New York Fashion Week

Happy Wednesday everyone! This has been my first week of college classes, but when my eyes have not been glued to my reading, I have been studying the runway (more just enjoying it). Just a subway ride away the most glamorous and chic spring fashions are walking down the runway at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. So far there have been two shows that made me want to be on the runway: Rebecca Minkoff and Tadashi Shoji.

Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring 2014 runway show brought a ready to wear collection of prints, solid’s and pops of color worn by models in gladiator-pumps and braided crowns. Minkoff styles a girly-girl with a strong edge. The floral prints and details give light to a feminine side while the bright bags, amazing lace-up shoes and leather pieces give the Minkoff girl a serious edge. Minkoff's impeccable styling and design allowed each outfit to make a statement as it walked up and down the runway.

To watch the Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2014 Show click Here.

Tadashi Shoji focused on Spring’s formal wear. Movement and detail were the two elements of his collection that caught my eye. Evening gowns and tea length dresses flowed down the runway. His sequence detailing drew me towards the neckline, which looked like a city skyline. Shoji even found a way to bring plaid into the formal scene: his long gown with an intricate lace and embellished bodice floated down the runway with a sheer plaid train.

To see more Fashion Week click Here.

NYC and Valentino

Welcome back to Flair and Finesse. I apologize for my absence of posts these past few weeks; I recently moved to college in my dream city, NYC! So far I have had the privilege of visiting the Natural History Museum (I highly recommend) which is a walk in text book of endless information, and exploring the busy streets around my college campus.  I cannot wait to explore more of my new home and find more of its hidden treasures.

On another note, while reading one of my favorite fashion blogs, SEA OF SHOES, I came across a great article about one of my favorite fashion designers, Valentino. So while I am adjusting to my new city-college life, here is an article filled with flair, finesse, pugs and Valentino. Enjoy!

Read Article Here

Valentino Love

I am a bargain hunter, yes, but I do love high end brands and dream about having pieces from those collections in my own closet. Valentino is my all time favorite designer. His dresses make me weak at the knees; they are so beautifully constructed that they are less an article of clothing and more like works of art. I want to share with you some of my favorites pieces from his current collections.

(1) Garden Print Dress, (2) pumps, (3) Jacket, (4) Rainboots, (5) jacquard dress

Just yesterday I was shopping in Nordstrom when I came across the Red-Valentino Collection. My heart skipped a beat and there was no way I was leaving that store without putting on a Valentino. I had the privileged of slipping into the (1) garden print dress and (5) jacquard dress. The garden print dress hit my waist perfectly and had a fun full skirt that is sure to make a statement. The jacquard dress felt timeless; it was flattering for my figure and had the perfect amount of volume in the skirt. I felt like a Valentino princess!

Feeling Pretty in Valentino.

When I go bargain hunting I look for designer brands at affordable prices, and usually end up with amazing finds. Unfortunately I cannot buy a Valentino now, but one day I will make the splurge.  

Blue shoes

I cannot wait another minute to post these!

I bought my Dolce Vita blue suede moccasins for $15 at TJ Maxx. Yes, I am again obsessed.

Finesse Tip!

Shoes should always be dependable. When you buy a pair of shoes you should feel confident that they will give you your money's worth. One of the things you need to think about when shopping for your next pair is, when will I wear these? Shoes are either bought for everyday wear or special events. If you are buying everyday shoes, make sure they will match at least 3 of your outfits; if you are buying special event shoes try to find a pair that you can wear with at least two of your party dresses. You don't want to buy a pair of shoes and have them sit in your closet because you don't have anything to wear them with.

The most important thing you should be looking for when shoe shopping is QUALITY. It is not fun to waste money on a pair of shoes that fall apart a month after you bought them, so do not settle! Shop at stores that carry well known brands like Steve Madden and Liz Claiborne. Some stores I recommend are  Macy's, Nordstrom, Marshall's and TJ Maxx. These stores have great sale selections with many golden gems. Shoes that are good quality will last longer which means less money spent on shoes each year and no worries about straps breaking, heels snapping or bottoms detaching. 

Have fun shoe hunting!

More Flair and Finesse to come!

The Bargain-Hunting-Queen

Hello everyone! My name is Kelly and I would like to welcome you to "Flair and Finesse." I am a proud bargain hunter; my friends know that when I go shopping I head straight for the sale rack. I get much of my bargain-hunting-gene from my mom, together we are an unstoppable sale-shopping-machine!

I do go shopping a lot,whether for a sale or the occasional splurge; I consider shopping one of my many hobbies. :) Some call my shopping habits an addiction while others call it a skill; either way, I am here to tell you my tips and tricks on how I get fashionable flair with skillful finesse. Enjoy!

It was such a beautiful day to take pictures! Thank you to my bro for all his help. :)

TJ maxx is one of my favorite places to get a good deal for some really cute and designer items. This outfit is 99% TJ maxx. 

I am obsessed with this new dress...and I got it for $19.99! The cut of the dress is simple and classic. The stripes are bold, yet timeless. I know I will be wearing this dress for a long time.

These dotted madden girl shoes are also one of my obsessions along with...

My Steve Madden heart shaped sunglasses which I got for only $9.99 at TJ maxx! :)

Come back soon for more Flair and Finesse :)