Tag Archives: style

That Cali Life…

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Image courtesy of porbital, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of porbital, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

There’s something magical about being in California – there’s an air of adventure, wonderment, and beauty that envelops the daydreams of natives and visitors alike.

I hail from beautiful Northern California and my passion for my state is unabashed and free flowing. My “California Love” Pinterest Board has hundreds of photos https://www.pinterest.com/syryn22/california-love/.

The ever present sunshine, an abundant array of cultures, great food, and awesome views, California captures the imagination, as we know there are countless songs that sing the praises of this great state. I can drive to San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. I can dip my toes in icy Lake Tahoe. I can hike in Gold Country or in the massive Redwood Groves of the North Coast (my absolute favorite thing to do). I can chill in at a tucked away jazz club, while I sip an espresso in our college towns.

Etsy has a Californian-whimsical-anything-sells-and-goes feel, just like our street vendors who reign our city and towns’ streets.

Those who dare to live in California, know there’s no other place like it.

So, it’s no wonder there’s an affinity to create clothing and home décor that represents this great, beautifully diverse and alluring state. Even the curve of our borders oozes wild sex appeal! Here’s some California inspiration from our vendors from Etsy.com:

Etsy seller: PaperFinchDesign. California print, $12.

Etsy seller WoodKeeps. California Dreamin’ Wood Coasters, $34.50.

Etsy seller WeLoveCalifornia. California Grown Globe Zip Up Sweatshirt, $34.

Etsy Seller WeLoveCalifornia. Gold CA Love Necklace, $34.

Etsy seller MonkandHoney. California coffee table and bench, $900+. Ships from Fullerton, California.

Etsy seller CaliforniaRustic. California Flag Hat Rack, $66.

Etsy seller thePathLessTraveled. California silhouette luggage tags, $3.90.

~Your Curator of All Things Californian, Kimberly Jo Cooley

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Spotlight on Etsy shop The Bohemian Dream

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Image courtesy of Etsy.com shop The Bohemian Dream, designer Lucia Flores. Bohemian blouse, $52.

Upcycled, eco-friendly, one of a kind bohemian pieces to fit even the modest of budgets is all found in Etsy’s shop, The Bohemian Dream. I love the store owner and fashion designer Lucia Flores’s take on upcycled fashion – taking what it is already beautiful and in our hands today and recreating it into something new, cute and unique. Add to your bohemian closet with Lucia’s unique and stylish designs. She ships worldwide from Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Check out The Bohemian Dream’s shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBohemianDream?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav.

Image courtesy of Estsy.com shop The Bohemian Dream, designer Lucia Flores. Bohemian, floral trimmed tank, $34.

Image courtesy of Esty.com shop The Bohemian Dream, designer Lucia Flores. Bohemian poncho, $29.

Image courtesy of Etsy.com shop The Bohemian Dream, designer Lucia Flores. Bohemian tube top, $34.

Image courtesy of Etsy.com shop The Bohemian Dream, designer Lucia Flores. Top layering, off shoulder Oriental Tribal Print Boho Hippie Poncho, $45.

Your Curator of All Things Bohemian and Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Winter Rising

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Etsy.com. Seller: RedpoppyVintageShop. Vintage Wool Poncho, Blanket Cape, Ethnic Scarf Coat, $82.

The poetic and chilly time between November and December marks the delineation between fall and winter. Those of us who swoon over cool weather clothing are very happy with 2014’s options for an easy, indulgent, and all-comfy ensemble. This season celebrates the nester in all of us, with easy layering pieces that dance the fine line between loungewear and high fashion.

Check out the below curated pieces for your 2014 fall/winter inspirational pieces…

Etsy.com Seller The Bohemian Dream. Bohemian Poncho Cape, Chevron, Floral Trim. Upcycled Clothing Recycled Clothes Eco Friendly OOAK by TheBohemianDream, $49.80.

Etsy.com. Seller: The Bohemian Dream. Bohemian Cardigan Nordic High Low Knit Doily Vintage. Upcycled Clothing Recycled Eco Friendly OOAK by TheBohemianDream, $49.80.

Etsy.com. Seller: The Bohemian Dream, $49.80.

Free people. Snowflake marled loop, $168.

Free People. Hendrix Sweater Legging. Color: Winter White, $68.

Free People. Marshmallow cardigan, $128.

Free People. Teddy Wrap Around Pullover, $148.

~Your Curator of All Things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

2014 Fall and Winter Denim Trends

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2014’s fall and winter denim trends haven’t changed much from my spring and summer denim round up (https://abundantlifeinitiative.com/2014/01/02/spring-and-summer-2014-top-denim-trends/). Below, find the styles that will have you set through the beginning of 2015. Curating denim trends is my favorite of all fashion pieces to look for and share with my readers. What do you think about the latest denim trends? Any trends you are wearing now that’s not on the list, but should be?

