DIY

Flower Bud

There’s something about green and pink that reminds me of a flower bud. So sweet, delicate and refreshing. I love flowers, they are a reminder for us to slow down sometimes and appreciate the beauty all around us…

I heart this Kelly green skirt. It’s one of those colors I love to wear because it can easily transition from Spring to Fall, not to mention the perfect green shade is great for any skin tone. I love the silky soft satin and the over-sized bow details adds a lovely allure of sweet ladylike elegance.

Love this F21 pearl necklace but as you know the quality are not always everlasting and bummer that a few pearls came apart. I have been looking into a really nice quality (yet affordable freshwater pearl set and really love the ones from My Jewelry Box. If you have some recommendations, please do share!

[Photos by NR]

Top: Guess | Bottom: KTR bow front green pleated skirt | Shoes: Valentino Rockmance pumps | Purse: Zara mini messenger studs bag | Necklace: Forever21 faux pearls | Bracelets: Michael Kors ‘Collections’ two-tone link chain pave bracelet (similar here and here), Ali Khan beaded cord | Glasses: Dior cat eye sunglasses | Lipstick: Shiseido ( RS320: Fuchsia).

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Back when I was in high school some 13 years ago, I used to like to coordinate, A LOT. Yes, I was that girl sitting in front of you in the classroom with the hot pink belt matching the hot pink shoes and the hot pink bag (hey, don’t you judge me :). It was cute then but now I cringed at the thought of a matchy-matchy outfit.

I’ve strayed away from matching bright hues so color blocking was a just the perfect happening that I’m hoping will last forever and ever. Or maybe some 13 years from now, I’ll be matching shoes-belt-bag again….Ha!

Happy Monday! I hope you had a fabulous weekend and thanks for stopping by! xo

in DIY / KTRcollection / Outfits  by KTR 31 comments

Connect The Dots

I don’t just have a crush on full girly skirts, I’m kinda obsessed with them.

[Photos by NR]

Top: H&M (old) | Bottom: KTR polka dots full skirt | Shoes: Zara wide heel strappy sandals (also comes in mint) | Belt: ASOS plate and spike | Bracelets: Michael Kors Rhinestone Embellished Ridged, Debbie Merle Agate, Carolee Lux (similar here) | Purse: pink rose clutch (old, similar here)

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Since I’m a huge fan of those fun, full and flirty skirts, I decided why not add them to my little KTRcollection. This skirt is so much fun and I felt like a total girly girl when I wore it this weekend. The bold polka dots against the bright white fabric really pop. I can’t wait to pair it with a floral top or a loose cotton purple top tucked snugly in the waist.

I think people tend to shy away from full skirts because of added unwanted pounds, but it actually wouldn’t if the cut was right. The waistband has to be perfectly situated on the smallest of the waist and the pleats has to start out at the right place with enough volume for that added flare. If you’re slender, these skirts will give you shape, and if you’re thick and beautiful, these skirt will accentuate your curves.

What are your thoughts on full skirts?

in DIY / Outfits  by KTR 42 comments

Glitzy Glam

DIY green sequin shorts: My little labor of love before and after.

Growing up we didn’t have a lot of money so my mom would get our clothes (I’m the youngest of 3 brothers) from the community church. Although with very little options we were very grateful of course because the clothes were free. I remember this one particular green sequins xmas sweater that apparently was loved by my mother so much she would always have me wear it to school. I used to cry about it but she thought I was so cute and was just being difficult…We used to live in Jersey and during the winter it was freezing cold so I kept it on under my big coat….The freakin’ monster itches like hell and I think I could have blinded all the kids in class with the sparkles. Just imagine a bright green sweater covered in sequins with a ginormous tree in the front, and this tree was not your ordinary xmas tree. Anyway, I was the laughing stock for a while so as you can see sequins has never really land a soft spot on my heart.

…But as I got older, I have definitely learned to embrace unique styles, colors, textures and fabrics that I used to shy away from for one reason or another. Yes, even sequins!

Recently I came across a picture on Pinterest of someone wearing a pair of high waisted green sequin shorts and my hate turned into love right then and there. I wanted to add my own twist to it but I just adore simplicity of the white silky blouse tucked into a a pair of glitzy glam sequin shorts. I did however loose the pantyhose and blazer, added layered pearls and a pair of fuschia pumps. Ooh yeah, I think I’m ready for Vegas!

I’ve tried searching for the lady in green as I would like to give credit where it’s due but I can’t find her…so if you’re out there…Hello and thank you for bringing sequins back into my life (this time without the scary big tree :). xo

The most beautiful garden of sparkling flowers wrapped intricately over nude satin is this NaTasha Couture clutch. It’s the perfect (evening) accessory to add sparkles to any outfit.

