Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Summer and travel definitely go hand in hand. Who wouldn’t want to be sitting on a white sand beach sipping a tropical cocktail right about now? But let’s face it, life gets in the way sometimes and we can’t always have our picture perfect summer vacation.

summer-background-design_1324-57

Even if the next few months aren’t lined up with exotic getaways and weekend excursions, there’s no reason why you can’t set out for an amazing experience right in your own backyard. I’ve lived in Los Angeles most of my adult life and still find myself discovering new places, hidden gems and must try restaurants that I had no idea existed.

KaraBirkenstock_BrightsPrintStraplessMidiDress (1)

Recently, I’ve been inspired to celebrate the joys of being a tourist in my own town. Living in Southern California, we’re blessed to have miles and miles of beaches for sunbathing, biking on the boardwalk, playing volleyball with friends, and of course, the Pacific Ocean for a refreshing swim!

KaraBirkenstock_BrightsPrintStraplessMidiDress (2)

I took a walk down to the Redondo Beach Riviera for sunset over the weekend and realized how picturesque the South Bay truly is. Gaze to the right and see the famous King Harbor Marina. To the left, the rolling hills of Palos Verdes, a view that one could easily mistake for the French Riviera. Strolling along the sandy beach brought me back to summers on the Mayan Riviera in the Yucatan Peninsula. When I closed my eyes, I was instantly transported.               

KaraBirkenstock_BrightsPrintStraplessMidiDress (3)

The next afternoon, I found myself at the Riviera Village Famer’s Market. Mingling with local artisans and purveyors of unique fruits and vegetables gave me a new appreciation for So Cal.

KaraBirkenstock_HerringboneColdShoulderDress (3)

Chioggia beets, kumquats, rum cake, soy candles and organic coffee were just a few of the goodies I picked up along the way.

KaraBirkenstock_HerringboneColdShoulderDress (2)

After picking up flowers and some fresh mint, it was time for a cocktail. And what better locale to enjoy a drink than a rooftop with an ocean view?

KaraBirkenstock_HerringboneColdShoulderDress (1)I can’t wait to venture out for more exploring this summer and beyond! There’s still so much to see, learn and taste in Los Angeles. Luckily, with the sand in my toes and the salty breeze in my hair, the world is my oyster. Hmm, oysters….where should I go to try the best mollusks? Let me know in the comments!

*Thank you LONG TALL SALLY for providing the stylish inspiration for Summer in the City!*

Featured LTS Looks: Brights Print Strapless Midi Dress $95, Etched Herringbone Cold Shoulder Dress $109

Photographer: Rick Alderman

“Hello Summer” graphic created by Winkimages – Freepik.com

Emmys 2016 Best Dressed

Despite the 90 degree heat, Hollywood’s leading ladies looked flawless on the Emmys red carpet last night! Demure drama was the theme, with our favorite stars donning elegant gowns featuring flowing skirts, varying sleeve lengths and dramatic necklines. Here are the 6 femme fatales that I selected as my Emmys Best Dressed!

Priyanka Chopra_Jason Wu

Priyanka Chopra in Jason Wu

Padma Lakshmi_Naeem Khan

Padma Lakshmi in Naeem Khan

Constance Wu_J. Mendel

Constance Wu in J. Mendel

Sarah Paulson_Prada

Sarah Paulson in Prada

Kristen Bell_Zuhair Murad

Kristen Bell in Zuhair Murad

Judith Light

Judith Light in  Alexandra Vidal

Photos Courtesy of E! Online

I had such a blast at the Long Tall Sally pop-up shop at the Westin Long Beach on Sunday! The assortment was amazing, filling an entire ballroom with the latest Fall must haves, LTS essentials and fabulous shoes!

2016-09-18 18.21.45_1474258903856

One of my favorite things about attending these events is meeting all the loyal Long Tall Sally customers! There’s a great camaraderie that comes with being in a room full of tall girls – we always have common stories, from our unique fashion needs to remembering the moment we discovered Long Tall Sally! And of course, we all have our fingers crossed for a Long Tall Sally store to open here in California! Here are a few of the lovely ladies I had the pleasure of chatting with on Sunday:

2016-09-18 18.58.48_1474258903509 2016-09-18 19.01.45_1474258902696
2016-09-18 19.02.38_1474258902024 2016-09-18 18.59.54_1474258903069

Of course, I did a bit of shopping myself and took home these key pieces that I can’t wait to work into my wardrobe!

LTS Tunic LTS cupro top

Are you a fan of Long Tall Sally? What’s your favorite AW16 piece? Check out the Long Tall Sally website to check out all the newest arrivals, and leave a comment in the notes!

