Helllooooo New York Fashion Week!

Every year, twice a year, I crave to be in New York City! As Mercedes-Benz Fashion week kicks off the Spring 2014 collections today, I sit, waiting to read articles, shuffle through the runway photos and take in all the information I can on trends to look forward to or stay away from ;) 

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One of my lifelong goals is to attend a MBFW. I was lucky enough to attend Istanbul Fashion Week 2 years ago while visiting the mega-city and it was the most exhilarating experience! I had an amazing time taking it all in and seeing the fashion trends of another country, but it made my craving even bigger.

If you're a fashion junkie like me, the week before Fashion Week you usually reflect on last season's trends and welcome the new season with open arms. For me, I also get a little wistful, wondering when it will be my turn and how have I not yet made it to where I want to be? 

I thought this quote by Estee Lauder was very apropos

A career in fashion is insanely hard to break into but it doesn't stop me from continuing my journey. Now, with Fashion Week well under way, I'm excited to see what Spring collections have in store! Can't wait to get my creative juices flowing with all the new inspiration!

HAPPY NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!
Xo

Who's to blame?

In a recent interview with the always bold, sometimes a little too honest, Kelly Cutrone, The Fashion Spot gathered some interesting answers from the brazen PR mogul.

photo cred: levoleague.com

Cutrone believes it's the consumers fault for the way the fashion industry is portraying thinness.... "Society has a hyper emphasis on thin and that trend comes from the consumers — it does not come from the fashion industry. The fashion industry needs to make money, that's what we do. If people said, 'we want a 300 pound purple person,' the first industry to do it would be fashion," Cutrone said. She goes on to give advice for modeling.

1. If you're 5'6", just stay home. Don't pretend you're 5'8" or 5'9". 
2. If you're over 29 — 26 even — I would suggest you work regionally and not try to work nationally.
   -Kelly Cutrone, The Fashion Spot interview

These are the things that no one ever wants to hear or even acknowledge, but her "I-don't-give-a-fuck-what-you-think" attitude {pardon my french} has increased the saucy PR exec's fame. 

But let's look at the finger pointing a little more closely. Yes, consumers want to look beautiful, be stylish, etc but, the fashion industry hasn't budged much on the idea of expanding the look for models or allowed for more diversity for sizing. 

As I always say, there are those brave souls out there that don't conform. They try to make a change for a better image but there needs to be more voices. The way magazines portray fashion is very different from the every day girl. The magazines and designers want to create a sense of high fashion, understandably so, because let's be honest, everyone wants to be high fashion , but most of society cannot afford to have a $1000+ bag or $150+ pair of jeans... So is it really the consumer that is creating this false sense of what is beautiful?

Personally, I think both are to blame. Consumers constantly try to look a certain way or have this perception, "if I'm thin, then I'm beautiful" but the fashion industry is JUST as guilty, maybe even a little more so. You don't see many size 4+ models strutting their stuff on the runways. People have got to understand looks are just a superficial thing... it goes much deeper than skin. Dustin Hoffman's interview about his character Dorothy Michaels is the perfect example of this blurred perception everyone has on beauty: 

Hoffman tears up as he realizes how many good people he might have passed up because they weren't "beautiful" enough.

"And I know that if I met myself at a party, I would never talk to that character because she doesn't fulfill physically the demands that we're brought up to think women have to have in order to ask them out.' She says, 'What are you saying?' And I said, 'There's too many interesting women I have...not had the experience to know in this life because I have been brainwashed."

While Cutrone could be right, maybe we as the consumer need to stop feeding into the "thin" trend, but the fashion industry needs to shrink the gap between thin and "plus-size" and treat all consumers more equally.

People continually strive to be something they're not. There's so many people out there that have body image issues and there's many culprits that increase the worry surrounding what you're supposed to look like... learn to be comfortable in your own skin. 

Everyone deserves to be heard, and everyone will have an opinion when it comes to the ongoing "who's to blame" issues in the fashion industry. 

What's your thoughts? Do you fall in the same category as Cutrone?

LIttle Miss Sunshine

It's officially spring here in Florida and I was ready for  something new! Last year I got ombre for the first time and absolutely loved it! So I thought I'd try it again this year! Since April is my birthday month, I thought it would be the perfect time to change it up a bit!

My hair is pretty thick and long so it takes a while for color but I couldn't have asked for better results. After about three hours of color and cut, my stylist, Lili, asked if she could take photos of the finished product for a Bumble & Bumble contest she was entering. If she wins she gets a page in a magazine!

