The Process

Emilio Pucci, aka the “prince of prints” had impeccable taste in color. I picked some of my favorite Pucci hues and created a vision board using Canva. Regardless of the theme, this party planning practice will make your life waaaaay easier when you approach vendors. I simply sent the balloon artist and cake designer my palette, and they color-matched the two perfectly. As for the poochi part, we tied in (no pun intended!) puppies by incorporating twisted balloon dogs. Sticking to the scheme of things, I added pops of shimmering gold, a photo backdrop, and pastel floral arrangements. I LOVE how it turned out, but more importantly, Emilio had a very sweet day. I am already brainstorming Emilo’s Poochi Party 2.0 – can you tell I am a first time mother?! LOL.

The Outfits

As for our attire…it is shockingly difficult to find little boy’s pastel clothing – maybe it is just the time of year. I discovered “Dad and Me” outfits on the Children’s Place website, and the quality surpassed my expectations! I chose lavender gingham shirts for the boys and oxford dress pants for Emilio. This will not be the last time I order from the Children’s Place. They looked adorable if I say so myself! Finally, the time has come…I’ve been waiting for a special occasion to invest in my very own Pucci piece. I decided on a scarf because they are so versatile. You can tie them into a top, wear them in your hair, or adorn a purse with one. I tied my latest prized possession into a halter top (tutorial coming soon) and paired it with periwinkle flare pants. For years to come whenever I wear my Pucci scarf it’ll remind me of Emilio’s special day.

The Vendors

No birthday party is complete without balloons and cake. I used Sparky’s Balloons for my 30th birthday celebration and they were reliable, so I hired them for this event too. The online ordering process was very easy. If I can avoid a conversation with someone and do it all myself your business will have my patronage for life. They outdid themselves with this assignment, and three days later the number one column is still standing and cuter than ever. As for the cakes, I cannot say enough about Shiva Cake design. She was able to accommodate me with relatively short notice and she DELIVERED! Not only were the cakes works of art, but they were SO delicious. This was the first time Emilio indulged in a sweet treat and it lived up to the hype. His “smash cake” was vanilla buttercream flavor and featured whole banana slices. The adult cake was the same except we opted for chocolate. I’ve been eating cake all weekend and never felt “stuffed.” Somehow these cakes are light and fluffy but PACKED with flavor.

Shop the Post:
They Boys Outfit: Baby Shirt | Adult Shirt | Emilio’s Trousers | Jonathan’s pants

My Look: Scarf | Pants

Emilio Pucci Party Decor: “1” Cake Topper | Crown | Custom Plates and Napkins | Sequin Table Cloth | Gold Letter Balloons | Water Color Letter Banner

The post Emilio “Poochi” Party appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Guest List & Invitations

Paperless Post is home to the internet’s most glamorous “e-vites.” I use this service to send out invitations for business and personal events, and it always impresses me how user-friendly it is. Aside from the large assortment of artwork, the consumer dashboard allows you to easily track your RSVP list, and send out reminders. They hit the nail on the head with this cute New Mama theme and colors!

Day of Agenda

1. Introductions
2. Game 1
3. Present presentation and nursery tour
4. Game 2
5. Goodbyes and photos

This is the schedule we followed and it made for a very smooth party flow. We started with intros. My friends are scattered across the country so our format was this: name, connection to mom-to-be, location, and parenting piece of advice. I’ll go into more detail about the games later but after the icebreaker activity we delved right into emoji pictionary. Shortly after that I did a quick showcase of Baby Bae’s gifts, and then took my guests on a tour of the nursery nook. We played another game after that, said our goodbyes and screen-grabbed a group photo! We were done by 2:45 PM and the party began at 1:00. The time of the party will likely depend on the number of attendees – the introductions took up the longest portion of the shower, and was my favorite part!

Decor & Treats

Kelly and Elise went above and beyond to make the day special. I always knew that I would incorporate Instagramable decorations because DUH. But what I didn’t know is that K&E would surprise me with a beautiful bouquet of balloons that perfectly matched the artwork on the invitation (and my balloon garland)! How thoughtful is that?! And to make the day even sweeter, they sent over my favorite donuts and gorgeous blue flowers. They spoiled me rotten!

Games & Gifts

Gift giving and receiving is fun and always appreciated, but is not mandatory. Truthfully, the company of close friends is the best gift a girl can ask for! However, Babylist makes it super easy and flexible for moms-to-be to register for must-have items online. Like you can add any item from any store to your Babylist with the click of a button. We did not allocate time to open gifts. Instead, we opted to display Baby Bae’s new wares and save the time for games! Emoji Pictionary: pure genius! Based on the featured emojis, you guess the title of the Children’s book/movie. See the Goodnight Moon example below. My generous hosts rewarded the winner with a Starbucks gift card. I cannot recommend this activity enough!

