SPRING ESCAPES 2012 “Your guide to your Spring & Summer wardrobe”
*Brahmin Handbag, Ted Rossi Cuff, Nina Shoes
Kitten Lounge’s Spring Escapes Guide is bringing together a number of fab finds that I have come across to get us prepared for Spring to transition into the Summer and of course to refuel our closets! As many of you know, as an ambassador for Sebago, I appeared throughout last year sharing what was on trend with this brand on HSN. I will be back on air March 22nd at 4am and 5pm sharing more shoes and also launching a few pairs from my Kimmie Smith x Sebago Spring 12 collection (see the entire group here)! Above are the 3pairs that will be available on HSN.com as well as on air. You will see me chatting about Pontoon (a style that is new to the Sebago family) which is available in Navy and White Gingham as well as a Tan option. In addition, I created a Dusty Lilac boat shoe from their classic Spinnaker.
I grew up having custom clothing and even now, my closet is pretty 50/50. My desire for custom clothing comes in knowing that my items will fit exactly as they are meant to be AND that I won’t see myself coming and going! Couture by Sophie (run by Jody Miller and her baby – Sophie) feels the exact same way and ensures that you’re four legged friend is dressed to perfection with a custom made coat. For those in NYC, you may be able to arrange a consultation where you can have your pup measured, choose fabrics and the right buttons. For those outside of the city, Couture by Sophie shows you how to measure your little friend. Either way, your pup is secure in knowing that the sidewalk is the new runway! Follow in Sophie’s footsteps by following her @SavvySophie and her business partner, Jody Miller @MillerJody.
I became aware of Brahmin Handbags last spring thanks to an email that came to me from their PR! It was a great day that led to me not only having an appreciation of the brand, bags and marketing team but also led to me being asked to be a part of the Vogue Influencer Network! Since my first event, Kitten Lounge readers have seen a number of their bags at our events, on the site and more! I fell in love with the Nicolette Dream Bag ($395) which was created by a team of bloggers! Make sure to check out the entire Dream Blogger Collection. I love that Brahmin listens to the needs of their customers as well as thinking ahead to what the trends are. When we all worked together in creating bags to be a part of this line, I can assure you (as I have designed with a number of brands and love learning how everyone’s process is different) that their process in design is not only analytical but a lot of fun to participate in. Of course Kitten Lounge will also share the new bags that will be in the next group of bags to be launched within the Dream Blogger Collection! Stay tuned to more pieces by following @Brahmin.
THE BLUE REPORT
As an Accessories Expert, Kitten Lounge allows me to share a number of brands and pieces that I love which can be worn with a number of looks. It also encourages me to continue building my knowledge base so that I can bring new options to you! I’m all about this shade of blue as we all know that neon and brights are always on trend when temperatures start to rise. I love Hobo The Original's Skyler – Vintage Clutch ($64) which has an opening that is like a coin purse and extends the depth of the bag! This is perfect to wear with denim, cute dresses, jumpsuits and a lot more. You’ll see another bag that is definitely wardrobe worthy within this guide and make sure to follow @HoboTheOriginal. I also have a new shoe brand that I’m obsessed with – Miss Trish. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet Trish and loved that like me; she loves over the top accessories and knows how to present shoes in a new way. I’m all about wedges this season and this Blue Leopard Print/Blue Patent pair is a must to go into your wardrobes to spice things up. She has a number of fabulous shoes so follow her imagination at @MissTrishShoes.
Although many of us enjoyed amazing weather during this past winter, we all love knowing that it’s officially Spring and that we can now have playtime when it comes to our footwear. This winter, I have been rocking a number of pairs from Wanted as I’m obsessed with knee and thigh high boots! They are great ways to complete my looks! But now that it’s Spring, I had to share a number of pairs of shoes that I have my eye on from retro, ankle sandals, breathable ballet shoes and see through sneakers – changing your look was never so much fun! Stay in step with what’s up next by tuning into @WantedShoes.
