Spring Cleaning

March 21st was the first day of spring; I didn't even realize it was March 21st when it occurred. Nor that it was the beginning of spring. This year has flown by that I can barely believe it's already the end of March!

The past couple days I have become what most would consider OCD, with the cleaning of my apartment. I have moved every picture frame, candle and cleared off my bookshelf wiping away ever last spec of dust.

Rather odd is the cool weather we are still experiencing in late March. But I am looking forward to the weekend so I can open my windows and let the breeze of fresh air flow thru my apartment.

You Don’t Know Jacques

I’m one of those lucky people whose nails are naturally strong and grow quickly. I love having them painted, but it always chips within a day or two. OPI has a new system called Axxium soak-off gel lacquers - I've been following the development of this product for some time & now it's finally available at my nail spa. I was excited to test out the new Axxium soak-off gel lacquers manicure at Village Nail Salon & Spa, in West Palm Beach.

How Does the Gel Nail Manicure Work?
Just like in a regular manicure, cuticles are pushed back and nails are filed. Nails are also buffed, so the gel adheres more strongly. Next a coat of gel “polish” is applied to each nail, with 30 seconds of drying time under a UV Light in between. A second coat is applied and then allowed to dry again for 30 seconds.

At the end of the gel nail mani, I was amazed that my nails truly were dry. The technician laughed at me when I asked for help getting my keys out of my bag and she insisted I could do it myself without ruining my mani. She was right!

How Long Does the Gel Nail Manicure Last?
As promised, the Axxium manicure lasted for at least two weeks. Those are my nails in the photo at the end of the two weeks. The gel “polish” did start to peel the teeniest bit on the sides, but was only obvious when you looked at my nails closely.

Were There Any Downsides to the Gel Nail Manicure?
The one serious downside was the removal the gel polish. They need to wrap each nail with a small piece of cotton soaked in acetone polish remover covered with a small piece of aluminum foil for 10-15 minutes. And then after my manicurist meticulously filed the rest off.

Is a Gel Nail Manicure Right for Me?
If you are going on vacation, getting married or the type who like to maintain an impeccable manicure, Gel Manicure may be right for you. It costs $45—about the same as two mani’s in Sunny South Florida

As for me, I’m sticking with my OPI You Don’t Know Jacques is a perfect neutral, sorta warm taupey shade that works with everything. Everytime I get sick of super dark nails, I go back to You Don’t Know Jacques. Love it!

Iron No More?

If you're like me, you HATE to iron. It's why I'm always very good about hanging up my clothes after the wash and always try to buy no-iron clothes. I'll do anything to get out of ironing, too, including begging my boyfriend to do it for me, paying for dry cleaning just so I don't have to iron and trying to pass off wrinkled as part of my look. (Don't burst my bubble.)

 So I was super excited to try the new Swash Smooth It Out from Tide that promises to remove wrinkles in minutes, no-iron required. You simply lay your blouse, slacks or skirt flat on a bed, spray, then manually press out the wrinkles. Let it dry for five minutes, then your clothes are magically wrinkle free.


I found it to work pretty well. I should fess up that even when I try, I never can iron a blouse with military precision. So I wish the drying time were less. I can't function pre-shower, and it doesn't take me more than five minutes to put my makeup on on an average day!

Somethings for Sure

Thank you all for all your wonderful comments & emails regarding the Krysta Marie Foundation. You're support means so much.

The only things I know that are going to happen on a day to day basis is I will drink a chai tea latte from Starbucks, my mom will call me and my email box will become full. Outside of that everyday is full of surprises. Lately it seems more than usual, which isn't a bad thing. Yet everyone once in awhile you just have to stand still for a moment and take a deep breathe.

So this weekend, that is what I did here are some photos.

My pile of fashion books & magazines.

Ocean Ridge beach view

A glass of wine, with every meal!

Hope you all have kicked started your week into fast gear. Spring is here and it's moving pretty quickly.

Exciting News!

