Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Whether your main man has impeccable style or thinks socks and sandals are a great combo, dads are always the best style consultants. They always make sure we are fully aware that your dress is too short or ask, “are you sure you want to wear that?” sound familiar? Well if anyone is an all-star fashion critic in the family, it’s my dad. My parents have helped shape my fashion sense and most of all, always made sure I put my best foot forward. So in honor of Father’s Day, I teamed up with the my style consultant to show you two fun styles that both you and and your guy can wear:

Outfit 1: graphic tee, button up, cuffed jeans, flats/sperrys

Pair your favorite graphic tee with a button up and cuffed jeans a perfect casual day look. My favorite staple piece in a guy’s closet is a button up shirt- especially with rolled sleeve and a watch. So take my father’s fashion sense and copy this style for the a casual outing with the girls or your guy.

tee (Dad’s closet)/ button-up (My sister’s bf’s closet)/ pink corduroys (H&M)/ flats (Target) 

Outfit 2: button up, tie, skirt, flats

Who says girls can’t wear ties? Pair yours with a skirt and flats for a feminine appeal.

shirt (thrift)/ skirt (Pac Sun)/ flats (Target)/ tie (Dad’s closet)

xoxo Audree Kate

Maybe it’s just me but, an over-sized tee always feels a million times better than any cute top hanging in my closet.  Whether its from your guy’s closet, a thrift shop steal or something new- the boyfriend tee is my new summer favorite. These tees aren’t just for sleeping or the gym anymore ladies- with a few simple steps you can revolutionize the simple screen tee into your new go-to summer outfit:

Pick the perfect shirt

It doesn’t matter if it’s his white Hanes tee, a rocker shirt or anything in your closet, find one that best fits your personality. Roll the sleeves up a few times, cut out the collar, make back cut-outs, or whatever to make your shirt YOU.

Feminize

The best way to feminize your tee is to pair it with a skirt. I paired mine with a short stretch skirt with the shirt overlapped while Sammi’s is tucked into a calf-length pleated skirt. Other great alternatives to skirts are printed or high-waisted shorts.

Accessorize

How do you make any outfit cute? Accessorize it of course! Throw on some extra chunky statement necklaces and bracelets and no one will even realize you’re wearing just a simple tee

Glamorize

Bold lips during the day are a new fashion ‘do’ so go for classic red, hot pink or deep maroon to match your funky personality and outfit

Make a Statement 

It’s all with the attitude you want to portray: Glamorized tom-boy or funky girly girl. Pick your path, scavenge a shirt, excessively accessorize and rock your unique personality to do my summer’s NEW favorite look: Your “not so boyfriend’s” tee.

A few weeks ago, I was introduced to the super cool t-shirt line, Thoroughbred Clothing ! I instantly had to connect with these so-called Stallions. I loved their carefree style, especially their Frank Sinatra Mug Shot tee (sported by yours truly).

chambray blouse (thrift)/skirt (Rue21)/ Converse (Journey’s)/ cuff (Charming Charlies)/

statement ring (H&M)/ orange clutch (target)/ sunglasses (vintage)

skirt (thrift)/ belt (thrift), sandals (Steve Madden on sale!)/ green clutch (thrift)/ rings (street vendors and H&M)/sunglasses (Charming Charlies)/ necklace (gift)/ bracelet (Foot Fetish)

A huge thank you to my dearest friend, Sammi, for helping me with the shoot & always being my number one fan <3

And now here’s YOUR chance to own your very own Thoroughbred tee or tank- no need for the smelly old bf tee, win a brand new one!

RULES OF ENTRY

**Leave a comment saying you completed the process!

The winners will be chosen at random and contacted through Instagram or Facebook so keep a look out! Contest ends Monday June 17th at 11pm

Good Luck!

xoxo

Audree Kate

Never fear, thrifters/ bargain hunters- yet another clothing swap is happening this weekend! I am extremely excited for this one because there will be food, live music, DIY booths, trunk shows, socializing and the most important aspect- the clothing swap of course!

CO-OPhx and GROWop have teamed up to host this year’s Spring Swap, taking place this Saturday, April 21 at the GROWop Boutique! Read below for all the basic details you will need:

• Buy your ticket online and we may have tickets available at the door
• Bring up to 10 items to Swap, and drop them off durring their Check-In time (you can bring unlimited items to donate!!)
• Proceeds from donated items will go to CollegeTown
• Anything can be donated, well almost anything, see details at the ClothingCycle website. It will be re-used, or recycled to make a new material.
• Enjoy the event, while Swap Team sets up the swap area for boutique style shopping. People can enjoy:
• Food for sale: Butter & Me Bakery, Kaleidoscope cold pressed juice, Vegan tamales
• Free food for swappers: Build-you-own Fruit Cup, water, iced tea, kind bars
• Speakers – 4 speakers, check website for details
• Live music – Henry Rivera
• Purchase swap shirts and trendy shirts from Brand X T Shirts
• DIY Hair Chalking
• Shop the local boutiques: GROWop, Cellar Door Vintage, Annie Boomer Vintage
• Pop up bow-tie and neckwear shop
• Wishing Well community art piece
• Meeting new people

SWAP Times!

