Stripes & Leopard

Creative layering was such a big hit during the fashion shows this year. Designers like Marissa Webb and Rebecca Taylor layered soft, flowy, midi skirts under dresses. It looked so flawless, and beautiful, I couldn't help but want to try the trend myself.

Instead of layering a skirt under a dress, I ended up layering a dress under a dress. Since my stripe dress was form fitting, and shorter in length, it worked perfectly under my vintage Audrey-inspired navy dress, and made it look more like I was wearing a shirt under a dress.  To give the outfit a bold statement, I played with prints by combining leopard with stripes.

Fashion is all about having fun, and shedding new light to something that has already been done before.  And like with everything, authenticity happens when you add your own personal flair.  -xoxo Kitana

< dress isaac mizrahi for target (similar style) // stripe dress french connection (similar style)  //pumps  nine west (similar style) >

Preppy

Denim Jacket: Abercrombie
Navy Blazer: Gap-no longer avail (similar item)
Pleated Blouse: Forever21
Skirt: Forever21-no longer avail (similar item)
Clutch: Gigi New York

Heart of a lion, Spirit of a lamb

Not too long ago as I was going about my daily Twitter feed, I stumbled upon this beautiful quote that  instantly captured my heart, and immediately resonated with me.

Only a fool mistakes kindness for weakness. 

There is the heart of a lion, 

within the spirit of a lamb. 

Grace is selfless strength.

It didn't say who wrote the quote, but whoever wrote it got the wheels turning in my head.

In this world, there are some people who make the mistake of confusing kindness for weakness. I, however, believe that kind people are not weak. It is a value that takes strength to be kind to all. Treating someone with kindness, when they have not earned it or deserve it, takes a special inner fortitude and grace.

It is easy to be rude and treat people with disrespect, but for them to feel the need to bring others down simply to feel okay with themselves, is a sign of weakness and lack of self-discipline. A person who has a healthy self-esteem and a strong sense of self-worth does not need to demean others to feel good about themselves. In fact, they understand that by building others up, they are building themselves up.

People who understand the strength in kindness have a lot of respect for themselves and believes that all people deserve to be treated with respect as well. They are open to critiques and advice of others, and are continuously working to better themselves. With that comes a great deal of understanding and wisdom. In the eyes of a kind person, self-worth is not jeopardized nor is threatened by others.

People who fear the loss of power and control lash out at those around them, and are never willing to share what they already know. People who are secure with themselves lead with the belief that no one can diminish them, and will always lend a helping hand. To a kind person, building others up is a great way to create positive energy for all.

Sometimes, it's hard to be kind, and it can take a great deal of effort, patience, and concentration, but it is worth it! Strength is found by the happiness of knowing that one has lived virtuously, and with kindness.

Let's spread a lot of love wherever we go, and walk with kindness wherever life may take us.

Best,


Kitana

Let's Talk Skin

A few weeks ago, I was asked about the products that I use for a flawless look. To answer this question, it only made sense for me to start at the foundation of my makeup routine. I believe, healthy skin is the basis for my flawless makeup application.

And to begin talking skin, it all starts with Dr. Hauschka. About five years ago, my aunt, introduced my mom and me to Dr. Hauschka. A company specializing in natural, organic, and holistic skincare products using only high-quality ingredients from their very own biodynamic plant garden. That sounds pretty amazing huh? Well, it is! I have used Dr. Hauschka's products for years now, and I love it! My skin is very sensitive and many products that I've used in the past have caused my skin to breakout in hives and/or leave my skin feeling itchy or burning.  Dr. Hauchka's cleanser was the first cleanser that I used that actually made my skin feel clean without the irritation, the way it should after a nice cleanse.  Since then, I've included most of their products in my skincare routine.  Why fix what works, right?  And better yet, knowing exactly what is on my skin and where it was cultivated gives me a peace of mind.  So here it is, my skincare routine:

Cleansing: I wash daily with Dr. Hauschka’s Cleansing Milk. It’s a gentle cleanser for my sensitive skin, and works as a make-up remover as well.

Toning: After using the cleansing milk, I then spritz Dr. Hauschka’s Clarifying Toner on my skin to balance the cleansing process. 

Moisturizer: Then I apply Dr. Hauschka’s Moisturizing Day Cream on my skin. I use this product day and night.

If I have a blemish: I spot treat it with Aura Cacia’s 100% Pure Essential TEA TREE Oil. This oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral healing properties great for blemishes.

Mask:  I use Dr. Hauschka’s Cleansing Clay Mask to exfoliate and as a deep purifying cleanser weekly.

It's all about finding products that are good for your skin and will work for you.  For me, a good skincare routine is what creates the most flawless makeup application.  What is your skincare routine?  Leave me a comment below, I’d love to know the products that you use!

P.S. (This post is not sponsored by the company. I just love their products and business practices.)

xoxo Kitana

Colors & Stripes

Denim Jacket: Abercrombie

White Button-up: TjMaxx (similar style)

Shorts: Forever21
Sandals: BP-no longer available (similar style)

Casual Chic

Blazer: H&M-no longer available(similar style)
Top: Gap-no longer available
Striped T-shirt: TjMaxx-no longer available
Boyfriend Jeans: Gap