I have been, and am an avid Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez hater.

That being said, I have used Amazon a handful of times since Donald Trump entered into office for a diabolical second term.

Please be clear. I do not like the man, I do not like MAGA, I do not like green eggs and ham meandering heaux’s. I do not. 

I have, however, been looking at other bloggers of color (BLACK bloggers specifically) and have watched how they have been navigating the space.

The consensus seems to be that the show must go on.

The Show Must Go On for Bloggers as They Navigate & Pivot

My thoughts were solidified when Target was selling Kamala Harris’ book (I know it was done in the book deal, but I was like, if Kamala has a book at Target — I guess I can shop there). That is some weird reasoning, I know. I got weak. The world is skating on thin ice, and I said, I need FASHION that doesn’t break the bank. I caved. 

EW.

I am sorry.

So, while I do not like AMAZON in theory, I have shopped on their website, and I do so fully disliking Jeff, Lauren and anyone who associates with them (I am a McKenzie Scott Stan though), but also, let me get a good deal on some stuff if you are going to be up in the world of mass conglomerations, tacky weddings, bad business practices while running the fashion industry, materials and cities into the ground. 

Go back to books, Jeff. 

Did you know Amazon started out as a book reseller? Amazing. 

How the literate have fallen.

Anyways.

Check out these bags.

These are so fun. So affordable. Only one real dud. Which I will explain later.

I don’t have affiliate links, so I guess it’s a bad business practice on my end. 

But these bags are so fun. 

Affordable, Stylish Bags

These bags are super lightweight, easy to style, and I have to say, I feel pretty great wearing them.

Sometimes, cheaper items can feel cheaper, and you, in essence, can feel cheap wearing them.

These bags obviously don’t feel like real leather, like my Dooney Florentine, but they do a great job of bringing some elevation to a look.

Shop The Bags

Shop this bag here.

My one gripe with the bag was the bad stitching. I had to cut off some that was sticking out, and had to stuff the brown stitching back in when I ordered it, but other than that, it is a decent bag. This bag weirdly feels the cheapest, but when you wear it, it does look elevated. If you do buy it, let me know what you think. 

Currently, this bag is my obsession. She is cute, she’s roomy, and little. I can fit a lot of stuff in here, considering the size of the bag. 

The polly pocket of bags, if you will. 

You can buy this bag here.

This bag is really cute, but it is not lined, and it can feel cheaper, but it does have the shell styling down. It comes with a scarf, but I added my own. 

Shop the bag here.

Loved adding this blue faux leather clutch as well.

You can shop for it here.

On my wishlist sits a bag from Flattered. It’s about $400. I found this to satisfy that itch until I can decide on the color of the bag, and if I will actually use the bag.

This is a really great bag. It has a magnetic clutch, folds over, and you can wear it as a fully long bag, as it comes with chain straps.

You can buy the bag here.

Those are my five bags from Amazon that are affordable and fun.

I really hope you enjoyed this post.

xx,

Nikita

The post Affordable Amazon Handbags Under $50 That Feel & Look AMAZING appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Back in early March, I started to think about summer, beaches, and vacations — even though it was a bit of a way out then.

Why Cupshe swimwear? I think I was fed a Cupshe ad, and I thought the look of the swimwear being shown to me was cute.

Never had I ordered from Cupshe, so I threw in an order to see what it was all about. 

Cupshe Review

Ordering from the website is quick and easy, with a confirmation email seconds away from when you place an order.

I found the shipping to be fast as well. 

As far as packaging goes, I don’t really remember. I think it was on par with most online orders.

The crochet sets offer decent quality and are not overly delicate. 

Swimwear feels higher quality than most. 

I would absolutely order from them again.

Here is what I ordered. 

What I Ordered

I sized up in all clothing items, but the swimwear is true to size, and a large top will fit a D cup.

