Eating More Consciously

I picked up the book Skinny Bitch, which was recommended by a friend. I only skimmed a paragraph, and I knew I should not have even looked at it. What is supposed to be an "eat like a skinny chick" book is actually a tome about the harsh realities of the food chain. That kind of stuff sticks with me for the rest of my life. Any story about animal abuse just upsets me deeply. And always has. (I've actually taken Animal Planet out of my TV's because I cannot even pass by Animal Cops when flipping channels. Yes, this is the same person who watches forensics shows for fun.)

I've recently realized that although I don't eat any kind of meat, poultry, seafood or eggs, I am still a part of the whole nasty issue because I continue to eat dairy on a limited basis.

I just can't be a part of it any longer. Dairy cows are a very large and undeniable part of the food chain.

I never make a big deal about being a vegetarian. I don't lecture people about animal rights, I don't particularly care what those around me eat (although I'm becoming more likely to say something innocuous if someone orders veal when they're dining with me), and I think PETA is a well-meaning but misguided joke.

I am always asked why I became a veg and how long I have been one.

I've told this story so many times. I found out what steak was when I was about 6 years old. By 8, I was a full-fledged vegetarian. To me at the time, eating meat (of any kind) was akin to eating my poodle Sherry. Vegetarianism is truly not the healthiest choice for a little kid, but my parents were powerless to stop little Kristen. She was (and is) incredibly stubborn and hard-headed and always knows what's best for her (regardless of if it is or not).

So I'm now a full-time vegan. I don't think I'm going back.

Probably not the best idea...

As you know I report here not only on my fashion triumphs, but also on my fashion foibles. This is clearly in the latter category.

Promise me you won't laugh.

I purchased a sequined tank top today because I saw Hannah Montana wearing something similar and I thought it was cute.

<---OMG - this is it!

I hear you laughing, but it's ok. You're laughing with me and not at me. I do such kooky stuff!!! I laugh at myself all the time.....

KK: Waaaaaay too old to be emulating Hannah Montana, but believes you're never too old to dress like a Muppet!

Squealing in the Dressing Room

I rarely speak of my adventures with clients. But yesterday was extra-special and it deserves a space in my blog.

I was driving down to Canton yesterday morning when I realized just how much I am living my dream. I get to shop for a day with a client (and get paid very well for it) and then go to Nordstrom, where I was hosting an event that evening.

Last week, the amount of clothes I took out of my clients' closets was astounding. Most of it had to go to Goodwill because it was so old and used and worn that Dress for Success would not have taken it.

W. had not been shopping for herself, besides what her mother-in-law had bought for her, in around five years. She was an accountant, and now she's a stay-at-home mom. But it's tough to feel great when your wardrobe selections are nil.

There were "corporate" clothes and "run around with the kids" clothes. And not much else. She's young and cute, has beautiful "Autumn" coloring and nice little bod. She's ready for fun!

So we spent a day at Macy's. We bought several pairs of jeans in different dark washes, a tan trench that she absolutely loved, blouses, basics, pants, "hot mom" clothes and the cutest black cotton dress ever.

Imagine someone so excited about her new wardrobe that she was skipping out of the dressing room and squealing with delight!

Her signature color is red. I had to make her buy another pair of "fun" shoes because I knew that the crimson slingbacks were gonna get beaten up real fast.

Her signature accessory is a cool "statement" bracelet. Her wardrobe basics are brown and black. And she loves fun prints that show her fun and quirky personality.

It is so rewarding for me as a personal stylist to have a client see how beautiful she can look. My question was, "Did you KNOW you could look this hot?"

Her answer was "Who wouldda thought!?"

So much going on!

Hi folks,

I've been pretty absent from my blog recently. Regrettably. Things are moving at such a fast pace lately that I just can't keep up. So much client work coming in. I can barely keep track of it all!

I was in NYC over the weekend. So much great stuff happened there. Got to see a little of Fashion Week, we did some shopping, spent a day at the Met. I was there to take a class from the FABULOUS author and image consultant Brenda Kinsel at FIT. Here's a pic of Brenda and me ~

And this is Brenda's latest book:

It's a must-have for any woman of style - or for one who wants to learn! (I have a feeling my mom will be getting it for her birthday on President's Day which we'll probably celebrate on Sunday, although I haven't heard anything yet. It will be added to her purse and scarf. Her daughter has such fabulous taste!)

