Parisian Inspired in New York

Top || Skirt (also) || Heels || Clutch || Earrings || Watch || Bracelet

First off all, I don’t think the English language has a word that accurately describes Parisian style. Nearly everyone on the streets of Paris seemed so impossibly chic, it was an absolute feast to take in all of the looks. I think the biggest difference is that each item in an outfit is selected with a lot of intention, but at the same time is done effortlessly. It’s also incredibly unique to the wearer. There is no uniform when you walk down the street. With all of that, I came back to New York incredibly inspired to make myself look even just a little bit more Parisian each day.

Like I said before, the first thing that comes to mind is effortless. I cannot imagine a Parisian woman struggling to decide on what to wear for the day. To acquire this kind of mindset, it’s going to take some upfront work. Fill your closet only with pieces that you truly love and feel good about. From there, you can just go ahead and trust yourself. Sometimes a knee-jerk reaction is best.

Their hair and makeup routine is effortless. The old adage ‘less is more’ is definitely in play here. Less time spent and fewer products used will not only showcase your natural beauty, but help you attain that certain je ne sais quoi that you’re striving for.

While I was under the impression that Parisian style was relatively serious, I was so happy to find the fun in how the women dress. A Parisian isn’t afraid to add a little bit of whimsy or an eccentric detail to an other wise straight-edge outfit. This could come in all shapes and sizes, but my favorite rendition is adding a brooch to a blazer or jacket. Since coming home from Paris, I’ve been itching to buy one myself and add it to my accessory rotation. This scooter piece from Talbots is practically perfect and at a great price point.

The hunt for mastering Parisian style is a group effort. There is no shortage of articles and books that share their two-cents on the topic. Each gives a different point of view that helps add to the bigger picture. One of my current favorites is Lessons from Madame Chic. It includes great advice on everything from style, to diet, to culture. Just like you would expect, these books are chicly designed and could also double as a coffee table centerpiece. Two other books I can’t wait to crack open are Parisian Chic Look Book and French Women Don’t Get Fat. I’m a new francophile.

No matter who you are, what your budget is, or where you live, the Parisian style is possible for all. Finally, sticking with simplicity is a good place to start, but don’t forget to add fun to what you wear. You should enjoy getting dressed in the morning! You can always book your own trip to Paris for inspiration. I’ll see you there!

Love from NYC,
Katie

For even more on my travel, be sure to see my exclusive content here.

Dress Out of Your Comfort Zone

Dress (also) || Sandals || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch

Have you ever met a dress that really speaks to you, but is still way outside of your comfort zone? It happens to me every once in a while, but that’s the roller coaster of emotion I went through when I first saw this gorgeous green midi-dress from Kate Spade. The love affair first started when I spotted the dress at the Kate Spade boutique while window shopping down Madison Avenue. You can probably imagine my sheer delight when I found the dress available on Rent the Runway Unlimited that same day. It was ordered at my door step just 24 hours after I first laid eyes on her.

Why is it so outside my comfort zone? Well, it’s mainly because I categorize myself as dressing pretty modestly. I tend to shy away from super deep necklines and short hemlines. While the dress is a length that I’m absolutely comfortable with, this sweatshirt neckline isn’t for the faint of heart! Weirdly enough, when I tried it on, I instantly fell in love and thought it was surprisingly flattering. As for the color, what can I say?! It’s simply beautiful. I’m always partial to a good shade of green and this kelly green is no exception. It pops against my olive skin tone, but I think it would work for a whole rainbow of people.

While this dress would work for all kinds of occasions like garden parties, brunch, or weddings, I opted for the simpler life. Nothing gave me a Carrie Bradshaw moment like running errands in the Upper East Side wearing such a show-stopping dress. Cult Gaia clutch in hand and Hermes Oran sandals on my feet, I felt like I should have been walking around a tropical resort instead of the aisles at the grocery store.

I think the moral of this story is one we can all relate to. Dress outside of your comfort zone. Go ahead, give that new style, color, or trend a try. I’ll speak from my own experiences. Sometimes I feel like I’ve fallen into such a rut when I look into my closet. I know what colors look good on me, what brands I like, and what silhouettes work with my body type. It takes an awesome little reminder, like a dress that you love on the mannequin to snap you out of it and give you the confidence to try something new. My challenge for you in the month of July, wear something that makes you a little nervous. At the end of the day, what’s the worst thing that can happen?

Love from NYC,
Katie

For more on my style, be sure to check out exclusive content here.

Prim and Proper Boho

Blouse || Jeans || Heels || Handbag || Earrings || Watch || Bracelet

Classy style with a touch of boho inspiration is probably the best way of describing my style, especially in the summer. I love nothing more than an oversized blouse or dress, but at the same time, timeless pieces really speak to me too. It’s an interesting middle ground to be in, but I always have an adventure in trying to find that sweet spot. By bringing the two worlds together, I can almost guarantee you’ll create an outfit that is memorable and highly complimented.

So, what does the phrase “prim and proper” mean to me? Well, it starts with finding pieces that really stand the test of time. Think about what has remained relatively unchanged and doesn’t succumb to ever changing trends. My Ferragamo Vara heels are a perfect example of that timelessness. Originally created in 1978, it was designed to be a practical pump that could keep up with a woman’s busy lifestyle. Although extremely structured, it stays youthful with the bow detail and comfortable with the low block heel. Obviously, it’s not everyone’s style, but it’s going to stay around for the foreseeable future.

Other classic pieces that are perfect for you to work with may be a little navy dress, a structured white button-down, or even a crisp navy pencil skirt. All three are pieces I wear almost weekly and love to style to fit my mood.

Boho, I think, is a little bit harder to peg down. It can mean so many things to different people and is constantly changing. For me, I often use it interchangeably with a laidback style that you often find in my home state, Florida. Adding pieces that really don’t take themselves seriously or aren’t as formal is the way to go. While white denim has become a summer staple, the raw hem of these J. Crew jeans make them trendy and a little bit more carefree. Pre-distressed jeans, in any wash, will have that same effect too.

Gingham, arguably, is an extremely classic pattern. It’s made it’s way into the closets of nearly every person who describes their style as preppy. Normally saved for a simple sundress or structured button-down, gingham gets a serious facelift with this Waverly Grey babydoll blouse. My top is being borrowed from Rent the Runway, but I’m shocked that I didn’t already have it in my closet. It’s oversized, flowy and just the way I like it! The navy bow-tie straps are a sweet detail and somehow still adds to that laidback style.

It seems weird to spend an entire blog post talking about clothes as if they have their very own personality, but it’s none-the-less true. Whether accurate or not, what you wear speaks volumes about your personality. Prim and proper boho may see like a very specific and niche style to have, but it’s exactly what I want to send out to the world. What does your style say about your personality?

Love from NYC,
Katie

For more on my style, be sure to check out exclusive content here.