• There are 4 swaps, 2 at a time. People buy a ticket for a specific Swap Time.
• (Note: Women’s Swap A, B and C are equal, they just denote a specific time and area , people may ask this)

For the past year, the founders of Co-OPhx have been spreading the joy of second-hand style while helping the community around them. Five swaps and thousands of items donated, the biggest swap yet is planned for this weekend. On Saturday, April 21st from 11am-4pm, the front yards of GROWOp, Annie Boomer Vintage and Cellar Door Vintage will be filled with clothes of participants to swap and experience a day filled with fun interactive booths and meet unique fashion-minded individuals in the area.

The swap isn’t just for trading clothes either- four style tutorials from local boutique owners including Amir from Amir La Voute (remember him from MIM Rocks Fashion?), Ashley Eaton from Merry May Shoppe, Joshua Hahn from GROWOp and Adrian Leisong of Superstition Vintage. These booths will include neckware shops and how to shop vintage. But that’s not it! Make sure to put your  shopping skills to the test and check out the three host stores at the swap.

So don’t forget- go to Spring Swap this weekend (FB event) and come say hi to me!

Learn more on the FB page and make sure to ‘like’ it so you can regularly participate in the upcoming clothing swaps

Will I see you there?

XOXO
Audree Kate

As the dreadful summer season sets in (mainly in Arizona), the weather is scorching, sweat is unavoidable and if you’re like me, the last thing you want to deal with is your hair (ain’t nobody got time for that). Keep this summer cool with easy up-dos, braids, beachy waves and hats.

Up-dos:

   

Top Knot- Pull your hair up into a high pony, tease the remainder of the hair and twist into a bun. Secure with an elastic hair-tie or bobby pins.  At the base of the bun attach an oversized bow, flower or tie a scarf around the bun in a bow.

Braided Pony- Part your hair to the side and begin a French braid of the thicker side. When the French braid reaches your temple, continue the basic 3-stranded braid and pull back hair into a high ponytail.

Twisted up-do-Section your hair down the middle into two parts; Take one side and twist inwards along the hairline. When the first side is completely twisted, twist onto the nape of the neck and pin. Twist the other side and pin when done.

All three hairstyles can be done with short or long hair and take no more than 5 minutes. These are great dos for a summer internship, girls’ night and the beach. 

  Braids:

           

Fishtail- Split your hair into two sections and take a small piece from the back of section one and bring on top over to section two. Do the same to the other side and repeat until you get to the bottom of your hair and tie in a small elastic hair tie. Once tied, pull gently at the braid to make it fuller and messier.

Braided top knot-Flip over your hair and brush downwards so it’s smooth and tangle-free. Take a section at the nape of your neck and split into 3 sections. Begin a French braid and braid until you hit level with your ears. Gather all of your hair with the braid and secure in a high pony on top of your head; wrap into a bun and secure.

Side braid- Part your hair and French braid along your neckline until you hit the nape of your neck. Tease the rest of your hair and gather into a bun at the nape of your neck.

 
Beachy waves:

There are three easy ways to successfully attain perfect beachy waves:

1. French braid- When your hair is damp (if you just got out of the shower let it sit for 15-20 min or lightly blow dry it so its manageable) separate your hair into 2 sections and French braid your hair on each side of your head until you have two tight French braid pigtails. Lightly Hairspray or apply product and sleep overnight. When you wake up, take out your braids; run your fingers through and hairspray it. Your hair should be dry by now and have created wavy curls.

2. Curling iron- Take a ½ or ¾ inch curling iron and point it downwards against your hair (start at the base) while you wrap small and large sections around it. Pointing your curling iron downwards creates a softer curl and it helps to alternate from large to small sections for that perfect messy beach hair. Once your hair is curled, run your fingers through and hair spray.

3. DIY beach spray- Make your own DIY beach spray: 2 cups of hot water, 1T salt, 1T coconut oil, 1T hair gel/ conditioner (optional). Spray on wet hair, twist 2-10 sections of your hair and let dry.
 

Turban headbands and hats:

For those days you don’t feel like washing your hair or just really can’t tame the fro, cover it up with a cute turban headband or hat

Turban headbands are everywhere this season! Plus you can make them yourself (just grab an old t-shirt and go to Pinterest for the DIY tutorials). You can wear them no matter what your hair type is, your personal style or your mood- slap on one of these uber trendy head pieces and stand out in the crowd, in a good way.

