May 25, 2011

Adventures in Moving

By Katrice

{Thirty-eight titles, every stack is a different magazine.}

I have been preparing to move for the past two weeks and today was the big day. Moving has taken over my life; Hence, my choppy blogging schedule. However, the process is drawing to a close and I'm having one long moment of hindsight clarity. Mostly because I'm so tired of boxes that my mind won't stop looping a mental picture of what I have and what else I can give away. But, I'm positive this feeling will pass as soon as everything is unpacked. {Sigh} So that this learning experience of excess won't be in vain, however, I've made note of several useful tidbits. 

1. Hold off on getting a manicure until all packing and moving is complete. {Wish I had considered this last week.}

2. When you buy a new item of clothing that has buttons, throw away the extra button(s) provided IM-MEDIATELY. Otherwise, you will wind up with a load of buttons that you can't even begin to match with what's in your closet.

3. On sentimental value: If you're tempted to throw something away, it doesn't have sentimental value. Throw it away.

4. Cabinet full of hair products that don't work for you? If they're from Sally's Beauty Supply, they'll take them back with or without a receipt if the product is still in their inventory and still has the tag on it. {And isn't almost empty.}

5. When you get rid of a new cell phone, (like those buttons) get rid of your old one. {I could literally open a Sprint store in my living room.}

6. You'll still need to consume fruits and vegetables throughout the hectic process. Trust, your body will turn on you after one too many days of McDonald's.

7. Be sure your utility providers have the correct shut off date. I almost ended the call with a cable rep. without her asking for the date I wanted to end service. {Whew! I need my internet all the way up until I turn my keys in.}

8. You can now do a change of address form online with the USPS for just $1. #Winning

9. The Dollar Tree is generous with boxes all day. Walmart -- after 11:30 p.m. in the furniture section. {Thank me later.}

{My intentions were to recycle these, but they wound up in my office.}
10. I stand corrected. It is possible to have too many handbags, magazines and shoes. Unless, you're Imelda Marcos and can afford someone to keep track of your wares and move them when the time comes, it may be time to downsize. {Trying to convince myself here.}

May 22, 2011

One For All

By Katrice 


I'm always peeved when I go to the consignment shop with an item that I believe transcends "seasonal," and am told to bring it back in a couple months. I understand the theory behind this merchandising tactic {space} but if you're using this philosophy with your own closet, allow me to suggest a slightly alternative point of view.

Moving has taught me a few things about my shopping habits. One, because each season in the Midwest is so profound, I ended up with a wardrobe for each. Second, I often duplicated purchases of sweaters and tank tops, among other things. And in all of that, I wore just about 50 percent of the things that I owned because it was either a "favorite" or functionally transitional. 

When I relocated to Atlanta a few years back, I came with 15 coats, 23 pairs of boots and too many scarves to count. As each year passed, I got rid of more and more things that were not easily convertible. I also started shopping more for the mild weather that is typical for three quarters of the year in the Southeast. But, most importantly, I realized that there are a few key essentials in my wardrobe that make all the difference: cardigans of all types, tees & tank tops, smart handbags and peep-toe pumps and plenty of color. Why these items? Because they're my transitional pieces. 

Cardigans are a classic alternative to blazers. While I love blazers, the odds of owning one blazer that has just the right fabric for both winter and summer are minimal. A cardigan, on the other hand, could believably an all-weather staple. I own one from Express that I've had for several years and wear frequently all-year round. 
The key: Choose a fabric that is pliant enough for comfortable layering. 


If I have a few white tank tops, I'm set. When I talk about how necessary tank tops are to my wardrobing, sometimes people think I'm only referring to simple cotton-style racerbacks. I love those too, but the variety of fabrics and styles are so wide-ranging now that I can go from jeans and a tank or tee, to one with a skirt, jacket, accessories and pumps. 
The key: Higher-quality fabrics, ornamentation and fit.


The smartest handbags are usually not black. I used to only carry handbags that matched what I was wearing to a T. Bo-ring. And if you've been on MVL long, you'll know that I loooove handbags. But, thank goodness I've moved beyond the black and brown section. Handbags are meant to add to your ensemble. And they do NOT have to match your outfit dead-on. However, it should make sense. A smart handbag -- on a very base level -- is one that is classic and not eccentrically trendy.
The key: Find one that can transcend your own "seasonal" clothing and that you could imagine yourself carrying every day. 


Peep Toe pumps do double duty. They actually do more than double the amount of other shoes in my closet because they take me between seasons and clothing styles. I wear heels with jeans, dresses and shorts {makes my legs look longer.} 
The key: Leather in solid colors.