X Kasey Anderson Cabana Crush Cover-Up Shorts: While I do love the look, these will cling to any areas you may not love, but they feel very comfortable to wear. I sized up because I hate shorts that ride up. 

X Kelsey Anderson Cabana Crush Cover-Up Top: I love this top. The ties do come undone very easily, but the tassel gold hardware is heavy, so I think it just stands up as a durable set, over a cheaper feeling and lighter set.

Scalloped Neck Cut-Out Crotchet Cover-Up : I like the feel of the fabric, but I will want to see how this holds up against a wet bathing suit, and wear over time. If anything, it’s a decent cover-up for a season.

Cotton High-Rise Cover-Up Shorts : Great fit, comfortable, and lightweight.

Cabana VIP White Shorts : Very comfortable. No notes.

Twinkle Factor Bikini Set : The gold hardware on this bikini is what makes this very classic black, with silver accent stripes, feel and look 100 times better. I think the accented side hardware is super flattering for most body types, and this bikini feels like I paid over $100 for. I am impressed with the quality of this bikini.

Target

These are all true to size.

Woman’s Eyelet Trim Stripe Print Bikini top and matching bottoms : The cut of this top and bottom is super flattering for most body types, and I don’t think you need to have a totally flat stomach to wear this. They also have this in pink. I bought this in blue and black with white trim top and matching bottoms. I would say the quality is on par with anything you would pay over $60 for (that goes for all the swimwear from Target).

Red Gingham Seersucker Tie Top and gingham ruffle bottoms. I just loved the nostalgia of this set.

Daisy Eyelet Ruffle Bandeau Bikini top and matching bottoms. This set feels very early 2000s meets the 80s, and it is super comfortable.

This black one-piece looks amazing.

Crotchet Rosette Mini Skirt Cover-Up. True to size, but if you want a looser fit, try on one size up. It’s either going to work or not work, because the waist is as is — there is no drawstring.

Walmart

No Boundaries Gingham one-piece. I love.

No Boundaries Femme Floral Print Swimsuit. Equally,I love.

I think these two are the winners for me.

That’s really it.

I hope you found this blog post informative and helpful as you start to shop for your summer swimwear.

xx,

Nikita

You can shop the Post on my Mavely page as well.

The post Affordable Swimwear – Cupshe Review with Target & Walmart Finds appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Affordable Spring and Summer Dresses —

This was a patience fest for me.

I scoured the internet to bring you some detailed research that is both digestible and affordable.

I’ve talked briefly on Target and Walmart, and I will have a few options from Target in this post ..

But I wanted to bring in a site I have never shopped before, and a site that I feel gets overlooked, and have only shopped once, almost ten years ago.

From there, I want to share my style tips for when you find a dress you love, but you don’t love it on you.

As a society, we need to remember that how pieces are sold and created are just suggestions.

Consider how you can adjust it to your desired pace — that is up to you.

You probably have a closet full of clothes you love —

Sometimes we just need to rework some creative edge into those pieces — Also known as styling,

Red Dress

The first site I want to go over is Red Dress. 

It’s an affordable, millennial fever dream, meets Tuckernuck website.

You can brunch, weddings, and look polished in the designs they offer.

Review of First Order & Dress Quality/Sizing

My final review — pay attention to the details in the photo on their website, because they do advertise the pieces as they are. 

My gripe is with the chest size and the unfinished lace on the waistline, so it will be a very delicate piece to keep. 

Another issue I have is something I can fix. Actually, two things.

First, this dress is not in my color season, so I want to get new satin straps put on that are white, emerald, and a pink color in my season. Three options in total…. I want to be able to switch them in and out, so I want to get snap attachments placed in the front and back of the dress (on the interior).

My next issue is that this dress, and perhaps the website in general, does not cater to bigger chest sizes, so while I can get the dress on (it’s a tight squeeze), and I could absolutley use a zipper expander to make more room for my chest area. 

You can see my chest and arm area fighting for its life in this dress — it is a cute dress, but not a total winner for me.