LTS Fall16 FB cover

Attention all my tall and fashionable friends! Long Tall Sally, the premiere online retailer that caters to women over 5’8”, will host their Fall Pop-Up Shop at the Westin Long Beach this weekend! The two day pop-up event will feature all the latest from the LTS AW16 collection, Long Elegant Legs, footwear and more!

LTS LBC Pop Up Flyer - Kara Birkenstock

I’ll be there on Sunday 9/18 from 11a-1p to help put together some fierce Fall looks! From rich burgundy hues to chunky knits, I don’t know which trends I’m most excited about seeing! Can’t wait to see you all there!

When:

Saturday 9/17 & Sunday 9/18

9:00a-4:00p

Where:

The Westin Long Beach

333 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, California 90802

RSVP Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/327979557545996/?active_tab=highlights

Oscars 2016 Best Dressed

Hollywood’s biggest stars turned out for the 88th Annual Academy Awards, walking the red carpet in sleek silhouettes and sparkling metallics. My best dressed list features a mix of today’s biggest film, television and music stars, a pleasant surprise for the culminating event of award season. Here are my Top 6 Oscars Best Dressed:

Charlize Theron Dior

Charlize Theron in Dior

Priyanka Chopra Zuhair Murad

Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad

Saorise Ronan Calvin Klein

Saorise Ronan in Calvin Klein

Chrissy Teigen Marchesa

Chrissy Teigen in Marchesa

Lady Gaga Brandon Maxwell

Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell

Cate Blanchett Armani

Cate Blanchett in Armani

Photos Courtesy of E! Online

Golden Globes 2016 Best Dressed

It was a chic night on the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday, with Hollywood’s biggest stars making bold statements in gorgeous gowns and dazzling jewels! With so many beautifully styled stars, it was more difficult than usual to select my Best Dressed. However, I narrowed it down to the following eight lovely ladies. Did your favorites make the cut?

Screenshot_2016-01-10-23-24-20

Screenshot_2016-01-10-23-27-18

Jennifer Lopez in Giambattista Valli

America Ferrera in Jenny Packham

Screenshot_2016-01-10-23-22-43 Screenshot_2016-01-10-23-22-51

Julianne Moore in Tom Ford

Olivia Wilde in Michael Kors

Screenshot_2016-01-10-23-21-56 Screenshot_2016-01-10-23-25-59

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

Amy Adams in Atelier Versace

Screenshot_2016-01-10-23-22-27 Screenshot_2016-01-10-23-22-58

Lady Gaga in Versace

Amber Heard in Gucci

Photos Courtesy of Yahoo Style

With the weather finally starting to feel like Fall in Los Angeles, I’ve been inspired to fill my closet with rich hues, preppy silhouettes and bold accessories. Luckily, by visiting the SPRING app, I was able to shop for all of my fall fashion must haves in one place. With over 800 brands and collections for women, men, beauty and home, not to mention free shipping, your shopping experience will never be the same. Check out SPRING to shop these looks today!

ShopSpringFall2015

With fall officially here, I’m feeling this menswear look I wore at the Nordstrom Beauty Trend show! What’s your favorite fall fashion trend?

https://instagram.com/p/89H6tyo2UH/?taken-by=yourgalkara

Come see me at the Long Tall Sally LA/OC Pop Up Shop on Saturday, April 18th, where I’ll be helping to style some fab tall girl looks, taking pictures and chatting about all things tall fashion! Shop the new summer collection from LTS before it sells out! Can’t wait to meet you all at this very special LA/OC event! All the details are below! #tallgirlbenefits

FB_IMG_1429297703560

Where:

Double Tree Doheny

34402 Pacific Coast Highway

Dana Point, CA 92624

 

When:

Saturday April 18 2015 – 9:00 -5:00 PST

Sunday April 19 2015 – 10:00-4:00 PST

Oscars 2015 Best Dressed

Sunday night’s Oscars marked the end of another glittering award season! I have to admit, this year’s red carpets had more misses than hits, hence the reason why I didn’t feature looks from many of the other shows this season. However, the following lovely ladies (and their teams of stylists) definitely deserve praise for their show stopping looks at the 87th Academy Awards! Here are my Best Dressed for the 2015 Oscars:

Jennifer Aniston in Versace

Jennifer Aniston in Versace

Rosamund Pike in Givenchy

Rosamund Pike in Givenchy

Lupita Nyong’o in custom Calvin Klein Collection and Chopard jewelry

Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein Collection

Anna Kendrick in Thakoon

Anna Kendrick in Thakoon

Zoe Saldana in Versace

Zoe Saldana in Versace

Emma Stone in Elie Saab

Emma Stone in Elie Saab

Photos Courtesy of InStyle.com

%d bloggers like this: