3 Ways to Wear Black & White

BLACK + WHITE

It's THE trend of the season, and unless you've been hiding under a rock, you probably knew that already. Back in December, I told  Aventura Magazine, "You only need two colors in your closet next season—black and white" Just call me Walter Mercado. (If you're not Latin, you'll have to Google that. I typically don't go crazy on trends, but this monochromatic phenomenon is far more. Black & white is tres chic, classic, and oh so easy to wear! Feel free to spice it up with a punch of color on your lips and nails, or with a bold handbag. I'm seriously crushing on Hoss Intropia these days (last seen here on NYE, and more to come.) The Spanish line's spring collection is chock full of feminine, flirty pieces that make you feel casually glamorous. This polka dot dress is flattering on any woman, and just plain fun. You can find Hoss Intropia exclusively at Bloomingdale's Aventura & Miami stores.

P.S. You're getting a sneak peek at my new digs! Since moving in December it feels like I've birthed a child... I'll get around to posting the extreme home makeover eventually.

Hoss Intropia Dress | Forever 21 Bracelet | Steve Madden Heels

Hoss Intropia Dress | Forever 21 Bracelet | Steve Madden Heels

American Apparel Crop Top | Skirt c/o Express | Z Spoke Zac Posen Bag

American Apparel Crop Top | Skirt c/o Express | Z Spoke Zac Posen Bag | Forever 21 Heels

Hoss Intropia Shorts | ZARA Studded Citybag | (Top is from the mall... can't remember where!)

Hoss Intropia Shorts | ZARA Studded Citybag

Jeffrey Campbell Sandals... and a black & white french pedi, why not?

Photography by Bella Mente

Celebrate your Style with #SwarovskiRIO (Giveaway!)

Enter the #SwarovskiRIO style challenge on instagram to win a $500 gift card!

Carnival may be over, but the sparkle and magic of the annual festival lives on through Swarovski's Spring 2013 collection aptly named Tropical Paradise. (The collection is beyond beautiful. Have you seen my maj bling?!) The iconic jewelry brand's Passport to Sparkle muse, Emma Du Mond, was so inspired during her recent trip to the exotic celebration in Rio that she's inviting fans to share their passion for fashion on instagram with a digital style challenge! I've teamed up with Swarovski to judge the contest, and will be sorting through your entries to choose three winners who will each receive a $500 Swarovski gift card!

How to Participate: 

• Simply tag your style Instagram photo with #SwarovskiRIO – then Swarovski will add the best looks to a look book on the site 52Grams: http://www.52grams.com/participate/swarovski 
• Entry period closes Sunday March 24, 2013 at 11:59PM EST.
• 3 winners will be chosen to receive a $500 Swarovski gift card by a panel of style expert judges: Kelly Saks of KellysKlosetBlog.com,  Hazzle of LipstickLaceandLattes.com, and Flor de Maria of FlordeMariaFashion.com.

#SwarovskiRIO 

Disclosure: This contest is sponsored by Swarovksi who has compensated me for my participation. All thoughts & opinions are always my own. 

Your Chance to Model for Original Penguin (Miami)

Have what it takes to be an Original Penguin model? Prove it!

The All-American brand is scouting for 10 college age students with model looks to participate in festivities at the grand opening of their new Dadeland Mall outpost this April. The casting call is open to both girls & guys age 18 & over and will take place this Saturday at the Original Penguin store on Lincoln Road. A judging panel comprised of Ocean Drive Magazine editors will select six lucky ladies and four guys to live model at the launch party next month. In addition to the opportunity to model for a major fashion brand, those that get the gig will score $500 in clothing!


