Closet Cleanse & Styling with my girl, Stacey!

Wow, has it been a loooong time since I’ve updated you all! So much craziness has been going on….

Instead of giving you all a two paragraph explanation of my absence, I’ll start this post off with the fun and exciting closet consultation I had with my first Groupon client!

PREFACE: I was so excited to get started that I totally forgot to take pictures of her actual closet during our consultation. (Even though I brought my camera to use it for our session.) There are photos documenting the before & after shots with her new and improved outfits towards the bottom of this post.

Back in November, Stacey contacted me asking for help with her wardrobe. She wanted to feel more put together and find more clothing options that would look better for her body type. She is a shorter gal and was looking to find pieces that complemented her body type without making her feel over-dressed.

Stacey’s Before Picture:

We split our closet consultation/shopping trip in two different sessions so we could focus on each task separately.

First and foremost before I start a closet clean out, I like to ask a few questions.

• What item(s) have been sitting in your closet the longest that haven’t been utilized as much, or at all?
• What are your favorite colors? Your ideal style direction?
• What pieces would you like to add to your closet? (Sometimes, that’s a question a client would ask, however I like to ensure we’re both on the same page and have a good understanding of what we’re looking for when we shop together).
• What is your ultimate goal you would like to reach by the end of this session.

While browsing in Stacey’s closet, I noticed she is a big fan of jeans.(Let’s be real – who isn’t?) I found some Bootcut and Flare jeans. Unfortunately neither of those are very flattering on us petite girls because they basically swallow your legs and make you appear much shorter. I suggested we go down the route of either Straight Leg or Skinny. They elongate your legs, making you appear much taller.

As I continued browsing her closet, I stumbled upon a few tops that seemed a bit too detailed and not structured enough to suit her body type appropriately. I suggested we utilize a few of her tops/blouses she already had to make complete outfits out of them along with purchasing a few more camis or undershirts to use for under cardigans or sweaters.

Before we finished Part 1 of our session we made a list of items that I thought we should incorporate in her closet.

• Sweater dresses
• Blouses
• Blazers/Jackets
• Straight Leg/Skinny Jeans
• Dress Pants
• Flats & Ankle/Riding Boots

For Part 2 of our session, we headed out to Target and Kohl’s to see if we could find everything on our list. Here are some of the outfits we came up with!

Look #1

Blazer & Jeans: Target

Look #2 

Boots: Target

Look #3

Sweater, Jeans & Boots: Target

Look #4

Sweater:  Target

Stacey and I had a lot of fun in our sessions together. From the closet clean-out, to the shopping trip, all the way to the outfit making, I think it was a positive experience for both of us and I’m so glad she reached out to me for help. And at the end of the day, that’s all it’s about; for me to be an assistance in women’s lives who need a little push in the right direction. Thank you, Stacey!

As always, stay fashionable, lovelies.

ChristinaKennedyStyles

 

 

ChristinaKennedyStyles: Reborn!

Hello everyone!

I hope you guys have been enjoying the new year so far!

I want to apologize for my lack of posts. 2014 ended up being a hectic and crazy year for me. This next post is lengthier than usual to make up for almost one year of my absence. After this, they should return to something more consistent.

Late last spring, I started making plans to host my very first fashion show. I’ll start by saying that the preparation for the show was INSANE. At certain points I literally felt like a chicken with its head cut off. I was anxious, stressed, frustrated, but also, excited, motivated and joyous.

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As you all know, I had been involved with some runway shows in New York during the first part of the year. And what I saw was a lot of the same thing: tall, thin, white, blonde, young girls. There’s nothing wrong with this body type, but, women come in all shapes and sizes. So, I decided that I wanted to showcase inner beauty of all women by promoting different ethnicities, ages, body types, and heights.

Because this show would also be a huge way to introduce myself to the small fashion community in Pittsburgh, and be a catalyst for my own inner growth -like a butterfly breaking free from its chrysalis- I decided to call the event, the “Monarch Fashion Show”.

Poster designed by: Yesun Kaplan.

But, unfortunately, deciding to host a show is easier said than done.

Here’s what I wanted to do:

Find models on Model Mayhem with no overlapping qualities; I wanted each model to represent something unique from the others. Then, I wanted to meet one-on-one with each model to get their measurements, gauge their personality, note their skin tone and hair, among other things. Next, I would speak to boutique owners to introduce myself and suggest a mutually beneficial agreement in which I would promote their clothes and business in exchange for them lending me the items I need for 24 hours. Finally, I would be able to tailor select two outfits for at least 15 models.

Meanwhile, in the background, I would find a location central to the young college students who were my target audience. After putting my deposit down, I would measure the space and purchase the following items to decorate the room: a runway carpet of course, lights above and on the runway, a projector displaying the logos of all the clothing, head-shots and descriptions of each model hanging on the walls, drapes to section off where the models changed and pamphlets to hand out to guests.

