cut it out.

I am newly addicted to the cutout shoulder. It is such a fab way to look effortlessly chic as you put the spotlight on the trendiest new feminine feature to display: your shoulders. These four contrasting looks all showcase your shoulders and give off a mysterious vibe.

The embellished shoulder; a glamorous take.

The Sophie & Trey take: a LBD.

A more unique take on the denim buttondown, featured on The Blonde Salad.

A relaxed bohemian attire as shown on the Need Supply Co. lookbook.

Shimmy on out in style with your shoulder-showing ensemble.

Ciau,
K.René

GILTy as charged.

So, you know that feeling that occurs all too often? The one of utter disappointment when you happen to glance down at the price of a designer item that you just instantly fell in love with and, in turn, gasp with horror. The empty, empty feeling (that your wallet can relate to) that overcomes you as you try desperately to come up with any morsel of an excuse to take out yet another hypothetical bank loan. But you just can't do it; it isn't realistic. It's times like these when I would sit and stare blankly at the screen filled with phenomenal images of items I am both in love with and in dire need of owning, and wonder if there was any way to make it happen. Well, let me thank my lucky stars right about now because I just recently discovered (and immediately subscribed to) a fabulously inventive website entitled "Gilt Groupe." After subscribing, you are sent one daily email notifying you of the sales that occur that day. These sales aren't usual sales, however. These sales are monumental! The site is filled with designer pieces (not only just clothes, but appliances, jewelry, etc. You name it, they have it!) that Gilt is able to mark down to a more do-able price and then sell to their subscribers. These sales are outrageous and the highlight of my day! Just to give you an idea of how life-changing Gilt has been... I received an email featuring Valentino handbags and clothing for a minimum of 50% off. Unheard of. Naturally, I hyperventilated and had to calm myself down before impulsively ordering every item offered. (Which would've backfired almost instantly.) With such fashionable finds accessorized with affordable price tags, there's no need to feel GILTy anymore!

Stunning Valentino finds on Gilt Groupe.

A signature red skirt paired with a ruffly nude blouse; the epitome of Valentino. Originally $2,490/Gilt $949.

A feminine lace number. Originally $4,250/Gilt $1,499.

The most wonderful wardrobe enhancement; perfect for holiday soirées. Originally $5980/Gilt $1,999.

Elizabeth Cole Jewelry featured on Gilt Groupe:

Classic jewel-toned chandelier earrings. Originally $375/Gilt $168.

An intricate cuff complete with a coin. Originally $383/Gilt $150.

Owl be adding this to my wishlist. Originally $320/Gilt $132.

Feel no regret with your well-justified purchases on Gilt Groupe!

Ciau,
K.René

blushing with delight.

I may or may not have an addiction to watches. Not only are they glamourous & classic, but oh are they useful! Fashion & function, what a combo. About a year ago at Sophie & Trey arrived the most magnificent shipment yet--the most beautiful selection of chronograph watches... and for under $40! The only catch? I was away at school. After (im)patiently waiting another year for that time of year again, the wristwatches have made their way into my life! After much hesitation on which color to add into my wardrobe (I was between the gold & silver combo and the stunning rose gold), I finally impulse-bought the gorgeous, oversized, shiny-yet-subtle, rose gold watch. And I could not be happier. My only worry was that it would not match all my gold jewelry; however, that worry was quickly washed away when I realized I can just add in a rose gold shimmery bracelet into my wrist-bling! Now, I layer my gold chain link bracelet, nude and gold chain braided wrap bracelet, rose gold bracelet with faux diamonds, and rose gold chronograph watch for the perfect pop of color in my usually all-gold attire.

Rose-inspired J.Crew jewelry and a pretty pair of flats.

A soft and feminine look by Valentino.

Nude and blush palettes displayed on Cupcakes & Cashmere and Atlantic-Pacific.

A collection of a few of my blush, bronze, and rose belongings.

A collage of coordinating looks found on Atlantic-Pacific & Late Afternoon combined with a comforting display from Madebygirl.

The Grande Finale: My stunning watch surrounded by blush-toned jewels.

I cannot wait to pair it with saturated jewel tones for fall--especially my forest green shorts with their scalloped hem. How girly and glam!

Have you indulged in a rose gold accessory yet?

Ciau,
K.René

fuchsia & lemon; sweet & sour.

While I can predictably gravitate toward neutrals, earth tones, and jewel tones when shopping for an addition to my wardrobe, I have recently done quite the opposite. What a monumental break-through! Convinced that brights would play up my pale ivory skin, I cautiously and purposefully kept my distance and admired the hi-lighter yellows and so-hot-you're-on-fire pinks from a far. I decided a little fuchsia nail polish couldn't hurt, however, and that's when I came across a surprisingly do-able color combo that was begging to be showed off: fuchsia and lemon. My luscious pink nails were on display while I was flipping through my tops hanging in my closet, when all of the sudden I approached the yellow section (consisting of one bright and daring sunshine-yellow top, featured below, sandwiched in between deep mustard and more flattering tones). There was no denying that a daring and playful outfit was about to be in the making. I ended up with the sheer canary yellow bat-wing top paired with my high-waisted dark denim cuffed shorts. Accessories as followed: my daily wrist bling, shiny gold studs, hot pink statement necklace, strappy caramel sandals and to-die-for gold studded bag. What a winning combo it was!

sunflowers & peonies.

Pop-color pieces from Sheridan French. Fuchsia lace as shown on Cupcakes & Cashmere.

The ensemble I established.

A woven textured necklace.

My previous desktop images: a Free People calendar and pattern.

My stunning sister & my wrist ornaments.

My thoughts on fashion.

Stepped outside the box lately? What daring ensemble-encounters have you experienced?

Ciau,
K.René

what is love? (baby don't hurt me...)

Growing up, this was one of the Bible verses that my Mother taught us to live by. When I came across this modern and simplistic layout, I knew I had to share. With such strong words holding such great meaning, this will always be meaningful quote to me.

(Found here.)

Ciau,
K.René