gold – Always Fashionably Kate

The Perfect It-Bag

I feel like something has been missing in my life. Oh, I know – I need a new go-to, perfect for every event, and super cute BAG! When I saw Michael Kors Large Fulton Pebbled Leather Satchels, I almost fell over and died because I had found it, the perfect bag. This bag comes in fabulous colors. It has a top handle as well as a strap – totally versatile. And finally, it’s roomy so I can store all my totally unnecessary items that I must carry around with me at all times. At a perfect price of $328, what else could you want besides Michael Kors himself to walk around with you, guiding you to the vey best styles and trends (wait, can that happen please?) Until that can actually happen, I’ll just take the bag for now…. But I’ll be waiting for you Mr. Kors.

always FASHIONABLY kate

Get a HANDle on the Cold

(Valentino)

Everyone knows we can turn jeans and a t-shirt into a glamourous ensemble with just a few key accessories. Well, the newest underrated accessory is now making a comeback with some fancy embellishment – the leather glove. No longer will this cold weather add-on be overlooked, it now has all eyes shooting toward your hands with spikes, studs and lots of sparkle that adds lots of pizzaz to any outfit. Yes, one little item can change an outfit and this season, it’s all about the hands.

always FASHIONABLY kate

Tis the Season to Shine

When you look around during this time of year, nothing about the holidays are understated. Everything is lit up, glittering, sparkling and catching your eyes and attention wherever you set your gaze. Your fashion choices should be no different! What better excuse than a holiday party, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, or just because you want to shine along with everything around you, to wear some shimmery, glitzy GOLD! Adorn yourself with anything gold and you are insta-glam. The gold trend is the most appropriate look for this time of year (because when else will you look festive and not freakish walking around in your sparkly gold lame dress, black tights and killer heels? Oh right, never.) The best part about gold is that you can never over-do it. Wear that gold mini, stilettos, bangles, oversize necklace- you name it, you can wear it! Happy Sparkling!

always FASHIONABLY kate

Loafers – Not Just For Your Grandpa Anymore

Answer me this : is there anything better than a cute AND comfy pair of shoes? I didn’t think so. This fall, the loafer was introduced via editor’s must-have lists and on the feet of those most trendy street stylers. These flats are so comfy and they really go with any outfit. Details are everything with these shoes – you can purchase them in any color imaginable, studded or spiked, with a print or sparkly and glittery! They are perfect for when you need a little change-up or your feet are just aching and bit too much from yesterday’s heels. A word of warning : if you choose to wear them while shopping make sure to keep your spending in control, because they desirable shoes will keep you moving and grooving ALL day long! Here are some great finds!

Top: Alexander McQueen Sequin skull-embellished suede loafers / YSL Evalyn animal-print calf hair and metal / Christian Louboutin Glitz studded leather loafers Bottom : Valentino Embellished lace and leather loafers / Miu Miu Embroidered satin-covered leather loafers / Marc Jacobs Sequined leather loafers

always FASHIONABLY kate

Let Your Feet Shine!

While statements are usually made by our clothing, why not let our feet do the talking for a chance! Shoes are usually the last pieces of our ensemble to be slipped on but now they are taking charge of the rest of what we adorn ourselves with thanks to shiny shoes! The high shine trend which I’ve spoken about before, has traveled it’s way down to our feet and I absolutely love it! The metallic gold shine will brighten up any dreary day and remind us of summer sun! The shiny glamour can be subtle with just a gold capped toe or heel OR it can be a completely gold shiny wedge or bootie. Either way, this trend will cast eyes downward very quickly and leave everyone drooling over our gorgeous footwear! Here are some of my favorites from Net-A-Porter!

Left to right : YSL Mae suede and metal pumps / Christian Louboutin Rock & Gold 120 metallic leather ankle boots / Stella McCartney Metal-heel velvet pumps

always FASHIONABLY kate

Spiky & Sexy

So many trends and styles nowadays are quite daring and only for those brave enough to be the first to step out wearing them. The spike phenomenon is no different. These pointy embellishments have donned sweaters, belts, headbands and most popularly as some heavy-duty arm candy.

