Half way there

It's finally summer (or Satan's playground, however you want to refer to Phoenix, AZ) and its dawned on me that I am half-way done with college, almost at my 1 year anniversary with SAK, and lastly, I am finally doing what  I love and pursuing my dream career. One of the things I decided to do over Christmas break when I started blogging again was my idea for the 365 day challenge. If you've seen my closet, It's over flowing with clothes and some that I rarely wear. This was a way for me to actually wear all my clothes, try new outfits and be able to show you guys how to piece together simple different outfits by using the same pieces in your closet without ever having to repeat the same outfit. Below are my top ten outfits from Spring Semester including some of my favorite pieces.

10. 

This outfit basically described my whole winter ensemble: colored skinny jeans, boots, chunky sweater and printed scarf

9.

I loved my outfit I wore when I had my meeting at Teen Vogue during spring break. It was one of the first times I did the collared necklace with my top buttoned all the way up and now I fell in love. The masculine business outfit fashion is fun to change up with bright colors and overload of accessories. 

8. 

The nautical boat neckline top is my go to blouse. I picked up at clothing exchange year ago and this year started actively wearing it. Navy blue is one of those colors that matches perfectly with most colors so my favorite is to pair it with pink, turquoise, red or green. 

7. 

I love love love blazers, especially oversized boyfriend ones. I buy a majority of my blazers at thrift stores and I buy ones that are a few sizes too big (yes they are normally from the 80's with shoulder pads) and they make the perfect boyfriend blazer. To keep your blazer casual, roll up the sleeves, pair with jeans and add in a scarf or chunky necklace. Its a great polished look but not over the top

6. 

I don't care what people say, you can always wear combat boots and scarves. Maybe just because I'm so in love with them that I suffer through the 110 degree weather in summer but I challenge you to try it for a easy laid-back (with a little punk flair) look. Find a scarf of light material (ain't nobody got time or enough neck space for those wool or knitted ones) and wrap them around to make an infinity type look

5. 

This outfit proclaims that I am indeed a weather confused individual. I love the concept of a chunky sweater with printed silk shorts and boots. Its one of those quirky outfits that just work! 

4.

Embrace your inner rocker and go thrift a old Harley Davidson or concert tee and cut off the sleeves and neckline and you have a super chic vintage tee to pair with high-waisted shorts, neon skinny belt and sneakers 

3. 

Chambray tops were my new obsession in 2012 and even still in 2013. I found this sleeveless on at thrift store and it makes an excellent top to accessorize with scarfs and collared necklaces

2. 

I was in a rush one morning going to my internship and came about this outfit, and my definition of business mixed with pleasure. I took basic cuffed black skinny jeans that I made (great for casual fridays right?) and took this floral blouse and my favorite creme blazer and bam- my number 2 outfit of the school year

1. 

My favorite, dysfunctional and classy outfit is this one right here folks. I attended a promo party at Ted Baker for Latino Live a couple months back and took something somewhat new (my blazer and heels), something old (my HD tee from my dad's closet) and something borrowed and something blue (my skirt).

What were your favorite outfits thus far? Comment below and let me know!

See you at 365 <3

xoxo

Audree Kate

Co-oPHX

Never fear, thrifters/ bargain hunters- yet another clothing swap is happening this weekend! I am extremely excited for this one because there will be food, live music, DIY booths, trunk shows, socializing and the most important aspect- the clothing swap of course!

CO-OPhx and GROWop have teamed up to host this year's Spring Swap, taking place this Saturday, April 21 at the GROWop Boutique! Read below for all the basic details you will need:

• Buy your ticket online and we may have tickets available at the door


• Bring up to 10 items to Swap, and drop them off durring their Check-In time (you can bring unlimited items to donate!!)
• Proceeds from donated items will go to CollegeTown
• Anything can be donated, well almost anything, see details at the ClothingCycle website. It will be re-used, or recycled to make a new material.