I would hire a designer to create a poster. I would speak to stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Sephora, and JCPenny to obtain samples and gift cards to offer my guests in welcome bags. I would invite the press and women’s magazines. I would host an array of food and drinks to fit all dietary restrictions. In addition to the runway music, I would have a pre-show and after party playlist. Guests would be invited to stay after the show to meet me and the models. I would give out gift certificates for my services in hopes that these guests would bring in new business. This would be extra on top of the revenue I made from ticket sales, even after paying off show expenses.

Here’s what actually happened…

I started preparing four months in advance and I was mostly on track with what I needed to do, until a week before the show. Then I had someone who was close to me burn ties suddenly. I decided to cancel the show because I didn’t feel like I had the energy to perform at a level that my guests and models deserved. The models booked other jobs, my guests cancelled and signed up for other events. And I returned the clothes.

Three days before the show was supposed to happen, my business partner, Kim, helped kick my butt back into gear. I was a 110% on board, but the next three days really tested the strength of my character and challenged me in ways I would have never imagined.

Only four of the original models were able to stay on board. By some miracle, we were able to find six more in 24 hours. Many of these women had never modeled before, they were just ordinary people; but, now I think that made them even better for the show. I couldn’t go back to the original boutiques, I used my business credit card, to purchase clothing from stores like H&M, Nordstrom and Target based on the models pictures. Fortunately, everything fit and most models had at least two outfits. The deposit I placed on the venue was still valid, but now I had no guests. I spent $30 on Facebook promotion and people responded.

The day of the show was an absolute frenzy! My day started at 3 in the morning when I went to work. I never went to sleep that night. I got home around 11am, and immediately took my business partner to the grocery store to purchase food for a fruit platter, a veggie platter, a meat & cheese platter, and a hummus and pita platter. We also got ingredients for punch and specialty drinks. Models started arriving shortly after Kim and I returned. I started styling them as she prepared food and drinks. The models were kind enough to help out with some of the prep work, as well as finish each other’s makeup and hair. I sent them off clown-car style to the location while I gathered some last minute materials. We were so rushed that Kim and I almost left in our sweats!

We got to the venue and some of the guests were already there, sitting and chatting. The models were waiting in the changing area. We ran in with bags of clothes, lights, and food platters, set up a table for guests to snack while waiting, and then I went to give the models a final go over while Kim rolled out the carpet and readied the music and lights. I walked out and stood in front of the guests. I thanked them for their patience and support. And then the show finally started.

The guests witnessed a different side of fashion. My show was more about the model than the clothes. As a personal stylist, my goal is to put together outfits that reflect an individual’s personal style, creating looks that fit them best.

This show pushed me beyond the limits I thought I had, and in the end, it was worth it.

Thank you for continuing to follow my blog, and read my posts. Enjoy pictures from the show below.

Walk, Walk, Fashion Baby ~ NYFW 2014!

As promised, here are the anticipated Street Style photos I took at NYFW earlier this February.

Kyle Anderson (Accessories Editor for MarieClaire Magazine) and fashionable friend. 

Beautiful people I’ve befriended at Lincoln Center. 

My very stylish friend, Asha.

Here are some more fashionable individuals I snapped photos of. Didn’t get a chance to get their names but they still should receive credit for their on-point outfits! 

My outfit the day I braved the cold to take these fab Street Style photos.

Cape: Trina Turk; Cardigan: DVF; Pants, Joe’s; Clutch: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Photo of me, taken by friend, Asha.

All other pictures taken with my Canon EOS T3 Rebel Camera. 

Thank you all for visiting!!

As always, stay fashionable, lovelies.

ChristinaKennedyStyles 

My second time around the block, NYFW Take Two!

If you’ve been following along with my blog posts, you may have noticed the one from 2013 where I wrote about my fabulous experience I had in New York for Fashion Week.

Well, here’s post numero dos – New York Fashion Week 2014!

I knew coming into the city I wanted to see the shows (a few rows closer this time around), network, and utilize as much time as possible to put it  towards my styling business.

Originally I wanted to do a lot of exploring in the city, however I was given a sick internship opportunity that I could not pass up so I decided to pursue that. I also attended a few fashion shows.

My latest post elaborates more on the actual internship I worked on with a very talented creative director as well as a designer who makes sunglasses and attire for celebrities.

Check out my internship post HERE.

And now to the shows!!!

Even though my press credentials were not approved for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, I still received approval from another venue –Launch NYC. 

Throughout the week I attended several shows and took as many pictures possible using my Canon Rebel T3 Camera.

Minnoji Fall/Winter 2014 Collection

 At only the age of 17, Designer, Milena Encheva started designing her own clothes. After moving to NYC and graduating FIT she gained experience working at design houses including Calvin Klein, Ali Ro, and Morado Blue, she finally opened up her own line in 2012 – Minnoji.

 This collection was one of my favorites. The combination of leather and wool brought a unique twist to the runway. I also really loved the exquisite detailing of the skirts. Her story and success was such a huge inspiration to me.

Check out Minnoji HERE.

Carrie Hammer Fall/Winter 2014 Collection

 We’re all very used to seeing the same types of models on runway shows. Some of us are almost brainwashed to think that only thin and tall people can walk the walk and wear the clothes at the same time. Designer, Carrie Hammer breaks that mold by designing clothing for all sizes at affordable prices. Her designs cater to the “underserved professional woman”.  

