(un)Happy Monday babes!  Get work-week ready (unless you’re in school…and its summer…and I hate you) with some power red. I honestly think this shade is season-less, although some may argue that it’s better for the holidays. To that, I say, whatever. Which is kind of how I feel about Mondays! Anyways, on with the eye candy…

The Miss KL and Karmaloop gang were fortunate enough to be invited to the Rooftop at Revere Hotel’s opening this past Saturday. In case you ever want a look into what us Boston-based fashion folks do in our spare time, we did a quick photo diary of the night. The event included a performance from Australian band The Kin, a silent auction, art from local gallery Lot F, and for the main attraction, models/servers showing off a new line of swimwear (Pret-A-Surf) created by Jillian Demling (Entertainment Editor at Vogue) and Karen Mulligan (Studio Manager for the photographer, Annie Leibovitz). In all honesty though, the main appeal for us was the free summer-y appetizers and cocktails (shhh) including mini lobster rolls, (a New England favorite, duh), scallop ceviche, strawberry/Grey Goose cocktails, and plenty of champagne (with a St. Germaine topper if desired). Needless to say, as the night wore on, our photos got increasingly less shareable, so enjoy the PG version kids:

Art for sale from local gallery, Lot F

The Kin performing by the pool

One of the couture gowns sold in the silent auction

Servers/Models sporting the featured swimwear line – a little preppy for Miss KL but look at that face!

Twin sisters Coco and Breezy have a bit of an interesting story behind their eyewear line, starting off with the fact that they began Coco and Breezy eyewear before most of us have even entered the job market. At a young age, they ditched their hometown of Minneapolis in favor of NYC and the rest is history. Patrons of the eyewear line have included Kelly Osbourne, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and most recently, our favorite bad girl Rihanna. How awesome do the Zesiro Sunglasses look on her?! We sold out of our first batch pretty quickly, but we’ve already reordered more! Check back soon for our restock or take a look at the other great styles we have available (my favorites are the Themas).

Seemingly since birth, musical artist Tinashe knew where her life’s path would take her. From earning the title of ‘working actor’ as a young child, to joining an all-girls singing group at 14, this young starlet has had her career planned out to a T.  It’s almost as if being in the spotlight came second nature to the young performer, as she recalls spending countless years classically training in ballet and jazz dancing, and traveling the world on tour. We catch up with Tinashe to find out more about her strives towards success and her recent transition into a solo artist.

Who are you and what is your art?

I am Tinashe, and I am a singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and performer.

Tell me a little bit about your career path, and what lead you into the realm of music.

I started out acting when I was younger. At age 14 I joined a girl group called “the Stunners” and we were together for four years. After we disbanded, I began my solo career. I created my two mix tapes, “In Case We Die” and “Reverie” in my room, and put them online for my fans to download. I signed to RCA in August, and have since been working on my debut album.

What made you realize that this was something you wanted to pursue?

I’ve known I wanted to pursue music for as long as I can remember. 

How would you describe your sound?

I describe my sound as rhythmic pop– or pop music with both hip-hop, and alternative influences. 

What inspires you when writing music?

Love, the feeling that I need to “prove myself” and rainy days

Is there one particular song you’ve written that holds a lot of meaning to you?

“Who am I working For?”

Is there an idea or feeling you want to get across when writing a song?

Each song is different– but mostly I want my music to be inspirational and positive. 

Can you tell me a little bit about the former girl group you were in, The Stunners?

We were signed to two major labels, had a couple of singles on radio, and got to tour with Justin Bieber, which was fun. It was a good learning experience for me.

Are there any things you think are harder to do as a solo artist as opposed to being in a group?

It is harder to be a solo artist because you are single-handedly responsible for your own career. In a group, there is far less pressure, as you are “all in it together.” In other respects, however, it is easier to be by yourself because you have complete creative control. I like to be able to make music now that is meaningful to me.

What has been the biggest struggle you’ve come across when you first broke into the music scene?

The biggest struggle I faced as an upcoming artist, still to this day, is feeling like I have to prove myself. Even after landing a major record deal, there are still people who doubt me, or underestimate me. I plan to prove everyone wrong.

Tell me a little bit about your dancing career – when did you start and how do you incorporate this talent into your singing career?

I’ve been dancing for about 15-16 years. I started taking classes regularly at age four. I am classically trained in ballet, tap, and jazz. Dance was always a huge love of mine, I believe because it is so closely associated with music. I try to incorporate dance into my music videos and my live shows as much as possible. 

How does your music affect your personal style?

My music is apart of my personal style. I see my art as an all-encompassing presentation, from what I look like to how the music makes you feel. 

What’s something interesting most people don’t know about you?

