the time I remembered I had a blog (again)

the time I remembered I had a blog (again)

Dusting off this blog with a fun, playful look from none other than a great company I love representing: Zara.  I know its been radio silence here for over a year but other than the new extra 20lbs I've brought along with me, I've just been doing what seems to be what I'm always doing; untangling myself from the confusion over what I want to do, figuring out what brings me real joy, and navigating living a life that is meaningful. I want to say it's the gemini in me - just constantly being in a state of flux. And truthfully, it's exactly what this past year has looked like. I came home and settled back in DC where I started my fitness career - teaching non-stop and really honing in on other workouts to cross-train. I took up another nursing job after I swore up and down I would never do again. But there I was - opening up an office in Arlington from the ground up, recruiting and hiring nurses, and providing free vaccines to students in the county. It was the best nursing gig I ever had. And just recently, I completed real estate classes in DC. 

So I think it's probably safe to say that I'm most likely going to start branching this blog out into other aspects of my life rather than it being exclusively for fashion (but after fashion week because let's be honest, I live for all of that) For example, maybe it's also because I'm 33 but I feel that it's important, and quite possibly a life skill, that everyone knows a good recipe for chocolate cheesecake muffins or a blueberry lemon cake. Am I right, or am I right? 

Shirt: Metallic Effect Top

Shoes: Slingback Heels w/Studded Bow

Richard Simmons & Bralettes

Richard Simmons & Bralettes

Do any of you guys like to listen to podcasts? Between the growing number of documentaries in my netflix playlist and the books I have on my reading list, I also have a ton of new podcasts that I just downloaded waiting to be listened to. And today, while running errands, I let all six episodes of Missing Richard Simmons play in the car. And you know what? I've got some thoughts about it. 

First of all, I wasn't ever a big fan of Richard Simmons. You know the guy. He always came off as a bit too loud and a bit too much for my liking but I appreciated the fact that he was all about health and fitness. But someone recommended the podcast to me and as it turns out, it had gotten a lot of attention. And after listening to the first episode,  I was hooked. I never realized that Richard Simmons was that big. And that he had changed and affected so many peoples lives that much. So much so that someone felt the need to start a podcast because there were that many people who felt they needed closure/answers to his sudden disappearance from the entire world. 

Without giving too much away, because I sincerely think you should listen to it, I started thinking about how even the most successful and famous people don't have life all figured out. They're not as happy as we think they are and they go through life with all the emotions just like we do. They can be just as lost and lonely. On a personal level, this seems strangely comforting. I know its ridiculous to think I'm the only one that goes through difficulties but to know even those that seem to have it all also go through these human experiences... well, its a good reminder to stop comparing and over-anazlying and remember that everybody is fighting some fight, whether it be big or small. 

I don't want to keep rambling so I'll just say that if you ever find some time or are curious about the man that is Richard Simmons... take a listen. It's kind of fascinating. 

Aaaand on a completely unrelated topic: bralettes. Typically worn underneath clothes, it's also something that we ladies like to wear on top of outfits as well. Even a big sweatshirt. It just adds a bit of spice and everything nice. Admittedly, I probably wouldn't have worn this in my past life but NYC is rubbing off on me and I kind of (really) like it. 

Wearing:

Denim: J Brand Mid-Rise Skinny in Fleeting 

Sweatshirt: Zara Faded Sweatshirt 

Bralette: Zara Faux Leather Bra Top 

i've got 99 problems and tying a shirt is one

i've got 99 problems and tying a shirt is one

Here's me being a ding dong. When I was first sent this shirt, I tried it on and loved it. I liked the way the sleeves were scrunchy and how the back and tie looked. Then when I actually had to go out and wear it, I grew frustrated with the tie and why the heck no matter what I did, the blouse looked terribly disheveled. Turns out, I had worn it backwards this time around. And I didn't even realize it until much later... as in after all the photos were already taken. We were able to take one photo of the shirt worn correctly before it started to pour. At least there's evidence of me knowing how to wear a shirt properly.

Get the blouse so that you, too, can wear it backwards ;)

Wearing:

Shirt: Zara Striped Blouse with Pleated Sleeves and Bow Belt 

Pants: Zara Asymmetric Flare Trousers

Shoes: Celine

a little friday lesson

a little friday lesson

I love clothes. That's no secret. But dressing up and styling outfits doesn't equate to excessive spending and investing in big brand names that most people cannot afford. Or at least on a regular basis. And in my own humble opinion, just because someone only wears brand names doesn't mean they look good or are stylish. It's not what you wear, it's how you wear it. And personal style comes a long way. I love seeing street style fashion whenever I'm just walking around New York City. So much creativity and personality! 