TRAVEL BEAUTY MUSTS
Whether it’s for work or fun, I find that my beauty products are the second to my accessories in terms of packing them up. I love exfoliating and when I was given a sample of GlamGlow Mud Mask ($69), my search for the perfect exfoliant ended! I love that it is comprised of volcanic pumice rock, French Riviera kaolin sea clay and pieces of green tea leaf. It leaves a tingle and I love how my skin feels after, definitely worth staying connected to @GlamGlowMud. Recently, I started using Dr. Loretta’s Lavender Milk ($19) which is a great cleanser that I like to use with my Clarisonic. Not only does it cleanse my skin but it’s refreshing. The doctor is always in when you follow @DrLoretta. I’m a huge fan of Dior beauty products in general for skincare and makeup. I’m never without Dior Addict Lip
Glow ($30) which moisturizes my lip as well as creating a nice glow. Use it alone or on top of your gloss or lipstick. I also love using Dior Capture Totale One Essential ($95) which regenerates the skin. As an Avon Brand Ambassador, I love learning about the brand as well as sharing products that I’m obsessed with. One of those is Avon Anew Platinum Night ($38) which is a fab moisturizer to use at night or after various makeup applications. Find out what new products, events and more are going on at @AvonInsider. When I do multiple HSN segments throughout one day, I have a number of beauty looks that I wear for each one, having the moisturizer soothes my skin and allows it to rest. Finally, I love Besame Cosmetics’ Sweetheart Balm ($18) – I love the sheer color and the fact that it moisturizes my lips. Follow their beauty journey at @BesameGirl.
Whether you’re home or heading out to a friend’s for brunch, you want to share that feeling with them. I’m loving Bota Box which is wine in a box, reinvented! Offered in 3L (which is 4 bottles of wine) or 500ml (3 glasses of wine), Bota Box allows you to drink your favorite kinds of wine I’m a fan of their Moscato, Malbec and Redvolution! These premium California wines are packaged in environmentally friendly containers and last up to 6 weeks after opened. I love that you don’t have to fiddle with the corks and it’s easy to take with you when taking it to your desired destination! Find out more at @Bota_Box!
TRAVEL BEAUTY MUSTS
I travel quite a bit and most of my trips are a mixture of work and play! When I found out that Paul and I were on our way to Santa Monica for his Social TV conference, I knew that I wanted to check out the city! Although I go to LA quite a bit, I had never checked out this area which is a hop, skip and jump away. I contacted the Santa Monica Tourism Board @GoSantaMonica for key areas I wanted to focus on and of course, it was a no brainer that we would stay at the Loews on Santa Monica Beach @LoewsSMBeach (I love that we had a
view of the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach and we were near quite a bit of shopping). This is definitely a place to hang out if you need some time outside of LA! ACCESSORIZING WITH CORAL TRENDS
This season, everything is about adding in coral hues. It’s a great way to add in color to the simplest of outfits and a way to be dynamic. I love Rebecca Minkoff’s Mac Coral ($295) bag which is perfect to rock with denim. With so many new accessories styles and hues, stay in touch by chatting with @RebeccaMinkoff. Love Quotes ($90) is one of my fave scarf brands and is the perfect way to add in a little something to the overall look. With all of this coral,
it’s fun to have a neutral piece. Ted Rossi’s Punk Python Pyramid Punk Cuff Bracelet ($190) is the perfect way to add in edge to a number of looks this Spring and Summer. Follow one of my favorite accessory brands that knows a thing or two about python by joining the conversations of @TedRossiPR. Finally, make fun steps with Delman’s Falon ($250) patent quilted ballet shoe, stay on trend @DelmanShoes.
Get your daily style fix by reading Kitten Lounge to get my latest Accessories Expert tips and lifestyle musts! Follow my tweets at @CocoaBebe and @KittenLounge! Find out where I’m heading off to, appearing next or to work with you on bringing inspirations to your look and closet at She’s Kimmie.
