Light denim in Focus

Family bike trip to the park. Daniel getting a hug from his mom.

H&M tee shirt, Love Culture denim jeans, Target sandals.

 

As a curator, I take current trends and distill them into every day, timeless looks for the everyday person and the everyday budget.

I am super casual in the above pictures, but wanted to share my ways of wearing light denim this season.

I used to only be into dark wash denim, but  am now a light denim convert. I see this trend lasting for at least a few years. Just as skinny jeans started as a trend and turned into a pants mainstay, so will the light denim wash. What’s great about light denim is you can never wash them too many times, because the more they’re washed, the more comfy and unique they become.

My very random musing on fashion – Synchronicity in fashion trends: everyone collectively liking the same things at the same time before trends manifest for the upcoming season. Kind of like the chicken and the egg (which came before) situation – is it the fashion designers that create the fashion trend or is it the every day people who are tapped into what they are gravitating to next, sending out inspirational vibes to fashion designers?

~Your Curator of all things Light Denim, Kimberly Jo Cooley

 

Urban Outfitters Does Overalls

A favorite store of mine in the 1990s was Urban Outfitters. As a teenager and young adult I often shopped at the Berkeley, California Urban Outfitters store for boho chic looks. A recent Google search for duvet covers led me to Urban Outfitters’ website, where I unearthed a great collection of overalls! I almost forgot how cool this store was.

I curated some of their best pairs of overalls (what can I say, I’m hooked to overalls!):

Image courtesy of Urban Outfitters Ecote Denim Fit & Flare Overalls, on sale for $19.99, original price $89!http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Image courtesy of Urban Outfitters. BDG Button-Down Slim Fit Denim Overall from http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Image courtesy of Urban Outfitters 15 Fifteen Skinny Boyfriend Overalls, from http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Image courtesy of BDG Denim Overalls, from http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Image courtesy of Urban Outfitters BDG Drapey Chambray Overall, from http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

~Your Curator of all things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Flea Market Bound

Saturday was an awesome adventure at Denios Farmers Market and Swap Meet, filled with great weather, family and yes, overalls.

1st day out with my overalls.

Having good times shopping at the flea market. Old Navy shoulder bag.

En route to Denios Flea Market…wearing my American Rag overalls, Toms, Old Navy turquois top, my mother of pearl earrings and a Ross Infinity scarf.

No jacket required.

Blankets for sale…love the Mary blanket the most…the tiger one, a close second.

My sister scored a cool, vintage tray from a vendor.

A beer and a search for a mattress set for my son’s bed is great times.

Lhes found these cute sunglasses and pretty earrings.

Close up of the earrings…

Love patchwork bags…

Lhes also got this cool, carved container she’s going to use to hold her kitchen utensils.

Another cute bag…

I spotted this colorful shirt and had to have it – $15 and a comfortable addition to my wardrobe.

Another look at Jenni’s tray – she’s going to put it on her coffee table/ottoman.

Long day at the flea market – I’m pooped!

~Your Curator of All things Abundant, Kimberly Jo Cooley

My Early March Denim Looks

Spring is approaching and in Northern California, one day its seventy degrees outside, and the next, cold stormy weather. My colorful jeans have a late eighties, early nineties vibe, but the skinny shape makes them 2014.

A wool turquoise jacket, a denim chambray shirt layered over a burgundy tee shirt, with abstract patterned jeans and leather booties. Gold hoops round out my look.

Without the picture color tinting and the jacket.

My jeans are from Forever21.com and I got them on sale for $8. I also purchased my chambray shirt from Forever21.com.

I love this American Rag shirt from Macys.com. I got it just last week for $8. On rainy days, a beret works great for hiding bad hair days. I love my Born boots – been wearing them for four years now, and they’re still looking good (with the help of my shoe cobbler, of course).

My take on the Pantone color of the year, Radiant Orchid.

My mother of pearl earrings go with a lot of outfits.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

2014 Overalls Overhaul

I have always been a huge fan of  the versatility of overalls. I wore them back in the 1990s, sporting the baggy, carpenter variety (a la Osh Kosh).

2014’s overalls has a place in your wardrobe to allow you to express them in a sophisticated, casual or edgy way.

What Shoes to Wear with Your New Overalls:

Transitioning from winter to spring, booties look best. Spring to summer, wear canvas shoes, such as Vans or Toms. Summer time is great for options. Wedges, flip-flops, Birkenstocks, gladiator sandals or high heels are all for the taking when wearing your overalls.

How to wear your Overalls:

The look is off duty model look than baggy farmer look. Watch the fit and pay attention to how the overalls fit in the rear. It should fit like a comfortable pair of jeans. There are some overalls being made today that are tight – which some ladies can pull this look off well. I will stick to a slightly looser fit so they can be my go-to uniform on weekends. Also, the more distressed, the better. A notable difference from 2014’s overalls versus 1994’s is the cuffed, cropped looked of today’s frocks. Once upon a time, body suits and fitted shirts was the look, then there was the music group TLC’s baggie shirt and overalls look. Remember to bring in edge with your choice of accessories and keep the shirt from being to voluminous as it will make you look like you have extra pounds.