We are all new at this and there is no right or wrong way to host a virtual event. This is the format Elise and Kelly followed and it was so organized and SO fun! I could not have asked for more thoughtful hosts or a more special group of attendees. I was not exaggerating when I said they spoiled me rotten! What was your favorite activity at the last zoom “party” you were apart of? I would love to hear! Thanks for reading this article – feel free to forward it to a hostess with the mostess.

Shop the Post:
Dress (did NOT size up to accommodate the bump) | Earrings | Shoes | Balloon Arch Kit | Sequin Table Runner | Watercolor Letter Banner (available in-store) | Emoji Games

The post How to Throw a Virtual Baby Shower appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

33 Things I am Hopeful/Looking Forward to in 2021

1. Meeting Baby Bae. I am officially 52 days away from my due date and it’s hard to think about anything else! Will he look like a mini version of Jonathan?! What will his personality be like?!
2. While we are on the topic of babies, I cannot wait to meet all the covid babies in my friends group! Never in a million years did I think we’d all be parents the next time we saw each other. A lot can happen in a year.
3. I hope to celebrate my dad’s life in the most colorful way possible. When he passed away last spring we were at the peak of the pandemic. Funerals, memorials, or any “social” gathering with people outside of your home were strictly prohibited in Connecticut. He deserves a party.
4. I cannot wait to get the Covid-19 vaccine when it becomes available to me and experience a sense of normalcy again.
5. Leaving the house without a mask…the day that can happen will be one for the books. I am hopeful it’ll happen later this year.
6. To Worry less. I know what you are thinking…when you become a mother you always worry. While I understand where you are coming from, this is different. I am sick of worrying about everyone else. Will Jonathan contract the virus at work from an asymptomatic carrier? Will my mom choose the checkout line with the cashier who is unaware they are shedding the virus? Worrying about the last person to touch the doorknob…the list goes on.
7. Speaking of my mom, I cannot wait to see her again. We’ve been on separate coasts since May and Baby Bae needs his Bubbie!
8. Flying on an airplane will be a delight. It will be an “event” like it was in the olden days…so I hear!
9. I fantasize of relaxing on the beach in Hawaii. My definition of paradise.
10. But before we travel outside of California (after being vaccinated of course), I cannot wait to enjoy city life to the fullest. It has been months since we’ve been able to dine inside of a restaurant, or meet after work for happy hour.
11. Wine and dine in Napa Valley. No explanation needed.
12. I look forward to the day it is safe enough for us to introduce our son to our siblings and extended families.
13. Entertaining houseguests. When we moved to SF it was important to me to have a guest bedroom. We live across the country from our families. When they come to visit we like them to be close! Same goes for out of town friends – you know who you are!
14. Witness GG become the best big sister!
15. Attend in-person events and meetings. Zoom is great but I am OVER IT.
16. I do not mean to come off as vain, but if regular manicures are in my future I will not take it for granted.
17. Wear Lipstick…I miss it. The mask-life doesn’t really allow for it.
18. I never thought I would say this, but I look forward to the day I shop for my own groceries. Delivery is so convenient but I lack inspiration with my dinner menu when I’m not walking the aisles.
19. Simply put, shooting blog pics with a photographer will be luxurious!
20. I am hopeful I’ll be able to play field hockey next fall.
21. Resuming Spanish lessons. It is very important to me that Baby Bae is exposed to his latino heritage and that he learns to speak the language.
22. Callin’ Baton Rouge. I cannot wait to go to Tiger Stadium for a LSU football game. GEAUX TIGERS!
23. I think this goes without saying but here’s to visiting and double dating with friends when it is deemed safe to do so!
24. I cannot wait to wear my quirky outfits to more than just the living room. This HILARIOUS TikTok video is a perfect depiction of my thoughts exactly. Insert laughing emoji.
25. Dressing my baby boy – bring it on!
26. I would love the opportunity for more TV time aka on-air experience!
27. Diversifying my small business. I am looking forward to delving into a new vertical and sharing the baby products I cannot live without.
28. Joining a mom group. I can only imagine how many valuable resources would be available to me!
29. Meeting new friends. The more the merrier.
30. Attending an in-studio workout class.
31. Hosting a dinner party.
32. Eating a deli sandwich….I prefer salads to sandwiches but now that I can’t have one, (pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming deli meat because they are more susceptible to food borne illness), I crave subs constantly.
33. Wearing my high heels. If I’m rocking heels it means we are back to regular scheduled programing. I dream of the day, and I imagine you do too!