IF YOU GO:
Saturday, March 23rd | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Original Penguin Miami 
925 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

**You must be 18 in order to participate.**  

#Made4Impulse Arrives at Macy's Dadeland

Lookbook: My favorite looks from MADE for Macy's Impulse

MADE Fashion Week's new collection for Macy's Impulse hit stores this week as the first of a series of exclusive collaborations between the indie fashion group and the mega retailer. Designed to inspire personal style, the capsule collection includes versatile pieces like tanks, maxi skirts, skater dresses, moto jackets and vests in edgy galactic and floral prints. I've teamed up with Macy's to celebrate the launch of the collection this Saturday at Macy's Dadeland from 2-4pm and invite you to get a first look at the runway-inspired pieces while enjoying mini-cosmetic and brow makeovers by SmashBox and Benefit, and complimentary beverages by Onli. Guests who get their shop on with me will receive a free gift with any MADE purchase*!   (*While supplies last.)

The MADE for Impulse collection ranges in price from $39 - $139 and is available now at 150 Macy’s stores – including Macy’s Boca Raton Town Center, Broward Mall, Galleria Fort Lauderdale, City Place, Aventura, Pembroke Lakes, South Beach and Dadeland locally – and on macys.com.

IF YOU GO

Saturday, March 16 | 2 PM - 4 PM
Macy's Dadeland - Impulse Department
Fashion Building Level 2
Dadeland Mall
7535 N Kendall Dr
Miami, FL 33156

Wear 2 Where: Ultra Music Festival

Lookbook: The perfect Ultra ensemble, available at Bloomingdale's.

While there's a tech & fashion explosion going on in Austin, Texas this week for SXSW, Miami is gearing up for it's own cultural bomb by way of the Ultra Music Festival. House-heads and neon-loving ravers will descend on Bayfront Park for not one, but two weekends of intense dancing, moshing...and whatever else happens out there. Looking beyond fishnets & jelly bracelets for your ultimate Ultra outfit? Let me help you out...

Music Festival Fashion Presentation

Join me at Bloomingdale's Aventura this Thursday night for a fashion presentation of the latest looks to wear throughout festival season. From Ultra to Coachella, I've styled a show with the hottest trends to rock from coast to coast. DJ Aulden Brown will be spinning festival approved tunes.

If You Go:
Thursday, March 14 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Bloomingdale's Aventura Mall, Level 2
19555 Biscayne Blvd.
Aventura, FL 33180

Get Your Glow on with St. Tropez

Skin is IN at Ultra. Get tips on how to get a celeb-worthy tan just in time for the weekend from celebrity makeup artist Jackie Gomez this Friday at Sephora Aventura. Jackie is Hollywood's go-to-glow lady. (Bey is one of her clients, enough said.) Stop in for a complimentary consultation and learn how to enhance your skin tone with minimal makeup, plus the latest in highlighting & contouring tricks to have you feeling like a Victoria's Secret Angel (Candice Swanepoel is another client) from head-to-toe.

The Deets:
Friday, March 15th | 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Sephora Aventura Mall
19525 Biscayne Blvd. #527
Aventura, FL 33180    

(Giveaway!) Attend a Nicolas Felizola Fashion Show

The first person to email me with the subject line "Send me to see Nicolas Felizola!" will receive 2 tickets to tomorrow's Live on The Green Charity Social Weekend at Trump Doral featuring a runway show of Nicolas Felizola's latest collection accompanied by the sounds of Miami's own DJ Irie. The first annual event looks to bring fashion and music lovers alike to experience a different side of the PGA Tour's WGC-Cadillac Championship, taking place March 6-10th. Venezuelan born Felizola designs elegant works of art for the It crowd. Twice honored as the "Best Designer at Miami Fashion Week," he is a favorite among jet-setters and celebrities, and internationally recognized for his Haute Couture styles. 

Giving Back

The weeklong tournament and weekend events will raise money to support several local char ities.

Benefiting from Friday’s fashion show will be the Irie Foundation that seeks to improve the lives of

South Florida youth through educational and extracurricular opportunities that may not normally be

available to them.

Ready...set...email! Update: Congratulations to Stephanie Diaz!

Fine print: Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest winner must be available to attend event at the Trump Doral Resort on Friday March 8, 2013 at 6pm .

It's a Prom Party at Macy's!

