Forever21

Shades of Pastel

High-waisted distressed shorts has flooded fashion magazines, websites and streetstyle this summer. My poor little overstuffed denim drawers has also took a big hit. Distressed cut off denims are really easy to DIY, but these particular pastel tie dye babies were too good to pass up when I came across them in LA.

[Photos by NR] 

Top: Forever 21 white crop tank | Bottom: Vintage Levi’s distressed pastel tie dye shorts with diy studs (similar here, here and here) | Shoes: Classiques Entier riley pumps | Purse: Rebecca Minkoff swing black shoulder bag | Necklace: Initial pendant necklace (similar here) | Bracelets: Michael Kors Rhinestone Embellished Ridged, Carolee Lux (similar here), Ali Khan beaded cord.

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Whew! T.G.I.F! This week felt like the longest week ever. Today is Friday the 13th and as much as I’ve “tried” not to be superstitious, I’m always paranoid of the little things on this day like being attacked by a black cat (yes this had happened to me), randomly walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror or just anything and everything. I cannot afford 7 years of bad luck. Are you superstitious?

Happy Friday loves, despite my superstitious mumble jumble, I hope the eve of your weekend is off to a great start! xo

P.S. If you’re in the LA area, go check out Motel on Melrose Ave. There were so many vintage cut off denims available in every size you can imagine and I mean every size ranging from $40-$70 (sorry I can’t locate the address for the life of me right now).

Below are some shots via my Instagram.

Instagram: @MsKTReed

in Outfits  by KTR 22 comments

Life’s A Beach

I saw the above quote on instagram and in a Carrie Bradshaw kind of moment, “I couldn’t help but wonder,” why are we always expected to be so normal?

Consciously or unconsciously, there is this perfect fictionalized version of ourselves that we try to live up to…The truth of the matter is no one is perfect (even my idol J.Lo has flaws!), but what makes a person perfectly beautiful is the attitude they possess (and I know I definitely could work on mine! :). I think we are all different and our imperfections are actually what makes us unique and thus beautiful…sniff, a day at the beach always make me feel warm and fuzzy inside, lol.

(and tumbling down I go)

[Photos by NR]

Dress: Forever 21 hi low floral dress (different print here) | Swim: H&M top, American Apparel high waisted brief | Accessories: Image LA headpiece with removed rhinestones (can also purchase here), bracelets – Kate Spade, Rachel Roy, Forever 21

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Hanging out at the beach always bring out the kid in me. It’s a place of healing and happiness. I love when the sun embraces me in its warmth and the sound of the ocean feels like therapy to my heart. It kind of feels like I’m on an island far, far away from the hectic world with not a worry in sight. That’s when I get to be totally dorky, weird and at my most abnormal self…and it feels freakin’ great! Wouldn’t it be nice if life is really a beach and we never have to pretend we are normal? :)

Hope you’re having a wonderful day! xo

in Outfits  by KTR 21 comments

Summertime Blues

Just when I thought I was over the high low craze, I ran into this BCBGeneration high low hem dress and fell in love with the flowy, flirty and feminine look all over again (similar look here). It was purchased for my Caribbean vacay but I never had the chance to wear it because I over packed a little, but it was perfect for a summer day while out-n-about in LA last week. I added a denim vest for a casual look, which also gave the loose frock a little bit of shape.

When I’m at home I like to have my hair pulled back in a ponytail and tucked behind a comfortable headband, but my head always hurt after wearing a headband for a long time…Recently I tried out these classic headbands from Stone Bridge, an England based company that specializes in luxury French handmade hair accessories. These classic everyday wear headbands felt like they were made for my head. It’s so comfortable I practically lived in them all weekend.

[Photos by NR]
 
Dress: BCBGeneration high low hem dress
Jacket: Dollhouse Denim Vest
Necklace: (similar here) / Bracelets: Kate Spade, Forever 21 friendship /Headband: thanks to Stone Bridge
Shoes: Colin Stuart ankle strap sandals
 

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and your Monday is off to a great start! :)

in Outfits  by KTR 26 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