Kate Stoltz Black velvet neck choker
Chokers have grabbed a large number of teens and twenty to thirty year old's by the throat.. If you walk into any Manhattan hot spot, you're probably going to see more than one or two girls wearing a neck choker. No, it's not just a S&M bondage collar. The neck choker actually has a glamorous history. Wealthy women in the 1780's started wearing jeweled neck chokers. Since then, it has been trendy on and off. Based on the large number of fashionable women wearing neck chokers right now, it's safe to say that the trend is back in full force. It's a cool way to complete your outfit, especially if you have one that compliments your skin tone. I personally started wearing them, and decided to add them to my website after countless people commented on the chokers that I made.
A great gift under $50.00 for a friend
In addition to being fun to wear, chokers are a great gift under fifty dollars for a friend. There is no need to know her or his size, since the Kate Stoltz NYC chokers come with an adjustable neck chain. I added the 'Made With Love' tag at the end of the tag, since I want people to feel special when they put the choker on. Each choker is made individually in New York City in my studio. I love creating items like this, so the 'made with love' tag just felt right.
To purchase or simply browse the available choices on the Kate Stoltz NYC website, simply click on the photos.. -XO Kate Stoltz
Kate Stoltz NYC gold neck choker
An outfit you can run in! Living in New York City requires a lot more walking than most people realize- especially if you take the subway to avoid rush hour traffic. I am always running somewhere- to a meeting, to pick out textiles or drop something off. If I need to travel from one location to the next while working, I will most likely be running part of the way. Partly because I always have somewhere to be, and partially because it's a great way to stay fit. Since I run so much, I LOVE the women's patent leather dress shoe trend. It's a great way for women to be on trend, dressy, and comfortable at the same time. You don't have to wear heels and you can wear socks. (I think you can be more productive if you are wearing comfortable shoes, so that's another plus.)
Stylist Lauren Abbondola dressed up the shift dress by adding megawatt Laruicci earrings and Guess women's black patent leather dress shoes. Adding a jacket would have made it appropriate for the office, but the styling made the Kate Stoltz shift dress feel young, fun and appropriate for a stroll around the neighborhood. Hairstylist Katie Albright added a 'bend' to my hair, using her magic to make my hair look amazing. Photographer Matt Licari waited till the lighting was perfect and not to harsh, then proceeded to shoot the look in the McGolrick Park location in Brooklyn, New York.
What is your favorite '
day to night dress' option and how do you like to dress it up? Let me know in the comment section below :)
XO, Kate Stoltz
Kate Stoltz was photographed for French Magazine Society in New York City. Local New York photographer Christopher Lane and French journalist Helen Coutard accompanied fashion designer Kate Stoltz to the Highline in Chelsea, New York City. Fascinating discussions about fashion design, cultural and religious backgrounds, and future endeavors ensued.
Some people love Valentine's Day and see it as a day to show their loved ones how much they care about them. Others choose to ignore the holiday while some simply hate it. I overheard a classmate bemoaning about the fact that she dreads the day because she is a single girl. I know exactly how that feels.. When all of your friends are receiving beautiful roses and cute presents from the special person in their life, it's just a reminder that you are alone.
This year on Valentine's Day, I bought myself a dozen roses and am spoiling myself for a week. The reason why I am spoiling myself is because in order to appreciate other people, you need to first appreciate yourself and be happy with who you are. I know this is said over and over in inspirational blogs, etc. but it's so true. That's why I think Valentine's Day is fantastic for both singles and those in a relationship. It doesn't have to be a day set aside to show someone else that you love him/her. Valentine's Day can also be spent as a day to spoil yourself and get into touch with yourself. Love yourself and you'll be amazed at how people around you seem to magically turn into better people... it's the power of perception.
Pencil Skirt: Kate Stoltz boucle pencil skirt
Blouse: Cedric Charlier
Shoes and Belt: Jason Wu
I'm always aware of my visual surroundings, sometimes to the point of neglecting other important details (like cars and other pedestrians). This cotton candy #colorsoftheyear street art on 10th Avenue and 50th Street in Manhattan caught my eye. The massive art stood out from the grey and brown sidewalks, sky and moods of the people around me. What a cheerful and artsy but unexpected encounter in the midst of Hells Kitchen in New York City! :)
Skirt: Kate Stoltz pencil skirt
Shirt: Tory Burch
Dog: Victoria Stoltz instagram
Occasion: Victoria's 2nd Birthday
Location: 50th Street and 10th Avenue, Manhattan
The pencil skirt is a one of a kind piece that I (Kate Stoltz) designed.. If you really like the skirt but are a different size or want a different fabric, I make skirts upon special request. You'll need your waist, hip and preferred length measurements. The skirt is your oyster when you order a custom piece :) XO -Kate Stoltz
Sunsets are my favorite part of day. I always take a moment out of my day to appreciate the magical colors in the sky at that magical hour. Sometimes I will leave work and see that the sun is starting to set, and will run a couple of streets where I can take in the view.