[Photos by NR]
 
Top: Equipment signature white blouse
Bottom: DIY green sequin high waisted shorts
Shoes: Zara fuchsia pumps  / Purse: NaTasha Couture crystal clutch
Bracelets: Michael Kors ‘Collections’ two-tone link chain pave bracelet (similar here), Lauren by Ralph Lauren two-tone oval link / Necklace: Forever 21 pearl necklace
 

Happy Hump Day everyone! Thank you for stopping by and I hope you’re day is off to a great start!

Love, KTR

in DIY / Outfits  by KTR 62 comments

Walking On Sunshine

Vibrant, feminine, delicate with a dash of edge and sass… These beauties are just my cup of tea! I found these yellow Zara sandals during a shopping trip in LA and it was the very last pair in my size! I have the worst luck when it comes to finding a size 6 at Zara (in store), let along something so pretty and wearable. It seems like my obsession with neon is not going to subside anytime soon.

[Photos by NR]
 
Top: Material Girl black blazer / H&M white tank
Bottom: DIY distressed denim studded shorts (before: this)
Bag: BCBGeneration woven envelope clutch
Shoes: Zara yellow ankle strap sandals
Accessories: Bracelets: (From top to bottom) F21, market in PR, ASOS spikes, neon from Melrose Ave. /
Ring: BCBGeneration pave hearts ring / Glasses: Giorgio Armani aviators
 

In addition for my love for neon, one of my favorite summer trends are high waisted distressed denim studded shorts (that’s a mouth full!). A couple of months ago it was somewhat difficult to find them in stores, at least ones that are high waisted, distressed and has studs. They were mostly sold online and ranged anywhere between $75-$200… For something that I’ll wear only during the summer, economically it’s more efficient to make them at home. It’s pretty easy too! Cut, snip, thrown in washer/dryer and voila!

These particularly shorts were originally a pair of high waisted mom’s jeans purchased from a vintage shop for $10. Since I recently made a pair of blue distressed shorts, I experimented with bleach to turn this pair into white shorts. I was pretty happy with the results!

The awesome thing about DIY projects is that you can customize them to be exactly how you like. And since it’s your labor of love, it’s extra special. I love arts & crafts so naturally DIY projects are always fun for me (well until something goes wrong lol). Do you like to DIY? I’d love to know what’s your most prized DIY project… Mine was a piece of art that took me over 6 months to complete.

You can check out my DIY instructions on my first pair of distressed demin shorts here.

Happy Friday lovers! xo

in DIY / Outfits  by KTR 27 comments

Forever Is Not Long Enough (+ PFC #16)

I can remember the details like it was yesterday…It was the most beautiful September day in Georgia as I walked down the aisle with butterflies fluttering in my stomach while the tune Canon in D by the O’Neill Brothers was playing in the background. I was a nervous wreck, but for the first time that day, I saw my better half, with tears of joy and a smile of an angel. Everything was just perfect from that moment on…

[Photos by NR]
Dress: Forever 21 white lace dress (similar here)
Shoes: Beverly Feldman Davina polka dots pumps (similar here)
Birdcage Veil/ headband: DIY
Accesories: Kate Spade pearl earrings / Carolee pearl necklaces / black lace gloves from Etsy
 

With so many friends tying the knot this year, I started missing my own wedding. Periodically when the wedding fever kicks in, I would put on my dress and run around the house in it. This time I thought it would be fun to do an “after the fact” bridal session. However, since my wedding dress would sometimes occupied an entire room (not to mentioned she will swallow everyone and everything that comes under her path lol), I opted for a lightweight, easy breezy little white dress.

Wanting a similar vintage look, I wore the same birdcage veil and headband that I made for that big day. I thought about selling these after the wedding but changed my mind because they are so special to me…I’m really glad I made that choice!

Petite Fashion Challenge #16

After finishing this photo shoot I realized how perfect this outfit was for this month’s Petite Fashion Challenge #16 hosted by the lovely Lauren of Petite on a Penny. Since Lauren didn’t specify if we should be dressed as a guest, I took the chance and dressed as a summer bride! Of course I’d never wear white (or off-white) to another bride’s wedding!! :)

The challenge: “Summer Wedding – Create an outfit for a summer wedding (the dress code is up to you). For bonus points, try to make your whole outfit, head to toe, come in under $100 (or, exclude shoes and accessories to meet the $100 mark).”

in DIY / Fashion Challenge / Outfits  by KTR 38 comments