The Last Word by Karen

Think Pink

Pink is a pale red color most commonly associated with charm, politeness, sensitivity, tenderness, sweetness, childhood, the feminine and the romantic.  Pink was first used as a color name in the late 17th century.

Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford English Dictionary online.

Shades of pink include blush, coral, fuchsia, hot pink, magenta, raspberry, rose and salmon.

Ellen DeGeneres plays a game on her show with guest called "Never Have I Ever." If the question was asked, as a little girl or adolescent did you wear pink?, my answer would be "I have never."

Most little girls love pink.  As a child I was never a fan of pink. I remember always wearing red, white, a combination of the two and bright yellow. All of the pictures from my formative years bear witness to my mothers color choice. Both my mother and I are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., whose colors are red and white. I asked  mom once why she always dressed me in red and white and she informed me that her color choice for my clothing was not based on her affiliation. Mom felt that pink washed me out and that the vibrancy of red better suited my personality. When Easter came around my Easter dress was red, my bonnet white, no pink for me.

This spring my  favorite shopping spot, White House Black Market, featured various shades of pink in their spring clothing offerings.

My Picks!!!

The White House Black Market shirt flatters the pant that it is paired with.  In addition, the shirt can be worn with the Vivetta Tobia Polka Dot Pencil Skirt.

1. Sleveless Black & White Shirt by White House Black Market

2. Floral Harem Pants by White House Black Market

3. Polka Dot Pencil Skirt by Vivetta Tobia 

My Looks!!!

Color-block

1. Tie Blouse White House Black Market (old)

2. Color-block Skirt Ted Baker London from Nordstrom (sold out)

3. Suede Lace Up Pumps by Sam Edelman

 

Print on Print

1.Houndstooth pencil skirt by White House Black Market
2. 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan by White House Black Market
3. Tee by White House Black Market
4. Mary Janes Sam Edelman (old) 
5. Glasses by Gucci (last season)

For me pink will be a way to think outside the box, a complete departure from the norm. I will never wear clothing that is predominately pink and definitely not pale pink, but I will add some shades of pink to my black and white. It is always good to introduce new color to your wardrobe or incorporate things you thought you'd never wear,  as long as they are complimentary.

 

One day at a time!

Karen

Style Crush

Hello! It's Kristin! We have not posted as consistently as we should, again our sincerest apologies. There hasn't been a 'Style Crush' since May. I am happy to bring our readers a new crush. This 'Style Crush' is very special because she is the woman who brought me into this world. She is brilliant. She still never lets me get away with bad grammar. She is beautiful and I am happy to share her genes. She is the bravest person I know. She has battled and beat cancer twice. The last battle ended earlier this year. She is a survivor. She is a leader. She is my mommy! I am proud to know her and be a part of her life. She has taught me so much about life and style. She is the reason I am the fashionista I am today. She is thorough in life and in style. Her attention to detail is impeccable. She has shown me the importance of accessories and looking the part. Her style was even referenced in her Citation of Recognition when she retired this year. This post also comes just days before her 59th birthday this Sunday. Wish her Happy Birthday with me, but first enjoy this special edition 'Style Crush'. Happy Birthday Mommy!

Karen Nolan-Mitchell. 59.Columbus OH.Retired

My take on fashion...

I believe that everyone has a sense of style whether or not others consider their style good or bad.  I grew up in the sixties when everyone dressed and dressed appropriately.  I never saw my mom in a pair of jeans until I was a senior in college.  

I always tried to not look like everyone else.  In High School I embroidered my jeans with my horoscope sign, symbols and other things.  When friends asked me to do their jeans I did, but I stopped wearing mine.  

I have always like color but I prefer to wear black and white.  I wear whatever I feel comfortable in and I mix trends with classics.

Where I have been...

Going to an HBCU in Atlanta, Clark Atlanta University, was a cultural experience for me coming from Columbus, Ohio.  I have never seen so many beautiful black folk!

I lived in Florida for 12 years.  I was flabbergasted the first time I saw people in the grocery store in swim wear! I now reside in my home town, Columbus.  I had two beautiful girls, with my first husband,  I'm now remarried to a wonderful man. 

I have fought and won two battles with cancer.  Obviously there is something else I am supposed to do.

 

I am passionate about...

I am passionate about family and art. In my next life I am going to be an art dealer!

 

You can find me...

I have two favorite places, my home and Easton Mall. At home I find peace and love. Easton Mall provides a feast for the senses,lots of color, diversity and good food . And let's not forget , at the Mall I can buy beautiful clothing and accessories.

