Glam Punk Street Style- Make It Personal

You don't need an oversized budget to have style, just some imagination.

Hometown Style NYC: Kristina "KISS" Gress, a little rock 'n roll, a whole lot urban, and very downtown chic on a budget!

I've switched from the uber foofy "uptown" salon experience to a far more casual downtown vibe and can't say that my hair looks any different, if not just a bit more vibrant.

Gone is the pomp and circumstance of excess luxury, including the strange service of providing a clear plastic shield to cover your handbag -- --similar to a wet umbrella bag-- so it shouldn't incur any splatter during the hair styling process.

Kristina Gress

Chichi salon behind me, I now spot what appears to be an antique book with a dangling Mac power cord on the hair stylist's counter. It's a far cry from the de rigueur crocodile Birkin festooned in what boils down to a handbag condom at my former salon.

I had to know what this vintage/tech mash-up was and who belonged to it.

The suber fab and very incognito laptop case disguised as an old book belonged to equally fab and greatly adorned Kristina "KISS" Gress, an accessories designer and assistant to the shoe designer Ruthie Davis at RADesign.

Kristina was more than workin' the rocker warrior fashion trend that's so hot right now. Even though many of her accessories are right on trend, I have to say that Kristina's edgy punked out look seemsorganic to her personal style rather than the latest fashion affectation.

No cookie-cutter style here...

Obviously, with an interest in accessories, Kristina's look has a fantastic attention to itsplentiful and diverse details-- do note, that none carry a super crazy price tag. But all, create a look that is VERY personal. Peek at the style details and do think a bit out of the box the next time YOU get dressed.

Here's a list of what KISS was rockin' that day, in her words:

• Double finger/half brass knuckle ring: NYC Soho street vendor 
• Oversized Agate stone ring : Turkish Stone from street vendor at Portobello Market in Notting Hill, London (World famous street market) 
• Skull bracelet: street vendor on Broadway in SoHo at NYC street fair - real cow bone carved into little monkey skulls 
• Silver band cuff bracelet : engraved piece in honor of friend sent away to Iraq for the war 
• Silver bike chain bracelet: Girl Props - shop in SoHo, NYC 
• Black leather studded bracelet: Saint Mark's Place - Trash & Vaudville - NYC 
• Fringe chain necklace - a gift from a friend traveling in Barcelona 
• Bullet necklace on own chain: Saint Mark's Place - NYC 
• Leather belt: thrift store in PA - added own snap closure and little studs 
• Wife beater tank - Target 
• Beige high waisted skirt- American Apparel 
• Tights - ripped/torn by me - H&M 
• Sunglasses - Ray-Ban 
• Leather Bag - Kale 
• Metallic Jazz flats - Steven Madden 
• Antique book Macbook case- Tekserve, NYC 
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Color For Beauty : Black Inspiration

The mysterious, sexy and the sophisticated hue black. A black outfit gives the bold statement, "Observe me but do not interfere".

Black is a color that is often misunderstood. It is even defined as an absence of color. Both positive and negative, it is used for expressing grief, and by youngsters as rebellion. It might appear a little skeptical to think that black is an all time favorite color. But be it a punk, classy, preppy or chic style; black is the color that will make one stand out in a crowd. It is a dark color that absorbs more light, and makes the wearer look even hotter. A silent and concealing shade, black is a mixture of many other colors.

Black is a timeless color and is regarded as the most stylish hue in the world of fashion. A dramatic black outfit gives a thinner appearance to the wearer and is mostly a preferred choice of creative people. In the commercial society, black is considered as a hue representing power and authority. With regards to formal wear, no color is acceptable as black. This hue is considered as the most elegant choice. This silent, and dictating shade s flattering to all skin tones and body types and gives an elegant look.

The Fashion Spotlight:

In the world of fashion, black is used to add a touch of mystery to outfits. It gives a visually slimming effect to clothing. Dark charcoal gray, and dark brown are also used as a substitute for black. Black is a color that matches with every light color. It makes other colors appear brighter. This hue blends well with jewel-toned shades of red, green, blue and white. It offers a conservative look when matched with gray, or light blue.

The upsurge of black as a noticeable color in the fashion segment was the result of creativity of the fashion houses in Paris, and London. The Little Black Dress introduced by Chanel brought a new inspiration to this color. Later, Christain Dior made the black afternoon dress and jacket. During the 90s, wearing a black outfit for a party was considered as a high society fashion in cities like Paris, and London. Black thus became a fashion of high society. Later with the passage of time, the color was adopted as a staple color in any fashionable gathering. 

Read More..........

References:

1. http://www.nytimes.com/
2. http://www.traditioninaction.org
3. http://www.beautytipshub.com
4. http://womensfashion.suite101.com/
5. http://formaldressesboutique.com