From Dishes to Nambe
Whether it’s on your rooftop or for a group of friends, rising temperatures make you think of creating fun dishes! When I think of something that always makes me happy, Dishes is always on my list. I’m obsessed with chicken and for lunch this is one of the best things to have at Dishes here in NYC, stay tuned and follow @DishesToGo! We have shared recipes from dishes on Kitten Lounge and I know that this is one that you’ll want to make! This weather is perfect for salads and I love Nambe’s Heritage 7-pc Salad Bar Set in Espresso ($185) which is elegant and makes your table took fabulous. Find more items that are perfect for your home of gifting by following @NambeUSA.
Roasted Apricot Dijon Chicken Ingredients: 2 chickens (3 ½ lb), cut into quarters, backs removed, brined 2 cups apricot jam 1 cup dried apricots soaked overnight in warm water 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup soy sauce (Dishes uses Kikkoman brand) 2 Tablespoon white wine vinegar 2 Tablespoon garlic, chopped 2 Tablespoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the dried apricots to make a marinade. Mix together, then set aside one cup of this mixture. Add chicken to the bowl, cover and let it marinate in room temperature for half an hour or in a refrigerator for up to 6 hours. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place the chicken skin side down in a large shallow baking pan and pour marinade on top. Roast for 25 minutes. Remove baking pan from the oven and turn the chicken so that the skin is now facing upward. Drain the apricots and scatter them around the chicken in the baking pan. Brush the remaining cup of marinade over the chicken and apricots and continue roasting for 20-30 more minutes or until the chicken juices run clear when you prick the skin.
Last year during NYFW in September, I was invited to a tasting dinner to sample all the wines that were offered by Cupcake Vineyards. I have always been a lover of white wines as I tend to find a number of wines that are red to be a bit too heavy. That night, I fell in love with Red Velvet a rich red wine that always goes down smooth. Then, it was their newest product that they were releasing. Now, they have Angel Food which is a white wine as well as their Riesling. My wine journey has increased over the past almost 10 years that I have lived in NYC; however, Cupcake Vineyards makes it easier for me to purchase as I love the cute names, labels and offerings. It’s definitely perfect with meals, girl’s night outs and much more! Find out your favorite and tweet @CupcakeVineyard.
Earlier in the year, Kilgour (known for their bespoke suits) was in the US setting up appointments to work with men seeking their tailor craftsmanship. Because of the high interest, they created a series of dates throughout this year (as well as a number of cities) to continue providing elegant suits! Although customers can visit Saville Row, Kilgour’s home, having your suits done within your preferred city is the height of luxury. Having the option to meet a tailor in person who is creating your garment to your specifications is essential when talking about owning a bespoke suit. Your tailor will work with you on you suits, jackets, trousers and shirts. Below is the USA Schedule for 2012 that the tailors will be traveling. To book an appointment to meet with highly skilled tailoring specialists, please contact: travel@kilgour.com.
USA Schedule 2012 April 2012 New York: 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th - Carlyle Hotel ~Andrew Skillen & Michael Smith Palm Beach: 20th, 21st - The Colony Hotel ~ Paul Vanoli & Delroy Smith Dallas: 22nd, 23rd - The Crescent Court Hotel ~ Paul Vanoli & Delroy Smith New York: 24th, 25th, 26th - The Soho Trump ~ Paul Vanoli & Delroy Smith
July 2012 New York: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th - Carlyle Hotel ~ Andrew Skillen & Gordon Alsleben Washington: 9th, 10th - The St. Regis Hotel ~ Andrew Skillen & Gordon Alsleben Chicago: 11th, 12th - The Trump Tower Hotel ~ Andrew Skillen & Gordon Alsleben Los Angeles: 14th, 15th, 16th - The Ch창teau Marmont ~ Martin Crawford & Delroy Smith San Francisco: 17th - The Grand Hyatt ~ Martin Crawford & Delroy Smith New York: 18th, 19th, 20th - The Soho Trump ~ Martin Crawford & Delroy Smith
