It’s all about texture. Think about it, blocks and blocks of the same color are uninteresting and predictable. But mixing textures into your monochrome outfit creates an attractive contrast. Today I am practicing what I preach with: lace, ruffles, and gold studs. These design elements work together to form an elegant ensemble.

This two-layer tee is the perfect addition to my not so practical summer wardrobe. It is what I refer to as a “basic with a twist.” When I am not wearing it with shorts, it will look simply chic with ripped denim. The fit is true to size, and it is available in mustard, lavender, and beige (as seen here). Take your pick! The ruffle shorts, on the other hand, are not your average pair of khakis. Instead, they feature a side zip closure, and darling ruffle detail! Act fast for only $45 they are bound to sell out fast.

Shop my monochrome outfit:

Top c/o | Shorts c/o | Sandals | Purse c/o | Earrings

Photos by Instagram Husband aka Jonathan.

The post How to Wear a Monochrome Outfit appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Growing up my family and I had a tradition of vegging out in the “TV Room” for the Kentucky Derby. This may come as a surprise considering I was raised in Connecticut. It’s not ‘till I attended LSU that I picked up my true “Southern Charm.” Haha. All jokes aside, I remember finding derby fashion fascinating – even back then! It was the one time of year the ladies would suit up in decadent headwear. I probably should have made an effort to go to the races when I lived in Louisiana but sadly I didn’t. Regardless, I’ve kept the tradition going but in San Francisco with my better half.

So what does a California girl wear to host a Derby party?! PLAID of course. I bet you didn’t see that one coming! No really though, I love this top because you can wear it so many ways. Picture this: high waist black denim and a Gucci belt. Insert heart-eyes emoji! But it wouldn’t be “Derby Day” without a dress or skirt as glamorous as this pleated maxi. The only thing missing from this ensemble is a fascinator. But don’t worry, I’ll be breaking that out on Saturday. Now wish me luck getting Jonathan to dress in his seersucker suit!

Shop My Kentucky Derby Attire:

Top | Skirt (similar here) | Sandals (look for less here)

The post Kentucky Derby Attire appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon teas are not just in the movies. This pastime is making a comeback and there is no better occasion to break out your most feminine pieces. Ladies of SF: word on the street is that the Rotunda at Neiman Marcus serves up a delicious teatime!

Baby Shower

Whether you are the lady of honor or you’re showering your mama friend, this white crochet dress is totally suitable. Correct me if I am wrong, but baby showers typically happen during daylight hours. This little number is great for daytime play.

Outdoor Concert or Fair

An outside concert or fair is another great place to sport a little white dress. We are getting into the warm weather months and there is nothing worse than feeling hot and stuffy when you should be enjoying. Repel the heat and look super stylish while you’re doing it.

Shop the Post:

White Crochet Dress (fits TTS) c/o | Sandals | Earrings | Roses c/o

The post White Crochet Dress & Where You Can Wear it appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

My boutique closet is plentiful in shorts, skirts, dresses, and jumpsuits/rompers but totally lacking in the shirts department. A stylish top can cost upwards of $65. I cannot justify spending that on a top when I bought a two piece set for less! Luckily Chicwish has a fabulous assortmentat reasonable prices for those of us who discriminate against ’em. This top, for instance, is only $43.90 and a smart addition to your spring wardrobe. It is hardly boring featuring crochet and bell sleeves. And when you’re not showing off your sticks, it’ll look chic and polished with jeans. Act quick because there are only three in stock.

Just USAs are JUST perfect. I discovered this brand way back when when Rodeo Boutique in Baton Rouge, LA began carrying the line. Simply put, these products are the most reliable “economy” denim, and they’re now available online at the Red Dress Boutique. I own the: Ignore The Rules Dark Wash Distressed Skinny Jeans, Ever Cool Distressed Skinnies, ,and the Not The Only One Cut Off Shorts (as seen in stonewash), just to name a few. They are hands down the most comfortable denim I have ever pulled up my legs. They are SO stretchy, they don’t  get baggy after a days wear, and they range in price from $42-$68.