If you recall a week ago I said I had REALLY exciting news to share with everyone? Well I am so excited to share it all with you today!

In October 2009, I decided that it was time to give back. After being involved in charity work and fundraisers all my life I had this feeling I want to do MORE. Yes, running a 5k Race is great, donating your clothes to children in need, helping families build new homes or just simply being a friend to a ill child. All our great causes that I hold close to my heart.

With my love for fashion, my ability to raise money and give back to South Florida, the

(KMF) was born. The KMF is a non-profit organization that helps terminally ill children make a difference in the lives of those children that would otherwise be overlooked.

The KMF through our 'Fashion to Benefit Children' works with other organizations to raise money to help children experience the Gift of Giving. Which to me is the greatest gift in life.

I am so excited to share this next adventure with all of my lovely readers, if we have never met or exchanged emails your daily support is enough.

Thank you for all your comments, emails & support.

I look forward to sharing all of this with each of you!

Love,

Krysta Marie

Be sure to check out our website next week & you will be able to follow KMF on twitter!

New Obession

My new obsession? Kelly Cutrone's book, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside, which I read in 2 days with the inability to put it down.

I’ve learned that she incredibly spiritual, even describing how finding faith (she actually invented her own religion) which helped her overcome a crystal meth addiction. Yes, a crystal meth addict and financed her addiction by reading tarot cards on Venice beach - after already having a successful PR career and before starting People's Revolution. Cutrone speaks candidly about breastfeeding in public (“My tits were like the Soho welcoming committee”) and as to wearing bulky, floral maternity clothes (“I’d rather clean toilets.”)

She offers good advice and an incredible story of how to go from the bottom to the very top of whatever you want to do - in her typical no-nonsense cut-the-crap way, of course.

“Because, if you’re the kind of person who senses there’s something out there beyond whatever it is you’re expected to do- if you want to be extra-ordinary- you will not get there by hanging around a bunch of people who tell you you’re not extraordinary. We have a saying in New York: when you’re the most happening person at the party, it’s time to leave.” – Kelly Cutrone

The Heat Is On

Put the beach towels and sunscreen aside, this past week was nothing but Fashion for Miami. I was lucky enough to have been invited to attend quite a faw shows and meet some wonderful people & see famaliar faces.

Other than the rain not being to welcoming to on Friday afternoon, it was a successful weekend.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend - more to come tomorrow!

The white tents were held at the Miami Design District.

Friday afternoon stuck in the hotel while it poured outside our window.

I LOVE this Silvia Tcherassi handbag

Headed out to the Custo B show Saturday night.

Editor of Vogue en Espanol, Eva Hughes sat front row.

But this isn't all March 18 starts Miami International Fashion Week and Funkshionably Loud kicks off March 25th. Fashion has landed in Miami my friends.

Miami Miami

Fashion Miami kicked things off Wednesday night with Gen Art's Fresh Face which featured collections by Duskin, Lialia, By Smith, Fernanda Carneiro, Romina Heighes, and Whitney Eve by Whitney Port. (See photo below) Tonight's line up should be nothing less than stunning. Be sure to check back for more details and updates!

Pre Wish List

Spring is all about natural fabrics, inspiring textures, earthy tones and fancy adornments and embellishments in the brightest colors and flowing styles. While most cities are still wrapping up, I am headed even further south to grab every ounce of sunshine I can. Miami here I come! While pulling every bright color item out of my closet last night to take with me I realize that I can no longer wait for Spring/Summer to arrive.

Here is my Pre Spring/Summer 'Wish List':

Jungle Fever Bikini Forever 21, Top $10.50 Bottom $9.80 

Val Nine West, $199 (Not Available until 5/11)

Sima Tunic, $195

Stud Woven Bag, $59

Double-layered jersey blouse, Vanessa Bruno $620 $248

Mystique Piperlime, $140

Ruffles & Ripple Skirt, $128

Clogs, Clogs, Clogs

New newest love? Clogs.

