“Clearly” Versatile

I can tell you one thing for sure, they will match with everything in your closet! I used to think that nude pumps were the shoes of all shoes, but I am beginning to believe it is the clear heel instead. What happens when you are wearing a monochromatic look from the ears down? You definitely do not want to introduce another color just because you do not have the perfect purple shoe. That is where the clear shoe game comes into play! Or how about this…you’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors and your legs are nice and bronzy. Maybe your skin-tone nude pumps are no longer your skin-tone! Do I even have to say it…CLEAR HIGH HEELLS.

Legs for Days

If you want to effortlessly lengthen the appearance of your legs, add a pair of clear high heels to your shoe collection! I am only 5 feet tall but I think it is fair to say that I appear average height in these photos. When you wear clear shoes it is like you are walking on invisible stilts, but they are far less distracting than a pair of platforms. It is only human nature to want what we cannot have!

Women in menswear was ALL over New York Fashion Week. From boyfriend blazers, suits, to trousers, you name it, it was spotted. There is something so polished and chic about a well-fitting blazer. So when you take those design elements and craft them into a dress, the outcome is genius. This steamy little number is under $100 and looks like it was taken out of one of the Kardashians’ closets! If you dare, wear it bare. For added coverage consider topping it over biker shorts and a matching top. Now have I changed your mind about the clear heel trend?!

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Blazer Dress c/o | Clear High Heels c/o | Earrings c/o

The post Clear High Heels: Love em’ or Hate em’? appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

People often remark about my ability to accessorize an ensemble head to toe. I am very flattered that my “fans” are taking notice because if there is one thing I would like to be known for it would be this exactly! I do not just wear clothes. Everyone knows how to take a dress off of a hanger and zip it up the back – that is what kindergarten is for. I am an expert in the fashion industry and I style clothes for a living. I observe details in garments and pair them with complimentary accessories. Quite frankly, I never leave the house without earrings. I am uncomfortable without them. So why am I telling you this? Because I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT MERCEDES SALAZAR’S EARRINGS AND HANDBAGS PRIOR TO MY TRIP.

These works of art will elevate your #ootd from good to runway ready in a matter of seconds. Every item in the collection is unique, bold, and over-sized. I am talkin’ shoulder length parakeets #dead, sweeping tassels, and fruit-shaped woven handbags. To me, Mercedes Salazar is like the Colombian Kate Spade (RIP). How AMAZING would yesterday’s look have been with this bag or these earrings?!

Shop My Favorite Mercedes Salazar Pieces

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Click the Pink to Shop!

Now do you believe me?! The price point is a little higher than your average costume jewelry, but rightfully so. These treasures are handmade in Colombia with quality materials. I am so happy that I discovered them in a clothing boutique in the middle of Cartagena. For your shopping convenience, Mercedes Salazar’s designs can be found online at: Shopbop, Moda Operandi, Revolve, and Net-a-Porter. For the entire collection visit int.mercedessalazar.com – with worldwide shipping, you’ll have your order in 5-10 days!

The post Wish List Wednesday: One of Everything Mercedes Salazar appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

If this outfit looks familiar, you have a good eye. I wore a similar style (click here to see what I am talking about) during the winter with my So Kate pumps. Fast forward a few months and I’m refreshing the look with seersucker pants and rose stud sandals! As a fashion blogger by profession, I do not like getting “caught” in the same outfit twice. But if there is a look that I absolutely adore, I’ll recreate it with a “twist.”

High waist pants are very flattering on a petite body type. When paired with a crop top, they actually have the ability to elongate the appearance of your frame. This blouse is not a true crop, but it has the same affect. If you recall, the last time that I wore these pants, I styled them with a long sleeve blouse. I must admit, I am happier with this choice! As you can see, with fresh accessories and a new shoe type, you can recycle your outfit for a different occasion. I promise no one will notice! Now who wore it better? Me or me?!

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The post Recycle Your Outfit Like This appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

The Neckline

The neckline calls the shots. It sounds funny but it’s the truth! When you dress a garment with a high neck, consider a pair of statement earrings. Keep the short necklaces on the shelf and choose a long dainty one instead. On the other hand, pair a short chunky necklace with your scoop neck LBD to create a dramatic impression. Funk up an off the shoulder look with a choker and earring combo. Note: Follow the big small rule. If you choose big earrings, keep the necklace minimal, vice versa.

The Style

The style of a garment is like the theme of a book. It sets the tone for the entire ensemble. A bohemian style little black dress calls for tassels or feathers, whereas diamonds and pearls fit the preppy theme. On the other end of the spectrum, chokers and lace mesh well with edgy outfits.

The Occasion

Remind yourself of the occasion when you style a LBD. Are you off to an afternoon tea, bachelorette weekend, or a cocktail party? Judge your jewels as you would your shoes. You wouldn’t wear a pair of sneakers with a bridesmaid dress. Or a diamond tennis bracelet with your sweats. Catch my drift?! When in doubt, remember this, the fancier the occasion, the more the sparkle.

Today we feature a spicy LBD adorned with metallic accents. Taking the neckline, style of garment, and occasion into account, I accessorized with a choker, and glitzy statement earrings. Hopefully this post will alleviate anxiety the next time you style a LBD!

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LBD | Shoes | Earrings c/o | Choker c/o | Lip Stain – in Marvelous Mauve

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

The post How to Choose the Right Jewelry for your LBD appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

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.

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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.

I probably sound like a broken record, but chokers are HOT, and the Adelyn Neck Cuff is one of the sharpest I’ve seen! This lovely necklace sits pretty on its own, but works as an easy layering piece as well. Whether you rock it with an off the shoulder top or a steamy LBD, this choker will accent your neckline beautifully.

The Talia Earrings in Gray Granite are the perfect mix of girly and edgy. The pink metal softens the blackish gray tones, while the glitzy stones stun in their settings. Hanging about 2.5 inches long, these earrings will make a statement without even trying. I’m thinking a blush blouse with black jeans…

When it comes to cocktail rings, the bigger the better. The Kenny Ring will complete this trio of jewels and I have a feeling you’ll be wearing it very often. What are you waiting for? Shop these rose gold pieces or peruse the Kendra Scott fall look book here.

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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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The post Cinco de Mayo attire and food. appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

When it comes to gifting mom, think of items that she would not normally buy for herself. Does she have an iPhone? If you answered yes to this question, consider surprising her with a chic new cover. Case Cavern is your destination for those. Whether she is an animal lover, tree hugger, or just a lover of all things cute, find a charming case or two here. I love the hummingbird case in ivory and gold.

Photo courtesy of casecavern.com

Jewelry is the way to a woman’s heart, and it does not have to be the fine kind. Win mom over with a pair of dazzling statement earrings from Rodeo Boutique. If these look familiar, it is because I just featured a similar style in last week’s post. Crafted out of Australian Crystal on sueded leather, these Scarab earrings will dress up every spring ensemble. If you want your mom to feel as glamorous as ever, buy or cry.

Photo courtesy of rodeoboutique.com

The power of a scarf….I have actually blogged about that topic before. Whether your are adding a pop of color to a simple ensemble (as seen here), or adorning your favorite purse with a printed beauty, scarves serve many purposes, making them a good gift option for the fashionable mother. The Chasing Wildflower print scarf is a beauty. Featuring blue, green, and lavender hues, with tassel trim, what is not to love?!

Photo courtesy of reddressboutique.com

There you have it! Mother’s Day gift giving made easy!

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