Style Adventures Vol. 18 (Athens, Georgia)

                            

STYLE ADVENTURES 

A few weeks ago I visited Athens, Georgia. I was just there for the night and half of the following day. The small college town has some cool shops located downtown. I fell in love with two really crowded but fun shops that I want to share with you. If you are in the area, these are two places you may just find some stylish gems.

Atomic

260 W Clayton St. Athens, GA 30601

706-316-0130

http://www.athensatomic.com/

I started the day with brunch at Heirloom with my girlfriend. Our server was nice enough to offer a list of places to check out in the city. One of the places he suggested was Atomic. The vintage shop is located on Clayton Street in the company of many other shops selling everything from smoking supplies to clothing and bath products. You will also find some interesting bars and restaurants in the area, including a place that specializes in crepes. 

Atomic stands out in the area as a place where you can find style and nostalgia. There are racks and stands covered with vintage clothing, shoes and jewelry. They also carry vinyl records, some antiques and housewares. I was so overwhelmed that I made myself focus on accessories. Lately, I have been looking for copper, turquoise and sunglasses. I somehow

 remained focused. I came out with a cool pair of vintage sunglasses.

My New Sunnies!!!

A couple blocks up the street I ran across another second hand/vintage shop. 

Cillies Clothing

 175 E Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601

706-369-7418

https://www.facebook.com/cilliesathenss/

On the same street a couple blocks away I ran into Cillies. The second hand shop was just as crowded as the first shop, with clothing, shoes and accessories. Because I was burning up in the jeans and poly-blend Dorothy Dandridge tee that I was wearing. I found  a pretty kaftan that I quickly bought and changed into for relief. I am wearing it in the photos below.

The store is full of fun costume jewelry, vintage items including: clothing, shoes and handbags. For those who aren't into vintage, they sell modern day clothing too. I ran across some designer bags displayed high on the wall fixtures like a Louis Vuitton duffle bag. Need a formal dress? There are a couple of racks to choose from. Need some sports gear? They have a couple racks of that too. There is also some home furnishings and locally handmade items. The best things I spotted were some Asian fabric jackets and a case of turquoise jewelry. 

My New Kaftan!!!

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 or email us.

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Spring Trends: What I'm Crushing on Pt 2

Spring has officially arrived, although it's hard to tell when I'm still waking up to snow, weather advisories, and we can't forget the nor'easter blasting the East coast.  I think we're all holding on to the thought that warm weather will appear sooner or later. A week ago I shared part 1 of my favorite spring trends, today I am sharing part 2, including a bonus trend.

4. Statement Straw Hats

Hats can be hard to wear if you have big natural hair like me. I'm feeling this trend because it looks like I can wear these styles, despite my big hair. I see a statement straw hat being added to my beach wardrobe this summer.

Gucci

A.W.A.K.E.

Delpozo

5. Pink and Red

Ok, I may be a little biased with this trend, as pink and red are our brand colors. Somehow, I think the universe manifested this trend for Kristin and I. Kristin even wore it when we hung out this past weekend.

Coach 1941

Oscar de la Renta

Kristin

6. Shorts

Shorts have never really been my thing. I've always been a little self conscious of my skinny legs, and shorts were never really flattering on me. I like the shorts being shown this season; 1.) they are longer, 2.) they are tailored, and 3.) they are stylish. Who wouldn't want to wear them?

Balmain

Saint Laurent

Off-White

***7. BONUS TREND: Black and White Polka dots

Choosing polka dots as a favorite trend is probably causing me to rebel against my mom, as she HATED polka dots when I was growing up. I never minded them, but was always hesitant to wear them because of her strong aversion to them. The big polka dots shown by Carolina Herrera are more my style versus the tiny dots.

Alexandre Vauthier

Jacquemus

Carolina Herrera

Have you decided what trends you're adding to your spring wardrobe? I would love to hear your favorites. 

Be Blessed! Be Free! Be Fashionable!

~Chris

Spring Trends: What I'm Crushing on/ Part 1

Per the calendar, spring is set to begin in 12 days. The weather is giving me some spring vibes, warmer temps, lots of rain and bits of sunshine here and there. Anytime the seasons change I start thinking about how I am going to change my wardrobe. Over the past few weeks I have been browsing the web in search of spring trends. Here are a few of my faves!!

1. Rainbow

The rainbow trend caught my eye, because I love color. Either a mixture of colors together or separate bold colors. Many designers showed how the rainbow inspired them in different ways. The Carolina Herrera dress was my favorite interpretation of this trend. I love the classic style of the dress and the pattern mixing. The dress also includes 2 other spring trends, asymmetrical shoulder and the puff sleeve. (dress shown below)

Dolce and Gabanna

Etro

Carolina Herrera

2. Day Glow

It's OK to wear glitz and glam during the day!! Normally sequins and sparkles are reserved for evening functions. But this spring feel free to break out that sparkly top for a daytime event.

Dolce and Gabanna

Saint Laurent

Paco Rabanne

3. White Tank Top

Now I think of the white tank top as a wardrobe essential, not necessarily a trend. I layer with a white tank top almost daily, I guess that makes me a fashion trendsetter, right?  However, I do love the simplicity of this trend, you can find a quality tank top for under $10. Layer it or  wear it alone!!

Alexander Wang

The Row

Miu Miu

What trends are you feeling for spring? 

Next week I will share part 2 that will include 3 more spring trends I'm crushing on.

Be Blessed! Be Free! Be Fashionable!

