Kim Last Designs - KLD NYC

Now About Those Jewels…

Kim Last — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:06:40 +0000

I woke up early this morning to catch the royal wedding (like the 2 billion others who have tuned in). There was so much chatter leading up to what Kate Middleton will wear…who designed her dress…what the abbey will look like and so on and so forth.

But I’m here to talk about those jewels!

Kate’s dress was absolutely beautiful (designed by Sarah Burton of McQueen) but one of my favorite accessories (of course) was Kate’s tiara which was on loan from The Queen.

The story of the tiara is truly fitting as it eventually marked Queen Elizabeth’s beginning of her royal life and duties. The tiara was made in 1936 by Cartier and was purchased by the Duke of York (better known as King George VI) for his duchess (Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother) three weeks before the Duke succeeded his brother for the throne. The tiara was given to Queen Elizabeth on her 18th birthday.

Kate’s borrowed tiara was a great compliment to her dress and a touching start to her new life as a member of the royal family. That tiara marked the beginning of the future Queen’s royal life as an 18 year old and it marks the start of Kate’s new life as the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate’s earrings were her bit of something “new.” A gift from her parents, the earrings were designed by Robinson Pelham and featured a set of stylized oak leaves with a pear shaped diamond drop and diamond acorn suspended in the center. They were specifically designed to go with the Halo tiara.

What do you think of the royal wedding? And, of the jewels!

The Lust List: Is it Green or Yellow??

Kim Last — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:55:47 +0000

Dear readers…what is something that makes you happy?

For me, it’s quite simple, as I sit in the confines of a cubicle during the weekdays…and answer emails and phone calls.

Drum roll…

It’s shopping online. Finding ridiculously CUTE things…online. Not having to deal with crowds while shopping and finding exactly what I want. Online.

Case in point: I had been looking FOREVER for a chartreuse dress or skirt. If you’ve been reading this site, you know that I am a HUGE fan of neon colors and in particular I love hot green and bright yellows. I know…they are bright. Not always for everyone. And, I usually limit my outfits to one bright piece, if any, and then it’s straight up blacks and greys from there.

Regardless, I have been searching FAR and WIDE for some sort of summer chartreuse frock…and today, while procrastinating at work…and waiting for my 2PM dismissal…I found it:

Twenty8Twelve by s.miller Poly silk dress

Is it yellow? Is it greenish yellow? I really can’t tell you. All I can let you know is that I saw it, I clicked it, I bought it and I will ROCK it. And it was $85 (shipping included)…thank you sales team at the Outnet for making this happen!

Most sizes are sold out…but some still remain. I am so excited to rock this with wedges and a boyfriend blazer! And, on crap rainy days…with black tights and a big fabulous belt. Oh the possibilities are endless with bright colors!

Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend…and that you either had a good passover or will have a fanciful Easter weekend! Enjoy! xo!

Friday Roundup: Some self-love & new items

Kim Last — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:03:22 +0000

I’ve been feeling really guilty this week. I haven’t blogged in ten days…ten days! That’s a week and a half and yeah, pretty unacceptable. So, sorry to all you readers.

Between a ridiculous work week and some family stuff that has been lingering for quite some time (and has resulted in a surgery this week), I have been way out of it. Last night was the first time that I actually had some time to myself and some time to dedicate to the site (albeit, it was quite late). You’ll see it on the newly updated front page and with some of the images that are updated in the shop.

Despite all this, I’m happy to say that I have spent a fair amount of time in the studio the last month and a half. See below for some of my latest pieces for the spring. Would love to know what you think. There will be another round of pics to be posted soon and some “behind the scenes” posts on the inspiration.

That’s just a little preview of what’s to come!! Happy weekend to everyone!

The Lust List: The Haniboi Hanitape

Kim Last — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:20:11 +0000

Today’s lustful want is actually quite affordable…and in my opinion, for both men and women. Two qualifications: must like music and must have used a tape deck at one point…

How neat is this? A tape-shaped card holder!

I stumbled upon these at Blick Materials down in Soho over the weekend. The “Hanitape” is press molded out of recycled silicone rubber into a single form so it doesn’t tear apart when bent. And, while I have seen this done with a ton of other shapes as card holders, the smart thing here is that the case is held together by hidden magnets — a pretty awesome way for making sure stuff doesn’t fall out.

Haniboi is a designer based out of London. His work is a combination of pop art meets The Simpsons. His store is chock full of cool prints, bags and more.

Get yours…for $19.95 at Blick or online.

Culinary Adventures: Cupcake-making

Kim Last — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:40:07 +0000

This past Monday was Ben’s birthday and after close to three years of dating, he’s taken a page out of my book and has turned his typical 1-day birthday celebration into a week-long affair [full disclaimer: not like that's a bad thing!]. We had a little party for him on Saturday night and I took it upon myself to make some miniature cupcakes.

Many of my friends are pretty opinionated when it comes to the perfect cupcake and, so am I. Living in New York where the first cupcake craze started with Magnolia, Crumbs, The Treats Truck and all the other cupcake-infused bakeries has kept the bar pretty high on taste.

I’m glad to report that I did find a great (read: easy) recipe for vanilla cupcakes (although the next batch I make, I am going to try to be a little more adventurous with flavors) and an AMAZING cream cheese frosting recipe.

What I love about this recipe are the super simple ingredients…and the fact that you can make them in one bowl.

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups sugar (can use 1-1/4 cup for a less sweeter taste ,or can use 3/4 cup Splenda)
* 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup shortening (very soft but not melted, Crisco is best)
* 3/4 cup milk (or half and half cream)
* 1 tablespoon vanilla (or use 1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract)
* 2 large eggs

The icing, is even easier than this! Next time you need frosting, make this.

* 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

And here are some pictures with the final results!

These little guys feature the cream cheese frosting with blue sprinkles and easter whoppers!

Blue icing, baseball gloves and coconut...yum!

I did half of the batch with white frosting and the other with blue. I used Wilton Gel Food colors and got a really bright blue, which was what I was going for. The other trick that made frosting these bad boys so easy (and fun!) was the $8 investment I made on a pastry decorating kit.

I used baseball glove sugar toppers on some cupcakes and I garnished others with some sweetened coconut flakes. More than half were gone by the end of the night!

What are some of your favorite cupcake recipes?? Would love to see some links!

A Little Friday Inspiration: Nesting Dolls

Kim Last — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:35:36 +0000

It’s Friday. It’s raining here in NYC and it’s a little bit too cold for my liking. I’m craving things that have some bright color and remind me of spring. How could you blame me?

I’ve been on a Nesting Dolls kick lately. Yes, I know what some of you are thinking. Really? Boring. Done already. But, I say…no, not really. For some reason, I find them really adorable…and totally unique.

Here’s what is cool about them: 1. they are old…the first one made dates back to 1890. And, while we’re talking about that, their history has been up for debate for a while. Also, how could you not love the fact that it’s truly a DIY/handmade souvenir – and is accessible to the everyday person? On a superficial note, they just look super cute, too…

Here are some of my favorite picks:

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend, everyone!

Wednesday Wonders: Vamoose Look Book

Kim Last — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:01:03 +0000

Before I started designing jewelry, I was dubbed “accessorize” by my group of college friends. My college dorm room had a whole wall practically dedicated to my swelling jewelry collection. And, I had purchased looks from everywhere: cheapies from Forever21 and H&M and since gold prices were a lot lower back in 2004/2005, quite a bit of real gold. A lot of my collection was also passed along to me, too. Delving into my collection, however, is a separate post for another time.

Today, I stumbled upon the spring looks for Vamoose, a one-woman jewelry shop based out of the UK, run by Kathryn Blackmoore. I am so totally impressed by Kathryn’s color combinations and her use of vintage materials. It’s all incredibly chic, romantic and feminine.

Look at all the soothing colors!

Check out her spring/summer inspirations. A lot of the colors are precious. What’s your favorite piece?

Tutorial I Love: Pantone Color Magnets

Kim Last — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:20:43 +0000

So, I think most of you readers know how I feel about Pantone. I just can’t get ENOUGH.

Look at these ADORABLE magnets. I want them now!

I was super excited when I saw this ultra cool tutorial on How About Orange over the weekend feature Pantone color chips turned into magnets.

If you haven’t checked out How About Orange, get over there now. Jessica Jones has a ton of cool stuff on the blog including downloads (aka labels and other cute things to add to your daily routine), cool tutorials (check out the yellow pages ribbons here!) and much more. Jessica is a super talented lady.

Now back to those magnets. I can’t wait to get my hands on some of those paint chips and add a little pizazz to my fridge.

Must Have Monday: Satya Twena’s Jessica Hat

Kim Last — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:42:51 +0000

Warm weather is coming…or so I like to tell myself. Yes, I know there was snow last week and yes I am still wearing my winter coat.

The Jessica Hat: My Summer WANT for 2011

But, all of the magazines and blogs I am reading have my mind set on SPRING, warm weather and…vacation.

Oh yeah, vacation.

So, while I was poking around on Twitter, I stumbled upon Satya Twena. Satya’s site is filled with beautiful and classic hats, Including straw hats (see below). If you’re not a hat person, don’t worry. She’s got some adorable headbands, headpieces…and she does custom orders.

It was really hard for me to narrow down to the Jessica hat. Check out below for some of her other wonderful creations.

Inspired by the Guggenheim...I wish I could pull this off!

Check out this feather bridal headpiece...so simple, so chic...of course it's called Marilyn!

And, what sort of hat-maker wouldn't have a gorgeous flower headband? Beautiful.

Check out her blog and follow Satya on Twitter!

The Friday Google Reader Round-Up

Kim Last — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:36:24 +0000

Happy Friday Readers!

It’s time again for the Friday Google Reader Round-Up where I share some of my favorite reads from this week.

Resin makes a big return this spring

CLOTHES//FASHION

iVillage: The women’s site has a great roundup of the 15 essential pieces to update your spring wardrobe. Thanks to my best friend Katie for passing this along. The bangle above is from the list. I’m beginning to work on my own spin on that one

Minkette: God, I love Rebecca Minkoff. Everything about her screams sharp girl living in the city. Today her precious Saks collection debuts at the legendary NYC store. I’ll be saving up my bonus check for this…

WSJ: If you didn’t see this fascinating profile of Anna Wintour…better get on it.

FOOD

Smitten Kitchen: Yums, whole wheat gold fish crackers. Awesome.

The Kitchn: 7 fresh pasta dinner ideas. For those days you want to carb up.

Serious Eats: Coconut patties…as smoothies. Hello Easter. Hello spring.

HOME

HWTM: Not that I’m having a little baby anytime soon, I can’t help myself over this adorable Chanel-inspired baby shower. What a great party idea that can be applied to anything you’re hosting.

The Fabric of My Life: Some very pretty pictures that made me think of the tease of 70 degree weather we had in NYC last week.

Sub Studio Design Blog: Look at these ADORABLE embroidered wallpapers. Very Alice in Wonderland. So cute.

Enjoy the weekend! I am off to classes at FIT tomorrow…and I am dropping off some pieces to get photographed, too. Lots of content to come

xoxo