Shop the Post:
Dress c/o (Get 30% off with code GLAM30) | Earrings | Makeup – Eyeshadow and Lip Color (Get 10% off with code KELSEY) | Press-on Nails | Flower Crown | Balloons

A special thanks to Bump Biddy for outfitting me for my birthday!

The post 33 Years and 33 Birthday Wishes appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

My parents are the most remarkable individuals I have ever known. We’ve always been very close. They have always been my biggest fans and supported my dreams and aspirations at every cost. Growing up I was one of those kids who’d rather attend one of my parent’s dinner parties than a “kegger” one of the high school cliques was throwing down the street. When it came time to apply for college, and all of the universities on my wish list were out-of-state, my parents never made me feel guilty about leaving home. Instead, they were excited with me. From 2006 onward, I lived across the country from my family.

My dad and mom were older than my friends’ parents…the adoption process was painfully slow in Colombia in the 80’s. Their age did not make a difference growing up, but for the past decade I lived with a perpetual fear of something happening and being too far to swoop in and help. We operate on a three hour time difference….I’d get an adrenaline rush whenever my phone would ring or ding at an “off hour.” Regrettably, February 20, 2020 my fear became a reality. Doctors discovered a lesion in my dad’s left lung after he began experiencing sudden weight loss.

The Longest Fight of My Life

On March 6th I booked a one-way ticket to Connecticut. I knew this visit was not going to be fun, but I did not know that I was about to embark on a real-life NIGHTMARE. My dad was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer right as the COVID-19 pandemic exploded. The Tri-state Region was the epicenter and he was in and out of the hospital throughout it all. I could not believe this was my life. Every television in the medical center was covering the pandemic. We went from staying the night in his hospital room, to being limited to one family member at a time, to being abruptly kicked out because of the virus. As the CDC released COVID-19 safety guidelines we were right there to experience them. We went to hell and back, and the virus affected our situation in ways I did not even consider possible.

Would my dad undergo chemotherapy, or was it too risky to compromise his immune system with aggressive treatment – knowing there was a virus spreading like wildfire that directly effects the LUNGS?! As the world went into mass hysteria, medical supplies became scarce, and my dad was suffering from pressure ulcers. Trips to the wound care clinic were out of the question out of fear of exposure. We needed to change bandages and rubber gloves were unavailable. WHAT WOULD WE HAVE DONE IF I WAS NOT MARRIED TO A PLASTIC SURGEON WITH TRAINING IN WOUND CARE, AND A MEDICAL SUPPLY CLOSET STOCKED WITH GLOVES?! All I wanted to do was give my dad a huge hug…but I was too scared. What if I was an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19?

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

What I just described was sadly only a small sliver of the anguish we were faced with. March, April, and May were the most emotionally and physically EXHAUSTING months of my life. Despite the devastation, it was MY DUTY to ensure my dad’s comfort and care during the remainder of his life, as he has done all 32 years of mine. On the night of May 12th I lost one of the most admirable people in my life, my beloved Daddy. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh

The Circle of Life

The grieving process has reminded me just how much I value family. Your family members are like a built-in army. They are there to defend, protect, and offer support through the good, the bad, and the ugly. Today marks our NINE year wedding anniversary – it’s been over 11 years since we first met! Every day we spend together I am grateful our lives crossed paths. We see the world through the same lens and make a dynamic duo! In fact, one of the reasons we are so compatible is because Jonathan values family as much as I do. He comes from a big one (speaking of armies!), he is the youngest of seven siblings. We always agreed that if we were to raise a child one day, it would be a mini version of me. We’d own every matching “mommy and me” set available, and be the best of friends just like me and my mom. She’d learn field hockey at a young age, and enjoy dressing up and getting manicures. She’d instantly steal her daddy’s heart.

Through all the heartache, this year has been a learning experience to say the least. But the biggest lesson is yet to come...I found out I was pregnant exactly one month after my dad left us. In my heart I knew a mini-Kelsey was not growing inside of me. I consider it an absolute honor to have the privilege of raising an exemplary little man, like both his maternal grandfather (the “Zaydee” he will never meet), and his compassionate father. I cannot wait to give him that hug I was SO yearning for before my dad passed. BABY BOY KAPLAN is due the end of February. I had no idea I needed this. We needed this. My family needed something joyous to look forward to and we got it alright. We are SO excited to take you all along on our journey into parenthood. Thank you for your endless love and support.