Target is full of distractions. I went in there for closet organizers, and walked out with two pairs of shoes, a purse, etc. Oh well because these ruffle slides are just as darling in person as they appear online. They remind me of ballet slipper -so dainty and feminize. The low heel height makes them suitable for all day wear and they’re available in black and red if you do not consider yourself a “pink lady.” For only $34.99 spruce up your shoe rack with these pretty little things. Oh, and while you’re at it,
check out the Sugarfix by Baublebar line. This line exclusively designed for target includes an array of jewelry styles for the fashionista on a budget. Find my gemstone drop earrings here.

Shop my Affordable Spring Fashion

Top c/o | Shorts | Shoes | Earrings c/o| Purse c/o

The post Affordable Spring Fashion appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Pink Seersucker Pants

Seersucker holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Louisiana for five years – everyone down there owns a seersucker garment! These pink pants are a glamorous take on the traditional blue and white stripe print. Featuring a high waist and side zipper, these stunners make a statement without even trying. But aside from the aesthetic appeal, the fit is exceptional. I am wearing a size 2 and and no trip to the tailor is required. Hallelujah! Style tip: consider pairing 50 shades of pink with your seersucker pants. That’s what Barbie would do…just sayin’!

Designer Dupes

I’m a self-proclaimed Gucci girl. I do not own a Chanel handbag, nor have I been able to find a descent designer dupe. This quilted purse shimmers in all of the right places and adds instant flair to your classic ensemble. Thanks to the adjustable strap, you can wear it on your shoulder or across your body. Better yet, it is large enough to fit an iPhone (the plus included), a full size wallet, and whatever cosmetics you cannot live without. For only $36, you will get stopped in your tracks while toting this cute little thing. You know you want it. Bonus: It’s also available in silver and black. Take your pick.

Pink Seersucker Pants | Top c/o | Purse c/o | Necklace | Sandals

Photos by Alexis Extrom Photography

The post Seersucker Pink Pants Fit for Barbie appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

So how does one begin the closet cleanup process?! Start by removing all of the items you haven’t worn in six months or more. If you didn’t know you had ‘em, there’s no way you’ll miss ‘em. Next, sort the items into two piles: what you should donate, and what you should sell (keeping in mind that thrift stores and other re-sale stores don’t want out-dated styles either). After that, skim through the remaining items in your closet and remove any you’re 50/50 on. If it’s a classic piece (a black leather jacket for instance) or a very unique style, you should probably hang on to it. But let go of the “cute tops” you only wore once or twice.

Goodwill and thredUp

Now that your clothes are sorted, click here to find a Goodwill near you. This is by far the easiest and fastest way to donate them. In many cities you don’t even have to get out of your car to make a donation. Simply drive up, and drop. But if you’re looking to sell some pre-loved items, consider creating a free account with thredUP or Poshmark. thredUP requires less work out of the two. In a nutshell, they send you a bag (with prepaid label) for you to pack with your sellable items. Once they receive your “Clean Out Kit,” they photograph and upload the accepted items to the marketplace. They take care of setting the starting price, but you are free to adjust it. When an item sells, your account is credited. The commissions are low, but they are doing most of the work for you. Earnings are easily transferable to cash via PayPal.

Poshmark

Similar to thredUP, Poshmark is an online marketplace for all things fashion…except it’s up to you to take the photos, write the product descriptions, and set the prices. It is definitely more work for the seller, but the reward is much higher! For someone like me who already takes high res photos of their clothing, it’s easy. But if you’re not already doing so, it can become a pesky chore. Poshmark users want to see the item(s) styled, and they want to see them from different angles. Any who, once a sale is made, you will be notified via email and a prepaid label becomes available for print. When the buyer receives the item(s), the funds are transferred to your Poshmark account and from there you can request a check or a direct deposit.

Now you may be wondering which platform I use the most? The truth is, I use them both just as often. I sell older items from well-known brands on thredUP. I like the idea that someone is helping me with the dreaded closet cleanup process. Whereas I use Poshmark, to sell like-new clothes that I’ve styled on my blog. It allows me to make a few extra dollars and I get another use out of the photos. What’s your “process?” Do you have some life-changing secret that I need to know about?!

