Dress Like a Fashionista ~ Keely

Meet Keely
Art maker, fashion blogger, style buff, picture taker, coffee drinker, bargain hunter, shoe lover, handbag collector, dream follower, feminist. Woman. CasualChicKiki.com

Describe your personal style
I consider my style "casual chic", hence my blog name Casual Chic Kiki. But, I like to play with different styles. It makes getting dressed fun! There are two things I look for in an outfit: comfort and cuteness. Am I comfy? And do I feel good in it? If I feel good in an outfit it makes my day that much better.

Growing up, were you always into fashion & beauty? Also, describe your personal style over the years and how have they changed.
Yes! I have always been into fashion and beauty. When I was little my mom and I would go to the fabric store and I would get to pick out patterns and fabrics and then my mom would make the outfit. I had some pretty fun outfits back then. But I was always comfortable, usually in stretchy, cotton-knit and leggings. I also remember going school shopping every summer and especially picking out a special "first day of school" outfit. As for my personal style over the years...I've never really dressed like other people, but neither has my mom, so I guess I learned that from her. I've always liked being comfortable and different. In high school polo shirts, jeans and tennis shoes were really popular, I opted out of the polo shirts and tennis shoes as long as I could. I ended up trying it and it just wasn't me. So, I found a style I liked better...flannels, Henleys, wranglers and boots. College led to jeans, comfy tees and belly-baring tops and then when I came back to the real world I still stuck with jeans, but chose colorful tops, cardigans and shoes. Now, jeans are still my staple, but I really love dresses and skirts and trying out new styles. I'm always layered because I'm usually cold and I have always loved shoes. I am also really into accessories, which is a new obsession within the last 2 years.

For college fashionistas on a budget, what are some tips and advice that you would suggest?
I rarely buy anything at full-retail price! My favorite stores have sales often and if I find something I love that's not on sale I usually wait for it to go on sale. Unless you truly NEED a piece of clothing ASAP, never pay full price! I also search the internet for better deals. I rarely buy online, but when I do, I make sure it's a fab deal. Watch for free shipping too. Also, never buy anything that is just so-so. You should spend your money on items that you LOVE, that make you feel fabulous!

What are your fashionista five must haves?
Great fitting, dark wash boot-cut jeans. Dark wash skinny jeans. Cardigans in various fits and colors. A multi-strand necklace in silver and one in gold tones. Comfy black flats.

Name two of your favorite fashion designers.
In high school I wanted to be a fashion designer and my favs were Christian Dior and Chanel. I don't follow designers much anymore. I like to focus on wearable clothes. However, the chances that Chanel took really moved me. She changed women's fashion in a such a dramatic manner.

What types of stores do you typically shop at?Macy's, LOFT, Target, TJ Maxx.


Who is your fashionista icon and why?
I can't pick just one. I have to name my favorite fashion bloggers here. Melissa of A Working Mom's Closet for staying true to her sense of style and the dress code. Megan of Megan Mae Daily for her risk-taking and unique pieces that she so effortlessly wears. Also her fantastic shoe collection! Kimberly of Fashion Momma for sharing her style journey with us and getting more daring and fabulous everyday. Taylor of It's My Cardi for her love of color and color mixing and her amazing shoe collection.

What are some makeup tips that you would suggest to college fashionistas?
Have fun in college! It's the one time in life that you get be completely free! Go natural during the week in classes and go glam on the weekend! Oh, but remember to take care of you skin. A good face-wash, moisturizer with SPF and quality make-up are key to staying healthy.


If you could be a stylist for a day for a celebrity, which celeb would that be and why?
That's a tough one. Since I started following fashion blogs I have been focusing on those ladies more than celebs. I really love Kate Hudson's style and Rachel Bison's style. I choose Kate because I love her energy. She's so free and laid back, but just gorgeous when it's time to dress up.

Random This or That Questions
Stiletto's or Flats?
Flats.

Paris or New York City
Paris. Oh, how I would love to go to Paris.

Mac or Sephora
Neither. I like Bare Essentials and Clinique.