New York City-based Kelly Augustine (28) works in Non-Profit Communications and blogs about personal style over at Kelly Augustine. Her style is a mix of on trend casual looks and dressier fun feminine outfits. She is just as happy sporting head-to-toe black as she is rocking bright colours. Kelly likes to showcase her curves, loves statement jewellery, and enjoys experimenting with different hairstyles. She’s also not afraid of smiling in her pictures. The ultimate stylish touch!
“Over the last 5 years, my style has evolved immensely. I’ve learned to accept who I am and accept my body, and have fully embraced the right clothing for my body type. At the moment, I would describe my style as… comfortably me, both figuratively and literally. I am comfortable in who I am and dress to accommodate my mood, while dressing comfortably enough to navigate my NYC lifestyle. I’m always running around somewhere!”
Sporting head-to-toe black can sometimes look a little severe. Breaking up the black in subtle ways, like Kelly is doing here, is one way around that. Combining texture-rich fabrications like the leather skirt with a soft wool pullover, suede booties and sheer hosiery gives the look a lively lift. The black pencil skirt also has a self-pattern that reads like a stripe, which adds extra visual interest. The tucked sweater accentuates Kelly’s waist, while the midi skirt is a flattering length on our blogger. The gold hardware on the smooth leather satchel, and the gold studs and zipper on the booties create a bit of glitz that adds further textural interest. As do Kelly’s beautiful curls.
If you needed more proof that you can create a wonderful outfit with “just” a dress, then this is it. Going with hot pink is a statement in itself that doesn’t need extra bells and whistles. The pretty chiffon material gives the frock that happy “twirl factor”. The trellis-like neckline is a great way to create textural interest while staying covered up. Kelly likes to showcase her waistline, and used a wide marigold belt to reign in the volume of the dress. The sunny yellow is an unexpected colour accent that works beautifully with the bright pink. Pairing a just-above-the-knee hemline with low-vamped pointy-toe flats lengthens the legline. Notice how the gold metallic footwear doesn’t match but goes perfectly with the warm yellow of the belt. Dangly pearl earrings finish off this fun ladylike look.
Kelly’s made-to-order wrap coat is undoubtedly the star of this outfit. The full-skirted topper came with a fabric sash belt, which our blogger replaced with a black skinny belt with charming gold bow. It showcases Kelly’s waist, while the open shawl collar creates a long line that is flattering on a larger bust. The tailoring, bold geometric pattern, and Fall colours that seem to vary with the incidence of light, make it a work of art. Simple black jeggings and open-toed pumps balance out the volume up top. The cognac bag complements the rusty brown of the coat. An oversized chain link necklace in different shades of brown fills in the open neckline and makes an arty statement. Kelly’s long hair worn down and back fits the elegant vibe of this look.
Kelly enjoys experimenting with different hairstyles and likes to regularly change up her ‘do:
“I LOVE changing my hairstyle! My top tip for curly hair is to make sure it fits your lifestyle. When I’m on an active binge, I usually put my hair in braids/twists. When I want a longer look, I go for extensions. Again, it’s all about being comfortable. Fashion and style should never feel forced.”
The combination of the casual booties, tough edge leather jacket and luxurious stole makes for a great irregular outfit juxtaposition. Kelly is wearing a fitted moto jacket layered over a very cosy looking dress with subtle A-line. The sassy pinstripe creates an elongating effect. Black opaque tights provide warmth, and help to eliminate cutting horizontal lines when sporting ankle boots with a dress. Removing the leather jacket reveals a fun surprise: a double V-neckline that gives the whole an unexpected alluring touch. Adding a chic faux fur stole amps up the cosiness and texture factor. Coral lipstick and a bright blue watch play up the graphic black and white colour palette.
What a fab volume-on-volume look with cropped sweater. The waistband on the full midi skirt is fitted, and the bare midriff adds just enough structure to the outfit. The bright yellow sweater forms such a happy pairing with the colourful abstract print skirt. The coverage of the high neckline, elbow-length sleeves, and midi-length skirt balance out the bare midriff. Colour-loving Kelly throws in another bright colour with her footwear: orange-red jelly sandals that give this playful Summer look a quirky touch. Her breezy top knot, perfect for a warm day in the city, adds a ballerina-esque vibe. A geometric vintage necklace, simple gold cuff and stud earrings dress up the look. And, as always, Kelly’s genuine smile is her best accessory.
Kelly also likes to wear simpler outfits. Here she is rocking a pair of mid-blue skinnies with simple white top. Tucking the long-sleeved top accentuates our blogger’s curves. The scrunched skinnies cover the top part of the high-heeled booties to create a long leg line. Keeping the top and bottom simple allows the beautiful light grey plaid coat to shine. The colour also works beautifully with the taupe open toe booties. Our blogger’s luscious curls add playful charm. A modern cuff bracelet, silver ring with similar design, large pearl drop earrings and cherry red lipstick are the finishing touches.
Do you have a favourite “Kelly look”? Let us know in the comments, and then have fun browsing the rest of our blogger’s fab outfits over at Kelly Augustine. You can also check out Kelly’s pinboards here.