If you have a D cup like me, this dress likely needs an expander.

You can get the dress here. 

Fashion Nova

Holly Madison did a try-on for a video she did a few weeks ago, and it got me thinking — how quality are the dresses? 

They have two dress fashion lines on their website, it seems.

Fashion Nova and Luxe. I ordered from both lines.

If you buy their tweed dresses, I would size up.

Another thing that I experienced, again, is that chest boning in the bodice of their dresses does not cater to larger chests, so again, the sizing is really hit and miss for the chest in their brand of dresses. 

I will say, the lining on most of the dresses is done very well, with minimal support added to the chest area’s.

You can buy the Yara Dress here.

It is size up recommended for bigger chests, and is a comfortable fit. 

Chest Size Inclusion – Affordable Spring and Summer Dresses

Next is a dress I really loved on the website, but it’s probably my least favorite IRL. 

IRL, it did not fit my chest at all, and the chest detailing is flimsy, so it really needs to fit you well in order to work.

If you size up, you will need to get the waist taken in.

You can buy the dress here.

Finally, the Fashion Nova Luxe dress.

This shift dress is a really fun fuchsia pink color, with really structured fabric and lining that does feel more quality than their normal line of dresses.

You can buy the dress here.

I sized up and will need to get it taken in at the shoulders at the very least.

Final thoughts on Fashion Nova dresses — I think they offer great quality, and if you are proportionate in your bust to regular sizing, I think most items should work for you. 

However, if the rest of you fits in a different size and your chest is bigger than that size — it can get tricky.

Quality-wise, I think it is as expected, with sprinkled in moments above expectations, here and there. 

Target Dresses & Styling Tips

I loved these dresses online, but once I got them on myself, I was no longer as enthusiastic.

That is, until I added things to make them more styled to my Kibbe body typed frame, which is a soft classic.

The first dress from Target is this floral, empire waist dress.

Empire Waists & Kibbe Body Type Soft Classics

Empire waistlines do not work well on a soft classic frame, but are better for soft naturals.

I added my grandma’s brooch to one side, and it totally felt more customized to my frame, and brought emphasis to my waist, breaking up my bottom and top half, which is crucial for a soft classic.

Adding Personalized Touches to Mass-Produced Clothing 

I would absolutely wear this dress to a wedding, as it looks and feels more elevated and has both texture at the waist and the bottom half of the skirt of the dress, whereas before, it was textured just at the bottom half of the dress.

Note: Be warned, this August Sky dress took about a month to arrive after it had been ordered, as it seems to be outside the Target distribution brands.

Brooch Styling

Now, how I really want to style it is with two matching brooches, so I will do a blog post about fun accessories soon.

This is my favorite way I think. It looks like it could be very chic. Idk. I will have to play around with it.

Balancing Your Frame with Accessories

The next dress works well for a soft classic, but the sharpness of the collar clashed with the roundness soft classic frames look best in.

The top half also did not fit as loosely with my bust size, so I opted to try it fully buttoned, and then I unbuttoned a few. In a real life situation, I would consider a lace cami or bra that covered any cleavage. 

Cutting Out What Isn’t Working

Next, I ditched the belt it came with, as it looks cheap, and throws off the balance of my proportions —

To make sure I felt my best in the dress, I incorporated a wider belt and added a scarf to the belt area to give more dimension, texture, and depth. 

I would love to try this with a few other belts.

Embracing Roundness, Curve, and Proportions as a Soft Classic

I prefer how the dress looks with the top half unbuttoned more. 

A surprising feature is how well-lined and of high quality the fabric feels.

You can buy the dress here.

The final dress from Target does not have styling. I had to at least try it.

I have to say it is not a great dress for a larger chest. It is cute though.

You can buy the dress here.

Target has some great tiered dresses and satin dresses that are perfect for wedding season, so you should absolutely check those out.

Currently, I have this in my cart.

