Who Wore It Better: Halloween Edition

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I guess I have my mom to thank, who always has our home festively decorated top to bottom by October 1st, and to this day still insists on dressing up in costume. Last year she was Lady Gaga. Swear. Halloween is the perfect time of year to let my creative juices flow and get down with some DIY. No one likes showing up to a party where five other people are in the same costume, especially not me! I had been plotting this costume for years, I just needed to get Eric on board. (Yes, my beau's name is Eric. This couple's costume was obviously fate.) So when he finally agreed  gave in, my inner 6-year-old princess jumped for joy! Here's how I transformed into a newly human Ariel

Supplies:

Red Wig

Red Face Paint (for the brows)

White Sheet

12-15 ft of Rope (or thick yarn)

Starfish

Glue Gun

Nude heels

Large Fork (aka dinglehopper)

1. Wrap yourself toga-style in the white sheet and have a friend help you trim the bottom. No need for straight lines, this is supposed to look like a broken sail. Best method is to use sharp shears to make the first cut and then rip the sheet by hand. (I recommend wearing a nude bandeau & shorts underneath. Modesty, ladies!)

2. Use the rope to secure the sheet, wrapping around your chest and waist, and then tying a knot. Safety pin the top of the sheet to your bandeau to keep from having a wardrobe malfunction.

3. Create a chic hair accessory by hot gluing a barrette or bobby pin to a dry Starfish (available at Michael's craft store for about $5.)

4. Strap on your wig, paint your brows, and top off with flirty eyelashes and glittery lipgloss. Don't forget your dinglehopper! 

L to R: Miss Piggy, Prince Eric, Guy in a Cage?, Ariel, and Sassy Devil

Happy Haunting!

Festive Frock & Giveaway! (Closed)

Photography by Bella Mente Photography//Styling by Kelly Saks

If you follow me on facebook or twitter you know that my birthday was a week long celebration, and probably got a glimpse of this amazing dress I partied in. With a colorful ribbon print & feminine pleats, my birthday dress was perfect for a girls' night out that ended with a dance-off against Wyclef Jean at Hyde Beach Miami. (Only in South Beach, natch.) Remember the lucite jewelry trend of 2010? Well clear, and yes plastic, handbags are the latest cheap/chic trend to hit the runways. I took the trend for a spin with this clear skull clutch courtesy of VanityGal. The fun part? Figuring out how to wear it without looking like a hoarder. So I kept just the necessities- keys, ID, credit card, lipgloss & powder- and tossed them into a cute pink coin bag. My fuchsia pumps from the Fashion For A Cause shoot were just the right shade of pink for the dress, and comfy enough to dance the night away in. Cheers to 26!

Birthday souffle at The Forge. Yum!!

Although I'm the birthday girl this month, I've got a present for you! VanityGal sent me an extra skull clutch to giveaway, offering one of you lucky readers the chance to show off what's in your bag. Enter the contest below. Contest has closed. Congrats to winners Bianca & Karoline! 

For a limited time, shop www.vanitygal.com and get 20% off your purchase with code kellyskloset. Enjoy!

WHAT I WORE

Talulah Vintage Print Dress via ISA Boutique

VanityGal Green/Clear Skull Clutch - Enter to win one below!

Gold Tribal Necklace c/o AliExpress by Alibaba

Target Sunnies

Forever21 Bracelets (old)

Macy's INC Pink Pumps (on sale for $50!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fashion For A Cause

October is my favorite month of the year, not just because I celebrate my birthday, but because I get to wear gratuitous amounts of pink in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! In support of everything pink, the Fashion For A Cause campaign launches today with 26 of Miami's fashion bloggers in a limited edition t-shirt designed by Annie Vazquez aka The Fashion Poet. Each blogger styled the tee in their own unique fashion and was photographed by Getty Images celebrity photographer Alexander Tamargo. I chose to rock my tee with leather skinny pants, studded accessories, and hot pink pumps. The message? Let's kick cancer to the curb!

The Fashion For A Cause tee can be purchased at participating boutiques (listed below) for $25, with proceeds benefiting The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF). 

Party for a Cause

Join us on Saturday, October 13 during Wynwood Art Walk for the grand opening of Wynwood Squat where all 26 portraits will be on display from 7 to 11 P.M. The free giant pop-up will feature 40+ designers, artists, and entrepreneurs with monthly rotating art and video installations, live music and DJ, specialty cocktails and bites.