I am a black belt in karate. 

What’s an assumption about you that you’d like to kill?

That I’m stuck-up.

What’s some advice you’d give to someone wanting to break into the music industry?

My biggest advice I can give anyone is to NEVER GIVE UP. The music business is hard, and it can definitely take a toll on your self-confidence. You have to be determined to be successful, and if you are, you will find a way.

If you weren’t singing, what else would you be doing?

Eating french fries. 

Hey Ladies! Hope everyone had a fabulous week. I can feel the collective “It’s Friday Bitches” sentiment in the air! So here is what we’ve been up to. In the event that you missed our May This Miss KL then you must get your pretty little butt over to Rachel Lynch’s #IHateBlonde feature. Like, yesterday. Check it HERE 

Whether you were born in the 80′s or not, you’ve got to appreciate the a la Modonna days of the decade. The glitz and glamour of the hair spray, acid wash, shoulder pad, 4 finger ring era is all around us! Here is a little totally bitchin’ fashion inspiration.

Check out these killer duds by MINKPINK, For Love & Lemons, MKL Collective and One Teaspoon

So do you guys remember the movie Rad?  It was so awesome when the main character, Cru, and his love interest court each other with bike stunts at the dance.  He then works up the guts to join the big Helltack race and wins! Victoriously Cru uses his winnings to start a Rad Race t-shirt company. The story is so epic just like one of our favorite brands, Vans. I am still sweating those Rad collaboration sneakers they put out. Even though we don’t carry the kicks we do have tons of new #totallyradical Vans apparel for you HERE.

The 1980’s were a vivid, energetic and colorful time. So let loose, get glam and go out with some color #InYourFace this weekend! Stuff your #CaboodleCase at Miss KL Beauty

Later Days!

What’s up, party people? Little short on cash, but craving some new gear for your closet this summer? Never fear! Miss KL and Karmaloop has you covered! All weekend long we’ll be dropping hundreds of gift codes with amounts ranging from $20 – $1,000 so that you can shop for those wardrobe staples you just can’t live without. Interested? Here’s how to enter: 

1. Follow Miss KL (@RealMissKL) and Karmaloop (@Karmaloop) on Twitter;

2. Load your Miss KL shopping cart with all of the product your blessed heart desires;

3. Check @RealMissKL and @Karmaloop Twitter frequently to see when we drop a massive gift code

(Hint: There will be no warning. Keep your peepers peeled for a string of numbers and letters);

4. Copy the code and paste it to the Promo Gift Certificate box and check out as fast as humanly possible;

5. If you were the quickest on the draw, you’ll see the gift code amount automatically deducted from your order total (codes range from $20 to $1,000!);

6. Don’t be afraid to brag if you got a winning code – those bragging rights were earned!

Sound too good to be true? It’s not, so calm down!

***Codes are used on a first-come, first-served basis, so as soon as you see that code, use it before anyone else does! ***

It’s inevitable to catch summer fever once the weather warms ups and the coats slip off. I’ve found that I’ve unfortunately (yet, fortunately) caught this bug and have been forced to act out in this crazy summer rage. Being that today is Friday, and there are no longer college students taking up space on the train via my route to work, I have decided to let this fever spread like wild fire. Summer…COME NOW.

It’s official: summer is finally here. Whether it’s the fact that I can now comfortably wear cut-off shorts everyday, or drink a glass of iced coffee without freezing my butt off, I’ve got countless GREAT reasons to be super stoked about the seasonal change. While I’m daydreaming about those hot steamy summer days, I’ve decided to start my shopping list early for a fun day at the beach, sitting with an umbrella drink in-hand. Here’s a few of my wardrobe essentials I’ve been practicing my self control with. What are your summer picks?

1. Shade your eyes with the coolest pair of sunglasses around from Quay Eyeware.

2. Of course you need a kill swimsuit to sunbathe in! This rad Lolli Swim one piece is perfect!

3. Mother said you should never leave the house without a hat to protect you from the sun…which is why I never ever forget my favorite Brixton Savannah straw hat.

4. My favorite thing to wear is of course a great floral dress – I’m OBSESSED with this Mink Pink Daisy Dukes Dress.

5. You OBVIOUSLY can’t go to the beach without a beach towel to dry you off with. I definitely dig the NEFF Flamingo towel.

6. One Teaspoon makes the BEST cutoffs ever, that are oh-so perfect for a day at the beach.

7. Store all those important beach necessities in this super cute Baggu polka-dot canvas backpack.

8. Who needs ugly flip flops when you can be cute and comfy in the Mel by Melissa sandals?

This past week was a whirlwind as we had a very special guest that visited the Miss KL office: Jeffree Star. Now, I mean it when I say the week was anything but ordinary, as we shot Jeffree for a super secret project we’re launching with the model/makeup artist/musician next month. Luckily for you I have a bit of a big mouth, however, I’ve been sworn to secrecy of the workings of this project….so…I’m sorry…you’ll just have to wait.

