food – Iced Tea and Top Knots

Where In The World Does Iced Tea and Top Knots Want To Go: Paris

Published on January 24, 2020 by icedteaandtopknotsLeave a comment

To kick off being back to posting on a regular basis, I am launching a new series, “Where In The World Does Iced Tea and Top Knots Want To Go.” For the first one, I am covering Paris, France! Ever since I was little I have always wanted to go to Paris and anytime I saw Paris on TV or in a movie it heightened my dream to go to Paris.

What really just confirmed my love of Paris was the movie ‘Midnight in Paris.’ Truly fell in love all over again with Paris and more. I have my outfits planned for each occasion and historical spot I want to visit as well as my coffee spots where I will have a tea latte and French macaroon. I can’t wait to go and that is one of my goals for 2020, go to Paris and soak up as much as I can. Here’s to the trip of my dreams. I have listed some of my favorites I have that I want to go to. See below and let me know what your favorites have been when visiting Paris.

Sports:

Popular Spectator Sport In Paris

Shopping:

Hidden Shopping Gem In Paris 1 & 2

Food:

Beefbar Paris – a historic restaurant near the Champs Elysées

Girafe – where dining comes with killer Eiffel Tower views

L’Abysse – where French and Japanese talent come together near the Champs Elysées

Cutest Coffee Shops:

Le Tambour

Odette

Le Consulat

Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

Here is to my future trip to Paris!

~Iced Tea & Top Knots

P.S. What are your favorite spots in Paris?

Thankful for Thanksgiving

Published on November 22, 2018November 22, 2018 by icedteaandtopknotsLeave a comment

” Thankful and grateful today and everyday.”

Cozy Coat, Lucky Brand Scarf, Target Tee, Leggings, Target Flats

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is all about giving thanks and being with family and friends while eating amazing food. I wanted to share some of my favorites for Thanksgiving from food to fashion. Hope it inspires you to give thanks in your own special way.

Target Hat, Calvin Klein Glasses, Voyage Clothing Dress, Zara Blouse, Old Navy Leggings, Sperrys

I am going to keep it short and sweet so here are a few of my favorite recipes this year !

Skinny Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecan Topping

Goat Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Caramel Apple Mocktail

Pumpkin Pie Wontons

Enjoy all these tasty treats and so much more !

Volcom Hat, Denim Button Down, Forever 21 Tee, Leggings, Sidecca Purse, Forever 21 Blanket Scarf, Chinese Laundry booties

I am thankful for you all and wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving !

~KLM Fashion Style

Fireworks, Fashion and Music: All Things 4th of July

Published on June 28, 2017 by icedteaandtopknotsLeave a comment

“Land That I Love, Stand Beside Her, And Guide Her, Through The Night With The Light From Above.” ~God Bless America

4th of July is all about celebrating our freedoms with family and friends. This is one of my favorite holidays. The reason for that is it is a day that makes me really go all out to celebrate the freedoms I am so grateful for and to celebrate with those I love makes it even more special.

So in honor of 4th of July, here are some of my all time essentials. In terms of skincare I always like give myself a hydrating, relaxing facial due to the fact that I will be out in the sun. It helps keep my skin hydrating and stress free. Before hand make sure your skin is nice and clean (I use Garnier’s Miscellar Water). This go around I used a new mask by Avatara Chill Out Face Mask from Target. It dripped a little bit when I first put it on, but overall I will be using it again and to make it extra relaxing, you can put it in the fridge (defintely works). Next comes moisture and SPF application for that much needed hydration and sun protection. Lately I have been using Yes To Grapefruit Even Skin Moisturizer, ELF Cosmetics Illuminating Eye Cream and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 Sunscreen. Also for all over sun protection, I like to use Honest Company’s Sunscreen Spray (make sure to shake before application).

Let me tell you, I love them all so far and they don’t seem to be upsetting my sensitive skin, which is always a good thing. I am extra dilligent with this routine come 4th of July celebrations since it’s all about the sunshine. Also, water is the final key for hydrating on a sunshine filled day like July 4th. I usually am drinking from my Bando water bottle or SmartWater‘s sparkling water if I am craving some carbonation.