If you or someone you know would like to be featured as our next Style Crush, please contact us at: christinakristin1@yahoo.com

Until Next Time,
Be Blessed! Be Free! Be Fashionable!

Kris,

Mom's Citation of Recognition from City of Columbus

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) September 22, 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 the 22nd, I was in Lynchburg, Virginia. I'd been there helping my guy out with a job since Wednesday and we were finally able to check out the city. The historic city is full of sites where historical figures from the Civil War lived and fought. We got to check out the Lynchburg Museum, the Monument Terrace/ Confederate Monument,and the Renaissance Pierce Street driving tour which included some famous African Americans such as poet/civil war activist Anne Spencer. I walked through her garden and was attacked by mosquitoes before I could completely cover it. LOL. I took these photos at the Monument Terrace. Check out what I wore!

It's no longer summer and the days have been a little chillier. When fall arrives, it's definitely time to start layering. Looking at this outfit it looks like I am wearing a sweatshirt and skirt but it is actually a sweatshirt over the polka-dot dress I wore on my Put in Bay trip post in August. I added the lace peter-pan collar necklace to the over-sized sweatshirt to kind of dress it up. I love mixing masculine with feminine! I threw on my Adidas sneaker wedges to be cute but comfortable while I trekked around Lynchburg including the 139 steps of the Monument Terrace.

Dress: Merona dress from Target(similar dress)
Sweatshirt: ElevenParis 'Talere' Print Sweatshirt from Nordstrom
Collar:Forever 21(similar collar)
Purse:Gucci (old) The fox tail I picked up from a vendor at the Mohican Pow Wow in Loudonville, Ohio
Shoes: Adidas 'Basket Profi'Hidden Wedge Sneaker from Nordstrom
Sunglasses: Emporio Armani

Me & Frankie

What do you think about my look? Bonus photo below.

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

The top of the Monument Terrace & the Lynchburg Museum 

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Christina) September 4, 2013

Chris's Closet

I am Christina, the hot pink of ChristinaKristin, welcome to my closet.

Kristin and I arrived in New York City early Wednesday (September 4) morning, after a not so great 8 hour bus ride. We slept a little on the long bus ride, I was still a little tired, but was so excited to be in this amazing city that I wanted to hurry and site see. After getting dressed, we wandered around the area close to our hotel and ended up in Times Square, this is what I wore.

I wanted to be stylish and comfortable,so I opted to wear my "I Love My Ethnicity" T-shirt,which has been featured in an old closet post. I layered it with a black cami from Forever 21,I love their cami's, they are such a steal for only $2.00.  You can find this cami here: www.forever21.com. I paired it with a simple black mini skirt that I purchased at H&M, it doubles as a tube top when needed. The skirt was also super cheap for about $5.00. I couldn't find the exact skirt at H&M, but I found a similar one here: www.forever21.com.

I didn't pack many shoe options, so I decided to wear my black oxfords paired with black lacey socks for added flair. They actually turned out to be quite comfy. I bought these lacey socks at a lingerie store,they always have the best leg wear. I found a similar pair here: http://www.sears.com/. My black oxfords are from Aldo, I've actually had them for a few  years.  Here are a pair similar to mine: http://www.aldoshoes.com.

Now on to the fun part, my accessories. I believe they are all past closet post features. I found these earrings at a vendor event in Atlanta during the Bronner Brothers Hair Show, I think they were about $10. My sunglasses are Marc by Marc Jacobs, I purchased them at Macy's many years ago. I like the Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglass line because they are fairly inexpensive for designer sunglasses. Mine were under $100. I found a similar pair at  Nordstrom.  My bracelets are a combination of Stella & Dot, gifts from Ghana and India, and an Ohio State Fair vendor.

Kristin let me borrow the crossbody bag, I didn't have anything to carry other than a clutch, and being in a big city such as New York, it's always best to carry a crossbody! I was thankful she had the bag, because it matched my outfit perfectly.

We had an absolute blast in NYC. Stay tuned with us this week for our New York Diaries series!

What do you think of my look?

Until Next Time, Ciao!

*Chris*

Kristin's Top 5 Spring Trends of 2013!!!

Kristin's Top 5 Spring Trends of 2013!!!

We did our top 5 fall trends last season so it was only right to put in our two cents about the spring season trends. I always get excited when the season changes for many reasons but one reason is a change of wardrobe. Finally it's time to put away our coats, winter boots and shed some clothing. Although many of the fall/winter fabrics are being revisited in the current season and can remain in our closets. I am excited about fur for spring and leather, which seems to make sense in this ever changing weather. It's already been a spring filled with a mix of warm, rainy and winter like days. I think the trends for this season will keep us 

prepared for anything. Here are my top five.

