hi there + what's to come

It's been a while since I've even considered writing a post here, but as 2016 draws to a close (I know, I know it's not even December), I find myself ready to write again. 

So, I'll be back! And just like Kool Aid man, (we weren't allowed to drink that growing up, but still) I'm going to be busting into your space with SO MUCH GOODNESS coming soon:

Here's what:

Monday: Cyber Monday Style Deal AND the start of gift guides.

Thursday: December's newsletter goes live! If you haven't signed up yet / need to know the deal, click here.

I'm ALSO playing around with the idea of offering Mini Style Sessions in December! Essentially, a quick and dirty session with me to diagnose some of your sartorial conundrums, with a curated list of pieces to add to your closet. If you've ever wanted to work with me, or wondered about what I do, this would be the perfect way to test the waters. So...is this something you all would be interested in?? Let me know by filling out the form below!

 

Thanks in advance for filling that out! Looking forward to what's to come and I hope you have the most wonderful Thanksgiving! 

xoxo,

aok

style at home: kristen

Good morning! Get ready for some serious sunshine, NYC - it may be raining outside but today's Style at Home post is one of the sunniest. 

Kristen and I met at Monarch Workshop earlier this year, and immediately realized we're neighbors! Kristen is a brand stylist and designer, and works out of her cheery (read: beautiful) home in Astoria. We spent the afternoon together a few weeks ago, and I had a blast styling her for our session. Her approach to style is bold and colorful, and in styling her I enjoyed a respite from the darker palette of my own closet. 

I hope you enjoy this session as much as I did...below is Kristen in her own words:

What is your general approach to fashion? 

I'm a firm believer of mixing high and low costing items. It doesn't matter what it costs, it matters how you wear it and what you wear it with.

Layers are also important. Layering pieces can make any plain tee or shift dress stand out.

 
 
 
 

How would you describe your style?

 

New England preppy but with color, sequins and metallic.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Who is your style icon?

Jenna Lyons for sure! She so effortlessly pairs classic preppy together with edgy pieces that just look like they are supposed to go together, it's a talent!

 
 

Stylist's note: can you EVEN with Olive the pup??

 
 

What is your earliest fashion memory?

I was a huge fan of Gem and the Holograms growing up and one year for Halloween my Grandmother and Mom made me the Glitter and Gold Gem costume. It was amazing and looked just like the character. I think that's where my love of gold came from for sure.

 
 
 

If you had to wear one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A J.Crew quilted vest.

 
 
 

Favorite brand or retailer?

Everyday wear - J.Crew, Lou & Grey

 
 
 
 

Any tips or tricks with regards to style, beauty, or shopping that you want to share?

Don't be afraid to go in stores you don't normally go into. I have found some of my favorite items in stores I usually don't shop in.

Make your outfits your own, don't buy exactly what you see in a store, mix your pieces, add accessories and don't be afraid.

Above all always wear what you feel comfortable in. Nothing is worse that feeling uncomfortable and not confident.

 
 

Thank you Kristen and OLIVE the pup for opening up your home to me! 

xoxo,

aok

style at home: eva

Thanks for stopping by today! If you're just getting acquainted with the Style at Home series, you can find September and October's entries here and here. Enjoy!

Believe it or not, I met Eva the day of our session. Meeting her was like the first sip of hot coffee before the sun comes up: warm, comforting, familiar. Eva's husband, Colin, and I have been friends for 10 years now (whattttt), having sung together in an a capella group during college. Said a capella group was so close that I tend to think more of its members as family than anything else. So, you can imagine my ease going into this. Old friend Colin, new friend Eva...win, win.

Needless to say, Eva and I got along wonderfully, and ended up having a blast for the 2 hours we spent together one Saturday morning. Eva works in film production (that's how she and Colin met), and most of our conversation revolved around all things creative - except for a significant tangent about the meat industry and vegetarianism. So much of Eva and Colin's home reflects their ideals - almost nothing was new, almost everything was found or handed down. As you can imagine, I left Eva's feeling pretty smitten with these pictures, and even more so with her. Please read on in Eva's words below, and enjoy!

 
 
 

Stylist's note: doesn't it look like Colin is shooting rainbow love lasers at Eva here?!

 
 
 
 
 

How would you describe your style?

I'm attracted to earth tones, natural fabrics and textures like lace and macrame. I love soft, flowy clothing, scarves, dangly earrings and sequins. I love a little bit of sparkle!

silk shorts, gift from Mom. tank, J. Crew. cardigan, Eva's MIL's sweater from London in 1973!

What is your general approach to fashion?

Foremost, it's got to be comfortable and practical, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice aesthetic! I look more for timeless, elegant classics over fashionable trends. I'll take a button-down and skinny jeans any day.

Who is your style icon?

I've always found the cinched waistline and full, billowy skirts of the 1950's to be romantic. But I'm also drawn to the freedom of loose, flowing boho-chic style of the late 60's and early 70's.

What is your earliest fashion memory?

Going to a five & dime store with my mom and finding a silvery-blue sequined leotard. That was the inception of my new favorite color—sparkle! I also went through a brief beatnik phase of wearing all black and a cocktail hat with a netted veil to kindergarten.


white skirt, vintage. silk top, vintage from Mom. gold slingbacks, Castell. 

Favorite brand or retailer?

The spectrum goes from thrift shops in Bushwick to a boutique in my hometown called Veronica Rayne. Currently, I've been on a Cuyana kick with their silk shirts. Their philosophy is “fewer, better things” and that's a theory I can totally get behind. Quality over quantity.

If you had to wear one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Jeans! They're comfortable and so versatile. I can dress 'em up with heels and a blouse, or keep it casual with a comfy teeshirt and sneakers.

Any tips or tricks with regards to style, beauty, or shopping that you want to share?

At the risk of using platitudes, I'd say do whatever empowers you. Whether that's going make-up free or getting dressed to the nines. I have naturally wavy hair that I straightened for years. I'm so happy I finally embraced my inner Hermione Granger and wear it au naturel. Bed hair, don't care!

THANK YOU Eva and Colin for inviting me into your home, feeding me vegan donuts, and indulging every single one of my irreverent jokes. I love you both!

xoxo

aok