The Snood

Ever since I went to Sweden which was about six years ago, I fell in love with the versatility and beauty of scarfs which are such a big part of Sweden's fashion culture. They can be worn in many ways, with many different outfits, adding that perfect touch color and warmth to any outfit. This may be why I am also really enjoying the snood this season. A snood which is a cross between a scarf and a hood also boasts great versatility.  You can wear it draped over your head like a hood or coiled around your neck like a scarf - you decide but either way it will keep you looking chic,fashionable and toasty warm on those cold, long winter days - a must for anybody living in the north. 


If you don't already have one and you are interested in buying one, there are some great ones at ASOS which I have also been eyeing up!!

                           ASOS Popcorn Hand knit Fringe Snood

                                  ASOS Fringe Cable Snood

                                  Low Chunky Merino Snood

Madewell Order

I have just received my Madewell order made up of the following contents. I can't wait to wear them all as they are even better than I expected them to be!! I think the army work boots will quickly become one of my fall staples!!

XOXO,
Karen

Alley Cat!!

For the past two weeks,  I have been sitting on a combine for twelve hours a day (yes, I am somewhat of a farmer). And although my ipod is full of podcasts, Spanish language programs and some great music, I must say I am getting a bit bored. So, when we a got a day off due to some rain, we decided to head to the city to treat ourselves with some great food,drink and some treats.


Since I have been wanting a pair of Raybans for sometime now, I thought yesterday sufficed as the perfect day to buy some. Although I have numerous fake pairs in a variety of colors, I just felt like a real pair would change my world. There is just something about wearing a real pair of sunglasses; they feel a little bit heavier, a little bit more authentic and most importantly, make me feel like a million bucks. And although I didn't coordinate this outfit with my new Raybans, I think the combination is stunning.

Sunglasses: Rayban

Purse: ASOS

Belt: Zara

Snook: Joe Fresh

Blazer: Zara

Shirt: ASOS

Jeans: Zara

Boots: Frye

Ta Ta For Now, 

Karen

These Boots Were Made For Walking..... Really????

When I first started this blog, I was positive that I would never, ever, wear a pair of heels. First, I am a little bit clumsy and would hate to fall over and make a complete fool of myself. And second,  I always thought that I was tall enough and didn't need the extra lift. But, this season there were just way to many cute heels that I couldn't resist buying a pair.

While I do love the boots,  I am pretty sure that they do not love me. The first time I wore them, I soon realized that they were not for me. As I am already 5'9, the extra three inches made me tower over everybody and I think I looked like a giant. And since I am not used to wearing heels, my walk definitely exuded inexperience, resulting in a look that just did not seem like me. So, I have decided that 3 inch heels are I can longer be friends........

Booties: Diesel

Chair:  Gift From My Lovely Cousin Jessie

Puss och Kram,

Karen

Fall's Top Trends #2 - The Cape Coat

I must say the cape coat is one of my top trends this fall. First introduced in the 19th century, the cape coat has made a come back this season, as they were seen all over the runways and now they finally out in stores. The cape's old world feeling will be a welcomed addition to any fall wardrobe. Worn with a pair of skinny jeans  and tall riding boots will keep you warm on crisp autumn day.

                                                                Alexander Wang Fall 2010

                                                                                 Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2010

My favorite cape is from Steven Alan's fall collection. Unfortunately the navy (which is my favorite) is completely sold out. I am anxiously awaiting to see if they restock again before it is too cold to warm there here.

Fidelity Solid Long Cape: Steven Alan

                                                                          Military Cape: calypso-celle.com

Cheers,
Karen

A Vintage Vibe......

I have been feeling so uninspired by my wardrobe lately as you can probably tell by the lack of posts!! My closet is full of wonderful summer clothes as I completely skipped last winter since we were in my beloved Mexico. Now that fall is staring me right in the face and the warmth of summer is but a memory, I am faced with the fact that I must replenish my winter wardrobe. And while I know that I could go out and buy a few more, I am reluctantly doing so as I do not want my endless summer to end.

Luckily, the last few days have been warm enough to throw on some of the summer clothes that I have not had a chance to wear yet. I bought this cute dress in a nearby thrift store for one dollar. It is not very often you find something that fits you perfectly but this one does and I love it. I love the silhouette of the dress and of course the cut out bow on the back of the dress which have been very popular this season.

Dress: Vintage

Belt: American Apparel

Boots: Diesel

Tricycle: Was in our basement when we bought our house

XOX,

Karen

And The Winner Is.........

Using a random number generator to choose the winner, I am so pleased to announce that the winner of my first ever give-away is Samantha from A Glimpse of Glamour. A hip and modern blogger from Boston, MA, Samantha makes sure her blog is constantly updated with beautiful images and the latest fashion critiques so make sure you stop by her blog if you have some time!!

Thanks so much for all those who participated and I am sorry that the random number generator never picked you but there is always next time!! I had so much fun doing this give-away that I can't wait for the next one!!!


Ciao,
Karen

Modern Friendship Bracelets

I have noticed a growing trend of modern friendship bracelets this season. And while many of my friends have been wearing them for years, I think I am finally growing a liking and appreciation for them. They are not only a great gift idea to give to a friend but you can also buy one for yourself to remind you of a special event/occasion/trip. 

Dilly Dallis was giving these beautiful modern friendship bracelets away a few weeks ago.  And while I missed the give-away I thought they were so cute that I would share them with you!! They are handmade by Ayofemi Jewelry of Phoenix Texas and available on her Etsy store here. They come in a variety of colors but I think I like the eggplant or the orchid colors best. Be sure to check out her shop, she has lots of other great jewelry.

Have a lovely weekend,
Karen

White on White - Interior Design Inspiration

As I am sure most of you know, Dominic and I have been renovating out little prairie house.  My goal is to make our prairie abode look like a cute little Swedish Cottage. When I was living in Sweden, I spent many weekends with my lovely friends at their beautiful and quaint Swedish cottages. As a result I fell in love with the entire concept of Swedish cottage living and design.

My idea of the perfect Swedish cottage is a combination between modern and vintage. To achieve this look I am going for the white on white concept by layering different shades of white to create a room full of depth. By creating layers of white, the entire room becomes like an artists pallet - all of the other things in the room will hopefully pop with bursts of color like a great piece of art. 

Loppsilov is one of my favorite interior design blogs. The author is Swedish and I must say has an eye for style. Check it out if you have time, if not, I will leave you with a few of my favorite pics from her blog!

Hej Da,
Karen

Nothing But Blue Skys

I know that most of you are probably so sick of seeing this outfit, as it has been quite overplayed in the fashion world. But, this has realistically been one of my go to casual outfits this summer so I thought I would share it with you. I guess in some way I feel a connection with the prairie inspired essence of the jean on jean!! Either way - I love it!!!

Jeans: Zara

Shirt: Zara

Shoes: Friss Company

Adios Mi Bellas,

Karen

Fall's Top Trends - Leopard Print

I am loving so many of the fall trends that I thought I would share a few of them with you. I chose leopard print as my first trend to post because it is one of my favorites. Inspired by some of the top fashion designers, leopard print really hint the main stage this season and in a big way. While the runway featured entire outfits decked out in leopard print, we can follow the trend by simply adding a few leopard print accessories.


These are two of my favorite looks from the runway and definitely statement pieces!

Gucci

Balmain

I think this girl looks lovely with just a touch of leopard print. Pink and leopard print are a great color combo!!

Via Stockholm Streetstyle


While I am pretty sure that I can't afford any of the designer leopard print pieces, I have my eye on this beauty from ASOS. It will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine!!

Hope you are having a wonderful week,

Karen

My First Give Away

I have been waiting to reach 50 followers before I did my first give away. And since my fiftieth follower signed up a few days ago, I am delighted to be doing my first give-away.

I found these earrings at a local art festival last month and I bought a pair for myself. They are made and designed by Japanese Deigner Tomo of Tomo Jewelry and she is also on etsy. I loved them so much that I thought I would by a pair for you too. 

There are only two simple rules!!! 

1. You must be a follower of my blog on Blogger of Bloglovin or become a follower.

2. Leave me a message telling me that you are a follower and give me your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

The contest will be open until September 15,2010. Good Luck!!

XOXO,

Karen

Second Chances.....

Since I have started blogging, I have learnt a lot about myself and my own personal fashion style. Looking back over my outfit posts, I am not exactly proud of all of them. There is one in particular that has really been bothering me titled "Home is Where The Heart Is", in which I am also wearing these same pink shorts. I have had a lot of trouble trying to style these shorts. I think it is because they are loose fitting  and I think they require a tighter shirt on top to even things out. As such, it seemed to me that I may have had nothing in my closet that would nicely compliment these shorts. So I thought I would give myself a second chance at styling the shorts and ordered this lovely shirt from Asos which I think looks wonderful. I love the built in shoulder pads and the lace back - feels so feminine!!

I wore this outfit to the my the engagement party of my little brother Jordon and his lovely fiance Lacy. It was wonderful Thai themed party with lots of champagne, delicious food and of course Thai buckets (the classic Thai drink for foreigners - if you have ever been there, I am sure you know the ones I am talking about). Anyways, just wanted to say congrats to them - I can't wait to have another sister-in-law!!! So happy for you two!!!!

Shirt: Asos

Shorts: Zara

Shoes: Diesel

Black Bandeau: American Apparel

Belt: H&M

Much Love, 

Karen

Paris in Fall...

I have been dreaming about what Paris would be like in the fall. I kinda think that these photos do my dream some justice and I thought you might like to see them too!! The warm colors in the photos make me want to book a flight to Paris so that I could drink a stong cup of coffee and smoke a French cigarette. You can buy these photos by Francoise Rachez on Etsy. They come in groups and are super reasonably priced. Also check out her site for more great photos of Paris.

Aurevoir Mes Belles,

Karen

Bang Bang on the Door Baby!!!

So Weird to see my haircut under the title, "Four Cute Ways to Style Your Bangs" on Refinery 29. As a rule, I usually hate anything that has become mainstream so does that mean that my hair cut is no longer in style? This is one I have to think about!!

Check out the rest of the article, for some other cute ways to style your bangs!! I have been periodically trying out the 70's style part but I am still not sure if it suits me. I  think it will look a bit better when my bangs grow out a little more!! How do you wear your bangs??

Ta Ta,

Karen

All Aboard!!

My soon to be sister in law suggested to me that I give some fashion tips on my blog!! So just to be clear, these are the fashion rules that I, myself live by - they are not necessarily the right way, but they are my way. So here goes....

Fashion Tip #1 - Limit the amount of vintage pieces worn at one time!!!!

Designers today are constantly recycling trends and designs from past decades. While the designer may be inspired by these previous trends, they never sway far from the classic design of the item. While many of these original items are still out and about and in thrift stores, it has become a past time to find these one of kind treasures that have been hidden away for decades. As a result, fashionistas from around the world have begun to indulge in thrifting (the new hipster term for thrift shopping) and vintage clothing has become a part of most peoples daily wardrobes. While some people have chosen to go entirely vintage and have done a great job might I add, I have chosen to be a bit more modest with my vintage wearing. I find that wearing only one vintage item at any given time allows for that piece to really shine amongst the newer (usually less unique) items. Plus, by only wear one vintage item, it keeps the outfit looking modern and trendy yet a bit different as vintage usually means one of a kind.

For this outfit, my shoes are the one vintage item that I wanted to make a statement. I bought them a while ago from a thrift store for only 50 cents which I must say is a steal of a deal. They are real leather, made in Italy,  I am guessing they are circa 1970 or at least I would like to think so!! And while they are slightly different than many of the trendy sandals out there this season, I love them because they are mine and nobody else has them!!!

Jean Vest: Gap

Shirt: Asos

Skirt: Pink (Victoria's Secret)

Shoes: Vintage

Bangles: Fringe Festival

Necklace: Fringe Festival

Buon Giorno,

Karen