DIY

Red

Perhaps I just have a weakness for dangerous studs delicately wrapped around my ankles and down the back of my heels because when I saw these babies, there were no such thing as “no K, you don’t need this.”

These Valentino studded ankle strap sandals from the Fall 2012 Rockstud collection features pyramid studs, red leather, double adjustable blush ankle straps and a strip of smaller studs down the back of the heel. That little sucker behind my ears who frequently tries to discourage me from buying certain things was quickly shut down. No regrets here! :)

Made this pencil skirt with my favorite bow details from the left over materials from this pleated (faux) leather skirt, but I probably won’t be making another one of these for a while. Sewing with faux leather, pleather, or vinyl can be pretty tricky and time consuming and if you’re not careful you can rip the material on top and sometimes it can take hours to complete the project…I was pretty happy with the results but my back wasn’t. lol

[Photos by NR]

Top: James Perse black tank | Bottom: DIY (faux) leather pencil skirt with over-sized bow details | Shoes: Valentino stud red sandals with ankle straps | Glasses: Tom Ford Nikita cat eye | Necklace: Dogeared heart pendant

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Thanks for stopping by. Hope you’re having a wonderful Wednesday!

NYC Day 2: On the Go, Go, Go

No matter how many times I visit NY, there’s something about this place that always makes me feel like a tourist. So many things to do and see in such little time….

Our 2nd day in NY was on a constant go, go, go. We visited family in BK in the morning, followed by a quick meeting, than head back to Manhattan to do some touristy stuff in SoHo and NoHo. SoHo is one of my favorite areas in NY to visit because of all the cute little shops. Not to mentioned 3 floors of TopShop and Little Italy is a few steps away.

Nate was like a kid in a candy store when we got to Fight Club.

I spy Kanye’s air yeezy 2 for $3,000, which retailed at $245. However this isn’t bad if you considered the nut who purchased it for $90K on ebay….he could have came here.

I wish every pup can have a loving home. :(

Vintage sewing machines are so freakin’ cool!

[Photos by NR & I]

First Outfit – Top: Abstract Top (similar here and here) | Bottom: Zara leopard print skirt (old: similar here) | Glasses: Dior cat eye sunglasses

Second Outfit – Top: H&M floral blouse (love this here) | Bottom: DIY distressed denim studded shorts | Glasses: Lumete

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You can’t really experience all of NY without taking a ride on one of the busiest subway system in America. The subway is so detailed, with over 400 hundred stops and what seems like 3 floors of fast flying trains that can take you anywhere your heart desires….but hold your skirt tight and wear comfortable shoes. I kept a pair of flats in my bag just in case my poor little feet decided to go on strike. There are lots of stairs and you can easily get lost. Well, I would probably still be lost somewhere in the subway station right now if  I wasn’t with my NY native tour guide. :)

Keep it Between the Pleats (+ DIY Tutorial)

I have been looking for the perfect pleated leather skirt but my luck hasn’t been so great. A few months back I purchased one from H&M but just the thought of leather at the time made me sweat and when I said sweat, I’m talking the “Sweaty Axe Commercial” sweat… so I returned it. Since it’s getting a little chilly now, I wanted it again but it’s sold out everywhere (don’t you hate that?).

Then I came across the Alice + Olivia pleated leather skirt but too bad it was sold out as well… Plus I didn’t feel like forking out $396 for a skirt. So what’s a girl to do? Make it? Why the hell not.

[Photos by NR]

Top: Forever 21 crop tank, Dollman denim vest (similar here)| Bottom: DIY (faux) leather pleated skirt | Shoes: Classiques Entier cap toe pumps | Purse: Marc Jacobs  Crosby Sutton bag | Bracelet: Michael Kors ‘Collections’ two-tone link chain pave bracelet (similar here and here) | Belt: studded leather belt (old, similar here and here)

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We had the pleasure of attending the GAP Fall 2012 “Icons Redefined” Collection x LookMazing event in the heart of SF on Wednesday night. It was such a blast getting styled by the Gap stylists, took photos in LookMazing’s photo booth and sipped on champagne. My girl Sab from Rouge Spark looked so freakin’ cute with a full outfit makeover and even Nate came back decked out in yellow rolled up pants and an orange shirt! I on the other hand was a party pooper and only changed my top. Booo to me! But I had an excuse…I couldn’t take off my newly DIY skirt! :)

Continue Reading below for DIY tutorial

The Sweetest Thing

I’m a huge fan of pretty little headpieces and this floral halo wreath is the perfect combination of whimsical and romance that adds a touch of sweetness to any outfit. Plus, I’m dying to be a flower girl at my friend’s wedding, if her daughter decide to bail, I’m volunteering to take her place (hint, hint) :)

[Photos by NR]

Top: ASOS scoop back bodysuit | Bottom: American Apparel wide leg pleated chiffon pants, Shimera seamless boyshorts | Belt: gold hardware belt (old, also love this) | Bracelets: Gold cuffs (similar here) | Necklace: Dogeared heart pendant | Express gold pave ball pendant | Shoes: Colin Stuart strappy sandals (old, similar here) | Floral headpiece: DIY | Lipstick: Shiseido ( RS320: Fuchsia)

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I was in the mood to release my inner boho spirit so my floral halo headpiece was the perfect accessory to accompanied this sweet chiffon wide leg pleated pants that looked like it could be a maxi skirt. I was fooled by it too until I saw my bestie wore it in green. I think these pants are so lovely and perfect fit for lounging around in warm weather. Although it’s super long but the alterations was quite simple and the sheer material will require you to wear shorts underneath. It also comes in black, green and burgundy and I may get the black ones too.

What do you think of these pants?

Connect The Dots

I don’t just have a crush on full girly skirts, I’m kinda obsessed with them.

[Photos by NR]

Top: H&M (old) | Bottom: KTR polka dots full skirt | Shoes: Zara wide heel strappy sandals (also comes in mint) | Belt: ASOS plate and spike | Bracelets: Michael Kors Rhinestone Embellished Ridged, Debbie Merle Agate, Carolee Lux (similar here) | Purse: pink rose clutch (old, similar here)

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Since I’m a huge fan of those fun, full and flirty skirts, I decided why not add them to my little KTRcollection. This skirt is so much fun and I felt like a total girly girl when I wore it this weekend. The bold polka dots against the bright white fabric really pop. I can’t wait to pair it with a floral top or a loose cotton purple top tucked snugly in the waist.

I think people tend to shy away from full skirts because of added unwanted pounds, but it actually wouldn’t if the cut was right. The waistband has to be perfectly situated on the smallest of the waist and the pleats has to start out at the right place with enough volume for that added flare. If you’re slender, these skirts will give you shape, and if you’re thick and beautiful, these skirt will accentuate your curves.

What are your thoughts on full skirts?