5. Cutouts 

Cutouts surfaced on many runways. Some of my favorite cutout looks were found in the spring collections of Gucci, Sass & Bide, Versace, Saint Laurent and Alexander Wang. Although, I am not certain I will be really embracing this trend, I love to at least look. 

Photos courtesy of:  elle.com  left to right: gucci, sass & bide, versace

My Cutout Picks!!!

1. Michael Kors Yvonne Cutout Sandal  $195 net-a-porter.com

2. Tripp Nyc Z Cut Skinnies $133 us.asos.com

3. Mara Hoffman dress $297 shopbop.com 

4.Vince Camuto Mod Cutout Faux Leather Skirt $99 nordstrom.com

5.Denim Lattice Peplum $48 nastygal.com

4. Monochromatic Brights
Brights worn monochromatic were seen on the runways of designers and houses such as Gucci, Stella McCartney and Etro. I love the idea of this because it can make a short person like myself seem taller and thinner. I am also a huge fan of bright color.

Photos courtesy of:  left to right  gucci  hapersbazar.com, stella mccartney elle.com, etro harpersbazer.com

My Monochromatic Look!!!

1.Equipment "Adriana Silk Blouse" $189.99 piperlime.com

2. Ray Ban " RB3025M" $219 sunglasshut.com

3.Kendra Scott "Danielle Oval Statement Earrings" $58 nordstrom.com

4. Tommy Hilfiger "Piper" flat $75 zappos.com

5. J Crew " Curator Midrise" pant $168 net-a-porter.com

3. Fringe
I love decorative details like fringe! It is so much fun. It reminds me of the 1920's flapper or 80's rocker. Some of my favorite fringe pieces were seen on the runways of Nina Ricci, Versace and Tory Burch.

Photos courtesy of: coolspotters.com  versace, google.com Nina Ricci,  Damita bootie jimmychoo.com , toryburch.com

My Fringe Picks!!!

1. Leather Fringe Mini $124.69 us.asos.com
2.Ottawa Suede Platform Sandal by Jeffrey Campbell $230 neimanmarcus.com
3. Fringe Leather Handbag by Mango $109.99 mango.com
4. Lillith Fringe Necklace by Stella & Dot $138 http://www.stelladot.com/sites/christinajovonn
5. Blakely Fringe Detail Sandals by Sam Edelman $240 http://www.dillards.com/
6. Seaside Luxe Fringe Cuff by Michael Kors $195  neimanmarcus.com
7. Touch Fringe Bracelet by Mango $17.99 mango.com
8. Dirty Laundry Bali Ankle StrapSandal by Chinese Laundry $35 amazon.com
9. Fringe Cuff by Vince Camuto $68 zappos.com
10. Chiffon Fringe Jacket by Juicy Couture $348 juicycouture.com

2. Leather 
I really love this trend! It is my number two because it is a change for the warmer seasons and easy to incorporate even for an avid thrift shopper. I found pieces for my sister and myself for the spring season for under $20 on half off Wednesday. I can't wait to wear my dress that is very similar to the Reem Acra dress below. Some of the other designers and houses that showed leather on the runway were Fendi, Loewe, Balmain and Hermes.

Photos courtesy of elle.com  left to right:  reem acra, fendi, loewe, pierre balmain, hermes

My Leather Picks!!!

1. Astr Faux Leather Biker Vest $86 nordstrom.com
2. Metallic Leather Tee $149.63 us.asos.com
3. Aqua Sleeveless dress $79.20 bloomindales.com
4. Leather Scallop Shorts by Sara Berman $260 theoutnet.com
5.Bailey 44 Leather Mini $282 neimanmarcus.com

1. Florals
The florals are my favorite this year. I have been collecting pieces the last couple months. I have to admit I was not a fan of the florals until a year ago. I always felt floral patterns were too girly and never wanted to wear them. Now I love to mix the pattern with other prints and add elements to the print to toughen it up. Florals were seen on the runways of Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Chanel, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana.

Photos courtesy of: vouge.co.uk left to right: ralph lauren, moschino, chanel, dolce & gabbana, prada

My Floral Picks!!!

1.Floral Shift Dress by I. Madeline $98 piperlime.com

2. Neodan Floral Print Pump by Guess $99 http://shop.guess.com

3. Garden Party Necklace by Betsey Johnson $50 zappos.com

4. Floral Printed Tweed Shorts by MSGM $281.87 http://www.my-wardrobe.com

5. Floral Mini Mac Bag by Rebecca Minkoff $195 shopbop.com

6."London" Sneaker Wedge by Zigi $79.95 nordstrom.com

7. Margarita Floral Della Cat-Eye by Kate Spade $138 neimanmarcus.com

What trends will you embrace this season?