Along with your wedding (and quinceañera,) your prom dress is one you will never forget. If you're like most girls I've asked, you'll love it years after it's last dance. I know I do! But shopping for "the dress" can prove to be a challenge. Back in 2005, I almost gave up after spending the day scouring every clothing store at The Falls. That was until my mom suggested I try on the one at the last store we stopped at. It was a beautiful Jessica McClintock gown in lavender silk, with a hi-low hemline and sweetheart neckline... interestingly enough it's right on-trend today! (Ahead of my time?) I felt like a princess on prom night - just like every girl should.

Prom 2013 is right around the corner and I want to help you find your prom perfect dress! Join me at Macy's Coral Square this Saturday for a shopping experience like no other. We'll have manicures, refreshments, live music, and even an etiquette class to make sure your special night is both classy and memorable.

To top it off? (Mom & Dad will like this) Receive 25% off any regular price or sale junior prom dress and a fabulous swag bag* full of goodies! Shoppers that make the Prom Promise with their parent will also receive a garment bag* for their prom dress.  *While supplies last

Make sure to tweet me @KellySaks & @Macys using #MacysProm and show us your favorite Prom styles from the event!


IF YOU GO
Saturday, March 9, 2013,  2:00 p.m.
Macy’s Coral Square, Level 1
9129 W. Atlantic Blvd. Coral Springs, FL 33071

Here Comes the... Vera!

My favorite look from Vera Wang Bridal 2013 

It Pays to Shop Miami

Miami may not be known as a shopping destination, but as a local I know we have some of the best and most diverse retail outlets in the world. There’s never been a better time to support local shops, as the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau launches Shop Miami Month. Consumers who spend $500 or more from February 1-28 at participating malls, marketplaces and retail establishments will receive a $40 Shop Miami Month Reward Card. My picks on the list? Head to Bloomingdale’s Aventura for exclusive brands like Hoss and Aqua, the new Forever 21 megastore on Lincoln Road for budget friendly statement jewelry, and celeb favorite Peace Love World in Coral Gables for luxe loungewear to live and play in.

Already shopped this month? Get your reward by sending a scanned copy of your receipts totaling $500 or more via e-mail to ShopMiamiMonth@gmcvb.com with the following information:

• Full Name
• Mailing address (where the card will be mailed to)
• Phone Number
• Birthday
• Name of Mall of where items were purchased

For a complete list of participating stores and more information about receiving your gift card visit www.shopmiamimonth.com

Golden Globes Fashion Hits & Misses (CBS Miami)

Argo, Les Mis, and Girls (my fave!) won big at last night's Golden Globes, but today was all about fashion accolades. I joined CBS Miami's Lisa Petrillo and Neiman Marcus' Katharine Rubino to dish on our favorite, and not so favorite, looks from the red carpet. While there were no major standouts or train wrecks to discuss (Jodie Foster's speech aside) my best dressed actress made me want to run to the spray tan booth and break out my MAC m'orange lipstick. Watch the video & chime in: Do you agree with my best & worst dressed picks?

What I Wore 

In the newsroom with Neiman Marcus' Katharine Rubino & CBS 4's Lisa Petrillo 

1. Forever21 Tropical Print Blouse 2. H&M Faux Leather Circle Skirt (similar) 3. Jessica Simpson Evangela Heels (last seen)
SHOP THE LOOK

I-Spy (All About the Details)

Styling by Kelly Saks

Photography by Emma Del Rey

The beginning of a new year brings a clean slate... and sometimes, a new wardrobe, too! Over the holidays, while I was settling into my new home, I decided to purge all the things from my closet that no longer fit my style or just didn't make me happy. (I sold them off at my Kloset Klean Out sale & raised money for Dress for Success Miami. The rest went to those in need.) Presents, and ZARA's semi-annual sale, made sure my closet wasn't empty for long. The latter is where I discovered this studded trench coat, which I instantly had to have. Not that you need a trench in Miami It's a classic, you always need a trench coat in your closet. As for the presents, two of my favorites come together to form a playful pair - a lime green silicone Ice Watch and my beloved Hello Kitty on a studded Swarovski leather cuff. I love taking classic pieces and wearing them in unexpected ways; it's a great way to mix-up your wardrobe and get out of a fashion rut.

