Thankful Thursday

^^^Click ME^^^

1. Thankful for my parents; their marriage, their encouragement to pursue my dreams and to recklessly pursue my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, their wisdom, their jokes, their ability to turn any situation on its head (good or bad :) ). Thank you for ushering me into this world and continuing to hold my hand day after day.

2. Thankful for my brothers; their innate ability to lift my mood with a glance or a few words, their forever-relieving humor, their love. Thank you for showing me how a man ought to treat me, and what I deserve in a future husband.

3. Thankful for my FRIENDS!!! (you know who you are)! For keeping me on my toes, for making me want to go to school, for sharing with me your smiles, your lives. . . your food, for making me accountable for who I am and the energy I bring. Thank you for letting me be me and loving every bit of it! 

4. Thankful for my dreams (of which I have many!); for making my future look brighter than the sun, for making me understand that nothing just happens- it must be made to happen, for making me smile when the present isn't all that fun, and for waiting. Thank you for your possibilities.

5. Thankful for KAYKREW; for allowing me an excuse to dress up all the time, for allowing me to find my (online) voice, for making my style accessible to others, for making fashion so much more important in my life. Thank you for letting me say "I'm a fashion blogger"

6. Thankful for God; for being unchanging, for loving me in the midst of my sin, for Your forgiveness, for Your grace and endless mercy, for allowing me to be Yours, for Your Word. I am thankful to the Lord, because without Him I would have nothing else to be thankful for

continue reading

It's Raining Studs!

Cross back crop top (similar from Nasty Gal here), Forever 21 Capsule 2.1 Studded Leather Vest, Quilt cut out belt, Faux Leather Skater Skirt (adorable similar at Forever 21), Opaque (super-warm) tights! Hunter Boots

This weather's been driving me crazy! From the 270 mph winds to the rain for days, I can't take it anymore! . . . okay, it's not that bad :)
But it was rainy out today, so the excuse to wear my Hunters today was legitimate! This outfit - although not 100% agreeable with the weather - was fun to wear. The flowy liquid skirt, the fitted crop top and my forever-adored studs. It's definitely a nice combination and I played up as many seasonal trends as I could; the military green, the leather add-ins and the always in style Hunter boots!

continue reading

Sunday's Pretty Icons: Lupita Nyong'o

It seems I'm the last of the wide-eyed stragglers hopping aboard the Lupita-train, but I'm just glad to finally be en route this enthralling new fashion adventure that is Miss Nyong'o.

Many of us know her face, but aren't yet familiar with the name of the breakout starlet who enchants the big screen in her American film debut in 12 Years As A Slave. America, it's time to get acquainted!

Whether it be in a structured knee length dress, a playful print or bold neckline, Lupita is taking the red carpet by storm and blasting out all other possible best dressed contenders.

Did we even notice the famous man beside her? Nope, because our eyes were transfixed on that stunning J. Mendel canary yellow gown. Although I am not a fan of bright color, Nyong'o makes me want to wear that yellow funky silhouette sweater with pride.

^^^Click Me ^^^

Jumper, fur coat, colored pant, Lupita seems to look flawless in everything she wears. Her body is a pillar for all things fitted and a true compliment to even loose pieces. Whether this is the work of Nyong'o herself or that of a stylist, I am unsure, but what I do know is that I have not been this excited about a new, emerging actress in a long time. Her style is on point and great things are soon to come for this one.

continue reading

All Black Everything

I love Buzzfeed for several reasons; one reason is because I almost always agree with the bold statements of their fashion articles - especially this one.

BuzzFeed found 21 reasons why we should only wear black, but I'm sure I could add on several more, because black is the most dominant color in my closet. Some say this is because I'm naturally attracted to what is simple and not one for bold dramatic colors, which is often very true. I say it's because I am, at heart, a true New Yorker and my eye immediately goes to what is fierce and sophisticated, which most of the time, happens to be black. #10 on this BuzzFeed article about 10 Fashion Staples All New Yorkers Can't Live Without backs up my statement 100%; "Black is all New Yorkers' bread and butter, obviously."

Black is so powerful, no matter the cut, regardless the fabric, whatever the event and whoever the wearer. It can be regal and it can be meek, but it is never out of style.

continue reading

Sunday Special: Feathered Tops and Pointed Toes

South of SoHo Ostrich-Feathered Sweater, Forever 21 Harem Pants, Rue21 Statement Necklace, BCBGeneration 'Cielo' Pump

This sweater is just the sweetest little thing. It's so delicate and soft and oh so lovely . . . that's exactly why I had to rough it up a little bit. While I certainly like the soft pieces, nothing thrills me more in fashion than mixing them with the ruggedness of pieces not normally paired with them. That's why I chose the harem pants and pumps. The ostrich feathered look of the sweater, the pumps and the fresh taste of the statement necklace all give the outfit a glammy feel while the harem pants dial it back just a little to make everything a tad more casual.

This slightly dressier ensemble is from a later function; to which I wore the same sweater, but this time draped over my Zara (embellished shoulder, v-neck back) homecoming dress, and BCBG pumps.

continue reading

Weekend Forecast: Textured Skirts

As the leaves continue to make their hasty descent to the ground and snow follows the same pattern, many favorite clothing pieces will have to be pushed farther back into the dark crevices of my closet, one of these being my beloved maxi skirts. Maxi skirts - skirts in general - are my favorite type of bottoms and (although I know it's for the better) it always pains me to part with them . . . but maybe this winter I won't have to!