I will do a best of Target round-up, where I just compile my findings that I have committed to.

Happy shopping your closet, happy affordable finds, and happy styling.

xx,

Nikita

The post Where to Shop for Affordable Spring And Summer Dresses for All Occasions + Styling Tips appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Well, I bit the bullet.

Well, I bit the bullet. 

I started realizing after I ordered from Target, that because of the boycott, the only thing Target and Walmart can do to differentiate between other high street brands is by bringing the competition directly to them, by using higher quality fabrics.

You would be surprised at how most of the things I have ordered from Walmart brands like No Boundaries and Time & Tru have been over 50% cotton, and how much nicer they have felt from things I have ordered from high street brands like H&M and Zara. I hate to say it. 

But, I said it. 

This should not surprise anyone if you know how racial history works in America. Of course, they would use natural fabrics after a black-led boycott. I don’t know if they were previously, to be honest. 

But after watching black content creators keep on keeping on, I felt justified in my pursuit of finding great things at lower price points. 

I have to say, it is where I thrive, and I really have my childhood best friends late mom, and my late grandmother for teaching me how to shop the best for less, while also not forgetting the bougie grandma who only shopped in department stores.

I hope I can marry the two into a good mix of all things traditions that they showed me, and I think I did a pretty great job.

It does take work when looking at their stuff. A lot of things can look badly done, but you can find that quality anywhere. 

Neon Green Cardigan with Ruffle Details – Similar to Anthropology

You can find the Free Assembly neon cardigan here. I sized up for a looser fit. I tend to always size up for cardigans and jackets.

Similar cardigan in a dark blue and a pink ruffle collar detail from Anthropology.

Chanel Inspired Boucle Jacket & Sling Back’s with Doen Inspired Top – All from Walmart

Boucle Jacket. True to size and fits a bit oversized.

Scoop Doen inspired tank. I bought it in white and neon yellow. True to size.

Chanel inspired Free Assembly blue sling-back block heels. The shoes they offer are really cushioned and very cozy. True to size.

Crew Neck Lace Detail Blouse – AKA a Millenial “Going Out Top Meets Office Attire”

You can find the blouse here. True to size and fits a bit oversized.

Holister Inspired Camo Pants & Anthropology Eyelit Detail Jacket

No Boundaries Camo Pants. Super soft, comfortable and amazing. I sized up.

Free Assembly Eyelet Jacket. I sized up.

No Boundaries crotchet, tie front cami. I sized up.

Honorable Mentions.

Crocs. Super cozy and perfect for spring and summer.

Undecided on these rattan block heels. Harder to style on brown skin. I wish it came in a white shade, but I may paint the shoe? Idk.

Beach mesh tote in purple. A great dupe for the Parker Thatch tote I had been eying.

Cotton Henley tops I pair with pajama bottoms.

TTFN.

xx,

Nikita

The post Spring Walmart Finds that Are Competing with High Street & Exclusive Brands like Chanel appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

I consider maxi skirts to be one of my late 30s closet staples. I really got into it.

Almost by accident. I just gravitated towards what I liked and still like, but how I style my maxi skirts has always been complimented by women of all ages, so —

That must mean I know a thing or two about a thing or two, right?

The Right Type of Maxi Skirt

Skirt lengths can vary, so tailoring a maxi skirt to you and your style needs is the very first step. 

To style any skirt is to always walk a thin line between being too long or too short.

These will be questions you can answer yourself or grab someone else’s opinion (a person that you trust).

Know Your Lines

It helps to know if you want to accentuate certain lines or walk a fine line with balancing lines.

Know Your Proportions

Knowing the types of lines your body always works in is a great way to know how to maximize certain aspects of volume and balance, and knowing when to pull back a little.

Belting

Belting a maxi skirt can be done with over the sweater looks, which looks great in winter, or even belting a vest, which is more on trend for 2026.

