How #vamping makes me smarter

So my new word of the week is #vamping. The New York Times says my teens are doing it (although I swear they are not). I do it occasionally. My husband never does it. Ever.

No, #vamping is not the '90's definition of being a little ostentatious, but rather pulling an all-nighter hanging out on-line and, in my case, ending up somewhere very, very distant from where I started. As I was reading the NY Times article about what teens are doing, I realized that not much has changed since when I was a teen. I felt the need to read the article since I have 2 teens so I need to know what they are up to in case I'm missing something when I'm busy, uh... #vamping. But I'm not. It's the same idea of "get off the phone" except now they need to stop texting, or "stop reading and go to bed" which hasn't changed, except add that kids now need to stop watching videos, tv, Snapchatting, scrolling through Instagram, etc.

The difference: life is digital, but isn't it somewhat similar?  But what I didn't realize until I started writing this, was that I do learn some things when I #vamp late at night, which I'm sharing below with you. Maybe they are actually learning something of value too. A mom can only hope.

• I am guilty of #5, and thought I was being considerate! 5 Things Not to Say (or Do) at the Farmer's Market via The Kitchn
• I can do my dry-cleaning at home (not with Dryel) with this cool machine!
• I now know why my phone battery is draining so quickly! Facebook is at it again... but this quick fix in my settings solves it
• I can organize my home with 10 cheap, easy hacks. via Real Simple
• That stunning guy who landed in jail for gang related charges (you know, blue eyes?) actually got an agent via Racked
• Ellen is starting a lifestyle brand with Chris Burch backing her. Yes, that Ellen. Yes, that Chris Burch of C. Wonder. via WWD
• These mod horsebit boots are everywhere in every incarnation (python, calf hair, tall ankle boot, bootie, knee boot....). I see '60's.

So that's where my brain goes... from healthy to practical to ridiculous to, you guessed it, shopping.

How about you... do you ever #vamp or just get distracted while browsing?

xo ~kim

A fierce makeover show is about to be B.O.R.N.

The better you know me, the more you know I love my reality tv. Classy reality tv, which I do not believe is an oxymoron, is my favorite - you know the kind you watch and think: I should get in shape and run a 10K next week, or learn to sew so I can whip up a dress made out of crushed soda cans and hula hoops, or start a wedding cake business. The reality tv that makes me think, "why am I sitting on this couch when I could be doing something useful?" And something I've always wanted to be was a stylist. Combine fashion, giving my opinion, and making people look better? Count me in!! So a show about a bunch of lovable couple of guys and a gal living my dream is going to be high on my list, especially when it's premiering on the new network, FYI (FYI = for your imagination, innovation, and inspiration). My kind of network.

And B.O.R.N. to Style is my kind of show!  B.O.R.N. to Style premieres Tuesday, 7/15 @10p EST, on FYI Network. I'm hoping Chloe even has a chance to stop by the B.O.R.N. shop in Harlem while in NYC and meet Jonathan Bodrick, the storeowner and a definite fashion maven, or any of the other stylists: Brandon Hood, JJ Langan, Kristen Brown, Terry Artis or Devin Stokes.  I can't wait to see who ends up being my favorite, but Jonathan has some standout style -- that's him in the front with the gold sneakers and the hat that would make Pharrell happy. And did I mention that this show looks like it is all about happy and inspirational? Check it out:

How about you... any tv shows you are catching up on this summer or any recommendations for me? Will you be watching B.O.R.N. to Style? Even the tagline to "B.O.R.N. to Style: Your Makeover Needs a Makeover" has me excited!

xo ~kim

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by FYI Network through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about B.O.R.N. to Style, all opinions are my own.

Bucket Bags

via New York

While Chloe has been in fashion mecca this summer, I've been settling in, unpacking boxes, and traveling with my son for sports. Needless to say, fashion and blogging have taken a backseat to family. I've asked Chloe to fill me in on what she's noticed on the streets of New York, always one of my favorite ways to spot new trends. While bucket bags are not a new trend, they are heavily in rotation among the fashionistas in the city this summer.

These are a few I'm taking a look at, with some budget options thrown in the mix. Since I recall this trend from when I was a teen, I'm not sure if I'll be jumping on the bucket bag bandwagon, but Chloe wanted a few options, so I pulled together a few for her... along with some that just caught my fancy.

via Peace Love Shea

The go-to Mansur Gavriel ones above are everywhere in a mini size, although I'd call it manageable one since one that's too big simply becomes a dumping bag for moi, but here's a budget version that has gotten great reviews. And procrastinators rejoice since this Tod's version is 50% off and available to our European friends too! Perfect for fall is the calf-hair bucket bag in leopard. I would absolutely rock it with all black, but I've most definitely been wearing leopard with prints and love the juxtaposition. If you want to stray from leather, this tan nubuck version is so sumptuous, or check out this leather look budget option by Target. And if you decide to invest and splurge, then why not go with this vintage Chanel piece in impeccable shape and glorious texture? It's also available in peach. Yummy.

Are there bucket bags in your future (or present)?

xo ~kim