October 2012 New York: 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th - Carlyle Hotel ~ Andrew Skillen & Michael Smith Miami: 18th, 19th - The Delano Hotel ~ Martin Crawford & Delroy Smith Palm Beach: 19th, 20th, 21st - The Colony Hotel ~ Martin Crawford & Delroy Smith Houston: 22nd, 23rd - St. Regis Hotel ~ Martin Crawford & Delroy Smith New York: 24th, 25th, 26th - The Soho Trump ~ Martin Crawford & Delroy Smith
ACCESSORIZE BRIGHTS
As an Accessories Expert, I’m the first one to say that everything can and must accessorized without question! I adore that brights are the perfect items for Spring and Summer – it’s the trend that continues to enthrall me! Hobo The Original makes it second appearance with The Annapolis Shopper in a fab fuchsia shade (be on the lookout as it will be available next week) and until then enjoy their founder, Koren’s favorite picks. Follow them at @HoboTheOriginal or check out their Facebook Page. Since I’m letting you know how I’m filling Hobo The Original’s, The Annapolis Shopper, let me know: What would you fill your @HoboTheOriginal Annapolis shopper with? This contest runs from now to March 21st
at 12pm EST. Make sure to include @HoboTheOriginal and @KittenLounge within your tweets. A winner will be randomly selected. I would fill my Annapolis Shopper with fun small leather goods! Your cash, credit cards and more are easy to carry with Marc Jacobs Quilted Deluxe Zip Wallet ($425) – a vibrant yellow is always fun to have on you, tweet the use of your find to @MarcJacobsIntl. I spend a lot of my time in airports and we all know the drill when we’re there. For easy access, Brahmin’s Andie Patent Travel Wallet ($75) is perfect for everything you need. My beauty product has to be an arm grasp away so Lanvin’s Amalia Cosmetic Pouch ($593) @LANVINofficial has a cute container to put everything in. Finally, nothing is more annoying than change running around in your pouch so ensure that it stays put by being included in Tiffany & Co’s Coin Purse ($75) – classic elegance and completely all about function! Follow one of my favorite jewelers at @TiffanyandCo.
SORBET NIGHTS
Whether it’s with a special someone or you simply enjoy being coordinated even when it’s night, I think it’s important to always look super cute! This is also perfect for the girl that works from home and decides to stay in to get a number of items taken care of. On these occasions, why not dress in a completely relaxed way as we have to take it easy as best as we can! This spread show how you can opt for a monochromatic look OR you can pop this fabulous Burberry Brit Stretch Silk Satin Robe ($295) @Burberry over this yellow Carine Gilson Theme Louise Lace Trimmed Silk Satin Camisole ($745) and Shorts ($405). Both of these are available at one of my favorite online boutiques, Net-A-Porter. For those that love slips, I love it in fuchsia, trimmed with yellow lace by La Verite Lingerie which has a boutique of the same name in NYC – tweet them to see what they have at @LaVeriteNYC.
WORK CHIC
I’m all about working out and once again, when you do anything it should always be fashionable and accessorized! I love keeping certain things simple such as a Bleeker Tank ($125) from Rag & Bone which allows me to super comfortable thanks to @Rag_Bone. Pairing this over Adidas Active360 Solid Performance Pants ($35) is a perfect choice @Adidas. Typically, I work out in my 1970’s retro Adidas pants passed down from my dad. I’m a Reebok girl when it comes to my footwear @Reebok and I love my Reebok RealFlex Run Mesh ($79). When I’m at home, I love using my Core Body Reformer ($249) by Nautilus which allows me to do my Pilates at home and can stow away easily. This machine allows you to use your own body as its own resistance find out more by reaching out to
@AskCoreBody. When I exercise outside of the gym, I need to have a cute bag to tote everything to and from – I choose Anya Hindmarch’s Headline Printed Canvas Shopper! Find out about additional items from her line by tweeting @AnyaHindmarch.
Brulee has been a line that I have been a fan of for a number of years and I love that they are made in NYC too! I’m a huge fan of fuchsia so I had to share some of my fave pieces within this line. There are options for everyone within this line starting with the Vamp Cami with Short and is trimmed in black. For those who love a different look, there is the Noir Nightshirt and Pant trimmed with black. The Vamp Chemise incorporates my love for chevron as well as the Vamp Elle Teddy. Finally, there is another teddy option with the Vamp Ava Teddy trimmed with black. Find out your favorites or when new ones are available by @BruleeLingerie.