Boyfriend:

1969 patch & repair sexy boyfriend jeans, $30. Gap.com. Great buy – on sale, regular price $75.

Retro: (or high rise) wear them fitted (straight legged, or flared for a retro look) – with crop tops or thin shirts tucked in:

ModCloth Vintage Inspired High Waist, Flare Weekend Folk Festival Jeans, $70. Modcloth.com. High waist, slight flare is what gives these jeans a retro feel. What’s great is retro looks great in both light and dark washes.

Patchwork:

8Boy Patchwork Boyfriend Jeans, $120. Parasuco.com. Somehow these jeans are super sexy with patchwork and some gladiator heels. One can achieve this same look with finding unique patches and adding them to a pair of old jeans.

 

Upcycled Patchwork Hippie Jeans, $42. Etsy.com

Overalls: (Yay!)

Distressed & Patched Overalls, $35. Forever21.com. This look combines four 2014 Fall trends – overalls, distressed, patchwork, boyfriend style.

Mom Jeans: (I will likely never embrace this trend, but I am here to report what’s hot in denim, so here it is)

Urban Outfitters does Mom Jeans justice – making them a more redeeming and longer lasting denim trend. The key to this look is the fitted gray top and the denim color. $59.

Distressed:

Distressed low-rise skinny jeans, $950, Saint Laurent. Net-a-porter.com. I know, I know – these are way out of most people’s budgets for a pair of shredded jeans, but I am highlighting them to show the level of distress, coupled with a perfect amount of fading on a skinny jean. I think you could achieve this look on an old pair of great fitting jeans, but here’s a denim dreamer’s inspiration.

~Your Curator of All Things Stylish and Denim, Kimberly Jo Cooley

2014 Fall Must Have: Shearling

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It’s no surprise Glamour Magazine singled out this soft and warm textile as a must-have for Fall 2014. I am an endless summer kind of girl, but there’s a time when the Sacramento ninety degree weather breaks, the days get shorter, colder and I do a little happy dance when it’s time to pull out my cool weather garbs.

Shearling is like plaid in the cold months – timeless. But, (the look of) shearling is in vogue this season, so for those lucky folks who already own a shearling lined jacket – rejoice! And, for the rest of us who covet one, take a look at the styles I curated below – bound to conjure daydreams of all the outfits a shearling jacket would complete :-).

Here’s a round-up of the flyest shearling jackets for all budgets:

Cascade Shearling Coat, on sale $119. Alloy.

Burberry Brit Sheppington Shearling Jacket, $2995. Bloomingdales.

Faux Suede and Faux Shearling Jacket, $43. Forever 21.

Overland Sheepskin Co Holly Shearling Sheepskin Jacket, $759. Amazon.com.

Faux Shearling Jacket, $50. Forever 21.

~Your Curator of All Things Stylish (and Bohemian!), Kimberly Jo Cooley

The African Shop Delivers in Dramatic Fashion

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Danna Dress by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

I love how now more than ever, we have access to worldwide clothiers and Etsy provides a platform for the exchange between buyers and sellers. On my Facebook newsfeed, an African clothing seller caught my eye. I clicked on it and lo’ and behold, stumbled on a gorgeous, affordable collection of beautiful, modern, African dresses, skirts and pantsuits that are sure to flatter most figures and budgets.

The African Shop opened it’s virtual Etsy store in March of 2013, by Christelle and Michelle Nganhou. The store’s owners are based in Great Britain, but lucky for world shoppers, they ship to most places. The African Shop’s fashion forward African clothing lives up to its motto: “Empowering African designers/tailors while providing the best of African Fashion.”

There are 76 pieces for sale in The African Shop’s Etsy store, and it was difficult to choose which curated pieces to highlight for this blog post. Be sure to check out their complete collection at https://www.etsy.com/shop/THEAFRICANSHOP?ref=pr_shop_more.

Akwa Wrap Style Blazer by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Meida Skirt by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Chela Blouse by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Fleur Skirt with bow tie by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Kaky Skirt by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Leray Dress by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Freeda Mid Length Skirt by the African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Skyy Maxi Skirt by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Dashiki Boom Dress 2 by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Birdy Blouse by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Nabine Dress by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Kalima Pencil Trouser by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Africa Maxi Dress by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

~Your Curator of All Things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

One Green Blouse and Two Pairs of Jeans

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Dark denim washed jeans with one of my favorite green blouses. Gold hoops, colorful and gold bangles, and tribal patterned sandals finish off the look.

