Posted in Fashion, Shoes, Shopping, Style Tips, tagged app, fall fashion, shop spring, shopping, style expert kara birkenstock, your gal kara on November 11, 2015| Leave a Comment »
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!
Posted in Fashion, MyxTV, Shoes, Shopping, Style Tips, tagged 5 fall fashion trends, affordable fall fashion, ann taylor loft, fall 2014 fashion must haves, myx tv, style shoe expert kara birkenstock, style tips on September 12, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Back to school means it’s officially fall. It’s sweater weather, indeed, time to pull out your scarves and boots for the cooler months ahead. While you still might be kickin’ it in your shorts and flip flops, there’s no better time to prep your autumn closet than at the top of the season. The best deals and biggest selection are available now. Rest assured, the following fashion must haves will take you to the head of the best dressed class, and they won’t break the bank. Who says you have to spend a ton of money to be stylish? Click here for more affordable fall fashion inspiration.
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Photos courtesy of Loft.com
Posted in Beauty, Celebrity Fashion, Fashion, Fitness, Food, Lifestyle Network, Restaurants, Shopping, Style Bites, Style Tips, Travel, tagged abs-cbn, Aerithe, butterflyzebra, Calleen Cordero, Carolos Tamazos Lisa Crossman Waterloo & City, chefs, cook like a chef, Coreen Peralta Tia Conchita Brands, Cornell Winery, Crème Caramel LA, Crustacean Beverly Hills, designer dish, fashion, foodies, Frankie Garcia Local 1205, glam guide, Halston Heritage, host kara birkenstock, IFBB Pro Gigi Amurao, Kelley Baker, L.K. Bennett, lifestyle network, Linea Pelle, Liza Stewart Showroom, Lou Razon, Marius Blin Esterel, Nick Nishi Hamakaze Sushi & Izakaya, Paiche, Penpim Jittorn Thailand Plaza, Sew Down, style, style bites, style expert kara birkenstock, supperclub LA, taste of the town, Traffic Women at the Beverly Center, White Rabbit Truck, your gal kara on June 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
I’m so happy to announce that Style Bites, the TV series I wrote, directed, produced and hosted, is airing daily on The Lifestyle Network! Check it out at 6am/12pm/6pm/12am PST on DirectTV, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. Full episodes are also available on YouTube.
I was blessed with the opportunity to create my own show back in January and it’s been a whirlwind ever since! I haven’t had a chance to recap my wonderful experience as it’s been an extremely busy few months! So, I’d like to share a bit about my adventure with you now…
Style Bites is based on this blog, Your Gal Kara: Your Glam, Affordable and Luxurious Resource.
As you all know, I am a true fashionista! I love fashion magazines, watching (and walking in) runway shows and learning about new designers and collections. And like a true style savvy gal, I love a fashionable deal! After all, I’ve been working in the fashion industry since I was a teen; from modeling, styling and producing shows to creating PR campaigns for new and renowned brands, I’ve done it all!
Some of you may not know that I come from a family of restaurateurs. The Thai women in my family have been in the restaurant business since I can remember, and food has always been at the center of my life. I love to cook and experiment with new spices and recipes. And my biggest love in life is to travel and explore world cuisines!
It seemed like a natural fit for me to create a show that combines my two loves, fashion and food! Style Bites grants exclusive access to the latest restaurants and hotspots, offers tips on how to achieve the latest trends and reveals coveted secrets from fashion and beauty insiders. "Style Bites is the ultimate bible on chic living," said Olivia de Jesus, Managing Director for ABS-CBN International North America.
Glam Guide breaks down the hottest fashion trends from the runway to the red carpet. Learn practical tips and discover affordable finds to help you live with flair. Featured guests include Halston Heritage, Liza Stewart Showroom, L.K. Bennett, IFBB Pro Gigi Amurao, Aerithe and Linea Pelle.
Designer Dish grants exclusive access to the industry’s top designers, exclusive events, fashion previews, and beauty hotspots. Indulge with an in-depth look at today’s most coveted style influencers. Featured guests include celebrity brow expert Kelley Baker, Traffic Women at the Beverly Center, butterflyzebra, Lou Razon, Calleen Cordero and Sew Down.
Style Bites also gives audiences a Taste of the Town, a premier table at must-try restaurants that guarantees to satisfy cravings for unique food finds and mind-blowing cuisine. Featured restaurants include supperclub LA, Crème Caramel LA, Crustacean Beverly Hills, White Rabbit Truck, Paiche and Cornell Winery.
And if just a taste is not enough, learn to Cook Like A Chef. Walk into the kitchens of renowned chefs and tastemakers as they share their most celebrated recipes that you can make at home. Featured chefs include Coreen Peralta of Tia Conchita Brands, Frankie Garcia of Local 1205, Nick Nishi of Hamakaze Sushi & Izakaya, Marius Blin of Esterel, Penpim Jittorn of Thailand Plaza and Carolos Tamazos and Lisa Crossman of Waterloo & City.