Her story and personal success was also very moving and inspirational to me.

Check out Carrie Hammer HERE.

My entire week for NYFW has been one HUGE experience for me that I have truly treasured since.

Stay tuned for more fashion fun…my next post will showcase Street Style photos!

Stay fashionable, lovelies

ChristinaKennedyStyles 

Stevie Boi “X2Sea” Internship!

This February, I took part in a fashion production internship with creative director, Yasmine Yasmine and designer Stevie Boi for New York Fashion Week 2014!

Stevie Boi is notoriously famous for designing sunglasses, jewelry and stage wear/attire for celebrities like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Fergie and many more..

(Graphic Design by NajmDesigns, Picture from SteveBoi.com)

My experience working for this show, even though it was very short was probably one of the most helpful and beneficial internships I have worked so far. My duties involved everything from sewing damaged clothing to seating arrangements to even creating the actual runway. (taping set paper to the floor)

After the show was complete and over, me and the other interns that helped with the production and show were even credited for their contributed work.

See my credited work HERE.

Take a look at the pictures of the show HERE.

Originally, the venue where the show was being held was a showroom so watching the transition from showroom to runway was pretty awesome. It really goes to say that you can do anything you want with a space as long there’s an open mind and imagination.

I am so happy and grateful for this internship and I will definitely be using the experience and knowledge i’ve acquired to help get closer to my future dreams.

As always, stay fashionable lovelies

ChristinaKennedyStyles

New York Fashion Week Frenzy!

Ah, New York City! One of the best cities to ever have the pleasure of experiencing and visiting. As a former Manhattan resident, my love for this city shines farther than ever before.

This past September, I assisted stylist Ariella Faith for the Nikki Poulos Fashion Show for Greek American Fashion Week. Designer Nikki is the winner of NBC Fashion Star from Season One. This was my first time working at a fashion show, so you can imagine my excitement when I found out that I was helping out around one of the most monumental times of the year, New York Fashion Week.

For the show, I was able to help out with a numerous amount of things. From casting calls to helping prep for the show (i.e, tape up shoes, sewing up buttons on pant legs, to assisting models- the entire experience was absolutely mesmerizing. I was literally behind the scenes of a fashion show. And it wouldn’t be a real fashion show without chaos, commotion and rush. There were at LEAST 20+ models. Most of which were being shared by other designers. Meaning, once one show was over, models had to run back into the room struggling to get off their outfits, shoes, jewelry,etc and get ready for the next designers looks.

Guests chairs lined up each with goodie bags.

 

During my time in New York, I was also able to attend my very first fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Since I wasn’t formally invited, I had to wait in line until the show started to be granted a standing seat. Even though I was in the far back row, I was still able to capture the entire show and all the amazing aspects of a runway. I had become sort of emotional, and I quote, “It literally took my breath away – this has been one of my biggest dreams to be in a presence of a runway show, and now i’m finally here, witnessing it all”.

Watch the mini clip of me capturing the show here

Even though I was not able to see more shows, I am currently working on a plan to attend NYFW in February for the Spring Previews. I intend to see as many shows as I can and capture every moment of it until my phone battery dies (LOL).

Until then, stay fashionable lovelies.

 

 

My Groupon Campaign has launched!

Pittsburgh peeps!

 

I’m very excited to announce that my Groupon campaign has been launched to the public! I’m offering my current styling services for up to 57% off original price.

My bundles include everything from phone consultations to closet makeovers – to personal shopping! Purchase a session for yourself or get one as gift for a friend!

Groupon services include;

Evaluation & Phone Consultation – $19.99 (Originally $35)

Closet Consultation & Personal Shopping (Theme) – $74.99 (Originally $175)

Meet & Greet & Personal Shopping (Event) – $59.99 (Originally $135)

If you’re not interested in any bundles, you may purchase and book a session with me on my personal website, where I have individual services available.

Note: Groupon had edited a lot of my original information under the descriptions of my services,  so for anyone that is interested but may have questions, please feel free to check out my website page under services for my original descriptions explaining each service. You may also ask me any question directly, through my business website or blog.

Check out my Groupon campaign here

Or my website here

Have a lovely Wednesday!

YAY!! First official review :)

Received my very FIRST review on Google today! Feeling extremely acknowledged and appreciated. Thank you!!

“Awesome first experience with Christina! I picked the “Closet Consultation” and she went through all my clothes, helped me pick which ones really fit into the modern look I wanted, and how to piece them together. She was really nice. This services would be great for someone going through a transitional period and trying to reinvent themselves. I would recommend her to a friend”.

New Adventures

Hi Everyone!

My name is Christina Kennedy and this is my first official post! I am a personal stylist based in the Pittsburgh area and have recently launched my business ChristinaKennedyStyles. I will be offering styling and consulting services within a 20-mile radius of my business location. My official website soon to follow along with Yelp and Groupon promotions 🙂

Please stay tuned for new and exciting things to come!