Flower Power (a true awakening)

Flower Power (a true awakening)

Flower Power (a true awakening)

Flower Power (a true awakening)

I smile wholeheartedly when I see flowers speckling the landscape of what is called a “fashionable life” (like the dress pictured in the blog by Clover Canyon.) And while a gorgeous, garden extravaganza on any garment is a clothing trend now, for me “Flower Power (a true awakening)” is a way of life. Find out why at www.wsvn.com or to buy the dress featured in the blog, click here: www.kokopalenki.com
Happy Spring!

Out on a Lim (with fashionable Phillip)

Out on a Lim (with fashionable Phillip)

Out on a Lim (with fashionable Phillip)

Out on a Lim (with fashionable Phillip)

Provocative, utilitarian and deliciously modern: that’s how I would describe fashion designer Phillip Lim’s creations. He’s the kind of artist that stays true to his own vision, despite what’s going on around him. Phillip naturally bucks the trends, toils in his own world and continues producing some of the most enticing fashion of today.

Phillip recently came to Miami for the launch of his shop-and-shop at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour. Click here: www.wsvn.com to read my conversation with the fashion savant. You can also find Phillip’s creations (like his signature pants, similar to the pair featured in the blog) at www.31.philliplim.com

Wednesday, April 23, 2014 ,

Fabulously Fat (the return of the low & wide heel)

Fabulously Fat (the return of the low & wide heel)

Fabulously Fat (the return of the low & wide heel)

Fabulously Fat (the return of the low & wide heel)

Fabulously Fat (the return of the low & wide heel)

The chunky heel of the moment is all about being comfortable, classy and choosing a shoe with charisma. It’s totally unexpected and unique. Not only that, it’s a nice change from the typical sky-high, single sole heels we often torture our feet with.

The best way to wear this look is to pair it with a fab onesie (definitely the must-have outfit of the moment) or a long dress that doesn’t need a lot of shoe power, as in height.

I prefer my “Fabulously Fat” (the return of the low & wide heel) with an open-toe and strong straps (pictured in the blog.) I’d tell you which brand to buy, but the shoe is literally everywhere. You’ll find it online, at your favorite department store, even at expensive shoe boutiques. Remember, not all shoes are created equal, so try them on for size to find the best fit.

I say, buy a pair in your go-to-brand and whether that’s Prada, Steve Madden or Boutique 9, you’ll be right on trend. The “low & wide” heel for Spring is very blocky, so wearing it with romantic clothing streamlines the look.

Find out why I love the return of this mod look by clicking here: www.wsvn.com or to snag either pair of the comfy, chic shoes I’m wearing in the blog, click here: www.kokopalenki.com

Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 , ,

Kool Kicks

Kool Kicks

Kool Kicks

Kool Kicks

Kool Kicks

Okay, ladies… it’s time to tuck those high-heel sneaker wedges in the back of your closet and give your classic Chuck Taylor’s their own comfy corner to rest in. This Spring and Summer it’s all about trading in your favorite tennis shoes for something called “Kool Kicks.”

The latest and greatest in the relaxed sports shoe craze is basically a recreation of the 1976 old school Vans “Slip-On.” The shoe, originally called “The #44,” was made popular by professional skateboarders and BMX riders in Southern California.

Fast forward almost thirty years later and the fashion world is adhering itself to the same style. “Kool Kicks” have a thick, white rubber bottom that hugs up the side of the shoe, creating a boat-like effect.

They come in a plethora of different colors and prints. My favorite “Slip-On” is designed by ASH. I love how they mix and match muted animal prints and then pop the heel tab with bright colors. It’s definitely a fashionable way to funk up your shoe wardrobe.

Want more sneaker action? For my full Alley Oop of an article click here: www.wsvn.com or to buy the “Kool Kicks” by ASH, pictured in the blog, click here: www.kokopalenki.com

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 , , ,

The Softer Side of Structured Fashion (Featuring Donna Karan)

The Softer Side of Structured Fashion (Featuring Donna Karan)

The Softer Side of Structured Fashion (Featuring Donna Karan)

The Softer Side of Structured Fashion (Featuring Donna Karan)

The Softer Side of Structured Fashion (Featuring Donna Karan)

Fashion designer Donna Karan made a stop in Miami recently, to launch her shop-in-shop at Saks Fifth Avenue in Bal Harbour. She showed off her 2014 Spring collection at the SLS Hotel on South Beach. I had the chance to get up-close and personal with the style icon, who told me about her new line, gave some great fashion advice and even ribbed me about wearing uncomfortable shoes!

Click here to read the article: www.wsvn.com or browse her new collection, that’s sure to inspire the beautiful bohemian babe inside of you www.donnakaran.com.