Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) October 27, 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 I took a Taco Truck Tour through Columbus Food Adventures. It was the anniversary date of the first tour I took with them in German Village last year as part of my Birthday present. I had so much fun last year I decide to schedule two tours for this year's Birthday celebration. My birthday was yesterday but I celebrate a whole month usually. Last year the German Village tour was a walking tour where we learned about the history of the part of town and ate our way through. This year's Taco Truck Tour was a van tour with six stops that were full of great food and information. I learned that there were so many items that I never would have ordered had I not had this experience. They sell a lot more than tacos and burritos. I took these photos on the tour, this is what I wore.

Blouse: thrift store

Fur Vest:thrift store

Jeans:Paige Denim

Boots:second hand 80's vintage from etsy

Earrings: Betsey Johnson Paris Heart Lips 5 Piece Stud Set

Bracelets: Artemis Cuff by Stella & Dot + Pyramid hand bracelet

from Nordstrom

I was in the mood for color and print. Prints are big this season and fur has been in for many seasons now including this past spring. I wanted to be comfortable and warm since it was an evening tour. Instead of a bulky coat, I opted for a fur vest. I threw on my flat color block over-the-knee boots. Over-the-knee boots are also back this fall/winter season.

The blouse I paid $0.69 at a thrift store just outside of Dayton.
The rabbit fur vest was $20 at the Ohio Thrift store a few winters ago.

I had been eye balling this Betsey Johnson Paris Heart Lips stud set for a month and finally decided to indulge. I loved the idea of this set because I have a lot of piercings especially on my left ear. I am also a big fan of the asymmetrical look. Check out her site for more of these fun sets!

I have had these 80's over-the-knee color-block boots for a few years now and I am always excited to wear them. I originally paid about $70 for them. They are my favorite boots.

Me in front of the Columbus Food Adventures tour van

Grabbing more tacos at our first stop after the tour.

What do you think about my look?

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Style Adventures Vol. 15 (Columbus,Ohio)

STYLE ADVENTURES 

(Columbus,OH 10/13)

This post is about how to add to your wardrobe using antique shops, thrift stores, yard sales and other venues. We travel Ohio and beyond discovering unique and stylish items we want to share and the places we found them.

Earlier this month on a Sunday I went to a local vendor event, that a friend of mine was a part of. Take a look at some of my favorite artists.

The event was at Franklin Park Conservatory, if you have not been there you must go. It really is a hidden gem, such a beautiful space. Kristin and I go fairly often for happy hour events. When I pulled up, there were cars everywhere and signs for valet parking, I was thinking "Wow, this event is huge", but I later found out there was a wedding going on at the same time.

When I first walked into the event I noticed the same type of vendors I usually notice at artisan events here in Columbus, Healthy food vendors,Ohio State Buckeye trinkets,oven mitts, well you get the idea. I was thinking my friend would not fit in at the event and I didn't see her table. As I entered the second room, I saw some more unique/creative vendors.

So as I am writing this I see that all of my notes have been erased out of my ipad...ughhh, darn technology. So now I am writing what I remember. Note to self: use old school notebook next time.

Copper Curious

The first designer that caught me eye was Lisa McLymont. Her pieces were very simple, but creative. Just by looking at the table I could tell how much detail went into each piece. As I started talking to her, she told me that she was a graphic designer, even giving me tips on my personal business cards, and offering assistance with my logo, if needed.

After talking with Lisa for a while, I found out that she specializes in home decor, but does many events where jewelry is just smaller and more accessible. She speaks with so much passion about her work, I had to quote this directly from her facebook page: " I made my connection to copper and it’s wonders through jewelry making, and now use it to solve all sorts of challenges. Besides it’s warm sheen and easy malleability, I’ve come to enjoy illustrating with this metal. Drawing with a 3-dimensional line is constantly an exercise in the creative use of problem solving, patience, focus and imagination. Making each piece is also like choreographing a dance. well. the way I think choreographers choreograph. :D"

I love that every piece is handmade, hammered and molded by the artist herself. Be sure to check her out!

FunkiLovely

I finally saw my fried Lisa Scott's table. I absolutely love her jewelry it is so creative and out of the box. Her brand is called funkilovely. Have you ever me someone who is so encouraging and inspiring, and after you have a conversation with them, you leave with good vibes? She is very much that type of person, I love talking to her.

She would not allow me to take a pic of her, claiming she's not photogenic, but I don't believe her. I stole this pic from her facebook page. 

When you see Lisa's designs you will see a lot of denim,beads and leather. She has everything from statement necklaces,rings,wrist cuffs,foot jewelry and more. Her pictures speak for themselves.

Branching Creations

As I walking through the vendors, these colorful bangles caught my eye. I had to go over to the table. This is where I met Julie Macala, creator of "Branching Creations". After talking to Julie, I learned that she has always been a visual artist, moreso with sketching and drawing. She explained to me that now she just has a different canvas and draws on wood with wood burning, even including color using watercolors and colored pencils.

Everything is handmade and created in her home in Clintonville. Julie also does custom orders, along with plaques, jewelry boxes and more. 

Thank you to all of the artists for allowing me to feature you. To find out more information about them please click on the underlined company names.

Until Next Time, Ciao!

*Chris*

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) October 12, 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 date day with my guy. He needed some new boots so we headed to Nelsonville, Ohio for the Rocky Boot Outlet.There we checked out the little stores downtown and a restaurant called Rhapsody.Then we headed to Rockside Vineyards in Lancaster, Ohio and we ended the night eating our way through the Fairfield County Fair. I took my photos downtown in Nelsonville. This is what I wore.