Shop the Post:

My Outfit: Dress (Buyer Beware – You cannot launder) | Shoes | Earrings
Jonathan’s Outfit: Shirt styled by Gene Hiller | Blazer | Trousers | Slippers – Stubbs & Wooton
Onesie by MamiOrigami

Photography by Alexis Estrom

The post A Year of Heartbreak, Solitude, and Pure Joy appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I remember first hearing about this from a college friend at least 10 years ago. Ironically enough, Wednesday was my first time taking the “love quiz!” Although 14 years apart, and from very different backgrounds, Jonathan and I are very alike. This is the best and most challenging part of our relationship. We are almost always on the same page, have the same reactions to situations and conversations and enjoy many of the same activities. So when we don’t see eye to eye our collective stubbornness…well I’ll let you imagine how that goes!

Anyway, I took the quiz and was fascinated by the results. “Quality Time” came back as my strongest love language and “Physical Touch” was a close second. I had Jonathan take the quiz later that night, and sure enough our results were spot on. His highest score was physical touch and quality time a close second. I never doubt how compatible we are. It is quite the opposite, actually! It never ceases to amaze me how many stars had to align for an adopted girl from Bogota, Colombia to cross paths with my soulmate, my other half, the male version of myself in 2009 during my senior year at LSU, AND know that he was “the one” instantaneously! If that isn’t fate, I don’t know what is! Happy Valentine’s Day friends.

Shop the Post:
Dress | Shoes – Louis Vuitton| Earrings | Purse (similar)

Photography by Bailey Luna

The post Happy Valentine’s Day: What’s your Love Language? appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Take an Exercise Class

Couples who sweat together, stay together! Show your partner that you’re genuinely interested in his/her favorite physical activity. Whether that means going for a brisk jog or hitting the mats at the yoga studio, you’ll feel accomplished afterwards and it’ll be fun because you are together.

Movie or Netflix

The Oscars were last night…you probably already have a list of movies on your “watch list.” If you prefer a trip the theatre over your couch, go see Parasite while you can. If Netflix and chill are more your jam, consider binging the award winning comedy The Marveleous Mrs. Maisel, or the gratuitous thriller You.

Cook Together

Maybe Friday is the night you finally try out your Home Chef subscription and prepare a delicious meal together. Or, maybe Valentine’s Day is the day for your roles as chef and sous-chef to reverse. These recipes are easy to follow and immensely flavorful.

Mani Pedis

Practice a little self-care this Valentine’s Day weekend with a trip to the nail salon. If Jonathan came home from work and said, “let’s go get mani pedis” I’d be V impressed…just sayin’. Hint hint. It may be your first time in one of those plush back massaging chairs, but I can assure you it won’t be your last!

Go out for Dinner

I get it..it’s Friday night and after a busy work week the last thing you want to do is prepare a meal. Make going out to dinner an adventure in itself and arrive on two wheels. Take a scenic detour and ride bikes or scooters to the restaurant. Tip: throw a compact hairbrush in your purse (or don’t and arrive with windblown hair).

Shop the Post:
Jumpsuit | Purse | Shoes

Photography by Bailey Luna.

The post Five Valentine’s Day Date Ideas appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

32 January 4ths ago, my 16-year-old biological mother gave birth to me. She named me Marina and very courageously gave me up for adoption. I was cared for for the first five months of my life at Los Pisingos orphanage in Bogota, Colombia – my city of birth. My mom tells me each baby received incredible one-on-one around the clock care. We were even fed home made (Spanish-style) baby food. I practically came out of the womb with a plantain addiction!

Mom & Dad

My adoptive parents (this is the only time I am going to refer to them as that because they were put on this earth to be my parents – we might as well share blood) are the most worldly, accepting, self-less people I’ve ever met. My mom grew up in Jersey (was high school classmates with Meryl Streep!) and my dad was raised across the river in NY. They were both American and the children of two loving families. My mom lived abroad in Paris in her early 20s all by herself. I honestly don’t know how she lived that far away from home…snail mail was the only form of communication. The number of times I call or text her in a day is slightly embarrassing. But she always dreamed of experiencing the Parisian culture so she made it happen and returned to the states fluent in French! My dad studied abroad in Spain and fell in love with the Spanish culture. He learned Spanish fluently and was determined to land his first “real” job in an industry that would allow him to use his new language! Long story short, my parents met on the job in NYC. They had a short engagement (ours was only five months!) and were married by June of 1972. This year will mark their 48th wedding anniversary!

