Pink Pagoda Style is now Kim Brooks • Style!
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Mar 112013
Mar 082013
Happy Friday All! What a gorgeous day, hope we have a weekend full of this sunshine stuff. This will most likely be the last blog post from Pink Pagoda Style as we are almost ready to be up and live with the new Kim Brooks • Style. I’m excited to be there.
Today for Fashion Friday, I definitely did a look for less. Office work this morning and an afternoon with out of town guests.
My option to wear this outfit in a preppy fashion would have had me wearing the jeans, my pop of color top, some beige loafers, and a beige “Members Only” looking leather jacket.
Although I wanted that look as a base, I wanted to make it a little edgier with my black, studded flats, and my black faux leather jacket.
Not too edgy, with a peplum for a touch of feminine.
With the sunshine sharing itself with us today, I wanted to wear my own pop of fun color.
A real mash up today but I liked it. I was warm, I was current, and I think cute.
Faux leather jacket: Forever21(similar), Varsity Sweater: Forever21 (here), Tee: Zara, Belt: Flea Market, Boyfriend Jeans: CAbi (similar), Shoes: Steve Madden (without studs, here), Gold Ring: Dream in Fremont.
Have a fabulous weekend and next time we chat, it will be from Kim Brooks • Style!
Mar 062013
95% fashion, 4% decor, 1% beauty. I rarely mention hair and makeup because as I have admitted to you before, I am terrible at hair. My stylist has shown me too many times to count how to get it just so, but I can’t seem to perfect her ways. As for makeup, I actually attended Makeup Artistry School when I was 19 and loved it but the patience and preciseness that is needed, is just not me. I watch in awe as my friends who are makeup artists, do a perfect eye and then replicate it again on the other side. That is why I love styling for fashion. Or even decor. It isn’t precise, it is a vision, a gut instinct, no perfect lines or duplication needed.
While I love perusing the makeup counters (just like an art store, I love all the colors) but I rarely change up my look. So recently, my friend Nicole and I decided to visit a makeup artist I met at a speaking engagement last summer and have him freshen our looks.
Meet Brian Dean. He is a local Makeup Artist who is currently working through the d/t Seattle Nordstrom as a Beauty Stylist. A tough job to come by and the perfect person to see as he is not tied to or working for any one brand.
He sat Nicole and I down, asked what we were seeking,what are normal routines are and what our days are about to get a good picture of what styles were for us. He then ran from counter to counter collecting product and then came back to play.
Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I am posting this. Our before pictures. Zero makeup, first thing in the morning, only one cup of coffee into the day. Isn’t Nicole an awesome friend to agree to this?
In asking Brian what he thought the biggest beauty trends were for Spring, he said a lot of focus is on fresh skin; tinted moisturizers and BB (or CC) creams replacing foundation. For color, with Pantone naming Emerald the official color of 2013, we are seeing emerald shadows, liners and mascaras. To offset the striking emerald statement on the eyes, coral lips and cheeks are being paired with it.
Here is my look. Aren’t I pretty (on the paper)? Mine involved some NARS tinted moisturizer, Giorgio Armani concealer, Aerin (as in Lauder) Cream Blush, 2 eyeliners (one Lancome, one MAC), the coolest MAC shadow called “Club” , a Lancome bronzer, a Chantecaille mascara and a peachy Nars lipstick called “Niagra”.
Nicole spends her work days in a white lab coat so she was looking for something super basic, a natural, finished look. She received bronzer on her lids, Trish McEvoy mascara for already long lashes, the same (as me) tinted moisturizer and blush and then a deep berry stain for her lips.
We both ask that you excuse the bad lighting that comes with department stores, as well as my red eyes. I wasn’t in fact having a crying jag, but I did have a run in with a facial wipe earlier that day. Trust me,if you saw us in person, we were way more fabs!
After several fun hours with Brian, my take aways were that I can wear peach lipstick (never done that before), I can line my entire eye (doing it correctly of course) and that I HAVE to drink more water as it really if affecting my skin. Wish me luck on that one. I am excited to play with my new colors,especially the MAC “Club” shadow. It goes on like a brown tone but when you put it over black or brown liner, this cool iridescent green appears. Love it!
Mar 042013
“Crap! What do I wear?”
The calls and emails have been headed my way, this is the season. No need to stress, you can do it!