Now on to one of my favorite parts: attire and beauty. I have a tradition every 4th of July to pick up a fun new outfit and this year was no different. I went with camo and khaki from Target, which I am excited to rock on the day (stay tuned). I rock other favorite Patriotic ensembles leading up to Independence Day, here are a few options I have:

Voyage Clothing Tank, Kini Bands HeadWrap, Converse, Gorjana Earrings

Braided Tillys Bandeau

LiveLoveGameday necktie, Perky Pony, Stuart Weitzman Denim Flats

Voyage Clothing Overalls, Merona Tee, Chicago Cubs Hat, Chunky Heels

Sparkle Tee, Gingham Headband, Coco Rose Boutique Sunnies, White Denim Jeans, Steve Madden flats

Sparkle Top, Sidecca Skirt, Sperrys, Attire LA Sunnies, Bow Clip

For makeup I usually add a pop of a red lip, sparkle and if feeling daring, I pop on some blue eyeshadow like this one MAC Cosmetics has to offer. My nails have always been such a fun way to try out new holiday designs. It is is either navy with sparkle, Chicago Cubs theme or like this year it is a fun twist with a set from imPress. This is another reason I love the 4th as well, it brings out my creative side.

Another must is busting out the decorations. I am loving these ones I got from Michael’s and Party City last year.

If y’all are feeling crafty this year, check out these fun DIY decorations on Pinterest!

You can’t have all this fablousness without some fun activities to celebrate. There are so many fun options to celebrate from Disneyland, water sports, BBQ backyard games, the beach and of course checking out fireworks. This year I will be all about the beach by laying out with my cute sunnies and sun hat while eating great food. Some awesome options are corn on the cob to hot dogs to delicious cocktails, so be sure to check out Pinterest for some of these awesome recipes and others ! If you are in the mood for eating out, check out the local cities’ website for help navigating the great restaurants they have to offer. I will definitely be ending the celebration with an awesome fireworks show or two 🙂 I love them and they make me smile!

Everything is in order except for one thing, the soundtrack for this year’s Independence Day extravaganza. There are so many to choose from, how do I choose ? I am picking the ones that get me smiling and dancing all around. Lets kick it off with some classics first, God Bless America and The National Anthem followed by Zac Brown Band’s ‘Chicken Fried’ and ‘Castaway’. I will definitely have to bust out ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ by JT as well as ‘Happy’ by Pharell. Last but not least ‘Uptown Funk’ by Bruno Mars because everyone likes some funk music to get the party started.

I saved the best for last, thanking all those that have given myself and everyone the freedom to be who we want to be, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Wishing y’all a safe and Happy 4th of July !

~Kerry of KLM Fashion Style

P.S. How do y’all like to celebrate the 4th of July ? I am all about the beach and sunshine 🙂

Father’s Day Time: Gifts, Food and Activities

Published on June 7, 2017 by icedteaandtopknotsLeave a comment

“A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.”

My dad is a constant provider and protecter, but also is always one to make me continusously laugh, which has made me the best life I would ever ask for. He also made me a Chicago sports fan, which makes it the cherry on top to my life. So with Father’s Day just around the corner what do I get my dad who has done above and beyond for me? I came up with a handful of ideas that I hope helps inspire y’all when shopping for all the fathers in your life.

Gifts for Dad:

Apple Watch Nike+ or Linsay Executive Smart Watch from Target, which are both perfect for the tech savy Dad on the go.

Personalized Cuff Links from Etsy shop, Bottom of the 9th for the style savvy dad in your life.

Chicago Cubs 2016 Game Used Baseball Cufflinks

This Billy Kirk weekender duffle from JCREW is perfect for the traveling loving dad who loves to explore.

JCREW Dufle

Beer Making Kit from Northern Brewer paired with the Chillsner from Corkcicle to keep that homemade beer nice and cold for the dad who loves craft beer.

Amazon Fire Stick for the dad whose a television and movie loving kind of guy.

Amazon Fire Stick

An awesome book like these by David Ortiz’s “Papi My Story” or David Ross’ “Teammate”, both which can be found at Barnes & Noble for the dad who is your avid book worm.

For the dad who loves to get pampered, pick up a gift certificate at Hammer & Nails, which has locations in CA, FL and TX.

hammer & nails

Activities:

Dinner at RPM Italian in Chicago, IL

Tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY

baseball hall of fame

BBQ and Backyard Games at home ( backyard games can be found at Target and Walmart )

Fishing ( for all your fishing needs head on over to Bass Pro Shops) Fishing at sunset on the Donegal coast (© John Rafferty Photography)

Beer Tasting in a town near you (Check out Trip Advisor for places from LA to SF to Chicago to Portland to NYC and even Montana )

A day alone in the man cave

man cave

Golf’s US Ope n

Golf- US Open

Wishing all you dads out there an amazing Father’s Day !

