Obsessed: Accessories - Fall 2012

Here are some of my favorites of Fall 2012 Shoes from the one and only, my fashion bible, Style.com. 

With the divine combinations of furs, feathers, sleek cuts, metallics and modern textures you would be a fool not fall in love with this seasons highly coveted and most sought after styles.

Take a gander....Proceed with caution.

And finally, the shoe of all shoes. A shoe that could rule an entire kingdom.

One so perfect that I would trade my very own soul for....

Giambattista Valli 

Halfstack Magazine 2012 Summer Issue

Hello again, my fabulous followers-Check it out! My dear friend and Editor-in-Chief, Jen Lezan (@ChicLezan), and her team at Chicago based Halfstack Magazine, has done it again. The Summer 2012 Issue of the magazine has released and it is a great summer read. From fashion and beauty to health and music, it covers all things Summer-anything and everything worth knowing. That's right, one step closer to enjoying all the little things Chicago and this boiling hot summer has to offer. 

Be sure to stop and read page 10 and 11 where you will find the Look for Less, done by yours truly, to help remind you that having great style does not necessarily mean you have to spend a fortune. Following trends and looking fabulous is totally attainable without the guilt of wiping your bank account clean. What's the trend covered in this issue? Hmm, I guess you'll have to read it to find out. ENJOY! xoxo

Open publication - Free publishing - More chicago

Style Tip: 

Great style is all about confidence. It's about wearing clothes that fit well and make you feel unstoppable. Whether it's a classic Chanel suit, a sequined Zara party dress or a pair of jeans and a T-shirt! It doesn't matter as long as you feel great - Confidence is sexy. 

My Life in New York

Inspirational Visual for the day: I came across this picture of these four fabulous Russian beauties at Paris Fall 2012 Fashion week (Harper's Bazaar) and thought "This will be me someday." I've become quite fond of this picture, to say the least. Obsessed is more accurate in terms of my feelings. They scream power...ladies and gentleman, introducing the new, real life, Sex and the City cast.

Some of you may have noticed I haven't posted since early May- my apologies, I've been graduating and making the big move from Chicago to New York. So, this is my effort to make things better...I'm finally making a comeback. Here is a small glimpse into my new world.  There was not more room left in my closet so I did a little 'compromization'. I've always wanted my dresses where I could see them and now, I will be able to, not only see them but, sleep right next to them! Crazy, I know. I'm nuts, but I love it! The only thing that is missing is my bed...yeah. You see that empty spot in the lower right hand corner? That's where my bed is suppose to go, but my bed is taking it's time. I've been sleeping on a little cot on the floor for the past four days. I am reminded of my childhood camping trips. No good will come of this. I'm hoping my bed comes tomorrow. So much for the glamorous life of a fashionista, eh? Oy vey..

(CC) Christine Centenera: Style Muse

Beautiful. Edgy. Dark. Sophisticated. Fan-f'ing-tastic. And the list goes on. Christine Centenera, Fashion Editor for Harpers Bazaar Australia and freelance stylist...why have I not been obsessing over her until now?!

This Australian beauty has a gravitational pull so strong that she has photographers and fashion lovers everywhere orbiting around her, drooling at every outfit she so effortlessly throws on.  Her eclectic, Carrie Bradshaw meets Anna Dello Russo, style evokes whimsical and modern day fantasies leaving young girls everywhere coveting not just her clothes, but her fabulous and mysterious life.

 One thing is certain, she makes the high-stress, not so glamorous job in the fashion industry look easy. 

Lust-worthy Summer Sandals: Can you Spot the Splurge?

Lust-worthy Summer Sandals: Can you Spot the Splurge? by krysta-hill featuring strappy sandals

This summer it's all about the strappy sandals. The outlandish designs and out-of-the-box accents: spikes, metals and 'the jelly' are in full bloom. It's not about the summer dresses anymore, it's about who is wearing the most lusted sandals of the season- The 'Lady Gaga' of footwear.

