Nine times out of 10 the quality meets my expectations. But there is a smart way to shop from mass produced retailers with an exchange only return policy. To begin, I always glance through the product reviews. After making an initial assessment, I check the model’s measurements. Is she 5′ 10″ and wearing a dress that hits at mid thigh? If so, I’ll DEFINITELY be making a trip to the tailor. I also pay attention to the composition. Does the material stretch? I’m petite but curvier than the average size model. I hardly ever buy anything that appears tight on the model’s lower half. Ask yourself these questions before purchasing something from Forever 21 and save yourself the hassle and aggravation of a trip to the mall.

Now about this outfit…I am wearing a size one in these ombre jeans and they are a little bit big in the waist. But when you have a booty, and there is no stretch in the fabric, the infamous back gap is to be expected. Regardless, I love girlfriend denim and this is the most unique pair I’ve ever seen. The dip-dye fabric adds a bohemian twist to an otherwise classic style and the rips are all the rage. Just be careful not to step your foot into the wrong hole when you are putting them on!

I call this ensemble my summer brights outfit because it is vibrant but not in the traditional sense. I’m only wearing two colors: white and blue. Between the white top and the white sandals, however, it creates a strikingly bright combination. Obviously the pops of yellow don’t hurt but even if you took those away it would still be a radiant ensemble. In case you were unaware, yellow is the new neutral. Follow along as I style this purse throughout the summer and fall. In the meantime, remember to read the reviews, consider the model’s dimensions and the fabric before purchasing something you cannot return. Happy Monday shopping!

Shop Ombre Jeans and Summer Brights:

Jeans | Top | Sandals | Purse | Lip Color – Always Red | Bracelet | Earrings

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Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother:

I do not brush my hair often. In fact, I often joke that I brush GG’s hair more frequently than my own! It’s totally my fault, but as a result, it’s tangly after I wash it. The style prep smoother not only prevents fly aways, but it untangles my hair before I dry it.

Phomollient Styling Foam:

This is my favorite product thus far. I have fine hair, and it takes a lot to produce volume. I am not a “teaser” so this is the next best thing. I can literally see my roots lift after running the rolling brush through my hair just once. Total game changer!

Smooth Infusion Nourishing Style Cream

The style cream works wonders in conjunction with the prep smoother. Fortunately the humidity is very minimal in San Francisco, so I do not need a dual shield on the reg. When I visit friends and family in Louisiana you can bet this item will come along with me!

Air Control Hair Spray:

I am a girly girl at heart – I play with my hair all the time. I do not like that crusty or stiff hair feeling that so many hairsprays leave you with. The air control hair spray is light yet effective. I use it when I curl my hair first thing in the morning and know I won’t have time for a fixer upper. Yay for bouncy curls all day long!

Thickening Tonic:

The thickening tonic would be great solution for folks with thin hair. I have fine strands, but a lot of ’em! While this might sound like a lot of steps and product to get a shiny mane, please note you do not have to use them all together to achieve desired results.All in all, I give the Aveda Essentials package two thumbs up!

Shop Aveda Essentials here:

Kimono (similar) | Distressed Jeans (similar) | Sandals | Bodysuit (similar) | Phomollient Styling Foam | Thickening Tonic | Air Control Hair Spray | Smooth Infusion – Style Prep | Smooth Infusion – Styling Cream

Thank you to Aveda for bringing you this post. All opinions are my own.

The post Aveda Essentials Product Review appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Capes are suitable for wear all year long. Whether you are looking for an elegant overcoat, a show stopping dress, or a cardigan to wrap up in, you can probably find a cape to meet your needs. This winter white cape sweater is equivalent to a fashionable snuggie!

 
There is no need to sacrifice style during the raw months of winter. This hot item from Chicwish will help get you through. Throw it on over a fitted dress, or snuggle up with a pair of jeans. Eager to wear my embroidered boots again, I dressed it with distressed denim for an edgy look. I am already impressed with its versatility! I polished off the ensemble with a black floppy hat, although a beanie would work too. What is your version of cozy chic?!

Winter White Cape | Jeans | Boots | Hat

Thank you to Chicwish for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

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Stop people in their tracks without breaking the bank! Featuring pleated bell sleeves and a sash tie waist, this $19 black and white beauty can be dressed preppy or chic. And when you are not wearing it during the fall, style it with your favorite shorts during the spring and summer months.

Although I appreciate a handsome preppy look, I added my own style touches throughout this ensemble, beginning with distressed denim. Wearing ripped jeans will undoubtedly transform your outfit from polished to edgy. I stuck with black denim because I did not want it to become distracting. Rather than rocking pearls, I adorned myself with a choker and black statement earrings. Chokers are routinely showing up in my ensembles, but I have a feeling these earrings will too.