There’s no need to refer back to your old baseball cap when having a bad hair day, test out a fedora or the newest trend of wide rim hats/fedora style- LOVE IT! Pair this with big sunglasses when you’re outside and you’ll be set for the summer sun.

Xoxo,Audree Kate 

Friday, March 29th was the 4th annual MIM Rocks Fashion by Phoenix Fashion Week at the Musical Instrument Museum and I was lucky enough to be apart of it. The top stylists in Arizona were paired with designers or local boutiques for a spring fashion show.

 

Despite the delicious cadbury chocolate, I love Easter because pastels and spring colors are in full force! This season’s soft floral and chiffon spring dresses are a great addition to any closet.

I especially love this high to low dress! Finding the right fit for a high to low can be difficult (its either too high or too low you know?) but this style is flattering to every body type since it hits a couple inches above the knee and isn’t too long in the back. The peach colors mix perfectly with the tiffany blue wedges and are balanced with a camel brown clutch. Every Easter outfit should be accentuated with a floppy Sunday hat and I like this one because its simple yet makes a huge statement with the black band and long rim. 

Make a statement this Easter with your pastels, off setting shoe and floppy hat!

xoxo

Audree Kate

Happy First Day of Spring!

Although this is one of the best times of the season, the transition from winter to spring is the hardest- from attempting to tan your pale legs to actually wishing you didn’t eat that whole carton of Ben & Jerry’s the night before you go bikini shopping but hey, it’s ok because spring clothes are the best! Spring 2013 is the season of crop tops and high waisted a-line skirts and bright hues.

• Chambray top: we all love jean tops- they can be incorporated into almost any outfit
•  if you don’t have a tank top or crop top- roll up the sleeves, button half way down and tie up the bottom half  above your waistline of your skirt
• Flowy [floral] skirt: a versatile piece that you can wear from school, work to date night
• Nude wedges: I love wedges because they are nicer to walk in and can transition easier from day to night
• Nude is an extremely versatile color to pair with anything and a very spring/summer look
• Gold cuff: I love gold this year and gold jewelry gives your outfit a spring ambiance and makes you look more tan
• Red lipstick: What diva doesn’t own a fab color of red lipstick?!
• Pick a shade that compliments your skin tone and it will help make your eyes pop and smile shine!
• Turquoise necklace: My absolute favorite type of jewelry! Turquoise can be paired with almost any color and especially looks great with red!

This past Sunday, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the first annual SWAP Tempe. If you haven’t heard of  the clothing swaps that have been happening in the Phoenix area the past couple years- you are missing out! Fellow colleague and fashionista, Chloe Bosmeny hosted the clothing swap at her house and over 60 people attended that day to shop, win raffles and participate in the DIY booths hosted by yours truly and Lindsay Vikar from Couture in the Suburbs (If you haven’t seen her blog, go check it out- It’s adorable!).

Now to explain what a clothing swap is to those who don’t know- It is a gathering for people where they can donate up to ten items of gently used clothing and accessories and then swap with the same amount of clothing items they brought. The left over goods are donated to the International Rescue Committee. Swap Tempe ended up with 15 left over bags that they donated!

I was so excited to host a DIY booth this year! I decided to relive the turban headband DIY tutorial from a couple months ago and it was a success! I picked up a bunch of shirts from Goodwill and had a handful of others donated and just cut 2 inch stripes of the shirts for guests. 

Here are some attendees with their awesome new turban headbands!

At Couture in the Suburbs‘ booth they did cute twist ribbon bracelets- they are super easy and a cute addition to any arm candy collection. 

 Lindsay Viker and Cassie Goers from the Couture In The Suburbs DIY booth even stopped by to make a turban headband

Shoptiques also had a booth by us and they hosted a raffle of their ridiculously cute swimwear and clothing items. 

Rebecca and Ariel Shemesh working the raffle for the new season’s bathing suits

Don’t forget to ‘like’ Clothing Swap on Facebook so you can attend the next swap!

xoxo,

Audree Kate

A cocktail dress can be one of the most difficult things to style from time to time- do you go for the tight body con dress or the family friendly Sunday dress. Find a happy medium! A cocktail dress is designed for fancier situations but make sure it completely embodies your personality and the event itself. This week I will be attending a cocktail dress event and am currently searching my closet for the perfect cocktail dress.

I love love love peplum outfits- not only are slimming at the waist but they cover that trouble area of hips and love handles (you know it’s true). In addition to a dress, pair it with a tailored blazer. This can make a great combination of going from the office to a cocktail hour with some close girlfriends.

The rules of a cocktail dress:

1. Keep it covered - this is a formal event and you want to make sure all the necessities are fully covered and you look like a classy adult. 
2. Keep it classy- darker colors are typically worn in cocktail settings so that neon club dress from Miami might not be the best idea
3. Keep it memorable- in the midst of a large room with strangers, state your ‘hello’ with a killer outfit. Wear complimentary colors, fit and length according to your body.