twice is nice: nyfw round 2

So, this is happening. I am absolutely thrilled and beyond excited to be involved with the production of Fashion Week, work closely with BCBG and explore the streets of the big apple again!  We're one member short from an impromptu family vacay in NYC--my wonderful mother and sister are coming with! (We'll be missing you the entire time, Dad, but you probably won't be missing our fashion-filled week, ha!) Katie--one of my sweetest and closest friends--and I will be taking on Fashion Week together as we intern with the fabulous BCBG.

The description of the internship is as follows:

{During your time here, you will be involved with model casting, fitting and styling; assembling “model survival kits”; making runway look-boards; venue seating; sample trafficking; executive assisting as well as a behind-the-scenes look into our shows. We expect you all to be punctual, detail-oriented, enthusiastic and fashion-minded.}

Unbelievable, right?! It is right up my alley. I can't wait to dive right into the craziness that is Fashion Week and leave my mark in the MBFW 2013 production! There will be a million posts to follow on documenting my experience--you'll feel like you were right there with me.

Ciau,

K.René

a flattering moment.

As a color-obsessed fashion student and graphic designer, I am easily amused with all that Pantone is about. Since the moment I discovered their company in my visual design class, I have followed their seasonal palettes religiously. How incredible is it that one company can have so much pull in the fashion industry? It really is awe-worthy.

I got word of a contest that Pantone/Art.com and Pinterest were hosting which involved using one of their photos as inspiration and coming up with 10 other images that went well with that photo. Each photo incorporated a shade of Emerald, of course. Moments before, I had just posted my favorite ways to wear Emerald on here and saw the ideal opportunity that was right in front of me. I went ahead and uploaded those images to Pinterest and called it a day.

While doing my routine checking in to see if they had announced any winners, I came across the most amazing thing ever to exist: Pantone repinned my moodboards. To say I was overjoyed would simply be an understatement. I immediately called home and quickly tried to put my excitement into words but mostly consisted of repeating "I'm freaking out." This was a moment I will treasure forever; it was simply too wonderful not to share.

Here they are repinned onto Pantone Color's "Color Palettes" board!

They even made the cover of the board! Ahh!

There is a 99% chance I will frame this and keep it forever on my nightstand. Or at least make it my desktop background for a while... 

A million thanks to Pantone Color! I am truly flattered.

In Kate Spade's words, "live colorfully!"

Ciau,

K.René

passion tea pink.

I've been searching for the ultimate shade of raspberry pink lip stain to shake up my daily Chapstick routine. Turns out that Revlon's "Lovesick Passionnee #20" is the shade for me. I first wore this stain with an outfit of all neutrals and left it up to my pop-colored lips to do all the talking. (See what I did there?) I opted for a classic look with my khaki trench, white ripped skinnies, nude loafers, gray pocket tee and striped infinity scarf. I kept accessories to a minimum with my bone colored watch and Yurman cable bracelet, thin turquoise band, J.Crew taupe stone ring and sparkly stud earrings. I then ventured out for an impromptu shopping trip and ended up trying the Passion Tea Lemonade from Starbucks--what a life changing experience that was. It's truly refreshing and easily my new favorite go-to drink. It didn't take me long to notice how the raspberry shade of the tea that I had learned to love so quickly was a perfect pair with my new lip decór. What a photo op it was.

Sometimes things just work out perfectly.

Ciau,

K.René

color concepts.

The colors this season are exceptionally outstanding--so bright and wearable. As Art Director, I'm always on the hunt for the perfect color combo to carry throughout our next issue. That can only mean one thing: making millions of moodboards offering endless color combos that have me completely obsessed with Pantone's palette.

 emerald + poppy red + grayed jade + tender shoots

 emerald + monaco blue + african violet + grayed jade

 emerald + tender shoots + monaco blue + grayed jade

 emerald + monaco blue + grayed jade + poppy red

Thoughts? Which combos catch your eye?

Ciau,

K.René

back in black.

The year has started off to a fabulous start and I'm officially on a roll doing design work for Clutch Magazine! 
First, I started with this Facebook cover photo for the new year...

Then created awareness for our model castings via this super-fun flyer...

Now I'm madly coming up with a design for our fundraiser tanks - details to follow!

Ciau,

K.René

emerald + icy blue

Well, it's a week or so into the new year and I'm still just as obsessed with emerald as I was here. This cool-colored-combo inspired new home decor accents, freshly-accessorized outfits and of course, a manicure. I used "bikini so teeny" and "emerald city" to create a sleek color-blocked half moon mani. This bright look kept my creativity right at my fingertips.

