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Fashion

SELF LOVE

Do you, like me, have a hard time saying what you love about yourself?

Last week I had the privilege of partnering with Traffic Shoe on their Self Love Is True Love campaign. And while I was very excited for the opportunity, I also had a really hard time picking out a word that described what I loved about myself.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a pretty confident person. But that wasn’t always the case…

In fact, the more I thought about it I realized that my confidence and self-assurance was a gift from God. It was because I learned that I was made by Him and for Him that I began to have self-worth. As my faith grew so did my confidence.

So, on this casual Friday, I decided to keep things simple. After all, life isn’t about you, nor what you have, or what you do. It’s about moments you’ve lived and people you’ve loved.

PS: Though self love is definitely important, I’m a strong believer that if you live a life focused only on yourself it can lead to a pretty empty and meaningless ending. Then it hit me, I realized that what I love about me is my faith. It keeps me grounded, gives me strength and sets me apart.

What do you love about yourself?

Casual Friday with Traffic Shoes-21 Casual Friday with Traffic Shoes-13 Casual Friday with Traffic Shoes-10

TJ MAXX tee
NORDSTROM RACK pants
ZARA backpack (sold out)
shoes c/o TRAFFIC

Talking about self love...

(shop a similar look below)
Casual Friday with Traffic Shoes-16 Casual Friday with Traffic Shoes-19

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“There are two things you can never have too many of: good friends and good shoes!” 

From one shoe-addict to another,  Carrie Bradshaw’s quote can be music to my ears…

But don’t get me wrong, I do think you can have too many shoes. Back when I was in college, my roommate and I had a wall full of shoes. We not only shared a room, a bed, but we also shared shoes. Hence, it made perfect sense to build a wall of 200+ shoes just between the two of us.

Did we wear them all? Who knows… All I know is that it was a little excessive. Okay, a lotta! Let’s just say we probably had at least five of the same shoes in different colors. (I know, it was pretty bad — don’t judge!)

Luckily, I can say that since then we’ve both de-cluttered and learned to not place value on quantity and things. Hoarding is never a good idea. It’s true what they say, less is more.

It’s easy to get lost in a sea of shoes and I mean they’re nice and all. But, do you really need one in every color? I don’t think so.

For today, let’s stick to basics. If I had to own only 10 shoes, I’d stick to one of each. There’s some for every price-range and every event.

Here are 10 shoes every woman should own:

Classic Black Pumps

Classic Nude Pumps


Ballet Flats


Ankle Strap Sandals


Casual Sneakers


Summer Wedges


Statement Heels


Ankle Booties


Riding Boots


Rain Boots

From a fun night out, to a day outdoors… I think with one of each, you’re pretty much set for any occasion! Which one do you need to add to your wardrobe?

WINTER FAVORITES

It finally happened! It was Winter in Miami, well at least for a week. Let’s see what next week has in store.

At the first hint of cool air, I snagged my winter favorites and wore them all at the same time. Do you blame me? It’s not often that we get to enjoy a breezy evening that reaches a low of 58 degrees. It was one for the books!

I grabbed my handy-dandy denim jacket. (I personally love denim everything and I had been searching for a good jacket for over a year. I must admit, this one was kind of a splurge but it fits so well.) I layered it over my H&M knit sweater, wrapped my favorite blanket scarf around my neck, and called it a day!

Since I was ready to browse around town, I paired the look with some adorable monogrammed accessories by MarleyLilly.

PS: If you’re on the hunt for a Valentine’s Day gift that says  “just for you,” be sure to see all of the adorable monogrammed options. They even personalize scarves!

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HUMBLE CHIC blanket scarf
MADEWELL denim jacket
H&M knit sweater (similar)
VINCE jeans
OLD NAVY flats (similar)
monogrammed clutch c/o MARLEYLILLY
personalized leather wrap bracelet c/o MARLEY LILLY

WInter Favorites 2016-4

What are some of your winter favorites?

GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM

Whether you’re shopping for a significant other, dad, cousin, brother or friend buying gifts for men can actually be pretty daunting.