~Chris

What's Up With ChristinaKristin

Happy New Year! We know, we are late but it is still January. We have so much to share. We launched our Afrikahlo Collection at the end of last year and it was an amazing event full of love, good food and of course our creations. The Afrikahlo Collection is a Collection inspired by Frida Kahlo, along with cultures of African and Latin countries. We documented our process from beginning to end @christinakristin on instagram if you are interested in learning about the supplies we used and how we created our pieces.You can now find a selection of our pieces at our etsy shop or you can try pieces on before you purchase them at Studio V Fashion. We created a special necklace called the Felicia that you can only find and purchase at Studio V.

Visit ChristinaKristin https://christinakristin.patternbyetsy.com/

Visit Studio V Fashion https://www.studiovfashion.com/ or

891 E. Long Street Columbus, Ohio 43203

We are working on some new projects for 2018. Some of these projects are with partners with similar goals, like Studio V Fashion . Kristin is now the resident blogger for Studio V Fashion (blog). You can find a by weekly post about topics like current trends and how to dress for the corporate world.

 

We are also working on a fashion adventure that you will be able to join us on. We will be sharing more about that soon. Let's just say our Style Adventures you have read about will come to life. 

We know we have been pretty quiet lately, so we are excited that tomorrow is the first day of Black History Month. We always have great plans and lots of posts prepared for you. Previous years we have done series on black stylists, black television fashion icons and black starlets. This year we can't wait to share our newest series with you.

Until Next Time,

Be blessed! Be free! Be Fashionable!

ChristinaKristin

Portraits
 Stephanie Matthews
http://www.stephaniematthews.us/

MUAs
Christina Yonley  https://www.ohiomus.com
 Rahela W Ghebremeskel instagram: @makeupbyrahela

Headwrap Designer Amyang
https://www.amyang.com/

Headwrap Stylist Carolynne Mitchell aka
Elle the Introvert https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9M2YAJs-FvyNwaAOKMYojw


Models

 Christina of ChristinaKristin
 Raheal Yemane  instagram: @freshandforeign

How I Get Re-inspired When I'm in a Style Rut

We all go through times in our life when we lose inspiration or motivation to do things aka a rut. Every so often I find myself not wanting to wear anything in my closet, while knowing that I'm not about to buy a whole new wardrobe. In order to get re-inspired with my closet there are a few things that help me create new looks with my current wardrobe. At most, I may buy new accessories to spice things up.



1. Read fashion magazines

2. Window shop at my favorite stores

3. Stalk Pinterest religiously

4. People watch

Photo Credit

5.  Browse Street Style Blogs

Photo Credit

How do you get re-inspired when you're tired of your wardrobe? I would love to hear your ideas, I'm sure I could benefit from them.

Be Blessed! Be Free! Be Fashionable!

~Chris

This Is Why You Should Be Shopping In Thrift Stores

When I was younger, I dreaded walking into thrift stores with my mom. It felt like my social life would go down the drain if my peers saw me in there.

Fast forward to today, you can't keep me out of the thrift store. Thank you mom, for giving me the thrifting bug. I must say I am a thrift store connoisseur, and you should be one too. Ok, maybe connoisseur is a strong word, but you know what I mean. Here is why I say you should be shopping at the thrift store.


1. Experiment with styles
   
     Shopping at the thrift store gives you a chance to try new pieces without spending a lot of money. I fell in love with pleated skirts by thrift shopping.

2. Supporting a good cause

    Most thrift stores serve some other purpose other than just selling clothes. Local thrift stores in my area support developmentally disabled adults, and another one recycles clothing that goes to waste. You can even donate to the stores and receive a tax credit!!

3. Find authentic ethnic clothing

    Shop at a thrift store in a culturally diverse area of town and you are sure to find some authentic pieces that people have donated.

4. Your friends won't have your clothes

     You never have to worry about going somewhere and having on the same dress as your girl. Generally there is 1 of everything at the thrift store.

5. Saving money

     You can lower your budget amount on clothing, because you'll get so many things at a lower cost.

6. Bargain prices

   Along with saving money, prices are low at the thrift store. Find the sale dates in your area, and you can leave with some dirt cheap items.

7. It's fun

    You never know what you will find at the thrift store. It kind of like a treasure hunt.

8. You can outfit the entire family

    The thrift store  is for everybody, it does not discriminate. Young, old, boy, girl, woman, man, and possibly pet too.

I would like to know if you thrift shop. If you do, tell me why. I hope these 8 things persuaded you to try out a thrift store near you soon.

Be Blessed! Be Free! Be Fashionable!

~Chris

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) July 22, 2017

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!
  
Yesterday was a crazy busy day. It was also sooo hot and raining on and off. I started my day at the 2x2 Hip-Hop Festival. I watched free style rap, set performances, brake dancing and beat boxing battles. I also stopped by the Jazz & Rib Fest to watch my new favorite band Mistar Anderson perform with Adria Shahid. It was the last day of Columbus Restaurant Week, so I had dinner at Nada in the Arena District. I retuned to the 2x2 Hip Hop Festival for an hour and ended my night at the 2x2 after party. This was Saturday's look.

Dress: Falls Creek from Meijer
Belt:80s retro Etsy
Pearly whites with gold tooth necklace: Etsy
Gold choker: 90s retro, I was my grandma's
Shoes: Adidas
Sunglasses: D&G

Until next time,

Be blessed! Be free! 

Be fashionable! 

Kris,

Follow me on ig @krisofohio
for more photos.