Out of my comfort zone

Well, I did it. I finally did it. Sometimes you just have to push past the things that make you uncomfortable and just do them anyway. For me, it was wearing contrasting colors AND wearing a vest. I am just not really a vest person. I like my arms covered. Maybe I will wear it next time with long sleeves and see how I like it. Oh and I also don't really like orange. This vest was a darker orangish-red (or is it reddish-orange?) but still not something I normally wear.

So, I thought it was fun to try. I am not sure how often I will wear something like this but I am glad I did it. Becky is really soft and I enjoyed wearing this vest. Maybe in a different color? ;) 

Partially, this outfit was inspired by my other kika consultants who play with colors more than I do. Partially, it was inspired by my shoes. What do you think of it?

Becky in Tangerine (signature color) ~ $78 (ON SALE $58.50)
Lisa in Ocean (custom color) ~ $58

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Tieks by Gavrielli in Sunset Stripe (vegan) ~ $165

Oh Oh Oh Anastasia!

This is an amazing dress. I didn't think I would love it as much as I do. The best thing is it looks good on so many people who have tried it on! I didn't know it would be a universally flattering dress. Plus, the other great thing? It comes in 24 different colors! 12 solid colors and 12 stripe colors. Wow! I will try to show you as many different looks here.

Just a note that I am wearing a kika size 1 in these photos because that is what I have in stock. I should have it shortened but I will wait until I decide to keep it or not. In the meantime, I tucked the skirt into the built in belt. Other than being too long (which is a common thing for me) the size 1 fit me pretty good! I normally wear a kika size 2 in the dresses. 

Anastasia in Khaki/White Stripe (signature color) ~ $140
Daphne in Ocean (custom color) ~ $85

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Anastasia in Khaki/White Stripe (signature color) ~ $140

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Anastasia in Imperial Stripe (custom color) ~ $140

LEFT: Anastasia in Ocean Stripe (custom color) ~ $140
RIGHT: Anastasia in Peony Stripe (custom color) ~$140

Anastasia in Peony Stripe (custom color) ~ $140
Triangle Scarf in Ocean (custom color) ~ $42

Anastasia in Black (signature color) ~ $125

Magic Trick Scarf Tie

Here I go again with another scarf tie! This one is one of my favorites and I learned it by watching Wendy's Lookbook 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf video. It is amazing and if you haven't seen it ... do! She has a great step by step video demo too but I thought I would give it a shot with one of my kikaPaprika scarves. Tell me what you think!

I am using the Wavy Stripe Scarf from kikaPaprika ($28) and wearing Pippa in Ink ($50) and Simone in White (previous season item).

Step #1: Use a rectangle scarf like kikaPaprika's Wavy Stripe scarf. 

Step #2: Fold or scrunch it up lengthwise so you have a nice narrow scarf.

Step #3: Wrap it around your neck one time and keep the ends even.

Step #4: Pull one "tassel" from under the loop and put your hand through it.

Step #5: Use your other hand and give the other "tassel" to the hand in the middle of the loop.

Step #6: Tada! Adjust as necessary and now you have a cool pretzel looking tie that was easier to do than it looks!

All in one photo!

How to Tie a Scarf Into a Vest (2013 version)

I did this last season with one of our scarves from the Fall Collection but it was a wide rectangle scarf. I thought I would show you how to tie a scarf into a vest using a narrower rectangle scarf as I like that look better on me especially since I am petite. People are always amazed that what I am wearing is actually a scarf! I don't usually like to wear vests but I find that it is so different that I just have to do it sometimes. I did two scarf "tricks" during a presentation at a networking business and even the guys loved it. One of them inspired me to blog and make a video demo too. Here goes!

I used kikaPaprika's Bird Scarf which sells for $26. I am also wearing Pippa in Ink ($50) and Simone in White (previous season item).

Step #1: Take your scarf lengthwise ...

Step #2: Fold it in half. One side has your "fold" and the other side is "open".

Step #3: Take the corners that you were holding and tie a very small but secure knot. 

Step #4: Find the side that was "open" (it helps if the scarf has fringe) and pull it open.
You should find two holes like this to put your arms through.

TADA! Here is the look all finished.

Here is an all-in-one photo with all the steps.

Pippa in Ink and Peony

We have had some great summer weather lately so it has been fun to dress in my summer line. My first look with Pippa is a basic outfit. Ink (dark navy) and white. I dressed it up with some fun necklaces. It was also my base for two scarf tying demos that I am working on posting. The second outfit is a fun summer look in Peony. I have noticed that Pippa in the stripe I wear a kika size 2 and it seems to fit just fine. When it comes to the solid colors, I find it runs pretty big. The Ink is a kika size 2 and the Peony is a kika size 0. I would probably buy a kika size 1 but I was surprised how well the 0 fit me too. What do you think?

Pippa in Peony (custom color) ~ $50
Camille in Feather Print (signature color) ~ $58

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Here is the necklace I am wearing...
16" Copper Necklace with Agate and Cultured Freshwater Pearls ~ $47.20

Pippa in Ink (signature color) ~ $50
Simone in White (previous season item) ~ replace with Jenna or Elle

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