'Twas the night before Christmas and all through my house
Not a creature was stirring, not Melissa nor mouse (we do live in NYC after all).
Our suitcases were packed by the door with care
As we knew within hours we would be in the air.

The hood + scarves were nestled, all snug in their boxes
Ready to travel and adorn a slew of Kansas City foxes.
With Melissa in her button down and I in my collar + tie
We knew in a matter of hours to our family we'd fly.

When out on the fire escape there arose such a clatter
I sprang from our third floor walk-up to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Unlocked the bars and looked past the street trash.

The moon on the breast of the New York streets below
Reminded me of something in 2012 I have come to know.
When you wish and you work and hold those who support you so dear
Your wildest dreams will start to appear.

With a little old cab driver so lively and quick
I knew in a moment his meter would tick.
More rapid than eagles, his horn started beeping
So I called to Melissa, "We are late, grab the *bleeping…*"

Down three flights we rushed - hats and coats in a flurry
Knowing our cab would be gone if we didn't hurry.
Then it dawned on me - I knew what I had forgotten to do
Thank those who have supported me - in short - thank YOU.

Now Annie!  Now Linda!  Now Oiram and Donna!
On Michelle!  On Andrea! On Trish and Anna!
To the top of Facebook!  To the top of Twitter!
How I wish I could sprinkle you all with glitter!

Now Rafael!  Now Joao!  Now Jo-Anne and Amy!
On Wayne!  On Monique!  On Nancy and Jamie!
Your comments on Instagram!  Your endless sweet posts!
Your incredible support has meant the most!  

Then I said to Melissa, "But there are thousands more…"
And she smiled as she politely scooted me out the door.
"Honey," she said, "Your fans…they will know…"
Now gather those packages, it's time to GO!"

We sprang in the cab and to the cabbie said "JFK!"
And waved at our apartment as we drove away.
And as Melissa and I finally settled into the backseat -
We looked at each other exclaiming, "Can 2012 be beat?"

Happiest Holidays to You and Yours and may 2013 be full of surprises for us all!
With love,
Kara (and Melissa, too)

You know I love a good giveaway.  I happen to have either a navy/ecru striped or a black/brown check hood + scarf  up for grabs.  Winner's choice!

Today  your mission is to recognize, compliment and document style.  Seek out someone with a foxy haircut, an incredible accessory - even a unique stride.  Pay him or her a compliment and document that compliment in the comments section of the Facebook post that led you to my blog.  You will be entered to win the hood + scarf of your choice.  One entry per person, but you are welcome to give as many compliments as you would like.  I will select one lucky winner to be announced on Tuesday.

Hoping to see style of all kinds documented today.  Also hoping to brighten a few Mondays - now go forth and compliment.  And feel free to "Like" others compliments you see posted - can't wait to select one stylie winner...

Back to Facebook HERE.

I recently had the opportunity to serve as the inspiration for a student contest in visual design.   The event was PAVE's (Planning and Visual Education Partnership) annual fundraiser where the money raised goes to students in design related programs across the world.  When asked to design a tote as a giveaway "swag bag" at the end of the evening, I was thrilled.  Never one to pass on a play on words, I adopted the "PAVE YOUR OWN WAY" message to honor the organization as well as my own philosophy on design.  

At the end of an incredible evening spent meeting students from all over the world and being inspired by their designs (not to mention the incredible food and drink at Cipriani's on Wall Street), I found myself in a cab looking at this bag I had designed over Melissa's shoulder.  It was at that moment that I realized a few things...I never dreamed I would be on a reality competition show and I certainly never thought I would win one.  I did, however, dream that I would show at New York Fashion Week and I certainly dreamed that I would sell my collection at a retailer like Saks Fifth Avenue.  Those dreams have come true.

During the past few months, I have been up to my eyeballs in production and many of my days are spent learning how to develop bar codes for the tickets that will hang on my garments and making sure that hangers, garment bags and shipping boxes all meet regulation.  I am in the thick of the business side of fashion and it's tough.  The greatest challenge is saving a bit of energy to design for the fall of 2013.   However, in the back of the cab the other night, I took my own message to heart.  I am paving my own way - one step at a time.  And I am grateful.   Grateful to be in a position to celebrate the designers of tomorrow, grateful for the opportunity to learn and face the challenges ahead of me and grateful to have the platform to design - in my own way.