Fall Trends: Velvet

I have spent my entire adult life (so far) swearing to the fashion gods that you would never in a million years find me wearing anything velvet. Time to eat some crow, because I'm officially obsessed with this trend, and I'm SO excited that it is in for fall again (especially since I just bought my fall 2010 dream shoe....2 seasons too late but better late than never)! You still may not find me in any velvet clothes, save for the perfect velvet blazer, but I love this look on shoes. Check out some of my favorite finds for fall below.

Aldo Hessling Pump- $89.98

Charlotte Olympia Ostrich Wedge- $895

Sam Edelman Marina Platform Pump - $130

H by Halston Rachel Shoe- $85

Steve Madden Pammy pump - $99

Keep in mind that these are definitely statement shoes, so pair them with something simple like a black dress or skinny jeans.

Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's Unveiled

For those who aren't already aware, Karl Lagerfeld has collaborated with Macy's to create a line exclusively for the department store which is slated to hit 235 locations on August 31st (that's only 25 days away...but who's counting?). Lagerfeld was the first really big name to create a line for Swedish-based mega store, H&M, paving the way for others like Lanvin, Versace, and Jimmy Choo. His newest collection consists of 45 pieces and ranges in price from $50 to $170-totally reasonable for a piece personally designed by a fashion legend, no? Lagerfeld's classic asthetic is the star of the show, but there are few surprising pops of color and floral mixed in that soften up some of the looks a bit. A simple black dress with a crisp white collar stands out as the most Chanel-like, but the thick, tweed seperates in this collection are definitely reminiscent of the label. I kind of like that this is more Karl Lagerfeld than it is Chanel. It's something a bit different, but still gives you the luxury look for less.Check out my favorites from the collection below!

This shirt would be perfect for a menswear inspired look.

Nothing says "I'm cooler than you" better than a tank with Karl Lagerfeld's mug on it.

Florals give some of the pieces a wonderfully feminine feel.

These sleeves are insane. Must get my hands on this dress pronto!

Of all the pieces in the collection, this one screams Chanel, with it's crisp white color and retro feel.

You can probably expect to wait in line outside hours before Macy's opens to snag yourself a piece of Mr. Lagerfeld...but will be totally worth the wait. Dear Wells Fargo, please excuse the lack of funds that will be gracing my accounts this month, as I have much more important things to attend to.

Going (Faux) Fur Crazy

One of my favorite fall trends this year is fur, of the faux sort of course. Faux fur has been popping up in coats, shoes, handbags, and tons of accessories. Personally I'm still on the hunt for the perfect fur vest which has so far has not been a successful one since there are hardly any that I've found in stores that I can try on. So what's a girl to do? Online shopping of course! There are tons of fun faux fur options available on sites like Piperlime and Shopstyle. Check out a few ways you can rock the cozy fall trend below!

Arden B- Faux Fur Belted Vest $69

Forever 21- Furry Wedge Heel Boot $29.80

Forever 21 Fur Scarf- $10.80

Guess-Bountiful $139

BB Dakota- Janika Vest $69

**Yves Saint Laurent- Palais Mohawk Pump $935

** I realize these are waaay out of my budget, but what's the harm in a girl dreaming of having these s-i-c-k shoes in her closet...on display in a glass case so everyone can gawk at them (too far?).

What's Old is New Again

New clothes are great. Trends are ever-changing and I am always a fan of keeping up with the ones that work on me, HOWEVER, some of my most favorite pieces in my closet are vintage. With a plethora of vintage stores around Austinit's not terribly difficult to find great pre-loved pieces, but the keeper of my fashion heart is by far Feathers Boutique on South Congress. The space feels like something straight out of NYC, and the two owner's have an amazing eye for fashion. So many other places seem to simply take whatever they can get, but the pieces at Feathers are clearly hand-picked by people that really know what they're doing. While you peruse the 4 rooms where clothes are separated by color (which makes shopping so much easier!) you're likely to be met by the friendly faces of one of the two owners, Masha and Emily. I often find myself asking them for fashion advice and they are always happy to oblige. One of the greatest things about this store is that they will ship pieces to you if you are not lucky enough to live in the Austin area (or 2 miles away like I do)! Whether you're a resident of Austin or of Hong Kong, you can have one of their pieces hanging in your closet. Clothing, shoes, jewelry, hats, bags, scarves...this place has it all! Visit http://feathersboutiquevintage.blogspot.com/ to get constant updates on what's "new" in the store. Below are just some of the amazing things I've found there recently.