The first week of the year is behind us and I've already worn a trench coat as a dress (while walking my dog, no less) and worked with a new photographer - thanks Emma! - I wonder what the remaining 51 weeks have in store... I'm ready.

Jewels, Buckles, Studs and a pop of lime! It's all about the details.

Watch c/o Ice Watch, Available exclusively at Macy's | Hello Kitty bracelet c/o Swarovski

Studded Trench Coat by ZARA (Similar)

Jeffrey Campbell Donata Heels via Shop Akira | Melie Bianco Bag available at Nordstrom Dadeland Mall

Studded Trench Coat by ZARA (Similar)

Face: Clinique Pore Perfecting Foundation & Bobbi Brown Pretty Pink Blush 

Lips: MAC Lip Pencil in Currant

Khloé models a pink pearl leash avalable at The Dog Bar

SHOP THE LOOK

A Very Glamorous New Year

Call me superstitious, but I'm a firm believer that the way you welcome a new year sets the tone for the next 365 days. 2012 was full of surprises, success (thanks to your support!) and change, so I wanted to start the year with a positive outlook, ready to embrace new chapters in both my personal and professional life. What better way to say I will reign supreme in '13 than by donning a regal bun and dreamy lace gown courtesy of Hoss Intropia. (The bun worked for Miss USA and newly crowned Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo... once a pageant girl, always a pageant girl.) Dressed to the nines and surrounded by the ones I love, I kicked off 2013 feeling glamorous and ready to shine - sealed with a midnight kiss!

What I Wore: Dress by Hoss Intropia, available at Bloomingdale's Aventura. Vintage Earrings & Forever21 Bracelet. Hair & makeup by me :)

Spanish tradition: Eat 12 grapes before midnight...
make a wish for each month of the new year.

12:00:00  xx

This year I challenge you to express yourself, do the thing you've always wanted to but keep putting off, spread joy, and find your happy place - whatever that may be. "Remember happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think." ~Dale Carnegie

Cheers!

Petra Nemcova + Clinique Making Children's Hearts Happy

With Petra Nemcova & blogger friend Rosy Cordero at Bloomingdale's Aventura

It's rare to come across celebrities whose hearts match their stellar looks, but in the case of Petra Nemcova, it is possible for an incredibly kind and gracious spirit to trump incredible beauty. I had the privilege to chat one on one with the super-sweet supermodel last week during her visit to Bloomingdale's at the Aventura Mall where she was promoting a collaboration with Clinique and her Happy Hearts Fund (HHF).

Art Basel, I Missed You.

My Dearest Basel,

I missed you, and I'm sorry. While you were enjoying the company of Dita, Demi, Stella, Martha and Chelsea, I was hard at work. Turns out that remodeling/moving into a new home and starting a new job during the last month of the year is quite time consuming. I googled 'how to be in two places at once,' and came up with everything short of an answer. Coffee, vitamins, bribery... they all failed.

I missed you - but I didn't forget you! I had all of my invites and outfits lined up, ready to go. This outfit was my particular favorite, but unfortunately never made it out of my building. Next year I'll RSVP early and stay late. Pinkie promise.

Enjoy these photographs courtesy of Bella Mente Photography.

x Kelly

ZARA Necklace & Heels | ASOS Dress (no longer available in yellow) | ISA Boutique Faux Fur Coat | Macy's Sequins Clutch (similar) | Target Merona Watch | Henri Bendel Bracelet

ISA Boutique Faux Fur Coat | ASOS Dress (no longer available in yellow) | Macy's Sequins Clutch (similar)

Hair: c/o Just Air Blow Dry Bar | Lips: Covergirl Blast Flipstick in Glimmer | Nails: OPI, Malaga Wine

GET THE LOOK

'Style Yourself' with Swarovski this Thursday

This Thursday, join me for bubbly & lots of bling at Swarovski Lincoln Road in celebration of the new book "Multiface(t)s Style Yourself with Jewelry" and the re-opening of the newly remodeled boutique. The first 20 guests to arrive will be gifted a copy of the gorgeous hardcover book (soon to be gracing my new coffee table!)

