank you so much for stopping by! Bonus photos below.

Check out our newest Heavy Metal Collection at our etsy shop! 

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Photos I took at the African Safari Wildlife Park.  The animals we fed.

Downtown Port Clinton & Marblehead Lighthouse