~Kerry of KLM Fashion Style

P.S. What are y’all doing this Father’s Day to celebrate the dads in your life? I of course am celebrating by seeing a baseball game with my whole fam 🙂

Redefining Relaxation Through a Staycation at Farmer’s Daughter Hotel

Published on May 26, 2017May 27, 2017 by icedteaandtopknotsLeave a comment

A tradition I have started in the last year was one of having a staycation as often as I can. It was something that started with wanting to be near work one week when I had a lot going on. A light bulb went off, “why don’t I have a staycation every so often?” The tradition of staycations were born right then and there for me.

So the time came again this past February for me to have another staycation and exploring adventure in my amazing city. Where this next staycation was going to be was not hard, Farmer’s Daughter Hotel and the surrounding area that I had been wanting to stay in for awhile. It’s a hotel I passed a bunch of times and an area I have been to before and have just fallen in love with it all. An added bonus too is one of my favorite outdoor shopping spots, The Grove, is a quick walk from the hotel along with Coffee Commissary within 5 minutes or so, which I was so excited to finally try).

Daniel Wellington Accessories, Kate Spade Bow Purse

ootd: Guess Tank, Lucky Brand White Denim, JINS Eyewear

OOTD with my night time heels; Pins are from Sidecar

The reservation was made and my staycation was here, yay ! Luckily the bad weather subsided long enough for me to have an amazing staycation. I checked in to Farmer’s Daughter Hotel, which has one of the cutest lobbies and my room wasn’t ready, but it was perfect because I had the perfect chance to walk on over to The Grove for a shopping adventure before dinner.

Where to start now at The Grove ? Topshop caught my eye immediately I was overwhelmed with excitement on all the great pieces, but the ones I ended up with was this amazing leather floral pleated skirt and fun, fuzzy socks for Valentine’s Day that I now where all the time. Now that I have added some amazing new pieces to my wardrobe, it is time for a refreshing beverage and a tasty snack. Whenever I am at the Grove my go to is Nordstrom Cafe. I ordered an iced tea (my obsession) with a smoked salmon platter (always my go to) and I was able to enjoy it all outside in the cute court yard surrounding the cafe.

amazing and most comfy bed

the cutest throw pillows

my free standing closet, which I love

my view of walking in

gorgeous nightime view

My room was ready and it was a nice surprise because they upgraded me to the main building to makeup for me waiting, which highlighted their amazing customer service even more. Walking into the room, I got a warm, cozy feeling and I knew I was in a space of pure relaxation, which was needed with the amazing king bed and breakfast nook bench all with fantastic accents everywhere. I officially need a king bed in my life because I was spoiled by this one, absolutely loved.

Alice and Trixie Peasant top, Lucky Brand White Jeans

Louise et Cie Heels, Daniel Wellington accessories

Kate Spade Bow Purse

the anklet company

makeup essentials from Elf and Wet n Wild

Being able to plop down on the amazing bed with my magazaine and book before dinner at Tart (the restaturant connected directly to the hotel). Dinner was here my outfit was fun and fabulous and my book & notebook were in hand. With the essentials in tow, I walked over and got a gorgeous seat on their deck near the fireplace, simply fantastic (I highly recommend making a reservation like I did to guarantee a gorgeous spot, which is anywhere at this amazing place). I ordered jasmine green tea, brussel sprouts with a fried egg and fried pickles as an appetizer (a suggestion from Bread and Butter PR) and for the main course, one of the best cheeseburger (mmm, delicious).

Let me tell you this meal was stupendous ! I can’t forget the delicious, decadent dessert, which they delivered to my room after I got back up (they seriously spoiled me). I ordered italian sugar donuts with a delicious filling, one of the bests. Eating the dessert at my nook in my room was the perfect end to a perfect day and night.

Smiling at it’s finest in my Vintage earrings

Olive & June manicure being hyrdated with Lush Cuticle Butter

morning activities

Kate Spade Bow Purse, Coach Weekend Bag

It was morning and after being well rested and re-energized, I lounged and wrote in my room before heading out. I ended the trip with a stop at Coffee Commissary for breakfast, which is one of my new favorites.