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Style Crush

Yesterday, Kristin posted about the "arm party" trend. She spoke specifically of Nordstrom's awesome marketing video. I had no idea that she was posting about this, until she called me. Clearly we were on the same wavelength, which is why we make such great business partners.

This video is so inspiring, not even just fashion wise, but it inspired me on the business marketing side. Take 2 minutes to watch, it really gives style tips on how to layer bracelets, if you're not sure of your style by watching this video you will definitely learn which style you gravitate towards. My favorite styles were "Pretty in Punk", "Americana Classic", and "City Safari".

Stay tuned for Thursday's Inspiration, I will be sharing what inspires me to layer my wrists.

What are your favorite styles?

Until Next Time, Ciao!

*Chris*

This Month's Obsession

This Month's Obsession!!!

Often I see a trend or an accessory that takes over my mind. I see it, I fall in love with it and then I obsess about it. Once the feeling hits me, I go into research mode then I must have it, so I buy it. Then I buy it again in three more colors or variations in styles. Yes, if I love it then I need to have options and options. Then soon after, I have moved on to a new love. Today my obsession is... 

Bracelets!!!

This month I ran across some of the greatest marketing I have ever seen! I was cruising through the Nordstrom website when I came across a video and shop dedicated solely to bracelets. Nordstrom's genius marketing team put together a video that had me so mesmerized that I have watched it many, many times. I was so inspired by the art of the concept and the pieces were drool worthy.  The shop and video puts together themed looks for all personalities and styles. They show each look in the video and break them down in the shop where you can purchase the bracelets from each look individually or in ready styled groupings.  I was so excited that last spring's "arm party" was to continue for another spring with the new name "stacked wrist".  
 arm party or stacked wrist: a mixture of  different wrist accessories worn stacked and all at once, such as bracelets and watches. 
My favorite looks that they created are, Pretty in Punk, City Safari and Part Deco.
I have yet to purchase the bracelets I want for myself but I showed the video and some of my picks to my mom and she immediately directed me to charge a couple to her Nordstrom account for her.  She loves her skull and snake "creature cuffs" by Tasha.
To check out the video and the bracelets, click on the link at the end of the post.

Nordstrom's Looks

image courtesy of nordstrom.com

image courtesy of nordstrom.com

image courtesy of nordstrom.com

Stella & Dot

Last summer I enjoyed the way my stacked wrist looked, though I did not do much mixing. I  collect copper cuff bracelets and I like to wear a lot of them at once. For this spring I wanted more variety.  So to save money I had a Stella & Dot online trunk show for Christina who is a Stella & Dot stylist. That helped me earn free and discounted items.  I was excited about starting my new stacked wrist or "arm party" look.  I selected two bracelets from Stella & Dot to get the look started. I wanted to go for a "City Safari" kind of look.  I bought the "Artemis"cuff, a studded cuff with lion heads on each end and the "Kalahari" bangle, a zebra striped bangle with zebra heads and a hinge to open and close it on the arm. I plan to mix them with department store and thrift store bracelets with the same "City Safari" feel.  Look for my collection of bracelets this spring/summer 2013 in closet posts. 

photo's courtesy of google.com

Past Looks by ChristinaKristin

looks on left Kristin and looks on right Christina

For the stacked wrist video, click on link below!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/stacked-wrist-video?origin=leftnav

To check out Stella & Dot bracelets, click on link below!
http://www.stelladot.com/sites/christinajovonn

Will you be sporting this trend? Let us know.
Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!
Kris,

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) February 24, 2013

Kris's Closet

Inspired by some great bloggers, my partner and I decided to start our own blog. 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 found myself in the birthplace of Sarah Jessica Parker. The small city of Nelsonville is known for Nelsonville bricks and Rocky Brands. My guy and I went there to buy boots at Rocky Outdoor Gear Store for work and hiking. I was happy to take a ride to the country especially to a place where one of my fashion icons grew up. After several mullet sightings, lots of flannels and work boots, I wondered where a woman with such style got her inspiration. The town is quiet and there is not much to do during the winter so after shopping we stopped at the former site of Nelsonville Brick Company, now a park called Brick Kiln Park. It wasn't much of a park but the ruins of  the company's former buildings provided a great place to take my photos. This is what I wore.

My pants are JAG low rise skinny printed jeans. My mother bought them for me from Nordstrom online. I could not locate them online.