• Enjoy the event, while Swap Team sets up the swap area for boutique style shopping. People can enjoy:
• Food for sale: Butter & Me Bakery, Kaleidoscope cold pressed juice, Vegan tamales
• Free food for swappers: Build-you-own Fruit Cup, water, iced tea, kind bars
• Speakers - 4 speakers, check website for details
• Live music - Henry Rivera
• Purchase swap shirts and trendy shirts from Brand X T Shirts
• DIY Hair Chalking
• Shop the local boutiques: GROWop, Cellar Door Vintage, Annie Boomer Vintage
• Pop up bow-tie and neckwear shop
• Wishing Well community art piece
• Meeting new people

SWAP Times!

• There are 4 swaps, 2 at a time. People buy a ticket for a specific Swap Time.
• (Note: Women's Swap A, B and C are equal, they just denote a specific time and area , people may ask this)

For the past year, the founders of Co-OPhx have been spreading the joy of second-hand style while helping the community around them. Five swaps and thousands of items donated, the biggest swap yet is planned for this weekend. On Saturday, April 21st from 11am-4pm, the front yards of GROWOp, Annie Boomer Vintage and Cellar Door Vintage will be filled with clothes of participants to swap and experience a day filled with fun interactive booths and meet unique fashion-minded individuals in the area.

The swap isn't just for trading clothes either- four style tutorials from local boutique owners including Amir from Amir La Voute (remember him from MIM Rocks Fashion?), Ashley Eaton from Merry May Shoppe, Joshua Hahn from GROWOp and Adrian Leisong of Superstition Vintage. These booths will include neckware shops and how to shop vintage. But that's not it! Make sure to put your  shopping skills to the test and check out the three host stores at the swap.

So don't forget- go to Spring Swap this weekend (FB event) and come say hi to me!

Learn more on the FB page and make sure to 'like' it so you can regularly participate in the upcoming clothing swaps

Will I see you there?

XOXO
Audree Kate

 

Easy, Breezy, Summer Hair

As the dreadful summer season sets in (mainly in Arizona), the weather is scorching, sweat is unavoidable and if you’re like me, the last thing you want to deal with is your hair (ain’t nobody got time for that). Keep this summer cool with easy up-dos, braids, beachy waves and hats.

Up-dos:

   

Top Knot- Pull your hair up into a high pony, tease the remainder of the hair and twist into a bun. Secure with an elastic hair-tie or bobby pins.  At the base of the bun attach an oversized bow, flower or tie a scarf around the bun in a bow.

Braided Pony- Part your hair to the side and begin a French braid of the thicker side. When the French braid reaches your temple, continue the basic 3-stranded braid and pull back hair into a high ponytail.

Twisted up-do- Section your hair down the middle into two parts; Take one side and twist inwards along the hairline. When the first side is completely twisted, twist onto the nape of the neck and pin. Twist the other side and pin when done.

All three hairstyles can be done with short or long hair and take no more than 5 minutes. These are great dos for a summer internship, girls’ night and the beach. 

  Braids:

           

Fishtail- Split your hair into two sections and take a small piece from the back of section one and bring on top over to section two. Do the same to the other side and repeat until you get to the bottom of your hair and tie in a small elastic hair tie. Once tied, pull gently at the braid to make it fuller and messier.


Braided top knot- Flip over your hair and brush downwards so it’s smooth and tangle-free. Take a section at the nape of your neck and split into 3 sections. Begin a French braid and braid until you hit level with your ears. Gather all of your hair with the braid and secure in a high pony on top of your head; wrap into a bun and secure.

Side braid- Part your hair and French braid along your neckline until you hit the nape of your neck. Tease the rest of your hair and gather into a bun at the nape of your neck.

 
Beachy waves:

There are three easy ways to successfully attain perfect beachy waves:

1. French braid- When your hair is damp (if you just got out of the shower let it sit for 15-20 min or lightly blow dry it so its manageable) separate your hair into 2 sections and French braid your hair on each side of your head until you have two tight French braid pigtails. Lightly Hairspray or apply product and sleep overnight. When you wake up, take out your braids; run your fingers through and hairspray it. Your hair should be dry by now and have created wavy curls.