In fact, most men I know don’t even like surprises — they are problem solvers, doers that know exactly what they want and need. I was actually talking about this with a friend, she was telling me that whenever her fiancee shows interest in something, he actually ends up buying it for himself within days.

My husband on the other hand never wants or needs anything. I kid you not, them man could easily go a year (or two or three) without buying himself anything. Not because he doesn’t like shopping (which he of course doesn’t) but because he really could care less about material things.

So, if both of these men are at two different ends of the spectrum, how is anyone supposed to know what to buy them?

Here’s a tip…Ditch the boring tie, socks and flashlight idea and checkout this helpful Gift Guide for Him Under $100.

How do I know these are gifts they’ll love, you ask? Let’s just say I did a little research and asked a few of my male friends… Dads, techies, nerds, sports fans, stylish dudes — I asked them all. Don’t worry, I got you covered!

Here’s what they want for Christmas:

  • White tees are always a useful gift. They can be worn as undershirts, workout tees, or even paired with jeans. You can’t go wrong!
  • Sperry canvas sneakers always come in handy. They are versatile and comfortable.
  • JBL premium blue-tooth speakers are a must! Both the music aficionado and the techie in your life will approve.
  • Amphibian shorts make the perfect gift for all the practical fellas, they double as swimming trunks and regular shorts. Once he gets his hands on this material he’ll never want to get out of them.
  • Ditch the tighty withey and give him nice boxer briefs, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. (Whatever that means.) PS: If your’re a guy getting a gift for another guy, ignore this suggestion, things may get awkward.
  • For the savvy professionals, a luxury leather card holder is a must. One of my friends buys his card holders on eBay for like $2 (I won’t mention any names, you know who you are, lol) but I think I’ve seen him buy like 5 a year because they end up falling apart. I’m pretty sure this one would be a wiser investment for him, it provides a classier look and a timeless finish.
  • Okay, so I may have cheated with this one because it is my personal pick. I absolutely love seeing men wearing a striped tee. It is such a clean and classic look. Pair it with shorts or skinnies, and you’re all set! In case you’re wondering, yes, Miguel owns a gazillion striped tees because of me. ;)
  • Herschel Supply makes backpacks look oh so cool! The jet-setter and the cool kid at school has been eyeing one. I promise.
  • No-shave November has come and gone but from the looks of it, beards are here to stay. Help him eliminate the bumps and burns when he trims by treating him to The Perfect Shave Kit!
  • This last one is another one of my personal favorites… Converse. How can you go wrong? I say, Chucks for all! Suitable for a toddler, teen but also classy enough for the gents.

Some of the suggestions I got didn’t quite fit my Gift Guide for Him Under “$100 category” but during my extensive research ;) I also learned that since most men don’t shop throughout the year, when they do want something it isn’t cheap. So, in case you want to treat him to something extraordinary this year? Here are a few additional kick-butt options:

YOINS REVIEW

It’s no surprise that shopping online is not only a convenience, but nowadays it is also the norm.

Gone are the days of waiting in long lines trying to get your hands on that new item you’ve been longing for. These days, if you see something you like and can’t find it at your local department store —  you just browse the web and you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a similar piece online. Probably even at a lower price.

Well, that’s kind of what happened to me a few weeks ago. I was searching high and low for a black vest and a white cape. I really wanted to add both of these pieces to my Fall wardrobe but I didn’t really feel like spending a fortune on such trendy items. I tried on a few capes and vests at the mall and they were either too big or too expensive.

After my unsuccessful shopping trip, I decided to search the good ol’ world wide web and I stumbled upon Yoins. The name rang a bell because just days ago I had actually received an email from them asking me if I’d be interested in collaborating. Needless to say, it was perfect timing.

In just minutes, I found the perfect structured white cape blazer and decided to give it a go! A few weeks later the cape and vest (styled here) arrived at my door and I was beyond pleased!
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The fit, the cut and the quality was excellent! Plus, my cape was less than $40!

The shipment arrived way faster than I thought. Did I mention I lost my mail key? Good thing I’m basically besties with my mail lady because I guess she realized it had been weeks since I last checked my mail, she was actually kind enough to deliver the package to my door. Yeay!