I would stay away from exposed scrunched maxi waistlines, as the look can feel unfinished and messy, even. 

If you want to tuck in a shirt with a scrunched waistline, I would belt it to break up the lines a bit. 

A good rule of thumb is that if your shirt is tucked into a maxi skirt, it looks best with a belt, a scarf, or something around the waistline. If the waistline is not scrunched or rouched, you don’t always need a belt.

Styling a Maxi Skirt as a Pants Replacement

How you style your jeans and slacks is how you can typically style a maxi skirt for everyday, and even office wear. 

I really embraced button downs that were more cropped at the waistline. 

Embrace Your Accessories

A peep of a fun shoe, a cute bangle, a small detail, even a brooch to the waistline area, can add so much personalized detail to your maxi skirt look.

Color Combinations

Working with varied color washes within the same color family can make really fun tonal looks, or embracing contrast and tension in colors and proportions can also add a quick way to pull a look together quickly.

How I Style Maxi Skirts

What you will find is that I rarely iron or steam my skirts because I think it reflects my personality a bit more, but when I do want to look more polished, I do iron out items if the mood hits. 

Style should reflect who you are as a person. 

Will you be wearing maxi and midi skirts this year?

Let me know in the comments.

Maxi Skirts To Check Out

Love this maxi skirt with the floral print from Alter’d State.

This stripe maxi skirt is really great for a neutral lover.

Love this tartan maxi skirt as well.

Very updated maxi from Topshop with a burnt orange red and lace detailing at the hem.

As always, I think it is important for you to find what you like, so I will not be finding exact skirt options, but check out my Mavely page, where I link outfit details as I find appropriate.

TTFN.

xx,

Nikita

The post Breaking Down How Styling Maxi Skirts Is As Simple as 1,2,3 appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Zimmerman inspired finds — An Australian fashion brand that specializes in intricate, delicate patterns, textures, and prints in all of their designs.

There is a feminine, whimsical, and girlish edge that the brand has tackled in a way that other fashion houses and brands haven’t really touched on, which is why the style of Zimmerman has made its way to high street retailers.

Women of almost every archetype can find something from Zimmerman, but in this blog post, I want to focus on pieces that embrace the small frills. 

Zimmerman-Inspired Affordable Options

Miss Rosier offers the Madeleine White Paneled Embroidered Mini Dress.

Again, the Zimmerman theme is strong with this two-piece set, also from Rosier. 

This Avec Les Filles midi dress from Macy’s, and a similar style is offered in a mini as well. 

H&M is offering a really cute, Zimmerman-inspired top that showcases the brand’s signature button and lace detailing, as well as this ruffle-trimmedblouse. 

Revolve offers this watercolor print Astrid Dress that looks very similar to Zimmerman. 

This Karen Millen playsuit is on sale right now and offers a very similar vibe. 

Target has a dress that checks all the boxes for $35. Check out the full outfit as I wear it, here.

Walmart offers a great option that has longer sleeves and is very close to a Zimmerman-style dress. 

Another great option is this eyelet top that is just under $20. 

A New Day scalloped pull-on shorts. 

These Farm Rio scalloped shorts are also very Zimmerman-esque. 

Loft is offering a pair of belted green floral shorts that remind me of Seazane meets Zimmerman. 

Target is offering a flutter eyelet tank. 

Love this blue bow collar blouse from & Other Stories.

A fantastic second-hand option from ThreadUP.

I hope you enjoy these Zimmerman-inspired options. I have a few more I will be sharing in the following weeks, so stay tuned. 

xx,

Nikita 

The post 16 Affordable Zimmerman Inspired Pieces You Can Own Today! appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Intimates as clothing were worn a lot in outfits during the early aughts, and that style of dressing is flirting with the masses yet again.

I am here for it.

This time with a more mature eye.

I can’t take credit for this styling take, though. I think Trinny Woodall uses lace and textures in her styling looks a lot, and she styles for the aging, yet modern woman, and these ideas I first saw in her content almost five years ago.

