City Life

How do you like my hair?


I'll start this post with a little story.  I saw a lady whom I hadn't seen since my early college years, and she asked me if I'm dating, then proceeds with, "WOW, I thought for sure you'd be married by NOW!"



I was a little taken aback from her statement.  I'm a young 20 something (turned 24 this past summer), out of college for only 2 years,  still living at home with my parents since economic hardships prevent me from living in New York City on my own at this present time, but she expected me to already be MARRIED??

Am I missing something here?  I plan to have a career before marriage anyway, so marriage is not really a priority for me.  But speaking of my career...





As I stated in my last post, I went to NYC for the weekend, and let me tell you- it was absolutely grand!  I stayed with my friend Nicky, and it was like a big college reunion! I got to see many of my guy and girlfriends I hadn't seen in at least a year, and it was great catching up with everyone!  I had fun exploring the nightlife in Brooklyn, fooding, thrifting, and also attending Nicky's show (she KILLED IT btw)!  Traveling around the city, I kept bumping into Berklee alums- it was pretty awesome, and I did some networking with a few bloggers while I was there too!

I realized during the trip, in consulting with my girlfriends who are musicians/music industry folks as well, that I'm just going to have to take a leap of faith and move there (which is what they all actually did).  I'm going to save a bulk of money from now all through the summer, and just go.  The economy isn't holding me back, I am holding myself back.  With my job now, I'll have a year more of experience in the specific field I want to work in, I'm more financially stable, and I might as well do it while I'm still a young independent!  NYC is all about the grind, and that's what I have to do.  I have to create the opportunity, not wait for the opportunity.  Furthermore, I can't continue to worry about what everyone else thinks I should do.  I am in control of myself, and now is a better time than ever to do it!




Really committing to this (I plan to move by the end of next summer), I'm going on a spending freeze.  I have a certain amount of money that I WILL save before moving.  I can easily get a job at a restaurant to pay dem bills while looking for a job...  But I actually have a meeting coming up for a potential employment opportunity (career affiliated) in the city, so I'll keep you guys posted!

I'm of course not excited about this spending freeze, but I actually have come up with some ways to make this kind of fun!  That'll be in the next post ;)



Another thing I realized while in the city, is that footwear is everything.  I love to wear heels, especially heeled boots, and I actually survived all weekend wearing various pairs.  My trick?  Dr. Scholl's for her high heel inserts.  LIFE CHANGING.  Get you some!

H&M jacket (old), Gap Sweater (similar here), Rachel Roy scarf (gifted), Loft corduroy cropped trousers (similar here), Joan & David leather boots (old), Super sunglasses (here), Michael Kors watch (here)

My best friend is also FINALLY back from Germany, after a year away!  She surprised me by jumping out of my closet as I entered my room as soon as I got back from New York.  She scared the living daylight out of me and Leilani, who was also at my house at the time (we were set up)!!  I'm so glad she's back!

I'll leave you with one last thought.  Something I posted on my Facebook status, that I'll be keeping in mind:

"I'm realizing that you can't wait around for the right time or opportunity to occur.  Sometimes you have to make that opportunity happen in your own time.  Which for me, is right now.  3 days in NYC have really solidified what I want and NEED to do to get to where I want to be.  I'm excited for my future.  Putting things into my own hands!"


-Kris

I Got My Eye on You: Solange Knowles
Now it's no secret that I am in love and obsessed with am a big fan of Solange.  She has blossomed into such a Style Icon over the past few years, and I wanted to share with you all some photos of her that I simply find, inspiring.










Do you have a style icon?


Sources: (mydamnblog.com, tumblr.com)

I have a cool update that's going to be happening with TKB (aka The Kris Bliss blog) veddy soon, and I can't wait to see everyone's reactions!  Although I've already ruined this on twitter (I seem to spoil all of my not so secrets there)... But for those of you who don't follow me there, or missed it, be on the lookout!


I'll end this post with Solo's video, "Losing You."  I like the song, but I don't have a solidified opinion about it yet.
What do you guys think?
Leave your comments below!


                   

I'm headed to NYC this weekend, and meeting up with some college buddies that I haven't seen in too long!  The great thing about NYC is that it's close to where I live, and I have many friends that live there... But that's also the downside.  It's impossible to see everyone every time I go!  But that just means more trips to the city, right?

Have a great weekend!

-Kris

Kristin Brooks Comments
Fall is Finally Here!



