Behind the Blog (BTB)

As with every blog shoot, there is a story “behind the blog.” Last Friday night I wore this outfit to Bix. If you haven’t been there yet, it is an old timey San Francisco institution that sits in the heart of Jackson Square. Think wood paneled bar and live piano player…plus it’s home to the city’s best martinis. The glasses are chilled on ice, and the blue cheese olives are divine. Well, I’m never not jumping at the opportunity for an outfit pic, and last Friday was no exception! After framing the shot, testing the light, and “staging” my little corner of the bar, an innocent bystander passes by with a DSLR camera. I didn’t even have to ask…he started shooting and captured the two photos below. Talk about serendipity…

As you prepare for holiday parties and soirées, please enjoy my sparkly suggestions below (all under $120!). Whether you choose a rose gold sequin jumpsuit (5), pearl embellished mini (2), gold plunge maxi (3), sequin stripe romper (4), or gold feather dress (1), dazzle at your next friends or family gathering. Can you guess which item(s) are already in my shopping cart?! Check back tomorrow and Friday for Black Friday steals and deals. Happy Thanksgiving!

Gold Feather Mini | Purple Pearl Dress | Plunge Neck Maxi | Stripe Romper | Jumpsuit

Shop my Sequin Suit:
Blazer | Shorts | Bodysuit | Boots (similar) | Black & Gold Box Clutch

Photography by Bailey Luna & special appearance by Jeremy.

The post Sequin Suit for the Holidays appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

A white blouse is a wardrobe staple and before last year’s holiday look, Get Your Sparkle On, believe it or not, I did not own one! I have no idea how I managed for so long because these classic items are suitable for day and night wear and everything in between. When I came across this beautiful rose collar blouse,  at Forever 21, I could hardly believe my eyes. Only $22.90, I thought to myself, this looks like it’s from Saks or Barney’s! Man do I love a good look for less.

Although your first instinct may be to pair this top with solid black bottoms, that is the easy way out. Fashion is like interpreting a poem. You have to read in between the lines. I immediately envisioned this top with polka dot pants, until I discovered they are nearly impossible to find in the month of February. These printed slacks from H&M were the second best option. The black and white pattern actually accentuates the dainty rose collar – you never want to take away from the ensemble by introducing too many busy textures. Stick with one solid and one not.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, a pop of color goes a long way! Whether it is in the form of a purse, lipstick, or shoes, easily take your ensemble from B+ to A+ work by incorporating a new hue. This time around I completed the look with yellow patent leather pumps and a colorful box clutch. There is something so retro about a sunny pair of stilettos. Don’t be surprised if you find me wearing this top with polka dot shorts come the warmer summer months!

Shop this Post:

The post Mixed Textures for Added Pop appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Lace can be classy when styled tastefully – don’t let it scare you away. One of the easiest ways to tone lace down is by pairing it with matching separates, as demonstrated in today’s outfit. Do you agree that this look would be considered way racy if paired with a bright red skirt?! Stick with a monochromatic scheme to avoid the steam. This goes for your undergarments as well.

Unless you are toping your lace bodysuit with a jacket or blazer, choose a loose fitting garment for your lower half. This could come in the form of a maxi skirt, palazzo pants, or any a-line silhouette. I matched a navy blue skater skirt with mine. This ladylike shape helped balance out the sheer upper half.

Feminine details can instantly soften up an “edgy” look. In this instance, I accessorized with navy flower earrings and a bedazzled box clutch to accomplish this goal. Polishing off the look with bright pink pumps and a matching lip, not only did this hue add girly touches, but it appropriately “broke up” all of the blue. Finally, if you really want to distract from the lace, fix your hair in a new hairstyle! Stay tuned for more details about this “Half Up Faux Hawk.”

Text Current Clothing (415-980-4772) to order this look or shop similar ensembles below:

The post Lace Bodysuit and a Skater Skirt appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

 
When I laid eyes on this dress, one word came to mind…RETRO! There is something so fun about a full skirt like this. It reminds me of the dance off scene in the gymnasium in the movie Grease. No wonder I cannot help but twirl around in this little number! Aside from its great movement, the silhouette is ultra feminine. The fitted bodice and darts outline your figure nicely, while the open back adds a bit of flirty flair. The sweeping halter straps create just enough drama – something that is very necessary with a solid colored garment. To go along with the whole retro vibe, I paired this dress with vintage gold pearls and my new favorite heels (featured in last week’s Wish List Wednesday article). I polished off the look with a dainty box clutch, a pink lip, and high ponytail – the bow back is too good to coverup. How is that for some Old Hollywood glam?
 