I believe there are two levels of Auction attire, one for school auctions (there are definitely acceptions to this rule but you know who you are!), and then all the others. School auctions tend to be all over the board from office casual on up but most people tend to try for fancier than their normal day to day. Thank you for that.
ML Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Ruched Chiffon Dress • Nordstrom
Black tie on the other hand, is less forgiving. Men, well they are covered. Tux. The End. Ladies, you have a couple of options. For the non-dress wearers out there, a flowy, silk, black pant and a pretty blouse in the exact same black can be beautiful. Pair this with some gorgeous heels and jewels and you are covered.
Stop looking, this handsome Mr. Craig is my date! :)
For the rest of you ladies, a dress it is. You can’t get away with the black cotton number you wear to summer BBQ’s, it needs to be a more luxurious fabric. One doesn’t need to think Cinderella ball gown but you do want elegant. Whether that is sleeves, strapless, knee length or full. All of these choices are up to you.
Jones NY. Size 16. $39 at Between Friends.
For many of us, a fancy dress is a once a year thing and spending a large amount for a new dress doesn’t seem worth the price. Get with your girlfriends and see if you can do a trade. If not, think consignment. A perfect place to find a dress that has probably been worn once, maybe twice and the price will be at most, half of the regular retail.
Diane Von Furstenberg size 0 Sleeveless Dress. Perfect for school auction. $55.
I stopped in at Between Friends in d/t Bellevue today for a peek and found many an auction dress just awaiting their invitations.
Nanette Lepore Stripe Tank Dress. Size 6. $44.50 at Between Friends.
And with spring coming, many of the dresses have been marked down to make room for warm weather wear.
Calvin Klein Long Sleeved Dress. Size 6. $49.
Eva Franco. Size 4. $39.50.
If I didn’t already have a dress for my upcoming auction, this Alice + Olivia would have been mine!
Alice + Olivia, never been worn. Size Medium. $92.
Michael Michael Kors Dress. New with Tags. Size 12. $64.50.
Hope these tips help with your auction apparel. If you still need assistance with picking the right piece or accesorizing for the night, you know who to call.
Mar 032013
Maybe because I do shopping for others, I am less likely to just randomly buy. I am all about the list. Currently my need list is only three things.
A new pair of jeans.
I don’t mind spending a little more for jeans because they are such a Northwest staple and the cost per use is practically free by the time I am done with them.
The second is a pair of good sunglasses. If you’ve watched my Friday Fashion, I have had my Coach ones forever. I supplement with fun, trendy styles like my cat eye pair from Target. But it’s time for a new, good pair so that is priority on the list.
The third item is a light colored shoe or bootie. I have some very conservative flats and a dressy pair but nothing for everyday. Not sure what they look like but I will know when I find them.
Those are my needs. But of course I have a WANT as well. I’m kind of a leather fan and I have been really wanting to add a pair of leather track lists to the repertoire. No, I am not having a Bieber moment, I just think I could live in them. Casual with a tee and cute booties, dressed up for a night out. Yep. Sounds like I NEED them actually.
Juicy Couture Leather Track Pants
I just love justification.
What is on your wants and needs lists these days? Do share!
Mar 012013
I am so happy for the weekend to come. Full days and so far behind on my personal to do list. I have a feeling this weekend will be filled with comfy cozy wear and my stack of yet to be read magazines. Perhaps a bowl of popcorn fits with this scene as well. I can’t wait!
So today involved a closet consult so I was casual. Everything but one piece, you have seen before.
Keep the blouse in mind, I have something to talk about with that next week. Stay tuned and have a great weekend!
Jacket: Calvin Klein (old), Blouse: Forever 21 (current but can’t find. Similar), Cami: Dream in Fremont, Belt: Vintage, Boyfriend Jeans: Cabi (Carol Anderson by Invitation), Boots: Jessica Bennett (old), Ring: Vintage, Hoop Earrings: Stella & Dot (here).
Mar 012013
Mid-winter break is done but Spring Break will be here before we know it.