Good morning guys, and welcome Fall!  As I've stated in my last post, this is my favorite season!  It has been so beautiful outside!  The leaves are starting to turn, those autumn colors are surrounding me...  And the weather - the mid 70's is my jam!  Sunny and cool, but not cold (there's a difference lol).  But let me stop sounding like a weather woman...

H&M sweater (old), Target denim vest (old), Gap belt (old), ASOS pleated skirt, Joan & David leather boots (old), Chanel eyeglasses (similar here). 



How are you all doing this week?  

I spent last weekend in New York with my dad's side of the family.  Although this was under unfortunate circumstances, I can't tell you how great it felt being surrounded by my family.  I love them all so much, and I was actually sad to have to head back home.  One message that we all took from this past weekend, was that we have to work to stay in touch, and to see each other.  Once a year is no longer acceptable.  My father is one of 10 children, and each child has a family, and many of their children have children as well.  We have a big family, and it's hard to coordinate with everyone.  Especially since we live all over the US, even some in Canada!  

But you make time for the things that are important in your life, right?




I think Leilani is getting better at better at her photography- I think these turned out great Lei, thanks for shooting again!

This week on instagram (you can follow me @krisbliss), I also feed the photos daily to my FB page here:
Lei and I attended an Allen Stone concert the other night, and it was PHENOMENAL.  He had an opening act- Tingsek (who is also another one of our faves), a soulful guy from Switzerland (lol), and his keyboard player was reallly good.  I first saw Allen Stone at Firefly Music Festival this past summer, and I was very impressed.  But let me tell you- he shut it down again!  Leilani and I are still recovering LOL!  We listened to his records after the concert, and it was wasn't the same.  I urge you to look up his live stuff- let me know what you think!



On another note, I'm getting my hair done today- something different that I haven't done before, and I'm pretty excited about it! I hope it turns out well!

Another video up, based on the most frequently asked question I get about my hair!



-Kris


Neon Neon.

How does it feel to know that today is the last day of summer?  To be quite honest, Fall is my favorite season, so I really don't mind...
Spiegel dress, H&M cropped blazer, Target leopard belt, Michael Kors watch, Franco Sarto sandals.
Funny story about this dress.  My mom wanted my opinion on an outfit she was going to wear to shoot at a wedding she had booked for that weekend.  I didn't like the ensemble she had going (involving this neon dress), but as soon as I was exposed to this fabulous dress, I forced her to let me try it on.  I ran into my closet, slapped on the waist belt, threw the cropped blazer over it, strapped on the sandals, and BOOM.    It was all mine (at least for the day).  She obviously ended up going for a different outfit (I think it was more fitting for the occasion Mother) lol.  Thanks Mom (I still haven't returned the dress)!


This week on instagram (you can follow me @krisbliss), I also feed the photos daily to my FB page here:


My bestie Lei snapped these photos of me yesterday.  It was good to see her as always, and it was such a gorgeous day!


Here's my latest youtube video (product review).  Check it out!



Happy Friday!

-Kris


Fashion's Night Out 2012
I'm giving so much face in this picture lol
H&M peplum lace top & necklace, ASOS trousers, Express earrings, Michael Kors watch, Nine West pumps


This past Thursday I celebrated with my friend Shawna in NYC for Fashion's Night Out.  For those of us who don't know what FNO is, it is a global initiative (started in NYC 2009) sponsored by Vogue and CFDA.  Since its start, Fashion's Night Out has expanded to cities all over the country, and is now worldwide.  It's a way to kick off NYC's Fashion Week, as well as encouraging us to buy as much designer fall collections as we can afford... But let me tell you, it felt like the whole city was partying that night!




Shawna shutting it down in a Joie top, DVF high waisted slacks, Gucci watch, and Saks Fifth Avenue Black Label platforms.  We couldn't walk a block w/o someone complimenting her on her fabulosity! 


Now that we got the outfits out of the way, I shall continue!

We were coming from Central Park West in Harlem, where we had our mini photoshoot, and heading straight to the Meatpacking District for DVF! 


On our way, we stopped by the QVC set up, got some free goodies, and spotted Issac Mizrahi doing an interview.

We also popped in Hugo Boss, but it was extremely overcrowded, and I didn't have the patience. However, we managed to snap a pic before leaving of course!

Once we arrived at DVF, this was the line- at least 4 people wide, and wrapped around the whole entire building. BUMMER!


As we were peeping out the front of the line, I bumped into Emijaa Jaaemil, whose blog I follow (vice versa).  It's always great to finally meet bloggers in person (lovely to meet you)!  There was no way we were getting in the end of the line, and I was a little disappointed since DVF was the only place I truly wanted to go to... (Here comes the crazy story).

As we're just kind of hanging in line (that we basically skipped), about 50 feet from the door (with NO signs of getting in), Shawna spots a friend of hers, says hello, and about a minute later we're all inside of DVF!  Total wait time: Five minutes (please reference pic above of to see the line).

It was so perfect, one of those "Only in New York" moments I suppose!


Gotta love those male models.. I wonder how much he got paid for passing out hours d' oeuvres? 
 


Once we were inside, we had to wait a few minutes to get to the other side, its fantastic 4-flight staircase awaiting us.  When we get to the other side, who do I run into, but my good friend Katrina!

We actually tried making plans to meet up, but we kind of fell off finalizing anything, and it happened anyway! #meanttobe <3


Here's a video I captured of Diane in all her fabulousness.  She's funny, captivating, and is apparently a democrat!  She also immediately noticed that Shawna was rocking her own (DVF) pants.  And y'all already know Solange is my girl!  She is my style icon, and so beautiful!  She was dj-ing some great tunes too!  Peep the vid below: 








After DVF, we met up with my our friends Katherine and Fred and grabbed dinner at an Italian spot in Soho.  It was great to see them, and peep Katherine's sleek all black, but very textual look!    She's rocking a Zara top, pants from TJ MaxxNine West boots, and Marc Jacobs necklace.  Get it!



This week on instagram (you can follow me @krisbliss), I also feed the photos daily to my FB page here:



It was a blast!  I got to see my friends, hang in the city, and I always love the energy and indulge in great conversation when I'm there!  I spotted a lot of great neck candy, and it was fun being snapped by street style photogs!  That night there was like no cell phone service in the city!  Did anyone who went experience that?  Next year I am definitely wearing more comfortable shoes- I don't know why I thought I could last in 5 inch heels all night lol!  How are you all keeping up with NYFW?  I can't wait to watch all the runway shows online!


Have a great week!


-Kris

Orange
c/o Sugarlips top, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Tory Burch flats, H&M necklace, Michael Kors watch.

Hey guys!  I hope everyone had a relaxing and fun Labor Day weekend!  I spent mine mostly working, but did go out to karaoke with some coworkers & friends on Sunday, and we a blast!  I sang a lil' Chaka Khan... Not to toot my own horn but... LOL




How cute is this shirt?  A special thanks to Sugarlips for gifting it to me!  I love the color, but fell more in love with the sleeves!  Tres chic!  Be sure to check out their site- they have cute and affordable clothing & accessories!


Last night, I went on a movie date with my best friend Lei to see Sparkle (FINALLY)!  Besides the fact that none of the girls could actually dance (it was quite awkward to watch honestly), and the singing, umm........ I would say it was a "decent" movie, but definitely no comparison to the original.  Would I buy it on dvd?  YES.  Whitney kilt it as usual, she played her roll well in my opinion.  I still can't believe she's gone!  The fashionista in me immediately noticed the impecable costuming throughout the film- I wish I had a handful of Sparkle and her sister "D's" pieces in my current wardrobe!!


This week on instagram (you can follow me @krisbliss), I also feed the photos daily to my FB page here:


I'll be headed to NYC's Fashion's Night Out on Thursday, which I'm super excited about (my first time going EVER), and I'll be meeting up with some college girlfriends, so I know I'll have a great time!

I've also been featured on natural hair site, BGLH, aka, Black Girls with Long Hair, and I'd love it if you would check it out!  Thanks!


Have a great week, and hope to see some of you in the city for FNO!

-Kris

School Days


Hi guys!!!  Yes it has (once again) been too long since I've posted, but you know how I do (I'll get better, I promise)!


I actually am geting better!  I started doing an #ootd or "outfit of the day" on my instagram so you can actually see what I wear on a daily basis, since I'm not able to post it on the blog everyday!!  Check me out @krisbliss, and I also feed the photos daily onto my FB page here.


How have you all been?  I hope well!  I can't believe summer is wrapping up... It's sad in a way, but I'm kind of ready for fall weather (and more importantly), fall fashion!


Wearing H&M cropped blazer, F21 top, Gap skinny trousers, Joan & David sandals,
Michael Kors rose gold watch.  Lipstick "Girl Around Town" by M.A.C.

I've been feeling so inspired by all the new changes in my life!  It's phenomenal!  I mentioned in this post here that I landed a new job, which I started about a week and a half ago, and I'm absolutely LOVING it so far!  I have my own office/bathroom, and of course I've already started to decorate it!  I'm getting some great ideas via Pinterest!  Once it's all finished, I'll share with you some photos, probably on my instagram!






Have a terrific rest of your week, and a lovely weekend!



-Kris



Black & Gold

Big hair don't care!  Well, actually, my hair wasn't THIS puffy when I first got it straightened, but humidity immediately kicked in (as soon as I stepped out the salon) and went to work on my hair lol... But it's still cute I think!

I filled you guys in on everything in my last post, and I'm still off of a high from all the great changes in my life!  Summer has been the jam, and this weekend will be as well!
 I'm headed to Firefly Music Festival, a 3-day music festival in Delaware, featuring loads of bands and artists!  I'm most excited to see The Black Keys, John Legend, Allen Stone, Lupe Fiasco, and Girl Talk, just to name a few!  The festival will also have a vineyard, hot air ballon rides, and an arcade... It's gonna be crazy!  I'm going with a coworker of mine, and we're camping!  Now.  I'm not exactly the "camping type," and I'd obviously choose a hotel over camping (but they were all booked), sooo, this was my only option.  I've been really nervous about the whole non-showering, dirty hippie thing, but I'm bringing TONS of baby wipes, and other toilet trees/hand sanitizing, disinfecting materials, haha!



Hair wise, I'm keeping it NATURAL obvi, but I plan to take loads of pictures, and will keep u guys updated via twitter and instagram (@krisbliss), so make sure you follow me!


On to the outfit, I saw this dress on Zara's site and immediately gasped!  I love it!  I feel like a modern day Tina Turner (although she is timeless) with this leather fringe number!  The top is from F21, as well as the necklace, and the shoes are Rachel Roy.  Another new addition, the gold wrap bracelet, was one I picked up at a local boutique.  My new favorite!


I gotta get back to my check off list for Firefly... I still have a little more shopping to do before the weekend! 




-Kris



Independence.


Hey guys!  Like my pants?  Yes they're pants, not a skirt!  I picked these up over at Loose Threads Boutique.  I absolutely love their stuff! 

So much has happened since my last post!  All great things too!  Hmm, where do I start.... 

Well, I finally landed a big girl job!!  Finally, two years after graduating college, I have landed a career oriented job!  I don't want to put alllll my bidness in the streets, but let's just say, I'll be working in "marketing" and "music..." Two things I love to do!  And I also got a brand new whip to get me to and from this new job (and of course anywhere else I would like to go!!).  Things are finally falling into place!  I am oh so grateful!

It's been a looonnnnnng journey getting to this point.  I kept my values, and continued to work hard.  I never gave up, and God made it happen!  I prayed on this every single night (landing a job), continued to trust in Him, and He made it happen for me!  There had been so many opportunities prior to this one that just didn't work out, or fell through, or turned out not to be the right fit for me, but I never stopped looking.  I'm not trying to get all preachy on y'all, but seriously, having faith is so important!  Because I never stopped trying, I finally found the right opportunity for me!  I want to say a big THANK YOU to all my family and friends, who have been so supportive of me through this process.  Thank you so much!!



On a lighter note, here is what I've been up to (since once again I haven't been posting on TKB regularly)...

Follow me on instagram @krisbliss

... Lots of eating, pooling, trips to NYC...

I had a mini reunion with some college friends this past June, and we met up at Brooklyn Bowl to see Solange do a dj set.  We had a blast!  I wore this exact outfit actually, but I kept tripping over my pants when walking up steps.  I almost busted my arse the second time I tripped... I'm sure people thought I was twisted, but nope.  It was just me being clumsy haha!

Wearing AA cropped sleeveless top, Loose Threads pants, Rachel Roy heels

I also think I celebrated the 4th of July holiday a little too hard this time around.  I attended 3 BBQ's, and ate each time like it was my last meal.  Not cute.  I'm cutting back on the cals next week to balance out my food rage.  Maybe a couple push ups and crunches wouldn't hurt either LOL.


lol @ my face.
Summer has been good to me so far, and I am really excited to start my new job next month!  And with a new car, I'll have to unfortunately decrease my spending (I will Mom, promise!!)... Kris is growing up.  I'm so ready!


Happy Friday!



-Kris