Love + Lace

Necklaces: Royal Fashion House Boutique (top) & Ann Taylor (bottom)

 Dress: Chicwish, Shoes: Jean-Michel Cazabat (similar), Clutch: Nordstrom, Sunnies: Tous

If there's one thing I love about spring it's definitely feminine floral prints and delicate lace fabrics. This dress from e-tailer Chicwish is the perfect union of both, and a great piece that can work for both day or night. You may have seen me wear it on Despierta America a few weeks ago when I shared some styling tips for petites. Later in the day I wore it to an open house event for work. (Try it with nude heels, minimal jewelry and a white blazer for a more conservative work environment.) I added some sparkle by layering two statement necklaces that compliment the colorful floral print. What trends are you loving for spring? Let me know in the comments!


Photography by Bella Mente

Biker Chic

 

 BlankNYC Jacket via Nordstrom | Akira Bandage Dress | ZAC Zac Posen Bag | Bebe Boots | H&M Ring

There's something about a motorcycle jacket that will always be so effortlessly cool. At this week's Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour spring fashion show, Fashion Director Ken Downing confirmed this notion, declaring it's the jacket every woman should have in their closet. (Take note: pastel pink is the IT color for spring 2014.) I've been living in this vegan leather version from BlankNYC, and love the slim, almost blazer-like, cut that looks great with anything from skinny jeans to a full skirt. I styled this look for one of my fashion segments on Univision's Despierta America (watch here,) and while I know most people are "so over" the bandage dress, the unconventional plaid pattern of this style from ShopAkira.com is what caught my eye. Paired with black tights and booties, it's the chic way to style a skintight dress without leaving too little to the imagination. Always keep it classy, ladies.


Photography by Bella Mente

3 Slimming Holiday Outfits

This morning I was back on set at Despierta America discussing a fashion topic that is likely on every woman's mind - how to look thinner during the holidays. While actually losing weight during this festive time of year is a next-to-impossible feat, it is possible to dress thinner! I styled three looks from Monc Boutique that will take you through the holiday party circuit, whether you're attending an office holiday shindig or a family-style Noche Buena soirée.

Kelly's Rules for Dressing "Skinny"

• Scared of wearing a bodycon or bandage dress? Opt for styles with black side panels that create a slimming optical illusion. Add black tights (try Spanx Shaping Tights) and sexy black heels or booties for an extra sleek look.

• Go for the bold, print that is. Patterns can be a great way to camouflage a thicker waistline when you choose a tailored piece, like a blazer, with a small scale design. Highlight your favorite parts of your body with bold prints and bright colors, while solid colored basics keep attention away from problem areas. 

• Flared skirts and empire waistlines are your BFFs. Both silhouettes cinch in your waist and create an hourglass figure. But beware of going too short! Skirts should be no shorter than 1-2 inches above the knee. If in doubt, accessorize with dark colored tights. (They'll contour your gams and save you from an impending wardrobe malfunction.)

• Shine in the right places. The holidays are the best time of year to glam up and bring out the bling! Statement necklaces and earrings are in no short supply this season. Use bold accessories to add pizzazz to an otherwise basic ensemble and bring sparkle and attention to your face and decolletage.

Shop the Looks 

On Kelly - Color-Block Dress, $86

1)  Silver Skirt, $55 Blouse, $48 Patterned Blazer, $78

2)  Black & White Bodycon Dress, $62

3)  Laser Cut Leather Dress, $68

This post is sponsored by Monc Boutique. All opinions expressed are my own.

Denim + Stripes

Dress, Vest & Handbag c/o Express | Metallic Belt (similar) | Manolo Blahnik Pumps 

I wore this look from Express for a fun street style segment on Despierta America this week. With an updated look and new designers, Express has been one of my favorite places to shop lately. Miami temps are still in the 80's (winter, where are you?!) which is why I chose a vest rather than a heavy jacket to achieve this layered look. With its classic shape and on-trend stripes this dress is a great basic to add to your wardrobe. If you live in a cooler climate I'm totes jealous because you can dress it up with colored tights, boots, and a leather jacket. Extra points for colored leather! Style Tip: Horizontal stripes can be unflattering, especially when layering heavy fabrics. Use a skinny belt in a complimentary color to nip in your waist.

Art Basel Miami is full force right now and there have never been more star-studded fashion events going on in my backyard. Follow me on instagram and facebook for real time updates!

Hair/Makeup by Millie Morales for Despierta America

Photo by Bella Mente

Shop The Look

Pencil Skirts for Petites featuring Express

On set at Despierta America, wearing an H&M Top and ZARA skirt.

Being petite doesn't have to be a fashion obstacle if you know the tricks to maximizing your size. Despierta America asked me to share my suggestions for rocking a pencil skirt, so I styled three different looks from Express to prove it can be done without overwhelming a shorter figure. (Watch the segment.)


Petite Style 101: How to Wear a Pencil Skirt

1. Draw the eye up by pairing a bright or patterned blouse with a solid color skirt.
2. Skirt length should be no longer than just below the knee to maximize height.
3. Go monochromatic. Wearing one color from head-to-toe offers an illusion of length. This high-waisted pencil skirt by Express nips the waist in at just the right place creating a super-flattering hourglass figure.
4. The higher the heel... A classic nude or black pump are the best way to continue the clean line of a pencil skirt. Added bonus? The right nude heel will make your legs look a mile long. Avoid shoes with straps and anything flat or chunky that will "cut" you off at the ankle.
5. Consider proportions. Feeling adventurous? Rock a patterned skirt, but remember that small patterns (like lace) are best. Designs that are too big or busy will overwhelm a petite figure.

High Waist Pencil Skirt | Lace Pencil Skirt (similar) | Leather Trim Pencil Skirt 
GET THE LOOK