2. Curling iron- Take a ½ or ¾ inch curling iron and point it downwards against your hair (start at the base) while you wrap small and large sections around it. Pointing your curling iron downwards creates a softer curl and it helps to alternate from large to small sections for that perfect messy beach hair. Once your hair is curled, run your fingers through and hair spray.

3. DIY beach spray- Make your own DIY beach spray: 2 cups of hot water, 1T salt, 1T coconut oil, 1T hair gel/ conditioner (optional). Spray on wet hair, twist 2-10 sections of your hair and let dry.
 

Turban headbands and hats:

For those days you don’t feel like washing your hair or just really can’t tame the fro, cover it up with a cute turban headband or hat

Turban headbands are everywhere this season! Plus you can make them yourself (just grab an old t-shirt and go to Pinterest for the DIY tutorials). You can wear them no matter what your hair type is, your personal style or your mood- slap on one of these uber trendy head pieces and stand out in the crowd, in a good way.

There’s no need to refer back to your old baseball cap when having a bad hair day, test out a fedora or the newest trend of wide rim hats/fedora style- LOVE IT! Pair this with big sunglasses when you’re outside and you’ll be set for the summer sun.

Xoxo,Audree Kate 

MIM Rocks Fashion

Friday, March 29th was the 4th annual MIM Rocks Fashion by Phoenix Fashion Week at the Musical Instrument Museum and I was lucky enough to be apart of it. The top stylists in Arizona were paired with designers or local boutiques for a spring fashion show.

My adventure began at a press conference with the designers and stylists where they told us their inspirations , their collaborations with each other and upcoming endeavors. Not only was it an honor to be surrounded by such successful individuals but it was very enlightening to be able to hear their experiences first-hand.

Team 1: Yeka Bruner (Stylist) & Andrea Reiss (Diva's Boutique owner)

Team 2: Brian Swan (Stylist- Right Hand Man Image Consulting) & Bri Seeley (2012 Designer of the year) 

Team 3: Amir Saebi from Amir's La Voûte (fine men's clothing store)

Team 4: Rochelle York (Stylist) & Kim Kendall (Clothes Minded)

Team 5: Fawn Cheng (Stlyist) & Evny by Khanh (Designer) 

The fashion show itself was very well put together and the musical acts emphasized how music inspires fashion and how the music creates the mood of a fashion show. I loved seeing the variation of style and trends among the teams. 

 

 Diva's Boutique and Clothes Minded 

I loved these dresses because they can easily be transited from day to night

Bri Seeley 

I absolutely fell in love with her ombre maxi dresses- So fun and the movement is great! I also loved seeing an appearance of the extra high waisted skirt- this waistline is extremely flattering 

EVNY by Khanh 

The black hats were a crowd favorite and I loved the cutouts on each dress. It was very modern and chic. 

Shoutout to Kelcey Harris (model on right)- we grew up together and she's killing it on the runway! You Go Girl!

Amir's La Voûte

This collection stole my heart and was my favorite of the night. In the Press Conference Amir said his line is a mix of Frank Sinatra and Jimi Hendrix, and it was just that. Each outfit was sophisticated but with a splash of bold prints, funky bow ties, vests and my favorite- the white Chanel suspenders (displayed in Amir's promotional ad on the right). 

Besides the wonderful show, talented designers and stylists- I had the pleasure of making new friends with some local bloggers! These stylin' ladies were so sweet and if you haven't already, check out their blogs!

Ashley: Ashley Cooper Designs and Design Parlor Blog)

Brie: Sophistifunk

Stesha: Class and Bubbly 

Ran into fellow Prescottonian and up and coming fashion blogger Miss Shelly Stuckman! 