So we had a little fun with my hair. She blow dried it with a round brush creating massive amounts of volume and voila! Since Bumble & Bumble loves volume and messiness, she created lots of texture too. I absolutely love my hair as always! 

Here's hoping you win Lili! You're the best hair stylist out there! ♥

Harvest Happenings

Happy Fall!

The latest bloggers do it better is all about the color, oxblood. I know, I know, it's a weird name but hey, you gotta know & love fashion to understand what it's all about! When Kristina from PSS sent out the email I was a little worried, but knew I was going to accept the challenge! I shopped & shopped & surprisingly couldn't find the fall staple color anywhere. So, I looked in my own closet only to remember I bought these fabulous skinnies that I absolutely LOVE!

Living in Florida, we don't get too many cool days but that doesn't stop me from adding my own fall touches. That's why I'm a scarf-aholic! It's a great layering piece & they are super cute!

This was such a fun shoot! Since fall just officially started, (& pumpkin spice lattes have retuned!) I wanted to celebrate with fall colors & have a rustic, country feel. My, as always, wonderful boyfriend, was the photographer & he knew exactly where to go!! I can't thank him enough for capturing me the way he does. ♥ 

The location is out in the country & you can feel fall in the air. It was so nice to be out with my love, just having fun with our Sunday.

  Pure happiness in my eyes  :}

Details:

Skinnies- Hollister

Top- Forever 21

Boots- Target

Scarf- Express

It's been a crazy couple weeks, with so much going on, so I thought, why not have a little fun with this shoot, adding some silly ones into the mix! 

So to all the fashionistas out there, have fun with fall! It's my favorite time of year for living & fashion!

p.s. This was by far, my favorite BDIB shoot!!! I had so much fun! Check out all the other fashionistas out there showing how they do oxblood! 

Sharing the Passion for Fashion

“When you dream alone, with your eyes shut, asleep, that dream is an illusion. But when we dream together, sharing the same dream, awake and with our eyes wide open, then that dream becomes reality!”

I thank my lucky stars each day for everyone I have in my life; my supportive family, friends, wonderful boyfriend, but not all care about fashion like I do. It's a nice, refreshing change to be able to just talk about dreams, fashion, where fashion is going; all the things I hope to one day be writing about for that "dream job" of mine.

It's something you're able to bond over. It helps us push through when we want to give up on our dreams or just don't feel like you're good enough. Those friends are the one's I can really thank for helping me push through the writer's block and keep dreaming big. This post is dedicated to you! 

So without further adieu meet my friends who share in my same passion and inspire me in more ways than they know.

Meet Jessica: Jes and I went to school together, and as time went on, I was able to watch our passion for fashion grow. We keep in touch pretty regularly through Twitter, sharing updates on life. Now, a freelance graphic designer and a Visual Merchandising creative, she is a fashion stylist and occasional PR assistant for Topshop in Chi town. She has continually reached for the stars, having so many wonderful opportunities come her way because of her creativity and determination.

While in college her passion began to grow. She took a fashion merchandising class while getting her BFA Graphic Design degree and never looked back. "Through out my entire college education my inspiration for design was the fashion world, the way articles of clothing worked together to tell a story was much like the design process of a graphic project. Now in my fashion career, graphic design oddly enough has become an inspirational passion for my styling and visual design work."

Her inspiration comes from pretty much anything and everything. When she sees something, she files it in her memory (or computer). "I collectively pull inspiration from a multitude of sources...  From there I will edit through the images I have saved or seen, to find the common aspect to which is evoking the connection. And in that moment, that is what is inspiring me." Jes is currently finding a lot of inspiration in European street style (a great area to look into for inspiration) but that's not the only place she looks.  "I also draw heavily from uniquely crafted store interior design as well as graphic design work from designers I admire. I also work closely with other stylists, visual designers and a relay of idea's."

Jes definitely has a knack for fashion, and she keeps making new goals, encouraging her to keep going after her passion. "As a designer I recognize the need for artistic visions to come alive. I also have always been fascinated by creating and reinforcing character through wardrobe. With things in the world every few moments, it challenges me, pushes me to new levels of fashion and design exploration. In hopes to one day pair the two so well together I create the ultimate experience."

Advice is essential when it comes to going after your dreams. Jes has always believed in keeping up with the ever evolving fashion industry so you know how to mold your dream into reality. "It's so important once you start your career to pay attention to how it is evolving, how you, your likes, what you find is inspirational is evolving and create your career that way. Edit the people you allow to give you advice on what to do with your life, especially when it comes to achieving your dreams. No one knows better than your intuition and the people that have made it. Do things that will only manifest into something greater."