The Dream Team (These finds are great for inspiration and for the ones who wish to splurge):

Image courtesy of http://www.freepeople.com/. $398. Style: 28523728

Image courtesy of http://www.freepeople.com/. $148. Style: 30131585

Image courtesy of http://www.freepeople.com/. $98. Style: 26820217. Multiple denim color choices.

For the Budget Minded Spiritualista:

Image courtesy of American Rag from http://www1.macys.com/shop/. $62. Get 20% off now. I own these lovelies.

Image courtesy of American Rage from http://www1.macys.com/shop/. $64. Web ID: 1322783. 20% off on macys.com.

Image courtesy of Guess from http://www1.macys.com/shop/. $158. Get 20% off now. Web ID: 1290909

Image courtesy of Life in Progress from http://www.forever21.com/. $29. I purchased these overalls as well. Product Code : 2000110704

Image courtesy of http://loveculture.com/. $47. Style: 1000021767

I curated many options for you to pull from, but the best finds are at vintage stores, for a unique, one of a kind look that is budget friendly.

I will be showcasing my overalls style in upcoming blogs, for your styling pleasure and inspiration. I bought a couple of pairs of overalls (shown above) for my own denim collection and will demonstrate different looks as the seasons change.

~Your Curator of all things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Lighting the Way x

I love this blog post because the images and accessories have a Noir Whimsy feel to them. Amazing images.

Maison Bentley Style's avatarMaison Bentley Style

porcelain_chandelier_grande

In my dreams there’s an Abigail Ahern chandelier hanging over my dining room table.  Scrap that – we’re talking dreams..they’ll be two! (and a reinforced ceiling) This one has my heart – it’s made from tiny squares of porcelain that would gently glow on a dark winters night. But at £15,050 a light (the extra £50 tickles my sensibilities) it remains firmly on the once-I’ve-won-the-lottery-lust-list…

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There’s also this one (at a mere £2,750) which makes me want to break open the kid’s air-drying clay and get creative.  The truth is Abigail’s whole aesthetic makes me want to squeal..the dark, brooding colours with the unexpected pops of colour, the quirky touches and an underlining sense of humour that spontaneously make me smile with pure pleasure.

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So it’s rather wonderful that she’s teamed up with Debenhams to design a range especially for them…

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I laugh!

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For the study?

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Guarding the front door?

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2014 Faded Denim Trends into Focus

Every Spiritualista needs a little bonding time with her son – why not take some selfies on a Sunday afternoon? We both are wearing some of 2014’s denim trends. Check out our photos of our look as well as source images to cop your own faded denim look.

My son and I on a Sunday taking Selfies – ah, the joys of parent/child bonding.

Mom and son, February 2014. Dante’s wearing a Hurley sweatshirt from Pac Sun, some medium washed jeans and a denim chambray shirt with the collars peeking through. I’m wearing a Leith (Nordstrom) jean jacket, a white t-shirt that says “Haute Paris,” floral patterned jeans I scored from JC Penney’s for $13! And, Julianne Hough Sole Society Kita booties. I love gold hooped earrings and my collection of spiked, studded wrap bracelets on my left wrist.

Dante’s serious look. I am digging his Hawaiian sweatshirt.

In a posing kind of mood.

63 degree weather – feels like springtime in Northern California in February. I’m enjoying denim jacket days in the winter.

Jacket off, just my lovely t-shirt from Ross for $6! The best part of my outfit? The great deals on clothing!

Leith denim jackets sold out, but check out Leith’s denim vest for $78.00 – very cute at http://shop.nordstrom.com/

I was lucky and scored some floral brocade jeans from JCP during a clearance sale for $13. I found some close replicas for $25, Life In Progress Skinny Jeans from http://www.forever21.com/

Start your own wrap bracelet collection. This bracelet is $7 and can be found at http://www.forever21.com/

You’ve seen this bootie featured on my blog before. I now own these booties and they’re comfortable with edge. They’re the Kita bootie at http://www.solesociety.com/kita-black.html

~Your Curator of all things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Bohemian Accessories for You, Me and Our Abodes

I am bohemian in my clothing, lifestyle, home, and spirit…I love to scope out standout, eclectic pieces. Check out the home and style accessories all curated from www.etsy.com.

For You and Me:

Namaste Tree of Life Wrap Silk Bracelet Bohemian Yoga Bracelet Hamsa Hand Of Fatima Om Spiritual Bracelet Yoga Zen Jewelry. Image courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/listing/127223850/.

Turquoise antiqued tribal chandelier earrings is the only accessory you’ll need for a bohemian ensemble. Long Bohemian earrings mint patina filigree dangle earrings boho earrings Bohemian jewelry. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/111366504/.

Tangerine Orange Mosaic Earrings -Vintage Tangerine Orange and White Mosaic Bohemian Antique Brass Earring Drop Dangles. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/93847293/.