Mustard Dress- Forever 21 // Blazer- JCP // Clutch- thrift // Heels- second-hand // headband- Claire's

Don't forget to check out Phoenix Fashion Week's website to learn how you can attend fashion week in the fall! 

xoxo

Audree Kate

Photos courtesy of Joe Pier and Steve Yap

Happy Easter!

Despite the delicious cadbury chocolate, I love Easter because pastels and spring colors are in full force! This season's soft floral and chiffon spring dresses are a great addition to any closet.

I especially love this high to low dress! Finding the right fit for a high to low can be difficult (its either too high or too low you know?) but this style is flattering to every body type since it hits a couple inches above the knee and isn't too long in the back. The peach colors mix perfectly with the tiffany blue wedges and are balanced with a camel brown clutch. Every Easter outfit should be accentuated with a floppy Sunday hat and I like this one because its simple yet makes a huge statement with the black band and long rim. 

Make a statement this Easter with your pastels, off setting shoe and floppy hat!

xoxo

Audree Kate

Wearable Wednesdays: Happy Spring!

Happy First Day of Spring!

Although this is one of the best times of the season, the transition from winter to spring is the hardest- from attempting to tan your pale legs to actually wishing you didn't eat that whole carton of Ben & Jerry's the night before you go bikini shopping but hey, it's ok because spring clothes are the best! Spring 2013 is the season of crop tops and high waisted a-line skirts and bright hues.

All the pieces above are basics in my closet and I know you can find similar pieces too!

• Chambray top: we all love jean tops- they can be incorporated into almost any outfit
•  if you don't have a tank top or crop top- roll up the sleeves, button half way down and tie up the bottom half  above your waistline of your skirt
• Flowy [floral] skirt: a versatile piece that you can wear from school, work to date night
• Nude wedges: I love wedges because they are nicer to walk in and can transition easier from day to night
• Nude is an extremely versatile color to pair with anything and a very spring/summer look
• Gold cuff: I love gold this year and gold jewelry gives your outfit a spring ambiance and makes you look more tan
• Red lipstick: What diva doesn't own a fab color of red lipstick?!
• Pick a shade that compliments your skin tone and it will help make your eyes pop and smile shine!
• Turquoise necklace: My absolute favorite type of jewelry! Turquoise can be paired with almost any color and especially looks great with red!

I hope you step into spring this season with a better fashion foot (hopefully in a nude wedge) and don't feel like you have to buy an entirely new season wardrobe- pair your basics together for that awesome spring look!

xoxo,

Audree Kate

Swap Tempe

This past Sunday, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the first annual SWAP Tempe. If you haven't heard of  the clothing swaps that have been happening in the Phoenix area the past couple years- you are missing out! Fellow colleague and fashionista, Chloe Bosmeny hosted the clothing swap at her house and over 60 people attended that day to shop, win raffles and participate in the DIY booths hosted by yours truly and Lindsay Vikar from Couture in the Suburbs (If you haven't seen her blog, go check it out- It's adorable!).

Now to explain what a clothing swap is to those who don't know- It is a gathering for people where they can donate up to ten items of gently used clothing and accessories and then swap with the same amount of clothing items they brought. The left over goods are donated to the International Rescue Committee. Swap Tempe ended up with 15 left over bags that they donated!

I was so excited to host a DIY booth this year! I decided to relive the turban headband DIY tutorial from a couple months ago and it was a success! I picked up a bunch of shirts from Goodwill and had a handful of others donated and just cut 2 inch stripes of the shirts for guests. 

Here are some attendees with their awesome new turban headbands!

At Couture in the Suburbs' booth they did cute twist ribbon bracelets- they are super easy and a cute addition to any arm candy collection. 

 Lindsay Viker and Cassie Goers from the Couture In The Suburbs DIY booth even stopped by to make a turban headband

Shoptiques also had a booth by us and they hosted a raffle of their ridiculously cute swimwear and clothing items. 

Rebecca and Ariel Shemesh working the raffle for the new season's bathing suits

Don't forget to 'like' Clothing Swap on Facebook so you can attend the next swap!

xoxo,

Audree Kate