This dress is reversible, let's start with that.

I don't think I've ever owned a great reversible item before. My husband, who makes clothing for stores like Walmart, Sears, Target, etc, was always trying to sell me on his men's reversible shorts idea. I was always like, "Ehhh, next idea please," time after time. But now, I think he might be on to something...

This dress excites me because I feel like I have two dresses in one- -and they both serve very different purposes. The orange snow leopard is an obvious nod to my everyday colorful life, but the black --almost menswear tie- inspired -- printed dress is perfect for a quick night out. 

Kenzo x H&M did it-- they mastered the two-fer! I'm sold. Literally. Sold. 

It's pretty hard for me to just put on a dress and shoes. {Ok, clearly by this photo I couldn't resist myself yet again-- I had to add the embroidered cardigan for some of the shots.}

But, I will admit, there is something special about a simple look. I naturally gravitate to separates because it allows me to mix and match a look to truly style an outfit as my own. A dress can feel so inside the box...so cookie cutter... so beige. 

But even I surprise myself sometimes with how easy a gorgeous dress can make for simple styling. It's really as easy as 1 (dress), 2 (heels), 3 (smile and go)! 

And in the blink of an eye... you're flawless...

I'll never forget at work one day (back when I handled public relations and styling at the Diane von Furstenberg HQ), Diane breezed by my desk, as she always did, taking note of her surroundings, and offering the most rewarding smirks along the way. Only this time, she stopped at my best friend's desk, and opened her mouth...

"Kate, you look like an Italian movie star." Ok, but seriously, imagine those words in a fabulous mixed European tone with accents on all the rights words. Italian. Star. 

Kate was effortless that day. She went super au-natural with her hair (thanks to her genes though, picture long, thick Lea Michele locks, half brushed), and was wearing an easy day dress with no fuss. She was an Italian movie star! She was natural, feminine, and raw. 

Kate and I will never forget that moment... Kate sought out to look like an Italian movie star every day forward after that. And I envisioned my life without the extra blue eyeliner, yellow nails, curled hair, and stacks of bangles. (Sigh!?)

And sometimes, just sometimes, the Italian movie star comes out in me, like this moment in NYC. <3