I have been in a fur mood all this month so I threw on an old fuchsia rabbit fur vest by Express over a button up Halogen shirt from Nordstrom. I found a similar color faux fur vest with a sash online at: http://www.hsn.com/products/iman-platinum-pop-of-color-faux-fur-vest-and-sash-belt/6809985 or this rabbit & raccoon vest at :http://www.ioffer.com/i/2013-women-s-raccoon-fur-shoulder-rabbit-fur-vest-coat-534072938

I am so excited about my new necklace that I bought from Christina who sells Stella & Dot. It is the Lillith Fringe necklace you may have seen many times on her. With fringe being a big trend for spring, I had to have it as well. I got it almost for free after hosting an online trunk show. Check out her online shop at: http://www.stelladot.com/sites/christinajovonn

I love a fedora and it's so appropriate in cold weather. This hat was bought for me for my 29th birthday by my friend Tanika. I found a similar hat on etsy at:

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/110409311/fuchsia-wool-fedora-spotted-feathers

The leather gloves are vintage. I got them at an antique shop in Hocking Hills.

These boots you have seen many times now if you are a Kris's Closet follower, though I hardly ever wear them this way. They are my Guess over-the-knee boots I wore a few times this month on closet posts. I folded them down for a lower boots to show more of my pants.

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

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Style Crush (Chris)

This week's style crush is a spotlight on a trend that is moving into the Spring. "Wedge Sneakers", I first noticed their reappearance while watching, I hate to admit, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. One of the stars Mimi, was rocking them, and they looked cute.

But, I remember wearing wedge sneakers in middle and high school, now I'm telling my age. But I loved them then, and I would wear them again, if I could find the right ones. Just think how comfortable it would be to wear a shoe that is a mix between a wedge and a sneaker, that's the best of both worlds.

In all of the fashion magazines and fashion websites editor's have chosen their "Top 10 Wedge Sneakers." Of course, they are featuring all of the designer brands such as Giuseppe Zanotti and Marc Jacobs. While those are super, super cute, not everyone can afford $850 for a pair of shoes. But a girl can dream,right? 
Here is my wishlist of sneaker wedges!

Enjoy!

Row 1: Left to Right

1. Jimmy Choo $850

2. Coach, Nordstrom $177

3. Monkia Chiang  $925

Row 2: Left to Right

1. Giuseppe Zanotti, Nordstrom $895

2. Nine West $225

3. Giuseppe Zanotti $595

Row 3: Left to Right

1. Mia Shoes $69

2. Giuseppe Zanotti $995

3. N.Y.L.A. $59.95

Until next time,Ciao!

*Chris*

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) December 1, 2012

Kris's Closet

Inspired by some great bloggers, my partner and I decided to start our own blog. 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, we had a jewelry event at Danes Dessert Cafe in Short North, Columbus, Ohio. Christina and I premiered our new Heavy Metal Collection. We were both suppose to wear jewelry from one of the two current collections, so I based my outfit around pieces from our Vegas and Heavy Metal collections. I took my pictures at the event. This is what I wore.

Since the event was a holiday event, I decided to try to wear something that read holiday. I also had to be comfortable. The event was from 6 pm until midnight and I was going to be on my feet. So flats were a must.

My Hello Kitty tee reads Naughty or Nice? I got it many years ago from Forever 21. My black blazer is Gibson from Nordstrom. It is an equestrian style and can be found on Nordstrom's site at :

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/gibson-equestrian-blazer/3341186?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=60135619&fashionColor=Black&resultback=0

My floral denim is the Diana Skinny Jean by KUT from the Kloth at Nordstrom. Find them online at:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kut-from-the-kloth-diana-floral-skinny-jeans/3406639?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0

My  boots are the UGG Australia 'Bailey Sparkle' Over the Knee Boot. I bought them last year. They are mostly sold out. I have seen some on ebay and it appears there are still select sizes online at Nordstrom.

My earrings are from our Vegas collection. Click on the link below to go directly to them or you can find them by visiting our shop from the homepage of our blog. They are the Vegas Sparkle Pompom earrings in red. http://www.etsy.com/listing/117339220/vegas-sparkle-pompom-earrings-vegas

I am wearing a combination of bracelets. Two of them are Vegas beaded stretch bracelets and there are bolt cuff bracelets in between, on top and bottom of the Vegas bracelets. This is not the best picture. The sequin clutch is from MJR.

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

Check out our newest jewelry additions on etsy by selecting shop on the homepage of our blogspot or go to etsy.com and enter ChristinaKrisin. Also check out some pictures of the Heavy Metal Collection and the desserts  from the event below.

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

charm bracelets & bolt cuffs from Heavy Metal Collection 

The Rock Machine Necklace from Heavy Metal Collection

Dane's Dessert Cafe (Raspberry Waffle)