Getting dressed in the winter can be difficult. You do not want to sacrifice style, but you do not want to freeze either. A statement coat in a versatile hue is ideal. Treat animal prints like neutrals and you’ll never dress in a boring outfit again! When I found this coat in Florence, I knew it would elevate my cold weather looks in Prague. The leopard print front is timeless, and the emerald back adds an edgy flair.

If a statement overcoat is too much for you, jazz up a traditional parka with untraditional winter accessories. Consider a faux fur stole, or a shapka hat. Catch my drift?! Underneath my leopard print coat, I dressed in a matching emerald off the shoulder top, and ruffle hem trousers. Even in the 35 degree weather, I was ready to take on the day!

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Leopard Print Coat (look for less here, here, and here) | Top | Trousers | Shoes | Purse | Earrings (similar)

Thank you to Miguel Alonso for capturing the moment.

The post Leopard Print in Prague appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

This basic B&W top screams me! The fabric is lightweight and resilient (no need to worry about wrinkles), while the ruffle trim adds just enough feminine flair. I took an edgy route, styling this top with black accents. I was looking for an excuse to wear my new choker – yes, you heard me! Although you are probably thinking, “A choker? Not for me…” I felt the same way at first. With the right additions, however, a choker can be just as elegant as you are!

Add soft touches throughout your choker ensemble. Think a classic handbag, a pink lip, or a ladylike hairstyle. The dynamic duo, Kristin and Lindsay, at The Red Chair Salon, hooked me up with a cascading side french braid. I am a huge fan of this hairdo because it is polished and chic but not over the top. If you’re ready to give the choker trend a try, take my advice and pair one with an off the shoulder shirt. Let me know what you think!

If you’re in the San Francisco area, shop this black and white off the shoulder shirt up close and personal, at the NikiiBlak pop up shop, inside The Embarcadero Station (The Blinq Pod) August 15th – Augsut 29th. Otherwise, shop online here:

Shirt (Save 15 % with code “KelseyK”) | Shorts | Shoes (similar) | Lipstick | Tote | Hair by The Red Chair Salon

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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?!

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

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Blue and White Stripes

Blue and white stripes are as preppy as it gets. Rather than a classic button down or collared shirt, gravitate towards a less common silhouette or neckline. Consider a halter, tube dress, or an off the shoulder shirt like the one modeled here. I styled mine with a modern pair of skinny jeans.

Pearls and accessories

Funk up your pearls and accessories when styling your blue and white stripes. Rather than a dainty strand, go for a more dramatic effect with costume jewelry. I adorned the featured top with what I refer to as my “Mardi Gras beads“! A chunky necklace like this will effortlessly take your preppy look to a new level.

All or Nothing

When you step out of your comfort zone, you have two options: all or nothing! Own the “new” you and embrace the fact that you are trying something different. I definitely felt silly walking around with a basket of sunflowers but hey, never mind the things we do for love, it’s more like the things we do for blog pics…

Shop the Connecticut Prep Look:

Top originally from Current Clothing (similar here and here) | Jeans | Shoes | Necklace {similar)

A special thanks to Luke Wayne Photography for capturing the moment.

The post My Preppy Side appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Ok, ok, I know what you’re thinking, “another off the shoulder shirt?” It’s funny because two years ago I could not stand OTS tops – they would never stay in place. This year they’re almost all that I wear – I just tape them down with double sided fashion tape. Anyway, the White Off The Shoulder Colored Pom Pom Trim Blouse from SheIn is one that you should add to your collection ASAP. This playful shirt can double as beachwear and everyday summer garb. Thanks to its loose fit and lightweight construction, you will stay cool and well-ventilated while you wear this hip item.

Do not let the pom poms intimidate you. Simply style this piece as you would a versatile white top. My friend Shell, over at A Courageous Beauty, took an all white approach, while I paired this shirt with black cutoff shorts. I took the pom pom craze one step further incorporating lace-up sandals into the mix. Although there is a lot of color and pom pom goodness going on, it works because there is enough separation between the top and my feet! To pull out the blue hues in the upper and lower half of the ensemble, I accessorized with turquoise jewelry – one of my favorite summer staples. Finally, I polished off the look with a plum colored watch. Plum is the new neutral, but more about the watch later this week…

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c/o Pom Pom Shirt (size down) | Shorts (similar here and here) | Shoes | c/o Watch

A special thanks to SheIn for bringing you this post. All opinions are my own.