Shop the Post:

Top | Jeans | Shoes

The post Closet Cleanup appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I cannot paint a pretty picture with a brush, but I can create a pretty cool outfit mixing contrasting colors. Tip: consider the family, not the hue. Do not waste time fixating on the “perfect” shade of red, or the “right” shade of green. Remember, if it’s in the same color family, the colors are complimentary. In this case, vermilion and chartreuse. Commonly known as red and green, no one questions whether or not Christmas colors! Catch my drift? Hopefully photos do this chartreuse top justice. I am not sure what I love more: the bubble sleeves or the floral embroidery. Regardless, this stunner is under $40 and will not last very long.

Colored denim > than blue denim. Ok fine, maybe that is a little bit aggresive. But I think we can all agree that a bright pair of jeans will have more heads turnin’ than a traditional pair of dungarees! These flame red hot pants are only $60 and will effortlessly “spice” up your wardrobe. Aside from their vibrant flair, they have proven to be quite versatile. If you follow me on Instagram, than you may recall when I wore them with a white sweater and brocade slides. Fast forward a couple of weeks and here I am styling them with a chartreuse top. Score! Now the looks are all there, but how do they fit? Like a dream…if you’re petite like me. It’s a rare occasion that I buy jeans without making a trip to the tailor. These pants are ankle length…right out of the box. I’m also impressed with the stretch factor. I love mom jeans, but homegirl has muscular thighs. The more stretch the better.

Shop the Post:

Chartreuse Top | Jeans | Slides | Purse

The post Chartreuse Top + Flame Red Jeans appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

2017 Black Friday Sales and Promo Codes:

Ann Taylor | 50% off sitewide | Code: THANKFUL | 11/22-11/24

Asos | 20% off sitewide | Code: WIN20 | 11/23 – 11/30 | Get my holiday outfit for less than $100!

Banana Republic | 50% off regular-price items | 11/24-11/25 online and 11/22-11/27 in stores

BB Dakota | 50% off | 11/24

BaubleBar | 30% off sitewide | Code: Friday30 | 11/23-11/24 (12 hours only – through 6am EST)

CB2 | 15% off full-price items and furniture + free shipping on orders of $29 or more | Code SAVE15 | 11/22-11/27

Chicwish | Enjoy 15 % off your order of $70 or more | Code: BLK15 | 11/24 – 11/26

Dr. Scholls | 20% off sitewide + free shipping | Code: DRSHOLIDAY20 | 11/21-11/26

DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse | 20% off sitewide | Code: BLACKFRI20 | Until supplies last

Express | 50% off everything in store and sitewide + free Shipping | 11/22-11/25

FrancoSarto | 25% off + free shipping | Code: FRANCOBFRIDAY25 | 11/23-11/27

French Connection | 40% off sitewide | Code: FCBF40 | 11/22 – 11/24

H&M | 20% off sitewide | Code: 1662 | 11/23-11/25

J Crew | 40% off sitewide | Code: THANKU | 11/21 – 11/26

Kate Spade | 30% off in stores and online | Code: GIVEJOY | 11/21-11/26

Keds | 30% off full-price items and 10% off sale | Code: NOLINES | 11/21-11/26

Madewell | 25% off sitewide | Code: DONTSTRESS| 11/21-11/26

Ray-Ban | 20% off sitewide | 11/22-11/27

Red Dress Boutique | 30% off + free shipping | 11/23-11/26

River Island | 25% off all orders | 11/23-11/27

Saucony | 25% off Saucony Originals, 40% off full-price apparel | Codes: FAVORITE25, THANKS40

Sam Edelman | 30% off sitewide | Code: samsgiving | 11/20-11/26

Shopbop | Get 20% off orders of $200 + 25% off orders of $500+ and 30% off orders of $800 or more | Code: MORE17

Sole Society | 50% off select sale styles | 11/21-11/23

T3 MICRO | Enjoy 25% off luxe hair tools | Code: Friday17 | 11/21-11/26

Too Faced | 25% off sitewide | 11/24

Urban Outfitters | Buy one get one 50% off everything online and in store | 11/22-11/24

Happy shopping Thanksgiving!

The post 2017 Black Friday Sales – Click for Promo Codes appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.