The Art of Kourt-ship

I have an inexplicable fascination with Kourtney Kardashian.  I attribute the celebrity crush to her fearless fashion sense (far bolder than my own) and her glamorous lifestyle — but then again how many celebs share those characteristics?  So who knows why I find her so interesting — but I do.  And this post will stand as a testament to that.

So this is what makes her style so fetching and — though bold — accessible: though she opts for pricey bags (she’s wearing Balenciaga above) and shoes (Christian Louboutins), she’ll mix it up with affordable separates (both the skirt and top are by H&M).  She counts Zara, French Connection, and Chinese Laundry amongst her favorite labels — and here’s a girl that can afford all the designer greats at once.  Love that — and will accordingly mix-and-match the highs with the lows in this post.  Let’s begin with this silky little Jack by BB Dakota romper (scary to some of us, but promisingly of-the-moment) — $44.50, PacSun:

Kourtney would glam it up with some studded sandals (her footwear is fierce, and these Vanesso Bruno Athes are no exception — $145, TheOutnet), enormous shades (Tod’s, $350, Bloomingdale’s), and a slouchy, oversized bag (she seems to favor Balenciaga — so here is the iconic “City” style by Balenciaga, $1,445, Balenciaga):

She’d probably layer on a white/cream boyfriend blazer (how much do you die over the scalloped edging on this version by Wink NYC — on sale for $215?) and an eye-catching necklace like this multi-strand Noir “Makah” ($220, Noir Jewelry) or this pop-o-color Isabel Marant design (Marant is the darling of fashionistas in-the-know, particularly those that enjoy the boho-glam aesthetic; $280, ShopJumelle):

A perfect 10, even when strolling with the baby.

By the way, if you’re more into sleeveless than skinny-strap, Arden B (shh, no one has to know) has a luxe-looking yet affordable romper variation for you for only $59:

(Dig the little tabs on the sides of the shorts.)

Something about her slightly edgy-yet-feminine aesthetic (those long locks!) sets her apart from the slew of either altogether-rough-looking (ew, Kristin Stewart) or over-the-top feminine (more in my category — I’m thinking Eva Mendes for some reason).  Kourtney is also quite good at pulling off dramatic proportions — billowy tops with twiggy leg jeans or nipped-in-waists with boyfriend jeans, and I like either.  She introduced me to the Tucker brand of blouses I’ve featured so many times on this blog, and I just can’t get enough.  The magenta/purple color below is very Kardashian (on sale for $188, Bluefly):

…although I could just as easily see her in this “wild thing” leopard print version ($325, Stylebop):

She’d probably pair her Tucker blouse with some fashion-forward high-waisted shorts (on sale from one of her favorite purveyors for $47.99, French Connection) and some super-high platformed sandals.

She sports the YSL tribute sandals ($760, Nordstrom), but these scare me, to be frank.

I might “tone it down” (not by much) but still get the look with these Dolce Vita “Lance” pumps ($182, Wink NYC):

Although you can also get the YSL look for half as much with these Stuart Weitzman “Clip” sandals ($385, ShoptheShoeBox):

Don’t forget some statement-making jewelry — perhaps this Fiona Paxton necklace does it for you (on sale for $208, Revolve Clothing)? — and a pair of oversized shades (on sale for $16, MangoShop):

For just strutting around town with the baby in tow, how perfect is this billowy Rebecca Taylor blouse (on super sale for $82.50, Heery’s) with some boyfriend jeans (if you dare…I don’t think I do), some uber chic triple-strapped sandals (also on super sale for only $31.60, Le Train Bleu), and the J. Crew “Hockney” tote for carrying around all those baby essentials ($228, J. Crew):

Right on the money…

And because she’s often seen in studded pieces (bags, jewelry, shirts, and more), let’s take a look at some of the borderline-Rihanna styles she might wear, like the tough-accented skirts below — the first by Dolce Vita ($165, Wink NYC) and the second by Corey Lynn Calter (on sale for $71, Corey Lynn Calter), which she’d pair with a trim black tank and some edgy heels (Jenni Kayne, $495, Les Nouvelles):

Very Kardashian.

Maybe add on a bold necklace to round out the look — I love this Sequin brand version ($145, Charm and Chain), which I imagine layering under white collared shirts for work or atop an LBD for a night out:

Speaking of nights out, why not pair the studded booties featured above with this daring little number (Carmilla and Marc, on sale for $275, Les Nouvelles):

You might add on this chunky ring (Kate Spade, $95, Nordstrom) and pull your hair back in a slick, dressed-up ponytail:

Don’t worry, if you want to be as chic as Kourtney, you don’t have to invest in an entirely black wardrobe.  She’s regularly spotted in daring colorful choices, especially silky little get-ups that she balances with heavy-handed (or…soled?) footwear, and particularly when she’s in Miami, epicenter of flashy clothing:

You can test the look with this Walter blouse ($118, National Jean Company), a pair of white shorts (I’m mildly obsessed with this sailor-inspired variation — on sale for $35.99, French Connection):

And maybe this pair of heavily-adorned sandals by House of Harlow, Nicole Richie’s line (on sale for $124, Wink NYC):

Or if you’re more a “dress” girl (which I am — from May through September, I’m spotted in little else), don’t you die over this Tibi shift (on mega-sale for $100, Heery’s):

I could just as easily see her sporting this punchy filigree dress ($86, Le Train Bleu):

…perhaps because I always seem to remember her wearing this chicly-shaped French Connection batwing dress, which has a similar “tribal” aesthetic to it:

(The dress is still available — though in a black and white color scheme — and on sale for $88 at French Connection.)  If these styles don’t have you re-thinking your fashion choices, I don’t know what will.  Whenever I watch her shows, I think — “Man, I need to step it up and try on some new things every now and then.”  A good place to be.

Addendum:

Shopbop is offering an additional 20% off all sale items with the coupon code EXTRA20 today and tomorrow — it’s rare that this retailer ever offers coupon codes, so snap to it, ladies!