I've been seeing a lot of textured maxis lately, the sequined and feathered being my favorites! Adding a whole new level of drama to the skirt, these textures not only amp up the glam of the maxi skirt, but they look extremely warm - especially the feathers! These skirts would be more than appropriate and seemingly more than warm for those upcoming holiday parties. 

The draping sequins gives the skirt an enchanting appearance while paired with a simple top. The sequins even looks great in a pencil cut!

The tiered feather skirt is really putting a spotlight on old Hollywood glam. Whether a mini cocktail or in maxi form, this look is so rich and romantic . . . and looks absolutely divine to take a sweet nap on!

Truly, I love both of these textures, they are not only perfect for the upcoming holiday season, but also for the brisk weather.

* Until the next fashion storm! *

continue reading

Big Scarves, Bigger Bags

Gap Chunky Infinity Scarf, Forever 21 High-Low Dress, Forever 21 Ombre Denim Jacket, ALDO Tote, Charlotte Russe Quilted Side-Zip Moto Boot (in tan)

First off, I'd like to take a moment to thank Charlotte Russe for these incredible boots that were only $10 when I bought them! These boots are too cute! Not only are they dynamic, with the quilted back, studded heel outline, and exposed zipper, but they are also awesome to walk in.

This outfit is from a few weeks ago, a celebration dinner at Shake Shack with my momma. Burgers are one of my favorite foods and Shake Shack definitely provides some good ones. This look is great for eating some yummy burgers or attending a relaxed graduation - both of which I did that night :)

continue reading

Get in Loser, We're Going Shopping : Kay's 3 Rules of Shopping

I wanted to do something special for my 100th blog post on KayKrew. . . but then I didn't, so I'm dedicating my 101st blog post to shopping. With the holidays fast approaching, here are my rules for staying on track and keeping a clear mind when shopping.

Kay's 3 Rules of Shopping

1. Don't buy it if you wouldn't wear it out of the store.

This rule is the simplest of all. If the jacket isn't so great that you would ditch your own in the dressing room, don't buy it. If those coated pants make you feel more confident than the midi you walked in the store wearing, buy it!

2. Walk away. If you forget it, it isn't worth it. If you can't look at anything else without yearning for the first piece, go back and buy it.

I try to utilize this rule as much as possible - especially if I'm shopping for a specific event or one special piece at multiple stores. I'll find the perfect dress or pair of jeans - fits like a dream, great price, etc. - but I know I'm going to other shops, so my heart tells me to keep looking. If, after all the other stores, I still remember that initial piece and how great it looked and how much I loved it, I'll go back and buy it. Otherwise, if I've found a better piece, or simply cannot recall every detail, I will not buy it.

3. Never settle

This rule is the most important because it can apply to every facet of life. When it comes to fashion and what I'm buying, I'm very picky; about the cut, the fit, the color, the material. So if even the slightest thing is off, whether it be too bulky of a shoulder pad, too bright of a hue or the wrong fabric, I won't buy it. My vision is always very clear for what I want and how I want to put something together, therefore there is little to no room for error. For this reason, I never settle; when you know what you want, learn how to get it and understand patience is the key to unlocking the exact treasure of what you dream

continue reading

Oxblood Hats and Wild Glasses

H&M Oxblood Hat (old), H&M Satin-covered lapel Blazer (old - similar dinner jacket here), CityLab Baseball Tee, Rue21 Statement Necklace, Forever 21 Classic Denim Jeans, Hunter Rain Boots

I love making simple pieces look fabulous. I started with the baseball tee and styled everything around it, and I think it really works. Not too much and not too little, the statement necklace, dramatic hat and glasses add a new level movement while the jeans and rain boots bring it back to casual.

continue reading

Friendly Friday!

Delia's drop-pendant necklace, Loft skirt, Forever 21 sweater and tights, Gap bag, Lands End Blakeley Riding Boots

Gap dress (similar Gap dress here), Fossil woven belt (similar Fossil here), Lands End boots

*happy sigh* I love this girl. Not only is her style is the epitome of clean, but she never fails to look like she stepped out a Piperlime catalog or Georgetown Weekly - even when she wears sweats! With a blanketed look of preppy, she always mixes in the perfect amount of rustic charm - the drop-pendant necklace in the first outfit and the woven Fossil belt in the second - to make for a timeless delight.

continue reading

Wishful Wednesday

1. UO Turtleneck Crop Top

2. Zara Printed Mini

3. Topshop Duchess Satin Skater Dress

4. BB Dakota Hazel Leopard Coat

5. HenriettaDevine Herringbone Chunky Wool Infinity Scarf

6. Brown Fashion Metal Buckle Martin Booties

continue reading

Skater Skirts and Varsity Jackets

One Love Varsity Jacket from TJ Maxx, Crop Top Camisole, Liquid Skater Skirt (similar here), SUPER WARM WINTER STOCKINGS (gifted), Necklaces from Forever 21 (old), Target Mossimo Lace up Booties (gifted)

This outfit was such a great way to start the week. The winter weather has been taking over, but I can never give up my skirts :)

continue reading