As I enter the last year of my thirties in a few months, I am very aware that personality over age, presence over age, and maturity levels are always going to shape the best of how you decide to wear what you wear, and how you wear it.

I used to get so annoyed when people would say, “dress your age,” and they were dressing like a dowdy 80-year-old at the age of 25. Why? What possesses someone to throw away their youth for the idea of age and approval? I don’t get it. 

There are so many amazing woman who dress so well, stay true to themselves, and do not dress their age, but also stay classy – it is classy, because it is them wearing the clothes and not the other way around. 

This is why I truly love Kibbe and Kitchner, because I love to play into my Kitchener essences and my Kibbe body type, and I think it works well for anyone who understands themselves on that level.

Embracing Kitchener Essences

In another way, if a gamine essence doesn’t resonate with you, think childlike mischievous energy, then you likely won’t like how I style my looks, and of the same vein, if you don’t have that essence, you may find the way that I shop and style my clothing to feel off base for your personality and style needs.

But you are welcome here, anyway, if you are curious. 

Intimates as part of your everyday outfit can feel like a very weird wardrobe function, but if you have the scratch — itch it. Please. 

Affordable Intimate Style Items

These are all items I have. Auden is a brand from Target, and they play closely with Intimissimi style, while using less quality fabric, but are great to play around with before investing in a more quality piece. 

The Teddy Bodysuit is very low cut, so style tape should be used, but it has adjustable straps, so you can style it appropriately. 

You can find a similar one from Intimissimi here. 

I styled the sleeveless bodysuit, which is super comfortable. They are all really comfortable, to be honest. 

Truly the one item that started my quest for more of these intimates was this mint green bodysuit. 

I also picked up these lace trim shorts to kick off some inspo for spring. 

All of these run true to size. 

A great trick is to buy a pajama set and use the shorts to incorporate into your outfits. If you do get this pajama set, size up. This item is not true to size.

If you want to invest in a more luxe pair, Reformation has a great pair of silk shorts.

Styling Intimates

Bodysuit with a blazer and jeans.

Boucle cardigan with bodysuit and jeans.

Styling the lace trim shorts – aka the rebrand for boxer outfits. Super fun, IMO.

All outfit details should be up on my Maevely account within the next few days.

Will you be embracing lace and intimates for spring and summer? Let me know in the comments.

xx,

Nikita

The post How to Style Lace and Intimates As Clothing – It Is Age Appropriate & Fun appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

I have been collecting some of these items for almost a year.

It’s a hobby.

A curation.

I shopped the sites as I did in the past, before the internet was what it is today.

What tickled my brain? I went with that.

In this blog post, I am sharing eleven outfit ideas that you can use to bookmark your way into feeling current for 2026 – because the winter to spring transition can be awkward. 

Especially if you are in your 30s.

I really spent a lot of time putting these outfits together, and as I did that, I was like — this is a great way to shop less because styling the new things was a time-consuming pain in the ass.

You have to get to know the new pieces, even if you like them, even if you love them — styling yourself is a muscle your brain has to work at constantly, as is knowing your closet, how to wear your clothes, and recognizing how you feel in outfits you put together. 

Fashion and styling are hobbies.

As I said, the love of putting outfits together is a hobby.

Curating your closet is a hobby. Not everyone is going to get it. Not everyone will understand it.

Some will think clothing and makeup are vapid. My ADHD brain finds it fascinating. A true hyper-fixation.

Growing up, my cousin was obsessed with trains and later planes (I think he’s an engineer now?). He drove me nuts about it. I kind of think that is how a hobby should be. 

When we would rent movies as small kids (under five) he always picked 101 Dalmations, and I always rented Sleeping Beauty. Every. Time. We would each have to patiently wait through the other cousins’ movie, but one thing was certain — we only knew how to be honest about our likes and dislikes. It has not changed. 