Can't make it to the party? Enter to WIN a copy of the book right here. Facebook, Comment & Tweet daily using the widget below for your chance to win*. Contest ends Monday, December 3rd.

“MULTIFACE(T)S” is the first book by Swarovski’s creative director Nathalie Colin. The book offers tips on how to style jewelry for every occasion and features quotes and advice about jewelry from fashion industry notables including: Nina Garcia, Glenda Bailey, Anna Dello Russo and Eric Daman. Additionally, the book showcases fashion editorials by top stylists from around the globe including June Ambrose, Sascha Lilic and Han Huo Huo.

*Only open to US residents.

If You Go

Thursday, November 29, 2012 | 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Swarovski Lincoln Road

734 Lincoln Road Miami, FL 33139

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway sponsored by Swarovski.

The Kloset is Open for Business

I've been thinking about this event for months and now that I'm moving the timing couldn't be better. Do Black Friday a little differently this year by shopping my closet at ISA boutique! Been stalking my outfit posts? Need a fabulous holiday dress but don't want to splurge? I'm offering up my gently worn (and some new with tags!) cocktail dresses, gowns, skirts, tops, shoes, handbags, jewelry.... and more. You know you've always wanted to raid my closet - now you can for a good cause! For those braving the Black Friday crowds at the crack of dawn (while I'm getting my beauty sleep) we'll have bubbles & sweets on hand to wake you up...

WHAT: Kelly's Kloset Klean Out

WHEN: BLACK FRIDAY 11/23 - Doors open at 10AM Extended! Saturday 11/24 - 11AM to 5PM

WHERE: ISA boutique, 34 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables

WHY: I'm ready to part ways with some of my fashion favorites to benefit Dress for Success Miami

Want a sneak preview of what you'll find at the sale? Follow me on twitter @KellySaks and look out for tweets tagged with #KlosetKleanOut. 

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

INC Faux Leather Jacket c/o GigaSavvy | H&M Lace Top | Wax Coated Jeans from ISA Boutique | 

Rebecca Minkoff Bag via STA Miami Beach

The Christmas tree at the Village of Merrick Park is up, which makes it perfectly okay for me (and you!) to wear leather in 70 degree weather. GigaSavvy offered me the opportunity to style my choice of coats from Macy's and this INC quilted moto jacket just had to get in my closet. No one would ever guess this stylish little jacket isn't real leather; it looks and feels infinitely more expensive than its $100 price tag. The diamond quilting adds a glam finish and reminds me of my favorite handbag (Chanel, obvi.) I was clearly feeling the biker chic look on this day while at the mall to have my makeup done for the I Have a Dream Foundation gala. So to lighten things up I broke out my latest fab find, a Rebecca Minkoff Studded Affair Bag which I snagged at my new favorite store Second Time Around Miami Beach. (STA is a consignment store, but I found this baby with tags on!) Stop by this little treasure trove at 1630 Jefferson Avenue (right off Lincoln Road) for your holiday or Basel shopping and tell Meghan I sent you. You can expect to find everything from ZARA to Chanel for cheap cheap. It'll be our little secret...