Currently I am channeling my inner sandal maniac and have been on the search for the perfect foot adornment. After reading Monday's 'Man Repeller' blog post about how women invest hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars on a pair of high heeled shoes that get worn once or twice and then spend their lifetime hidden inside a box at the top of ones closet. It really hit home as I spend so much time shopping and 'investing' my money on heels (fabulous ones at that, of course) to wear them, when? I go to school full time and work a lot. For all the running around I do everyday I must be psychotic  to have purchased so many 4, 5, even 6 inch heels. Really. No wonder my sister thinks I'm a lunatic. When will you ever wear those? she asks. Well, I will wear them. Just not right now because I am now on the quest for the perfect pair of strappy sandals that will not only fashionably adorn my tired ole feet, but they will actually be useful to me in my current hectic lifestyle, which will then bring me a return on my 'investment.' Fantastic! I can feel my self getting smarter by the minute- my sister will be so proud.

So, on the contrary, I have selected some ahh-mazing shoe-gasmic strappy sandals all under $170! Mostly from Zara, Dolce Vita and Sam Edelman. Just for shits and giggles I threw in a tasty little splurge just because I couldn't help myself. When you're a poor college student on the verge of graduation, planning a big move to Manhattan from Chicago all you're left to do is fantasize about items much too expensive and luxurious for your bank account. Ahh yes, the ever so striking Alaia leather sandals. A whopping $2,110. No big deal...Dream on, Krysta. Which is your favorite. Please share! 

SPLURGE: Alaïa leather sandals - $2,110 - net-a-porter.com

One Man's Trash is another Lady's Treasure.

MY AH-MAZING,"HOLY CRAP I CAN'T BELIEVE IT," FINDS:

One gorgeous, sunny and cold afternoon-aka yesterday-I had nothing better to do but go thrift store shopping; let's be honest-nothing is better than thrift shopping. I found some great things that even I couldn't believe-all for the minuscule price of $25. Believe it-I don't lie when it comes to fashion. The key to thrift store shopping is to not be afraid to alter what you find. Example #1:

The yellow 'old lady' night gown turned into a fabulous pastel dress perfect for the summer. When I found it, the dress had white lace designs around the neck and white crocheted lace trimming. It was sad...I brought it back to life by removing all that lace and trimming and the results was a 'Louis Vuitton S/S 2012' looking pastel dress. Add a belt and WALLAH! A a masterpiece! 

Example #2: A hand embroidered XL black rayon dress shirt. I simply cut off the sleeves to create a perfect layering piece and saved the embroidered cuffs to add to my accessories collection to add as accents with other pieces of my wardrobe. 

Example #3: The pastel, 'old lady' floral blouse turned Equipment look a like (you can't tell the difference!); and yes, I enjoy wearing old lady clothing...HA! It's fabulous, what can I say. Pastels and floral prints are all the rage right now and I'm sure if you went to american apparel you would find the exact same blouse for 10x the price.

Example #4: The vintage tweed Ann Taylor skirt in a size 2 Petite turned perfect mermaid mini skirt. To what is suppose to fit below the knee on any petite young business woman, hits me- a 5'9.5" fashion junkie- at the middle of my thigh. Which is perfect! Sometimes people don't understand the fact that YOU make garments what they are, do with them as you will. They are never 'suppose' to fit any which way-size is just a number. To me, the skirt fits me like a glove-no stuffed sausage for me! 

Example #5: Ahhh, the favorite of the bunch: what I like to call the Fashion Week extraordinaire. Oh, what a treasure this was. Love at first sight. The floral print and the way it fit so perfectly was enough to send me into a fashion coma where I was one of those girls from the Herbal Essence commercials "YES!"  I'm sure if you've seen the Who What Wear's Trend Report from Tuesday: 3D folds are all the rage!! Did you notice what this vintage treasure is sporting just below the waist? Ah yes, 3D FOLDS!! It's very similar to something Mary Katrantzou sent down her F/W 2011 runway show, and I got it all for a mere $7.00-SEVEN AMERICAN DOLLARS. I think I have died and gone to runway heaven. 

Needless to say I had a successful thrifting experience. Other times I'm not so lucky. Not only did I find great apparel, I dug up some accessories from their vintage grave. The charming chocker necklace on the left and one piece I've been obsessing over since the first moment I laid eyes on it: A gold 'ROCK ON' bracelet. I've never seen something like this which is why I had to snatch it before someone, undeserving purchased it and buried it somewhere, never to be seen again. I'm not sure what it means, if there is a symbolic meaning to it or what not, I'm just going to see it as my inner rock child. My baby.