To say I will be back is an understatement, I will be back in ten fold to each spot especially because I have to be sure to ride around on the Farmer’s Daughter Hotel adorable bikes 🙂 .

~Kerry of KLM Fashion Style

P.S. Where has your favorite staycation been? I will be sure to add it to my ever growing list.

A Getaway to Ventura with my Dad : A Restart to a Long Family Tradition

Published on April 11, 2017April 11, 2017 by icedteaandtopknotsLeave a comment

Recently I took a vacation to Ventura with my awesome dad to recharge our batteries with a relaxing few days. We drove up the coast, rocked out to music and ate and dranks some great snacks (Boom Chicka Pop and Tejava Iced Tea). Our first stop was up to Ojai (not to far north of Ventura) for a delicious lunch and conversation. Of course I had to stop my dad to take some pictures, thanks again! We then enjoyed the surroundings of beautiful Ojai by exploring on foot.

Cubs Hat, Attire LA Sunnies, Mossimo Sweatshirt/Tee/Jeans, Converse, Michael Kors Purse

It was an amazing, peaceful start to our bonding and relaxing trip. Now it was time to check into our beautiful hotel, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach . It is officially one of my favorite hotels. Here are the reasons why: right near the beach, great views, amazing room, relaxing pool that looks at the ocean and a great staff.

We were settled in relaxing, snacking, coloring and catching up on sports (something my dad and I will always love sharing together).

Before dinner it was time for a relaxing moment by the pool and bust out my swimwear from Target to go along with my coverup by Helmut Lang compliments of Attire LA (they were kind enought to lend me pieces for my amazing trip). A must have was my 2 Penny Blue bag along with the current Glamour magazine and of course my dad brought baseball magazines to prepare for the upcoming baseball season. It was so fantastic to relax in the sun and dip my toes in the water while looking at the ocean.

2 Penny Blue Purse

Michael Kors Sandals

Helmut Lang from Attire LA, Target Swimsuit

It was now happy hour and dinner time at the fabulous Embassy Suites in Oxnard and Lure Fish House in downtown Ventura. Now when I tell you this is a must, it truly is a must. Amazing meal for us both, delicious. A walk after dinner was the perfect end to a perfect first day of vacation.

Attire LA Sweater, Forever 21 Necklace, Mossimo Leggings, Converse, A&F Jean Jacket, Michael Kors Purse

After breakfast in downtown Ventura, it was activity time so we decided on the Outlets in Camarillo because they have an awesome movie theatre. Of course we stopped in a few shops and found some fun stuff. The movie was starting, which was Logan ( Hugh Jackman’s last one) and let me tell you it was simply fantastic and riveting. My dad and I both loved it.

Movies were great and it was happy hour time now. My dad and mom have explored some great wineries so we stopped at one of them, 4 Brix Winery, which is officially always on my list when I am in the area. Wine was spectacular, cheese plate was savory & sweet , convo was fun and loved their amazing event space with the beautiful wine barrels. You will want to put this winery on your list.

Attire LA Poncho & Dress, Statement Necklace, Target Sandals, Michael Kors

What came next on this Ventura adventure? Trying a new spot that my friend suggested, Cork (only had been open four months and know it will be there for a long time). My dad and I loved everything about it from the fantastic wine to the service and atmosphere. The food also looked and smelled amazing and can’t wait to try it next time 🙂

It was going from a beautiful day to a majestic night. With a day filled of beauty and fun, another favorite of mine, a nap, was for sure needed. Dinner duds were now on and we were ready for an amazing steak dinner at Cafe Zack. Also, if you are a non-meat eater, they offer so many other amazing dishes for you to enjoy 🙂 We ended dinner with a decadent chocolate dessert, outstanding ! It was another end to an amazing day.

My Hero

The third and final day to a great vacation was spent having a great breakfast at the hotel and enjoying the beautiful view one last time. Ventura was an amazing vacation with my dad and the getaway we needed, definitely will be back to explore even more again soon.

What are some of your favorite vacation spots ? Can’t wait to hear and add to my must list and be sure to tag me on Instagram (@livelaughstyle) when you do !

(For outfit details, be sure to click on the photos 🙂 )