In case you didn’t catch my blog post on Hip Travel Mama early Thursday, here it is:
If you find yourself lucky enough to be enjoying the beaches of Hawaii this spring, be sure to have fun with your fashion. Inject some color to match your surroundings and keep it simple. Even if you are generally a “Pant Person”, try out the ease of dresses while the weather is warm. Casual tunics or sundresses as a cover up for the beach and pool, a maxi dress to take you to dinner in the evening. Leave your denim at home and pack some Bermuda shorts and cute, lightweight skirts. Easily paired with tees and tanks, it’s a perfectly pulled together look for day and casual nights. And when a cool, evening breeze blows, all you need is a lighter weight cardigan. Make it a solid so it ties together with any prints or patterns of your other pieces. Finally show some extra personality with a fun beach bag. You’ll need it to stash your snacks, a good read and your SPF products between pool and beach. Lastly, have a fabulous time!
For shopping information on the looks visit: http://www.polyvore.com/going_to_beach_in_hawaii/set?id=73827886
Feb 252013
The Pink Pagoda is leaving the building.
Just over 3 years ago when I started up this company, Pink Pagoda Style was created to assist women and men bring out their personality, their style, through their fashion and decor. The actual Pink Pagoda was a representation of me, my personality and since my first clients were people who knew me well, this made sense. As time has gone on, I have met so many new people and had so many opportunities that have taken me way beyond that initial inner circle. And with that, the Pink Pagoda, although still very much a part of me, has made less sense to keep around. Therefore, we are moving to:
Kim Brooks • Style
(logo still in the works….)
With the changing of my company name, it has made me reflect on what is important in my business and where I want to go. My very first priority was to assist real people with real clothes and that remains my top priority. I want to bring you more though. More tips, more tricks, classes, video, and just overall fun when it comes to your fashion. And style.
As my mix master web gal and I work away on my new website, I want to hear from you. I want to know what you want to see and hear. Let me know your thoughts.
I’ll keep you posted as the transition from Pink Pagoda Style to Kim Brooks • Style happens, keep tuning in, and be sure to send me your suggestions!
Kim
Photo by Connor Surdi.
Feb 222013
The reason for my Friday Fashion photos next to a bright green dumpster is that I have been scouring the city in search of just the right look for my Sunday shoot. It is going to be dark, industrial, and fabulous. I’ve had to tour some backroads I would normally not be on. The suspension on my car got put to the test. And I am sure more than one group of people thought I was a P.I after them for something.
I had fun sourcing the clothing for this shoot as it was nothing typical. Thrift shops, Military Surplus and a secret source or two. Here is a little Instagram cluster of some of the pieces.
It is a great team lined up for Sunday. 3 models, makeup, hair, and photographer. I’ll look forward to sharing the results with you soon. Keep your fingers crossed for all of us that there are dark gray sky’s without the rain.
Thanks in advance!!
Feb 222013
My end of the work week will be Sunday instead of Friday, almost there! How was your week?
Ready for Spring and feeling the need for a little color.
I’m kind of obsessed with a messy roll on the cuff of my jeans. You’ve probably noticed. It’ll only last a little longer, I am sure.
The other week, when I stopped by Target to check out the Prabal Gurung collection, I happened upon this khaki jacket. It reminds me of the Calvin Klein blazer I wore here but can be more casual and will transition easier into warmer weather. Besides that fact that is was a LOT less money.
Jacket: Xhilaration at Target (get it here), Floral Blouse: Bellatrix at Nordstrom (similar here), Belt: Sandy Duftlan (old), Jeans: Seven for All Mankind (old), Shoes: Leifnotes for Anthropologie (still available here), Earrings: Neiman Marcus (old), Rings: both vintage, Glasses: Claires (similar here) :)
Feb 212013
To see the full blog post, head on over to:
http://www.hiptravelmama.com/life-style/ski-style-what-to-wear-on-the-mountain/
Feb 162013
Feb 152013
Are you ready for the weekend? I am. Looking forward to some sports, some Cirque de Soleil, and a tad of good, old fashioned down time. What about you?
Friday Fashion is really Thursday Fashion. Casual Valentine Wear.
Valentines was pretty low key in Pink Pagoda land. Denim and layers were perfectly fitting. What did you do? I heard about outfits ranging from college football cheering wear through to fancy fashion.
Striped Tank: Soprano (Nordstrom Rack), Black Sheer Blouse: Lush (FinchandSparrow.com), Jacket: Halogen (Nordstrom), Red Skinnies: Bliss (Fremont), Booties: Forever 21, Hoop Earrings: Stella & Dot, Necklace: Bar III (Macy’s), Ring: Lucca (Ballard).
