Masculine-Feminine

Mixing masculine silhouettes with feminine details makes for a perfect summer outfit. This oversized, vintage, polka dot shirt with tall coral wedges by Michael Antonio and a woven floppy hat is an ideal ensemble to stroll up-and-down an afternoon farmers market or find a dirt path to snap some photos. I rolled up the sleeves on the shirt and slipped a simple cotton dress underneath give the look a relaxed summer feel. I'm still in love with orange-red lip shades, so I couldn't resist matching my coral wedges with my favorite lipstick of the summer–Vegas Volt from MAC.

I almost forgot to tell you all about my favorite part of these shoes: the back! I forget to snap a photo, but you can see them here. They have a raw seam all the up the back that makes these wedges to-die-for gorgeous!

Warm Wishes,
Kitty


   

Dreaming Through a Cold Spring

Wedges are the perfect staple shoe. They are effortless to walk in and create a long, lean look for your legs. This particular pair of Exe 803 Wedges in Khaki (also in Beige) seems to match everything in my closet right now. From soft, patterned jumpers to full A-line skirts or a classic, worn jean, these wedges will be my best friend this summer!

I'm already dreaming of myself all bronzed (courtesy of Jergens self-tanner), strutting around Uptown on a Saturday afternoon sipping an iced latte in cut-off denim shorts, these wedges and a vintage tee.  They'd also be perfect while hiding behind gold aviator shades on a rooftop enjoying happy hour festivities! Unfortunately, at the rate Minnesota is warming up, it looks like I'm going to have plenty of time to dream ...

—Kitty Cotten of kittycotten.com

 

   

Shockingly Good: The Voltage Fashion Event in Minneapolis

Hosted at legendary First Avenue in the heart of Minneapolis, “Voltage: Fashion Amplified” is the final event of MNfashion Week. I was one of five stylists helping pull this over-the-top event together. Ten apparel designers and more than a dozen accessories designers dressed five live bands in addition to the runway looks—every one of us a Minnesota native.

I arrived at First Ave. just after 3 p.m. with several bags, boxes and my lovely styling assistant, Jeana, whom I met in college and who has an equal obsession for all things fashion. She also shares my perfectionist tendencies. I knew she was perfect for the job!

Before we knew it, our four hours of prepping and styling had vanished; the doors at First Avenue opened to the public. The noise out front grew quickly. I slipped out of my day clothes and into a monochromatic number with Jeffrey Campbell Litas just before the show started.

The designers I styled, Kathryn and Max, were, respectively, the first and last collections to walk down the runway. Just before the scheduled 8 p.m. start, I followed Kathryn and all twelve models downstairs to wait. It seemed like only moments before all of the models were taking their final turn with Kathryn, accessory designer TimmiLynn and myself following behind. The lights were bright and the crowd was roaring applause. I'm not even sure if I smiled. I just remember thinking don't fall, don't fall, don't fall, don't fall.

Around 8:30 p.m., I sat for the first time in, like, six hours! I may have been a little delirious—and completely beat—by the end of the night, but I had an absolute blast and couldn't have been more thrilled with the night. The show was amazing. Minnesota’s homegrown talent is limitless!

I want to express my genuine gratitude to all my designers, Jahna, Jackie, Jeana and the generosity of Lori's Shoes for their incredible shoe sponsorship!

The adorable shoes used in the show: Nicole Able, Matisse Asher, Libby Edelman Rose, Jeffrey Campbell Heather

—Kitty Cotten of Geisha Pearl

About the Designers

Kathryn V

Kathryn V's collection makes me giddy for spring! I want to slip myself into the layers of adorable floral patterns and cognac espadrilles. The models and myself were obsessing over the Matisse Asher wedges! Learn more about Kathryn V's designs.

TimmiLynn

TimmiLynn jewelry is all gold tones and brightly colored jewels. Her earrings are the perfect combination of girly-girl and badassedness, matching boho-inspired drop earrings to angular chain links. Available in her shop, Temple Drake, on Etsy.