Check back here for behind the scenes photos from Style Bites season one, as well as full length videos of all 24 segments. I’d love to hear from you to see what you think of the show, so feel free to leave your comments below. And if you have a favorite designer, fashion tip or restaurant that you think I should feature in a future episode, let me know too!
Thanks to everyone for your love and support! xo
Posted in Fashion, MyxTV, Shoes, Shopping, Style Tips, tagged affordable fashion, best festival fashion trends, bohemian style, festival fashion, festival looks for less, hipster style, myx tv, style shoe expert kara birkenstock, style tips, your gal kara on April 23, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Festival Fashion Must Haves 2014
Festival season is in full swing! With Coachella behind us, there’s a slew of amazing music events in the months ahead that require the right festival attire. No matter if you’re headed to the desert or the big city, or just want to look like you’re part of the in-crowd, proper festival style is a must. Channel your inner bohemian hipster with the following fashion essentials.
Maxi Dresses, $19 & Up Lulus.com
To read more Festival Fashion Must Haves, click here.
Posted in Fashion, Positively Celebrity, Shoes, Shopping, Style Tips, tagged affordable shoe trends, ankle strap shoes, fall 2013 shoe trends, geometic color, how to wear wedge booties, must have shoes for fall 2013, stiletto pumps, style shoe expert kara birkenstock on September 5, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Fall 2013 Must Have Shoes
Fall is upon us fashionistas! With some of the hottest shoes to hit the scene in years, Autumn 2013 will definitely be a supremely stylish season. To get you excited about the cooler months ahead, here are some of the best, must have trends in fall footwear:
Alice and Olivia, DSW $234.95
Hello Stilettos
Making an elegant return to the forefront of fashion are pointed toe, stiletto pumps! These sexy heels are classic and sophisticated, great with everything from dresses to pants. Add a little spice with dainty bows and embellishments, hardware and animal prints.
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Aldo $110
Wedge Booties
This season’s wedge booties are the perfect combination of style and comfort! These must haves shoes run the gamut from casual chic suede to dressy leather with gold detailing. Pair this look with cropped pants or skinny denim.
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Tory Burch, Nordstrom $395; Vince Camuto, Nordstrom $148.95
DV by Dolce Vita, Nordstrom $98.95
Geometric Color
Make a bold statement this fall in colorful footwear with geometric inspiration! Vibrant hues merge with neutral tones, a fresh way to add a pop of color to your ensemble. Materials like suede, leather, and reptile combine for a dramatic, scene-stealing look. This trend is so wearable, expect to see it in clothing, jewelry and accessories too!
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Rachel by Rachel Roy, DSW $129.95
Ankle Strap Art
This season’s sexiest heels and booties feature ankle straps that draw serious attention to your lower half! Like artwork for your feet, heels are adorned with intricate straps, studs, zippers and buckles. Whether you prefer thin or thick straps around your ankle, there’s something for everyone this fall!
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Diba, DSW $49.95
Posted in eHow Style, Fashion, Style Tips, tagged 40th class reunion, ehow style, formal and casual class reunions, style shoe expert kara birkenstock, style tips, what to wear to class reunion on May 22, 2013| Leave a Comment »
What to Wear to a Class Reunion: eHow Style Video
Whether your 5th or 40th class reunion is coming up, figuring out what to wear can always be a daunting task. The biggest mistake you can make when dressing for this occasion is selecting clothing that you’re not comfortable in. The most important thing is to showcase your personality and style, and it doesn’t matter if it’s vastly different from your high school or college persona! From casual to formal class reunions, select a few simple items to create an outfit that is comfy, stylish and chic, and not to mention, the best representation of you! And remember, the best accessory is confidence – so stand tall and proud…and smile!
Here are some sophisticated wardrobe choices for any class reunion:
1) LBD: You can’t go wrong with a little black dress!
2) Knee length dress: Solid colors and refined prints are best. Opt for a style that fits and flatters your figure, such as a sheath or a-line skirt.
3) Slim pants: Depending on how formal the event is, slim black pants or dark denim are great options that can be easily dressed up with a blouse, heels, and pretty jewelry.
4) Blazer: Pair this classic piece with everything from a floral dress to pants and a silk tank.
I recently shot a Style video for eHow.com, with a classic and fabulous option for a casual 40th class reunion. Just because the invitation says casual doesn’t mean your look has to be frumpy! Watch it by clicking here.
Posted in eHow Style, Fashion, Shoes, Shopping, Style Tips, Travel, tagged best clothes to bring on vacation, best travel clothes, ehow style, good dresses for traveling, style shoe expert kara birkenstock, style tips, travel packing tips on May 10, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Good Dresses for Traveling: eHow Style Video
The summer travel season is officially upon us! But before we head to distant lands for some much deserved R&R, we need to do a little prep work – the most important being to pack a well stocked and versatile wardrobe!
Here are some tips to keep in mind when packing for your upcoming vacation:
1) Pack clothing and accessories that are versatile. Jeans, nice shorts, skirts, and good fitting dresses (short or maxi) are great travel options that can be dressed up or down. Solid color tanks, tees and blouses are also smart choices.