PARTICIPATING STORES

Guy and Girl Boutique 

1801 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 341-1392

Lilac and Lilies

2541 East Sunrise Boulevard  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

(954) 530-3109

www.lilacandlilies.com 

My Bestfriend’s Closet

68 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134

(305) 443-4840

Brand One Three

www.brandonethree.com 

WHAT I WORE

Fashion For a Cause Tee, $25

Bebe Faux Leather Skinnies (old)

INC Lilly Pumps in Pink 

Forever 21 Studded Wrap Bracelet

Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm in Plumped up Pink ($3 goes to BCRF) 

GET THE LOOK

Spotted in the Gables

Last week I teamed up with Miami photog Danny Delgado to shoot a special project at Coral Gables boutique My Bestfriend's Closet. Owner Patty Flores designed the store to look like the walk-in closet of my dreams, (and probably yours, too!) and I got to ham it up among the racks of beautiful fashions a la Confessions of a Shopaholic. Post shoot, Danny & I took a stroll down the Mile to capture a new favorite outfit. While Miami weather would lead you to believe otherwise, fall has arrived and I'm pretty excited to start wearing more leather & printed tights. Now all I need is a cool breeze!

Best thing about this outfit? Head-to-toe under $100. 

Photos by Danny Delgado/Styling by Kelly Saks

WHAT I WORE
Forever 21 Pink Top, Polka Dot Tights & Mary Jane Shoes
H&M Faux Leather Skirt

GET THE LOOK

EMMYS 2012 Best & Worst Dressed

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

The first awards show of the 2012 season is in the books! Trends of the evening included yellow, shades of blue, tulle, and.... boobs. By the number of bright hues and even floral prints that appeared on the carpet, it seems that the ladies of Hollywood just don't want to let summer go. I have a few favorites (hello, Sofia!) but you'll have to tune in to CBS Miami on Monday at 5PM EST to hear my picks! In the meantime, search twitter for #KellysRedCarpet to read my thoughts from the red carpet telecast. Update: Watch the segment below!

What was your favorite red carpet moment at the 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards?

Join Me for an Emmys Twitter Party! #KellysRedCarpet

Photo courtesy emmys.com

Who will our favorite TV stars be wearing this Sunday at the 64th Annual Primetime EMMY Awards? Join me on twitter as we discuss the good, the bad, and the oh-no-they-didn't! Tweet me @KellySaks and use hashtag #KellysRedCarpet.

WHO: You!
WHEN: Sunday, September 23rd at 7PM ET
WHERE: Twitter.com
WHY: Because I'm still waiting for a call from Joan Rivers

Fall Into Floral

While today officially marks the last day of summer, it doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to your favorite summer trends. Floral prints have popped up everywhere from blazers to skinny pants (like these super affordable ones from Prim&Proper,) and can easily transition into fall by pairing with dark hues & rich textures. I took this look from summer to fall by swapping my white and cream accessories for dark denim and brown leather, topped off with a burgundy felt hat. 

Do you dare to wear flowers this fall? Let me know in the comments.

Captured by Bella Mente Photography //Styling by Kelly Saks

WHAT I WORE

Floral Print Pants c/o Prim&Proper (On Sale for $19!)

Summer Look - ZARA Blazer & Clutch, Ann Taylor Lace Blouse & Sandals (similar)

Fall Look- Target Hat, Forever 21 Wedges, H&M Bag (old)

SHOP THE TREND

Floral Print Pants

Breaking Fashion Rules is All-White

Photos by Bella Mente Photography // Styling by Kelly Saks

If you're still abiding by the antiquated "fashion rule" of not wearing white after Labor Day, my guess is you're the kind of person that also thinks you should wait 30 minutes before swimming after you eat. Kidding! (Not really.) In fashion there is only one rule - have fun! Nothing is more chic than a head-to-toe white look, and it is possible to pull off during the fall and winter months. 

How to Wear White After Labor Day

The key? Warming up your makeup palette. A burgundy or wine colored lip is a big trend this season and can be worn day or night - if done right. I like Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge #9, it stays on all day and won't leave your lips crusty like other long-wear lipsticks. With a bold lip, the rest of your makeup should be very minimal to avoid looking like a vamp. Start off with clean skin. I'm loving the new Pore Refining Solutions Makeup by Clinique ($26). I received a sample before it hit stores this month and now use it daily. The "Instant Perfecting" foundation is oil-free and virtually erases your pores, leaving your skin with a satiny finish. Next, apply a plum or soft pink blush to the apples of your cheeks for a pretty flush, and slick your hair back into a pony or topknot. Finally, toss on your white ensemble and shun anyone who dares scold you for breaking the no white after Labor Day rule; they are clearly so last decade.

WHAT I WORE

Pants c/o Lafayette 148 New York

Ann Taylor Blouse

ZARA Jacket & Clutch

Bebe Shoes (similar)

Accessories: Lola Sunnies, Loehmanns Earrings, Michael Kors Watch, Henri Bendel Bracelet

GET THE LOOK

What's in my Beach Bag

Briana Celebrates Launch with Miami Trunk Show

 

Miami native Briana "Bri" Guerra is celebrating tonight, as her eponymous jewelry line is now available to the world at ShopBriana.com.

A graduate of the Miami International University of Art & Design and Polimoda Instituto in Florence, Guerra's designs are deeply influenced by her travels. The chic collection of bracelets, earrings, and rings is handmade in Istanbul using semi-precious stones and exotic skins.

Briana offers world class style to the woman looking for "elegance, subtlety and exclusivity." Nothing says luxe like a candy colored stingray cuff or delicate chandelier earrings. Last year on my birthday one of my favorite gifts was a Briana turquoise stingray cuff from my boyfriend; I can't help but feel special whenever I wear it. (Non-stop compliments never hurt.)

Meet Bri today from 4-8pm in Coconut Grove for a toast to her site launch, and shop other Miami favorites like bracelets by JS Beads and nameplate necklaces by Francesca.

Dock Days

After the very rainy (and windy) weekend Miami just experienced thanks to tropical storm Isaac, these photos are making me antsy for another sunny day! I can't complain really, considering us South Floridians enjoy a year-round summer... which is why bikinis, sunglasses, and stylish hats are staples in every Miami girl's closet. These Chloe aviators are my new go-to sunnies, and my favorite gift from Miami Swim Week thanks to Ditto. If you've ever been frustrated trying to shop for sunglasses online you definitely have to check out the innovative e-store; Ditto allows you to virtually try on a slew of designer frames by capturing a 3-D image of your face via webcam. Hassle free online shopping? Sounds like the perfect activity for the next rainy day. Later this week I'll be sharing what's in my beach bag - summer isn't over yet!

What I Wore

Eco Chic by Meadow Coverup

DvF Tote Bag

Baja Wedges c/o MLE Mia Shoes

Chloe Sunnies c/o Ditto

Septimo Ring

The Webster x Target Hat 

Jamaica Bikini c/o Maya Swimwear

Photos by Bella Mente Photography

ANTM Premiere Night PJ Party Hangout

If you try to view the hangout before we go live at ~9PM EST you may have to refresh this page.

Summer Blues

Photos by Bella Mente Photography

There's nothing better than a dress that you can just throw on and feel instantly pretty! This gorgy one-shoulder frock was sent to me by the sweet online boutique Prim+Proper and even got boyfriend's seal of approval. It's the kind of dress you just want to twirl in. Besides the fact that it happens to be the perfect shade of pool blue, the bell sleeve and nipped in waistline make it oh-so-very-flattering. Come fall I'll be wearing this baby with black tights and booties...and twirling.

Got the summer blues? (no pun intended) Shop Prim+Proper's Summer Sale & save 20% sitewide. This dress is practically highway robbery at under $40.

What I Wore

Dress c/o Prim+Proper

Earrings by Aldo 

I'm Hanging Out with... Tyra Banks?!

Words I never thought I'd say, but it's true!

Tune in to the CW on Friday, August 24th at 8pm EST for the premiere of America's Next Top Model Cycle 19 - THEN- Join us for the official after party at 9PM EST on Google+ with Tyra Banks herself, ANTM judges Rob Evans and Kelly Cutrone, and special guests - including ME! http://plus.google.com/+TyraBanks

Leave your questions for Tyra & the crew in the comments below, or tweet me at @KellysKloset using hashtag #ANTMhangout.

School of Rock

As a kid, back to school season meant one thing: back to school shopping! A new school year was a chance to reinvent myself, try out a new style, and forget the fashion mistakes (yes, everyone has them!) of the past. But every fall there are certain trends that just keep coming back... for my latest collaboration with Bella Mente Photography I took the classic school girl look and gave it a rock n' roll edge. Plaid backpack? Check! Circle Skirt? Check! Denim? Check! Studded leather pumps?....

I've been rocking glasses since the fourth grade and have pretty much perfected the geek chic look. (What, did you think Dwyane Wade started that?!) Thanks to Collins Bridge, these red Sagamore Glasses offer the perfect pop of color.

What I Wore

Glasses c/o Collins Bridge  

Vinyl Skirt by Furor Moda 

Bebe Ivy Spikes & Studs Platform Pump

Target Mossimo Plaid Backpack

GET THE LOOK

Hangout with Gossip Girl Costume Designer Eric Daman!

As if I didn't love the man enough already for complimenting my Gossip Girl style earlier this Summer, the amazing Eric Daman will be joining me for a Google+ Hangout on Air on Tuesday evening! Set your alarm clocks for 9PM EST and join us right here where the feed will be streaming live. We'll be discussing the latest episode of "The Daman Chronicles," premiering Tuesday, August 14th at noon on Cambio.com, and hopefully getting some insight on the much anticipated Sex & The City prequel "The Carrie Diaries."

Join the Conversation!
Leave your questions for Eric in the comment section below, tweet me at @KellysKloset, or post to my Google+ page. Use the tag #EricDamanHOA. Make sure to tune in, you may get a personal shout out from Eric!

XOXO

LIVE: BucketFeet Hangout with Miami Fashion Bloggers

Bucketfeet Giveaway (Closed)

Enter below to win a unique pair of sneakers from BucketFeet valued at $65 (your choice!) Then tune in on Wednesday, August 1st at 2:30PM ET as I join fellow Miami Fashion Bloggers Ginger, Kristin, and Maria for a LIVE Hangout on Air with BucketFeet co-founder Raaja Nemani, and Brazilian artist Felipe Motta on Google Plus. The hangout will be streamed live right here!


What are BucketFeet? 
The unique and comfortable shoes began as a hobby for co-founder and creative director Aaron Firestein, who used to scribble on his canvas sneakers while attending college in 2007. After moving to Argentina to pursue a career in photography, Firestein decided he wanted to "create a platform to connect artists to people around the world," and teamed up with friend & business partner Raaja to launch BucketFeet in 2011.

BucketFeet gives back to artists by purchasing their work, and paying them royalties for every pair of shoes they sell. They also support kids through programs in art, music, and sports. Because Aaron and Raaja met volunteering with kids, it's important for them to stay true to the story of the brand. With every purchase, they donate a percentage of sales to  non-profit partners.






To Enter:
Contest entries only valid if verified through rafflecopter widget below. Earn extra entries by tweeting once per day!

(Giveaway Rules: Contest open only to US Residents. Winner will be announced during Hangout on Air on 8/1/12 at 2:30PM ET.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To Dye For

{ZARA Dress & Shoes - AtikShop Clutch - Forever 21 Necklace}

This is exactly how I want to spend the rest of my summer - lounging. (While this may look very glamorous, I assure you that I was sweating up a fierce storm in what felt like 100 degree temps.) My second collaboration with Bella Mente Photography looks like a watercolor painting, and is again set at the gorgeous Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami. The picturesque waterfall and surrounding greenery made me feel like I was vacationing in Italy! (I wish!) The landmark property was actually built to look like a 400-year-old Italian estate, commissioned by American industrialist James Deering in the early 1900's. Today Vizcaya is the go-to for bridal shoots and some of the most exclusive galas - and blogger girls looking to take pretty pictures. A dress this good deserved a great photo, after all.

Creative Direction/Styling by Kelly Saks | Photography by Andrea of Bella Mente Photography

{ZARA Dress & Shoes}

{Forever 21 Necklace - AtikShop Python Clutch - Henri Bendel Ring - OPI Simply Smashing Polish}

P.S. Don't forget there are 2 active giveaways: Techcessories (for a cool wireless mouse & iPhone accessories!) and Win Your Way Into Fashion Week for 2 tickets to Funkshion Fashion Week this Saturday!

P.P.S Check out the new Instagram tab above! Follow me on instagram (username: kellysaks) for a live photo stream from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim & other Swim Week events in Miami.

Win Your Way Into Fashion Week! (Closed)

If you read the Stress Free Guide to Miami Fashion Week 2012 but still want to experience Fashion Week like a local celebrity- I've got you covered!

YouthH2O is treating one lucky reader and their guest to the VIP experience at a Funkshion Fashion Week event in Miami on Saturday, July 21, 2012.

Enter below by sharing why you want to attend fashion week! Contest is now closed. Congrats to Laura Louis!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Regarding Selection: Winner will be chosen using rafflecopter and notified via email by 9AM on Saturday 7/21/12. Must be 21+ years old to win.