How would you do emerald + icy blue?

Ciau,

K.René

old school.

Technology rocks. I couldn't imagine my life without it. From my laptop, to my iPhone, to the internet in general... at times I feel like I'm technology's #1 fan. It's simply convenient to get wrapped up in the online world. This 'plugged in' phenomenon makes us take more of an effort to enjoy some physical, tangible experiences--we should absolutely take the extra step and allow ourselves to do so. 

An absolute favorite pastime of mine is to pull inspiration from print sources. Any trends from the latest catalogs, editorial photoshoots from the newest magazine issue and noteworthy design may make the cut and slide right into its proper spot in my design files. I have all sorts of categories, ranging from color, layouts and editorials, to photography, article ideas, fashion finds, cosmetology and interior design. 

It is such a wonderful whirlwind when I am able to take the time to fly through page after page soaking up all it has to offer. I can easily reference any image I may have seen potential in and just like that I am inspired once again. It always is beneficial to reflect back on previous pages I've pulled and see how my taste and style has matured and flourished over the years. As my print inspiration remains the closest to my heart, Pinterest is a very close second. My boards are full of incredible finds that continually spark my interest. Follow along on my pinning journey and stay tuned for more featured print finds.

Where do you find inspiration?

Ciau,

K.René

water + sand.

These accessories topped off an otherwise neutral outfit consisting of dark denim, a black cotton peplum top and my cozy oatmeal knit sweater. Almost all of my favorite jewels were incorporated in this one look--my studded bracelet from Ver Sei, mint watch from Anthropologie, unique necklace from Free People and my sparkly stud earrings from Cole Couture. This laid back look went from head to toe with my air-dried curly hair, light mascara and a pop of raspberry stain on my lips. The ease and coziness of my ensemble made me fully appreciate how effortlessly fabulous beach-living can be. (I still managed to squeeze in some glamour with leopard and studs, of course.) Tomorrow I take the trip back to Tallahassee to begin spring cleaning followed by the start of spring semester. I'm much looking forward to moving things around and starting fresh for this already-wonderful year. 

What pieces in your closet make you feel effortlessly chic?

Ciau,

K.René

one festive outfit.

It may have been awfully gloomy and rainy today, but that surely did not influence my attire one bit. 

I piled on the jewels, mixed patterns and combined colors all to create this eclectic look:

Emerald polka-dotted top: Zara

Cuffed denim: Sophie & Trey

Leopard loafers: Ross (for $12!!!)

Jeweled necklace: 4th & Ocean

Sparkly stud earrings: Cole Couture

Mint watch: Anthropologie

Cable Bracelet: David Yurman

Cobalt/Peacock studded bag: Free People

Decorative hair elastic: Free People

Any cheerful ensembles you've put together lately? Do share!

Ciau,

K.René

green with... elegance.

As an all-time fan of the color green (after all, my name is Kelly Greenwood) I was overjoyed to get news of Pantone's 2013 Color of the Year. 
It is Emerald and it is stunning. 

Pantone puts Emerald's versatility into words:

"Lively. Radiant. Lush... A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

Think Emerald isn't versatile? Think again! Here are my top ten color combos including this gorgeous shade of green:

I will officially be on the lookout for all things Emerald!

Ciau,
K.René

metallic palette.

To kick off the year with some pizazz, I continued the 'sparkle + shine' theme from New Year's Eve right into New Year's Day. My metallic vest made quite the debut paired with a palette of neutrals with pops of poppy and mint. I began the year the only way I knew how--with some shopping. Caitlin and I wrapped up our visit by heading to Kate Spade and J.Crew to admire all things adorable. I picked up a precious patent peacock blue card holder from Kate Spade that I am dying to put into use. (Only 25 days 'til my birthday... but who's counting?) I am putting the finishing touches on my business card designs and then finding a printer immediately! Time to network in style.

Ciau,

K.René

the best is yet to come.

With each new year comes the opportunity to press re-start on your life. 

Do the things you've always wished to do. 

Focus on your true passion and make great things happen. 

Enjoy every moment, detail and experience. 

Make changes--big or small.

Tweak your daily routine to make yourself the best possible "you."

A healthier life is a happier life. 

Here's a peek into what I'm going to be practicing on a daily basis. 

Mark my words...

Whatever you do, do it with a smile. 

Happy 2013!

Ciau,

K.René

pop fizz clink.

Here's to the start of 2013. May it bring all the joy, inspiration and success it possibly can.

Ciau,

K.René