Jacket:Gap (Thrift store purchase)

Shirt: Jones New York (Thrift store purchase)

Pencil Skirts: Forever 21

Clutch:thrift store purchase

Shoes: smoking slippers with tassels (etsy.com)

Jewelry: necklace(vintage),pyramid hand bracelet(Nordstrom),

ladybug ring by Kenneth Jay Lane, rose earrings (flea market)

Belt: white patent leather and gold chain (thrift store purchase)

With the weather transitioning, I am still wearing things that feel kind of summery but adding layers to keep myself warm. It was nice out Saturday but I threw on my Gap denim jacket to catch the little chill in the air.

This season pencil skirts are in and so is emerald green.I was given this high-waisted skirt by my sister and loved it. 

The rose button up is appearing here for the second time. I originally paid 0.99 for it at a thrift store in Dayton. I loved the rose shirt with the skirt even though it was a lot of red and green. You can wear the two colors together even if it isn't Christmas, they are complimentary colors after all.

I am wearing my favorite vintage necklace. A friend bought it for me a while ago. This is the first opportunity I have gotten to wear it. It is a really yellow gold and lots of pearls so it is not something that you can wear with a lot.

The day clutch is still very much in. I have had this red leather clutch a while and I love any opportunity to carry it.

What do you think about my look?

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Style Adventures Vol. 14 (Nelsonville, Ohio)

STYLE ADVENTURES 

(Nelsonville, Ohio 10/12)

This post is about how to add to your wardrobe using antique shops, thrift stores, yard sales and other venues. We travel Ohio and beyond discovering unique and stylish items we want to share and the places we found them.

Nelsonville, Ohio is a destination city because of the Rocky Boot Outlet. The outlet is a place you could spend hours shopping for boots and clothing for work and activities like hunting and hiking. There is even a restaurant on the first floor of the outlet where you can get anything from bison burgers to prime rib. Nelsonville is also the birth place of Sarah Jessica Parker, one of my personal favorite style icons.  I have been to Nelsonville a few times  to go to the boot store and had never visited the downtown area which is just literally around the corner. I had no idea there was anything worth checking out for a fashionista until this past Saturday. 

Hoodlett's

 49 W. Columbus St., 

Nelsonville , Oh 45764 

www.facebook.com/Hoodletts

Hoodletts caught my eye as we rode down the street. There was a sidewalk sale with a $5 sign that I could not ignore. I love a bargain and there were plenty in the store that day. The store carries clothing for women and men. They have lots of fun looks for those who gravitate toward bohemian styles. They also carry Under Armor active wear.  The prices are ridiculously affordable.

The $5 Rack

The $5 rack was full of fun dresses and skirts. I found myself attracted to two peasant like dresses at the end of the rack that were The Webster Miami dresses originally made for Target. I selected a pink dress with flamingos even though I knew I probably would not wear it until next spring. What the heck, it was $5!

Inside I noticed a lot of bohemian dresses, bags and jewelry. I see my style as a little bohemian a lot of times, so I was excited.  I am also a huge fan of pattern and there was no shortage of that in the back of the store.  Once you pass all of the active wear in the front of the store, you get into all of the fun stuff. Patterned dresses, skull studded belts and jewelry made from old silverware are some of there great items. 

Skull Studded Belt 

The store seems so out of place in a city of people comfortably rocking their hunting fatigues, ball caps and work boots. It is an oasis in the small city for a girl like me, a place where my style language is understood. Even the manager seemed out of place in the city which she confirmed was not her birthplace. She was an attractive woman who looked like an artist, comfy yet edgy with great effortlessly smudged eyeliner. I was happy to see her and the store.  Check out what I found!

Button earrings $0.50, skull studded belt $6.99, dress $5

9 pairs of button stud earrings for $0.50

I love studs and skulls! You know I bought it!

Feeling good about my purchases! A belt, dress and 9 pairs of earrings for under $14

Look for my new pieces in future closet blog posts! Fashionista's, antiquers & store owners! Got a store or area we should visit? Leave me a comment.

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Happy Nappy Gal! Happy Anniversary to My Hair !?!

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to My Hair!!!

I have been so busy this past month, I celebrated my belated one year natural hair anniversary this past Sunday. The original day was September 20th but I was out of town helping a friend with a job so I didn't have time to reflect on my year let alone celebrate. I was asked earlier September by one of my hair idol's Koku Gonza, what I planned to do for my hair birthday. Would I buy my hair a cake? Well, I went out for breakfast, bought myself a cupcake and stopped at the beauty store for shea butter which is a large part of my hair regimen. Yes, I put a candle in my cupcake and blew it out as well. My hair wish? I will keep that to myself just as if it were a regular birthday wish but I do want to leave you with somethings I have learned to appreciate the first year of my natural hair journey.

Natural hair is a lot of work but I am not complaining. My hair is the healthiest it has ever been. It is more versatile and fashion forward. It grows really fast, as a matter of fact my hair is back to the original length it was before my big chop. I love that when the wind blows it doesn't get stuck to my lipgloss. It is a conversation starter everywhere I go. When I want to wear it straight, I can straighten it with no chemicals involved. I have not had a chemical burn on my scalp in well over a year. This is the hair I was born with and I have never felt more beautiful.

My 1 Year Hair !!!

My First Natural Hair Closet Post

September 22, 2012

Saturday September 22, 2012, I posted my first Kris's Closet with my newly chopped hair. I had been without a relaxer for a few months so that I would not be completely bald when I said "goodbye relaxer". I ended up with close to three inches of hair and I quickly learned my first hair style, the finger coil. I loved my hair but I was nervous about how people would perceive me. I quickly reminded myself that it was about how I saw myself that mattered. 

The Stages of My Growth

Left to right: before natural, 2 days after my big chop, a week after my 1 year mark

Thank you for being a part of my journey!

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,