KENNETH COLE CHALLENGE: DAY 5…..

WHAT I WORE:
H&M: Skirt, Cropped Jacket &Necklace
Uknown: Top
Kenneth Cole: Pump
Forever21: Bracelets
Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope you all are having a wonderful week. Today’s look is a color combo that works well for this season. I tend to wear a lot of neon/camel combos it’s an essential part of my wardrobe! It’s retro, chic, and classy. What color combos have you worn lately? 
Check out my Guest Appearance on Vanchic by clicking HERE!
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Guest Blogger: Kim Clark……


































 

Happy Monday! I got the pleasure of interviewing Kim Clark from Vanchic and has an established youtube channel over at Vanchic Organization.


Her expertise is worth watching tune in weekly with the latest trends by getting organized, must-haves, and giveaways! These are some question that Kim answered with some tips to better organize my closet: 

1. Now what advice can you give me of 10 ways to organize my closet or space? 
A. Buy matching hangers. It allows the visibility to view clothes hanging at one level appearing unison and linear. Trash those wire hangers from the dry cleaner…they are free for a reason!
B. Categorize! Put ‘like with like’ and ‘type with type’. Put all cereals with each other, every shoe paired together, hair products are in one section, every sock in one sock drawer…categorizing defines a belonging hub for every item. 

C. Never have more than 3 objects on a flat surface counter-top. Organization is about balance, symmetry and visibility. But too many papers, trinkets, products and decor all on one surface is not chic.

D. File, not pile. Scan papers, cards and bills on a computer.  Paperless sleek homes are clutter-free and calendar savvy. Keep high-traffic areas (like the kitchen counter, home office and family room) the neatest.

E. The recycle method is the best way to go. Buy two new shirts, throw two old ratty ones away. Purchase one new magazine, throw an old one away.

F. Pick everything up off the floor. Having closet items sit on the floor adds bulk and stubs the foundation square footage; it completely shortens the height of the space.  Think upwards and think tall. Try to utilize new storage techniques such as ceiling storage, pull down swing rods, hanging curios, ceiling toy hammocks and corner shelving.

G. All “things” must have a belonging zone and place. If the hairbrush sits on the middle shelf in the bathroom cabinet then, put it back in the same spot when you are done using it.

H. The forefront section of a closet (aka the garments easiest to reach like top drawers or front hanging rod section) should only have non-comfy clothes. Because if you only put flip flops, Uggs, sweatshirts and t-shirts in the easiest-to-reach places then you’ll only want to wear those easy clothes. A real fashionista should want to pick through fancier innovative outfit mixes. It will influence you to reconnect with your daily fashion identity instead of getting too comfy in daily Uggs.

I. Mirrors make a closet look bigger and illuminates light. 

J. Tackle the big to-do’s list tasks first. Get the harder grind work out of the way because it will inspire you to organize the rest of your home and get projects done quicker.

2. Do you make a list of inventory in your wardrobe? How do you achieve this?
I don’t believe in making crazy lists, being strict OCD, hyper sharpie labeling things and writing everything down. It is too unrealistic, nobody has time for that. It reminds me of counting calories…you’ll track a food diary for a few days and then it becomes tedious. What I mean by ‘taking a closet inventory’ before organizing is getting to know what you already have. Shop your own garments first before hitting the stores. Take inventory of each category. Know the ball park numbers of quantity. I own 7 pairs of jeans, 20 socks, 15 black blouses, 9 tank tops…Once you have a mental inventory, think about staple items you are missing…like nude underwear, leggings, statement necklace and a blazer. Doing this prevents from buying duplicates or unneeded items. 

3. Some people say that the reason of clutter is, we like to hold onto things we don’t need, do you throw or give stuff to goodwill/salvation army? (i.e exchanging your clothes by going to clothing swaps events!)

Check out my video of what to do with clothes you never wear!  WATCH HERE

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/xEP3hwfmrqg&source=uds


Check out my video about how to get over the fear of purging! WATCH HERE

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Lgyp7WLrm5I&source=uds

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BLOGGER SCENE EVENT….

Happy Friday, a couple weeks ago I went to an event called Blogger Scene With A Purpose hosted by three bloggers a sister duo from  The Fashionably Broke and Ashley from Ashley In Dc. We got the chance to look as the sunset went down on the rooftop of Lost Society They did an amazing job of hosting such an informative blogger networking event. In the beginning I felt a little intimidated, but Ashley was so kind and gracious with introducing herself and making me feel welcomed! You never know what to except at these events, but they all had something in common their FASHION BLOGGERS?!?! Mind you, this event was like a mini-conference, by mingling with other bloggers to getting some tips on blogging. 

The finale of the night, we heard from three fashion forward panelist.
First up was Carlene, she gave us some tips about the twitter network and making yourself known on social media. It’s good to follow different fashion influences or magazines on twitter by keeping up with the latest trends. When you do tweet try to share links, tweet and re-tweet, and being involved with conversation that’s relevant to the conversation. 
Next up was Liz, she told us how to schedule between work and school or work and blogging? Which will help in how to better organize your blog post, and a technique of doing so is getting different apps on your phone when your blogging on the go! A big topic to always remember to maintain content. You must know, what your going to blog about by making a calendar which includes having features of other blogs, series on your blog, and editorial post. 

Lastly, Mel shared with us about photography aspect on composition and lighting.  You don’t need to have a fancy camera, you can totally use the camera on your phone. She said, “yes, you should have the best pictures on your blog, but you can buy lighting kits to get the best quality picture”. Also, it’s important to have editing programs especially Photoshop for your photos when needed.
Through this event, I learned that my readers need to know who I am, by being involved, and to just make time. What a great 3-hour event! 

Check out new Blogger Group blog on Fashion Blogger Line 

Photographer for the night John Robinson took extraordinary photos, check out more photos from the event here !

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KENNETH COLE CHALLENGE: DAY 4……


WHAT I WORE:

LC Lauren Conrad-Top
H&M-Pants &Sunglasses
Kenneth Cole: Pump
Vintage & Forever21: Accessories 
Vintage: Bag
Happy Thursday! This season cropped pants are everywhere and super comfy. They really can be worn with anything! I think as I was putting this outfit together I did not want to be too outrageous with bold colors. I picked this off-white ensemble which has such a fresh neutral vibe. Overall, I kept this look simple; however, it speaks volumes! 
My closet has different shades and styles of tailored tops and I try to pair them with grungy pants. It can make your look seem much more sophisticated but cool. “Don’t people from NY do that all the time?” What do you think?
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KENNETH COLE CHALLENGE: DAY 3

WHAT I WORE:
H&M: Skirt
Vintage: Top
 Target:Necklace
Kenneth Cole: Pump Shoe 
Vintage: Bag 
Happy Wednesday! Let’s get ready for Day 3: Challenge of the Kenneth Cole Pumps! I love dressing up at every chance I get. It could be attending church work, or even to the grocery store…lol. When I decided to put this look together, it reminded me of getting together with the ladies for afternoon tea. Back in the day, women would doll up….wearing the big hats, big full skirts, and the flower prints. I think the pink is such afternoon tea material! My look is afternoon tea remixed; it’s completely girly, fun, and has an edgy look (check out the back of this top). I am ready for afternoon tea, What do you think?
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KENNETH COLE CHALLENGE: DAY 2

WHAT I WORE:
Vintage: Shirt 
Kenya: Vest 
H&M: Jeans
Kenneth Cole: Pump
Forever 21: Accessories
TJMAXX: Headphones 
Happy Friday! This is Kenneth Cole Challenge Pump for Day 2. I was trying to dance to this song by Calvin Harris “Thinking  About You.” I know it would been so cool to do a video with this song maybe next time…..Lately, dancing makes me really happy, It gives me sense of calmness while I am taking photos…This song has such a good beat, I’ve literally listen to it almost 100 times straight!

When I wear casual looks, I tend to wear flats. I wanted to play with this look by adding high heels. This summer bright- colored pants are a bold fashion statement. They can make a bland outfit stand out. I think if I wore simple jeans this look would definitely not be the same. I was shopping in TJMAXX the other day and I saw these headphones and immediately I knew it would complete my look. I think my headphones also coordinate well with my Kenneth Cole pumps?

Do you like the headphone trend? What do you think about this look, do you think I’m ready to dance?
Calvin Harris-Thinking About You
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REVIEW: STELLA & DOT AND BLUSH MED INSTITUTE

Hello, Happy Sunday! A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of going to Blush Med Institute where they invited Stella & Dot’s, amazing stylist Rene Kauder , who hosted a fabulous trunk show. Immediately, she introduced herself and made me feel more than welcome. She gave me the freedom to choose from any of the Stella & Dot merchandise that appealed to me. For those of you that love to try on stuff, all Stella & Dot merchandise was displayed to be accessible to the customer. You could try on from different necklaces, bracelets, bags, and even scarves. That’s what I loved about this show; you were not pressured into purchasing items that are not your style.  I was excited to buy this trendy statement piece, a coral necklace! I cannot wait to get it in the mail soon!