Are you in the hunt for a trendy topper but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg? Give Yoins a try! I think you’ll be thoroughly pleased!

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structured cape c/o YOINS
GAP cami
H&M faux leather pants (similar)
ZARA pumps
INSTYLE clutch c/o NINE WEST
TJ MAXX earings (similar & similar)
necklace c/o TAUDREY

Yoins-16

 

CAMEL SHIRT DRESS

It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for dresses and this season I’ve been particularly fond of shirt-dresses. They are effortless and flattering plus, they give off an “I woke up like this” vibe (in a good way) don’t you think?

I actually wore this H&M camel shirt dress to the Chevy Play Miami event and accessorized it with a leopard scarf. Needless to say, the scarf only made it past my front door and into the car door — then it just had to come off! I was too dang hot!

Since Miami-ans are still basking in 90 degree weather, I think it’s safe to say that even without the scarf this fanciful concealed buttoned-down dress is still this season’s must-have. Hey, at least it is still in the fall color scheme. ;)

PS: Since I have at least 3 of these shirt dresses I want to get creative and find different fun ways to wear them. I have a few ideas, but do you have any suggestions on how I can remix this look?

OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-25OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-13OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-27OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-37 OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-41 OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-5

FOREVER 21 sunnies
H&M shirtdress (sold out, similar items below)
ZARA wedges
PHILLIP LIM x TARGET bag

Wearing overalls and looking like a grown-up can seem like a bit of an oxymoron.

In fact, if you grew up in the 90’s chances are you had a few of these denim digs. You probably paired them with your favorite tee/tank and matching scrunchies.  You jammed to the Spice Girls and walked around like you were the coolest kid in town. No? Was I the only one?

As a true 90’s child, I loved wearing overalls, I remember having some super awesome dark-denim bell-bottomed pair that I adored. Thinking back on them actually makes me sad that I got rid of them. I bet I would still fit into them.

Luckily, these retro trends are slowly making their way back into our wardrobes. Today, scrunchies, overalls, berry lips, mom jeans, chokers, bandannas and even jelly shoes are totally a thing!

Though some still think that these denim “onesies” are better left in your giveaway pile. I am here to convince you otherwise. Not sure how to wear overalls? Here are five ways to style your dungarees.

ONeiil_Overalls_Brows_That_Wow-1

  1. Avoid wearing plaid. The goal is to look clean and crisp not like a farmer. Opt for neutrals and ditch anything that may resemble the Little House on the Prairie.
  2. Find the right fit. The silhouette and fit of overalls are key, this can make or break your look. Play with your style and see what you feel comfortable in. If you go with the boyfriend fit, try not to have an overly loose crotch area. I prefer slim cuts rather than baggy, but it’s your call.
  3. Add some flair. When you were 12, you probably paired your overalls with a Hello Kitty tee and good ol’ jellies. But here is your chance to finally look like an adult, pair them with your favorite strappy heels. For a more comfortable look pull out the classic white Keds or Adidas. You can also mix and match the boyish feel with some feminine fabrics — like this lace off-the-shoulder top.
  4. Layer like a pro. Layer your overalls with your favorite knit sweater, wearing them either under or over your knit is perfectly acceptable. Also, pairing the denim with different textures is a-okay. For example, you can drape a leather jacket over your shoulders or even add pop of your favorite faux fur.
  5. Accessorize like a lady. For a more sophisticated feel, add some structure to your look. Pair your overalls with a either bold bauble or a dainty necklace. Add a structured bag and you’re all set!

ONeiil_Overalls_Brows_That_Wow-16 ONeiil_Overalls_Brows_That_Wow-14 ONeiil_Overalls_Brows_That_Wow-5SHE IN off-the-shoulder top (similar)
O’ NEILL overalls
KEDS sneakers
BLOOMINGDALES bag c/o Glory House (similar)
necklace c/o TAUDREY

ONeiil_Overalls_Brows_That_Wow-2 ONeiil_Overalls_Brows_That_Wow-4 Still not sure about overalls? You can also ditch the denim look all together. For an even more grown-up feel you can play with different fabrics and colors. Here are a few other options.

How will you style your overalls?