Shop this Post:

Gingham Bow Blouse c/o | Jeans | Shoes (similar) | Purse | Earrings c/o | Choker

Thank you to SheIn for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

The post Gingham Bow Blouse and Edgy Accents appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

It sounds ridiculous but decorative sleeves can instantly transform an ensemble from good to great! This skirt and top combination would have been far less interesting if it weren’t for the oversized sleeves. The same goes for this pom pom shirt and this tassel hem dress. Catch my drift?!

With September quickly approaching, I am slowly but surely working fall hues into my daily attire. The transitional period between summer and fall is a tricky outfit period. You do not want to dress too summery and bright, but it is still too warm to deck out in full fall weather garb. Try swapping out your blue denim for green. Or your platform sandals for suede peep toe booties.

Taking a page out of my own book, I styled this lace top with olive ripped jeans. I polished off the look with blush cutout sandals, a choker, and a bedazzled clutch purse. With an easy shoe switch and lightweight jacket, however, this outfit is autumn ready! Get your bell sleeves on!

Shop my accessories here:

Top (c/o Current Clothing) | Jeans (similar here and here) | Shoes | Clutch | Choker | Lipstick

The post Bell Sleeves appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Do not over do it

You all know I am a fan of matching coordinates, but there is such thing as being too matchy! Maybe you own a pair of lemon shaped earrings, and a printed lemon tote. Congratulations, you’re up with the times, but this doesn’t mean you should wear them all together. The only way this works is if the colors are contrasting tones. A yellow top, with the same yellow earrings, and the same yellow bag is boring and a little bit tacky. That is why I incorporated a neon purse into the mix! Although also a lemon shape, it is not a carbon copy of printed top and the colors are fluorescent.

Elegance is key

Style your printed garments just as elegantly as you would a solid. I paired this lemon peplum top with sleek stonewash jeans. Can you imagine how different it would have looked had I rocked a pair of bright green shorts instead? I accessorized with classic stiletto pumps, and dainty jewelry including my brand new Kapten & Son watch. Creating a balance between playful and polished will keep your printed pieces fashionable and fabulous. Have any of you fallen in and out of love with a style of garment?!

Shop this Post:

Top (Current Clothing) – (Similar here) | Jeans | Shoes (similar) | Purse (similar here and here) | Watch c/o

The post Lemon Peplum Top appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

For the fashionista who appreciates the significance of the day, but is uncomfortable decking out in flag garb, these striped pants could be for you! I would totally rock them with a red off-the-shoulder top but they’d look equally as cute with a white one instead. The world is your oyster.

Photo courtesy of toyshop.com

Maybe it’s too hot where you live to wear long pants…consider a dress instead. The Folksy Cross-stitch Off-shoulder Dress is the perfect happy medium. Definitely not in your face red white and blue, but you’ll get the point across! The sweet red and white embroidery adds just enough of a fourth flair, and the OTS neckline is great for July weather.

Photo courtesy of chicwish.com

Distressed denim is chic no matter the shape or form. Depending on the level of extremity you’re going for, these patriotic jean shorts may fit the bill. Featuring an American Flag printed front and a stone washed back, these playful bottoms would be darling for the occasion. Keep it simple and pair them with a plain white tee.

Photo courtesy of target.com

Spruce up your Fourth of July attire with a pair of star spangled stunner shades! Whether you will be spending the day beachside or backyard barbecuing, these American Heart Sunglasses will help you get the party started.

Photo courtesy of forever21.com

Shop this Post:

Pants | Dress | Shorts | Sunnies

The post Wish List Wednesday: Fourth of July Attire appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Crafted out of a fine knit nylon blend, this pretty little thing can go casual or dressy thanks to its decorative sheen. We had tickets to an afternoon concert in Berkeley, so I went the casual route and paired this pink striped sweater with distressed denim. Who would have thought that intentional tears in your jeans would be considered a fashion statement?! Aside from being very stylish, swapping out regular denim for distressed denim is one of the easiest ways to add flair to your ensemble. Anyway, although flats would have been totally appropriate, skinny jeans on a curvy five foot frame are not very forgiving. I gave myself a boost with platform clogs and accessorized with blue flash lens sunglasses and a wad of bubble gum!

About the platform clogs…I have had many people ask me if I can actually walk in these shoes. The answer is YES. In fact, I routinely walk the streets of San Francisco in these kicks, but suggest a practice spin before tackling the hills. Although five inches high, the platform construction provides support along the entire length of your foot – alleviating soreness in the balls of your feet (hallelluyah). Aside from the comfort level, they are only $35 at Forever 21 and also available in black suede. Keep calm and clog on!

Shop this Post:

Sweater | Jeans (similar) | Clogs | Purse | Sunglasses (Current Clothing) | Earrings

The post Pink Striped Sweater and Blue Jeans appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.