The Last Word by Karen

Flared Jeans and Culottes

The resurgence of 1970 styles

My Look: Top, Jacket & Flares by White House Black Market, shoes Nine West

As fashion trends re-emerge,  you wonder why you didn't keep the clothing you previously owned. Just think, if you had the space to store clothes from the 1970's would you?  I'm sure the flare jeans and culottes sold back in the day have changed slightly from the items being sold in 2015.

Flare Jeans 

Flares from my high school days. Hanging out with grandma.

I have worn skinny jeans since they became popular in 2007, I have now decided to throw in a couple of pairs of jeans with "flare".  My previous flared jeans were never worn "as is", I decorated them with ribbons, hands and flowers in high school and college,  I embroidered my astrological sign and symbol on them along with my initials and the initials of my college sweetheart. My mom thought the jeans with the hands were a little crass.  When people asked me to embellish their jeans I complied, then I stopped wearing mine. I wasn't trying to look like 

  everybody else.

Culottes

photo courtesy of stylishtwo.com

Culottes have also made a comeback. According to Wikipedia the women's fashion industry has taken a word that has historically been used to describe mens garments to describe a split, bifurcated skirt or any garment which hangs like a skirt but is actually pants.

My Look: Top & Culottes by White House Black Market, shoes LAMB

If you didn't like 1970's styles the first time around, give one of the trends a try. It will give you additional options for your wardrobe.  Maybe you saved old pairs of gently used flares or culottes, if not,  buy the 2015 versions.

There's nothing new under the sun!

One day at a time!
Karen,

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

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) Christmas 2014

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!

I cooked dinner for my family on Christmas Day. My look was mostly covered under an apron for most of the day. My family wanted to do something different, so I made Latin dishes from a few countries. We had chicken and chorizo paella, Mexican shrimp cocktail and South Western salad. Afterward I had more food with my beau's family. We finished the evening driving around the city looking at holiday light displays. This is what I wore.

Button up: Jones New York (gift from my sister)
Jacket: Vintage Forenza (thrift)
Skirt: White House Black Market
Mink Tail Brooch: Vintage (thrift)
Veiled Beanie: Laura Bow Netted Beanie from boohoo
Boots: Gucci (last winter season)
Sunglasses: The Devyn in Grey by The Crystal Cult

Until next time,

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Happy Holidays!

Kris,

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 28, 2014

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 short road trip to Longaberger Homestead. My grandma had Longaberger baskets all over the house when I was little. It is a brand I grew up around and learned to appreciate. I am currently obsessed with their red picnic basket. In the beginning of the summer, I put Longaberger Homestead on my to do list of places to visit. I am glad I finally got to see the property because it is truly a beautiful place. I took these photos on the property. My look was inspired by the 60's Mod looks seen on the runway for fall 2014. This is what I wore.

Dress: Style&Co from Macys (old)(option1)and (option2)

Belt: White House Black Market (old)

Sunglasses: Fantas Eyes 'Bigeas' from Nordstrom

Ring: Vendor from Macy's Music Fest 

Handbag:) violet patent handbag by Charles David (old)

Shoes: oxfords with cutouts by Christin Michaels(old)

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Longaberger Corporate Office in Newark, Ohio

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Christina) June 17,2013

Chris's Closet

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

Monday morning I unfortunately had to attend a funeral. My cousin's grandfather passed away, but he lived a long life, I knew him and wanted to go and pay my respects. After the service I had lunch with a friend and requested that he take pictures of me. He is an amateur I have to hone his skills. After I looked at the pictures I realized that I had the same pose in every pic...ooops!

Of course I opted for a simple LBD (little black dress). The dress was given to me by Karen, Kristin's mother. The dress is from White House Black Market, I personally don't shop there, but I love this dress it's so simple and easy to dress up. I found a similar black A-line black dress here.

 My striped blazer is from Burlington Coat Factory, I think I paid $16.00 for it. Monday was a very hot day, but I knew that I would be cold in the church and the blazer went well with my look. Here is a similar blazer.

My Avery chain and pearl necklace is from Stella & Dot. The Avery necklace has been discontinued, but check this one out,also Stella & Dot.  I mixed my bracelets with some pearls, and the Starstruck ring also from Stella & Dot. The black studded belt is really old, not sure where I found it, I believe it was in a shoe store Aldo possibly.  I found a super cute studded bow belt by White House Black Market. My black leather clutch is a thrift store find, I believe it was about $2.00. I purchased my silver sandals last summer at some cheap shoe store, I don't even remember where or how much I paid, but I love these little shoes.

What do you think?

Until Next Time, Ciao!

*Chris*