For spring, winter, Summer or Fall. I don't care! I love all the different looks surrounding these beauties. Although my wallet can't really manage a $650+ plunge right now I came across these great almost perfect look a likes from ASOS.

2 Day Shipping of course!

YSL Slip on Clog, $688

ASOS PROMISE Leather Studded Clog, $145

Italian Antipasto Salad

Giada De Laurentiis is a god to me when it comes to cooking - I can always rely on her for an easy italian dinner or something sweet. Over the weekend I took a stab at her Italian Antipasto Salad as usual I was not the slightest bit disappointed. This quick easy salad is full of protein and the dressing is a bit tangy but everyone loved it.

Summer where are you? So many light delish meals I am drying to try out.

Oscar Review

The Academy Awards went topless Sunday night.

Actresses were strapless on the Oscar “red carpet” with bare shoulders and naked arms on: Penelope Cruz (Donna Karan), Carey Mulligan (Prada), Elizabeth Banks (Versace), Zoe Saldana (Givenchy), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Dries Van Noten), Amanda Seyfried (Armani Prive), Myley Cyrus (Jenny Packham), Jennifer Lopez (Armani Prive), Demi Moore (Versace), Kate Winslet (Yves Saint Laurent), Cameron Diaz (Oscar de la Renta), Rachel McAdams (Elie Saab) and Queen Latifah.

My favorite looks amoung this trend were Demi Moore (Versace), Kate Winslet (Yves Saint Laurent), stunning.

Other major trends – which might show up in bridal, eveningwear and prom trends this year – include jeweled effects on gowns and metallics.
Who was your favorite?

pc: popsugar.com

Pampered Toasting

Nothing is better than looking forward to weekend plans with friends. Rather than get our nails done or meet for lunch, I decided to host a Pampered Toasting Party. Pampered Toasting you ask? Yes, is a combination of a Pampered Chef Party & Wine Tasting Event. Exciting right?

Not everyone is able to attend and some live further than others, but feel free to join here (Host First Name Krysta) on the excitement of obvious highly necessary kitchen utensils, super cool baking stones (this pizza one is amazing) and a really cool pan that bakes a Chocolate Molten Lava Cake in 10 minutes in the microwave.

Shut up, I know.

Stella McCartney Solid Perfume

Fresh and floral, Stella McCartney does rose right with Stella Eau De Parfum. It's not too heavily floral as the soft scent of rose balanced nicely with amber. And while that's all well and good, it's the packaging on this solid perfume that has the jazz. The Stella Solid Perfume Necklace ($49) is a shiny, simple accessory that'll keep your scent at the ready, whether it's around your neck or safely stashed in your purse or beach bag.

How Lovely

the K closet started in August 2008, it was an easy & fun way for my to express my ideas on fashion, style or anything that caught my attention. I am so happy to say that 19 months later, with many amazing followers I am having much more fun than I could ever imagine.

A HUGE thank you to Natalie of iheartthisblog for thinking of me when she was given the Lovely Blog Award. She has a keen sense of style and a great eye for fashion! There are so many wonderful bloggers in the community thank you all for your support.

Here are my Lovely Blog Choices:

Blicious

Fashion Chalet

Poor Little Rich Girl

Rantings of a Fashion Addict

Stay tuned BIG news for the K closet later this week - I can't tell you till then!

Happy Tuesday!

Back to Black

Weekends for me usually mean running numerous amounts of errands, in a short amount of time. I have mastered this skill by making sure the shoes I am wearing our comfortable and my bag is large enough to fit just about everything I could possible need in it.

This weekend was no different, filled of jumping in and out of the car while dodging mud puddles. I managed to get all my tasks done and even enjoy some relaxation time on Sunday.

(Im wearing: Sam Edelman black flats, Joe Skinny Leg Dark Demin jeans, black sheer linen blouse Bebe, Scarf- Marc Jacobs, Handbag - Tory Burch)