If you're on a budget, don't be afraid to look at those stores that you may think wouldn't have anything good. One of my favorite places to go to when I'm home is Ross. Seriously, it's such a gold mine if you're willing to sift through racks of what can initially be perceived as junk. Take this yellow bodysuit for example. I knew instantly that I would want to pair it with fringed jeans and some funky, furry sandals from Zara. Mix those highs and lows, financially speaking. The outfit is pretty simple but with the furry sandals, its personality and statement enough (plus it reminds me of my favorite 90s movie... Clueless! The epitome of 90s fashion!) 

So to summarize: you can be stylish wearing clothes from anywhere, I'm wearing a bodysuit again so I'm rethinking my feelings and conclude that they're not so bad, furry sandals are the ish so if you want to re-live your 90s fashion dream, it's pretty much the way to go.

ootd

ootd

When I put this dress on, I thought two things: firstly, yes to the ruffled and puffed up sleeves that the 80s would be jealous of, and secondly, heyyyyy Maleficent! Just to be clear, I'm an angel. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. But I can't deny that I was feeling this dress and I knew I had to have it. Kind of like when I'm innocently passing by a Shake Shack and can't say no to their fries... at the very least.  I know you're with me on this. Shake Shack is never a bad idea. And since this dress is basically equivalent to a Shake Shack burger and/or fries, it was kind of a no brainer that the dress could never be a bad idea either. 

And so here we are. Maybe you'll find yourself being featured in a street style collage in an issue of  Vogue Mexico y Latinoamerica. 

Definitely not a bad idea.

Get the dress! 

Dress: Zara v-neck denim dress  

Fur The Moment II

Fur The Moment II

As part of the coat series this winter season, here is my second pick! I love the color and how soft and light the coat feels even though it is thick and incredibly warm. Pretty genius if you ask me.

Tomorrow is the start of spring semester for me and I'm excited to be in school again. Last summer, after I spent three months styling projects around the city, I decided that fashion styling was most likely not for me. Instead, I've turned my focus more on the business side of fashion and hopefully one day, I'll be able to start a small business of my own. We'll see!

This coat is Zara from last season.

Get a similar coat!

Faux Fur Coat: Topshop Claire Faux Fur | YOINS Green Long Sleeves Artificial Fur | Make Me Chic Collarless Faux Fur Dark Green

Faux Leather Pants

Faux Leather Pants

On days that I don't want to wear denim, and I'm not sporting yoga pants to go workout, I like to wear faux leather pants, especially in NYC because where else can you wear pleather pants at 7am like its no big deal? Or maybe I should say, when else can you feel like Olivia Newton-John when she's killing it in that last scene in Grease with John Travolta? However you want to look at it, I've really come to embrace these pants over the past year as an acceptable day attire and not just something we pull out of our closet for a night out on the town. I remember feeling self-conscious wearing it to an art gallery opening one afternoon with my friend last winter and looking back at it now, that was pretty silly on my part because #nooneislookingatme and more importantly, #whydoicarewhatpeoplethink. Actually, maybe we should talk about why I'm explaining things in #hashtags? 

Anyway, I wore this outfit over the weekend when I was in NYC for one of the biggest fashion conferences in the city. I'll write about the entire experience separately because something so fun and important deserves its own post. In the meantime, an update on my apartment search! NADA. NOTHING. ZIP. I can't really decide what's more tough... finding a good guy to date or finding an apartment ;) 

Wearing: Express Scuba Legging

If you want to rock the shizz out of some pleather pants yourself, get the look for less!

Similar Leggings: Forever21 Faux Leather Leggings | H&M Imitation Leather Leggings

Zara

Zara

It's finally September and the start of a very busy month ahead! Classes are starting up again at FIT and it's also one of the most fun times in NYC with New York Fashion Week happening in about a week. In the middle of all of that, I still have to buckle down and find a home away from home somewhere in the city that isn't a hotel or my trusty Airbnb. Taking recommendations for studio/1 bedroom apartments basically anywhere. (This is kind of a lie since obviously we need to talk rent cost but hey, let's chat)

On another note, I'm studying to become a certified fitness instructor. If you know me at all, you know about my love for Sensazao and how it's become an integral part of my life whether I'm in NYC or DC so to be able to intertwine this with fashion seems like the ultimate dream for me. I'm so excited and can't wait for the upcoming months.

Now I should probably start packing since I'm the kind of girl that takes a couple of years to get some clothes in a suitcase. You can bet that I'll be taking these two outfits from Zara along with me to the NYFW events. All of these pieces are available now and I've provided the links below.

Get the look!

Outfit 1

Skirt:  Short Tapestry Skirt

Shirt: Rib Top

Bomber Jacket: Glossy Bomber

Shoes: Leather Mid Heel

Outfit 2

Skirt: Pleated Midi Skirt 

Blouse: Frilled Printed Top

Shoes: Leather Mid Heel