Meet Erick: We met while working at Express and through our love of fashion and his amazing illustration talents, we became friends. His passion and progress is so inspiring, continually growing and achieving his dreams.

"My illustrations are heavily influenced on fashion through content, mood, palette, pattern or all of the above. In real life I love to change ''styles'' of dressing...I think it goes back to the idea of transformation which fuels my creativity and imagination."

His inspiration comes from all outlets of life. "Beautiful people inspire me. It sounds superficial but the people I find beautiful are not always the type you'd find as a centerfold in a mag. I find beauty in deep thinkers and those labeled ''reserved'' or ''quiet...'' I am also inspired by happy people. Audrey Hepburn once said something along the lines of, 'happy girls are the prettiest girls.' There is beauty in a genuine smile and acts of kindness. People in general inspire me." 

Right out of college Erick landed an amazing job at Abercrombie & Fitch. His graphic design and illustration skills, along with his love for fashion has created an exciting new journey for him, pushing him to always do better. "Whether ''it'' is drawing, dressing, or designing graphic tees- when I see something cuter than what I've done, my battery is instantly recharged. It reminds me that I have a lot to learn AND see and whilst I'm sitting on an idea, someone is out there executing it and doing it better."

His advice to anyone who has a big dream is "Keep reminding yourself why you fell in love with your dream. Whether it was an escape, a discovery, or something that made someone smile- relive that feeling whenever you feel like throwing in the towel."


Last but CERTAINLY not least is love bug.

Meet Allison: A fashion junkie at heart, we made a lasting bond working at Express. Over the last four years we've shared all aspects of our lives: dreams, heartache and happiness. She is one of the people that keeps me going when I want to quit. We share dreams of moving to LA or Miami and making it big. We share in each other's dreams, that's what's so special about having best friends, whether they share in your passion or not, they believe in you.

She has always been a stylish girl in my eyes, but she swears her "lack of style" in middle school haunts her to this day. That "lack" has now turned into an underlying passion for fashion that continues to grow each and every day.  "I think everyone has to go through those moments in life, because they are the backbone of what makes you, YOU! I began to spend at least 30 minutes every night trying on clothes, finding the best suitable outfit to showcase my fashion at school the next day." 

Express was the last piece of the puzzle for her. " I felt like I was home. That store was unlike all of the other stores and it gave me a sense of independence and freedom to dress the way that would fit me best. Ever since then, my passion for fashion has turned into a huge part of my life. It consumes me and I wouldn't have it any other way."

She is a people watcher too. I think you almost have to be when you're a lover of fashion, but Allison is inspired by people. "I love to see, no matter how crazy, what people decide to put on their body. It's a reflection of your mood, as well as your personality," she said. " My main inspiration would probably be my friends and the people I surround myself with."

As for her passion, Allison never slows down. She lost her father when she was 18 but still keeps him close to her heart, remembering a saying he taught her, "Dream & Do." Always dreaming extra big, she knows one day she will make them reality with all the support she has. "Besides having a huge bookcase of fashion books that I get to walk by everyday and the most inspiring friends a girl could ask for, I have a dream. My dream is to one day make it in the industry as a stylist. And when I get there, the people that inspire me will be the people I thank. Because not only have they made a huge difference in the way I dress, they have kept me going after what I believe is achievable."

When it comes to our friendship, there is two things we always agree on: go after your dreams, and keep your passion alive. "Having a best friend who shares the same knowledge of fashion is the biggest motivator ever. I think it is so crucial that you surround yourself with people that care about you, and not only themselves. When I say that, I don't mean that they have to have a passion for fashion. It simply means that having people close to you that want you to succeed will only better your life."

Allison has always given great advice and she lives by her own daily. She is one of most positive people I've ever met! "Never settle for what is available to you at that very moment. Everyone is always telling me that fashion is the hardest industry to get involved in, and that I should change my dream to something a little more realistic. And you know what I have to stay about that? I love fashion and I refuse to settle for anything other than what I dream of! So get out there and reach that dream! Nothing is impossible if your heart is in it."

These are just some of the amazing people in my life who share the same passion I do. With their success and advice, they keep inspiring me to push through and never give up.

