spiked zig zags

Zig Zag Crop: ROMWE Jeans: J. Brand Jean Jacket: Forever 21 Sideways Hat: NYY Sneakers: Nike

When I was first graced with New York's presence as my new home, I was accompanied by one enormous red suitcase (mad thanks to Costco) and two baby suitcases. Rendering my outfit choices limited, at best. At the time, it was a not-so welcomed challenge in the sweltering NY heat. I have always been the kind of gal that feels pangs of anxiety having my clothes in multiple locations. I need them all in the same place. Call me a princess, whatever! Not having this for the first month was unpleasant but I also started to find it fun. How's that for you! I was able to put things together I otherwise would've never thought of. Talk about being pushed out of a comfort zone. As if quitting my job, moving across the country to chase a dream didn't already do that? :) 

Pardon all of the kellfies, there were before I made my NY friends! What do you think? Spiked jean jackets and zig zags? 

part(y)ing is such sweet sorrow

Blazer: Theory; "The Bags Under My Eyes Are Prada" Tee: My Own; Black Jeans: J.Brand; Necklace: Maxwell; Sunglasses + Shoes: Prada

..but wouldn't it be nice if it didn't always have to be?

This post is a bit more personal than usual. Personal as in I do not normally talk about the people in my life via my blog as I try to keep it strictly fashion oriented, however I felt this necessary to speak on. Change is constant, change is hard. I am rather adaptable to changes, but that doesn't mean I sail through them with great ease either. In my opinion, there are no happy endings, to me, endings are the saddest part. I am thankful for a happy middle and a very happy start. 

This week I celebrated leaving my corporate job in Silicon Valley so that I could pursue my dream of design in NYC. I have been blessed the last year and a half to have been surrounded by not only great co-workers, but people that I am proud to call friends. A special thanks to Shenna Huynh for planning this "Farewell Fashionista Party" on my behalf; your positivity and generosity never cease to amaze me! Obviously, I had to leave "in style" ;) 

These amazing humans that I will miss having in my life everyday: Dave, Patrick, Allene, Marc, Iain (NO HANDS!), Jamie, Gehrig, Rachel, Matt, Or, Lauren, Myself, Shenna (LADY IN RED), Steph waving goodbye to me!

A completely skull themed table, perfect for #SkellyKelly. My move to the bEAST coast is starting to feel real: the car has been sold, my apt is devoid of all furniture except a bed, goodbye parties have been had, and boxes have been packed. I am so excited for this next chapter but I can't help but feel a little sad/scared about everything I am leaving behind. I suppose I should consider myself lucky to have such good friends that I am going to miss so much. I also think that being scared means I am doing something right. To be this young and feel "comfortable", is not what I want for myself or my life.. (queue sailing off into the sunset)

XOXO, all my love.

what I learned in NYC: the best things in life are black

Oh wait.. I already knew that!

Peplum Top: Anthropologie; Studded Belt & Jacket: BCBG; Black Jeans: J.Brand; Shoes: Target; Rocco Bag: Alexander Rocco; All photos by: Kristine Constantino

As recent as last week I had the pleasure of going to the greatest city in America that needs no introduction (NYC!) A city that sounds so nice they named it twice. When I arrived at Penn Station via Boston, all I could think was, "Wow! I guess I really am a grown-up now." Having the good fortune of working for an incredible company that pays for my travel and desires my expertise in various cities around the country. It's all surreal, don't ask me how it happened..

Okay back to the MAIN point: BLACK BLACK BLACK. The second thought in my mind was radiating that color, everyone was wearing it with little to no discretion, I loved it.

Bright, west coast colors, I have not forsaken you. I have just temporarily replaced you. The blackness in a city that legitimately never sleeps (which I can't attest to, seriously quiet in my  accidentally booked hotel room in Mid-Town,) fluorescent with activities all hours of the day -- don't even get me started on the night! The city is chalk-full of a completely blacked-out population. And man, can they work it. Every individual so impeccably dressed that I even found myself becoming insecure! Then it donned on me, the lack of color was a way of neutralizing the playing ground. Perhaps their personalities are so robust, and their accomplishments so great that they do not need to be, "LOUD," with their clothing. I find this to be as admirable as it is inspiring.

10 great things in my life that happen to be black:

1. Records
2. 50 Cent
3. The gas lever in my car (SUPER IMPORTANTE)
4. 50% of Giant's Colors
5. Combat boots
6. OG Ray Bans
7. Pen Ink (because pencils are so 2002 and red/blue are too weird)
8. Jo Malone boxes
9. My lighter
10. This fit!

While I have always had the inclination that the best things in life are black, I have to bring out the Kelly Green Rocco -- life is just better with little Alex around. What do you think? What's your favorite color to rocco?

Falling for Florals (Part I)

Scuba Top: Aqua; Bracelets; J.Crew; Pants: J.Brand; Photos: Kristine Constantino & Alyssa Leong www.linkedin.com/in/kristineconstantino

Ha! Ha! Ha! I got the wind roaring through my petals like sea men incur the wind in their sails, ladi-dadi-da life is but a d.r.e.a.m! Seriously though, florals are an epidemic and they are taking over the world (or maybe just your favorite boutique.) I've been avidly following LFW (London Fashion Week) and I must say the most "brilliant," usage of color and florals award goes to Peter Pillotto. If only they gave out trophies for that sort of accomplishment, oh well there is a first time for everything (last time for everything.)

I fell for my fluttery floral friends (nice alliteration), right around the time I started frequenting the phrase, "look back @ it!" Which is I would say.. 2009? When my hair was as black as it was long and my thoughts short and fleeting; teenagers man. I've come along way since those blacked out (hair) days, but at least I was on the right track with one element:  f l o r a l s. Now, 5 years later dem flowers are still rockin' that boat. I suppose finding a classic/timeless piece is much like finding, "the one," when you know, you know.

Go on, fall in love with florals, I dare you. In the delicate words of UrbanDictionary.com, "Give 'Em Hell Ladies!"