A beautifully simple necklace is a statement piece with a colorful boho dress. Gold Boho Necklace, Moonstone Bohemian Necklace, Moonstone Necklace, Moonstone Pendant. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/129730958/.

Practical boho bag with an eclectic twist. Hobo Bag, Burlap, Batik, Sling Bag, Green, Geometric, Boho, Hippie Purse, Crossbody Bag. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/177466530/.

A dream catcher on your hand? Divine! Peace Catcher Bohemian Dreamcatcher Slave Bracelet Hippie Tribal Copper Native American Inspired. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/102526846/.

A tribal infinity scarf takes a simple white tee and jeans to the next boho level. Tribal Infinity Scarf Black and Tan Bohemian Circle Loop Scarf 9″ x 60″ L – Ethnic Tribal-Black. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/177962953/.

I’d take this bag over a designer bag any day of the week…sorry, I’m over the mass produced Coach and Michael Kors purses…NAVAJO. Fringe leather bag / bohemian bag / boho leather bag / leather boho bag / tote bag / gypsy. Available in different leather colors. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/98895315/.

Lovely sandals to wear with a paisley print maxi dress or some distressed jeans and a white tee. Reserved for Margarita. SALE. Sz US 11.5. APHRODITE. Leather wedges / leather high heels / sandals / thong sandals. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/177850977/.

For our homes:

Moroccan pillows are a nice, inexpensive bohemian accent. Moroccan Style Classic Relaxed Coastal Bohemian Toss Scatter Cushion Blue. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/177975727/.

My grandmother would have loved this and I love it for the both of us – gorgeous chandelier. She had seventies jewel beads hanging between her kitchen and formal living room. Jeweled Bohemian Princess Petite Crystal Chandelier. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/161704735/.

I am in love with The Tree of Life tapestries – they are an instant bohemian touch, especially for the apartment dwellers. Tree Of Life Wall Art, Indian Tapestry, Bohemian Tapestry, Hippie Wall Hanging, Picnic Blanket, Indian Bed Cover Or Bedspread. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/157376970/.

Whimsical and bohemian artwork is summertime all year round. Birds Flowers Bohemian Art PRINT Decorative 13 X19 by Karen Fields. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/.

Not only is the end table cute, the owl on top is adorable and whimsical. Bohemian Chalk Painted End Table. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/174676629/.

A collection of pillows is the staple for a bohemian look. Set of 4 Nordic Bohemian Indie Pillow Covers Scandanavian Throw Pillows Cushion Covers Linen Cotton Covers Tribal Home Decor Morrocan Décor. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/172616147/.

I’m addicted to poufs. I use it at as foot stool, extra seating, or coupled with a wooden tray as an end table. Classic boho chic. Bohemian Patchwork Pouf Ottoman in purple, Vintage Indian Pouf, pouffe pouffes, Foot Stool, Round Pouf Ottoman, Bean Bag, Floor Pillow Poof. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/173525644/.

~Your Curator of all things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

My Spring 2014 Accessories

New boots, paisley print jeans

Today’s Super Bowl Sunday, and I don’t know too much about football or even who’s playing!  But, I know what accessories to wear for this coming spring. Check out what I’m wearing this Winter/Spring 2014:

My favorite accessories…stacks of studded wrap bracelets and my wedding bands.

Boots off, breaking in period over for today…

Another look at my booties…

Me and my gold hooped earrings…

~Your Curator of all things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Get Your Bootie On! Luxe Booties For Less

Image Courtesy of http://www.solesociety.com/kita-black.html, and, it is one of the pairs I scored today for $45.00!

Okay, now that I have the perfect light blue denim jeans, naturally I need some new kicks to wear with them! I have been in the market for the perfect booties for YEARS, all because I am too picky to settle on just the right one. Some are too tall, too dressy, not dressy enough, too expensive, too cheap looking (I can’t stand a faux stacked heel!) – you get the picture, I’m persnickety when it comes to my footwear. I was determined to find the perfect bootie and lo’ and behold, I hit the mother lode for short boots! Now is the perfect time to get booties, as most are on clearance as retailers transition from winter to spring wear. I patiently waited until now to score some fantastic deals on some timeless booties.

  • Nordstrom has some great boots under $100.00 on their website.
  • DSW.com has a great selection of booties, many under $100.00.
  • Amazon.com is another place I checked out, but my picky ways couldn’t nail down the right pair for under $100.00.
  • Sole Society (http://www.solesociety.com/invite/link/index/id/11705993/type/2/) – Divas, I saved the absolute best for last. I scored THREE pairs of cute, timeless booties for under $125.00! Just last night, they put all their boots and booties on clearance (I’ve been stalking them for weeks now!) and this website will not disappoint. A big plus is their free shipping. If you click on the invite link above within the next three days, you’ll get 20% off your purchase of $60.00 or more.

Courtesy of http://www.solesociety.com/jillianne-black.html. I bought this pair in both black and tan.

~Your Curator of all things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley