San Francisco-based art director Kim Mitchell Stokes (45) documents her outfits over at J’adore Couture. She likes to play around with the latest trends and sports heels almost daily. Kim is a polished high-low dresser who rocks both feminine and Sporty Luxe looks. Statement bags and shoes are her trademark, as are large earrings peeking out from under her short shiny ‘do.
“I have become much pickier about what I purchase. I do less impulse buying and more really looking at what’s in my closet and getting new things that will work with what I have and stand the test of time. I’ve also become more comfortable in my own skin and shape, and dress for my body type. Finally I have more of a ‘wear what you love’ attitude and don’t worry about what is ‘age-appropriate’. I don’t love those guides I see in fashion magazines, like ‘what to wear if you’re 60’. I may love it at 45, or someone might love it at 25 or 35. When you wear what you love, there is an innate confidence in how you carry yourself.”
This is a great example of how to wear avant-garde dress layers over slim-fit pants. Kim is wearing black skinnies under a sleeveless draped chiffon dress. The asymmetrical lines are visually interesting and create flattering proportions. Transparent chiffon layers add lightness and movement to this head-to-toe black outfit. The V-neck, skinny jeans, and Kim’s bare arms provide structure. Suede pointy toe pumps elongate the line of the look. A roomy leather jacket adds modern edge. Kim finishes things off with a colour blocked clutch, black sunnies and long dangly earrings.
A pair of black suede over-the-knee boots kick-started this trendy look. Our blogger is sporting an eye-catching fisherman sweater with graphic colour block print over a short full skirt. The chunky cable knit turtleneck, animal print skirt and suede boots provide lots of textural and visual interest. Wearing the sweater untucked creates a horizontally cutting line which is tempered by the low-contrast white part of the top and the skirts light background. The horizontal line created by the high contrast top of the boots is offset by the length of the boots, which lengthens the leg upward from the calves. A structured bag with gold and silver hardware complements the look beautifully.
Kim dresses up distressed boyfriend jeans with a simple white button-down, and knee-length gilet. Tucking the shirt and adding a belt creates structure. Rolling the sleeves and leaving the top buttons unbuttoned relaxes this smart casual look. The light grey gilet with fun side slits provides lightweight layering interest. Pairing the longer length gilet with the tucked shirt, cuffed jeans and stiletto heels elongates the leg line on our 5’4″ blogger. Her leopard print pumps and chartreuse satchel are the sassy finishing touches.
A two-toned chambray shirt and Kim’s statement bag are the stars of this Sporty Luxe look. The shimmery indigo chambray mixed with black organza is dressy casual. The flattering diagonal short sleeve and high-low hemline create structure. The shirt, cropped black trousers and silver patent ankle strap wedges are the dressy components in this outfit. Our trend-loving blogger added a navy bomber jacket with snazzy orange zippers as the playful sporty element. Opting for a fluid and tailored fit keeps things polished. Kim’s colour blocked bag with eye-catching chain link straps and an oversized necklace are the accessories of choice.
Kim dresses down a black suede pencil skirt with a striped long-sleeved tee. The drapey fit of the T-shirt, the classic blue and white stripe and red heart together with the fringe detailing on the skirt make for a playful whole. Tucking the tee into the retro glam skirt creates a long lean line. The crisp white cage sandals add ladylike edge and echo the white in the tee. Large hoop earrings peeking out from under Kim’s short ‘do and an iconic Chanel bag are all that’s needed to complete the outfit.
When asked which trends she is loving for Spring/Summer 2016, Kim said:
“Some trends I’ve seen, like bold stripes and sequins for day, are things I already incorporate into my wardrobe. I love the ruffle trend as well paper bag waists, which remind me of the 80s (my favorite decade). The Tibi spring collection was one of my favorites because it featured many of spring’s big ideas—like sequins, ruffles, pajama dressing, and off the shoulder tops and dresses. It can be tricky to wear some of the pieces and not look like a sack, so for me it’s about adding in more fitted pieces like slim pants, jeans, pencil skirts, or bodysuits.”
More Sporty Luxe fun! Our blogger has created a suit look with a black Theory blazer and a pair of cropped Gap pants. Layering under a delicate white blouse with eye-catching feather hemline adds feminine flair to the strict suit. Light grey suede high-top sneakers are an androgynous touch that create a sporty juxtaposition against the dressy components of the look. Finally, Kim keeps the accessories simple with an oversized watch, large hoop earrings, a thin black and gold bangle and iridescent clutch.
I can’t wait to hear what you think of Kim’s on trend style. Let us know in the comments, and do hop on over to her blog to check out the rest of her outfits. Or find out what inspires her on Pinterest.