WAYS TO WEAR:

My old lady night gown makes a fabulous dress, dontcha think? Belt it for a casual lunch date or pair it with a gold necklace and some fancy shoes for a night out with the girls.

These make a great look for the office. Mixing and matching prints and textures will always give definition and character to your overall look.

Theodora & Callum Spring Break Campaign Giveaway!!

Get Spring ready with Theodora & Callum! Filled with fun in the sun and exotic destinations, you're sure to make a statement in paradise, and what better way to draw inspiration than from your travels. 

Theodora & Callum is Holding a scarf giveaway on Facebook!! They are asking all T&C fans to tell them about their favorite

Spring Break destination. One person will be selected at random to win a fashionable and absolutely lust-worthy Caftans like the one pictured below. Just imagine yourself vacationing in Hawaii, Costa Rico, The Bahamas, or even The Galapagos Islands - it's your imagination for crying out loud (go where ever your heart desires)!! Now imagine your feet in the sand, a tropical drink in your hand and the a fabulous linen caftan decorating your tan, sun-kissed body. It's a vacation fit for a goddess am I right? Now get to it and comment on the post (here) to let the T&C facebook team where you are going this Spring and what inspires you about your destination, whether you're staying local and hittin' the beaches or going somewhere far far away, for a chance to win the lovely Theodora & Callum caftan. It's sold out online so this is your last chance!!! Hurry it up, the contest ends next Friday, March 30th. 

(CC) Currently Coveting: Belted dresses with Strappy Sandals

Currently Coveting: Belted dresses with Strappy Sandals by krysta-hill

From left to Right: Peter Pilotto draped dress, Christian Louboutin strappy heels, a Matthew Williamson belt and a Valentino Red shoulder bag; SIMONE ROCHA sleeveless dress, Zara high heel shoes, Pieces leather belt and a Lanvin art deco handbag; Roksanda Ilincic zipper dress, Valentino crystal embellished shoes, a Versace studded belt and a beautiful quilted Chanel shoulder bag with flower detailing on the strap.


There is something about a belted dress that makes Spring so much more enjoyable. Paired with a fantastic strappy sandal? Oh Lawd, I'm obsessed!! This can be done for many different occasions: The first is for an elegant cocktail party, or for strutting your stuff down 5th Avenue-whichever you wish. The second is very trendy, perfect for Fashion Week when it's time to embrace your wild child (it's a total Carrie Bradshaw moment). Moments passed, now onto the third look: A breakfast at Tiffany's meets Upper East Side Social. Wear this to the Opera or to a Fancy dinner for two, it will definitely make an impression. 

It's Back to the Future with Shiny Metallics and Leather Getups for Fall 2012

There is so much talk about the weather that I'm turning my attention-and yours-to the beautiful blends of metallics and jewel tones that will be saturating the pages of magazines and worn throughout the city streets come Fall. 
Futuristic silhouettes, metallic fabrics, jewel-tone accents and, my favorite of them all: leather, leather and more leather!! Charcoals, shades of gray, black and dark, yet vibrant colors are the hues that will be of value, but remember...when all else fails black on black can never let you down. This is true on all accounts. Tootles!! xoxo

Stepping into Spring!

The weather has been in a very happy mood lately so I've decided to dress accordingly before it starts to act up again. Especially in a city like Chicago-it might snow in a couple of days-you never know! 

Pastels are turning into my best friend-I'm obsessed. This, coming from someone who loves an all black ensemble, is absolutely crazy talk, but I love the subtle hint of color pastels exude to the wandering eye; it's a very clean fresh look that mixes well with the blossoming of Spring. 

I've paired a pastel green button up silk blouse from Ann Taylor with a pair of a beautiful taupe trousers from BCBG and finished off the look with my brown Dolce Vita wedge strappy sandals and a gold Michael Kors watch. Because it can get very chilly in the morning, to keep myself from freezing I threw on a chunky knit wrap around scarf....okay, who am I kidding, it's practically a blanket. But I love it.

xoxo