Not only did I go to a pop-up trunk show, I got the chance to go to Blush Med Institute, a women’s spa in downtown Bethesda. Their experts gave me advice on how to treat my skin. They took the time to explain about different products they had and other treatments they could offer me at their spa. I hope I can go back again for a much needed, pampering, facial treatment!

Below are a few photos from this pop-up trunk show, and also some of my favorite wish list jewelry.  I pretty much want all of these things for myself, but they all worth waiting for!  I’ll definitely be purchasing more items from Stella & Dot soon!

Order online for any Stella & Dot merchandise by clicking here !

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUT MY AGE IS A SECRET…..

WHAT I WORE: 
Calvin Klein: Dress 
Forever 21: Top 
Old Navy: Cardy 
Target: Necklace 
Wet Seal: Booties 
Dooney & Bourke: Satchel Bag 
Ralph Lauren: Sunnies 

Happy Thursday! So Sunday was my BIRTHDAY, I’ll still be celebrating ’till the end of this week!……..oh yeah it was father’s day too (shoot out to my dad, he’s the best dad ever!)…I kept the celebration small with good friends and family. I’ve notices, whenever I’ve had a birthday people always ask my age, I’m usually scared tell them my age (Let’s see if you can guess my age?) Seriously, my face doesn’t match my age. Maybe I’ll appreciate this when I’m forty…

I made a list of seven things that I will try to accomplish for being one year older:

1. For this year,  my motto is out with old and in with the new
2. Getting rid of my old clothes that I don’t wear
3. Reflecting on my direction in my life (especially how to make my blog the way I want it to be )
4. Finishing things that I’ve started
5. My number 1 rule don’t waste time on silliness straight up I’m too old for silliness
6. Striving to be the best Akinyi I can be (Hopefully, you’ll like the new me)
7. Enjoying times spent with my close friends and family

Cheers to getting one year older and thanks for all the support that you all have given my blog !!!!

Tell me, what is the best or worst birthday you’ve had so far?

P.S. Sorry you can’t really see my dress, it’s a-line dress with green stripes. The pictures have too much lighting, I hope you still enjoy the photos!

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DAY 1: 7 DAY CHALLENGE OF KENNETH COLE……

 
WHAT I WORE:

Forever 21: Dress & Jacket & Bracelets
Rue 21: Necklace 
Nine West: Bag 
Kenneth Cole: Black Gold Pump
Makeup: Revlon Colorstay Liner 

Happy Monday! I forgot to mention, when I went to Hilton Head Island, SC (for my friends wedding), there were so many outlets. One of the stores, I came across was the Kenneth Cole store. I originally went into the store not wanting to buy anything.  I couldn’t resist, as I saw this shoe I absolutely fell in love…hahaha I tried on the shoe almost three times by the third time, I put the shoe back (crazy right?) The cashier was like your not getting that shoe it’s 50% off…What!?!? I literally ran back to get them, I told you I had fell in love…Such a steal!

Well, I have a confession,……I’m a polka dot MANIAC, I have everything imaginable of polka dots….lol. To me polka dots are like the new black, they’ll never go out of style. This print is incredibly playful, classic, and darn right you can wear it to any occasion. I decided to wear this dress to church, which is such a perfect church attire. What I love about this dress, you can change it from day to night by just adding more color with a bright necklace or bracelets.  Certainly polka dots are a timeless pattern, but by far eye-catching!

So, you’ll get the chance to see 6 more outfits with the Kenneth Cole pump at the end of this challenge rate the best look! Have a good rest of the week!
 

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CHEETAH ON FIRE……

WHAT I WORE:
Vintage: Skirt 
Forever 21: Cardy & Belt 
H&M: Top
Unknown: Flats 
Forever 21: Necklace 
Dooney & Bourke :Satchel Bag 
Happy Wednesday!  TREND ALERT: This season go buy prints and more prints by mixing & matching your favorite prints together! Try not to go to far with wearing prints that don’t compliment each other (I usually find one color focus that both prints have in common that sorta matches)…Otherwise, it will look tacky, you’ll know if you’ve made a fashion flop (This has happened to me where of gotten some weird stares!). 
My favorite print or I think I’ve gone a little obsessed with cheetah and any kind of cheetah print. I love wearing cheetah print tops with a bold color pant or skirt (I so wanted to wear this cheetah top with my yellow neon pants, maybe for next time?) I know if your like me you’re everyday shoes aren’t heels. I choose to keep this look casual with wearing my comfy spiky flats. You can’t go wrong with flats so, don’t be afraid to get your flat on! 
Do you love the cheetah trend and What’s your favorite flat go to?
Don’t forget to nominate me for the Cosmopolitan Blog Award for 2013 by clicking HERE, thanks for the support! 
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