I'm quoted this week in Crain's. Nothing related to style or image. In fact, it's all about a scam someone tried to pull on me. But I thwarted that by contacting the FBI, who verified that it was indeed a scam. HA! It wasn't your normal, everyday email scam. I can't post a link for the next couple of weeks, but I'll make it available when I can.

(There was something very Scooby Doo about that whole experience...)

Looks like I'm going to be a teacher! That was once probably my greatest fear - having to go back to school! But now, I am absolutely exhilarated about the possibilities being offered to me. More details to come once I firm everything up in the next week or two. Looks like I will be teaching Fashion Consulting and Accessories at a local fashion college. Amazing!

In addition, my buddies Joelle and Leslie and I (along with several others) are working on an ebook Challenge! We are writing our ebooks in the month of March. It's exciting to me because unlike my conventional book, writing an ebook is a low-stress exercise with a definite beginning and end. My ebook is called The Style Spy: Kristen's Top Secrets for Image, Fashion & Style Success. Totally exciting!!

So even though I've been absent from the blog, life has been crazy and fun! I promise to do a better job of keeping everyone posted!

P.S. I am frightened that Cleveland.com's blog watchers picked up that previous Muppet fur post. Is that newsworthy - or just plain stupid?

Will PETA hate me if I wear Muppet fur?

Hold your buckets of paint, everyone.

I realized a long time ago that I liked to wear articles of clothing that look like I skinned Muppets for their pelts. I have countless ridiculous pieces of textured trims, jackets, sweaters and scarves that all look like I went to Jim Henson's character shop to find materials. I can assure you that I don't make this stuff, nor have I ever gone hunting for it. Instead the Muppet clothes seem to find me.

Most recently, this, er, "trend" was seen in my "Animal"-collar sweater and my super comfy "Cookie Monster" jacket, which ironically I did not eat cookies while wearing. (I could have had cookie martinis, though. Do they even have cookie martinis?)

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a Free People long cardigan. It has weird furry trim and is a dirty sort of green, although the official color description was teal. I don't usually wear muddy or dusty colors, but it popped the green in my eyes, so it worked just fine. Plus it's a color I don't already have in the closet. It just worked for me somehow.

Then what I realized quite clearly today out in the daylight exactly why I love it.

It looks like the pelt of Oscar the Grouch.

What a coup it was to find something classy and totally "me" that allows me to indulge my inner grouch!

Oscar is my favorite Muppet. Always has been. And as one of the people I met with today, the lovely and bubbly Shannon, mentioned "He was the only dose of reality on Sesame Street."

YES! That is SO TRUE!!

Okay, so usually the colors that I wear best are clear and bright. Most Muppets are clear, bright colors (think Sesame Streeters Big Bird & Elmo). My Romantic fashion personality with Dramatic flair loves textures and the soft feel of fur (always fake. always.). And of course my personality itself is grouchy sometimes.

So, friends, a lesson in why Muppet fur is awesome and why not even PETA can stop me from wearing it!

**The funny thing about the Oscar sweater? It didn't shed so much as it was airborne. I was pulling fibers off my lip gloss and out of my eyes until I finally took it off. It was a bit of pest. Much like Oscar himself.

Retail R.I.P. - Value City Euclid

Value City in Euclid is closing. Traditionally, one of my very favorite places to hit when I was in the mood to hunt, I bought of a lot of designer suits there over the years. I can't remember it ever NOT being there (and I grew up in Euclid), so I'm a little sad.

Everything that is not sold is being shipped out, and the other locations will be closing their doors soon as well. I believe Saturday, Feb 9th will be the last day.

I dropped in a couple of days ago for one last hurrah, and they had a ton of women's clothes left. Lots of winter shoes, men's clothes, Browns and Buckeyes paraphernalia, lots of greeting cards and holiday decorations - esp. Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas.

I have no idea if Schottenstein's in Columbus will be going out of business as well (they owned Value City). Now that would REALLY bum me out.