Shoe Staple: Oxfords

As beautiful as spring weather is, its also unpredictable.  You just never know how the weather is going to be.  And just because its cold when you leave the house doesn't mean its going to stay like that all day and vice versa.  This is why its so important to layer, layer, layer during this season so you're always prepared.  Watch my segment here on last week's Yahoo Style and Beauty's "Style on the Street" where we show you fashionable ideas on how to look trendy while being practical for the weather.

What we wear for shoes in this weather is equally important.  I love wearing sandals but with the threat of rain or even just the fact that we might be doing errands all day long Oxfords are the perfect shoe to look chic in while staying comfortable.

I got my silver Zara blucher shoes last year and was so happy I did.   I honestly debated them for awhile but they are just so comfortable and elevate your look just a tad bit more than with sneakers.  I wear them with skinny jeans, my boyfriend jeans, i love them with a-line skirts, lace shorts, you name it, i probably paired them with it.

I'm loving some of the new styles this year with the cutouts - it might need to be my new investment. I'm also loving the platform/flatform trend - it gives the look a younger funner feel.  And being 5'3" I'll take all the help I can get to add some inches ;)

Here are some of my fav finds so far:

Clockwise starting from top left:  Summit // Louise Et Cie // Shelly's London // Loeffler Randall // Zara // Kelsi Dagger // Marc Fischer // Summit //Loeffler Randall

xoxo,  Karen

Spring florals

I know its so cliche but I look forward to wearing my florals for spring.  Isn't it kind of fun finding the right floral print for the season?  It's like a treasure hunt.  First you have to look for the right silhouette of the item of clothing, then the colors grab your attention, and last but not least, the print plays an important part in it.  Oh and of course the price has to be right.  But when you find the right one you just love wearing your prized find.

I've rounded up some of my favorite Spring floral blouses this season.  I'm envisioning all of these with chambray culottes and white Keds with big statement sunnies.

Clockwise from top left: Madewell // Sun & Shadow // Nordstrom // Zara // Cupcakes and Cashmere // Sun & Shadow // Lovers & Friends

Yahoo Style and Beauty: Easter Sunday Brunch OOTD

So the cat's out of the bag!  I've been working on this really cool project with Yahoo Style and Beauty where each week they give us a different theme to work with to come up with an outfit of the day. They chose 10 style influencers from around the country for this and I'm beyond excited to be one of them!  I'm in great company!

This week's theme was Easter Sunday Brunch.  You can watch the video here to see what I think of when i think of Spring and Easter Sunday.

Here's my final look:

I'm obsessed with cold shoulder styles at the moment so I really wanted to wear this light weight sweater from H&M.  It's in a beautiful blush color with ruffle details by the shoulder.  I paired it with a pretty A-line skirt in an eyelet material from JCrew.  Because my overall look was neutral in color I really wanted to add a pop of color which I did with my shoes.  I thought this look was fun, flirty and appropriate for Sunday Brunch.  Hope you like my look!  See below for links to purchase similar items.  And stay tuned for future episodes of Yahoo's "Style on the Street."

xoxo,  Karen

HM Sweater // Celine Sunglasses // similar  Jcrew skirt // DSW shoes // similar bag

Neck Party

Gimme all the neckerchief's!!  I've always loved beautiful vintage scarves.  My girlfriend, Alba Nela, who is an amazing stylist introduced them to me when we visited some consignment shops years ago and I've been obsessed since.  She uses her scarves as belts with her jeans, she uses them as bracelets wrapped around her wrist.  She's even mixed it together with chains for a tough yet classy look.

I usually love pairing mine with the staple white button down.

 @parisandalatte

@parisandalatte

But I'm loving how these fashionistas styled theirs with a classic stripe tee and a black jumper.

(image via: Bright on the day)

(image via: Louise Roe) 

I love how we've been seeing a lot of the neckerchief's on the streets lately.  Last year it was all about the paisley, casual-cool bandanas.  But this year its all about that colorful, Hermes - style vintage print scarf that totally make your outfit.  I've rounded up a few styles that I've found at local retailers with great price points.  Enjoy!

xoxo,  Karen

Clockwise from top left:  Aldo // Zara // TopShop // Express // Express // Tory Burch

Spring Style with Shop Pink Blush

If you haven't heard of them, let me introduce you to Shop Pink Blush.  This trendy online boutique has so many great, easy styles for the everyday mama.  The clothes transition really well from maternity pieces to stylish pieces for women.  I love how they have a great assortment of clothes as well as accessories that are basic yet incorporate a lot of the current trends - all for great price points.

I went back and forth between their large assortment of boho chic floral maxi dresses that were just screaming out spring and all their pretty, feminine tops with touches of ruffles, cold shoulders, and so many fun details.  I finally chose a light blue ruffle off shoulder blouse and literally fell in love as soon as I opened up the package.  I love everything about it from the light airy fabric which is perfect for summer to all the trends it incorporates into this one piece.  It's an over the shoulder style which I consistently feel sexy in without feeling too over the top.  I love how it has a a large ruffle which is all the rage at the moment. And my favorite part of it are the bell sleeves.  I see bell sleeves all over instagram, blogs, magazines, and i love the drama it eludes.

(Click on the picture above to shop this ruffle top directly!) 

I paired it with my skinny jeans and a sexy pair of heels in a fun pop of color which I thought was a fun look for spring.  But I'm already envisioning a fun version for summer paired with white shorts and cute cognac colored wedges, with a bright color neckerchief for a Jackie O feel.  Oh, and of course, a pair of great oversized sunglasses ;)

I definitely recommend their pieces and I hope you fall in love with their comfortable yet feminine styles like I did.  Check out their website www.shoppinkblush.com or check out their instagram @shoppinkblush profile today!


Just to share my love for Shop Pink Blush, I'll be hosting a fun giveaway on my instagram account @parisandalatte.  One lucky winner will receive a $50 PinkBlush gift card giveaway! Be sure to follow me on instagram and stay tuned!

xoxo,

Karen

Spring Shades

I always love a good statement accessory.  In the past its always been statement jewelry or even a statement bag.  But lately, I've been obsessed with statement sunglasses.  They are super fun and make you look fab even when you're feeling less than 100%, 

(credit: WhenWearNow)

 I usually gravitate towards designer sunglasses because I've always stuck to basic silhouettes like the Celine mirrored aviators since I wear them on a daily basis.  But since I'm looking at more trendy styles nowadays, I don't mind getting more fashionable, value priced styles.  

Here are some of my fav's for the spring season.  These have been on rotation for the past few weeks and I'm loving them!!

 Details clockwise from top left: sold online but bet you can still find at the store. but here's a similar style black cat eye // gold trim glasses //oversized aviators // rectangle sunglasses // blush pink sunglasses  

There are so many fab styles out there.  Have fun hunting.  If you like some of the styles from Nora NYC you can use the code "NewShades" at check out to get 10% off your order! 

xoxo, Karen

California vibes

We just came back from an amazing trip to the west coast to visit my sister. She lives in the central coast in California right in the middle between San Francisco and Los Angeles.  It is so gorgeous by her I can't even explain.  Picture lush rolling hills with rows and rows of vineyards and wineries atop every hill.  It reminded me of our drives in the past through France.  The weather was a breezy 70 degrees so it was just perfect for our little vacation.

I wore this cute outfit with a 70's feel for the occasion.  I planned it around these fun sunnies that I thought were screaming out California vibes.  I thought they were different and I love the blush color. The jeans I splurged a bit from Madewell but I always love the fit and feel of Madewell denim.  The raw edge is so on trend and the button up fly is a fun detail.  My favorite part of the look though is this satin feel kimono/bomber.  The floral print is so perfect for the warmer weather and I can't wait to pair it with white shorts in the summer or to cover up over my swimsuits at the beach.

Here are the details of my look.  xoxo, Karen

Details: clockwise from top left: Jacket // Shoes // Jeans // Sunglasses //Bucket Bag

Paris and a Latte

Ok my friends - I am taking the plunge.  It's April, its a new month, and its time to move on.  I've officially changed my Instagram name to @parisandalatte.  I chose this name years ago for my blog.  I wanted something catchy but something that was ME.  I've always blogged here and there but it was a trip to Paris that inspired me to really do it.  I love traveling and instagram is always my main way of sharing my travels and experiences with all of my friends and family.  I love how the word Paris eludes glamour, fashion, and wanderlust all in one.  Lattes are my core.  I cannot live without coffee.  I am a night owl - there's something peaceful about being up by myself while the kids are asleep working, reading, relaxing by candlelight.  But that comes with the price and having a HARD time waking up when the kids wake up at the break of dawn.  So coffee and lattes it is.

Thank you again for following my blogging journey.  I love sharing my fashion, my travels, my family, and all things lifestyle with you.

xoxo,

Karen