Forever 21

A Knitted Story

I have been a bit obsessed with shoes lately. I mean, I have always love shoes but lately it just gotten really troublesome. Perhaps it’s a new season with all the new inventories tempting me everywhere I turn  or the additional shoe space tempting me to add more. Whatever it is, these Ivanka babes with its velvety soft suede, metallic shine and adjustable front crisscross straps was a pair I know will get a ton of love.

[Photos by NR]

Top: Bar III knitted asymmetrical sweater (similar here) | Bottom: TopShop gold knit skirt | Shoes: Ivanka Trump strappy pumps | Glasses: Giorgio Armani | Necklace: F21 | Bracelets: Michael Kors and Carolee Lux

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I live in the San Francisco bay area and if you ever visit this place you’d know the weather is a bit bi-polar. It can be hot one day in one city and cold in another. Therefore, I have learned to adapt to the unpredictable weather with the use of my trusted cozy knitted friend. The sweater. Whether it is over-sized, tight, long or cropped, it keeps me cozy enough for the cooler nights yet isn’t too thick for the warmer days. Of course, I also love a good sweater that I can throw on over anything.

Speaking of weather,  my heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. I cannot imagine how terrifying everything  must be and I just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

While the storm has passed, there are still millions without electricity, food, water and shelter. Please watch out for our neighbors as well as older people and single parents with young children who might need help and please, please don’t abandon your pets.

in Outfits  by KTR 20 comments

A San Francisco Kinda Day!

Living in the SF Bay Area and a short drive from San Francisco, sometimes I take this sweet diversed city for granted, but today it was pretty lovely. Full of randomness, drum players and dancers entertaining on the sidewalk, happy faces on the go, good shopping and the best refreshing blackberry lemonade from The Bistro at Nordstrom.

[Photos by NR]

Top: Rivet Embellished sleeveless parka thanks to OASAP, Forever 21 stripes tank| Bottom: H&M faux leather high waist shorts (also love this) | Shoes: Zara wide heel strappy sandals (old; also seen at ebay) | Bag: Milly red clutch/shoulder bag (old: similar here) | Scarf: Express green leopard print scarf | Glasses: Giorgio Armani aviators (similar here)

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When things at home are unorganized and out of place, I’d feel really anxious and sometimes overwhelm, so trying to get everything unpacked and organized from our move was a must for me. That’s why I have been trading in my secret breaks to the mall for running errands at Home Depot. So it was certainly nice to get out, enjoy some fresh air, meet with good company, and do some real shopping in the city yesterday.

Hope your weekend was a great one, I’m certainly not ready for it to be over!

xo,

KT

in Outfits  by KTR 26 comments

Sticks and Stones: Body Image and the Mean Girls

[Photos by NR]

Top: Forever 21 crop turtleneck | Bottom: Zara leather peplum studded and frill skirt | Shoes: Zara wide heel strappy sandals (old; also seen at ebay) | Bracelet: Kate Spade

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We all know that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder and it’s always interesting how the perception of “beauty” changes from person to person. Of course everyone has the right to their opinion but does it mean it’s ok to not have any manners?

I know with fashion blogging it’s inevitable that I will come across negative comments from time to time. After-all, I am putting myself out there…In the last few months, my photos were posted on a few instagram fashion accounts and facebook pages. There were nice comments but among those were some ridiculous comments such as my arms are too fat or my legs are too big and they need to be skinnier.

By no means has any of these comments affected my self esteem because I happen to love my body the exact way that it is, but I can’t help but feel sad how such rude and thoughtless comments are affecting the million of young girls out there who are depressed and/or are suffering from serious eating disorders and what harmful things they could be doing to their bodies just to fit the perception of beauty.

I’m certain these “mean girls” may be nice somewhere deep down in their tiny little black hearts, and the need to criticize someone stemmed from their own suffering, insecurity and lack of love and appreciation, but it makes me angry that folks like these can affect someone out there who is truly having real life issues or can caused someone to think that they are not beautiful enough. It’s a shame that instead of uplifting each other as women, some prefer to drag you down.