This scarf is actually brand new- Feathers carries a few new things on top of all the great vintage

Vintage YSL silk blouse- this thing is to die for in person! The photo really doesn't do it justice.

Halston Slingbacks

Teal Paper Leather skirt-again the photo doesn't do it justice. This skirt is amazing on.

Black Leather Skirt

This is the newest piece to be added to my closet. They've got someone who tie dyes corsets for them which turns them from drab white underwear to beautiful tops that can be worn alone or peaking out from under something.

I really can't say enough good things about this quaint little shop in the heart of Austin. With prices that are totally reasonable, anyone can add a little piece of something old to their wardrobe.

Get The Look: Bright Lights Emerald City

Aside from the uh-mazing (yeah, I did that) cocktail dresses, suits, and red carpet gowns, the Oscar de la Renta show was chalk full of gorgeous jewelry pieces. These unique pieces are all made of tonal sea glass and emerald cabochon with gold plating, and are obviously 100% amazing. Gorgeous as they are, I for one do not have the cash to drop on these pieces, but don't fret! There are plenty of alternatives that are easy on the eyes and the wallet. Check out some I've found below, all under $50!

Forever 21- Drop Earrings $1.50

Forever 21- Jewel Necklace $5.80

Temple St. Clair for Target- 3 Stone Cuff Bracelet $39.99

Temple St. Clair for Target- Jewel Drop Earrings $29.99

Forever 21 $3.80

Such Great Heights

Good news ya'll! Over-the-knee boots are still in, and better than ever. With so many different styles to choose from, anyone can pull off this trend! Check out some of my favorites below:

Wanted- Babel $99

Steve Madden- Xennon $100

Kelsi Dagger- Sophia $220

Frye- Sarah Boot $458

Report Kenley $99

The best thing is that these boots can be paired with just about anything. Dresses, shorts, skinny jeans you name it. Over-the-knee boots are a fall essential, and worth spending a little extra cash on to get a quality pair. Fortunately, you can find this style at stores with lower price points as well. Check out Forever 21, Top Shop, and Target for similar styles without breaking the bank.

Do you hate me yet?

No more empty promises. Post #1 of many to come.

I read an interview with Rachel Zoe on Fabsugar where she listed her must haves for this spring, one of which was the statement cuff. I'm a huge fan of a fabulous cuff, so I decided to go hunting for affordable statement bracelets for this spring and summer. Check out my finds below.

Max and Chloe-Torquoise Bubbles Cuff

This is the most expensive one I found, but it's still a great deal at $68. Totally worth a little extra cash.

Asos Hammered Metal Cuff

I'm in love with this one because a. I like purple, and b. I love me a gorgeous stone...on anything. This cuff looks more expensive than its $27 price tag.

Amrita Singh-Reina Filligree Cuff

You could pair this one with just about anything! And it's a total steal at $30!

Forever 21-Embossed Stone Cuff

As is the case with all Forever 21 goodies (and the reason I buy SO much jewelry here), this cuff is a super cheapie at $6.80. You can afford to buy one for yourself and for your friends (ahem).

is this weird?

I kind of feel like I need these...

Forever 21

think jeans, white t-shirt, and a great pair of heels. 

it's that time

that's right folks, it's time to find Kim a New Year's Eve dress! do I have some fabulous party that I'm planning to go to? no. does that matter? obviously not. being that I fully intend on having some sort of plans that call for a new dress I feel it's necessary to start early. I can't decide this year between a sequined number (because we know that I love a sequin) or something plain and black that I can jazz up with tons-o-accessories. so, without further ado I give you dress option #1. 

I'm totally loving this lace dress from Free People. It's short and and sweet which I like, but it also has a bit of a vintage feel with the lace sleeves. vintage in an Audrey Hepburn way, not vintage in a 1980's tragic prom night way.