2) Create multiple outfits by mixing and matching your items. For example, wear a dress with flat sandals for day and when night falls, swap them out for sexy heels and jewelry.
3) Select items that travel well, are breathable and don’t wrinkle easily. Cottons, knits, poly-blends, and silk jersey are best.
I recently shot a Style video for eHow.com, with some great tips on how to pick the best dresses for traveling. Watch it by clicking here.
Posted in A Day in the Life, Fashion, Shoes, Style Tips, tagged access hollywood, affordable shoe trends, dsw designer shoe warehouse, dsw shoes, kit hoover, spring fashion, spring shoe trends 2013, style shoe expert kara birkenstock, summer fashion, summer shoe trends 2013 on April 30, 2013| Leave a Comment »
A Day On Set: Access Hollywood
The Access Hollywood segments that I shot for DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse aired over the last two weeks…and I just had to thank everyone for watching and for all your sweet comments! It’s always a blast working with the adorable and fun loving Kit Hoover, and of course, sharing all the latest trends at amazing prices from my friends at DSW Shoes!
In the first segment, we dished about the hottest spring shoe trends. It’s all about Modern Romance, with shoes and accessories with lots of flirty and feminine details. Floral prints of all sizes are a must have, while dainty bows and ruffles add a sweet touch to more simple styles. Pastels are also a refreshing way to kick off the spring season!
The second segment was my personal favorite! With the summer travel months ahead, there’s nothing like adding a little Global Inspiration to your wardrobe! With bold colors, graphic prints, and lots of beading and embellishments, you can feel like you’ve travelled the world just by putting on a fabulous pair of shoes! Wedges and sandals are perfect for summertime, both being versatile and stylish!
Click here to watch the video segments from Access Hollywood!
Posted in Fashion, Positively Celebrity, Shopping, Style Tips, tagged affordable fashion, celebrity designers for less, designation kohls, designer collaborations, emma roberts, julianna margulies, katie holmes, narciso rodriguez kohls, style shoe expert kara birkenstock on November 7, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl’s Hits Stores Today
Narciso Rodriguez has collaborated with budget friendly retailer, Kohl’s, for a limited edition line that is available in stores today! As the first designer to participate in Kohl’s DesigNation program, Rodriguez has set the bar high with his modern yet minimalist collection.
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Rodriguez’s capsule collection was inspired by his recent trip to Istanbul, with the sights and sounds of the city reflective in each piece. With clean lines, bold colors and structured yet sexy silhouettes, the collection exudes elegant sophistication. Each garment is designed with the female body in mind, perfectly crafted to fit flawlessly and accentuate in all the right places.
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Hollywood fashionistas are already fans of Narciso Rodriguez’s designs for Kohl’s! A-listers Julianna Margulies, Katie Holmes and Emma Roberts showed their support for the Cuban-American designer at the official New York City launch party in October.
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With items ranging from $30 to $150, there is definitely something for every budget and style. Here are more highlights from this affordable collection:
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DesigNation will showcase fashion lines by renowned designers, drawing their inspiration from cities across the globe. Next up, Derek Lam shares his fashionable take on Rio for Spring 2013!
Posted in Fashion, Fashion Week 2012, Style Tips, Uncategorized, tagged best of la fashion week, bold fashion prints, fashion week spring 2013, la fashion designers, los angeles fashion week spring 2013, louis verdad denim, printed pants, shoe expert kara birkenstock, spring fashion trends, spring maxi dresses, style expert kara birkenstock, white fashion trend, your gal kara on October 30, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Los Angeles Fashion Week Spring 2013 Review
The Spring 2013 collections for LA Fashion Week were the perfect representation of SoCal’s laidback and eclectic fashion scene. LA designers did not disappoint, showcasing lines that will surely lift your spirits come springtime! Here are some of the hottest trends that hit the LA runways:
Snow White
Soft shades of white, ivory and cream dominated the runways during LA Fashion Week. From classic to bohemian silhouettes, key looks were updated for spring with an airy, feminine flair.
Sheer collared blouses, high waisted skirts and sheaths were romantic but refined at AGAIN and Luciana Salamone.
Whimsical maxi dresses in luxurious silk and lace were highlights at Mike Vensel and Odylyne, adding a modern and elegant touch to this key style.
Pretty Prints
From geometric to flirty designs, vibrant prints were in full swing for spring 2013. Printed pants were both cropped and billowy, proving to be a strong statement piece for fashionistas.
Ladylike florals showed up on skirts and cropped jackets at Basil and Living Doll Los Angeles, pairing beautifully with sheer tops.
And fanciful dresses were adorned with artsy motifs at Naven, reminding us all why we all love spring!
Denim Remastered
The essential fashion item, denim, had a complete makeover for spring 2013. While jeans are a style staple, Louis Verdad took this versatile fabric to new heights.
Denim suiting was sexy and sophisticated, with shorts, peplums and lace adding to the refreshing designs.
Caplets and bomber jackets in lightweight denim will be the perfect outerwear for the warmer season ahead.
And the LBD may have new competition with this denim number, a one shoulder belted dress with a full lace skirt!
Kara Birkenstock 