When I first moved to LA I had dreams of styling commercials for a living and, after a few weeks, I landed my first job as an assistant. I loved it. After all, styling is telling a story through a character's appearance. I'd been reading the human stories I saw on the streets all around me for years, paying attention and figuring out who folks were by the way they presented themselves. Since then, I've traveled many career paths, yet I am still telling tales via fashion. And now, with the launch of PKIA, I am able to share these with you!

LIVE A BIG LIFE: It doesn’t take a lot of stuff to change our style.

July 22, 2011

All I wanna do is make style pages! I’m so inspired being in Mexico – all the colors & flavors push me to live a BIG life!
It just takes a few great pieces to shift my attitude, a hat, some sandals & a belt!

live an adventurous life






Leather sandals and clogs – Walking the streets of San Miguel de Allende!

July 21, 2011

Pairing the softness of summer fabrics with the ruggedness of leather makes for the perfect combo. The contrasting materials give a little “oomph” to the traditional summer look. I’m really diggin’ these close-toed styles. They’re great for the office, or the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende and can be worn into the fall. Leather up Y’all!

leather up - mexican style







A Journey To The Dreaming House, Teotihucan, Mexico

July 12, 2011

We are hitting the road once again this week, heading south to Teotihuacan, Mexico where we have a little house and a boutique hotel ” The Dreaming House”, at the foot of the Pyramid Of The Sun & Moon.
I like to pack for all occasions walking – Puma ballet slippers, TOMS – comfy slip on, Hunter rain boots as it’s monsoon season in the high desert – Teotihuacan rests at 7,000 ft elevation. The days are bright & sunny & the nights cool and yummy. A boyfriend blazer gives me all the warmth I need and keeps my groove & style happen’.
One thing I love is an adventure into Mexico City where I always cruise the open markets & stop by Frida Kahlo’s house – Coyoacan as her house now a museum oozes inspiration.  Always on the last night Lee brings a mariachi band to our tiny restaurant and I put on a red dress! Maybe one day y’all will join us for a journey?

The Dreaming House - Teotihuacan, Mexico.


Sleeved evening dress
£445 - suzannah.com

Jen s Pirate Booty smock top
$135 - calypsostbarth.com

Wildfox Couture cropped tank top
$120 - superette.co.nz

Rag Bone blazer
$575 - net-a-porter.com

Distressing jeans
$168 - anthropologie.com

Malvin relaxed fit pants
£37 - julesb.co.uk

JAMES ICON cuffed shorts
$117 - boutique1.com

Hunter wellies boots
$125 - piperlime.gap.com

TOMS linen shoes
$48 - toms.com

Puma ballerina shoes
$60 - piperlime.gap.com

Wrap earrings
$110 - maxandchloe.com

Ray-Ban gold sunglasses
$195 - my-wardrobe.com

Jersey scarve
topman.com

Floral hat
$18 - modcloth.com



All you need for the beach!

July 10, 2011

When I head to the beach I pack as little as possible. There are a few things that are a must – a good versatile bag that can be used both on the beach, on the plane or out to lunch. A comfy pair of flip flops, a maxi dress, a rockin’ cover up that too has double purpose, cut offs, t-shirts and a water proof watch!

beachy times







I found a new organic facial cleaner to use…

June 28, 2011

Ooh la la… this cleanser is fabulous! It gives my face a deep clean, while still leaving it feeling nourished and soft. The cleanser dissolves grime, dirt, pollution, and makeup (including eye makeup) in one easy step. It starts out as a thick balm, then melts on contact with the skin. Contrary to what I first thought — it smells like lavender, not carrots. Yummm. This product is definitely worth the splurge. A little goes a long way, and a jar will last at least three months.

2.63 oz / 70 ml (mini size available, too)

Best for:
Mineral makeup and sunscreen fans: double-cleansing with this will remove those tough-to-get-off textures.
Skin types: All, as a first cleansing step to deep clean and unplug pores. Dry skin types can use it as an all-in-one cleanser.
Skin concerns: All. I personally saw a huge improvement in spots.

http://aylabeauty.com/product.php?productid=63&cat=&page=1

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Let your inner-hippie run free

June 20, 2011

Last weekend, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival was happening about an hour down the road from me. The last of the festival goers have packed up and moved on from middle Tennessee. The people really inspired me and my inner-hippie emerged during their visit. The great thing about the “hippie look” is how relaxed the clothes feel. Now, several of these pieces together might be a little overkill for some of us, but try incorporating some items into your daily style. I am all about some feathers right now — in my hair, on my ears, everywhere!

Festi-Girl


Strapless maxi dress
$30 - delias.com

Dorothy Perkins maxi dress
£30 - dorothyperkins.com

Ichi maxi dress
€30 - welikefashion.com

Z by Zandra Rhodes sheer top
£39 - theoutnet.com

Inca printed tank top
$36 - topshop.com

Knit top
$25 - alloy.com

Short shorts
$40 - witchery.com.au

Wrap watch
$34 - urbanoutfitters.com

TopShop cocktail ring
$28 - topshop.com

Feather earrings
$15 - urbanoutfitters.com

Bracelet
$8 - nordstrom.com



Stylish shorts

June 13, 2011

Shorts aren’t just for playing outside and running errands anymore. Shorts are stylish, girlfriends! Printed shorts have been all the rage this summer. They look girly, but are perfect to handle any rough and tough day. Jean shorts (yes, JORTS!) have been my “go to” bottoms lately. They’re super comfy, look great, and they match everything. BINGO!

Shorts for all my Short-ays


Hot pants shorts
$34 - vintagetrends.com

Old Navy pleated shorts
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com

Sam & Lavi printed shorts
$45 - lespommettes.com

High waisted short shorts
$66 - topshop.com

Shorts
£5.99 - hm.com



Hats are the perfect summer accessory

June 9, 2011

Hats are my favorite accessory right now. Some days my outfits needs to be effortless but I don’t want to give up my style — I like to think that I’m a fashionable mama! Hats give those basic outfits of mine the extra flair they need. There are so many different types and styles of hats in stores right now, so go find YOUR perfect hat and rock it guuurl!!

Gerard Darel panama hat
80 EUR - gerarddarel.com

Loud hat
12 GBP - arkclothing.com

TopShop bow hat
$45 - topshop.com

Missoni hat
$354 - thecorner.com

Eugenia Kim striped hat
$403 - my-wardrobe.com

John Lewis Women glamorous hat
38 GBP - johnlewis.com



Best eye makeup for summer

June 7, 2011

Dear PKIA,

I have blonde hair and blonde eyelashes, so I hate to leave the house without any mascara on. What are some products that work well and are not harmful to my body?

- Lori

 

Lori,

Many products by Tarte have made it on my “thumbs up” list. The waterproof mascara has a fabulous brush, which applies the perfect amount to lashes. It lasts all day and comes off easily with makeup remover. My other pick and the ultimate summer beauty product is the 4-Day Stay Lash Stain!! The stain envelops lashes in long-lasting pigment while keeping them soft and flexible. This means no fading of flaking!

- PKIA



Umeboshi plums will cure your hangovers

June 3, 2011

The Umeboshi plum is nature’s cure for a hangover. The plums are pickled and have a salty/sour taste, but I’m telling you… one cup of Umeboshi plum tea and you’ll be kickin’ that hangover to da’ curb! When we drink alcohol our bodies become too acidic, which causes the nausea and headaches. The Umeboshi helps to bring our bodies back into balance by rapidly breaking down the excess acid. Umeboshi plums can be found at major health food stores, usually in the same area as sea vegetables.




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