A Krasnow Christmas in Kansas City

I have lived off and on in Kansas City for roughly 25 years and there are certain things that are synonymous with Christmas and Kansas City. The largest being the lights around the Country Club Plaza. It has to be the most beautiful sight in the city, in my opinion. After college, I moved back to Kansas City and lived in a studio apartment that overlooked that Plaza. A dream of mine that became a reality. And during the month of December, I went to bed every night with the lights of the Plaza as my backdrop. It was truly the best night light ever!

When my husband and I got married, we didn't really have any traditions when it came to Christmas. My parents lived out of town for the first five or six years of our marriage, so we spent most of the time on the road. But, we would always try to find the time to drive around neighborhoods checking out Christmas lights or driving through the Plaza and enjoying its wonder. It wasn't until we had our son that we truly began creating Christmas traditions. 

Crown Center, a Kansas City staple when it comes to shopping, dining, and checking out local theater, has become one of the first stops on the holiday tour! And when we go, we pretty much camp out all day! We took our son for his first Christmas, at age eight months, to see the Mayors Tree and play on all the wooden cars, trucks, and other toys that sit beneath the tree. No, he couldn't walk, but that didn't stop us. We personally had a blast! Now that he's four, he looks forward to our annual pilgrimage to Crown Center.

In addition to our play time beneath the tree, we stand in line to dine at his favorite eatery within Crown Center, Fritz's Railroad Restaurant. This place is wonderful for kids! You order your meal via a telephone from your table and it's delivered directly to your table by their signature restaurant-wide railroad. And each child under 12 is given their very own conductor hat! After lunch, we walk over to Union Station to check out their free model train exhibit! 

Union Station is pretty amazing! When you walk into the grand hall, on your way to the model train exhibit, you are met with such a beautiful room that leaves you wondering what it was like during its hay day! It's simply beautiful. Oh, and did I mention that during the holidays, there is a Lego exhibit of little towns decorated for Christmas with running model trains? It's pretty incredible. And, as if that wasn't enough, there is a giant Christmas tree with a train that travels all the way around it for kids to ride! McKinley has a blast, and I have to admit, I wish I could ride the train with him!  

 So now that we've been at Crown Center and Union Station for about four hours, it's time to wrap things up. And, because I'm beyond exhausted from toting all the things moms tote for their children, and trying to keep up with all of his energy, I'm ready for a little afternoon pick me up! Thank goodness that Parisi Artisan Coffee is literally on our way out the door! A local cafe with two locations that provides beautiful coffee art in each cup. It's the boost I need to get me through the rest of the afternoon! 
 

As we walk back to our car, we find ourselves watching the skaters making their way around the Ice Terrace. I love watching to see how the kids handle the skates. My son loves to wait for the zamboni! And, if we can't find it on the rink, we have to find its spot in the parking garage! He's obsessed!

      

    
 And as we head home, we drive through the Plaza and look at the glorious lights one last time. If you don't have a sleeping little one in the backseat, take some time to walk through the Plaza. I love to just take a stroll and take in all the joy. And, if we ever get the chance, we love to stop and have a drink before heading home. There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from, but I love The Classic Cup. An Independently owned restaurant that's so quaint. During warmer months, I love to sit along the sidewalk and people watch. There are some amazingly chic shoppers in this city! During the colder months, their window lined dining room allows for the same view, but you also get to take in the lights! Did I mention the Plaza lights are my favorite thing about the Kansas City?

    Coming to Kansas City during the holidays and have little ones in tow? Make sure you add at least one of these to your itinerary! No one will be disappointed! And, you may just find the magic of Christmas all around you! 

If you need help organzing your events while in town, Eventbrite is a great place to help you get started! Check out their Event Management Page here! 

Chanel Makeover During KCFW - Halls Crown Center

Before the Friday night shows of KCFW, I was asked to join a few of my fellow bloggers for a little primping by makeup artists at the new Halls at Crown Center! It may have taken me most of the day to respond, busy doing mama stuff, but jumped at the opportunity to play! I frequented the original Halls on the Plaza, but had yet to make it to the new location. Nothing prepared me for the experience!

First off, I couldn't believe we were still in Kansas City, let alone standing in Crown Center. The store reminded me of something you would walk into while strolling down Fifth Ave in New York. It's bright, white, enormous, and so luxe! Chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The dressing rooms are larger than my bathroom! And the shoe department....sheer heaven! But I digress.

We were talking about our makeovers, no? I was paired with makeup artist Tesia of Chanel. I couldn't have been happier! I am a huge fan of Chanel products and have used them for years! I have countless pallettes that I wear nearly every day! This quad happens to be my favorite. And for the Saturday night shows, I just happen to be wearing the lipstick I purchased from the event! 