The post Pom Pom Shirt appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

For under $20, Get yourself a pair of knit tie-dye flare pants. These elastic waist pull-ons are as comfortable as pajamas yet stylish as a pair of designer pants. Whether you are festin’ it up, brunching with girlfriends, or out for an night on the town, these bell-bottoms will suit your needs. If olive does not excite you, go for the taupe or red pair instead.

So what makes a pair of tie-dye flare pants even better?! An off-the-shoulder top, of course! You already know that I am a big fan of this trend (last seen here and here), and this is another example of just how versatile these shirts truly are. When styling fitted bottoms, it is important to balance out the ensemble with a looser fitting garment on the top half. The OTS chiffon top fit the bill perfectly without interfering with the boho vibe. Speaking of interference, no need to over-accessorize with these party pants – they make a statement on their own. Instead, tote a fun purse, like the featured fringe hobo bag.

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Top | Pants | Shoes | Purse

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After living in Louisiana for half a decade I became a food snob. “The Boot” is highly regarded for its seafood and cajun cuisine, but the truth is, all food prepared there is absolutely divine. This is especially true with Mexican food. Confession: I dream about El Gato Negro at least once a month. To me, there are certain criteria that make an ok Mexican restaurant a great one. Sounds ridiculous, and my hubby rolls his eyes at me, but it must be something in my hispanic blood (at least I have that!) because, “great” Mexican food is the only thing that San Francisco is lacking. So what takes Mexican food to another level!?

Margaritas

Right now you are either confused or rolling your eyes at me too. I kid you not, in the Mission, where “all of the best Mexican food is,” 95% of the joints do not serve margaritas. I am sorry, but there is nothing more satisfying than washing down your chips and guacamole with a marg.

Burritos/Enchiladas

Aside from the chips and salsa, what is the next most common item you would expect to find at a Mexican restaurant? Burritos and enchiladas…that is what I thought. Again, unless you are at a taqueria, sippin’ on a diet coke, you will not find them on a dinner menu at SF establishments. Thank you Tia Margarita!

Queso Fundido

There is a difference between liquid ballpark nacho cheese and queso fundido. Queso fundido or flameado is a baked cheese dish that is broiled with vegetables and often times Chorizo, the Spanish sausage. To date, the only San Fran restaurant with queso fundido is Colibri. It is delicious, if you are willing to settle for a taco, burrito, and enchilada-less dinner.

Corn tortillas

I do not maintain a gluten free diet. In fact, I do not think that I could because I love bread, and pasta. However, to me, corn tortillas are not only tastier than flour, but they are lighter and often handmade. Think of them as the Mexican version of a pancake. Luckily Colibri and Tia Margarita offer them.

Moral of the story…if you live in SF and want queso fundido and a margarita for dinner, go to Colibri. If you can do without the extra cheese, but you are craving burritos and enchiladas with your margs, go to Tia Margarita. Considering we got our fundido fix earlier this week, we indulged at TM for Cinco de Mayo. Now do you see why my husband cuts me off when someone asks us about Mexican Cuisine in the Bay Area?!

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There is something so tropical about printed bottoms and an off-the-shoulder combination. It reminds me of hula dancing on the beach (insert laughing emoji). While you will not catch me doing that any time soon, you can expect to find me in different variations of the ensemble mentioned above. The Floral Print High Waisted A-Line Skirt is just waiting for an OTS top and this cropped black version is the perfect mate. When you are working with a high-waisted garment, take advantage of the cut, and do what you can to show off that tapered waistline.

Playing off of the exotic theme, I styled this look with gladiator wedge sandals and turquoise earrings. A bare neckline is the perfect excuse to break out some killer statement earrings. This tassel pair seems to sell out within minutes online, but the good news is they are available at your local H&M. How do you style your off-the-shoulder tops? I would love to hear your ideas!

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