The Last Word by Karen

B L A C K ADD W H I T E ! 

Black is usually used to describe things not so pleasant: a black eye, black cats, you wear black to a funeral. The only time black is used in positive terms is when a financial institution or business says "their in the black."

I remember when rockers were the only people who wore black nail polish.  Black attire and black fingernails are my staples.  People who know me well know I love all things colorful, I just don't wear a lot of color.  My mother used to say I always looked like I was wearing the same thing, my clothing was always black or beige.

Some experts say that women (over 50) shouldn't wear black because it ages you. No little Black dress, say it isn't so ,are you kidding me? I guess in some cases black can be aging (it would depend on what your working with). I am also not of the opinion that black attire should always be diluted with a splash of color, but I am a fan of black and white.

Woolite currently has a commercial that asks how do you feel in dark clothes.  The responses are cool, chic, graceful and although they are in business to sell laundry detergent , I know the answers to the question to be true. Black is also slimming which is important to women who are less than pleased with their figures.

photo courtesy of vogue.de

My idol, the phenomenal head designer and creative director of the fashion house Chanel, is often photographed  wearing black and white clothing. Mr. Lagerfeld is 81 years young.

photo courtesy of sereinemagazine.com

There are models who are more seasoned who are still beautiful and look elegant and classy in black and black with white.

Get This Look

 

Black Add White by karen-nolan-mitchell featuring black jewelry

Theory striped knit top
nordstrom.com

Topshop blazer
nordstrom.com

Theory knit skirt
nordstrom.com

BCBGMAXAZRIA black pointed toe shoes
nordstrom.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors handle bag
$470 - luisaviaroma.com

GUESS cuff jewelry
guess.com

Black jewelry
kohls.com

Miriam Salat studded bracelet
gilt.com

Bling Jewelry black jewelry
blingjewelry.com

I say wear what feels good on you and to you and if it's black, rock it. Clothing is a part of your brand and if you keep it sharp people will buy what your selling, confidence, elegance and grace.

My Look: Blouse, pants and cape by Vince Camuto, Boots by BCBG

One day at a time!

Karen,

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Christina) Halloween 2014

Chris's Closet

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

Last weekend, I celebrated Halloween by going to a costume party  at The Boat House at Confluence Park, in Columbus, Ohio. This venue has such an amazing view, it sits near the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers overlooking the downtown Columbus skyline. Needless to say this was a grown-up affair, and the guests were so creative with their costumes. They actually put the fun in Halloween for me. I snapped a pic with a couple of my favorite costumes.

Guess who I decided to dress up as? Janelle Monae! With my natural hair, brown skin and petite frame, I knew I could pull it off. I was in character so well that people did a double take, even asking if I was in costume. Janelle's uniform is so easy, I think anyone could pull it off. Take a look at what I put together.

My inspiration.

This is what I came up with. I actually recreated her look a few years ago, but my hair was not long enough for the pompadour. I was pretty excited that I had no problems with my hair this time.

Blazer: White House Black Market: Donated to me.

Tuxedo Shirt: H&M, $24.95

Black Pants: H&M, $24.95

Bow Tie: My own

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack, Valentino Red Oxfords, originally: $398, paid $50

Earrings: H&M, white pearl studs $2.95

Me and Mr. Brown

Myself, along with Notorious BIG and Faith Evans.

Halloween 2014 was pretty fun! How was yours?

*Chris*

Designer Holiday!!! Oh Christmas Tree

OH CHRISTMAS TREE

With Christmas just a week away, I thought I would share with you one of my decorating projects. Less than two weeks ago I bought and decorated the tree at my parent's home. I have to admit I am a huge fan of color so when my mom asked for a black and white tree, I was a little blah about it but also excited about the challenge. I remembered seeing the Alexander McQueen Fall Collection which happened to be black and white with it's pearl face cages, pearl beaded dresses and accessories. The small Catholicism inspired collection also featured white feathers and metallics like gold and silver. I decided to use the collection as my inspiration in both the literal and non-literal sense. I loved the idea of  faux pearls on the tree. I found some polka-dot ribbon. My mom found pearl and polka-dot bulbs online.  The polka-dots gave the same effect as the pearls in the collection. I selected silver as my metallic and incorporated feathers using bird ornaments I found in store and online. I used other patterns like the bird cage criss-cross on the tree to remind you of the face cages and criss-cross patterns in McQueen's collection. I also added one of my favorite things that is also on trend in fashion this year, animal prints.

c/o style.com

CHRISTMAS TREE FASHION

glass swan from Pier 1

silver glitter bird from Big Lots

DIY!!!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN BOW TREE TOPPER!!!

I usually buy a star or some kind of decorative tree topper but this year I had the hardest time finding what I wanted. I envisioned a pearl star but once I found one similar to my ideal piece, It was not the price I had hoped for. I decided to create a bow out of polka-dot ribbon and add pearls to it. Check out the steps to my handmade bow.

What you will need

1. one spool of 6 to 8 ft ribbon

2. thread

3. needle

4. glue gun
5. beaded plastic strands or beads on wire (optional) Find these in the wedding department of craft stores

(you can use a glue gun instead of needle and thread)

1. Start by folding the loose end of ribbon toward the spool to create a loop the size of the bow you desire.
Hold the loop firm as you continue creating loops with the loose ribbon on the spool. Continue this process until the bow is as full as desired while maintaining the loop ends in your hand.

2. Use the needle and thread to sew the loops together where your hand is holding the fullness. Leave space under your hand at the bottom. This will create a sleeve to slide the bow on top of the tree if done correctly.
If you are using the glue gun instead of sewing, glue the folds to one another one by one using dots the size of chocolate chips. Be careful not to burn yourself.

3. Add light weight beading. Squeeze small amounts of glue deep into the folds of the bow and tuck the beaded strands into the glue. Press together slightly to conceal the glue.

I also added pearls inside the sleeve so that pearls would cascade down the tree. If you do this you have to spread the pearl strands out evenly around the tree.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Kris,

Christina's Top 5 Fall 2013 Trends!!!

Kristin recently shared her top 5 Fall trends, so it was only right that I share mine too. My choices are in no particular order, just some trends that caught my attention, that I would be willing to try out.


1. Slouchy Pants

I think we have all gotten accustomed to wearing tight skinny pants, I know for sure I have. With my petite frame I feel that if clothes are loose on me then I look as if the clothes are swallowing me. It takes me back to my high school days when I would wear a size 3, but in reality I should have been wearing a 0. But I have been eyeing harem pants since the summer, and I've been noticing some looser fitting pants in stores. The key to wearing these pants are to pair them with a heel,and wear a chic top. For myself I would opt for a more fitted top and a belt to break it up a little.

Photos courtesy of: www.glamour.com

2. Classic Patterns (Leopard Print)

Burberry did an amazing job incorporating leopard print into their Pre-Fall collection this season. This was definitely a modern way to show this classic print. I think my favorite is the trench coat with the printed sleeves, love it. This is really a trend that never goes out of style, but just continues to get updated. I think I have a few leopard print items in my closet that I can wear this season. And you could easily find leopard print pieces at your local thrift store.

Photo courtesy of: www.jornaldaparaiba.com.br

3. Black and White

Color blocking has carried over showcasing just two colors, Black & White. I'm loving this trend because it's easy to shop, and very inexpensive. So if you're one of those anti-color people who loves black, now you can mix in a little white.

Photo courtesy of: www.shelookbook.com

4. Menswear Fabrics

Menswear for women seems to stay in style. I especially like this trend because designers are taking traditional men's fabrics which have a masculine feel, and creating them to flatter a woman's body. You will see heavier fabrics such as tweed, and prints like houndstooth and plaid.

Photo courtesy of: www.fallwinterfashiontrends.com

5. Statement Fur

Although Kristin is bigger fan of fur than I am, I do enjoy some fur pieces. I especially like the statement fur pieces that were shown on the runway this fall. I myself recently purchased a faux fur leopard print jacket, 2 trends in one, I have yet to wear it. If you are anti-fur, try faux fur, you can find some really good quality faux fur pieces if you shop around.

Photo courtesy of: www.outsapop.com

What trends are you wearing this season?

Until Next Time,

*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,