Just as he had hoped for, my dad’s career relocated him throughout Latin America. He and my mom moved to Puerto Rico as a young married couple. My mom picked up Spanish very quickly – apparently the French she learned in Paris was a huge help. Three years later they were placed in Caracas, Venezuela, and while my dad sold elevators, my mom taught JEWISH school children (how ironic!) English! At that point my parents were in love with Latin America, but their families were all in North America. So every summer they’d return to the states to visit family. One of those summers my mom found an article in the New York Daily News featuring a NYC lawyer who was facilitating adoptions out of Colombia. Once they returned to the states for the foreseeable future in the late 70’s, they decided to seriously pursue adoption.

Bogota, Colombia

Colombia in the 80’s was pretty “sketchy.” The drug cartels were out of control. There was a lot of criminal activity. But like any other couple going through the adoption process, the adoption agency performed home inspections, background checks, and took finger prints. Their paperwork was held up over and over again because the Colombian government was tending to more pertinent issues. It took them almost five years to finally adopt my older sister Kyla in 1984. We are from the same orphanage but from different biological mothers. I cannot imagine how frustrating this must have been, BUT I am so grateful it happened. We could have ended up with another family.

Evidently one Colombian baby would not suffice so they adopted my sister a sister (me!) four years later. It was a much smoother process the second time around and I literally HIT! THE! JACKPOT! To clarify, I HIT THE ADOPTIVE PARENTS JACKPOT. What are the chances that two Colombian babies would end up in the home of Americans who were not only fluent in Spanish but who embraced and loved the culture?! SO MANY STARS HAD TO ALIGN…and it gets better. During my childhood, my dad’s company relocated US to Puerto Rico. It was those 3.5 years of my life where I was immersed in the Latin culture, language, and food. This is where my love for “tostones” (friend plantains) began! I met my very best friend to this day, Megan, the first week I was there and she was a bridesmaid in our wedding. I left the island with a very strong grasp of the Spanish language and an immense appreciation for my Latin heritage.

The Next Chapter

This Colombian adoptee (LOL) went on to spend most of her adolescence in Connecticut, before attending LSU where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Textile and Apparel Merchandising – surprise, surprise! Eventually I met and married Jonathan (but that’s a book for another day), and a few years after moving to San Francisco, I returned to Colombia for the first time in 30 years. It was wonderful and I got a kick out of Jonathan’s new Spanish vocabulary. #BlessHisHeart. I went to Colombia for one sole purpose: to see with my own eyes the country where I was born! I had no ulterior motives. But visiting Los Pisingos felt like the right thing to do during my time in Bogota. I brought a suitcase full of women’s clothes and children’s toys (items on their donation list) and had a great conversation with the assistant administrator of the facility, Gloria.

Gloria was fascinated and proud of my life in the US. We shared photos and stories as well as a book of thank you letters from the newly adoptive parents. As I leafed through the book, my mom’s handwriting immediately stood out to me. It hadn’t changed A BIT and neither had her voice or sincerity. I immediately felt emotional. My parents definitely shaped me into the person I have become today and I am forever grateful. They are always supportive of my dreams and aspirations. I cannot imagine my life without them. A match made in heaven. Thank you for reading my adoption story.

It wouldn’t be a birthday without a celebration dress! Shop the look here:
Dress c/o | Shoes c/o | Earrings c/o

The post More than a Birthday: My Adoption Story appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

In my opinion, SUPPORT is the glue that holds every strong partnership together – not the perceived accomplishments. And you should not have to beg for it! If your partner does not support your endeavors, move on. You are a team – a united front. Your partner should get pleasure out of having your back. We all deserve empowering relationships; anything short of a powerful relationship is below par. Don’t sell yourself short! Here’s to all of the dynamic duos, the powerful couples, in business or in life, who are making bold moves!

About the Look

Petite girls rejoice: I finally found a maxi that was made just for us. This beautiful flowing skirt is available in XXSP-XLP. Words cannot express the amount of satisfaction that came over me when I left the store without going straight to the tailor! It is the small things in life. Ha! I knew these pictures would be some that I would cherish forever, so I wanted them to appear regal. The lace and maxi combo accomplished just that!

Shop the Post:
My Outfit: Top | Skirt | Earrings | Sandals (look for less here) | Headband (similar)
Jonathan’s Outfit: Shirt | Pants | Blazer (similar)

Photography by Jenifer D Imagery.

The post Power Couple vs Powerful Couple appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.