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It’s official, the last days of summer have passed us by! But to my dismay, even though it is technically fall, the temperature outside is still an average of 90 degrees. Womp womp womp… Oh well. I guess I live in Miami for a reason, I am not complaining. Or am I? ;)

On another note… As I mentioned in my last post, Miguel and I officially ended our Summer in New Smyrna Beach. It was our first time there and we were both very impressed.  In fact, if you’re in need of a little getaway and you live in Florida — drive north for about three-and-a-half hours and check out this adorable historic town.

We stayed at quaint bed and breakfast just minutes from the beach. The staff was super helpful and breakfast was uh-mazing, gourmet and made to order.

During the day we were either plopped in the sand or discovering this historical little beach town by foot. While strolling along Flagler Avenue we found this Old-Florida shuffleboard park. I was swoon it was the perfect OOTD spot.

New_Smyrna_Beach (12)New_Smyrna_Beach (13)Side note: I don’t know about you, but am I the only one that has a hard time getting dressed in beach towns? Regardless of what I wear, I still feel like I’m always overdressed. When I’m purposefully trying not to be. (I don’t particularly want to look like a tourist.) Around town I wore a super comfortable swing dress and paired it with my favorite lace-up sandals. (I wear these sandals all the time, I’m surprised this is their first blog appearance.)
New_Smyrna_Beach (10) New_Smyrna_Beach (9)
TJ MAXX swing dress (similar below)
MANGO lace-up sandals (sold out)
BP NORDSTROM watch
MICHAEL KORS bag
KENDRA SCOTT necklace c/o ROCKSBOX
New_Smyrna_Beach (3)

New_Smyrna_Beach (11)

New Smyrna’s main attraction is its 13 miles of powdery-soft sandy beaches.  Driving on the sand is allowed unless there are unusual high-tides.  As you drive, you can enjoy views of the ocean in one side and the preserved dunes park in the other. Absolutely stunning!

New_Smyrna_Beach_Sand (1) New_Smyrna_Beach_Sand (2)We were hoping to find some surf while being there. According to Surfer Magazine, NSB is ranked as one of the best surf towns in the world. But no luck! We surfed itty-bitty waves and made a silly video. Maybe I’ll share it, someday…

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If you do come visit, bring a surfboard. (Or you can also rent one.) Maybe while you’re here you’ll get lucky and actually catch some waves. If after your long surfing session you find yourself looking for good places to eat: For lunch, visit Cafe Heavenly for some delicious lobster rolls. And for dinner, enjoy some fantastic Asian cuisine blends at AA Garden Fusion.

Let me know if you go. Have a great weekend!

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FALLING FOR FALL

Don’t tell summer, but I think I’m getting over him.

Usually, I’m a big fan of sunny days and bright beach days. Maybe its the fact that I am now a puppy owner and I have to walk him every 2-3 hours in the scorching heat. Anyway, I think its fair to say that I am officially sick of this humidity. I’ll admit it –I’ve been crushing on fall!

Are you with me? Because the only thing better than enjoying the great outdoors on a cool day is the joy of layering and wearing long sleeves and cool coats — that and a cool breeze is good enough for me!

While we wait, join me in creating a lustful list of fall must haves 2015.

2014 FALL MUST HAVES

 

 

  1. The Trench. Personally, if I could own a trench coat in every color, I would. Ask any editor and they’ll tell you that this may very well be the most versatile and timeless piece in your closet. I’ve been eyeing trench coats for a while now, tan ones, pink ones and even white ones. Want to know how many I currently own? Zero. Why? Well for one, I live in Miami (but I still want at least one) and two, I cant decide if I want the classic camel-colored topper or a soft pop of pink.
  2. The Loafer. Even if the weather takes a while to cool, you can always kick-start your fall fashion with a classic loafer. This menswear-inspired shoe cycles in and out of style, but it always remains a staple for the gents. And since loafers have been around since the 1840’s, you can imagine designers are pushing the trend by mixing things up a bit. These days you can find loafers with chunky heels, bold colors and fearless finishes.
  3. The Leather Pants. Once only worn among rock stars, leather pants have slowly but surely made their way into mainstream wardrobes. Today, just about everyone can pull them off if they are styled appropriately. With a range of fits, styles and cuts the options are endless. Pair them with a tailored coat and a staple tee and you’re all set.
  4. The Ankle Bootie. If you have even somewhat of an inclination and love for fashion (and you totally do if you’ve read this far) an ankle boot is an absolute must! They are chic, comfortable and cool. However, if you’ are vertically challenged like me they can take some getting used to. Some people avoid wearing them because they can make your legs look wider and shorter. But, can I tell you a secret? If you scale them to your body proportions and match the color of the boot to your bottoms, you can rock them and avoid feeling self conscious.
  5. The Turtleneck. The sophisticated turtleneck look is always a classic. Nothing says fall/winter like a good turtle neck. My preference is to stick to solids and inject a pop of seasonal color by layering.
  6. The Flared Denim. Skinny jeans have ruled the denim industry for about 4-5 years now. It almost felt like no other denim cut or fit even existed. Fortunately for those of us who like options and variety, flared jeans are back! Embrace the 70’s trend and accentuate your waist with a higher cut. Pair them with tall-chunky wedges and you’ll feel like you have legs for days.
  7. The Blanket Scarf. Fashionistas and bloggers around the world are all about blanket scarves — and this exact scarf in particular. I jumped on the band wagon and actually got one last year and luckily it is still on point! (Wait, did I actually just use the term, “on-point”? Oh well, at least I didn’t say on fleek!) Anyway, if you’re going to get one don’t be intimidated by the large quantity of material. The bigger the better it, allows you to layer — wear it as a shawl, cuddle up like a blanky or just use it as a regular scarf. A very trendy on point scarf, hahaha!
  8. The Cape Coat. Okay, promise me you won’t overlook this awesome cape? This extremely stylish and ultra feminine piece is the perfect layering piece. I know that the idea of wearing a cape feels odd and the fact that it is a jacket without actual sleeves, seems rather useless. I promise it is extremely chic and undeniably glamorous. Plus here in Miami, who needs an actual coat with sleeves anyway? At least, go to a fitting room and try one on? If you don’t feel ultra stylish, I surrender all blogging rights. ;)
  9. The Cat-eyed Sunglasses. Sharp edges, a sophisticated look? What’s not to love? Whether you want to splurge with Tom Ford or just keep it frugal with ZeroUV, you can definitely find some cat-eye sunnies to fit your budget. Plus, a blast from the past is always fun and nostalgic, no? Ask your mom/grandma what she thinks of them?
  10. The Sleeveless Blazer. Call it what you call it, a sleeveless waistcoat, a sleeveless blazer, a sleeveless vest — the point is it is sleeveless and awesome! Again, this menswear-inspired piece can go seamlessly from day to night. Now known as the new tuxedo/suit, you can pair it with matching shorts or pants for an edgy yet breezy look. Sounds too trendy for you? Pair it with your favorite denims and you can accent any outfit with ease.

The staple shirtdress, a perfect blend of effortless chic and tomboy-meets-charm.

Shirtdresses aren’t necessarily a new trend, but they are so versatile and flattering for all body types that they keep coming back. (Actually, I don’t think they ever left.)

Plus, in this scorching Miami weather they are perfect for a grab-and-go breezy look. Whether it’s a straight-fit, drop-waist, or A-line, there is a shirtdress for everyone. And since my love affair with dresses isn’t just a spring or summer ordeal, this olive number is ready to slowly make its transition into Fall.

Want to know a secret? I found this little gem at T.J. Maxx for less than $20 it was a no-brainer — as soon as I saw it, I knew that it was coming home with me.

Traditional silhouettes like this one are so easy to dress up or down. Heading to a date night? Cinch the waist, grab some heels and add a statement necklace. Going to run errands? Lose the belt, embrace the loose fit and put on your favorite flats or some trendy kicks.

What’s your favorite way to wear this season’s staple shirtdress?

ShirtDress-10 ShirtDress-9

ZERO UV sunnies
T.J. MAXX dress
FRANCESCA’S necklace
MICHAEL KORS bag & watch
INSTYLE x NINE WEST gamin pumps

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