I took a stroll out to Riverside Park yesterday evening after work, which runs from 72nd street to 125th street on the West Side in Manhattan. The cotton candy sky and the lights on the New Jersey side of the Hudson made the walk worth while.
The dress that I was wearing is a bespoke custom made Kate Stoltz piece that you can purchase here: www.katestoltz.com . The sleeveless, cream colored brocade dress is a versatile staple that can be worn in many different places. You can wear the Kate Stoltz dress with a jacket, tights and heels like I did, or pair it with tall boots and a statement necklace for a younger look. The high quality brocade and the silk lining feels luxurious and comfortable while looking sharp enough to wear to an important interview or dinner.
Stay warm and enjoy your day!
XO, Kate Stoltz
The colors in the sunset inspire me when I am designing or painting, but no matter how creative humans are, we are no match for nature's beauty.-Kate stoltz
Mermaid Must-Have
On this lovely Friday evening, I am sporting this gorgeous mermaid skirt! The Fishtail Pencil Skirt, by Kate Stoltz is a stunning piece that is perfect for work or a sophisticated night out. Aside from the unique mermaid cut, the skirt is made with a thick black and burgundy patterned material that is truly eye-catching. Contrasting well with the burgundy, is the gold zipper that is featured in the back of the skirt. Meanwhile, the high-waist design lends itself to pairing well with simple tops that can easily be tucked in. All in all, this trendy skirt is must-have this fall season!
Outfit Details:
Skirt: Fishtail Pencil Skirt, by Kate Stoltz
Heels: Platform Heels, by Badgley Mischka
Sunglasses: Elektra Black, by Polette Eyewear
Top: Tank Top, by Banana Republic
Model/Photographer: Priscilla Andalia of Best Trends For Life
Get to know the fabulous celebrity fashion stylist that helped style the winter 2015 Kate Stoltz NYC runway show:
Lauren Abbondola
Kate Stoltz: Tell me a little about yourself and your background in the fashion industry.
Lauren Abbondola: I grew up in Long Island, New York. I've always been really into fashion, it was the only industry I could ever see myself working in. I applied to one school, FIT, and started there in 2009. During my junior year I took an internship with a renowned stylist. At the time she needed an assistant, so after just two months of interning, she hired me. I really just fell into styling, and it was exactly where I needed to be.
Kate Stoltz: What is your favorite part of being a stylist?
Lauren Abbondola: There are so many amazing things about it! Like working on set with super cool people, and always making friends. My favorite part has to be the final product; seeing your work in a magazine NEVER gets old.
Photo credit: Lauren Abbondola |Top Editorial Photo Credit: NYC Photographer Stephen Allesi
Kate Stoltz: You were the head stylist at the Kate Stoltz fashion show in January 2015. Which was your personal favorite Kate Stoltz piece, and how would you style that piece if given the freedom to mix and match with other brands to style it your way?
Lauren Abbondola: Ah, such a beautiful collection! My absolute favorite piece is the white leather flared skirt. For fall, I'd pair it with the long brown fur coat from Gucci FW15, and thigh high suede boots from Versace FW15.
Kate Stoltz: As a stylist, you work with many women's wear designers in New York City. What is the key factor in deciding which clothes that you want to pull?
Lauren Abbondola: It depends on what I'm pulling for. In the planning process for an editorial, there is always a theme. I'm currently working on a gothic story for Nylon. I'll spend a few hours on Style.com selecting looks from each collection that will work for the story. You have to think outside of the box, sometimes something might not be obvious for the theme, but then think about adding something to it to make it that way. Sort of like pre-styling.
Kate Stoltz: Are there any emerging jewelry, handbag or shoe brands based in New York City that you are especially excited about?
Lauren Abbondola: I love Mary Lai bags, she knows how to design high-fashion yet everyday bags. My favorite one that I own personally is an all black leather bucket bag with fur in the front. The quality is amazing also. For jewelry, I always use Laruicci. Almost every editorial I've ever done has one of her pieces in it.
Kate Stoltz: I know that you are a huge fan of Lady Gaga's style. Do you have any other major style icons that inspire you or that you personally resonate with?
Lauren Abbondola: I live for Gaga. I've always said that if I were super famous, I'd be exactly like her. I also live for Brigitte Bardot's classic style, she is one of my favorite inspirations. I could look at Brigitte Bardot pictures all day.
Photo credit: Laruicci
Kate Stoltz: So many people find it easy to simply follow the fashion trends instead of creating their own looks. It takes a little daring, some fashion knowledge and a lot of creativity to create a personal look, and it seems that you have nailed yours successfully. Do you have any simple advice for women that are struggling to find their own personal style?
Lauren Abbondola: When it comes to personal style, you have to not be so worried about "what's in, what's out". If it looks good, it won't matter. It is all about what you feel comfortable in. I've been wearing the same black skort for 3 years, it is my favorite piece that I own. I switch it up with different tops, jackets, shoes, etc. I also always recommend visiting a tailor; if you really love something...get it made just right for your body. Think about an outfit you can always depend on, and start shopping similar shapes and fit.
Kate Stoltz: Every girl's closet needs basic staples, but sometimes the black blazer and skinny jeans or little black dress start to feel boring and ordinary. What is one under-rated but versatile clothing item that every woman needs to have for the upcoming fall?
Lauren Abbondola: Whenever I do personal styling/shopping, I always recommend a really great leather jacket. A moto style is my personal favorite. Every season I buy a new pair of black boots, preferably tall ones. I also think every woman needs a great skirt, they are so versatile. A perfect day-to-night piece with just a change of shoes or top.
Kate Stoltz: Aside from being a stylist, are there any other artistic activities that you like to get involved in?
Lauren Abbondola: It's kind of funny, most of my creativity is focused on styling. As for other activities I love going out and dancing. I get super inspired by just being out in the world, meeting people, and experiencing what's out there.
Kate Stoltz: What excites you most about your upcoming future?
Lauren Abbondola: I'm looking most forward to travelling, and getting to work all over the world. I look forward to new ideas, new people, and doing what I love. That is why I started the "Glitterita" lifestyle, it is about doing whatever makes you happy.
Kate Stoltz: Stylists can make any designer's pieces look trendy, and have incredible fashion taste. What is your advice as a stylist to me and other emerging designers in Manhattan?
Lauren Abbondola: I think just collaborating with stylists in general is a great idea. A stylist will tell a designer what they need more of, or less of. With me, I'm always looking for something extra, I'm an editorial girl...so something with a twist always gets me excited. I love talking to designers when they are working on a new collection, learning about what has inspired them, what their audience is, etc.
Follow Lauren Abbondola's fabulous life and get inspired by her work in the fashion industry on social media:
Instagram: laurenabbondola
Facebook: Lauren Abbondola
Website: www.laurentemple.net
Happy styling! XOXO -Kate Stoltz
www.katestoltz.com
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Louisa Warwick wore the Candy Boucle Embellished Dress at the 2015 Spring Vogue Luncheon. The stylish event was held at the Brooks Brothers Flagship Store in Manhattan, New York. The beautiful model completed the look with a pink headband, mini handbag, and pointy toed stilettos.
Kate Stoltz NYC specializes in custom made dresses for individual clients that want to be more involved in the design experience. To find out more, go to the About Kate Stoltz page, or email Kate at: katestoltz@yahoo.com. XO- Kate Stoltz
An outfit you can run in! Living in New York City requires a lot more walking than most people realize- especially if you take the subway to avoid rush hour traffic. I am always running somewhere- to a meeting, to pick out textiles or drop something off. If I need to travel from one location to the next while working, I will most likely be running part of the way. Partly because I always have somewhere to be, and partially because it's a great way to stay fit. Since I run so much, I LOVE the women's patent leather dress shoe trend. It's a great way for women to be on trend, dressy, and comfortable at the same time. You don't have to wear heels and you can wear socks. (I think you can be more productive if you are wearing comfortable shoes, so that's another plus.) 
Louisa Warwick wore the Candy Boucle Embellished Dress at the 2015 Spring Vogue Luncheon. The stylish event was held at the Brooks Brothers Flagship Store in Manhattan, New York. The beautiful model completed the look with a pink headband, mini handbag, and pointy toed stilettos.