INC Faux Leather Jacket c/o GigaSavvy | H&M Lace Top | Wax Coated Jeans from ISA Boutique | 
Bakers Heels (last seen) | Rebecca Minkoff Bag via STA Miami Beach 

Photography: Bella Mente Photography

Makeup: Dior Cosmetics Manager Jany Almeida at Nordstrom Coral Gables


GET THE LOOK

Starry Eyed

Aqua Floral Blazer | ZARA Star Top (old) | Bakers Heels | Ann Taylor Necklace | Sunglasses c/o IVI

Aqua Floral Blazer | ZARA Star Top (old) |  Ann Taylor Necklace

Just like some popular kids in high school, not all trends are what they're cracked up to be. But when it comes to mixing prints, it just took me a while to 'get it.' Although summer is long gone, this floral Aqua blazer (On sale $62, available at Bloomingdale's at The Falls) is perfect to usher in Miami's mild fall temps. It peeked out at me from the sale rack at Bloomies and I immediately started brainstorming how many different ways I could style it. See, I play a little game when I'm on the fence about a purchase- If I can wear it with at least two things I already own, it's justified. (Great strategy to avoid impulse buys.) At the top of that list was not a star print—or any print—but when I found these two hanging side-by-side in my closet, the fashion gods spoke to me. 

Mixing prints isn't just for fashion editorials or bloggers, you just have to work with the right proportions and stay in the same color family. This unexpected combo works because the floral print is large, while the star print is on a smaller scale with fewer colors. The cherry on top is my gorgeous supernova necklace from Ann Taylor. (Big shout out to my boyfriend for this one, it's almost impossible to find!) Now it's your turn: Show me how you mix it up! Email me your best 'mixed prints' look to editor@kellysklosetblog.com & I'll post my favorites on Facebook.

Photos by Bella Mente Photography.

SHOP THE LOOK

This Thursday: No Boys Allowed!

You get to decide which bebe look I wear this Thursday! Vote Now

There's a chill in the air and that can only mean one thing- time to shop for that holiday wardrobe! Join me and Lucky Magazine this Thursday 11/8 for bebe Girls' Night Out at the Aventura Mall and check out the latest styles to hit the racks while socializing with your gal pals (and me!) Party starts at 6pm and I'll be giving away gift cards to the first 20 ladies who spot me, so don't be fashionably late.

Bebe is always one of my first stops when shopping for special occasion looks that are both elegant and edgy. From sexy cocktail dresses to the chicest suits and shoes, bebe never fails me. I stopped by the store last week to pick out my holiday-inspired looks and pretty much shut down a dressing room for part of the day. (True story.) Trends you can count on seeing a lot of this season include leather, lace, brocade and embellishments. Check out how I incorporated them into my outfits, and stay tuned to find out which one I'll be wearing tomorrow night!

Leather Dress & Jacquard Blazer c/o Bebe | Forever 21 Necklaces | Target Clutch (On Sale, $8!)

 Leather Dress & Jacquard Blazer c/o Bebe | Forever 21 Necklaces | Target Clutch | Bebe Booties (old)

 Blazer, Bodysuit & Sequin Pant c/o Bebe | Bakers Shoes (similar) | Clutch c/o Furor | Ring by Septimo

Blazer, Bodysuit & Sequin Pant c/o Bebe | Bakers Shoes (similar) | Clutch c/o Furor | Ring by Septimo

Photos by Bella Mente Photography

Disclaimer: I received compensation from Lucky Magazine and clothing from bebe for my participation in this event. Opinions expressed here are always my own.

Giveaway: $200 Gift Card to Shop H&M Miami

Lana Del Rey for H&M, Fall 2012

If you're a Miami local you may or may not be counting down the seconds to opening day of H&M on Lincoln Road. (I am!!) Back in 2010 I was psyched when the Palm Beach location was announced, so this has been a long, long time coming. Don't be fooled by that teeny pop-up shop currently on Miami Beach; our very first H&M will be a glorious two-story flagship located in the historic Lincoln Theater with over 24,000 square feet of fashion.

To celebrate, H&M wants to hook you up with a $200 gift card to get your shop on! All you have to do is show me your favorite H&M look.

To enter:
1. Follow me on Twitter @KellySaks
2. Tweet me a photo of yourself in your favorite H&M styled outfit. I'm the judge here- so get creative, be bold, and think like a fashion blogger!
3. Make sure to tag @HMusa #HMmiami in your tweets.

I'll be contacting the winner via DM on Thursday, November 8 (opening day!) at 9 AM.

Good luck!