I've been very blessed to have so much support and so many people believe in me.  Just remember, DON'T EVER GIVE UP!! You have to believe in YOU and stay positive, like my dad always says, ABR BABY! (ask believe and receive)

We all need a little boost now and then, and just know people out there are rooting for you to succeed! 

So keep reaching for the stars. 

Pop that color

Everyone needs a little color in their lives. When Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly announced the new bloggers do it better, I thought "Oh no!" All the rules said were.... RED.

I love color, and I am really trying to branch out but red is just not one of those colors I have a lot of. I did some major retail therapy with one of my favorite people this weekend and found my perfect combo. 

I love pops of color. I think it brightens up any outfit, so when I was wearing my favorite red scarf this weekend, I knew that's the look I was going for. Something fun, something totally me, that still had colors, patterns, things to make me step out of my comfort zone. 

When I saw this Urban Outfitters dress, I knew it was perfectly me. I added the little red belt for that extra pop and the look was complete :) 

Once again, thank you to my wonderful boyfriend for capturing the best of me ♥

Sequins, Sparkle & Shine

Around the Holidays, I always say you need to have the 3 S's in your life: sequins, sparkle and shine. The holidays are filled with all three, whether it's your Christmas tree filled with lights and ornaments, or that beautifully wrapped present, the three S's are everywhere and you always need to add a little, or a lot, to your wardrobe for those holiday get togethers! 

I had emailed Kristina a while back about maybe doing a BDIB with sequins. The fashionista that she is, she said she loved my idea but she was working on it for an upcoming BDIB! Great minds think a like ;) 

So Voila! Here you have, Bloggers do SEQUINS better!

Details, details, details:

Shoes: Aldo

Jeans: Kohls

Sequin Tank: Express

Cardigan: F21

And here are a few fun photos of me and my boo! He is my wonderful photographer, who bought me this FABULOUS new camera.  Thanks baby! xo

                             

Review of Sally Hansen's Salon Effects: Kitty Kitty

As I have confessed, I have a slight obsession with all things leopard. I've kept it hush hush for the most part, but this fall the trend has exploded and so has my collection of pieces! About two weeks ago I even participated in the newest bloggers do it better assignment, Animal Instincts, (my favorite one yet), showing my wild side in all things leopard print. 

I have been debating on buying the stick on nail strips but I couldn't resist any longer. I recently purchased the fun nail polish strips and in 10 minutes the look was complete. 

Sorry for the backwardness, I took it with Photo booth :)

The pack comes with 16 strips in two sealed cases, so I figured ok, one for each finger including the thumb would leave me with 6 left over BUT, I tried to carefully file off the excess so I could use the other side for my other hand (if you have longer finger nails it might not work, but I keep them pretty short so it was perfect!). I alternated, right finger, left finger, and so on.

**I am right handed so I knew it would be easy to do my left hand, that's
why I suggest starting with your dominant hand, in case you need help
putting the pieces on.

**Sometimes it's not the same fit so you will have to use another strip,
 but I only had that problem once. 

I have only had them on for a day but they have held up well and look awesome! I'm loving this manicured look. 

The patterns and colors they have are SO fun and they even have a halloween collection now. The best part, they're immediately dry! 

So if you're looking for a great alternative to dress up your nails, these polish strips are great. For 10$ a pack, I've got two manicures in 1! And while some people might not be able to use the strip for two nails, you still have a super cute look!

For more information on how to apply watch the tutorial below. 

Enjoy! xx

**Update to come on how they hold up :)

Animal Instincts: Meow

So I kind of have a secret obsession with leopard print. When I found out the new Bloggers Do It Better challenge was titled "Animal Instincts"I literally eeeeeee'ed with excitement. 

With the animal prints being so popular this fall, I have made a few purchases that make me oh so happy. A few months ago, while writing my trend post, The Cat's Meow, I found the "leopard on me" top from ModCloth, and I HAD to have it. After patiently waiting for it to become available again, I snatched it up at the end of September. September 27th, the day that little package arrived on my doorstep, was one happy day for me! The next morning I woke up to a new BDIB email announcing the new assignment and I was SO excited to participate! It was meant to be :) 

So without further adieu, meet the animal in me. 

Two days after the new BDIB I found this precious little skirt with leopard bows and wallah! I had my outfit. While it's a little crazy for me, there is just something about this outfit that makes me feel good! It's bringing out my inner feistiness that I normally don't show!

Needless to say, I really do love leopard print. I have a few pieces that just spice up an outfit. 

And I just had to include my little precious bug, Tika because like mother like daughter, she loves leopard too ♥