Shop this Post:

Dress | Shoes | Clutch (sold out – love this)

Are you reading this from your email? Visit kelseykaplan.fashion for the web version and to peruse all other outfits of the day.

The post Green Halter Dress appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

With more than one business casual occasion on this month’s agenda, when I found these high-waisted wide leg pants at H&M, I knew they would come in handy. Constructed out of gray plaid twill, these pants would match nicely with white, black, or gray! Rather than sticking to solids, I shook things up by incorporating lace into the mix. This black lace crop top hit at just the right spot, perfectly displaying the button details and front creases. Similar to mixing prints, mixing textures is another easy way to add some oomph to your workday ensemble. Sticking to a monochromatic color scheme, I accessorized with black diamond pave earrings and a matching bracelet. I completed the look with black peep toe booties and my favorite glitzy box clutch, courtesy of my sista from another mista, Ava.

Unfortunately these exact pants are not available online, but check your local H&M because I just picked them up last Friday. If H&M is not in a city near you, shop a similar pair online here.

Shop this Post:
Top | Pants (similar) | Shoes (similar)

Are you reading this from your email? Visit KKandGG.com for the web version and to peruse all other outfits of the day.

The post Gray Wide Leg Pants appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

With ample warning of this event taking place, I made it a point to take my time and find a stellar gown that wouldn’t break the bank. There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a fancy shmancy dress that you’ll only wear once. With that in mind, I turned to my go-to online retailer, lulu*s! The Sorella Light Blue Maxi Dress was priced just right ($205!) and in one of my favorite silhouettes. This gorgeous strapless gown features a sweetheart neckline, and princess seams down the fit and flare bodice. Available in ivory and light blue, to me, this simple yet elegant dress is like a blank canvas awaiting the right accessories. Although you cannot see them, I kept it clean and paired this stunner with matching lace-up sandals (as seen in last month’s post, A Crop and a Midi). Knowing I would style my hair to the side, in a 1940’s wave, I was on the hunt for a pair of sizable statement earrings. Leave it to Jest Jewels to carry just the right pair of vintage Miriam Haskell ear bling. These one-of-a-kind earrings were like the icing on a cake – the perfect finishing touch. To go along with the whole old school Hollywood Glam theme, I toted around my belongings in a gold box clutch purse.

Shop this Post:

Dress | Box Clutch (similar)| Sandals | Lipstick – Marvelous Mauve

If you are reading this post from your email, visit KKandGG.com for the web version and to peruse all other outfits of the day.

The post A Black Tie Affair appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I had the hardest time finding an ivory or white crop top that would do this skirt justice. When you are working with a gorgeous statement piece like this wrap skirt, you cannot just throw on a cotton-knit sleeveless shirt and call it a day. While it took a little bit of digging, when I came across the Nyella Banded Bra Top at BCBG, I knew it was a winner! I love how clean cut it looks yet the banded crisscross front and the cutout lower back add just enough edge. Although feeling a bit bashful with an exposed midsection, I had to get over it. You can still look elegant in a crop top – it just has to be paired with the right bottom. According to the KK and GG handbook, as long as your bellybutton is concealed, and your lower half is suited up in a lady-like garment, you have nothing to worry about. In this case, the ultra feminine silhouette of the skirt and the charming periwinkle hue balanced out the fit of the top. Anyway, I accessorized the look with a pink and blue necklace, pearl rings, and blue lace-up shoes. I polished off the ensemble with a gold box clutch and a bright pink lip.

What occasion do you have coming up where a midi skirt and crop top would be the appropriate attire?!

Shop this Post:

Top | Skirt | Shoes | Rings | Watch | Lipstick (Candy Yum-Yum)

If you are reading this from you email, visit KKandGG.com for the web version and to peruse all other outfits suitable for spring.

The post A Crop and a Midi appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.