This is a facet of many hobbies.

Hobbies are innate. There are so many kinds of hobbies to have, but this one, for some reason, gets a bad wrap.

I have always been surrounded by people who fell unapologetically into their hobbies.

From music to science, to history, to writing, to reading, to fishing, to mining for gold on days off — if anyone in my family had a hobby, they were committed. 

Trending Pieces

I will be sharing links (some will be similar items with affiliate links)

Oversized Faux Leather Jacket – Mine is from Zara

Brown Loafers – Shop Similar

Bubble Tennis Dress

Tiered Athletic Skirt

White Jeans

Scalloped Top

Blue and Burgundy Striped Polo

Cami Dress – Dress from Zara – Shop Similar.

Waterfall Skirt with Lace – Shop Similar

Sherpa Suede Jacket – Shop Similar

Pin Strip Peplum Top – Shop Similar

Red Top – On Sale Right now for under $10.

Spring Outfits

Tired Skirt.

Lace Cami Dress

Scalloped Top

Tennis Dress.

Waterfall skirt.

The shirt does look better steamed.

Ruffle top.

Pink Ruffle Button Down.

White Jeans/Polo

Pin Strip Peplum Top.

Red Empire Waist with Puff Sleeves Top

Anyways, I had a lot of fun sharing these.

Hope to be back soon.

xx,

Nikita

The post 11 Spring Outfits to Wear Now appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Bubble hems were all the rage when I turned 21.

That was actually my Vegas birthday dress – a back bubble hem dress. 

To see that hemline making a comeback in 2026 is, I guess, right on time. 

What does a bubble hemline mean for the economy?

They say longer hemlines mean recession and higher hemlines means consumer optimism, but lipstick sales are still high, so don’t get overly excited.

For myself, I think it means more play, less harsh confines, which means I think the people are regaining their optimism and are ready to fight back against fascist regimes. 

What do you think?

Where to Find Bubble Hem Athletic Dresses?

Abercrombie and Fitch.

Target.

Walmart does have this under $30 as well.

LimmiFit also has more athletic-looking versions as well. 

I’ve really been enjoying bubble hemlines making a comeback, and have even loved seeing the balloon sleeves in t-shirts as well.

Obviously, my Target boycott is not going as well as I would like, but I think I need to be easier on myself because pockets of joy, where you can find them, are important aspects of life.

I am not perfect, and I don’t claim to be.

However, if you do enjoy the bubble hemline, keep an eye out, as I think you’ll be seeing a lot more of these silhouettes in 2026 and 2027.

Ruffle Skirts and Skorts

In 2004, Mean Girls came out in theaters, and the amount of ruffle skirts you saw after that movie was astounding, and of course, I had to have my very own.

Imagine my surprise when I saw a variation of the same skirt almost 22 years later. Crazy.

I’ll take two, please.

I think the JoyLab version from Target is the most historically accurate version of the skirt I have seen yet.

H&M also offers a decent version at a very competitive price point.

I think the trick to a great ruffle mini skirt or skort is ruffle management. You don’t want it to be too ruffled, but you want to seek out a balanced ruffle. It allows a mature edge to what could otherwise read as childish.

Old Navy also has really cute athletic skorts as well.

What do you think of bubble hems, ruffles and athletic wear in 2026?

Will you be wearing them?

xx,

Nikita

The post Bubble Hems, Ruffle Skirts and Athletic Dresses for 2026 appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Starting a wardrobe over —

If anyone is an expert at starting over in life, It is me.

When it comes to the clothes you wear, it’s how they make you feel. 

That is an important aspect of life. It truly is.

It cannot be discounted. 

Honor that.

The way in which we feel about ourselves shows up in how we dress, and how we do our hair and makeup.

We are told not to judge a book by its cover, but we are mammals after all. Constantly looking for threats and safety.

How we decide to present ourselves in the real world matters a lot more than you may think. 