I am not one to wear a lot of makeup. And when I say makeup, I mean actual foundation, bronzer, and powder. And one of the things I've learned, both from the Chanel and Dior makeovers, is that bronzer is a widely used product. I've always been scared of bronzer simply because it's so dark and I'm not quite sure how to apply it. Turns out it's so much easier than one would think! You create the number three by starting at the center of the forehead, bring it around to the top of the cheek bones by your temples, and then bring the curve of the three down to your chin. You only apply bronzer to the outer edge of the face. Easy, right?

For my makeover, Tesia created a smoky eye using the above quad and a cream shadow. She lined my eyes with the Stylo liner in black and used the darker shade within the quad to reinforce. I also loved that she told me she used the bronzer within the shadows as well. Interesting tip! 

Now, I've been in love with a certain Clinique mascara for years now, and I've been trying to break out of my rut and use others on the market. I've tried them and disliked them. When I went back to Clinique to purchase my fav, I found it was DISCONTINUED!!!! Did you hear the scream from Macy's? I guess it's time to find a new mascara and I do believe it's been replaced! I am now in love with Chanel's Le Volume De Chanel in black. Always black!

Isn't that the coolest smoky eye!?! I love it. Now I just need to invest in the quad and cream shadow. And speaking of investing, I purchased the lipstick Tesia applied for the night. It is the perfect berry for fall. It's not terribly dark, but transitions from the brights I found myself wearing all summer. It's their Rouge Allure Velvet, a long wearing matte lipstick, and it's true to its claim! I hardly reapplied the entire night! The color I purchased is 40 LA SENSUELLE.

 

 

And here is the final look! I loved it. So natural yet a little dramatic! This is why I love Chanel. Their makeup artists just get it. They know what products work best for your skin tone, they listen when you tell them your likes and dislikes in daily application, and they make you look like the best version of you! Thank you Tesia!

If you haven't been to the new Halls in Crown Center, what are you waiting for? In addition to all the luxury that the store has to offer, they also have the H Bar which is where we sipped complimentary beverages prior to the shows. What girl wouldn't accept a little sip of bubbly to kick off a Friday night with friends? If only I was being pampered like this again tonight! 

Happy Friday!

Game Day Ready - Kansas City Chiefs

If you know anything about me, I'm not really the NFL girl type, but I have so many girlfriends who are! And, because you either attend the game, or watch from your comfy couch, I put together a style board that I think is a universal game day look! Not sure where to shop? I found this one at Fanatics!

 Aviators: Target;  Backpack: Target; Scarf: Target

Vest: Target; Jersey: Fanatics

Jeans: LOFT; Sneakers: Target; T-Neck: Lands End

I went with an unconventional color when it came to the jersey. Sure, you could go with the typical white, but there was something about this all red version! And, red just happens to be my favorite color. I paired it with a white t-neck, because I love a good turtleneck, and skinny jeans to help with all that volume a jersey can create. Because we are in the throws of cooler fall temps, I thought a great down vest would be a good alternative to a coat, and when you add a thick infinity scarf, you will stay warm throughout the game! I am obsessed with the new slide on quilted tennies. Think Vans turned up a notch! And I'm thinking they would be pretty comfy with all that parking lot walking and standing during most of the game. Do you guys stand a lot during the game? Lastly, throw everything into that awesome backpack, put on those aviators, and you are ready for game day.

Now, if you are staying at home, this look still applies! I would probably replace the scarf with an amazing throw like this one and have a cup of hot cocoa in hand. I'm loving this one from Kate Spade! So you may not need the aviators and backpack while watching at home, but you do need them in our life! Just because you aren't at the game doesn't mean you won't be hitting the grocery store for all those game day munchies. Throw on that down vest and you are good to go!

So there you have it. Whether you're among the masses or just simply curled up with friends, you can still look stylish on game day! Check out all the NFL gear Fanatics has to offer and create your own look now!

Fluffy Sweater, Python Scarf, and One Amazing Hat

Sweater: H&M (similar); Boyfriend Jeans: LOFT (similar/on sale); Boots: Frye (similar);

 Scarf: Target (similar); Hat: Sole Society (c/o); Bracelet: Stella & Dot

A rainy fall day calls for a fluffy sweater, python scarf, tall boots, and one amazing hat! If you love hats, and need a super chic one for fall, then go grab this one NOW from Sole Society!

The sweater was a last season H&M find for under $20 and it's still on trend! It's so soft that at times I'm tempted to use it as a blanket! Because there is so much volume to the sweater, I went with a straighter leg jean. Tall boots keep the long line going. The python scarf adds some additional texture to the look. And the hat, well it simply had to be worn!

The Scarf: Before and After

   

 

 

I hate that summer has moved on, but I love FALLing in love with my fall wardrobe again! And, being challenged with how to make it more casual is going to be a fun task!

Dream to Reality - Wearing a Laura Kathleen Design

 Top: Ann Taylor (on maj sale); Pants: Laura Kathleen; Heels: Calvin Klein (on sale);

Necklaces: Ann Taylor (on sale)/Tori Spelling; Bracelet: Ann Taylor

I never in a million years thought I would wear something that a designer created for a fashion week runway, but that's exactly what happened! Earlier in the spring, Laura Kathleen featured these pants in her KCFW runway for F/W 2014 and we were able to purchase pieces from the line. I jumped at the opportunity to nab them! That city scene! I think that's what drew me to them. I love how slimming they are and they're comfortably chic!