My closet is a rainbow. As soon as the summer hits, I can be seen in every color in the spectrum. I'm all about color in the warm weather. In the winter, for some reason, it turns into all black everything. It's a preference, though ... not a rule. I will add color with cardis, handbags and shoes. My goal, however, is to always be using my entire wardrobe.
The key: Search for pieces, that you are tempted to get in black or brown, in hues that you are extremely partial to and resist making extreme color purchases because you'll be less likely to wear them. Remember, it's more about fabrics than color as the seasons change. 


A few other things to consider:
Even if you love it, buy just one. I have a horrible habit of buying multiples when I love the fit of tank, cardi or pair of jeans. If it's a white tank, I could get away with it because I wear them so often. Everything else, not so much. Unless you intend to literally wear it every other day, one will last you. 

If you bought it, get it home and constantly second guess the purchase -- take it back. Buying what you actually need and curtailing your wants to those things that you absolutely can't walk away from {or can't stop thinking about, if you do walk away} will make your wardrobe more robust. Think quality {pieces you'll actually use} over quantity. 

The editing tree. Say you've kept an item in good shape but are ready to edit it out of your repertoire, consider consigning it first. If your consignor doesn't want it, your next stop should be Plato's closet. If you're unsuccessful there, as well, there are organizations {other than the Goodwill} like All About Developmental Disabilities that will actually come and pick up your gently used clothing items at your home or office. Depending on what you want to do, you can earn a little cash or a tax deduction. 

May 16, 2011

Get the Look: Kourtney K.

By Katrice 


Floral Print Crossover Skirt Dress, $46, axparis.co.uk, Vila Floral Pleated Dress, $73, houseoffraser.co.uk, Black Floral Print Strappy Dress, $75, topshop.com

Miss KG Dahlia Platform, $157, asos.com, Enzo Angiolini Torrey, $120, heels.com, Valeri Platform Pump, $60, dsw.com

Linen Blazer, $120, topshop.com, Theory Edge to Edge Silk Blazer, $625, flannelsfashion.com, Glamorous White Lisa Blazer, $57, arkclothing.com

Large Leather Pouch, $68, americanapparel.net, Audrey Continental Clutch, $84, Lodis.com, Aynsley Foldover Clutch, $315, fluevogshoes.com

May 14, 2011

The Cannes Experience

By Katrice

The view from my balcony at The Intercontinental Carlton Cannes

It's still hard for me to believe that I was just in Cannes, France, two weeks ago. What a whirlwind trip. And now, I'm seeing daily coverage of the film festival and even a shot of Sarah Jessica Parker on the Hotel Carlton Pier {my lodging while in the French Riviera}. I thought, this is a perfect time to share of few of my fave finds in Cannes.

Where to eat:

Le Machou in the Old Town is a tiny piece of heaven. The Grill restaurant features a charcoal oven that's used to cook meat the old-fashioned way. The steak leaves a taste on your palate that you won't soon forget. The treat, of the meal, however, is the basket of fresh vegetables that is presented as your starter. 

The Carlton Beach Restaurant situates you right on the beach with an incomparable view of the Mediterrean Sea. Try the Lobster Linguini. 

What to do: 
You absolutely must stroll down the Boulevard de la Croisette, just past the Casino Cannes Le Palm Beach to play pétanque, the most popular game in France. The game shifts from one end of the alley to the other as a team wins each round. The object is to amass points at each ‘end’ until the first team reaches a winning score of 13. Brilliantly spirited!


I was lucky enough to be able to take a perfume-making class at Fragonard perfumery. What a fun experiment. I loved what I concocted but I don't think I'll have a career as a perfumer any time soon. If you're not up for the class, you can take a tour of the factory or just shop Fragonard's scents. 2011 is the Year of the Orange Blossom. 

Where to shop:
Zara in Cannes was twice the size and selection of any Zara I have been in the states. No, you don't go across the world to shop where you can shop at home, but when you enter a store and feel like it's your first experience there, it's nearly impossible to resist. 

Bathroom Graffiti prides itself on presenting items that are strange, surprising and funny -- always with a practical and clever aesthetic. They're winning. I found a hot pink hard shell textured laptop case. It was the prize of my trip. 

How to Dress:

Cannes is literally the chicest city I've ever visited. After spotting about 10 Hermes Birkin bags within minutes of stepping out of the hotel onto the boulevard, I knew that the street fashion would be amazing. And, it was. I noticed, however, that people were comfortably stylish. 

If you travel there in the spring, it's bound to be a little cool but you will enjoy plenty of sun. You'll need a few basics:
Light cotton blazers
A smart trench
Fab sunnies
Chic flats and sandals {it's a wonderful place for walking}
For the rest of your wardrobe packing, think fabulous thoughts. But, most importantly, be yourself.

The key to enjoying Cannes is in discovering the nooks and crannies. It's so much more than the beachfront and the film festival.

