Kate Upton Debuts as New Express It Girl at Miami Runway Show

   

The moment I was told I would have the opportunity to interview Kate Upton at the Express Runway Show last week, I went into glam overtime. I mean, what else are you supposed to do when preparing to face a Sport’s Illustrated bombshell? I squatted, juiced, exfoliated, and tanned – it was almost like preparing for my own swimsuit competition. In my defense, I wore a (fab) blush tone crop top and high waisted short shorts, so said regimen was needed. I completed my look with a metallic envelope wristlet, and a stack of bracelets including this evil eye and medallion charm bracelet, all from Express, natch.

When I finally had my 15 seconds with the new brand spokesperson, I asked Kate the question that was on everyone’s mind – why Express? In addition to the coveted SI Swim cover, she’s graced the cover of Vogue, twice. She recently had a campaign with Sam Edelman, and could undoubtedly work with a slew of major fashion brands. Her response was as simple as her natural charm, she grew up wearing Express because it was both stylish and affordable, so it felt right. P.S. She’s just as beautiful fully clothed as she is in next to nothing, promise.

 

Express did a phenomenal job with the set-up at The Raleigh Hotel. Models were seemingly walking on water with the runway suspended over the iconic pool. Lots of sleek, black looks made their way down the runway, with my favorites being a chic strapless purple dress with palm tree print (love!), a zebra print midi skirt, and super sexy suede fringe heels which you can get right here (under $100!) You can shop the looks straight from the runway at express.com/runway. If something you love isn’t available, keep checking back as new items will be updated weekly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before the show with my girl Annie (The Fashion Poet)

 

 

Shop My Look

Photos courtesy of Express and Skinny Intern.

This post was made possible by Express.

Dinner with George x Swarovski

A huge smile comes to my face when I recall my dinner with George Kotsiopoulos last week. The E! Fashion Police star was in Miami to celebrate the launch of “Glamorous by George: The Key to Creating Movie-Star Style.” Guests were invited to meet the celeb stylist at the Swarovski boutique on Lincoln Road, with the first 20 attendees receiving a signed copy of the new book. I met George a couple of times prior to this and must say, he is always so gracious and sweet with all of his fans. No selfie request was denied!  

Later, we headed to Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House where the Swarovski team hosted a lovely dinner for us bloggers and a few journalists. We ate carbs on carbs on delicious carbs, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Miami fashion girls EAT, ya’ll! (George does, too.) We laughed about instagraming at the dinner table (normal), complained about poor cellphone reception (#bloggerprobz), and learned that Joan Rivers is, in fact, (1) amazing, and (2) actually nice!

 

My Favorite Excerpts from Glamorous by George

“Stand up straight! Posture is everything.”

“The wrong shoes can change your overall impression from starlet to star-struck.”

“Don’t worry about trends. You can always incorporate parts of trends in shoes and accessories, but you should really focus on what styles look best on your body.”

“You are lying when you sport a fake bag. If you’re a rich lady with a knockoff, you’re cheap and a liar.”

“The number-one rule when it comes to behavior: be polite!”

 

What I'm Wearing

Top c/o Express

Skirt c/o Shop Akira

Jacket: ZARA (old)

Shoes: Michael Kors

Clutch: Aldo

Necklace c/o Tous

 

 

 

*Special thanks to The Wordy Girl, Maria, for the photos!

 



 

EXPRESS Takes Miami!

 

Tank, Skirt, Bag, Bracelet c/o Express | Shoes c/o Miss Trish | Lipstick: MAC ‘Relentlessly Red’

I love taking in the gorgeous views of my city by the water. The Grove Harbour Marina is home to Monty’s, a waterfront restaurant & bar that is pretty much a Miami landmark. If you’re a University of Miami alum like me, a happy hour at Monty’s is standard protocol on Thursday afternoons. The recently added Starbuck’s next door is just another excuse to stop by every morning. Views like this make getting any work done pretty much impossible, but I’m totally not complaining about the beautiful weather we’ve been enjoying while the rest of the country continues to freeze. (Sorry, not sorry!)

Seems like a no-brainer why EXPRESS chose the 3-0-5 to host their spring fashion show this Thursday. I’ll be co-hosting alongside my favorite Miami Fashion Bloggers, with special guest Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat, and a surprise celebrity host! There will be fun DIY shirts stations, hair styling, and DJ set by A-Trak. Check out the party deets below and don’t forget to RSVP!
 

You're invited to attend the EXPRESS Runway Show!

WHEN: Thursday, March 13 | Party at 4:00 pm, Fashion Show at 7:00 pm

WHERE: The Raleigh Hotel: 1775 Collins Ave. South Beach, Miami, FL

RSVP: Email rsvp@express.com by Wednesday, March 12

*Must be 21+ to enter.

Can’t make the show? Be sure to check out http://express.com/runway for live social media updates. Follow my posts from the show on Instagram & twitter by following me @kellysaks and hashtag #EXPRUNWAY

 

Photography by Max Reed

 

This post was made possible by Express.