This topic is close and dear to my heart because I have close friends and family who has been affected in one way or another and I’ve always try to be the most positive and uplifting cheerleader for them, hoping it can help but sometimes it doesn’t.

Have you ever been affected by negative comments either from a friend, co-worker or a stranger on the internet? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

in Outfits  by KTR 44 comments

NYC Day 3: Lady in Blue

When I saw Anna Dello Russo rocking this Jason Wu dress, I was quickly in love. The full length hi-low style is a reminiscent of the purple and silver colorblock Zac Posen skirt that Carrie Bradshaw wore in SATC2 when she ran into Aiden in Abu Dhabi, which I am still in love with….I love the elements of both outfits but I added my own spin with my signature over-sized bow and paired the ladylike skirt with a basic yet kind-of-sexy open back top…While I love my minis, this long flowy skirt was so much fun that I can’t wait to wear it again with something else, a little different.

Do you have any suggestions on what I should pair it with next time? :)

A few of my favorite gowns (below)

[Photos by NR]

Top: ASOS Scoop neck bodysuit | Bottom: KTRcollection hi-low bow skirt (available in Oct) | Necklace: F21 pearl necklace (similar-ish here and here) | Shoes: Christian Louboutin filo leopard pumps | Glasses: Dior cat eye sunglasses

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The NY Couture Fashion Week shows at the Waldorf Astoria grand ballroom was quite, well grand. In addition to designers from around the globe presenting exquisite gowns, the live vocal performances and dancers throughout the show made it quite unique and interesting. We caught the last show on Saturday night but unfortunately was sitting 3rd row so the photos didn’t come out as great as I like, but above are a few of my favorite gowns of the evening.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed my recaps of NYC. Have a fabulous Monday! xo

in KTRcollection / Outfits / Travels  by KTR 27 comments

NYC Day 1: Carrie-d Away

You know I can’t come to the big apple without having my Sex and the City moment channeling my fave TV gal, Carrie Bradshaw. Carrie is the quintessential New Yorker, dressed to the nines as she walks down Park Avenue in sky high heels. Of course those who frequent this city knows the perception that everyone in Manhattan dresses like they just stepped off the set of SATC is far from the truth. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure even Ms. Bradshaw had a pair of flats hidden in her Fendi Baguette…as I had a pair with me at all times in my over-sized MJ. I learned this valuable lesson many moons ago.

There are a few Zaras in Manhattan but the one in Midtown (689 5th Ave) has the best selections. With two floors of endless options of casual + dressy clothing, shoes that are actually available in all sizes and accessories you can play with for days… you’ll end up in this store way longer than your husband would like you to be.

The jerk chicken, friend plantains and rice & beans at Golden Crust is my favorite spot for a quick-on-the-go lunch.

One of the best dinners started with this heavenly red velvet waffle, southern fried chicken and greens at Soco, a Southern Fusion restaurant in Brooklyn. Make sure you visit this spot if you are ever in the area!

Love all of the fruit stands that’s conveniently located at every other corner!

[Photos by NR]

Top: F21 | Bottom: KTR hot pink tulle skirt | Shoes:  Christian Louboutin Filo leopard pumps | Bag: Marc Jacobs Crosby Sutton

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Thank you for reading my quick recap of NYC Day 1. I hope you are having a fab Monday! Stay tune for my recaps of Day 2 and 3 later this week! xo

UPDATE!!

It’s been so hectic that I neglected the Petite Fashion Challenge #19 hosted by the lovely Angie over at Pandaphillia. The challenge was Trend Benders. “Pick your favorite Summer or Fall 2012 trend and make it work for you, whether it’s going all-out, incorporating it into a professional outfit or using it in moderation.”

I think this challenge went well with this outfit as I used bright colors and went a little “all-out.” I mean, how often can I run around the big apple with a tutu skirt that big and bright? :)

in Outfits / Travels  by KTR 31 comments