Same green blouse, but bleached washed jeans.

I’m often asked what’s the “in” denim color to wear this season.  I am happy to report anything goes for denim color.

The above pictures illustrate how the same green blouse can be worn with either dark or light denim.

You can update your wardrobe by mixing up your denim colors with your favorite tops and accessories. Dark denim has a different feel than light, so play with the different looks and have fun with it.

What’s your favorite denim color and go-to denim look?

~Your Curator of All Things Denim and Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Modern Bohemian Threads by Nuichan on Etsy.com

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I love to virtually window shop Nuichan on Etsy.com. Niuchan is a Thai designer who creates the prettiest handmade dresses, pants, and shirts for the Bohemian Earth Mother in all of us. Nuichan’s clothes have a modern air to their bohemian patterns and shapes and are one size fits most, and even offers plus size. Here’s a curated list of the beautiful Nuichan creations found on Etsy.com:

Orange burst maxi dress with collar – a woven, brown leather belt would go great with this already lovely dress, $65.

Funky maxi dress, perfect for the summer, $59.

Turquoise Maxi dress, sleeveless and drawstring, $59.

Bohemian long sleeved maxi dress, $59.

Deep purple, plus sized, drawstring maxi dress, $75.

Off white, sleeveless, maxi dress. Something so pure, light and natural about an all white dress, $59.

Retro print, kaftan dress, with funky silver accessories, $65.

Linen, maxi jumpsuit. Punch up this jumpsuit with ethnic, colorful accessories, $65.

Orchid wide legged linen pants, $58.

Boho Patchwork Wide legged pants, $59.

Tunic Blouse Kaftan, $59. I’d wear this as a top over some jeans or leggings, but perfectly fine worn as a dress.

~Your Curator of All Things Stylish and Bohemian, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Crop Top Sets!

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My mother purchased this outfit in 1990, and never wore it. It reigns from the clothing company, Miss Selfridge, London England.

I inherited a cool outfit circa 1990 from my mother, with the tags still attached! I googled the clothier, Miss Selfridge and as it turns out, they have a wonderful website that sells – you guessed it – crop top sets! It’s no surprise the 1990s has influenced our style for the last couple of seasons (not to date myself, but my teen years were set in the 90s, so you can imagine I am having nostalgic moment after moment).

The crop top has a sweetheart neckline.

Ladies can rock this look with a pair of cute sandals and a light denim jacket. Check out Miss Selfridges’ cute separates for inspiration or to add to your wardrobe. Under the Apparel section, click on “Co-ords,” which will take you to their “Two Become One” section (a fitting title for coordinating outfits).

Miss Selfridge Crop Top, $53. Love the pop of yellow and the white, graphic flowers.

Miss Selfridge coordinating pencil skirt, $61.

Miss Selfridge crop top, $49.

Miss Selfridge, coordinating pants, $61.

Miss Selfridge Hawaiian Print T-Shirt, $61.

Miss Selfridge Hawaiian Printed Mini Skirt, $61.

 ~Your Curator of All Things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Summer 2014 Handbag Round Up

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Summer’s fast approaching  and it is time to switch out your winter carryall to a summertime one. The handbags below are budget-friendly and stylish. All the curated bags have lasting style power, and can be worn for many summers to come. For inspiration or to check out different color options, click on the images.

Grommets add a funky, modern touch to a shoulder bag. Big Buddha, Jkesha Satchel Top Handle Bag, $95. Amazon.

This mustard hue surprisingly goes well with many different outfits and the gold studs are a nice detail. Vieta Oversized Studded Leatherette Hobo Tote Satchel Handbag Purse Shoulderbag, $90. Amazon.

An Aztec, tribal look in bold, graphic colors and print creates instant drama to your outfit. 50% at Nordstrom, $21,

I’m in love with this bag. I’ve owned this Melie Bianco for over a year, and it’s still holding up well, despite the white color. Can be easily cleaned with a Clorox wipe. The gold zipper detail makes this bag ultra versatile. And, it’s a steal at $38. Amazon.

Boho Patchwork Tote, a wonderful compliment to jeans and a white fitted tee or tank, $38. Nordstrom.

More grommets! Nordstrom offers this cool hobo bag for $38.

Fringe is in! Boho Spiritualistas know that fringe never really goes out of style, but Summer 2014, it is definitely en trend for the rest, $32. Nordstrom.

A slouch bag can hold the world! So, try and remember to pack light in this stylish tote, $40. ‘Mixed Signals’ Print Slouchy Tote.

This lime is nineties, the style 2014, $55. Extra-Large Melie Bianco ”Fergie” Crossbody Satchel. Amazon.

~Your Curator of all Things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley