Posts in Tag

OOTD

After realizing how much I shop at Zara, I decided to take a small break from malls and other large retailers. I wish I could tell you that I haven’t shopped all month, but that would be a lie.

However, what I can tell you is that I’ve found quite a few affordable online stores. Not on purpose, I just happen to stumble upon them while browsing the internet and working from home.

Actually, for those of you that didn’t know, I’m officially a full-time blogger!

It’s been about a month since I decided to step down from my job at Christ Journey. I have a few fun projects lined-up, can’t share them just yet – but soon enough I’ll spill the beans. Promise. Anyway, in the meantime I’m also doing a little freelance writing and brand consulting.

I’m not sure how I feel about the whole “working-from-home” part, just yet. I’m very much a social being, therefore, human-interaction is pivotal. ;) 

But, on yucky cloudy days that prevent me from working out of a coffee shop, I find myself taking breaks and browsing the web — finding tons of affordable online stores. You know, do a little work, take a little break, browse. Yikes! What have I gotten myself into?

The good news, is that they are actually super affordable! Here are a some of my finds…

  1. 2020 Ave
  2. Dorothy Perkins
  3. She In
  4. Zaful
  5. Modilly
  6. Missguided
  7. Choies
  8. Oasap
  9. UrbanOg
  10. A’gaci

I must admit, I’ve always been a little hesitant to shop online. I’m a feel and try-on kind of shopper. A few days back, I took a chance on a few items, and so far so good. I’ll let you know what I think as the other pieces arrive. For now, here’s a look at my first order.

DSC_0668

Off-Shoulder-dress-3

DSC_0679

DSC_0683

DSC_0687

DSC_0690

SHE INSIDE dress
ZARA clutch
CHARLES by CHARLES DAVID wedges (similar)
ZERO UV sunglasses
LAUREN HOPE earrings c/0 Rocksbox
BRACELET gift

How many ways do you know how to style a blazer?

Lately, I’m all about a good classic blazer or jacket. From black, white, to navy, and pink… I love them all! (Actually, I’m currently on the hunt for a cute floral print, or blush one. Let me know if you see any. ;) )

In fact, I think a good blazer is an essential wardrobe staple. Not only is it versatile from season to season… But, it can easily transition an outfit from office attire to a date-night look, without a glitch.

So, whether you’re going for a casual, or a formal look; here are 10 simple tips to help you know how to style a blazer.

    1. Fitted top + Silky Skirt + Blazer = Feminine Look
    2. Cropped Top + A-line Skirt + Blazer = Fun Look
    3. Colored Shorts + Tee + Blazer = Daytime Look
    4. Long/loose dress + Blazer = Comfortable Look
    5. Distressed Jeans + Graphic Tee + Boyfriend Blazer = Chic Look
    6. Patterned top + Knee Length Skirt + Blazer = Professional Look
    7. Dress + Blazer + Accent Belt = Preppy Look
    8. Trousers + Structured White Button-down Shirt + Blazer = Menswear Look
    9. Matching Pants + Matching Blazer = Business Look
    10. Skinnies + Striped Top + Blazer = Casual Look

 

Which look would you like to see styled next?

PAMM 1 (1)

PAMM 1 (2)

PAMM 1 (3)


PAMM 1 (5)

ZARA blazer
H&M top
H&M pants
FRANCESCA’S COLLECTION necklace
KATE SPADE booties
clutch c/o INSTYLE x NINE WEST (sold out)

Images: Then-Gea Photography

SHOP A SIMILAR LOOK:

ONE WORD

I’ve been doing a little soul searching these days. (Yeah, I know bloggers aren’t really supposed to take time away and NOT post for too long. Ooops. Sorry, kind of?)

Well, this soul searching I speak of, it’s not the kind where you go to a psychic reading, or meditate on a blank space in hope of answers. It’s the kind where you read Scripture, pray for guidance and ask God to move – perhaps even speak.

I’ve been doing this by reading devotionals on a bible app called YouVersion.

One Word YouVersion(18)

During this time, I’ve come to realize that the appeal to a new year is just that – a new start. The option to wipe the slate clean and start over. We make resolutions to lose weight, pay off bills, start a new exercise regimen, and on, and on. But the reality is that those resolutions rarely become reality.

Hence this year, my resolution is just one word… Simplify.

Simplify (2)

 

I’m not too sure what that will look like throughout the year or in a long-term basis. What I do know, is just that one word – simplify!

Why am I sharing it with you?

1. It keeps me accountable and it gives you permission to ask me about it. If it has my attention, it probably has my focus.
2. To inspire you to find your word. Are you up for it?

Let’s narrow the focus in our lives and live our one word together! Deal? What”s yours?

In light of my resolution, today’s look is affordable and rather simple.  After all, stylish can also mean affordable.

Simplify (1)

TJ MAXX crop top & pants
PHILLIP LIM x TARGET handbag
accessories c/o H&M & TAUDREY
ZOYA Pixie Dust polish
ZARA shoes

Images: Then-Gea Photography

DEAR AUTUMN

Dear Autumn, will you please grace us with your presence?

It’s been way too long since the last time we saw you, and we cannot wait until your return.

The subtle change in daylight portrays the nearness of your arrival… And though you won’t bring snow, you most certainly have a nice glow.

Summer is slowly coming to a close and I’m oh so excited to bring out all my fall clothes.

I’m counting down the days till September 22, because that’s the day I’ll finally get to see you!

Longing for layers with utmost anticipation,

-V

Emporium Boutique Miami

tank & pants c/o SHOP EMPORIUM

Phillip Lim x Target bag and Xhiliration sandals

3.1 PHILLIP LIM X TARGET bag
XHILIRATION TARGET sandals

Fall_Emporium (5)

H&M necklace and LOFT cuff

Necklace c/o H&M
LOFT cuff
____________________

Estimado otoño,

Por favor puedes honrarnos con tu presencia?

Han pasado demasiado dias desde la última vez que nos vimos, y ya no puedo esperar mas tu llegada.

Hay ya un sutil cambio en la luz del día, ella nos cuenta de la cercanía de tu regreso Y aunque tu llegada no trae nieve, sin duda trae un brillo agradable.

El verano está llegando lentamente a su fin y estoy tan emocionada de sacar a jugar toda la ropa de otoño.

Estoy contando los días hasta el 22 de septiembre porque ese es el día que por fin llego a verte!

Con la máxima anticipación,

-V

Rules, rules, rules…

I’m sure you’ve heard them before, but I say, break the rules and wear the horizontal stripes anyway!

Only those who lack confidence and a sense of style, actually stick to fashion rules… And if you’re reading this, I KNOW you are NOT one of them.

Fashion rules are made to be broken. Ready to join me? Go ahead, break the rules!

10 Irrelevant Fashion Rules:

  1. Horizontal stripes are not flattering – Says who?
  2. Mixing prints is unacceptable – Not anymore!
  3. Don’t wear white after Labor Day – Thanks, but I think I will!
  4. Never mix gold & silver – That thought is so dated.
  5. Navy & black don’t match – I beg to differ…
  6. Sequins should only be worn at night – Should’a, could’a, would’a.
  7. Head-to-toe matching is a no-no – Maybe if you live under a rock.
  8. T-shirts are only for sleeping/exercising – You’re obviously shopping at the wrong places.
  9. Pajamas are meant for sleeping – Try again, they also make fun tops!
  10. Less is more – Hmmm, maybe, but not for statement pieces.

Time to walk the talk and break the rules! Today’s look featured a simple horizontal striped dress for a classy and chic look. I also ditched the less is more rule and added a whole lot’a bling. Now, the trick to wearing stripes is knowing your body-type and paying attention to the placement and width of the stripes.

Stripes can play an optical illusion and YOU get to decide whether that’s a good thing or bad thing. ;)

 

Fashion Rules Stripes

NECESSARY CLOTHING dress (similar)
NINE WEST INSTYLE COLLECTION clutch (sold out)
RAY BAN sunnies
TARGET sandals
LOFT cuff

Fashion Rules Stripes


Fashion Rules Stripes

Fashion Rules Accesories

 

 ________________________________________

Reglas, reglas, y mas reglas…

Estoy segura que ya las has escuchado antes, pero hoy te digo: “rompe las reglas y ponte las rayas horizontales de todos modos!”

Sólo las personas sin sentido de estilo adhieren a las reglas de moda… Y si estás leyendo esto, sé que tu no eres una de ellas.

Igual, las reglas de la moda están hechas para romperlas, no? Lista para romperlas?!

10 Reglas de moda que ahora son irrelevante:

  1. Rayas horizontales no quedan bien a todos- ¿Quién dice ?
  2. Mezclar estampados es inaceptable – ¡Ya, no!
  3. Después de Labor Day uno no debe usar el color blanco- Gracias, pero no lo creo!
  4. Nunca mezcle el oro y la plata – Ese pensamiento es tan anticuado.
  5. Azul ozcuro y negro no coinciden – No estoy de acuerdo …
  6. Lentejuelas sólo se deben usar en la noche – Si eres aburrida!
  7. Combinar de pies a cabeza es un no-no – Tal vez si vives bajo una piedra.
  8. Las camisetas se usan sólo para dormir o hacer ejercicio – Talvez has estado haciendo compras en lugares equivocados .
  9. Pijamas son para dormir – De vez en cuando, también hacen tops divertidos!
  10. Menos es más – Hmmm, tal vez, pero no siempre.

Y ahora, es hora de predicar con ejemplo y romper las reglas! Mi look de hoy contó con un vestido de rayas para un aspecto elegante y chic. También me deshice de la regla “menos es más”  y lo combine con un collar con mucho “bling” . Ahora, el secreto de usar ropa con rayas es conocer a tu tipo de cuerpo y prestar atención a la colocación y el ancho de las rayas.

Las rayas pueden ayudarte a crear una ilusión óptica y tu decides si eso es algo bueno o algo malo. ;)

 

TGIF: That Means it’s time for Friday casual attire!

For some reason, I’ve Been really into casual apparel These Days ( and not just for casual Friday. ) I used to never be caught dead wearing a t-shirt. But, These days there are so many cute options That I can finally say I am proud to own quite a few tees!

A cute tee not only Gives you the chance to tone down your look with comfort, but it Also adds a perfect touch of fun, (like my super cute flamingo .) Plus, Just Because you’re wearing a t-shirt does not mean your accessories can not be chic. I accessorized my look with my 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target bag & my favorite watch by Mulco Watches !

Want a fun tee for yourself? Be sure to checkout LyfeBrand , a Miami-based company bringing you unique and fun apparel for him and her.

Bored of your silver and gold watch regularly? Mulco Watches has several unique collections That will sure make a statement.

Now, time to kick back and read on casual Friday esta … What does your casual Friday look like?

 

Lyfe_Brand

RAY BAN sunnies
THEORY jacket (old)
BRAND LYFE ​​T
VINCE jeans
BY CHARLES DAVID CHARLES wedges ( like )

Casual_Lyfe (8)

Watch c / o MULCO WATCHES

Casual_Lyfe (10)

Lyfe_Brand 2

T c / o LYFE BRAND

Casual_Lyfe (9)

Watch c / o MULCO WATCHES
3.1 PHILLIP LIM X TARGET bag

Casual_Lyfe (1)

 ____________________

TGIF: In English that means: (Thank God It’s Friday!) Thank God It’s Friday!

For some reason, these days I’ve been a little more interested in comfortable fashion (and not just for casual Fridays.) Before I even liked the shirts. But now, there are so many beautiful options that I can finally say that I like and to have some!

A cute top not only gives you the opportunity to tone down your look, but also gives you comfort with the perfect touch of fun. Also, just because you’re wearing a shirt does not mean that your accessories can not be chic and modern ‘. My accessories were my bag 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target and one of my favorite designs watches Mulco!

You have been looking for the perfect shirt? LyfeBrand sure to visit a company in Miami that offers unique and fun for him and her designs.

Bored with your ordinary watch with silver and gold? Mulco has several unique collections that are sure to find something perfect.

And you, what you get for this casual Friday?

The days are longer, the sun shines brighter… Oh, sweet summer days!

Sun stands still, beaches are filled… Time to escape the weekday craze.

Sun-kissed skin, drops of rain, humid outdoors… Still all the same.  Oh, how I love my sweet summer days.

If the sun could speak what would it say? If you could hear a tune from a simple breeze what song would it play? Oh gloomy rain, please refrain so I can play in my sweet summer days.

___________________________________________________________________

As you can see, I woke up a bit on the sappy side today. But hey, a little summer poem never hurt anyone? ;) Are you in need of a little inspiration or perhaps even a little help for a summer outfit?

Here’s a little sweet summer outfit idea… I wore this to attend the 2nd day of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week event:

 

>White_Romper_H&M

Nine West Packable Bright Floppy Hat 2

H&M CONSCIOUS  jumpsuit
NAUTICA gold belt
NINE WEST floppy hat
VINTAGE pearls
ZARA heels

 Images: Then-Gea Photography

In the midst of all the print craze… Today, I decided I needed a visual break from colors, patterns and all things bright! Therefore, I decided to pull out the classic monochromatic summer whites!

Yes, yes, I know it may seem too “matchy-matchy” to wear the same color, but this monochromatic style is almost an effortless way to look stylish this summer. While the trend of wearing one color is easy on the eyes, it actually isn’t as easy to pull off. For starters, piecing a top/bottom and finding the exact shade of a color can be quite a challenge. Even for white!

So, here are a few tips that can help you as you try this monoch summer whites or any other monochromatic trend:

  • Find a suitable color for your skin tone and body type
  • When using bright colors mixing hues is appropriate and even fun
  • Blending fabrics and textures can add interest to your look
    (I did it with today’s look and it helped with color matching)
  • Denim on denim is perfectly permissible

Basically, when it comes to creating a monochromatic look, your possibilities are endless. So have fun with it and be brave! Happy Monday!

Summer Monochromatic White OOTD
Top: c/o H&M
Skirt: c/o H&M

H&M OOTD

White H&M shirt_ Aldo necklace
ALDO necklace old (other options)
NORDSTROM watch
JIMMY CHOO sunglasses
ZARA clutch

Images: Then-Gea Photography

———————

Con toda la locura de colores fuertes y diseños floreados … Hoy decidí que necesitaba un descanso visual! Por lo tanto, decidí sacar el clásico look de blanco sobre blanco!Sí, sí, ya sé que puede parecer demasiadomatchymatchy” que use el mismo color, pero este estilo monocromático es casi una forma fácil de lucir de moda este verano. Mientras que la moda de usar solamente un color es fácil en los ojos, en realidad no es tan fácil de lograr. Por ejemplo, buscando una blusa y encontrar el tono exacto de la falda o pantalon puede ser todo un reto. Hasta para el blanco!Pues, aquí tienes algunos consejos que pueden ayudarte en tus esfuerzos:

  • Busca un color adecuado para tu tono de piel y tipo de cuerpo
  • Cuando uses colores brillantes mezcla tonos – no es solamente apropiado, pero tambien divertido
  • No tengas miedo de mezclar los tejidos y texturas pueden añadir interés a tu estilo
    (Lo hice con el look de hoy y me ayudó con la combinar el color)
  • Denim con denim es perfectamente admisible

 


Básicamente, cuando se trata de crear tu look monocromático, tus posibilidades son infinitas. Así que diviertete con el y se valiente! Feliz Lunes!

It’s been way too long since I’ve sat in front of this computer and just blogged. Gosh, it feels like with just the blink of an eye days go by and time never ceases.

Well, today I go back to basics in my favorite chambray LOFT shirt.

Whether its work, busyness, events, or just routine in general… Life happens and every so often I have to remember to intentionally just stop, slow down and take it in. The last few months have been whirlwind, but they have totally been a blessing. Miguel and I finally moved into an apartment in Miami Beach and it has honestly been one of the best decisions we’ve made in a while. I can’t believe we didn’t live here sooner! He absolutely hated his 45 minute commute to the beach and now its a 5 minute drive! Woot woot!

Finally, now that we’re all settled in, its back to basics…

In every aspect of life. No more crazy-filled schedules, no more living out of unpacked boxes. It’s time to be self-disciplined. We’re back to taking our afternoon strolls, enjoying time with each other and doing things that helps us de-stress.

How do you go back to basics?

What helps you de-stress? For me, its blogging and working out.

3-VanniaSession16.20(41)
LOFT chambray top
TJ MAXX shorts
CYNTHIA ROWLEY sunglasses

1-VanniaSession16.20(31)

H&M rings
MACYS bracelet
BP Nordstrom necklace & watch (similar necklace)


4-VanniaSession16.20(45)

TORY BURCH sandals

5-VanniaSession16.20(46)

Images: Then-Gea Photography

PS: In order to make sure I am more consistent with blogging, I’ve started working with an up-and-coming local photographer who’s a dear friend, Ralf Then-Gea. You can check out more Then-Gea Photography here. Website coming soon… If you contact him, let him know I sent ya! ;) Happy Friday!

It’s never too early to talk summer fashion in Miami… And I’ll be looking for some easy breezy fashion this season!

During the summer season, there are a few pieces I like to avoid especially  – jeans, jackets, and anything that isn’t light and airy. When I find a piece that add a pop of style but still keeps me cool, it’s usually hard for me to resist., and what catches my attention even more are one of a kind, hand made pieces for a good cause. That’s why I’m here to tell you about Kapara Designs.

Kapara Designs scarfs are hand-printed by artisans in Bagru, India using a hand blocking printing method.  Each design is made out of a soft, light blend of Indian silk and cotton fabric hand-carved into wooden blocks. They believe that the items we own should, “…not only be beautiful, but also meaningful,” which is why they stress the importance of paying each craftsman a fair wage for their work.

IMG_4748

IMG_4745

WHAT I WORE:

– Maxi Dress from TJ Maxx
– Kapara Designs Ekva Scarf c/0
– Zara Sunglasses
– Steve Madden Sandals

IMG_4759

They offer different prints, styles, and are perfect addition to your closet this season! How will you be styling yours?

1 2 Page 2 of 2