Laura and I chatted via Twitter before her arrival a couple of weeks ago and she hoped that the pants would ship and arrive before fashion week. Turns out, she brought them with her! Nothing like having your piece brought to you by the designer themselves. I went into immediate styling mode as I knew I would wear them for the Saturday evening shows. I wanted a top that would be as edgy as the pants. And something that would make a subtle statement. This top had all the elements I was looking for! Sleek, feminine, and it definitely left a statement!

 

 

  

 

I'm obsessed with creating my own statement necklace. The top one was purchased specifically for this look. The bottom is an all time fav. I love how it looks like one necklace. Play around with your pieces to create the statement you're going for. The best looks are the ones that happen by accident.

Thank you, Laura Kathleen, for designing such an amazing piece! Thank you for hand delivering it! It was an honor to wear your label during KCFW! I can't wait for more pieces to be added. And thanks for the sweet friendship! This was truly a Dream to Reality for this girl!

Photos courtesy of Megan of Chasing Davies.

Call Me Crazy

 Sweater: Bitten by SJP (similar); Tank: Tulip; Cami: Target; 

Jeans: Banana Republic (similar); Sneakers: Target (similar); Crossbody

 Bag: Steve Madden (similar): Shades: MbMJ; Necklace: Tiffany (gift)

This is that weird time of year where it's fall but it's not really fall. Sure the mornings are brisk and call for a jacket or light sweater, but by late afternoon you need short sleeves. That was the case yesterday. McKinley and I hit Deanna Rose for their annual pumpkin patch festivities and I had us dressed accordingly...for the morning temps that is. By mid afternoon, we were shedding our layers and running around in short sleeves. As for me, I was in a tank! Call me crazy, but it felt good to have the last early fall sun on my arms. We won't have it much longer.

The Tank: Before and After

  

I thought I would take a break from the fashion week posts, but don't worry there are more to come. And a big Dream to Reality post is coming later in the week!

Hope you are getting over the hump today!

Bubbly and Bow Ties

Dress: Marchesa Notte (similar/similar); Heels: Steven by Steve Madden (option/option); 

Bag: Kate Spade

 

Last week I had the honor of attending some really exciting events leading up to all the runway shows for KCFW! Wednesday was a cocktail party where black tie attire was required. I've personally never attended a black tie event so I was thrilled for this opportunity! Then I started asking myself, what does one wear to a black tie event? Does it have to be black? Does it have to be floor length? 

I decided to go out on a limb. I wore a shorter length dress, that was on the cocktail side, and went for full on color. I'm so glad I did. However, when I walked in the room everyone was wearing black. I felt like I stood out like a sore thumb. Eventually, others arrived in various colors so I didn't feel like odd man out.  

 

 

When you think of black tie, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Would you have worn floor lengthy black or gone for a little more cocktail and bold color? Do you think I made the right choice? Personally, I can't think of a better look for me!

Photos Courtesy of Erin Barnes of Pretty, Polished, Perfect!

KCFW - Saturday Evening Runway Shows

 The Saturday evening shows for KCFW were amazing! It ran the gamut of structured, feminine, avant-garde, and everyday wear. There were pieces that immediately caught my eye, or as soon as the model turned, it grabbed my attention from the back! You gotta love a look that has you coming and going. Here are a few of the looks, and designers, I loved.

The looks from Architexture were full of just that, texture. The folds, the gathers, and the draping were so detailed. And I loved the movement that the collection created. Some illusion, some full on flow.

 

House of Cochon was filled with futuristic, avant-garde, and dramatic looks that Lady Gaga, Madonna, Beyonce, and Kesha could wear on the red carpet or on stage! 

 Koko Clemence was that designer that had the head spinning effect. Every look had something coming and going. The use of basket weave was amazing, the drapey fabrics looked so comfy and chic, and I love that there was a jumpsuit and a romper within the collection!

This romper is darling! I love the details throughout and just look at the back! See what I mean?!

The final show of the evening was by designer Laura Kathleen. For all you Project Runway watchers, she was on Season Nine and Season Two of Project Runway All Stars. Her collection was chic, sophisticated, and offered something for everyone. And, I would wear every single piece!

 

Did I mention I ordered these pants? Oh, and did I tell you Laura Kathleen herself told me my butt looked good in them? She's a good sales girl!

I had the most wonderful time at my first KC Fashion Week! I loved spending the day among fashionable people, talented designers, and exploring a new eye for fashion. I've made some new friends, contacts for future events, and learned some new techniques in the world of my photography. (I'm hoping I've made my dad proud as well.) Thanks for coming along for the journey! I hope you've enjoyed a birds eye view!

Next up? Taking runway to real life. Can't wait!!