When To Know If It’s Time to Start Over

If you wake up and feel like you have nothing to wear. 

Take notice.

If you suddenly went through a life change.

Take notice.

If your body changed.

Take notice.

If some of your clothing gives you the ick when you look at it, but it is also a well-loved item, however, you avoid it because it has a bad memory attached to it.

Take notice.

Constantly Edit Your Wardrobe

Just because you have the perfect button-down, blouse, and trousers, does not mean you suddenly are off those items when shopping.

Know when it’s time to bring another item in, and when to let one go.

Notice Your Style Patterns

What are you gravitating towards in your closet?

Did you just invent your style uniform?

Do you need more or less of an item?

Take notice.

Find the Gaps in Your Wardrobe

You may have a pair of heels, but do you actually have the amount of heels that would support the outfits in your closet, while also giving you the freedom to have fun and exciting accessories?

Also, take note!

Know Your Body Type

Getting to know your body is the best way to style your body and buy clothes for your body.

My favorite style body system is the Kibbe system, because it teaches you the silhouettes that work best for your bone structure, while honoring your lines (and your Kibbe body type follows you at any size).

You can get consultations from seasoned professionals or learn the method for yourself. 

Find Your Essences

After you find your Kibbe body type, you may shake your head in disagreement. 

This is where you can mix and match the main frame of your clothing structure with items that support your essences, which Kitchner modeled from studying face shapes, and is a lot like personality mapping.

You can have up to seven essences I believe, but you will mostly have a big three, and you will want to lean into that. 

Ironically, your essences probably shape the way you already dress, so just match your personality to the essences after you whittle down the face mapping portion. 

Study Your Color Season

This will help you as you edit out your closet and shop for new pieces. 

If anything, it just makes you more aware of why certain things always sit in your closet, while others make you feel like a million bucks. 

The Base of Your New Wardrobe 

Below, I have offered a wardrobe that is modeled after how I rebuilt mine in my thirties. 

It has taken almost seven years to fully grasp — a lot of shopping, a lot of editing. 

It was work, and I have been dedicated, but now I share my very realistic wardrobe needs with you. 

This is a maximalist/minimalist wardrobe just shy of 100 pieces — where you won’t feel so restricted (if that is a fear of yours), and you will be able to create many new outfit combinations.) 

• 2 pairs of slacks in neutral shades 
• 1 pair of dark wash jeans of any shade
• 2 pairs of light or medium wash jeans
• 3 button-downs in your best neutral shades
• 2 blouses
• 3 undershirts that double as t-shirts (think Skims or Intimissi)
• 1 pair of trainers
• 1 pair of fun/casual outfit trainers
• 1 Casual Dress for each season
• 2 skirts 
• 1 formal dress
• 1 spring jacket/trench
• 1 winter everyday jacket
• 2 pairs of flats
• 1 pair of ankle boots
• 1 pair of pull-on shorts
• 1 jean short
• 1 linen short
• 3 camisole tops
• 1 pair of mid-calf boots
• 1 pair of snowshoes
• 3 sets of your favorite pajamas for each season
• 2 blazers
• 4 cardigans
• 3 matching workout sets
• 1 pair of everyday sandals
• 1 pair of elevated sandals
• 2 sweatshirts
• 3 pairs of tights
• 3 sweaters
• 4 tank tops
• 1 neck scarf
• 2 beanies
• 1 pair of leather gloves
• 1 winter scarf
• 1 pair of everything heels
• 1 fun pair of shoes
• 2 pairs of earrings that go with everything
• 1 bag that goes with everything
• 1 clutch
• 7 pairs of matching socks
• 3 bras that fit you well
• 4 sports bras
• An everyday perfume you love
• 7 pairs of great underwear 

Let me know if you found these tips helpful in the comments below. 

xx,

Nikita 

The post Starting A Wardrobe Over at Any Age for Those Who Like A Challenge appeared first on Bella Kate 22.