While I have to say I am hesitant to try it out, the more I see it the more I’m intrigued and want to try it. There is something so chic yet tough about spikes and worn the correct way they’re much more “fashionista” than “hardcore rocker-biker babe.”

Take caution when wearing these mini weapons but also wear them with pride and don’t be afraid to show a little bad-girl side.

Spikes are bold enough to forgo any other extra accessories at all. Dress them up dress them down, whatever you do spikes turn any lackluster outfit into an extreme statement!

always FASHIONABLY kate

High Shine!

Bloomingdale’s has showcased a bunch of great Fall trends and the high shine trend is one I’m a huge fan of. I am a total glitter lover so it’s no surprise I adore this trend! Metallic, shiny clothing is a great way to add a little glitz to an otherwise darker color palette for the cold seasons. It is also a fantastic way to heat yourself up with some Miami-nightlife glam in the midst of the cool months.

Some of my favorite choices from Bloomie’s shine trend are below! Enjoy!

BCBG dress / DVF skirt

Hudson silver jeans / Vintage Havana top

always FASHIONABLY kate

Buying Guide : Fall ’12 Trends

With the cooler weather really setting in and the first official day of fall this weekend, it’s really about time we hit the stores (or websites, however you may shop) and find the latest and greatest trends for Fall 2012. I would like to provide all you fashionistas with the latest, chicest choices for your closet this season. Below are clothing and accessories broken down into their selective trends so that you can pick the ones that appeal most to your style. Enjoy!

Equestrian Militant – No, not for a day on the back of a horse but a sophisticated and clean look for the super simple, basics-are-my-life fashionista.

Military Equestrain by katieb52088 featuring a brown skirt

Rich Glamour – If you plan on walking into the offices of Vogue anytime soon, I suggest following this trend which includes a super rich-color palette with bold accessories that pop. This look is for someone who is NOT trying to blend in.

Rich Glamour by katieb52088 featuring zac posen

Embellished Brocade – Over the top? That doesn’t even begin to explain this look. Think eccentric Lady Gaga meets elegant Beyonce. The brocade pattern is nothing new but it’s making a big statement this season by adding embellishment and shine to every piece of clothing and every accessory item it graces.

Embellished Brocade by katieb52088 featuring stella mccartney dresses

always FASHIONABLY kate

Fall’s Color Guide

Today was so fall-like I wanted so badly to finally hike on my boots and slip into a cozy peacoat. Please understand “fall-like” to someone who wants fall to just get here already means it was about 70 degrees and bright sunshine – no where near the kind of weather appropriate for that kind of attire I’m dying to flaunt. However all that desire to raid my closet and pile on all my fall pieces made me choose a few key colors for this season. These hues could be the main event in your outfit or you could pull together some basics and use the colors as accessory pops. Dress them up or down, whatever you’re feeling! Below are my picks, enjoy!

Crimson Red

Fall Time Crimson by katieb52088 featuring a leather bow belt

Cobalt Blue

Cobalt Blue by katieb52088 featuring michael kors

Royal Purple

Royal Purple by katieb52088 featuring gucci scarves

Fuchsia

Fuchsia by katieb52088 featuring satin tops

always FASHIONABLY kate

Everyone’s a Fashion Star

As I’ve previously stated, Michael Kors truly knows what looks fab on every woman, and his Fall ’12 looks do not disappoint! Kors knows that every woman secretly dreams of a fantasy world where she stars in her own major Hollywood movie or sings her heart out in a big time music industry music video. So, he created looks just for all of us who totally wouldn’t mind being caught photographed out in a pair of sexy, sleek leather pants or over-sized sunnies. If you were a rock star or movie star, MK has got you covered with every piece of wardrobe you may need. So rock that metallic mini or escape paparazzi in a warm, comfy coat. Oh, and Michael Kors’ Fall ’12 catalog-come-to-life-video (below) will totally get you in the mood for chilly weather and all the bountiful fall fashions it has to offer!