I learned a ton of things last week, including the necessity of adding the Melting Pot into my life. If you’ve never tried it before, I suggest you stop being uber boring and make your way to this spot. I.LOVE.FONDUE. Anywho…here’s a little photo recap of last week. Stay tuned to next month where I’ll reveal this super awesome project!

 I’ll start off with shoes.  I love leopard print and I love Vans, so when I first laid eyes on these babies, I kinda thought they were made especially for me.  They aren’t exactly new arrivals but they’re still some of my favorites and probably will be for a while.

Another favorite recent arrival of mine are these acid wash denim track shorts by Shown to Scale.  The super high slit sides give it even more reason to drool over.  The bodysuit by Someday’s Lovin is currently sold out, but you can find similar ones here!

It’s stupid how flawless Kaya is.

I’m in love the whole ‘huge gold statement necklace trend’, even though I never personally got into it.  Lately I’ve been appreciating the art of keeping it simple, but I still occasionally love flashy pieces, and these new Han Cholo rings are the perfect example.  I had the same reaction to them as I did the leopard Vans…  They will be mine.

Frilly socks with boots are cute…frilly socks with Vans are even cuter (inspired by our ever so steezy head stylist, Micah)

GET THE LOOK:

Jacket:
The Jaylin Nylon Bomber by Cheap Monday

Shorts:
The Acid Trip Shorts by Shown To Scale

Shoes:
The Authentic Hi Sneaker in Leopard by Vans

Accessories:
The Mademoiselle Ankle Socks in *Intimates Boutique

The Heavy Metal Ring by Han Cholo

The Drip Chain Ring by Han Cholo

 The Point Sunglasses by Cheap Monday

S/O to Micah for letting us borrow her bandana!

HAPPY TUESDAY!

MODEL: KAYA HALL

PHOTOGRAPHER: MARI NISHIMURA

MAKEUP ARTIST: DEBI PHETCHANPHENG

French artist  Thomas Lamadieu shares a new perspective on a metropolitan skyline with his recent work, ‘Sky Art.’ Utilizing photography as the dominant medium, Lamadieu adds a twist  with is hand-sketched illustrations, making you think twice the next time you look up at the sky during your walk to work.

Mondays can be such a drag…you have to wake up early, go places, do things, be productive – okay, well maybe I’m being a little dramatic. But after a weekend trip to NYC, I’m definitely having a hard time getting back in the flow of things. A scene like above seems like a much more enticing way to pass my time. If you’re feeling similarly, I welcome you to take a minute, breathe, and…procrastinate with a few totally random inspo photos. Enjoy!

When you first hear the words ‘spring fashion,’ we tend to always picture a levy of floral prints and pastel hues. However, this spring that isn’t necessarily the case. While many will stand firm in the ultra feminine floral print trend this season, there’s many who will choose to step outside the lines and try a trend that is much more daring: Camo print. To some, this trend doesn’t have much of a spring flare to it, but if you pair it with the right wardrobe essentials, you’d be surprised how perfect camo print is for spring. What’s a trend you can’t live without this spring?

My Miss KL Camo Picks:

Motel ‘Jolene’ body-con dress // The Laundry Room Cutoff Camo shorts // Crooks and Castles Rain Camo crewneck sweater // Dimepiece Designs Camo 5-panel hat 

What’s cracking ladies?!? We had such an action packed week here at Miss KL and it ain’t even over yet, whoot!

We had #JeffreeStar in town cooking up some steamy new projects, partaking in decadently sweet photo shoots, hosting GlamLife performances by #RuPaulsDragRace’s Coco Montrese and we even got to indulge in FUNdue at #TheMeltingPot, his favorite!

No matter how many times a year I purge my closet I can never seem to look my jewelry box in the eyes and say, “it’s been swell but…” If you are anything like me, here is a critically serious #HoardAlert!

New brand None The Richer is enabling my addiction with their gothic inspired collection. HERE

I am also mildly obsessed with OS Accessories.  The term “statement piece” must have been coined for them with handcrafted harnesses, necklaces and bracelets of bone reproductions.

And it is about to get #Shady with new Coco and Breezy sunglasses. Sunnies are my go to when I need a hit of flare. These will do the trick.

Well, it’s been grand but I must go and prepare to hang with the Queen of #Vogue, #SusanneBartsch at The Revere Hotel tonight. WERK!!!!