Celebrate Prom 2014 at Macy's Pembroke Lakes this Saturday

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

Kelly's Picks: A Guide for Lovers

I spent my Valentine's Day celebrating the marriage of one of my dearest friends at Coral Gables' famed Biltmore Hotel. We were surrounded by so much love, there was no other place I would have rather been. Coincidentally, this is the second year in a row that Eric and I spend V-Day at a wedding. (He's had it so easy!) Check my instagram for photos from the special day.

#MiamiLovesTous this Thursday at Aventura Mall

I hope you'll join me and four of my favorite Miami blogger girlfriends, Kristin, Ginger, Daniela, and Erika, this Thursday at the TOUS boutique at Aventura Mall! We'll be in store starting at 12:30pm to celebrate the launch of "Tous in the Tropics," and invite you for a fun afternoon of shopping, refreshments, and special gifts. Known for their adorably chic signature "teddy bear" jewelry, the family-owned luxury brand also offers a chic selection of handbags, fragrances and sunglasses. 

Follow us on twitter & instagram with the event hashtag #miamilovestous ❤️

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

If You're Happy and You Know It

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

Express Sweater | Qmack Skirt | Heels c/o Via Spiga | Baublebar Necklace |  ZAC Zac Posen Earth Tote

 

 

We're already halfway through the first month of 2014 and I can't think of a better way to describe it than with this Baublebar necklace - Happy! (Thanks, Coki!) It was so refreshing to recharge my batteries over the holidays while everyone was on vacation. We celebrated our first anniversary living in our new home in Coral Gables, (which has been the perfect backdrop for outfit photo ops like this!) enjoyed time with family, and set both personal and professional goals for the year to come. Now it's back to work, and back to basics - so to speak.

 

When I'm shopping after Christmas sales, I always look for classic pieces that will add value to my wardrobe, rather than trendy one-offs that I'll only wear once and forget about. Case in point this Qmack plaid skirt I scored from Macy's (only $14!) A "grown up" school girl look is perfect for the cooler weather we've been having in Miami lately, and I love that it's professional enough to meet my real estate clients, yet comfortable for doing errands. I'm just smitten with these Irving heels I received from the Via Spiga Resort 2014 collection. I'm thinking they'll be perfect for a Valentine's day outfit.

 

What makes me almost as happy as a great start to a new year? A fabulous blow out, natch. What if I told you this 'do cost me only $25? It's true, and thanks to a welcome new addition to the Gables! Check out "Blow Dry & More" located at 142 Giralda Ave. and ask for Marcos for a full-bodied or sleek style that won't break the bank.

 

 

SHOP THE LOOK

 

Photography by Bella Mente

Just Call Me Ms. Claus

H&M Blazer | ALEXIS Blouse | Savoie Boots c/o UGG Australia | Pants c/o Express (similar) | Zara Bag
Evil Eye Ring via Monc Boutique | Nameplate Necklace c/o T'Audrey

"When in doubt, wear red." -Bill Blass

Not sure if Santa Claus was ever in doubt, but red is never a bad idea in my book. With just 2 days till Christmas (cue children squeeling!) I put together this festive look for my holiday style segment on Univision's Despierta America this morning. (Watch here.) Red lips were a must! Try my favorite, Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy in #400, to get the look. When I received these beautiful boots from UGG Australia I wasn't sure how/when I would wear them since it's basically still summer in Miami. But with an early morning cool breeze, I slipped them on with lightweight leather-look leggings from Express and went on my way. I later realized I looked like a chic version of Saint Nick's wife.

Full disclosure: I haven't worn a pair of UGGs since high school, and pretty much cringe anytime I see someone down here wearing the "classic" boot with, well anything. The Savoie boot is different, the obvious being the heel. The leather exterior and super soft merino wool lining give this shoe the most luxe feel. The best part? They are convertible and can be worn three different ways - folded over, cuffed, or at the knee. I can't wait to rock these in actual cold weather....with yummy thick knits, beanies and scarves. Maybe Santa will bring me a nice winter vacation... I'm on the good list, after all!

Wishing you all a very merry and blessed Christmas filled with warmth and love! Follow my adventures with friends and family on instagram & twitter with #kellysklosetchristmas. XOXO 


Hair by Massimo at Rik Rak Salon Brickell

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.

Between the Lines

Stripes Sweater c/o Express | ZARA Skirt | Missguided Hat | Michael Antonio Heels

Long-live the crop top! I think South Florida is the only place in the U.S. not currently experiencing frigid temperatures. Be. Jealous. But as my blogger pal Maria of The Wordy Girl points out, us Miami chicks have it tough, "we can't put on the dreaded holiday pudge." So I'll follow up my Art Basel binge with 100 extra squats... add a zero to that after the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show... and stock up on OndadeMar bikinis between Christmas shopping. 

Regardless of the climate where you live, a cropped knit sweater and leather pencil skirt are a killer combo. This vegan leather skirt from ZARA is my new favorite and I can't stop wearing it. At under $60 it's a must-have. (Last seen here.) A chic black fedora is the perfect daytime accessory for a bad case of bed head, or if you just want to look mysterious. In my case, I just want to look seasonally apropos; but I'll take a beach day over a snow day, any day.

SHOP THE LOOK

Makeup by Millie Morales

Photos by Bella Mente

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