Finding Inspiration: Round It Out

By Katrice 

I love Kourtney's wildly colorful Mara Hoffman coverup, but her sunnies are what inspired me.

May 13, 2011

Get the Look: 'Fro It Out

By Katrice


Before I begin, I feel as if I need a brief disclaimer here. Everyone's hair responds uniquely to different products and technique, whether straight or kinky/curly. The best thing that you can do for your hair is to get to know it and give it limitless TLC. With that said, this post is for friend Nebula. 

And interestingly, it's timely considering my train of thought over the last few weeks. Just recently, I was having a conversation with a friend about some new products that she discovered and learned that she considered me one who doesn't like to try new styles. I was a little surprised but then realized why she thought that; I mostly wear my hair in an afro. And what's more interesting is that I am always thinking about trying new styles. But, since my first three inches of natural growth, I have been completely obsessed with my hair as a fluffy, unorganized mound of kinks and coils. I mean, when I'm wearing my afro, I feel uninhibited, and fresh and modern, and interesting ... and beautiful in a really fundamental way. So, the other styles I think I'd like to try get put off for another day. 

Often, when I wear my hair like this, people ask me what I do to achieve this look. So, I'll share my very simple technique.

What I do:

Sunday
Wash and condition {with a leave-in conditioner}, then air dry.
Once a month {sometimes twice}, I steam it for 20 minutes with the conditioner in.
Once it's dry, I do a dry twist out with nothing but mango butter and cover it with a satin bonnet.

Monday
*The first day of a twist out, my hair is shrunken to about four inches. So, it's dense and full but has very little length.
The second night after I've washed it, I just cover it with the satin bonnet. I do not re-twist it. 

Tuesday
Tuesday morning, I let me afro get well steamed while in the shower {and it necessary put a little oil on it before entering the shower}. So, it's full but much more fluffy and has less definition than a first-day twist out. 
Tuesday night, I re-twist if in medium size twists [for the purposes of stretching} and cover it with the satin bonnet.

Wednesday
By Wednesday, the look of it is similar to Monday but with more length.
Wednesday night, I don't re-twist unless I want to maximize the length of the 'fro.

Thursday
Thursday morning, I remove my satin bonnet prior to showering and pull my afro out. If I need moisturizer or sheen {which is key}, I apply it before getting into the shower. {Perfect time for MoroccanOil.} The result is the photo above.

*The key to a good textured 'fro is ample moisturizing and routine. I am an earnest believer in always covering my hair before laying down for the night.

May 11, 2011

Get Ahead

By Katrice 


The weather has me feeling like it's full-on summer in Atlanta. It also has my mind of summer head gear. June Ambrose is the queen of turbans. But, I've also been inspired by Solange's turbans as of late. A few years back, I wore head wraps the entire summer. I'm dying to do it again -- turban style -- with my natural. What do you think?

CHERIE'S FLAKES Floral Turban

Missoni Crochet-Knit Turban

River's Island Beige Turban

1940's Black and White Striped Turban

Find Me Here: Atlanta Tribune Mixes it Up at IKEA

By Katrice

I'm so excited about the reception AT and IKEA are hosting this Friday to celebrate the 25 young executives we dubbed the "Next Up" in our May issue. The cover party/mixer will go from 6 to 8 p.m. at IKEA in Atlantic Station. If you're in Atlanta, I'll expect to find you there, as well. 

May 10, 2011

Colored Denim ... Stylin' or Stuntin'?

By Katrice




J Brand Mid Rise Skinny Jeans, $338

Met Cotton Jeans, $210

MOTO Seven Eighths Skinny Jeans, $76

MOTO Petite Coral Jamie Ultimate Skinny Jeans, $80

Rag & Bone Cropped Skinny Jeans, $155

May 9, 2011

Loves Clutches

By Katrice

It all began with American Apparel's oversized leather carryall pouch. It was love at first sight. Alas, the cognac clutch sold out almost immediately and my search began for a replacement. {It's like déjà vu ... remember my dismay over missing the Cynthia Vincent gladiator wedge for Target last summer? LOL} Well, it's not quite as bad this time. The alternatives are brilliant! What I'm finding in cushy leather and fabric bags just keeps getting better and better. 

Dsquared 2 Leather

Gucci Studded Leather

Steve Madden Frequent Flyer

Jimmy Choo Prince Cashmere Leather

Stella McCartney Alexa Braided Leather

Oversized Two Toned Fabric

Rochas Paulie Leather 

May 3, 2011

Street View

By Katrice 

I knew I was in fashion heaven when I stepped off the plane and the first thing I spotted in Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport was a Hermès boutique.

{I wanted his sunnies.}


{The scarf game in France is serious.}




{Spotted: suede moccasins}